AMERICAN HISTORY STUDIES.

DEVELOPMENT OF UNION AMONG THE COLONIES.

I.

CHE several colonies were planted at different times, by different interests, and in some cases by different races. The geography of the country was such that there was very little communication and intercourse between the various colonies for many years. The soil and climate also tended to produce divergent interests and civilizations. The intolerant religious spirit of the age lent itself also to the same tendency. On the whole, one sometimes wonders that the colonies came together as easily as they did in support of interests that were not always clearly in common.

It is very difficult frequently to find an extract that is sufficiently condensed and pointed, which may be cited, to bring out some force that tended to prevent union or was, on the other hand, aiding it. Especially have I found it dif ficult to get quotable extracts on the effects of geography. In general it is by inference only that one gathers his conclusions. In the extracts given it has in general seemed best to give those that brought out the salient movements looking toward union, rather than to give those that emphasized the divergent tendencies of the time. I wish to emphasize the fact that the study of sources means that every word and phrase is to receive careful consideration. The value of the training consists to a considerable

extent in acquiring the ability to read between the lines, to draw inferences, to find the spirit or motive which prompted to word or act.

It is hoped that the extracts quoted this month may illustrate not only the fact that various attempts to unite were made, but also drive home the character of the union possible, and the kind of union which the colonies sought and which the mother country attempted to force on them. It will be an interesting exercise to trace the expansion of the idea of union and to classify the factors which were at work; also to follow the changes in the nature of the union which were outlined in the various proposals from 1643 to 1776. Less weight has been given to the congresses of 1765 and 1774 than might seem necessary from their prominence. The reason for this is that the union movement then was rather unconscious, an accessory to the more palpable thoughts,-first that of a redress of grievances, and later that of independence. The Causes of the Revolution, which will be our subject for next month, will give us the opportunity to study this period as it deserves.

The extracts this month are taken largely from the colonial records as reprinted by the various states. Massachusetts began this work as early as 1792 and has developed it till now her various historical publications are numbered almost by the hundreds. New York has also reprinted, or printed from manuscript, thousands of pages of letters, laws, reports, and other documents. The same is true of Connecticut and other states. It is from these documents that we can draw and yet scarcely make an impression in the limited space at our command.

I wish to thank the many who write words of encouragement concerning the work which we are attempting to outline. Certainly the idea

that history may be studied in part from the sources in our graded schools is spreading. In some cases it is well done, as I know by receipt of the results in the form of papers. I desire to call the attention of teachers elsewhere to the plan of the West Superior, Wis., schools, where the papers are printed in a neat little volume, 100 copies printed, costing less than $16. The local paper published each student paper as it was completed, then put them together at a mere 'nominal cost. I doubt not that every town has some local paper that would do likewise. Principal Griffin has evidently found an added incentive to good work, and even to real contributions to local history in some cases.

But I wish also to say that some criticisms come to me. One teacher suggests that the spelling of her pupils is not improved by working over the old manuscripts. Shall the spelling be modernized, or shall we have the old flavor of our forefathers, trusting to some device to avoid the evil, if such it be, of which mention has been made? Will not the teachers discuss this question pro and con in letters to me? Perhaps a more serious danger is suggested by another who says: How do we know that Mr. Caldwell can or does make extracts in such a way as to give a true picture of the times? How do we know that the writers he cites are representative, are good witnesses? Well, the mere fact that such questions can be asked shows that in part, at least, our work is done. The critical faculty is awake, and the word of any one text will perhaps not necessarily be unhesitatingly followed hereafter. can only answer that I try to be fair. My judgment is not infallible, and my knowledge is not encyclopædic, so I can only ask such confidence as an honest desire deserves. By all means correct me by every available source, and the end that we seek will be gained.

II.

As early as 1637 references may be found in the colonial records pointing to a desire for union among the colonies. The following ex tracts will afford some insight into the motives and spirit that animated them in their actions at this time:

It is ordered that the letter lately sent to the Governor by Mr. Eaton, Mr. Hopkins, Mr. Haynes, Mr. Coddington, & Mr. Brereton, shalbee thus answered by the Governor: that the Court doth assent to all the ppositions (propositions) layde downe in the aforesaid letter, but that the answere shalbee directed to Mr. Eaton, Mr. Hopkins, & Mr. Haynes, onely excluding Mr. Coddington & Mr. Brenton, as men not to bee capitulated wthall by us, either for themselves or the people of the iland (Rhode Island) where they inhabite, as their case standeth.[Oct. 7, 1640.]—Massachu setts Colonial Records, I, p. 305.

1. At this court (7 Mo. 22 day 1642) the propositions sent from Connecticut [to Massachusetts] about a combination, &c were read, and referred to a committee to consider of after the court, who meeting, added some few cautions and new articles, and for the taking in of Plimouth (who were now willing,) and Sir Ferdinando Gorges province, and so returned them back to Connecticut, to be considered upon against the spring, for winter was now approaching, and there could be no meeting before, etc.—Winthrop, History of New England, II, pp. 102–103.

2. At this court (Mo. 8, 10, 1643) came the commissioners from Plimouth, Connecticut and New Haven, viz: from Plimouth Mr. Edward Winslow and Mr. Collins, from Connecticut Mr.Haynes and Mr. Hopkins, with whom Mr. Fenwick of Saybrook joyned, from New Haven Mr. Theophi lus Eaton and Mr. Grigson. Our court chose a committee to treat with them viz: the governour [John Winthrop] and Mr. Dudley, and Mr. Brodstreet, being of the magistrates; and of the deputies, Captain Gibbons, Mr. Tyng the treasurer and Mr. Hathorn. These coming to consultation encountered some difficulties, but being all desirous of union and studious of peace, they readily yielded each to other in such things as tended to common utility, &c, so as in some two or three meetings they lovingly accorded upon these ensuing articles, which, being allowed by, our court,

and signed by all the commissioners, were sent to be also ratified by the general courts of other jurisdictions; Winthrop, History of New England, vol. II, p. 121ƒ.

By reason of ye plottings of the Narigansets, the Indians were drawn into a general conspiracie against ye English in all parts, as was in part discovered ye yeare before ; [this caused the Colonies] to thinke of means how to prevente ye same, and secure them selves. Which made them enter into this neu union & confederation following. [The articles follow.]-Bradford, History of Plymouth Plantation, p. 416.

ARTICLES OF CONFEDERATION.

WHEREAS We all came into these parts of America with the same end and aim, namely, to advance the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to enjoy the liberties of the gospel in purity with peace; and whereas by our settling, by the wise providence of God, we are further dispersed upon the seacoast and rivers than was at first intended, so that we cannot, according to our desire, with convenience communicate in one government : and whereas we live encompassed with people of several nations and strange languages, which hereafter may prove injurious to us or our posterity; and for as much as the natives have formerly committed sundry insolences, and have of late combined themselves against us, and seeing by reason of the sad distractions in England (which they have heard of,) and by which they know we are hindered of seeking advice, and reaping protection, which at other times we might well expect; we therefore do conceive it our bounden duty, to enter into a present consocia

as in nation and religion, so in other respects, we be and

name of the United Colonies of New England.

II. These united colonies

enter into a firm and

perpetual league of friendship and amity . . both for preserving and propagating the truth and liberties of the gospel, and for safety

III. It is further agreed, that the plantations which at present are or hereafter shall be settled within the limits of the Massachusetts, shall be forever under the government of the