• \/ .^^^^ . • # *» » • o %. o • * " «0* vD. ^.* . , • V ■AO' • V ^ ""Ad* . v^^*y %*^'/ v^^\*^ ^ ♦ • HISTOEY O F MARYLAND; FROM ITS SETTLEMENT IN 1634 TO THE YEAR 1848, WITH AN ACCOUNT OF ITS FIRST DISCOVERY, AND THE VARIOUS EXPLORATIONS OF THE CHESAPEAKE BAY, ANTERIOR TO ITS SETTLEMENT; TO WHICH IS ADDED, A COPIOUS APPENDIX, CONTAINING THE NAMES OF THE OFFICERS OF THE OLD MARYLAND LINE: THE LORDS PROPRIETARY OF THE PROVINCE, AND THE GOVERNORS OF MARY- LAND, FROM ITS SETTLEMENT TO THE PRESENT TIME.yCHRONOLOGI- CALLY ARRANGED; THE SENATORS OF THE STATE, IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES; TOGETHER WITH TABLES OF THE POPULA- TION OF THE COUNTIES, AT EACH CENSUS, OF THE WHOLE STATE, FROM ITS FOUNDATION; AND QUESTIONS ON THE PRINCIPAL EVENTS IN THE HISTORY, ARRANGED AC- CORDING TO PAGE AND CHAPTER, FOR THE USE OF SCHOOLS. By JAMBS McSHERRY, Esq. BALTIMORE: JOHN MUHPHY & CO., PRINTERS & PUBLISHERS, No. 178 MARKET STREET. CUSHINGS & BAILEY, 262 MARKET STREET. SOLD BY BOOKSELLERS GENERALLY. 1850. WwT". II W CTCNAHeE FEB 1 5 1^^" / 0/^ Entered, according to the act oC Congress, in the year one thousand eight hundred and fifty, by John Mcjrpht & Co., in the clerk'a office of the District Court of Maryland. JOHN MUI?PH.T fr CO., Printeri, Baltimore. E. F WltlJlA'MS, Stereotyper. TO THE YOUTH OF MAHYLANS, Z'"^:!^^ T H I S B00K^^^5^ IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED, "V_C5;S?=^ IN THE HOPE, ^^;;0^ THAT ITS PERUSAL MAY IMPRESS UPON THEIR MINDS STRENGTHEN THAT DUTIFUL AND PATRIOTIC LOVE WHICH THEY OWE IT. AND INDUCE THEM TO' ADMIRE AND IMITATE THE VIRTUE, THE VALOUR, AND THE LIBERALITY, THEIR FOREFATHERS. PREFACE. In presentinor an edition of the History of Maryland, revised and adapted to the use of schools, the author can- not refrain from expressing his acknowledgments for the generous reception which the larger volume met with from the public. The desire, so frequently expressed, that a cheaper edition should be issued, adapted to the use of schools, has led to the publication of the present work. Much new matter has been added, and many abbrevi- ations made, to render the book more appropriate for schools, especially those in operation under the present school system of the State. The main object has been, throughout, to present a faithful picture of the history of Maryland, and, at the same time, as far as possible, to avoid exciting the youthful mind of the pupil by the contempla- tion of religious or political contentions. In this delicate and laborious duty, the author has re- ceived great assistance from two gentlemen of experience, long connected with the manaofement of the public schools of Baltimore, Dr. John F. Monmonier, President of the Board of Commissioners, and the Rev. J. N. M'Jilton, Treasurer, who, anxious for the introduction of a history of Maryland into the public schools of the State, kindly undertook the revision of the work, and by whom the greater portion of the abbreviations have been either made or suof^ested. The author takes this occasion to return them his thanks for the interest they have taken in the work. Frederick, July Ath, 1850. ^ilf^ CONTENTS. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Page. Discovery of America 13 Ditference in Character of the People of English and Spanish America 14 Sebastian Cabot discovers North America 15 He touches on Maryland 15 Verazzini passes the mouth of the Chesapeake 16 The English attempt to colonize North America 16 London and Plymouth Companies 16 Virginia Settled 17 Capt. John Smith Explores the Chesapeake 18 Second and third Charters of the Virginia Company 20 Charters forfeited 21 Sir George Calvert 21 Prepares to Found Maryland 22 His Death , 24 The Charter Issues to his Son Cecilius . 24 CHAPTER I. THE SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. The First Colony sails from England 26 Dangers of the Voyage 27 Landing at St. Clement's 30 Exploration of the Potomac 31 Leonard Calvert's Treaty v^'ith the Indians 33 The Founding of St. Mary's.. 34 Colony visited by Governor Harvey of Virginia 34 The Indians of Saint Mary's 37 CHAPTER II. Claiborne's first rebellion. Claiborne's claims to Kent Island, &c 39 His Rebellion and Defeat on the Pocomoke 40 His Flight 41 First General Assembly of Maryland 41 Conditions of Plantations 41 The Isle of Kent 42 The Second General Assembly 43 Its Constitution , 43 Dispute with Proprietary concerning the framing of Laws 44 Trial of one of the Rebels 45 End of the Rebellion 46 The Missionaries among the Indians 46 Baptism of Tayac 49 Indian Wars 51 Settlement on the Schuylkill 55 Third General Assembly 55 Town House and Water Mill built 56 fill CONTENTS. CHAPTER III. Claiborne's and ingle's rebellion. p^^ Success of Parliament over the King in England 58 Its Effects in Maryland 58 Claiborne's and Ingle's Rebellion 58 Governor Calvert takes refuge in Virginia 60 The Rebels subdued and order restored fi 1 Death of Leonard Calvert, first Governor of Maryland 62 Thomas Green, Governor 63 Liberty of Conscience 64 The Puritans received in the Province 67 Reduction of Maryland 69 Troubles with the Indians 71 Lord Baltimore attempts to recover the Province 72 Battle at Providence 75 Execution of the Prisoners by the Puritans 76 Restoration of the Province.. . .c , 79 Fendal's Rebellion 80 CHAPTER IV. THE PROTESTANT REVOLUTION. Peace and Prosperity 82 Population — New Counties — Cities 83 Negro Slaves 85 Tobacco Trade.. 87 The Friends 88 Seneca Indians infest the Frontier 89 Expedition under Major Trueman 90 Complaints against the Proprietary Government 91 Support for Episcopal Clergymen 92 Edward Husband's case — Fendal and Coode 92 Hostility of the Crown to the Province 93 Revolution of 1689 93 Convention of the Associators in arms 95 First Royal Governor. . . 95 Church of England established by law 96 Contest with the Proprietary 96 Removal of the Government from St. Mary's to Annapolis 97 Downfall of St. Mary's 97 The French Wars — Crown Requisitions 99 Attempts to Repeal the Charter 102 Effects of the Royal Administration 1 03 Condition of the Province . 104 CHAPTER V. RESTORATION OF THE PROVINCE. Struggles of Democracy 106 Relations with the Indians 108 Internal Improvements 109 Growth of Annapolis — Baltimore — Frederick 110 Georgetown Ill Military Affairs Ill Governors under the Restoration 113 New Counties 113 Population— M.inufactures 1 14 CONTENTS. IX Churches 116 Currency 116 Boundary Disputes with Virginia 117 With Delaware and Pennsylvania 119 With Virginia on the West 123 CHAPTERVI. THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. The last of the Lords Baltimore 126 The French and Indian War 126 Con2:ress at Albany 127 Capture of Washington at Little Meadows 128 Maryland takes part in the War 128 Gov. Sharpe commander-in-chief of forces on the Ohio 129 Braddock's Defeat 132 Its Consequences — Inroads of the Savages 133 Militia and Volunteers assemble on the Frontiers 135 Panic of the Inhabitants 135 Fort Cumberland — Disputes as to its Command 136 Preparations for a Second Expedition 137 Defence of the Frontiers — Fort Frederick 138 New Inroads of the Savages 139 March of General Forbes I44 Grant's Defeat 145 Fight at Loyal Hanning 147 Capture of Fort Duquesne and close of the War 148 CHAPTER VII. THE DAYS BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. The Rights of the People 149 The Stamp Act — Resistance to it in Maryland 151 Zachariah Hood, the Stamp Collector, driven from the Province. . 153 - Protest of the Assembly I54 Daniel Dulany 155 Congress of Deputies from the Colonies ] 56 Firmness of the House of Delegates and the people 157 The Stamp Act declared unconstitutional 160 Its Repeal 161 Compliment to Chatham and Camden 162 Duty on Tea — Opposition of Maryland 163 Non-importation Societies 165 The Proclamation and the Vestry Acts 167 Charles Carroll of Carrollton and Daniel Dulany 169 Revival of the Tax upon Tea 172 The Maryland Convention 172 Tea-burning at Annapolis 173 Second Maryland Convention — the last Proprietary 175 Retrospect 176 CHAPTER VIII. THE REVOLUTION. Unanimity of the People of Maryland I79 Preparations for War 180 Lexington, Concord, and Bunker Hill , 181 Association of the Freemen of Maryland 184 Rifle Companies raised and sent to Boston 185 X CONTENTS. Page Regular Troops— Colonel Smallwood 185 Material of War— Efforts to Supply it 186 Lord Dunmore— Conolly's scheme 187 Dunmore's Intrigues on the Eastern Shore > 188 The British sloop Otter in the Chesapeake 190 Gov. Eden compelled to leave the Province 191 The Declaration of Independence 193 Maryland Troops ordered to join "Washington 196 CHAPTER IX. THE BATTLES OF THE OLD MARYLAND LINE. Brooklyn Heights 198 Retreat from Long Island and New York 202 The Heights of Harlaem 203 White Plains 204 Storming of Fort Washington 207 Trenton 210 Princeton 211 CHAPTER X. THE NEW CONSTITUTION AND STATE GOVERNMENT. Convention to form the Constitution organizes . . . , 214 New Counties formed 214 Reorganization of the Line 215 Bill of Rights and Constitution adopted 216 Contest with Virginia 216 Form of Government, Legislative, Executive, Judiciary 217 Progress of Maryland 219 The first State Legislature 221 The first State Governor 223 Exertions to Sustain the War 224 CHAPTER XI. CAMPAIGN OF 1777. Enemy in the Chesapeake 225 Attack on Staten Island 226 Battle of the Brandywine 228 Defeat of Wayne and Smallwood's Militia 230 Battle of Germantown 231 Defence of Fort Mifflin 235 Gist's Militia Skirmish with the Enemy 236 Maryland Line winter at Wilmington 237 Alliance with France 238 CHAPTER XII. '78 AND '79. Active measures to fill the State's quota of troops 239 Tories — measures to repress them 240 Disputes between the House and Senate 241 Court of Appeals appointed 242 Claims to the Western Lands 243 Campaign of 1778 243 Battle of Monmouth. 244 Maryland Line in New Jersey 247 Campaign of 1779 248 CONTENTS. Xi CHAPTER XIII. INTERNAL AFFAIRS. Condition of the State 2d0 State Marine— Reduced 251 Bills of Credit — their Depreciation 252 Provision for the Army . . . . ^ 253 Non-jurors — Mr. Chase charges a Senator with toryism 255 Naturalization of Foreigners 256 Second Governor of the State 257 Paper Money — its Depreciation 258 Confiscation of the Estates of the Disaffected 258 The Confederation 261 Maryland insists on her claims to the Public Lands 262 Succeeds — Confederation Ratified 263 The Articles of Confederation 264 CHAPTER XIV. THE SOUTHERN CAMPAIGNS. Maryland Line ordered to the South 265 Battle of Camden 263 Reduction of the Line 274 Battle of Cowpens — Howard 277 Greene's Retreat — Williams 280 Battle of Guilford Court House 285 Battle of Hobkirk's Hill 289 Assault on Ninety-six — Augusta , 292 Battle of Eutaw 294 The Maryland Line and "the Buffs" 295 The Campaign in Virginia 298 Triumphal Reception of Washington at Annapolis 299 CHAPTER XV. THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION. New Issue of Paper Money 301 Tory Conspiracy in Western Maryland 301 Leaders tried and executed 302 Close of the War and Peace with Great Britain 304 The Maryland Line during the Revolution 305 The Cincinnati 306 Maryland Society 307 Seat of the National Government 308 Washington resigns his commission at Annapolis 309 CHAPTER XVI. EVENTS FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE WAR OF 1812. National Debt— State Debt 311 State's Bank of Enaland Stock 312 The Su^^quehanna Canal — the Potomac Company 313 Convention between Maryland and Virginia 315 Ecclesiastical Afiairs and Education 315 Small wood, Governor — Howard 317 Constitution of the United States adopted 319 Maryland Convention ratifies and confirms it 321 Organization of the Federal Government 322 Public Debt 323 District of Columbia laid out 324 Zll CONTENTS. The Whiskey Insurrection 326 The French War — Howard ^ . 327 The Right of Suffrage Enlarged 328 New Judicial System 330 Difficulties with England 33O The Embargo 33I Maryland Sustains the Administration 332 Declaration of War 332 Mob at Baltimore 333 CHAPTER XVII. THE WAR OF 1812. The British in the Chesapeake 334 Battle of Bladensburg 335 Battle of North Point— the 12th of September 339 Bombardment of Fort McHenry 342 " The Star Spangled Banner" 343 CHAPTER XVIII. FROM THE PEACE OF 1815 TO THE YEAR 1S48. Peace with Great Britain , 345 Growth of Baltimore 345 Reform Agitation— its early rise and jirogress 346 The Senatorial Electors 348 Reform of the Constitution » 349 Slavery and the Blacks 351 Liberia — Colonization Society 353 Public Schools 355 Public Schools in Baltimore 357 Colleges 359 Public Improvements— the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal 361 Baltimore and Ohio Kail Road 363 Public Debt 365 Agriculture 366 Manufactures 368 The Mexican War 368 Conclusion 378 APPENDIX. A. Listof the Officers of the Battalion and Independent Companies 381 B. List of the Officers of the Flying Camp, 1776 382 C. Arrangement of the Seven Battalions, 1777 385 D. Arrangement of the Maryland Line, June 1st, 1781 388 E. Table of Regulars and Militia furnished during the Revolution 393 P. List of Members of the Cincinnati Society of Maryland 394 G. Lords Proprietary of Maryland 400 H. Governors of Maryland 400 I, Members of the Maryland Convention of 1776, which framed the Constitution of the State 401 J, Ratification of the Constitution of the United States by the Maryland Convention, 1788 402 K. Maryland Senators in the United States' Senate 403 L. Votes of the Maryland Electors for President and Vice Presi- dent of the United States 404 M. Population of Maryland, from its first settlement 405 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. «■<•» > ■ INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. A HE discovery of America in 1492, by Christopher Columbus, at a time when the chivalry of Spain was in its brightest and its latest glory, threw open to the brave spirits fresh from the conquest of Granada, and the victo- rious battle fields of Italy, a new world, full of wild adven- tures, of novel wonders, and teeming, in their fancies, with measureless riches. The graceful forms of a strange race, whose complexions were tinted with the hues of, the sun, the gorgeous specimens of their wealth and their works of art, displayed before the admiring court of Ferdinand and Isabella, turned all hearts towards this El Dorado of the west ; and the discovery of the beautiful isles of the great gulf, was followed by the conquest of Mexico, and of Peru; by the exploration through the swamps of Florida and the plains of Louisiana in quest of the fabled waters of perpetual life — expeditions wilder than any ever sketched out before in the fancy of the novelist, or the song of the minstrel, sometimes crowned with success, sometimes dis- astrous in the extreme. The rich mines of the south, its fertile soil producing alike, spontaneously, the necessaries and luxuries of life ; its beautiful sky and its balmy air, similar to, but sur- 2 14 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. passing their own, allured the Spaniard and the Portuguese who never once turned their steps to the colder climate and the temperate skies of a more northern latitude; and a century passed before another race, from a congenial land, shaped their course towards that region, which has since become the seat of a great and powerful people, excelling in wealth, in freedom, in the arts, the dwellers in the ear- lier settled, but more enervating countries of the south. But the one was fostered and cherished by the blasting kindness of a royal hand — the other grew up, untended and unheeded, breasting the storms, providing for its own safety, protecting itself and gaining from use the strength of manhood, even in its early infancy. The Spaniards cast their lot amongst a semi-civilized race, whom they subdued, and with whom they intermingled their blood ; and were a royal government over a conquered people. The English came to build up their empire in a wild uncultivated forest, with a savage foe around them, whom they exterminated, and then found none, within their borders, who were not equals and freemen. Thus it was that the mingled race of the north, composed, as in time it came to be, of many nations and different peoples — the fiery Celt and Frank — the phlegmatic German, and the ever-pressing-onward An- Sflo-Saxon — aatherincj the best features from each, assimi- lated into one mass of marked power and energy ; while the colonists of Spain, carefully nursed by the crown, and swaddled into weakness and effeminacy, deteriorated by commingling with an inferior race, grew up into a sickly state, and slowly arrived to that degree of strength which enabled them to cast off the political control of the mother country, — the effects of their early misgovernment still appearing in a want of firmness, unanimity, and ability for self-legislation. Scarcely had the report of the wonderful discoveries of Columbus reached the court of Henry the seventh, of Eng- INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 15 land, before the spirit of adventure awoke in that kingdom, and an expedition was planned by a citizen of Venice, Giovanni Gaboto — or John Cabot, as he is usually called — for the purpose of exploring a more convenient route to the Indies, a portion of which the recent Spanish acquisi- tions were supposed to be. Many delays occurred from the want of sufficient aid to undertake the voyage, and it was not until a short tiKie before the death of John Cabot that the king consented to further the enterprise, by issuing his license, dated on the 3d of February, 1498, authorizing him ''tofcseize upon six English ships in any port or ports of the realm of England, of 200 tons burthen or under, with their requisite apparatus, &c."* Upon the death of the father, Sebastian Cabot, the son, applied to the king for assistance to carry out the design. He was furnished with one ship at the royal expense ; while three or four more were fitted out by the merchants of Bristol. In May, 1498, the fleet weighed anchor, and after several weeks sailing due west, discovered land, which they called Newfoundland. A few days after, they made another island, which they named St. John. Still pursuing a western course, Cabot soon reached the main land, just in season to contest with the Spanish navififators the honor of having first touched the Continent of America. He coasted along the newly discovered shores as far south as the thirty-eighth degree of latitude, when his provisions growing short, and a mutiny breaking out among the sailors, he was compelled to put about and steer for England, where he arrived in safety. It is highly probable that Cabot, in this voyage, discovered and touched upon the Atlantic shore of Maryland, which lies within the thirty- eighth and ninth degrees; and the eastern shore of Worces- ter county was, therefore, the last portion of the continent which he visited. It seems that several abortive attempts were made to follow up the discoveries of Cabot, but, during * Bozman's Maryland, vol. 1, p. 12. 16 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. the remainder of the reign, the spirit of enterprise appeared to have died away, or turned to other objects. In the mean while, the French, Spaniards, and Portuguese prose- cuted their discoveries with unabated zeal and complete success. Giovanni Verazzini, a Florentine, in the service of France, made three voyages of discovery along the coast of North America, the second of v/hich, in 1524, afterwards became famous, as the foundation of much of the French claims to their extensive possessions in the New World. But the only interest which these explorations have to the student of Maryland history, is in the fact, that the Floren- tine was the second navigator who passed along the shores of the State, and the first to cross before the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay, though the Bay itself was not discovered until 1585, by Governor Lane, of the first colony of Vir- ginia. Yet this vast inlet was not traversed for some years ; and it is said that Captain Bartholomew Gilbert, in 1603, was the first to enter and explore it. Somewhat more than a century passed, from the discovery of North America by Cabot, before any successful attempt was made by the English to colonize it. These enterprises are, to a certain extent, connected with the history of Mary- land, and therefore necessary to be touched on here. In the year 1606 were formed, the London and Plymouth Companies, and, by letters patent issued on the tenth day of April in that year, the portion of the Continent lying between the thirty-fourth and forty-fifth degrees of north latitude, was granted to them in nearly equal shares, — the territory from the first mentioned degree to the forty-first being assigned to the London, and from the thirty-eighth to the forty-fifth to the Plymouth Company; and, as by this provision there was a territory of three degrees in extent which was common to both, it was further specified, that the party who first settled within this region, thus overlap- ped by the two grants, should possess the coast fifty miles INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 17 rach way from the point of settlement, and one hundred miles to the interior, whilst no settlement was to be made by the other company within one hundred miles of the first. The London Company immediately began their prepara- tions, which, although they were completed somewhat later than those of the Plymouth Company, were productive of greater results. The fleet consisting of a vessel of one hundred tons, one of forty and one of twenty, with one hundred and five colonists on board, set sail from Black- wall, on the Thames, on the 19th of December, 1606, under the command of Capt. Christopher Newport.* They carried with them sealed instructions, to be opened only upon their arrival in Virginia. After many difficulties and delays, they had nearly reached their destination at Roan- oke, when they were driven by a violent storm into the Chesapeake, which they entered on the 26th of April. Here they opened their instructions, which appointed a council of seven with certain powers for the government of the colony. In the early part of May they began to explore James river, and having selected a beautiful penin- sula, given them by an Indian chief, they laid the founda- tion of Jamestown on the 13th of May, 1607. The new colonists suffered much from scarcity of provi- sions, from frequent attacks of the savages, and not less from internal dissensions ; and, but for the prudence and energy of Capt. John Smith, would very probably have met with the same evil fate which befell former settlements. At length, however, the arrival of two ships from England laden with supplies, relieved their present necessities and increased their strength and numbers by seasonable rein- forcements. Instead of seeking in the cultivation of the soil the true wealth of the earth, the Virginians turned their whole attention to gathering cargoes of glittering sands for the returning ships. In vain Smith remonstrated: * Boztnan, vol. 1, p. 99. 2* C 18 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. the discovery of this imaginary gold had intoxicated them, and they scorned the humbler but surer resources of agri- culture. The consequences were soon felt in a growing scarcity of food. But Smith was not idle. Turning his eyes towards that vast inland sea near whose mouth they were situated, he judged rightly that an exploration of its shores would open extensive resources to the colonists, by means of trade, with the Indians. On the 2d of June, in the year 1608, in an open boat of about three tons burden, accompanied by a physician. Dr. Russel, six gentlemen and seven sol- diers, he departed from the fort at Jamestown on his dar- ing expedition. They boldly struck across the Bay, and having discovered Smith's isles, made the eastern shore, and were directed by two Indians whom they found there, to the habitation of the Werowance or chief of their tribe, at Accomack. Departing thence, they examined many creeks and harbors, discovered some islands, which they called Russel's islands — now Watts' — named several points, and at length reached the river Wighcocomo or Wighco, supposed to be the Pocomoke, whose mouth afterwards be- came the southern point of boundary in the charter of the province of Maryland. After suffering from want of water, and being driven about by storms, they entered the Nanti- coke river, which was called by the Indians Cuskara- waock, where the natives assembled in large numbers to oppose their landing. A few shots were sufficient to dis- perse them. In the course of several days, however, a fifood understandino^ was established with them, and the Indians vied with each other in supplying the wants of the strangers, considering a little bead an ample remuneration for all they could bestow. Not satisfied with the appear- ance of the Eastern shore, they passed out through Hoop- er's straits, or the Straits of Limbo, as they named them, and stood directly for tlie cliffs on the western coast, along INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 19 which they sailed thirty leagues northward, finding no inhabitants in all that space. They were now some dis- tance above the Patapsco, which river they described as one navigable for ships, and called Bolus, supposing the red and white earth upon the banks to be bole armoniack. They had already been in their open boat fourteen days, and their provisions were much damaged by the wet ; and the men, worn down with laboring at the oars, besought their indefatigable captain to return. He succeeded in persuading them to continue three or four days ; when several of the men falling sick, and the complaints of the remainder becoming louder, Smith put about, after having reached as far north as Poole's Island, and steered towards the south. On the 16th of June they discovered the Po- towmac, or Patawomek, up which they sailed about thirty miles, where after having met with a hostile reception, they landed on the Virginia shore. From this place, about No- miny Bay, they continued up the river, touching at various points, until they had passed the present site of Wash- ington city, " having' gone as high as they could in their boat." Here they were met by savages in canoes, loaded with the flesh of deer, bears and other animals, of which they obtained a portion. Upon their return they met with many adventures, but reached Jamestown in safety, on the 21st of July, one month and nineteen days from the date of their departure. Not satisfied with the result of his expedition, the inde- fatigable Smith fitted out another, accompanied by most of those who had followed him in the first. They set out on the 24th of July, 160S, and made directly towards the mouth of the "Bolus," or Patapsco. Thence they pro- ceeded to the head of the bay and explored the entrances of the Susquehannah, the North-east, the Elk, and Sassafras rivers. The banks of the Susquehannah and the Sassafras, or, as Smith calls it, the Toghwogh, they found inhabited. 20 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. On the bay they met seven or eight canoes of Massawo- meck Indians who prepared to assault them : they, how- ever, by signs, obtained an amicable conference. They sailed up the Sassafras, where the natives received them with the greatest kindness, danced before them, and offered them fruits and furs and all their simple hospitality. There they learned that the Susquehannahs, residing on the river of the same name, were the most warlike and powerful tribe of that region. Having fully explored the head of the bay, and entered the Susquehannah as far as tliey could penetrate — to the point called Smith's Falls — they returned to Virofinia after an absence of three months in an open boat.* In 1820, the bay was again entered and further explored by Mr. John Pory, who visited several towns belonging to the savages inhabiting its shores.! The Virginia Company, having become dissatisfied with their charter, petitioned the king for a new one, which was accordingly issued on the 23d of May, A. D., 1609. By it the king granted and confirmed to them " all those lands, countries and territories, situate, lying and being in that part of America, from Point Comfort all along the sea coast northward two hundred miles," and to the same extent southward, " and all that space and circuit of land lying from the sea coast of the precinct aforesaid, up into the land throughout, from sea to sea, west and north-west, and all the islands lying within one hundred miles along the coast of both seas of the precinct aforesaid." Three years after, in 161 2, finding new powers neces- sary, the Company applied for a third charter : which was issued to them on the 12th of March, 1611-12, confirma- tory of the second charter. Various disputes having arisen in the Company, the crown became hostile to its continu- * Smith in Bozman — the notes of Bozman upon hira, vol. 1, p. 105 to 133. t Ibid p. 148. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 21 ance, and a writ of quo warranto was issued against it in November, 1623. In May, 1624, judgment was given against the Company in King's Bench, and the charters declared to be forfeited. The corporate existence of the colony therefore ceased. The administration of its affairs was taken under the immediate control of the crown, the settlement reduced to a royal government, and a commis- sion issued by the king to a provisional council for the direction of its affairs. By this act the extensive territory, heretofore granted to the late London Company, reverted to the crown and became the fit subject for new grants and the erection of other provinces.* Amonof those who had become interested in the London or Virginia Company, under its second charter, in 1609, was Sir George Calvert, afterwards the founder of Mary- land. He was educated at Trinity College, Oxford, where he took his degree of Bachelor of Arts in 1597, with some distinction. He finished his education by a tour on the Continent. On his return he obtained an office at the court, under Sir Robert Cecil, one of the principal Secreta- ries of State. In 1617 he was knighted by the king, hav- ing been appointed one of the clerks of the privy council. In 1619 he became one of the Secretaries of State, an office which he filled with honor to himself and great profit to his sovereiofn, whose hiorh estimate of his services was proved by the grant of a pension of one thousand pounds a year, which he bestowed upon him in 1620. In the warm debates in the House of Commons, where he repre- sented, first Yorkshire, in 1620 and, subsequently, the University of Oxford, he always maintained the rights and protected the interests of the king, and that monarch, afterwards, did not fail to prove his grateful recollection of his loyalty. Sir George Calvert had early engaged in the schemes of colonization of that period, and upon the * Bancroft. 22 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. dissolution of the Virginia Company, of which he had been a member, he was named by the king one of the royal commissioners to whom the government of that colony was confided * Sir George Calvert's capacity for public business, and his devotion to the duties of his office, had earned for him the esteem and confidence of the king, who employed him more frequently in affairs of moment than his colleague, Sir Robert Naunton ; and to mark his high estimate of his services, granted him a pension of one thousand pounds a year, in addition to his salary, to be paid out of the customs He continued to hold the office of secretary of state, with honor to himself and profit to the king until the year 1624, when he resigned it either because his oath of office was incompatible with his belief as a Catholic, or lest it might become his duty, as secretary, to carry into eflfect the peiial laws then in existence aofainst the members of that church. The king accepted his resignation ; but, at the same time, to mark his undiminished confidence in him, made him a member of his privy council for life, and soon after created him Lord Baltimore, of Baltimore, an estate in Ireland which he had granted him in 1621. The spirit of intolerance at that time pervaded England. It was indeed too prevalent throughout the world — for men had yet to learn that conscience cannot be bound by chains nor enforced by scourges, and that religious liberty is the inalienable riorht of all. Sir Geornfe Calvert felt this: and although he was assured of protection from the grati-" tude and afljection of the king, he determined to seek another land and to found a new state, where conscience should be free and every man might worship God accord- ing to his own heart, in peace and perfect security, t It * Bozman. f McMahon, 193. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 23 was a grand and noble design : and he set about perfecting it. At first he fixed his eyes on New-found-land, in the set- tlement of which he had before been interested ; and it was perhaps the knowledge he acquired, in that scheme, of the resources of the new world and its independence and securi- ty, that led him to entertain his great project of colonization. Having purchased a ship, he sailed with his family to that island in which, a few years before, he had obtained a grant of a province under the name of Avalon.* Here he only resided two years, when he found the climate and soil un- suited for the establishment of a flourishing community, and determined to seek a more genial country in the south. Accordingly in 1628, he sailed to Virginia,! with the inten- tion of settling in the limits of that colony, or more probably to explore the uninhabited country on its borders, in order to secure a grant of it from the king. Upon his arrival within the jurisdiction of the colony, the authorities ten- dered him the oaths of allegiance and supremacy, to which, as at that time framed, he could not subscribe. Lord Balti- more refused to take them, but prepared a form of an oath of alle(Tiance which he and all his followers were willinor to accept. His proposal was rejected, and being compelled to leave their waters, he explored the Chesapeake above the settlements. t He was pleased with the beautiful and well wooded country, which surrounded the noble inlets and indentations of the great bay; and determined there to found his principality, assured that he had selected a terri- tory possessing all the elements of future prosperity, fertile in soil, traversed by majestic rivers, and enjoying a climate unsurpassed elsewhere upon the continent. He returned to England to obtain a grant from Charles I, who had suc- * A. D. 1623, Bozman, vol. 1, p. 240. f McMahon, 193. X Bozman, vol. 1, pp. 255-258 ; McMahon, 9. 24 INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. ceeded his father, James I, upon the throne. Hemember- ing his services to his father, and perhaps moved by the intercessions of his queen, Henrietta Maria, Charles directed the patent to be issued. It was prepared by Lord Baltimore himself; but before it was finally executed, that truly great and good man died, and the patent was delivered to his son Cecilius, who succeeded as well to his noble designs, as to his titles and estates. The charter was issued on the 20th of June, 1632, and the new province, in honor of Queen Henrietta Maria, was named Terra MaricB — Maryland. The charter was a solemn grant from the king to Lord Baltimore, and his heirs and assigns, of all the territory lying within the limits set forth, with extensive jurisdiction and powers of government over it. The rights of the set- tlers were fully provided for in this instrument, which was one of the most liberal and democratic granted in that acre. The power of making laws was jointly vested in the people or their representatives, and the lord Proprietary, (the title conferred upon Lord Baltimore,) although an extraordinary power was vested in the latter, or his governor, in cases of sudden emergency, when the people or their delegates could not well be assembled. The people of the colony were for ever exempted from taxation by the crown, except by their own consent, and many other important privileges were secured to them. The ecclesiastical laws of England, so far as related to the consecration and presentation of churches and chapels, were extended to the colony, but the question of state religion was left untouched, and there- fore, within the legislative power of the colonists them- selves. The king only reserved to himself one-fifth of the gold and silver which might be found in the province, and the yearly tribute of two Indian arrows. Having thus a noble territory, his rights and the prosperity of his future state secured by a liberal charter, Lord Baltimore INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. 25 prepared to establish his first settlement in Maryland. He fitted out two vessels, which he named ^^ the Jlrk^^ and "Me Dove," and collected a body of two hundred emi- grants, nearly all of whom were Catholics and gentlemen of fortune and respectability, who desired, like himself, as had his father, to fly from the spirit of intolerance which pervaded England, and to rear up their altars in freedom in the wilderness.* The colonists were accom- panied by two Jesuit priests, Fathers Andrew White and John Altham, and were placed under the command of Leonard Calvert, whom his brother, the lord Proprietary, had appointed governor of Maryland, intending to remain in England for the present to superintend in person the interests of the settlement in its infancy, and to send out additional emigrants.! * Burnap; Bozman; McMahon. t Relatio Itineris in Marylandiam. — Bozman, vol. 2, p. 26. D CHAPTER I. THE FIRST SETTLEMENT OF MARYLAND. On the 22d day of November 1633, being St. Cecilia's day, the 'Ark' and the 'Dove' weighed anchor from Cowes, in the Isle of Wight."* The pious pilgrims placed their ships under the protection of God, and raised their hearts in prayer, for the success of the great enterprize vt'hich they had undertaken. They left behind them the homes, in which they had been born, their friends and relatives, to face the dangers of the sea, and the perils and hardships of a wilderness, in order to plant the seed of freedom and religious liberty — to secure to themselves and their chil- dren the inestimable privilege of worshipping God accord- ing to the dictates of their consciences. It was a mighty undertaking ; standing out, in history, as an era in the progress of mankind. The pilgrims narrowly escaped the Needles, which are a series of breakers at the extremity of the Isle of Wight, but, relying on the protection of God, they drove boldly out to sea under a strong and steady breeze. No sooner had they escaped this peril, than the fear of capture by the Turks, whose cruizers were then a terror to all Christian nations, kept them in constant alarm for the safety of the "Dove," which was neither so good a sailer, nor so well manned and armed as the "Ark." After a time they were ♦ Relatio Itin., &c. ^^ 1633.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 27 joined by a London merchantman, ^^ the Br agon, ^^ well armed, and bound for Angola, and, thus being relieved by the strength of their fleet from all fear of danger, they con- tinued their voyage in high spirits, "making the air and sky resound with the clangor of trumpets." On the evening of the 25th of November, the wind veered round to the north, and a violent storm arose. The crew of the Dragon, fearing to encounter all its fury, changed their course and steered for England, while the company on board the Dove, dreading the effect of the furious tempest upon their little bark, yet unwilling to abandon the enterprize, notified the officers of the larger vessel that if they were in danger of shipwreck, they would hang out a light from the mast head. The captain of the Ark, knowing the strength of his vessel, bore steadily on his course. In the middle of the night, the storm increased in violence, and the crew of the larger vessel beheld with dismay two lights suspended from the mast head of the pinnace. But they were unable to afford their comrades any assistance ; and, in a ^qw moments, these lights disap- peared, and with sorrowful hearts they gave up the little Dove, and her gallant crew, as lost. When morning, at length, broke over that long and dreary night, there was no sign or vestige of the Dove upon the waters. The storm still raged on with somewhat diminished fury, and during the three succeeding days, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thurs- day, the Ark was tossed about by contrary winds, making little headway. At length, on the night of the third day, the rain began to descend in torrents, and a sudden blast of the tempest split the mainsail from top to bottom. The vessel, having unshipped her rudder, was driven about at the mercy of the waves. The minds of the bravest were filled with fear, for the Ark seemed about to be engulfed in the raging billows. The pilgrims betook themselves to prayer ; and, with Christian resignation, prepared them- 28 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1633-4. selves to meet the fate which now seemed inevitable. Before their prayers had ended, the violence of the storm began to abate. At length the sea became calm, and the remainder of the voyage, which extended through a period of three months, was pleasant and prosperous.* After passing the Madeira islands, the pilgrims were alarmed by the appearance of three suspicious looking ves- sels, bearing down towards them. The captain immediately cleared his ship for action, but the supposed pirates soon changed their course and disappeared. They continued on their voyage, and touched at the Fortunate, or as they are now called, the Canary islands; and, here, the governor consulted with the principal officers and gentlemen, upon the best mode of loading the ship with a return cargo, so as to repay part of the expenses of the expedition which had been borne entirely by Lord Baltimore. At first, they determined to steer for St. Christopher's, then changed their destination towards Bonavista, one of the Cape de Verd islands, and a great mart for salt ; but after sailing two hundred miles, fearing their provisions would fall short, they altered their course for Barbadoes, where they arrived on the 5th of January, 1634, 0. S. Their reception was cold and inhospitable, and the people demanded extrava- gant prices for the provisions which they desired to pur- chase. They now learned that a Spanish fleet was lying at Bonavista, and that, had they persisted in their original intention, their capture would have been certain. At Bar- badoes, too, a conspiracy had just been discovered amongst the slaves, to massacre their masters, and to seize the first ship which should touch at the island. Theirs being the first, would have fallen a sacrifice but for the timely disco- very of this iniquitous plot. Thus twice did heaven protect the little colony and preserve the destinies of Maryland. There was yet one dark cloud hanging over their pros- * Narratio Itineris, &c. 1634.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 29 perity — the disappearance of the pinnace and her crew. Tmagine, then, their joy, as she bore in sight and joined company again, after a separation of six weeks. On the night of the terrific storm which parted them, the Dove, after havinof shown her siornal, no lonfjer able to breast the storm, had changed her course and taken refuge in the Scilly islands, whence, the ship Dragon bearing her com- pany as far as the Bay of Biscay, she sailed in pursuit of the Ark, and at length overtook her at the Antilles. On the night of the 24th. of January they weighed anchor and departed from Barbadoes. The next day they passed St. Lucia, and in the evening arrived at Matalina, where they saw several canoes of cannibals, who had lately eaten some English interpreters. The day after, they reached Montserrat, an island settled and inhabited by the Irish settlers who had been driven from Virginia. They were kindly entertained at St. Christopher's by the governor and two friendly captains, and were also treated with great hospitality by the governor of the French colony in the same island. At length, on the 24th of February, they came in sight of Point Comfort in Virginia. They were now approaching the termination of their wanderings. Yet this joyful prospect was somewhat clouded by the fear of hostility, on the part of the Virginians, who were resolutely opposed to Lord Baltimore's design; but the royal letters, which they bore with them, secured them a favorable reception from the governor, and, after spending eight or nine days in that colony, they again set sail on the 3d of March, steering for the mouth of the Potomac, to which they gave the name of St. Gregory. They had now arrived in the land of their adoption, and they were delicrhted with the wide expanse of the noble bay, and the majestic river, upon whose shores they were about to rear up an empire. On the banks of the Potomac, they found mighty forests, stretching as far as the eye could reach ; a 30 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1634. soil, rich and fertile — the air, sweet and balmy, although it was now in the month of March; and they returned thanks to God for the beautiful land which he. had given them — for this was Maryland ! On the beach, they beheld groups of armed natives, pre- pared to resist their landing, during the day ; and at night they saw innumerable alarm fires kindled throughout the country to assemble the savage tribes, while messengers passed from one to the other far into the interior, carrying the" strano-e tidino-s ** that canoes, as bif^ as an island, had brought as many men as there were trees in the forest." In spite of all these demonstrations of hostility, they succeeded in establishing confidence in the breasts of the natives ; and having satisfied them that iheir intentions were peaceful, at length, purchased from them the territory which they required. Maryland was almost the only state whose early settlement was not stained with the blood of the unfortunate natives. The ships now approached the Heron islands, The Landins. n ^ ■ ^ r^ /-^a ) j*. i i • on one of which, St. Clement s,* the colonists determined to land, and, although the island was too small for a settlement, to build a strong fort for their protection in case of any outbreak. On the feast of "the Annuncia- tion," being the 25th of March, in the year 1634, they took solemn possession of Maryland ; and their priests performed divine service for the first time within its borders. After mass was ended, the pilgrims formed in procession, led on by the governor, Leonard Calvert — the secretary, and the other officers — carrying on their shoul- ders a huge cross, hewn from a tree, and erected it upon the island, as the emblem of Christianity and civilization, which they were about to plant upon those shores. Under these auspices was begun the founding of Maryland. The chief of Piscataway v/as the most powerful in that * Now Blackstone's Island— according to B. U. Campbell, Esq. 1634. J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 31 region, and had many sachems and tribes subject to him. The governor, Leonard Calvert, therefore determined to visit him and secure his friendship. Taking with him the Dove and another small pinnace, which he had purchased in Virginia, he set out with a portion of his men, accom- panied by Father Altham, leaving the ship at anchor at St. Clement's. As they advanced up the river, the Indians fled towards the interior. At length they reached a village, on the Virginia side, named Potomac, after the river, and governed by Archihu, uncle of the king who was yet a youth. Father Altham preached to the people and their chiefs. They listened with attention, and replied to him through his interpreter. The good Father told them, that the pale faces had come neither to make war upon them nor to do them any wrong, but to instruct them in Chris- tianity, to make them acquainted with the arts of civilized life, and to live with them like brothers. "You are wel- come," replied the chief. Then Father Altham informed him, that, as he had not the time to enter upon further dis- course, he would return to visit him again. " It is good," said Archihu, " we will use one table — my people shall hunt for my brother, and all things shall be in common between us." Having parted with this hospitable chief, Leonard Calvert ascended to Piscataway, where he found the natives armed, and assembled upon the shore, to the number of five hundred, ready to dispute his landing. By means of signs, he contrived to make them understand that he came for peace and not for war, and at length, the chief or emperor ventured on board the pinaace. Satisfied of the peaceful intentions of the pilgrims, and pleased to have such skilful and powerful people for his allies, the chief granted them permission to settle within his territories. In the mean while, the savages about St. Clement's soon became more familiar with the colonists, who were now 32 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1634.. busily engaged in putting together a brigantine, the planks and timbers of which they had brought out from England. "It was amusing," says Father White, "to hear them examining every thing. In the first place, * where in the world did so large a tree grow, from which so huge a ship could be hewn ?' for they conceived it was cut from the single trunk of a tree, after the manner of a canoe. Our larger cannon struck them with amazement ; as they were louder tlian the twanging of their bows, and equal to thunder." FoundiiT^of Having explored the country above the island St. Mary's. ^^ gj.^ Clement's, and being satisfied that as yet it would be imprudent to settle so high up the river. Go- vernor Calvert determined to make a more careful exami- nation of the region lying nearer the mouth of the Poto- mac. Leaving the ship and pinnaces at anchor at St. Clement's, he set out in his barge, with which, as it drew but little water, he could penetrate higher up the creeks and small rivers ; and was conducted by Captain Henry Fleet, a Virginian interpreter, whom he had found at Piscataway, to St. George's river, about twelve or fifteen miles from the mouth of the Potomac. He explored the St. George about twelve miles upwards, nnd anchored at the village of the Yaocomico Indians. Here the governor landed in order to treat on friendly terms with the native chief or Werowance, and explained to him his object in coming to his country. The Werowance, after the custom of the Indians, made but little answer to the proposition of Governor Calvert, which was so new and unexpected ; but hospitably entertained him and his companions, giving up his own rude bed, a mat laid on boards, for the accom- modation of the governor. The ensuing day was devoted to an examination of the surrounding country ; and Leo- nard Calvert, finding that it possessed many advantages which rendered it an eligible site, determined there to 1634.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 33 commence liis first settlement. The ship and pinnaces were, accordingly, ordered to join him at Yaocomico with- out delay. Under the grant of the crown to his brother, caivert's Treaty he was entitled to the possession of the soil, ^viih the Indians, according to the laws of nations ; but he deemed it just and prudent to purchase the rights of the Indians to their country, and gave them some English cloth, axes, hoes and knives, in return for which they granted him about thirty miles of territory, which he called " Augusta Carolina," afterwards the county of St. Mary's. The Indians further agreed to give up to the settlers, for their immediate accom- modation, one-half of their village, and corn grounds which they had already commenced to plant, reserving the other part for their own use until the harvest should be gathered, when the whole of the purchased territory was to be sur- rendered to the whites. In fulfilment of this provision, the natives who dwelt in that part of the village allotted to the colonists, at once freely removed from their dwellings and took up their residence for the present in the huts of their brethren. In conclusion, the pilgrims and the Indians mutually promised each other to live together in peace and friendship, and that if an injury should happen to be done on either part, full satisfaction should be made for the wrong. Such were the principal features of this honorable treaty; and " thas," says one of the colonists, writing in the ensuing year an account of the settlement, "upon the 27th day of March, Anno Domini 1634, the governor took possession of the place and named the {own St. Marie's." This important event may be considered as the date of the actual settlement of the colony ; although it would seem from the solemnities on the island of St. Clement, that the pilgrims intended on that occasion, being the Feast of the Annunciation, to take formal possession of the pro- vince of Maryland. Fair and beautiful was the origin of E 34 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1634. the State. No wrong or injustice towards the native, stained the hands of its founders ; no persecuting domina- tion or exclusive franchise was reared upon its shores ; but around the rough hewn cross on the island of St. Cle- ment, gathered the Catholic and the Protestant, hand in hand, friends and brothers, equal in civil rights and secure alike in the free and full enjoyment of either creed. It was a day, whose memory should make the Maryland heart bound with pride and pleasure. On the next day, the Ark and the two pinnaces arrived at St. Mary's with the colonists. The simple natives were filled with wonder at the size of the vessels and at the thunder of the cannon which they fired to commemorate their happy arrival at the end of their wanderings. Although the colonists had used every means to conciliate the Indians, they were aware of the danger of relying too implicitly on their variable disposition, and their first work was to erect a guard house and store house. In the mean while, for further security, they slept aboard their ships. While these important works were progressing, and the men of the colony were preparing, for the reception of their families, houses more durable than the rude huts of the Indians which they now occupied during the day, the new settlement was visited by Governor Harvey of Virginia. Governor Calvert received him with great ceremony, and for the purpose of conciliating the neighboring chiefs, gave him a banquet on board his ship, to which he also invited them. The king of Patuxent was particularly friendly to the whites, and to do him honor, he was seated between the two governors at table. An Indian, one of his sub- jects, coming into the cabin of the ship, and perceiving his prince thus seated, immediately suspected that some evil design was meditated against him ; nothing but the repeated assurances of the chief himself could prevent him from leaping overboard to carry the alarm to shore, which 1634.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 35 might have been productive of the most fatal consequences. However, when the feast was over and the king about to depart, he addressed the surrounding Indians and said : "I love the English so well, that if they should go about to kill me, and I had so much breath as to speak, I would command the people not to avenge my death; for I know they would do no such thing, except it were through my own fault." Nothing could prove more plainly than this little incident, how firmly knit was the friendship between the two races, and how different was the conduct of the settlers of Maryland, towards the natives, from that which characterized the people of many other colonies. These kindly feelings were much strengthened by the labors of the missionaries, who immediately began to teach and in- struct the Indians. Meanwhile the settlement continued to prosper; the work of building was laid aside for a time for the purpose of planting corn. As soon, however, as the store house was finished, the stores were unloaded from the vessels, and the governor determined, without further delay, to dis- embark the whole colony with all the display of his mili- tary force. The gentlemen and their followers under arms were drawn up in array upon the shore ; and, as the colony reached the land, they fired a salute, which was returned by the ordnance of the ship. They then proceeded with great ceremony to take take possession of their new home in the presence of the chiefs of Patuxent and Yaocomico, and a crowd of admiring natives. The guard house and dwellings were as yet uncompleted, and for the present, the settlers found refuge in the rude huts of the Indians, who the more readily received them and sold them their village and corn grounds, and their other territory, because, in order to escape the incursion of the Susquehannahs, they had determined to remove their habi- tations to another region secure from their terrible enemy. 36 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1634. Providence had prepared the way for the pilgrims, as Father White piously says, and the Indians began already to depart, giving up to them, as they went, their huts and cultivated fields. The colonists had brought a large sup- ply of provisions with them from England; at Barbadoes they had increased their stores, and they were now put in possession of arable land just in season to plant their corn for the coming crop. They immediately set about this necessary work, and in the fall ensuing, gathered so plentiful a crop that they were enabled, after providing for their own subsistence, to send ten thousand bushels to New England in exchange for salt fish and other provisions.* The pilgrims had brought out from England seeds of every kind, and, although the works of pressing necessity had occupied much time and it was already late in the season, they laid out and planted gardens which succeeded well ; and to complete their arrangements, they purchased from Virginia a supply of hogs, poultry, and cattle. The hogs and poultry rapidly increased to such an extent, that in the ensuing year the colony possessed a sufficient stock for its own use. Providence seemed to smile upon the pilgrims. Their supply of provisions was abundant: their crops, their gardens and their stock were prospering; and they had every reason to hope for an exemption from the terrors of famine, under which other colonies had suffered so much. Besides, the woods abounded with game which the Indians taught them how to hunt, and the rivers and bay were full of fish and oysters. God had indeed bestowed upon the pilgrim fathers of Maryland a beautiful land, flowing with * Bozman, vol. 2, p. 32. The author of " A Relation of Maryland," says, they bought so much corn from the Indians, that they sent 1,000 bushels of it to New England. VVinthrop says, that the " Dove," a pinnace of fifty tons from Maryland, brought corn to trade with the people of Plymouth colony, with letters from the go- vernor and the conimissionera of Maryland, proposing to open, trade between the colonies. It seems that quarrels broke out, between the crew of the Dove and the Puritans, and " the merchant " of the Dove (who afterwards died before the pinnace left Plymouth; was taken into custody to secure the appearance of the sailors, who were charged with profanity, &.C., and summoned by tlie governor, on the advice of the ministers, to answer these accusations. The proof against them, however, was insufficient, and they were discharged, with a reprimand to their captain. 1634.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 37 milk and honey, and had surrounded their path with bless- ings and promises of future prosperity and happiness. The Indians ^hc huts of the Indians were of an oblong, ofst. Mary'3. ^^^^^j fQ^m, nine or ten feet high, lighted by a hole in the roof, which also served as a vent for the smoke. They made their fire in the centre, and slept around it at night. The tents of the chiefs were larofer and contained several apartments; and were supplied with beds, made by poles laid across four stakes, which were driven in the ground — the whole covered with leaves or skins. One of these huts was given to Fathers White and Altham, and was fitted up by them to serve as the first church in Maryland. The Indians of the neighborhood were tall and comely, but disfigured themselves with paint. Their dress was a man- tle of deer or other skins, falling from the shoulder, and an apron about the waist ; around their necks, they wore strings of beads, and upon their foreheads, the figure of a fish worked in copper. Their hair was gathered into one lock, tied with a fillet and ornamented with feathers. Their weapons were bows, and arrows barbed with horn or sharpened pieces of flint stone — heavy clubs of knotted wood hardened in the fire, spears pointed with flint stone heads, and stone axes with hickory branches twisted round them for handles. These spear and arrow heads, and axes, were worked smooth and to a sharp edge, and sometimes polished like marble. They were very skilful in the use of their arms, and the bow and arrow were in their hands no mean weapons. Their principal food was Indian corn, which they prepared in several ways — homini and pone — when the corn was ripe — and sucotash and roasted ears when young and tender. Each of these modes the colon- ists borrowed from them with some little improvements — their pone consisted only of crushed corn mixed with water, and baked in cakes, upon flat stones, in the fire. To these preparations they added fish, game and oysters — besides 4 38 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1634. they had in proper season, strawberries in immense quanti ties and nuts of every kind. Thus they lived in the midst of a simple abundance. They were of a noble disposition, grave, yet cheerful and kind; generous with what they possessed ; frugal, avoiding intoxicating drinks ; chaste in their lives — considerate in forming resolutions, but firm in maintaininor them when formed. They worshipped one God — but they also paid homage to the evil spirit whom they called Okee, and sought by sacri- fices to win his favor. Corn and fire were adored as deities in the following manner. The people gathered from the different villages, at the temple of Barcluxor, and formed a circle round a great fire, the younger persons in the inner row. They then cast a piece of deer's fat into the flame and, with uplifted hands, cried *' Taho! Taho!" after this they cleared a space, and a bag, containing a pipe and a powder called " Potu,"* was produced. This bag was carried round the fire, the boys and girls singing in the meanwhile "Taho! Taho!" The pipe and powder were then taken out and each one smoked a short time, breath- ing the vapor over his limbs to sanctify them. Father White says they seemed to have some faint tradition of the flood. Such were the peaceful and gentle Indians, who wel- comed the early settlers of Maryland into their midst; alike conferring and receiving favors. For if they sold the pil- grims their territory, taught them how to hunt the deer, to plant maize and prepare it for the table, and shared their huts and their daily food with their white brethren; the colonists explained to them the arts of civilized life, their priests unfolded to them the inestimable privileges of Chris- tianity, and instructed and received many of them into the fold of Christ.! * Tobacco ? t The above account is taken principally from Father White's Jour- nal, found in Rome by the Rev. W^m. McSherry, S. J., a manuscript copy of which was kindly furnished me from Georgetown College, and from "A Relation of Mary- land," for which the author is indebted to the copious notes of B, U. Campbell, Esq. CHAPTER II. CLAIBORNE'S REBELLION. 1634 — 1642, JPrIOR to the issuing of the charter, and whilst Maryland was yet included within the limits of the royal govern- ment of Virginia, Captain William Claiborne had obtained from the governor and council of that province, a license to trade with the Indians on the Chesapeake. He acccord- ingly established a trading post upon Kent island, and some time.after, another at the mouth of the Susquehannah. Perhaps he had entertained a hope of enlarging his tempo- rary occupation, and of securing a grant of it as pro- prietor ; at all events, the charter to Lord Baltimore would destroy his trade, and he determined to resist it. No sooner had the settlers landed at St. Mary's, than Clai- borne, having received notice from Governor Calvert, that if he remained he would be deemed a subject of the colony, applied to the council of Virginia, of which he was a member, for instructions how to proceed.* This body, which had always opposed the grant to Lord Balti- more, and was secretly determined to support the claims of Claiborne, replied, that they saw no reason why he should give up any territories which he held of them ; and taking this for his pretext, he prepared to maintain his possessions. His first effort was to destroy the colony by means of the hostility of the Indians. For this purpose he began to insinuate suspicions into their minds, through the instrumentality of Fleet, the interpreter, whom he had seduced into his schemes — telling them that the Maryland settlers were Spaniards, and his and their secret enemies.! Scarcely had the colony been planted a month at St. • Boz. 27-32, &tc. t Ibid. 32. 39 40 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1635. Mary's, when these insidious measures produced their effect in the jealousy which appeared in the conduct of the natives. Immediately, all other works were suspended ; and the settlers turned their whole attention to finishing a block house for their protection, in case of necessity, at the same time, carefully regulating their conduct to the savages so as to dissipate their coldness and reawaken the old feelings of confidence and intimacy between them. In six weeks the block house was completed. But in the mean while, their unchancrincr friendliness to the Indians had convinced them of the sincerity of their conduct and the falsehood of the insinuations against them, and they gradually re- newed the kindly relations which had formerly existed, and which were never ao^ain broken through. The colonists once more returned to the work of building up their new city, and devoted the time, from the finishing of their block house to the ripening and gathering of their corn, in erecting houses, to replace the temporary huts of the Indians which they yet occupied. Claiborne, foiled in his first attempt, became desperate, and resolved on open measures of hostility. His schemes were so far perfected, that early in the year of 1635, he fitted out an armed pinnace, with a crew of fourteen men under one of his adherents. Lieutenant Warren, to cruize against the colonists. Governor Calvert and his people met the crisis without hesitation, and two pinnaces were immediately armed and manned, and sent against the freebooters under the command of Captain Cornwallis. They came within sight of Warren's galley in the river Pocomoke, on the Eastern shore, and prepared for action, awaiting however the fire of the enemy. As they neared, the insurgents opened their fire upon them and killed one of their men. But it was immediately returned with great effect — the galley was captured with the loss of three of her crew, one of whom was her commander, Lieutenant 1635-6.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 41 Warren himself. The survivors were carried prisoners to St. Mary's. Claiborne, who was not in the engagement, finding his armament destroyed, fled into Virginia, where he expected to find protection from those who had secretly supported him. But, determined to vindicate his authority and establish the rights of his brother, the lord Proprietary, Governor Calvert despatched commissioners to Virginia to demand his person as a rebel and a traitor. His friends could only aid him so far as to have him sent to England by the governor, with the witnesses against him, that he might be tried there for the offence he had committed.* Under the charter, the power of legislation pirstGenerai was vested in Lord Baltimore and a majority of ■^^'^'^^'''y- the colonists or their deputies, who were to be assembled by the governor. Accordingly, in the beginning of the year 1635, the freemen of the colony were convened together at St. Mary's. Of their proceedings there is little known, as the greater portion of the public records were subse- quently destroyed. But it may be presumed that as yet they were more busily engaged in perfecting and strength- ening their town of St. Mary's than with legislative cares. The Indians, in compliance with the condi- condiuonsof tions of their sale to the settlers, had as soon as ^''^"tauon. their own crop of corn was gathered, departed from the town, and delivered it up entirely to the whites ; who, for the present, beset as they were by the intrigues of Clai- borne, and fearful of trusting too implicitly to the faith of their allies, restricted their settlements to its immediate vicinity. Within the city, lots of five and ten acres were granted to all who might apply for them, and tracts, in the interior, ranocinsf from one hundred to three thousand acres, in proportion to the number of settlers the person applying for them introduced into the colony : reserving thereon, however, a quit rent of twenty shillings for every 4* * Bozman, vol. 2, p. 35. F 42 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1636-7. thousand acres.* By these means, men of wealth and standing were induced to assist the growth of the province by bringing numerous emigrants from the mother country. Lord Baltimore still remained in England, superintending the interests of the colony and fostering emigration, when he received notice that the assembly of the freemen had passed certain laws which were sent to him for his appro- val. Believing that the right of framing laws was vested in himself by the charter, he rejected them ; and set about preparing a complete system for the government of the province, at the same time directing the assembly to be called together on the 25th of January 1638, to have his dissent announced to them.t In the meanwhile, the in- habitants of Kent Island, to a certain extent, had submitted to the government of Maryland, and early in 1637 a court was established there, in the name of the province, for the trial of civil and criminal causes. In December following, the better to secure its tranquillity. Captain George Evelin was appointed commander of the island. Many of the fac- tious adherents of Claiborne still looked forward to a suc- cessful establishment of his pretensions, and continued to excite a resistance to the processes and warrants of the civil courts. This spirit of opposition at length grew to such a height, that governor Calvert himself was compelled, in the following year, to make an expedition to the island at the head of a military force, to bring it to complete subjec- * The first conditions were, in 1633, for every five persons between the ages of fifteen and sixty, two thousand acres of land, at a rent of four hundred pounds of wheat : — for less than five persons, at the rate of one hundred acres for each man, one hundred for his wife and each servant, and fifty acres for each child under sixteen, at a rent of ten pounds of wheat for every fifty acres. In 1635, for every five men brought in, a grant was made of one thousand acres, at a rent of twenty shillings. Grants of one, two, and three thousand acres were erected into manors, with the right, to their owners, of holding courts leet and courts baron. t Bozman, Bacon. 1633.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 43 tion to his authority.* In the settlement at St. Mary's, the plantations had already extended to the west side of St. Georore's river, and, there beinor larore accessions of emi- grants in this year from the mother country, it was found necessary to erect a new hundred, a division similar to our election districts. Early in 1638, the Assembly, directed to be S^'asSII- convened by Lord Baltimore, was summoned by ^'y- the governor, and met at the little capital of St. Mary's. The constitution of these early legislatures was so different from those of the present day as to require a more par- ticular notice. By the charter, every free man was en- titled to share in making the laws which were to govern him, either in person or by his deputy. In the youth of the colony, when the inhabitants were still few in num- ber, and could be easily assembled, the whole body of freemen were required to attend, and those who found it inconvenient to be present, were permitted to cast their votes by proxy. Thus in the present assembly, its secretary, Mr. Lewger, held and voted twelve proxies. But as in a new country, with savage neighbors, where a man's presence at his plantation was always necessary, it would be sometimes difficult to get a full assemblage, the governor was invested with the power of summoning, by special writ, those whose presence he particularly desired. As every one, at that period, possessed the right of being present, this summons must have been simply obligatory in its nature, and intend- ed to compel the attendance of those who were especially qualified to advise and assist as legislators, and yet were unwilling to perform the onerous duty required of them. To suppose the power was aristocratical, and originally intended to secure the governor the control of the house, is absurd ; as no matter how many of his adherents he might call together, every other free man in the colony * Burnap's Life of Calvert— 112; Boz. 44. 44 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1628. could claim and take his seat in the house with equal powers and privileges. Subsequently, when the number of hundreds increased, two burgesses were elected from each : yet, even then, any one who had not voted at their election might come forward and claim a seat in the legis- lature. At a still later period, this right was taken away by the general assembly itself, and, then, this body was com- posed of the delegates from the several hundreds, the council, and those who might be summoned by special writ. With this strange power in his hands, a governor could at any moment obtain the control of a house thus constituted and limited, by adding to it a sufficient number of his own friends. At first there was but one house — the governor's council and the delegates sitting together — but in process of time they were divided into the upper and lower houses ; the council appointed by the lord Pro- prietary forming the upper, and the delegates of the people the lower. The legislature which now assembled, composed of the people themselves, secured some of the most important rights of the colonists ; and began to lay upon the ground- work of the charter the foundation of the liberties of Maryland. Lord Baltimore now caused the system of laws which he had digested, to be presented to them in place of those passed by the legislature of 1635, which he had negatived because they were not framed by himself. But the people fully convinced that the initiative was in them, and that the charter only intended to confer upon the Proprietary a veto power, vindicated their rights by immediately rejecting the whole system, and set about framing such bills as they thouorht proper for their situation. The controversy which arose on this point, was not of long duration. After hav- ing vetoed the forty-one bills adopted at this long session, and insisted for a time upon his claim, the lord Proprietary 1638.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 45 determined to abandon it; preferring the welfare and pros- perity of the colony, which must suffer from want of laws during the existence of the controversy, to his own indivi- dual privileges, and sensible that the power of negativing any bill of which he disapproved, was quite sufficient to protect his rights and authority in the province.* The insurgents, captured in the engagement with Lieut. Warren by Captain Cornwallis, had not yet been tried, for, hitherto, there had been no competent tribunal in the colony. Now, however, Thomas Smith, the second in command to Warren, in his piratical and rebellious expedition, was brought to trial for the murder of William Ashmore, who had been killed by the fire of the pinnace at the opening of the skirmish.! After a full examination of the testimony, he was found guilty and sentenced to death, though it is not certain that he was executed. Claiborne, the leader of the rebellion, was attainted and his property confiscated, to the use of the province. These proceedings were, pro- bably, the cause of the renewed disturbances in Kent, which required the governor's presence in that island, as has already been related. The house adjourned from time to time, until his return from the expedition in the month of March. Claiborne himself was still in England, and as active in his hostility as ever. Secret intrigue and open violence had failed in the new world, and now he endeavored to reach his object through the known avarice and unscru- pulousness of the royal court. It would seem that he was never brought to trial for his rebellion ; for, he boldly laid claim to the Isle of Kent and its dependencies, and charged the Proprietary's officers with having violently assailed his pinnaces and slaughtered his men. He pre- sented a petition to the king setting forth his supposed grievances, and offering to pay to the crown the yearly * Bozman, vol. 2, p. 92. f Bozman, vol. 2, p. 64. 46 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [163S. rent of two hundred pounds sterling for the grant of the Isle of Kent, his station at the mouth of the Susquehannah, and thirty-six miles width of territory, on each side of that river, from the bay to the Canada lakes, which would have proved a very large and valuable territory. The matter was referred to the lords commissioners of the council for the plantations, who reported after a full investigation, that "the lands in question (between Claiborne and the Proprietary) belonged absolutely to Lord Baltimore, and that no trade with the Indians could be carried on there without his consent; and that, with regard to the violences complained of, no cause for any relief appeared, but that both parties should be left to the ordinary course of justice."* Thus again baffled, Claiborne returned to Virginia to carry on his old schemes of annoyance : but the legislature of that colony interfered and compelled him to desist. Then, assuming the position of a suppliant, he despatched an agent to Maryland praying the restoration of his property which had been confiscated by the government. His prayer was rejected : and, despairing of success, he aban- doned his efforts until a more favorable period should arrive. t The Mission- During the first four years of the settlement, aries among . . . the Indians, the colony was circumscribed withm narrow limits, although the Indians in the immediate vicinity per- severed in their friendly relations with the whites. To these natives alone, therefore, the labors of the two mis- sionaries, were devoted in part; for their presence was also required in the settlements , and the governor, doubtful of the disposition of the savages in the interior, had forbidden them to penetrate thither, lest some calamity should befall them and the people be deprived of their services. But as the colony continued to increase, new missionaries arrived from England and the seminary of Douay, and the restriction was removed. Immediately, these zealous men * Bozman, vol. 2, p. 72, &c. t Burnap, 115 1634-8J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 47 began to press into the interior, and to visit every tribe and villajje.* The Indians of Patuxent received them most favorably, and bestowed upon them a plantation, called Mettapaunien, or " St. Mattapany," on the river Patuxent, where a missionary station and store house were at once established to serve as the starting point for their labors in the wilderness. They usually travelled by water. In a small pinnace or barge, a priest, accompanied by a lay brother and an interpreter, embarked with a little store of provi- sions, carrying with him the sacred utensils, a table for an altar, a few bottles of wine for the eucharist, and of conse- crated water for baptism. When the wind failed, two of them labored at the oar, while the third steered the boat. At evening, when they landed, the missionary drew the barge ashore, collected dry sticks and wood, and kindled a fire, while his companions were hunting game in the forest for their frugal repast. At night, they slept upon the shore, under cover of a little tent : if it rained, they built them- selves a rude hut, wrapped themselves in their blankets, and, confiding themselves to God, slumbered as sweetly and securely as if surrounded by the luxuries of a palace. It was impossible that such zeal and energy should not produce abundant fruits. In five years from the date of the settlement, they had extended themselves throughout a large portion of the province; they had visited many tribes and made numerous converts; they possessed four permanent stations, the most distant of which was one hun- dred and twenty miles from St. Mary's, the seat of the colony — one at the settlement, one at Mattapany, one at Kent island, and one at Kittamaquindi, the capital of Tayac. They were the pioneers of the colonists ; and, thus having possession of the shores of the great bay, and com- mand of its rivers, they penetrated firom these stations, in * See Missionary letters in Burnap, and B. U. Campbell's Early Mis- sions of Maryland passim. 48 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1634-8. every direction, to the tribes of the interior, preaching Christianity to the savage, and by their gentle influence maintaining the peace and quiet of the settlements more firmly and securely, than could have done the whole militia of the province. But of their works the most important, in its results, was the baptism of Tayac. Baptism of ^he Piscataways, or Pascatoways,* as they are '^'^y'^^' called in Father White's Journal, were the most extensive and powerful tribe in Maryland. Their domain was bounded, on one side, by the region of the Patuxents, and, on the other, by the country of the Susquehannas, and covered a territory one hundred and thirty miles in extent, perhaps including the fairest and richest portion of Mary- land. The chief of these Indians was called Tayac, a title of honor and station; his name was Clitomachen. He had obtained his power in the tribe by putting his brother, the former chief, to death. The mode of his conversion was singular. The king of the Patuxents, who had professed so much affection for the English, and had listened with great docility to the missionaries, suddenly changed his whole demeanor, and became cold and indifferent towards them. Fearing treachery on the part of the chief, Father White, by the advice of the governor, withdrew from St. Mattapany and removed to the Piscataways, where he was received with great kindness. The chief soon became attached to him, and made him reside in his rude and simple palace, while the queen prepared his food with her own hands. Tayac — so he informed Father White — had * The precise situation of these people is disputed. Burnap suppo- ses they were the Patapsco tribe, and that Kittamaquindi, their capital, was near the present site of Baltimore. B. U. Campbell, Esq., thinks, and with more probability, that they were the Piscataways — and that Kittamaquindi was situated about fifteen miles below the present city of Washington. See Burnap's Life of Leonard Calvert, 87-8, and Campbell's Memoir on the Early Missions of Maryland, in the pro- ceedings of the Maryland Hist. Society, 8th Jan. 1846. 1639.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 49 been warned in dreams of the approach of missionaries, who loved him and his people, and would confer great blessings upon them. Shortly after the arrival of Father White, the Indian chief fell sick, and forty conjurors, or medicine men, in vain tried every remedy within their power : when the mis- sionary, by permission of the sick chief himself, adminis- ered some medicine to him, and caused him to be bled. The treatment of the priestly physician was skilful and judicious ; the invalid began to recover, and was soon re- stored to perfect health. Then he determined to be bap- tized together with his wife and daughter, and was carefully and diligently instructed by Father White, in order that he might be prepared for receiving that sacrament with pro- per dispositions. He laid aside the dress of skins, which he had heretofore worn, assumed that of the English, and commenced to learn their language. He delighted in religious conversation ; and when the governor once dilated to him on the great advantages his people would derive from the trade of the settlers, he replied : — " Verily, I con- sider these as trifling, when compared with this one benefit, that, by tKeir aid, I have arrived at the true knowledge of the 9716 God, the most important of all knowledge." Being convinced himself, he sought to bring his people to the same faith. In an assembly of the chiefs of his empire, he told them, " that the superstitions, which they had formerly believed, ought to be abolished and Chris- tianity adopted ; that there was hope only in one true God, and that stones and herbs, which they had heretofore wor- shipped, were merely the humblest of his works." Then, placing a stone upon his foot, he tossed it to a great dis- tance, thus showing his contempt for that, which he had before received as a deity. The people, already prepared by the preaching of the missionary, loudly applauded the speech and action of the king ; and thenceforth the idols 5 G 50 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1640. began to fall into disrepute. The good dispositions of Tayac were strengthened by a visit which he made to St. Mary's, in company with Father White. He was much impressed by the conduct of an Indian, who was executed there for murder. The missionaries endeavored to prepare the criminal to meet his fate, and Tayac himself acted as their interpreter. The Indian was baptized — and suffered with such calmness and resijjnation — unlike the mere stoicism of the warrior — that the king, moved by the spec- tacle, desired immediate baptism. But, in order that the ceremony might be performed with becoming preparation, it was deferred for a time. On the fifth of July, 1640 (0. S.), in a chapel, built of bark for the occasion, at his capital of Kiitamaquindi, in the presence of the governor, Leonard Calvert, the secre- tary, Mr. Lewger, and many other of the principal inhabi- tants of the province, with great pomp and display, Tayac, his queen, their little child — a son — and many of the chief men of his council, were solemnly baptized and admitted into the fold of the church. The king assumed the name of Charles, in honor of the English sovereign ; his queen that of Mary. The other neophytes also received Christian names. In the afternoon, the king and queen were mar- ried accordinor to the rio-hts of the church ; and, in com- memoration of this auspicious event, a cross of great size was erected with religious ceremony, in which the gover- nor, the secretary, and other distinguished colonists took part. In order to strengthen the bond of union which had thus been effected, and to give his people an example of the benefits to be derived from religion and civilization, Tayac soon after sent his daughter to St. Mary's to receive a polished and Christian education, and one of his chiefs followed his example. Much was hoped from the conversion of Tayac, but, in less than a year, he died most piously, in the practice of 1640-1.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 51 the religion he had so solemnly adopted. His young daughter, now become queen of the Piscataways, was not long after baptized at St. Mary's, having already learned the English language. The example of Tayac and his family was followed by many other natives. The inhabitants of the town of Potopaco, now Port Tobacco, to the number of one hundred and thirty, together with their queen, were baptized — the chiefs and principal men of Potomack town, on the Virginia shore, and the chiefs of several neighboring villages were converted. While Anacoston, sachem of a tribe adjoining the Piscataways, became so firmly attached to the whites, that he wished to take up his residence among them, as a citizen of the colony. The missionaries, who effected so much good, were Father Andrew White, who has been called the apostle of Maryland, Fathers John Althara, who died at St. Mary's, soon after the baptism of Tayac, John Brock, and Thomas Copley. Others soon fol- lowed to extend the missions, and supply the place of those, who sunk under the exposure and fatigue of their laborious duties.* Thus guarded and protected by a circle of Christian In- dians, bound to them by the ties of gratitude and religion, it is not surprising that the pilgrims of Maryland suffered but little from the hostility of the natives — yet even they were disturbed by a few troubles, which were dignified by the title of the Indian wars. It was natural that a feeling of jealousy should , , ^ , . , Indian War. spring up ni the breasts or the natives, as they beheld the rapid increase of the colonists, and the exten- sion of their settlements, swallowing up their hunting grounds and occupying the graves of their forefathers. Yet no cause of offence was given them, by the colonists, and their affection for the missionaries suppressed every feeling of discontent in the minds of the Christian Indians. * B. U. Campbell's Early Missions, &c. 52 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1639-42. The Susquehannahs* were the most hostile and warlike of the tribes of Maryland, but their country lay far north and west of the settlements, while, between, stretched the land of the friendly Tayac. The Nanticokes, who also appeared inimical to the whites, inhabited the Eastern shore; and the waters of the Bay served as a barrier to their incursions, until the settlements spread across it: and then the colony had become too powerful to dread any, or all the tribes united together. The Nan'ticokes were composed of seve- ral tribes, and called, in their own language, ^' Jfentego,^^ and, in the Delaware, " Unechtgo,'^ or, "Sea-shore Settlers," and their territory stretched along both sides of the Nanti- coke river, in Somerset and Dorchester county. The other principal tribes, on that shore, in common with the Nanti- cokes, of the Lenape or Delaware race, were, the Ozinies, on the Chester river, the Toghwocks, on the Sassafras, the Atquinachunks, on the Delaware, the Wycomeses, and the Chopianks. On the Western shore, after the Susquehan- nahs, the Patuxents and the Pisca.taways were the most important. These numerous tribes, united together, would have proved very formidable to the settlers ; yet there never was any combination of a serious nature, and, perhaps, from the very outset, the power of the colony would have been more than a match for the warriors of any single tribe. Therefore, the Indian wars of Maryland never rose beyond petty expeditions, to chastise some hostile tribe, or to cap- ture and punish particular individuals, who had committed ao-orressions upon the persons or property of the colonists. Only once did the savages make a successful inroad of any consequence, and that was against a missionary station which they destroyed, killing the inhabitants and carrying off a considerable booty. But speedy retribution overtook them, for they were severely punished by the military force * Or Susquehannocks, as they are indifferently called. 1639-42 ] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 53 of the province. This massacre was doubtless committed by the Susquehannahs on a mission in the country of the Piscataways. The dread of attack from these powerful and warlike savages, rendered it necessary that some general system for defence should be adopted. The people were obliged by law to keep a sufficient quantity of arms and ammunition in their houses, to be ready at a moment's warning; and every male, capable of bearing arms, was enrolled in the militia, and subject to be called out for the common defence. In 1642, when the fear of an invasion by the Susquehannahs was very prevalent, new precautions were adopted : no man was allowed to fire three shots, in a quarter of an hour, except to give alarm of an inroad — and every one who heard three shots within that space, was directed to repeat the signal, that the whole country might be put upon their guard : then the women and chil- dren were to betake themselves for safety to the block- houses, of which there was one in each hundred, while the men armed and rallied together to meet the foe. A garri- son was placed in the fort of St. Inigoes, near the capital,* as a main strong hold ; and to provide for any sudden out- break, when the inhabitants left their homes for religious worship, they carried their arms with them, to church or chapel, prepared for instant service.! In 1639, an expedition was sent against some Indians of the Eastern shore, who had given cause of offence, and also against the Susquehannahs, who had been molesting the friendly tribes of Patuxent and Piscataway. The arma- ment consisted of two pinnaces and a skiff, manned with thirty "good shot" or marksmen, who were drafted or pressed, and several volunteers. To equip and victual this force, the governor was under the necessity of sending a shallop to Virginia, to procure a supply of arms, ammunition * Bozman, 212 ; Bacon. f Burnap. 5* 54 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1642. and food.* At the same time, the militia of the province were put upon a better footing, and drilled and exercised. In 1642, the Ozinies became hostile, and as they could muster sixty warriors, created considerable uneasiness in Kent island, in the vicinity of which their country lay. To prevent even the approach of danger, a proclamation was issued forbidding their appearance upon the island, and authorizing the inhabitants to put to death any who should disobey the prohibition. The disaffection, however, continued to spread among the tribes, and the Susquehan- nahs, Wycomeses and Nanticokes were, in the ensuing year, declared enemies of the province. It was at this period that the Susquehannahs struck a heavy blow, in the destruction of the missionary station already spoken of; and, while they were ravaging the western and northern frontier, the Nanticokes, on the Eastern Shore, threatened the colonists with invasion across the bay. Governor Cal- vert was not wanting in this crisis; he determined to antici- pate their attack. Having assisted the governor of Virginia, upon a similar occasion, in punishing the Indians of the Eastern shore for an outrage upon the settlements of that colony, he wrote to him, proposing to undertake a joint expedition with two hundred men, to be raised equally by the two provinces, to chastise the enemy. At home, he directed all the frontier settlers to be drawn into the forts and block-houses, martial law to be proclaimed, and autho- rized the commanders to call out every third man capable of bearing arms, in case of necessity. A proclamation, similar to that for the protection of Kent island, was issued by which every Indian, under penalty of death, was prohi- bited from passing within a line drawn from the Patuxent to the Potomac. The promptness of his measures pro- duced the desired effect; for, though the colony suffered occasionally from a hostile inroad, nothing of importance * Bozman, vol. 2, p. 162. 1639-42.] HISTORY OF MA.RYLAND. 55 occurred; and, in a short time, a truce was concluded with the Nanticokes. While occupied with these Indian affairs, new troubles sprung up in a different quarter. The limits of the charter extended to the north beyond the Schuylkill, and, as that region presented many advantages, a party of Maryland colonists settled there, and began to reclaim and cultivate the wilderness.* Lower down, on the bay of Delaware, the Swedes had already built a fort; while the Dutch of New York laid claim to the whole territory, and fitted out an expedition of two armed sloops to take possession of it, and to drive away the occupants. The province was too much engaged with more pressing affairs at home, to afford assistance to the settlers on the Schuylkill, who probably abandoned that region, for which the restless New Eng- landers now also contended, as included in their grants. In the meanwhile, the colonists, in spite of external ene- mies and internal malcontents, had gone on improving and strengthening their settlements, and extending their legis- lation. Lord Baltimore, having, in August 1638, granted to the people the right of originating laws, which they claim- ed, authorized his brother, in his name, to agree to such bills as seemed proper and necessary, to be effectual, until he himself should express his disapproval under his seal. A new Assembly was therefore summoned. This body met at St. Mary's, on the 25th of February, 1639, 0. S., and adopted many useful measures. The most important was an a.ct establishing general laws for the government of the province. By it were secured the rights and franchises of the church, the prerogatives of the lord Proprietary, and the liberties of the people, according to the magna charta of England. Its subsequent sections provided for the ad- ministration of justice, the maintenance of civil rights, and the punishment of criminal offences. A county court was * Bozman, vol. 2, 205; McMahon, 23. 5Q HISTORY or MARYLAND. [1639. established at St. Mary's, which was still the only county of the province, although there were many subdivisions of hundreds, besides the several settlements upon Kent island, now incorporated into a separate hundred. A court of chancery was erected, the jurisdiction of justices of the peace extended and defined, the duties. of the present orphan's court vested in the secretary, a short insolvent system framed, and oaths of office prescribed. In addition to these, the planting of Indian corn and tobacco was regulated, weights and measures ascertained, the custom or duty on the exportation of tobacco fixed, and military discipline provided for.* Heretofore, every free man who had not voted at the election for burgesses, was entitled to take his seat in the house ; it was now enacted, that only the lieutenant gover- nor, his secretary, such gentlemen as he specially sum- moned, and the elected representatives of the different hundreds, should henceforth constitute the General As- sembly. The privileges, thus given to the governor, might have been of dangerous consequence — but Leonard Cal- vert's long and virtuous administration fully justified the confidence which the people then placed in his honor and integrity. A bill, passed at this session, displays forcibly the condition of the infant province. A water mill, for the use of the people, was of the utmost importance, and the governor and council were authorized to contract for its erection ; provided the cost should not exceed twenty thousand pounds of tobacco, the early currency of Mary- land, equal, according to the rates of a later period, to the sum of three hundred and thirty-three dollars and thirty- three and one-third cents, which was to be raised by gene- ral taxation in two years.t A similar provision was made * Bacon. t Bozman, vol. 2, p. 156. The author of " A Relation of Mary- land," says, " They have also set up a water mill for the grinding of 1638-9.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 57 for buildincj a 'Howne house." Both these laws, while they display the past weakness of the colony, also prove its growing extent and population, which rendered such im- provements necessary. Heretofore, hand mills had sufficed to grind the Indian corn, in sufficient quantities for the sparse settlements — and the house of the governor was laro-e enouijh to accommodate their deles^ates. But with the necessity came the improvement; and the erection of the first water mill and the first State house, may be con- sidered an era in the history of Maryland. corne adjoining to the towiie. — 1635." Unless this attempt failed, wherefore the necessity of setting up one by taxation? This author gives the names of some of "the gentlemen adventurers'* who accompanied the first colony : Leonard Calvert, the governor, ) . George Calvert, I ^'' lordship's brothers. Jerome Hawley, Esq. ) rru r' II- r- > commissioners. Thomas Cornwalhs, Esq. 5 Richard Gerard, son of Sir Thomas Gerard, K. B. Edward Wintour, ") Frederick Wintour, 5 ^°"' °^ *^^ ^^^^ ^""^ Wintour. Henry Wiseman, son to Sir Thomas Wiseman, Bart. John Saunders, Thomas Dorrel, Edward Cranfield, Captain John Hill, Henry Green, John Medcalf, Nicholas Fairfax, William Saire. — See also Boz- John Baxter, man, vol. 2, p. 26. H CHAPTER III. CLAIBORNE AND INGLE'S REBELLION. 1643 — 1660. VV HILST the little colony was thus steadily progressing, in spite of the difficulties which surrounded it, the horizon, in the far east, began to darken. The contest between the king and the parliament, had broken out in England, and it seemed that the latter was about to become victorious. The government of Maryland had sprung from a royal grant, its Proprietary was an adherent of the king, and the storm, which was hurling the king from his throne, could scarcely pass by, leaving the Proprietary and his province unscathed. The spirit of disaffection already began to appear in the settlements ; for the friends and supporters of Claiborne and the advocates of the parliament consid- ered that the condition of affairs in the mother country presented a favorable opportunity to overthrow the power of the Lord Proprietary. As the success of the parli- ament increased, their party grew in strength ; and Go- vernor Calvert, uncertain what course to pursue, and anxious to view, in person, the tendency of affairs in the mother country, determined to return to England to con- sult with his brother. Lord Baltimore. To provide for the government of the province, he appointed Mr. Giles Brent "lieutenant general, admiral, chief captain, magistrate, and commander," and set sail for England in the early part of the year 1643. During his absence, the spirit of disaf- fection increased and at length broke out in Claiborne's and Inofle's rebellion. Claiborne's The Indians, either urofed on by the malcon- and ingle's . . ® "' Eebeiiioii. teuts, or pcrcciving the internal divisions of the settlers, were again in motion. Even prior to the depar- ture of Leonard Calvert, the Susquehannahs assumed a 58 ^9 1613-4.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. threatening attitude, and the governor '"PP-"'^'' J^^P'^ Cornwallis, a man of g-reat .lull and courage exceed, gly popular, and possessing the full confidence of ;'--'■'-■ I 'taUc command of an expcdit.on to be ra.se by draught But that experienced othcer preferrmg vv.lhng serv.ces to the compulsory aid of pressed men, the des.gn «a changed, and he was authorized to assemble and organize a body'of Wunteevs. The Susquehannahs had now become ™ore formidable, having been furnished -f ^^ 7/;"; instructed in their use by the Swedes and Dutch o New York and the Delaware, who carried on a wholesale traffic, in arms and ammunition, with the Indians bordering on the En- gaged at home, to give due attention to this distant border, * McMahon. 120 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1664. the colonial government took no steps to assert their claims until the reduction of the Swedes by the Dutch and the union of both into one colony. Then, Col. Nathaniel Utye was despatched, in 1659, to the Delaware settlements, to notify the inhabitants that they were seated in his lordship's territory, without permission ; and to deliver their authori- ties a written command, from the governor of Maryland, to depart from the limits of the province. He was, at the same time, ordered to inform the settlers, that favorable terms would be granted to them, upon submission to the lord Proprietary. The demand was not only refused, but the governor of New York, Peter Stuyvesant, at the close of the year de- spatched two commissioners to Maryland, with instructions to insist upon the rights of the Dutch to the settlements upon the Delaware. Arguments on both sides were used in vain : and the envoys having received and rejected a new- demand of submission, closed the negotiation and returned home without having effected any thing. Entertaining a doubt whether the Dutch were really trenching on their limits, and having no hope of assistance from the other co- lonies, in case of open hostilities, the government deferred any further action until the advice of the lord Proprietary should be obtained, and it should be ascertained by actual observation, whether the settlements at Newcastle were within the 40th degree. An agent was, at length, de- spatched to Holland to represent the affair to the States General, which directed that the settlers should be with- drawn from about Cape Henlopen ; but refused to abandon the more northern posts. The Dutch were, however, about to be supplanted by more dangerous adversaries. They had commenced to infringe on the New England provinces, and it was determined to reduce them to subjection to the Brit- ish government. In 1664, Charles 11 granted to his brother, James, duke of York, all the territory lying between Con- 1682.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 121 necticut and the eastern shore of the Delaware ; and an expedition was immediately fitted out to conquer these pos- sessions. In September, New York surrendered to Gov. Nichols, while the settlements on the Delaware were given up to a detachment under Sir Robert Carr, and the inhabit- ants of both were admitted to the rights of English colo- nists. New Jersey was granted, by the Duke of York, to the lords Berkeley and Carteret. William Penn soon after became interested in this pro- vince, and, in the course of his connection with it, learning the richness of the country west of the Delaware, he deter- mined to make application to the king for a grant of it. The petition' was laid before the duke of York's secretary and the agents of Lord Baltimore; and at their request, the grant was so made as not to infringe upon Maryland. The lines were marked out by lord Chief Justice North. That bordering Maryland, was *' a circle nine miles around Newcastle to the beginning of the 40th degree of latitude," and then, by the 40th degree, westward. To ascertain this degree, Markham, the agent of Penn, went to the province, and was met by Lord Baltimore at Upland, now called Chester, where, upon actual observation, it was discovered that the 40th degree, instead of being in the vicinity of Newcastle, extended near to the Schuylkill, making the boundary described impossible. The conference was there- fore fruitless ; and Penn set about obtaining from the duke of York a grant of the Delaware settlements, which his agents, in conquering the possessions of the Dutch, had seized upon and continued to hold in spite of the claims of Lord Baltimore. At length, the duke, in 1682, conveyed to him the town of Newcastle, and the territory twelve miles around it, and extending even to Cape Henlopen, — an act equally dishonest and disgraceful in both — the one giving that which he knew was the property of another, — 11 Q 122 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. \_\132. the Other accepting a gift from him who, he knew, could not rightfully bestow it. Penn, having thus endeavored to strengthen his position, obtained an interview with Lord Baltimore, in Maryland, some time in December, 1682, and presented a letter from the king, directing the lord Proprietary to fix his northern boundary one hundred and twenty miles from his southern limits. Lord Baltimore declined obedience, relying upon his charter, which secured to him the territory to the 40th deo-ree. Thus, this second conference ended without results, as did also a third, held at Newcastle in May, 1683. As Lord Baltimore, now acting with energy, was endeavor- insr to extend his settlements into, and had made a formal demand for the delivery of the disputed territory, Penn hastened to England to attack the charter of Maryland, on the ground that Delaware was settled, at the time when the charter was issued, and that that instrument only included unsettled territory. His former patron, the duke of York, had now ascended the throne as James II, and Penn suc- ceeded so far as to obtain a decree, in 1685, from the com- missioners of plantations, that the territory between the two bays should be divided by a straight line into two equal portions as far as Cape Henlopen, and that portion, now constituting Delaware, be given up to Penn. Fearing the destruction of his patent, the lord Proprietary was compel- led to submit, and, although the king was soon dethroned, this decision formed the groundwork of the subsequent final settlement. However, until 1732, the line continued to be disputed, and many outrages were committed by both par- ties in endeavoring to sustain their pretensions. In that year an agreement was entered into by the Proprietary to adopt the border fixed by the decree of 1685 on the east, and on the north a line drawn due west, fifteen miles south of Philadelphia. When Lord Baltimore perceived the full extent of his 1750-60.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 123 agreement, he endeavored to set it aside ; but, in 1750, a decree in chancery, for its performance, was obtained against him by the Penns. Upon his death, his son, Fred- erick, Lord Baltimore, continued to resist its execution, and proceedings were commenced against him by Thomas and Richard Penn, the surviving Proprietaries : but finding by representations from Maryland, that the condition of the border was frightful and lawless, he at length, on the 4th July 1760, agreed to an amicable arrangement. The lines already indicated were adopted and commissioners appoint- ed to mark them out.* The commissioners — in the execu- tion of their duty, on the northern line, or "Mason and Dixon's," as it is called, after the scientific gentlemen who laid it out — set up at the end of every mile, a stone with the letter P. and the arms of the Penns engraved on the north, and " M" and the escutcheon of Lord Baltimore on the south side ; many of these stones are still to be found upon the line. They were, however, prevented by fears of hostile Indians, from proceeding further than Sideling Hill — a distance of one hundred and thirty miles from the place of beginning. Similar land marks were placed on the Delaware boundary : and thus, after a struggle of more than a century, a large and fertile territory was forever lost to Maryland. Virginia. The last of the boundary disputes remains un- settled to this day. The charter of Maryland defined the western boundary by the meridian of the first fountain of the Potomac; and the question arose whether the north or south branch of the Potomac was the main head of that river. The decision involved a large territory, as the south branch extended far to the south and west of the north branch, and the meridian of its first springs would neces- sarily throw the western boundary farther back than that of the north branch, and include the fine country between the * McMahon, 44-5. 124 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1745-76. two streams. During his exile, the unhappy Charles II granted to several of his followers, that portion of Virginia lying between, and bounded by, the heads of the Potomac and Rappahannock. After the restoration the grant was re-issued to Lord Culpeper, who, by assignments from the other lords, had become sole proprietor ; and the title de- scended from him to his daughter, the wife of Lord Fairfax. This grant, in terms, did not interfere with that of Mary- land; but the question then arose, which was the true head of the Potomac, the north or south branch. It is very clear that the south branch is the principal stream, being at least si^ty miles longer than the north. Lord Fairfax imme- diately began to make grants, and, in 1748, formally opened a land office in " the Neck," as his territory was called. In that year he entered into an agreement with the autho- rities of Virginia, by which they adopted the northern branch of the Potomac as the common boundary, without regard to the claims of Lord Baltimore, who, in conse- quence, directed Gov. Sharpe, in 1753, to investigate the question, and maintain his just rights. Accordingly, the governor, having ascertained by the testimony of Col. Thos. Cresap that the south branch was the true head, wrote to Lord Fairfax, protesting against any such arrangement, and claiming the boundary on the south branch. In 1771, Cre sap, under the direction of the Proprietary, surveyed both branches; and, in 1774, the Maryland commissioners for the Proprietary began to grant lands in the disputed territory on the west. The revolution only changed the parties to the controversy. Upon the adoption of its constitution in 1776, Virginia expressly recognized all the rights of Maryland to the territory contained within the charter: yet when commissioners were subsequently appointed to mark off the disputed territory, it restricted its agents to the boundary assumed by Lord Fairfax; and the representa- tives of Maryland refused to treat with persons having no HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 125 power to discuss and adjust the subject of dispute. Many efforts were subsequently made without success — the last in 1824 — and the matter rests thus at this day, occasionally agitated by the legislature, but as often abandoned. ir CHAPTER VL THE FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR. 1751 — 1758. In 1751, Frederick, last of the lords Baltimore, while yet a minor, became by the death of his father. Proprietary of Maryland. The French war had just been brought to a close ; it was one, however, in which Maryland had borne but little part. The province was not immediately con- cerned in its dangers, and contented itself with furnishing occasional supplies of men and money to assist the northern colonies. But a new contest was approaching, in which it was deeply interested, and which poured the horrors of Indian invasion across its border. It was the last war be- tween the English and French for dominion in the new world, and terminated in the overthrow of the latter, in the conquest of their possessions, and eventually led to the humiliation of the former, in the independence of the United States. The governor of Canada, having conceived the French and bold idea of connecting that colony, with the ^"'^'^" "'^'' French possessions in Louisiana, immediately began to construct a chain of forts along the Mississippi and Ohio rivers, passing through a territory to which the English laid claim. As early as 1749, a grant of lands, west of the Allecrhanies, had been made to an association called the Ohio Company; which, principally for the purposes of traffic with the natives, erected posts extending even to the Ohio river. These movements, probably, led the French governor to the formation and execution of his design. Several of the company's trading posts were taken and pillaged, the traders themselves made captives j and strong 126 1753-4.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 127 positions selected, fortified and garrisoned, to maintain an open communication from New Orleans to Quebec, along the course of the Alleghany, Ohio, and Mississippi rivers. Virginia was principally interested in the contro- versy ; and its governor immediately despatched Colonel Washington on an embassy to the French commandant, to protest against his proceedings and to demand an evacua- tion of the territory. Washington performed his difficult and dangerous mission, through a hostile Indian country, with that courage, zeal, and perseverance, which afterwards, in a higher station, made him the saviour of his country. The demands of Virginia were rejected, and nothing was left but a recourse to hostilities. In the war which ensued, Maryland became involved simply in self defence and for the assistance of the sister colonics, — while Virginia and Pennsylvania were contending for the acquisition of a large and fertile territory. At the beginning of the war, there- fore, the legislature of Maryland stood aloof, in spite of the commands of the crown, the remonstrances of the governor and the entreaties of Virginia, declaring to each their de- termination to resist any and every foreign invasion, and to contribute their assistance to the neighboring colonies, when they conceived their necessity required it. They, however, consented to send commissioners, Chas. Carroll and Benjamin Tasker, to the general convention which the English government had directed to assemble at Albany, and appropriated the sum of five hundred pounds to purchase presents, to secure the good will of the Indians. When the convention met, they entered into designs very different from those entertained by Maryland and beyond the power granted to its delegates. They re- solved that a general union among the colonies was neces- sary for their preservation, and a plan of confederacy, sub- mitted by Dr. Franklin, was adopted.* Ever jealous of * McMahon; Pitkin. 128 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1753^. their colonial independence, proud of their charter, and fearful of the invasion of their rights of internal sove- reignty, the people of Maryland had constantly resisted every attempt to effect a union of the colonies under one government. They did not now yield. The plan was submitted to the General Assembly, and was unanimously disapproved of by the lower house, as " tending to the destruction of the rights and liberties of His Majesty's sub- jects in the province." Whilst they, thus fearlessly, pur- sued the course of policy they had marked out for them- selves, the time had arrived when they could no longer avoid taking part in the war. Colonel Washington's forces had been captured at great Meadows by the French and Indians, who, from Fort Duquesne, erected on the present site of Pittsburg, poured their savage and plundering bands upon the unprotected frontiers of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. It became necessary, therefore, to reduce it. The General Assembly was, in consequence, at once con- vened at Annapolis, on the 17th of July, 1754. They im- mediately voted a supply of six thousand pounds, to be applied to the aid of Virginia, and to the encouragement of the friendly southern Indians, in their service, by sup- porting their wives and children during their expeditions. Although legislative action was thus long delayed, the people of the province had taken part in the war, from its commencement. They organized companies of rangers and frontier guards for the protection of the border settle- ments. A fort had been erected at Cumberland — far be- yond the settlements — which served as the resting point in the expeditions undertaken against the French on the Ohio. In some of these, the people of Maryland bore a part. In September, 1753, two companies, under Capt. Dagworthy, Lieutenants Bacon and Forty, marched from Annapolis to the western frontier. In the ensuing year, the government of Virginia contemplated an expedition against fort Du- 1754.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 12^ quesne, or the erection of a stronghold to restrain its garri- son; and its regiment, having been joined by several com- panies from Marylarid and North Carolina, was ordered to commence its march in August: but when it was found that the number of the troops did not exceed half that of the enemy; and that no sufficient provision had been made, by the legislature for their supply, the enterprize was necessa- rily abandoned.* It was, however, only to prosecute it with renewed vigor in the ensuing campaign, and exten- sive preparations were made to insure its success. The command of all the forces, engaged against the French on the Ohio, was, by a royal commission, conferred upon Gov. Sharpe, of Maryland, in chief, while Col. Fitz- hugh was to conduct the army, during the absence of his superior officer, upon his official duties as governor, and while visiting the military posts. Colonel Washington, dis- gusted with the treatment he had received from Governor Dinwiddie, upon the reduction of the Virginia regiment in consequence of disputes concerning rank, resigned his commission, and retired from the service. Justly appreciat- ing his talents and qualifications for the peculiar duty before him, Gov. Sharpe was desirous of securing them once more to the common cause, and, at his request, Col. Fitzhugh addressed him a letter in which he tried the force of argu- ment and persuasion, to induce him to join them, offering him the rank of captain. But Washington refused, declar- ing that he could not consent to accept the commission of captain, when he had already held that of colonel.t On the 24th of December, the General Assembly of Maryland was again convened, and passed a law for the levying of troops for the ensuing campaign, and, as an in- ducement to men to enlist, provided that if any citizen of the province should be so maimed in the service as to be incapable of maintaining himself, he should be supported at • Marshall. t Sparks, vol. 2, p. 64-5. R 130 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1755. the public expense. In the ensuing session of February, 1755, they regulated the rates of transportation of military material, and the mode of quartering soldiers in the pro- vince, and prohibited by severe penalties any inhabitant from supplying the French or their Indian allies with stores, ammunition, or provisions. All these measures were pre- paratory to that expedition which ended so disastrously for the whole country. Braddock's Early in the year, Gen. Braddock, at the head Defeat. ^^ ^ strong body of troops, embarked at Cork, for the colonies, and, on his arrival at Alexandria with his fleet of transports,* a council of the colonial governors was sum- moned to meet him at Annapolis. On the 3d of April, Gen. Braddock, Gov. Dinwiddle, and Commodore Keppel arrived at Annapolis, and were joined on the 11th and r2th by governors Shirley of Massachusetts, De Launcey of New York, and Morris of Pennsylvania: but the place of meeting having been changed — these gentlemen in company with Gov. Sharpe of Maryland, proceeded to the general's head- quarters at Alexandria. In the council that ensued, three expeditions were determined on : the first against fort Du- quesne, under Braddock himself, reinforced by the Mary- land and Virorinia levies, the second, against Niagara and fort Frontignac, and the third, against Crown Point. The council, haying completed its plans, broke up, and the dif- ferent governors hastened to their respective stations. On the 17th, Governor Sharpe returned to Annapolis, and in a few days after went to Frederick, where a portion of the army was already quartered, to expedite the neces- sary preparations for transporting the supplies. He was soon met by Gen. Braddock, who began his march to that place from Alexandria with Dunbar's regiment immediately after the breaking up of the council, intending to remain until his stores should be forwarded to fort Cumberland, * Green's Gazette. ' fu 1755.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 131 his ultimate point of rendezvous. During his stay at Fre- derick, he was joined by Colonel Washington, whom he had invited to serve as his aid-de-camp through the cam- paign, and to whose skill and courage the army was after- wards essentially indebted.* After the departure of the general and his forces from Frederick to Winchester, Va., on the 7th of May, the people of Maryland, in large num- bers, marched from the different counties to defend the frontiers, and to replace the garrisons of the outposts; and, with commendable spirit, money, clothing, and provisions, for the volunteers, were advanced by gentlemen of the province.! The impressment of wagons, horses, and teamsters, was carried on with great activity, especially in Frederick, and to such an extent, that the contractors for erecting a new court house there, found it impossible to obtain horses to transport the materials to the site of the building.l Benja- min Franklin, then postmaster-general for the colonies, had met Braddock at Frederick, to concert a plan for forward- ing despatches, and, learning the scarcity of wagons, under- taken to furnish them from Pennsylvania. He succeeded in hiring one hundred and fifty, in York and Lancaster counties, by giving his own bonds to the owners for their indemnification, a responsibility which involved him in great difficulty after the defeat at the Monongahela.§ And yet in spite of these general draughts such was the scarcity of means of transportation, that Braddock was unable to begin his march from fort Cumberland until the middle of June. A further delay in his progress was caused by the neces- sity of cutting a road for the troops through that rough and mountainous country. Fearing that the French would have time to collect a strong force at fort Duquesne, the general selected a body of twelve hundred men, and, leav- * Sparks. f Recital in rejected Bill of 1762, Sec. 44. I Frederick county records. § Sparks. 132 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1755. mg the remainder of the army to advance with the heavy stores, hurried forward to surprise the enemy. On the 8th of July, he reached the Monongahela ; and, expecting to begin the investment of the fort on the follow- ing morning, arranged his forces for the attack. Three hundred British regulars, grenadiers and light infantry un- der Lieut. Col. Gage, formed the van, and were followed, at some distance, by the artillery and the main body of the army, divided into small columns. The provincials, accus- tomed to the wiles of an Indian enemy, repea^tedly warned Braddock of the danorer of an ambuscade, — but their admo- nitions were derided. Twice the army crossed the river, in its march; no sooner had it. passed over the second time, being about the hour of one o'clock, than a heavy fire en- veloped the advance, which had plunged into a narrow defile. The regulars were instantly thrown into confusion. The volleys of an unseen foe mowed down their ranks; with their own random fire they slew one another. At length, a panic seized upon them, and they oroke and fled in wild disorder. In vain, their officers attempted to rally them ; in vain did they, clustering together when deserted by theil men, charge in bodies upon the foe. Wherever an epau- lette appeared, it became the mark of the unerring Indian. Col. Washington, alone unwounded of all the aids-de-camp, brought up the Virginians and provincials, who, taking to cover like the Indians, gallantly sustained the fire, and secured the retreat of the frantic British regulars. To the last, Braddock with undiminished courage persisted in maintaining the action, until he received a mortal wound, it is said, from the hand of a provincial, named Faucett, who was indignant that the obstinacy of one man should sacri- fice the lives of hundreds. Then the rout became universal. Sixty-four out of eighty-five officers, and about one-half the rank and file were killed or wounded.* The victorious * Marshall ; Sparks. 1755.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 133 force of the enemy consisted only of thirty Frenchmen and three or four hundred Indians — of whom seven Indians and four Frenchmen were killed — whilst that of the defeated army was twelve hundred regulars and provincials.* The defeat must be attributed to the rashness of General Braddock, who, however, displayed great coolness and bravery upon the field, and had five horses killed under him, before he received the fatal wound. Col. Washington had two horses shot under him, and his uniform was riddled with balls. He was the only mounted officer that escaped unhurt — Providence had reserved him for greater things. The rout did not cease until the fuofitives had reached the camp of the main body — forty miles from the scene of action — where Braddock breathed his last. Col. Dunbar, infected with the panic, destroyed his baggage and stores, and placing the wounded in the wagons which had been used in their transportation, retreated hastily to fort Cum- berland. Utterly desponding, he soon after marched to Philadelphia, where, although it was yet the month of August, he went into winter quarters, abandoning the de- fenceless frontiers to the furv of the savage. A period of terror and desolation ensued — the settlements were attacked and broken up: and the borders of Pennsylva- nia, Maryland and Virginia became one extended field of petty battles, murder and devastation.! The outposts were driven in, and some of the smaller posts captured and their garrisons massacred ; and Frederick, Winchester, and Car- lisle became the frontiers of the colonies. t Fort Cumber- land was still held by the troops under Capt. Dagworthy ; but this isolated fortress could afford no protection against the roving bands of savages, who passed around it to seek their prey in the settlements beyond. The panic, left by the Hying British troops, spread even to the bay shore. Many of the inhabitants from the interior fled to Baltimore, and * Captain J. Smith's Narrative. t McMahon. J Marshall. 12 134 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1755. there preparations were made by the citizens of that town to embark their women and children on board the vessels in the harbor preparatory to a flight to Virginia; while some of the Virginians even believed that there was no safety short of England itself. Yet if the news of the defeat ex- cited terror in some — it also nerved others, to preparation for the coming danger. The people in the west gathered at Col. Cresap's, and strengthened his block-house for de- fence : others sought protection at fort Cumberland. Even before the defeat, as if in anticipation of it, a party of Indians had made their way into the settlements and com- mitted many ravages. On the 3d of July, they attacked the house of Mr. Williams, in Frederick county, and mas- sacred twelve persons belonging to his family.* And after the defeat, a party of inhabitants flying to fort Cumberland were waylaid and fifteen killed; three escaped unhurt, and the last, a boy, was scalped and left for dead, but revived and succeeded in making his way to that fort. As soon as the disastrous intelligence of Braddock's de- struction, reached Annapolis, Governor Sharpe set out for Frederick, and on the 17th of July, marched to the west, at the head of a body of troops hastily assembled. Private subscriptions were opened to defray the expenses. Anna- polis and the surrounding country alone raised one thou- sand pounds. The militia were called into service, and in October, were relieved by a force of volunteers, raised to meet the emergency. But the country people still conti- nued to come in, as new inroads were constantly taking place and many families cut olf. Such was the effect of the panic on the militia that when Major Prather endeavored to assemble those of the frontier, for the purpose of pursuing one of these hostile bands, he found it impossible to get them out. Each man upon the borders dreaded to leave his house unprotected, lest in * Green's Gazette. 1756.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 135 his absence, his family should fall a prey to the enemy. But from the lower part of Frederick county, which was secure from depredations, volunteers under Colonel Ridgely and Captain Alexander Beall, with some companies from Prince George's county and several from Fredericktown itself, hastened to the scene of desolation. They arrived too late to punish the savages and could only remain to protect the survivors from further inroads. In this disastrous year more than twenty plantations were laid waste and their occupants massacred or carried into a dreadful cap- tivity. So extensively had the fear of the Indians spread, that the most improbable rumors were credited. In No- vember, it was reported that a body of French and Indians were within thirty miles bf Baltimore, and immediately, more than two thousand men assembled to oppose their advance.* The people of Annapolis, far removed as they were from the frontiers, caught the infection, and in November began to fortify their town. Serious apprehensions were for a time entertained that a body of the savages might, in their stealthy mode of warfare, marching by night and lying in concealment by day, penetrate the intermediate country, sur- prise the town, and massacre the inhabitants. However the excitement was allayed by the return of several volunteers from the west, who reported affairs as in a better condition.! In the midst of this panic, the effectiveness of the troops on the frontiers was weakened by disputes and dissensions between their leaders. Captain Dagworthy, who now com- manded the Maryland levies, had been an officer in the Canada expedition, during the last war, and held the king's commission. Upon entering the Maryland service he still laid claim to precedence of rank under his old commission, which, as emanating from the king, was considered to con- fer a superiority over all colonial commissions. Imme- * Green's Gazette. f Annals of Annapolis. 136 HISTORY OF MARYLA.ND. [1755-6. diately after the defeat at Great Meadows, fort Cumberland had been erected, in Maryland, where the city of Cumber- land now stands, by several independent companies from North Carolina and New York; and in November, a small body of Maryland recruits under Dagworthy, were placed there in garrison by Gov. Sharpe. Dagworthy asserted his right of precedence over the other colonial officers at that post. He was supported by Gov. Sharpe, who claimed the post as a Maryland fort, and subject to his jurisdiction, and properly under the command of a Maryland officer : while Dinwiddle of Virginia contended, that it was a king's fort, and that Dagworthy could not out-rank the field offi- cers of the Virginia regiment. The affair was laid before Braddock, who decided in favor" of Dagworthy. After the defeat and death of that general, the dispute was revived, and Lieutenant Colonel Stephen, of the Virginia forces, was ordered by his government to see that none of the provisions, sent thither by Virginia, should be distributed to the Maryland or Carolina companies. But Dagworthy refused to permit any interference in his command, claiming to out-rank Col. Washington himself: that energetic officer, however, having obtained leave of absence, laid the matter in person before Gen. Shirley, the commander in chief, then at Boston, and in March, 1756, procured an order, settling definitively the relative rank of the different claimants.* Dagworthy was reduced to the position of provincial cap- tain, as holding a commission from the governor of Maryland, where no regulars were joined to his force, thus subjecting him to all colonial field officers ; and the rio^ht of command at fort Cumberland was conferred upon Washington himself. Thus ended this vexatious dispute, which by dividing the forces at the fort, had rendered them of little service to the colonies. * Sparks' Life and "Writings of Washington, vol. 2, where the letters relating to this dispute are collected. ITSe.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 137 The legislature assembled in February, and immediately took into consideration the state of the province. The act prohibiting trade with the enemy was revived, and a bill framed in contemplation of another, and more formidable expedition against their stronghold, in conjunction with Virginia, North Carolina and Pennsylvania, in pursuance of a plan, adopted at a meeting of the governors of those provinces, held in the fall succeeding Braddock's defeat. On the 22d of March, 1756, the bill was passed. It pro- vided for raising a sum of forty thousand pounds, of which eleven thousand were to be applied to the erection of a fort and several block-houses in the western frontier, and for levying, arming, paying and maintaining a body of troops, not exceeding two hundred men, to garrison these posts ; three thousand pounds were placed in the hands of two commissioners, Col. Benjamin Tasker and Charles Carroll, to en^aofe the services of the southern Indians, one thou- sand pounds were directed to be distributed in bounties of ten pounds for each scalp of an hostile Indian, or for each prisoner brought in by any inhabitant of the province : and twenty-five thousand were reserved for the joint expedition in contemplation against fort Duquesne. Messrs. William Murdock, James Dick and Daniel Wolstenholme, were ap- pointed agents to pay out these several sums, with a com- mission of two and one-half per cent, on all disbursements. Thirty-four thousand pounds of this sum were raised by bills of credit, a system already in full operation in the co- lony: but the legislature taught by recent difficulties wisely provided at once a sufficient sinking fund, by imposing new duties and laying additional internal taxes. Some of the features of the bill mark the spirit of the revolution of 1688, which still lingered in the colony ; but, as if to make atonement for the oppression of one class, they asserted the liability of all to their own legislative supremacy, and subjected even the manors and lands of the lord Proprietary 12 S 138 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1756. to the common burdens. Another, in the list of twenty- two subjects of taxation on which the Assembly thought proper to levy, is singular enough to require notice : " On all bachelors, of twenty-five years of age and upwards, worth one hundred pounds and less than three hundred, a duty of five shillings per annum was laid ; and, if worth over three hundred pounds — twenty shillings per annum :" and, to heighten its efl'ect, this subject of taxation was signifi- cantly placed in the list of luxuries, and between the duties on ''wines and liquors," and "the billiard table."* Fort Cumberland, lying nearly sixty miles be- Defence of yond the frontier, was found to afford no protec- ^^® frontiers. tion from the savages, and the people had been compelled to erect stockades and block-houses, on the verge of the settlements, as places of immediate resort and security in sudden danger. Under the act which had just passed, Governor Sharpe, to remedy this defect, selected a site for a new fort, near the present town of Hancock, to be called fort Frederick; purchased one hundred and fifty acres of land, and, immediately, began, under his personal inspec- tion, the erection of a large and durable fortress of stone, capable of containing a garrison of three hundred men. By the middle of August, the fortifications were far enough advanced to aff"ord accommodation to the troops, and were immediately garrisoned by a force of two hundred men, under the command of Col. Dagworthy. In the mean time the Indians had not been idle. Small parties penetrated, at night and secretly, into the country, struck a fatal blow, and then retired, generally before availing pursuit could be made. Their audacity increased with their success ; and a party made their way even to the neighborhood of Emmits- bursr, somewhat more than sixteen miles from Frederick, assailed the settlement, and, after shooting a man named * Bacon. From April, 1762, to November, 1763, this tax produced £904 Is. 2d. 1756.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 139 Alexander McKeasy in his own door, escaped without loss. But they were not always so fortunate : the desultory war had raised up a number of partizan Indian fighters, the most successful and unsparing of whom was Col. Thomas Cresap, a man of undaunted courage and skill. On the 20th of May, 1756, at the head of one hundred men — his "red caps" — he overtook a party of Indians, and complete- ly routed them with some slaughter ; and, on the 30th of June, came suddenly upon another roaming band, and also defeated them,* Yet such was the effect produced upon the out settlers by these destructive inroads, which it was equally impossible to foresee or to prevent, that they continued to desert their cabins and clearings, and poured in towards the lower country. " The whole settlement of Conococheague in Maryland is fled," writes Col. Washing- ton, in August, 1756, " and there now remains only two families from thence to Fredericktown. That the Mary- land settlements are all abandoned is certainly a fact, as I have had the accounts transmitted to me by several hands and confirmed yesterday (28th) by Henry Brinker, who left Monocacy the day before, and who also affirms, that three hundred and fifty wagons had passed that place, to avoid the enemy, within the space of three days."! The neighboring colonies having failed to co-operate with Maryland in the proposed expedition, and the season having passed for any such attempt, the legislature was again convened in September, and hastened to devote the amount of twenty-five thousand pounds, laid aside for the purpose, to other and more pressing objects of service Five thousand pounds were appropriated to raising and maintaining three hundred men for the royal American regiment, and to furnish a supply of wheat for Lord Lou- don's troops at New York, three thousand pounds for boun- ties for scalps or prisoners, taken by persons not in the pay * Green's Gazette. t Sparks, vol. 2, p. 183. 140 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1756. of the province, and tluee thousand five hundred pounds for forming a company of one hundred men, to be incor- porated with the battalion already under the command of Col. Da,gworthy, at fort Frederick. One-third of this force was required to be constantly on duty, as rangers, on the frontier for the protection of the inhabitants : and to in- crease their activity, in addition to their pay, each soldier, wiio while on this duty took a scalp or a prisoner, was allowed a bounty of thirty pounds. Additional appropria- tions were made towards completing fort Frederick, for purchasing arms and ammunition, and erecting a magazine, and, to reimburse the governor the expense of maintaining the rangers, whom he had employed on the frontier, during the preceding spring.* Provision having thus been made for defence, the confi- dence of the people to the westward was somewhat restored, although the settlements were not fully re-occupied until the close of the war. Even in 1761, several years after the reduction of fort Duquesne, the people of the western portion of Frederick county, when desirous of building a bridge on the road from Conococheaffue to Pittsburor at a cost of only forty pounds, were compelled to have recourse to the county court for assistance from the general assess- ment, assigning as their reason that the country was thinned of its inhabitants, that the settlers who had removed on account of the war had not yet returned to their dwellings, and that the few who remained were unable to bear the charge ; while the work was absolutely required by the public service, being on the route by which supplies were carried to the royal troops at fort Pitt.f Indeed, it was impossible to form a complete cordon of defence across the frontier ; for small parties of the enemy would easily make their way into the settlements, strike a successful blow and retreat in safety before the rangers could come to the rescue. * Bacon. t Jud- ^^ec. L. L. p. 840— Fred. Co. 1757.] HISTORY OP MARYLAND 141 The inhabitants, at the breaking out of hostilities were, to a great extent unpracticed in Indian warfare, and, there- fore, fell an easy prey to their vigilant and unsparing enemy. Elated by their bloody victory on the Monongahela, in which they had almost annihilated a force of three times their number, composed of chosen troops under a British general, they boasted that at length they were about to drive the invaders from the graves of their forefathers and recover their ancient hunting grounds. From the Miami, the Ohio, and the borders of the lakes, their war parties concentrated at fort Duquesne, to pour out upon the extended frontiers, sometimes in parties strong enough to take the smaller fortresses by storm, but generally numbering but two or three, striking unexpectedly into the settlements, burning the farm houses, killing or capturing the inhabitants thus taken by surprise, and hurrying away as rapidly with their booty.* But the borderers soon began to learn their mode of warfare and to prepare for it; and aided by the rangers and the garrisons of the forts, and protected by their own rude block-houses, made successful defence against their inroads. In the ensuing April, the Assembly was convened at Baltimore, and further provisions were made for the secu- rity of the frontiers. A portion of the first appropriation being still unexpended, and the sum of three thousand pounds, intended to secure the services of the southern Indians yet unapplied, the whole, amounting to more than ten thousand pounds, was devoted to increasing the forces in the west to five hundred men : and, to promote the recruiting service, those who enlisted were exempted from levy and other charges for three years, and the maimed and disabled were promised an annual pension for their sup- port.! Finding that every effort at a combined expedition had failed the year before, the government now sought only * Narrative of Col. James Smith. f Bacon. 142 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1757. to defend its own frontier; and, during the season, suc- ceeded in securinor the services of a band of Cherokee Indians to aid in that object. The enemy were not long in recommencing their assaults. In June, it was reported that a large body of French and Indians, with heavy cannon, were marching against fort Cumberland to besiege it. Gov. Sharpe instantly set out for Frederick, accompanied by a number of volunteers, to gather troops and relieve the menaced post; there, however, a subsequent express informed him that it was only a small party of about three hundred men, without artillery, and, fully confident in the ability of the troops already on the frontier, aided by the Cherokees, to prevent their ravages, he returned to Annapolis after a week's absence. The enemy, however, had no design upon the fort ; they separated into small parties, as was their wont, and broke into the settle- ments — principally of Virginia. A few attempted to ravage Maryland, but were overtaken and several of them killed by the friendly Cherokees, who rendered important services to the colony. In addition to the troops already on the fron- tier, Capts. Butler's, Middagh's, and Luckett's, companies of militia were ordered to relieve the garrison of fort Fred- erick then under the command of Capt. Beale. During their tour of duty, they acted with spirit, and prevented the rav- ages of three different parties of the enemy, who attempted to break in upon the settlements. Besides furnishing this garrison for fort Frederick, the people of Frederick county raised two hundred men, who, in August, marched under Gov. Sharpe in person to strengthen that fortress and to garrison fort Cumberland ; where in the ensuing month, ihey were joined by a company of volunteers from Cecil county, under Captain Jesse Hollingsworth.* Fort Cumberland, so long the subject of dispute between the governors of Maryland and Virginia, and maintained * Green's Gazette. 1757.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 143 by the latter against the strong wishes of Col. Washington, was now finally given up to Maryland, by the order of Lord Loudon, and was destined henceforth to be garrisoned by Maryland troops. It soon became a source of discord in another quarter.* In October, Gov. Sharpe applied to the legislature for means to support the garrison which he had placed there. The Assembly, averse to maintaining a force too far beyond the frontiers, to protect the inhabitants, replied with warmth, that they had been stationed there contrary to the intention of the act by which they had been raised, and if evil consequences arose from want of supplies, the blame must rest upon the heads of those, who had taken the responsibility of placing them there without warrant of law. As the step had been taken by order of Lord Loudon, they denied his authority to control the forces raised and paid by the colony without their consent; whereupon that nobleman wrote to Gov. Sharpe, protesting against this doctrine, as without precedent, and peculiar to Maryland alone. Gov. Dinwiddie likewise pronounced it " inconsist- ent and unmannerly, in the Maryland Assembly, to make any hesitation, or to dispute his lordship's power." But the Assembly had been too long accustomed to a sturdy maintenance of their rights, to yield to the protests or abuse of British lords or royal governors. But this limited and petty warfare of posts and defensive expeditions, while it exhausted the force of the colony, could produce no permanent results. The neighboring provinces of Virginia and Pennsylvania, with far more ex- tensive borders to protect, had suffered more severely than Maryland, and the governments of the three colonies, at length, became fully convinced that the readiest and most effectual mode of protecting their frontiers was the expul- sion of the enemy from his stronghold. Early in 1758, an- other expedition against fort Duquesne was determined on. * Sparks. ' 144 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1758. Lord Loudon having returned to England at ^^^^^ of the close of the last campaign, the command of the British forces in the middle and southern colonies, was committed to Gen. Forbes ; and it was hoped by the colo- nies that active and energetic measures would now be taken. Virginia, which was principally interested, had already one regiment in the field, and had directed the formation of another. The forces of Maryland, amounting to five hundred men, under Col. Dagworthy, held its fron- tier from fort Frederick, aided by their Indian allies. In the Assembly, which met at Annapolis, in March, 1758, an effort was made to bring a still larger force into the field. But Maryland was once more, to a certain extent, secure. The old controversies between the upper and lower houses, recommenced, and the delegates once more asserted and sturdily adhered to the demands, which during the perils of the three preceding years, they had allowed to slumber. In April, the House framed a bill for the sup- plies required to raise one thousand men, and among other property, imposed taxes upon the Proprietary's quit rer\s and estates, on the salaries and emoluments of public ofn- cers, and the usual double tax upon the lands of those who refused to take the test oath and the oath of supremacy ;* and claimed the sole right of originating and amending money bills. The upper house protested against these taxes as unjust, and contended that the claim of the lower house was arbitrary and unconstitutional. But the Dele- gates were immovable. Rather than submit, the govern- ment abandoned all hopes of further supplies, and Colonel Dagworthy and his troops were ordered to join the expedi- tion as the quota of Maryland. To supply garrisons for the fortresses thus left vacant by the departure of Dagworthy's men, Governor Sharpe called out the western militia for a time, and marched at their head to fort Cumberland, of * For these oaths see Bacon, 1716, ch, 5. 1758.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 145 which post he took command as soon as Col. Washington with his regiment joined the main army at Raystown. During the continuance of the governor at the fort, the army suifered a serious loss of ammunition from the blow- ing up of the magazine.* Although it was desirable that the campaign should open early in the season, the Virginia troops did not reach fort Cumberland, their place of rendezvous, till July. They were, then, occupied in cutting a road from that post to Raystown, where the advance of the army was stationed under Col. Bouquet — Gen. Forbes being detained by sick- ness at Carlisle. As if to increase these delays and render the expedition abortive, the English officers, in spite of the remonstrances of Col, Washington, determined to make a new road to fort Duquesne, instead of taking the route of General Braddock. It was already late in the season, the enemy were daily strengthening their forces, and it was feared that winter would overtake the army in the moun- tains. The worst results were foreboded. Grant's De- ^^^ September, an advanced body had reached ^•^^^^ Loyal Hanning, about ten miles beyond Laurel Hill; and, towards the close of the month, Major Grant was detached to reconnoitre, with a select corps of more than eight hundred men, consisting of three hundred and thirty Highlanders, one hundred and fourteen royal Ameri- cans, one hundred and seventy-six Virginians, ninety-five Maryland, one hundred and twelve Pennsylvania, and thir- teen Carolina troops. t In the night, he took post upon a hill, about eighty rods from fort Duquesne, unobserved by the French, and in the morning, by way of bravado, beat the reveille and sounded the bagpipes in several places. As soon as the English were discovered, the Indians sallied out from the fort, and, having under cover of the river banks, reached a height that overlooked Grant's position, surround- * Sparks. f Green's Gazette. 13 T 146 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. H^oS. ed him and commenced the attack.* The Highlanders, drawn out in close array, were slaughtered almost unresist- ingly, by the deadly fire of the enemy, and at length gave way ; while the Maryland troops, to whom were joined the Carolinians, took cover in bushes and behind trees, and keeping the enemy at bay, sustained the action. The Pennsylvanians broke at the first fire. The Virginians, under Major Lewis of Col. Washington's regiment, had been detached two miles to the rear to guard the baggage ; as soon as the action began, they hastened up to the assist- ance of Grant, but were unable to maintain their ground.t The English were defeated with a loss of two hundred and seventy-three killed and forty-two wounded ; Majors Grant and Lewis, and many of their men were taken prisoners. The Marylanders, behaved with great gallantry, and, al- though they suffered severely, succeeded in covering the retreat of the remainder of the troops. Out of ninety-five men their loss was twenty-three privates and one officer, Lieut. Duncan McRae, killed and missing ; and seventeen wounded — nearly one-half their whole force. Capt. Ware, Lieut. Riley, and Ensign Harrison, with fifty privates made good their retreat.! The loss of the enemy was trifling. This defeat, so similar to the disaster of Braddock, in- duced the Indians to believe that the remainder of Forbes' army would retreat, as the force under Col. Dunbar had done on the like occasion. A large portion of them, accord- ingly left the fort and returned to their hunting grounds, with their prisoners and plunder, in spite of the solicitations of the French to remain. § This was a fortunate circum- stance for the success of the expedition. Forbes' army was still toiling on its way, liable to be taken at disad- vantage by a strong force, and did not reach the post at Loyal Hanning until the fifth of November, nearly a month after the battle. Here the recent defeat, and the lateness * Smith's Narrative, t (Green's Gazette. | Ibid. § Smith's Narrative. 1759.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 147 of the season, had nearly produced the results expected by the Indians. A council of war was held, which determined that it was unadvisable to proceed farther during the present campaign. In the meanwhile, the enemy, who had care- fully watched the march of the army, thinking it a favor- able moment to make another fortunate blow and complete their victory, detached a body of troops with the Indians yet remaining at the fort, to the number of one thousand men, and attacked Col. Bouquet, with great spirit at Loyal Manning, on the 12th of October. After four hours of hard fighting, they were repulsed: but during the whole ensuing night, kept up an occasional fire upon the works. Before day however, they retreated, carrying with them their killed and wounded, thus concealing their loss in the action : that of the English was sixty-seven rank and file killed and wounded. In this affair, the Maryland troops had one offi- cer, Lieut. Prather, and two privates, killed : Ensign Bell, and six privates, wounded, and eleven missing. Still the savages hovered around the army. On the 12th of November, near Loyal Manning, Col. Washington, with a scouting party, fell in with a detachment of the enemy and a skirmish ensued. A second party of Virginians, coming to their assistance, in the heavy mist were mistaken for a body of the foe, and a fire given upon them and re- turned before the unfortunate error was discovered. Capt. Evan Shelby, of Frederick county, who commanded a company of Maryland volunteers, in this skirmish, killed with his own hand one of the leading chiefs of the enemy.* After these disastrous actions, the hostile Indians aban- dojied their allies and left the fort, saying, that it was an easy matter to deal with the regulars, but impossible to withstand the provincials. Capture of Reanimated by success and learning the deser- Fort Du- . o , T • n • 1 L quesne. tion of the Indians, from a prisoner taken by • Green's Gazette ; Bacon. 148 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1758. Captain Ware of the Maryland troops, the English deter- mined to prosecute their attempt. At length, taught by experience the inefficiency of regulars in such a service, they threw Col. Washington in advance, and succeeded, on the 22d of November, after a painful march, in reaching fort Duquesne, which the French, hopeless of maintaining Avith their diminished garrison, after setting it on fire, had abandoned the night before. The works were immediately repaired, the place renamed fort Pitt, and a garrison of two hundred men, drawn from the Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia troops, assigned for its defence.* The capture of this fortress, the centre from which so many predatory expeditions had gone forth, filled the colo- nies with joy. Gov. Sharpe, by proclamation, appointed a day for public thanksgiving and praise ; and the Assembly, to testify their gratitude to the brave men who had served in their forces, appropriated fifteen hundred pounds to be distributed as a gratuity among them : — to Lieut. Colonel Dagworthy i630 — to each captain £16, lieutenant £12, en- sign £9, and non-commissioned officer £6 : and the re- mainder to be expended in the purchase of clothing and suitable necessaries to be divided among the privates. From this time forth, Maryland had little concern in the war — although its rangers — numbering two hundred and thirty men — were engaged in the expedition against the Shawa- nese towns — perhaps the only aifair of moment, after the capture of fort Duquesne. Occasional bands of Indians passed fort Pitt, and committed depredations upon the frontiers, but the hardy settlers were now fully able to pro- tect themselves, and the principal features of its history are of a pacific and legislative character. Yet that legisla- tive history is full of interest, for it led eventually to the revolution. It was a continuous stru^orle for the rights of the commons. * Green's Gazette. CHAPTER VII. THE PAYS BEFORE THE REVOLUTION. 1758 — 1774. Jb ROM the earliest period, a contest had been waged, in Maryland, between the two principles contained in the charter ; and the result of that contest, in every stage, had been a further and broader development of the democratic and a diminution of the aristocratic. The germs of both were fully contained in that instrument; but the spirit of the people and the necessities of the times, tended con- stantly to the vigorous growth of the one, and the utter destruction of the other. This contest was now rapidly verging to its final issue. The representatives of the people, who sat in the lower house, insisted upon an exclusive right to frame and amend bills for raising money ; the upper house — which was sim- ply the council of the governor, and, with him, the repre- sentative of the Proprietary, by whom they were appointed — claimed for themselves a share in the imposition of taxes. Whilst immediate danger impended over the colony, in 1756, the commons had permitted their claim to slumber, that the public safety might be secured ; but, now that the war had been removed from their borders, they planted themselves firmly upon their old position, and remonstrance and petition, from the friends of the Proprietary, and com- mands, from the crown, were alike disregarded. Fully con- curring in the necessity of conquering Canada, in order to secure peace to the colonies, at each session they passed bills to afford aid and assistance to the royal arms, but in every instance, from their unwavering adherence to their position, the bills failed to become laws. Nine times in 13* 149 150 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1760-63. succession did they thus adopt a bill similar to that rejected in 1758, and as often was it negatived by the upper house. The opinion of His Majesty's attorney general, Pratt, was in vain brought before them to induce them to yield : they claimed that they were the sole representatives of the peo- ple, and that "the people could only be taxed by their own consent." It was impossible to subdue their firmness. The other colonies murmured, and the English government became indignant, at the repeated refusals of Maryland to aid the royal arms. The statesmen of England, at length, satisfied that it was impossible to compel the colonies to tax themselves by means of royal requisitions, determined to have recourse to indirect taxation. Peace was declared in 1763 ; and the French colonies were ceded to England. She possessed the whole northern continent ; but to counterbalance this acquisition, she found herself laboring under a heavy debt, contracted during the war. She had, already encroached upon the rights of the colonies, by compelling them to furnish requisitions — resist- ed by Maryland alone — and, finding these insufficient to meet her wants, she prepared herself to advance one step further in their complete subjugation. They were rich and populous, and firmly attached to liberty ; and freedom on the one part, and supremacy on the other, were prizes worth struofCTlinop for. The condition of Maryland was prosperous, in spite of the ravages it had suffered during the war. Its popula- tion, in 1761, amounted to 164,007 persons, of whom 114,332 were whites, and 49,675 blacks, principally slaves. Although possessed of few manufactures, save that of iron, which even then produced annually 2,500 tons of pig-iron and 500 tons of bar iron, the greatness of its resources were undisputed. Its people were frugal and industrious, they had spread themselves almost to the utmost limits of the province ; and, peculiarly fitted for commerce and na- 1763.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 151 vigation, with most of its territory within thirty miles of streams navigable for boats, its soil rich, and exuberantly productive to the labor of the husbandman and planter, it needed only the hand of independence to make it a powerful, flourishing, and sovereign state. Such was the spectacle that met the eyes of England, ever casting about for something to prey upon, and the result of the scrutiny was the passage of the stamp act. The Stamp Under pretence that the government had as- ^^^' sumed large burdens in their defence, and the apparent obligation on their part, to bear a portion, Lord Grenville, in 1763, notified the agents of the colonies, in London, that, at the ensuing session of parliament, he in- tended to propose a duty on stamps for the purpose of raising a revenue from the provinces, at the same time giving them the privilege, of suggesting, as a substitute, any other mode of parliamentary taxation, that would be more agreeable to them. In the session which followed, a reso- lution to the same effect was adopted, but the ministry did not yet venture to take the final step. They were prepar- ing the way. The restrictions on colonial trade were tight- ened, and a lucrative commerce with the Spanish and French islands was entirely cut off. The indignation of the people was aroused ; they saw at once that England de- signed depriving them of their liberties, and making them the mere subjects of the British parliament. "Assemblies remonstrated, public meetings denounced, and agents peti- tioned. The measure was resolved upon, and, on the 22d of March, 1765, the Stamp Act was finally imposed."* The interval of two years, which had been intended as a preparation of the minds of the people for submission, only enabled them to orather their enero-ies for universal resist- ance, in the open manifestation of which, it is true, Massa- chusetts and Virginia took the lead, from the advantage of * McMahon, 332. 152 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1763-5. opportunity, though, in unanimity, firmness and success Maryland surpassed them all. It is its proud boast that its soil was never polluted by the obnoxious stamps. Every where the utmost indignation was excited ; the columns of the Maryland Gazette teemed with articles assailing the measure. Pamphlets were issued, public appeals were made, and the minds of the whole people of the province, were arrayed firmly against it. The other colonies express- ed their opposition by remonstrances and protests through their legislative bodies ; if Maryland did not at once speak out through the same channel, it was because the Assembly was prorogued from 1763, until Sept. 1765, and it could only have recourse to the pen, the press, and open violence. But at the session of Sept. 1765, the earliest opportunity which was presented, the Assembly solemnly protested against the measure, and indignantly complained, that thus for two years they had been deprived of the power of pub- licly declaring their lasting opposition. Ere that period arrived, the people of the colony had already vindicated their rights, in a more summary manner. Zachariah Hood, a native of Maryland and a Rggigjanc merchant at Annapolis, was appointed, in the to it in Ma- summer of 1765, stamp distributor for the pro- vince. He brought with him from England a cargo of goods, together with the obnoxious stamps. When he arrived in the harbor of Annapolis, the ferment reached its height. The people gathered in crowds at the dock, deter- mined to prevent his landing: an outbreak ensued, in which one of their number, Thomas McNeir, had his thigh broken, and Hood, at the very seat of government, was compelled to draw off from the shore and effect a landing, clandestinely, at another time and place. No sooner had the tidings of his arrival spread through the country, than the people gathered into the city, and prepared to show their utter detestation of the man who could consent to 1"65.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. ^'53 become the instrument of foreign tyranny in enslaving the liberty of his country. , The effigy of the stamp distributor was mounted on a one horse cart, with sheets of paper in its hands, and paraded through the streets amidst the exe- crations of the crowds, while the bells tolled continually a solemn knell. The procession marched to the hill, tied the effigy to the whipping-post, and bestowed upon it nine- and-thirty lashes, which the crowd humorously called giving " the Mosaic law" to the stamp distributor. It was then hung upon a gibbet, erected for the purpose, a tar barrel placed under it and set on fire, whence it ignited, and at length, fell into the blaze below and was consumed. Sim- ilar was the exhibition of popular feeling in Baltimore, Frederick, Elkridge, and other towns.* But the punishment of Hood did not stop with his degradation. He offered the large stock of goods, which he had imported at reduced prices, to buy the favor of the people ; they not only refused to purchase them, but carried their resentment to such a pitch, as to tear down a house which he was preparing for the reception of his merchandise, lest he should make it the place of deposit for his stamps. At last, they threatened him with personal vio- lence. Trembling for his life, he took refuge in the govern- or's house ; but soon finding that even there he could obtain no protection, he fled in despair, from the province, and did not pause in his flight, until he had found an asylum, in New York, under the guns of fort St. George. His evil fate still pursued him ; and, as the governor of Maryland dared not protect him in his palace, so he found no safety even under the guns of a British fortress. Determined to I vindicate the honor of their native province, and to punish a son who had taken part against her, a number of daring patriots followed! him to Long Island, seized him in the midst of his fancied security, and gave him the alternative * Annals of Annapolis, 90, &c. f Grahame, vol. i, 397. 154 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1'765. of resigning his office and renouncing and abjuring, under oath, its exercise forever, or of being conducted back to Maryland, with labels descriptive of his office affixed upon his back, and delivered up to the just indignation of the people. Hood prayed, protested, and sought to compro- mise ; but the patriots were inexorable. Then he yielded. His abjuration was fully made out and sworn to before a justice at Jamaica, and, having become powerless and despicable, he was set at large. Thus when the Assembly met, in September, _, , .. J ^ tr ' Declaration they found the w^ork of resistance complete; and of the as- it only remained for them solemnly to declare ^^"^ ^' their rights, which had thus been vindicated by the people, by measures, in which the first men of the province had borne an open part. No deliberation was needed, for there was no difference of opinion. Many of the delegates, in- deed had been instructed by their constituents, and, thus supported by the expressed will and the open acts of the people, there was neither pause nor hesitation. They im- mediately acted upon a circular, which Massachusetts had addressed to the colonies, proposing the meeting of a con- gress of deputies; and on the second day of the session, concurred in the suggestion, and appointed, as the repre- sentatives of Maryland, Col. Edward Tilghman, William Murdock and Thomas Ringgold, who received instructions in which they were expressly directed to take care, that any representation or petition, prepared by the congress to be presented to the English government, should contain an assertion of the absolute right of the colonies to be free from taxation " save by their own consent, or that of their representatives, freely chosen and appointed."* And now, in behalf of the people of Maryland, they pro- ceeded to make a solemn declaration, which stood promi- nent even in that day of protests and resolutions, and placed * Votes and Proceedings, 1765, p. 7. 1765.J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 155 the rights of the province upon abroad and incontrovertible ground. On the last day of that short but glorious ses- sion of only five days, they unanimously resolved, that the early settlers of Maryland had brought with them all the rights of British subjects, who could not be taxed but by their own consent; that, by the charter of Maryland, these rights had been fully secured to them, and strengthened by the express renunciation, therein made, of the power of the crown to tax the people of the province : that the trial by jury was their birth right — protesting against the establish- ment of any other tribunal — and, finally, that the people of Maryland always enjoyed the right of being governed by laws to which they themselves had assented, that, as they were not represented in the British parliament, the legis- lature of the province alone had the power to impose taxes, and, therefore, that taxes, laid under color of any other authority, were unconstitutional, and an infringement of their rights.* Having thus rendered this session, as it were, sacred to liberty, they entered into no other business and, refusing to give the governor the advice, he required, con- cerning the disposition of the stamp paper which was daily expected to arrive in the province, they were prorogued to meet in November followinor. Daniel Du- The Proprietary government, feeling its rights lany. infringed on by the stamp act, yielded but a faint assistance to the ministry in carrying the scheme into effect ; and Gov. Sharpe, after the commons had refused to inter- fere, upon the recommendation of the upper house who represented that if the stamps were landed they would cer- tainly be destroyed, determined to deposit them, until fur- ther orders from England, in one of the royal cruisers sta- tioned on the Virginia coast. In the meanwhile, the war of words went on. Daniel Dulany, a man eminent for learning afid ability, and distinguished as a lawyer, pub- * Votes and Proceedings H. D,, Sept. 1765, p. 10. 15(i HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1765. iished a pamphlet, which was universally acknowledged to be one of the best defences of the rights of the people which appeared during the controversy. In this work he reviewed the whole ground, and concluded with an appeal to the people to produce manufactures for themselves, and compel their antagonists to yield, by striking at their in- terests. Yet whilst he thus defended the cause, he disap- proved of the proceedings of " the sons of liberty," in which some of the most active and distinguished men of Maryland had taken part. The course of Daniel Dulany, upon this subject, is a strong testimony of the secret hostility to the measure of the Proprietary party of which he was an adhe- rent; when, however, the question was made of the rights of the Proprietary against the people, and finally of inde- pendence, which must destroy those rights entirely, Daniel Dukny was found in the ranks of those who vainly attempt- ed to stay the torrent of popular progress and to sustain the tottering power of the Proprietary and the crown. The colonial Congress met at New York on the first Tuesday of October, 1765 : all the representatives of Ma- ryland were present at this body, which proceeded to pre- pare an address to the crown, a petition to parliament, and a declaration of the rights and grievances of the people. Their proceedings were submitted to the Assembly of Mary- land, at its next session in November, and were unanimous- ly approved by the House, which passed a vote of thanks to their commissioners for the able manner in which they had performed their duty, and at their May session, 1766, caused the Journal of the congress to be printed with their own. Fearful lest an insidious attempt should be made to bind the consciences of the judges, magistrates, and other provincial officers, the House, immediately on the opening of the November session, upon adopting the usual rules for their government, directed that the committee on grievances should likewise act as a committee on courts of justice ; * \ 1765.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. l^* and instructed the members to "observe the nature of all the commissions to the several courts of judicature within the province, and, especially, to observe any alterations that may at any time happen by accidental omission, or other- wise, therein; and particularly relating to such words there- in, as require the several judges and justices to hear, try, and determine, according to the laws, statutes, ordinances, and reasonable customs o^ England ^nd. of these provinces" —and instantly to report the same to the Assembly. The committee was also directed to examine the oaths of office taken by the magistrates : and the House declared, as a necessary portion of these oaths, the following clause: "To do equal law and right to all the king's subjects, rich or poor; and not to delay any person of common right, for the letters of the king, the lord Proprietary, or for any other cause; but if any such letters come to them, they shall pro- ceed to do the law, the same letters notwithstanding."'^ It is not improbable that these provisions were, to a certain extent, aimed against the enforcement of the stamp act. America had been compared to a conquered country ; the House declared that Maryland could not be so consid- ered, that the inhabitants had planted themselves there, with the permission of the crown, and had become pros- perous, with the blessing of God, by their own labor; and unanimously resolved, that those who asserted that they had forfeited any part of their English liberties, were not well wishers to their country and mistook its constitution. They, likewise, declared that the "province hath always, hitherto had the common law, and such general statutes of England, as are securative of the rights and liberties of the subject, and such acts of Assembly as were made in the province to suit its particular constitution, as,the rule and standard of its government and judicature:" and intimated that by these alone should the judges, and magistrates and •= Votes and Proceedings H. D., 1765, November session. 14 ■ ^ 158 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1'765. Other officers be guided. These resolutions, the unanimous expression of the representatives of the people, afford a distinct indication of the popular feeling. They, however, fall short of its depth and excitability, which was called forth by the slightest opposition on the part of the upper house and governor, to the acts of the lower house.* Many of the debts incurred during the late war, still remained unpaid, and not a few unascertained ; some of which were claims for money advanced to fit out or supply their companies, by the different officers — among whom were Capt. Evan Shelby — to whose services the House bore ample testimony — Captains Ware and Price, — afterwards, officers of Smallwood's battalion, — Capt. Joshua Beall, and Lieut. Rezin Beall, afterwards brigadier general of the Ma- ryland troops of the flying camp. At November session, a resolution was passed for the payment of those claims which had been adjusted, together with the journal of accounts. The upper house rejected the resolution, on the ground that there were some, equally deserving, whose de- mands had not been included, and suggested certain allow- ances for the clerks of council, and others. • The lower house aofreed to all these items save those claimed for the clerks of the council, and refused to separate the journal of accounts from the list of debts. A warm controversy ensued between the two houses : in the mean while, the claims of all concerned were postponed. The people of the west were principally interested, and there the deepest feeling was aroused — excited, according to the assertions of Gov. Sharpe, by the efforts of Colonel Thomas Cresap, a member from Frederick county, who was reported to have said, that nothing would be done unless the people took it in hands. They gathered in force at Frederick, to the number of three or four hundred men, armed with rifles and tomahawks, proceeded to elect officers * Votes and Proceedings. 1765.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 159 and declared their intention to march by companies, to Annapolis, and settle the disputes between the two houses. The inhabitants of Elkridge pursued a similar course and despatched two magistrates to Annapolis, with the signifi- cant threat that according to the tenor of the express they should receive from the capital, a number of men would or would not be in sight of that place in two days time. These ominous facts were communicated to the House, by Gov. Sharpe, with the recommendation to consider seriously the evil consequence of large bodies of people assembling to overawe either branch of the leofislature. The House replied with assurances that every proper step should be taken to prevent such results, at the same timer defending Col. Cresap, until evidence should be brought against him. The session lasted but ten days longer, which were spent in a war of lengthy messages with no result, but that of postponing the question to the ensuing session. The associators, — -for the armed men who had thus as- sembled had bound themselves together by written pledges — declared, in a petition prepared for presentation to the lower house, " their satisfaction at the conduct of that body in opposing the stamp act," intimated a ''reliance that they would endeavor like the renowned ancient ti'ue Roman Senate, to suppress any future attempt to deprive them of their liberty ;" and requested that they might be informed, if the upper house persisted in its unjust pretensions ''in order that the siorners miofht come down and cause justice to take place." Their zeal, however, seems to have been moderated, by the more prudent of the popular party, and the session passed off without any further demonstration. The controversy was not settled until December, 1766, when a committee of conference was appointed and a compromise effected. Arrival ofthe '^^^ Stamp paper having at length arrived at Stamps. Newcastle on the Delaware, in October, 1765, on 160 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1765. board His Majesty's ship Sardoine, commanded by Captain Hawker, the governor, unwilling to enforce the obnoxious law, and desiring to screen himself behind the lower house, again demanded some expression of opinion on their part, as to its disposal. They persisted in their refusal to give it: and by the advice of the council, he directed Captain Hawker to retain it on board his ship. To the commands of the English secretary to execute the law at all hazards, he replied that it was impossible without the aid of a strong military force ; and that the peace of the colony had hither- to, only been preserved by the cautious measures he had adopted. Knowing that a considerable time must elapse before further orders could arrive, or troops be sent, the governor hoped to weather the storm, without exciting the hostility of either party. But a new difficulty arose ; and he was constrained to extend his conciliating policy still further. The law had made stamps necessary in many ^j^^ ^^^ ^^ transactions: for a time, therefore, a partial ces- ciareduncon- sation of business ensued. But the obstacle was soon overcome : and Frederick county court had the high honor of first decidino-, in a leofal manner, the unconstitu- tionality of the stamp act.* This decision was received with joy : and the people hastened to celebrate so important and significant an event. The festival took place in Fred- erick, on the 30th of November, 1765. " The sons of liberty," in funeral procession, in honor of the death of the Stamp Act, marched through the streets, bearing a coffin, on which was inscribed: "The Stamp Act, expired of a mortal stab received from the Genius of Liberty, in Frederick comity court, 23g? JS^ovember, 1765, aged 22 days.'^ Zachariah Hood, the late unfortunate stamp distributor, was chief mourner, in effigy, and the whole affair ended merrily in a ball. In the public offices, at Annapolis, however, business * McMahon, 359. 17G6.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 161 Still continued to be interrupted for the want of stamps, the time serving officers hesitating to treat the law as a nullity and fearing to attempt its enforcement. This in- convenience the people determined to remedy; and, in February, 1766, the inhabitants of Baltimore and the adjoin- ing country formed themselves into an association of " the Sons of Liberty" — a society for the maintenance of the rights of the people — and adjourned to meet at the capital, to put an end to this abuse. The public officers were very politely notified of their coming, and requested to be in readiness to receive them. On the first of March, they as- sembled according to adjournment, and presented them a petition, requesting them to resume their business, by the 31st of March. The timid officials temporized : and the sons of liberty adjourned to meet again, having called on their brethren in the counties to assemble with them. On the 3d of April, they came together in great strength, and laid their petition before the general court. At first, they met with a refusal. They, again, " earnestly insisted and demanded, with united hearts and voices,"' in terms, to which resistance was no longer possible. Then the court yielded, perhaps, not unwillingly, and the public officers followed their example. Business was again resumed, as if the British parliament had never thrown an obstacle in its way ; and the stamp act, the offspring of its power, though still unrepealed, had ceased to exist even indirectly in Maryland. Its repeal I^^ ^^^® i^ ^^e province, foreshadowed its down- J^^* fall in England. The opposition, hoping to gain strength in their party contests, united with the friends of the colonies, in assailinof and overthrowinor the administra- tion that had obtained its passage. Pitt brought his elo- quence to their assistance in parliament, and, on the 18th of March, 1766, that obnoxious act, long since dead in all the colonies, and never enforced in Maryland, was repealed. 14* X 162 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1166. But whilst doing this act of empty justice, the parliament did not fail to censure the resistance of the colonies, and to renew its claim to the power of imposing taxes upon them. Its repeal was received with acclamation in Mary- land. Every where, the people displayed their joy in festi- vals and illuminations. In the midst of their rejoicings, they did not forget the debt of gratitude, which they owed to the distinguished and enlightened patriots of England, who had proved themselves friends of the colonies, in the long and patient struggle. In November, 1766, the House of Deleorates, "takinir into their most serious consideration, the noble and spirited conduct of the Right Honorable William Pitt, now Earl of Chatham, and the Right Honor- able Charles Pratt, Lord Camden, late lord chief justice of the common pleas, and now lord high chancellor of England, in defending and supporting the rights and liberties of their fellow-subjects in general," " to transmit to posterity their grateful sentiments of the inflexible integrity, and conspicu- ous abilities of these shining ornaments oftheir country, and as a monument oftheir virtue" and " a lasting testimony of the gratitude of the freemen of Maryland," unanimously decreed, that a marble statue of Chatham should be erected in the city of Annapolis, and a portrait of Lord Camden, by some eminent hand, placed in the provincial court : — a refinement of compliment worthy of the eminent men who led the proceedings in that day. They, also, directed their agent in London, Mr. Garth, to tender their most sincere acknowledgments to the Earl of Chesterfield, Lord Shel- burne, secretary Conway, Gen. Howard, Col. Barre, .Sir George Saville, Alderman Beckford, and all other members of the lords or commons, who had " acted the like glorious part of defending, through principle, the just rights of the colonists."^ Messrs. Ringgold, T. Johnson, Wolstenholme, Hall, Grahame, Hanson, Murdock and Chase, were directed * Votes and Proceedings, Nov. 1766, p. 136. 1766-7.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 163 to draw up and report a bill, to carry the resolution into effect. It passed the lower house ; but, as it assumed, as did every act of that unyielding body, that the right of originating money bills was vested in the delegates alone, the governor and council rejected it, offering, however, to agree to it provided the house would abandon their position. The act of gratitude, therefore, failed: but its failure, even, was honorable to the sturdy independence of the House, whilst the resolutions, recorded upon its Journal, have trans- mitted to posterity, better than chiseled marble or glowing canvass, their gratitude to the great men who had aided them in their successful struggle. Thus ended the stamp act, in a victory, glorious to the people, tending to unite them more strongly together, and proving their strength, thus united, against the schemes and machinations of op- pression. It prepared them to resist the next invasion of their rights with even greater energy.* The duty on The English government, even in the moment ^*'^' of defeat, still clung to the idea of raising a reve- nue from the colonies. It goaded their pride to yield ; yet, they determined to proceed hereafter in a more cautious manner. Townshend declared, in parliament, in 1767, that, *' he knew how to raise a revenue from the colonies without giving them offence ;" and his opponents, who had origi- nated the stamp act, replied, with a taunt; "you dare not tax America." And the tax was determined on. On the 2d of July, 1767, an act was passed by parliament, laying a duty upon tea, paints, glass and paper, imported into the colonies, under the specious pretence of regulating com- merce. But Townshend was not more fortunate than Grenville. The old spirit of resistance again broke out, the press teemed with appeals to the public ; and the colo- nists were soon prepared to meet it, as they had met the stamp tax. Massachusetts took the lead once more ; and, * McMahon, 320—364. 164 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1768. having framed a petition to the crown, addressed a second circular to the sister colonies, advising them to adopt simi- lar measures. The legislature of Maryland did not assemble until the 24th of May, 1768, but public opinion had already settled their course. The British government finding that the spirit of resistance was aroused, had ordered the various governors to prorogue the Assemblies of their provinces, if they manifested any disposition to unite in measures of opposition, hoping thereby to disable the patriots and re- duce their strength. But the Assembly of Maryland was too wary to be thus circumvented. The patriots prepared their measures in advance. They, then, took into consid- eration the Massachusetts circular, and appointed a com- mittee to draft a petition to the king. Immediately, the message of the governor was presented, and they were warned that they would be prorogued, if they persisted. Without reply or delay, they instantly adopted the petition, passed a series of resolutions, which they had already framed; and, having successfully taken every step the occa- sion demanded, drew up a sharp reply to the governor, stating their readiness to be prorogued. This message was borne to the governor by Robert Lloyd, the speaker of the House, attended by all the members in procession. They were accordingly dissolved.* This spirited body contained among its members, many of those distinguished patriots, who bore honorable share in the revolution, in the council chamber or the battle field. Thomas Johnson, William Paca, Samuel Chase, Matthew Tilghman, Thomas Cockey Dye, Francis Ware and William Smallwood, sat in the House, besides many others of less note. Gen. Smallwood's military tendencies seem already known, for he was appointed with Messrs. Ware, Purnell, Griffith and Cresap, the "Indian fighter" of western Mary- * Votes and Proceedings, 1768. 1768-9.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. "^^5 land, on a committee to inspect the state arms. Their report displays the poverty of the magazine : there were 785 muskets, old and new ; 420 bayonets, 262 swords, 35 pistols, 47 pikes, 2 halberts, 97 kegs of shot and musket ball, 80| barrels of powder, and fifteen pieces of cannon.'' Non-importa- '^^^^ colonists were not yet prepared for an tion societies, appeal to arms. It was necessary that every peaceful means of redress should be exhausted ; and, hav- ing tried petition and remonstrance, they determined to resort once more to '* Non-importation" which had been introduced in the days of the stamp act. It was first revived in Boston, but was not generally adopted until all hope of redress from parliament was abandoned. At an early period of the struggle, county associations had been formed in Maryland ; for the purpose of united action, it was now deemed expedient to embody them together. On the 9th of May, 1769, solicited by the people of the coun- ties, several merchants of Annapolis, Messrs. Dick and Stewart, McCubbin, Wallace, and W. Stewart, addressed a circular to the people, calling a general meeting at that city, for the purpose of consulting on the most effectual means of promoting frugality and lessening the future importation of goods from Great Britain. On the 20th of June, the people assembled at beat of drum, and entered into articles of non- importation of British superfluities, for promoting frugality, economy, and the use of American manufactures; and una- nimously pledged themselves, individually, to sustain these purposes, and to hunt out and punish all infractions of the pledge. To extend the operations of the association, twelve printed copies of the resolutions were sent to each county, that they might be signed by the whole people. In the beginning of the ensuing year, the spirit of the associators was put to the test. " The Good Intent," a Brit- ish bark, arrived in the harbor of Annapolis, with a cargo of * "Votes and Proceedings, 1768. 166 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1770. the obnoxious articles. A meeting of the associators was immediately called, a committee of three appointed to ex- amine the case, and upon their report, it was resolved that the goods should not be landed : and the brig was com- pelled to return to London with her whole cargo.* Nor was this the only instance ; and, long before the destruction of tea in Boston harbor by disguised men, the patriots of Maryland, calmly, openly, and in the presence of the gov- ernor and the provincial officers, discussed and set at defi- ance this obnoxious act, and, more effectually, though more peacefully, prevented its execution. When other measures were required they were not found wanting, to execute them, in the same bold and open manner which marked their first movements. This calm but deter- mined opposition brought the English merchants to their senses ; and they resolved to send no more prohibited goods to Maryland. Yet, while this province was thus firmly vin- dicating its rights, the other colonies began to fall away from their duty. The English ministry, alarmed at the unbroken front of opposition, promised, in an address to the colonies, the repeal of the duty on all articles except tea, which accord- ingly took place on April 17th, 1770: and the merchants of New York, conceiving that the main objects of the associ- ation had been secured, and anxious to escape its attendant privations, immediately began to desert their association. Philadelphia followed : and several merchants of Baltimore, resolved that they would import the articles, now released from duty, and requested the general convention of the associators of Maryland to consider the matter. Delegates from all the counties, in consequence, met at Annapolis, but far from yielding their assent to the proposition, de- nounced it and its authors, and declared that they would hold no communication with them if they persisted in their * Annals of Annapolis. 1770.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 167 intention. Thus while the people of the cities led the way to secession, those of the counties remained firm. They had already proclaimed the merchants of New York and Philadelphia, faithless to their pledge and traitors to the cause : they would not yield to the solicitations of those of Baltimore. Patriotism, too often venal and interested in cities, flourishes most vigorously in the pure air of the country. At last Boston gave up the system ; and the so- cieties of Maryland began to despond. Yet they did not abandon their pledge, and if for a time they seemed to slumber, it was because more absorbing and more direct questions arose. The Procia- '^^^ public officers of the province had always matiou and been Compensated by fees for each service per- formed, instead of regular salaries. It is so still to a very great extent. These fees were fixed by the legis- lature from year to year, and were rated in tobacco, payable either in that article, or in money, at a fixed valuation per pound. The profits of some officers had become enor- mous. Mr. McMahon estimates the annual receipts of the secretary of the colony at $4,376 ; of the judges of the land office at $6,876; and of the commissary's office, at $3,923.* The governor of Maryland, of late years only received a salary of $4,200, which the legislature recently reduced to $2000, at the demand of the people. It is not strange, therefore, that, at that early day, the people became restless at these exactions. But there was another burden, which, now no longer exists ; the clergy of the established church, were supported by tithes, levied on all the taxables in each parish. By the act of 1702, passed at an Assembly, which as it was now contended, was improperly convened, the rate had been fixed at forty pounds of tobacco per head; subse- quently, by the act of 1763, it was lowered to thirty pounds : and yet, even then, so large were the proceeds, that as an ex- * McMahon, 382. 168 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1770. ample, the income of the parish of All Saints, in Frederick, amounted to one thousand pounds sterling, or nearly five thousand dollars a year. These fees and tithes were col- lected by the sheriff by process of execution, if not volun- tarily paid.* In the general spirit of opposition to unjust burdens and abuses which had arisen, these two did not escape : and the legislature, in 1770, when the acts authorizing these im- positions had expired, took up the question and endeavored to diminish the amount of the fees and obtain other reforms. But the persons, most directly interested and holding the most profitable offices — Daniel Dulany, secretary, Walter Dulany, commissary general, Calvert and Stewart of the land office, sat in the council or upper house, and resisted every attempt to infringe upon their profits. From this moment, Daniel Dulany, and his compeers, became arrayed against the patriots. Interest proved stronger than public spirit: and the popular champion during the stamp tax struggle, became the defender of Proprietary rights and royal privileges, during the subsequent contests. After an ineffectual attempt to arrange the affair, the House, having ordered the arrest of the clerk of the land office for taking illegal fees, was prorogued by Governor Eden. There was now no law in existence for the collection of officers' fees, and that for the rating of tithes had also expired. For the clergy, it was contended that the act of 1702 was revived, by the expiration of that of 1763, and they, immediately proceeded to collect their tithes, at the rate of 40 pounds of tobacco per titheable instead of thirty : while, for the protection of the officers, who, with the established clergy, formed the main stay of the royalist party, the governor, on the 26th of November, issued a proclamation fixing the old rates of fees, and requiring the officers to receive the amount in money if tendered.! * McMahon, 398. f Ibid. 399. 1770-3.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND- 169 The people of Maryland had never yet submitted to an arbitrary exercise of power, and the proclamation at once woke up all the fire of " the Sons of Liberty." Parties were formed — for some were found venal enough to array themselves on the side of patronage and authority — the officers and the established clergy, and their adherents, ral- lied around the governor, against the body of the people, headed by the almost unbroken front of the lawyers of Maryland. Yet one of those, who should have maintained the honor of his profession, as a sentinel upon the watch- tower of liberty — Daniel Dulany — was found enrolled upon the side of privilege. He held the most lucrative of those offices, which the people sought to reform. As in former controversies, public opinion was appealed to in every mode ; by popular addresses, pamphlets, and discussions in the columns of the Maryland Gazette. Amid these, arose a young man, spirited, wealthy and highly educated, who threw himself headlong into the struggle ; and, grow- ing with its trials, became renowned in its darkest hours, and honored and cherished in its glorious success. „. , „ Charles Carroll of Carrollton, was descended roll and Dan- from a family, which had settled in the province iei Dulany. ^^^^^^ ^^^ revolution of 1689. He was born in 1737, at the city of Annapolis, and at eight years of age sent to France to be educated. At the age of twenty he commenced the study of the law, in London. He returned to Maryland in 1764, just in time to enter heart and soul into the strife, which his countrymen were waging against tyranny. He had struggled against the stamp tax; he now took his place again, by the side of his brethren, in the opening contest against parliament. With Daniel Dulany himself, he grappled: and the controversy was the most marked of that day. It was carried on under the names of the "First Citizen'' and " jintilon." His articles were able and eloquent, as able and eloquent as those of his great 15 Y 170 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1773. and learned opponent, who had long stood, the leading mind of Maryland: and they were more effective. He conquered, for he fought on the side of liberty. What mat- tered it to him that a thousand petty assailants sprang up against him, in support of a foreign domination, en- deavored to meet his arguments with invective, and taunted him with that, which if not his glory was their shame — '' that he v/as a disfranchised man and could not even vote at an election."* With enlightened men such assaults must ever fail, as they did then fail. He triumphed with the people ; he lived to see them free, and great, and prosperous : he survived, the last of the noble band of sign- ers, a relic of the great past, among the young generations, which sprang up around him ; and when he passed away to the sleep of peace, the tears, not alone of Maryland, but of the whole union flowed for him. The elections came on in the midst of this controversy, and they were made to turn upon it. They resulted in the complete success of the popular party. Every where they prevailed ; and, every where, the people acknowledged their gratitude to their able champion. They could not select him as a delegate, for though the defender of their liberty, he was himself doubly enthralled ; but, solemnly instructed by public meetings, held in Frederick, Baltimore and An- napolis, the delegates elect formally presented to the " First Citizen," the thanks of the people. The Procia- ^he last Assembly, in 1771, had petitioned mation. against the arbitrary exercise of power ; they had argued and remonstrated in vain. The measure was per- sisted in. Now, the people determined to give additional weight to the proceedings of the new house, by a bold manifestation of their indignant feelings. Upon the closing of the polls at Annapolis, the popular candidates, Messrs. Paca and Hammond, were declared elected ; and the people * McMahon, 391. *773.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 171 set about celebrating their victory. They inarched in pro cession to the gallows, preceded by two flags, on one of which was inscribed, '^ Liber ty,^^ and on the other, "710 proclamation f'^ with the representatives elect, between them ; then followed a sexton and a clerk, a coffin containing a copy of the proclamation cut out of one of Mr. Dulany's articles in its defence, — and muffled drums and fifes, play- ing the dead march, and a large concourse of people from town and country, with six pieces of cannon, significantly bringing up the rear. The coffin, with its contents, the obnoxious proclamation, was suspended from the gallows, then cut down and buried, amidst loud shouts and dis- charges of minute guns, whose sound swept ominously to the government house and its defeated adherents. On the coffin was inscribed the following meaning words : " The proclamation, the child of folly and oppression, born the 26th of November, 1770, departed this life 14th of May, 1773, and buried on the same day, by the Freemen of Annapolis."* The Vestry Similar was the feeling evinced throughout the ^^^' state, when the result of the elections was an- nounced. It might have warned a government not devoted to ruin. The clergy of the established church, blinded by interest, still insisted upon their arbitrary claims ; the people resisted, and they had recourse to the courts to sustain their exactions. But the lower courts, in many instances, de- cided against them. This controversy had now lasted three years, and thrown the colony into commotion, unsettling the course of its laws, and interrupting public business. The whole tobacco inspection system was destroyed, and affairs could no longer remain in such a condition. At length a compromise of several of the subjects of dispute was effected, and the rest were merged and forgotten in a new and more excitinsr contest. * McMahon, 396-7. 172 HISTORY OP MARYLAND [1773-1. The tax upon tea had not yet been repeal- Revival of ed, and, although the non-importation societies the tax on tea. for a time declined in their vigor, so constant was the opposition of the people, and so obnoxious had the use of that article become, that it ceased to be imported, and large quantities accumulated in the warehouses of the East India Company, in England. The British government de- termined to make a last effort to subdue the colonies; and, to enlist the interests of the company in their project, offered it a drawback of the amount paid in duty. Thus the price of tea in the colonies would not be increased by the duty : — and, in that aspect, the submission to it would have been merely nominal. But a principle was at issue, and the people would not submit. The East India Com- pany, however, eagerly accepted the offer, and vessels load- ed with "Me detestable weed,''^ as the colonists termed it, were sent to Charleston, Philadelphia, New York and Boston. At Charleston the tea was landed, but the agent? dared not expose it for sale : the vessels destined for New York and Philadelphia were compelled to return to England without landing their caro^oes. At Boston a more deter- mined effort was made : and, sustained by a strong body of troops, the royal governor resolved to carry the measure into effect. But the patriots, by a bold and sudden stroke, came off victorious. Disguised as Indians, a party entered the ships, broke open the chests and threw the tea over- board. This spirited measure called down upon Boston the vengeance of the government: in March, 1774, she was deprived of her privileges as a port of entry and dis- charge, and steps were taken to strip the people of Massa- chusetts of a portion of their liberties. The only effect of these measures was more completely to arouse the colonies. The people of Maryland were not wanting in TheConven- this crisis ; a general convention was called for — ^'°"' public meetings were at once held in all the counties ; and 1774.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 173 delegates chosen, who met at AnnapoHs on the 22d of June, 1774. The resolutions of this distinguished body breathed a spirit of the most determined opposition to the tyranny of England. They proposed an absolute cessation of inter- course with the mother country, directed subscriptions to be made for the relief of the Bostonians, and, having named Matthew Tilghman, Thomas Johnson, Robert Goldsborough, William Paca and Samuel Chase, delesfates to the gfeneral congress, declared that the province would break off all trade or dealing with any colony, province or town, that refused to come into the common leagrue. Nor was it long before the firmness of the non-importa- tion assoeiators was tried : and if the tea party of Boston has been thought worthy of renown, the tea burning at Annapolis — open and undisguised, equalling the former in every respect, should not be forgotten. In August, 1774, the brigantine " Mary and Jane," Capt. George Chapman, master, arrived in the St. Mary's river with several packages of tea on board, consigned to mer- chants in Georo-etown and Bladensburo^. The committee of Charles county immediately summoned the master before them, and desired Mr. Findlay, one of the consignees also to appear. The explanations and submission of these gen- tlemen were declared satisfactory ; and, as the duty had not been paid, they were discharged upon the pledge that the teas should not be landed but should be sent back in the brig to London. The committee of Frederick county pursued a similar course with the consignees at George- town.* But a more serious infrino^ement of the rules of the "association" soon occupied public attention. On the 14th of October, the brig Peggy Stewart arrived at Annapolis, having in its cargo a few packages of tea consigned to Thomas Williams and Company. The duty was paid by Mr. Anthony Stewart, the owner of the vessel. * American Archives, 4th series, vol. 1, pp. 703-5. 15* 174 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1774, This submission to the oppressive enactment of parlia- ment, called forth the deepest feeling. A public meeting was held : the owner of the vessel and the Messrs. Wil- liams, the consignees, in the most humble manner, apolo- gized for their offence, and consented to the burning of the tea. But the people vrere determined to exact a more signal vindication of their rights : the easy compliance of Mr. Stewart with the act, had aroused their anger, and threats were poured out against his vessel and himself. Alarmed at the impending danger, Mr. Stewart, by the ad- vice of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, to soothe the violence of the people and make amends for his fault, offered to destroy the vessel with his own hand. The proposition was accepted : and whilst the people gathered in crowds upon the shore to witness its consummation, Mr. Stewart, accompanied by the consignees, went on board the brig, ran her aground on Windmill Point, and set lire to her in presence of the multitude. So obnoxious had tea become, that, wherever it was discovered, its owners were forced to destroy it. Two months later, the people of that portion of Frederick, which is now embraced in Washington county, having met at Hagerstown, compelled one John Parks to walk bareheaded, holdino^ lighted torches in his hands, and set fire to a chest of tea which he had delivered up, and " which was consumed amid the acclamations of a numerous body of people." The committee voted that no intercourse should be held with Parks ; and the people, to complete his punishment for having concealed ''the detestable weed," assailed and sacked his dwelling. Simi- lar evidences of popular determination were manifested throughout the colony, and while they tended to exasperate the royalists, their success gave new spirit to the patriots.* The anxiously expected congress assembled on the fifth of September, 1774. It issued a manifesto setting forth * Annals of Annapolis. 1774.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 175 the rights and grievances of the colonies, and proposing, as a measure of retaliation, a very extensive scheme of non- importation of British goods. On its adjournment, the Maryland Convention was again assembled, on the 21st of November, and having unanimously approved of the pro- ceedings of the congress, adjourned over to the 8th of December, to give time to the counties not yet represented to send in their delegates. With their organization on that day, closed in fact the power and dominion of the last Pro- prietary of Maryland. The last Pro- ^he people of the colony had always loved and prietary. severed the family of the founder of the province, and under the government of his descendants, had enjoyed a large liberty and a constantly increasing prosperity. They ever, bore testimony in favor of their kind and paternal rule. It seemed as if Providence, when the great struggle for liberty and independence was approaching, had interposed to sever that link, which might have bound them to England and served to lessen their ardor in the common cause. In 1758, Frederick, last of the lords Baltimore, became a widower, by the death of his wife, Diana, daughter of the duke of Bridge water; he never married again, but, after hav- ing led a dissolute and degraded life, died in Italy in 1771, at the age of forty. Having no legitimate children, he de- vised the province to his natural son, Henry Harford, Esq. The title of Lord Baltimore, could not descend to him, and thus, the name of the founders of the colony passed from their descendants, just as their rule over it was about to cease. Although the people might have clung with affec- tion to the memory of the old lords Baltimore, a Proprietary, who was an alien in name, and of illegitimate birth, could only increase their discontent, and make them seek more eao-erly for independence from his rule. As Henry Har- ford, was the last Proprietary, his representative, Robert Eden was the last English governor of Maryland. He re- 176 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1774, mained in the colony long after his authority had passed from him to the people. In the month of June, 1776, by permission of the committee of safety, he embarked on board the British sloop of war, Fowey, and joined Lord Dunmore, the late governor of Virginia, in the bay. On reaching England, he was knighted for his services. After the close of the war, the late Proprietary and his governor, returned together into the State, where the latter died, not long after, near the city of Annapolis. Retrospect. A period of one hundred and forty years had passed, since the two hundred pilgrims, under Leonard Cal- vert, landed on the wild shores of the little river-island, at the southern extreme of the province. Their descendants had already extended themselves to its northern boundary, covered its eastern shore with wealth and civilization, cross- ed the Blue Ridge, filling its rich valleys with a bold and hardy population, and planted themselves upon the sides of the Alleghanies. On its bays and rivers floated, already, the fleets of a growing commerce, while its towns waited but the impulse of independence to spring up into populous cities. Although devoted to agriculture, the people turned their attention to the mineral wealth of their soil, and the forge and the furnace were already actively at work, while other manufactures needed only a fostering hand, or the call of necessity, to be successfully established. In 1634, the colony stood under its charier the heritage of " the absolute lord Proprietary," with an aristocratic government, overshadowing the sleeping germ of its demo- cracy : in 1774, the power of the lord Proprietary, with that of the British crown, was verging to its fall, and the pro- vince was governed by a sovereign convention of the people. Many struggles, and not a few revolutions had aided in bringing about this change : and in all there was progress, save in regard to religious liberty, — even in that, there was the silent preparation for a step which was to place it on a n74.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 177 higher and broader platform than it had ever occupied before. The age, wliich saw the foundation of Maryland, was a persecuting age. A fanatical zeal had overspread the world, and whenever men had the power, they seemed to consider it a solemn duty, to propagate their creeds, whatsoever they might be, even by fire and sword. They forgot that, it is only the oifering of the willing heart that is acceptable to God. Persecution can only make martyrs or hypocrites. The Catholic persecuted the Protestant; and the Protestant persecuted the Cathohc and his fellow Pro- testants who dissented with him. A different and more en- lightened feeling pervades the present generation : but it is by that of the past, that the early settlers of Maryland must be judged. Until the year 1649, there were no restrictions, no penalties upon any Christian belief. When religious dissensions began to creep into the colony, the act of 1649 was passed — and it is not strange that it adopted some of the feeling that pervaded the rest of the world. While, the men of that day, Protestants and Catholics, were desirous of assuring to all "professing to believe in Jesus Christ," full and equal rights; they did not dream of extending them to those, who denied the articles, which all denomina- tions aoreed in considerinsf the requisites and the common ground of Christianity. " Blasphemy against God, denying our Saviour Jesus Christ to be the son of God, or denying the Holy Trinity, or the godhead of any of the three persons" thereof, they considered great crimes, for which they prescribed " the punishment of death and the confis- cation of lands and goods to the lord Proprietary. Blas- phemy is even now deemed an offence against the laws ; and although the public denial of the divinity of the Saviour and of the Trinity, may have been viewed in that light, the ferocity of the punishment prescribed for it is so much at variance with the mild character of the Proprietary, and the liberality of the early settlers, that it is difficult to 178 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1774. account for its existence. To all Christians, equal rights. and privileges were extended : and this, measured by the sentiments of that age, is no slight glory. In the revolution of '89, this toleration was overthrown, as it had been sus- pended during the days of the commonwealth, but its gra- dual extension to all dissenters from the established church, as the political excitement of that period passed away, prepared the people for the more enlarged equality which dawned like a brilliant morn upon the opening revolution of 1776. Still however, the Jew remained enthralled until a much later period.* Thus stood the colony, in this crisis, possessing the germs of great resources, agricultural, commercial and ma- nufacturing, with a people liberalized in their sentiments, proud of the liberties which they had acquired, prepared to extend them, and ready to maintain them with their blood. • 1824-5. CHAPTER YIII. THE REVOLUTION. 1774 — 1776. A,S with one accord, the patriots of Maryland, at the call of the convention, hastened to bury all private animosities, all local differences, all religious disputes, all memory of past persecution ; to wash out all invidious distinctions, to equalize all rights, and "in the name of God, their country and posterity, to unite in defence of the common rights and liberties."* The old spirit of sectarian dissension, which had brought so much evil upon the province, was absorbed in the struggle for political rights, in which all were alike interested. In vain the royalist endeavored to excite divi- sions by the cry of church in danger. The attempt only opened the eyes of the people more fully to the injustice of disenfranchisement for religious opinion, and Charles Carroll of Carrollton, a Catholic, and already an acknow- ledged leader of the patriots, sat in the convention, as the delegate of a Protestant constituency, and bore an hono- rable share in its proceedings. The domination of the British crown and the rule of intolerance, in Maryland, sunk under the same blows and perished together, never more to be revived. On the 8th of December, 1774, the convention again as- sembled, and proceeded at once to make preparations for an armed resistance to the power of England. And now was presented the singular spectacle of two governments over the same people ; the old, silent and powerless, and yet possessing all the machinery of power and the will to exert it; the new, exercising an irresistible authority 179 * Maryland Conventions, p. 10. 180 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1774. throughout the colony, peacefully and without direct con- travention of law controlling even the business of the people, overlaying and rendering useless the old, and, by common consent, swaying a complete and entire supremacy. The convention itself was the general legislative and executive body, and its resolves and recommendations were received by the people as laws, and carried into effect through the county committees of safety, vigilance and correspondence. All who refused to submit to these decrees, were summoned before them, and the judgment of the committees upon them published : — from that moment the offenders became the mark of public scorn and contempt. The connection of the province with other colonies, was preserved through the delegates sent to the national cons^ress, and through the general corresponding committee. This simple ma- chinery, rendered effective by public opinion, which in a free land alone gives strength to laws, was all-powerful. It formed the first transition step from the old establishment to the present system. Having thus provided for the exercise of their authority, the convention proceeded to resolve, that if the crown at- tempted to carry out by force the measures against Massa- chusetts, Maryland would assist her to the last extremity. To give earnest of their sincerity, they ordered that all the males in the colony, from sixteen to fifty years of age, should be enrolled and organized into companies, and armed, equipped, and drilled, ready for instant service : and' that an assessment often thousand pounds* should be levied on * The proportion assigned to the counties is a matter of interest, as showing their relative wealth and population at that period. St. Mary's, £600 Charles, 800 Calvert, 366 Prince George's, 833 Anne Arundel, 866 Frederick, 1333 Baltimore, £933 Talbot, £400 Harford, 466 Queen Anne's, 533 Worcester, 533 Kent, 566 Somerset, 533 Cecil, 400 Dorchester, Caroline, 480 358 £10,000 1775.] HISTORY OF MARyLAiN'D. 181 the counties, in proportion to their population, to be ex- pended in the purchase of arms and ammunition, under the charge of the county committees. Matthew Tilghman, John Hall, Samuel Chase, Thomas Johnson, Jr., Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Charles Carroll, barrister, and William Paca, were appointed corresponding committee for the colony, and Messrs. Tilghman, Johnson, Robert Golds- borough, Paca, Chase, Hall and Thomas Stone, delegates to congress. Then, having called on their sister colonies to prepare for the general defence, and besought all men to enter with united hearts and hands into the approaching struggle, the convention adjourned on the 12th of Decem- ber to meet again at Annapolis on the 24th of April, 1775.* The resolves of the convention were immediately carried out ; old and young enrolled with the greatest enthusiasm, and money, arms, and ammunition, were every where col- lected to meet the approaching crisis. Maryland was gird- ing herself for the struggle. It broke out in open conflict, just before the meeting of the convention. On the 19th of April, 1775, the first blood, shed in the revolutionary war, was poured out^on the field of Lexing- ton : and the result of the contest between provincial valor and patriotism, and British skill and discipline, served only to rouse the whole people more fully. Lexington and Concord will ever be remembered, as the opening of that long and perilous struggle, which resulted in the indepen- dence of the United States. The British government, find- ing every attempt to compel submission to their arbitrary enactments had failed, in the fall and winter of the pre- ceding year, gathered a strong force at Boston and cut off* all communication between that city and the country. This step only hastened the preparations of the patriots, instead of overawing them. Magazines of arms and am- munition were collected, and minute men enrolled, and the * Conventions of Maryland. 16 182 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1775. country put in such a state of defence, that at a moment's warning, the militia swarmed together in thousands. In the midst of this excitement General Gage, who com- manded the British troops, sent a detachment to destroy the provincial magazines at Concord and Lexington. At Lexington, warned in spite of the precautions of the enemy, about seventy minute men hurriedly assembled to make resistance. As the British approached, Major Pitcairn, who led their van gallopped up, calling out, " disperse, rebels!" The soldiers at the same time charged, firing a volley upon their half armed opponents, and the militia dispersed, leaving on the ground, eight men killed and' seven wounded. Im- mediately the news spread abroad, and before the British had finished their work of destruction at Concord, their advanced parties were driven in ; and from Concord to Lexington a continuous fire poured upon them from every fence and cover. Worn down and exhausted, they reached Lexington, where they were joined by a strong reinforce- ment with cannon. But no sooner had the march been recommenced, than the galling fire of the provincials again opened upon them. The route of the retreating column was marked with slain. At length, they found security under the guns of their ships near Bunker Hill, on the evening of the 19th of April — having lost in killed, wounded, and prisoners, two hundred and seventy-three men. The loss of the Americans did not exceed ninety. At each point where the skirmishing took place, the British gave the first fire, for the provincials remained upon the defensive, desirous not to violate the letter of the law. The first blood, shed in the cause of liberty, aroused the land.* North and south went the news upon the wings of the wind : day and night rode expresses from town to town, from committee to committee, sped onward like the * The first rumors of the battle reached New York on the morning of the 23d and were forvparded south. 1775.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 183 bended bow to arouse the country. A full account reach- ed New York on the 25th of April, at 2, p. m.; Elizabeth- town, at seven; Woodbridge, at ten; New Brunswick, at twelve o'clock, at night; Princeton, at three in the morning of the 26th; Trenton, at half past six; and Philadelphia, at twelve: Chester, at 4, p. m.; Newcastle, at nine; Cristeen bridge, at twelve; the head of Elk, at 4, a. m. of the 27th; Baltimore, at ten, p. m.; and Annapolis, next morning at half past nine o'clock.* And onward, thence, the despatch of the blood-tidinofs went southward from town to town, endorsed by each committee, the time of its receipt and its departure, and the solemn order, " night and day to be for- warded," until it had penetrated the farthest recesses of the colonies. From Massachusetts, through Rhode Island and Connecticut, through New York, New Jersey and Pennsyl- vania, through Maryland, Virginia, N. Carolina, and S. Ca- rolina, to Charleston, it went in twenty days, from the 20th of April to the 10th of May, over the rough and difficult roads of that period. Each committee on the main route made and retained copies of the despatches and sent off others by express throughout the interior. By this admira- ble arrangement, the whole land was bound together, intel- ligence conveyed, and a common system of action preserved. The war was now commenced — nearly twenty thousand volunteers immediately assembled, about Boston : and the British troops were themselves besieged. The convention of Maryland, after a session of four days in which it reappointed delegates to congress, had just ad- journed, when the news of these successful battles reached Annapolis. The province was too far from the scene of conflict to take an immediate part in the struggle, and upon its own soil not a single hostile foot was pressed, nor an enemy's sword unsheathed. The note of preparation went on more busily. The enrolments were hastened, minute * American Archives, 1775, vol. 2, p. 366, &.c. 184 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 11115. men were raised ; there was no hesitation on the part of the great body of the people. Elsewhere, it was suggested by the timid that submission would ensure reconciliation. The city of New York, was still cold and undecided, and it was found necessary to march a body of Connecticut troops within striking distance, to overawe the tory tendencies of many of the people. But in Maryland the people were long since prepared for the resort to arms. On the seventeenth of June, the British attacked the provin- cials, and the memorable battle of Bunker's Hill was fought. Then hesitation ceased, and doubt every where gave place to certainty. Congress determined to carry on an offensive war : Boston was ordered to be invested ; and General Washington, nominated before that body by Thomas John- son of Maryland, on the 15th of June, 1775, was chosen commander in chief of the American forces.* In the midst of this exciting period, on the 26th of July, the convention of Maryland again assembled, and their first step was to adopt the famous "Association of the Freemen of Maryland," which was subscribed to by all the patriots, and became the written constitution of the province, until the new system was framed in 1776. It approved of the proceedings of congress, and called on the people to sus- tain them; required that forty companies of minute men should be raised ; provided a complete military system ; vested the executive power during the recess of the con- vention in a committee of safety, eight of whom were se- lected from the eastern and ejght from the western shore : and directed a large issue of paper money to defray all necessary expenses. It also required the voters of the counties, to elect a committee of observation, who were to exercise a superintending power in their respective counties. To redeem their pledges to the common cause, the con- * Sparks, vol. 3, p. 480. 1775.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 185 vention ana committees, set about the formation of a reorular force to be composed of a battalion, of which Col. Small- wood received command, and seven independent compa- nies, numbering in all 1444 men — besides two companies of artillery and one of marines.* By a resolution of congress passed on the 14th of June, 1775, two companies of rifle- men were called for from Maryland, which, with two to be raised in Virginia, and six in Pennsylvania, were to be formed into one battalion, and marched by companies as soon as enlisted, to the camp around Boston. The two Maryland companies were assigned to Frederick county, and the committee of that county, on the 21st of June, ap- pointed Michael Cresap captain, Thomas Warren, Joseph Cresap, jr., and Richard Davis lieutenants of the first com- pany, and Thomas Price, captain, Otho Holland Williams and John Ross Key lieutenants of the second.! These companies were soon filled with the hardy pioneers of western Maryland, and before the close of July took up their march for the camp where they arrived in August. Capt. Cresap's numbered one hundred and thirty men, who were armed with tomahawks and rifles, were painted like Indians, and dressed in hunting shirts and moccasins. They exhibited their skill and daring in Frederick, before they set out to the north, the most expert holding the target in their hands, for each other to shoot at.f By a subse- quent resolve of congress, in 1776, six more companies were ordered to be raised, four by Virginia and two by Maryland, to be incorporated with the four companies pre- viously enlisted into a regiment, under the command of Col. Stevenson of Virofinia, Lieut. Col. Moses Rawlinors. and Major Otho H. Williams of Maryland. Yet, impatient of the necessary delay in organizing these troops, numbers of young men hastened at their own * Convention Journals. See Appendix A. j- Amer. Archives, 4th S. vol. 2, p. 1046. J Ibid. 3d vol. p. 2. 16=* A a 186 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1175. expense to join the camp before Boston, as volunteers. Among these was James Wilkinson, afterwards a major general in the United States service. But there were other materials of war of as pressing need as men, which required prompt measures to furnish and without which their quota of men would be useless. Indeed the colonies entered in- to the war without supplies. The non-importation system had rendered them more destitute of the necessaries of either peace or war, than they had been at any prior period : and it was now found almost impossible to provide the hastily collected troops with powder and ball, or clothing. Throughout the war, the scarcity of these articles, and of the necessary hospital stores, crippled the exertions of the patriots, and caused greater loss of life than even the sword of the enemy. The arsenal at Annapolis was in an almost destitute condition, and the statesmen of Maryland per- ceived the necessity of providing at once if possible for a permanent supply of arms and ammunition, and military material. A sum of money was set apart by the convention for the manufactui;e of saltpetre for the public use ; and, to encourage a general production of this indispensable mate- rial, a bounty of two pence was offered for every pound of the rough article made in private factories. The policy of the convention immediately acted upon the people. Powder mills were also erected, especially in Frederick county, the manufacture of wool, flax, and hemp, encour- aged, and the makinor of £fun barrels and all the munitions of war undertaken not from the hope of profit, but from the promptings of patriotism. But they were still very defi- cient in artillery, and it was thought that this want too could be supplied at home. They were not mistaken. Mr. Hughes, of Frederick county, contracted to supply the province with cannon ; congress wished to engage him to furnish the continental army also, but he was compelled to decline their proposals. 177;".] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 187 As yet Maryland had not even been threatened with hos- tihties. But a period of real danger was approaching. Dunmore, the late royal governor of Virginia, having been driven from that colony, took refuge on board of some men of war in those waters, and commenced a series of depre- dations upon the counties bordering on the bay. He, at the same time, kept up his communications with the royal- ists in that colony, and endeavored to extend his influence to Maryland. In July, 1775, John Conolly of Lancaster Co., Pennsylvania, presented to his lordship a plan for raising an army in the western parts, and cutting off all communica- tion between the northern and southern provinces. The scheme, as set forth in the records of the Frederick county committee of safety, certainly displayed no small degree of talent and skill in its projector, and would, but for its timely arrest by the vigilance of that committee, have been produc- tive of the most serious consequences. The disaffected on the western borders were to be enrolled, by the aid of large bounties; the Indians vi^ere to be called in to their assistance: and the troops stationed at Detroit, with all the artillery and munitions of war from the line of fortresses on the north west, were to form the nucleus of the army, which was to march suddenly on the defenceless frontier, cut its way to Alexandria, and, there, being joined by Lord Dunmore, fortify itself under the guns of his fleet, overawe the patriots, strengthen and confirm the royalists, and effectually cut off* all communication between the north and south. Lord Dunmore appoving the plan, despatched Conolly to Boston, with letters of introduction to Gen. Gage ; who having given his proposals a favorable consideration, sent him back to Virginia with instructions in pursuance of which, Dunmore in October, issued him " a commission of Lieut. Colonel commandant of the forces to be raised in the back parts and Canada, with power to nominate his subordinate offi- cers." Accompanied by Dr. John Smith of St. Mary's 188 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1775. county, and Allen Cameron of Virginia, both natives of Scotland, whom he had enlisted in his design, he succeeded in effecting his passage through the most dangerous portion of his route with safety, disseminating his evil principles on the way, and preparing for the accomplishment of his purpose. But an overruling Providence guarded the destinies of the land, and just as he was about to emerge from the hostile settlements to prosecute the remainder of his journey in security, he was arrested, with his companions, in the up- per part of Frederick county, and sent under guard to Fred- erick, where he was examined by the committee of safety. A copy of his plan, a letter from Lord Dunmore to White Eyes, a Delaware chief, to secure his co-operation and a treasonable letter to a citizen of Virginia, were discovered upon his person. Finding further disguise useless, he ad- mitted the charge against him, and, with his companions, was put in close confinement to await the action of the convention and conofress. who were forthwith notified of the affair by Mr. Hanson, the chairman of the committee. In December, congress directed the prisoners to be for- warded to Philadelphia, which was accordingly done under a guard of ten men, commanded by Dr. Adam Fisher. Dr. Smith succeeded in escaping during the night, but was re- taken :* and the prisoners were delivered safely in Philadel- phia. Connolly was afterwards exchanged, and reappeared at a late period in the prosecution of his old scheme.! Whilst thus endeavoring to organize a force on the west, Dunmore was actively at work disseminating the seeds of disaffection by his agents on the Eastern Shore of Mary- land. His partizans were partially successful, and raised several companies of men pledged to support the royal cause if arms, ammunition and a small additional force * Sparks, vol. 3, pp. 126-212-271. t Proceedings of the committee of safety of Frederick. 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 189 should be furnished them. They even became so bold as openly to tear off the black cockade which the patriots wore at their militia trainings, to replace it with the red cockade, and to parade under officers of their own selection. A party under one of their leaders, in November, seized on a small craft and sailed secretly to obtain the necessary supplies of ammunition : but before the malcontents could mature their plans, the committee of safety of the Eastern Shore, aided by the committees of Somerset and Worcester counties assembled a body of a thousand militia, crushed the attempt and secured the principal conspirators. Although defeated in these attempts, Dunmore did not pause in his efforts. In January, 1776, he invaded Accomac and Northampton, the Virginia counties on the Eastern Shore. As soon, however, as the fact was known by the convention, then in session, three companies of minute men were called out for two months from Kent, Queen Anne's and Dorchester, and ordered to march to the as- sistance of the inhabitants. Two of these only, under Capts. Kent and Henry, were in a condition to march, the third, from Dorchester, possessed only ten guns fit for service and was unable to procure a supply. The two companies that marched to Northampton, numbering one hundred and sixty-six men, were generally well armed, but many of Capt. Kent's men were without shoes. They were received by the people with public demonstrations of joy and continued on the station long after their orders had expired, in order to afford protection to the people.* Whilst Dunmore was thus threatening the Eastern Shore with his detachments, he bombarded Norfolk with the heavy vessels of his fleet. For the protection of the har- bors of Maryland from similar attempts, batteries were erected near Baltimore and Annapolis, and several mer- chant vessels were manned and armed as vessels of war. American Archives, 4th s. vol. 4.— Conventions of Maryland, p. 40. 190 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. In addition to the batteries, the entrance of the Basin at Baltimore was obstructed by three heavy chains of wrought iron stretched across its mouth, and by vessels sunk in the channel. The public records were removed for safe keep- ing from Annapolis to Upper Marlborough. These prepa- rations were not useless. Early in March, 1776, the Otter, British sloop of war, with two tenders, made her appearance in the bay, captured several small vessels, and, after hover- ing about Annapolis, anchored a few miles below Baltimore, with the intention of destroying the State ship Defence, then nearly completed in that harbor. Captain Nicholson, who commanded the Defence, determined to retake the prizes, and having hastily got his vessel ready, and shipped a number of volunteers, with a portion of Capt. Smith's company as marines, bore down upon the enemy, accom- panied by several smaller vessels crowded with men. The morning was hazy and the British were completely surpris- ed; the tenders escaped with difficulty, and all the prizes were recaptured, and manned and cleared for action. The Otter, intimidated by the prompt action and formi- dably appearance of Nicholson's squadron, bore away for Annapolis. But finding this place equally well fortified, and a strong body of the newly organized regulars, as well as militia, assembled to protect the town and shipping, the Otter and her tenders dropped down the bay, without hav- ing won either booty or success.* The militia and inde- pendent companies, which had been put under marching orders, upon the first appearance of the enemy in the waters of Maryland, now followed them down the bay shores as fast as possible. Having plundered a small island on the Eastern Shore, they made their appearance off Chariton creek in Northampton county, where the Maryland minute men were stationed. The tender entered the creek for the purpose of cutting out several schooners, one of which, * Annals of Annapolis ; American Archives. 1776.] jt*^ HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 191 however, they ran aground, in endeavoring to carry out. Capts. Kent and Henry, during the night threw up a small breastwork opposite the schooner to prevent the captors from carrying her off; jmd early next morning the tender attempted to dislodge them. After a heavy fire of an hour, the tender was compelled to sheer off, without her prize. The enemy having withdrawn, Capts. Kent and Henry were ordered by the Maryland committee of safety to return to the province. Congress looking to these maritime depredations, found it necessary to establish a continental navy, that the ex- pense of defending the sea coast might be equally borne by all, and not left to the few and scattered ships of the different colonies, incapable of concentrated effort and therefore useless as a means of co-operation with the army. On the 5th of June, the gallant Nicholson received a com- mission in the new navy, and took command of the con- tinental frigate Virginia. Many other Marylanders also entered into the service, among whom none were more distinguished than Captain William Halleck and Joshua Barney, who had shared in the attack on New Providence. Early in the year, the first continental fleet sailed from Philadelphia, under Commodore Hopkins. The stars and stripes were hoisted off that city amidst the acclamations of thousands. The fleet consisted of five ships, fitted out at Philadelphia: the Columbus, of 36 guns and 9 swivels; the Cabot, of 32 guns; the Andrew Doria, the Providence, and the Fly, ranging from twenty-four to fourteen guns. At the Capes they were joined by the Hornet and the Wasp, from Baltimore. Their destination was secret. In the midst of this state of actual hostilities, Mr. Eden still remained in the province, its ostensible governor, while the real supremacy was in the hands of the convention. His easy and affable manners, the politic course he had adopted towards the patriots, and, more than all, his utter 192 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. want of power to hurt, had as yet preserved him from the exile which had been the fate of other provincial governors. Heretofore, too, he had been apparently neutral in the contest; but certain letters from Lord Germaine, of the English ministry, through Lord Dunmore, approving his conduct and commandinoj him to hold himself in readi- ness to assist the crown when occasion should present, having been intercepted by a Maryland cruizer, it was no longer deemed prudent to permit him to remain. General Charles Lee, then at Charlestown, into whose hands the letters were placed, immediately wrote to the committee of safety at Baltimore, advising that the person and papers of Mr. Eden should be at once secured. Mr. Purviance ap- plied to Major Gist, who commanded the newly raised regulars of the Maryland line then at Baltimore, and Capt. Samuel Smith's company was detached for that purpose. The committee of safety of Maryland, resented this pro- ceeding on the part of the military, summoned Capt. Smith before them, and, after reprimanding him, ordered him to return to Baltimore. At the same time, however, consid- ering the presence of Governor Eden no longer consistent with the safety of the colony, they gave him notice to depart, which he did on the 24th of June, on board "the Fowey," despatched by Lord Dunmore to receive him. This nobleman, who had already ravaged Virginia, now made his appearance in the Potomac and threatened Mary- land with his vengeance ; and the convention found it necessary to order the militia to the coast, to cut off his communication with the disaffected and to protect the in- habitants from plunder. At the same time, they earnestly set about organizing their portion of the flying camp, which conofress had called for from the middle colonies. The quota to be furnished by Maryland, was three thousand four hundred and five men, to serve until December, unless sooner discharged by congress, under whose control they 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 193 were placed.* But a period was now at hand in which all minor notes of preparation were absorbed in that great and final step, the Declaration of Independence. TheDeciara ^^^ ^ ^^"^^ ^^® people had Still looked forward uon of inde- to a reconciliation and an adjustment of their pen ence, rights, and, while they resisted arbitrary exactions, always professed their readiness to submit to due authority. But their feelings towards Great Britain were rapidly under- going a change. The war, which had been commenced against the measures of the ministry, arrayed itself against the claims of the crown. The tyranny of the king absolved the allegiance of the people. The battles fought during the past year, the victories obtained, and the sufferings so patiently endured, taught the patriots their own strength ; and the mad persistence of England, in pouring new troops into the country to conquer, rather than conciliate, aroused a spirit of hostility, which rendered compromise or submis- sion impossible. The colonists had gone too far to pause or to recede — they could only advance. They must either be subdued rebels or triumphant freemen. There was but one more step and as the great idea of nationality swelled within the breasts of the patriots, the chains of habitual de- pendence burst from around them, and the last emblem of colonial subjection sunk into the dust. Yet many ardent patriots paused ere they consented to adopt the measure, clinging to the hope of reconciliation : such even was the position of Maryland, as long as justice seemed to demand it ; — but when the time came, she was not wanting to her- self and the common cause. As early as May, congress, looking to a long contest, recommended the colonies to adopt permanent govern- ments for their internal regulation ; and, on the 7th of June, Richard Henry Lee, introduced his famous resolution, " that the united colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and * Appendix B. 17 Bb 194 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [177G. INDEPENDENT STATES, and that all political connexion be- tween them and the state of Great Britain is, and ought to be, totally dissolved." This resolution was debated from time to time, and the conventions of the several colonies, except Pennsylvania and Maryland, immediately directed their delegates to vote in its favor. The convention of Maryland had instructed their representatives in the pre- cedinor December, and had renewed that instruction in May, to endeavor to heal the differences with the mother country; and, at the same time, secure the full and com- plete liberties of the colonists under the British constitution. At all events, they were not to vote for any severance of existing relations, or an alliance with any foreign power, without the previous advice and consent of the convention. Before the convention assembled again on the 21st of June, a change had been wrought in public feeling, and the first question, which was agitated in that body, was the all ab- sorbing one of independence. The delegates to congress were ordered to obtain permission to attend the convention, and to have the national question postponed until their re- turn with the final resolve of Maryland. On the 28th, it was unanimously ordered that the dele- gates to congress should unite on behalf of the province in declaring the colonies free and independent, reserving to the State however, complete internal sovereignty.* Princi- pally instrumental in obtaining the passage of this resolution, was Charles Carroll of Carrollton, who had just returned from an arduous mission to Canada, whither he, with the Rev. John Carroll, afterwards first archbishop of Baltimore, Mr. Chase of Maryland, and Benjamin Franklin of Penn- sylvania, had been sent by congress, to induce the Cana- dians to unite in the struggle against British aggression. As a reward for his labors in behalf of the measure in conven- tion, he was, on the 4th of July, chosen a delegate to con- * Conventions. 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 195 gress in conjunction with Matthew Tilghman, Thomas Johnson, jr., William Paca, Samuel Chase, Thomas Stone, and Robert Alexander. On the 2d of July, Lee's resolution was passed ; and the Declaration of Independence, which had already been pre- pared was introduced, discussed and amended. On the 4th, it was adopted, and was signed by the delegates in con- gress assembled. Charles Carroll, one of the richest men of his day, having been chosen delegate after its passage, might have avoided the signature of a document which, had England conquered, would have been the recorded evi- dence of his treason. "There go some millions," exclaim- ed a member as he added his name to the great instrument; ''Nay, there are several Charles Carroll's, he cannot be identified," said another in his hearing: and immediately he added to his signature, "of Carrollton," the name of his estate and used to designate him particularly. The declaration of Independence, solemnly attested and signed by the delegates in congress and approved by the colonies, was every where received with the most enthusi- astic feelings. It was read at the head of the armies of the new republic, and proclaimed amidst the applause of a people, determined to maintain it with their blood. On the 22d of July, it was publicly read at Baltimore, at the head of the independent companies and the militia, accompanied with salvos of artillery and "universal acclamations, for the prosperity of the United States." At night, the town was illuminated ; and an effigy of the king of England paraded through the streets and burhed in derision of his forfeited authority. This step having at length been taken, it was necessary to frame a permanent government for the new State, and the convention ordered elections to be held for delegates to a convention to form a constitution. Then having con- fided the supreme power into the hands of the committee 196 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. of safety until that body should be assembled, it adjourned on Saturday the 6th of July. One of its last acts was to place the State troops at the disposal of congress. The battalion, under Col. Smallwood, and the independent com- panies in Talbot, Kent, Queen Anne's and St. Mary's coun ties, attached to his command, were ordered to proceed to Philadelphia and report themselves to the chief continental officer there, to be marshalled at once into the national service. By another resolve, in obedience to a requisition of congress, they directed the raising of two companies of riflemen and four of Germans, of ninety officers and men each — one of rifles from Harford— two of Germans, from Baltimore and one of rifles and two of Germans — from Frederick county.* The different county committees were required to despatch the companies of the flying camp as fast as they were organized, and the State committee of safety, to superintend the immediate march of the regulars under Smallwood. * See Appendix for officers' names. CHAPTER IX. ®l)e BattUa of tl)c ®llJ UTaralautr £me. 1776. After evacuating Boston, General Howe had retired to Halifax to wait for reinforcements. But conceiving the design of seizing New York, whose inhabitants were favor- able'to British supremacy, and cutting off the northern from the middle states, he embarked for that port and arrived off Long Island, towards the close of June. There were but few American troops on the Island, placed there for the purpose of carrying off the cattle; and he landed without opposition. He was received with the greatest demonstra- tions of joy by a portion of the inhabitants of Long Island, New York and New Jersey; many of whom took the oaths of allegiance, and embodied themselves into a corps under the command of Tryon, the late royal governor of New York. In the early part of July, admiral Lord Howe jomed his brother with a fleet of 150 sail and a reinforcement of 20,000 men— swelling his force to 30,000. The American army under Washington, after being reinforced by several bodies of militia, amounted only to 17,000 men, of whom nearly one fifth were sick and unfit for duty. It was at this dark hour, that the Maryland line was des- tined to enter the field, and bear the first shock of battle. No sooner was the approach of Howe known in Maryland, than Smallwood's regiment took up its route for the seat of war. On the 10th of July, six companies under Small- wood himself, from Annapolis, and three from Baltimore, embarked for the head of Elk river,* whence they marched ^ ^^ * Annals of Annapolis. ^^'^ 1^^ HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. ^o New York and were incorporated into Lord Stirling's brigade. Well appointed and organized, composed of young and spirited men who had already acquired the skill and precision of drilled soldiers, and coming at a time when the army was lamentably deficient in discipline, they immediately won the confidence of the commander in chief; and, from the moment of their arrival, were thrown upon the advanced posts and disposed as covering parties. On the 20th of August the four independent companies remaining in Maryland, were ordered by the convention to join Col. Smallwood, and plape themselves under his command, thus incorporating the whole force of 1444 men in one body. The brigadier general of the Maryland flying camp now rapidly organizing, was also ordered to be sub- ject to Col. Smallwood's command, and the county com- mittees were urored to hasten the enrolments and forward the men to the camp as fast as possible.* „ ... . From the 21st of August to the 27th, the British Battle of o ' Brooklyn were Occupied in landing their forces on Long ^'^^^' Island. On the 30th the Maryland troops, to- gether with those of Delaware, were ordered over to the scene of the approaching conflict. Col. Smallwood, and Lieut. Col. Ware, were detained in New York, sitting on a court martial ; they applied in vain to Gen. Washington to permit them to accompany their men, and the battalion marched under the command of Major Gist. The American army under Putnam, was drawn out to occupy the passes and defend the heights between Flatbush and Brooklyn. During the night of the 26th, Gen. Clinton, with the van of the British army, silently seized one of the passes and made his way, about day-break, into the open country in the rear of the Americans. He was immediately followed by an- other column under Lord Percy. To divert the attention of the Americans from their left, another division under * Conventions of, &c. 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 199 Grant, marched slowly along the coast, skirmiishing with the light parties on the road. Putnam fell into the trap ; and Stirling was ordered with two regiments, one of which was the Maryland battalion, to meet the enemy on the route to the narrows. About break of day he took his position advantageously upon the summit of the hills, and was joined by the troops driven in by the advancing columns of the enemy. For several hours, a severe cannonade was kept up on both sides, and Stirling was repeatedly attacked by the brigades under Cornwallis and Grant, who were as often gallantly repulsed. At length, the left wing of the American force having been completely turned by Clinton, and the centre under Sullivan, broken at the first attack of Gen. De Heister, the position of Stir- ling's brigade on the right, became perilous in the extreme. The passes to the American lines at Brooklyn were in the possession of an overpowering British force — two strong brigades were assailing him in front, and in his rear lay an extensive marsh, traversed by a deep and dangerous creek, eighty yards in width at its mouth ; nearer its head, at the Yellow Mills, the only bridge, which might have afforded the brigade a safe retreat, had been burned down by a New England regiment under Col. Ward, in its very hasty re- treat, although covered by the American batteries. The only hope of safety therefore for the gallant troops, who still maintained the battle and held the enemy at bay, was to surrender, or to cross this dangerous marsh and creek at its mouth, where no one had ever been known to cross before.* Col. Smallwood, having arrived from New York, and learned the perilous situation of his battalion, applied to Gen. Washington for some regiments to cover their retreat. After a moment's hesitation, as to the prudence of risking more troops upon a lost battle, unwilling to abandon these * Col. Smallwood's letter to convention. Annals of Annapolis. 200 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. brave men to their fate, he detached him with a New Eno-- land regiment, Capt. Thomas' independent company, which had just arrived from New York, and two field pieces, to take a position on the banks of the stream and protect the remnant of the brigade in the attempt to swim it. The scene of the conflict was within a mile of the Ame- rican lines, and whilst Smallwood was hastening to their aid, Stirling prepared to make a last effort to check the advance of the enemy and give time to a portion of his command to make good its retreat. For this purpose, he selected four hundred men from the Maryland battalion, under Major Gist, placed himself at their head, and, having ordered all the other troops to make the best of their way through the creek, advanced against Cornwallis' brigade. As they drew out between the two bodies of the enemy, it was thought by the lookers on from the camp, that they were about to surrender, but as with fixed bayonets they rushed to the charge upon the overwhelming force opposed to them, fear and sorrow filled every heart, and Washington himself wrung his hands, exclaiming, " Good God ! what brave fellows I must this day lose."* Five times this little band charged upon the powerful forces of Cornwallis; and each time driven back, again gathered their energies for a fiercer assault, until at last upon the sixth, the heavy column of the British reeled under the repeated shocks and began to give way in confusion.! But in the very moment that victory seemed within their grasp, Grant's brigade assailed them in the rear, and fresh troops, the Hessians of De Heister, came to the aid of Corn- wallis in front. Already outnumbered more than ten to one, with their ranks thinned by the terrific slaughter, and worn down by long fighting, these devoted men could no longer make head against their foes. A portion, with Lord Stirling at their head, surrendered themselves prisoners of * Annals. f Lord StirUng's letter, Sparks, vol. 4, p. 516. 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 201 war ; while three companies, animated by the most deter- mined valor, cut their way through the crowded ranks of the enemy, and maintained their order until they reached the marsh, where, from the nature of the ground, they were compelled to break, and escape as quick as possible to the edge of the creek. This desperate conflict gave time to the remainder of the brio^ade to make good its retreat across the marsh and swim the water, bringing with them twenty-eight prisoners. A heavy cannonade from four field pieces, was kept up by the enemy upon the retreating troops, and a strong column of Hessians advanced to attack them in the marsh, where they must have all been cut off, as their guns were already wet and muddy, but for the unlooked for fire of the reinforcements under Smallwood, on the opposite shore, which drove the pursuers back to the main land where they formed some six hundred yards distant, while the remnant of the Marylanders %wam the creek. Several of them, as well as some of the Pennsylvanians and Dela- wares, were drowned in the attempt, or perished in the marsh. Capt. Thomas' men aided materially in bringing over the exhausted survivors. The loss of the Maryland troops in this long contested battle was murderous. From sunrise until the last orun was fired upon the field, they were hotly engaged ; and, when the rest of the army had been routed or had fled, maintained the battle unaided, against two brigades of the enemy. "They were distinguished in the field," says a letter writer of that day, " by the most intrepid courage, the most regu- lar use of the musket, and the judicious movements of the body." Nearly half of their force was annihilated. Their loss in killed and wounded was 256 officers and men. Capt. Veazy and Lieut. Butler were slain ; and among the pri- soners were Capt. Daniel Bowie, also wounded — Lieuten- ants William Steret, William Ridgely, Hatch Dent, Walter Muse, Samuel Wright, Joseph Butler, (wounded), Edward Co 202 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. Praul, Edward Decourcy ; and Ensigns James Fernandes and William Courts. To this day the people of Long Island point out to strangers, the spot, where half of the Maryland battalion stemmed the advance of the whole left wing of the British army when no other troops were left upon the field, and where the best blood of the State was poured out like water.* The Delaware and Pennsylvania troops also behaved v/ith great gallantry on that day. The position of the American army, at Brook- Retreat from ^ . . Long Island ]yn, had uow bccome precarious. The British, invested their works in form, and it was deter- mined to retreat to New York before the ferry should be occupied by the enemy's fleet. On the night of the 29th, this masterly movement was effected. Although the Mary- land troops had enjoyed but one day's rest, since their bloody defence at Friclt's Mill Pond— or "the Yellow Mills," — they were ordered on duty at the advanced post of Fort Putnam, within two hundred and fifty yards of the enemy's lines, and with two Pennsylvania regiments on the left, were to protect the retreat of the army. Under cover of a foggy night and morning the movement was happily effected, in spite of the disorder of the eastern troops ; and it was not discovered by the enemy until the last detach- ment of the Marylanders and Pennsylvanians was half way across East River and out of reach. Drawn off so silently, within ear shot of the enemy, as not to give the slighest intimation of their departure to his sentinels, the Maryland troops displayed, on this occasion, their steadi- ness and discipline as at Prick's Mill Pond they had proved their courage. Two days after this event, Col. Smallwood's reo^iment was ordered to Harlaem opposite to Montresore's * For the materials of this account of the battle— see Marshall and the Letters, &,c. in Ridgely's Annals, and Spark's writings of Wash- ington, vol. 4, pp. 74, 102, 613, 518 ; and Holme's Annals. 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 203 and Buchanan's Islands, of which the enemy soon took possession ; so that a barrier of only two hundred yards of shallow water separated the two forces, across which the men easily conversed with one another. As the British were now throwing forward their forces to surround the Americans on York Island, and, it was found impracticable to defend the city, in the disorganized condition of the troops, a council of war resolved that the army should be withdrawn into the lines below fort Wash- ington. The more portable military stores had already been removed, when on the loth of September, the enemy ef- fected a landing without opposition, in the face of two brigades of Connecticut militia, who fled disgracefully at the first fire from sixty of the British light infantry ;* and who, although "from the brigadier down to the private sen- tinel they were caned and whipped by generals Washing- ton, Putnam and Mifflin," could not even be brought by the burning shame of this indignity "to stand one shot."t Disgusted with such cowardice. Gen. Washington imme- diately sent an express for the Maryland regiment, drew it from its brigade, and ordered it down towards New York, to cover the retreat of the army, knowing that he could rely upon its maintaining its position against all odds. Smallwood posted his regiment upon an advantageous eminence near the enemy, on the main road, where they remained under arms, the best part of the day until the last troops had passed : when the British dividing their main body into two columns, endeavored to out flank and sur- round him. Having maintained his position as long as it was necessary, and having received notice to retreat, he re- tired in good order and reached the lines about dusk. The heights ^"^ ^^^ next day, a body of British, about three ofHariaem. i^mnjigfi strong, made their appearance in the * Sparks, vol. 4 ; Marshall. t Col. Smallwood's letter to the Maryland conveution. 204 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. plains below the American position, and the commander in chief, to habituate his troops to meeting the enemy, detach- ed Col. Knowlton, with a corps of New England rangers, and Major Leitch with three companies of the 3d Virginia regiment which had just arrived in camp, with orders to attack them. The assault was made judiciously. Early in the action, however, Colonel Knowlton fell, and Major Leitch was mortally wounded ; but the captains of the com- panies still maintained their position. A reinforcement of seven hundred men being received by the British, General Washington ordered up Major Price, with three of the Mary- land independent companies, and Col. Richardson's and Griffith's regiments of the Maryland flying camp, which had joined the army on the 8th of September. These troops attacked the enemy with the bayonet, drove them from their position and were pursuing them towards their lines, when the commander in chief ordered their recall. The loss of the Americans was about fifty killed and wounded, that of the enemy more than double that number.* Determined to force Washington from his position, or to surround and cut off his communications. General Howe landed a strong body of forces at Frog's Neck, about nine miles above Harlaem. The Maryland troops were imme- diately marched to King's bridge, to reinforce the detach- ments already there, and to watch the advance of the enemy. At the same time, it was determined by a council of war to evacuate York Island, posting, however, a sufficient garrison to maintain Fort Washington. Accordingly, leaving the force at King's bridge to cover the rear and to secure the removal of the heavy stores and baggage, the army began at once to retire. On the 18th of October, having been rein- White Plains, forced, Howe commenced the pursuit, and after several skir- mishes with Glover's brigade took post on the 21st, at New * Sparks, vol. 4, p. 98. 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 205 Roclielle, where he was joined by another strong body of troops. Both armies now moved towards White Plains, where an entrenched camp had been marked out, and al- ready occupied by a body of militia. As the enemy ap- proached, Gen. Washington concentrated his forces, and prepared to give him battle. On the right of the army, and about one mile from the camp, on the road from the North river, was a hill of which Gen. McDougal, with six- teen hundred men, including the Maryland battalion under Smallwood, was ordered to take possession. On the 28th, the enemy advanced in two columns to dislodge him. Col. Rawle, with a brigade of Hessians, made a circuit to fall upon the rear of McDougal, while Brigadier Gen. Leslie, with the 2d brigade of British troops, the Hessian grenadiers under Count Donop, and a Hessian battalion, assailed him in front. At the opening of the cannonade, the militia took to flight, and the artillery fell into confusion and retired. Smallwood's Maryland regiment w^as immediately advanced to the foot of the hill to meet the enemy ; a long and severe contest ensued. It sustained itself gallantly under the fire of fifteen pieces of the British cannon ; but at length, over- powered by numbers, it was compelled to give ground. The enemy moved with great resolution, upon the remain- ing forces, who made but a show of resistance, keeping up an irregular fire in their retreat. Putnam, with Beall's brigade of the Maryland flying camp, now came up to rein- force McDougal ; but, finding the foe already in possession of the hill, he deemed it imprudent to attempt to regain it, and drew off his men.* The loss of the Americans was between three and four hundred killed, wounded and taken. The Maryland line suffered severely : Colonel Smallwood himself was among the wounded. The regulars of that gallant corps, worn down by the hard service they had en- dured, and, the effects of their wounds, aggravated by the * Sparks, vol. 4, p. 528 ; Marshall. 18 206 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. want of proper medical attendance and hospital supplies, had been much weakened in their effective force. Even on the 12th of October, there were three hundred officers and men on the sick list — many of them incapable of doing duty — Majors Price and Gist, and Capt. Stone, were lying ill in New Jersey ; and Col. Smallwood and Lieut. Col. Ware, even prior to the battle, were scarcely able from debi- lity to command their troops.* Yet under all these trying circumstances, almost without field officers, the Maryland line displayed its wonted valor at White Plains, and, by its sustained resistance to an overpowering force, won new honor for its State. Its loss in this hard fought battle was over one hundred men ; and from this terrible slaughter may be estimated the obstinacy of its defence. It had fought three battles in the three last months ; it had been the first of the revolutionary troops to use the bayonet against the British regulars, and had used it freely and with effect in each one of these fierce conflicts. Gen. Washington continued to fortify his position ; and Howe, satisfied of its strength and the courage of the troops who defended it, determined to await the arrival of six more battalions which joined him two days after. Wash- ington, having now removed his stores and heavy baggage to a much stronger ground in his rear, unwilling to risk a battle with Howe's present force, withdrew during the night to North Castle, about five miles from White Plains, and stationed Gen. Beall's brigade of Maryland militia at the bridge over Croton river. Abandoning the hope of a suc- cessful assault upon his new position, Gen. Howe broke up his camp and retired slowly down the river, towards King's bridge, determined to obtain possession of Forts Washing- ton and Lee. As soon as the American commander learned from his scouts that Howe's march southward was not a feint, suspecting that he designed striking through the * Smallwood's letter in " Annals." 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 207 Jerseys to Philadelphia, he divided his army and, leaving three thousand men at Peekskill, crossed the Hudson with the troops raised south and west of that river. The storm Anxious to preserve his little army, he had di- ing of Fort rocted the evacuation of Fort Washington, upon as ingion. ^^^ approach of the enemy, but having been as- sured of the spirit and resolution of the garrison, he deter- mined to risk its defence. On the 16th of November, Gen. Howe prepared to assail it. It was defended by some of the best troops in the American service, under the command of Col. Magaw, a brave and experienced officer. He had posted his men in three divisions. Col. Cadwallader of Pennsylvania, commanded within the lines : Col. Rawlings of Maryland, with his regiment of riflemen,* was stationed on a hill to the north of the lines ; while Magaw himself remained within the fort. Howe arranged his forces into four columns of attack, and about ten o'clock moved them to the assault. The first division of five thousand Hessians and Waldeckers, under Gen. Knyphausen, advanced against * This regiment was composed of three of the old rifle companies and four new ones from Virginia, and two from Maryland, ordered to be raised by congress, on the 27th of June, 1776. The officers were. Col. Stephenson of Virginia, Lieutenant Col. Moses Rawlings and Major Otho Holland Williams of Maryland. Two of the old companies were the Maryland companies, raised in the preceding year, which had served with the army before Boston. These companies were now com- manded by Captain Philemon Griffith, lieutenants Thomas Hussey Lucket, Adamson Tannehill and Henry Hardman, and Captain Richard Davis, lieutenants Daniel Cresap, Nieman Tannehill and Elijah Evans, all from Frederick county. The two additional companies were raised, one in Frederick, under captain Thomas Beale, lieutenants Peter Con- tee Hanson, James Lingan and Richard Dorsey ; and one in Harford, under Capt. Smith. Rawlings' regiment thus contained four Maryland companies. The four companies of Germans, raised in Harford, Fred- erick and Baltimore counties, under capts. Heiser, Graybill, Fister and Keeports, were formed into a battalion with four similar companies raised in Pennsylvania, under the command of Col. Hauseigger of Pennsylvania, and Lieutenant Colonel Strieker and Major Weltner of Maryland. — Journals of Congress ; Amencan Archives, ^c. 208 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. Col. Rawlings on the north, while the fourth division moved against Cadwallader, and the second and third crossed the East river in boats and landed within the lines. The attack of the first and fourth divisions was received with great steadiness and spirit by the Maryland and Pennsylvania troops at their respective positions : but the detachment stationed on the East river soon gave way, and Col. Cad- wallader was compelled to draw off a portion of his men to their assistance. Thus weakened, his main body was soon overpowered and began to retire. Rawlings still maintained his ground with undiminished spirit, although not protected by entrenchments. Posted among the trees, his riflemen, the hardy sons of the Maryland and Virginia mountains, poured in upon the advancing column a murderous fire, which it in vain endeavored to sustain. The Hessians broke and retired. Ao^ain thev were brought to the attack, and again repulsed with dreadful slaughter. The Maryland riflemen remembered the destruc- tion of their brethren of the battalion at Frick's Mill Pond, by the Hessians, and did not forget to avenge it. But what could a single battalion of riflemen, even of such matchless skill and courage, effect, opposed to five thousand men with the bayonet, unsupported as they were, and alone continu- ing to maintain their position. Had every other post been defended as theirs was, victory would have crowned the American arms that day.* But all the other troops were al- ready in full retreat. The three divisions of the enemy were about to fall upon their rear, whilst in front they contended with a force far greater than their own. At length by sheer fighting and power of numbers, the Hessians reached the summit of the hill. Rawlings, perceiving the danger to his rear and learning the retreat of the Pennsylvanians, aban- doned his position, as no longer tenable, and retired under the guns of the fort. Being again summoned, Col. Magaw, * Marshall, Sparks, and Wilkinson's Memoirs. 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 209 finding it impossible to maintain the post, as his ammunition was nearly exhausted, surrendered the garrison prisoners of war. Two thousand six hundred men, of whom two thousand were regulars, were taken prisoners — a severe loss to the American army. Among the captives were Major Otho H. Williams, lieutenants Luckett, Lingan, Davis and Evans, and others of the rifles. Some few of the Mary- landers escaped across the river.* The loss of the enemy was nearly twelve hundred killed and wounded, more than half of which was sustained by the Germans in their assault upon Ravvlings' Maryland and Virginia riflemen. Immediately after this disaster, Fort Lee was evacuated, and Washington, greatly weakened by the loss of men, re- treated on the Jerseys. The term, for which most of his troops were engaged, was about to expire and they began already to leave the camp in great numbers. Every eflfort to raise the militia of New Jersey and Pennsylvania to sup- ply their place, proved ineffectual ; and the American gene- ral commenced his famous retreat towards the Delaware. He reached the Raritan on the 1st of December, the day on which the term of the Maryland and Delaware flying camp expired, and he was compelled to discharge the greater portion in the face of the enemy. Some few remained as volunteers and many of the Marylanders re-enlisted in the new regiments then forming by the State. The Pennsyl- vanians, whose term extended to the 1st of January, began to desert in great numbers. With an army reduced to less than four thousand men, Washington retired slowly before the immense force of the enemy, the bare feet of his desti- tute soldiers leaving their foot prints marked with blood upon the frozen ground. On the eighth of December, he crossed the Delaware, secured all the boats so as to prevent the further advance of the British, and placed his diminished forces in positions best calculated to defend the passage of * Sketch of the Life of Everheart. IS* Dd 210 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. the river. After a futile effort to obtain the means of trans- porting his troops across the Delaware, Howe distributed his men in winter quarters, on the Jersey shore, calmly awaiting the freezing over of the Delaware to march into Philadelphia, and expecting daily the dispersion of the shat- tered American army. The critical position of Philadelphia, the seat The Battle of of the federal government, the reduced condition Trenton. of his army and the despondency of the whole country, required at the hands of the American leader, a bold and vigorous stroke ; and he prepared to make it. With the few continental regiments of Maryland, Virginia, Penn sylvania and New York, Rawlings' and Hand's rifles, and the German baftalions, he opened the campaign in the midst of winter. In the dead of night, he crossed the Dela- v/are, at McKonkey's Ferry, with twenty-four hundred con- tinentals, and, dividing this small force, threw one column towards Trenton by the river road, and led the other in per- son to the same point, by the Pennington road. At eight o'clock, he drove in the out-posts and assailed the town. At the same time, the fire of the second division was heard in the opposite direction. The British under Col. Rawle, taken by surprise, attempted to form ; but they lost their commander in the very opening of the action, were thrown into confusion, and endeavored to make their escape by the Princeton road. A detachment, however, cut off their re- treat, and the whole body threw down their arms and sur- rendered. Twenty were killed and one thousand taken prisoners. The American loss was only two killed, two frozen, and five or six wounded. The victory was complete and almost bloodless. Yet one portion of Washington's extensive and beautiful design was not carried into effect. Gen. Irvine had been ordered to cross with his force and attack the enemy at Burlington, and Gen. Cadvyallader to come up on the rear of the enemy at Trenton. The former 1776-7.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 211 could not get his artillery over, prevented by the swollen current and floating ice : while the latter was unable to effect a passage with any portion of his troops : and thus that part of the comprehensive scheme, which aimed at sweeping the enemy from the Delaware, remained unexe- cuted. Owing to this failure a body of five hundred of the British, stationed in the lower part of Trenton, finding the road open, escaped to Burlington. With his prisoners and the captured stores, Gen. Washington immediately recrossed the Delaware to his former position. The Battle of The victory at Trenton raised the spirit of the Princeton, country : the new levies came in with more ra- pidity, and the American leader, to follow up his success, recrossed the river, and took up his position at Trenton with five thousand men. Immediately, a strong column of the enemy was advanced against him, and he retired behind the Assumpinx, which runs through the town. Finding all the passes guarded, the British encamped and lit their watch fires for the night, intending to begin the assault at break of day. During the darkness, having heaped up his camp fires with fuel to deceive the enemy, Washington drew off his army, and marched silently upon Princeton, where a smaller British force was stationed. As they neared the town, Gen. Mercer was despatched with his brigade, com- posed of the remnants of the Maryland regiment under Capt. Stone,* (afterwards governor of the State), the Dela- ware regiment, and some militia, numbering in all three hundred and fifty men, to destroy the bridge over Stony- brook, by which Lord Cornwallis must march if he came to the relief of the force at Princeton. One of the regi- ments, stationed at Princeton under Mawhood, had already commenced its march to join Cornwallis : at day break this detachment and Mercer's brigade came upon each other * Washington, in several of his letters, says that SmaJlwood's regi-. ment was now reduced to a mere handful of men. 212 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1777. near the bridge. Mercer's brigade rapidly pressed on to the summit of a hill upon the road, and assumed an advantage- ous position behind a hedge near Clark's house. Mawhood attempted to dislodge him. At the first fire, Mercer's horse was disabled, and one of his colonels mortally wounded and carried to the rear. This caused a slight confusion, which was augmented by the death of Capt. Neal, who commanded the artillery, and Mercer himself, while endea- voring to rally his men, received a bayonet wound which proved mortal. Many of his troops were only armed with rifles, and, unable to withstand the bayonet, they broke after the third fire.* At this moment Washington ordered up the main body of the army, and, throwing himself into the midst of the fire of the enemy, led them on in person to the charge. He rallied Mercer's men, under a heavy can- nonade from the enemy, and the Pennsylvanians and the seventh Virginia regiment coming rapidly up, the whole body rushed forward with a loud cheer. The struggle was short and decisive. The British wers broken and routed.! The regiments in Princeton made but a moment's stand, and the Americans entered the town in triumph. One hundred of the enemy were killed on the spot, and three hundred taken prisoners : the loss of the Americans was about one hundred killed and wounded, among whom were many valuable officers. At break of day Cornwallis dis- covered that the American army was gone ; and suspecting the plan of Washington, hastily retraced his steps towards Brunswick to protect his magazines and heavy stores. His advance entered Princeton just as the rear of the American army abandoned it, on its way to assume a position at Morris town to recruit the men from the fatigues and hard- ship which they had endured. In both these battles the Maryland line sustained its reputation for courage, stea- diness and discipline. * Wilkinson's Memoirs, vol. 1, p. 142. t Jan. 3d. 1777.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 213 The good results of these victories were immediately felt ; confidence was restored, and the hopes of the people be- came brighter. They effectually recovered New Jersey from the British, against whom the Americans, constantly reinforced by militia from Maryland and the adjoining states, in spite of the severity of the season, maintained an uninterrupted partizan warfare, cutting off their foraging parties, striking their outposts, reducing them to great suf- fering for want of provisions, and yet always avoiding any decisive action. The British soon found themselves under the necessity of contracting their cantonments ; and, yield- ing to the masterly skill of their great opponent, abandoned most of their conquests. Thus closed the campaign of 1776, a dark and bloody one, yet full of glory, to the Mary- land line, which, a powerful regiment at the opening in the month of Auorust, was now reduced down to a mere hand- ful of men under the command of a captain. Indeed the old or first line may be said to have been annihilated in the battles, which it fought, from Brooklyn to Princeton. CHAPTER X. THE NEW CONSTITUTION AND STATE GOVERNMENT. 1776-7. XN the meanwhile, in compliance with the requisitions of the late convention, elections were held throughout the State on the first day of August, 1776, for delegates to a new convention to form a constitution and state govern- ment. The number of delegates, their qualification, and the qualifications of the voters, the judges of the election, and the mode of proceeding, were fixed by the resolutions which directed the holding of the elections. On the 14th of August, this new body assembled and organized by unanimously electing Matthew Tilghman president. After having devoted several days to the transaction of general business, which had accumulated since the adjournment of the late convention, and having completed their own organ- ization, the convention selected by ballot, the president, Messrs. Carroll, Paca, Carroll of Carrollton, Plater, Chase and Goldsborough, to prepare and report a declaration of rights and form of government. While this committee, composed of the ablest and most distinguished patriots of Maryland, were busily laboring at their arduous duty, the convention was directing the whole energies of the State to a vigorous prosecution of the war ; and, at the same time, conducting the general legislative and executive branches of the government. On the Gth of September, they divided Frederick county, and erected, out of parts of it, two new counties, Washington and Montgo- mery,-— thus named in compliment to the great commander in chief, and the gallant Irishman, who eight months be- fore, under the walls of Quebec, had laid down his life 214 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 215 battling for American liberty. On the tenth the committee reported the bill of rights and constitution, which were laid over, and on the 17th, ordered to be printed and dis- seminated among the counties for public information and discussion : and, to enable the delegates, to ascertain the sentiments of their constituents upon this all important sub- ject before they proceeded to act upon it, the convention adjourned until the 30th of the month. When that body reassembled, however, public business pressed so heavily upon them, that the consideration of the constitution and bill of rights, was postponed from day to day while matters of more immediate importance were dis- posed of. The condition of their troops and the lamenta- ble deficiency of arms and ammunition exacted immediate attention. Ample supplies were determined on, and the committee of safety were ordered to import, at the risk of the State, four thousand stand of arms, as many good gun locks, fourteen pieces of cannon, twenty tons of powder and forty tons of lead, to be purchased with wheat, tobacco, flour and other Maryland produce to be for that purpose exported by the State. Conorress moved by the remonstrances of Gen- New organi- '^^ •' zationof the eral Washington, and satisfied of the inefficiency ''"^' of hasty drafts of militia in the field, at length resolved to raise a strong regular army, and called on the states to furnish eighty battalions of men. The quota of Maryland was set down at eight battalions numbering four thousand men, being one tenth of the whole army. The convention took the matter into consideration, and resolved, that, although the quota assigned to them, being founded on the joint amount of black and white population, was larger in proportion than that levied on the northern states, still, " desirous of exerting the most strenuous efforts to support the liberties and independence of the United States, they would use their utmost endeavors to raise the eight 216 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. battalions demanded from them." But they refused to vote bounties of land to the recruits, in accordance with the recommendation of congress, lest, not possessing a suffi- cient quantity of unsettled territory, they should be involved in great difficulty in the fulfilment of such a pledge. They, therefore, determined to substitute a bounty of ten dollars, payable to each recruit instead of land. Four commis- sioners were immediately despatched to the camp to re-or- gpnize the Maryland troops, already in service, upon the new footing, and to induce as many as possible of the re- gulars, and militia of the flying camp, to enlist for the war. The independent companies were melted into a second battalion and the two ordered to be increased to the conti- nental standard. The commissoners were furnished with the blank commissions, sent by congress, and required to follow the advice and counsel of the commander in chief, in appointing and promoting the officers of the new battalions. Having thus disposed of the necessary military arrange- ments, the convention immediately took up the bill of rights and constitution. They were fully discussed from day to day, revised and amended, and, on the third of No- vember, the bill of rights was adopted. On the eighth of the same month, the constitution of the State was finally agreed to, and elections ordered to carry it into effect. While these two instruments were under dis- claims of cussion, Virginia adopted her constitution ; and, v^'^g»"ia. in one of its articles, insisted upon certain claims which infringed upon the known rights of Maryland — asserting jurisdiction over the Potomac, the Pocomoke and the Che- sapeake, and her old claims to the unsettled territory of the west. The convention immediately paused in their discus- sion, to maintain the rights of Maryland, unanimously and in the strongest terms denounced these pretensions, and insisted, that " if the dominion of those lands should be established by the blood and treasure of the United States, 1776.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 217 such lands ounht to be considered as a common stock, to be parcelled out, at proper times, into convenient free and independent governments." Again, in November, when addressing congress, they declared that this territory, claim- ed by the British government, if conquered fr-om them "by the blood and treasure of all, ought in reason, justice and policy, be considered the common stock of all."* Thus, while building up the fabric of their own State government, the sage legislators of Maryland marked out for futurity that grand system of expansion of the repubhc, which has since made this union one of the most extensive, flourishing and powerful nations of the earth. The form of Under the new constitution, the government government. ^^^^ composcd of three distinct branches, the legislative, the executive, and the judiciary. The legisla- tive authority was vested in a Senate and House of Dele- gates, whose several powers and privileges were appropri- ately marked out. The house of delegates was composed of four members from each county and two from each of the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis, chosen immediately by the people, viva voce, at elections held by the sheriffs of the counties at their respective court houses. The senate consisted of fifteen members, nine from the western and six from the eastern shore : their term of service was extended to five years, and they were chosen by a college of electors composed of two delegates elected viva voce by the people of each county, and one from each of the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis. The executive authority of the State was placed in the hands of a governor, elected annually by joint ballot of the two houses of the legislature : he was assisted, in the execu- tion of his oflice, by a council of five members, chosen by the same bodies. His authority was simply executive. He possessed no veto upon the legislative proceedings, and no * Conventions of .Maryland. 19 Ee '4 218 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. means of interference with that branch of the government. He was, by his office, commander in chief of the mihtary forces of the State, was vested with the power of appointing, by and with the advice of the council judicial and civil as well as military officers. The constitution, besides these and other ordinary powers, conferred upon him authority in matters which now appertain to the federal government. The judicial system of the State was composed of the general court, the court of chancery, and the court of ap- peals — besides a court of admiralty, whose jurisdiction was taken away by the adoption of the constitution of the United States, at a later period. The sheriffs of the different coun- ties were elected by the people, and the clerks of the courts were appointed by the judges. The register of wills re- ceived his commission from the hands of the governor. Two treasurers, one for the eastern and one for the western shore, were selected by the legislature; and a register of the land office of either shore nominated by the governor and approved by the senate. The elective franchise was limited by a property qualifica- tion, for the men of that day, just emerging from monarchical rule, were not prepared for the full and enlarged equality of later times. Every voter was required to be above the age of twenty-one years, to possess a freehold of fifty acres of land in the county in which he resided and offered to vote, or property within the State of the value of thirty pounds current money ; and to have been a resident of the State for one year prior to the day of election. The quali- fications of members of the legislature were still farther re- stricted. Besides the usual requisites of a voter, the amount of property which the aspirant to the house of delegates must possess to enable him to take his seat, was raised to five hundred pounds instead of fifty. Senators were re- quired to be above the age of twenty-five, and to own pro- perty of a thousand pounds in value ; while it was necessary 177G.] HISTORY Or MARYLAND 219 for the candidate for governor to possess a freehold of lands and tenements, of the value of a thousand pounds, to have resided three years iri the State prior to his election, and to have reached the age of twenty-five.* Many of these provisions have long since been stricken from the constitution by the wisdom of succeeding years ; and the capacity of a citizen to exercise the right of suffrage, to perform the duties of a legislator, or to fill the responsible office of governor, is no longer estimated by the breadth of his acres or the weight of his purse. But to judge rightly of the progress of that period, it must not be measured only by the present. It was many steps in advance of the period, which had preceded it, and it is not strange, that, though it saw much accomplished, it left much to be done by the future. All great and true works are the results of uncon- scious progress. Looking back from the point to which they had ascended, the members of the convention beheld, far below them, the scattered fragments of an overthrown monarchical rule, and proprietary government ; around were the incipient beauties of the new republic ; and before them the dim future of a destiny, whose boundless glory they could not well con- ceive. They did their work unconsciously, and it became the starting point of an unlocked for greatness. It was the inspiration of a noble idea working out its accomplishment by their hands. They met the wants of their time : but new wants sprang up, and it is the struggle and success of these, that create and constitute history. In their solemn and beautiful declaration of rights, the convention of 1776 defined the platform, upon which they stood: and so true was the inspiration of the spirit of free- dom, that the reforms and the progress of subsequent times, have been but little more than the evolution of the princi- ples, which were then announced. They declared the * Original Constitution of Maryland, 1776. m 223 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1776. popular origin of government, while they insisted upon the submission of the people to the supreme authority consti- tuted by themselves: and they defined those rights of the citi- zen, which no power could absorb. They struck away the stain of church supremacy, and left the conscience of man as free and untrammelled as it was, when Leonard Cal- vert and his followers landed at St. Mary's. " It is the duty of every man to worship God, in such manner as he thinks most acceptable to him," was their noble proclamation to the world ; and if they confined the obligation and the pri- vilege within the limits of Christianity, it was because men could not yet understand a larger liberty. To introduce the new government, the consti- rphe first re- tution provided that an election should be held pubiicaa go- on the 25th of November, 1776, for senatorial gisiamre of electors, who were ordered to assemble at Anna- ^^^''J'^"'^- polis on the ninth of December, to select nine persons, of due qualifications, from the western and six from the eastern shore, to compose the first senate of Maryland. On the 18th of December, an election was to be held in the several counties, for members of the house of delegates, and at the same time and place for sheriffs for the respective counties. The tenth day of February, was fixed for the beginning of the session of the General Assembly, and the second Monday of November, 1777, and annually thereafter, for the election of governor, by both houses on joint ballot. The legislature however, was authorized, in the meanwhile to elect a proper person to act as governor, until the regu- lar period appointed by the constitution for his selection should arrive. Having thus provided for the vigorous springing up of the germ which they were planting, and hav- ing appointed delegates to congress, with instructions to maintain unimpaired the independent sovereignty of Mary- land while they consented to a confederation with the sister states, the convention deposited the supreme power in the 177C-7.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 221 hands of the committee of safety, until the new government should arise phojnix like from the ashes of the old; and adjourned on the eleventh day of November, 1776. First Slate The elections took place at the specified times Legislature. ^yifi^Qut interruption : and on the fifth of Febru- ary, five days earlier than the period fixed by the conven- tion, the committee of safety, by virtue of the extraordinary powers vested in them, caused both houses of the legislature to assemble at Annapolis. The nature of their acts explain the pressing necessity, which had induced the committee of safety to call them together. During the panic created by the disastrous retreat through the Jerseys, congress, on the 12th of December, had removed from Philadelphia to Baltimore. On the 27th they conferred on Gen. Washing- ton extraordinary powers — for the raising of troops and the conduct of the war. Great efforts were, in consequence made to strengthen his army, which was soon further weakened by the battles of Trenton and Princeton. The effects of these battles, was such, however, as to relieve Philadelphia from immediate fear of the enemy, and, in February, congress again returned to that city. In each succeeding action, the Maryland troops had been further reduced, until Smallwood's battalion and the seven inde- pendent companies, which had entered the campaign four- teen hundred strong, had been worn down to a mere cap- tain's command ; and in the face of this great loss, and the largeness of the drafts made upon Maryland, it required unusual exertions to fill up the quota of eight battalions. The legislature, therefore, immediately turned their atten- tion to the recruiting service, which they endeavored to expedite. They also made every effort, to raise military supplies for the destitute soldiers in camp, and to provide means for transportation of the material of war through the State. The provisions of several of these laws very gra- phically represent the condition of the country at that 19* 222 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [ITTT. period, and the slender resources on which the army was compelled to rely. By the act of 1777, chapter 3d,* the governor was required to appoint, in every hundred or dis- trict, a blanket collector, whose duty it was to visit every dwelling house and compel the inhabitants to furnish, under oath, a statement of the whole number of blankets, which they possessed, and of the portion not in actual use ; one half of which surplus he was ordered to seize for the use of the army, paying their owners the appraised value in State issues. To favor enlistments in the national or state services, every recruit was exempted from arrest for debts under twenty pounds currency, and his property entirely freed from attachment or execution. To provide comfort- able quarters for the new recruits while preparing for the field, barracks were ordered to be erected at Frederick and the head of Elk, for the accommodation of two battalions each, and at Annapolis for one. At the same time that they thus provided for defence against the foreign enemies of the State, the legislature wisely turned their eyes upon those equally dangerous domestic foes, who by their restless in- trio-uino- and firm adherence to the British crown, weakened and distracted the energies of the patriots. A law was passed to prevent the growth of toryism, and to punish persons guilty of treason to their country ; and, as at such periods, promptness of action is more necessary even than severity, the governor was empowered to commission special courts for the speedy trial of culprits charged with these offences. On the 11th of February, the Assembly directed a proclamation to be issued against the disaffected in Worcester county, who, only repressed for a time by the active measures of the committee of safety for the Eastern shore, had again broken out in open insurrection. They offered pardon to all who would submit and disperse within thirty days excepting, however, fourteen of the leaders * Hanson's Laws. 1777.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 223 As the disturbed condition of the county appeared to re- quire active measures, to overawe the malcontents, Small- wood and Gist, then in the State superintending the forma- tion of the new line, were ordered to march thither with a Virginia regiment of regulars, the Annapolis independent company, the company of Matrosses and Captain Godman's Baltimore artillery. The promptness of these measures secured submission. The disaffected were disarmed — the most influential sent in custody to other and more loyal counties, and their estates placed in the hands of commis- sioners for safe keeping.* First State ^'^ accordance with the provisions of the consti- Governor. ^^tiQJJ^ the two houses proceeded, on the 13th of February to select a suitable person for governor of the State. Their choice fell upon Thomas Johnson. t On Friday, the 21st of March, 1777, he was publicly proclaimed first repub- lican governor of Maryland, at the state house, in the pre- sence of a great concourse of people, the several branches of government, the civic authorities of the city of Annapolis, the military, and many strangers. The announcement was hailed by three volleys from the soldiery drawn up in front of the state house ; and a salute of thirteen rounds was fired from the batteries in honor of the new confederacy. A sumptuous entertainment was then partaken, and the festivities of the day were closed with a splendid ball : a re- newal of that ancient and festive amusement, for which Annapolis, the Athens of the colonies, had been so widely celebrated in the days of the Proprietaries, but which had been solemnly discontinued in the dark hours of the opening struggle. t Thus the new government was fully organized and in active operation : the general and county committees * Journals House Delegates, 1777; Journals of Congress. f The vote for governor was as follows : for Thomas Johnson, jr. 40; Samuel Chase, 9; Matthew Tilghman, 1; George Plater, 1; Wm Paca, 1. t Annals of Annapolis. 224 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1777. of safety surrendered up their powers and ceased to exist ; and the law of the constitution spread its asgis over the State. The Assembly having fully organized the new seven re- giments, required from the State, and settled the rank of the officers,* adjourned on the 20th of April ; on the 15th of June, however, they were again assembled, for a few days, to authorize the governor to detach a portion of the State's artillery companies to Philadelphia to join the con- tinental army, which was then very deficient in that arm. In the following October, they took measures to raise an additional quota of two thousand men to serve for three years in the Maryland line, assigning to each county a due proportion to be furnished by it, and made further prepara- tions to supply their men in camp with blankets and neces- sary clothes. With all their exertions, however, the gov- ernor and the legislature found it difficult to place their quota upon such a footing as they desired. Besides the regular complement of eight battalions required by con- gress to complete the army, the State furnished men to many other corps. At the solicitation of Gen. Washington, sixteen additional battalions were raised by congress, ex- clusive of the State lines. Colonel Nathaniel Gist's, and Hazen's regiments — the latter originally intended to be formed of Canadians — and Spencer's, Baylor's, and Lee's corps, were partly raised in Maryland ; and the legislature always extended to their officers and men in them the same gratuities and the same comforts, which they provided foi their own line, although those from the other states in these corps were too frequently neglected. Whilst they were thus busy in raising the material of war at home, their troops, under the new organization, were gallantly doing their duty to their country in the field. * See Appendix C. Only seven new battalions were organized : pro bably the Germans and rifles were considered equivalent to the eighth. CHAPTER XI. THE CAMPAIGN OF 1777. After the battle of Trenton and Princeton, Washington maintained his position in New Jersey, and a constant series of skirmishes was kept up by his reduced army, of which scarcely more than a thousand were continentals. So severe had been the preceding campaign, that more than two-thirds of the regulars engaged had perished or been rendered unfit for service ; and when, by the arrival of the new recruits and quotas from the several states, the army was increased to eight thousand men, at least half of its number were totally ignorant of discipline and had never looked an enemy in the face. Thus weak and unprepared, Washington feared for the safety of Philadelphia, and with all the militia he could assemble, took post at a strong camp near Middlebrook. Howe, cautious in all his movements, even to timidity, feared to attack him, and resolved to ap- proach Philadelphia by another route. After a series of unavailinor movements, he embarked his whole force for the Delaware, but, changing his design at the mouth of the bay, suddenly made his appearance in the Chesapeake, on the 21st of Auofust, with two or three hundred sail of men of war and transports.* Enemvinthe Gov. Johuson immediately issued his procla- chesapeake. jj^j^tion. Calling on the militia of the Slate to arm and hold themselves in readiness ; and directing that at least two companies out of every battalion should at once take up their march to the head of the bay. " To defend our liberties requires our exertions," exclaims this patriotic ap- * Sparks, vol. 5, p. 46; Annals. 225 Ff 226 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [^"77. pea], '' our wives, our children, and our country implore our assistance — motives amply sufficient to arm every one who can be called a man." Although the people every where answered the appeal by a resort to arms, influenced by those motives, which have always detained the militia in the vicinity of their homes when an invasion threatened them, few could be prevailed on to march to the head of Elk and leave their families unprotected against any sudden inroad of the enemy or his tory adherents. While, there- fore, the fleet hovered about the bay, the men of the neigh- boring shores, although armed and ready for defence, refused to be drawn from their homesteads, and the only reliance of the governor for disposable militia, was neces- sarily on the counties of the interior. The hostile fleet, however, havinor anchored for a while off the mouth of the Patapsco, proceeded to the head of Elk, where Howe in- tended to land his army and strike towards Philadelphia. While this invasion threatened the State, the Attack on Maryland line was engaged in the attack upon siaten island. Staten Island. Upon its increase to seven battalions, it had been divided into two brigades : the one composed of four battalions, was placed under the command of Small- wood who was promoted to the rank of brigadier general : and the other, formed of the three remaining battalions and Hazen's regiment, was assigned to Gen. Deborre, a French officer in the service of the confederacy.* Col. Richardson's battalion in pursuance of an order of congress, had been marched to Sussex county, Delaware, to overawe the tories of that State and the Eastern Shore. The British force stationed on the island ravaged the main land almost with impunity ; and Gen. Sullivan, who commanded the Mary- land division then lying at Hanover, conceived the design of attacking and carrying oflT a part of their force, consisting of a thousand tories stationed on the shore at some distance * Sparks. 1777.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 227 from the main body. For this purpose, he divided his troops into two columns : the first brigade under General Smallwood was to cross at Halsey's Point and attack Col. Buskirk's regiment, which lay near Decker's Ferry. The second, under General Dcborre, with a few Jersey militia, under Col. Frelinghuysen, was again subdivided when it reached the place of embarkation, twenty miles from its encampment. Here the troops found but six boats : three were allotted to Col. Oo^den, who commanded one detach- ment of Deborre's column, destined to attack Col. Lawrence at the old Blazing Star ferry, and Cols. Dungan and Allen, who were stationed about two miles from each other towards Amboy. The remaining boats were assigned to General Deborre, who accompanied by Sullivan in person, was to attack Col. Barton, near the new Blazing Star ferry, and then to form a junction with Ogden. , All the troops were transported into the island before daybreak. Misled by his guides. Gen. Smallwood commenced his attack at a diJETerent point from that intended, and Buskirk's regiment effected its escape : but Ogden and Deborre suc- ceeded to a very considerable extent. Lawrence and Bar- ton were completely surprised, and both of them, with several of their officers and men, were taken. The alarm being now given, it became necessary to draw off the troops as speedily as possible ; but from the scarcity of boats a portion of the rear guard fell into the hands of the British, after making a gallant defence against their main body, under Gen. Campbell. In killed, wounded and prisoners, the Americans lost 164 officers and men ; but brought off from the island 141 prisoners, of whom eleven were officers. In addition, the enemy suffered severely in killed and wounded in the several actions.* On his return from this expedition, General Sullivan received orders to join the commander in chief, and the Maryland line once more * Marshall; Sparks. 228 HISTORY OF MARYLAND [1777. approached their native State. But many of them were destined never to enter its border. Finding their homes freed from the vicinity of the enemy, the militia of Mary- land, now began to assemble and march to the head of the bay; and Gen. Smallwood was ordered to leave his brigade and lead the men of the Western shore — while Col. Gist was detached from the line to lead those of the Eastern shore. Until the arrival of these officers, who were march- ing with the division from New Jersey, the militia w-ere placed under Gen. Cadwallader of Pennsylvania. Colonel Richardson's regiment of continentals was directed to pro- ceed from their station on the Eastern shore to the same place of rendezvous. Every exertion was made by the State, to aid and increase the army of Washington, who was now marching towards the Brandywine, resolved to risk a^battle in defence of Philadelphia. On the 25th of August, the British army landed Battle of the at the head of Elk, and, having destroyed the few «'-^d>'«^ine- public stores, which had not yet been removed, began their march upon Philadelphia. After several brisk skirnijshes, the Americans took post behind the Brandywine ; and on the 10th of September, the British advanced to force their position. The main body marched towards Chadd's ferry, and, after a short contest drove in Gen. Maxwell's briorade which had been thrown across the river to gall their advance parties. About eleven o'clock, Washington was informed that a strong body of the enemy, under Cornwallis having made a detour, was striking for Tremble's and Jef- frey's fords ; and he formed the bold design of crossing the river and attacking the column in his front. But having received conflicting information from Sullivan, he aban- doned the attempt. About two o'clock, it was discovered that the movement was real, and Sullivan, with the Mary- land line and Stirling's and Stephens' division, was ordered to change his position and meet Cornwallis. This was 1777.J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 229 immediately effected after a rapid march ; but before he could form, his right wing, composed of the Maryland divi- sion, was attacked by the enemy; and Deborre's brigade broke after a slight defence. The centre followed. The right wing attempted to rally, but was again thrown into confu- sion by a brisk charge of the enemy ; and the whole line gave way. Washington, with Greene's division hurried to the scene of action ; he only arrived in time to cover the retreat of the army. At the same moment, General Knyp- hausen crossed at Chadd's ford, and drove back the forces stationed there to oppose him. The loss of the Americans was 300 killed, 600 wounded and 3 or 400 taken prisoners : that of the enemy was about five hundred killed and wounded. The defeat of Washing- ton's army in this battle has been justly attributed to the confusion, created by contradictory intelligence, and the careless manner in which Sullivan brought his men into action. It is certain that the Maryland line, although it behaved gallantly, scarcely sustained its ancient reputation while under him, nor equalled its subsequent glory when led by its own chiefs in the south. Deborre, who commanded one of its brigades was a foreigner, unpopular with his men and entirely without their confidence. His brigade was the first to break : his behaviour was made the subject of in- quiry by congress, whereupon he resigned his commission. It must be considered, however, that the division went into action without several of its principal and most popular officers. Gen. Smallwood and Col. Gist, who possessed the entire confidence of the men were absent at the head of the militia, leaving their corps without their usual leaders, a material circumstance with inexperienced troops. In ad- dition to this a misunderstanding occurred upon the field between Sullivan and Deborre, which necessarily increased the confusion. The night before the battle the men had lain on their arms, and slept but little ^they were under arms 20 230 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1777. and in line the whole day without food, and were hurried into action only half formed, after a rapid march and sudden change of position. The expedition of Sullivan against Staten Island had already excited dissatisfaction, and an inquiry in his conduct was ordered by congress. He was however, honorably acquitted. The American army retired towards Philadelphia, and encamped at Germantown to repose from its fatigues : but congress having resolved that another battle should be risked in defence of that city, Gen. Washington recrossed the Schuylkill and advanced along the Lancaster road. Gen. Smallwood, still in the rear of the enemy, was ordered to collect all the forces he could, to harass their march, and to cut off their foraging parties. The advance of the two armies came in sight, at Goshen, and a sharp skirmish immediately ensued : but a violent rain coming up, the American ammunition, which was badly secured, was ren- dered unfit for use, and the troops, being mostly without bayonets, were compelled to retire. The retreat was con- tinued across the Schuylkill, where a new supply of powder could be obtained, in time to risk another battle. This sudden movement placed Smallwood's troops in great jeo- pardy, unsupported in the rear of the British army. His force consisted of 1150 Western Shore militia, and 700 Eastern Shore, under Gist, besides Richardson's regiment of the Maryland line. He was ordered to join the army at French creek — but before he could execute the movement, Gen. Wayne was detached to form a junction with him, and, thus strengthened, to harass the enemy's rear. On the night of the 20th September, General Defeat of Wayne bivouacked near Paoli, three miles from ^^yne. the enemy's camp. Learning his position from his spies, Howe despatched Gen. Grey to surprise him. The picket guards were driven in with the bayonet ; but the division instantly formed and several regiments by sustaining the 1777.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 231 attack with great firmness, gave time to the remainder to retreat. At the commencement of the action, Smallwood was about a mile distant from Wayne, not yet having joined him. His force, principally composed of raw militia, could not be relied on in a night attack : and, upon being assailed oy a part of the enemy, were routed with the loss of only one man. The continentals formed ao^ain at a small dis- tance from the first ground, but the enemy drew off without renewing the action. The American loss was about three hundred men ; that of the British only seven. Gen. Howe now moved on to take possession of Phila- delphia, which he did without further opposition ; as Wash- ington, weakened by the absence of Wayne and Smallwood, and not yet joined by the northern regiments, deemed it hazardous to risk another battle in its defence. He how- ever resolved to cut off the supplies of the enemy from their shipping, and to seize the earliest opportunity to strike them in detail. New obstructions were, therefore, thrown into the Delaware, to prevent the ascent of the fleet; and the garrison of Fort Mifflin strengthened by a detachment of several hundred continentals, under Lieut. Col. Samuel Smith of the Maryland line. BatueofGer- ^^ ^^^ distribution of the enemy's forces, a mantown. g^j-Qng body was cantoned at Germantown; Washington considered this a favorable occasion for a suc- cessful blow, and resolved to take them by surprise. The main body of the British was encamped in the fields west of the town and stretching towards the Schuylkill, on the banks of which was stationed a body of Hessians and chasseurs, forming their left wing. Their right, under Grant was posted on the east of the town, flanked by the Queen's rangers. On the night of the 3d of October, the American army advanced to attack them. The right wing under Sullivan, composed of his own division, consisting of the seven Maryland battalions and Hazen's regiment, 232 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1777. and Wayne's division, sustained by Stirling's corps, and flanked by Conway's brigade, marched down the Skippack road leading over Chesnut Hill into Germantown, to attack the main body of the enemy. Gen. Armstrong, with a thousand Pennsylvania militia, was thrown along the Schuyl- kill to assail the Hessians and chasseurs. The left wingr of the Americans, under Green, composed of his own and Stephens' divisions, marched by the York road to attack Grant's force in front, while General Smallwood and Col. Gist — who by a singularly perverse policy were still kept from their proper commands in the line — at the head of one thousand Maryland militia, with Forman's Jersey militia, made a large circuit to the left, to strike the rear of his posi- tion. The whole army commenced its march from the camp at Matuchen hills, at nine in the evening; and the attack was to commence, at all points, at break of day. After marchinof all niorht the ri^ht winsf reached Chesnut Hill at the appointed time ; and a regiment from the second Maryland brigade, with one of Conway's, was detached to drive in the pickets at Allen's house. The picket was briskly assailed, but was soon reinforced by all the enemy's light infantry. The attacking regiments, however, main- tained their ground firmly until the whole Maryland division was brought to their assistance. They advanced in gallant style and with such resolution, that the light infantry were driven from the field after a close and sharp action of fifteen or twenty minutes, and their encampment fell into the hands of the victorious line, which during these movements had left the road and crossed into the field on the western side of the town. The light infantry, however, continued their resistance at every fence, wall and ditch ; and the assailing troops were much retarded in their pursuit by the necessity of removing every obstruction as they passed. In the pur- suit, a company of the 4th regiment, under Captain Daniel Dorsey, was thrown across the road and engaged with a 1777.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 233 body of the enemy, who had sheltered themselves behind the houses. As the Maryland division was pressing on, being already in advance of the rest of the army, Colonel Hall attempted to disengage and bring up Dorsey's com- pany, but was disabled by an accident, and the command of his regiment devolved upon Major John Eager Howard who hurried on his men through the encampment of the light infantry, and captured two six pounders before they reached Chew's house. Here they were fired upon by the British, who had thrown themselves into this strong build- ing, and Col. Hazen, then in command on the left of the Maryland line, halted in the rear of that position. In the meanwhile, the remaining regiments of the Hne, under Sullivan in person, pursuing the flying light infantry, came upon the main body of the enemy drawn up to receive them. A severe conflict ensued. Sullivan impatient of delay, at once ordered his Marylanders to advance upon them with shouldered arms ; they obeyed without hesitation, and the enemy after a sharp resistance again retired. Wayne had moved along the east of the town, and was now ordered to assail the right of the broken troops, which he did with great spirit. Maxwell's brigade had been halted at Chew's house and was assailing it gallantly but with great loss. Greene's division, at length made its ap- pearance on the extreme left, while Stephens' fell in with and joined Wayne's. The firing at Chew's house, which had become very heavy, now drew back Wayne's division, and distracted the several corps with the fear that the enemy was in force in that quarter. The morning was dark and hazy: and it was impossible to discover the exact position either of the British or of their own columns. The Vir- ginia line, under Stephens, after having fought with great gallantry, was thrown into disorder, when the enemy were in full retreat, by the approach of a party demanding quar- ter: and it was found impossible to rally them. 50* Gq 234 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1777. The Maryland line, — assisted by a regiment of North Carolinians and part of Conway's brigade, were now left open on their flank, by the movement of Wayne; and, hav- ing continued the pursuit a mile beyond Chew's house and expended all their ammunition, found themselves unsup- ported by any other troops ; while the enemy was again ral- lying on the left to oppose them. At this critical moment, when their apprehensions were excited by the heavy firing at Chew's house, a light horseman on the right gave the alarm, that the British were in their rear ; and the line per- ceiving the troops on their right flying from the field, began to retreat in spite of the exertions of their officers. They had already been engaged for three hours in severe fighting, and this, added to the long march of the preceding night, rendered them physically unable to continue the action. They, however, brought off" all their cannon and their wounded. Their loss was several hundred, principally wounded ; Col. Stone of the 1st and Major Forrest of the 3d regiment, besides many other officers, were among the number. Smallwood's division of Maryland and Foreman's Jersey militia, were unable to form a junction with Greene's division, being detained by a breast work which the enemy had thrown up at Lucan's Mills. It being impossible to restore order, the troops were withdrawn, having sustained a loss of eight hundred killed and wounded and four hundred prisoners. The enemy, according to their own accounts, did not lose more than five hundred men. The steady valor of the Maryland troops, on this occasion, won for them the highest enco- miums from their commander. Gen. Sullivan. They were the first in action and most constantly engaged ; and had already routed two bodies of the enemy, and pursued them for several miles, from the first point of conflict during the space of an hour and a half, before Greene's division came up, and were still actively engaged when the rest of the 1777.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 235 army was retiring. To the want of exact co-operation, occasioned by the darkness of the morning, and the delay of some of the columns by unforseen circumstances, must be attributed the difficulties of the day, which created a panic and snatched from their hands a victory already won.* Fort Mifflin. Wasliiufrton a^ain resumed his position on the Skippack: while the enemy turned their attention to open- ing their communications with their fleet by the Delaware. For this purpose, it was necessary to secure the reduction of fort Mifflin. In order to compel an evacuation of the work, the enemy erected a battery at the mouth of the Schuylkill. It was immediately silenced by Commodore Hazlewood with his fleet of galleys, in which lieutenant, afterwards Commodore Barney, of Maryland, served with distinction. On the following night, the enemy crossed to Province island, and erected another, which efl"ectually commanded the block-house at fort Mifflin. The fire of the fleet soon compelled its garrison to strike their flag, but while the boats were conveying the prisoners to the ships, a heavy column of the enemy again took possession of the redoubt in spite of the fire from fort Mifflin. Col. Smith now attempted to take it by storm, but was twice repulsed : and his numbers being reduced to one hundred and fifty effective men, by the heavy fire of the redoubt and the severe duty of his post, he was compelled to ask for reinforcements. A Virginia and a Rhode Island regiment were sent to his assistance under the Baron D'Arendt, who was directed to take command of the whole force. Upon being thus superseded, Col. Smith demanded permission to rejoin his regiment, but being satisfied by the explanation of the commander in chief and his just commendations of his gallant conduct, he consented to remain. D'Arendt was soon compelled by ill health to retire from the island, and he again resumed the command. On the 22dj Count * Marshall ; Sparks, vol. 5, pp. 80, 468. 236 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1777. Donop attacked Red Bank, with twelve hundred men, but was repulsed with the loss of five hundred killed and wounded. At the same time, the British fleet and batteries opened upon fort Mifflin : their fire was gallantly returned, and two of their frigates were destroyed. To reward the brave defence of the Delaware, congress voted swords to Colonels Green and Smith, and Commodore Hazlewood. But the communication with Philadelphia was too im- portant to the British to be abandoned, and General Howe caused floating batteries to be constructed, to attack the post from the north, while the fleet and the batteries on the shore kept up a heavy fire on the other sides. On the 10th of November, a new and heavy battery was opened from Province Island, and the fleet approached as near as the obstructions in the river would permit. The condition of the fort became critical in the extreme ; the works were battered to the ground, and the men, no longer covered, were killed and wounded in great numbers. Col. Smith himself was disabled; yet for six days, this fort was main- tained, with the most determined courage. On the night of the 16th, being no longer tenable, it was evacuated. The garrison of fort Mercer was soon after withdrawn, on the approach of Cornwallis; a part of the flotilla was burned, the remainder escaped above Philadelphia : and the British obtained complete command of the Delaware. Early in December, Howe marched his forces out of the city, as if to attack the American army, and a slight skir- mish ensued between his advance and the Pennsylvania militia who were soon dispersed. On the seventh, he ap- proached near the main army ; and Washington, believing a general action at hand, threw Gist, with his Maryland militia and Colonel Morgan's rifles, forward to attack their front and flank. The assault was made with great spirit, and, after a severe skirmish, the enemy's advance parties driven back ; but being strongly reinforced, they in their 1777-8.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 237 turn compelled Gist and Morgan to retire. Washington, unwilling to descend from his strong position and fight the battle in the plain below, withheld his reinforcements and prepared for a desperate defence of his camp. On the next day, finding it impossible to take him at disadvantage, the enemy retired to their quarters in the city. Their loss, in the action with the Maryland militia and the rifles, was upwards of one hundred killed and wounded : that of the militia sixteen or seventeen wounded, and of the rifles, twenty-seven killed and wounded.* In a few days after, the main body of the American army went into winter quarters at Valley Forge. The Maryland line, however, under Smallwood, now reduced to 1400 men, was stationed at Wilmington, to protect the State of Dela- ware from the incursions of the enemy. Whilst on that service, a detachment succeeded in capturing a British brig, in the Delaware, laden with stores and provisions which made their winter quarters comfortable when compared to those of Valley Forge. Amongst other property on board, were several valuable medical manuscripts, belonging to Dr. Boyes, a British surgeon of the 15th regiment ; these papers, Washington, with a characteristic nobleness of heart, directed to be returned to Dr. Boyes, saying that he wished to prove to the enemy, that Americans did not war against the sciences.! Howe, having resigned, was succeeded by Gen. Clinton, who received orders in the spring to evacuate Philadelphia. France had resolved to aid the struggling Americans against the power of her ancient foe and rival, England. Some of her chivalrous sons, with the great and good Lafayette, were already battling under the folds of the stars and stripes in behalf of liberty ; but now the sympathies of the nation were aroused, and all France threw herself into the conflict. An alliance oflfensive and defensive, was concluded with * Sparks, vol. 5, p. 182. t Ibid. 196-223. 238 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1778. the envoys of the United States ; and a powerful fleet and army were at once despatched to the American coast, Phil- adelphia was easily accessible to a French fleet: and the British government, therefore, directed its evacuation. This was the first fruit of the new alliance. ) CHAPTER XII. , '78AND'79. \JN the 17th of March, 1778, the legislature again assem- bled at Annapolis. In compliance with the earnest request of the commander in chief, congress had called on the several states for an increase of their forces: the quota demanded from Maryland was two thousand nine hundred and two men. To insure their speedy enlistment, the legislature assigned to each county its due proportion of the whole number, deducting the two companies of artil- lery already furnished to the army and the recruits on hand.* To render this arrangement effective, it was pro- vided that if the counties could not fill their quotas by voluntary enlistments before the 20th day of May, the mili- tia should be subdivided into classes, and, if each class did not furnish one man within five days, a draft of one of their own number should be made. The recruits as fast as raised, were ordered to be forwarded to the head quarters of the Maryland line, unless otherwise directed by the commander in chief. While this extraordinary draft was thus being filled. Count Pulaski, a gallant Pole, was busily engaged forming his legion, under the authority of congress partly in this State, and partly in Delaware. He succeeded in raising a * The proportions of the several counties were as follows: St. Mary's, 140; Kent, 128; Anne Arundel, 185; Calvert, 74; Charles, 145; So- merset, 130; Dorchester, 158; Baltimore, 281; Prince George's, 163; Cecil, 145 ; Talbot, 105 ; Queen Anne, 145 ; Worcester, 138 ; Frede- rick, 309; Harford, 103; CaroUne, 108; Washington, 120; Montgo- mery, 156. 230 240 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [177S. corps, which afterwards did good service to the country, and led it on until he perished at its head, victoriously entering a battery which he had stormed at Savannah. It seems surprising, at this day, how the scanty population of Maryland, distracted as it was by internal divisions, could have supplied so many demands upon it; and at the same time quelled all domestic resistance. In Somerset county, a great degree of disaffection still continued, in spite of the repeated failure of every attempt at insurrection. The le- gislature now adopted further and more rigorous measures to suppress these outbreaks. The governor was authorized to order out the militia of any county, if the occasion re- quired their assistance ; to march a portion of the compa- ny of matrosses into the infected districts ; to fit out as many of the armed boats or galleys of the State, as he should deem necessary, to guard the coast, and to raise a permanent independent company of one hundred men to be stationed on the Eastern Shore during the war.* They also conferred upon the executive almost dictatorial au- thority, in case of invasion of the State or of a neighboring State by the enemy, for raising and arming men, and sup- plying provision, clothes, forage and means of transpor- tation. These extensive powers were placed, without hesitation, in the hands of Thomas Johnson, who had been re-elected governor by the legislature in the preceding fall, and whose sterling patriotism and public virtue merited the confidence which was reposed in him. It was not abused. Indeed the exigences of the revolution, frequent- ly called forth exhibitions of integrity and self devotedness worthy of the old Roman patriots and sages. In addition to these State affairs, the governor was fully occupied in endeavoring to supply the exhausted maga- zines, formed for the support of the continental army. The severe winter spent by the army at Valley Forge, had * Hanson's Laws. 1778.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 241 almost drained the State : for the northern and southern states had been very slow in sending in their quotas of provisions, and it was feared that its available resources were nearly exhausted. It, therefore, required the greatest energy on the part of the executive to aid the quarter- master's department. The governor and his council were also occupied in carrying into effect the measures of the legislature to supply the quota of the State to the contin- ental army. The stringency of the act and its speedy and exact enforcement, produced the most beneficial effects. By the middle of June, before the other states had well moved in the matter, except New Jersey, the Maryland line was raised to its full complement.* New elections having taken place, the second General Assembly of Maryland was convened at Annapolis, by Governor Johnson, on the 19th of October, 1778. The session was important : and was rendered even more inter- esting by a warm controversy between the two houses, which was excited by an attempt of the house of delegates to increase the pay of its members, from twenty-five to forty shillings per day.f The house contended that the insuffi- ciency of the per diem, as it did not cover the actual expense of a member while in Annapolis, would prevent many ho- norable and efficient men of small means from servinor in that body, thus tending to form an aristocracy of wealth in the legislature. Tlie senate steadily refused to accede to their proposition, alleging that as the constitution had restricted the right of membership to men of certain pro- perty it was clearly intended to place the power of legisla- tion in the hands of persons of independent position, and * Washington's letter ; Sparks, vol. 5, p. 399. t 25 shillings = $3.33^—40 shillings == f5.33^. Seven shillings and six pence, old Maryland currency were equal to one dollar. The State adhered to this manner of reckoning — by pounds, shillings and pence — until the close of the war of 1812; when the mode of computa- tion by dollars and cents was universally adopted. 21 Hh 24"2 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1778. that in the present burthened condition of the country, it was unjust to increase the expenditure of the government. At the same time, they offered to provide for the expenses of any indigent members of the lower house by special pay. The house replied with warmth and dignity : but the senate, waiving further discussion, the matter remained unadjusted. Thus recommenced the struggle between the popular ten- dencies of the constitution and the remnants of the old aristocratic ideas : a struggle which has worked out many important changes in that instrument, and enlarged the rights and liberties of the people. But while thus sharply contending together upon this minor point, both houses united harmoniously in all matters of public importance. Under the constitution, the number of judges court of Ap- of the court of appeals was left undetermined : p^^is formed, and as yet no such tribunal had been erected. As there was a pressing necessity for its establishment, the house proposed to the senate to fix the number of the court at five ; and on the 12th of December, 1778, recommended to the governor and council, Benjamin Eumsey, Benjamin Mackall the 4th, Thomas Jones, Solomon Wright, and James Murray, Esqs., to be appointed judges. Both reso- lutions were agreed to by the senate ; and carried into effect by the executive : and, by this act was completed the or- ganization of the government under the new constitution.* After providing for the support of the officers and soldiers, who should be maimed or wounded in the service, and securing a gratuity of one hundred and fifty pounds to the officers of the Maryland line and the artillery, to relieve them from the distresses incident upon the great deprecia- tion of the paper currency, in which they were paid, the legislature took up a question, which had heretofore occu- pied the attention of the convention.! Virginia still adhered to her claim to the west- Public lands. * Votes and Proceedings. t Ibid. 1778.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 243 ern lands, and had succeeded in securing, in the articles of confederation, a clause " that no State should be deprived of her territory, for the benefit of the United States;" and Maryland refused to give in. her adherence to those articles, while that clause existed. The preceding legislature had solemnly protested against this unjust appropriation of the public lands, won by. the blood and treasure of all, and directed their delegates in congress, to lay their protest before that body, and to offer an amendment authorizing congress to fix the western limits of those states claiming to the Mississippi or the South Sea. The amendment was rejected, and the protest remained unanswered. The State, however, did not submit. A declaration, was adopted by the General Assembly, setting forth their claims to a por- tion of the proceeds of these unsettled lands, and urging their sister states, to open their eyes to their true interests and put at rest at once this vexatious subject. Their delegates, were instructed to renew their proposition, to cause the declaration to be printed and forwarded to the different states, as well as laid before the members of congress, and to have it, together with their instructions entered at large upon the minutes of that body.* Whilst thus protesting against any usurpation of their rights, they pledged themselves to continue the struggle against the common enemy, and to do all in their power to bring it to a successful termination. In proof of their sincerity they at once took up the consideration of the treaties of alliance, amity and commerce, made between France and the United States, and unanimously approved of them, as equal, honor- able, and wise ; and pledged themselves and the State of Maryland to be bound by their provisions and faithfully to fulfil them as orood and true allies. The cam- ^^ ^^^ spring advanced, although preparing paignofi778. f-^j, ^ j-etreat, the British still continued to hold * Pitkin ; Votes and Proceedings. 244 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1778. possession of Philadelphia, loath to retire from the capital of the States. The desire was entertained by many, that an effort should be made to drive them out of the city : but the weakness of the American army and the backward state of the preparations for the campaign, rendered the attempt impossible, or at least exceedingly hazardous. None of the states, except Maryland and New Jersey, had yet filled up their quotas of the new battalions, although constantly urged by the commander in chief, to comply with the requisitions of congress. At length, on the 18th of June, 1778, the British army evacuated Philadelphia, and crossed the Dela- ware. Washington, desirous of striking a blow upon their rear, called a council of war, which however, was opposed to his design. Being supported by Lafayette, he deter- mined to risk an action ; and, having taken up his line of march, in pursuit of the enemy, he detached four thousand men under Lafayette in advance, with orders to attack, if a favorable occasion presented itself. Major Gen. Lee, who had, in council, opposed a battle, being second in com- mand, now claimed the right of leading this strong body, and was accordingly detached with two divisions to take charge of the whole force. The enemy, had encamped at Monmouth Court House in a strong position. Washington, determined to attack them the moment they began to retire from their posts and directed Lee to carry this design into execution.* Sir Henry Clinton, annoyed by the light parties g^^^jg ^^ which hovered about his flanks under Maxwell, Monmouth. and suspecting a design upon his baggage, sent it forward on the morning of the 28th of June, towards Gen. Knyp- hausen ; whilst, with a strong body of his best troops, he descended into the plains to attack the advance of Lee's corps. The position of the American force, immediately in front of a morass, which was passable only at a few * Sparks and Marshall. 1778.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 245 points, was scarcely tenable : retreat in case of defeat would be almost impossible, while the march of reinforce- ments to their assistance would be extremely difficult. Lee, however, kept his ground, and the enemy opened a cannonade upon Lieut. Col. Samuel Smith's battalion of the Maryland line which formed a part of Gen. Scott's detachment. Mistaking the oblique movement of one of the American columns for a retreat, and fearful of being left unsupported in this dangerous position. Gen. Scott fell back, and began to pass the ravine in his rear. Lee, doubling the propriety of engaging on the ground he oc- cupied, did not correct his error, but ordered the remainder of the troops to retire and regain the heights behind Mon- mouth. Gen. Washington, at the first sound of the enemy's artillery, ordered his troops to cast aside their packs and to move on rapidly to the support of the advance. After a speedy march of five miles, he came upon the front of Lee's detachment in full retreat before the enemy, without having made an effort to maintain their position. Informed that they had fallen back by the orders of their leader, and indignant that he had not been notified of a measure taken in defiance of his orders, he rode to the rear and severely reprimanded Lee for his disobedience. The enemy were closely pressing upon the retreating troops, while the ad- vance of the detachment was in danger of throwing the main army in confusion. The crisis required promptness of action. Lieut. Col. Ramsay's Maryland* battalion and Col. Stewart's regiment were in the rear. Seeing Ramsay, * The regiments of the first brigade, which had been without a leader since the resignation of Deborre, seem to have been detailed in the several detachments on this day. The divisions engaged were so com- pletely confused and mingled together by the carelessness of the re- treat, that it is difficult to trace the several corps. The position given to the third and fourth Maryland regiments, (Lieutenant Colonel Ram- say's—and Lieut. Col. Samuel Smith's J, is ventured upon the testi- mony given in the proceedings of Lee's court martial. 21* 246 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1778. Washington called to him that he " was one of the officers he should rely upon to check the enemy that day ;" and, addressing Stewart in the same manner, he ordered Wayne fo form them, and directed Lee to reassemble his detach- ment and maintain that position against the enemy, until he should bring up the main body. Their artillery now opened upon Ramsay and Stewart, who were soon after sharply engaged with the infantry. The action was maintained gallantly, until overpowered by numbers, they were compelled to fall back : Ramsay himself being wounded and taken prisoner. But their obstinate defence had mven time to the commander in chief to draw up the left wing and second line in their rear — on the right of which was stationed Smallwood's second Maryland brio-ade. The riofht winor of the army under Greene, had, early in the day, been thrown forward by a road to the right of that pursued by the main army, and was already in ad- vance of the scene of conflict. As soon as he was informed of the retreat of Lee and the present disposition of the forces, Greene changed his route, and coming up, took an advantageous position on the right of the main body. Thus firmly resisted in front, the enemy endeavored to turn the left of the Americans; but they were met and repulsed by parties of its infantry detached to meet them. They then assailed the right, but without success : and Gen. W^ayne, with the regiments he had formed on the centre, was ordered to charge upon them in turn. He executed the command in gallant style, and after a sharp action the enemy were driven back. As soon as the scale of victory began to turn, Washington ordered up Paterson's division and Smallwood's brigade* * Captain Jacob of the 6th regiment, and therefore in the 2d brigade, under Smallwood, in his Life of Cresap, speaking of the actions of the Maryland line, says, " We had the pleasure of driving the enemy off the field at Monmouth." HTS.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 247 to secure the day. The British were driven back to a strong position, on the ground where they had received their first check from Stewart and Ramsay. Determined to follow up his advantage, Washington ordered the artil- lery to be brought against them, and detached several bodies of troops to attack their flanks; but, before the arrange- ments could be completed, night came on. The troops slept upon their arms in order to renew the action in the morning; but Sir Henry Clinton, taking advantage of the darkness, drew off his army silently, and made good his retreat, with most of his wounded, to the heights of Mid- dletown. The loss of the British was upwards of three hundred men slain, besides many wounded and a few pri- soners; that of the Americans was only sixty-nine killed. Fifty-nine British,* and several American soldiers perished without a wound, from the extreme heat of the day. Sir Henry Clinton's loss on the field was increased in his march through New Jersey, by upwards of a hundred taken prisoners and more than six hundred deserters. After re- maining a few days on the heights of Middletown, he con- tinued his retreat towards New York, which he reached on the 5th of July. The American army now turned its Hne of march once more upon the Hudson, where it remained watching the movements of Sir Henry Clinton, until the close of the campaign. Maryland line I" ^^^ mean whilo, Baylor's and Pulaski's m N.Jersey. (>Qj.pg^ which worc partly raised in Maryland, were stationed in New Jersey to protect the country from the inroads of the enemy. Both, however, were surprised at different times by parties of the British, and slaughtered with circumstances of excessive cruelty. The remnants of Baylor's dragoons were afterwards incorporated in Lt. Col. William Washington's light horse, which did such good service in the southern campaign. It was now found ne- * Holmes' Annals, vol. 2, p. 284. 248 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [177S-9. cessary to post a stronger force in New Jersey, for the pro- tection of that state during the winter, and, towards the close of November, the Maryland line, with several other divisions, was marched to Middlebrook, where Gen. Wash- ington himself established his head-quarters. The route from the Hudson was rendered difficult and painful, by a heavy fall of snow, and the bad roads it occasioned; and the troops suffered severely, whilst preparing the huts in which they were to pass the winter as they had done at Valley Forge. Yet the privations of the army, were not equal to those of the preceding season.* In February, 1779, the British landed a body of troops from Staten Island, with the design of taking Elizabeth- town : Smallwood, with the Maryland line, and St. Clair, with the Pennsylvania division, were immediately ordered to form a junction at Scotch Plains, and reinforce General Maxwell, who lay nearest the scene of action. The British, however, faltered in their attempt ; and having hurriedly retreated, the troops were recalled. The campaign of 1779, opened late, and was rather remarkable for a series of manoeuvres than for any brilliant actions, with the excep- tion of the storming of Stoney Point by Wayne — in which affair Maj. John Steward of the Maryland line was honorably distinguished :t and several surprises which the enemy suf- fered from the American partizan corps. The moral effect produced by the presence of a powerful French fleet, ready to aid the American army against any point on the sea- board, seemed to paralyse the energy of the British leader; and by placing him between two strong and threatening * Sparks. t At the head of one hundred volunteers he fought his way into the fort with the bayonet, in front of the left column. A gold medal was presented by congress to General Wayne, and silver medals to Major Steward and Col. Fleury. The thanks of the legislature were also voted to Major Steward. — Proc. of Con. and Md. Leg. 1779.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 249 opponents, compelled liim to remain inactive and on the defensive. The allies then determined to assume the offen- sive ; and, in July, the army w^as concentrated at West Point, the head-quarters of the commander in chief, for the purpose of co-operating with the French fleet in any design that might be attempted against the British in New York. The Maryland line formed its right wing. It v/as soon found impracticable, after examining the approaches to the city, to execute any combined movement against the city, and the idea was accordingly abandoned.^ * Sparks. CHAPTER XIII. INTERNAL AFFAIRS. 1779 — 1781. J. HE withdrawal of the British troops from Philadelphia and the consequent removal of the scene of the campaign to a greater distance from their borders, gave the people of Maryland a breathing time to recover from the constant drain of men, provisions, and military supplies, which their vicinity had rendered necessary. During the campaign of '77, besides the frequent drafts of militia, for the protection of its own coast, when the Cheasapeake was filled by British cruisers, the State had furnished to the continental service two thousand and thirty regulars, and fifteen hundred and thirty-five militia. While the invasion continued most of the people upon the bay shore were under arms, and those of the interior, in readiness to march to any threatened point. In the ensuing campaign, when the British fleet had withdrawn from the Maryland waters, and their army was still lying at Philadelphia, anxious to place a sufficient force in the hands of Washington, to whom no State clung more faithfully in all his trials, and against all his oppo- nents, it furnished a body of three thousand three hundred and seven regulars; a quota one-third larger than that of any other State, except Delaware, according to the propor- tions fixed by congress. Its quota to the campaign of 1779, was twenty-eight hundred and forty-nine continentals. But it was not only for men that the State was looked to; its wheat, ripening earliest of all the wheat growing states, was always required for the first supplies to the army, and was even imported by the permission of the leg- islature, by the north for their State and continentaJ use. 250 1779.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 251 To protect this coasting commerce, which was extremely hazardous on account of the undisputed supremacy of the British fleet, and to guard the entrance of the bay from the smaller cruisers of the enemy, and the galleys of the lawless lories, the State was obliged to keep up a separate marine of some force. It consisted of the ship Defence and several galleys, the Chester, Baltimore, Independence, Conqueror, and a number of others, of different tonnage, besides a sloop of war and four barges. The prize money arising from the captures, made by these vessels, was placed at the disposal of the governor and council, for distribution among the victorious crews — an incentive to exertion, which per- ceptibly increased their usefulness. In July, 1779, Com- modore Grason, in the Chester, fell in with a hostile armed ship and schooner, which were endeavoring to make their way into the capes, and after a sharp conflict compelled them to stand out again to sea. Reduction of ^^^ arrival of the French fleet, however, in the Slate Ma- considerable strength, at a later period rendered it less important to maintain this force, and the immediately pressing condition of the finances of the State caused the legislature, in March, 1779, to suspend the fitting out of additional galleys: — the Annapolis, which was then getting ready was laid aside, the State's surplus of powder sold, the ship Defence and the several galleys and boats, with the exception of two of the best galleys and one boat, were disposed of and the money paid into the treasury. At the same time, the companies of Matrosses, heretofore stationed at Baltimore and Annapolis, were ordered to pro- ceed at once to the head-quarters of Gen. Washington, and report as portion of the State's quota for the campaign. The currency. .But whilst engaged in carrying out these mea- sures of economy, the house of delegates re-opened the controversy of the last session, by a resolution increasing the pay of the members. They were sustained by strong 252 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1779. grounds in their position. The principal medium of cur- rency had, long since, become a depreciated paper, issued by the State and by congress. The exigencies of the mo- ment could not be met by the proceeds of taxation, and bills of credit were constantly issued, with the delusive hope that a favorable turn of affairs would bring about their speedy redemption. As these issues were enlarged, their value fell far below that which they bore upon their face, and, of course, continued to sink lov/er and lower at each new in- crease, which was rendered nominally larger by its depre- ciation in current value. Every effort was made to support their credit, but in vain. Many of the States made them, by law, a legal tender in payment of debts. The legisla- ture of Maryland, at the session of 1777, declared that the convention and State issues, as well as continental paper, should be received as legal tenders in payment of debts, at nominal value — a robbery of the creditor for the benefit of the debtor — but the courts decided that this only applied to the bills issued before the passage of the act. The continen- tal emissions had already increased to the enormous sum of two hundred millions of dollars, and had sunk so low in public confidence that they were rated at forty dollars in paper for one in silver. The nominal pay, therefore, of a delegate or senator, at twenty-five shillings a day, when reduced to specie value, was utterly insufficient to meet his expenses ; and the ac- tion of the house bore, on its very face, an argument which seemed irresistible. For a time, the senate continued its opposition, but at length yielded ; and the amount of the pay was increased to three pounds current money (eight dollars) per day, for the session, and a like sum per day for itinerant charges. Charles Carroll of Carrollton, was the only senator who persevered in his opposition to the mea- sure adopted by the house ; and the strong and pointed protest which he entered upon the journals of the senate, 1779.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 253 furnishes a complete and able vindication of his course. He considered the resolve a dangerous precedent, for future legislators, to vote the people's money into their pockets; for its existence would take away from men, in whom the desire of gain might overcome the dictates of duty and honesty, that dread of the people which alone could pre- vent them from enriching themselves with the spoils of their constituents. It was, besides, a measure calculated to exempt the lawgivers themselves, from those very incon- veniences, which the people at large were enduring; which were reducinor to destitution the f^allant soldiers who were shedding their blood in the field, and rendering penniless the brave officers who sustained the honor of the State and defended its liberties, spending in the meanwhile their own fortunes to make up the deficiency of their pay caused by the depreciation.* It was a continuance, too, of that *' pri- vate and selfish spirit which induced the passage of the law making bills of credit legal tender in payment of debts, un- necessary and impolitic at its comm.encement, injurious and oppressive in its continuance, and alike destructive of pub- lic and private faith." This spirited protest produced its effect upon the members of the senate; and when a few days after, a second tender law, to remedy the decisions of the courts by including in its provisions the issues made subsequent to the passage of the former law, was sent up from the lower house, it was rejected by a vote of five to three. The discussion of these questions led both houses to the consideration of a subject, which had already occupied the attention of congress and the nation — the proper recom- pense and just provision for the officers of the army, who, * Capt. Jacob, in Cresap's Life, p. 18, says he was despatched by a party of officers of the Maryland line to Baltimore, to purchase cloth for coats ; after great difficulty he bought fifteen yards, for fifteen hun- dred pounds, which were made into ten regimental coats ! ! ! 22 254 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1779. it was every where admitted, were bearing the heaviest bur- dens of the war, with a pay, which scarcely supplied them with the necessaries of life, and were, most of them, now so reduced in estate, as to be frequently dependent upon the gratuity of the States for the clothing they wore. Their condition at the close of the war, began already to be looked to. When that happy event should arrive, it would be to them the forerunner of utter destitution. The army would, of course be disbanded or much reduced, and these men, broken down by the hard service of the war, wasted in estate and no longer fitted for a business life, would be thrown on the world without support, unless provision were made for them by the country, in whose cause they had spent their best days. The matter was agitated in congress, and several of the States desired that a half pay for life should be granted to these gallant men : but at length the economists prevailed, and, after a sharp struggle, it was determined to bestow upon them at the close of the war a gratuity equal to seven years full pay. It was afterwards reduced to five years pay. With this they were compelled to be content, and it at least afforded to the younger and more vigorous, the means of starting out afresh in life, to toil for a sustenance among their countrymen, in peace, with the same fortitude that had marked their struggle for liberty against the common enemy, in war. But the legis- lature of Maryland was actuated by a nobler sentiment : and those, who had hitherto enjoyed the security won by the sufferings of the army, did not permit any feelings of parsimony to interfere with its appropriate reward. The legislature, therefore, upon the determination of the question in congress, immediately resolved, that the officers of the Maryland line, who should serve to the close of the war, should be entitled to half pay during life, to commence after the expiration of the seven years pay voted by con- gress. They further extended this provision to the widows 9';«? 1779.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. '-'OD of such officers as would have been entitled to half pay, durin(r their widowhood— a delicate restriction justly due to the sacred memory of the dead. To remedy, for the present, the wants of the officers and soldiers, the legislature ordered that each commissioned officer should be furnished annually, during the war, with a good uniform and four shirts, besides a daily allowance of a variety of necessaries enumerated in the act, and the privates, rations of rum and tobacco equivalent to twenty pounds per year. In the several reorganizations of the line, disputes had arisen as to precedence : the Assembly now referred the whole matter to Gen. Washington, re- questing him to settle the rank of all officers in the Mary- land line and separate corps, as he should deem most consistent with justice. He was also requested to incor- porate the Maryland portion of the German battalion and the rifle regiment, into one battalion, to appoint proper officers and enrol it in the line of the State. For the pur- pose of hastening the recruiting service, the commander in chief, was desired to detach suitable officers with active ser- geants to enlist men in the State to fill its quota ; and the sum of two thousand dollars was immediately appropriated to meet the necessary expense ; while to each recruit in addition to the bounty allowed by congress and the State, were presented a hat, shoes, stockings and overall — homely provisions which denote the pressure of the times. The divisions of party already began to make their ap- pearance in the two houses. The legislature, in imposing taxes, had directed a treble tax to be levied upon non-jurors, persons who had refused or neglected to take the oath of allegiance to the State. The ultra patriots, who were re- solved to spare no means to crush the tories and support the army, insisted upon this measure, whilst the more moderate desired to release the non-jurors from the heavy burdens thus imposed upon them in addition to that of dis- 256 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1779. franchisement. Some of these non-jurors, were clergymen favorable to the royal cause, who, besides other disabilities, had been prohibited from teaching or preaching the Gos- pel ; — several acts had been introduced for their relief upon taking the oath,* but always rejected. A resolution for the general relief of non-jurors upon their taking the oaths, was now proposed. It awakened the most violent opposition, and Samuel Chase, a distinguished member of the house of delegates, openly charged that there were tories, or persons unfriendly to the cause, in the two houses. He was sum- moned before the senate to make good his assertion, as far as it related to the members of that body. He accord- ingly appeared, and having objected to their authority to require his presence, proceeded, at the request of the senate, to make specific charges against several members of that body, of disaffection and lukewarmness to the cause of liberty.! As two of the members implicated were absent, the affair was referred to the next session of the senate in July ; when, being thoroughly investigated, the allegations were unanimously declared unfounded. But the resolution in favor of non-jurors although it passed the house was rejected by the senate. Subsequently, however, a tempo- rary relief was granted to them. During the preceding campaign ; a large number of the German troops in the service of the British, had deserted, and some had found their way into Maryland ; many foreigners, attracted by a desire to serve under the American flag, or to partake of the new liberty which seemed to be already established, had arrived in the country, and more, it was be- lieved, were desirous of immigrating, if proper inducements were offered to them. The legislature, conscious that a great accession of strength would be made to the State by incorporating these persons with the inhabitants, and * Votes and Proceedings, Senate, July, 1779, p. 69. t Votes and Proceedings, March, 1779. 1779.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 257 inducing them to enter heartily into the common cause, by generously sharing with them their rights and privileges, passed a naturalization law, by which all foreigners, upon takincT the oath of alleo^iance to the State, were at once ad- mitted to the rights of natural born citizens, save and except the privilege of holding any civil office, until after a resi- dence of seven years. In order that these liberal induce- ments might be made known abroad, the governor of the State was directed to cause the act to be printed and circu- lated in Great Britain and Ireland, and to be translated into German and distributed throughout the cities and towns of Holland, Germany, and Switzerland. a . Thomas Johnson had now served three years Second go- vernor of the in the responsible and arduous office of governor, having been twice re-elected without opposition ; and the constitutional restriction rendered him no longer eligible. When the time arrived for a new election, two candidates were proposed. Col. Edward Lloyd, and Thomas Sim Lee, Esq. On the 8th of November, 1779, the elec- tion took place, and a majority of votes of both houses being cast in favor of the latter gentleman, he was duly proclaimed governor of the State. Desirous of testifying their high esti- mate of the public conduct and administration of the late governor, the two houses transmitted to him an address, which forms the best eulogy upon his character and services during the critical period, at which he presided over the destinies of the new State, and upon his " prudence, assi- duity, firmness and integrity," conspicuous even in the galaxy of distinguished men, who then adorned the annals of Maryland.* The effect of the depreciation of currency, in raising to an enormous height the prices of labor, produce, and all commodities, called for some measures of relief; and a joint ^^ committee of both houses was appointed to consider the * Votes and Proceedings. 22* Kk 258 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1779. matter. They proposed that a convention of commissioners, from the several States, should be assembled at Philadelphia, in January ensuing, to take measures for limiting prices to a certain standard throughout the country. They also ad- vised that the governor should be empowered to seize pro- visions, wherever a surplus should be found, and suggested sharp measures against forestallers and engrossers, who bought up grain and produce for the purpose of specu- lating upon the distresses of the army. Three commission- ers were, accordingly, appointed on the part of Maryland, with full powers, to agree upon any united action in refer- ence to this important subject, and to report the result of the conference to the next General Assembly, should they deem it proper. Another question of great importance grew out confiscation /• , 1 1 1 i"i" /* xi nni_ of the estates of the deranged condition or the currency. Ihe ^^ ^^^ ^^^^^_ weight of the taxes already imposed, and the over- fected. whelming debt which had been contracted, filled the minds of the most ardent patriots with apprehensions. Congress, at length awakened to the ruinous tendency of inordinate issues of paper without credit and having only a compulsory circulation, limited their amount to two hundred millions of dollars; and, determining to cancel as much as possible of this sum, called on the States for their respective shares of one hundred and thirty-five millions, to be paid in nine monthly instalments.* The quota of Maryland amounted to fourteen millions tvro hundred and twenty thousand dol- lars, making the monthly instalments, to be paid by the people, reach the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars. The rate of taxation upon the assessment of pro- perty to raise this amount, exclusive of the tax of thirty shillings for the State, was twenty-seven pounds on every hundred pounds. But the frightful proportion diminishes, when it is remembered, that the valuation w^as made at the * Pitkin 1779 J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 259 old specie or currency rate, and the taxes were paid in the depreciated paper, then nearly forty to one. The leaders in the house of delegates, in casting about for some means to meet this heavy draught, resolved in imitation of the example of other States, to confiscate the property of those who had adhered to the royal cause, and bring it to the hammer. Many men of large fortunes had thus deserted the cause of their country ; and it was deemed but justice to seize their estates, either as the property of open and notorious traitors, or of British subjects, found within the State and fair spoil of war. A bill for that pur- pose, was accordingly framed and passed by the house and sent to the senate. The November session was now draw- ing to a close; several of the members were absent, and the senate, considering the question one of too great importance to be hastily disposed of and doubting the justice and ex- pediency of the matter, returned the bill to the house de- siring it might lie over to March session of 1780, as they were not prepared to act finally upon it. But the house would admit of no delay, and despatched, by a delegation of sixteen members, a strong remonstrance to the senate. They contended that the people were unable to raise more than nine millions, by taxation, at the rate of one million per month ; and that some extraordinary measure must at once be resorted to. The property of the refugees would sell for at least the balance of five millions'; and this would give time for the taxes to be collected and paid in. Besides, delay was dangerous; unless congress received the expected aid, a further emission would be necessary, and the con- dition of things rendered still worse. A warm and ably conducted controversy ensued ; and the senate, forced to act, rejected the bill for the present, suggesting, as a more appropriate source of revenue, that congress should make foreign loans and pledge for their payment the western lands which were improperly claimed by certain States. 260 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1780. Unable to agree, both houses adjourned over to the twenty- eighth of March, 1780. In the meanwhile, the people heartily took up the subject of the confiscation of British property, and, when the Assembly re-opened its sessions at the appointed time, numerous petitions were presented from all parts of the State, urging the adoption of the measure. The amount required to be paid, had now increased to twenty-three millions, seven hundred thousand dollars, rendering the difficulty of raising it, by taxation more evident. The States had failed to pay in their proportions, and congress, as the house had predicted, was compelled largely to exceed the limit of two hundred millions, which it had assigned for the issue of paper money. To meet their quota, the people of Maryland, would have been obliged to pay in a tax of one hundred pounds of paper for every hundred pounds worth of property. The house immediately passed another bill for the confiscation of British property, which the senate, after a renewed contest, again rejected. A scheme was then devised for callinor in the old issues of continental paper, by an issue of State paper, at the rate of one dollar of the new for thirty-three and a third of the old, and pledging the faith of the State for its redemption : this measure met with the same fate, and, after a long session spent in fruitless attempts to effect a compromise, both houses adjourned to the seventh of June, having ordered the disputed bills, and, the messages concerning them, to be printed and circulated throughout the State for the in- formation of the people. The bill for recallinof the continental issues ^, ,^ . ^ The old 18- was at length agreed to, in March, and the old sues called were redeemed, at the rate of forty to one of the *"* new. Few, however, were brought in ; and the laws making them currency being repealed, they soon, altogether ceased to pass, and quietly died in the hands of their holders. In 1780.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 261 this State of affairs, it was impossible to place any value upon currency, and, in fixing the governor's salary, the legislature was compelled to assign it to him, in wheat, at the rate of forty-five hundred bushels per year.* Confiscation The March session passed without an effort to bill passed, j^j-j^jg ^p j]^g confiscation bill, and it laid dormant until October, when, after material modification, it was at length agreed to by both houses. That injustice might not be done, an opportunity was allowed, to the owners to come in and take the oath of allegiance to the State, prior to the first of March, 1782. This provision was extended, in an especial manner to ex-governor Sharpe, whose de- portment as Proprietary governor of Maryland, had won the respect of the people. By another act, the quit rents of the Proprietary were forever abolished.! The Confed- Early in the revolutionary struggle, Benjamin eration. Franklin introduced, into congress, a plan for the confederation of the colonies, which was occasionally discussed from time to time, until the Declaration of Inde- pendence. Then a more enlarged scheme of union became necessary ; and a committee of one member from each State was appointed to draft articles of confederation. The dark and trying struggles which ensued, compelled the postponement of the subject, to April, 1777, w^hen congress resolved to devote two days, in each week, to its exami- nation, until a definite conclusion should be reached. On the loth of November, they were finally adopted, and printed copies were sent to the legislature of each State, for their consideration, accompanied by an address requesting them, to authorize their delegates, in congress, on or before the 10th of March, 1778, to subscribe the articles of confederation. In June, 1778, the delegates were called on for their instructions, upon this subject, from their States. New York, New Hampshire, Virginia * Votes and Proceedings. f Hanson's Laws. 282 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1780. and North Carolina, unconditionally adopted the plan Amendments were proposed by the others, but all the States except Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, had instructed their delegates to agree, even if they should fail to obtain the adoption of their propositions. Maryland was determined not to relinquish rj,j,g public its claim to a portion of the public lands, and Lands. its delegates, in pursuance of their instructions, proposed an amendment, authorizing congress to fix the boundaries of States claiming westward to the Mississippi or the South Sea. Upon this question the States were nearly equally divided ; Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island were in its favor — Massachusetts, Con- necticut, Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, against — and New York undecided. The amendment was therefore rejected. In July, the articles were formally signed by the delegates of all the States, except Maryland, Delaware and New Jersey, who were urged by congress to give their immediate attention to it, as a subject of vital importance. New Jersey, in November, directed her representatives to accede to the confederation ; and Delaware followed her example in February, 1779. Maryland alone held out ; and the legislature resolutely asserted their determination not to accede until their rights in the western lands should be secured. As these claims affected Virginia, and their in- structions to their delegates particularly pointed to that State, it called forth, a strong remonstrance on her part, and the legislature of that commonwealth instructed their dele- gates in congress, to ratify the union with such other States as would join with them, declaring that it should be bind- ing without the assent of Maryland, allowing the State how- ever a certain time to unite with the confederacy. Con- necticut adopted a similar course. But Maryland was no more moved by threats, than it had been by remonstrance. As many of the States felt a strong interest in the success 178v).] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 263 of its demands, they refused to accede to the proposition of Virginia ; and the confederacy remained unratified. At length, New York led the way to a settlement of the diffi- culty, and instructed its delegates in February, 1780, to limit the western boundary of the State, and cede to congress their claims to lands beyond it, " to enure for the use and benefit of such of the United States, as should become members of the Federal alliance of the said States and for no other use or purpose whatever."* This act, the instruc- tions of Maryland, and the remonstrance of Virginia, were referred to a committee of congress, who reported a resolu- tion, calling on the several States to follow the generous example of New York, and thus effectually remove every obstacle in the way of a perfect union, and requesting Maryland to accede to the confederacy. In order to give effect to its recommendation, congress, afterwards, pledged itself that the public lands should be held for the common benefit of the whole — and as they became populated, should be parcelled out into free and independent States. In compliance with this request Virginia, on the second of January, 1781, by a resolution of the legislature, determined to cede to the United States all her claims to lands north- west of the Ohio.f But, whilst Maryland had thus for two years persevered in holding aloof from the confederation, it had not for one moment relaxed its efforts in the common cause. At the very time when it was thus contesting with Virginia, its sons were fighting on the soil of that State for its defence, and traversing the whole south, shedding their blood, without stint upon every battle field — the Maryland line and the Virginia regiments, side by side, bearing the brunt of the hard fought southern campaigns. But now the State stood triumphant; every difficulty had sunk down before its firm- * Pitkin, vol. 2, p. 33. j Ibid. p. 35, and also Burke, Hist. Vir- ginia, vol. 4, p. 471. The final deed of cession was not made until 1784. 264 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [HSl. uess and perseverance ; and on the second of February, 1781,* the legislature authorized their delegates in congress to sign the articles in their behalf. It was solemnly done on the first day of March, and the union thereby com- pleted. " This important event was on the same day pub- licly announced, at Philadelphia, the seat of government, and immediately communicated to the executives of the several States, to the American ministers in Europe, to the minister plenipotentiary of France, and to the commander in chief to be announced to the army under his command. "i By the articles of confederation, each State preserved its separate and distinct sovereignty, while the United States only possessed such authority as was specifically delegated to them. No State was to have less than three or more than seven delegates in congress, who were to be chosen annually and were only eligible three years out of six. The votes in congress were to be taken by States ; and it re- quired a majority of States to carry a question, unless it related to peace or war, the army, navy or the coinage of money, when it could only be passed by a vote of nine States. The articles could not be changed, altered or amended, except by the consent of all. The States were prohibited from making peace or war, laying imposts, which should interfere with those of the United States, and main- taining an army or navy in peace, without the consent of congress. Congress was authorized to make peace or war, raise fleets and armies, coin money, contract loans, and issue bills of credit : and to appoint a committee of one from each State, called a committee of States, to sit as an executive committee during its own recess. The great error in the system, as was afterwards abundantly proved, was the want of a sufficient federal power in the union, a defect which was at length remedied by the adoption of the present constitution ten years later. * Votes and Proc. October session, 17S0, p. 49. f Pitkin, v. 2, p. 36. CHAPTER XIY. THE SOUTHERN CAMPAIGNS. 1780-81. During the year 1779, the southern army had been par- ticularly unfortunate; Georgia and South Carolina were reconquered by the enemy ; and North Carolina invaded. In this critical state of affairs, it was resolved by congress that the Maryland and Delaware lines should be despatched to reinforce that department. In April, 1780, they were accordingly detached, under the command of Major Gen. De Kalb, and, after marching through New Jersey and Pennsylvania, embarked at the head of Elk river. The first brigade passed through the State on the 5th, the second on the 11th of May. They numbered, then, about two thou- sand strong : and most, of that gallant and veteran array, looked for the last time upon their native State. Yet proudly conscious of their noble bearing, and the honor they had won it, they cheerfully marched on to new fields of glory, without pausing to receive the gratulations of friends, or to revisit those homes, to which they might never more return. The south was calling for their aid; and these relics of many fights, some of them sharers with Gist of the bloody day upon Long Island, some, who fought at Harlaem Heights, White Plains, Fort Washington, and through five severe campaigns, were hastening thither to cross their bayonets with British steel again. The legisla- ture to expedite their march, directed a sum of three thou- sand dollars to be paid to each officer, and, to welcome their passage through the State — a gratuity of rum to be distri- buted amono- the non-commissioned officers and privates. 23 ° LI 265 266 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1730. To strengthen the southern force as much as possible, they further ordered that the three Maryland companies of artil- lery, in the continental service, should be formed into four with proper officers, and attached to Col. Harrison's Vir- ginia regiment. They, also, passed stringent measures to increase the number of the line, by the enlistment or draught of fourteen hundred men, to which a thousand more were added in June. However, the actual number of recruits did not reach the amount called for. An additional regi- ment was raised, and placed under the command of Colonel Alexander L. Smith, but after it had marched to the south, its officers were recalled and the men drafted into the old regiments. The legislature then published an able and stirring address, to the people of Maryland, calling on them to come forward, at this trying time, reminding them of the outrages, perpetrated by the British soldiery on their brethren in New Jersey, — recounting the reverses which had befallen the American arms, the reduced condition of their forces in the south, the fall of Charleston, and the conquest of South Carolina; and urging them, like the ''Romans of old, to draw new resources and an increase of courage, even from defeats, and manifest to the world that they were then most to be dreaded when most de- pressed." The progress of the line was somewhat delayed by the difficulty of obtaining provisions ; but the news of their approach preceded them, and served at once to raise the spirits of the southern people. At Hillsborough, in North Carolina, they encamped, until further preparations were made to facilitate their march to the south, and to give time to the militia of Virginia and North Carolina, under Caswell and Stevens, to join them. On resuming their march, they were overtaken at Deep river by Gen. Gates, whom congress had desired to be appointed to the southern department. The conqueror of Saratoga was received with the greatest 1780.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 267 enthusiasm, by the army of the south ; and the eclat of his name, and the gallant force he accompanied, aided materi- ally in bringing out the militia of the invaded States. The broken remains of the cavalry, which had served through the preceding campaign, had withdrawn to North Carolina to recruit, and their officers requested Gates to use his in- fluence to fill their corps ; but he refused to do so, thinking Armand's horse, which he had with him, sufficient for his purpose. He learned to regret his neglect. De Kalb had already selected a route for the army, somewhat circuitous, but through a fertile country, where provisions and supplies could be readily obtained ; but Gates, eager to reach the scene of action, fixed upon a more direct course, through a barren and exhausted district. The consequences to the troops were serious in the extreme. The men were reduced to live upon green corn and unripe fruit — a diet which soon produced disease — and suffering and deaths diminished his effective force. The horses, destitute of forage, were unable to support the forced marches, and the whole army when it approached the enemy was broken down and scarcely fit for immediate service. As Gates advanced towards Camden, Sumpter, Marion, and Pickens, three distinguished southern partizan leaders, rallying their scattered troops, made their appearance in the field. Lord Rawdon, who commanded at Camden, desirous of striking a blow before the Americans should concentrate their forces, advanced to a strong post fifteen miles in front of that place, on Lynch's creek. But the American general, inclining to the right, and endangering his position, he fell back to Logtown, nearer Camden. Desirous of opening his communication with Sumpter, Gates at once advanced to Rugely's Mills, and, having learned from that leader, that a British convoy of stores and provisions, were on their way from Ninety-Six to Camden, immediately detached Lieut. Colonel Woolford, with four hundred men of the Maryland 268 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1730. line, and two light pieces of artillery, to form a junction with Sumpter and attack the enemy's train.* Lord Cornwallis, informed of the movements of rp,^g Battieof the American general, immediately hastened to *-'a""^'^"- Camden, and determined to seek a battle, before his enemy could increase his strength. He, accordingly, marched from that place by night, intending to surprise the Ameri- cans. By a singular coincidence. Gates had set forward upon a similar design ; and the advance parties of the op- posing armies met at half past two o'clock in the morning, a few miles from Saunder's creek. Armand's cavalry, the van of the American force, was soon driven in by the Bri- tish guards, under Lieut. Col. Webster; and the flight of the fugitives threw the leading Maryland regiment into some disorder : but the heavy fire of Porterfield's and Armstrong's infantry upon the flanks gave it time to rally, and the guards were driven back. As if by common consent, both armies ceased their fire and, drawing back awaited the dawning of day. Immedi- ately, the two hostile leaders began to form their lines of battle ; and the nature of the orround and the arranorement of the troops materially effected the result. The British troops, numbering about two thousand men, were posted between two swamps, which protected their flanks and rendered the superior numbers of the Americans of little avail. The American left, resting on the morass, was com- posed entirely of Virginia militia under Stevens, whose flight would leave the centre and right wing unprotected, and expose them to be taken in flank and rear. The North Carolina militia, under Caswell, formed the centre, and three regiments of the first Maryland brigade, under Gen. Gist, with the Delaware regiment, formed the right, while the second Maryland brigade, under Smallwood, was sta- tioned as a reserve three hundred yards in the rear of the * Lee's Memoirs. 1780.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 269 • line. Baron De Kalb commanded on the right and along the line of battle, while Gates retained the* general superin- tendence of the whole to himself, and took post between the main body and the reserve. As the first streak of day broke in the east, the artillery opened on both sides, and the left under Stevens, was ordered to advance. To teach the Virginia militia to stand the fire of the enemy, Col. Otho H. Williams, of Maryland, with a party of volunteers, moved in their front against the British artillery to draw and sustain their fire ; and General Stevens, after exhorting his men to use the bayonet freely, led them into action. Cornwallis, immediately, threw for- ward his right under Webster with his veteran corps. The Virginia militia, scarcely waiting to deliver one fire, broke, and, throwing away their arms, fled in the utmost disorder. The North Carolina militia, followed their shameful exam- ple ; and Gates, Stevens and Caswell, in vain attempting to rally them, were borne from the field by the flying mass of frightened men. One regiment of North Carolinians, under Dixon, an old continental officer, cheered by the firm bearing of the Marylanders, on whom they flanked, alone maintained their ground. At the same moment that the left wing broke, Cornwallis, elated with success, ordered Rawdon to charge upon the right. But Gist's brigade stood immovable. For a while, the terrific struggle seemed of doubtful issue — "bold was the pressure of the foe," exclaims an eye-witness, " firm as a rock the resistance of Gist — Now the Marylanders were gaining .ground." The gallant Howard, at the head of Williams' regiment, impetuously broke upon the enemy and severing his front, drove the opposing corps before him ; and it seemed as if the lost battle was about to be re- trieved even whilst the commander in chief was flying far from the scene of action. But the eagle-eyed Webster, the best and bravest officer after Cornwallis in the British army, 23* 270 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1733. upon the flight of the centre and left brought his veteran guards upon their flank. In a moment they were met by the second Maryland brigade, which Smallwood rapidly brought up to replace the fugitives, and the battle was again renewed with undiminished spirit upon the left. Finding his flank once more protected and his Mary- landers bearing up with unflinching valor, the brave De Kalb — although out numbered two to one, resolved to make one great and final effort with the bayonet. Dreadful was the charo-e. For a time the two lines seemed mingled with each other, clinging together and slaying with that terrible w^eapon — the weaker going down before the stronger. But at length the veteran troops, of Cornwallis began to recede ; at one point they were broken, thrown into dis- order, and many prisoners were taken. A single corps of cavalry would have retrieved the day: but Gates' folly had rendered victory impossible. The forward movement had again uncovered the left of Smallwood's brigade, and Web- ster immediately turned the light infantry and the twenty- third regiment upon his open flank. Smallwood, however, sustained himself with undiminished vigor: but, borne down at last by superiority of force, began to recede. Soon, however, his brigade forced back its assailants and regained the line of battle ; again it gave ground and again it rallied. The right under Gist and De Kalb continued to maintain its superiority. Cornwallis, alarmed at the unexpected resistance of the Maryland line, and having before experienced its desperate valor with the bayonet, now concentrated his whole force, and brought it upon them. The inequality was too great to be resisted. The whole British army was poured upon these two devoted brigades, who still maintained their ground, although only numbering eight hundred men,"* * It had been reduced by detachments made before the battle. — Burke's His. of Va., 4th vol. p. 400. 1780.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 271 opposed to more than two thousand British regulars, and surrounded and unsupported, yet still fighting on with un- flinching hearts. The cavalry were suddenly thrown in upon them, in front and rear, while they were still entangled with the infantry. The moment was critical ; De Kalb, at the head of one regiment, attempted to restore the line — but overpowered, he fell covered with wounds, and was made prisoner : — his life being saved by the generous De Buysson, his heroic aide-de-camp, \vho threw himself upon his fallen leader, and received in his own body the bayonets aimed at his friend. Intermingled with the infantry, and trampled under foot and sabred by the dragoons, without space to rally — the brave troops were broken, and driven from the field by successive charges. " To the woods and swamps, after performing their duty valiantly, these gallant soldiers were compelled to fly. The pursuit was continued with keenness and none were saved, but those who pene- trated swamps which had been deemed impassable. The road was heaped with the dead and dying. Arms, artillery, horses and baggage, were strewed in every direction." Brigadier Gen. Gist moved off* with a body of one hundred men, still maintaining their ranks unbroken, through the swamp, where the cavalry could not pursue them, while Col. Howard effected his escape with a still smaller party.* The loss was severe. Four hundred North Carolina mi- litia were taken prisoners, and sixty killed and 'wounded — for a portion of them — the regiment under Dixon — had gallantly continued to maintain its ground, on the left of the Maryland line. The Virginia militia, to the regret of all, escaped with only the loss of three men, wounded in the flight, and a few taken prisoners. The loss of the Maryland line and Delaware regiment was exceedingly severe. — Three or four hundred killed and wounded, and one hundred and seventy prisoners, mostly of the wounded * Marshall ; Lee's Memoirs ; Tarleton's Campaigns, &c. 272 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. ['730. The regiment of Delaware was reduced to less than two companies, and, having lost its field officers, Col. Vaughn and Major Patton, was afterwards formed into one company under Captain Kirkwood. The brave De Kalb, though treated with every attention, survived but a few days. He spent his last moments, in dictatincr a letter to Gen. Smallwood, who now succeeded him in the command of the Maryland line, "full of sincere and ardent affection, for the officers and soldiers of his division, expressing his admiration of their late noble but un- successful stand ; reciting the eulogies which their bravery had extorted from the enemy, together with the lively delight such testimony of their valor had excited in his own mind, then hovering on the shadowy confines of death. — In this endearing adieu, he comprehended Lieut. Colonel Vaughn and the Delaware regiment, and the artillery belonging to his division, both of which corps had shared in the glory of that disastrous day. Feeling the pressure of death, he stretched out his quivering hand to his friend De Buysson, proud of his generous wounds, and breathed his last in benedictions on his faithful, brave division."* His death was lamented in Maryland and his memory honored. The legislature, in testimony of their respect and gratitude, passed an act granting the rights of citizen- ship to his descendants, a copy of which they directed the governor to'transmit to the Baroness De Kalb, his wife :t and conofress ordered a monument to be erected at Anna- polls, with an inscription commemorative of his actions and glorious death. To the disgrace of the nation the resolution has not yet been carried into effect. Gates, in the midst of his defeat, was, for a moment, cheered by the intelligence, that Sumpter and Woolford had succeeded in capturing the convoy of the enemy ; but the gratifying news was speedily followed, by the an- * Lee's Memoirs, p. 96. f Votes and Proceedings Assembly. 1790.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 273 nouncement that Tarleton had, in turn, surprised and defeated them, killing or taking prisoners the larger por- tion of the infantry, and dispersing the cavalry. In these two actions, the Maryland line suflered greatly, in officers. Besides its distinguished leader, De Kalb — it had to regret the loss of Capt. Williams, 6th regiment, Capt. Duval, 2d regiment, Lieut, and Adjutant Coleman, artillery — killed. Capts. Sommerwell, 6th, and Gibson 5th, Lieuts. Duvall and Sears, 3d, and Ensign Fickle, 7lh — wounded ; Lieut. Col. Woolford, 5th regiment, Major Winder, 1st, Captains Brice, 3d, Hoops, Lynch and Hamilton, 5th, and Hardman, 2d, (also wounded). Smith, 3d, (wounded), Dorset, artillery, wounded, Lieut. Waters, artillery, Lieuts. Shoemaker and Hanson, 4th, (also wounded), Norris, 6th, (wounded), Wallace and Mosely, artillery, Ensign Burgis, 4th, and volunteers, Lieuts. Nelson, 6th, (wounded), and Rutledge, 4th, taken prisoners : and Capts. Morris, 7th, (wounded), and Gassay, 2d, Lieut. Gassaway, 2d, Capts. Meredith and Blair of the artillery, missing.* Throughout this hard fought but disastrous day. Gens. Smallwood and Gist conducted themselves with exemplary skill and bravery, and the thanks of congress were voted to them in a special manner.! Lieutenant Col. Williams, the adjutant general, was every where in the heat of action, volunteering to face every danger, although out of the line of his duty ; and Lieut. Col. Howard gave proofs of that, " solidity of character,"^ that cool and daring courage, which afterwards distinguished him as one of the first and bravest of Maryland's sons. Gates, in vain endeavored to rally the flying militia; could he have succeeded, and brought them back to the aid of the line, the victory would have been * Tarleton's Campaigns. t Gen. Gist was promoted on the 19th of January, 1779, to a briga- diership, and Smallwood, after the death of De Kalb, was made major general on the 15th September, 17S0. X Lee's M. Mm 274 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [HSO. retrieved. He halted, for a time, at Charlotte, to gather a portion of the remnants of that gallant army, he had so lately led into the south ; and then removed to Hillsborough, one hundred and eighty miles from Camden. Smallvvood and Gist remained at Charlotte, with about one hundred and fifty officers and men, to rally their scat- tered soldiers. Col. Williams, with a brigade major, was detached towards the scene of the battle, to bring up all the stragglers he could find, and to obtain information of the enemy. Major Anderson, of the 3d Maryland regiment, had succeeded in rallying a portion of his corps, not far from the field, and now, learning the point of rendezvous, pro- ceeded to Salisbury by slow marches, to give time to the dispersed soldiers to join their colors. By these cool and skilful measures, Smallvvood succeeded, in ten days, in collecting upwards of seven hundred non-commissioned officers and privates, besides the larger portion of his com- missioned officers, which number was fortunately increased by the recapture of one hundred and fifty continental prisoners taken at Camden, made by the indefatigable Marion, on their way under escort to Charleston. Cornwallis, crippled by the desperate resistance of the Maryland line, the Delaware regiment, and Dixon's North Carolina militia, on the fatal 16th of August, was unable to follow up his advantages, without further reinforcements. His strength was subsequently weakened by the capture of Colonel Ferguson, at King's mountain, and an advantage, which Sumpter obtained over Tarleton. The army, there- fore, remained undisturbed at Hillsborough, and the com- mander employed the time in re-organizing the several corps. In compliance with General Washington's directions, the seven Maryland regiments of the old line, were reduced into one, to be called the first Maryland, and placed under Col. Otho H. Williams.* The supernumerary officers, under * Appendix D 1780.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 215 Gen. Gist, for whom there was now no longer any command m the broken condition of the army, were ordered back to Maryland to take charge of the recruiting stations, and to form two new regiments, as rapidly as possible.* The numbers of the new battalions were fixed by the commander in chief at five hundred and four men, and the legislature of the State at once set about raisinor recruits to fill them up.f The militia of the State were again divided into classes, and each class was compelled to furnish, within five days, a soldier, either free or a slave, t and it is said not a ^e\w negroes served throughout the war, not only in the Mary- land, but in the lines of other States, with faithfulness and courage. Gen. Small wood was retained in the army, as second in command : and was detached to the Yadkin, to take charge of the militia, gathering in that quarter. The Virginia levies soon after joined Gates, increasing his force to about four- teen hundred continentals ; which was further strengthened by a corps of volunteer cavalry and two divisions of North Carolina militia. He now moved to Charlotte ; and Small- wood was advanced from the Yadkin to the Catawba, while Morgan was thrown forward with a light corps. In the mean while, congress dissatisfied with the conduct of Gates, requested Gen. Washington to supercede him ; and Gen. Greene was at once despatched to the south, to take the command. The only reinforcement, which could be spared him from the northern army, was Lee's legion composed of three companies of infantry, and three of cavalry, and num- bering about three hundred and fifty men. On his way the new commander passed through Delaware and Maryland, which had been annexed, by congress, to the southern de- partment, to urge the forwarding of reinforcements. In Maryland he was informed, that Gen. Gist was indefatigably engaged in raising the new levies, a work which, in spite * Lee's Memoirs. f Sparks. % Hanson's Laws. 276 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1780-1. of every effort on the part of the State, owing to the ex- hausted condition of the people, proceeded slowly. He held a long conference with the governor and council, and having made his final arrangements hastened to join his army, at Charlotte, in North Carolina, where he arrived on the 2d of December. He immediately commenced a series of active and energetic movements. Smalhvood's detach- ment was drawn into the main army, while a chosen body of troops was placed under the command of INIorgan to operate on the western quarter. It consisted of four hun- dred men, of the Maryland line, under Lieutenant Colonel Howard, two companies of Virginia militia, mostly dis- charged continentals, under Capts. Triplett and Taite, and Lieut. Col. Washington's dragoons, one hundred in num- her. When Morgan reached Broad river he was joined by several parties of militia. He took post near the confluence of Broad and Pacolet rivers. Cornwallis had ordered from the north a reinforcement of fifteen hundred men under Gen. Leslie, who was now approaching to unite with him. Learning the movements of the American forces, he suspected a design against Ninety-Six, and determined to strike a blow at Morgan, before he could be joined by the hardy mountaineers of the west. Accordingly he detached Lieut. Col. Tarleton, with his legion and other forces, amounting to about one thou- sand men, to pursue him ; whilst he, himself, put the main body in motion, to cut off his retreat, if he should escape that active officer. As Tarleton approached, Morgan re- treated : and so rapid was the pursuit, that the British columns passed through the ground of the American camp, only a few hours after it had been abandoned. Leaving his baggage behind him under a guard, Tarleton hurried forward through the whole night, and, on the morning of the 17th of January, 1781, came in sight of the Americans, encamped at the Cowpens. 1781.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 277 The battle of Morgan, accustomed to win battles, had re- ti.ecowpens. i^q^^^^ ^^ij^ reluctance, although a retrograde movement was rendered necessary by the advance of Corn- wallis, parallel to his route : now he had gained sufficient time to risk an action, and, having been joined on the evening of the 16th by Gen. Pickens with a body of five hundred militia, he determined to await the coming of the enemy. The ground was open, and favorable to Tarleton, whose cavalry outnumbered that of Morgan three to one ; and, fearful lest the American general would again retreat, that energetic officer immediately formed his wearied troops into line, and advanced to assail him. Morgan arranged his men with consummate skill. The Marylanders, with Triplett's and Taite's companies of Vir- ginia militia, all old soldiers, composed his main and second line under the command of Col. Howard, and were posted upon an eminence covered with open wood, with Wash- ington's cavalry in their rear, as a reserve. The first line consisted entirely of militia, under Gen. Pickens ; while, a short distance in their front, two parties of North Carolina and Georgia militia, were stationed as skirmishers. As the enemy began to advance, Morgan addressed his soldiers briefly, but energetically. He directed the militia to deliver but two or three volleys, and then to retire and form behind the main line. The Marylanders, he reminded of their past glory, " of the confidence he had always reposed in their skill and courage, and assured them that victory was certain if they acted well their part."* Then, taking his post, he awaited the advance of the enemy. Tarleton moved rapidly to the assault. The skirmishing parties of militia delivered their fire, and, falling back, formed on the flank of Pickens' men. The British pressed on with loud shouts, upon the first line, which however maintained an undismayed front, and poured in a close * Lee's Memoirs, p. 131. 24 278 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1781. and destructive fire ; but the enemy continued to advance with the bayonet, and the militia, being armed mostly with rifles, retired in haste. A portion, with Pickens, formed on the right of Howard, the rest fled to their horses in the rear of the line. Already beheving the victory in their grasp, the enemy pursuing the flying militia, charged upon the continentals. They were met with unshaken firmness. The conflict became desperate ; for a time, neither the as- sailants nor the assailed, seemed to give ground. But the unconquerable spirit of the iNIarylandors, at length, pre- vailed, and the enemy began to falter. Tarleton immediately ordered up his reserve, and his line, thus reanimated, again advanced, extendinor its front so as to endanger Howard's right. That officer, instantly ordered his flank company to change its front, but mistaking the command, it fell back ; upon which the line commenced to retire. Morgan at once directed it to retreat towards the cavalry, and assume a new position ; a mancEuvre which was executed, with coolness and precision, and which eflfectually relieved the menaced flank. The British, mistaking the movement for the precursor of a flight, rushed forward with great impetuosity and in disorder to complete their triumph. Perceiving their con- dition, Howard, not yet having reached the position marked out by Morgan, suddenly faced about, and poured in upon the astonished enemy a close and murderous fire. Their front ranks recoiled under the shock ; and, seizing the happy moment, Howard cheering on his men, broke in upon them with the bayonet. The charge was terrible and decisive : and the day was won. Dearly was the slaughter of Camden repaid : the whole British infantry was killed or taken — one hundred, including ten otlicers were killed upon the field, and twenty-three oflicers and five hundred pri- vates taken in the flight. Almost at the same instant, that Howard was winning this brilliant victory over largely supe- 1731.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 279 rior forces, Col. Washington was routing the cavalry of Tarleton. This sanguinary corps had pursued the retreat- ing militia to their horses and ruthlessly begun to sabre them, when Washington charged upon and drove them before him. With the remains of his cavalry, Tarleton fled from the field, closely pursued by Washington, who at one moment, in the eagerness of pursuit, advanced more than thirty yards beyond his regiment. Tarleton turned upon him, seconded by two of his officers. The officer on the right aimed a blow at Washington, which was intercepted by his Orderly Sergeant Everheart,* who disabled his sword arm. The officer on the left, at the same moment, aiming a blow at him, was wounded by a pistol bullet fired by a servant boy. The blow of the third — Tarleton himself — Washington parried with his sword, leaving his mark upon the British leader's hand for life. Reininor back his horse in rage, Tarleton discharged a pistol at him, wounding him in the knee, and continued his flight. His artillery, eight hundred muskets, two standards, thirty-five baggage wagons, and one hundred dragoon horses, fell into the hands of the conquerors, whose loss amounted to about seventy men, only twelve of whom were killed. Never was there a more complete, or more glorious, vic- tory. The force of Morgan did not much exceed eight hundred men, half of whom only were regulars — and only eighty cavalry — while that of Tarleton reached a thousand, comprising three hundred and fifty cavalry, and all chosen * Of Frederick County, Md., — he had served throughout the whole revolutionary war, and was well known in western Maryland long after its close. Subsequently visiting Frederick, Col. Washington sent for Everheart, then residing in Middletown in charge of a congregation, and the two old men met and embraced, with tears in their eyes, recur- ring to the eventful scenes they had passed through together. Everheart died in 1839, aged 74 years, and was buried with every testimony of respect and affection, and with the honors of war. — Sketch of the Life of Everheart, by L. P. W. B. ; South. Lit. M. 2S0 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [HSl. men, the very sinews of Cornwallis' army. This splendid force was entirely annihilated. Although the militia did good service — "the weight of the battle," says one, who served in the same campaign with great distinction, "fell upon Howard ; who sustained himself admirably, in those trying circumstances, and seized, with decision, the criti- cal moment to complete with the bayonet the advantage gained by his fire." Yet he won the battle without orders; and after he had swept the field by his glorious charge, Morgan rode up to him and said severely, "You have done well — for you are successful — had you failed I would have shot you." At one moment Howard held in his hands the swords of seven British officers who had surrendered to him. Congress awarded Howard and Washington silver medals — Morgan a gold medal — Pickens and Triplett swords.* Cornwallis, having been joined by Gen. Leslie Greene's re- and finding himself still superior to Greene, who "'®^'' was unable to profit by Morgan's splendid victory, took the bold resolution of burning his baggage, converting his army into light troops, and pursuing the Americans into North Carolina. Morgan immediately hastened to rejoin the main army, and, by forced marches, crossed the Catawba before his pursuers could reach its banks. The British van appeared in sight, just as he had made good his passage ; and a heavy rain coming up, the waters suddenly raised, so as to become no longer fordable. The freshet continued for two days and gave the Americans time to dispose of their prisoners, call in their detachments, and make every preparation for retreat. On the third day, the British forced a passage with some loss and pursued the retreating army with great rapidity. As soon as Morgan had crossed the Yadkin, its waters also, as it were providentially, became swollen and impassable from the rains , and the British * Lee, p. 134 ; Marshall. 1781.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 281 were again delayed. Cornwallis, despairing of striking the light troops, before their junction with Greene, determined to cut him off from the fords on the Dan, and force him to an action. The British army numbered twenty-seven hundred men ; that of Greene twenty-three hundred, of which five hun- dred were militia, and two hundred and seventy cavalry in- cluding Lee's corps, then in fine condition and mounted on fresh Iiorses purchased in Maryland, and far superior in quality to those of the enemy. Unwilling to risk an action, juntil reinforced from Virginia, the American leader deter- mined to retreat towards Guilford Court House, and de- spatched Col. Carrington, aided by Capt. Smith of the Maryland line, to collect boats for the passage of the Dan, when the army should reach it. To harass the march of his enterprising enemy, he formed a light corps of his best infantry under Howard, Washington's cavalry, and Lee's legion, with a few militia riflemen, amounting in all to seven hundred men, the command of which he offered to Morgan. But that gallant oflicer then suffering severely from the rheumatism and about to leave the service, de- clined, and it was tendered to Col. Williams. " This accomplished gentleman and experienced soldier, accepted it with cheerfulness and yet becoming diffidence,"* and fulfilled the duties of his charge with honor and ability. On the tenth of February, Greene began his retreat from Guilford ; and Williams with his corps inclined towards the left, throwing himself in front of the advance of Cornwallis. And now began a series of masterly manoeuvres, of rapid marches, and severe duty. Cornwallis, finding a strong corps of horse and foot in his front, and uncertain of the object of his enemy, immediately checked the rapidity of his march. Williams, then, selected a route lying between that of Greene, which was on his right or to the east, and * Lee's Memoirs. 24* N n 282 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1731. Cornwallis, on his left or to the west, both armies moving north. The enemy, having condensed his force, renewed the rapidity of his march, and the rear-guard of the light corps under Lee, was constantly in sight of the van of the British under O'Hara. In the night, Williams increased his distance to prevent a surprise; and the duty, sufficient- ly severe during the day, then became painful and trying in the extreme. The necessity of maintaining extensive pic- kets, and numerous patrols, kept half the corps constantly in active service. Each officer and man was allowed but six hours sleep in forty-eight, and sufficient time was afforded them for only one hasty meal a day. At three o'clock in the morning they broke up their bivouac and marched forward rapidly, to secure time for their hurried repast; and sometimes they were even deprived of it, by the sudden appearance of the enemy. At night, when the halting ground was reached, worn down with fatigue, officers and soldiers not on duty, cast themselves upon the earth, for- getting hunger in the overpowering Aveariness, which op- pressed them, after forty-eight hours of ceaseless toil and watching. Yet every man performed his duty with alacrity and cheerfulness.* On the morninor of the thirteenth, Cornwallis chanfjed his route towards Dix's ford, and fell into the rear of Williams ; and the pursuit was continued with increased activity, as the two armies approached nearer the Dan. Greene was now in the vicinity of that river, and Williams suddenly changed his route to the road on his riorht, which had already been traversed by the main army, keeping his corps together ready for a prompt blow against the enemy, if any occasion presented itself. The distance between the van and the rear of the two armies began to diminish. More than once were the leorion of Lee and the advance of O'Hara, within musket shot of each other; and the militia * Lee's Memoirs. 17S1.J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 2S3 riflemen were with difficulty restrained from picking off the pursuers. Both parties, however, maintained a pacific de- meanor, and seemed Hke portions of the same army vieing with each other in rapidity and skilfulness of mana3uvre. But that seeming holiday parading, was full of interest to the whole south : had Williams' corps been involved with the advance, the strength of the southern army might have been destroyed, and Greene, shattered and no longer covered by his light troops, would have fallen an easy victory to Cornwallis. The burden, therefore, of the retreat fell upon Williams, and gallantly did he bear it. Never, per- haps, was there made so ably conducted a retreat — over such an extensive country, filled with rivers and forests — with so little loss,— scarcely a single man killed or cap- tured, and in the face of an active, energetic and superior enemy, whose van for days was constantly in sight of the retirinor rear. But its termination was at length approaching. On the fourteenth, Williams was informed that Greene had safely crossed the Dan the day before, and, leaving Lee's legion on his former route to amuse the enemy, struck rapidly to- wards Boyd's Fen-y, his men having been cheered up and renovated, by the glad tidings of the safety of that army, for which they had endured such unequalled privations and fatigues. The enemy were still close upon his rear, but the light corps crossed without interuption, and were followed by the legion infantry. At nine o'clock, the cavalry reached the banks of the river, and were safely crossed in the boats, which were there gathered on the northern shore by the providence of Carrington and Smith. Thus closed this remarkable retreat, unparalleled through- out the war, for the consummate skill of the leaders and the patient endurance of the soldiers of both armies. From South Carolina to Virginia, through a country thickly settled with hostile torics, in want of provisions and clothing, with 284 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [17S1. only a blanket to every four men, and without shoes, the gallant army, of Greene, maintained its order, in its rapid route, without loss and without confusion ; and reached its destination in safety, in spite of every exertion of a superior force under the ablest general, the British service could boast. From its formation, the light corps of Williams, never slept under a tent until it crossed the Dan. By the light of their watch-fires, which partially dried the damp sod, one-half of these brave fellows — wrapped in their blankets, cast themselves down to their brief repose upon the earth, while tl^e rest stood guard or were stationed as patrols. Cornwallis, baffled in his pursuit, rested his army on the banks of the Dan, and having selected Hillsborough as his head-quarters, returned thither by easy marches. In the meanwhile, Greene earnestly set about gathering reinforce- ments. He was soon joined by a brigade of Virginia militia ; the second Maryland regiment, just raised, was already on its way to his camp, and two new regiments of the Virginia line were preparing to march to his assistance. Fearful lest Cornwallis should be enabled to arm the tories of North Carolina, he determined to recross the Dan, harass the enemy, and give countenance to the patriots of that State. On the IStli of February, Lee's legion, reinforced by two veteran companies of the Maryland regiment, under Capt. Oldham, and Pickens' South Carolina militia, crossed the Dan, with orders to gain the front of Cornwallis and repress the loyalists. They fell upon Col. Pyle with four hundred tories, who were hastening to the British army, and who mistaking Lee for Tarleton, permitted him to draw up his men along their line. Discovering their mistake as he was in the act of passing on to surprise Tarleton, they opened their fire upon him. The legion and infantry immediately attacked them, killing about ninety, and wounding and dis- 1781.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. "2^5 persing the survivors. Greene, soon after, advanced into North Carolina, again detaching Williams with a light corps, to distract the attention of the enemy ; and by a series of brilliant manoeuvres, accompanied with several sharp skirmishes, completely repressed the rising of the royalists and prevented Cornwallis from filling up his ranks with the disaffected young men of the country. In a few days, he was joined by the new levies from Virginia under Col. Green, another brigade of militia from the same State under Lawson, and a body of North Carolina militia. The second Maryland regiment soon arrived in camp; and his whole force then amounted to forty-five hundred men, of whom about sixteen hundred were continentals. He now determined to risk a battle for the recovery of the south. Accordingly on the loth of March, 1781, he awaited the approach of his enemy at Guilford Court House. „ , ^„ ., The American army was drawn out in three Battle of Guil- •' ford Court Hncs, upon the face of a hill, at the foot of which ran a small rivulet. On the road, within close shot of this stream, Capt. Singleton was stationed, with two six pounders : on his left, across the road, the North Caro- lina militia under Butler and Eaton were arrayed. The second line, drawn up in a deep wood, a short distance in the rear, was composed of the Virginia militia, under Ste- vens and Lawson. The third line consisted of the four regiments of continentals, and was displayed on the right of the road. The Virginia regiments held its right, under General Huger ; the first Maryland under Col. Gunby, and the second under Lieut. Col. Ford, formed the left, under Col. Williams. Gunby's was the only veteran regiment; the remaining three were entirely new levies, scarcely bro- ken to camp duties — except a few old soldiers who were distributed through their ranks. The officers however were able and experienced. The right flank was covered by Washington's cavalry. Kirkwood's Delawares, and Lynch's 286 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1781. Virginia militia ; the left by Lee's legion and Campbell's Virginia riflemen. As the enemy approached, Singleton's pieces opened upon them, his fire was returned by the royal artillery, and the cannonade continued while Cornwallis arrayed his army for battle. He formed in but one line — the seventy- first and the regiment of Bose on the right, under Leslie, the twenty-third and thirty-third regiments on the left, under Webster, and the light infantry and yagers in the centre. The first battalion of guards, under Lieut. Col. Norton, supported the right, and the second battalion and grenadiers under O'Hara, the left. The British crossed the rivulet and deployed into line, at a quick step ; and advanced upon Greene's first position. The Americans began to fire at a long shot; but Leslie pressed on firmly, and at the first discharore the North Carolina militia were seized with a panic and fled in the utmost disorder. Lee and Campbell still continued to maintain their position. The Virginia militia, under Stevens, stood their ground gallantly. That officer, stunsf with the recollection of the inglorious flight at Camden, had placed sentinels in their rear, with orders to shoot down every man that faltered or turned back. They sustained their position with courage and firmness, and it was not until the supporting columns of the enemy had been brought up, that they were driven off the ground at the point of the bayonet. Webster, now approached the third line. He was met by Gunby and Howard of the first regiment : with his usual impetuosity he hurried into close fire, but so firmly was he received by this body of veterans that he was compelled to retire, and wait for the rest of the line. The first battalion of guards now made its appearance in front of the second Maryland regiment, and Williams charmed with the gal- lantry of the first, hastened to cheer up the second by his presence ; but to his astonishment and dismay, the regiment nSl.J HISTORY OF MARYLA^'D. 287 broke and fled in disorder. Gunby perceiving their dis- comfiture, immediately turned upon the guards as they were pursuing the fugitives, and an animated struggle en- sued between them. Webster was at this moment engaged with Hawes' Virginia regiment and Kirkwood's Delawares ; and Gunby, immediately charged up the hill with the bayo- net upon the guards under Stewart. His horse was shot under him ; and the command fell upon Col. Howard, who, with his characteristic impetuosity, led forward the regiment with such rapidity that Gunby could not again overtake it. Washington's cavalry, at this critical period, fell upon the guards and disordered their ranks, while Howard was rush- ing upon them with the bayonet. Like a torrent, the old Maryland regiment broke through their ranks, driving them headlong from the field with terrific slaughter, their leader falling under the sword of Capt. Smith: and the remains of that splendid corps were only saved from utter annihila- tion by a desperate expedient of Cornwallis. Determined to arrest the progress of Washington and Howard, he brought up his artillery and opened upon them, although every discharge swept through the flying guards, slaying alike pursuers and pursued. The remedy was effectual ; and Howard assumed the position formerly occupied by the second regiment under Ford' — but, seeing several columns of the enemy crossing to his rear whilst he was hotly en- gaged in front, and finding most of the troops withdrawn, he began to retire, carrying off* his prisoners with him. Lee's legion and the riflemen had continued to maintain their position with undaunted valor. Greene, finding the fortune of the day turned against him by the flight of the North Carolina militia and the second Maryland regiment, and Lee's corps severed from the army, conceived it prudent to provide for a retreat. The remaining troops were accordingly recalled. They retired in good order, covered by Green's Virginia conti- 288 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1731. nentals who had not been engaged ; and so costly had Deen the barren victory of Cornwallis, that he found himself upon the field of battle, utterly unable to pursue his defeated antaofonist. The American loss in continentals was four- teen officers and three hundred and twelve privates, of whom five officers and fifty-two privates were killed, the remainder were wounded or missing : and in militia, seven- teen officers and seventy-seven privates killed and wounded. The Maryland brigade lost of this number, one major, one subaltern, two sergeants and eleven rank and file killed ; five captains, one sergeant, and thirty-six rank and file wounded ; and three sergeants, six drummers and fifers, and eighty-eight rank and file missing — a total of one hundred and fifty-four officers and men. Among the slain was Major Anderson, a valuable officer of the line. The British general lost nearly one-third of his army; ninety-three were killed, and four hundred and thirty-nine wounded. Such was his crippled condition, that after burying his dead, he left his wounded who were incapable of being moved, about seventy in number, to the humanity of Gen. Greene, and proceeded by easy marches back towards Cross creek. Greene im- mediately determined to force him to another battle, and detached Lee's corps to harass his retreat, while he himself, after obtaining a supply of ammunition, brought up the main army. But Cornwallis, conscious of his present weakness, was now anxious to avoid an action, and made his escape to Cross river, and thence to Wilmington which was strongly secured. Greene finding himself too weak to attack that place, abandoned the pursuit and dismissing his militia, permitted his army to repose at Ramsey's mill. At length, the American general determined to pass by his antagonist and penetrate to South Carolina, where Lord Rawdon was now in command, with the expectation of rallying together the scattered partizan leaders, and re- deeming that State from British thraldom. Accordingly on 1781.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 289 the 6th of April, 1781, Lee's legion with Oldham's detach- ment of veteran Marylanders, was ordered in advance to form a junction with Marion, while Sumpter and Pickens were notified by couriers to collect their militia, and to join the main body at Camden. On the 7th, the army began its march for that post. Cornwallis, thrown into great per- plexity by this movement, was undecided whether to follow his antagonist south, or, by striking into Virginia, to com- pel him to retrace his steps for the protection of that State. At length, he resolved upon the latter. Greene's army, by the detachment of Lee's legion, had been reduced from eighteen hundred continentals to fifteen hundred ; but, confidently expecting to find Sumpter in force to join him, he hastened his march towards Camden, fearful lest Cornwallis might retrace his steps to the south and form a junction with Rawdon. To his surprise, on approaching Camden, he learned that Sumpter had ne- glected to come in with his men ; and, disappointed in this expected reinforcement, he was unable to invest that post, althouofh its garrison had been diminished by a detachment of five hundred men, under Col. Watson, thrown out to attack Marion, and now closely watched by that active officer with his partizans and Lee's corps. Greene, there- fore, contented himself with sitting down on the north of Camden at Hobkirk's Hill, to await his reinforcements. Lord Rawdon, informed of the condition of his army, and aware that every delay would increase its strength and diminish his own, resolved at once to risk a battle. On the morning of the 25th of April, he marched out from Cam- den, at the head of nine hundred men to seek his enemy. The army of Greene was encamped upon a The Battle •' . ^ . . . - of Hobkirk's ridge, covered with wood, aflTording facilities for a ^"^* surprise to an active officer like Rawdon. When the British ¥<^ fell upon the American pickets — the first notice of its approach — the troops were engaged in cook- 25 Oo 290 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1781. mg their rations and washing their clothes, along the rivu- lets which traversed the hill side. Captains Benson of Maryland, and Morgan of Virginia, who commanded the out posts, offered a gallant resistance, and, being sup- ported by Kirkwood's Delawares, made good their position until the army was drawn up. The Virginia brigade, under Gen. Huger, was stationed on the right, the Maryland brigade under Col. Williams, aided by Gunby, Ford and Howard, held the left. The artillery was placed in the centre, and Washington's corps of cavalry and two hundred and fifty North Carolina militia were held in reserve. As the British appeared in presence of his line, Greene perceived their narrowness of front, and ordered his centre regiments to advance with fixed bayonets, while Washing- ton's cavalry fell upon their rear. The fire on both sides was hotly kept up, but Rawdon, extending his front, pro- tected his flank, although Washington was furiously as- sailing his rear. Hawes' Virginia regiment, and Gunby's Maryland, still so-mewhat in disorder from its rapid for- mation, were now descending the hill to charge with the bayonet, when the flank company of Gunby's regiment, joined in the fire contrary to orders. It spread along the regiment — a part of which became confused. Unfortu- nately, Gunby ordered its right to fall back and form, at the very moment when Capt. Armstrong with two sections was charging upon the enemy. The movement was fatal. As the flank company retired, its leader, Captain Beatty, was killed, and his men became unable to form : the confusion spread, and the whole regiment began to fall back. Seiz- ing this favorable moment, the British line pressed forward with loud cheers, and the veterans of the first regiment, seized with panic, broke and fled. In vain Williams and Gunby attempted to rally them. In vain Howard, " who had so often and so gloriously, with this very regiment, borne down all opposition, appealed to their patriotism, 17S1.J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 291 the recollection of their past glory, the shame of present disgrace."* Worn down by previous sufferings, emaciated from the scantiness of their food, and brought suddenly to a charore, when only half formed, these brave men seemed to forget the laurels which they had already won. They rallied, at length, but too late to retrieve the day. The second Maryland regiment had resolutely maintained its ground from the commencement of the action, but being left uncovered by the retreat of the first, became somewhat deranofed. Lieut. Col. Ford received a mortal wound whilst gallantly endeavoring to re-form them, and they too began to retire. The first Virginia had already fallen back ; and Greene, ever cautious to preserve his army, ordered the troops to retreat, covered by the un- broken reo^iment of Hawes. The loss of both armies, was about equal ; that of the Americans was two hundred and sixty-six killed, wounded and missing, that of the enemy, two hundred and fifty^ight. Capt. Beatty of the Maryland line, than whom there was no more promising officer in the army, was among the slain, and Lieut. Col. Ford, died shortly after the battle from the effects of his wounds. Greene, mortified at a defeat caused by the defection of a favored and trusted regiment, crossed the waters above Camden, and assumed a strong position, so as to cut off Rawdon from his supplies. But the British general having received a reinforcement, again advanced to attack the Americans. Greene, however, had assumed another posi- tion which was too strong to be assailed. Fearing lest his communications with Charleston should be cut off, the English nobleman prepared to abandon the upper country, and sent orders to Cruger to retire from Ninety-Six to Augusta, and Maxwell to fall back upon Orangeburgh. The American army were now busily occupied in besieg- ing the different strongholds he had left behind him : one • Lee 292 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1781. Dy one, they fell into their hands, until, in the space of a month after Greene's entry into South Carolina, the British general, i-n spite of his victory, held possession only oF Charleston and Ninety-Six. This latter post Greene now hastened to invest. It was defended by Lieut. Col. Cruger with fire hundred men, and strongly fortified. After some time spent in making the approaches the garrison was summoned but refused to surrender. At the same time, Lee and Pickens invested Col. Brown at fort Cornwallis near Augusta. On the night of the 28th, the enemy made a sally to destroy the American works, and drove the guard before them : but Capt. Oldham of the Maryland line, coming up with his support, after an obsti- nate conflict regained the trenches, and forced the enemy back to his works. Frequent sorties were made ; and at length the Americans began to erect a tower of wood, which would enable their riflemen to overlook and com- mand the British works. Oldham's infantry were posted to protect the tower from the attempts of the enemy. Li the night, Col. Brown made a fierce sortie to destroy it, and fell upon the rear of Picken's militia. Oldham leaving one company to guard the tower, hastened to relieve the militia, whom Brown was forcing from the trenches. A severe and bloody conflict ensued, but at length the Mary- landers carried the victory at the point of the bayonet. Being now completely cut off", and his defences commanded by the riflemen, Brown surrendered ; and Lee hastened to join the besieging army before Ninety-Six. Learning that Lord Rawdon was rapidly ap- Assault on proaching, at the head of two thousand men, to ^inety-six. relieve Ninety-Six, Greene determined to attempt it by assault. Lieut. Col. Campbell, of the Virginia brigade, with the first Maryland, under Capt. Benson,* and first Virginia regiments, was entrusted with the attack upon the * Greene's Memoirs, p. 440. 17S1.J HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 293 ieft; Lee's legion, and Kirkwood's Delawares, upon the right. Lieuts. Duval of Maryland, and Seldon of Virginia, commanded the forlorn hope of the left ; Rudolph, of the legion, on. the rio-ht. The height of the walls had been increased by bags of sand, and parties were armed with hooks to pull them down, while others carried fascines to fill up the ditches. At the signal both divisions rushed to the assault. The storming parties sprang fearlessly into the ditch, and assailed the walls which were defended with bayonets and long pikes, while the riflemen kept up a deadly and continuous fire from behind the sand bags. For three-quarters of an hour, in the face of this terrible discharge, the assailants struggled in vain to drag down the sand bags, and mount the defences. A heavy cannon- ade was then opened on their flank, and a sally of the enemy, made into the ditch with the bayonet, dispersed the bookmen. Duval and Seldon, after an obstinate resistance, having had nearly all their men killed or w^ounded, were driven back, and Greene recalled his troops from the assault. On the other side, Rudolph forced his way into the fort, and Lee was about to follow when he was with- drawn by his commander. The loss of the American forces, during the siege, amounted to one hundred and eighty-five killed and wounded, among whom were Capt. Armstrong of the first Maryland regiment killed, and Capt. Benson wounded; that of the enemy was eighty-five. Greene, anxious to avoid the stronger force of Rawdon, abandoned the siege and retreated towards Charlotte, in North Carolina. Rawdon after relieving Ninety-Six, set out in pursuit of the Americans, but finding his efforts to overtake them useless, returned to that post which he de- termined to abandon. Greene immediately retraced his steps, waiting for a favorable opportunity to strike a blow against his active enemy. Finding the lower country des- titute of provisions, his troops being compelled to live upon 25* 294 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1781. ricGj which was suited to neither the Virginians nor Mary- landers, who were often times driven by hunger to resort to the flesh of froofs and even alH^ators * he retired aofain to the heahhier regions in the northern part of the State to pass the hot summer months. On the 21st of August, he broke up his encamp- Eutaw. ment, and hastened to the south to seek the enemy, now under the command of Lieut. Col. Stewart, Lord Rawdon having returned to England. He overtook them at the Eutaw Springs. The American army had been increased, by reinforcements, to twenty-three hundred men, of whom nearly sixteen hundred were continentals. Stewart's force was about equal to that of Greene. On the morning of the Sth of September, (1781,) at four o'clock, the American army was put in motion : its advance soon fell in with a party of foragers, who were entirely cut off. A second detachment met with the same fate, and Stewart was, for the first time, informed by the flying fugitives of the ap- proach of his antagonist. He immediately drew out his army to receive him. Greene advanced in two lines — the militia in front, the continentals in the rear. The North Carolina brigade of continentals, was stationed upon the rifrht under General Sumner, the Virmnia brigade, under Lieut. Col. Campbell, in the centre, and the Maryland bri- gade, under Col. Williams, seconded by Lieut. Col. How- ard, on the left. The militia advanced with spirit and opened a heavy fire upon the enemy, which was soon briskly returned ; but they continued to maintain their ground, until the British troops pressed close upon them. Sumner's North Carolina bri- gade was, immediately ordered up to cover their retreat and check the advance of the enemy. This corps, consist- ing of newly raised regiments never before in action, pushed forward in good style and the conflict became * Greene's Memoirs. 1781.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 295 warmer. Greene now brought up the Maryland and Vir- ginia lines, which advanced with a shout, and poured in a destructive fire upon the enemy. Stewart finding the dense line of his antagonist, pressing hard upon him called up his reserve. Sumner's North Carolinians, unable to maintain their position, began to fall back, when Greene ordered the Marylanders and Virginians to hold up their fire and charge with the bayonet. At trailed arms, cheering vehemently, these two gallant brigades, led on by Williams, Howard, and Campbell, rushed upon the enemy, heedless of the close and deadly fire, which was repeatedly poured in upon them as they advanced at a rapid pace. The shock was terrible. Howard's regiment was received by the Buffs, an Irish corps which had just joined the army ; and here the fiercest struggle ensued. Neither would yield : but crossing bayonets, their ranks mingled together, and opposing files sank down, each pierced with the bayonet of his antagonist. Thus they were found, grappled in death and transfixed together upon the field of slain, marking the spot, where the Marylanders and Buflfs had met in deadly conflict. The officers fought hand to hand. So bloody a strife could not continue long : the rest of the British line had given way, scarcely waiting for the approach of the Americans, and the gallant Buffs unable to maintain the conflict with the vete- ran Marylanders, broke and fled. Delighted with the con- duct of this regiment, Greene rode up and complimented it and its commander in the midst of the action. The victors followed up their advantage, and pressed the fugitives rapidly before them through their camp, which fell into their hands. A party of the enemy under Major Sher- idan threw themselves into a large brick house near the scene of action, and maintained a destructive fire upon the pursuers; while Majoribanks seized a strong position, on the right, sustained by Coffin. This gave time to Stew- art to re-form his line. In the mean time, Howard at the 296 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1731. head of Oldham's company continued the pursuit between the house and the head of a ravine, where a portion of the enemy had posted themselves, and recommenced the ac- tion ; but receiving a severe wound, he was compelled to withdraw from the field. The position, which the British now held, was almost unassailable ; and after a vain effort to batter down the house, and to force their lines, Greene determined to recall his men from the action, satisfied that he had won all the honors as well as the benefits of victory. In the pursuit, three hundred British prisoners were taken, with two pieces of cannon, one of which was captured by Lieutenant Duval, of the Maryland line, a young officer of the highest promise, who was afterwards killed during the action. The battle lasted three hours, and was hotly con- tested : more than one-fifth of the British and one-fourth of the American army were killed or wounded. Greene's loss was stated at one hundred and thirty-seven killed, and four hundred and eighteen wounded, of whom sixty fell into the hands of the enemy. Nearly sixty commissioned officers were killed or wounded — seventeen being killed upon the spot and four others dying of their wounds. Of the officers of the Maryland line. Captains Dobson and Edgerly, and Lieuts. Duvall and Gould, were killed : and Colonel John Eager Howard, Capt. J. Gibson, Lieuts. Hugon, Woolford, Ewing, Lynn, and Ensign Moor, were wounded. The British lost about five hundred killed and wounded : and as many taken prisoners — making a total of one thousand men. Greene attributed his Morions success to the free use of the bayonet made by the Maryland and Virginia troops,'in their rapid charge, in the face of a murderous fire of artillery and musketry.* The thanks of congress were voted to each of the corps engaged, and to General Greene, a gold medal, emblematic of the victory achieved. The results of the battle were immediately perceived. * Greene's letter, in Memoirs ; Lee's Memoirs : Marshall, &c. 1781.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 297 Destroying his stores and more than a thousand stand of arms, and leaving his wounded behind him, Col. Stewart hastily retreated on the evening of the ninth ; and having formed a junction with a corps, advancing to reinforce him, took post at Monk's Corner, one day's march from Charles- ton. Greene endeavored to overtake him before he reached that place, but failing to do so, returned to his camp at the Eutaw Springs. The great number of his wounded, as also the increased sickness, which the hard service of the last few days had produced, determined the American leader to retire to his favorite camp, on the high hills of the Santee, to recruit his wearied troops. After the fall of Cornwallis, he again descended to the lower country, forced Gen. Leslie, who had succeeded to the command of the southern army, to withdraw into Charleston ; and blockaded him there, having redeemed North Carolina, and nearly the whole of South Carolina, from the British sway. The spirit of the hostile army was broken, and although many skilful manoeuvres and several partizan strokes ensued, with the battle of Eutaw, the royal supremacy in the south may be said to have terminated, overturned in great part by the bayonets of Maryland. Gov. Rutledge of South Carolina, thinking the time had come for the re-establishment of the state government, convened the Assembly at Jackson- borough. Further reinforcements, composed of the Mary- land, Pennsylvania and Virginia troops who had been engaged at the siege of Yorktown, were now received from the northern army, under Gen. St. Clair ; and Gen. Wayne, who accompanied them, was despatched into Georgia, which he soon freed from the presence of the enemy. General Gist, who had returned to the south, was placed at the head of the light corps, and Greene continued to hem Leslie in Charleston, until that general announced his determination to evacuate it, which he did peacefully, Pp '298 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1781. with the consent of his antagonist, on the fourteenth of December, 1781.* Whilst the Maryland line was thus gloriously ^^^^ campaign occupied in the south, its native State seemed, ^" Virginia, for a time, threatened with invasion. Arnold, the Traitor, had been detached to Virginia, at the head of an active body of British troops, and had committed great ravages in spite of the militia, who assembled to oppose him. Cornwallis, when Greene after the battle of Guilford passed into South Carolina, hastened into Virginia, and, forming a junc- tion with the forces there, took the command of the whole upon himself. The Marquis De La Fayette, was at once dispatched, by the commander in chief, to Virginia, with a small force to make head against the enemy. He passed through Maryland on his way, and was hos- pitably received by the merchants of Baltimore. Being invited to a ball, he was there remarked to be grave and sad. On being questioned by the ladies, as to the cause of his gloom, he replied, that he could not enjoy the gaiety of the scene, whilst his poor soldiers, were without shirts and destitute of the necessaries of a campaign. "We will sup- ply them !" exclaimed these patriotic women. The plea- sures of the ball room were exchanged for the needle, and, on the next day, they assembled in great numbers to make up clothing for the soldiers, out of materials advanced by their fathers and husbands. The distresses of his corps were relieved, and blessing the kind hearts and fair hands of the ladies of Baltimore, it hastened to take its share in the severe campaign in Virginia. The legislature, fearful lest the invasion, open as the bay was, might be extended to the State, caused a select body of twelve thousand militia, to be organized, and held out inducements for the formation of a corps of volunteer cavalry in each county. The glory of the southern battles, won by * Marshall ; Lee's Memoirs of the South. Campaigns ; Tarleton's Cam. 1781.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 299 their brethren, had re-awakened the spirit of the people of Maryland, and these measures were effectually and promptly carried out. The third regiment of continentals was speedily completed and despatched to the south, while the formation of the fourth was hurried on. Provision was made for the defence of the bay, and several severe actions took place with the straggling cruizers of the enemy. The fourth regiment under Major Alexander Roxburgh, when raised to its complement of six hundred rank and file, on the 7th of September, was ordered to join La Fayette in Virginia. Washington, having formed the design of destroying Cornwallis, was now anxious to concentrate as strong a force as possible, in that quarter; while the French fleet seized the mouth of the bay, to cut off the retreat of the enemy. On the eighth, Washington and his suite passed through Baltimore, where he was received with demonstra- tions of the greatest respect. An address was presented to him on behalf of the people, and the city was illuminated. In a few days, the commander in chief was followed by strong bodies of the northern army ; and then commenced those masterly movements, which resulted in the surrender of Cornwallis, with his whole force of seven thousand men, prisoners of war, at Yorktown, on the 19th of October, 1781 — the closing struggle of the revolution. In this hard contested siege, a portion of the Maryland troops was en- irasred, maintaining the honor of the State and the fame of the old Maryland line. The event was hailed, every where, with joy. The legis- lature of Maryland was in session, when Washington reached Annapolis, on his way to rejoin the northern army. To greet his arrival, they passed a vote of thanks, and ap- pointed a committee to deliver him an address, on their behalf. A splendid entertainment was provided, and, dur- ing the two days which he tarried there, the venerable city, 300 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [17S1. crowded to overflowing with happy spectators, presented one constant scene of enthusiastic rejoicing. She had the proud honor of first, "saluting him as the patriot, the HERO, and the saviour of his country." Maryland had been the first to propose him for the arduous and responsi- ble station, which was to result in the freedom and the glory of the new republic, and entitle him to the admiration of posterity ; it was meet and just, that Maryland should first announce, to him, the gratitude of his country, and bestow upon him those titles, which were to render his fame uni- versal and never dying. The sons of Maryland had often stood foremost in his lines of battle ; they were now the foremost to offer him the proud ovation of a republican triumph.* * Votes and Proceedings. () ' CHAPTER XV. THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION. J. HE legislature had made every effort to prepare for the campaign of 1781, and, conscious of the impossibility of meeting the necessary expenses by means of the usual paper money, resolved to have recourse to the patriotism of the wealthier citizens. Accordingly, it was determined to issue two hundred thousand pounds in bills of credit, for the pay- ment of which double their value of the confiscated lands of the disaffected and British subjects was pledged ; and, to give additional support to this new issue, an association and subscription were offered for the signatures of the patriotic merchants and planters of the State ; by the first of which, they agreed to receive these notes at their par value, and by the second, to take at once, for the purpose of circulation, as much as was set opposite to their names. The security, pledged for the redemption of these bills of credit, was ample. The amount of the confiscated property was large, and but a small portion had yet been sold by the commissioners appointed for that purpose. In addition to this, the association and subscription were extensively circu- lated : public meetings were held in the different counties, and the pledges almost universally taken. For a time the scheme was successful; but such was the want of confidence in paper money, no matter how issued, or in what manner secured, that in three months, even these bills had depre- ciated to less than half their nominal value.* Tory conspi- "^^^^ State, while menaced with invasion by •"^^y* Cornwallis, was threatened with domestic insur- * Hanson's Laws, 1781, ch. 23, note. 391 26 302 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [178L rection, which for a time excited an extensive alarm. The fortunate discovery and prompt punishment of the conspira- tors, however, allayed the excitement and effectually pre- vented similar attempts. At the opening of the campaign of 1781, the enemy formed the design of invading the western frontier from Canada. Gen. Johnston, with a body of British troops was to strike at Fort Pitt, whilst Colonel Conolly, already once baffled in his designs in Maryland, was to proceed secretly to the interior, enlist the friends of the cr/Dwn, and assemble a tory force to co-operate with him.* It is probable that the preliminary arrangements with the western tories were made through the agency of the British officers of the convention troops, then prisoners at Frederick. Large numbers had already been enrolled in that county, and in the neighboring States, when the conspiracy was providentially discovered at Frederick. Tradition relates that a disopuised British officer was to meet a messenger of the traitors at a designated place, to deliver into his hands papers containing every information con- cerning its progress. The vigilance of the patriots deterred the officer from attending at the appointed place, and the papers fell in the hands of an American officer, who by a singular coincidence was at that moment standing where the tory messenger expected his correspondent. The plot and the names of the leaders were thus at once disclosed : secret and efficient measures were instantly taken. The leaders were arrested and sufficient evidence obtained to insure their conviction. On the 25th of July, seven were brought to trial before a commission, presided over by Judge Hanson, found guilty, and sentenced to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. Three of their number were executed in the court house yard of Frederick.! They persisted to the last, that they were only guilty of doing their duty as lawful ♦ Marshall. f Votes and Proceedings, Senate, Nov. 24th, 1781 ; Manuscript copy of Judge Hanson's sentence. 1782.] HISTORY OP MARYLAND. 303 subjects of the king of England, whilst their judges and executioners were more truly deserving of the name of rebels and traitors to their king. Whatever may have been the opprobrium cast upon them at that day, it must be acknowledged that they met their fate with firmness, and suffered in behalf of what they considered a just cause. Had the result been different, a different name would have been given to their fate : for whilst one side stigmatized them as traitors, the other mourned over and honored them as true and loyal martyrs. After the surrender of Cornwallis, at Yorktown, the British government seemed to have abandoned the idea of conquering the United States, and only sought to detach them from their alliance with France. Accordingly, early in 1782, Sir Guy Carleton was despatched to New York, with power to make peace or war, " with the revolted colo- nies of Great Britain." As soon as his arrival was an- nounced, it was unanimously resolved by the legislature of Maryland that, "though peace with Great Britain and all the world, was an object truly desirable, war with all its calamities was preferable to national dishonor. That this State could never consent to treat with Great Britain, except upon the footing of an equal, and would never enter into any treaty with that power, which would sully its own honor, or violate its obligations to France, its great and good ally." At the same time, to display still further their affection for the French people, on the announcement to the two houses, by the governor, of the birth of a Dauphin of France, they resolved that his excellency should be re- quested to appoint, by proclamation, a day for the celebra- tion of that auspicious event, testifying their wishes that the young prince might prove a blessing to the nation by fol- lowing the example of his illustrious father; and that he might continue to preserve their affections by perpetu- ating that happiness, which they had experienced from an 304 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [178;2-3. alliance with a prince and people whose great and good qualities had long since excited their admiration and gra- titude.* The bay shores were still infested by armed galleys and barges, manned by tories and refugees, who plundered the unprotected farm-houses, carried off, and sometimes, mur- dered the inhabitants. The French fleet, although still lying at Yorktown, could not effectually put a period to these outrages, for the light draught of their boats enabled the perpetrators to escape, where pursuit was impossible. The legislature determined to re-establish its State marine, and ordered four barges to be equipped and armed with eight pieces of cannon, and manned with two hundred and fifty men ; and despatched a member of their body to Vir- ginia, to obtain the co-operation of that State in an expedi- tion to clear the bay. The French commander was also solicited to detach an armed brig and sloop, to cover the lighter galleys in case an enemy of heavy metal was fallen in with. Monsieur Villebrun, then on that station, readily afforded the required aid. The commerce of the bay was soon relieved ; and the inhabitants protected by these effectual measures.! But the dangers and alarms of war were near their termination. Tired with the struorgle, and hopeless of success, England determined to put a close to a contest, which from absolute exhaustion on her part, had dwindled down to a mere possession of the «ity of New York, and a petty marauding system in the bays, and on the coasts of the States ; and a provisional treaty was con- cluded on the third of February, 1783, actual hostilities having ceased a considerable time before. Throughout the whole contest Maryland had been dis- tinguished for its zeal in support of the common cause — ever coming forward with readiness, at the call of the com- • Votes and Procedings, Senate. f Ibid. Peace with Great Britain. 177&-83.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 305 mander in chief. In spite of the difficulties, with which it was surrounded, it had furnished during the war, to the continental army, fifteen thousand two hundred and twenty- nine men, in addition to those enlisted in the independent corps, the State companies, the marine and naval force ; and five thousand four hundred and seven militia.* The Mary- ^^ troops in the Continental army had ren- land Line, ^q^^q^ better scrvice, endured more fatigue, or won greater glory than the Maryland line. In proportion to their number, no body of men suffered more severely. They were the first to use the bayonet against the expe- rienced regulars of the enemy, and that in their earliest battle — and, throughout the succeeding struggles of the war, they were most often called on to lead with that bloody weapon into the ranks of the foe. They seldom shrank from the encounter. At Long Island, a fragment of a battalion shook, with repeated charges, a whole brigade of British regulars. At White Plains, they held the advanc- ing columns at bay. At Harlaem Heights, they drove the enemy from the ground. At Germantown, they swept through the hostile camp, with their fixed bayonets, far in advance of the whole army ; and at Cowpens, and at Eutaw, their serried ranks bore down all opposition with unloaded muskets. And at Guilford, and at Camden, though victory did not settle on their banners, they fought with a courage which won the admiration and surprise of their enemies. Every where they used the bayonet with terrible effect. Entering into the war two strong battalions, they were soon reduced to a single company. Again swelled up to seven regiments, they were again thinned by their losses to a single regiment and before the campaign had well passed they were once more promptly recruited to four full bat- talions of more than two thousand men. At least two of their colonels, Williams and Howard, * See Appendix, E. . 26* Qq 306 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1783. were considered as the best officers of their grade in the army. Gunby, Hall, Smith, Stone, Ramsey, and the la- mented Ford, who died gallantly at the head of his regi- ment, were equal to any others in the whole continental service. Entitled to a major-general from their own State, and two brigadiers, they submitted for a long time to be led by strangers ; until, upon the death of the brave De Kalb, Smallwood was promoted to the command of the division, and Gist, and afterwards the gallant Williams, to that of the two brigades. Now that the war was over, the rem- nants of the old line and the new regiments, having already, upon the scene of their southern exploits, been presented, through Gen. Greene, with the thanks of both houses of the legislature for their gallantry and good con- duct, turned their footsteps towards their native State, to be disbanded, and to carry to their homes their honorable scars, and constitutions broken by fatigue. When about to separate, the officers of the army, rj^g cincin- anxious to constitute some binding link of brother- "^^^" hood in remembrance of their long service together, deter- mined, at the suggestion of Gen. Knox, to form a society, to be called in honor of the old Roman patriot, " the Society of the Cincinnati." After making some preliminary ar- rangements, on the 13th of May, 1783, at the cantonments on the Hudson, a meeting of the general and field officers, and of delegates from the officers of each regim.ent, was held, and the principles of the association agreed upon. They proposed as their object, the preservation of those liberties for which they had fought and bled ; the main- tainance of the union of the States : and the continuance of the friendly relations and good offices, which were due between companions in arms and sharers of so long and perilous a straggle. Their views partook of the highest order of benevolence. To affi^rd assistance to those of nSS.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 307 their brethren, or their widows and orphans, who might become destitute, a fund was established, and each officer, upon his admission to the society was required to deposite in it the amount of one month's pay. The right of admis- sion to the association was Hmited to those who had fought in the revolution and their descendants. Honorary mem- bers, however, might be elected from the civilians. A distinct society was to be formed in each state, of the offi- cers belonging to the line of that State, and the general association, composed of five delegates from each of the subordinate societies, was required to meet at Philadelphia at least every three years. Gen. Washington was chosen the first president. He immediately wrote to the principal officer in each State, advising the formation of the State society.* Maryland So- ^'^ Compliance with this request, the officers of ^^^^^' the Maryland line assembled at Annapolis, on the 21st of November, 1783; Gen. Otho H. Williams was placed in the chair, and Lieut. Col. John Eccleston made secretary. They then organized permanently by electing Major Gen. Smallwood president of the society ; Brigadier Gen. Gist, vice-president ; Brigadier Gen. Williams, secre- tary ; Col. Ramsey, treasurer; and Lieut. Col. Eccleston, assistant treasurer.! They selected Annapolis, as the place of their annual meetings. The name of the society was indeed appropriately assumed from the brave old Roman patriot, who, having been taken from the plough to free his country from invasion, when his task was accomplished, {aid down his sword again to return to the plough. Each one there was in truth a Cincinnatus. The society, however, was looked upon with distrust and jealousy by the people. They dreaded the formation of an order of nobility from it; and it was soon every where assailed. By the advice of Washington the obnoxious * Sparks, 9—22 ; Marshall, v. 30. + See Appendix, F. 308 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1783. features of its constitution, that especially of hereditary right of membership, were altered, and the hostility excited against it subsided. As the war was now closed, it became an „ . ... ' Seat of the object of interesting inquiry, where the seat of National go- the national government should be permanently located. The people of Maryland, from their central position, deemed their State to combine the greatest advantages ; and the corporation of Annapolis addressed a memorial to the legislature, at the April session of 1788, offering the city to the general government. The two houses, in consequence, directed a proposition to be made to congress, tendering to that body, in case it removed the seat of government to Annapolis, the use and possession of the state-house for their sessions ; the public square ; the governor's house, as a residence for the president of their body ; thirteen dwelling houses, to be erected at the expense of the State, for the ac- commodation of the delegates from the thirteen States of the Union; and complete jurisdiction over the city and people of Annapolis. Congress seemed to be affected by several of the reasons set forth in the memorial and resolutions, and while they determined to fix the seat of government in Maryland, deemed it more prudent to select some other place than that already occupied by the State capital. They resolved, in October, that it should be removed to a site, to be selected upon the Potomac, near Georgetown. However, they accepted for the present the accommodations, tendered them by the State, and adjourned from Princeton to Annapolis. The legislature welcomed them with great cordiality, gave up one of their halls for their use ; while the governor, William Paca, surrendered the government house to their president. The legislature further pledged themselves to take suita- ble measures, for their permanent establishment, as soon 17S3.] HISTCJIY OF MARYLAND. 309 as the site of the new federal city and its boundaries should be marked out.* ,„ ,. , Gen. Washinofton had already notified the Washington =" •' resigns his several States of his intention to resign his com- Commission. • . i i- ^ • ^ t/' tt i mission and retire to private lile. He now has- tened to Annapolis, where he arrived on the 17th of December, to consummate his purpose. He was met a few miles from the city, by Generals Gates and Smallwood, with the most distinguished citizens of Maryland, and escorted to the apartments prepared for his reception. His arrival was announced by salvos of artillery. He w^as greeted with an enthusiasm, worthy of the venerable city, the seat of old colonial politeness, learning and splen- dor. The members of congress, honored him with a public dinner; at night the state-house was illuminated: and a ball, the favorite amusement of Annapolis, given by the members of the assembly, and attended by the beauty and fashion of the city and the State, and the most dis- tinguished men of the confederacy. Addresses were pre- sented to him by the legislature and the city authorities, to which he replied in his usual dignified and happy manner. Every one vied in doing him honor. All the preliminaries having been arranged, on the 23d of December, in the presence of both houses of the State legislature, the gover- nor *and council, many military officers, and a crowd of anxious spectators, the great chief entered the senate chamber where congress was in session, and advanced towards the speaker's chair. After a decorous silence of a f^w minutes, he addressed the president and members of congress, in a calm yet feeling and eloquent manner. When he had concluded, he delivered into the hands of the president that great commission, under which he had achieved the liberty and independence of America, recom- mending his companions in arms to the gratitude of his * Votes and Proceedings 810 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [17S3. country, and his country to the care and guidance of the Almighty Ruler of heaven and earth. The president, on receiving the commission, testified to him, on behalf of con- gress and the people of the United States, their gratitude for his long, glorious and persevering fidelity to his country ; pledged to him, as the highest and noblest of earthly rewards, the love and veneration of present and future generations ; and invoked the blessings of heaven upon his head. Then calmly, as if he had not just resigned the highest place in his country's gift and broken the sword of his own power for its lasting good, unmoved by the weep- ing eyes and sorrowful countenances that mourned his adieu — the great man, now truly greatest in heroism, re- tired from that hall, which had thus been consecrated for ever by this noble scene ; and without one regret, betook himself to the domestic seclusion of Mount Vernon. CHAPTER XVI. EVENTS FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE WAR OF 1812 1783 — 1812. X HE war having closed, the attention of the people and the government was drawn to the condition of the finances. Not only was the treasury of the United States empty, and congress burdened with a debt of forty-two millions of dol- lars in specie, but the several States were also involved to a large amount. The commissioner of Maryland, Matthew Ridley, had succeeded, in 1781-2, in negotiating a loan for three hundred thousand guilders, in Holland, with the Messieurs Van Staphorst; but the legislature, believing the terms to be disadvantageous to the State, in 1783 an- nulled the contract, and directed the agent to repay the money already in his hands : the aifair however was not finally settled for several years. The taxes were collected to a great extent in specific articles, which were sold for the benefit of the treasury. Every expedient however failed to enable it to meet the demands upon it. Congress now called on the States to aid it in imposing certain duties on exports and imports, to cover the interest of the public debt — estimating the proceeds thereof at one million dollars, while the balance, a million and a half, was divided among the several States. The portion of Mary- land amounted to one hundred and forty-one thousand five hundred and seventeen dollars.* The legislature im- mediately passed a law authorizing congress to levy the required duties ; and to restore, as far as possible, the credit of the State, ordered the consolidation of all its funds, — the collection of the purchase money of confiscated British * Pitkin. 311 312 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [17S3-4. estates, the sale of the barges and other public property ; — and laid a heavy tax for the ensuing year. Several of the States were not so prompt. New York refused to grant congress the authority it required ; and some States ne- glected to raise their quota of the annual interest, on the public debt. It was therefore unpaid, and congress was obliged to issue certificates, which soon depreciated to one- tenth their nominal value, as the public confidence in the authority and resources of the government began rapidly to decline. Prior to the war, Maryland had invested the sum of twenty-seven thousand pounds sterling in the stock of the ♦ Bank of England : during the revolution, the legislature had drawn bills of credit upon the trustees for the amounts of the dividends which had been uniformly protested. They now appointed an agent, Samuel Chase, to proceed to England and recover the amount of the accumulated dividends and to sell the stock, for the purpose of honestly meeting their liabilities as speedily as possible. Difficulties and disputes arose, and a considerable period elapsed before success crowned the efforts of the agent. It was at length settled ; and after deducting ten thousand pounds paid to the late Proprietary, Mr. Harford, whose claims for lands and quit-rents the State had rejected, and discharging several other items arranged for in the compromise, the proceeds of the sale and collectiojis amounted to the sum of six hundred and fifty thousand dollars. A portioJi of this sum was afterwards invested in bank stocks now held by the State, the balance sunk in works of improvement. The burdens of the people, arising from the expendi- tures of the war and the derangement of foreign and domestic trade, were rendered still more severe by the col- lection of debts due to British subjects, which had lain dormant during the war, and for the unobstructed recovery of which, an article had been inserted in the treaty, con- 17S4.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 313 trary to the wishes of several of the States. Yet in the midst of all these difficulties, Maryland began to recover from the effects of the late struggle, and its statesmen looking forward to its future growth and prosperity, laid the foundations of those public works, which are destined at no distant day to pour into its lap uncounted treasures. A com- pany was formed for the purpose of constructing a canal, from the Pennsylvania line, along the Susquehanna to tide water, and incorporated in 1784, under the name of " The Proprietors of the Susquehanna Canal."* The Potomac The rich lands of the west and its mild climate Company, j^^^ already attracted the attention of the settler, and crowds of hardy emigrants flocked thither to make the wilderness bloom with civilization. It became a matter of, serious importance to open a convenient route for travel and transportation between the Atlantic and the growing settlements. The position of the Potomac on the map, pointed it out as one of the most eligible means of effect- ing this desirable object. The idea originated with the greatest men of the day: and one of its most ardent friends and supporters was Gen. Washington. To carry it into effect, Virginia and Maryland appointed conferees who assembled at Annapolis on the 22d of December, 1784, to devise some united action. Gen. Washington and Gen. Gates appeared in behalf of Virginia : Messrs. Thomas Stone, Samuel Hughes, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, John Cadwallader, Samuel Chase, John De Butts, George Digges, Philip Key, Gustavus Scott and Joseph Dashiell, on the part of Maryland. Gen. Washington was accompanied to Annapolis by the Marquis de La Fayette, and the inhabitants of the ancient city again vied with each other in doing honor to the Father of his country, and his distinguished friend and compatriot. Addresses were presented to the marquis, by the governor * Hanson's Laws : Votes and Proceedinjrs. 27 Rr 314 HISTORY OF MARYLAND.. W^^- and council, and by both houses of the legislature. To testify further their gratitude for his generous devotion to the cause of American liberty, they passed an act to natu- ralize him and his heirs male, forever, thus bestowing upon them those rights of citizens of Maryland, which he had so nobly aided in defending. They also ordered the governor to procure a full length portrait of General Washington painted by Charles Wilson Peale, a native of Annapolis, in pursuance of a resolution passed in 1781, to be placed in the hall of the house of delegates, which it still adorns. The conferees determined, that to render the Potomac navigable was a work worthy of the efforts of the two States, as a means of communicating with the West, by a road some forty miles in length from the head of its waters to those of the Ohio, thus opening an easy channel of communica- tion with that rich country. To accomplish this project, it was proposed that the two States should charter a com- pany to be called "the Potomac Company," and subscribe each for fifty shares of its stock ; and direct a survey of the route to be made at their joint expense.* Their recom- mendations were immediately adopted. The Potomac Com- pany was chartered and Gen. Washington was chosen its first president. So deep was the interest which he took in this great design, that he assisted in the survey of the river, in person.! It was then supposed that the Potomac could be rendered navigable by locks and dams, and short canals, and the works for this purpose were very soon undertaken. But experience proved the fallacy of the idea. When the Potomac Company was subsequently merged m the Chesa- peake and Ohio Canal, these works were abandoned and a more comprehensive plan adopted. * Votes and Proceedings, Legislature, 1784, p. 24. t Tradition says, that his party cut down a tree on the lands of Mr. Johnson on the Monocacy, made a canoe, descended that stream, and then entered on the survey of the Potomac. 1782-4.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND 315 Commissioners were also appointed to consult with com- missioners from Delaware and Pennsylvania, on the pro- priety of effecting an inland communication between the Delaware and Chesapeake bays. The peculiar position of Virginia and Maryland, upon the bay, and the navigable waters of the Potomac, rendered it necessary that their respective rights should be accurately defined ; and a con- vention was entered into by the representatives of the two States, appointed for the purpose, which secured to Mary- land her proper jurisdiction, and protected her in the full enjoyment of the navigation of those waters. The removal of the dangers and impediments, which had obstructed commerce during the war, gave the city of Balti- more a new impulse. Situated as it was, it needed only the blessings of peace to spring forward rapidly in pros- perity ; and the enterprise of its merchants, relieved from the incubus which had weighed down their energy, began to display itself at once in its increasing commerce and population. In 1782, it only numbered eight thousand inhabitants ; but from that time it moved onward with an impulse, which no difficulties could retard, until it has become the third city in the Union, and the commercial emporium of the south. Ecclesiastical Connected, as the colony had been with Eng- ^^^' land, several of its religious denominations v/ere subject to spiritual superiors in that country. The Cath- olics of the State were under the jurisdiction of a vicar appointed by the Catholic bishop of London, and the Episcopalians were subject to the Protestant bishop of the I same city ; while the Methodists looked to Mr. Wesley of England for ministerial appointments.* It now became desirable to establish separate ecclesiastical organizations; and the Catholic clergy assembled at White Marsh, on the 27th of June, 1783, to draw up a system for their govern- * Annals of Baltimore. 316 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [17S4. ment. After several meetings these articles were com- pleted, and the Rev. John Carroll, at their request, received from Rome the necessary powers of spiritual superior.* A few years afterwards he was appointed a bishop, was con- secrated in England, whither he went for the purpose, and returned to his see of Baltimore in 1790, the first bishop in the United States, over the whole of which his diocess extended. In IS 10, his see having been divided into several bishoprics, he was elevated to the rank and dignity of archbishop. The Episcopal church had suffered much during the revolution from the impossibility of obtaining ordination for its clergymen. It was a common want throughout the country: and the Rev. Samuel Seabury, of Connecticut, was despatched to England in 1784, to obtain consecration as a bishop of the Episcopal church. Many obstacles were there thrown in his path, but he returned in the ensuing year. Several others, in due time, were consecrated, and in 1789, the Book of Common Prayer, as now used, was ratified and adopted by a convention of that church. The application of the Methodists to Mr. Wesley, resulted in the appointment of Dr. Thomas Coke as superintendent.! Whilst these steps were in progress for the reorganization of the religious bodies, the cause of learning and science was not neglected. A college had been established at Chestertown, on the Eastern Shore — named in honor of the Father of his country, Washington College. An additional college in connection with it, and under the patronage of Rev. Drs. Carroll, Smith and Allison, was now opened at Annapolis, under the title of " St. John's College ;" and the two were erected into the " University of Maryland." Various other measures were taken for the advancement of education — the best means of securing the prosperity of the * Life and Times of Archbishop Carroll, by B. U. Campbell. \ Annals of Baltimore. 1785.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 317 State and the permanency of its institutions by the enlight- ment of the people. The land office was again opened, and the bounty promised the soldiers of the line laid off for them. The officers were not neglected. The depreciation of their pay was made good to them, and those, who had served in the indepen- dent corps, were placed upon the same footing with regard to half pay and pensions, as the officers of the line. Upon their commander, a higher reward was bestowed. On the expiration of the term, for which William Paca was eli- gible, in 1785, Major Gen. Smallwood was elected gover- nor; and continued in the office durinof three successive years. He was succeeded by Col. John Eager Howard, whose terms extended into 1791 — ample proofs of the affectionate regard of the people and legislature towards the gallant men who had won so much glory for Maryland. But the memory of Smallwood seems nearly forgotten; and, on his paternal estate now in the hands of strangers, he sleeps in a lonely grave, by the waters of the Potomac, almost within si(jht of the tomb of his great leader at Mount Vernon — near him in death as he had adhered to him in life. Faithful, modest, brave and patient in his life, he sleeps there in death, unhonored, without a tomb- stone to mark the spot, or an enclosure to protect his last resting place from desecration- — seldom remembered by those who pass between the graves of the two generals — to the capital of the nation. Constitution While Maryland was thus rising out of the of the Union, niidst of those difficulties, which the trying strug- gle of the revolution had left behind- — the national congress was every day sinking more rapidly, in the estimation of the people, until all its authority, based as it was upon public opinion, passed away from it. The pressure of State and national debt, the troubles brought on by the collection of the claims of British creditors — the most ob- 318 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1735-7. noxious of all — and the renewed paper issues of the northern States, who failed to meet the crisis by imposing taxes, as Maryland had done, produced a state bordering on anarchy. In Massachusetts, the courts were closed and the judges prevented from performing their official duties, and the whole power of the government set at defiance. Partial insurrection broke out in other States. The federal govern- ment was almost powerless. Fortunately there was still sufficient patriotism in eastern Massachusetts to maintain order, and General Lincoln, at the head of four thousand militia, succeeded in quelling the disturbance. But one thing these events evidenced to all — that there was no hope of national prosperity and strength, without the infusion of a more vital and energetic spirit in the gene- ral constitution. It was at length proposed, that commissioners, from the different States, should assemble at Annapolis, to take into consideration the condition of the nation. In September, 1786, delegates from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey and New York, attended ; as the States were but partially represented, they deferred the business for which they had assembled, and issued an address, calling on all the States to send delegates to a convention to meet at Philadelphia, on the second Monday of May, 1787, to devise some means to give stability to the confederation. The proposition was approved by congress, and adopted by nil the States, excepting Rhode Island.* On the twenty- third of April, 1787, the legislature of Maryland selected five delegates, by joint ballot, to represent the State in the convention about to assemble, with power to revise the articles of confederation. They were Robert Hanson Har- rison, Charles Carroll of Carrollton, Thomas Stone, James McHenry, and Thomas Sim Lee. Several of these gentle- men having declined, others were elected in their stead, * Pitkin. 1787.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 319 and on the '26ih of May, when the act of appointment finally passed, the delegation was composed of James McHenry, Daniel of St. Thomas Jennifer, Daniel Carroll, John Francis Mercer, and Luther Martin.* On the 14th of May, the convention assembled at Phila- delphia, and organized by electing Gen. Washington presi- dent of the body. On the 17th of September, 1787, they concluded their labors, and agreed upon the present con- stitution and form of government of the United States, which they laid before congress. That body immediately directed that copies of the constitution should be trans- mitted to the several legislatures, to be submitted to a con- vention of delegates, chosen in each State by the people, in conformity with the resolves of the convention. The legislature of Maryland, in compliance with this resolve, on the first of December in the same year, by reso- lution, recommended the people of the State ''to submit the proceedings of the federal convention, to a convention of the people for their full and free investigation and deci- sion." For this purpose, they further recommended, "that such of the inhabitants, as were entitled to vote for dele- gates in the assembly, should choose four persons for each county, and two for the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis, in the mode prescribed for holding other elections, to serve in the said convention." The qualifications of delegates were, that they should be citizens of the State, twenty-one years of age, having resided therein at least three years, and in the county twelve months before the election. The convention was directed to assemble at Annapolis, on the twenty-first of April, 1788, — if they approved the constitu- tion, "to ratify it finally in behalf of the State and report their action to conm-ess." This great question naturally divided the opinions of the people. Every one admitted the necessity of immediate * Votes and Proceedings. 320 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1788. change ; and, whilst one party were inclined to strengthen the State authority at the expense of the general govern- mentj dreading too great a centralization of power, and a gradual destruction of freedom and State independence ; the other, principally those who had served during the war, hoped to derive from an efficient national government, that unity which would ensure prosperity, and that stability which would demand respect from abroad and secure at home the blessings of peace, order, and good government. In the national convention various plans had been pro- posed ; and out of the clashing extremes and the conflict- ing feelings and interests represented there, generated by the spirit of compromise, and matured by an assemblage of talent never surpassed, had sprung into existence that great instrument, the constitution of the United States. Under its admirable workino-s the old thirteen, tremblino^ from the effects of a long and trying war, and already shrinking in fear from domestic anarchy and confusion, received new strength and energy, and have grown with their younger sisters of the south and west, to greatness and prosperity far beyond the v^^ildest dreams of the most sanguine of its framers, Yet it was then only an experiment; and it had warm opponents. Its friends immediately began to advo- cate it before the public, and the papers written in its ex- planation and defence, under the title of " the Federalist," by Madison, Hamilton and Jay, became afterwards a great constitutional authority for its interpretation. The Maryland convention assembled at Anna- ^, •' • The Mary polis on Monday, the twenty-first of April, and landconven- organized by electing the Hon- George Plater, ^^ president, and Wm. Harwood, clerk. On the 23d the pro- posed form of government was read the first time, and it was thereupon resolved that the convention would not enter into any discussion upon it until after the second reading. On Thursday the 24th, after its second reading, several ob- 1788.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 321 jections to the constitution were debated ; and Wm. Paca, of Hartford, after stating his views asked the convention to adjourn over to the next day to give him time to prepare amendments to accompany the ratification, which was ac- cordingly done. When the convention assembled, how- ever, it was urged by many of the delegates that the mem- bers had been elected solely to ratify and confirm the con- stitution on behalf of the State, and, the majority sustain- ing this view, the amendments were not received. The objections to the constitution were, however, still urged until Saturday evening, when the final question was put " whether the convention assent to and ratify the proposed plan of federal government for the United States." It was carried in the affirmative by a vote of sixty-three to eleven. A certificate of their ratification was signed by the mem- bers on the 2Sth, and despatched to congress.* The constitution having been thus ratified, on motion of Mr. Paca a committee of thirteen was appointed to draft amendments, a series of which, thirteen in number, were agreed to in committee, while fifteen others were rejected by the majority of the committee. Unable to agree upon the latter series, the majority determined to make no writ- ten report of amendments to the convention, but those which had been agreed on by the committee were read to that body by Wm. Paca, the chairman. Having passed a vote of thanks to the president, the convention then ad- journed after a session of nearly two weeks.! On the 2d of July, 1788, the ratification of the new con- stitution by nine States, including Maryland, was laid before the old congress, then still in session ; and prepara- tions were immediately made for carrying it into effect. The States were directed to appoint their electors on the first Wednesday of January, 1789, who were to assemble at New York on the first Wednesday of February to cast * See Appendix, I. f Elliot's Debates on the Fed. Con. vol. 2. Ss 322 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1788. their votes for president and vice president of the United States ; and the month of March was fixed as the time, and New York the place, for commencing proceedings under the new constitution.* In several articles — the second and eiijhth sections — the new national constitution clashed with and repealed pro- visions (the 26th and 33d) of the existing constitution of Maryland, although adopted by a convention of the people assembled by a simple resolution of the legislature, and fol- lowed by no other sanction or ratification ; — a proceeding seemingly subversive of the fifty-ninth article of the State constitution. But it is scarcely credible, that the states- men of Maryland at the very moment when they were endeavoring to increase the stability of the national, would have deliberately disregarded the requisitions of the State constitution. It is, perhaps, more probable that they under- stood the restriction of the fifty-ninth article, taken in con- nection with the forty-second section of the declaration of rights, as binding only on the legislature, and in no man- ner interfering with the right of the people to alter and amend, or renew that instrument by means of a convention assembled by a simple resolution— a construction strongly contended for at the present day. They seemed to have considered, that as a convention of the people had power to frame a constitution at the outset, so a similar body under the very theory of the government, properly con- stituted, would always have power to alter or renew it; and the forty-second and fifty-ninth articles simply provi- ded an additional means and conferred a new power, by which amendments might be made, through the legislature, thereby rendering unnecessary a too frequent resort to conventions. The national legislature, composed of senators and re- presentatives from eleven States, assembled at New York * Pitkin, vol. 2, 291. nSd.} HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 323 on the 4th of March, 1789 ; a quorum was not obtained, until the 6th of April, when the electoral votes were counted, and George Washington was declared to be, unanimously, elected president, and John Adams, by a majority, vice-president.* The six electoral votes of Mary- land were cast for Washington, for president, and Robert Hanson Harrison, of Maryland, for vice-president. Gen. Washington was, accordingly, notified of his election; and hastening to New York, amid the gratulations of a whole people, making his progress one triumphal ovation, was qualified on the 30th of April, 1789. Congress was imme- diately occupied in bringing into order the distracted affairs of the government, and in discussing several amendments of the constitution, which w^ere afterwards adopted, and which were confirmed by the States. Public Debt. Before the close of the session, they directed Mr. Hamilton, secretary of the treasury, to report at their next session a plan for the restoration of the national credit. His report was presented in January, 1790, and, in com- pliance with its suggestions, congress determined to assume twenty-one millions and a half of the State debts, issuing to the creditors certificates of loans, bearing interest, annually, at the rate of three and six per cent. By this measure Mary- land was relieved of ei^ht hundred thousand dollars of its debt ; and as congress, to render these steps effective, at once established a tariff of duties on imports, the credit of the State, thus aided, rose rapidly with that of the nation. Its expenditures during the war amounted to the enormous sum of seven millions five hundred and sixty-eight thou- sand one hundred and forty-five dollars and thirty-eight cents, in specie ; of this amount the old federal congress had advanced, at several periods, an aggregate of one mil- lion five hundred and ninety-two thousand six hundred and thirty-one dollars and thirty-eight cents, leaving an actual * Pitkin; Marshall. 324 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1790. outlay by this State of five millions nine hundred and seventy-five thousand five hundred and fourteen dollars.* A large portion of its expenditures had been met by the proceeds of the confiscated British property, and by the taxes which were yearly imposed during the revolution and continued after its close. As soon as congress had passed the necessary laws for the organization of the government, the president made his appointment of public officers. Robert H. Harrison, of Maryland, was nominated one of the associate justices of the Supreme Court of the United States ; William Paca, judge of the District Court of Maryland; Richard Potts, attorney ; Col. N. Ramsey, marshal ; and Capt. Joshua Barney, clerk : Gen. Otho H. Williams, collector of the port of Baltimore ; Robert Purviance, naval officer ; and Col. Robert Ballard, surveyor.! The first electors and members of congress, had been chosen by general ticket. The legislature, in 1790, in order to carry the constitution into effect, divided the State into six congressional districts, and directed that one member should be selected from each. Electors were still to be chosen by general ticket, but at least three of them were required to be taken from the Eastern Shore. The voting was in all cases mVa voce, and not by ballot. Upon an increase of the number of the representatives to eight, a different division became necessary, and the State was laid off into ten electoral districts. The national government had not yet adopted District of any permanent residence, for the resolutions of c;oiurabia. of the old federal congress were not carried into effect. Several States had made a tender of ground, for its location, but none so liberal as that already offered by Maryland. The State, now, made another proposition to the new con- gress, and directed its representatives to cede to the United • Pitkin. \ Annals of Bait., he. 1790-3.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 325 States, a district of ten miles square, in any portion of its territory which congress might select. That body, for a long while, hesitated between the Delaware and the Poto- mac. Party spirit already ran very high, and sectional feel- ing entered into the deliberation. At length the southern- ers prevailed; the Potomac was selected: and time has proved the propriety of the choice. Washington, Madison, Lee and Carroll, were among the friends of the present site, and they urged, as their reasons, that the seat of government should be removed from the neighborhood of populous cities,— should be as central as possible, and, while at the head of tide water on the Atlantic, in such a position, as would enable it, at some future day, to be con- nected by a noble canal with the great waters of the west. For this reason the present site was selected. The hill upon which the capitol was afterwards built was already called Rome, and the rivulet which washed its base, the Tiber;— omens of the future greatness of the Republic, whose capitol was about to be erected there— a capitol, which would in itself, renew the glories of the old Roman Republic, and send its conquering stars and stripes- stars for its friends and stripes for its foes— o'er sea and land, into climes where the Roman Eagle never penetrated. Messrs. Johnson, Stewart and Carroll, were appointed commissioners, in 1790— the district was laid out on both sides of the Potomac, ten miles square, embracing nearly equal portions of Virginia and Maryland-including George- town and Alexandria, and called, -the Territory of Colum- bia." The new city, whose site was selected for the National Metropolis on the Maryland side, was named in honor of the Father of his country, the city of Washington. On the 18th of September, 1793, the corner-stone of the north wing of the Capitol, was laid by Gen. Washington in per-^on. The public buildings, however, were not suffi- 28 326 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1794. ciently advanced to admit the removal of the government thither, until the year 1800, when congress met there for the first time in the month of November. But Washington, the great patron and friend of the new city, did not live to see that day. He died on the 14th of December, 1799. Finding that the duties on imports were insuf- The Whiskey ficient to supply the wants of the treasury, con- insurrection, gress determined to levy an internal excise ; and whiskey, as one of the most common and deleterious articles of consumption, was selected as the principal subject. The tax met with great opposition, especially in western Penn- sylvania. It had increased to such a height, in 1794, that the revenue officers were no longer able to perform their duties. For three years, this lawless population set the measure at defiance, and they, at length, proceeded to acts of violence against the officers of the United States. The marshal of the district was captured by an armed mob, his life threatened, and he was compelled, under the fear of immediate death, to engage not to serve any process, west of the Alleghanies. The house of Gen. Neville, the in- spector, was assailed : — he made his escape, — but, a small garrison of soldiers from Pittsburg attempting its defence, it was taken by assault and burned to the ground. The whole region was in arms, and Gen. Washington, having resorted in vain to every peaceable means, determined to quell the insurrection with the sword. Requisitions were made upon the governors of Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Virginia, for their quotas of fifteen thousand men, to be ready at a minute's warning.* An attempt at conference failed — and it being reported that the insurgents were gathering in force at Cumberland in Maryland, for the purpose of marching on the arsenal at Frederick, whither the arms of the State had been removed at the close of the revolution, an immediate call for the troops of Maryland, • Sparks ; Marshal ; Proclamations, &c. "!«,.> 1794-7.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 327 was made by the governor, and promptly answered. Five hundred men marched from Baltimore alone, and the re- mainder of the requisition was filled up by the militia of the counties, who came forward with the greatest alacrity. The general point of rendezvous was Cumberland : and the whole militia force was placed under the command of Gov. Lee, of Maryland. The march of the army produced a salutary effect, — a bloodless victory was every where ob- tained, many of the ringleaders were taken, and the insur- rection having been completely crushed, the troops were dismissed to their homes. The French The difficulties, which had arisen in Europe ^'^'^' out of the French revolution, soon extended themselves to this country. Genet, the representative of the directory, defied the president, and appealed to the people ; but he was recalled, and another less violent, Fauchet, sent in his stead. A large portion of the nation, grateful for the past assistance of France, seemed disposed to overlook the outrages of that people against American commerce, and only to entertain hostility towards England. These questions entered deeply into party politics. The democrats sided with France, the federalists were desirous of punishing her infringements of the national rights : and, the latter being more powerful, active measures were re- solved upon against the directory. Congress ordered an increase of the army, the command of which was bestowed by President Adams on Gen. Washington, who once more left his retirement, at Mount Vernon, to draw his sword in his country's cause. The choice of the general officers was left to his discretion : and he selected Col. John Eager Howard, as one of his brigadier generals. But the cloud passed with but a few distant rumblings ; two or three French ships of war were captured ; and the directory at leno-th consented to receive an American minister, and the subjects of disputes were arranged. ^28 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1800. In the mean while, a contest had arisen, in _,. , , ' ' The riglit of Maryland for the enlargement of the right of suffrage en- suffrage. The restriction of a property qualifi- " cation, was justly obnoxious to a large class of honest and industrious men, whom it deprived of the franchises secured to wealth. It is not to be supposed that a people, as democratic as the people of Maryland, would long permit such a principle to remain engrafted upon their constitu- tion. Even before the close of the revolution, in the con- tests which arose between the house and the senate, the former body displayed the popular tendency towards more enlarged views ; whilst the latter body, from its composition and mode of selection, was strongly conservative. In the high party times which followed the administration of Washington, the question was agitated with great bitter- ness, increasing the asperity of the political contests. It became the leading topic in State politics, and elections turned upon it. At length the popular party were suc- cessful ; but it was after a long struggle. The house of delegates, in 1800, having passed a bill to extend the right of suffrage to every free white male citizen, twenty-one years of age, who had resided twelve months in the State and six in the county prior to the election, the senate proposed an amendment, requiring that the voter should also have been assessed and paid a tax twelve months before the election, and insisted upon two years residence in the State. These amendments the house contended, would make the bill, an empty gift — for it would be not only to retain but to enlarge the property qualification, and would deprive of the right of suffrage many, who already possessed it — whose property was greater in value than that required for a voter, but still under the limit of that upon which taxation was imposed. Neither body would recede from its position ; and the bill fell to the ground. lSOl-2.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 329 The controversy, however, was only renewed with greater energy by the advocates of popular rights. At the ensuing session of 1801, the bill was again introduced into the house, and passed by a vote of forty-eight to fourteen. At the same time, to warn the senate of the danger of further opposition, the committee who reported the bill, suggested that the legislative part of the constitution was defective, and required amendment. That the senate were elected so indirectly, and for so long a period — five years — with the anomalous power of filling vacancies in their own body, that they were no longer responsible to the people ; that the council, also, required modification ; and as the alteration of the constitution in the manner prescribed by that instru- ment, would make it a constitution only to be found in acts of assembly, advised that a bill recommending a convention to assemble in 1803, should be passed to take effect if confirmed by the succeeding legislature. The committee seemed to have considered that course necessary, differing with the legislature of 1786, who called a convention by a simple resolution, although the act of that convention, not only in effect, repealed at least one clause in the consti- tution, but took away from the State a portion of its sov- ereignty and nationality. The threat of the house was effective. On the 21st of December, the suffrage bill was sent to the senate : on the 2Sth, it was passed, with a single verbal amendment. Early in the session of 1802, the confirmatory act was passed by the house, by a large ma- jority, and immediately after unanimously assented to in the senate. Thus was Maryland thrown far in advance of most of the sister States, for only one other, — Vermont — had already so far extended the right of suffrage.* But not only was this odious restriction removed for ever, but another scarcely less oppressive upon the freedom of elec- tions, the viva voce vote, for which the ballot and the ballot * Votes and Proceedings of House and Senate. 28* T t 330 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1804. box were substituted. The property qualification, was still thrown round the offices of the State ; but, the first step taken, the second could not be long resisted. In June 1809, all such clauses of the constitution, as required a property qualification in persons holding offices of profit or trust, were repealed ; and the act was confirmed in the November session of the same year. Whilst this amelioration of the organic law of New Judicial the State was thus progressing to a conclusion, System, the old judicial system was abolished and the present one adopted. The State was divided into six judicial districts, for each of which, three persons of integrity and sound legal knowledge, residents of their respective districts and citizens of the State, were to be appointed judges — one to be chief, the other two associate, justices for the county courts throughout the districts. The court of appeals was composed of the chief justices of the six judicial districts, and was to hold its sessions both on the Eastern and Western Shores. To secure impartiality in its decisions, it was pro- vided that the judge, who had given an opinion in the case below, should withdraw from the bench at its trial in the court of appeals, so that the number of the acting justices of the tribunal was generally reduced to five. The national relations with foreign States, Difficulties began every day to grow more gloomy. The """*' England, aggressions of the bashaw of Tripoli had been promptly resented.* The more trying oppressions of England were borne with, for a little while longer, in the vain hope of obtaining justice by remonstrance, Napoleon had brought the continent of Europe at his feet, and only England defied his power. Her fleets swept * Lt. George Washington Mann, a Mary lander, and one of the two who first planted the American standard on the walls of Derne under Gen. Eaton, was presented by the legislature with a handsome sword and belt as a testimonial of his bravery ; also Charles Gordon, John Trippe and John Davis, were noticed for their gallantry. V 1306-8.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 33l the ocean, seizing the property and impressing the citizens of the United States, in spite of their privileges as neutrals. But the immense benefits derived from the neutrality, by the increased carrying trade, and the demand for American productions, made many persons desirous of perpetuating this state of affairs, at every sacrifice, even that of honor and patriotism. No city, in the Union, felt the impulse of prosperity from this increase of commerce more than Bal- timore. She advanced rapidly in wealth and population. England jealous of the growing naval power of the States, at length determined that American vessels, bearing French products, were lawful prize ; and laid most of the ports of France under embargo. France retaliated by the famous Berlin Decree of November, 1806, declaring the British islands in a state of blockade, and all neutral vessels, trading thither, liable to capture. The system of British impressments was even attempted upon national vessels ; and the United States ship Chesapeake was fired into, upon the refusal of her commander to submit to a search. The public indignation was thoroughly aroused : and Mary- land was not behind the other States, in the expression of its resolution to maintain the honor of the country. Pub- lic meetings were every where held, for this purpose, and the legislature voted an address to President Jefferson, declaring that they were ready to submit to all the hardships and dangers of war, rather than permit so gross an outrage to the honor of the nation to pass unpunished. The Embargo. On the 2d of July an embargo was declared, closing the ports of the United States against British ves- sels, and congress ordered one hundred thousand militia to hold themselves in readiness for service. The English government disavowed the outrage : but the embargo was continued. The maritime communities were greatly dis- tressed, and clamored for its repeal : and the house of dele- gates, in 1808, passed a resolution instructing the Maryland 332 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1803-12. representatives in congress to vote for its suspension. The senate, however, rejected the resolution, contending that the measure was wise, just and necessary ; and their deci- sion was sustained by both branches of the next legislature. Deeming war inevitable, the same assembly endeavored to foster home manufactures, to replace the supplies, which would thus be cut off from Europe, and urged the people of the State to clothe themselves in domestic fabrics. They further directed their representatives in congress, strenu- ously to support the administration of Madison, in every retaliatory measure. The people earnestly seconded the designs of the legislature ; associations were every where formed for the encouragement of domestic manufactures, and in Baltimore a company was incorporated under the name of " the Athenian Society," with a considerable capital, to establish a warehouse for the reception and sale of such articles. To aid in the advancement of this design, the society offered annual premiums for the best domestic productions ; and the members of the legislature and the people at large, made it their pride to appear clothed in the fabrics of the State.* But new delays only brought forth new insults and out- rages from the imperious government of England, until the whole country became clamorous for war. It was at length declared on the 18th of June, 1812. Although the prevail- ing sentiment of the people was in its favor, a few violently opposed the propriety and expediency of the measure. The publishers of a newspaper, called the Federal Repub- lican, had bitterly assailed the administration, and, having removed from Georgetown to Baltimore, issued their paper in that city, filled with violent articles in opposition to the war. The indignation of the people was aroused ; — they gathered around the office of publication, for the purpose of destroying it, while the friends of the editors prepared * Annals of Baltimore ; Votes and Proceedings. ■i^ 'ViiXj^.i HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 333 for its defence against the illegal violence of the mob. After a spirited resistance, in which one person was killed and several wounded, they surrendered to the authorities, and were conducted to the jail for their protection. In the ensuing night, the jail was broken open by the excited mob, who practised the greatest barbarity on the persons of their victims. One was killed ; the rest were cruelly beaten, and only escaped by passing for dead. They now threatened the post office, in which several of the obnoxious papers were said to be deposited, but the civil and military authorities at length obtained the mastery, and the disturb- ance was quelled.* * Perkin's Late War ; Annals, &c. CHAPTER XVII. THE WAR OF 1812. Jo OR a time, the war was principally waged upon the ocean and the northern frontier, and Maryland only bore part in its deeds through its fearless privateers, and its soldiers and its sailors, distributed throughout the national army and navy, and no longer distinguished in a separate corps, as under the old confederacy. But the horrors of invasion were soon brought into its borders. The Chesa- peake presented too favorable an opening for the British fleet, to escape their depredations; and in March, 1813, Admiral Cockburn made his appearance in its waters, with four ships of the line and six frigates. He immediately began a series of disgraceful outrages against the property and persons of the unarmed citizens. Even the women and children did not escape the cruelty of these monsters. French town, Havre de Grace, Frederick town (on the Eastern Shore), and Georgetown, were plundered and burned. In the assault upon Havre de Grace, a gallant defence was made by an Irishman, named O'Neale, who manned a battery himself, and kept up a hot fire upon the approach- ing force of the enemy in nineteen barges, until he was disabled by a wound in the leg, received from the recoil of the cannon he was firing. He then continued the fi^ht with two muskets, which he loaded and fired until he was captured by the enemy. They threatened to hang him as a British subject, found in arms ; but the determination of the Americans to execute two British soldiers in reprisal, induced them to spare his life, and the " true and brave 334 1813-14.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 335 adopted citizen" was received as a prisoner of war Wherever a body of militia was collected, Admiral Cock- burn held aloof. He threatened Annapolis^ but it was prepared for defence ; and, after sounding the harbor, he retired. He approached Baltimore, but five thousand citizens were in arms, resolved and eager to give him that reception which his barbarian outrages deserved ; and he shrunk from the encounter.* He preferred a more safe and profitable, though a more inglorious warfare ; and private resi- dences and the smaller bay craft, as well as other shipping, were plundered and consumed. So extensive was the destruction, that at night the shores and waters of the bay were lit up with the continuous conflagration. Battle of ^^^ ^^ attempt to invade the interior was niadensburg. ^^^^ ^^^^^ ^j^^ ^^^^ following, when the British fleet, having been largely reinforced, a body of men five thousand strong, under Gen. Ross, was landed at Bene- dict, on the Patuxent, and commenced its march towards Washington. Immediately the militia of the State and District of Columbia assembled, to the number of about three thousand men under Gen. Winder, to oppose their progress. But this small and undisciplined force was com- pelled to retire before them until they reached the village of Bladensburg on the 24th of August. Here they were reinforced by a body of twenty-one hundred men, under Gen. Stansbury, including^ the gallant fifth regiment, the elite of Baltimore, under Col. Sterrett, several rifle compa- nies commanded by Major Pinckney ; and two companies of artillery under Myers and Magruder; and by the sailors and marines, under Commodore Barney, who had been compelled to destroy his flotilla of gun boats to prevent its falling into the hands of the enemy. It was now deter- mined to make a stand and risk a battle, in defence of the capitol. Gen. Stansbury was stationed on the left of the • Niles' Register. 336 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1814. road, leading to Washington, with his artillery in a breast work near the bridge over the Western Branch, with the Baltimore volunteers in advance. Col. Beall, with eight hundred militia, was placed on the right of the road, while Winder, in person, commanded the main body a short distance in the rear. The heavy artillery, under Commo- dore Barney, was posted on an eminence commanding the road. The president of the United States reviewed the army, but withdrew to the city before the commencement of the action. As soon as the enemy appeared in sight they formed and moved towards the bridge, but they were received with a destructive fire from the batteries and the Baltimore rifles, and driven back in disorder. They immediately re-formed under cover of a tobacco-house and again advanced. The head of their columns was again thrown into confusion ; but they at length forced their way across the bridge, and having overpowered the rifles and the fifth, after a brave resistance, drove back Gen. Stansbury's force, capturing one of their pieces of artillery. Col. Beall's militia retreated with great precipitation, and another detachment of Anna- polis militia were also thrown back in disorder on the main body. The enemy now advanced briskly along the road^ certain of an easy victory, when Barney's battery opened upon them in front, and Col. Millar, with the marines, poured in a heavy fire upon their flank. The first discharge of Barney's pieces swept across their columns, with terrible effect, opening a wide avenue through the human barrier. Obliquing to the left, in hopes of escaping the range of the cannon, the British grenadiers fell upon Millar's marines. They were met with the greatest firmness, "vvhile the sailors of the gallant commodore still poured a destructive fire upon their closing ranks. They could endure it no longer; and the advance of the enemy was driven back upon the main body in disorder. The moment was critical, but 1814.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 337 from the want of a sustaining force, the Americans were unable to follow up their advantage ; and JRoss, having rallied his men, extended his front, so as to attack, at the same moment, the marines in front and on both flanks, and bring a heavy column up against the battery. Thus assailed, the marines could not hold their ground, and Col. Millar being wounded, Capt. Sevier ordered them to retire. Barney, no longer sustained by a column of infantry, was unable to maintain his position, though, his gallant sailors continued to work their guns, as coolly as on ship-board, until they were surrounded, and some of their number bayonetted at their posts. Then, only, they retired, leaving their gallant commodore covered with honorable wounds, a prisoner in the hands of the enemy. Thus far, at least, defeat had not brought disgrace. Even while Barney and Millar seemed to be on the point of driving back the foe, the main body of the militia and a body of regular cavalry and infantry never brought into action had been ordered to fall back without having yet fired a gun. A retreat, however unwillingly commenced, with undisciplined militia, soon becomes a route ; and the men who had chafed at the folly of their leaders, in with- drawing them almost in the moment of victory and when anxious for the conflict, now that their backs were turned upon the foe, were seized with a sudden panic, broke their ranks and many of them dispersed to their homes. Washington, the metropolis of the Union, was the prize of the victors ; and like the Vandal and the Goth, they gave to the flames the capitol itself, the president's house, the treasury, war, and navy offices, the national records, and the library together with other public and private pro- perty — a transaction unequalled in modern times for its disgraceful barbarity. Having thus completed their glory and shame, they returned to their shipping at Benedict, having lost in the expedition four hundred men, killed 29 Uu 338 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1814. and wounded, and five hundred prisoners. The loss of the Americans, in the battle of Bladensburg, was about thirty killed, fifty wounded and one hundred ajid twenty taken prisoners. The disgraceful termination of the fight, at Bladensburg, may be in part accounted for by the unprepared state of the force, collected to defend Washington. Many of the troops arrived on the ground, just in time to fall into the line, and, under such circumstances, it could scarcely be expected that militia would make a stand. Their conduct seems to have been effected by the perturbation of those to whom the defence of the city was entrusted, whose imbecility had in face of sufficient warning, permitted the enemy to find the capital of the Union, so unprepared for defence — who seemed only to foresee defeat, and whose greatest anxiety throughout was to keep out of harm's way — a disposition, shared by many even of the military chieftains. The Balti- more division, a few of the militia, Barney's men and the marines, behaved with a distinguished gallantry, which .somewhat redeemed the disgrace of the day. Whilst the main body of the enemy was thus employed, one detachment plundered Alexandria. Another, under Sir Peter Parker, made an inroad upon the Eastern Shore, but with very different success. Two hundred militia had gathered at Bellair, under Colonel Reed, an officer of the revolution, and Sir Peter determined to surprise them. The British advance, however, found them fully on their guard, and were received with a heavy fire. Pressing towards the right, they attempted to gain the flank of the militia, but were again repulsed. Having exhausted his ammunition. Col. Reed fell back to obtain a fresh supply : but the enemy, crippled by their severe reception and having lost their leader, Sir Peter Parker, who was mortally wounded and died a few minutes after the action, aban- doned their expedition and retreated to their boats, leaving 1814.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 339 fourteen killed and twenty-seven wounded. The American loss was very small, only three men being wounded. Battle of Having thus triumphantly despoiled the capital North Point, ^f t}^g Union, Gen. Ross turned his eyes upon the flourishing and wealthy city of Baltimore. Anticipating his design, the governor had ordered the militia of the State to hold themselves in readiness, and large bodies were marched to the city for its defence. About seven hundred regulars, several volunteer and militia companies, from Pennsylvania and Virginia, increased their strength to about fifteen thousand men. They were commanded by Gen. Samuel Smith, who had distinguished himself in the revolution by his gallant defence of Fort Mifflin. One division of the army was confided to Gen. Winder, the other to Gen. Strieker. As soon as it was announced, that the British were approaching the city, the militia irritated by the disaster at Bladensburg and the sacking of Wash- ington, flocked in from all quarters, in such numbers, that neither arms, ammunition, nor provisions, could be supplied them, and the services of many were necessarily declined. As it was expected that the enemy would land and attack the town from the east, heavy batteries were erected on the high ofrounds in that direction, and an entrenchment thrown up in which the main body of the militia were posted. On the water side, the city was defended by Fort McHenry, garrisoned by a thousand men under Major Armistead ; two small batteries were erected on the south side ; while the channel was obstructed by a number of sunken vessels. On the 11th of September, 1814, the British fleet, num- bering fifty sail, entered the mouth of the Patapsco ; and on the twelfth, a force of five thousand men was landed at North Point, fourteen miles from Baltimore. General Strieker was ordered forward with three thousand two hun- dred men, to oppose their progress. His force was com- posed of the fifth regiment, under Col. Sterrett; the sixth, 340 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1814. Col. McDonald ; the twenty-seventh, Lieut. Col. Long ; the thirty-ninth, Col. Fowler ; the fifty-first. Col. Amey ; one hun- dred and fifty riflemen, under Capt. Dyer; one hundred and forty cavalry, under Lieut. Col. Biays, and the Union artillery with six field pieces. In the regiments of this brigade, were incorporated Spangler's York, Metzgar's Hanover, Dixon's Marietta, and Quantril's Hagerstown uni- formed volunteers. He took a position about eight miles from the city, his right resting on Bear Creek and his left covered by a marsh : the fifth and twenty-seventh regi- ments formed the first line : the fifty-first, was posted three hundred yards in rear of the fifth, and the thirty-ninth in rear of the twenty-seventh : the sixth was held in reserve. The artillery, six four-pounders, was planted in the centre on the main road, and a corps of riflemen pushed in advance as skirmishers. The rifles soon fell in with the van of the enemy, and a sharp skirmish ensued, in which the British commander in chief, Gen. Ross, was killed. Col. Brooke, the second in command, still continued to advance, and, at half past three, the action commenced with the main body by a heavy cannonade. Gen. Strieker ordered his artillery to cease, until the enemy should gei within close cannister range ; and brought up the thirty- ninth on the left of the twenty-seventh, while the fifty-first was ordered to form at right angles with the line, resting its right near the left of the thirty-ninth. The fifty-first, in attempting to execute this order fell into confusion which however was soon remedied. The enemy now advanced upon the twenty-seventh and thirty-ninth; and the action became general. The fifty-first having imperfectly recovered from its confusion, failed to keep its ground ; and, having delivered a scattering fire, broke in disorder. Its retreat threw the second battahon of the thirty-ninth into some confusion : but the whole line, undismayed by the desertion of the fifty-first, maintained its ground with the greatest 1914.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 341 firmness, pouring in a destructive fire upon the advancing columns of the enemy. The artillery reopened with terrible effect upon their left, which was opposed to the fifth, whilst that gallant regiment proudly sustained the laurels it had won at Bladensburg. This close and hot fire was kept up, without intermission, for nearly an hour, in the face of a foe more than treble their numbers ; for the American line, reduced by the desertion of the fifty-first, and unaided by the sixth in reserve, numbered only fourteen hundred men. Their vollies were deadly, for they fired not only by order, but each man at his mark, and the front ranks of the enemy were frequently observed throwing themselves upon the ground to avoid its unerring destruction. Findinor that his force, uncovered on its left flank, was no longer able to make head against the superior strength of the enemy, and having accomplished the main object of his detachment by the severe check he had given them Gen. Strieker ordered his line to retire to the position of the sixth, his reserve regiment. This was accomplished in good order; but the fatigued condition of the troops, who had been in action, and the exposed position which he occupied, determined the general to fall back still nearer to the city. The enemy crippled by the severe contest did not attempt pursuit ; and the brigade, feeling that it had gathered the benefits of a victory, assumed its position near the lines, panting for another struggle with the invader. Although the American loss was heavy, it bore no com- parison to that of the enemy. Adjutant James Lowry Donaldson, a member of the legislature, fell in the hottest of the conflict. Lieut. Andre was killed—Capt. Quantril of Hagerstown, Capt. Stewart, Major Moore, Lieut. Reese, Joseph R. Brookes and Ensign Kirby, were wounded. Major Heath was wounded and had two horses killed under him. The American loss was twenty-four killed, one hun- dred and thirty-nine wounded, and fifty prisoners — a total 29* 342 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1814. of two hundred and thirteen. The loss of the enemy was nearly twice as great, and among their killed was their leader Gen. Ross, who, in conjunction with the notorious Cockburn, was the destroyer of the capital, and who haa boasted that he would take up his winter quarters in Baltimore. On the morning of the 13th of September, the British made their appearance within two miles of the entrench- ments, on the Philadelphia road, as if endeavoring to gain the flank of the American position ; but, baffled by the skil- ful manoeuvres of Gen. Smith, after throwing forward a reconnoisance and threatening the lines in front, they retired towards their former position, deterred from the attempt by the strength of the works. Havino^ thus failed to take the city by land, „ , , 3 J J ^ Bombardmenl the enemy hoped that an attack by water would of Fort Mc- be more successful, and on the eveninor of the ^^^^' 13th, the fleet began to bombard the fort, its main defence. The garrison was composed of three companies of United States' artillery, and three volunteer city companies, under Capt. Berry, Lieut. Pennington, and Capt. Nicholson, besides six hundred infantry ; in all about one thousand men under Col. Armistead. For a time the brave garrison, were compelled to receive the fire of the fleet in silence, anchored as it was two miles from the fort and beyond the reach of its guns. At length, however, some confusion being created in the south-west bastion by the bursting of a bomb, several vessels were brought within range to follow up the supposed advantage : but the batteries immediately opened upon them with such effect, that they were driven back to their former position. At this safe distance, they poured a continuous storm of shells upon the gallant de- fenders of the fort, who held their posts in stern silence, ready to repulse any nearer approach. During the night, several rocket vessels and barges, with fourteen hundred 1814.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 343 men, supplied with scaling ladders, passed silently by the- fort, and entered the Patapsco. Little dreaming of the resistance of the six and ten gun batteries, the foe already revelled, in anticipation, in the plunder of the captured city, when suddenly, as they drew opposite the six gun bat- tery, Lieut. Webster, its commander, opened upon them with terrible effect. The fort and the ten gun battery, also poured in their fire, and for two hours a furious can- nonade was kept up, while the heavens were lighted up with the fiery courses of the bombs from the fleet and barges. The havoc was dreadfiil. One of the barges was sunk, and the cries of the wounded and drowning, could be plainly heard upon the shore. The rest, in the utmost confusion, and having suffered a heavy loss, retreated pre- cipitately to the fleet. During that fearful night, Francis S. Key, a distinguished son of Maryland, was a prisoner in the British fleet. Having gone on board under the protection of a flag of truce, to effect the release of some captive friends, he was himself detained during the expedition. Of vivid and poetic temperament, he felt deeply the danger which their preparations foreboded, and the long and terrible hours which passed in sight of that conflict whose issue he could not know. It was under these circumstances that he com- posed " The Star Spangled Banner," descriptive of the scenes of that doubtful night, and of his own excited feelings. As the struggle ceases, upon the coming morn, uncertain of its result, his eye seeks for the flag of his country, and he asks in doubt : — " Oh ! say can you see by the dawn's early light, What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming. Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight O'er the rampart we watched, were so gallantly streaming? The rockets red glare — bombs bursting in air — Gave proof thro' the night, that our flag was still there. Oh, say does that star spangled banner still wave O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave ?" 344 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1814. And then, as through "the mists of the deep," dimly loomed that gorgeous banner fluttering in the first rays of the morning sun, he exclaims triumphantly — " 'Tis the Star Spangled Banner ! oh long may it wave O'er the land of the free, and the home of the brave." This outburst of the patriot and poet's heart, thrilled through the souls of his brethren ; they took it up : — it swelled from millions of voices: and the "Star Spangled Banner," written by a son of Maryland, within sight of the battle fields won by the citizen soldiers of Maryland — with the sound of their victorious cannon still ringing in his ears — became the proud national anthem of the whole Union. Thus baflled by land and water. Admiral Cockburn and Col. Brooke determined to abandon the expedition ; the troops were embarked on the 15th, and, on the 16th, the hostile fleet dropped down the Chesapeake, leaving the liberated city filled with joy at her triumphant preservation, mingled with sorrow for the gallant sons who had died to defend her. Admiral Cockburn continued his exploits on the bay shore, burning and destroying the property of the de- fenceless citizens for some time longer, and threatening the towns on the coast; but he at length withdrew. The gallant defence of Baltimore saved the other Atlantic cities from attack, — its successful termination raised the spirits of the people, and renewed their confidence in themselves, proving that, when led by brave and skilful officers, they need not dread to encounter any equal force of their veteran enemy. CHAPTER XVIIT. FROM THE PEACE OF 1815, TO THE YEAR 1848. JiiARLY in the ensuing year, the war was closed by an honorable peace, signed at Ghent on the 24th of December, 1814, and ratified by the United States, on 17th of February, 1815; and Maryland once more turned all its energies to the great work of fostering its own growth, and increasing its strength and resources. It is not surprising, when the situation of Baltimore, her commercial advantages and the enterprise of her citizens, are considered, that the most rapid and considerable increase in the population and wealth of the State, took place within her limits: and, at no period did she stride forward so rapidly as during those great Euro- pean wars, when commerce was thrown principally in the hands of Americans. Thus, in 1790, her population was only thirteen thousand — in ten years it had doubled itself, and in ten years more almost quadrupled itself. Never perhaps was there so unexampled a growth, continued for so long a term. If from that latter period, 1810, her prosperity, was checked for a time by the political difficulties of the nation and the war which ensued ; upon the return of peace, she again rose up with renewed life like the great heart of Maryland, throbbing and swelling with the vigorous tide of prosperity, which she was sending forth and receiving back by a thousand arteries. The pulsations of her daily life w^ere felt to the remotest quarters of the State : when wealth poured into her lap, its golden streams penetrated into every portion of the interior, and when difficulty or distress came upon her, the vibrations of the shock reached even to the westernmost limits of Maryland. She became and 345 346 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1807-36. continued the index of State prosperity, and its centre ; and as well might the counties hope to flourish, when she is hemmed in and pressed down, as the members of the body live when the heart has ceased to beat. Fully awake to this truth, the people of the State joined with the city, in her efforts to open every avenue to the interior, and to make Baltimore the great outlet and seaport of the mighty west ; a result destined to be accomplished in time to come in spite of every difficulty and against every opposition. But the rapid growth of Baltimore and the in- Reform, creasing strength and population of the western counties, whose inhabitants had frequently declared their opposition to certain features of the constitution, at length brought the question of its reform into greater prominence, and made it the engrossing topic of discussion and the great object of political movement. By the system of that day, the senate, the governor and council, and the majority of the legislature Itself, could be elected by a minority of the people. As the legislature was composed of four members from each county, and two from the cities of Baltimore and Annapolis, the smaller and less populous counties had as much influ- ence in that body, as the larger ; so that ten counties, with perhaps little over one-third of the population of the State, could cast a majority of votes. The same held good in regard to the senate, which was chosen by a body of elec- tors of two from each county : and as the governor and council were selected by the two houses by joint ballot, the influence of the ten smaller counties if brouo^ht to bear could overpower that of the larger. It was thus a confed- eration of counties, each with the same voice, in the assembly, without regard to population or wealth. This disparity had existed from the very adoption of the constitu- tion, but had increased with the rapid growth of Baltimore and the west, and the diminution of the smaller counties. The mode of electing the senate was particularly objected to 1807-36.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 347 by those who desired a change. As early as 1807, a strong effort was made to effect an alteration in the system, by making that body consist of one member from each county to be elected by the people ; and in the bill which passed the house for that purpose, an attempt was made to engraft a provision, regulating the number of delegates for each county in proportion to its population. The measure how- ever was opposed by the senate, and the house ordered the rejected bill to be published in the votes and proceedings for the information of the people.* A similar bill met with a like fate, in the ensuing year, and the struggle seems to have been absorbed by the more exciting questions, which occupied the public mind, prior to the breaking out of hos- tilities with England. No sooner was peace declared, however, than the old disputes began to awaken. Complaints arose from all quar- ters against the inequality of the system, under which the State was governed. The dissatisfaction extended to other features besides the organization of the house and senate. The mode of electing the governor, the tenure of many offices, particularly those of the county clerks and registers of wills, — profitable offices held during good behaviour, in effect for life — became the subject of strenuous opposition. For years, however, every effort failed: both of the political parties in the reform counties, had in vain united together to secure their object; the discordant elements of the ill assorted alliance soon broke asunder. At length, hopeless of obtaining any practical result, when thus disunited, it was proposed that a convention of reformers without dis- tinction of party should be held in Baltimore, to agree upon such measures as would ensure success : and, on the 6th of June, 1836, delegates, from Cecil, Harford, Baltimore, Frederick, Montgomery and Washington counties, and Baltimore city, assembled, and adopted resolutions advising * Votes and Proceedings, 1807-8, 348 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1836. the people to elect delegates at the ensuing election, pledged to introduce into the legislature a bill to take the sense of the people, upon the amendment of the constitution ; and providing for the calling of a convention, for that purpose, in case a majority of the popular vote demanded it. They further proposed that the time for electing the delegates to this convention should be fixed by the bill, on the first Mon- day in June, 1837, and that they should assemble on the 4th of July, and prepare a constitution to be submitted to the people, for their approbation at the October election fol- lowing : and they empowered their president to re-assemble their body, if the legislature failed to act upon the subject within forty days, " to take such ulterior measures, as might be then deemed expedient, just, proper, and best calcu- lated, without the aid of the legislature, to ensure the accom- plishment of the desired results."* The preceding assembly had passed laws which tended to enlarge the representa- tion of the more populous districts, and which only needed the confirmation of the succeeding legislature, to become effectual. Two additional delegates were by these mea- sures given to Baltimore city ; and the new county of Carroll was erected out of portions of Frederick and Baltimore, thus securing four more representatives to the people formerly embraced in those two counties. But this item of inci- dental reform, only made the reformers more urgent in their demands ; and the people seemed disposed to sustain fully the recommendations of the convention. But these movements suddenly took a most unexpected turn. The term of the old senate of Maryland was about to expire ; and the time had arrived to elect a college of senatorial electors, to form a new one ; and upon the close of the election it was ascertained, that although a majority of reformers had been selected, thus securing a reform senate, twenty-one whig and nineteen democratic senatorial * Brief Outline, &c. of the Nineteen Van Buren Electors. 1836.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 349 electors had been chosen.* On the third Monday of Sep- tember, according to the requirements of the constitution, the electors gathered at Annapolis. Only twenty-one, however, qualified by taking their official oath, and as the constitution required the presence of at least twenty-four members to complete the organization of the college, no- thing could be done. The nineteen democratic electors having met together in caucus, determined, in accordance with instructions from several primary meetings, to secure a majority of the senate " of a similar complexion with the people electing them, and entertaining the same opinions and sentiments," that as they represented counties, which contained a large majority of voters, it was right that they, although a minority in the electoral college, should have the nomination of eight members, being a majority of the senate. Accordingly they addressed a note to the twenty- one electors, proposing that eight gentlemen whom they would name, should be chosen as senators. This was re- fused, and for several days, they persevered in their determi- nation to take no part in the election of a senate. The twenty-one electors continued to meet daily at An- napolis, in the hope of organizing, and were at length joined by one of the nineteen, who qualified and took his seat. His example was soon followed by six others ; the electoral college was organized, and a senate chosen. The senate which was elected, was a reform senate ; — the lower house had been in favor of reform for several years, and no difficulty was now thrown in the way of the desired amendments. When the legislature assembled they immedi- Reform of tiie _ Gove-nor and ately entered upon the work of reform. The re- senate, suit of their deliberations was the adoption of most of the amendments contemplated by the reform movement. The election of governor was given to the people ; his • Brief Outline, &c., of the Nineteen Van Buren Electors. 30 350 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1836-7. term of office was fixed at three years, and the State was divided into three gubernatorial districts, from each of which in turn he was required to be taken. The Eastern Shore counties composed the first district. Frederick, Carroll, Harford, Baltimore, Washington, and Alleghany counties the second district, and the remaining counties with the city of Baltimore the third district. The council was abol- ished and a secretary of State provided to supply the place of the clerk of the council. The Senate was entirely re- organized, on the plan proposed in 1807: one member was assigned to each county and to the city of Baltimore, to be elected immediately by the people. The first elec- tion was to be held at the October elections of 1838, and in order that there might be a periodical change in that body, the senators first elected were to be divided into classes, by lot, who were to serve two, four, or six years. Upon the expiration of the different classes, their places were to be supplied by new elections, in their respective counties ; and the term of their successors was fixed at six years. So that, always thereafter, at each period of two years, one-third of the whole body would be elected by the people, thus securing permanency in policy and a frequent accountability to their constituents. The qualifi- cation of a senator, was the same as that of a delegate, except that he should have arrived at the age of twenty-five years, and been a resident for three years of the county, or city, for which he was elected. House of T^^^ constitution of the house of delegates, was Delegates, jjiaterially altered. Five members were assigned to Baltimore city, Frederick and Baltimore counties, each ; four for Anne Arundel, Dorchester, Somerset, Worcester, Prince George's, Harford, Montgomery, Carroll, and Wash- ington, each ; three for each of the remaining counties, and one for Annapolis city. This arrangement was only to endure until after the official promulgation of the next 1S36.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 351 census of 1840; when, and also at every second census thereafter, the number of delegates was to be apportioned on the following basis: every county with a population less than fifteen thousand, in federal numbers, should elect three delegates ; every county with a population of fifteen thousand, and less than twenty-five thousand, four dele- gates ; every county, with a population of twenty-five thousand, and less than thirty-five thousand, five delegates ; every county, having a population over thirty-five thousand souls, six delegates ; and Baltimore city, as many delegates as the most populous county. After the year 1840, the city of Annapolis was no longer to have a separate repre- sentation, in the house, but to be considered as part of Anne Arundel. The term of service of the county clerks and derks and registers of wills, was reduced to seven years, i^^gisters. and their appointment conferred upon the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate. These altera- tions were all confirmed at the ensuing session of the legislature and became portions of the constitution. The weight of taxation which was brought on by the efl'orts to pay the interest on the public debt, at a subse- quent period, again awoke a desire for some economical reform, to retrench the expenses of the government, and with this view the legislatures of 1845 and 1846, passed and confirmed a bill to make the sessions of the general assembly biennial instead of annual. They further reduced the salary of the governor from forty-two hundred to two thousand dollars. Slavery and ^" ^^^ contest for a reform of the constitution, the Blacks. -^^ IS36, another question of an exciting character had mingled. It was feared by many that a convention, if assembled, miorht touch the relation of master and slave, and those interested in the matter, took care to have an additional guard thrown around their rights. 352 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1836. A provision was engrafted upon the constitution, de- claring '' that the relation of master and slave in this State shall not be abolished unless a bill for that purpose shall be passed by an unanimous vote of both branches of the general assembly, be published three months before a new election, and be unanimously confirmed by the succeeding legislature." Even then it was required that full compen- sation should be made to the master for the property of which he would be thereby deprived. Even at the close of the revolution, the feelings of many of those, who had just emerged from the contest for liberty, were awakened in behalf of the negro slaves Efforts were made by some to secure the gradual abolition of slavery, by others to raise the character of the free blacks. Memorials were even presented to the legislature on the subject of abolition— but the society framed for that purpose was compelled to desist from its proceedings, and was dis- solved.* But whilst every one considered the abolition of slavery as impossible, or at least impolitic, its existence was looked upon by many as an evil to be gradually removed. The legislature in 1805, and subsequently, expressed their decided hostility to the continuation of the African slave trade, and instructed their delegates, in congress, to pro- pose or vote for an amendment to the constitution of the United States, for its immediate suppression, and a prohi- bition of the importation of slaves from the West Indies or any other foreign country. By the existing clauses of the constitution of the United States, congress would in 1808, have had the power of com- plete legislation upon this subject. The proposition for an immediate change originated with Massachusetts and North Carolina : it was favorably received by Maryland, and wa? adopted by the house of delegates by a vote of forty-two tc four, and in the senate without opposition.! * Griffith's Annals ; Votes and Proceedings, General Assembly. t Votes and Proceedings 1805, p. 118. 1836.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 353 This favorable tendency of public opinion continued un- diminished for many years, and its effect was perceived in the gradual decrease of the number of slaves and the in- crease of free blacks, by private and voluntary emancipa- tion. In 1790 the number of slaves in Maryland was 103,036: they had increased in 1810 to 111,502, but con- tinued, under the effect of the tendency already spoken of, to diminish year by year, until in 1840 they were reduced to 89,619. The free blacks on the contrary have consider- ably increased ; showing the extent to which this gradual emancipation has been carried. In 1790, they numbered only 8,043; in 1810, they had increased to 33,469; and in 1840, to 61,938 — thus threatening to equal if not out num- ber the slave population. But this very result was deprecated from the outset ; for many inconveniences were foreseen by the legislature from the existence in their midst of so large a body of men, destitute of political rights, in a degraded condition, and yet without proper subjective restraints. It was then deemed prudent to throw some restrictions in the way of manu- mission. The wiser and more humane friends of the Liberia, negro, had early embarked in a truly noble and beneficent design — the American Colonization Society. Satisfied that the black man, could never mingle as an equal with the white race, they proposed to establish colonies on the western coast of Africa, and to settle, there, those of the free and emancipated blacks who should be willing to return to the land of their forefathers. A branch of this association was immediately formed in Maryland, as pecu- liarly suited to the views and necessities of the people. The association, however, was entirely subject to the Na- tional Society ; and it was soon found to be too much under the control, or at least liable to the vexatious inter- ference, of the northern abolitionists. It was, therefore, 30" X X 354 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1317. determined to establish an independent organization in the State, and plant a separate colony under the name of " Maryland," in Liberia. This design, with a praiseworthy perseverance, was accordingly carried into effect. As it was not only founded upon enlarged philanthropic views, but upon sound policy, in the condition of the State, with its large free black population, an appeal was made to the legislature, for assistance. It was generously afforded. An annual appropriation of twenty thousand dollars, to be raised by taxation, was bestowed upon the society, and never withheld or diminished in the darkest hours of pecu- niary embarrassment ; and three commissioners were ap- pointed on behalf of the State to take part in its affairs. In spite of the opposition of the abolitionists, its bitterest ene- mies, the society continued to flourish ; emigrants were yearly sent out to Cape Palmas ; and the ]\Iaryland colony is now one of the most prosperous on the western shore of Africa, having a considerable trade, and being visited peri- odically by a regular packet from Baltimore. The wisdom and good policy of fostering this noble scheme, is evident from a single glance at the statistics of the African race in Maryland, and the necessary result of the present system of manumission. Their increase is exceedingly small — scarcely more than sufficient to supply the loss by deaths and transportation of slaves to the south. Thus in 1810, they numbered, free and slave, 144,971; in 1840, 151,657 — so that in a period of thirty years their aggregate increase was only 6,686 : and while there was an actual diminution in the number of slaves in that period of 21,783, there was a positive increase of free blacks of 28,469. In the same period the increase of the white pop- ulation was 82,000. The diminution of the slaves, and the large increment of the free negroes over the actual growth of the whole black population, testify in part to the rapidity of the manumission, which is going on throughout the 1310-40.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 355 State by the voluntary act of the slaveholdeps. As these results continue, the number of free blacks increase — a race little productive to the State, weakening its military strength, depreciating its political position by their bare presence, and in time of war ready to become a source of domestic insecurity, through the intrigues of an enemy. It is there- fore not only humanity, but good and sound policy, which has presided over this excellent institution, the Maryland State Colonization Society. Public While the people of the State were occupied Schools, ^-^.j^ ^Y\e struggle for the reform of the consti- tution, and with the condition of the black race in the State, they were not unmindful of the interests of education. It nad been the early pride of Maryland that its metropolis, the ancient city of Annapolis, in colonial days had won the title of "the Athens of America," and the people had long turned their attention to the fostering of education. But the provisions made in those times, became, as the popu- lation increased, entirely insufficient, and schools and colleges were erected, and assisted by public and private munificence. At length in 1812, upon the application of certain banks for a renewal of their charters, the legislature, deeming it a fit occasion to raise a permanent fund for the public schools, annexed to the act of extension, a condi- tion that these corporations should pay annually to the State treasurer, during the continuance of their charters, the gross sum of twenty thousand dollars, apportioned among them according to their capital.* This sum was directed to be equally divided among the several counties of the State ; and in 1816, nine " commissioners of the school fund," were appointed for each county, to superintend the application of the money.! The system, adopted at that time, was subsequently much * Acts of Assembly, 1812. f Ibid. 1816 ; 1825 31 Y y 356 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1816-25. altered by local legislation, and was finally superseded by the formation of the primary school organization in 1825. This organization was much more enlarged : a superinten- dent of public instruction was directed to be appointed by the governor, while the levy courts of the respective coun- ties annually selected nine commissioners of public schools, together with a number of other persons, not exceeding eighteen, to be inspectors. The commissioners were em- powered to lay off, alter or regulate the school districts ; to receive the money apportioned to the county, and divide it among the districts ; to hold property as a body corporate for the use of the primary schools; and, with the inspectors, to examine and qualify all applicants for the office of teacher. The taxable inhabitants were directed to assemble in their respective districts to choose a district clerk, and to elect three trustees, who were to build and keep in repair school-houses, employ duly qualified teachers, and pay their salaries out of the money placed in their hands by the com- missioners. They were required to report semi-annually to the commissioners, who in turn reported annually to the county clerk the condition of the schools. It was made the duty of the inspectors to visit the several schools quar- terly at least, and examine into the proficiency of the scho- lars and the good order and regularity of the schools. The powers exercised by the levy courts in the counties, were vested in the mayor and council of Baltimore, for the regu- lation of the primary schools of the city. Finally, the law erecting this extensive system was to be submitted to the people, and was only to be in force in those counties where a majority of votes were cast in its favor at the ensuing election. The revenues assigned for the purpose were to be divided amongst the counties and the city of Baltimore, in proportion to their white population. This general system was soon adopted in several couii- 1849.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 357 ties ; but the particular wants of the different sections of the State induced much local legislation upon the subject, altering and modifying many features of the original orga- nization. When the public debt of the United States was finally paid off, congress determined to distribute the surplus revenue among the States. Maryland invested more than $600,000 of the amount which she received, for the benefit of the schools, the interest of which, with the former funds and new contributions from the banks, raised the annual fund distributed from the State treasury to $65,631 81. This system gradually went into general operation, and its good results are every where perceived, in the improving intelligence of the people. The public schools of Baltimore, were formed pubnc schools upon a system peculiar to that city, and brought ^^ Baltimore, to a high state of usefulness by the unremitting zeal of the gentlemen, who, without other compensation than that of the pleasure of conferring benefits on their fellows, have devoted their time to the laborious duties of commissioners of the schools. The legislature, in the establishment of the general system throughout the State, had conferred upon the mayor and city council of Baltimore, authority to estab- lish public schools in the city, and to levy a tax for their support. The city authorities placed this power in the hands of commissioners, one of whom was selected from each ward. The schools were at first established on a plan similar to that adopted in the counties, and were made free of charge. This system was, at length, found inefficient : at the end of ten or twelve years, not more than six hun- dred pupils attended these schools, and it was found neces- sary to devise some method to increase their usefulness. A small charge was levied upon each scholar who could apbrd to pay it, amounting to one dollar per quarter: the charge met the approval of the public, and the schools soon 358 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1849. became thronged. Seven thousand pupils now attend the public schools of Baltimore. Besides the primary and grammar schools, high schools were opened, into which the scholars who had passed through the primary and grammar schools were entered. They consist of a central high school for boys, and two high schools for girls, into which the most promising pupils of the grammar schools are promoted, as a reward for their diligence, and to enable them to acquire a more finished education. The studies pursued in the male grammar schools are reading, writing, geography, grammar, history, the elements of natural philosophy and physiology, arith- metic, algebra, mensuration, astronomy, with the use of the globes, book-keeping, and vocal music : in the female grammar schools the same branches are taught, except al- gebra and mensuration. In the male central high school, the studies are, grammar, ancient geography, rhetoric, logic, natural, moral, mental and political science, physiology, botany, the higher branches of mathematics, book-keeping, ancient and modern languages, writing, drawing, and vocal music ; the same branches are taught in the female high schools, except some of the higher branches of mathe- matics, and ancient and modern languages. In the female high schools, nearly five hundred young ladies are educated. About one-half their teachers are females, who have also been employed to great advantage in the instruction of boys in the early part of their education. The salaries paid to teachers, male and female, are liberal, and thus the best talent is secured for these important posts. And it is a fact worthy of notice, that these teachers have been in a great measure, trained in the city high schools. The cost of this system is upwards of sixty thousand dollars a year, nearly one-third of which is raised by the tuition fees, the balance by taxation. Besides the twenty public schools under the direction of the school commissioners, there are in Balti- 1784-1844.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 359 more several colleges and academies of high rank, and two or three hundred private schools.* In colonial times, no colleges had been estab- Colleges. Fished in Maryland ; for the sons of the wealthy who would have aided materially in their support, were generally sent to England to receive an education. At the close of the revolution, an effort was made to establish colleges in Maryland, where the youth of the State might pursue the higher branches of education, and at the same time be imbued with the principles of patriotism and the love of liberty. Washington College at Chestertown and St. John's College at Annapolis, were the first erected, and they re- ceived large assistance from the State. They had been incorporated into one university, but were again divided, and the appropriation from the State treasury at length withdrawn, to be applied to educational purposes through- out the State. This measure for a time checked the prosperity of St. John's College, and caused the temporary suspension of Washington College. Other institutions were now to be founded by private enterprise. Shortly after the foundation of St. John's College at Annapolis, Dr. John Carroll, the Catholic bishop of Balti- more, determined to establish an academy for the prepara- tion of young men for the priesthood, and for the education of boys. He selected Georgetown as the site of his school, and commenced it in 1789. When the seat of the general government was removed to Washington, he perceived the many advantages which it presented for a great university, and resolved to enlarge his design. The institution was incorporated in 1799, and raised to the rank of an uni-^ versity in 1815, by an act of congress. * Speeches of the Rev. J. N. M'Jilton, treasurer, and Dr. Monmo- nier, president, of the board of school commissioners, Baltimore, at the Philadelphia public school convention, October, 1849. 360 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1784-1844. Somewhat similar was the origin of St. Mary's College, Baltimore. In 1791, an ecclesiastical seminary was estab- lished there by Rev. Mr. Nagot, under the superintendence of Bishop Carroll ; in 1799, an academy for boys was erected adjoining it. It flourished rapidly ; and, in 1805, was raised by an act ©f the legislature to the rank of an university. In 1785, the Methodists had established a college at Abington in Harford county, which, in 1798, was destroyed by fire. In the ensuing year, they purchased a building at Baltimore, in order to recommence their institution. The new academy, in the same year, met with the same fate ; and the enterprise was abandoned. Mt. St. Mary's College was founded by the Hev. John Dubois, who had fled from the terrors of the French revo- lution. He commenced a small school, in a log cabin, at the foot of the Catoctin mountains, near the village of Emmittsburg. In 1810, his academy numbered forty scho- lars. After years of toil, in 1824 he succeeded in erecting a large college residence, which was burned to the ground almost on the very day of its completion. Undisheartened, he renewed his labors. Success at length crowned his effort ; and the college was chartered in the year 1830, by the legislature of Maryland. Anxious to secure institutions in which the youth of their denomination might be educated, the convention of the Episcopal Church in Maryland, (1836-7,) urged the formation of academies which should be under their own control. In 1841, the Rev. Mr. Lyman of Hagerstown, succeeded in purchasing a suitable building at Fountain Rock, in Washington county, and a school was soon after opened. It was placed under the superintendence of the Rev. Mr. Kerfoot, and, in 1844, was chartered by the legis- lature under the title of " the College of St. James." 1847.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 361 St. John's Literary Institution at Frederick, in which the usual collegiate course of studies is pursued, was founded by the Rev. John McElroy, and incorporated in 1842. It was raised to the rank of a college, with the power of conferring degrees, by the legislature in 1850. Besides these, there are many academies of a high order through- out the State, on which no collegiate powers have been conferred. No State, perhaps, possesses so many and so efficient institutions for the education of females, as Maryland. For it has always been the desire of the people to extend education to all classes — and the proper education of the mothers is the surest method of securing the enlighten- ment of the rising generations. p ^j. But that which perhaps more than all occupied provemenia-- the attention of the people, was the system of internal improvements which had been under- taken to secure the prosperity of the State. The immense mineral resources of western Maryland, the rich mines of iron ore, and the inexhaustible supply of coal which its moun- tains contained, made it a matter of peculiar importance to Maryland that the designs of the Potomac Company should be completed, irrespective of the growing trade of the west. A water communication into the heart of the mineral region, affording the cheapest means of transportation of such heavy articles, was almost absolutely necessary to develope fully its immense wealth and pour it into the markets of the Atlantic. But it was found in pro- gress of time, after repeated efforts, that the mode of navi- gation proposed by the Potomac Company was insufficient and unworthy of the great object in view — the securing the trade of the west; and another and nobler work was con- templated. It was proposed that the Potomac Company should surrender its privileges to a new corporation, to be formed for the purpose of making a canal along the river to* 362 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1823-4. its head, and thence to the waters of the Ohio. The legis- lature of Maryland ajjproved of the design, and a conven. tion was called at the city of Washington, of delegates to be chosen by the people of the different counties of Virgi- nia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania, to consider the best means of effecting so desirable an object. Delegates from fourteen counties in Virginia, one in Pennsylvania, and eight in Maryland, besides a full representation from each of the District cities, attended on the 6th of November, 1823. It was resolved that a company should be formed to construct a navigable canal, by Cumberland to the coal banks on the eastern side of the Alleghanies, and thence, as soon as practicable, to the highest point of navigation on the Ohio, or Monongahela : and, as it was contemplated to be finished by the joint efforts of the United States' government, Mary- land, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the subscriptions of pri- vate stockholders, it was proposed to designate it as •' the Union Canal," but its present name, the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, was finally adopted. During the sessions of the convention, a communication was presented from two delegates from Ohio, proposing a further extension of the work by a canal from the Ohio through that State to the great lakes on the north ; which portion of the design was finally accomplished by that State unaided. In conformity with the recommendations of this body, an act was passed by Virginia on the 27th of January, 1824, and subsequently confirmed by Maryland, Pennsylvania, and the United States, to incorporate the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company.* Maryland, wisely looking to the interest of its commercial metropolis, claimed and obtained the right of constructing, through any portion of the District of Columbia, a lateral canal, to terminate at the city of Baltimore. It further insisted upon the power, and maintained the expediency of the general government's * Canal records and proceedings, acts, Stc. 1827-8.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 365 fostering this great national work and aiding in its comple- tion. It authorized the State treasurer in its name to sub- scribe five thousand shares of stock at one hundred dollars per share, on certain conditions. The necessary legislation having thus been effected, a second convention assembled at Washington, composed of numerous delegates from Ohio, Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and approved of the charter thus tendered to them : the books were opened by the commissioners appointed for that purpose ; and, the requisite amount of stock having been taken, the stockholders, in June, 1828, organized and formally accepted the charter. The United States sub- scribed for ten thousand shares of stock, and congress au- thorized the District cities to become stockholders. They accordingly took an aggregate of fifteen thousand shares. The amount of the subscription of Virginia was only seven hundred and seventy-seven shares. These subscriptions, together with the stock taken by individuals, brought the sum total to thirty-six thousand and eighty-nine shares, being a capital of $3,608,900. > It had been sanguinely estimated that the whole work could be completed to Cum- berland on the scale at first contemplated — forty feet wide at top, twenty-eight feet at bottom, and four feet deep, for $4,400,000. The dimensions however were afterwards in- creased, at the suggestion of the United States' government, to six feet in depth, and in width, ranging from sixty to fifty feet. The route was immediately selected and the work commenced. While these measures were in progress, the Baiumorfi & people of Baltimore began to entertain fears that o^^io i^- ^oad. the work would interfere with their prosperity, and build up the District cities, at their expense. They doubted the fea- sibility of constructing the lateral canal; and a rail road to the waters of the Ohio, was determined upon. In February, 1827, a public meeting was called in the city, and a memorial 364 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1827-40. preferred, at once, to the legislature. It was asserted, that the route of the rail road was the only practicable one, that it was shorter by one hundred and forty miles than that by the canal, and that it could be opened at an expense less by seven millions of dollars. In ten days after the applica- tion, a charter was granted by the legislature. It was soon found that the best site for the passage of the road through the range of the Catoctin, was by the banks of the Potomac, already surveyed for the location of the canal, and scarcely of sufficient width for the construc- tion of both works, between the mountains and the river on the Maryland side ; and the Rail Road Company in ad- vance procured the condemnation of the lands in that vicinity, by the means designated in their charter, to secure this important point. The surveys and other proceedings were taken with such rapidity, that they were completed before the Canal Company could procure and serve upon their agents a writ of injunction. A legal contest ensued, which resulted in the success of the Canal Company : but a compromise was afterwards effected, by which the Rail Road Company were allowed to pass along on aline parallel with the canal to Harper's Ferry, at which point it crossed the river to the Virginia side. Several years elapsed before the settlement of this vexatious dispute, which considerably retarded the progress of the two works. To bestow an equal encouragement on the rail road, the State subscribed for five thousand shares of its stock, and authorized the city of Baltimore to subscribe for thirty thousand shares. The spirit of improvement had now seized upon the peo- ple, and in every quarter new designs were formed. A rail road was projected from Baltimore to York, and a com- pany incorporated for its construction, under the name of the " Baltimore and Susquehanna Rail Road." A branch of the Baltimore and Ohio road was turned tov/ards Washing- ton, a work which has proved very profitable to the State. 1830-4S.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 365 With it was connected a lateral road to Annapolis. Large schemes for draining, improving, and canaling on the Eastern Shore were entertained ; and on the Western, the rendering the Monocacy navigable, a lateral canal to Balti- more, and another to Annapolis, were dreamed of as things soon to be accomphshed. Several of these schemes were never undertaken : — but to those that were commenced, the State subscribed largely, and the consequence was soon felt in a heavy public debt. It was at length found that to complete these Public Debt, great designs, further appropriations would become neces- sary, and large additional issues of State bonds were made by the authority of the legislature, until the public debt reached the enormous sum of more than sixteen millions of dollars. As long as the companies to which these bonds had been granted, continued to pay the interest upon them, they did not become a burden upon the State : in 1840, however, some of them failed to meet these demands, and the State was called upon to discharge the interest falling due. The startling announcement was then made, that, on the first of December, 1840, there would be a deficit in the treasury of nearly six hundred thousand dol- lars — an amount almost twice as great as the whole reve- nue of the State. To make good the deficiency, it was resolved, after much discussion and opposition, that a direct tax should be levied on the assessable property of the people. For a time, all efforts to raise the desired amount failed, and in some sections, the people refused to pay their taxes. In 1844, however, a better feeling was evinced, and the credit of the State was restored by the efficient measures recom- mended by Governor Pratt, which ensured the payment of the interest on the public debt. But it was not until the year 1848, that the State was able to meet her engafrements fully and punctually. Since that period she has not only 366 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1847-8. promptly paid the accruing interest of the debt, but has continued to reduce that debt by the purchase of outstand- ing bonds — a system commenced several years before, and whose successful operation gives an assurance of a speedy extinction of the public burdens. At the same time that these active steps were taken to preserve the faith of the State, the two great public works seemed to recover their energies. The Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, whose completion had been almost abandoned, although it had reached within fifty miles of Cumberland, the point where the coal and iron trade was expected to commence, was now once more pressed forward under the able management of Mr. Coale, the president of the com- pany ; and after encountering many difficulties, the work was again set in motion, in November, 1847. The Balti- more and Ohio Rail Road had already been completed to Cumberland, and Mr. McLane, the president of the com- pany, about the same period, in order to extend that great work to the Ohio, caused the surveys of the route to be made; and a large portion of the line was put under con- tract in 1848, under his successor, Mr. Swann. The natural wealth of the soil of Maryland, its Agriculture, great fertility with little cultivation, had induced an evil system of husbandry which was productive of the worst results. The author of a " Relation of Maryland," pub- lished shortly after the settlement of the colony, says that ** the soil was generally rich, and in many places two feet of black rich mould with scarcely a stone, under which there was a good loam ; whilst there was much ground fit for meadows and plenty of marl, both blue and white." Tobacco and corn formed the staple agricultural produce ; and these two crops were raised alternately without a due regard to the preservation of the fertility of the soil by a judicious system of cultivation. The consequence was that the rich- est lands in time became impoverished, and those of less 1840-48.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. sev strength entirely barren and unproductive. Wide tracts of " old fields " were thrown out into common as their enclo- sures fell into decay, leaving a melancholy line of sickly verdure marking where the slovenly ''worm-fence" had stood and rotted; the neglected homestead dropped into ruins slowly and steadily; and at length its owner, deserting his native State and all its proud memories, in which per- haps his stalwart fathers had borne their part, migrated to the new lands of western New York, or of Ohio and Ken- tucky. These desolate wastes met the eye in almost every portion of Maryland, and excited the forebodings of men who cherished the prosperity of their native State. It was necessary that an effort should be made to arouse public attention and to awaken the husbandman from his apathy. Agricultural societies were formed throughout the counties, a State association was assembled, an excellent journal established to advocate the cause of the noblest of all pursuits— the cultivation of the soil. Men of enterprise turned their attention to the restoration of these barren wastes, and soon presented to the astonished eye of the advocates of the ancient system, the "old fields" renovated suddenly by the power of lime, guano and composts judi- ciously applied, and blooming and producing with something of their pristine fertility. The spirit of improvement did not rest with these ; the man of smaller means imitated their ex- ample and profited by their experience. The barren wastes of the last generation are becoming smiling fields groanmg with yellow harvests, and rich meadows waving with sweet scented grasses ; the voices of a thriving rural population sound like music once more in these long deserted ranges; and the last " old field" of Maryland will soon yield to the onward progress of agricultural improvement.* * Witness Montgomery county, not long since deemed one of the poorest counties of the State and now almost among the most productive. To «' the American Far- mer " an excellent but unpretending Journal, the people of the Slate owe much of this'imprnvement ; and State pride should induce every man to aid it in its laudable iffuris to spr.ad liglit upon Uiu iuiporlanl science of agriculture. 368 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1845-6. Manufactures. While this advance in agriculture was going on the manufacturer was not idle. Many of the streams of Maryland were admirably calculated for the purposes of propelling machinery, and wherever there was a site for a factory, the aroused enterprise of the people seized upon it, until the State has become a manufacturing as well as a commercial and agricultural community. The Mexican For several years, difficulties of a serious cha- ^'"' racter had remained unsettled between the gov- ernments of Mexico and the United States. They were brought to a crisis by the annexation, to the United States, of Texas, a province of Mexico, which had declared and successfully maintained its independence as a separate State. This event was consummated in July, 1845; and a body of American troops, under Gen. Zachary Taylor, was ordered by President Polk, at the request of the conven- tion of Texas, to occupy the western boundary of the State. The Texans claimed the territory from the Rio Grande to the Sabine, while the Mexicans contended that the Rio Neuces was the boundary line of Texas, at the same time maintaining their right to the whole of that province. In August, 1845, Gen. Taylor took up his position at Corpus Christi, in Texas; his force in November amounted to about four thousand men. In January, 1846, he was or- dered to advance from Corpus Christi to the banks of the Rio Grande — that river presenting the best line of defence against any hostile force. On the 28th of March, he took up his position, and planted his batteries within cannon range of Matamoras, a Mexican town on the western bank of the Rio Grande. Ail attempts to settle the difficulties between the two republics by negotiation having failed, bothjparties began to prepare for war, and a large body of Mexican troops was concentrated at Matamoras. On the 24th of April, 1846, a detachment of sixty-three dragoons linder Captain 1846] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. ' 369 Thornton, was surprised by the Mexicans, on the eastern side of the river, and after a severe conflict was compelled to surrender with the loss of sixteen men killed and wounded. Hostilities were thus commenced. Having reason to believe from the movements of the enemy that an attack was meditated on Point Isabel, his depot at the mouth of the Rio Grande, Gen. Taylor, leaving a garrison to defend Fort Brown, which he had erected opposite Ma- tamoras, hastened to relieve the menaced station. Imme- diately after his departure, the Mexican batteries opened upon Fort Brown, which was bombarded from the third until the tenth of May. Having strengthened Point Isabel, Gen. Taylor retraced his steps towards Fort Brown. In the meanwhile, Arista, the Mexican leader, PaioAito. had crossed the Rio Grande and thrown himself in front of the Americans. The hostile armies came in sight of each other at Palo Alto, on the 8th of May : the Mexicans numbered about six thousand, the Americans only twenty- two hundred men: but Gen. Taylor immediately resolved to risk an attack. An obstinate conflict ensued, in which the Mexicans were defeated and driven from the field with great slaughter. The Americans lost many valuable offi- cers, among whom was Major Samuel Ringgold, a brave son of Maryland, who, at the head of his battery of light artillery, had distinguished himself throughout that bloody but glorious conflict. Struck to the earth by a cannon ball, he exclaimed to those who left their places to assist him, "Don't stay with me; you have work to do — go ahead!" He was carried to the rear, and died in a few days after the action. But Arista, although defeated, was not yet Resaca de la conquered; he took up a position at Resaca de Paima. la Palma, three miles from the field of battle, with the de- termination of again trying the fortune of war. On the following morning, the 9th of May, Gen. Taylor advanced Z z 370 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1846. to attack him. A severe engagement ensued, in which the Mexicans were completely routed and driven across the river. Conspicuous among those who distinguished them- selves at this battle, was Lieut. Randolph Ridgely, another son of Maryland, who had succeeded Ringgold in the com- mand of his light artillery. The Baltimore The first official announcement of the com- Battaiion. mencement of hostilities by the capture of Thorn- ton's command, was made to Congress on the 11th of May by message from the President of the United States ; and that body immediately authorized the executive to acce])t the services of fifty thousand volunteers, and voted ten mil- lions of dollars to carry on the war. Requisitions were at once made upon the several States for their respective quo- tas of this force. Two regiments were assigned to Mary- land, and Governor Pratt was requested to hold them in readiness: they were, however, never called into service. As soon as intelligence was received of the actions of the 8th and 9th of May, the goVernment determined to carry the war into Mexico, and more troops were called for. A battalion of six companies was assigned to Maryland and the District of Columbia. The quota of Maryland was speedily filled, and several additional companies tendered their services which were declined. Four companies num- bering four hundred men, were furnished by Maryland : they were commanded by Capts. Stewart, Kenly, Piper and Boyd. Wm. H. Watson, Esq. of Baltimore, was appointed colonel of the battalion. As soon as the organization of the corps was completed, it sailed from Alexandria for the Brazos, where it landed and encamped on the 4th of July. Gen. Taylor having resolved to advance upon Monterey a strongly fortified town in the interior, where a large body of Mexicans was posted, the army took up the line of march in high spirits — the Baltimore Battalion, through the exertions of its colonel, having been assigned a place 1846.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 371 with the regulars in the first division under Gen. Twiggs. On the 19th of September, Gen. Taylor encamped at the Walnut Springs, three miles from Monterey, which was now defended by a garrison of about 7,000 regulars and 3,000 militia under Gen. Ampudia, while the American forces numbered only six thousand six hundred men. On the 20th of September, Gen. Worth was storming of ordered to make a detour with his division, and Monterey, assail the works of Monterey on the Saltillo road. On the morning of the 21st, the two divisions advanced to the assault. The first and third regiments of regular infantry and the Baltimore Battalion, supported by Bragg's and Ridgely's batteries, the whole under Col. Garland, were ordered to attack the lower part of the town: Major Mans- field, of the engineers, selected the point of assault. For a space of five hundred yards, these gallant men were exposed to a destructive fire from the batteries and a cross fire from the citadel. They bravely pressed onward, and rushed into the streets of the town. Here a terrible recep- tion awaited them. From the house tops, from the win- dows, and from barricades, a torrent of fire opened upon them, while a masked battery suddenly poured its dis- charcres close into their ranks. The destruction was fearful : officers and men fell rapidly ] and the column recoiled. Col. Watson, finding his battalion in confusion, dismount- ed from his horse to rally his men, and at the head of a party pressed on through the terrific fire with dauntless resolution. He soon fell a victim to his ardor. Struck by a cannon ball in the neck he sunk into the arms of Capt. Oden Bowie, one of his comrades, and expired : while Capts. Stewart and Piper of his battalion, made their way to the very muzzles of the enemy's guns. Gen. Taylor, seeing the destruction of so many men and finding it impossible to carry this point, rode into the midst of the fire and ordered the column to fall back. Two com- 372 HISTORY OF MARY1.AND. [1846. panies of regulars had obtained a position overlooking one of the batteries of this strong point, and opened a fire upon it, while it was assailed in front by Gen. Quitman with the Mississippi and Tennessee volunteers, and taken by storm. The guns of this formidable post were immediately turned upon the second battery, which Gen. Butler with the Ohio volunteers was ordered to assail. He was, however, driven back with great loss after a bloody and gallant struggle in which he himself was wounded. In the meanwhile, Col. Garland with the first, third and fourth regiments and the Baltimore Battalion, again prepared to enter the city. As soon as the column passed beyond the captured battery, the same destructive fire opened upon it, but the men con- tinued to press on from street to street, until after incredi- ble exertions they were again compelled to withdraw with heavy loss. On the western side. Gen. Worth, on the 21st, captured several forts; and, on the 22d, stormed the Bishop's Palace, a strongly fortified position; while on the 23d, he succeeded in forcing his way into the centre of the city. The assault upon the lower part of the city was again renewed, and the enemy distracted by the success of Worth, were driven in towards the great plaza — the American troops cutting their way from house to house, thus rendering the strong defences of the streets unavailing. Every thing was now ready for a final assault — when Gen. Ampudia, on the morning of the 24th of September, hopeless of maintain- ing his ground, capitulated, and received honorable terms from the generosity of Gen. Taylor. Capt. James E. Stewart, the senior captain of the Balti- more Battalion, was appointed colonel commanding in place of the gallant Watson, by Gen. Twiggs, who compli- mented the officers of the battalion on the gallant bearing of their corps throughout the siege. The flag of the bat- talion was the first to enter Monterey. The body of Col. 1S4G-7.] HISTORY OF MIRYLAND* 373 Watson was recovered in a few hours after his death, by Lieut. M. K. Taylor, of Capt. Piper's company, and three volunteers, under a heavy fire, and buried on the field : one of these gallant men was killed by a cannon ball be- fore the interment was completed, and his body was laid by the side of his late commander. Another distinguished Marylander met his death in Monterey, during its occupa- tion by the Americans: the brave Ridgely, who had passed unscathed through so many scenes of blood, was thrown from his horse on the pavement, and instantly killed by the fall. It was, at length, determined by the administration that an expedition should be undertaken against Vera Cruz — to strike from that port to the capital of Mexico. The command of the forces destined for this line of opera- tions was given to Gen. Scott, who, upon his arrival in Mexico in January, 1847, withdrew from Gen. Taylor the greater part of his regulars and best volunteers. Among these was the Baltimore Battalion. It did not, however, share in the capture of Vera Cruz : for, to the regret of the men, they were stationed as part of the garrison of Tampico, until the expiration of their term of service. About the middle of February, 1847, Congress passed an act authorizing the President to raise ten regiments to serve for five years or during the war. Four companies were assigned by the government to Maryland, a company of dragoons under Capt. Richard T. Merrick, and three of voltigeurs, under Capts. Oden Bowie, J. B. Archer and John Eager Howard. Capt. Bowie, in consequence of ill health, brought on by severe servi<:e in Mexico, resigned ; and the company was only in part raised in Maryland. These companies, as soon as their complement was filled, were despatched to the Rio Grande, to the Camp of Instruc- tion, established near Matamoras to perfect the new troops, which were now pouring in from every quarter of the 32 374 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1847 Union. The voltigeurs were afterwards ordered to the line of Gen. Scott, where they did good service : the dragoons under Capt. Merrick were retained on the northern line, and constantly engaged in the arduous and responsible duty of convoying trains of supplies to the army of Gen. Taylor. Large numbers of the young men of Maryland, unable to obtain service in the small requisitions made up- on their State, volunteered in the regiments of other States, and nearly fifty brave spirits joined Capt. Walker's com- pany of rangers. Another battalion, however, was accepted from Maryland and the District of Columbia, and the companies were rapidly filled up. The Maryland companies were, the Me- chanical volunteers, under Capt. Brown, the Twiggs rifle- men, Capt. M. K. Taylor, the Watson guards, Capt. Dolan, which were soon after joined by a company of light artil- lery under Capt. Tilghman, and another rifle company from Baltimore under Captain Schaeffer. The command of this battalion was conferred upon Col. Hughes; and it was immediately despatched to Vera Cruz. Gen. Scott, after capturing Vera Cruz, had already penetrated into the inte- rior, but the irregular troops of the enemy molested his rear, and endeavored to cut off* the trains which carried his supplies from Vera Cruz. As it was at length found necessary to take permanent possession of the National Bridge, the principal point of their depredations, Colonel Hughes was despatched with several companies of infantry and two pieces of artillery to seize this important position. Action at the On the 9th of Sept'r, Col. Hughes reached National Bridge, o^q bridge, and immediately made his disposi- tions to attack the forts which the Mexicans had erected there. Major Kenly, with Dolan's, Brown's, and Barry's companies of the battalion, was detached to assail the fort in the rear, while the Twiggs riflemen under Capt. Taylor, aided by the fire of two field pieces, made the attack in 1847] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 375 front. Major Kenly's detachment, after a difficult march of four miles through a thick chapparal, made its appear- ance at the designated point, and the united assault proved successful. The Mexicans, almost without firing a shot, fled from their entrenchments, which were immediately garrisoned by Col. Hughes, who now employed his forces in dispersing the guerilla bands in the vicinity. In this service, Capt. Taylor's rifles distinguished themselves in several severe conflicts. The communications with the army were eff*ectually opened. Col. Hughes' battalion re- mained stationed at this exposed point, until it was march- ed to Jalapa as part of the garrison of that city, of which its commander was made governor. After the forces drawn from the line of the Rio Buena Visu. Grande had taken their departure for Vera Cruz, and Gen. Taylor's weakened condition had become known in Mex- ico, Gen. Santa Anna having gathered a powerful force of more than twenty thousand men, hastened to march against him. Gen. Taylor with about five thousand men posted himself at the strong position of Buena Vista, where he was attacked by the enemy on the 22d of February, 1847. The battle lasted two days, with terrible carnage and with various fortunes ; but, at length, the enemy, driven back at all points, and his masses slaughtered by the steady fire of the small but gallant army of Gen. Taylor, retreated on the night of the 23d, and was pursued by the American cavalry some distance from the scene of the glorious but bloody victory. This was the last action of importance upon that line of operations : and in the ensuing fall, Gen. Taylor returned to the United States, where he was received with that enthusiastic applause which his great actions had so well merited. Gen. Scott captured Vera Cruz on the 27th of scott's March, 1847, after an investment of fifteen days, victories, and on the 8th of April the advance division of his army 376 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [1847. under Gen. Twiggs, took up the line of march for the ca- pital of Mexico. Santa Anna, having collected another army, had posted himself at Cerro Gordo with fifteen thou- sand men, to oppose the advance of the Americans. On the 18th of April, Gen. Scott attacked his position, although it seemed almost impregnable, took it by storm, driving the routed enemy before him, and on the 15th of May, entered the city of Puebla, ninety miles from the Mexican capital. His army was now reduced to less than five thou- sand men, and he was compelled to await the arrival of reinforcements. Among the first that reached him was the regiment of voltigeurs under Col. Andrews, of which the three Maryland companies formed a part. In the month of August, Gen. Scott again commenced operations with eleven thousand men. His army penetrated without oppo- sition into the valley of the city of Mexico, where the Mexicans had gathered all their forces for the last struggle against his victorious arms. In rapid succession followed the fierce battles of Contreras and Churubusco, whose fatal termination induced the Mexicans to demand a truce for the purpose of opening negotiations for peace. The attempt at negotiation failed ; and on the 7th of September, Gen. Scott once more advanced his columns against the devoted city. On the 8th, the strong position of Molino del Rey was taken by storm ; on the 13th, the fortress of Chapultepec was carried after a long contested struggle, the causeways leading to the city crossed, and several of the gates of the capital stormed. On the morn- ing of the 14th of September, the American army made its entry into the city of Mexico, with no other opposition than that off'ered by a mob of convicts and leperos, who kept up an irregular assault upon the troops for twenty- four hours. Mexico was conquered. After a short delay, Santa An- na resigned the presidency, and the humbled republic sued 184S.] HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 377 for peace, and on the 2d of February, 1848, a treaty was signed at Guadaloupe Hidalgo by Mr. Trist, the American envoy, and Messrs. Couto, Atristain and Cuevas, the Mex- ican commissioners, which fixed the Rio Grande as the boundary of Texas, and ceded to the United States the rich territories of New Mexico and Upper California, which had been conquered by expeditions from the United States. The treaty, after some slight alterations, was ratified by both governments ; and peace was formally proclaimed in the United States, on the 19th of June, 1848, two years and two months from the commencement of hostilities. In the battles of the valley of Mexico, the Maryland companies of voltigeurs bore an honorable share : but they were particularly distinguished in the storming of the cas- tle of Chapultepec, where they were thrown in advance. Captain John Eager Howard, the grandson of the hero of Cowpens, was the first officer to cross the parapet and to leap down amidst the bristling bayonets of the foe, slaying several of the enemy with his own hand. Capt. Archer and Lieut. Swan were also distinguished for their courage and good conduct. The officers of these fine companies were ably seconded by their men.* How severe was the duty performed by these companies may be judged by their loss of men. Capt. Howard's company in the opening of the campaign, had numbered one hundred and five men : on the 25th of October, it had been reduced to fifty-one men, only forty-one of whom were able to do duty. Capts. Howard and Archer were subsequently promoted to the rank of major by brevet, for their gallantry. Upon the announcement of peace, the Maryland troops were honorably discharged from the service, and returned to their State with the fame they had won for her and for themselves. * Lt. Col. Johnstone's Report. Pub. Doc. 32* 378 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. [184S Thus stood Maryland in the year 1848. Its credit estab- lished ; its prosperity redoubled ; its great canal hastening to its completion to develope the mineral wealth of its mountains ; its rail road about to span the Alleghanies and strike the Ohio, annihilating distance, and pouring the trade of the West into the lap of Baltimore ; its Metropolis growing with a rapidity almost beyond precedent; its agriculture, commerce, and manufactures, flourishing more than at any former period ; and its people, swelling with the recollections of the past, rejoicing at the return of peace once more to the land, and proudly welcoming back to their midst, those gallant sons who have borne forward, as their fathers did of yore, the Stars and Stripes -of the Union, through serried rank, against frowning battery, and over towering wall, with the brave Old Maryland Bayonet. APPENDIX. APPENDIX 381 X P Ph a o . (/2 '=^ -C ? c be c . (-• CO • PL, o u Eh 12; P o 1-1 «1 H H ■ — en CO c3 . ^^ O -^ •- u >» TO ^ tN -a -r t- O {« ° fe • S^ g rt _; c ~ c ^ ;:5^ i-i a> -^ O) he 3 ot=.s M 23 ;s W ;>!-:> "^ PQ ffiS be « 3 ^ S :S - ^ ^ 2 ^-^ --'a 4/ "C ^ -" (^ ^=CO W =^ c^ *^ ^ W CO p P X Eh r^ p c^ CO ol a 00 p3 ^ P H u >PQ 2 o a § pq 3 "^ ►^ I- *^ ._ b3 "> c fa c ©"C o -a o rt Qr.22 o mpQ o = O '3 O i^J kC .- l::: "5 3 3 = W|Kw _ fc; U) , w ^ j= .TS m CO .» ■ -a-g o ex, bo O Em »4 1-1 N M "^ O ?0 t» 382 APPENDIX e3 a a S m na a cS > 05 !I3W OT D •c .-^s H (d . «j3 ^-1 13 •^ >, c a> ^ e-Sjc c < K O O H h Cresa RossK son Ta an Tan Davis. O m Josep John Adam Niemi Rezin Hi Pi H „ W Eh oo .2§ O 09 D U PJ CO C 3 cc M o I ^ = K 2 • Pm Z P^ cO ffi <0 _ ^ a o a « S s^ ° c a O J3t3j=: CO 3 HOHP^ 3^S I o up. 't; en o § pa CJ O — > « CO .a cO ox; 5^ fh N W • r!< 0) 5 . -^ ifeSS^ a ENS n Shugi Groma Christm Landen .— j^ — Mart Jacol Paul 1 John (J '% o 'O 3 »-] on M H o » _r "^5 u en CO S ti S ECOND L n Meye Boyer, mith, Ritter, (^ " CO "3 02 g o ■■^^ a .2 < "n w CO — H -^ pq ^ o ^ S " H coiS .O cu .H eorge harle icob amue OO^M ^ o o u p ;g o Pi m N a o CO a o X3 s <« cO J2 CO ••-* CO . o o o cO 53 M P4 < o o Pm CO ■fa "S o APPENDIX 383 »o 3 «^ CO fc; T3 rt rt c^ Ci,_Q 384 APPENDIX. »o ■7:1 CO to 4) C ^ > 9S H 0) o w .fa' s . a s CO t" o ro oj 3 a) '2 S £fS a s ^B X-a c-g >T-j 3-5 ^ C3 wS S S S o he, s:5 2 .2 rt a^cg-^ ^^^ s^ -c .£5 x: a «^ o o o o 6 W "-5 l-S t-s I-: 1-9 5 « en 00 S fl oi M ■s^a ^ G .^ u o '^ fet-jOq o W - CO 05 a- «J 1-g-ba q C O " Tl (!> r^ w 3 '5 a bS 0) ■< •> c *> c !=: S o o o V - 1 "2 •« §-2 o ^.2 o r;; o &H c •H-H rt c3 rt >< ^ ^ -3 73 <^^ T3 o §r§ra 0.2K .2 « a c c o ;? 3^ '^ -G "" «S k/ ^ o " ' - o TO . c zs o s a o 1 m Z H rd Bird, e Hamilton Henry. Johnson. i\ Earle. o a c o o m CO ^w bbM.G S^ ^ !- 5i £« ;:; s r o a-s3 a^ n ,"" rt O rt o a; O --S ■-? 02 1-5 Cu, .c'H en 2 O ,.s^a s •■^2 3 a o CO 1-5 ■-j Oi .=f cC >>— ,^ '^ ~ iC = G C O t^ 3 G 5 a fl s ■> a a ^ *o S "o ■" "o "o S 1-3 02 1-5 ij 1-5 t-9 O O iH tn t, £ « -£ OJ 2 g c ;>^ o cd G^ aE^^^f^ ^ a. .o rs o o t-i «i x:-s o o a, :3 .a n3 -3 03 3 J3 3 O APPENDIX 385 H • o zs u ^ • 2 -Q t- ■4J "o a C 03 OT •S — c a> * ~ J3 ^ CO ^^ i fit pq ^ o S5 CD ^ g -«5 3 qT U a o -3 z o -« tf Co . s o O •<-* " « "» < 2 > a ^ O o o XI I— I p <1 •A s e a ^ 2 a o H « m K ,„ CO C/2 2 C "W s a (u a ° a CO U =s 03 03 C "-S e c3 c o S c - B^ a= a ee ►=► ea o o a CO a •^ ►J c ■■^ •o o Q o C CO c o (- Q CO CO CO c a Qi (0 C ^ 3 ^ 1^ CO o jc 13 *G •D fees ^ -r_) Q*^ a^ ►-^'^ a ■^ £."=± ce^: a::: 33 3B "« " a ^ "o U c o • bU ^ 2 h •> I- ^^ m Sterrett, Winder, niel Ewing, as Harwood H. Beames, nder Roxbu nder Murra ti Ford, o 1-3 «0 C CO C CO CO rj^ ^jgH^<<4 386 APPENDIX P^ c .20-5 O O I^ JS W H '^ u >» c "^ i: o o *" o = PI >» 2 •^HO c c o o a S _. o en O en ^ s 3 I- 03 Oh CO o c c o o kjy m x: X3 o .2 I 53 a a _o o U c ei a u Qj cq j= (^ 4> S _o "o O m O Z TO ►- t- ■< (U •> « §*< s -4— ► Co ^^ cc-2 W s x: c x: w^ o _2 o ^ be O) >-, c o a I t" ^ 2i u C c4 O O Q Q a^ r: o o * c - o t>>x: =: o « =3 > o^ .22 a O 3 ;:::i 15 O CO .-- 'i-* xJ hD x: « , «i ce u^ o x: „ (Tj O-; .2 «^ tn*^ « X! 3 t- 2 ^ o be „ = 3 » O W5 u 3 m OT « „ ^ ^^Oh co^ a a^ ^ •J '''' C3 M u_3— a OX3j- 3 33 H^ 1> CQ O Ph >-5 K o bopq M:Z.a t-" 3 x: 3 XJ ? CO x: S^ xi'aJ a,3 ' <^ 3 in 3 O «3 35S •> -3 — pq lag 73 CO rt <3 .2 ^ ."S 3 a-3 oT-g S '^ — c "^ **! (u 2 O) 3-^ =~ t-jooHO 3 "o O ~'^ al CO £ CO o > 3-^.i: Q M Q y2 i'2'H § .2 « rt CO = g: ES = ^ "3 -c ;r' (0 o CO Q o -3 «ii 3 - ^J^ ° g.i a a > 3 O O •:3 CO JS J3 APPENDIX 387 t-i o O/ m O « =" " ^ -r^ Q •-■ CO T3 a 72 g o c w .C o a 0-5 ^05 = i^ c « >-i O .S ,^ -- 1) rfi S opt. G_srz: S 2 Ht-si-5ffi)-3PHa2h-5 c3 Is J^-: o b c a o o .13 O O W -5 o 1? 13 <1 o ;-; (u o^sa^ cd oS 00 ^ .^ <1> Jz "3 _r 0) rt a (1) TO on s -r! bX) 3 CQ "3 a C j3 c =1 a -i-> « ■C ~ C •to to c Si£.5 ^6 a a • o o rt •= 5:; ^ a «5 a^ is o rt O bX) c aq« .Hi a5H c _o "o O c o a c3 f3 o fee apq ^ ^m on a ii T, ^ .2 ^ o 2^ >, S ^:2 = 's-c-s ^ a of= -^_i'-> ^ ^ C O c >, „ >^g ■^ tn S 5 fi '-^ CJ m ?; ^ C tn • - a; "J^ O rt o W H-5 l_J H5 1-5 i-S CD «3 c c o o to to o CO - c t, a rt •« rt Ol CO > ^ t: ^ S ?. « ^ a ^5 g .- c _o "o o o a o J3 O rt rt ^^ h^^Q^hJZh;^ « >. o x: CO b d o '- .5 "o o ■a a O en-- ti" c a C 0) 72 5 rt ^ "? r. * o "o O B cS <1 04 388 APPENDIX. to " • • S "2 = *: iJ ^ O C nj 2 ~ fe " E^-2 jz *^ ^ ^^ Lri GO a s o tJ3 ^ >.c r. >-> a ynn eall Cla ■o ^h^cp S CO OQ -TTxr.a ^ C > ^^ "O rt rt^^C y^QH^S: I: m " P 4) aj 2 .tJ 5 to W CD X! Pw S O v c o Oi s o -a S-s r; o o «« g H O >. cU C rt „ O 3 CO CQ O) SPQQ o r5 c/3 ^ o o s s a o o ^ » 0) - " ""a i 3 si o S . s 5 3 " . t^ j> t^ i> t^ t^ t>. t>. •s V a o o U m a .2 on Z IM o H 0< < ^ u cS Sf "^ o x: ■4-> o Jonatha P^dward William John Sp Christia rj« CO CO CO QO APPENDIX. 389 2 . t;b ^ 3 2 2 y o 8 ££££5 _ CO O S -^ CO * — i - t^ t^ r>. £ = ■C -•> fa CD C If |a XJI-i^H 3 cs . rs — r'" "u c fe- ;^ G SH H, til CQ 1-5 lo Tf w r^ C5 Tf Ifi «^ O O he, "3 ii ■So 213 "to g fee N COMMISSI0^ th June, nd April. 6th March. 5th April. COMMISSIO^ April, h Septem January. ti Februar h March. Z "oo O "en O "» M CO (M r^ (M b! I— I I— 1 F-l (M f"" »-< ^ ^ ^ a ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ ^ Oi o — ^ fe O O l-H l-H l-N *^ CC 00 CO CO CO QO QO QO ^^ t>. t>. t>. t>. t^ J> t^ t^ t^ .*» I-H l-H 1— 1 1— 1 1— 1 PH 1— 1 1— 1 l-H o o U o ^ s o CO >-» ., O) rt t, ^3 - o§ en c3 Tl S _ S 3 o = CO a _r- — — > C CO 00 CO Tt* CO CO Tf ■<;}< S5 O ^ H t: O O 3 S! bO 3 CQ '- o o t: O, ^ S -G pj -■ a cs i-l CO O CO CO Wi ■^ T}< W5 lO o CO - 3^ I?5«iOOO"k'— I'Xi'— I I— <5<1'— irir-cpHC^^H r^QOQOCiOsooo |>.t>.t>.t>.t>-t>-COCO Q « ^? — rco < Si '"'-ex: te t^ r^ r^ '^ j^ t^ t^ t^ t^ t>- . !» t>. t. t^ t-, h O) CO J3 3 CJ 0) JS J3 »>■ CO ■< ." .— - 1—1 c _ — i; o 5^ J?'?^:^ O S:5:tf CO '"''* CO rt 2 •-S t", i-i H-5 > :?• (-5 S5 _o "o O >1 us s 3 C3 c o 33^ c S£ O) c o oT a ., «0 05 T O -* Ha,' 5 CO c z *«' ■*-> w _.~ f" ^ 5 s o a ■3 £3 O a ^< ^a s - •« m no 4) CO ».^ f \ CO f-.H CO ce o t-i CO •°5 01 "^ tC C? CO 1^ "^ CO '- eo CO 390 APPENDIX. Oi ft *-• 2 S . o _ w C^ « fe i> cToTcT t^ t^ t^ i> i^ i> t^ i> IT* o . -S •■= ii g ^ -c^ -^ -G *-■ Xi I— I l> iJ5 r— i-H CO 00 QO QO QO t^ t^ t^ r^ t^ t* u . t* X >» J> o 1-H 00 2 tA>^ • S -»J •« -w .^ o u J3 z lo oi m ^ u M (N »-i i-t 1> B3 S CO C5 ©5 O t^ t^ t^ oo »> l^ t- b- s a 1-1 t« (^ t^ t* t^ b- r^ J^ C C T kv< .2 b'S 3 CO •-" £P «r i >,^ a a O SJ _ 3 ii -G C "^ a M b- !N t- 1-1 O eo CO CO -^ '^ lO «o Cd O . J3 m tM 'r 2 1^ ra in I— I rj j:3 J= -C J2 *J J3 fe 1^ QO t-» iM I— I kO (M rH (jq rH QO ofcTarcr t^ t^ t- J> t* 1> l> t^ 550 > 6 1-^ t^ ^ ,1 a. •^ g 3 S O- <1> O o "-s 1-5 xj j3 x: ^ to en <> O W3 W i-i i-< ^ (M i-H ^ t>^ t>r ^^ t^ »>^ l> t^ t^ t>- t» »> t- t^ t* J> o a <1 Pi S5 •> tn 2 --^ba H C g to CO l: — « CO >.CO a> x: -3 .ti "^ S Xi ^ it fH to O >0 © l-l l-H W ■< •> ^ SB >» " C ^ MS "I' *- t>» H Oi ^-G O t« a > 2 y -jb ts "3 tn CO Oh "tS CU g o) 4) .!:7 J- c --^ g a s [2 ^ _W5^ (it, P^ --5 Ph "-S tf P4 c^ t". »-H in o •^ QO rH i-H M . r- »>. t^ *>• t>. QO MUI9SI0^ March, une. ugust. Septem COMMlSSIOh li Februa h July. January. January. 1 April. June. rt g^^<5x: b S5 I— 1 W 00 ® K C5 in "m tn IS I0 W rl I— 1 i-l •"• " ii I- i-i I- (N rS :3 c SB ^ .< ., .N fe 00 Ci C5 Ci '^ t^ t^ t^ t> CO QO 00 CO QO 00 t-s »» l> t» t* t^ t^ t^ t^ t>. r^ J3 i-H p^ 1— < rH f— 1 p^ 1— ( 1-^ rl pH H (M ^ (-1 *^ -< ® 3 3 _ ^1^ w- to - t. o i3 CD aj _ o fc, .j3 .2 "» = S o -H 05 Tl« CO "^ ■* O C© ^O » •= >> u ° >» ^ -.- *j i-; *-> -.- ^ te C5 00 CO CO Oi ■* »> J> t^ t- t^ i> t>- 1^ r- »>• a> -♦-» Oh (U CO C5 09 c S ^ O ? i_ ri QJ " s a ♦^ *- ^ -t; 00 «« to as 05 00 PH ph PI (N CO H o "i* ^ '-^ P- CO G ^ "C 2 ^^! -to s J> PH CO Pi w eo CO -* .is! o 1! G a s o p3 p.: so o 2 >>>> m H »-. — s ;:- ?- " o *j *j -tj r t^ i>r t^T t>r t^ t^ »>• t^ r- t^ t* t* t* t^ o pq J2 .> 2 William Dent Be John Smith, (3) Edward Oldham Horatio Clagett, John Gale, eo QO w t^ (M i-i ^ (>} 2 G s CQ t i=«>.G , o G -, t- a 'bCO S G cJ C5 -# 05 CO C^l -^ CO ■* -^ m to . I-H CVJ (-1 f— ( 3 3 G t^ CO 00 Oi o t>» t^ t>» r>- 1^ CO 1^ t^ 1^ t^ t^ t* i5 a= ;5 M t-5 O i-s I-? 02 H a; •^ CO t>. ph «5 o ^ 1-1 >— I C< 12^ rs-^ ^W „ <* St* 2 S G ctf jox: A^ APPENDIX The above arrangement of the officers of the Maryland Line under the present establishment ordered by congress, will be found accurate, and contains a true state of their rank, respectively, up to the present time; part of the line being in Carolina and part in Maryland, the arrangement could not be completed on the first of January, pursuant to the resolution of congress, but the rank has been adjusted, upon the principle of seniority, to that date, and the promotions regularly made since to such vacancies as have happened. The soldiers, of the late seven Maryland regiments being incorpo- rated, now form the first and second regiments : those now levied, and about to be levied in the State, to be first marched to the southward, form the third regiment ; and it is proposed, as soon as the State com- pletes her quota, or levies more, sufficient to form the two other regiments, to dissolve the incorporation of the first and second, and assign the non-commissioned officers and old soldiers of those regi- ments to the first, second, third, fourth and fifth, to which they formerly belonged, in which the non-commissioned officers and soldiers of the late sixth and seventh — the Maryland part of the rifle and German regiments — the Maryland companies raised in the State, in other con- tinental corps, and the Maryland Artillery, are to be equally divided, unless the artillery should be continued as a corps, which the State has made application for to congress. This disposition, as soon as circumstances may admit, seems most just and desirable to the officers in general, and must tend to promote the service, by placing a proportion of the old troops in each of the pre- sent regiments. The Maryland part of the rifle and German regiments not being incorporated, or considered as distinct corps, nor included or arranged in the Maryland Line, have, notwithstanding, together with such com- panies as abovesaid and the Maryland Artillery, been considered a part of the State quota. I am theretbre induced to make the following return of the officers in these corps, to show their pretensions to such provision as has been granted, or may hereafter be made by congress, for them. The dates of commissions, and the promotions they might have been entitled to at the time of dissolution, I have in few instances been able to ascertain, for want of proper returns of their respective state of rank and vacancies ; nor from this cause could 1 ascertain or include the names or rank of any officers commanding the companies coming under the above description, except in Col. Nathaniel Gist's regiment. OrnCERS IN THE MARYLAND ARTILLERY. CAPTAINS. William Brown. Richard Dorsey. Robert Wilmot, Jacques Bacques, Nicholas Rickets, CAPTAIN LIEDTENANTS. Ebenezer Finley. James Smith. FIRST LIEUTENANTS. Young Wilkinson, Clement Skerrett, James McFadon. SECOND MEUTKNANTS. Isaac Rawlings, Jolin Chovere, John Carson. APPENDIX. 393 OFFICERS IN THE MARYLAND PART OF THE RIFLE CORPS. CAPTAINS. James M. Lingan, Thomas Hussey Lucket, Adamson Tannehill, Rezin Davis, Lieutenant Elijah Evans — but claims a captaincy. OFFICERS IN THE MARYLAND PART OF THE GERMAN CORPS. Lieut. Colonel Lodowick Weltner, commissioned 9th August, 1777, CAPTAINS. Charles Baltzell, 10th May, 1777. Christ'r Myers, 12th March, 1778, Michael Boyer, 25th May, 1778. LIEUTENANTS. ENSIGN. Martin Shugart, 23th May, 1778. Jacob Reybold, 21th July, 1778. Jacob Gromath, 4th January, 1778. sdrgeon. David Morgan, 8th April, 1778. Alexander Smith, August, 1778. OFFICERS IN THE MARYLAND PART OF COL. NATHANIEL GIST'S REGIMENT. Major Nathaniel Mitchell. CAPTAINS. John Gist, Joseph Smith, Joseph Britain. There are many other officers not included here who raised their companies in, and went from, the State of Maryland into the continental line, who come under the same description with those above enume- rated; therefore, upon application, the expediency of admitting their claims must necessarily come under consideration. W. SMALLWOOD, M. G.* * These several military organizations have been given as a matter of great in- terest — to enable the reader to trace the different officers who distinguished them- selves, in their promotions from the commencement to the close ef the war. APPENDIX E. TABLE OF REGULARS AND MILITIA FURNISHED BY MARYLAND DURING THE REVOLUTION. REGULARS. MILITIA. 1775 250 1776 1,704 2,592 1777 2,030 1,535 1778 3,307 1779 2,849 1780 2,065 ,. 1,280 1781 770 1782 1,280 1783 974 Regulars 15,229 5,407 Militia 5,407 Total 20,636 C3 394 APPENDIX >» >. * • 3 O altimore. omerset County, rince George's Count aroline County, harles County, nne Arundel County; altimore County, albot County, ecil County, nne Arundel County rederick County, nnanolis. a 55 "t^ G o c ^m "b 3 . o CO 2§ .^1 O . lb SO o apolis •heste lericki TO 0) no "o C3 "rt S S 2 c c _G c "3 G .^ o m < Q fe < Oh <5 pqaj»HUU<;pQHO<< -5* ^ PS of of o > GO 5 c™ S Fx CO 1 00 1783 do. an. 1 CO g z<4 S '-' CO fo <5 -3 ^ -3 -3 X! >> >-J:; X^ ^ J; o a> <» o O DISMISS by pr \ 15th, 3olve, J the yea: of the QO 1— t Cm O t Janua I of Arr nuary, of Arn nuary, , 17S3, 82, , 1783, at the cl Eq r c tC G3 G a to s= rt G !:= C t^ G « '« .2i §. ^ c o c o ^ O i-> o i-s O '"' .2 i3 l-H g 1 u '-^ •^Vj rn ^ o S _3 H "o tion, do. pecial eform issolu do. c2 d -3 .2 o o-c CO CO 6dcda^a^dda.3 •3'3-3'3i.ot-o'^'^«SO ^.21:; .2 ^.2 Reform Dissolu t of the i H-l Q c/a P£5Q ^ Q CdQQ^Q DiQ < s x m o l-H ^ ^ Z P '1 "^3 ** Z ^ " " ^ " »# «* ^• ^ •^ S o o O 'C o O >0 QO CO -^ © 2S cc ^H ^H I— t CN l-H H o O 55^ S £ V 2. w 2 S 2 >% ^ V. N» *# »* ^« ^ %# »• « »* *^ -* ** '*'*'* ** " p ffi ^ t- t>.b»01>t-t«-t*t-t*t*'^"^t*vOW50e^l> o ^" ^-^ ^ ^" .<^ ^ o « C o . ^ 03 5 S «C3 .s' "o c eon, tenan ain, tenan ain, slant ain, tenan ain of G " = = S s (-1 ^ rt • uT . s '3iB.i o fcJD Lieu Majc do 6 o o -^ O hX) 3 -^ O 3 ■2__.- -g^ 3 O -^ S e cq U M JO JO<;OHq OO J -5 -» ■"""" > Sk -.a a> o E-i «2 H 00 ^ HH G |_] *, o « t: S T3 ->G >» 2U ^5-^ 3- >>o^ >>o 5 U § 05 O o c*^ £3 3 O c c c; fe 3 3 D o u 3 1781, 83, rmy. S b4 .i;-c<5 <1 M CO M CO co'^^s; 2 CO CO 2 u* ^ t^ t^ '*^ «*^ ^ CO- co'^-r^eo'^ -^^'-§3 'ssC Cm o CO — eo •> CO »> CO QO •>Q0 '>00 "hS 3 CO 00 " 00 a t^ c i?; t^ c iri c t^ a t* .2 ■"* .'^ ,— 1 t-i o i-H O T— O r-H-j o "-I _o PH O f* .« ■-< T3 • — *j ^-»- 5 « . *j « 36s^66ad^S6 = e^ c s o 3 s O^OfcOD'-'Oofc' d £ c* 6 O T3 "3 S^odoodoa tn .O tn ,0 OT .O to T^ CO ?? ^ CO ^ tn CO ^ » '% .-H Oi .-J (D .^ 4) • X: oj ■_ a; ID .:ii a> V Q c^Q scj Qa5 QrtQC£5c4 Otf Q tfQ tf o S QOQO com o cooooo «5t-a?ot-"«ot»iac ''^ "^ "3 "O "^ oo^-!=:ddd"3 DkO J Q kJ UuJ - a c-5 Pi's ^ 9 ►2H 03 ^ .™ S I" ^." c :;: cq 2 Ctf CO O « Qj 5t3 ^ 3 3 Jr PQ'T. 3 ^ eq-S 3 c a c CO ~ O) l-i > rt ■?< « a; PQ 3 c ^ -rl?> 3 rt u > s _ 3 « 2.2 a 3 S ^ := 3 & pa = - 3 ^ « O •- 3 i; > ^ rt — a a a_ rt ^ DO U , • J- X r- J3 3 t- 3 r" "5 5 e iJ s ^ I-, •< H K 0' M^-s - 4> ^ s MOJ Hi c — 396 APPENDIX . s *^ S . t>. M o m *- o o o o rj t- £ d d ' d d ; --< QO << "O -O 'O T3 QO ■"^ o (u .2 QQ5Qtt5Q Q Q^Q a^Q Q^l^iO^Q «s •O . -G c §§555 S S S %• V % a g^;OMO ©(NO o «o CO »o l-H l-< l-< 1— 1 o 2 "3 £ B|C0«««*^«v^^^ ^ V* ^ V ««%•*« V ^ ^ „ • CO ^ >. M^^>**«'*^%»*# %• V W V V >• ^ »• - -a « >• - c >^ t*eo»ni*«5t*-^t^i''i*Nt*W(N<©wsi^eoeoi2t*t*t>- ■Sb "S O a> o u V •*-> 5> ■*->.... . CO ■4— » CO • *-< CO ■^— » cO • _cO CO)-*-' CO ^ t* jz C efl 3 W)a o o o o o :^'^OS'^^'1:iO "S o cO O biD3 o -*-* "3 3 SJ 3 O-S .2 %S-o^ .2 5 .2 "O xj T3 -a -c p. CO •F^ CO tpM CO .FN CO OJ "O ' o i5 .2 -^ CO QJ i-3c/3h:; Uh^lD H^Oh^U i3 UOc»u4 Un^^Oh^OO •^ G » O "S d a a a Oh CO . x: G ^^ in «| G CO a> CO c W, ^.-^ eO ^ gW O a«^ .2,8^ S ^ — :2 1^1 G N si O cO 3 CO,^ pqcQ - X o cr'S - • a a >» ♦-• C ^ ^ C O g %, C ^3 C G tl _ •2 ^ CD .2 ^ .S - - (2 -r rt .3 t2 ." ;° >o "<- (ua.rtO >^*> s? r„--8 .1-. n of the Ar April, 178 in October, Jan. 1st, i Jan. 1779, do n of the Ar do 783, 1783, uary, of the 4th Se rch, 1 an. 17 pril, ] uary, 1783, an. Is 1783. w CO _ ion. Jar ion d, 1 Ma d, J A Jan ion, d, J ion. ^00 ion, 178 ion, ion. .2 .5 -a -a -a .2 ^ O r-l ^So^gSgoS^ bc a o='Sc:Wico3oSoc o «r 'C o fcc "ri face "rjoSo'OoSbBG tj^-c o ^ fc "^ "O G S d ■^a S^ O J5 tiij'o jp t2 's; CO .2 QC£? QoipcSaS aJQQQ Qaio^QS!^ Q 05 GX QD^oiQ ^ ." o o ^ o § Ph . o aj o ," q) o .•>•-; -^0 O G^^O fcJDG.2,00-S0 O G ©-3 III! Irtio^ «^^':^'^cq3:3'S^G:lr:';uja|gi58SSiS^^-"S3^«| 34 398 A P P E N D IX. a o ei o O ^^ ^ a c c ^ g G O 2i c 13 O o 5 o o lO o < ^^ c S aj 0) rt o c o • s^ l = = o o i; «5 CO « C3 t^ C BJ fficqKu^ 1—1 .»j CO tn «J ^ QO I O r-H , 3CQ 1 a H b; o b: o'^ ^ a ^bX)"© gj 1-1 CO ^ t^ 00 00 o t^ l> J> -^ '■^ rr, 'J-> ^1 ^*J »-^ •* o 00 ?2 ^dS66t;^6deS6^6c^d6 6g aJQ 05 £P a; o Pi Ed a ^ O Of) u rt » a> H pHW i« <0 <£> 9« 00 (O »OCOI>b.l>»W5D5»OCO(?Jt*eo-*t'»M5'--i 3 a -O Q O c CO o fcJ3 — 03 a i= ^ 3 CO '"' cd (3 a^.2^ t». •■*^ T^ "-^ ■sow •« O 3 *-> ...c c "C '^ -^ -c !t3 .1-1 N |X| S ^ kJ .14 >^afHOtS a>J'3 Q :e; (1^ ft Hj 2i M q K, Q ° 2 APPENDIX. 399 In connection with these several rolls of revolutionary officers, a de- scription of the uniforms worn by the several corps of the continental army is appended, as of general interest. It is extracted from a letter from George Washington P. Custis, Esq. to Gen. John Spear Smith, President of the Maryland Historical Society, to whose kindness the author is indebted for its appearance here. It has, he believes, never before been published. THE GENERAL STAFF. "Blue and hnfF (the ancient whig colors of England) were adopted by Washington, as the uniform of the company that he first commanded, in the dawn of our troubles with the mother country. Buff lining to coat; buff under-clothes ; black stock ; black boots; cocked hat, with black ribbon cockade; white plumes for the general officers; yellow buttons, and sword mountings. Washington always wore a white stock, and, never, a plume." ARTILLERY. " Blue coat, red facings and linings ; red waistcoat ; white breeches, half leg black gaiters; black stock; cocked hat, with black cockade ; plume, red and blue — red uppermost ; and yellow buttons." INFANTRY. "Blue coat with red facings, white lining and white under-clothes ; black gaiters and stock ; cap with blue and white plumes. Light In- fantry. — Short coatees, with blue and white plume, white buttons, and silver sword mountings." LIFE GUARD. " Blue coat with white facings, white under-clothes, white lining ; black gaiters ; blue and white plume : officers, cocked hats, blue and white plumes. Washington's Life Guard was a major's command — 180 picked men, commanded by Gibbs and Colfax — the crack corps of the army." RIFLEMEN. "Hunting shirt and leggins — picturesque costume of the woodsmen, and the veritable emblem of the Revolution. Morgan's riflemen wore, in winter, blue and white uniforms ; hat turned up at the side with buck's tail ; belt, tomahawk and knife." CAVALRY . " Lee's Legion, same as Tarleton's German Rangers, green and black — green buttons ; buff under-clothes. Washington's horse. " Blue and red, white under-clothes, white buttons and silver mount- ings-" "N. B. On the colors of the rifle corps, was the tomahawk, instead of a spear." 400 APPENDIX . APPENDIX G. THE LORDS PROPRIETARY OF MARYLAND. 1632. Cecilius Calvert, Second Lord Baltimore. 1675. Charles Calvert, Third " " 1715. Benedict Leonard Calvert, Fourth Lord Baltimore. 1715. Charles Calvert, Fifth 1751. Frederick Calvert, Sixth and last Lord Baltimore. 1771 to 1776. Henry Harford, Last Proprietarj^ APPENDIX H. GOVERNORS OF MARYLAND. 1633. Leonard Calvert. 1647. Thomas Greene. 1649. William Stone. 1654. Commissioners under Par- liament. 1658. Josiah Fendall. 1661. Philip Calvert. 1662. Charles Calvert. 1667. Charles Lord Baltimore. 1678. Thomas Notley. 1681. Charles Lord Baltimore. 1685. William Joseph, Pres. of Deputies. 1689. Convention of Protestant Association. ROYAL GOVERNORS. 1692. Sir Lionel Copley. 1693. Sir Edmond Andros. 1694. Francis Nicholson. 1699. Nathaniel Blackistone, 1703. Thomas Tench, President. 1704. John Seymour. 1709. Edward Lloyd, Pres. 1714. John Hart. PROPRIETARY GOVERNMENT. 1715. John Hart. 1720. Charles Calvert. 1727. Benedict Leonard Calvert. 1732. Samuel Ogle. 1733. Charles Lord Baltimore. 1735. Samuel Ojjle. 1742. Thomas Bladen. 1747. Samuel Ogle. 1752. Benjamin Tasker, Pres. 1753. Horatio Sharpe. 1769. Robert Eden. THE REVOLUTION. 1774-5-6. Convention and Coun- cil of Safety. STATE GOVERNMENT. 1777. Thomas Johnson. 1779. Thomas Sim Lee. 1782. William Paca. 1785. William Smallwood, 1788. John Eager Howard. 1791. George Plater. 1792. Thomas Sim Lee. 1794. John H. Stone. 1797. John Henry. 1798. Benjamin Ogle. 1801. John Francis Mercer. 1803. Robert Bowie. 1806. Robert Wright. 1809. Edward Lloyd. 1811. Robert Bowie. 1812. Levin Winder. 1815. Chas. Ridgely, of Hampton. 1818. Charles Goldsborough. 1819. Samuel Sprigg. 1822. Samuel Stevens, Jr. 1825. Joseph Kent. 1828. Daniel Martin. 1829. Thomas King Carroll. 1830. Daniel Martin. 1831. George Howard. 1832. James Thomas. 1835. Thomas W. Veazey. 1838. William Grason. 1841. Francis Thomas. 1844. Thomas G. Pratt. 1847. Philip Francis Thomas. APPENDIX 401 APPENDIX I. MEMBERS OF THE MARYLAND CONVENTION OF 1776, WHICH FRAMED THE CONSTITUTION OF THE STATE. St. Mary^s County. Richard Barnes, Ignatius Fenwick, George Plater, Jeremiah Jordan. Charles County. Robert T. Hooe, John Dent, Thomas Semmes, John Parnhara. Calvert County. Benjamin Mackall, Charles Grahame, William Fitzhugh, John Mackall. Prince George^s County. Walter Bowie, Benjamin Hall, Osborn Sprigg, Luke Marbury. ^nne Arundel County. John Hall, Brice T. B. Worthington, Kezin Hammond, Samuel Cliase. Frederick— Lower District, now Montgomery County. Thomas Sprigg Wootton, Jonathan Wilson, William Bayly, Jr. Elisha Williams. Middle District—Fjederick County. Adam Fischer, Upton Sheredine, Christopher Edelen, David Schriver. Upper District — Washington and Alleghany Counties. Samuel Beall, Samuel Hughes, John Stull, Henry Schnebly. ^ . ^ Baltimore County. Charles Ridgely, Thomas Cockey Deye, John Stevenson, Peter Shepherd. Harford County. Jacob Bond, Henry Wilson, Jr. John Love, John Archer. Cecil County. Joseph Gilpin, Patrick Ewing, David Smith, Benjamin Brevard. Talbot County. Pollard Edmondson, John Gibson, Matthew Tilghman, James Lloyd Chamberlaine. Caroline County. Nathaniel Potter, William Richardson, Richard Mason, Henry Dickinson. Dorchester County. Robert Goldsborough, James Murray, John Ennalls, James Ennalls. Somerset County. Gustavus Scott, George Scott, William Horsey, Henry Lowes. Worcester County. Samuel Handy, Peter Chaille, Smith Bishop, Josiah Mitchell. D3 402 APPENDIX Kent County. Thomas Ringgold, William Ringgold, Joseph Earle, Thomas Smyth. Queen Anne's County. Turbut Wright, James Kent, Matthew Tilghman, President. William Bruff, Solomon Wright. Baltimore City. John Smith, Jeremiah T. Chase. Jtnnapolis. William Paca, Charles Carroll of Carrollton. Gabriel Duvall, Clerk. APPENDIX J. ratification of the constitution of the united states by the maryland convention, 1788. Jn Convention of the Delegates oj the People of the State of Maryland, 28th Jpril, 1788. We, the delegates of the people of the State of Maryland, having fully considered the Constitution of the United States of America, re- ported to Congress by the Convention of Deputies from the United States of America, held in Philadelphia on the 17th day of September, in the year 1787, of which the annexed is a copy, and submitted to us by a resolution of the General Assembly of Maryland, in November Session, 1787, do, for ourselves, and in the name and on the behalf of the people of this State, assent to and ratify the said constitution. In witness whereof, we have hereunto subscribed our names. George Plater, President. Richard Barnes, Charles Chilton, N. Lewis Sewall, William Tilghman, Donaldson Yeates, Isaac Perkins, William Granger, Joseph Wilkinson, Charles Graham, Daniel Sullivan, James Shaw, Joseph Gilpin, H, Hollingsworth, James Gordon Heron, Samuel Evans, Fielder Bowie, Osborne Sprigg, Benjamin Hall, John Chesley, Jr. William Smith, G. R. Brown, Attest : J. Parnham, Zeph. Turner, Michael Jenifer Stone, R. Goldsborough, Jr. Edward Lloyd, John Stephens, George Gale, Henry Waggaman, John Stewart, John Gale, N. Hammond, Abraham Few, William Paca, J. Richardson, William Richardson, Matt. Driver, Peter Edmondson, James McHenry, John Coulter, George Digges, Nicholas Carrole, Alexander C. Hanson, James Tilghman, John Seney, James Holliday, William Helmsley, Peter Chaille, James Martin, William Morris, John Done, Thomas Johnson, Thomas Sim Lee, Richard Potts, Thomas Sprigg, John Stull, Moses Rawlings, Henry Shryock, Thomas Cramphin, Richard Thomas, William Deakins, Jr. Benjamin Edwards, William Harwood, Clerk. APPENDIX. 403 APPENDIX K. MARYLAND SENATORS IN THE UNITED STATES' SENATE. WESTERN SHORE. 1789, March 4th, Charles Carroll of Carrollton. 1793, January 10th, Richard Potts. 1796, November 30th, John Eager Howard. 1803, March 4th, Samuel Smith. 1816, January 29th, Robert G. Harper. 1816, December 20th, Alexander Contee Hanson. 1819, December 21st, William Pinkney. 1822, December 15th, Samuel Smith. 1833, March 4th, Joseph Kent. 1838, January 4th, William D. Merrick. 1845, March 4th, Reverdy Johnson. EASTERN SHORE. 1789, March 4th, John Henry. 1797, December 11th, James Lloyd. 1800, December 12th, William Hindman 1801, November 19th, Robert Wright. 1806, November 25th, Philip Reed, 1813, May 21st, Robert H. Goldsborough. 1819, December 21st, Edward Lloyd. 1826, January 24th, Ezekiel F. Chambers. 1835, January 13th,.. : R. H. Goldsborough. 1836, December 31st, John S. Spence. 1841, January 5th, John Leeds Kerr. 1843, March 4th, James Alfred Pearce. 404 APPENDIX CO ee -■ H < 1 CO . f^ ^-^ 0; tfj P s 2 2 cS 'p 1-4 < a en •2 ^ rH a S3 h, Pennsylvar ant, Pennsylv O CO Id CO ^ ll 1? 1 o ^ CO* a eS <1 oi a> 3 ixC (^ Is Eh Q CO "5 o 02 a CM es 00 W ^ en CS 06 CO CO rt ? U tH O (i 5^ d Pi Pi a 6 O «o t-a CO in rH «S • o 1— 1 > Cm o c o CO to O w to TO a o J3 New York, 5 ; Jo on. New York, 9 ; d -2 D. Torapkins, N pkins, 10 ; Kober o pH C O J5 -4-J a i2 & g > 4 t-i a X h- 1 a o tn c Cm O to" s •*-' TO CO C C CO "^ .S Q CO CO Oi c c H C o en o -; s lO CO §2 c c CO CO ts" _cS "3 o »> c" a o o Crt CO c c ;> rt c o tS o o 'i2 's-> cS cS u CS H b J3 O rge Washi rge Washii a -a < a O »-5 0) a o 1-5 mas Jeffer; mas Jeffer o o CO CO 00 DO 0) O) CO >-i CD bO C l-H o o c a o o CO CO CO cS •-5 C trj CO J^ ^ O Ij cS CS t-5 ►-S Ui t-, a a _cS _2 00 cS >» < O O o o a a a a CJ CS T3 a <1 13 n3 < < lg c CJ eS N tu K* Pli eo r>. I-H »o Ci CO i> I-H >0 Oi CO J^ l-H »n 05 CO OS Ci o o o ^H 1-^ CI (M (N CO CO Tf Tf ■^ in 1—1 1— I CO 1— < CO CO l-l 1— 1 CO CO CO QO PH —4 oo l-H 00 00 r— 1 r— 1 QO 00 l-H l-H 00 l-H 00 o o o o o o o o o o -2 ° ^ Eh -*-> -t-t *-> +- -l-> -l-> ■*-> H-' ©i oo t- 1-1 « Oi eo l> l-H « 05 CO t- rH in Oi QO Oi C5 o o O -H l-H CVJ (M C^ CO CO t Tf< ■ 1— 1 00 QO l-H 1— < CO CO I-H l-H 00 00 l-H l-H QO I-H 00 00 I-H ,-H 00 00 rH ,— 1 00 00 rH ft ^— ^ ~~^ O 6 l-H (M M X* kO CO t^ 00 05 o l-H l"H (M l-H l-H CO ^ -H ^« in CO l-H W =3- H o ^« APPENDIX 405 APPENDIX M. POPULATION OF MARYLAND. Year. 1634 1660 1665 1671 1701 1715 1748 1756 1775 1782 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 Whites. Negro Slaves. The first col- 1 ony, about. Free Blacks. Total. 40,700 94,000 107,963 About.. 170,688 208,649 222,402 235,575 261,305 291,224 317,575 9,500 36,000 46,225 83,362 103,036 107,703 111,502 107,306 102,878 89,619 8,043 19,587 33,469 38,739 52,938 61,938 200 12,000 16,000 20,000 30,000 50,200 130,000 154,188 200,000 254,050 319 728 349,692 380,546 407.350 447,040 469,232 POPULATION OF THE COUNTIES OF MARYLAND In 1790, 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, and 1840, as shown by the census taken in those years. CECIL. KENT. SLAVES. 1 F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL 1790 3,407 163 10,055 13,625 5,443 655 6,748 12,83 1800 2,103 373 6,542 9,018 4,474 1,786 5,511 11,771 1810 2,467 947 9,652 13,066 4,249 1,979 5,222 11,450 1820 2,342 1,783 11,821 16,046 4,071 2,067 5,315 11,453 1830 1,705 2,249 11,478 15,432 3,191 2,260 5,050 10,501 1840 1,346 2,552 13,464 17,362 2,741 2,586 5,513 10,840 CAROLINE. TALBOT. SLAVES. F COL. WHITE. 1 TOTAL. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. 1790 2,057 421 7,028 9,506 4,777 1,076 7,221 13,084 1800 1,865 602 6,759 9,226 4,775 1,.591 7,070 13,436 1810 1,520 1,001 6,932 9,453 4,878 2,003 7,349 14,230 1820 1,574 1,390 7,144 10,108 4,769 2,234 7,386 14,389 1830 1,171 1,652 6,247 9,070 4,173 3,698 2,483 6,291 12,947 1840 768 1,727 5,373 7,868 2,336 6,069 12,103 QUEEN ANNE'S. SOMERSET. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. 1790 6,674 618 8,171 15,463 7,070 268 8,272 15,610 isoo 6,517 1,025 7,315 14,857 7,432 586 9,340 17,358 1810 6,381 2,738 7,529 16,648 6,975 1,0.58 9,162 17,195 1S20 5,588 2,138 7,226 14,952 7,241 1,952 10,386 19,579 18.30 4,872 2,866 6,559 14,397 6,556 2,239 11,371 20,166 1840 3,979 2.540 6,006 12,525 5,385 2,642 ■ 11,477 19,504 406 APPENDIX DORCHESTEP, WORCESTER. 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 SLAVES. 5,377 F. COL. 528 WHITE. 10,010 TOTAL. 15,875 SLAVES. 3,836 F. COL. 178 WHITE. 7,626 4,566 2,365 9,415 16,346 4,398 449 11,523 5,032 2,661 10,415 18,108 4,427 1,054 11,490 5,168 2,497 10,094 17,759 4,551 1,636 11,234 5,001 3,000 10,685 18,686 4,032 2,430 10,197 4,232 3,965 10,612 18,809 3,543 3,063 11,647 TOTAL. 11,640 16,370 16,971 17,421 16,659 18,253 ALLEGANY. WASHINGTON. SLAVES. r. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. 1790 258 12 4,539 4,809 1,286 64 14,472 1800 499 101 5,703 6,303 2,200 342 16,108 1810 620 113 6,176 6,909 2,656 483 15,591 1820 795 195 7,664 8,654 3,201 627 19,247 1830 818 222 9,569 10,609 2,909 1,084 21,275 1840 811 216 14,677 15,704 2,505 1,556 24,801 TOTAL. 15,822 18,650 18,730 23,075 25,268 28,862 FREDERICK. BALTIMORE. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. SLAVES. F. COL- WHITE. TOTAL. 1790 3,641 213 26,937 30,791 5,877 604 18,953 25,434 1800 4,572 473 26,478 31,523 6,830 1,536 24,1.50 32,516 1810 5,671 783 27,983 34,437 6,697 1,537 21,021 29,255 1820 6,555 1,777 32,097 40,459 6,720 2,163 24,580 33,463 1830 6,370 2,716 36,703 45,789 6,533 3,098 30,625 40,256 1840* 4,420 2,987 27,575 34,982 *4,440 3,478 24,184 32,062 BALTIMORE CITY. HARFORD. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. ; ; SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTAL. 1790 1,255 323 11,925 13,503 : \ 3,417 775 10,784 14,976 1800 2,843 2,771 20,900 26,514 1 4,264 1,344 12,018 17,626 1810 4,672 5,671 36,212 46,455 4,431 2,221 14,606 21,258 1820 4,357 10,326 48,055 62,738 3,320 1,387 11,217 15,924 1830 4,120 14,790 61,710 80,620 2,984 2,048 11,287 16,319 1840 3,212 17,980 81,321 102,513 2,537 2,449 11,915 16,901 MONTGOMERY. PRINCE GEORGE S. SLAVES. F. COL. 1790 6,030 294 1800 6,288 262 1810 7,572 677 1820 6,396 22 1830 6.447 1,266 1840 5,137 1,240 WHITE. 11,679 8,508 9,731 9,082 12,103 8,292 TOTAL. 18,003 SLAVES. 11,176 F. COL. 164 WHITE. 10,004 15,058 12,191 648 8,346 17,980 9,189 4,929 6,471 16,400 11,285 1,096 7,835 19,816 11,585 1,202 7,667 14,659 10,640 1,080 7,763f TOTAL. 21,344 21,185 20,589 20,216 20,474 SAINT MARY S. CALVERT. APPENDIX 407 CHARLES. ANNE ARUNDEL. 1790 1800 1810 1820 1830 1840 SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. TOTA L. SLAVES. F. COL. WHITE. 10,085 404 10,124 20,613 10,130 804 11,664 9,558 571 9,048 19,172 9,760 1,833 11,030 12,435 412 7,.398 20,245 11,693 2,536 12,439 9,419 567 6,514 16,500 10,328 3,382 13,455 10,129 851 6,789 17,769 9,997 4,076 14,222 9,280 817 5,915 16,012 9,816 5,120 14,599 TOTAL. 22,598 22,623 26,668 27,165 28,295 29,535 * CARROLL COUNTY. 1840— Slaves, 1,120 • F. Col., 895 ; Whites, 15,223— Total, 17,238 t^ QUESTIONS TO TH E HISTORY OF MARYLAND. INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER. Pa;e. 13 In what year was America discovered, and bj' whom ? 15 By whom, and when, was North America discovered? 16 Describe the early attempts by the English to form settlements in North America. 18 Who first explored the Chesapeake Bay ? Describe the explorations. 21 Who was the founder of Maryland? Describe his early life and history. 22 What causes led to the settlement of the colony ? 1^4 To whom did the charter issue ? What were the main features of that charter ? 25 What were Lord Baltimore's preparations for his first colony ? CHAPTER I. 26 When did the first colony sail from England ? What were the names of the vessels, and who was the leader of the colony ? 27 Describe the dangers of the voyage. 29 What was the reception of the colony in Virginia? 30 Where did the colony first land in Maryland ? Describe the cere- monies of the landing. 31 How were the English received by the Indians ? 32 Where did Leonard Calvert select the site for his first settlement ? 33 Describe his treaty with the Indians. What was the date of this event ? 34 What was the conduct of the settlers with regard to religious freedom? What was the nature of their relations with the In- dians ? 35 Describe the founding of St. Mary's. 37 What was the character and habits of the Indians in the vicinity of the settlement ? CHAPTER II. 39 Who was the cause of the first disturbances in the colony ? What were Claiborne's claims ? How did he attempt to maintain them ? 40 Where and when was the first battle fought in Maryland ? Give its result. 41 When and where did the first General Assembly meet? What were the conditions of plantation ? 42 What caused the first dispute between the Lord Proprietary and the colony? and how d'id it eventually terminate ? What pro- ceedings took place in Kent Island? 35 3E 410 QUESTIONS TO THE Page. 43 When did the second General Assembly meet ? How was it con- stituted ? What were its proceedings ? What was its action with regard to Claiborne's rebellion? Describe Claiborne's further proceedings. 46 What were the labors of the missionaries among the Indians ? Give their results. Describe the baptism of Tayac. Who were the missionaries ? What consequence did their labors produce on the peace of the colony? 51 What were the principal tribes of Indians in Maryland ? What preparations were made for defence against them ? Describe the Indian troubles of 1642. 55 What nations formed settlements within the boundaries of Mary- land ? Why was the third General Assembly convened, and what were its proceedings ? 56 How and when were the first State House, and the first water mill built in the colony ? CHAPTER III. 58 How did affairs in England affect the colony ? In what outbreak did these dissensions result? What course did Governor Calvert pursue ? 59 What was the conduct of Governor Brent ? What was Governor Calvert's action upon his return to Maryland ? 60 What was the conduct of the rebels after their victory ? 61 What were Lord Baltimore's course and opinions upon the loss of his province ? When and how did Leonard Calvert regain pos- session of Maryland ? What steps did he take to preserve his power ? 62 When did Leonard Calvert die ? What was his character ? Whom did he appoint his successor? 6o What difficulties arose out of the rebellion ? 64 How was religious liberty effected by the troubles? What mea- sures did Lord Baltimore and the Assembly take for the preser- vation of freedom of conscience ? 67 What was the condition of affairs in England, and their effect upon the colony ? Whom did Charles II appoint Governor of Maryland ? 69 What was the conduct of the parliament party towards the colony ? Who brought about the "reduction" of Maryland? Describe the proceedings of Claiborne and Bennett. 70 What Indian outbreak occurred at this time ? 71 How did these troubles affect the prosperity of the colony ? How did Lord Baltimore attempt to regain his province ? 72 What was the course of the Puritans towards the early settlers ? Did Lord Baltimore submit to these proceedings ? What mea- sures did Gov. Stone take to reconquer the province ? Describe the battle at Providence. When was it fought? 75 What was the cond..ct of the victors ? 76 What course was taken in England upon these affairs ? How did the parties maintain themselves in the colony ? When and on what terms did the Puritans submit to the authority of Lord Baltimore. 79 What course did Governor Fendall pursue in the colony ? 81 What is said of Claiborne — and his death ? HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 411 CHAPTER IV. 83" What is said of the history of the State from 1660 to 16S9 ? 84 What was the character of Philip Calvert's government ? Give the increase in population — and the date of the erection of the counties formed up to this period. What is said of the towns and trade of this period ? How did the assembly prove their affection for the Calverts ? 85 What is said of the character of the acts of assembly at this pe- riod? What of negro slavery in the colony? 87 What was the condition of the tobacco culture in 1663 ? and what measures were adopted to remedy the evil ? 88 What is said of civil and religious freedom in the colony ? Of the reception of the Friends in Maryland ? 89 Describe the troubles with the Indians in 1675. 91 What efforts were made to injure Lord Baltimore and his govern- ment in England? and how did he meet them ? 92 What is said of Fendall and Coode's attempt to excite disturbances in the colony ? 93 What measures were taken against the charter In England ? 94 What causes led to the revolution of 1689 ? By whom was the revolution brought about ? Describe it. 95 What was the action of the convention of 1689 ? Who was the first royal governor? When was he appointed? What was the action of the assembly of 1692, with regard to religious liberty ? 96 What to the Proprietary ? What to old St. Mary's ? Describe the consequence to the anciertt city, of the removal of the govern- ment. 9S What was the dispute about the incorporation of Annapolis ? 99 What part did Maryland take in the French war of this period ? When and how was the first public post established ? 100 What is said of the early schools of the colony ? Describe the system and its operation. 10 1 When was the State house destroyed by fire ? What is said of the Royal Government in Maryland, and the attempts to destroy the charter ? 103 What causes operated against the growth of the culony ? What attempts were made to establish manufactures in 1697? 104 What is said of this period of the History of Maryland ? CHAPTER V. 105 Describe the restoration of the Proprietary Government ? What is said of the struggles which ensued between the people and the government ? 107 What measures were taken towards the Indians ? 108 What is said of the Indian conspiracy ? and of the treaty with the six nations. 109 When was Baltimore founded ? 110 What is said of the first press and first newspaper in Maryland ? When was Frederick laid out ? 111 When Georgetown? What is said of military affairs? and the expedition against the Spanish colonies ? 1 12 What aid was furnished to the expedition against Canada ? 412 QUESTIONS TO THE Page. , 113 Who were the Governors from 1615 to 1653 ? What coimties were erected from 1660 to the present time in Maryland ? Give their respective dates ? 114 What is said of population and manufactures ? 116 What is said of the organization of the established church ? What of the condition of the currency ? 118 What was the first dispute concerning the boundary of the colony? 119 Describe the dispute concerning the Delaware boundary on the east, and the Pennsylvania boundary on the north. 123 Describe the dispute with Virginia on the west. CHAPTER IV. 126 Who became Lord Proprietary in 1751 ? What is said of the French and Indian war ? 127 What measures did Maryland take with regard to it? 129 What is said of Gov. Sharpe as commander-in-chief? 130 What measures were taken for the capture of Fort Duquesner 132 Describe Braddock's defeat ? 133 What were the consequences to Maryland ? 134 What measures were adopted to defend the frontiers? 135 What dissensions arose in reference to Fort Cumberland ? 137 What steps were taken by the legislature for defence of the fron- tiers ? 138 What is said of Fort Frederick? 139 What is said of Col. Cresap's exploits? What was the condition of the borders in 1756 ? 141 What measures were taken for defence in 1757 ? 143 What is said of Fort Cumberland ? 144 What measures were adopted in 1758 to capture Fort Duquesne ? Describe Gen. Forbes' expedition. ' 145 Describe Grant's defeat? 147 Describe the action at Loyal Hanning. 148 When and how was Fort Duquesne captured? How was the news of its capture received in Maryland ? CHAPTER VII. 149 What were the principal subjects of dispute between the House of Delegates, and the Governor and Council in 1758 ? 150 What is said of the peace with France ? and the subsequent policy of England ? What of the resources and population o^ Mary- land ? 151 What was the origin of the stamp act ? How was its passage re- ceived in Maryland ? 152 What was the resistance to it in Maryland ? 153 What was the fate of the stamp officer? 154 What course did the assembly of 1765 adopt? 155 What is said of Daniel Dulany ? 156 Describe the proceedings of the Congress of 1765 — and the as- sembly. 157 What was the declaration of the assembly as to the foundation of the colony ? and its rights and liberties ? 158 Describe the contest about the journal of accounts. 159 What was done with the stamp paper: HISTORY OF MARYLAND.- 413 IGO What was the decision of Frederick County Court upon the stamp act ? How was this event celebrated ? 161 What steps were taken with regard to the public offices ? When was the act repealed ? 162 How was its repeal received in Maryland ? What honors were voted to the friends of the colonies in this struggle ? Who were the principal persons named ? 168 What was the elFect of this struggle upon the people ? What was Townshend's declaration in parliament ? What consequence flowed from it? How was the new attempt to tax the colonies received? 164 What was the course of the Maryland assembly ? Who were the principal members in this body ? 165 What was the condition of the magazine ? Describe the formation of the Maryland non-importation society. What is said of" the Good Intent ?" 166 What policy did the British ministry adopt to remove the hostility of the colonists ? What course did the associations pursue in Maryland ? 167 What is said of the proclamation and vestry acts? 16S What is said of the officers' fees and tithes ? 169 What is said of Charles Carroll of CarroUton, and his controversy with Daniel Dulany ? 170 How did the people reward the services of Carroll ? 171 How was the triumph of the patriots celebrated in Annapolis? What is said of the vestry act and the termination of the con- troversy ? 172 What were the consequences of the revival of the tax upon tea? When and where did the first revolutionary convention assemble in Maryland ? 173 What were its proceedings ? What was the course of the non- importation associations ? 174 Describe the tea burning at Annapolis : at Hagerstown. What was the action of the congress and the convention ? 175 What is said of the last Proprietary of Maryland ? 176 Review the previous history. 177 What is said of religious liberty in Maryland ? CHAPTERVIII. 179 What is said of the preparations for defence against the oppres- sions of England ? What is said of Charles Carroll of Carroll- ton ? What was the aspect of alfairs upon the meeting of the convention ? 180 How was the power of the convention maintained ? What mea- sures did the convention adopt? ISl How were these measures carried out by the people? What is said of the battles of Lexington and Concord ? 182 Describe these battles — give their dates. 188 What were the consequences of these battles in Maryland? 184 What was the action of Congress? Who nominated Gen. Wash- ington as commander-in-chief? What were the proceedings of the Maryland convention ? 185 What troops were raised by the convention? What is said of the rille coni;ianJes. 35^ 414 QUESTIONS TO THE Page. 186 What measures were adopted to secure ammunition and supplies ? 187 What is said of Col. Conolly's attempt ? What was its result? 188 What is said of Lord Dunmore's machinations? 189 How were they defeated ? 190 Describe the Otter's cruize in the Chesapeake. 191 What is said of the first continental fleet? What was Governor Eden's course at this time ? 192 What steps were taken by the committee of safety in regard to him? 193 What causes led to the Declaration of Independence ? By whom and when was the resolution introduced into Congress? 194 What was the course of Maryland in regard to it? Who was principally instrumental in its adoption in Maryland ? 195 What is said of Charles Carroll's signature to the Declaration of Independence ? How was the Declaration received in Mary- land ? What steps were taken by the Maryland convention in consequence ? 196 What proceedings were taken in regard to the military force of the province. CHAPTERIX. 197 When did General Howe invade New York ? What was the con- dition of the hostile armies when the Maryland troops reached the American camp ? 198 Describe the battle of Brooklyn Heights. 201 What is said of the conduct of the Maryland troops in this battle ? 202 What part did the Maryland troops take in the retreat from Long Island and New York ? 203 Describe the action of Harlaem Heights. 204 Describe the battle of White Plains. 205 What was the loss of the Maryland troops in this action ? 206 What were the subsequent movements of the two armies ? 207 Describe the storming of Fort Washington ? 209 What were the subsequent movements of the armies ? 210 Describe the battle of Trenton. 211 Describe the battle of Princeton. 213 What were the effects of these battles? What is said of the Maryland Line ? CHAPTER X. 214 When and how was the convention to form a constitution and State government assembled and organized ? What new coun- ties did it form ? 215 What were the proceedings of the convention in relation to the report on the constitution ? What were their first measures upon reassembling ? 216 When were the bill of rights and form of government adopted ? What was the action of the convention upon the claims of Vir- ginia to the western lands ? 217 AVhat was the form of government ? Legislative ? 218 Executive ? Judicial? Elective franchise ? 219 What is said of the position of the convention in regard to the past and future ? What is said of the declaration of rights ? 220 How was the new form of government set in motion? HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 415 Page. 221 What were the first measures of the lee;islature ? 222 What steps were taken to repress the Tories ? . 223 Who was the first State Governor ? When and with what ceremo- nies was his election made and proclaimed? 224 What exertions were now made to sustain the war? CHAPTER IX. 225 What was the condition of the American army in 1777 ? What measures of defence were taken when the enemy entered the Chesapeake ? 226 What part did the Maryland Line take in the attack on Staten Island ? 228 Describe the battle of the Brandywine. 229 What is said of the conduct of the Maryland Line in this battle ? 230 What were the movements subsequent to this battle ? Describe Wayne's defeat at Paoli? 231 What was the result of these movements ? Describe the battle of Germantown ? 234 What is said of the conduct of the Maryland troops in this action ? 2^5 Describe the defence of Fort Mifflin ? 236 What were the subsequent movements of the hostile armies ? 237 Where was the Line stationed in the winter of 1777 ? What is said of the alliance with France ? CHAPTER XII. 239 What measures were taken in 1778 to obtain recruits ? What is said of Pulaski's corps ? 240 What measures were adopted to suppress Toryism ? 242 When and how was the Court of Appeals orojanized ? 243 What w^as the action of the legislature of 177S, in reference to the public lands ? and to the treaty with France ? 244 What were the preparations for the campaign of 1778 ? Describe the battle of Monmouth. 247 What is said of Eaylor's and Pulaski's corps ? 248 AVhat is said of the campaign of 1779 ? CHAPTER XIII. 250 What is said of the military quotas of the State ? and the condi- tion of the people ? 251 What is said of the State Marine and its reduction ? What is said of the State and continental currency, and the dispute between the house and senate in reference to the pay of the members ? 252 What is said of Charles Carroll's protest ? 254 Wliat provision was made for the relief of the officers of the Mary- land Line after the war ? 255 What steps were taken to increase the strength of the Line ? 256 What encouragement was offered to secure the immigration of for- eigners to Maryland ? 257 What is said of Governor Johnson ? Who was his successor ? 258 What causes led to the confiscation of Tory estates ? 259 Describe the controversy on this subject ? 260 What is said of the continental issues of paper money? 416 QUESTIONS TO THE Pa?e. 261 What is said of the confederation ? 262 What was the course of Maryland in reference to this question ? 264 When were the articles of confederation signed ? What were the principal features ? CHAPTERXIV. '' 265 What was the condition of affairs in the southern States in 1779-80 ? What is said of the Maryland Line on its passage through the State to the South ? 266 What measures were taken by the legislature to strengthen the Line and to arouse the people of the State ? 267 Describe the march of the Line to the South. 268 Describe the battle of Camden. 272 Describe the death of De Kalb. What was his eulogy on the Maryland Line ? How was the news of his death received in Maryland ? 273 What is said of the conduct of Smallwood, Gist, Howard and Williams, in this battle ? 274 Describe the reassembling of the Line, and the subsequent move- ments. 275 What new arrangement of the Line was made, and how were the regiments filled up ? Who was appointed to supersede General Gates ? 276 Describe the movements prior to the battle of Cowpens. 277 Describe the battle of Cowpens. 278 Describe Howard's charge. What is said of the victory ? What incidents are related of Col. Washington and Everheart? 279 What is said of Howard's conduct ? Describe Greene's retreat? 282 What is said of Williams' corps during the retreat? 28.3 What is said of this retreat ? 284 Describe the defeat of Colonel Pyle. 285 What reinforcements did Greene receive ? Describe the battle of Guilford Court House. 287 What was Howard's conduct in this battle ? 288 Describe the movements after the battle ? Describe the action at Hobkirk's Hill? 291 Describe the movements after this action. 292 Describe the capture of Fort Brown. The assault upon Ninety- Six. 293 Give the subsequent movements. 294 Describe the battle of Eutaw Springs. 295 What is said of Howard's Marylanders and the Irish Buffs ? 296 What were the results of this battle ? 298 When was Charleston evacuated by the enemy ? Describe the campaign in Virginia. What is said of the patriotic ladies of Baltimore ? 299 What was the reception of Washington in Maryland after the sur- render of Cornwallis ? CHAPTER XV. 301 What measures were adopted to raise money in Maryland in 1781 ? 302 Describe the Tory conspiracy in Frederick county. 303 What was the opinion of Maryland upon Sir Guy Carleton's mis- sion ? How did the State display its affection for France ? HISTORY OF MARYLAND. 417 Pa?e. ' 304 What is said of the peace with Great Britain ? 305 What is said of the Maryland Line during the revolution ? 306 What is said of the Society of the Cincinnati ? 307 Of the Maryland Society ? 308 What proposition was made by the legislature to congress in refer- ence to the seat of government ? How was it received ? 309 Describe Washington's resignation of his commission, and his re- ception at Annapolis. CHAPTERXVI. 311 What is said of the national and State debt ? What measures were taken for their payment ? 312 What was the origin of the State's bank stock ? What is said on the collection of debts due to British subjects ? 313 What internal improvements were undertaken ? Describe the ori- gin and design of the Potomac Company. 314 How were Washington and Lafayette received at Annapolis ? Who was the first president of the Potomac Company ? Into what company was the Potomac Company afterwards merged ? 315 What is said of the growth of Baltimore ? What is said of eccle- siastical affairs ? Of education ? 317 What is said of Smallwood and Howard ? Of Small wood's grave ? 318 What causes led to the formation of the present Constitution of the United States ? What is said of the first convention assem- bled for this purpose ? What was the action of Maryland ? 318 What is said of the second convention, and its proceedings ? What course was taken in Maryland to approve the Constitution ? 319 What is said of the friends and opponents of the new Constitution? — and the effects the Constitution produced? 320 What was the action of the Maryland convention ? 321 What steps were taken to carry the Constitution into operation ? 322 What is said of the conflict between the State Constitution and that of the Union ? When and where did the first Congress as- semble ? 323 Who were the first President and Vice-President ? What is said of the public debt ? 324 How and when was the District of Columbia laid off? What is said of the founding of Washington city ? 326 What cause led to the whiskey insurrection ? Give its history. 327 What is said of the French war ? 328 When and how was the right of suffrage enlarged in Maryland ? 329 What is said of this enlargement of the right of suffrage ? And of the ballot box ? 330 What reforms were made in the judiciary ? What is said of the Tripolitan war ? and of the difficulties with England ? 331 What course did Maryland take in this crisis ? What is said of the embargo ? 332 How were domestic fabrics encouraged ? When was war declared against Great Britain ? What is said of the mob in Baltimore ? C HAPTE R XVII. 334 What is said of the first year of the war of 1812 ? When did the British invade the Chesapeake ? What is said of their ravages What of the assault on Havre de Grace ? 3F A 418 HISTORY OF MARYLAND. Page. 335 Describe the battle of Bladensburg. 338 To what causes is this defeat to be a-ttribututed ? Describe the action at Bellair. 339 What preparations were made'for the defence of Baltimore ? 340 Describe the battle of North Point. 842 Describe the bombardment of Fort McHenry. 343 Describe the exploit at the six gun battery. Who was the author of " the Star Spangled Banner ?" Under what circumstances was its composition suggested ? 3i4 What is said of the defence of Baltimore ? CHAPTERXVIII. 345 When was peace made with Great Britain ? What is said of the growth of Baltimore ? 346 What causes brought about the agitation of a reform of the consti- stitution ? Give the history of this subject. 349 What is said of the senatorial electors. What reforms were made with regard to the Governor ? 350 What in the Senate ? What in the House of Delegates ? 351 What as to clerks and registers ? What is said of slavery and the blacks ? 853 What is said of Liberia and the Maryland colony ? 354 What is said of the condition of the African race in Maryland ' 355 What is said of the public schools of the State ? 357 Describe the organization of schools of Baltimore. 359 What were the first colleges established in Maryland ? Give their history. What is said of Georgetown College ? 360 Give the history of St. Mary's College, Baltimore. The College at Abingdon. Mount St. Mary's College. The College of St. James. St. John's Literary Institution. 361 Give the history of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Company. 363 What was the origin of the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Koad Com- pany ? Give its history. 864 What other public improvements were undertaken ? 365 What was the consequence of this improvement ? What is said of the public debt ? 866 What is said of the renewed efforts of the Canal and Rail Road Companies ? What of agriculture ? 368 What brought about the Mexican war ? 369 Describe the battles of Palo Alto and Resaca de la Palma. What Marylanders here distinguished themselves ? 370 What is said of the Baltimore Battalion ? 371 Describe the storming of Monterey, and the part of the Baltimore Battalion in that event. 373 What other troops were raised in Maryland ? 374 What is said of the 2d Baltimore Battahon ? Describe the affair at the National Bridge. 375 What is said of the battle of Buena Vista ? What of Gen. Scott's victories ? Name the battles fought from Vera Cruz to Mexico ? 377 When and where was the treaty of peace signed ? What Mary- landers were distinguished in the battle of Chapultepec ? 378 What is said in conclusion ? C 'pig 89 it '^c,' .♦^-v V Nf ' ♦ , ©^ 0^ ^ *••*• A <». ♦'TV** -0^ ^ • • •• **'*<. * o 4 5/ o« • • ao 1^' .4 , Ao^ « •o. ^\ • •• \P9- • •. •^ HECKMAN BINDERY INC. ^^SEP 89 WS^ N. MANCHESTER, ^**^ INDIANA 46962 ]...i'-m-:\./M.