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Often appears with: geography and the description of places · fate, destiny, and necessity · trade, markets, and merchants · voyages and seafaring · history and the writing of history · naval warfare and sea power · maps, navigation, and finding the way · the customs of foreign peoples · conquest, plunder, and captives · roads, journeys, and overland travel · supply, logistics, and encampment · custom and the manners of a people
Usually: narrative (97) · curiosity (93) · detachment (57) · argument (42) · skepticism (39) · commentary or gloss (34) · wonder (27) · sudden reversal of fortune (15) · reflection (14) · confronting death (14)
“All these seem convincing proofs of the youth, or rather infancy, of the world; as being founded on the operation of principles more constant and steady than those by which human society is governed and directed.” David Hume, Dialogues Concerning Natural Religion · observation
“O mistress of my actions and movements, illustrious and peerless Dulcinea del Toboso, if so be the prayers and supplications of this fortunate lover can reach thy ears, by thy incomparable beauty I entreat thee to listen to them, for they but ask thee not to refuse me thy favour and protection now that I stand in such need of them.” Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Don Quixote · vivid
“To direct one only to a corner shop is TOYING with one.” James Boswell, Boswell's Life of Johnson · wit
“The most interesting point connected with this Italian mission is the question, whether Chaucer visited Petrarch at Padua.” Geoffrey Chaucer, The Canterbury Tales, and Other Poems · observation
“Thus then it happened with regard to these things; and these were the first Persians who came from Asia to Hellas, and for the reason which has been mentioned these were sent as spies.” Herodotus, The History of Herodotus — Volume 1 · observation
“And they reported a thing which I cannot believe, but another man may, namely that in sailing round Libya they had the sun on their right hand.” Herodotus, The History of Herodotus — Volume 1 · observation
“The surplus produce of America imported into Europe, furnishes the inhabitants of this great continent with a variety of commodities which they could not otherwise have possessed; some for conveniency and use, some for pleasure, and some for ornament; and thereby contributes to increase their enjoyments.” Adam Smith, An Inquiry into the Nature and Causes of the Wealth · insight
“Therefore, while thinking that your design is commendable, I consider the site as not commendable; but I would have you stay with me, because I mean to make use of your services.” Vitruvius Pollio, The Ten Books on Architecture · insight
“This traveller particularly mentions, on the subject of the great American desert, that a line may be drawn nearly parallel to the 20th degree of longitude (meridian of Washington), beginning from the Red River and ending at the River Platte.” Alexis de Tocqueville, Democracy in America — Volume 2 · observation
“He (Domitian) put to death Rusticus Arulenus, because he studied philosophy, and had given Thrasea the appellation of holy; and Herennius Senecio, because, although he lived many years after serving the office of quaestor, he solicited no other post, and because he had written the Life of Helvidius Priscus.” Cornelius Tacitus, The Germany and the Agricola of Tacitus · observation
“And thus ended our Arctic voyage, to the no small joy of all on board, after having been absent four months; in which time, at the imminent hazard of our lives, we explored nearly as far towards the Pole as 81 degrees north, and 20 degrees east longitude.” Olaudah Equiano (also known as Gustavus Vassa), The Interesting Narrative of the Life of Olaudah Equ · observation
“Your observations are to be taken with great pains and accuracy; to be entered distinctly and intelligibly for others as well as yourself.” Meriwether Lewis, History of the Expedition under the Command of Capta · precept
Moses sends tribal leaders from Paran to spy Canaan—describing cities, strength, and produce—and reports grapes and a mixed assessment, where Caleb urges conquest while the others give an “evil report” featuring Anakim/giants.
And the LORD spake unto Moses saying: Send men out to search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers a man and let them all be such as are rulers among them. And Moses at the commandment of the LORD sent forth out of the wilderness of Pharan: such men as were all heads among the children of Israel, whose names are these: In the tribe of Ruben, Sammua the son of Za…
Romans regard the Ciminian forest as impassable; Fabius’s brother disguises himself as a shepherd to explore, gains information from Camertian Umbrians, and guides Fabius to take a summit and devastate Etrurian plains.
senate, not to attempt to pass the Ciminian forest. These, rejoicing that they had arrived too late to prevent the expedition, returned to Rome with the news of its success. 37. By this expedition of the consul, the war, instead of being brought nearer to a conclusion, was only spread to a wider extent: for all the tract adjacent to the foot of Mount Ciminius had felt his devastations; and, out of the indignation co…
Herzl lays out how the new Jewish migration should occupy land scientifically: geologists and engineers replace chance, representatives take possession by ship, natural resources are inventoried, administration centralized, and land distributed via auctions paid in work.
THE OCCUPATION OF THE LAND When nations wandered in historic times, they let chance carry them, draw them, fling them hither and thither, and like swarms of locusts they settled down indifferently anywhere. For in historic times the earth was not known to man. But this modern Jewish migration must proceed in accordance with scientific principles. Not more than forty years ago gold-digging was carried on in an extra…
In night anxiety Aeneas cannot sleep, but at sunrise he hides his fleet, scouts the coast, and encounters Venus disguised as a huntress who asks if he has seen her sister.
The surly murmurs of the people cease; And, as the fates requir’d, they give the peace: The queen herself suspends the rigid laws, The Trojans pities, and protects their cause. Meantime, in shades of night Aeneas lies: Care seiz’d his soul, and sleep forsook his eyes. But, when the sun restor’d the cheerful day, He rose, the coast and country to survey, Anxious and eager to discover more. …
After returning to England and working with Dr. Irving until May 1773, Equiano joins John Constantine Phipps’s Arctic expedition on the Race Horse, sailing past Shetland toward near-ice exploration.
On my return to London, I waited on my old and good master, Dr. Irving, who made me an offer of his service again. Being now tired of the sea I gladly accepted it. I was very happy in living with this gentleman once more; during which time we were daily employed in reducing old Neptune's dominions by purifying the briny element and making it fresh. Thus I went on till May 1773, when I was roused by the sound of fame,…
Equiano describes escape from the ice after about thirty hours into open water, anchoring and refitting, sailing south on 19 August, enduring storms and losing items, and ending the Arctic voyage in London/Deptford.
Many of us on this got on board again, and with all our might we hove the ships into every open water we could find, and made all the sail on them in our power; and now, having a prospect of success, we made signals for the boats and the remainder of the people. This seemed to us like a reprieve from death; and happy was the man who could first get on board of any ship, or the first boat he could meet. We then procee…
Equiano continues the rescue narrative, explains the men’s corn-ship sinking, then turns to later plans: Doctor Irving buys a sloop to cultivate Jamaica and the Mosquito Shore, and Equiano prepares to sail in November 1775 with Musquito chiefs.
'Such as sit in darkness and in the shadow of death: 'Then they cried unto the Lord in their trouble, and he saved them out of their distresses. They that go down to the sea in ships; that do business in great waters: these see the works of the Lord, and his wonders in the deep. Whoso is wise and will observe these things, even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord.' The poor distressed captain said…
Defoe recounts how “quack” doctors and mountebanks in London exploited the poor during the plague, selling costly or misleading “plague-preventing” medicines while claiming to give advice for free.
forty years’ practice, arrived to such skill as may, with God’s blessing, direct persons how to prevent their being touched by any contagious distemper whatsoever. He directs the poor gratis.’ I take notice of these by way of specimen. I could give you two or three dozen of the like and yet have abundance left behind. ’Tis sufficient from these to apprise any one of the humour of those times, and h…
Plutarch describes the scale and unknown origins of the Teutones and Cimbri, offers speculative ethnographic accounts of their past movements, and concludes that such claims are mostly conjecture.
a war, no one would have anything to say to any members of noble or potent families who offered themselves for the consulship, and Marius, though then absent, was elected. Jugurtha's apprehension was only just known, when the news of the invasion of the Teutones and Cimbri began. The accounts at first exceeded all credit, as to the number and strength of the approaching army; but in the end, report proved much infe…
Sulla sails from Ephesus to Athens and the Piraeus, takes Aristotle’s and Theophrastus’ books via Apellicon to Rome, then crosses from Dyrrhachium toward Italy with omens signaling victory.
up and return in peace, as they had brought with them no insignificant intercessors. The Halaeans say that this first gave them courage to reunite and return to their city. Sylla, having marched through Thessaly and Macedon to the sea-coast, prepared, with twelve hundred vessels, to cross over from Dyrrhachium to Brundisium. Not far from hence is Apollonia, and near it the Nymphaeum, a spot of ground where, from am…
Kant argues that reason seeks systematic unity by arranging cognitions into a rule-guided whole, and uses ideas from reason to interrogate nature despite pure concepts like pure earth, water, or air never being directly discoverable.
that is to say, when, in the present case, we direct the aims of the understanding, beyond every given experience, towards an extension as great as can possibly be attained. If we review our cognitions in their entire extent, we shall find that the peculiar business of reason is to arrange them into a system, that is to say, to give them connection according to a principle. This unity presupposes an idea—the idea of…
This passage contains only a repeated citation sentence pointing readers to an issue of the Revolution de Paris for an account of the Versailles expedition.
An account of the expedition to Versailles may be seen in No. 13 of the Revolution de Paris containing the events from the 3rd to the 10th of October, 1789.] [Footnote 5: It is a practice in some parts of the country, when two travellers have but one horse, which, like the national purse, will not carry double, that the one mounts and rides two or three miles ahead, and then ties the horse to a gate and walks on. Wh…
It describes mid-sixteenth-century Alcalá de Henares as a university and book-producing town, then speculates about Cervantes’ education, citing uncertain matriculation evidence and instead stressing his lack of student-life references.
flood of romances of chivalry that had continued to pour from the press ever since Garci Ordoñez de Montalvo had resuscitated “Amadis of Gaul” at the beginning of the century. For a youth fond of reading, solid or light, there could have been no better spot in Spain than Alcalá de Henares in the middle of the sixteenth century. It was then a busy, populous university town, something more than the enterprising rival …
Don Quixote and Sancho continue their reflections on learning that proves worthless, spend the night in a hamlet near the cave, buy rope, and plan to tie Don Quixote to be lowered into the cave.
to asking questions and answering, I’ll go on from this till to-morrow morning. Nay! to ask foolish things and answer nonsense I needn’t go looking for help from my neighbours.” “Thou hast said more than thou art aware of, Sancho,” said Don Quixote; “for there are some who weary themselves out in learning and proving things that, after they are known and proved, are not worth a farthing to the understanding or memor…
Tied by Sancho, Don Quixote prays to Dulcinea before cutting through brambles at Montesinos’s mouth, prompting crows and then a lowering into the depths as Sancho and the guide send blessings and prayers.
“The drum is in hands that will know how to beat it well enough,” said Sancho Panza. When he had said this and finished the tying (which was not over the armour but only over the doublet) Don Quixote observed, “It was careless of us not to have provided ourselves with a small cattle-bell to be tied on the rope close to me, the sound of which would show that I was still descending and alive; but as that is out of the…
Prisoners are interrogated about the country’s directions, identifying routes to Babylon, Susa, Ecbatana, Lydia, Ionia, and the Carduchians, and the generals decide to force a passage into Kurd territory toward Armenia.
generals and officers met in council, and after collecting the prisoners together, submitted them to a cross-examination touching the whole country round, the names, and so forth, of each district. The prisoners informed them that the regions south, through which they had come, belonged to the district towards Babylon and Media; the road east led to Susa and Ecbatana, where the king is said to spend summer and sprin…
Bivouacking above the plain by the Centrites frontier river (Tigris), the army is delayed by Armenian and Mardian mercenaries; Xenophon’s dream of loosening fetters is taken as a sign, and they find a ford via rocks.
story how they have found themselves able to walk cross the river instead of having to swim it. It is obvious to Xenophon that the dream is sent from Heaven. The other was well pleased, and with the first faint gleam of dawn the generals all were present and did sacrifice; and the victims were favourable in the first essay. Retiring from the sacrifice, the generals and officers issued an order to the troops to take …
Passing through Mossynoecian and neighboring lands, the Greeks describe the Chalybes’ iron work, avoid war in Tibarenians’ territory, reach Cotyora, stay forty-five days, and receive Sinope’s complaints.
leaf; in the right hand they brandished a javelin about six cubits long, with a lance in front, and rounded like a ball at the butt end of the shaft. Their bodies were clad in short frocks, scarcely reaching to the knees and in texture closely resembling that of a linen bedclothes' bag; on their heads they wore leathern helmets just like the Paphlagonian helmet, with a tuft of hair in the middle, as like a tiara in …
It explains that ancient Germany was not a single nation but multiple peoples (Slaves/Vandals, Cimmerians/Cimbri, and Suevi/Germans), discusses German tribal names like Teutons and Germani, and raises ideas about geography and origins.
nations. In the remote darkness of the north, the ancients imperfectly descried a frozen ocean that lay beyond the Baltic Sea, and beyond the Peninsula, or islands 1001a of Scandinavia. 1 (return) [ Germany was not of such vast extent. It is from Cæsar, and more particularly from Ptolemy, (says Gatterer,) that we can know what was the state of ancient Germany before the wars with the Romans had cha…
It debates how nations originate, argues ancient Germany was not populated from already-formed colonies but emerged from gradual unions of Hercynian wandering groups, and criticizes fable-based genealogies like Rudbeck’s Noah-based explanations.
9 (return) [ In hos artus, in hæc corpora, quæ miramur, excrescunt. Tæit Germania, 3, 20. Cluver. l. i. c. 14.] 10 (return) [ Plutarch. in Mario. The Cimbri, by way of amusement, often did down mountains of snow on their broad shields.] 11 (return) [ The Romans made war in all climates, and by their excellent discipline were in a great measure preserved in health and vigor. It may be remarke…
Gibbon argues Goth memories preserve a Scandinavian origin, then traces Gothic settlement after crossing the Baltic to the Vistula in Roman-era times and describes related Vandals and regional tribes.
and Pomerania were called Visigoths; those who came from the south of Prussia, and the northwest of Poland, called themselves Ostrogoths. Adelung, Hist. All. p. 202 Gatterer, Hist. Univ. 431.—G.] 181 (return) [ This opinion is by no means probable. The Vandals and the Goths equally belonged to the great division of the Suevi, but the two tribes were very different. Those who have treated on this pa…
He extends Christianity’s reach under Constantine—among Goths and Germans, in Iberia and Armenia, through Persia under peace, and even toward India—citing missionaries and diplomatic missions.
which might raise the admiration, and conciliate the friendship, of the Barbarians; and he successfully employed several years in a pastoral visit to the churches of the torrid zone. 80 71 (return) [ See Tillemont, Hist. des Empereurs, tom. iv. p. 429. The Greeks, the Russians, and, in the darker ages, the Latins themselves, have been desirous of placing Constantine in the catalogue of saints.] 72 (return) [ See th…
Gibbon traces monasticism’s spread from Egypt to Rome and Palestine, highlighting Athanasius, Hilarion near Gaza, Basil in Pontus, and Martin of Tours in Gaul, then expanding to islands and frontier peoples.
15 (return) [ Quanti populi habentur in urbibus, tantae paene habentur in desertis multitudines monachorum. Rufin. c. 7, in Vit. Patrum, p. 461. He congratulates the fortunate change.] Athanasius introduced into Rome the knowledge and practice of the monastic life; and a school of this new philosophy was opened by the disciples of Antony, who accompanied their primate to the holy threshold of the V…
Darwin explains that he joined the Beagle at Captain Fitz Roy’s request, then describes the voyage’s aims and his intent to condense the journal while referring readers to specialist scientific volumes.
ST. JAGO--CAPE DE VERD ISLANDS Porto Praya--Ribeira Grande--Atmospheric Dust with Infusoria--Habits of a Sea-slug and Cuttle-fish--St. Paul's Rocks, non-volcanic--Singular Incrustations--Insects the first Colonists of Islands--Fernando Noronha--Bahia--Burnished Rocks--Habits of a Diodon--Pelagic Confervae and Infusoria--Causes of discoloured Sea. AFTER having been twice driven back by heavy southwestern gales, Her …
Darwin recounts horseback trips inland from Porto Praya to Ribeira Grande and St. Domingo, describing ruined forts, birds like kingfishers, feast-day village life, trade-wind-bent trees, and naked children in Fuentes.
could not be approached. They avoided us, like partridges on a rainy day in September, running with their heads cocked up; and if pursued, they readily took to the wing. The scenery of St. Domingo possesses a beauty totally unexpected, from the prevalent gloomy character of the rest of the island. The village is situated at the bottom of a valley, bounded by lofty and jagged walls of stratified lava. The black rock…
Returning from Las Minas toward Maldonado, Darwin describes observing birds used for hunting, climbing the Sierra de las Animas for views, and interpreting stone heaps as old signaling works left by former inhabitants.
province; nor am I aware that the former inhabitants have left behind them any more permanent records than these insignificant piles on the summit of the Sierra de las Animas. The general, and almost entire absence of trees in Banda Oriental is remarkable. Some of the rocky hills are partly covered by thickets, and on the banks of the larger streams, especially to the north of Las Minas, willow-trees are not uncomm…
On April 13, 1834 the Beagle anchored near the mouth of the Santa Cruz River, and Fitz Roy led a boat expedition upstream with tracking work because strong currents made rowing impossible.
SANTA CRUZ, PATAGONIA, AND THE FALKLAND ISLANDS Santa Cruz--Expedition up the River--Indians--Immense Streams of Basaltic Lava--Fragments not transported by the River--Excavations of the Valley--Condor, Habits of--Cordillera--Erratic Boulders of great size--Indian Relics--Return to the Ship--Falkland Islands--Wild Horses, Cattle, Rabbits--Wolf-like Fox--Fire made of Bones--Manner of Hunting Wild Cattle--Geology--Str…
Darwin describes April 19–21 tracking up the Santa Cruz, noting thorny islets, shallow channels, and signs that Indigenous horse parties crossed the river nearby.
During this day we tracked but a short distance, for there were many islets, covered by thorny bushes, and the channels between them were shallow. April 20th.--We passed the islands and set to work. Our regular day's march, although it was hard enough, carried us on an average only ten miles in a straight line, and perhaps fifteen or twenty altogether. Beyond the place where we slept last night, the country is comp…
At San Pedro harbor Darwin kills a rare island fox, stays three days, and then fails to reach the summit due to impenetrable forest, unusual coastal geology, and dense tangled vegetation.
of a small axe and a few fish. How very difficult it must be to buy the smallest article, when such trouble is taken to recover so small a debt. In the evening we reached the island of San Pedro, where we found the Beagle at anchor. In doubling the point, two of the officers landed to take a round of angles with the theodolite. A fox (Canis fulvipes), of a kind said to be peculiar to the island, and very rare in i…
On March 20 the vegetation and animals thin as the expedition ascends toward the mines of San Pedro de Nolasko, and Darwin explains how laborers and cattle-drivers tend to discover ores in remote northern Chile.
mountains. In this south part of Chile, the men who drive cattle into the Cordillera, and who frequent every ravine where there is a little pasture, are the usual discoverers. 20th.--As we ascended the valley, the vegetation, with the exception of a few pretty alpine flowers, became exceedingly scanty, and of quadrupeds, birds, or insects, scarcely one could be seen. The lofty mountains, their summits marked with a…
At Weatherboard Darwin visits a dramatic gulf view with vertical sandstone cliffs and bay-like amphitheater formations, noting the difficulty of reaching waterfalls and the cliffs’ encircling appearance.
two or three small inns, there are no houses or cultivated land: the road, moreover, is solitary; the most frequent object being a bullock-waggon, piled up with bales of wool. In the middle of the day we baited our horses at a little inn, called the Weatherboard. The country here is elevated 2800 feet above the sea. About a mile and a half from this place there is a view exceedingly well worth visiting. Following…
Darwin describes reaching Blackheath inn at about 3400 feet, then walking early to Govett’s Leap, interpreting the valleys’ branching “amphitheatrical depressions” and the puzzle of their cliffs.
bottom was scarcely ever to be seen. The Blackheath is a very comfortable inn, kept by an old soldier; and it reminded me of the small inns in North Wales. 18th.--Very early in the morning, I walked about three miles to see Govett's Leap; a view of a similar character with that near the Weatherboard, but perhaps even more stupendous. So early in the day the gulf was filled with a thin blue haze, which, although des…
He gives natural history of the Keeling Islands, stressing their scant flora due to coral composition, then explains how seeds are transported by ocean drift and monsoon winds from Sumatra, Java, and elsewhere.
of a refuge for the destitute: Professor Henslow informs me that of the twenty species nineteen belong to different genera, and these again to no less than sixteen families! [1] In Holman's [2] Travels an account is given, on the authority of Mr. A. S. Keating, who resided twelve months on these islands, of the various seeds and other bodies which have been known to have been washed on shore. "Seeds and plants from…
Caesar decides to invade Britain late in summer for intelligence about harbors and peoples, relying on merchants for information that the Gauls generally do not know well.
were the nations which inhabited it, nor what system of war they followed, nor what customs they used, nor what harbours were convenient for a great number of large ships. XXI.--He sends before him Caius Volusenus with a ship of war, to acquire a knowledge of these particulars before he in person should make a descent into the island, as he was convinced that this was a judicious measure. He commissioned him to thor…
In 1517 the expedition sails west from Cuba through storms, sights an unknown Yucatán region, names it Grand Cairo, meets canoes with a local cazique, and is invited to Punta de Cotoche.
_Of the Discovery of Yucatan, and the battle we fought there with the Natives._ We sailed in the year 1517 from the harbour of Jaruco and left the Havannah. This harbour lies on the north coast of Cuba, and is so called by the natives. After twelve days' sail we had passed the coast of Saint Antonius, which in Cuba is called the country of the Guanatavies, a wild tribe of Indians. We now made for the wide ocean,…
Díaz describes the arrival at Vera Cruz with Francisco de Saucedo and Luis Marín, the news that Diego Velázquez received authority to trade and found colonies, and the men’s request to verify Motecusuma’s power and begin an expedition under Cortés.
*How we arrived in our town of Vera Cruz, and what happened there.* We arrived at Vera Cruz, in company of the most distinguished personages of Sempoalla, on the same day that a ship had run in there from Cuba. The captain's name was Francisco de Saucedo, but we always called him the gallant, from his extravagance in beautifying his outward person, being altogether a perfect fop. He was said to have been at one time…
As indigenous allies describe Spaniards’ terrifying weapons and influence, Bernal Díaz recounts a nearby display of vast piles of human skulls and heads, and notes advice to avoid Cholula and choose the Tlascalla road.
In compliance with this advice, no cross was erected here. On this expedition we had a large dog with us, the property of Francisco de Lugo. As the animal did nothing but bark the whole night, the caziques asked our friends of Sempoalla whether it was a lion or a tiger which we employed for the purpose of tearing the Indians to pieces? The Sempoallans answered that we indeed let it loose upon those who attacked us. …
They recount a prophecy that a people would come from the rising sun to rule them, which Cortes and his men interpret as Spanish destiny, and then the narrative shifts to Ordas’s ascent of Popocatepetl.
for an instant, that this country was once inhabited by giants. Cortes observed, that we ought to forward these bones to his majesty in Spain by the very first opportunity. The caziques also mentioned another tradition which had come down from their forefathers. A certain god, to whom they paid great honours, had informed them that there would one time come from the rising of the sun, out of distant countries, a peo…
Ordas reaches the Popocatepetl crater, views Mexico from the summit, returns to Tlascalla, and later Spaniards order cages of captives for sacrifices broken open, ending but not preventing further atrocities.
elevation they could plainly discern the great city of Mexico, with the whole of its lake, and the surrounding townships; for this mountain only lies about forty-eight miles from Mexico. After Ordas had well viewed everything and sufficiently enjoyed and wondered at the sight of Mexico and its suburbs, he again returned with the two soldiers and the Indians of Huexotzinco to Tlascalla. The inhabitants there consider…
On the march from Cholulla, Cortes’ forces scout and keep cannon ready; they receive counsel and gifts from Huexotzinco at a mountain pass and choose a safer route toward Tlalmanalco via Chalco.
_How we set out on our march to Mexico; what happened to us on our route; and the message Motecusuma sent us._ On our march from Cholulla, we adopted our usual precautions. A few of our cavalry were always in advance to explore the territory, and these were closely followed by a number of our best foot to assist them in case of an ambush, and to clear any obstruction from the road. Our cannon and muskets were re…
Cortes asks where gold comes from and how rivers wash it, learns routes to Zacatula, Tustepec, and Guacasualco, and sends miners and officers—Gonzalo de Umbria, Pizarro, and Diego de Ordas—to explore and sound the coast.
_How Cortes sends out some of our men to explore the gold mines and those rivers which wash down gold; also the harbours from the Panuco to the Tabasco, but particularly the river Guacasualco._ Cortes one day, as usual, sitting with Motecusuma, the discourse, among other things, turned upon mining, and he inquired of the monarch where the gold mines and those rivers were situated where gold dust was found, a…
The viceroy sends three ships to assist Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s overland exploration of the seven Cíbola towns after Franciscans report pastures, cattle, and multi-story towns with steps.
_How the viceroy sends out a squadron of three vessels into the South Sea to the assistance of Francisco Vasquez Coronado, in the conquest of Cibola._ I have already mentioned in a former chapter that the viceroy and the royal auditors had sent out an armament for the discovery of the seven towns, which are also termed the towns of Cibola. A certain cavalier of Salamanca, called Francisco Vasquez Coronado, w…
Upon learning of Alvarado’s vast westward expedition, the viceroy is astonished, is persuaded by cosmographers that China can be reached due west, negotiates terms with Alvarado at Chiribitio, and appoints Villalobos to command with Alvarado present at departure.
his course for the harbour de la Purificacion, in the province of Xalisco, where he took a further supply of water and provisions on board, besides a few additional troops. When the viceroy received intelligence that so vast an armament had been fitted out at such a distance from Vera Cruz and Mexico, he was filled with utter astonishment. He consulted the most experienced pilots and cosmographers, and learnt from t…
Tocqueville continues describing Indigenous beliefs and practices, then suggests a more civilized people may have preceded them, referencing traditions, tumuli, and finds of bones and metal artifacts on the Ohio and central valley.
by their inferior condition. Unable to perceive a single chance of regaining their equality, they give up to despair, and allow themselves to fall below the dignity of human nature. This unfortunate effect of the disparity of conditions is not observable in savage life: the Indians, although they are ignorant and poor, are equal and free. At the period when Europeans first came among them the natives of North Americ…
Tocqueville’s Appendix A describes a vast American desert east of the Rockies based on Major Long’s congressional expeditions, using a longitude line near the 20th meridian from Washington as a guide.
Appendix A For information concerning all the countries of the West which have not been visited by Europeans, consult the account of two expeditions undertaken at the expense of Congress by Major Long. This traveller particularly mentions, on the subject of the great American desert, that a line may be drawn nearly parallel to the 20th degree of longitude *a (meridian of Washington), beginning from the Red River and…
He explains why laws should prevent private enterprises violating foreign peace, proposes reinforcing the Mediterranean amid Barbary/ Tunis uncertainty, praises Lewis and Clark’s success, notes Pike’s Mississippi survey, and discusses planned abolition of the slave trade in 1808.
cases where the offender is able to keep out of sight every indication of his purpose which could draw on him the exercise of the powers now given by law. The States on the coast of Barbary seem generally disposed at present to respect our peace and friendship; with Tunis alone some uncertainty remains. Persuaded that it is our interest to maintain our peace with them on equal terms or not at all, I propose to send …
The introduction recounts Dinocrates’ bold presentation to Alexander the Great, Alexander’s praise and correction of his proposed city-site on Mount Athos, and the eventual founding of Alexandria in Egypt.
INTRODUCTION 1. Dinocrates, an architect who was full of confidence in his own ideas and skill, set out from Macedonia, in the reign of Alexander, to go to the army, being eager to win the approbation of the king. He took with him from his country letters from relatives and friends to the principal military men and officers of the court, in order to gain access to them more readily. Being politely received by them, …
Jefferson’s memoir continues by describing earlier exploration schemes (including John Ledyard and Andre Michaux), the 1803 congressional plan to trace the Missouri to the Pacific, and the selection of Lewis and William Clark as commanders.
the head of the Nile; on which day, however, he ended his career and life: and thus failed the first attempt to explore the western part of our northern continent. In 1792, I proposed to the American Philosophical Society that we should set on foot a subscription to engage some competent person to explore that region in the opposite direction; that is, by ascending the Missouri, crossing the Stony mountains, and des…
Jefferson presents the signed instructions for Meriwether Lewis (June 20, 1803), detailing equipment, geographical observations, scientific and ethnographic reporting, and the broader commercial purpose of the expedition.
enterprise, in the event of accident to himself, he proposed William Clarke, brother of general George Rogers Clarke, who was approved, and, with that view, received a commission of captain. In April, 1803, a draught of his instructions was sent to captain Lewis, and on the twentieth of June they were signed in the following form: "To Meriwether Lewis, esquire, captain of the first regiment of infantry of the …
The instructions continue, requiring latitude/longitude records, careful river and portage measurements, study of Native nations and their laws, and observations of soil, plants, animals, minerals, climate, and seasons.
best communication with the Pacific ocean, should also be fixed by observation; and the course of that water to the ocean, in the same manner as that of the Missouri. "Your observations are to be taken with great pains and accuracy; to be entered distinctly and intelligibly for others as well as yourself; to comprehend all the elements necessary, with the aid of the usual tables, to fix the latitude a…
This passage is a table-of-contents style chapter summary listing events and themes in Chapter I across multiple pages, without providing narrative text.
Captain Lewis proceeds before the main body in search of the Shoshonees; his ill success on the first interview. The party with captain Lewis at length discover the source of the Missouri. Captain Clarke with the main body still employed in ascending the Missouri or Jefferson river. Captain Lewis's second interview with the Shoshonees attended with…
This passage continues the chapter-outline/table-of-contents style listing, describing contests, Shoshone social practices, travel, councils, illness, and travel through rivers to Lewis River.
Contest between Drewyer and a Shoshonee. The fidelity and honour of that tribe. The party set out on their journey. The conduct of Cameahwait reproved, and himself reconciled. The easy parturition of the Shoshonee women. History of this nation. Their terror of the Pawkees. Their government and family economy in their treatment of their women. Their…
After the 1803 Louisiana acquisition, U.S. leaders plan an expedition to explore the Missouri and reach the Pacific, appointing Meriwether Lewis and William Clarke, who prepare at Wood River in anticipation of official cession and depart with boats, supplies, and Indian gifts.
are particularly described--They encamp at the mouth of the river Platte--A particular description of the surrounding country--The various Creeks, Bays, Islands, Prairies, &c., given in the course of the route. On the acquisition of Louisiana, in the year 1803, the attention of the government of the United States, was early directed towards exploring and improving the new territory. Accordingly in the summer of the …
From May 21 onward the party continues upriver past farms, creeks, and islands, meets Kickapoo hunters to exchange deer and whiskey, and reaches Osage Woman River, describing natural features and dangerous rapids.
and rain from going more than about three miles, when we encamped on the upper point of an island, nearly opposite a creek which falls in on the south side. On the 22d we made about eighteen miles, passing several small farms on the bank of the river, a number of islands, and a large creek on the south side, called Bonhomme, or Goodman's river. A small number of emigrants from the United States have settled on the s…
Traveling from May 26 to June 1, the expedition passes named islands and rivers (Buffaloe, Otter, Gasconade), halts for hunting, makes celestial observations, and receives a letter about Louisiana’s cession being burned and disbelieved by Indians.
the convenience of trade, and form the last establishment of whites on the Missouri. It rained last night, yet we found this morning that the river had fallen several inches. May 26. The wind being favourable we made eighteen miles to-day. We passed in the morning several islands, the largest of which is Buffaloe island, separated from the southern side by a small channel which receives the waters of Buffaloe creek.…
Continuing June 3–June 8, the expedition moves through a chain of creeks and islands, examines suspected lead sites, meets French traders from the Kansas River, navigates difficult sandbars, and describes salt-lick and mineral regions.
of junction is in latitude 38 degrees 31' 16", and at a short distance from it is a high commanding position, whence we enjoyed a delightful prospect of the country. The Osage river gives or owes its name to a nation inhabiting its banks at a considerable distance from this place. Their present name however, seems to have originated from the French traders, for both among themselves and their neighbours they are cal…
On June 7–June 9 the party passes Painted limestone near Big Manitou Creek, kills rattlesnakes, reaches Good Woman River and Mine River, observes visitors from the Sioux, and continues toward Arrow Rock and the Arrows Prairie area.
with the whites has rendered beaver skins more valuable, the sanctity of these maternal relatives has visibly reduced, and the poor animals have nearly lost all the privileges of kindred. On the afternoon of June 3, we proceeded, and at three miles distant, reached a creek called Cupboard creek, from a rock of that appearance near its entrance. Two miles further we encamped at Moreau creek, a stream of twenty yards …
The expedition continues upriver into June 19–22, distributing mosquito nets, passing islands and creeks (including Tiger Creek and Panther Island), anchoring near a lake used by deer and birds, and then reaching a fort-suitable high bank by June 23.
hunters brought in a fat horse which was probably lost by some war party--this being the crossing place for the Sauks, Ayauways, and Sioux, in their excursions against the Osage. June 19, the oars being finished, we proceeded under a gentle breeze by two large and some smaller islands. The sandbars are numerous and so bad, that at one place we were forced to clear away the driftwood in order to pass: the water too w…
The party travels along the Missouri, naming creeks and sandbars, observing deer and prairies, then halts for two days at the mouth of the Kanzas to repair, observe, and replenish.
[Footnote A: The United States built in September, 1808, a factory and fort at this spot, which is very convenient for trading with the Osages, Ayauways and Kanzas.] The next day, 24th, we passed at eight miles distance, Hay Cabin creek coming in from the south, about twenty yards wide, and so called from camps of straw built on it; to the north are some rocks projecting into the river, and a little beyond them a cr…
The expedition continues past Field Islands, then on July 2th reaches Bear Medicine Island and camps near the former Kanzas village and French fort, where the stationed party was likely killed by Indians.
two small, called Isles des Pares or Field Islands. Paccaun trees were this day seen, and large quantities of deer and turkies on the banks. We had advanced twelve miles. July 2d. We left our encampment, opposite to which is a high and beautiful prairie on the southern side, and passed up the south of the islands, which are high meadows, and a creek on the north called Pare creek. Here for half an hour the river bec…