yet, however, much frequented by foreigners. Some advise the emigrant to sail for New Orleans, whence he may easily be transported to any point on the Mississippi or its tributaries. This route is circuitous, but requires only one change of conveyance at the port above named, where it can be cheaply and expeditiously made. The fares vary much, and the bad practice prevails of fixing them by special agreement. Mr Thomson states, that in the winter of 1841-2, the rate between New Orleans and Pittsburg, 1977 miles, was only from fifteen to twenty-five dollars, and he travelled between the former place and Cincinnati on deck for four dollars without provisions, which were purchased for one dollar and a half. The deck is protected from the weather, but has no other convenience.

Labourers and mechanics also in every part of the States obtain employment at a rate of wages considerably higher than at home. They encounter, however, difficulties and drawbacks. A peculiar mode of working prevails, to which they must learn to conform. Constant activity and energy are required, and a great deal of work must be put through their hands, though the execution need not be very delicate. In consequence of the high wages, the modes both of living and dressing are expensive. The extreme cheapness of spirits affords a temptation to excessive indulgence, which the masters do not excuse, as their own workmen, though addicted to their too frequent use, seldom carry it to intoxication. A late emigrant of this class gives the following statement of the tradesmen in demand, and the wages to each; the latter we suspect too high. At the end of 1836, a rise was given after an obstinate strike, but rather perhaps through the speculative excitement then reigning, and probably not supported during the severe depression which followed.

Bricklayers, much employment from the general substitution of this material for wood, 6s. 3d. a-day. Masons, stone-cutters, carpenters, good, nearly same

wages.

Painters, much, both inside and outside of houses and ships, 7s. 3d.

Cabinet-makers, much, but low wages, about 5s. 4d. Smiths, good, about 8s.; tinplate, 6s. 3d.

Shoemakers, tailors, and hatters, large and good, about 6s. 3d.

Curriers and leather-dressers, much in request, but at low wages, about 5s.

Saddlers, trunk and coach makers, turners, carvers, gilders, good.

9s.

Shipwrights, 8s.; wheelwrights, 7s. 4d.; machinists,

Superintending engineers, not much esteemed.

A more recent emigrant states the employment in cotton and woollen manufactures as good at 4s. 2d., and perhaps this is as high as can now be reasonably expected, unless in the most skilled trades. Surer employ and higher wages may be had in the southern cities; but hard labour there is trying to the health, unless in an excursion during the winter months. In the west, wages are good and living cheap; but the occupation is not so steady. Canals and railways, which some years ago afforded extensive employment, mostly to Irish emigrants, are nearly quite suspended. Almost the only field for this class of labourers is now in British America.

Y

VOL. III.

CHAPTER VIII.

Concluding Historical Sketch.

Object proposed-State of America after the War-Transactions with the Barbary States-Election of Monroe-State of Parties under him-Disputes with Spain-Cession of Florida-Question of Slavery in Missouri-South American Republics acknowledged—Tariff of 1824—Presidency of Quincy Adams-Tariff of 1828-Presidency of Jackson -His Policy-Veto on a National Bank - North-West Indian War-Carolina resists the Tariff-CompromiseJackson re-elected-Measures against the Bank-Plan for Removal of the Indians-Seminole War-Treaty with France -Finances-State of Parties-Van Buren President-Great Financial Embarrassment-Civil War in Canada-Disturbances on the Frontier-Boundary Dispute-Election of Harrison-His Death-Tyler President-His Measures-Offends the Whig Party-Arrest of Macleod-His Acquittal-Disturbances in Rhode Island-State of Parties-Repudiation by the States-Finances-Oregon Question.

IN a former part of the work, the history of the United States has been brought down to the close of the last war with Britain in 1814. The subsequent events have been less prominent, and their narration is subject to all the disadvantages of cotemporary history. It cannot rest either upon official documents or authentic memoirs, but is necessarily drawn from ephemeral sources, tinctured with party spirit and the passions of the moment. Yet a connected outline of prominent and ascertained facts may gratify the reader, who recollects them perhaps only as they occurred, in a detached shape, losing sight of their succession and mutual bearing.

The Americans, as above shown, had terminated the

war, resigning all their objects in undertaking it, yet preserving their territory and resources undiminished. They had, however, contracted a debt of 81 millions of dollars, in addition to a previous one of 39 millions, making in all 120 (nearly £30,000,000 sterling). This was independent of some farther claims which it would be necessary to liquidate. A reduction of the large war establishment was deemed indispensable, yet without bringing it so extremely low as formerly under Jefferson; the fortifications commenced along the Atlantic coast were to be completed; and measures taken to maintain and even strengthen the navy. The miserable state of the currency showed the necessity of a new national bank, which was accordingly chartered on the footing formerly mentioned.

The states of Barbary, especially Algiers, taking advantage of the British war, had recommenced their piracies, and advanced anew demands of tribute. The American government now determined to chastise this conduct, and sent two successive squadrons, under Decatur and Bainbridge. The former arrived first, scoured the Mediterranean, and captured two Algerine ships of war; then presenting himself before the city, he intimidated the Dey into a treaty, making satisfaction for former outrages, and withdrawing all future claim for tribute. A visit to Tunis and Tripoli produced results equally satisfactory. Bainbridge then arrived, and as the superior officer, took the command; but all had been already done. He merely appeared again before the cities, and finding every thing in a satisfactory state, withdrew. Yet the Dey next year assumed a hostile attitude, alleging an infraction of the treaty, and resuming the demand of tribute. On a determined answer being returned, he withdrew these pretensions.

Mr Madison's second term of office having expired in March 1817, he followed the example of Washington and Jefferson, and declined standing a third time. His party brought forward Monroe, long an eminent diplomatist,

and who had acted under him as secretary. The federals put forward Mr Rufus King of New York; but he had the votes only of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Delaware, all the other states being unanimous for his opponent, who was thus elected by 183 to 34; Mr Tompkins of New York being made vice-president. Monroe, as we have seen, had commenced his career as a fiery republican, even of the French school; but age and experience had cooled his ardour. He made it even a study to abate that violence of political zeal which had agitated the nation, and succeeded so remarkably, that his administration displayed an internal tranquillity and harmony, of which there has been no example either before or since. His party indeed, from causes already noticed, had adopted protection to manufactures, and a national bank, the two favourite objects of the commercial interest, who having obtained these, willingly acquiesced in the name of democrat, renouncing even that of federal, which had ceased to have any hold of the popular feeling.

The attention of the cabinet was now anxiously directed towards obtaining possession of Florida. That province was so enclosed within the States' territories, and so necessary for completing their outline, that its possession by Spain was an uneasy and inconvenient circumstance. This power, being extremely weak, and involved in a fruitless contest with her own South American colonies, could oppose no serious resistance. Yet it was desirable to obtain a decent pretext, which circumstances in some degree afforded. Some adventurers from the revolted colonies, and pretending the authority of their chiefs, took possession of Amelia Island, on the Floridan coast; while another band seized Galveston, in Texas. From these points they were alleged to carry on privateering operations, and otherwise to annoy American citizens. It being discovered that neither had connexion with any government, expeditions were sent which rooted up their settlements; yet this was complained of by Spain as an encroachment. Again, on