y,nf .1' ». , 1 "lli W^^i-: -mi'- "':.'.. i 'Y^ILE«¥]MH¥]l]mSinr¥«' Gift of SAMUEL R. BETTS THE HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS, Ttie Capital of Maryland: THE STATE HOUSE, ITS VARIOUS PUBLIC BUILDINGS, INCLUDING THE SENATE CHAMBER, WHERE GENERAL WASHINGTON RESIGNED HIS COMMISSION, PORTRAITS, RELICS, Ac. OF THE STATE, GOVERNMENT MANSION, ST. JOHN'S COLLEGE, ST. MART'S CATHOLIC CHURCH AND COLLEGE, ST. ANNE'S CHURCH, PRESBYTERIAN AND METHODIST CHURCHES, CITY AND NATIONAL CEMETERIES, FARMERS' AND FIRST NATIONAL BANKS, CITY AND MARYLAND HOTELS, ASSEMBLY BOOMS, COURT HOUSE, 40., TITED STATES ISTAYAL ACADEMY, FROM ITS ORIGIN TO TEE PBESBST HUE, ITS BUILDINGS, GROUNDS, FOUNTAINS, CEMETERY AND PARK, CHAPEL, MONUMENTS, LIBRARY, NEW MIDSHIPMEN'S ftUARTERS, Containing a variety of Historical anil Interesting Reiiniscences, &c. COMPILED AND EDITED BY OWEN M. TAYLOR, BALTIMORE: TURNBULL BEOTHEES. 1873. U-2. A Entered, according to Act of Congress, In the year 1872, By TURNBULL BROTHERS, In the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington ^^Vl'i,.^^ 3>y INTRODUCTION. The Author of the following pages entertaining the belief that their publication might be acceptable to his fellow-citizens, and a generous public, has committed them to the press, in the hope that his readers may derive something of interest from their perusal. In taking this step he has had many misgivings. Diffident of his ability to invest his subject with the interest that belongs to it, he would have been loath indeed to give it publicity had it not been for the absence of any such publication. He has gathered his material from the records within his reach. He is indebted for much of it to the "Annals of Annapolis,'' (which unfor tunately has become obsolete,) and to the valuable assistance afforded him by Commodore Worden, Superintendent at the Naval Academy, Henry Lee Snyder, Chief Engineer at the Academy, and to Rev. William S. Southgate, of St. Anne's Church. The undersigned bespeaks for this publication the clemency of all. OWEN M. TAYLOR. A BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ANCIENT CITY OF ANNAPOLIS, AND ITB MOST PROMINENT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE BUILDINGS, &c. CHAPTER I. ITS EAELY HISTORY. Town of St. Mary's — The Capital of the Province — An Assembly called — Act of Virginia against dissenting Ministers — The Puritans leave Virginia — Take refuge in Maryland — And settle at Providence, now Annapolis — Oath of Fidelity — Mr. Thomas Greene appointed Gov ernor in the absence of Governor William Stone — He proclaims the Prince of Wales — The inhabitants of Providence prefer the dominion of the Commonwealth — Governor Stone returns — Calls an As sembly — The Puritans refuse to attend — Governor Stone visits Providence — Returns Burgesses to the Assembly — They attend — Providence organised into a county called Anne Arundel — Murders committed by the Indians — Susquehanock Indians — Preparations against the Indians. The town of Saint Mary's became the capital of the Prov ince, and the first Legislative Assembly of the Province was called and held there, about the commencement of the year 1635. Having stated this preliminary fact, and not intending to connect the history of the Province with these " annals " further than what may appear to be necessary, we will now turn to some of the causes which eventuated in the settlement of the present capital of Maryland. In the year 1642 the Assembly of the Province of Virginia passed an Act to prevent dissenting ministers from preaching and propagating their doctrines in that colony. Under this Act the Governor and Council of Virginia issued an order 6 HISTOnr OF ANNAPOLIS. that all such persons as would not conform to the discipline of the Church of England should depart the country by a certain day. Notwithstanding the laws against the Puritans in Vir ginia, they continued to keep up a conventicle of their members for some years, which had in the year 1648 increased to one hundred and eighteen members. At this period the gov ernment of that colony tsaused a more vigorous execution of the laws to be enforced against them. Their conventicle in Virginia was therefore broken up, and the members of it being driven out of that colony, were dispersed in diiferent direc tions. The pastor (a Mr. Harrison) went from thence to Boston, in New England, in the latter end of this year, and the elder (a Mr. Durand) took refuge in Maryland. It is stated by one of their own members to have taken place in the year 1649, but at what time of the year we are nowhere informed. Most probably they did not leave Virginia in a body, but gradually, in small numbers, in the course of the spring and summer of this year. It is stated by Mr. Leonard Strong, in his Babylon's Fall, &c., that they were not invited into ]SIary- land by Governor Stone, but by a friend of the Governor's ; that they were only "received and protected." These people seated themselves at a place by them called " Providence," but afterwards " Proctors," or " The Town Land at Severn ; " later still, " The Town at Proctors ; " then " The Town Land at Severn where the town was formerly;" after that, "Anne Arundel Town," which was subsequently changed into " The Port of Annapolis," and finally, undet its charter in 1708, was established as the " City of Annapolis." It is alleged by the advocate of the Puritans who thus set tled at Providence (Leonard Strong, before cited) that " an oath to the Lord Baltimore was urged upon this people soon after their arrival, which if they did not take they must have no land nor abiding in the Province." The oath here alluded to was the oath of fidelity, as prescribed by his lordship, and annexed to his "condition of Plantations," of 1648. They were made acquainted by Captain Stone before they came here with that oath of fidelity, which was to be taken by those HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS 7 who would hold any land here from his lordship; "nor had they any objection to the oath, till they were as much refreshed with their entertainment there as the snake in the fable was with the countryman's breast ; for which some of them were equally thankful. But it was deemed by some of these people too much below them to take an oath to the Lord Pro prietary of that Province, though many Protestants of much better quality had taken it." Although these people had thus with the permission of the Lord Proprietary's government, seated themselves within the Province of Maryland, yet it does not appear that they had immediately thereon subjected themselves to the Proprietary government of St. Mary's. The peninsula or neck of land whereon Annapolis stands was probably uninhabited by any Europeans before their arrival ; and thus secluded from the rest of the inhabitants of the Province, it is probable that, according to the usage of the Con gregational Church of New England, a branch of which Church they were, a sort of hierarchical government was established by them, similar to that which had been practised by the first colonies of Plymouth, Massachusetts, and Connecticut. Neither does it appear that any grants of land or territory were made to these people, either collectively or individually, either prior to or subsequent to their arrival in Maryland, until the latter end of July 1650, when their settlement was organised as a county, under a commander and commissioners of the peace, as the Isle of Kent had been before. In this year (1649), when Charles I. was beheaded, Mr. Thomas Greene, who was now Governor of Maryland, in the absence of Governor Stone, caused the Prince of Wales to be proclaimed in the Province, as "the undoubted rightful heir to all his father's dominions," on the fifteenth day of November. Another proclamation was also issued, of the same date, " to further the common rejoicing of the inhabitants upon that occasion," declaring a general pardon to all the inhabitants of the Province for every offence before committed. It appears, however, that the Puritans who had just settled on the Severn did not join in the "common rejoicing;" but 8 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. preferring the rule and dominion of the Commonwealth of England, just establis'hed in the mother country, to that of the declared succession of their late sovereign, Charles I., desired to be exempt from the common privilege of causing the shores of their beautiful Severn to re-echo with their " rejoicings " on this occasion. In January 1650, Governor Stone having returned to the Province and resumed the functions of his office, convened the Legislature by proclamation, to meet at St. Mary's on the second day of April ensuing. On the day appointed the As sembly accordingly convened ; but as no returns were made, nor any appearance of the freemen or burgesses from Prov idence, "the Governor adjourned the House till Friday next, the fifth day of the same present month." In the meantime it appears that Governor Stone visited the new colony at Providence, probably with a view of reconciling in an amicable way the refractory Puritans to the Proprietary government; for it seems that they consented to send two bur gesses to the Assembly, and the Governor himself made the return thereof as follows : " By the Lieutenant, &c., of Maryland : The freemen of that part of Maryland now called Providence, being by my appointment duly summoned to this present Assembly, did unanimously make choice of Mr. Puddington and Mr. James Cox for their burgesses, I being there in person at that time." Accordingly, on the sixth of April the Assembly met, and after choosing James Cox Speaker, and Mr. William Britton their Clerk, proceeded to business. We may remark here that this choice of the Speaker seems to indicate the growing strength and influence of the infant colony that had settled at Providence. The Puritans who had founded Providence formed at this early period of their settlement a considerable population, and having sent and been represented by their burgesses or dele gates at this last Assembly, and so far submitting to the Pro prietary government, au Act was. passed at this session, entitled " An Act for the creating of Providence into a county, by the HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS, 9 name of Aime Arundel Counti/." The tenor of this Act was, "that part ofthe Province of Maryland, on the west side of the Chesapeake Bay, over against the Isle qf Kent, formerly called by the name of Providence, by the inhabitants there residing, /'.ZofA:Moo(?. " " Chemistry Surgeon Lockwood. " " History and English studies Chaplai-n Jones. " " .French and Spanish. ^ Prof. Oirault. Infantry tactics was also practically taught by Prof. Lock- wood. Past Midshipman Marcy was assigned to the de partment of Mathematics as an assistant. 28 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. All candidates for admission to the grade of midshipman were, after this date, scut to the Naval School to be examined by the Academic Board, and if found qualified, were admitted on probation, receiving from the Secretary of the Navy acting appointments as midshipmen. TJiese constituted the " Junior Class," and remained at the school under instruction until the Navy Department required their services at sea. The " Senior Class " was composed of midshipmen who, hav ing seen sufficient sea service to entitle them to it, were pre paring for their j?na^ examination for promotion. Occasionally other midshipmen were, between their cruises, sent to the " school " for short periods. These were assigned to the Senior or Junior class according as they were qualified. The regular term of the Senior Class was one academic year of nine months; and as the course of study was to many but a review of branches that they had studied at sea, a very con siderable amount of ground was gone over by the higher sec tions, and a not inconsiderable amount by the lower. The academic year commenced in October, and terminated in June, when the final examination of the Senior Class took place. A Board of five Captains and Commanders was each June convened, who conducted the examination in seamanship ; and after combining the results of this examination with that in academic branches by the Academic Board, assigned numbers, or, in other words, the " order of merit " to the class, and con ferred the "passing certificates." The same' officers also acted as a " Board of Visitors," to witness the examination of the Junior Class, and to examine into and report upon the discip line and general condition of the institution. The Midshipmen of the date of 1840 were the first who were graduated at the Naval School, finishing their course in June 1846, and were followed in regular succession by the sub sequent dates until the change to the four -year.i' course. The date of 1841 being very large, was divided into three classes, who came in successive years, the last division being graduated itl 1849; the date of 1842 were graduated with them, but classed separately. There were no appointments made in 1 843 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 29 and 1844, and the date of 1845 followed the last division of the '41's and '42's. In 1850 a board consisting of Commodore W. B. Shubrick, Commander F. Buchanan, Commander S. F. Dupont, Com mander George P. Upshur, Surgeon W. S. W. Ruschenberger, and Professor "William Chauvenet, and General Brewerton, then Superintendent of the Military Academy at West Point, as a consulting member, was convened by the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, and under a code of regulations prepared by them the Naval School was, on the first day of July of that year, erected into the United States Naval Academy. Commander (now Rear Admiral) Cornelius K. Stribling was the first Superintendent under the new regime, relieving Commander Upshur, who had held the command since March 1847. In November of the following year (1851) the four years' course was adopted, under a revision of the regulations, made by the Academic Board, and approved by the Hon. Secretary of the Navy, the date of 1851 being the first to come under the new system ; a portion of this date were advanced, and six members of it accomplished the course in three years. The modified course was still retained for previous dates, that of 1850 being graduated in 1856. In November 1853 Captain Stribling was relieved by Com mander (now Rear-Admiral) Louis M. Goldsborough, who in turn was relieved in September 1857 by Cajitain (now Com modore) George S. Blake, since deceased. In May 1861, in consequence of the breaking out of the rebellion, it was found necessary to remove the Academy to Newport, R. I. The midshipmen were accordingly embarked on board the School-Ship Constitution, Lieutenant-Command ing George W. Rodgers, aud sent to that point. The steamer Baltic was employed to transport the officers and others with their families ; the library and such other movable property, 30 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. &c., of the Academy, as it was thought advisable and necessary to remove. The first class was graduated without examination, a portion of them having been detached before the removal of the Academy from Annapolis, and upon its arrival at Newport the remainder of the first, and all of the second and third classes, were detached and ordered to sea duty. Fort Adams was as signed to the use of the Academy by the War Department, but was found entirely unsuited to the purpose. The mid shipmen were therefore quartered on board the Constitution for the summer, and in September the Atlantic Hotel, a large and commodious building, was hired, fitted up for the purpose, and used as quarters until the return of the Academy to Annapo lis. The two school-ships Santee and Constitution were moored alongside the wharf upon Goat Island in the harbor, and the fourth class and also the third were quartered on board of them.' In September 1865 Commodore Blake was relieved by Rear- Admiral (now Admiral) D. D. Porter as Superin tendent, and during the same month the Academy was, in conformity with a joint resolution of Congress, restored to its former home at Annapolis, the grounds and buildings having been vacated by the War Department a few months previously. In a very short time after, all traces of the late occupation by the army had been obliterated. On the first of December 1869, Commodore John L. Wor den relieved Admiral Porter, and is at present Superintendent of the Academy. Academy Grounds. The limits of the grounds originally transferred to the War Department were as follows : The northwestern boundary was coincident with the path now leading from the upper end of the mess-hall to the middle gate ; the southwestern extended from the water past the building now used as the Paymaster's office, a line which is still distinctly marked by a row of trees ; the embankment just in rear of the midshipmen's quarters, then the shore of the river, formed the northeastern boundary ; HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 31 M'hile the shore line from the southeastern, or bay point, ex tended from the Gymnasium (then called Fort Severn) in a sort of crescent form, passing near the mulbet-ry tree in the lower parade-ground, and thence bowing out and terminating where the angle at present is in the sea-wall. During the year 1851 the sea-wall was built, and the space between that and the shore was filled in during that and the following years. The first acquisition to the grounds was made by purchase about the year 1847, and included that portion of the grounds lying directly northwest of the former limits, and bounded on the northwest by the road leading from the upper gate to the river ; the southwest boundary of this was a continuation of the line bounding the original grounds on the same side, and is also distinctly marked out by the same row of trees. The second -acquisition added all that portion ofthe grounds above the middle gate which is now enclosed in the walls of the Academy. This purchase was made about the year 1853. The sea-wall on the Severn side was built in 1853, and the space between that and the old shore was filled in with earth from a high hill which existed near where the new Midship men's Quarters now stand. In 1867 a lot of 9^ acres of ground was purchased from St. John's College beyond the walls, which has not yet been en- cloised; also in 1868 and '69 the farm known as " Strawberry Hill," and the land between that and the Severn Eiver and " Graveyard Creek," making in all 114|- acres, were purchased. Communication with this new addition was established by means of a substantial drawbridge thrown across the creek. Cemetery and Park. On a high point of land in this last purchase has been laid out a cemetery for the burial of officers and seamen and others belonging to the navy. Beyond the cemetery there is a hand some park. The park and cemetery consist of alternate wood and lawn, with considerable diversity of level. Winding woods and paths have been laid out in very tasteful manner, 32 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. making all parts accessible. So attractive are these two places that although the improvements are scarcely yet begun, they have become a favorite resort for the people in the vicinity, a large number of persons visiting each every pleasant day. The woods and paths already completed -measure three miles, and it is contemplated to lay out two miles more. These are covered with shells, which have been obtained at an ex tremely small cost. Public Garden. The remainder of Strawberry Hill is devoted to garden purposes, for the benefit of the officers and midshipmen. A large quantity of fruits and vegetables have been already gathered, although only a commencement has thus far been made. A very considerable diminution of the' midshipmen's mess-bill will result from the operation of the plan when fully developed. Since the return of the Academy to this place much has been done in the way of ornamenting and improving that portion of the grounds lying inside the walls ; fountains have been erected, roads and paths tastefully laid out, low places filled in, trees, shrubs, and flowers planted. The ground in rear of the Midshipmen's Quarters, which was found a barren waste, has been reclaimed, and made one of the most ornamental parts of the yard. Buildings, &c. Of the buildings originally transferred by the War Depart ment there remain at present the Superintendent's house, buildings Nos. 16, 17, 18, aud 19 (known as Superintendent's Row), and the building used as the Paymaster's office, nor were any of these in their present condition when first re ceived ; the Superintendent's house has been altered and re paired on three different occasions, the others were all one- story houses, and were raised upon about the year 1848. There were some few barracks, offices, &c., standing when HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS 33 the School was first established, one of which, situated across the Parade, between the Superintendent's house and the spot where the Recitation Hall now stands, was used as a Recita tion Hall and Chapel. The others were on the ground where the Midshipmen's Quarters now stand, and were occupied by the midshipmen. The construction of the southern half of the present Mess Hall was commenced soon after the opening of the school aud was completed in 1847, the second story being used as a Lyceum and Library. In 1853 the Mess Hall was enlarged to its present dimensions. The whole cost as nearly as can be ascertained was $17,809.94. The Alidshipmen's Quarters were next commenced. Block No. 1 was completed in . 850, at a cost of $7,200.00 ; No. 5, early in 1851, co'st $10,312.07 ; No. 2, late in 1851, at a cost of $7,663.45; and Nos. 3 and 4, in 1853, the former costing $7,981.20 and the latter $10,007.62. The Recitation Hall was completed in 1853, at a cost of $19,656.46. The build ing now used as a Store, but originally built as a Laboratory and Armory, was erected about 1853, at a cost of $7,020.31. The structure upon the walls of old Fort Severn, now used as a Gymnasium, but originally as a battery for great gun exer cises, was finished in 1851, and cost $6,433.30. Gas and steam for heating were introduced in 1853, the works for the same being built at an original cost of $28,044.28, and certain additions afterwards made at a cost of $8,500.00. The Observatory was completed about 1854, at a cost of $4,695.75. The Gunnery Building, originally a chapel, was completed the same year, costing $3,292.86. A brick building in the lower part of the yard, recently occupied as a store, engine- house, and residence for the band-leader, was also built in 1854, at a cost of $4,264.44. Building No. 20 (a wooden structure) was originally a hospital and store, in the middle of the lower parade-ground; it was rebuilt at a cost of $1,000.00 on the building of the new Hospital about 1857. The new Hospital cost $13,000.00. The row of buildings known as Officers' Row was com- 5 34 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. menced about 1855, those nearest the hospital being first built. The last were not completed until 1860. The cost of the different blocks was as follows : Block No. 1 (house of Com mandant of midshipmen) $5,000 ; houses 2 and 3, one block, $10,000; houses 4 and 5, one block, $10,000; houses 6 and 7, one block, $9,000 ; houses 8 and 9, one block, $10,069.18 ; houses 10 and 11, one block, $10,069.18; houses 12 and 13, one block, $11,000; houses 14 and 15, one block, $11,000. The two buildings occupied by the bandsmen were built in 1860, at a cost of $1500 each. A row of officers' quarters also stood until about 1859, fac ing (m the street which then existed, and the site of which is still marked by the row of trees running about southeast and northwest through the centre of the upper part of the yard ; the lower end of this row was just above where the Japanese bell now is, and the upper end rested on the road now leading from the upper gate to the river ; there were also two houses facing on that road, then a street of the City of Annapolis ; part of these buildings were purchased with the ground upon which they stood, and part were built. The Herndon JMonu- ment is on the site of one of the buildings of this row. These buildings were torn down from time to time, and the materials from them used in constructing the new Officers' Row and the bandsmen's quarters. Since the return of the Academy to this place in 1865, the following buildings have been constructed, viz : One block (two houses) of officers' quarters, Nos. 21 and 22, at a cost of $10,000. A building for the department of Steam Enginery was completed ,in 1866 at a cost of $21,000. The new Chapel was completed in 1848, at a cost of $40,000. During the present year there has been finished, at a cost of $11,000, a new building for the department of Natural aud Experimental Philosophy. A Daguerrean Gallery was completed in 1868 at a cost of $2500. The Academy has also during the year obtained by purchase, at a cost of $25,000, possession of the building lately occupied as the mansion of the Governor of Maryland. It is now used HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS 35 as a Library and Lyceum, and as offices for the Superintendent and Secretary of the Academy, one room being used for meet ings of the Academic Board. New Midshipmen's Quarters. A new building, designed to accommodate two hundred mid shipmen, was erected about a year since. It is a four-story structure with basement and attic, and is composed of a centre building fifty-seven feet six inches square, and two wings each one hundred and sixteen feet nine inches long, by forty-five feet three inches deep ; the whole is surmounted by a dome and clock-tower, the latter supplied with a clock having four dials, to be illuminated at night. The base of the dome is surmounted by a promenade gallery, from which a most mag nificent view is to be had of the surrounding country and of the Chesapeake Bay. In the basement, under the east wing, there is a kitchen fifty-eight feet long by forty-two wide, with large store-room, servants' hall, &c., attached ; under the main building, a pantry, boiler-room (for supplying steam with which the build ing is heated,) a coal-cellar and a bath-room ; under the west wing are bath-rooms. A corridor of twelve feet in width runs the entire length of the main building at right angles to the corridor ; there are stairways at the extremities of each wing, and in the main building these continue to the highest story. On the first floor in the west wing there is a mess-hall one hundred and two feet long, and occupying the entire depth of the wing, with a store-room attached; in the main building there are four rooms each eighteen by twenty-one feet, one of which is a pantry, one an office for the Commandant of midshipmen, one an office for the officer in charge, and the fourth a reception-room for visitors. In the west wing there are seven recitation rooms, each twenty-eight by fourteen feet, and eight water-closets. There is the same ar rangement of hall, corridors and stairways on this floor as in the basement. 36 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. On the second floor the west wing is divided off into twelve dormitories, one servants' room, and one baggage room, each fourteen by fourteen feet ; the main building into four recita tion rooms twenty-one by eighteen feet each; and the east wing into dormitories of the same dimensions as those in the west wing. The corridors on this and the upper floors run the entire length of the building ; the halls and stairways are the same as the first floor. The wings of the upper stories are the same as the second ; the main building in each is divided into five rooms, to be used as recitation rooms, &c. There are en trances in front, rear, and at each end of the building, each covered by a portico. There is a graceful iron veranda ex tending across the entire front of the building. Water. Water was introduced into the Academy on the completion of the Annapolis water-works in 1867. Each house in the yard, and all the public buildings, are supplied with hydrants. There are also several in the yard to be used in case of fire. Monuments. The following monuments stand on the grounds of the Academy. The first was erected in 1848, the purpose of which will be seen by the inscriptions quoted below. It is entirely of marble, and consists of a pedestal six feet four inches square and two feet high ; upon this rests the base, two feet nine and a-half inches square and four feet high,, upon two oppo.'^ite sides of which are the inscriptions. This monument stood originally in the centre of the parade ground, and w.ns moved to its present position. To Passed Midshipmen H. A. CLEMSON and J. R. HYNSON, Lost with the U. S. S. Brig Somers, Off Vera Cruz, HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 37 December 8th, 1846, This Monument is erected by Passed and other Midshipmen Of the U. S. Navy, As a tribute of respect. 1848. To' Midshipmen, J. W. PILLSBURY and T. B. SHUBRICK, The former wounded off Vera Cruz, July 34th, 1846, The latter killed at the Naval Battery Near Vera Cruz, March 35th, 1847, While in the discharge of their duties, This Monument is erected by Passed and other Midshipmen, As a tribute of respect. 1848. The other two faces are ornamented by bronze foul-anchors ; upon the base rests a capital five feet four inches square, sup ported at each corner by a gun resting on the base ; the whole is surmounted by a pyramidal shaft seven feet high, the four faces of which are ornamented by laurel wreaths in bronze, and under them respectively the names — Clemson, Hynson, Pillsbuky, Shttbkick. The Herndon Monument was erected in June 1860 by sub scription, by officers of the Navy, to the memory of Commander William L. Herndon, U. S. Navy, who lost his life September 12th 1857, while commanding the mail steamship Central 38 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. America, in a gallant attempt to save the lives of his pas sengers, his ship having been wrecked. The monument con sists of a base and shaft ; the former six feet square and three feet high ; the latter, which is pyramidal in form, eighteen feet high, four feet square at the base, and one foot six inches square at the top. On the face of the shaft is inscribed — HERNDON. and on the opposite side — September 13th, 1857. The Naval Monument was " erected to the memory of Cap tain Richard Somers, and Lieutenants James Caldwell, James Decatur, Henry Wadsworth, Joseph Israel, and John S. Dorsey, who fell in the several attacks made on the City of Tripoli, in the year of our Lord 1804, and in the 28th year of the Independence of the United States." It was erected in 1808, and stood originally in the Washington Navy Yard. During the occupation of Washington by the British in the war of 1812-'14, this monument was considerably defaced by them, and bore for many years afterwards, by authority of Congress, an inscription commemorative of the fact. Some years after its erection this monument was removed to the Capi tol grounds in Washington. In July 1860 it was removed by authority of Congress to this place, and erected on the grounds of the Naval Academy, where it now stands. Library. The formation of a Library was commenced soon after the opening ofthe Naval School iu 1845, by the transfer of a small number of books from the Navy Department. These were at first deposited in the Superintendent's office ; soon after a hall room was fitted up in the old building, then used as a recitation hall, &c., whicli room was used until the completion of the Mess Hall, when the second story of that building was as signed as a Library aud Lyceum. Congress early commenced to make small annual appro- HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS 39 priations for the increase of the Library. The exact date of the first I have not been able to ascertain. On the enlargement of the Mess Hall to its present di mensions, the second story was divided into three rooms, two of which were used for the Library, and the third for the Lyceum ; a large number of curiosities, models, &c., having by that time accumulated. Numerous flags, trophies of naval vic tories in various wars, were deposited in the Lyceum. On the removal of the Academy to Newport, the books, &c., were boxed up, and thus remained until after the return of the Academy to this place, when the library was located in its old quarters ; but during the year 1869 the first floor of the (late) Governor's Mansion has been handsomely fitted up as a library, and the books, &c., transferred to it. Very large accessions have been made to the library during the last four years, more especially of works on professional subjects ; all the branches taught at the Academy, and their kindred subjects, being very largely represented. The best pro fessional and other periodicals published in this country and in Great Britain are taken. The officers and midshipmen have free access to the Library, the Librarian or assistant being constantly in attendance during authorised hours to issue and receive books. The whole number of volumes is at present about fifteen thousand. A valuable collection of coins, of ancient and modern cu riosities from all quarters of the globe, shells, &c., was re cently bequeathed to the Academy by the late Captain Per cival Drayton, U. S. N. A valuable collection of American minerals has been re ceived, donated by Hon. Joseph Wilson, Commissioner of the General Land Office of the United States. A valuable acquisition to the library, recently made by pur chase, consists of copies in plaster of celebrated pieces of statuary and busts of statesmen, generals, naval officers, poets, painters, and others. There is also in the Library, transferred from the Navy Department, a number of paintings represent ing naval engagements, together with portraits of the follow- 40 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. ing naval officers, viz : Admirals Enoch Hopkins, Stewart, and Farragut; Commodores John Paul Jones, Preble, David Porter, Biddle, McDonough, Decatur, O. H. Perry, Jacob Jones, Rodgers, and M. C. Perry. A handsome ornithological collection is being made, which already numbers one hundred and fourteen specimens, and many more are in course of preparation. Storekeeper's Department. All articles required by the students, such as books, sta tionery, clothing, bedding, toilet articles, &c., are furnished by the Storekeeper on requisition, approved by the Superin tendent. Until within the past two years civilians held the position of Storekeeper, and were allowed a certain percentage upon all articles furnished to midshipmen. At the present time the Storekeeper is required by law to be detailed from the list of paymasters of the navy, and has authority, with the approval of the Secretary of the Navy, to procure clothing and other necessaries for the midshipmen in the same manner as supplies are procured for the navy. These are issued at cost prices, with a small percentage to cover losses. The old " Laboratory " has been recently converted into a Government Store, the building formerly occupied as such being found altogether too small and incommodious for the purpose. ' Mess Arrangements, &c. A Commissary is attached to the School, whose province it is to subsist the midshipmen. A board of officers, appointed by the Superintendent, audit the accounts of the Commissary, decide upon the " bill of fare," and determine the amount of compensation which shall be received monthly by the Com missary from each midshipman ; this averages at present $22 per month. The Mess Hall is a comlmodious, well-ventilated, and well- HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 41 lighted building, with suitable kitchens, bakeries, store-rooms, &c., attached. The midshipmen are divided into mess-crews, each com manded by a first and second captain. Each crew has its special table, and each midshipman a particular seat, those of the captains being respectively at the head and foot of the tables. A regular formation takes place before each meal and at the end ; the crews one by one are marched into the Mess Hall, each person taking his place behind his chair ; when all are in, grace is said by the Cadet Lieutenant-Commander, after which the word " seats " is given. The officer in charge pre sides at every meal, and no student is permitted to leave the room without his permission ; when it is observed that all have finished, the word " rise " is given, the crews are marched out aud dismissed. Baths. There are hot, cold, and vapor baAs in the Academy for the use of the midshipmen, each one of whom is required to take a bath at least once a week. Regular bathing hours are assigned to each gun's crew, which is marched to the bath house under the orders of its captain. Each midshipman takes the room assigned to him, and is allowed to remain suffi ciently long to complete his bath, when the gun-captain gives the word " dr^ss " ; as soon as all have complied with that order, the crew is marched out and dismissed. An attendant, for a small consideration from each midshipman, furnishes towels, soap, &c., and keeps the house in order. Barber Shop. There is a Barber's Shop in the Academy and one on board the Constitution. Each midshipman who requires to be shaved pays the barber a month ; and others paying a month for hair-cutting, shampooing, &c. 42 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. Laundry. Each midshipman is required every Monday morning to gather his soiled clothes into his clothes-bag, and make out a list of articles in duplicate, one to retain and one for the laun dry ; the clothes are then taken by the servants to the laundry, and when done up, are returned. Three dollars a month is at present paid by each midshipman for his washing. Band. There is an excellent band, composed of twenty-eight musi cians, attached to the Academy, which is requfred to play every morning and evening for an hour, and also for drills, dress-parades, &c. Many of the musicians also play on reed and stringed instruments, forming a very fine orchestral band for hops and balls. Hops and Balls. During the academic year hops are given once a month by the officers and also by the midshipmen ; these occur on Satur day evenings, and terminate by half-past eleven. About the eighth of January of each year a grand ball is given by the graduating class, and on the twenty-second of February a dress hop by the second class. The balls and hops are given in the Gymnasium, which is very well adapted for the purpose. Great skill and taste have hitherto been displayed by the midshipmen in decorating the Gymnasium for the balls ; using flags, arms, evergreens, &c. Two of the rooms in the Store Building are used as dressing-rooms, and others when necessary. These hops are believed to have a very re fining influence upon the young gentlemen, are certainly very attractive to officers, and to the guests present. Boat and Ball Clubs, &c. Great attention is paid to physical training, for the fur therance of which purpose encouragement is given to athletic sports and exercises in the Gymnasium. HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 43 There is a Base Ball Club in each class ; the members prac tise as much as their duties will allow them to do, and many have attained very great skill. Match games occur frequently between the different classes, and occasionally with clubs from other cities, resulting generally in victory to. the Academic Club. There has been a Boat Club in the first and one in the second class each year, using hull boats ; thus far the classes have pulled against each other only, resulting in first-class time. The Academy is well supplied wij;h boats of the ordi nary navy patterns, of which the midshipmen have free use. On application by a sufficient number to the Commandant of midshipmen, he appoints one of the mehibers coxswain, the others being subject to his orders for the time being. He is held responsible for the return of the boat in good condition, and for the observance of regulations. Evening Parades. A very attractive feature in the routine of the Academy is the dress parade, which occurs every evening during the session except Sundays, and except during the most inclement part of the winter. The battalion comprises all the mid shipmen, under their cadet officers, organised into eight com panies, the whole commanded by the assistant in the De partment of Gunnery, &c., who is specially charged with in fantry drills. The band, reinforced by the musicians belonging to the marine guard, is under the charge of a drum-major, and parades with the battalion. Numerous visitors from the City of Annapolis witness these parades, finding in them an unfailing source of attraction. The midshipmen are quite as well instructed in infantry tactics as in the other branches of their profession, as was shown at a competition drill with the corps of cadets at West Point, where they were acknowledged to have excelled the latter in the manual of arms, though it was claimed the cadets were the most accomplished in marching. 44 history of annapolis. Marine Corps. Within the past two years the Marine Station at the Naval Academy has been made a permanent post, which is now in successful operation. Every morning at 9 o'clock there Ls a dress parade and guard-mounting by the marines, and on Mondays they have a review and inspection at 10.30 A. m. There is also a daily drill in the forenoon on week days. The Daguerrean Gallery At the Naval Academy is in successful operation, and has been since its establishment in 1868, under the auspices of Vice- Admiral (now Admiral) Porter, then Superintendent of the Academy. It is a commodious brick building, and is located on the northeast margin of the Academy grounds, and in the rear of the Engineer's department and laboratory. The Department of Steam Enginery. At the foot of the main avenue leading into the Academy grounds, near the sea wall, is a large building known as the department of Steam Enginery. It stands back from the or dinary foot pavement, leaving room for an enclosure, which is handsomely ornamented Avith a fountain surmounted by a statue of Neptune. The entrance gate is composed of guns captured from the British frigate " Confiance " during the last war with England, and the grounds otherwise ornamented with flower vases and the trophies of war. The front of the building bears a beautiful monogram in blue and gold. En tering by the middle door, the stranger has presented before him a scene that is at once glittering and bewildering. He instinctively hesitates to step upon the spotless, highly polished floor. Massive wrought-iron columns, whose surfaces reflect a thousand images, support the broad ceiling. All the sur roundings are glittering aud bright iu this apartment, called the Model Rootn. Upon a large pedestal iu the centre of the room are erected two beautiful models of marine engines, one a HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 45 working beam with paddle wheels attached, and the other what is known as an oscillating engine. These are complete, and can be put in operation by means of compressed air contained ' in a tank beneath the floor. At the extreme end of the room stands a perfect working model of the latest type of marine engine as applied to men-of-war, which is very curious and in teresting, being provided with plate-glass coverings to the prin cipal parts, through which its interior machinery may be seen in full operation. To the right and left, on all sides, the eye is dazzled by a maze of attractive objects, including delicate in struments and a variety of curious specimens, altogether be wildering to the stranger who is unacquainted with their uses The surrounding walls too are. enriched with peculiar paintings done in white upon a dull black ground, which makes them conspicuous from opposite sides of the broad room. This apartment is also used for general lectures to an entire class when occasion calls for them. On either side are offices, one for the use of the Chief Engineer, and the other for assistant instructors. Passing through a doorway beyond the offices, we enter the main body of the building, a room about one hundred feet long and forty wide. A large open gallery sup ported upon polished wrought-iron columns, and surrounded by a handsome brass rail, admits light from above, whilst from the centre of the ceiling overhead depends a chandelier. A neat iron floor extends throughout this vast room. Our bewilderment amidst the surroundings of the first room is now absorbed in astonishment at the principal object here presented before us. Upon a raised platform is erected the ponderous machinery of a ship-of-war, complete in all its details, from the boilers in which the steam is generated to the powerful propeller which imparts motion to the ship. This is no model, but the actual thing itself as originally constructed for practical use. Nothing can exceed the neatness of this beau tiful piece of workmanship. Two boilers at the farther end of the room are used in generating steam for putting the en gines in motion, whilst the other pair are made accessible, having the inner surfaces painted white and illuminated with 46 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS gas, for purposes of instruction. On either side of this room are extensions containing machine and blacksmith shops, store rooms, &c., also a room containing a handsome steam fire-en gine for use in case of fire within the Academy walls. As cending by the wide stairway to the second floor, we get an ex cellent view at a glance over all the glittering objects below. Upon this floor are four comfortable recitation-rooms, where the students recite daily when not receiving practical instruc tion in the engine-room ; also a room for drawing, and a model shop, where models are made as required to illustrate what is not made clear in the text. In this department Cadet midshipmen are taught not only the theoretical part of marine steam enginery but the actual manipulation in practice. Memorial Tablets. Inserted in the walls of the Chapel are handsome tablets bearing the following inscriptions : Lieut. Commander Alexander Sudbll Mackenzie, killed in battle with savages, Formosa, June 13, 1867, aged 36 years. Erected by the officers and men of the United States Asiatic Squadron. This tablet Avas gotten up in Italy, and manufactured out of the best Italian white marble. To the memory of Professor William H. Wilcox, U. S. N., Head of the Department of Mathematics of the United States Naval Academy. Died August 30, 1870, aged 47 years. A faithful and talented officer, whose death is regretted by all who knew him. This tablet is erected by the officers and professors of the U. S. Naval Academy, Oct. 1870. In memory of Lieut. John G. Talbot, U. S. Navy, Peter Francis, Quartermaster, John Andrews, Coxswain, James Mdir, Captain of the Hold, all of the U. S. S. Sagi-naw, who were drowned Dec. 19, 1870, while attempting to land on the Island of Kauai, in the North Pacific Ocean, after a boat voyage of fifteen hundred miles, voluntarily undertaken in search of aid for their wrecked shipmates on Ocean Island. To commemorate their adventurous voyage, in admiration of their hero ism, and to keep alive the remembrance of their noble and generous devo- HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 47 tion, this tablet is erected by their shipmates and by officers of the U. 8. Navy. " Greater love hatl^.no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.'' Hon. Jereraiah. Townley Cnase. The Hon. Jeremiah Townley Chase was born in Baltimore Town, May 1748. He was from an early period of his life until nearly the close of it, a public man, in various important departments, in all of Avhich he acquitted himself with hon orable and distinguished reputation. He took an early and decided part in the arduous, aAvful and long doubtful contest with Great Britain, in support of the violated rights of his country, AA'hich terminated in the inde pendence of America and her emancipation from a foreign yoke. During the whole period of that awful conflict he ex hibited the most active patriotic zeal, undeviating rectitude, and unshaken firmness. At the commencement of his public services he was appointed a member of the first committee of observation in Baltimore town, where he then resided, and was a private in one ofthe first military companies raised in ilary- land. In February 1775 he was elected by Baltimore county, of which the toAvn was then a part, a member of the Convention of this State, and in 1770 a member of the convention which formed the constitution and government of this State, and was one of that body Avhich united in the Declaration of Inde pendence on the part of Maryland. After the formation of the Government he was elected, and continued to be a representative of Baltimore town until his removal to Annapolis in 1779, and Avas elected a member of the Executive Council, in which capacity he continued to serve to the end of the Revolutionary War ; the active and important services of which Executive in procuring supplies of flour and cattle for the American army received the acknowledgments HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. 49 of General Washington. He Avas a member of Congress in 1783, when the father and saviour of his country closed his glorious career by the resignation of his commission. And in 1784 he Avas appointed one ofthe Executive Committee of that body to act in the recess of Congress. During all the awful scenes and alarming vicissitudes of the Revolutionary War he ne\'er deserted his post, nor shrunk from the faithful and vigi lant discharge of his duty. After the close of the war, and the treaty of peace with Britain which ratified and established the high destiny of America, he was elected a member ofthe Convention of Mary land, which passed on the adoption of the Constitution and system of national government which was finally ratified. In 1789 he was appointed a judge of the General Court of this State. On the abolition of that court he was appointed chief judge ofthe third judicial district, and chief judge of the Court of Appeals. In June 1824 he resigned his office of judge, for reasons assigned in his communication to the exec utive. The dignity, firmness, ability, and impartiality of his conduct in his judicial capacity are too much matters of recent notoriety and general recollection to make any further detail necessary. APPENDIX. In the year 1769 the General Assembly appropriated the sum of .£7500 sterling to be applied to the building of the present State House on the site of the old State House, which was destroyed by fire in the year 1704. The foundation-stone was laid on the 28th day of March, 1772, by Governor Eden. On his striking the stone with a mallet, which was customary on such occasions, tradition informs us there was a severe clap of thunder, although a cloud was not to be seen, the day being clear and beautifully serene. In 1773 this building was covered with a copper -roof, and in 1775 this roof was blown off during the equinoctial gale, and the Avater is said to have risen three feet perpendicular above the common tide during the storm. The dome was not added to the main building until after the Revolution. The architect of this building was a Mr. Joseph Clarke. Mr. Thomas Dance, who executed the stucco and fresco work on the interior of the dome, fell from the scaffold just as he had finished the centre piece and was killed. An historian, in speaking of the American theatre, admits that Annapolis has the honor "of having erected the first theatre, the first temple to the dramatic muse." Of this fact there can be no doubt, for as early as the year 1752 a theatre was built here, and in which Avas performed some of Shalcs- peare's best plays. In the Maryland Gazette of June 18th, 1752, appears the following advertisement: By permission of his Honor, Benjamin Fasker, Esquire [the then Presi dent or Governor of the Province], at the -new Tlieatre, in An-napolis, by the company of commedians from Virginia, on Monday next, being the 38d of this instant [June], will be performed " The Beggars' Opera " ; HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. ,51 likewise a farce called the " Lying Valet," to begin precisely at seven o'clock. Tickets to be had at the printing-office. Box 10s., pit 7s. Qd. No persons to be admitted behind the scenes. It appears that this theatre was suspended for several years ; for on Saturday evening, the 18th of February, in the year 1769, Ave find that this theatre was again opened by the Ameri can company of comedians with the tragedy of " Romeo and Juliet." This company appear to have been held in high es timation by the citizens of Annapolis for their performances, especially of the tragedy of " Richard III." Governor Eden succeeded Governor Sharpe immediately on his arrival, and continued to govern the affairs ofthe Province until 1776, when he returned to England, in consequence of the Revolution and the formation of the Provisional Govern ment of Maryland, which was at this period established. Governor Eden is represented to have been a gentleman "easy of access, courteous to all, and fascinating by his accomplish ments." When he had taken his departure his property was confiscated. In 1784 he returned to Annapolis to seek the restitution of his property. He died soon after his arrival, in the residence of the late Dennis Claude, now occupied by Mayor Fendall. He was buried under the pulpit of the Episcopal Church on the north side of Severn, within two or three miles of Annapolis. This church was many years ago burned down. A correspondent writing a letter dated Annapolis, February 20, 1770, to a friend in England, says : "On Saturday last our little city appeared in all its splendor. It was the anni versary of the Proprietary's birth. The Governor gave a grand entertainment on the occasion to a numerous party ; the company brought with them every disposition to render each other happy, and the festivity concluded with cards and dancing, which engaged the attention of their respective votaries until an early hour. I am persuaded there is not a town in England of the same size of Annapolis whicjji can boast a greater number of fashionable and handsome women ; and were I not satisfied to the contrary, I should suppose that the ma- 52 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. jority of our belles possessed every advantage of a long and familiar intercourse Avith the manners and habits of your great metropolis." Annapolis has always been celebrated for the elegance and beauty of her female population, and the compliment paid to them in 1770 is equally true at the present time. The building occupied by General Luthur Gittings, and op posite the residence of Hon. George Wells, on Charles Street, is said to be the most ancient house now standing in the city. It was used as a printing-office of the Maryland Gazette at its establishment. The house in which the cashier of the Far mers' National Bank resides was formerly a tavern, and kept by a Mr. William Reynolds. The small brick house on Doctor's Street, now in the occupancy of Judge Hunter, was a stocking manufactory; it was regarded as a great curiosity, but did not succeed. West Street, then called Cowpen Lane, had at this period, 1752, but three houses built on it. The most considerable one was a tavern ; it was afterwards used as a circulating library. It was formerly the residence of Chancellor Johnson, and is now owned by Mr. Joseph Bellis, and is known as the National Hotel. The house in which the Misses CoAvan live, and that formerly known as " Hunter's Tavern," were both erected about this time. The next house built on that street was the Hallam Theatre. It stood where Adams Express Company hold their office. The building now owned and occupied by Judge Mason Avas built by Governor Ogle as a family resi dence; additions and improvements were made to it by his son. In 1764 the "Old Ball-room" (on the site of Avhich the New Assembly Rooms are erected) Avas built from the proceeds of a lottery drawn here for that especial purpose. The winter of 1765 was one of uncommon scA-eritj'. On the 5th of February a very merry set of gentlemen had a com modious tent erected on the ice, betAveen the town and Greens- bury's Point, where they had an elegant dinner, &c., and in HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS 53 the afternoon diverted themselves with dancing of reels on skates and divers other amusements. St. John's College was opened and dedicated on the 11th of November, 1789, Avith much solemnity, in the presence of a numerous and respectable concourse of people. The magnificent mansion now owned and occupied by. Miss Hester A. Chase, on Maryland or the Naval Academy Avenue, is among the most ancient and prominent structures of our city. It was erected about the middle of the 17th century by the venerable Samuel Chase, one of the illustrious signers of the Declaration of Independence. The building immediately opposite, and now occupied by Judge Robinson, of the Court of Appeals, Avas built some years subsequently by a Mr. William Hammond. The dwelling-house now occupied by Judge Chas. S. Welch, on Hanover Street, was built in the year 1763 by an English gentleman named Thomas A. Rutland. The Episcopal rectory on the same street, and also the house belonging to and occupied by Mrs. Tilton, on Maryland Avenue, with others now standing, were built in the same year by the same individual. The residence of the late Dennis Claude, situated on an eminence in the southern part of the city, and now occupied by Major Fendall, was built by Dr^. Scott of the British army in 1760; these figures are still to be seen cut on the fireplace. It was built after the style of English manor-houses, and is enclosed by a large brick wall, embracing three acres of ground. The former residence of the late Hon. James Murray, on the outskirts of the city, and now in the occupancy of James R. Howison, Esq., was built in the year 1762 by Mr. William Hammond, an Englishman. All these relics of antiquity were built of brick imported from England. On the northeast margin of the State House Hill is mounted a great curiosity in the shape of an " old cannon " taken out of St. Mary's River in the year 1633, and presented to the 54 HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS. State by the Rev. Joseph Carbury. This was one of the cannon brought to Maryland by the first settlers under Lord Baltimore. This relic, as may be supposed, is very unlike in every particular those of the present day, and is a centre of attraction to strangers who visit the " ancient " city. ^is>f^m-^;4,. i^ar^ ^M ff^ii 4^ ^'l'* pi A' ""t V i5*'> •V?(J Stl ;.„:;j3;a|i«t!S?ft»: i:p,^;5pHS*!a!?!^*!|ipK;iJ?Jisi?.'^