very
party for the presidency in 1856. He never had any chance of election,
for the reform party had not yet sufficient strength, and was defeated
by Buchanan. He served with some distinction in the Civil War, gaining
considerable notoriety, while in charge of the Western Department in
1861, by issuing a proclamation freeing the slaves of secessionists in
Missouri. The proclamation drew forth some laudatory verses from John G.
Whittier, but was promptly countermanded by President Lincoln. Soon
afterwards, Fremont became involved in personal disputes with his
superior officers, was relieved from active service, and the remainder
of his life was spent in private enterprises.

* * * * *

Fremont's "pathfinding" virtually completed the exploration of the
country. A few secluded nooks and corners became known only as the tide
of immigration crept into them; but in its general features, the great
continent, on whose eastern shore the white man was fighting for a
foothold two centuries before, was known from ocean to ocean. It had
been conquered and occupied by a dominant race, and won for
civilization.

SUMMARY

BOONE, DANIEL. Born in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, February 11, 1735;
settled at Holman's Ford, North Carolina, 1748; explored Kentucky,
1769-70; founded Boonesborough, 1775; moved to Missouri, 1795; died at
Charette, Missouri, September 26, 1820.

KENTON, SIMON, Born in Fauquier County, Virginia, April 3, 1755; fled to
the West, 1771; ranged western country as a spy, 1776-78; with George
Rogers Clark's expedition, 1778; commanded a battalion of Kentucky
volunteers under Wayne, 1793-94; brigadier-general of Ohio militia,
1805; at battle of the Thames, 1813; died in Logan County, Ohio, April
29, 1836.

CLARK, GEORGE ROGERS. Born in Albemarle County, Virginia, November 19,
1752; settled in Kentucky, 1775; major of militia, 1776; sent as
delegate to Virginia, 1776; second journey to Virginia, 1777; started on
Illinois expedition, June 24, 1778; captured Kaskaskia, July 4, 1778;
captured Vincennes, February 24, 1779; defeated Miami Indians and
destroyed villages, 1782; died near Louisville, Kentucky, February 18,
1818.

PUTNAM, RUFUS. Born in Sutton, Massachusetts, April 9, 1738; served in
campaigns against the French, 1757-60; superintended defenses of New
York City, 1776; superintended construction of fortifications at West
Point, 1778; promoted to brigadier-general, Janu