STATEMENT Average Values of Gold in United States Paper Currency in the New York Market from the Suspension to the Resumption of Specie Payments, during the period of Seventeen Years, from 1862 to 1878, both inclusive-Prepared for the U. S. Treasury Department by E. B. Elliott. Currency Value of Gold. Table showing the Average Value in Currency of One Hundred Dollars in Gold in the New York Market, by Months, Quarter-years, Half-years, Calendar Years, and Fiscal Years, from January 1, 1862, to December 31, 1878, both inclusive. CHRONOLOGICAL POLITICS. 1765.-March 8.-Parliament passes the Stamp Act. Oct. 7.-Colonial Congress met at New York. 1766.-Stamp Act repealed, Mar. 18. 1767.-June 29.-Bill passed taxing tea, glass, paper, etc., in the American colonies. 1768.-Masachusetts assembly petition the King against the late tax. 1773. The inhabitants of Boston throw 342 chests of the taxed tea into the sea. 1774.-Mar. 31.-The Boston Port Bill passed by Parliament. Sept. 5.-The first Continental Congress meets at Philadelphia. 1775.-April 19.-The war for American Independence commences with the Battle of Lexington. 1776.-July 4.-America is declared "Free, sovereign, and independent"-a declaration which is signed by the following States: New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Georgia. 1777.-Dec. 16.-France acknowledges the independence of the United States. 1778.-Feb. 6.-Treaties of Amity and Commerce adopted between the United States and France. 1781.-Feb.-Articles of Confederation ratified by the States. 1782.-Oct. 8.-Independence of United States acknowledged by Holland. Nov. 3.Temporary Treaty of Peace signed at Paris. 1783.-Sept. 3.-Treaty of Peace signed at Paris. Nov. 3.-American army disbanded. Nov. 25.-New York evacuated by the British. Dec. 19.-Charleston evacuated by British. Dec. 23.-Washington assigns his commission to Congress. 1785.-June 1.-John Adams, first minister from U. S. to London. 1786.-Nov.-Shay's insurrection broke out in Massachusetts. 1787.-Sept. 17-Constitution of the United States adopted by all the States, except Rhode Island. 1788.-Cotton Planted in Georgia. 1789.-First Congress. Ten Amendments to the Constitution passed. Departments of Government organized. Washington appoints a National Thanksgiving. April 14.-George Washington declared the first President of the United States. Ratio of Representatives, 30,000; Members of Congress 65. 1789.-Many Treaties with the Indians. Hamilton recommends the first Tariff; passed and approved. 1791. First United States bank established at Philadelphia; Capital, $10,000,000. First Tax on Distilled Spirits. 1792.-U. S. Mint established. Apportionment Bill passed, fixing ratio of Representation at, 33,000; 103 members in Congress. Uniform system of Militia established. Post Office department organized anew. 1793.-Washington again inaugurated President. Neutrality declared in regard to France. First Fugitive Slave Law passed. French Minister Gernet recalled by request of Government; returns to organize Democratic or Jacobin Societies. 1794.-Commercial Treaty concluded with Great Britain. The Whiskey Insurrection in Pennsylvania. Regulation of Slave Trade by law. A sixty days Embargo as a retaliation on British "Order in Council." 1795.-Second Naturalization Law passed. Jay's Commercial Treaty with Great Britain. Treaty of Madrid. Disagreement of the United States with Algeria. 1796.-Washington's Farewell Address. Contest between the President and House over the British Treaty. John Adams elected President. 1797.-Congress declares the treaties with France annulled. Privateering against friendly nations forbidden. 1798.-Congress passes an Act for raising a regular army. Washington appointed Lieutenant-General and Commander-in-Chief. Congress authorizes Naval Warfare with France; Commercial Intercourse with France suspended; Navy Department organized. 1799.-Congress votes to raise an army of 40,000 men. American Navy consists of 42 vessels with 950 guns. Pennsylvania seat of government removed to Lancaster. Washington dies at Mount Vernon, Va. 1800.-Treaty of Peace with France. General Law of Bankruptcy approved. Second official census-population 5,308,483. Removal of the Capitol from Philadelphia to Washington. Election of Thomas Jefferson President. 1801.-War against Tripoli declared. The Republican party under Thomas Jefferson, comes into power with Jefferson President. 1802.-Louisiana ceded to France by Spain. Naturalization Laws made more liberal. Representatives, 141. 1803.-Louisiana purchased of France for $15,000,000. Congress gives the President extraordinary authority to maintain Free Navigation of the Mississippi. A brief war with the the Barbary States. 1804.-Re-election of Jefferson as a Republican. Treaty of Peace concluded with Tripoli. 1805.-Troubles with Great Britain begin." 1806.--Congress provides the importation 1790.-The territory south of the Ohio river ceded to the United States. Naturalization Law passed. Treason defined and penalty determined. First Census, 3,929,326. System of Finance adopted; Government assumes of certain goods. Disputes with England and State Debts; Public Debt funded; Seat of government removed from New York to Philadelphia. France respecting Neutral Rights. England plainly claims the right to search American vessels for deserting seamen; Jefferson disputes it. 1807.-Congress lays an embargo. United i 1824. John Quincy Adams, Whig, elected States Coast Survey authorized. Conspiracy of Aaron Burr to divide the Union. English ships of war ordered to leave American waters. The first boat goes by steam. 1808.-The Slave Trade abolished by act of Congress. Madison elected President as a Republican. 1809.-Proclamation forbidding all intercourse with Great Britain and France. Embargo repealed. Madison inaugurated. 1810.-Third official census. 1811.--Population of United States 7,239,903. Ratio of Representation fixed at $35,000. Continued troubles with England. War with Tecumseh. 1812.--Congress lays an embargo on American shipping. General Land Office established. More than 6,000 cases of impressment recorded. War declared on the 18th of June against Great Britain. Madison re-elected President, as a Republican. 1813.-Congress authorizes an issue of $5,000,000 and a loan of $16,000,000. Entire American coast blockaded by British ships. Several battles on land and sea. 1814.-Treaty of peace between the United States and England signed at Ghent. A loan of $25,000,000 authorized. by the House. Second high Protective Tariff. 1825.-Panama Mission discussed. John Quincy Adams inaugurated. 1826.-Extensive Internal Improvements under the leadership of Clay. The Fiftieth Anniversary of American Independence. Death of Adams and Jefferson. Webster delivers his celebrated eulogy on them. 1827.-Experimenting on the construction of a railroad. 1828.-Tariff amended and Duties increased. Jackson elected President. 1829.-Webster's great speech against Nullification. Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Brazil. Jackson inaugurated." To the victor belongs the spoils." 1830.-Treaty with Turkey, securing for the United States freedom of the Black Sea. Treaty between the United States and Ottoman Porte. Fifth official census: population 12,866,020. 1831.-Building railroads actively. 1832.-Treaty of Commerce with Russia. Treaty of Commerce and Boundary with Mexico. Bill for re-chartering United States Bank vetoed by President Jackson. His proclamation against Nullifiers. Resignation of John C. Calhoun. Black Hawk War commences. South Carolina declares the doctrine of nullification. Representatives 240. 1815.-A loan of 18,400,000 and an issue of $25,000,000 authorized. Government ratifies Treaty of Ghent, and President proclaims peace 18th Feb. Government ceases to pay 1833.-Andrew Jackson commences his tribute to Algiers. Battle of New Orleans. second administration. Gen. Santa Anna Peace followed, though treaty of peace pre-elected President of Mexico. Public deposits ceded the battle. removed from the United States Bank by the President, and distributed among certain State banks. Secretary of Treasury, W. P. Duane, refusing to carry out the policy, is removed. Lucifer, or Locofoco matches introduced, and the Democrats called "Locofocos." 1816.-First high Protective Tariff enacted. Second United States Bank chartered for twenty years; Capital, $35,000,000. Monroe elected President as Republican or Democrat. 1817.-Internal Taxes abolished. DeWitt Clinton causes the Erie canal to be commenced. The Era of Peace. United States Bank opened at Philadelphia. Commencement of the Semi-gress for removing Government deposits.nole war. 1818.-Pension Law enacted. National Flag re-arranged, so that the Stripes represent the Original Thirteen Colonies and the Stars the present number of States. Treaty of Commerce and Boundary with England. Seminole war in Florida and Georgia. 1819.-Congress ratifies the Treaty for the Cession of Florida. Beginning of the discussion between the North and South in regard to the Slavery Question. The "Savannah”. the first steamer from New York to Liverpool. 1820.-Missouri Compromise passed. Navigation Act restricting importation to United States vessels. Country agitated over the Slavery question. Fourth official census, 9,633,822. 1822.-Florida made a territory. Ratio of Representation fixed at 40,000; Members, 213. Commercial treaty with France. Federal party disbands. Clintonian Democratic party organized in New York. 1823.-Independence of South American Republics acknowledged. Treaty with Great Britain for mutual suppression of the Slave Traffic. The "Monroe Doctrine" advanced. Party politics quiet. 1834.-President Jackson censured by Con France and Portugal, slow in paying for injuries done United States commerce, are brought to terms by the President. 1835.-War with Seminoles. 1836.-Office of Commissioner of Patents created. Treaty of Friendship and Commerce with Venezuela. Charter for United States Bank expires. Not renewed. Financial trouble brewing. Martin VanBuren, Democrat, elected President. 1837.-The Independence of Texas acknowledged. Issue of $10,000,000 Treasury notes authorized. President refuses to remit the regulation regarding the "Specie Circular." Financial panic follows, banks suspend Specie Payments in March, and resume in July. VanBuren inaugurated. 1838.-National debt paid-surplus revenue divided among the States. President enjoins neutrality during Canadian Rebellion. 1839.-United States Bank suspends payment. Disturbances on the North-eastern boundaries of Maine. 1840.-Sub-Treasury bill passed. Sixth official census; population 17,069,453. Gen'l Harrison, Whig, elected President. "Tippe canoe and Tyler too" campaign. 1854.--Congress passes the Kansas Nebraska bill. United States Neutral on the Eastern Question. 1854.-Treaty of Reciprocity with England. Commercial Treaty with Japan concluded through Commodore Perry. American party formed. 1841.-Congress meets in extra session. I Imprisonment for debts due the United States abolished. Central Bankrupt Law passed. A loan of $12,000,000 authorized. Sub-Treasury Act repealed. Revenues received from public lands ordered to be distributed among the States. Two bills for re-chartering the United States Bank vetoed. All members of the Cabinet, except Mr. Webster, resign. Failure of United States Bank under Pennsylvania charHarrison dies; Tyler succeeds him. 1842.-The Dover Insurrection in Rhode Island. The Seminole war terminated. Treaty with England settling North-Eastern boundary 1856.-Quebec made the seat of Canadian question. Senate ratifies the Ashburton-government, P. W. Geary confirmed as GovWebster Treaty. Ratio of representation ernor of Kansas. Extra session of Congress fixed at 70,680; Representatives 223. United adjourns. 133 ballots required to elect NaStates fiscal year ordered to begin with July 1st. ter. 1843.-$30,000 appropriated for the construction of Morse's Electric Telegraph beween Washington and Baltimore. 1844.-First message by the electric telegraph. James K. Polk, Democrat, elected President. The 1845.-Anti-rent riots in New York. first Tuesday after the first Monday in November on which to hold Presidential elections. Treaty made with China. Speech of Mr. Cass on North-Western boundary of Oregon. Annexation of Texas, and war with Mexico. 1846.-Hostilities commence with Mexico. New Mexico annexed to the United States, 10,000,000 voted; and 50,000 men called out, to carry on the war. The Wilmot Proviso, Tariff on Imports reduced. Treaty settling Northwestern boundary. Congress declared the war "existed by act of Mexico." 1855.-The Court of Claims established. Election troubles in Kansas. U. S. steamer "Waterwitch" fired on, on the Paraguay. Passmore Williamson released from three months imprisonment in the Wheeler Slave Case. thaniel P. Banks Speaker of the House. Mr. Brooks of S. C., assaults Senator Summer in the Senate Chamber. British envoy ordered to leave Washington. Great excitement in Congress on the Slavery question and over the admission of Kansas and Nebraska. Republican party formed. James Buchanan, Democrat, elected President. 1857.-A great Financial Panie; 5,123 Commercial Failures. Buchanan inaugurated; pays 8 and 10 per cent. for loans. The Dred Scott Decision delivered by Chief Justice Taney. R. J. Walker appointed Governor of Kansas. 1858.-Congress passes the English Kansas Bill but State refuses to accept. Treaty of amity with China. 1858.-First Atlantic Cable laid; second in 1866. U. S. Army defeats the Mormons in Utah. Minnesota State Government organized. Nicaragua seeks the protection of the United 1847. The city of Mexico taken by Ameri-States. cans under General Scott. War rages with Mexico. 1848.-Congress ratifies Treaty of Guadaloupe Hidalgo. Postal Treaty with England negotiated; concluded in 1849. Peace with Mexico declared, July 4th. Zachary Taylor, Whig, elected President Upper California ceded to United States. First deposit of California gold in the mint, 1849.-The French Embassador dismissed from Washington. Taylor inaugurated, dies; Fillmore succeeds him, 1850.-The Fugitive Slave Act passed. Texas boundary settled by payment of $10, 000,000 to Texas. New Mexico and Utah admitted as territories. Slave trade abolished in the District of Columbia. Webster's great speech on the Union delivered in reply to Hayne. Treaty of Amity and Commerce with Switzerland. Treaty with England securing a transit over Panama. Seventh census; population 23,191,876. 1851.-Southern Rights Convention at South Carolina. A Cheap Postage Law enacted. Kossuth visits United States. 1852.-Ratio of Representation fixed at 93,423; members, 237. Dispute with England in regard to fisheries. Henry Clay and Daniel Webster died this year. Franklin Pierce, Democrat, elected President. 1853.-Pierce inaugurated. A partisan inaugural address. 1859.-John Brown's raid at Harper's Ferry, Va., his capture and execution. 1860.-Ratio of Representation fixed at 127,000. Crittenden Compromise introduced and defeated. Prince of Wales visits the United States. Senators and Federal Officers from the South favoring disunion, resign. President Buchanan denies the right of a State to secede, and declines to receive the South Carolina Commission. Eighth census; population 31,443,321. Abraham Lincoln, Republi can, elected President. The "Palmetto Flag' hoisted in Charleston harbor. Georgia appropriates $1,000,000 to another state. Maj. Anderson takes posession of Fort Sumter. 1861.-Congress meets in Special Session. The President calls the volunteers and $400,000,000 to put down the Rebellion. Jacob Thompson, Secretary of Interior, resigns. Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas passed secession ordinances. John A. Dix appointed Secretary of Treasury, vice Thomas, resigned. Jeff Davis resigns his seat in the U. S. Senate. Southern Confederacy formed at Montgomery, Ala. Peace Congress meets at Washington. Jeff Davis elected President of Southern Confederacy. Gen. Twiggs expelled from the army for treason. Peace Congress adjourned after a stormy session-accomplished nothing. Beauregard takes command Charleston, S. C.; and stops intercourse be at Southern ports ended. $98,000,000 subscribed to the 7:30 loan during the week ending May 13. A day of fasting on account of the death of President Lincoln. All the nation in mourning. Lee surrenders to Grant. Johnson succeeds Lincoln. tween Fort Sumter and Charleston. President | 1865.-The 13th Amendment passed. Lincoln calls for 75,000 volunteers. Jeff Davis Amnesty Proclamation issued. Blockade of offers letters of marque to privateers. President Lincoln declares the Southern ports in a state of blockade. Virginia proclaimed a member of the Southern Confederacy. McClellan placed in command of the Department of Ohio. Arkansas secedes. England acknowledges the insurgent States as belligerents. North Carolina secedes; Kentucky declares neutrality. Tennessee secedes. Federal troops cross the Potomac. All postal services in the seceded States suspended. Gen. McClellan assumes command in West Virginia. The Wheeling Government, Virginia, acknowledged by the President. July 4, Congress meets in extra session. Fremont appointed to command of Western Department. Nine Southern members expelled from U. S. Senate. Confiscation bill passed. Congress adjourns. President suspends all commerce with seceded States. President Lincoln orders Gen. Fremont to modify his emancipation proclamation. Secession members of Maryland Legislature sent to Fort McHenry. Gen. Scott resigns as Commander-in-Chief; Gen. McClellan succeeds him. C. S. Congress convened at Richmond, Va. Breckinridge expelled from U. S. Senate for treason. New York and Boston banks suspend specie payment. 1862.-Slavery prohibited in the Territories. Internal Revenue Bill passed. Polygamy forbidden in United States. Union Pacific Railroad chartered. Department of Agriculture organized. A draft of 300,000 men to serve for nine months, ordered by the Secretary of war; 600,000 volunteers called. Mason and Slidell delivered to the British Minister. E. M. Stanton appointed Secretary of war, vice Cameron, resigned. Cameron nominated Minister to Russia, vice Clay, resigned. Jesse D. Bright expelled from U. S. Senate. Jefferson Davis inaugurated President of the Southern Confederacy. Brigham Young elected Governor of Deseret, Utah. National Tax Bill passed U. S. House of Representatives. Gen. Halleck (July 11) appointed commander of all land forces. Martial law declared in Cincinnati. McClellan, Sept. 7, takes command in person of Potomac Army. Sept. 22, President Lincoln issues his Emancipation Proclamation. Habeas Corpus suspended by U. S. Government. Nov. 5, Gen. Burnside succeeds McClellan. All political prisoners released. Nov. 22, West Virginia admitted as a state. 1863.-Jan. 1.-Lincoln declares all the slaves free. Bureau of Currency and National Banks established. Death of "Stonewall" Jackson. First colored regiment from the north leaves Boston. A loan of $900,000,000 ten-forties authorized. Proclamation issued. Gen. Grant takes command of the West. Slavery abolished by Proclamation. 1864.-Fugitive Slave Law repealed. A draft of 500,000 men ordered, and 700,000 men called for, 85,000 men accepted from Governors of Western States. Lincoln reelected President. Gen. Grant appointed to command U. S. Armies. 1866. Freedman's Bureau Bill and Civil Rights Bill passed. 14th Amendment passed. Proclamation of Peace. Colorado bill vetoed. Suffrage given to colored men in District of Columbia. 1867.-Southern States organized into Military Districts. Military Government Bill and Tenure-of-Office Bill passed. Treaty with Russia for purchase of Alaska concluded, price $7,200,000. Nebraska admitted as a State. Reconstruction bill passed over President Johnson's veto. Russian American Treaty approved by the Senate. Jeff Davis released on bail. Congress meets in extra session. Supplimentary Reconstruction Bill passed, over veto. 1868.-Impeachment trial of President Johnson ends in acquittal. Fourteenth Amendment declared part of the Constitution. Proclamation of Political Amnesty issued. Grant, Republican, elected President. Congress meets. Senate bill passed for the reduction of the army. Bill passed to abolish tax on manufactures. The Chinese Embassy received by the President. Bill passed Senate for admission of S. States. Commencement of difficulties between U. S. Ambassador and the Government of Paraguay. The Senate ratifies the Chinese Treaty. Freedman's Bureau Bill passed over Johnson's veto. Laws of United States extended over Alaska. Failure of the Atlantic Cable of 1866. President Johnson issues a universal amnesty proclamation, 1869.-Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads completed.-1,913 miles in length. United States Supreme Court decides Internal Revenue laws constitutional. The Copper Tariff Bill passed over the veto. Passage of the Reconstruction Bill. Indiana Supreme Court decide National Bank currency taxable. Female Suffrage Bill passed by Wyoming Legislature. E. M. Stanton confirmed as Judge of United States Supreme Court. 1870.-Fifteenth Amendment passed. Recall of the Russian Minister, Catacazy, requested. Proclamation against Fenian raids into Canada issued. Ninth census, population 38,555,883. Bill passed for the re-admission of Virginia. Legal Tender Act declared unconstitutional. The Saint Thomas treaty expires by limitation. The North Pacific R. R. Bill becomes a law. Bill to abolish Franking privilege defeated. The San Domingo Treaty rejected by the Senate. The new Constitution of Illinois adopted. 1871.--Congress passes Bill against Ku-Klux, also Enforcement Bill. The United States Senate passes the San Domingo Commission Bill. The $300,000, on Five Per Cent. Refunding Bill passed by the House. Congress admits the Georgia Senators. Deadlock in Indiana Legislature; thirty-four Republicans |