Stories of Heroic Deeds for Boys and Girls: Historical Series - Book II

In Short

This volume is a curated anthology of historical, mythological, and biographical accounts intended for young readers. It moves from ancient myths to American colonial encounters, Revolutionary War exploits, and Scottish legends, ultimately concluding with modern technical and social triumphs. By grounding its lessons in the actions of individuals—ranging from the mythical Cadmus to the naval hero Isaac Hull—the book seeks to instill a sense of civic virtue and historical curiosity. Its enduring quality lies in its straightforward, episodic structure, which prioritizes the narrative force of "high endeavor" over abstract moralizing, reflecting a 19th-century educational philosophy that valued character development through engaging, accessible prose.

The Story

The narrative arc of the book is defined not by a single protagonist, but by a progression of human responses to challenge, danger, and moral duty. It opens with the realm of myth, where figures like Cadmus demonstrate perseverance and strength in the face of monsters, establishing a tone of heroic struggle. These ancient tales transition into the "Indian Stories," which detail the harsh realities of early American settlement. Here, the arc shifts from the abstract to the visceral; we see the cunning of Columbus using an eclipse to secure survival, the brutal survival stories of pioneers like Mrs. Dustin, and the resourcefulness of scouts like Major Rogers, whose legendary escape from pursuers provides a blueprint for tactical ingenuity.

As the text transitions into the Revolutionary War, the focus narrows to the struggle for independence. The narrative captures the spirit of the era through specific, dramatic vignettes: the defiance of the patriots who destroyed the Gaspé, the stubborn courage of the defenders at Fort Moultrie who withstood a British fleet in a half-finished fort, and the clever deceptions used by scouts like Macdonald to outwit Tory sympathizers. These stories emphasize that victory often depended on individual grit and sudden, decisive acts of bravery.

The scope then widens to include Scottish history, featuring the calculated daring of the "Black Douglas" in reclaiming Edinburgh Castle and the indomitable spirit of "Black Agnes" in defending her fortress. The final movement of the book shifts toward the modern age, bridging the gap between history and contemporary progress. It recounts the marvel of early steam navigation on the Ohio River, the naval prowess of Old Ironsides in the War of 1812, and the global outpouring of sympathy following the Great Chicago Fire. The book concludes with a vision of human interconnectedness, where the "angel in the human heart" triumphs over catastrophe. Throughout, the arc moves from the mythic struggle against external monsters to the practical, technological, and social struggles of building a nation, ending with a call for communal resilience. The stories do not suggest that the journey is easy; rather, they argue that progress—whether in war, discovery, or recovery—is the direct result of individuals choosing to act with courage when faced with overwhelming circumstances.

How It Unfolds

The foundations of myth The collection begins with classical tales, using the story of Cadmus to illustrate the necessity of persistence. These early chapters establish the theme of the hero as one who faces monstrous obstacles to found a civilization or secure a future.

The frontier crucible The focus turns to the American wilderness, where the struggle for survival against nature and adversaries is paramount. Readers witness the desperate endurance of settlers and the tactical brilliance of scouts, framing the American experience as one of constant, rigorous trial.

The revolutionary struggle The narrative moves to the conflict against British rule, highlighting moments of high tension and quick wit. These accounts focus on the ingenuity of the common soldier and the patriot, showcasing how small, decisive acts of bravery sustained the larger cause of liberty.

The endurance of character Stories of Scottish castles and sieges maintain the theme of steadfast resolve under pressure. These tales serve as a historical bridge, connecting the rugged spirit of the American frontier to the storied martial history of the British Isles.

The age of progress The final section shifts to technological and social evolution, detailing the launch of the first steamship and the global response to urban disaster. The book concludes by arguing that modern "magic"—technology and international charity—is simply the latest manifestation of the same human courage found in the opening myths.

The People

The book is populated by archetypal figures who serve as touchstones for moral and physical excellence. Cadmus represents the foundational hero, willing to confront the "horrid serpent" to ensure his people’s safety. Mrs. Dustin emerges as a figure of grim, uncompromising survival; her story is one of the most harrowing, highlighting a resilience that is forged in the deepest suffering. Ethan Allen appears as a larger-than-life character, defined by his immense physical strength and a blunt, fiery honesty that makes him both a terror to his enemies and a man of unshakeable principle.

Colonel Moultrie and Sergeant Jasper represent the collective strength of the citizen-soldier, showing that raw, inexperienced men can achieve greatness through sheer stubbornness and devotion to their flag. The "Black Douglas" and "Black Agnes" embody the aristocratic warrior tradition, where wit and tactical calculation are as vital as physical prowess. Finally, inventors like Fulton and Roosevelt, along with the ordinary people who respond to the Great Chicago Fire, represent the modern hero. They do not fight dragons, but they face the "fiery hurricane" of disaster, and their success depends on self-reliance and the interconnectedness of a global community. These figures are not static; they are defined by their ability to change the world around them through single-minded, often desperate, acts of will.

In Its Own Voice

"The moral lesson involved should be absorbed rather than learned, and the teacher should beware of destroying the value of any lesson by dealing out moral pap."

(The editor explains his philosophy that stories should convey values through action, not through heavy-handed lecturing.)

"In the use of language, it is far better that pupils should be obliged to stretch upward rather than be remanded to the nursery."

(The editor defends the use of sophisticated, adult-level vocabulary, insisting that children are capable of handling complex prose.)

"And that was the end of the great and jolly nation of the Do-as-you-likes."

(The narrator concludes the cautionary tale about a people who lost their ability to work, think, and speak, eventually descending into an animal state.)

What It's Really About

The central argument of the book is that history is not merely a collection of dates, but a series of individual choices that demonstrate the power of character. It posits that courage, honesty, and self-reliance are the engines of progress. By placing ancient myths alongside reports of 19th-century technological achievements, the book suggests that the same qualities required to slay a dragon are needed to navigate a steamship or rebuild a city after a fire. It seeks to answer the question of how to raise a generation of capable citizens: by providing them with examples of people who acted with "high endeavor." The underlying belief is that noble conduct is the essential prerequisite for national and personal success, and that stories are the most effective vessels for transmitting these virtues to the next generation.

Why Read It Today

Readers who enjoy the classic storytelling style of the late 19th century—earnest, descriptive, and unabashedly moralistic—will find much to appreciate here. The book feels like a relic of a time when education focused on building a "national character" through the study of heroic narratives. It moves at a brisk, episodic pace, making it perfect for someone who appreciates historical vignettes that don't get bogged down in excessive academic analysis.

However, readers should be aware that the book carries the period’s attitudes, particularly in its depictions of Native Americans, which are presented from the perspective of the settler-colonists of the time. The language, while sophisticated and intended to make the reader "stretch upward," may strike modern ears as formal or occasionally archaic. The inclusion of poems and excerpts from other writers, such as Hawthorne and Whittier, adds a literary texture that elevates the collection above a simple textbook. What stays with you is the book's relentless optimism; it truly believes that history is the story of human refinement. It is a rewarding read for anyone interested in how the values of a nation were once taught, and for those who still find inspiration in the idea that, regardless of the era, the human spirit is capable of "miraculous" feats of love and resilience.