Richard Hildreth facts for kids
Richard Hildreth (born June 28, 1807 – died July 11, 1865) was an important American journalist, writer, and historian. He is best known for his six-book series, History of the United States of America. This huge work covered the years from 1497 to 1821. Experts today see it as a very accurate political history of early America. However, it also clearly showed his strong support for the Federalist Party and his belief that slavery should be ended.
Early Life and Education
Richard Hildreth was born in Deerfield, Massachusetts. His father, Hosea Hildreth, was a math teacher who later became a minister.
In 1811, Richard's father became a professor at Phillips Exeter Academy. Richard started attending Phillips Exeter in 1816 and studied there for seven years. He then went on to graduate from Harvard College in 1826. After studying law, he became a lawyer in Boston in 1830.
A Career in Writing and History
Richard Hildreth had a busy career as a writer and editor. He used his skills to share his ideas and record history.
Starting as a Journalist
In 1832, Hildreth helped start and edit a daily newspaper called the Boston Atlas. This was an important way for him to share his thoughts with the public.
Writing Against Slavery
Hildreth was a strong opponent of slavery. In 1834, he wrote a popular novel called The Slave: or Memoir of Archy Moore. This book was later made bigger and renamed The White Slave in 1852. In 1840, he published another book against slavery called Despotism in America.
Views on Money and Government
In 1837, Hildreth wrote articles for the Atlas that strongly opposed adding Texas to the United States. That same year, he published a book called Banks, Banking, and Paper Currencies. This book helped to encourage a system where banks could operate more freely in America.
Living in British Guiana
In 1840, Hildreth moved to British Guiana (now Guyana) for three years because of his health. While there, he edited two weekly newspapers in Georgetown, Guyana.
His Famous History Books
Hildreth's most important work was his History of the United States. He published the first three books in 1849, and the last three by 1852. These books covered American history from 1492 to 1821. His history books are known for being very accurate and honest. He based them on careful study of original documents. The later books in the series showed his support for the Federalist Party.
Other Important Works
Hildreth also wrote other books. His book Japan as It Was and Is (1855) was a helpful summary of information about Japan at the time. He also wrote a book about William Henry Harrison, who became president. Other works included books on morals and politics, and a collection about "atrocious judges."
Later Life and Public Service
From 1857 to 1860, Hildreth worked for the New York Tribune newspaper. During this time, he also wrote several anti-slavery articles for the new Republican party. Due to poor health, he stopped writing in 1860.
In 1861, he was appointed as the United States consul (a government official who helps citizens abroad) in Trieste. He resigned from this job in 1865 and moved to Florence, where he passed away on July 11, 1865. He is buried in the English Cemetery, Florence.
Selected Writings
Richard Hildreth wrote many books and articles during his life. Here are some of his notable works:
- Archy Moore, the white slave; or, Memoirs of a fugitive, 1836
- The history of banks; to which is added a demonstration of the advantages and necessity of free competition in the business of banking, 1837
- Banks, banking, and paper currencies; In three parts. I. History of banking and paper money. II. Argument for open competition in banking. III. Apology for One-Dollar notes. 1840
- Theory of morals an inquiry concerning the law of moral distinctions and the variations and contradictions of ethical codes, 1844
- Theory of politics; an inquiry into the foundations of governments and the causes and progress of political revolutions. 1853
- Despotism in America: an inquiry into the nature, results, and legal basis of the slave-holding system in the United States, 1854
- Japan as it was and is, 1855
The History of the United States of America (Six Books)
- Hildreth, Richard (1856). The history of the United States of America : from the discovery of the continent to the organization of government under the federal constitution. I. New York : Harper & Bros. https://archive.org/details/historyunited01hildrich.
- Hildreth, Richard (1849). The history of the United States of America : from the discovery of the continent to the organization of government under the federal constitution. II. New York : Harper & Bros. https://archive.org/details/historyofunitedst02hild/page/n3/mode/2up.
- Hildreth, Richard (1856). The history of the United States of America : from the discovery of the continent to the organization of government under the federal constitution. III. New York : Harper & Bros. https://archive.org/details/historyofuniteds03hilduoft.
- Hildreth, Richard (1856). The history of the United States of America : from the discovery of the continent to the organization of government under the federal constitution. IV. New York : Harper & Bros. https://archive.org/details/historyunited04hildrich.
- Hildreth, Richard (1856). The history of the United States of America : from the discovery of the continent to the organization of government under the federal constitution. V. New York : Harper & Bros. https://archive.org/details/historyofuniteds05hilduoft.
- Hildreth, Richard (1856). The history of the United States of America : from the discovery of the continent to the organization of government under the federal constitution. VI. New York : Harper & Bros. https://archive.org/details/historyunited06hildrich.
