called, of the invader. This was not in the nature of an oath of allegiance, but simply a pledge not to molest the British troops while occupying a particular section of the country, in consideration whereof, protection was to be afforded against the Tories, and the spoliations of foraging parties. It was never considered to be an impeachment of a man's fidelity to the colonial cause, that he "took protection ;" it was often done, in an emergency, from the best of motives,―the safety of one's family and home; it was done by the noble martyr Hayne, and no stain rests on his memory. Indeed, it was the highest evidence of patriotism, for no one suspected even of a leaning towards Toryism needed to "take protection." The citizens of Mecklenburg county and the adjacent country, were the first to renounce their allegiance and declare themselves forever independent of the British crown. To that declaration they adhered in and through all. They "took protection," it is true, when the foot of the victorious Briton was planted upon their hearth stones. But they never despaired of the republic,—they never faltered in their faith: and one of the ablest and most untiring of their persecutors has borne willing and repeated testimony to the fact, that their patriotism, from first to last, was ardent and sincere.* *Tarleton's Campaigns of 1780 and 1781, p. 159, et seq.-See, also, Steadman's History of the American War, vol. ii. p. 217, et seq. CHAPTER II. Birth of James K. Polk-His Parents-Their Children-Removal to Tennessee-Early Life and Character of James-Youthful Ambition-His Education-Enters the University of North Carolina-Character as a Student-Graduates-Honors bestowed upon him by his Alma Mater. JAMES KNOX POLK was born in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, on the second day of November, 1795, and was the oldest of ten children. His father was Samuel Polk, a son of Ezekiel Polk, before mentioned. His mother was Jane Knox, the daughter of James Knox, after whom her oldest son was named, a resident of Iredell County, North Carolina, and a Captain in the war of the Revolution. His parents were married in 1794. Besides the late President, they had five sons and four daughters. Three of the latter are now living. Of the sons, Marshall T. married and settled in North Carolina, and died there; Franklin, John, and Samuel W., all died unmarried; and William H., appointed by President Tyler, in 1845, Chargé d'Affaires to the Kingdom of the Two Sicilies, and a major of the 3d dragoons during the war with Mexico, now resides in Columbia, Tennessee. Samuel Polk, the father, was a plain, unpretending farmer, but of enterprising character; from necessity and inclination, frugal in his habits and style of living, yet kind and generous in disposition. "Thrown upon his own resources in early life, he became the architect of his own fortunes."* Immediately after the close of the Revolution, a strong tide of emigration set in from Mecklenburg and the adjoining counties, and flowing over the Mountains, rolled down upon the ranges of grassy hills, the undulating plains, the extensive reaches of grazing land, and the fertile valleys of Tennessee. Attracted by the glowing accounts, given by the first settlers and adventurers, of the beautiful daughter of his native state, Samuel Polk formed a determination to remove thither with his family; and if honesty of purpose, enterprise and industry, could accomplish that end, to achieve a competence for himself, and those who looked up to him for support and protection. From one cause or another the fulfilment of his design was postponed till the autumn of the year 1806, when, accompanied by his wife and children, he followed the now well-trodden path of emigration that conducted him to the rich valley of the Duck river, one of the principal tributaries of the Tennessee. Here, in the midst of the wilderness, in a tract of country erected in the following year into the County of Maury, he established his new home. His example was imitated by all the Polk family in North Carolina, who, with the exception of one branch, "emigrated, and cast their lot in with the bold spirits that sought a home in the great valley of the Mississippi."+ Having purchased a quantity of land, Samuel Polk employed himself in its cultivation; following, at intervals, the occupation of a surveyor. By dint of patient * Democratic Review, May, 1838. industry and economy, and by his untiring and energetic perseverance, he acquired a fortune equal to his wishes and his wants. He lived to behold the country around him become flourishing and prosperous; to see its dark forests pass away like some vision of enchantment, and its broad plains and valleys blooming with fruits and flowers, and teeming with the luxuriant produce of a fertile soil. He lived to witness the brilliant triumphs of his first-born son in his professional career, and to mark his manly bearing as he advanced with rapid strides on the pathway to greatness and fame. Respected as one of the first pioneers of Maury, and esteemed as a useful citizen and an estimable man, he finally closed his life at Columbia in 1827. His wife, a most excellent and pious woman, afterwards married a gentleman by the name of Eden, and is now living in Columbia, loved and revered by all who know her, and can appreciate her many virtues and her worth. Her son James, the subject of this memoir, passed his boyhood in the humble position in life which his parents occupied. The lessons that he learned in this school were never forgotten. Here was formed his manly and selfreliant disposition: here were imbibed those principles of economy, industry, integrity and virtue, which adorned his ripened manhood. He was by no means a stranger to what,—unless, as in his case, accompanied by a happy and contented heart,-is the drudgery of daily toil. He assisted his father in the management of his farm, and was his almost constant companion in his surveying excursions. They were frequently absent for weeks together, treading the dense forests and traversing the rough cane-brakes which then covered the face of the country, and exposed to all the changes of the weather, and the dangers and vicissitudes of a life in the woods. On these occasions, it was the duty of James to take care of the pack-horses and camp equipage, and to prepare the scanty and frugal meals of the surveying party. When a lad, he was strongly inclined to study, and often busied himself with the mathematical calculations of his father. He was very fond of reading, and was of a reflective turn of mind. In the imperfect and indistinct lines of early youth were to be traced the tokens of the man, the certain indices of the future fixed and permanent character. Not indifferent to the sports and pastimes of boyhood, he engaged in them, not for amusement merely, but for the recreation they afforded, for the light and joy they brought to his heart. To obtain a liberal education was his chief desire, and a profession was the great end at which he aimed. His habits, formed by the moulding hand of his exemplary mother, peculiarly fitted him for success in the sphere toward which his thoughts were directed, and on which his hopes were fixed. He was correct and punctual. He had industry and application. He had true native talent,-not the false gem that may dazzle and sparkle, and when brought to the test, appears mean and contemptible; it was the pure diamond, borrowing not its lustre, but containing light within itself. He had earnestness of purpose, subdued, perhaps, in expression, but, nevertheless, "the strong passion, which," said the philosopher of Voré,* “ rescu • Helvétius. |