358 GEORGE BANCROFT. 



of the United States from the discovery of the American Continent 

 to the present time." It will be seen that he did not attempt to 

 carry out the plan as thus promulgated. History requires the aid 

 of intervening time as a guaranty that the writer shall escape the 

 prejudices and passions provoked by current events. It was im- 

 possible that Mr. Bancroft should treat with uniform impartiality 

 of men and affairs belonging strictly to the past, and of events 

 which had been shaped by the generation then controlling the 

 destiny of his country. His History, a% published, concludes 

 with the establishment of a constitutional government in the 

 United States, and to its production he devoted the remainder of 

 his life, publishing from time to time the several volumes of the 

 series, as intervals of leisure in his i^olitical and diplomatic labors 

 permitted. 



In 1835 he removed to Springfield, and next year ran for Con- 

 gress in that district on the Democratic ticket, but was defeated. 

 From 1838 to 1841 he was Collector of the Port of Boston. In 

 1844 he was Democratic candidate for Governor of Massachusetts, 

 but failed of election. In 1845 he was Secretary of the Navy under 

 James K. Polk, and while he held that position he founded the Na- 

 val School at Annapolis. The need of a training school for naval 

 officers similar to that at West Point for the Army had long been 

 felt. The usual sectional jealousies and political prejudices which 

 impede useful legislation at Washington were to be apprehended if 

 a direct appeal for the establishment of such an institution were 

 made. An opportunity offered to secure the post at Fort Severn, 

 Annapolis, without legislation. Existing laws permitted the 

 stationing of certain officers and instructors at this post. It was 

 also possible to detach midshipmen from vessels as they arrived in 

 this country and order them to Annapolis. All of this was accom- 

 plished. Orders for the establishment of the school were issued, 

 and a scheme was promulgated which, in 1846, was published at 

 Washington, under title of "Plan and Regulations of Naval School 

 at Annapolis." The school was formally opened October 10, 1845. 

 On the 1st of January, 1846, its membership was composed of 

 forty-nine midshipmen and seven acting midshipmen. The Navy 

 thus became indebted to Secretary Bancroft for a training school. 



While Secretary of the Navy, he issued the order to take posses- 

 sion of California in the event of a war between the United States 

 and Mexico, and while acting as Secretary of War, during the 

 temporary absence of Marcy, Bancroft issued the order to Greneral 

 Taylor to march into Texas. ^ 



