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Often appears with: conquest, plunder, and captives · crime and punishment · siege and fortification · treaties, truces, and peacemaking · diplomacy and embassies · strategy and the aims of war · conspiracy and assassination · military discipline and training · justice as a virtue · forms of government · mobilization and recruitment · supply, logistics, and encampment
Usually: narrative (721) · detachment (424) · indignation (294) · betrayal (245) · argument (214) · injustice endured (196) · the fall of the great (180) · crisis of belief (115) · censure (100) · skepticism (85)
“Therefore, as I have said, a new prince in a new principality has always distributed arms.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · precept
“And he who becomes master of a city accustomed to freedom and does not destroy it, may expect to be destroyed by it, for in rebellion it has always the watchword of liberty and its ancient privileges as a rallying point.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“one cannot give fixed rules, so I omit them; but, I repeat, it is necessary for a prince to have the people friendly, otherwise he has no security in adversity.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · precept
“And do not let any one impugn this statement with the trite proverb that “He who builds on the people, builds on the mud,” for this is true when a private citizen makes a foundation there, and persuades himself that the people will free him when he is oppressed by his enemies or by the magistrates; wherein he would find himself very often deceived, as happened to the Gracchi in Rome and to Messer Giorgio Scali in Florence.” Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince · insight
“The whole history of England disowns the fact. Thirty kings and two minors have reigned in that distracted kingdom since the conquest, in which time there have been (including the Revolution) no less than eight civil wars and nineteen rebellions.” Thomas Paine, Common Sense · observation
“If we, our chief justice, our officials, or any of our servants offend in any respect against any man, or transgress any of the articles of the peace or of this security, and the offence is made known to four of the said twenty-five barons, they shall come to us” Anonymous, The Magna Carta · insight
“The hope of impunity is a strong incitement to sedition; the dread of punishment, a proportionably strong discouragement to it.” Alexander Hamilton; John Jay; James Madison, The Federalist Papers · observation
“But still I see the tenour of Man’s woe Holds on the same, from Woman to begin.” John Milton, Paradise Lost · insight
“I approve, says I, of his rule, and will practice it with a small addition; I shall never ask, never refuse, nor ever resign an office.” Benjamin Franklin, The Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin · precept
“There can be no peace to the wicked while slavery continues in the land.” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · insight
“I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just, and that his justice cannot sleep forever.” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · insight
“Every measure, yet devised and executed, having for its object the suppression of anti-slavery, has been as idle and fruitless as pouring oil to extinguish fire.” Frederick Douglass, My Bondage and My Freedom · vivid
Further from Sura VIII, the passage addresses hypocrites, likens enemies to Pharaoh, urges preparation for war and possible peace, sets proportional expectations of fighting strength, and regulates ransom and lawful eating of spoils.
the hypocrites and the diseased of heart said, "Their Religion hath misled the Muslims:17 But whoso putteth his trust in God. , , , Yes, verily God is Mighty, Wise! If thou didst see, when the angels cause the infidels to die! They smite their faces and their backs, and-"Taste ye the torture of the burning: This, for what your hands have sent on before you:"-and God is not unjust to his servants. Their state is li…
Over the 5th–8th, Pepys writes to London, attends visits aboard ship as Dr. Clarges and others go to the King, observes public rejoicing in the streets, and prepares for the King’s proclamation and attendants.
borrowed of the City for the present use of the King, the twelve companies of the City do give every one of them to his Majesty, as a present, 1000l. 5th. All the morning very busy writing letters to London, and a packet to Mr. Downing, to acquaint him with what has been done lately in the fleet. And this I did by my Lord's command, who, I thank him, did of himself think of doing it, to do me a kindness, for he wr…
Pepys repeats reports of Fanatical violence and evaluates how few attackers caused major damage, describing their slogans, limited quarter, and the King coming into town amid arrests and damaged City order.
great stir. What mischief these rogues have done! and I think near a dozen had been killed this morning on both sides. The shops shut, and all things in trouble. 10th. After dinner Will. comes to tell me that he had presented my piece of plate to Mr. Coventry, who takes it very kindly, and sends me a very kind letter, and the plate back again; of which my heart is very glad. Mr. Davis told us the particular examin…
Pepys reports executions of Fifth Monarchy leaders including Venner and others hanged and drawn, observes winter weather and public hangings, meets Dr. Thomas Fuller on memory, and notes proclamations and sermons for a fast for the murdered King.
his wife gone. And by and by the rest of the company very well pleased, and I too; it being the last dinner I intend to make a great while. 3rd (Lord's day). This day I first begun to go forth in my coate and sword, as the manner now among gentlemen is. To White Hall; where I staid to hear the trumpets and kettle drums, and then the other drums, which are much cried up, though I think it dull, vulgar musick. So t…
Pepys sees the Duke of York play Pelemele in St. James’s Park, meets Dr. Fuller on Ireland where Fanatics and Presbyterians align, visits church and cathedrals, watches the King “heale,” and learns the Duke’s fleet is intended for Algiers.
fear it may come to worse, by being an example to the country to do the same. And indeed the Bishops are so high, that very few do love them. 23rd. To the Red Bull (where I had not been since plays come up again) up to the tireing room, where strange the confusion and disorder that there is among them in fitting themselves, especially here, where the clothes are very poore, and the actors but common fellows. At la…
Pepys vividly recounts a street fight rivalry between Spanish and French ambassadors over precedence, watches the aftermath in London, and records the need to send forces to Tangier and the King’s continued financial neglect of the Navy.
some of the grapes in a basket for to be sent to the King we took coach and home, were we found a hampire of millons sent to me also. 30th. This morning up by moone-shine, at 5 o'clock, to White Hall, to meet Mr. Moore at the Privy Seale, and there I heard of a fray between the two Embassadors of Spaine [The Baron de Vatteville.] and France; [Godfrey, Count D'Estrades, Marshal of France, and Viceroy of America. He…
Pepys reports the fire’s advance after drought, including burning churches and St. Lawrence Poultney’s steeple, then meets the King and Duke of York urging house-pulling; he helps coordinate with the Lord Mayor and watches citizens save goods.
and every thing after so long a drought proving combustible, even the very stones of churches, and among other things, the poor steeple [St, Lawrence Poultney, of which Thomas Elborough was Curate.] by which pretty Mrs. -- lives, and whereof my old schoolfellow Elborough is parson, taken fire in the very top, and there burned till it fell down; I to White Hall (with a gentleman with me, who desired to go off from th…
After visiting Mrs. Pierce’s and hearing “Beauty retire,” Pepys watches the Horse-guards fire spread alarmingly, expects a massacre, then learns the fire is slackened and guards patrol.
consequence of the war. But he says that the King, having all the money he is like to have, we shall be sure of a peace in a little time. 9th. To Mrs. Pierce's by appointment, where we find good company: a fair lady, my Lady Prettyman, Mrs. Corbet, Knipp; and for men, Captain Downing, Mr. Lloyd, Sir W. Coventry's clerk, and one Mr. Tripp, who dances well. After our first bout of dancing, Knipp, and I to sing, and…
Pepys records Parliament’s trouble with his accounts, fears a delayed scheduled massacre, and hears Lady Denham is said to be poisoned, with rumors of a planned poisoning of the King.
was overcome, and all well,) we merrily parted, and home. Stopped by several guards and constables quite through the town, (round the wall as we went,) all being in arms. 10th. The Parliament did fall foul of our accounts again yesterday; and we must arme to have them examined, which I am sorry for: it will bring great trouble to me, and shame upon the office. This is the fatal day that every body hath discoursed…
At Trinity House after its move following the Great Fire, Pepys attends a feast and worries about armed Scottish Covenanters, then visits court and reads a letter about tallies until Parliament supplies money.
at it, and the House of Parliament, contrary to practice, did sit also: people having no mind to observe the Scotch saint's days till they hear better news from Scotland. DECEMBER 1, 1666. Walking to the Old Swan I did see a cellar in Tower-streete in a very fresh fire, the late great winds having blown it up. It seemed to be only of log-wood that hath kept the fire all this while in it. Going further I met my la…
Between the 15th and 20th, Pepys reports Tangier’s governor choice (John Middleton), attends plays criticizing sale of places, hears the King ban further performances by Lacy, and recounts a violent quarrel between Lacy and Ned Howard.
that the King and Lord Chancellor did know that he was worth, with the debt the King owed him, 50,000l. (I think he said) when the King come into England. 15th. Called up by Sir H. Cholmly, who tells me that my Lord Middleton [John first Earl of Middleton in Scotland.] is for certain chosen Governor of Tangier; a man of moderate understanding, not covetous, but a soldier of fortune, and poor. To the King's house b…
Continuing on the 14th, Pepys says shipmasters keep stores to prevent payment, seamen’s morale collapses over unpaid wages, Wapping wives publicly protest, and citizens demand a Parliament amid sinking ships and delays from Chatham.
And masters of ships that are lately taken up, do keep from their ships all their stores, or as much as they can, so that we can dispatch them, having not time to appraise them, nor secure their payment. Only some little money we have, which we are fain to pay the men we have with every night, or they will not work. And indeed the hearts as well as affections of the seamen are turned away; and in the open streets in …
Pepys comments on a deadly duel involving the Duke of Buckingham, Holmes, and Jenkins against Lord Shrewsbury and others near Barne-Elms, then mentions tension over the King’s advisers and the Royal Society.
practices of commanders which I will find a time to recollect; and he will be an admirable help to my writing a history of the Navy, if ever I do. 17th. Much discourse of the duell yesterday between the Duke of Buckingham, Holmes, and one Jenkins, on one side, and my Lord of Shrewsbury, [Francis, eleventh Earl of Shrewsbury, died of his wounds March 16th following.] Sir John Talbot, [Sir John Talbot, a Gentleman o…
On 30th Pepys joins a parish procession-day dinner and then gives a bleak political summary: poverty, an unpaid fleet, parliamentary delay of money, and harsh legislation against Nonconformists.
Mr. Brouncker to protect him, with teares in his eyes the King did say he could not, and bid him shift for himself, at least till the House is up. 30th. To the Dolphin Tavern, there to meet on neighbours all of the parish, this being Procession-day, to dine. And did: and much very good discourse; they being most of them very able merchants, as any in the City; Sir Andrew Rickard, Mr. Vandeputt, Sir John Frederick…
On January 4th–5th Pepys pays rent and visits taverns, eats Cheshire cheese with friends, continues watching Parliament’s political standoff, and receives letters saying Lambert’s forces are deserting and that Fairfax has laid down arms.
free Parliament. Chillington was sent yesterday to him with the vote of pardon and indemnity from the Parliament. From the Hall I came home, where I found letters from Hinchinbroke [Hinchinbroke was Sir Edward Montagu's seat, from which he afterwards took his second title. Hinchinbroke House, so often mentioned in the Diary, stood about half a mile to the westward of the town of Huntingdon. It was e…
Thucydides describes early piracy by sea and land as a normal source of livelihood, notes later continuity in places like the Ozolian Locrians, and contrasts Athenian and Spartan shifts away from arms and old customs.
if those who are asked the question would have no idea of disclaiming the imputation, or their interrogators of reproaching them for it. The same rapine prevailed also by land. And even at the present day many of Hellas still follow the old fashion, the Ozolian Locrians for instance, the Aetolians, the Acarnanians, and that region of the continent; and the custom of carrying arms is still kept up among these contine…
Thasian troubles lead to conflict, Athenian settlements reach Amphipolis area, and the Ithome revolt draws Lacedaemon’s call for help; Athens’s role in the siege sparks a first quarrel with Sparta and shifts alliances toward Argos.
had been made against the Mede, and allied themselves with Sparta’s enemy Argos; each of the contracting parties taking the same oaths and making the same alliance with the Thessalians. Meanwhile the rebels in Ithome, unable to prolong further a ten years’ resistance, surrendered to Lacedaemon; the conditions being that they should depart from Peloponnese under safe conduct, and should never set foot in it again: an…
After Ithome’s surrender, helots and suppliants are relocated to Naupactus; the Athenians absorb Megara, fight in Egypt under Inaros, and then conduct campaigns around Aegina, Megara, and Geraneia with shifting battle outcomes.
the attack of the remaining third, which is called White Castle. Within it were Persians and Medes who had taken refuge there, and Egyptians who had not joined the rebellion. Meanwhile the Athenians, making a descent from their fleet upon Haliae, were engaged by a force of Corinthians and Epidaurians; and the Corinthians were victorious. Afterwards the Athenians engaged the Peloponnesian fleet off Cecruphalia; and t…
After a five-year truce, Athens resumes expeditions: Cimon campaigns in Cyprus, later Athens fights in Boeotia and then Euboea under Pericles, while Megara and Samian revolt politics lead to further Athenian action at Samos.
who engaged them, they immediately took with them the Achaeans and, sailing across, marched against and laid siege to Oeniadae in Acarnania. Failing however to take it, they returned home. Three years afterwards a truce was made between the Peloponnesians and Athenians for five years. Released from Hellenic war, the Athenians made an expedition to Cyprus with two hundred vessels of their own and their allies, under …
The Peloponnesian War begins in Thucydides’ narrative with hostilities replacing diplomacy, and in spring a Theban force seizes Plataea through a betrayal by a Plataean, amid staged negotiations and sudden attack.
Beginning of the Peloponnesian War—First Invasion of Attica—Funeral Oration of Pericles The war between the Athenians and Peloponnesians and the allies on either side now really begins. For now all intercourse except through the medium of heralds ceased, and hostilities were commenced and prosecuted without intermission. The history follows the chronological order of events by summers and winters. The thirty years’…
In Corcyra, slaves join the commons, women fight with tiles, oligarchs burn buildings to stop a march, and after Athenian attempts to settle matters, the arrival of Peloponnesian ships leads to a confused sea battle and wider reprisals.
slaves and to invite them to join them. The mass of the slaves answered the appeal of the commons; their antagonists being reinforced by eight hundred mercenaries from the continent. After a day’s interval hostilities recommenced, victory remaining with the commons, who had the advantage in numbers and position, the women also valiantly assisting them, pelting with tiles from the houses, and supporting the melee wit…
Corcyra is presented as the first example of revolutionary crimes, followed by continuing exile-based raids, seizure of territory from Mount Istone, and then the Athenians dispatch ships to Sicily to support allies and test future control of the island.
in high reputation. Meanwhile the moderate part of the citizens perished between the two, either for not joining in the quarrel, or because envy would not suffer them to escape. Thus every form of iniquity took root in the Hellenic countries by reason of the troubles. The ancient simplicity into which honour so largely entered was laughed down and disappeared; and society became divided into camps in which no man tr…
With hostilities renewed at Pylos, Thucydides also shifts to Sicily, describing Syracusans and allies fighting near the strait of Rhegium and Messina and engaging Athenians and Rhegians, then attacking and counterattacking in Messina’s wider conflict.
a truce was more necessary to her than at present. This done they might take back their men, and make a truce for as long as both parties might agree. To this answer the envoys made no reply, but asked that commissioners might be chosen with whom they might confer on each point, and quietly talk the matter over and try to come to some agreement. Hereupon Cleon violently assailed them, saying that he knew from the fi…
At Corcyra, Athenian troops take a mountain stronghold and agree to transfer prisoners to Athens, but Corcyraean democrats trick prisoners into escaping by boat; the prisoners are then mass-killed and women sold into slavery.
them, as if for their own sakes, that they had best escape as quickly as possible, as the Athenian generals were going to give them up to the Corcyraean people. These representations succeeding, it was so arranged that the men were caught sailing out in the boat that was provided, and the treaty became void accordingly, and the whole body were given up to the Corcyraeans. For this result the Athenian generals were i…
Hermocrates argues that since Sicilians fought from self-interest yet must now debate peace, they should unite against Athens—invading under alliance pretexts—and stop civil discord that would leave Sicily vulnerable.
way, advice to make peace would not be unserviceable; and this, if we did but see it, is just what we stand most in need of at the present juncture. “I suppose that no one will dispute that we went to war at first in order to serve our own several interests, that we are now, in view of the same interests, debating how we can make peace; and that if we separate without having as we think our rights, we shall go to wa…
After the battle the Athenians burn the dead on a pyre, return about 260 dead under truce, gather bones and sail to Catana, while Syracusans burn their dead and appoint Hermocrates and other generals to improve discipline.
even sent a garrison of their own citizens to the Olympieum, fearing that the Athenians might lay hands on some of the treasures there. The rest returned to the town. The Athenians, however, did not go to the temple, but collected their dead and laid them upon a pyre, and passed the night upon the field. The next day they gave the enemy back their dead under truce, to the number of about two hundred and sixty, Syrac…
Athenians under blockade attempt a betrayal plot at Messina, then retreat to Naxos for winter, while Syracusans fortify Catana-era positions and raid Athenian camps and allied embassies.
address themselves in real earnest to the war against the Athenians, that they might either have to leave Sicily or be less able to send reinforcements to their army there. The Athenian forces at Catana now at once sailed against Messina, in the expectation of its being betrayed to them. The intrigue, however, after all came to nothing: Alcibiades, who was in the secret, when he left his command upon the summons fro…
Foreign-aligned revolts and Persian diplomacy drive Spartan decisions: Agis first handles Euboea and Lesbos, while at Lacedaemon Tissaphernes and allies compete with Hellespont plans, leading to an alliance with Chios and ending the nineteenth year.
King; and by this means, as the King had commanded him, take alive or dead Amorges, the bastard son of Pissuthnes, who was in rebellion on the coast of Caria. While the Chians and Tissaphernes thus joined to effect the same object, about the same time Calligeitus, son of Laophon, a Megarian, and Timagoras, son of Athenagoras, a Cyzicene, both of them exiles from their country and living at the court of Pharnabazus, …
News of the Spiraeum setback reaches Lacedaemon, and Alcibiades persuades the ephors to continue sending ships; Chalcideus and Alcibiades surprise Chios and nearby cities into revolt, while Athenians rush funds to restore blockading and recruit more ships.
of the most confused and violent kind, in which the Athenians disabled most of the enemy’s vessels and killed Alcamenes their commander, losing also a few of their own men. After this they separated, and the Athenians, detaching a sufficient number of ships to blockade those of the enemy, anchored with the rest at the islet adjacent, upon which they proceeded to encamp, and sent to Athens for reinforcements; the Pel…
Early spring of the next summer, Dercyllidas is sent to the Hellespont to incite Abydos’ revolt, Chios fights at sea, Strombichides captures Lampsacus, and Alcibiades’ refusal to support oligarchy becomes tied to Athens’ internal shift.
was no longer possible to relieve Chios without a battle. And this winter ended, and with it ended the twentieth year of this war of which Thucydides is the historian. Early in the spring of the summer following, Dercyllidas, a Spartan, was sent with a small force by land to the Hellespont to effect the revolt of Abydos, which is a Milesian colony; and the Chians, while Astyochus was at a loss how to help them, were…
In the twenty-first year, the Peloponnesians send Clearchus with ships to Pharnabazus, who helps pay and encourages revolts, while at Samos the chiefs finally bring Alcibiades back to rally the army and damage the oligarchs’ confidence.
turned out justly, that the mass of seamen would not be willing to remain under the oligarchical constitution, and, the evil beginning there, might be the means of their overthrow. Indeed at Samos the question of the oligarchy had already entered upon a new phase, the following events having taken place just at the time that the Four Hundred were conspiring. That part of the Samian population which has been mentione…
The Peloponnesians defeat poorly prepared Athenian forces near Eretria, butcher some soldiers in Eretria, take twenty-two Athenian ships, and then secure revolt of most of Euboea except Oreus held by Athenians.
to the harbour of Athens. Some went on board the ships already afloat, while others launched fresh vessels, or ran to defend the walls and the mouth of the harbour. Meanwhile the Peloponnesian vessels sailed by, and rounding Sunium anchored between Thoricus and Prasiae, and afterwards arrived at Oropus. The Athenians, with revolution in the city, and unwilling to lose a moment in going to the relief of their most im…
Mindarus leaves Miletus with seventy-three ships, reaches Chios after storms, and heads for the Hellespont, while Thrasyllus sails from Samos to intercept, attacks revolting Eresus, and coordinates with Thrasybulus.
Chersonese. Being caught in a storm, Mindarus was compelled to run in to Icarus and, after being detained five or six days there by stress of weather, arrived at Chios. Meanwhile Thrasyllus had heard of his having put out from Miletus, and immediately set sail with fifty-five ships from Samos, in haste to arrive before him in the Hellespont. But learning that he was at Chios, and expecting that he would stay there, …
Magna Carta guarantees merchant safe conduct and travel, defines when departures are allowed during war, treats forest proceedings, requires lawful officials, disafforesting royal forests, and investigating evil forest customs.
(40) To no one will we sell, to no one deny or delay right or justice. (41) All merchants may enter or leave England unharmed and without fear, and may stay or travel within it, by land or water, for purposes of trade, free from all illegal exactions, in accordance with ancient and lawful customs. This, however, does not apply in time of war to merchants from a country that is at war with us. Any such merchants foun…
The charter states that granted customs and liberties will be observed, then creates a security mechanism: barons elect twenty-five to enforce the peace and authorize coercion if redress is not granted.
* We will at once return the son of Llywelyn, all Welsh hostages, and the charters delivered to us as security for the peace. * With regard to the return of the sisters and hostages of Alexander, king of Scotland, his liberties and his rights, we will treat him in the same way as our other barons of England, unless it appears from the charters that we hold from his father William, formerly king of Scotland, that he …
Minerva tells Telemachus at Lacedaemon to return home immediately, warns the suitors plan to kill him between Ithaca and Samos, and orders him to stay with the swineherd Eumaeus for the night.
MINERVA SUMMONS TELEMACHUS FROM LACEDAEMON—HE MEETS WITH THEOCLYMENUS AT PYLOS AND BRINGS HIM TO ITHACA—ON LANDING HE GOES TO THE HUT OF EUMAEUS. But Minerva went to the fair city of Lacedaemon to tell Ulysses’ son that he was to return at once. She found him and Pisistratus sleeping in the forecourt of Menelaus’s house; Pisistratus was fast asleep, but Telemachus could get no rest all night for thinking of his unha…
After Telemachus returns from Pylos and sends word to Penelope, the suitors discover the ship in Ithaca’s harbor and hold councils to decide how to stop Telemachus and divide or replace his household.
not in favour of going round and trying the men. We can attend to that later on, if you really have some sign from Jove that he will support you.” Thus did they converse, and meanwhile the ship which had brought Telemachus and his crew from Pylos had reached the town of Ithaca. When they had come inside the harbour they drew the ship on to the land; their servants came and took their armour from them, and they left …
In the Ithacan hall, Minerva in Mentor’s form urges Ulysses and helps the fight against the suitors, who threaten Mentor, demand murder of father and son, and plan to seize Penelope’s household.
will know very well when morning comes from the streams of Oceanus, and it is time for you to be driving in your goats for the suitors to feast on.” There, then, they left him in very cruel bondage, and having put on their armour they closed the door behind them and went back to take their places by the side of Ulysses; whereon the four men stood in the cloister, fierce and full of fury; nevertheless, those who were…
Amphimedon continues: a god brings Odysseus disguised to the swineherd’s farm and he, with Telemachus, hides his armor, uses the bow contest to trap the suitors, and kills Antinous and the rest with divine aid.
she would or no; and when she showed us the robe she had made, after she had had it washed,186 its splendour was as that of the sun or moon. “Then some malicious god conveyed Ulysses to the upland farm where his swineherd lives. Thither presently came also his son, returning from a voyage to Pylos, and the two came to the town when they had hatched their plot for our destruction. Telemachus came first, and then afte…
In Ithaca, after a quarrel in the assembly, Halitherses’ warning is ignored and Eupeithes leads a foolish armed attack that Minerva then consults Jove about ending with a peace pact after Ulysses has avenged the suitors.
as I say, and do as I tell you. Do not go out against Ulysses, or you may find that you have been drawing down evil on your own heads.” This was what he said, and more than half raised a loud shout, and at once left the assembly. But the rest stayed where they were, for the speech of Halitherses displeased them, and they sided with Eupeithes; they therefore hurried off for their armour, and when they had armed thems…
Noëmon confirms Telemachus sailed freely with noble youths led by Mentor, and Antinous plots to ambush Telemachus’ return route between Ithaca and Samos with twenty men to kill him.
I may know for a surety: did he take thy black ship from thee perforce against thy will? or didst thou give it him of free will at his entreaty? Then Noëmon, son of Phromius, answered him saying: “I gave it him myself of free will. What can any man do, when such an one, so bestead with care, begs a favour? it were hard to deny the gift. The youths who next to us are noblest in the land, even these have gone with him…
Du Bois places the Bureau’s work in the late 1860s conflict—Thirteenth through Fifteenth Amendment era—arguing that war’s violence, poverty, and hostility doomed its efforts at social reconstruction and education.
General Howard has said, “scarcely any subject that has to be legislated upon in civil society failed, at one time or another, to demand the action of this singular Bureau.” To understand and criticise intelligently so vast a work, one must not forget an instant the drift of things in the later sixties. Lee had surrendered, Lincoln was dead, and Johnson and Congress were at loggerheads; the Thirteenth Amendment was …
Du Bois tours changed farms and cabins, notes missing families and “Progress” replacing his log schoolhouse, and retells a violent labor conflict where Doc Burke prevents a murder and lynching.
into Carlon’s corn; and when the hard-fisted farmer set upon him, the angry boy flew at him like a beast. Doc Burke saved a murder and a lynching that day. The story reminded me again of the Burkes, and an impatience seized me to know who won in the battle, Doc or the seventy-five acres. For it is a hard thing to make a farm out of nothing, even in fifteen years. So I hurried on, thinking of the Burkes. They used to…
He details legal and informal barriers to Black labor mobility—migration-agent laws, white “vouching” for unknown Black people, and county-level oppression—arguing these helped produce the Black Belt and later Migration to Town.
economic depths of the black American peasant; and in a study of the rise and condition of the Negro freeholder we must trace his economic progress from the modern serfdom. Even in the better-ordered country districts of the South the free movement of agricultural laborers is hindered by the migration-agent laws. The “Associated Press” recently informed the world of the arrest of a young white man in Southern Georgi…
A month into the Negro school, the younger John returns bold and contemptuous of the town, while white townspeople criticize his French Revolution and equality talk; Judge Henderson then closes the school and orders children home.
situation, Judge Henderson,” answered John, with a brevity that did not escape the keen old man. He hesitated a moment, and then said shortly, “Very well,—we’ll try you awhile. Good-morning.” It was a full month after the opening of the Negro school that the other John came home, tall, gay, and headstrong. The mother wept, the sisters sang. The whole white town was glad. A proud man was the Judge, and it was a goodl…
Moses recounts Israel’s arrival near the Amorite hills and their mission of twelve scouts to explore the land, then their refusal and rebellion that leads to God’s refusal for most men to see the promised land, with Caleb spared.
And there I said unto you: Ye are come unto the hills of the Amorites, which the LORD our God doth give unto us. Behold the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee, go up and conquer it, as the LORD God of thy fathers sayeth unto thee: fear not, neither be discouraged. And then ye came unto me every one and said: Let us send men before us, to search us out the land and to bring us word again, both what way we shal…
Before crossing the Jordan to conquer greater nations, Moses stresses God’s power over Israel’s righteousness, recounts Israel’s rebellion and the golden calf episode, and emphasizes Moses’ intercession.
Hear Israel, thou goest over Iordan this day, to go and conquer nations greater and mightier than thyself: and cities great and walled up to heaven, and people great and tall, even the children of the Enakims, which thou knowest and of whom thou hast heard say who is able to stond before the children of Enack? But understand this day that the LORD thy God which goeth over before thee a consuming fire, he shall destro…
Paul questions disciples at Ephesus about receiving the Holy Ghost, teaches about John’s baptism versus Christ, performs miracles, is opposed by wandering Jewish exorcists, and sparks a riot over Diana of the Ephesians.
The .xix. Chapter. It fortuned, while Apollos was at Corinthum, that Paul passed over the upper coasts, and came to Ephesus, and found certain disciples and said unto them: have ye received the holy ghost after ye believed? And they said unto him: No, neither have we heard if there be any holy ghost or no. And he said unto them: wherewith were ye then baptised? And they said: with Ihon's baptism. Then said Paul: Iho…
With new consuls, Samnites seek peace but are told to prove their intentions in Samnium; renewed fighting shifts to the Aequans, whose supposed treacherous peace ends in raids on towns over fifty days.
command Minucius's army, took Bovianum. During the same year, Sora, Arpinum, and Censennia were recovered from the Samnites. The great statue of Hercules was erected in the Capitol, and dedicated. 45. In the succeeding consulate of Publius Sulpicius Saverrio and Publius Sempronius Sophus, the Samnites, desirous either of a termination or a suspension of hostilities, sent ambassadors to Rome to treat of peace; to who…
A transitional section lists Roman political and military developments, then begins Book X: Rome enjoys rest, colonizes Sora and Alba, grants freedom to Arpinians and Trebulans, punishes Frusinians, and suppresses an Umbria cave massacre.
_Submission of the Marcians accepted. The college of Augurs augmented from four to nine. The law of appeal to the people carried by Valerius the consul. Two more tribes added. War declared against the Samnites. Several successful actions. In an engagement against the combined forces of the Etruscans, Umbrians, Samnites, and Gauls, Publius Decius, after the example of his father, devotes himself for the army. Dies, an…
Decius defeats the Apulians near Maleventum, then devastates Samnium for five months; Fabius returns for elections, leading to consuls Appius Claudius and Lucius Volumnius amid patrician-plebeian tension.
than might have been expected, considering the completeness of the victory. There were three thousand four hundred slain, about eight hundred and thirty made prisoners, and twenty-three military standards taken. 15. The Apulians would have joined their forces to the Samnites before this battle, had not the consul, Publius Decius, encamped in their neighbourhood at Maleventum; and, finding means to bring them to an e…
News of Campanian depredations and Etruscan-Umbrian unrest alarms Rome; the senate shuts courts, levies men for defense, orders colonies at Minturnae and Sinuessa, and urges Decius and Fabius to cooperate as elections proceed.
and an abundance of spoil was found, and given up to the soldiers. Of the enemy seven thousand three hundred were slain; and two thousand one hundred and twenty taken. 20. While both the consuls, with the whole force of the Romans, pointed their exertions principally against the war in Etruria, a new army which arose in Samnium, with design to ravage the frontiers of the Roman empire, passed over through the country…
Despite victories, the Samnites and Etrurians resume war: Perusians stir renewed fighting, Appius Claudius raids and ransoms prisoners, Roman forces unite at the Stellatians, a major battle follows, and prodigies and pestilence disrupt Rome.
the spoil, donations were made to the soldiers of eighty-two *asses* [Footnote: *5s. 31d.*] to each, with cloaks and vests; rewards for service, in that age, by no means contemptible. 31. Notwithstanding these successes, peace was not yet established, either among the Samnites or Etrurians: for the latter, at the instigation of the Perusians, resumed their arms, after his army had been withdrawn by the consul; and t…
Continuing Book IX summaries: Sardinia and Corsica feature Carthaginian warfare, including Hanno; Roman consul Atilius Calatinus is rescued; Hannibal the fleet commander is executed by his soldiers; Regulus and the Roman fleet losses are recounted.
Sardinians and Corsicans, together with Hanno, the Carthaginian general, in the island of Sardinia. [Y.R. 494. B.C. 258.] Atilius Calatinus, consul, drawn into an ambuscade by the Carthaginians, is rescued by the skill and valour of M. Calpurnius, a military tribune, who making a sudden attack upon the enemy, with a body of only three hundred men, turns their whole force against himself. [Y.R. 495. B.C. 257.] Hanniba…
Livy reports the aftermath and spoil from Saguntum, then describes Roman reactions in Rome—grief, fear, rage—leading to war planning and lotteries dividing Spain for Cornelius and Africa with Sicily for Sempronius.
about to excite the nations of Gaul, ever desirous of war; and that a war against the world was to be maintained in Italy and before the walls of Rome. 17. The provinces had already been previously named for the consuls; and having been now ordered to cast lots for them, Spain fell to Cornelius, and Africa with Sicily to Sempronius. Six legions were decreed for that year, and as many of the allies as should seem goo…
In Italy, Boian and Insubrian revolt after Hannibal passes the Iberus attacks Placentia and Cremona’s Po-region colonies; Roman land-distribution envoys are seized near Mutina, prompting Lucius Manlius’ hard march and defense at Tanetum.
to Illiberis, came without reluctance to the Carthaginian, being won by his presents, they suffered his army to pass through their territories, by the town of Ruscino, without any molestation. 25. In the mean time no further intelligence had been brought into Italy to Rome by the ambassadors of Marseilles than that Hannibal had passed the Iberus; when the Boii asked if he had already passed the Alps, revolted after …
The Carthaginian and Macedonian agents are captured by a Roman fleet guarding Calabria, their correspondence is found, and prisoners are sent to Rome; Livy then records Sardinia’s unrest and a naval delay in the Balearics.
good deal of time was lost in refitting the ships, which were hauled on shore, so much were they damaged, not only in their rigging but also in their hulls. 35. As the war was carried on in Italy with less vigour since the battle of Cannae, the strength of one party having been broken, and the energy of the other relaxed, the Campanians of themselves made an attempt to subjugate Cumae, at first by soliciting them to…
Carthage’s allies, the Hirpini and Samnites, send ambassadors to Hannibal protesting repeated devastations by Marcellus, contrasting earlier peace with long Roman war and blaming Hannibal’s lack of protection.
into the lands of the Hirpini and Caudine Samnites, and so destroyed all before him with fire and sword, that he renewed in Samnium the memory of her ancient disasters. 42. Ambassadors were therefore despatched from both nations at the same time to Hannibal, who thus addressed the Carthaginian: "Hannibal, we carried on hostilities with the Roman people, by ourselves and from our own resources, as long as our own arm…
Hannibal responds that the Hirpini and Samnites should have requested aid first, then he attacks nearby Roman-allied territory instead; he takes counsel from outcomes around Nola and sends Hanno to support Marcellus’s opponents.
us will also dislodge that at Nola, provided you do not think those men undeserving that you should protect them as allies, whom you have esteemed worthy of your alliance." 43. To this Hannibal replied, "that the Hirpini and Samnites did every thing at once: that they both represented their sufferings, solicited succours, and complained that they were undefended and neglected. Whereas, they ought first to have repre…
Bruttians try to capture Croto after Locri and Rhegium fail, invest the city aided by Crotonian commoners, and take all but the citadel, which the nobles keep.
in the power of the Locrians. That their alliance should rest on the principle, that the Carthaginian should help the Locrian and the Locrian the Carthaginian in peace and war." 2. Thus the Carthaginian troops were led back from the strait, while the Bruttians loudly complained that Locri and Rhegium, cities which they had fixed in their minds that they should have the plundering of, they had left untouched. Having …