History of America 1843

Washington D.C. March 1843. John Quincy Adams sits for the camera of Philip Haas. At 75 “Old Man Eloquent” is the first President ever captured on a daguerreotype. He has been out of the white House for 14 years now, but his intense gaze still captivates Washington's political elite. Back in public service, he is devoting his congressional career to raising a consistent and forceful voice against slavery as a moral evil.

U.S. Seeks to annex Texas; Houston wary. Washington Oct. 16, 1843
Secretary of State, Abel Upshur today informed Isaac Van Zandt, the Texas minister to the United States, that the American government would like to begin annexation negotiations with the Republic of Texas as soon as possible. President Houston however, is beset by the Mexican threat of re-conquest, the uncertain attitude of the British and the indecisive policy of the United States.

Term “Millionaire” is increasingly used. 1843.
Do you have a million dollars? Not many Americans are worth that much. If you are, call yourself a “millionaire.” That was the term used in reports of the death of Henri Lorillard, the tobacco producer, banker and landlord. American innovation is increasing the number of rich people. Exports have gone up from $74 million in 12830 to $150 million this year. Many of those contributing to this growth have become “millionaires.”

Morse wires “What hath God Wrought!”
Washington May 24,1844
Sitting at a desk in this city today, the inventor Samuel F.B. Morse tapped out the message “What hath God Wrought” by telegraph to a friend 40 miles away n Baltimore. It was the first telegraph message ever transmitted between two cities. Praise for Morse is mixed with criticism by those who challenge his claim to a patent on the telegraph from, among others Joseph Henry, acclaimed as America’s foremost scientist.

German introduces lager in Milwaukee. Wisconsin Apr. 1844
A new beer called “lager” has been brought to America by German immigrants.; It is brewed and aged longer, using a different method of fermentation and is much lighter in colour and alcoholic content than most of the beers produced in America. This lager was first brewed by John Wagner in Philadelphia two years ago.

Polk elected on motto “54-40 or Fight”. Dec. 4, 1844
James K Polk, with “54-40 or fight” as his slogan was elected President today, defeating his Whig rival, Senator Henry Claly. Polk’s running mate, George M Dallas, was elected Vice President. Polk, a leading supporter of Presidents Jackson and Van Buren during his years in Congress, had held the post of Speaker of the House and Governor of Tennessee. In his campaign for the presidency, he rallied the voters by pledging to fight for a treaty . defining Oregon’s northern border.

Mob kills Joseph Smith & his brother. Illinois, June 27, 1844
In Carthage today, a mob of 200 men burst into the jail and murdered Joseph Smith, the Mormon leader and his brother Hyrum. The two had been jailed for destroying the press and offices of the rival Mormon newspaper the Expositor, which opposed polygamy. The Mormons resisted the arrest and the militia was called out. The Governor assured Smith’s safety if he would give up, but this proved illusory. When it appeared that the Smiths would be freed, the mob formed, saying that as “law could not reach them powder and shot would”. The mob overran the guards, killing the Smiths and wounding two of their friends.

Westward expansion proclaimed America’s “Manifest Destiny”. 1845.
A strange mixture of exhilaration and foreboding seems to be permeating the atmosphere in the capital this summer. The general feeling is that, for good or bad, the nation is preparing to enter a new phase in its evolutionary history, and this new era appears to be one that is founded on extreme nationalism, and perhaps even militarism.
Many observers interpret President James K. Polk’s recent landslide election as a mandate for acquisition of Spanish California, the British controlled Oregon Country , the annexation of Texas and even a pre-emptive war with Mexico.

Margaret Fuller’s book for Women.
New York, Feb. 15, 1845.
A review of Miss Margaret Fullers revolutionary new book for Woman and the 19th Century appeared today in the Broadway Journal. The review was quite favourable: Ms. Fuller’s book reviews the history of women and reaches the conclusion that they should now seek careers and fulfillment outside of marital duties.

U.S. Flag over California. July 7, 1846.
The Stars and Stripes now fly over this former Mexican province. Commodore John D Sloat, commander of the United States Navy’s pacific Squadron, sailed into Monterey today raised the American flag and assumed his post as military Governor. The events are the culmination of four months of American intrigue and intervention.
In the meantime President Polk, has ordered the Army of the West, several thousand soldiers led by General Stephen Kearny, to proceed to California. Their mission is said to be the conquest of all the Mexican territory west of Fort Leavenworth to the pacific. Mexico has apparently lost California - and perhaps more - forever.

British give up Oregon. Washington June 15, 1846
After years of squabbling that led to the brink of war, Britain finally agreed today to end the joint occupation of the Oregon Country. President Polk, who had been advised that “the only way to treat John Bull was to look him straight in the eye” apparently did just that - and it worked. Polk had insisted that the just claim of the United States in Oregon extended to the 54‘40 line, south of the Alaska boundary. Britain refused to accept this notion. As the possibility of war over the issue became real, a diplomatic compromise appeared increasingly attractive to both parties.

Surgery performed with use of ether. Boston Oct. 16,1846
Dr. W T G Morton provided convincing proof today that painless surgery is possible. Dr. Morton, a dentist and student at Harvard Medical School, used ether gas to render a patient unconscious so that a facial tumour could be removed in a historic operation at Massachusetts General Hospital. “Gentlemen, this is no humbug” exclaimed the doctor who performed the surgery. Those who saw the operation hailed Dr. Morton as a benefactor of mankind.

New Baseball: Knickerbockers are routed. Hoboken, New Jersey, June 19, 1846.
This was baseball as none had ever seen it before. A club made up mostly of volunteer firemen from Manhattan, named the Knickerbockers, was routed by another amateur team by the embarrassing score of 23 to 1. The winners who were simply called the New York Nine, romped to victory on the Elysian Fields under a new set of rules and a new ‘diamond’-shaped playing field.

Scott occupies Vera Cruz. Mexico March 29, 1847.
General Winfield Scott and his troops have taken possession of the Mexican stronghold at Vera Cruz. The general announced today that effective enemy opposition has been crushed and that his forces are in firm control of the city. Scott the United States Army Supreme Commander, is a giant of a man 6‘5“ and 250 pounds, and he is nicknamed ”old fuss and feathers“ because of his insistence that his men maintain a spit-and-polish appearance. In this campaign Scott led an armada of 200 warships and support craft that transported 10,000 soldiers and marines to the shores of Vera Cruz on the gulf of Mexico. Scott opted for an artillery bombardment to level the fortresses and reinforced bunkers and ground the enemy defences into the dust. After only a minimal fight the Mexicans surrendered.
American losses were put at 82 killed and wounded. Enemy casualties were about the same, but unfortunately they included a group of women and children who were in a church that collapsed while the bombardment occurred.

The Volunteer State does itself proud. Tennessee 1847.
The people of Tennessee will volunteer to fight - in fact they’ll even pay good money for the chance. Some 30,000 Tennesseans have volunteered to do battle with the Mexicans on behalf of Texas independence, more than 10 times the 2,800 the federal government requested. Some of the would-be soldiers are reported to be offering as much as $250 for a chance to fight in Mexico. The situation confirms Tennessee as the “Volunteer State” a nickname it received after sending eager volunteer soldiers to fight in the Creek Indian War 35 years ago.

Mormons settle on Great Salt Lake. Utah, July 24, 1847.
After many tribulations, a Mormon party led by Brigham Young arrived in Utah territory today and here they plan to build a settlement where they can find the peace that has so far eluded them. Having been driven from one home to another, the Mormon leaders hope

That this location is remote enough to grant them sanctuary. The present company pulled out of Nauvoo, Illinois, in February last year. When it reached Council Bluffs, Iowa, a Captain Allen of the United states Army showed up and requested 500 volunteers to fight in the war against Mexico. The Mormons quickly favoured this request and a Mormon battalion was organised

Taylor: War hero in the presidency New Orleans Dec. 3, 1847
General Zachary Taylor, hero of the Mexican war, returned to the country today to a resounding welcome. Rumours abound that the general wishes to ride his military glory to victory in next year’s presidential election. Taylor claims he doesn’t “care a fig about the office”. But in a January letter to New York’s Morning Express, he criticised the Polk administration for lax prosecution of the war. Taylor who grew up on the Kentucky frontier, is strongly pro-slavery, believing “the South must throw ourselves on the Constitution and appeal to the sword if necessary”.

Gold found in California. San Francisco Dec. 5, 1848.
Now that President Polk has confirmed that there’s “gold in them thar hills” the rush is on. Actually, tales of California gold are not new. Six yars ago a rancher near Los Angeles found gold dust in the roots of an onion he dug up for lunch. About the same time a herder stumbled on some gold.
What piqued American interest was a publicity stunt. Sam Brennan head of San Francisco’s Mormon community and a grocer who stood to profit fro a boom, started a rush by riding down the street shouting “Gold! Gold! On the American River!”. He did what the press could not. The New York Herald picked up the story and the rest is history.

Gold Rush 49‘ers flock to California. California Dec. 31, 1849.
Its been just over a year since President Polk announced the discovery of gold in California, and already the face of the world has changed forever. In terms of people alone, it is said that more than 80,000 have headed west.
The continent’s once wide open, unexplored heartland is now criss-crossed with trails. Out West there are paths through Kansas, Idaho and Utah. In the southwest, thousands follow the Gila River towards California, and in Texas there are reports of 49ers crossing the panhandle and unintentionally decimating the Comanches with cholera. In the deep south, Forts Smith and van Buren have become starting points for many prospectors. But the largest surge has been by ship, with the first, appropriately the California, arriving on February 28th. Americans pour into California, some via the tip of South America. Others take clippers to Panama, crossing the isthmus by train, then re-boarding ships in the Pacific. Some 10,000 Australians had no problem getting to California but residents wish they did. Some of the Aussies in gangs called “Sydney Ducks” blatantly break the law.
San Francisco has changed dramatically, it now has a bakery which specialises in a bread that has become synonymous with the prospectors - sourdough. The city also has a new newspaper Alta California, featuring humorous pieces by clever writers.
There are also quick profits, take Henderson Lewelling, in from Oregon with a load of apples. He sold them all at $5 a piece to miners hungry for fresh fruit. Lewelling is sure to be back with more apples.

20 die in riots tied to feud between actors. New York, May 10, 1849
Long simmering anti-British sentiments flared into a riot outside the Astor Place Opera House tonight, leaving at least 20 dead. Over 10,000 people many from Irish gangs, surrounded the theatre presenting the British Tragedian William Charles Macready, who is feuding with Edwin Forrest, the popular American actor now appearing at a nearby theatre. The Astor Place mob turned uglier as the night wore on, chanting “Down with the English hog”. hurling stones and charging the militia, who eventually opened fire.

Edgar Allan Poe dies. Maryland Oct 7, 1849.
In an ending as horrible as anything in his morbid and fantastic fiction, Edgar Allan Poe died today at the age of 40 four days after he was found drunk and delirious in front of a saloon here in Baltimore. In spite of Poe’s considerable talent, his vices had rendered him destitute during his final years.

A House Divided
The election of Abraham Lincoln to the Presidency was a heavy blow to those Southerners who hoped for a peaceful resolution of the nation’s sectional conflict. A Northern Republican, Lincoln represented a party committed since its origins to preventing any extension of slavery. While Lincoln himself at first had no intention of attacking slavery where it existed, the Republicans did have the support of most abolitionists, who wanted to eliminate the institution entirely, everywhere, and at once. To the South, therefore, the Republican victory was a triumph of a man and a party deeply hostile to its interests. In the past, national leaders had attempted to bridge the gap between North and South by appealing across regional lines to a common national interest. Now, opinion in both sections had hardened to the point where compromise seemed impossible. One of Lincoln’s prophecies seemed to be borne out. “A house divided against itself” he had warned in debate in 1858, “cannot stand”.
It was not at first clear, however, that the solution of the sectional crisis would be wa. As the Southern states began to secede form the Union late in 1860, many people in both regions assumed, and hoped, that the North would let them go in peace. Others believed that secession as a temporary crisis and would soon resolve itself if only cool heads could prevail. Even in mid-April 1861, when forces of the new Confederate States of America opened fire on Fort Sumpter, people on both sides assumed that the armed conflict would be brief and limited.

Congress adopts slavery compromise. Washington Sept. 20, 1850.
After months of bitter sectional struggle and the threat of a civil war, a bundle of legislative bills that have become known collectively as the Compromise of 1850, has been signed into law by President Millard Fillmore. The great conflicts over the admission of California as a state and the extension of slavery are settled for now, and the Union has been preserved. The Compromise was finally completed earlier today when the last of the provisions was signed by President Fillmore.

Jenny Lind Arrives, welcomed by fans. New York, Sept. 12, 1850.
Amreica’s musical spirit took wings last night as Jenny Lind, “the Swedish Nightingale” made her long-awaited debut at the jam-packed Castle Garden. Although some wondered if her voice could live up to her reputation, a crowd of about 40,000 - one of the largest ever to greet a steamship - turned out and deluged the Son Bird with a shower of flowers. The purity of Lind’s voice last night dispelled any doubt as she offered songs by Bellini, Rossini, Weber, Meyerbeer and as an encore, Stephen Foster.

Yacht America wins cup in British race. Cowes, England, Aug. 22, 1851.
A United States yacht has stunned the sailing world with triumph over Britain’s best.; he America, designed more on clipper-ship lines than the traditional cods-head and mackerel tail configuration, captured the 100- guinea cup of the Royal Yacht Squadron by winning the 60-mile race around the isle of Wight. Because the America won the prize, it has been dubbed the “America’s Cup”.

Foster’s latest hit is “Swanee River”. New York, Aug 26, 1851.
The sheet music says the Old Folks at Home also known as “Swanee River,” was written by E.P. Christy. But don’t let that fool you. This year’s runaway hit bears the indelible mark of Stephen Foster, whose previous “Negro” songs, turned out for “Christies Minstrels” include “Oh Susanna” in 1847, and“ Camptown Races” published earlier this year. Foster, aged 25, has been composing songs since he was a boy. A few years ago he signed an unusual and prestigious publishing contract that will guarantee him two cents a copy for each song sold.

“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” published; sells 300,000. New York, 1852.
The anti-slavery movement has found its most effective spokeswoman in a novice novelist, Harriet Beecher Stowe, the 39-year-old daughter of Calvinist thinker Lyman Beecher and the wife of his disciple C.E.Stowe. Mrs. Stowe, who now lives in Maine, has stirred up a storm of controversy with “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” or “Life among the Lowly” the tragic tale of a devout and selfless slave who rescues a white child, but then is sold to a sadistic master, Simon Legree. Legree is so unhinged by Tom’s Christian virtue and quiet fortitude that he has the slave flogged to death. It was turned into a play in New York and ran for months before moving to the national Theatre and has been a triumph.

Yale, Harvard hold first rowing meet
Lake Winnepesaukee N.H. Aug, 1852
The sport of rowing is gaining steadily I popularity among New England colleges and Yale and Harvard have taken their friendly rivalry to the waters here for what is believed to be the first inter-collegiate meeting in any sport. The Eli crew has been rowing since 1845. The sport has also attracted the interest of the students at Amherst, Bowdoin, Brown and Massachusetts agricultural.

Levi Strauss sells brown jeans to miners. San Francisco 1853
A Bavarian dry goods dealer named Levi Strauss is doing a brisk business fashioning and selling a kind o heavyweight trousers to the gold prospectors here. The jeans, as they are sometimes called, being made of the durable twilled cotton cloth known in France as “genes,” are loose fitting with plenty of pockets. Miners need these pockets to keep their tools accessible. The pants are also very strong. In fact, when Strauss came to San Francisco three years ago, he intended to sell the same material for tents; not finding a market for them, he converted the fabric into trousers. Usually the cloth is brown, but Strauss has been experimenting with indigo dye a cheaper colouring that perhaps some of the less successful miners might appreciate.

Amelia’s bloomers create a sensation. Hartford Connecticut, July 4, 1853.
As everyone knows women do not have “legs” the word is simply too indelicate to utter in public. The reader should be reminded of this fact before being informed that Miss Amelia Jenks Bloomer, a publisher and an advocate of women’s rights delivered a 4th of July address today while dressed in a pair of Turkish style pantaloon draped loosely over her limbs. A bodice and a short skirt completed the curious outfit. In spite of the jeers of onlookers some friends of Miss Bloomer have followed suit.

First potato chips made in Saratoga. 1853.
Fried potatoes have long been popular in America, but a new variation has come in vogue since its accidental creation at Moon’s Lake Lodge here. It seems a customer ordered chef George Crum to make him thin sliced potatoes. Out of spite, Crum sliced them paper thin and fried them - to the delight of his customers. Thus were “Saratoga Chips” invented

Kansas, Nebraska free to chose slavery. Washington May 6, 1854
Congress today passed the Kansas-Nebraska Act, allowing settlers of the newly created territories of Kansas and Nebraska to chose between free soil and slavery. The bill, which was accompanied by an amendment repealing the Missouri compromise of 1820, has touched off a violent and bloody struggle between pro-slavery and abolitionist forces. After three months of bitter debate, the Senate passed the bill t 1;10 am. By a vote of 37 to 14. Three days earlier, the House passed it by a vote of 113 to 110.

Lincoln calls for emancipation of slaves. Peoria, Illinois, Oct. 16, 1854.
Abraham Lincoln today condemned the Kansas-Nebrska Act and called for the gradual emancipation of Southern slaves. “I have no prejudice against the Southern people,” declared Lincoln, a lawyer and politician whose reputation had been largely confined to Illinois until now. “I surely will not blame them for not doing what I should not know how to do myself”. The former member of the House also declared “no man is good enough to govern another man without that others consent”.

Kansas Territory has two governments. Dec. 15, 1855.
Kansas has two governments now that the territory’s anti-slavery settlers have adopted their own constitution. Ever since the passage last year of the Kansas-Nebraska Ac, which allowed settlers of newly created territories to chose between free soil and slavery, a violent struggle has raged between pro and anti slavery forces, and it does not seem to be winding down.

Prohibition gaining momentum in U.S. N.Y. 1855.
Drink it if you have got it, because as of today it is illegal to sell alcoholic beverages in New York State. The prohibition movement is gaining support across the nation, and 13 states now have banning laws. New York is following the example Maine set in 1851. The American Society for the Promotion of Temperance has been largely responsible for shaping public opinion, fighting the use of alcohol since 1826. New York City Mayor Fernando Wood, a foe of the law, has told police to use discretion , that while it is illegal to sell alcohol, it is not to drink it.

Buchanan wins presidency on fourth try. Washington Nov. 4, 1856.
James Buchanan proved today that political persistence pays off as he as elected President of the United States, topping a field that included former President Fillmore of New York and John C Fremont of California. Buchanan a 565-year-old Pennsylvanian carried 19 states with 174 electoral votes, but did not win a majority of the popular vote. Representative John C Breckenridge of Kentucky was elected Vice-president.

Only U.S. Monarch victim of Assassin. Beaver Island, Lake Michigan. 1856.
James Jesse Strang, seer, revelator, prophet and self-proclaimed King of Beaver Island, has proved himself mortal. His death at the hands of an assassin leaves his 5,000 followers leaderless, for the dying King refused to appoint a successor. The small, red-bearded ruler, expelled from the Mormon Church after failing in an attempt to succeed Joseph Smith as its leader, brought his flock to this island in 1847. He impressed the members of his secret society by translating the Book of he Law of he Lord (using spectacles he said an angel gave him). In return, they twice elected him to the Michigan legislature.

Where cotton is king and the slave his subject. The South! America, 1850‘s
As the patchwork quilt that is the Union grows into maturity, ans as its seams split slowly and painfully along the Mason-Dixon Line, the two halves seem barely part of the same fabric. To the planter, aristocracy, a British journalist has observed “New England and the kindred states are the birthplace of impurity of mind among men and of unchastity in women.” “Their valour and manhood have been swallowed up ...in the marts of dishonest commerce.” The gentleman of the South, by contrast, fancies himself as a chivalrous knight with a morality based on human values rather than the marketplace. Or as one Natchez resident put it “The northerner loves to make money, the Southerner to spend it”.
It is the way the Southerner makes his money that truly sets him apart from the Bostonian. Slavery ,the South’s ‘peculiar institution’ as apologists call it, form the foundation of Southern society and plantation prosperity. Slaves are seen as children in an extended family.
On that basis, some patriarchs stretch the meaning of “spare the rod and spoil the child”. One is known to put slaves in a barrel with nails driven into it and roll it down a hill. There are many other stories of a similar nature!.