Contents
Chapter I — Origin of the Glazier Family
Lineage of Willard Glazier. — A good stock. — Oliver Glazier at the Battle of Bunker Hill. — The home of honest industry. — The Coronet of Pembroke. — The “Homestead Farm.” — Mehitable Bolton. — Her New England home. — Her marriage to Ward Glazier. — The wild “North Woods.” — The mother of the soldier-author 21
Chapter II — Birth and Childhood of Willard Glazier
The infant stranger. — A mother’s prayers. — “Be just before you are generous.” — Careful training. — Willard Glazier’s first battle. — A narrow escape. — Facing the foe. — The “happy days of childhood.” — “The boy is father to the man”27
Chapter III — Early Life and Habits
Scotch-Irish Presbyterianism of twenty-five years ago. — The “little deacon.” — First days at school. — Choosing a wife. — A youthful gallant. — A close scholar but a wild lad. — A mother’s influence. — Ward Glazier a Grahamite. — Young Willard’s practical jokes. — Anecdote of Crystal Spring. — “That is something like water”34
Chapter IV — Willard Glazier at School
School-days continued. — Boys will be boys. — Cornelius Carter, the teacher. — Young Willard’s rebellion against injustice. — Gum-chewing. — Laughable race through the snow. — The tumble into a snow-bank, and what came of it. — The runaway caught. — Explanation and reconciliation. — The new master, James Nichols. — “Spare the rod and spoil the child.” — The age of chivalry not gone. — Magnanimity of a school-boy. — Friendship between Willard and Henry Abbott. — Good-bye to the “little deacon”42
Chapter V — Eccentricities of Henry Glazier
Henry Glazier. — A singular character. — “Kaw-shaw-gan-ce” and “Quaw-taw-pee-ab.” — Tom Lolar and Henry Glazier. — Attractive show-bills. — Billy Muldoon and his trombone. — Behind the scenes. — “Sound your G!” — The mysterious musician. — What happened to Billy. — “May the divil fly away wid ye!”50
Chapter VI — Visions of the Future
The big uncle and the little nephew. — Exchange of ideas between the eccentric Henry Glazier and young Willard. — Inseparable companions. — Willard’s early reading. — Favorite authors. — Hero-worship of the first Napoleon and Charles XII. of Sweden. — The genius of good and of evil. — Allen Wight. — A born teacher. — Reverses of fortune. — The shadow on the home. — Willard’s resolve to seek his fortune and what came of it. — The sleep under the trees. — The prodigal’s return. — “All’s well that ends well”58
Chapter VII — Willard Glazier at Home
Out of boyhood. — Days of adolescence. — True family pride. — Schemes for the future. — Willard as a temperance advocate. — Watering his grandfather’s whiskey. — The pump behind the hill. — The sleigh-ride by night. — The “shakedown” at Edward’s. — Intoxicated by tobacco fumes. — The return ride. — Landed in a snow-bank. — Good-bye horses and sleigh! — Plodding through the snow 68
Chapter VIII — Adventures — Equine and Bovine
Ward Glazier moves to the Davis Place. — “Far in the lane a lonely house he found.” — Who was Davis? — Description of the place. — A wild spot for a home. — Willard at work. — Adventure with an ox-team. — The road, the bridge and the stream. — “As an ox thirsteth for the water.” — Dashed from a precipice! — Willard as a horse-tamer. — “Chestnut Bess,” the blooded mare. — The start for home. — “Bess” on the rampage. — A lightning dash. — The stooping arch. — Bruised and unconscious 75
Chapter IX — The Young Trapper of the Oswegatchie
A plan of life. — Determination to procure an education. — A substitute at the plow. — His father acquiesces in his determination to become a trapper. — Life in the wild woods along the Oswegatchie. — The six “dead falls.” — First success. — A fallacious calculation. — The goal attained. — Seventy-five dollars in hard cash! — Four terms of academic life. — The youthful rivals. — Lessons in elocution. — A fight with hair-brushes and chairs! — “The walking ghost of a kitchen fire.” — Renewed friendship. — Teaching to obtain means for an education 87
Chapter X — The Soldier School-Master
From boy to man. — The Lyceum debate. — Willard speaks for the slave. — Entrance to the State Normal School. — Reverses. — Fighting the world again. — Assistance from fair hands. — Willard meets Allen Barringer. — John Brown, and what Willard thought of him. — Principles above bribe. — Examination. — A sleepless night. — Haunted by the “ghost of possible defeat.” — “Here is your certificate.” — The school at Schodack Centre. — At the “Normal” again. — The Edwards School. — Thirty pupils at two dollars each. — The “soldier school-master.” — Teachers at East Schodack. — The runaway ride. — Good-by mittens, robes and whip! — Close of school at East Schodack 102
Chapter XI — Introduction to Military Life
The mutterings of war. — Enlistment. — At Camp Howe. — First experience as a soldier. — “One step to the front!” — Beyond Washington. — On guard. — Promotion. — Recruiting service. — The deserted home on Arlington Heights. — “How shall I behave in the coming battle?” — The brave Bayard. — On the march. — The stratagem at Falmouth Heights. — A brilliant charge. — After the battle 118
Chapter XII — First Battle of Brandy Station
The sentinel’s lonely round. — General Pope in command of the army. — Is gunboat service effective? — First cavalry battle of Brandy Station. — Under a rain of bullets. — Flipper’s orchard. — “Bring on the brigade, boys!” — Capture of Confederate prisoners. — Story of a revolver. — Cedar Mountain. — Burial of the dead rebel. — Retreat from the Rapidan. — The riderless horse. — Death of Captain Walters 128
Chapter XIII — Manassas and Fredericksburg
Manassas. — The flying troops. — The unknown hero. — Desperate attempt to stop the retreat. — Recruiting the decimated ranks. — Fredericksburg. — Bravery of Meagher’s brigade. — The impregnable heights. — The cost of battles. — Death of Bayard. — Outline of his life 135
Chapter XIV — Unwritten History
“What boots a weapon in a withered hand?” — A thunderbolt wasted. — War upon hen-roosts. — A bit of unpublished history. — A fierce fight with Hampton’s cavalry. — In one red burial blent. — From camp to home. — Troubles never come singly. — The combat. — The capture. — A superfluity of Confederate politeness. — Lights and shadows 144
Chapter XV — The Capture
A situation to try the stoutest hearts. — Hail Columbia! — Every man a hero. — Kilpatrick’s ingenuity. — A pen-picture from “Soldiers of the Saddle.” — Glazier thanked by his general. — Cessation of hostilities. — A black day. — Fitzhugh Lee proposes to crush Kilpatrick. — Kil’s audacity. — Capture of Lieutenant Glazier. — Petty tyranny. — “Here, Yank, hand me that thar hat, and overcoat, and boots”155
Chapter XVI — Libby Prison
“All ye who enter here abandon hope.” — Auld lang syne. — Major Turner. — Hope deferred maketh the heart sick. — Stoicism. — Glazier enters the prison-hospital — A charnel-house. — Rebel surgeons. — Prison correspondence. — Specimen of a regulation letter. — The tailor’s joke. — A Roland for an Oliver. — News of death. — Schemes for escape. — The freemasonry of misfortune. — Plot and counter-plot. — The pursuit of pleasure under difficulties 166
Chapter XVII — Prison Life
Mournful news. — How a brave man dies. — New Year’s day. — Jolly under unfavorable circumstances. — Major Turner pays his respects. — Punishment for singing “villainous Yankee songs.” — Confederate General John Morgan. — Plans for escape. — Digging their way to freedom. — “Poet No. 1, All’s well.” — Yankee ingenuity. — The tunnel ready. — Muscle the trump card. — No respect to rank. — Sauve qui peut! — A strategic movement. — “Guards! guards!” — Absentees from muster. — Disappointed hopes. — Savage treatment of prisoners. — Was the prison mined?179
Chapter XVIII — Danville. — Macon. — Savannah
Belle Boyd, the Confederate spy. — National characteristics. — Colonel Mosby. — Richmond to Danville. — Sleeping spoon-fashion. — Glazier’s “corrective point” suffers. — Saltatory entrance to a railroad car. — Colonel Joselyn. — Sympathy of North Carolinians. — Ingenious efforts to escape. — Augusta. — Macon. — Turner again! — “Carelessness” with firearms. — Tunneling. — Religious revival. — Order from Confederate War Department. — Murder! — Fourth of July. — Macon to Savannah. — Camp Davidson. — More tunneling 194
Chapter XIX — Under Fire at Charleston
Under siege. — Charleston Jail. — The Stars and Stripes. — Federal compliments. — Under the guns. — Roper Hospital. — Yellow Jack. — Sisters of Charity. — Rebel Christianity. — A Byronic stanza. — Charleston to Columbia. — “Camp Sorghum.” — Nemesis. — Another dash for liberty. — Murder of Lieutenants Young and Parker. — Studying topography. — A vaticination. — Back to reality 206
Chapter XX — The Escape From Columbia
Mysterious voices. — “I reckon dey’s Yankees.” — “Who comes there?” — The Lady of the Manor. — A weird spectacle. — The struggle through the swamp. — A reflection on Southern swamps in general. — “Tired nature’s sweet restorer”221
Chapter XXI — Loyalty of the Negroes
Startled by hounds. — An unpleasant predicament. — A Christian gentlewoman. — Appeal to Mrs. Colonel Taylor. — “She did all she could.” — A meal fit for the gods. — Aunt Katy. — “Lor’ bress ye, marsters!” — Uncle Zeb’s prayer. — Hoe-cake and pinders. — Woodcraft versus astronomy. — Canine foes. — Characteristics of the slave. — Meeting escaped prisoners. — Danger. — Retreat and concealment 228
Chapter XXII — Progress of the Fugitives
Parting company. — Thirst and no water. — Hoping for the end. — The boy and the chicken. — Conversation of ladies overheard. — The fugitives pursued. — The sleeping village. — Captain Bryant. — The alba sus. — Justifiable murder, and a delicious meal. — Darkies and their prayers. — Man proposes; God disposes. — An adventure. — A ruse de guerre. — Across the Savannah 238
Chapter XXIII — The Perils of an Escape
Alligators. — A detachment of Southern chivalry. — A scare. — Repairs neatly executed. — Misery and despair. — Virtue its own reward. — Hunger and desperation. — Audacity. — A Confederate officer. — “A good Union man.” — “Two sights and a jambye.” — A narrow escape 249
Chapter XXIV — Recaptured by a Confederate Outpost
Fugitive slaves. — A rebel planter. — The big Ebenezer. — A sound of oars. — A ruse de guerre. — Burial of a dead soldier. — A free ride. — Groping in the dark. — “Who goes there!” — Recaptured. — Nil desperandum. — James Brooks. — Contraband of war. — Confederate murders. — In the saddle again. — A dash for freedom. — Again captured. — Tried as a spy 261
Chapter XXV — Final Escape From Captivity
In jail. — White trash. — Yankees. — Off to Waynesboro. — No rations. — Calling the roll. — Sylvania. — Plan for escape. — Lieutenant John W. Wright. — A desperate project. — Escaped! — Giving chase. — The pursuers baffled. — Old Richard. — “Pooty hard case, massa.” — Rebel deserters. — The sound of cannon. — Personating a rebel officer. — Mrs. Keyton. — Renewed hope. — A Confederate outpost. — Bloodhounds. — Uncle Philip. — March Dasher. — Suspicion disarmed. — “Now I’ze ready, gemmen.” — Stars and stripes. — Glorious freedom. — Home 274
Chapter XXVI — Glazier Re-Enters the Service
Glazier’s determination to re-enter the army. — Letter to Colonel Harhaus. — Testimonial from Colonel Clarence Buel. — Letter from Hon. Martin I. Townsend to governor of New York. — Letter from General Davies. — Letter from General Kilpatrick. — Application for new commission successful. — Home. — The mother fails to recognize her son. — Supposed to be dead. — Recognized by his sister Marjorie. — Filial and fraternal love. — Reports himself to his commanding officer for duty. — Close of the war and of Glazier’s military career. — Seeks a new object in life. — An idea occurs to him. — Becomes an author, and finds a publisher 295
Chapter XXVII — Career as an Author
Glazier in search of a publisher for “Capture, Prison-Pen and Escape.” — Spends his last dollar. — Lieutenant Richardson a friend in need. — Joel Munsell, of Albany, consents to publish. — The author solicits subscriptions for his work before publication. — Succeeds. — Captain Hampton. — R. H. Ferguson. — Captain F. C. Lord. — Publication and sale of first edition. — Great success. — Pays his publisher in full. — Still greater successes. — Finally attains an enormous sale. — Style of the work. — Extracts. — Opinions of the press 304
Chapter XXVIII — “Three Years in the Federal Cavalry.”
Another work by Captain Glazier. — “Three Years in the Federal Cavalry.” — Daring deeds of the Light Dragoons. — Extracts from the work. — Night attack on Falmouth Heights. — Kilpatrick’s stratagem. — Flight of the enemy. — Capture of Falmouth. — Burial of Lieutenant Decker. — Incidents at “Brandy Station.” — “Harris Light” and “Tenth New York.” — “Men of Maine, you must save the day!” — Position won. — Some press reviews of the work 313
Chapter XXIX — “Battles for the Union.”
“Battles for the Union.” — Extracts. — Bull Run. — Brandy Station. — Manassas. — Gettysburg. — Pittsburg Landing. — Surrender of General Lee. — Opinions of the press. — Philadelphia “North American.” — Pittsburg “Commercial.” — Chicago “Inter-Ocean.” — Scranton “Republican.” — Wilkes-Barre “Record of the Times.” — Reading “Eagle.” — Albany “Evening Journal”322
Chapter XXX — “Heroes of Three Wars.”
Literary zeal. — “Heroes of Three Wars.” — Extract from preface. — Sale of the work. — Extracts: Washington. — Winfield Scott. — Zachary Taylor. — Grant. — Sheridan. — Kilpatrick. — Press reviews, a few out of many: Boston “Transcript.” — Chicago “Inter-Ocean.” — Baltimore “Sun.” — Philadelphia “Times.” — Cincinnati “Enquirer.” — Worcester “Spy.” — Pittsburg “Gazette”341
Chapter XXXI — Ocean to Ocean on Horseback
From Boston to San Francisco. — An unparalleled ride. — Object of the journey. — Novel lecture tour. — Captain Frank M. Clark. — “Echoes from the Revolution.” — Lecture at Tremont Temple. — Captain Theodore L. Kelly. — A success. — Proceeds of lecture. — Edward F. Rollins. — Extracts from first lecture. — Press notices 363
Chapter XXXII — Boston to Chicago
In the saddle. — Bunker Hill. — Arrives in Albany. — Reminiscences. — The Soldiers’ Home. — Contributions for erecting Soldiers’ Home. — Reception at Rochester. — Buffalo. — Dunkirk. — Swanville. — Cleveland. — Massacre of General Custer. — Monroe. — Lectures for Custer Monument. — Father of General Custer. — Detroit. — Kalamazoo. — An adventure. — Gives “Paul Revere” a rest. — Decatur. — Niles. — Michigan City. — Chicago 376
Chapter XXXIII — Chicago to Omaha
Returns to Michigan City. — Joliet. — Thomas Babcock. — Herbert Glazier. — Ottawa. — La Salle. — Colonel Stevens. — Press Notice. — Taken for a highwayman. — Milan. — Davenport. — Press Notice. — Iowa City. — Des Moines. — Press Notice. — Attacked by prairie wolves. — Council Bluffs. — Omaha 401
Chapter XXXIV — Captain Glazier Captured by Indians
Captain Glazier as a horseman. — Cheyenne. — Two herders. — Captured by Indians. — Torture and death of a herder. — Escape. — Ogden. — Letter to Major Hessler. — Kelton. — Terrace. — Wells. — Halleck. — Elko. — Palisade. — Argenta. — Battle Mountain. — Golconda. — Humboldt. — “The majesty of the law.” — Lovelock’s. — White Plains. — Desert. — Wadsworth. — Truckee. — Summit. — Sacramento. — Brighton. — Stockton. — San Francisco 410
Chapter XXXV — Return From California
Returns to the East by the “Iron Horse.” — Boston Transcript on the journey on horseback. — Resumes literary work. — “Peculiarities of American Cities.” — Preface to book. — A domestic incident. — A worthy son. — Claims of parents. — Purchases the Old Homestead, and presents it to his father and mother. — Letter to his parents. — The end 431
Chapter XXXVI — The Mississippi River
An interval of literary work. — Conception of another expedition. — Reflections upon the Old Explorers. — Indian rumors. — Determined to find the true source of the Great River. — Starting on the eventful journey. — Joined by his brother George and Barrett Channing Paine. — Collecting materials for the expedition. — Brainerd the first point of departure. — Through the Chippewa country. — Seventy miles of government road. — Curiosity its own reward. — Arrival at Leech Lake 437
Chapter XXXVII — Home of the Chippewas
An aboriginal red man. — A primitive hotel. — A native of the forest. — Leech Lake. — Major Ruffe’s arrival. — White Cloud. — Paul Beaulieu and his theory about the source of the Mississippi. — Che-no-wa-ge-sic. — Studying Indian manners and customs. — Dining with Indian royalty. — Chippewa hospitality. — How the wife of an Indian Chief entertains. — Souvenir of Flat Mouth. — Return of Che-no-wa-ge-sic. — A council held. — An Indian speech. — “No White Man has yet seen the head of the Father of Waters.” — Voyage of exploration. — Launching the canoes 444
Chapter XXXVIII — Exploration and Discovery
Launching the canoes. — Flat Mouth and White Cloud again. — An inspiring scene. — Farewell to Leech Lake. — Up the Kabekanka River. — Dinner at Lake Benedict. — Difficult navigation. — A peaceful haven. — Supper and contentment. — Lake Garfield. — Preparations for first portage. — Utter exhaustion. — Encampment for the night. — The cavalry column. — Lake George and Lake Paine. — The Naiwa River. — Six miles from Itasca. — Camping on the Mississippi watershed. — A startling discovery. — Rations giving out. — Ammunition gone. — Arrival at Lake Itasca 454
Chapter XXXIX — Discovery of the Source of the Mississippi
Short rations. — Empty haversacks and depleted cartridge-boxes. — Statement of Chenowagesic. — Captain Glazier’s diary. — Vivid description. — Coasting Itasca. — Chenowagesic puzzled. — The barrier overcome. — Victory! the Infant Mississippi. — Enthusiastic desire to see the source. — The goal reached. — A beautiful lake. — The fountain-head. — An American the first white man to stand by its side. — Schoolcraft. — How he came to miss the lake. — Appropriate ceremonies. — Captain Glazier’s speech. — Naming the lake. — Chenowagesic. — Military honors. — “Three cheers for the explorer”465
Chapter XL — Down the Great River
Voyage from Source to Sea. — Three thousand miles in an open canoe. — “Pioneers of the Mississippi.” — A thrilling lecture. — The long voyage begun. — Mosquitoes. — Hunger and exhaustion. — The Captain kills an otter. — Lakes Bemidji and Winnibegoshish. — An Indian missionary. — Wind-bound. — Chenowagesic bids farewell to the Captain. — Pokegama Falls. — Grand Rapids. — Meeting the first steamboat. — Aitkin. — Great enthusiasm. — The new canoes. — Leaving Aitkin. — Arrival at Little Falls. — Escorted in triumph to the town. — “Captain Glazier! A speech! A speech!” — Lake Pepin. — An appalling storm. — St. Louis. — Southern hospitality. — New Orleans. — Arrival at the Gulf of Mexico. — End of voyage 476
Chapter XLI — Reception by the New Orleans Academy of Sciences
Captain Glazier returns to New Orleans. — A general ovation. — Flattering opinions of the press. — Introduction to the Mayor. — Freedom of the City tendered. — Special meeting of the New Orleans Academy of Sciences. — Presentation of the “Alice” to the Academy. — Captain Glazier’s address. — The President’s Response. — Resolutions of thanks and appreciation passed. — Visit to the Arsenal of the Washington Artillery. — Welcome by the Old Guard of the Louisiana Tigers. — Pleasant memories of the “Crescent City”490
Chapter XLII — Before the Missouri Historical Society
Return to St. Louis. — Lecture at Mercantile Library Hall. — Brilliant audience. — The Missouri Historical Society present. — Eloquent introduction by Judge Todd. — “Pioneers of the Mississippi.” — Presentation of the “Itasca” to the Historical Society. — Remarks of Captain Silas Bent on accepting the canoe. — Congratulations of the audience. — Closing scene 496
Chapter XLIII — Greetings of the Voyage
An interesting souvenir. — Greeting at Lake Glazier. — Petition to Geographical Societies. — Voice from Aitkin, Gate City of the Upper Mississippi. — Tributes from Brainerd. — Mississippi Pyramid. — An old friend at La Crosse. — Greetings at St. Louis. — Senator Lamar. — Royal welcome at Bayou Tunica. — Sentiment of Port Eads. — Congratulations of the officers of the “Margaret.” — Greetings from New Orleans. — “Fame’s triple wreath.” — Closing remarks 502
“Sword and Pen” Commendations
Appendix by the Publishers
Appx. i