Part 12

An Irish soldier, in a battle against the Turks, shouted to his commanding officer that he had caught a Tartar. “Bring him along, then,” said the general. “But he won’t come.” “Then come along yourself.” “Arrah! an’ so I would, but he won’t let me,” answered Paddy. Hence arose the saying “To catch a Tartar,” meaning to be outdone.

346. Which is the oldest street in New England?

Leyden Street, in Plymouth, Mass. It is so called in memory of the Dutch city where the Pilgrim Fathers had stopped for a season.

347. What was the origin of the phrase “To haul over the coals”?

One method of extorting money from the Jews, by the kings or barons, was at one time to haul them over the coals of a slow fire, until they yielded to their demands; hence this phrase, meaning to scold, to take to task.

348. Which is the “Maiden Town”?

Edinburgh is so styled from a monkish fable or tradition that it was once the residence of the daughters of Pictish kings, who were sent to this stronghold for protection in times of war and trouble.

349. What was the “War of the Roses”?

This name is given to the civil war which raged in England from the reign of Henry VI. to that of Henry VII. (1452–1486), on account of the badges or emblems of the parties to the strife,--that of the house of York being a white rose, and that of the house of Lancaster a red rose.

350. Which was the first American bird taken to England?

The turkey. When John Cabot returned from his discovery of the American continent, he took two of these birds and three savages as his booty.

351. What was the origin of “$”?

There are several theories for the origin of the sign of the American dollar:--

1. That it is a combination of U. S., the initials of the United States.

2. That it is a modification of the figure 8, the dollar being formerly called a “_piece of eight_,” and designated by the symbol 8/8.

3. That it is derived from a representation of the “Pillars of Hercules,” consisting of two pillars connected with a scroll. The old Spanish coins containing this were called “_pillar dollars_.”

4. That it is a combination of H. S., the mark of the Roman money unit.

5. That it is a combination of P. and S. from the Spanish _peso duro_, signifying _hard dollar_. In Spanish accounts _peso_ is contracted by writing the S over the P, and placing it after the sum.

352. By whom was the Northeast Passage discovered?

By Prof. Adolph Eric Nordenskjold, a Swedish explorer, who left Gothenburg, Sweden, July 4, 1878, in command of the _Vega_, and arrived in Japan in July, 1879, after lying locked up in the ice about nine months. There were peculiarly favorable conditions which enabled him to do what others have so often failed to do, but it is something of a triumph to have in any case achieved a work so hazardous and remarkable, and Prof. Nordenskjold can enjoy a distinction which he has fairly and honorably won.

353. What kind of goblets were formerly considered as preservatives against poison?

Goblets made of rhinoceros horns were formerly held in high estimation as preservatives against poison. The kings of India were accustomed to have their wine served up in these goblets, as they imagined that if any poison were introduced into the cup, the liquid would boil over and betray its presence.

354. What was the origin of the phrase “To have a bone to pick with one”?

A Sicilian father, at the marriage of his daughter, after the feast gave the bridegroom a bone, saying, “Pick this bone, for you have undertaken a much harder task.” Hence arose, it is said, the above phrase, meaning to have an unpleasant affair to settle.

355. What was the origin of the phrase “To throw dust in one’s eyes”?

“To throw dust in one’s eyes” is to mislead. The phrase arose from a Mohammedan practice of casting dust into the air for the sake of “confounding” the enemies of the faith.

356. What is the meaning of the phrase “By hook or by crook”?

It probably means “foully like a thief or holily like a bishop,” the _hook_ being used by footpads, and the _crook_ being the bishop’s crosier.

357. Who was the “Scourge of God”?

This title is often given to Attila, or Etzel, the famous king of the Huns, and one of the most formidable invaders of the Roman Empire. His father, Mundzuk, was succeeded by his brothers Octar and Rhuas; and on the death of Rhuas, in 434, Attila and his brother Bleda together ascended the throne. Their dominions are said to have extended from the Rhine to the frontiers of China. Attila was superstitiously reverenced by his countrymen; he was said to possess the miraculous iron sword of the Scythian god of war, and he proclaimed himself to be the man-child born at Engaddi, who was destined to rule over the whole world. At the head of an army of 700,000 men he gradually concentrated on himself the awe and fear of the whole ancient world, which ultimately expressed itself by affixing to his name the well-known epithet of the “Scourge of God.” This name was first given him, it is said, by a hermit in Gaul. In the year 453, on the night of his marriage to a beautiful Gothic maiden, called Ildiko, or Hilda, he burst a blood-vessel, and expired, to the unspeakable relief of both Europe and Asia. His body was put in a coffin of iron, over which was one of silver and a third of gold. He was buried secretly at night together with a mass of treasure and arms, and the captives who dug his grave were slaughtered by the Huns in order to conceal his tomb.

358. Who bought the first United States postage stamps ever sold?

The first postage stamps in this country were issued in accordance with an act of Congress, approved March 3, 1847. They were of five and ten cent denominations, and the date of issue was appointed as July 1, but there was a delay in the work and the time ran over a month. On the 5th of August, the Hon. Henry Shaw, of Lanesborough, Mass., the father of the late well-known Henry Shaw, Jr. (“Josh Billings”), called to see Postmaster-General Johnson on business. While there the printer came in with several sheets of the stamps. Mr. Johnson handed them to his visitor to inspect, and Mr. Shaw bought two of the stamps,--the first two ever issued. The five-cent stamp he kept as a curiosity, and the ten-cent stamp he presented to Gov. Briggs, of Massachusetts.

359. Who have been the acting Vice-Presidents of the United States during the several vacancies in that office?

William Harris Crawford, of Georgia, became Vice-President on the death of George Clinton, April 20, 1812; and after the death of Elbridge Gerry, Nov. 23, 1814, John Gaillard, of South Carolina, served as Vice-President until March 4, 1817. After the resignation of John C. Calhoun from that office on Dec. 28, 1832, it was held by Hugh Lawson White, of Tennessee, until the 4th of March, 1833. Samuel Lewis Southard, of New Jersey, and Willie Person Mangum, of North Carolina, served as Vice-Presidents during the administration of Tyler; and William Rufus King, of Alabama, served in like capacity during Fillmore’s term. During the administration of Franklin Pierce, David R. Atchison, of Missouri, and Jesse D. Bright, of Indiana, were acting Vice-Presidents. During President Johnson’s term, Lafayette Sabine Foster, of Connecticut, and Benjamin Franklin Wade, of Ohio, held the Vice-Presidency. The successor of Henry Wilson, upon his death, Nov. 22, 1875, was Thomas W. Ferry, of Michigan. When Vice-President Arthur became President, his successor was David Davis, of Illinois, who was succeeded, in turn, by George F. Edmunds, of Vermont. After the death of Vice-President Hendricks, the Senate chose John Sherman, of Ohio, as his successor.

360. Why are the “Hoosiers” so called?

The term “Hoosiers,” as applied to the citizens of Indiana, is derived either from _husher_, a term synonymous throughout the West with bully or rough, as many of the early settlers were bullies and men of great physical strength, or from the rough exclamation of these people when one knocked at a door, “Who’s yere?”

361. Why is the passion flower so called?

It was named by the early Spanish settlers, who fancied it to be a representation of our Lord’s passion.

The _leaf_ is symbolic of the spear that pierced his side.

The five _anthers_, the marks of the wounds.

The _tendrils_, the cords or whips.

The column of the _ovary_, the upright of the cross.

The _stamens_, the hammers.

The three _styles_, the nails.

The _filamentous processes_, the crown of thorns.

The _calyx_, the glory or halo.

The _white_ tint, purity.

The _blue_ tint, heaven.

It remains open for three days and typifies his three years’ ministry.

362. Which is the “Petrified City”?

Ishmonie, in Upper Egypt, is so called on account of a great number of statues of men, women, children, and animals, which are said to be seen there at this day, and which, according to a popular superstition, were once animated beings, but were miraculously changed into stone in all the various postures and attitudes which were assumed by them at the instant of their supposed transubstantiation.

363. What was the origin of the phrase “That’s a feather in your cap”?

“A feather in your cap” is a mark of distinction. It originates with the wild tribes of Asia and America, who add a new feather to their head-dress for every enemy slain. A Caufir of Cabul adorns himself with new feathers for every Mussulman killed by him. The custom was a common one among the Lycians and other nations of antiquity, and, in fact, in one form or another seems to be almost universal at the present time.

364. Why is the Baldwin apple so called?

The famous Baldwin apple was discovered by Col. Loammi Baldwin (1745–1807), a distinguished citizen of Woburn, Mass. While surveying land in Wilmington (in the same State), he observed a tree on the land of James Butters, much frequented by woodpeckers. Curiosity led him to examine the tree, and he found thereon apples of excellent flavor. The next spring he took from it scions to engraft into stocks of his own. Others in his neighborhood did the same till the apple was extensively cultivated. Some named the apple Butters’ apple, from the locality of the original tree; others called it Woodpecker’s apple, from the birds which caused the discovery; but one day, at an entertainment of friends at the house of Col. Baldwin, it was suggested that the name “Baldwin apple,” in honor of the discoverer, was the most appropriate, and it has since been known by his name. The original tree was destroyed by the famous September gale in 1815.

365. Why was the White House so called?

The home of the Presidents was named in honor of the White House, the Virginia home of Martha Washington, in New Kent County, in which her wedding occurred. Washington had many pleasant memories of that residence, and it was he who suggested the building of a “White House” for the Presidents. The house is constructed of Virginia freestone, which is excessively porous, and consequently would be very damp in the interior, were it not for a thick coat of white lead, which is applied about once in ten years at a great expense.

366. Who was the first woman hung in the United States?

Mary Dyer, a Quakeress. On the 27th of October, 1659, a gallows stood on Boston Common, and three condemned Quakers, William Robinson, Marmaduke Stevenson, and Mary Dyer, were led out to execution. They were accompanied by the trainband, and drums were beat to drown their testimony. The town was put under guard of thirty-six soldiers against apprehended trouble. The woman walked between her two companions, holding each of them by a hand. The marshal asked her, “If she was not ashamed to walk, hand in hand, between two young men?” She replied, “It is an hour of the greatest joy I can enjoy in this world. No eye can see, no ear can hear, no tongue can speak, no heart can understand, the sweet incomes and refreshings of the Spirit of the Lord which I now enjoy.” The two men were hung and buried beneath the gallows; but Mary Dyer, after having the noose put round her neck, was pardoned and sent to Rhode Island. The next spring she returned. On the gallows the second time, June 1, 1660, she was offered her life if she would promise to keep out of Massachusetts. Her reply was, “In obedience to the will of the Lord I came; and in his will I abide faithful to the death.” She did so.

367. Who are the “Blue-Noses”?

This name is popularly given to the inhabitants of Nova Scotia or New Brunswick. It is supposed to have been originally applied from the effect upon the more prominent parts of the face of the raw easterly winds and long-continued fogs which prevail in these provinces. Others say that it was first applied to a particular kind of potatoes which were extensively produced by the inhabitants, and that it was afterwards transferred to the inhabitants themselves. Others trace its origin to the custom among certain tribes of the aborigines of painting the nose blue as a punishment for a crime against chastity.

368. Who was the “Handsome Englishman”?

This name was given by Turenne to the celebrated John Churchill, Duke of Marlborough (1650–1722), who was no less distinguished for the singular graces of his person, than for his brilliant courage, and his consummate ability both as a soldier and a statesman.

369. What great general was fired at fifteen times and yet escaped unhurt?

In the battle of Monongahela, July 9, 1755, an Indian chief with his braves especially singled Washington out. Four balls passed through his clothes and two horses were shot under him, yet he was not harmed. Fifteen years later, Washington made an expedition to the Western country with Dr. Craik, an intimate friend, and a party of woodsmen, for the purpose of exploring wild lands. While near the junction of the Great Kanawha and Ohio Rivers, the old Indian chief came a “long way” to see the man at whom he had fired a rifle fifteen times without hitting him, adding that “he was then persuaded that the youthful hero was under the special guardianship of the Great Spirit, and immediately ceased to fire at him.” He was now come “to pay homage to the man, who was the particular favorite of Heaven, and who could never die in battle.”

370. What was the origin of “bigot”?

This word is of uncertain and disputed etymology. There are several theories of its origin.

1. That it was first applied to the Normans from the oath uttered by Rollo, the first Duke of Normandy, who was obliged to kiss the foot of his father-in-law, Charles the Foolish, in return for the province of Neustria. When told by his companions what he must do, he exclaimed, “_Ne se, Bigot_” (Not so, by God): the king and the court mockingly called him _Bigoth_, whence the Normans were called _Bigothi_.

2. That it is from bigot, an old Norman word, signifying as much as _De par dieu_, or our _for God’s sake_, and signifying a hypocrite, or one that seemeth much more holy than he is.

3. That it is a corruption of Visigotha, in which the fierce and intolerant Arianism of the Visigoth conqueror of Spain is handed down to infamy. The word _bigos_ occurs in an old French romance, cited by Roquefort, in the sense of a barbarous people.

4. That it is from the Low Latin _Begutta_, one of the appellations of the nuns called _Beguines_, who, without having taken monastic vows, were united for purposes of devotion and charity, and lived together in houses called _beguinages_.

5. That it is derived from the Italian _bigotto_, or _bighiotto_, a devotee, a hypocrite.

6. That it is from the Spanish _bigote_, a whisker, _hombre de bigote_ being a man of spirit.

371. Who was the “Beautiful Rope-maker”?

This sobriquet was given to Louise Labè (1526–1566), a French poetess, who married Ennemond Perrin, a rope manufacturer. She wrote in three different languages. She was distinguished for her extraordinary courage at the siege of Perpignan.

372. What was the origin of the expression “A Sardonic smile”?

Some derive it from the Greek σαιρειν, to grin like a dog; but the second and more probable derivation is that it is from a herb growing in the island of Sardinia (Greek Σαρδω). This herb, the _Ranunculus sceleratus_, has, when eaten, a contractile power on the muscles of the body, and particularly those of the face, so that those affected by it seem to laugh. It was an old belief that those who eat it would die laughing, hence Homer first, and others after him, call laughter which conceals some noxious design Sardonican. This same plant has a caustic power, so that if the fresh-pulled leaves are laid on the skin, they produce pustules, as if caused by fire.

373. Who was the first circumnavigator of the globe?

Ferdinand Magellan, though he did not survive to return home with his ship, well deserves the title of the “first circumnavigator.” He discovered the strait, which now bears his name, Oct. 20, 1520, the day dedicated in the Catholic calendar to St. Ursula and her eleven thousand virgins, hence he called it “The Strait of the Eleven Thousand Virgins.” The strait was passed Nov. 28; and though he had not quite reached the Spice Islands when he fell in conflict with the people of the isle of Mactan, April 27, 1521, his task was virtually accomplished, as he had before been as far east as the Spice Islands. The expedition, reduced from five ships and two hundred and thirty-six men to one vessel and eighteen men, reached San Lucar, Spain, Sept. 6, 1522, after an absence of three years lacking fourteen days, under the guidance of Juan Sebastian del Cano. This vessel, the _Vitoria_, was the first to make the circuit of the globe. As a reward Cano was ennobled with the globe on his coat-of-arms, and the motto, “_Primus circumdedisti me_.”

374. Which is the “City of Oaks”?

This name has been given to Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, which possesses many fine streets shaded with native oaks. These oaks were wisely spared during the first settlement, and have since attained a giant growth.

375. Why was Gen. Grant sometimes called “Unconditional Surrender” Grant?

The origin of this sobriquet is to be found in the following note:--

HEADQUARTERS, ARMY IN THE FIELD, CAMP NEAR DONELSON, Feb. 16, 1862.

Gen S. B. BUCKNER, _Confederate Army_.

_Sir_,--Yours of this date proposing armistice, and appointment of commissioners, to settle terms of capitulation, is just received. No terms except an unconditional and immediate surrender can be accepted.

I propose to move immediately upon your works.

I am, sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, U. S. GRANT, _Brig. Gen._

Gen. Buckner surrendered Fort Donelson and fifteen thousand men the same day, and after that U. S. Grant was often said to signify “Unconditional Surrender” Grant.

376. When, where, and by whom was the first watch made?

Watches were first made at Nuremberg, Germany, in 1477, by Peter Hele, a clock-maker, and were accounted “a wonder of the world.” It required nearly a year’s labor to produce the first watch. It varied nearly an hour a day from the true time, and required winding twice a day. The price set upon it and its fellows by the inventor was equal to $1,500 in gold at the present day. It was egg-shaped and about the size of a goose egg, hence it was sometimes called the “Nuremberg animated egg.” The statement made by some, that Robert, king of Scotland, had a watch about the year 1310, is doubtless erroneous. The invention of spring watches has been ascribed to Dr. Hooke, and by some to Huygens, about 1658; the anchor escapement was invented by Clement, in 1680; the horizontal watch by Graham, in 1724; the repeating watch by Barlowe, in 1676; and Harrison produced his first timepiece in 1735.

377. What famous men of antiquity were killed by lice?

Lice appear to have been a great plague among the ancients, and many persons suffered from the disease now known as _Morbus pediculosus_, or _Phthiriasis_. Among the most famous persons who died of this “creeping sickness” were Acastas, the son of Pelias, Alcman the poet, Pherecydes the theologian, Callisthenes the Olynthian, Mucius the lawyer, Eunus the fugitive, who stirred up the slaves of Sicily to rebel against their masters, and Lucius Cornelius Sulla, dictator of Rome, although the immediate cause of the latter’s death was the bursting of a blood-vessel. Plutarch thus describes, in substance, the case of Sulla. In consequence of his excesses, his corrupted flesh at length broke out into lice. Many were employed day and night in destroying them, but the work so multiplied under their hands, that not only his clothes, baths, basins, but his very flesh was polluted with that flux and contagion, they came swarming out in such numbers. He went frequently by day into the bath to scour and cleanse his body, but all in vain; the evil generated too rapidly and too abundantly for any ablutions to overcome it.

378. Who was the “American Fabius”?

This sobriquet is often given to George Washington, whose military policy resembled that of the Roman general Quintus Fabius Maximus Verrucosus, who conducted operations against Hannibal by declining to risk a battle in the open field, harassing him by marches, counter-marches, and ambuscades.

379. Who were the “Seven against Thebes”?

They were the seven leaders of an expedition designed to place Polynices on the throne of Thebes, from which he had been driven by his brother Eteocles. Their names were Adrastus, Amphiaraus, Capaneus, Hippomedon (Argives), Parthenopæus (an Arcadian), Polynices (a Theban), and Tydeus (an Æolian). The expedition was a failure, as the chiefs were arrogant and boastful, and despised signs sent by the gods. Adrastus, who escaped by the swiftness of his horse Areion, the gift of Hercules, was the only one saved. Ten years afterward, a second expedition, conducted by their more pious sons, the _Epigoni_, who acted in obedience to the will of heaven, was crowned with success.

380. Who was the “Sage of Monticello”?

Thomas Jefferson (1743–1826), third President of the United States, was often so called from the name of his country seat in Virginia, and in allusion to his wise statesmanship and great political sagacity.

381. What was the origin of the term “Johnnies,” as applied to the Confederate soldiers during the late Rebellion?

This term Johnnies, or Johnny Rebs, is said to have originated in a taunting remark addressed to a rebel picket, to the effect that the Southern States relied on “John Bull” to help them gain their independence, and that the picket himself was no better than a “John Bull”; an accusation which he indignantly denied, saying that he would “as soon be called a ‘nigger’ as a ‘Johnny Bull.’”

382. What was the “Day of Corn-sacks”?

The 3d of January, 1591, is so called, in French history, from an attempt made by Henry IV. to surprise Paris on that day. Some of his officers, disguised as corn dealers, with sacks on their shoulders, endeavored to get possession of the gate St. Honore; but they were recognized, and obliged to make a hasty retreat.

383. Who were the “Copperheads”?

This popular nickname originated in the time of the late Rebellion, and was applied to a faction in the North, which was very generally considered to be in secret sympathy with the Rebellion, and to give it aid and comfort by attempting to thwart the measures of the government. The name is derived from a poisonous serpent, called the copperhead (_Trigonocephalus contortrix_), whose bite is considered as deadly as that of the rattlesnake and whose geographical range extends from forty-five degrees north to Florida. The copperhead, unlike the rattlesnake, gives no warning of its attack, and is, therefore, the type of a concealed foe.

384. What was “Symnes’ Hole”?