United States History Student Edition

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“To Be Peopled by One Nation” Beginning in 1794, young

“We Cross the Prairie as of Old”

The lyrics to this song were written by the poet John Greenleaf Whittier (1807–1892) and published in 1854. Whittier’s poetry was notable for its focus on American history and legend and its expression of Quaker and American values. His works were commonly memorized and recited by schoolchildren.

John Quincy Adams served as a diplomat representing the United States in Europe. He served one term in the

Massachusetts senate and one term as a U.S. Senator. He was posted to Russia during

PRIMARY SOURCE: SONG “ We cross the prairie as of old Our fathers cross’d the sea,

the time this letter was written. The letter from which this excerpt is taken was written to his father, John Adams, who was 75; his presidency had ended 10 years prior, and he was living out his retirement.

To make the West; As they the East,

The homestead of the free. We go to rear a wall of men On Free-dom’s south-ern line, And plant beside the cotton tree The rugged Northern pine! . . . We’re flowing from our native hills As our free rivers flow; The blessing of our Mother land Is on us as we go. We go to plant her common schools On distant prairie swells, And give the Sabbaths of the wild The music of her bells. ” — from “We Cross the Prairie as of Old,” lyrics by J. G. Whittier, music by M. D. Sullivan

PRIMARY SOURCE: LETTER “ The whole continent of North

America appears to be destined by Divine Providence to be peopled by one nation, speaking one language, professing one general system of religious and political principles, and accustomed to one general tenor of social usages and customs. For the common happiness of them all, for their peace and prosperity, I believe it is indispensable that they should be associated in one federal Union. ” — from John Quincy Adams to John Adams, August 31, 1811

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Interpreting What does Whittier mean when he says, “We cross the prairie as of old/Our fathers cross’d the sea”? To whom does “Our fathers” refer? 2. Analyzing What American ideals are expressed in this song? Cite evidence from the song in your answer.

EXAMINE THE SOURCE 1. Identifying How do Adams’s thoughts relate to the concept of Manifest Destiny? 2. Analyzing Points of View What does Adams mean when he says that people “should be associated in one federal Union”? How do you think he intends for that to happen?

PHOTO: IanDagnall Computing/Alamy Stock Photo; TEXT: (1)“To John Adams from John Quincy Adams, 31 August 1811,” Founders Online, National Archives, https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Adams/99-03-02-2020. [This is an Early Access document from The Adams Papers. It is not an authoritative final version.]; (2)Sullivan, M. D. and J. G. Whittier. We cross the prairie as of old. Boston: E. H. Wade, 1854.

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