Martin Van Buren (1782–1862), the eighth President of the United States, was so termed from his adroitness in political methods, and the art with which he made friends and avoided making enemies.
150. What explorer drove a herd of hogs before him for food?
When Ferdinand De Soto set out on his conquest of Florida, he took, among other things, a large herd of hogs with him to fatten on the maize of the country. It was thought that these, together with their rapid increase, would form a considerable supply of food for the conquering army.
151. When, where, and by whom was the first gun of the late Civil War fired?
At half past four o’clock, Friday morning, April 12, 1861, from Battery Stevens in Charleston Harbor, upon Fort Sumter, by Edmund Ruffin, of Virginia. At seven o’clock, Captain Abner Doubleday, U. S. A., fired the first shot in defence of the Union.
152. Who was the last Union general killed in the Rebellion?
Brigadier-General Thomas Smythe. He was mortally wounded near Farmville, Virginia, April 6, 1865, and died at Petersburg on the 9th of the same month. General Smythe was a native of Ireland, and came to America in childhood, settling at Wilmington, Delaware. He entered the Union ranks in 1861, and was made a brigadier-general June 3, 1864, for gallant conduct at the battle of Cold Harbor.
153. What words contain all the vowels in order?
The author knows of but three,—abstemiously, arsenious, and facetiously.
154. Which is the most useful tree in the world?