The one hundred and seventy men, who, led by the backwoodsman, Clark, made conquest of an empire's area for freedom in the west, wrought and lived gloriously; that was American.
It is well to bear in mind this distinction by which our civilization separates itself from that of old times.

Our heroism has always been of life--our heroes have conquered and lived to see the effect of conquest.

We have fought all sorts of wars and have never yet felt defeat.

Washington, Jackson, Taylor, Grant, all lived to enjoy, after successful war, a triumphant peace.

"These Americans," said a witty Frenchman, "are either enormously lucky, or possessed of miraculous vitality.