The most momentous and far-reaching question ever brought to issue on this continent was: Shall France remain here, or shall she not?
Francis ParkmanNot a breath of air stirred over the free and open prairie; the clouds were like light piles of cotton; and where the blue sky was visible, it wore a hazy and languid aspect.
Francis ParkmanSpanish civilization crushed the Indian. English civilization scorned and neglected him. French civilization embraced and cherished him.
Francis ParkmanIf any pale student, glued to his desk, here seek an apology for a way of life whose natural fruits is that pallid and emasculate scholarship of which New England has had too many examples, it will be far better that this sketch had not been written. For the student there is, in its season, no better place than the saddle, and no better companion than the rifle or the oar.
Francis Parkman