The Footprints of Time / And a Complete Analysis of Our American System of Government, with a Concise History of the Original Colonies and of the United States, in Chronological Order

by Charles Bancroft

Feb. 12—A Fugitive Slave law passed.

July 23—Roger Sherman, signer of the Declaration of Independence, died.

Oct. 8—John Hancock, of Mass., the first signer of the Declaration of Independence, died. This year laid the foundation of the policy of neutrality or non-interference with the European wars, that became the settled policy of the United States.

The year was also distinguished by the violence of party feeling.

Dec. 2—Congress assembles at Philadelphia.

” 31—Jefferson resigns his seat in the Cabinet. He was Secretary of State.

1794.

Mar. 11—An act is passed for building four ships of war, which laid the foundation of our present navy.

Some hostile English “Orders in Council” led to arrangements for fortifying the harbors of the country.

” 22—The Slave trade is regulated by law, no American vessel being allowed to supply slaves to another nation. The importation of slaves into this country had been allowed until the year 1808, by Art. 1st, Sec. 9th, of the Constitution.