USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > Annals of Annapolis : comprising sundry notices of that old city from the period of the first settlements in its vicinity in the year 1649, until the war of 1812 ; together with various incidents in the history of Maryland, derived from early records, public documents, and other sources ; with an appendix, containing a number of letters from General Washington, and other distinguished persons, which letters have never been published before > Part 1
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Gc 975.202 An7r 1136629
GENEALOGY COLLECTION
L
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
3 1833 02167 242 0
ANNALS OF ANNAPOLIS.
Presentes to Have Seven's
Sent: 12. 1843
T
ANNALS OF ANNAPOLIS, Maryland
COMPRISING
SUNDRY NOTICES OF THAT OLD CITY
FROM THE PERIOD OF
THE FIRST SETTLEMENTS IN ITS VICINITY IN THE YEAR 1649, UNTIL THE WAR OF 1812:
' TOGETHER WITH
VARIOUS INCIDENTS IN THE HISTORY OF MARYLAND,
DERIVED FROM
EARLY RECORDS, PUBLIC DOCUMENTS,
AND OTHER SOURCES :
WITH AN APPENDIX,
Containing a number of Letters from
GENERAL WASHINGTON, AND OTHER DISTINGUISHED PERSONS,
WHICH LETTERS HAVE NEVER BEEN PUBLISHED BEFORE ..
COMPILED AND EDITED BY DAVID RIDGELY,
Librarian of the State Library.
BALTIMORE: PUBLISHED BY CUSHING & BROTHER. 1841.
ENTERED according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1840, BY DAVID RIDGELY,
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland.
JOHN D. TOY, PRINTER.
1136629 DEDICATION.
TO THE
CITIZENS OF ANNAPOLIS,
THIS LITTLE VOLUME
IS RESPECTFULLY DEDICATED,
BY
THE AUTHOR.
1
INTRODUCTION.
1
THE author of the following pages entertaining the belief, that their publication might be acceptable to his fellow-citizens, has committed them to the press, in the hope that his readers may derive something of interest and entertainment from their perusal. In taking this step, he has had many misgivings. Diffi- dent of his ability to invest his subject with the interest that belongs to it, he would have been loath indeed to give 'The Annals of Annapolis' publicity, had it not been for the absence of any such publication.
It must not be supposed by his readers, that this work is intended to supply the place of biography. The lives of eminent citizens form a part of the history of the times in which they acted and flourished, but that minuteness of detail which belong to such efforts is neither within his reach, nor within the scope of this design. Eminent men are occasionally mentioned, when they are necessarily associated with the annals of
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INTRODUCTION.
the city, but, at the same time, many citizens of learn- ing, parts and patriotism, must escape particular men- tion in such a work as this.
He has gathered his materiél from the records and documents within his reach. He is greatly indebted for much of it to 'Bozman's' and 'McMahon's Histo- ries of Maryland,' 'Henning's Statutes at Large of Virginia,' 'The Maryland Gazette,' a series of essays under the caption of 'The Annapoliad,' 'Bacon's Laws of Maryland,' and 'Eddis's Letters from America,' and to a late venerable Lady of Annapolis, for many tradi- tionary reminiscences.
He bespeaks for this publication the clemency of a generous public.
PREFACE.
THE original design in collecting and arranging the materials contained in this volume, was merely to give some outlines of the Annals of Annapolis, but so limited were the records and documents on that head, that it was from necessity partially abandoned. In those periods where nothing immediately connected with Annapolis was found, incidents in relation to the history of the Province and State of Maryland, have been introduced.
The labour in doing this was greater than the com- piler anticipated. But if any reader shall find enter- tainment, or be gratified by its perusal, the Author will not be disappointed.
The authorities and documents from which these pages have been compiled, are generally acknow- ledged. It would be difficult, and perhaps unnecessary, to name particularly every source from which informa- tion has been obtained. For the use of that rare and
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PREFACE.
valuable file of papers, The Maryland Gazette, ac- knowledgments are here tendered to Jonas Green, Esquire, the descendant of the first venerated and venerable printer of Maryland.
Many defects will doubtless be apparent in the style of this work, but when it is remembered that no claim to skill in literary composition is made (and fortunately but little or none was required in this un- dertaking) the generous and the learned will overlook all such deficiencies as may meet the eye of the critic, and do justice to the intention and object of this collection.
Being in possession of some original letters from general Washington and a few other distinguished men of his day, which it is believed have not hitherto been published, they are placed in an Appendix to this volume, and perhaps will form the most interesting part of it.
Fearful that the importance of the facts that are detailed, may be overlooked, from the want of skill in setting them forth, this volume is now given to the public for what it is worth; even a small tribute to the history of his native State, will, he trusts, be accept- able to his fellow-citizens.
ANNAPOLIS, Dec. 1840.
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER I.
Cecilius, Lord Baltimore, prepares for sending out a Colony-Ap- points his brother to conduct it-They depart from Cowes-Arrive in the Chesapeake-Sail up the Potomac-Fix upon St. Mary's for the first settlement-Reception by the Natives-Father Andrew White-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. Thos. Greene appointed governor 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 Assemby-The Puritans refuse to attend - Governor Stone visits Providence-Returns Burgesses to the As- sembly-They attend-Providence organized into a county, called Anne Arundel-Murders committed by the Indians-Susquehanock Indians-Preparations against the Indians, 13
CHAPTER II.
Tranquility of the Province-Governor Stone visits Providence-Ap- points Mr. Edward Lloyd commander of Anne Arundel county -- Appoints Commissioners-The Puritans at Providence again re- fuse to send Delegates to the Assembly-Bennett and Claiborne reduce the Colony of Maryland-Governor Stone retained in office by them-Is soon deprived of his office by them-The Colony sub- mits to the Commonwealth of England-Governor Stone rein- stated-Cromwell proclaimed in the Province-Governor Stone declares the Puritans at Providence to be enemies of Lord Balti- more-The Province again reduced-Governor Stone rebuked by Lord Baltimore for resigning his Government-Governor Stone re-assumes his office and powers as Governor-Organizes a Military Force-Seizes the Provincial Records-Secures the Arms and
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CONTENTS.
Ammunition of the Province-Governor Stone makes prepara- tions to reduce Anne Arundel to submission, and marches towards the Severn-Arrives at Herring Creek-Appears in the River Seyern-The Golden Lion-Governor Stone's party land on Horn Point-Captain Fuller, at the head of the Puritans of Providence, marches to meet them-Battle on Horn Point-Governor Stone condemned to Death-The Soldiers refuse to execute him-Others executed -- The Property of Governor Stone and his party seques- tered-Lord Baltimore restored to his Rights by the Lord Protec- tor-Appoints captain Josiah Fendall Governor-The Puritans ac- knowledge the authority of Lord Baltimore-Acknowledgment, 40
CHAPTER III.
Contempt of Assembly-Trial of Edward Erbery-Condemned and . Whipped-Witchcraft-Condemnation of John Cowman-And par- doned-The Quakers remonstrate against taking Oaths-Proceed- ings of the Assembly thereon-Indian Affairs-Protection of the Indians by the Colonists-Hostility of the Susquehanocks-Causes of-Treaty with them-Murders committed by the Indians-Expe- dition against them-Five Chiefs of the Susquehanocks murdered- Impeachment of Major Thomas Truman-His Trial and Convic- tion-Proceedings of the Assembly thereon-Controversy between the Lord Proprietary and the Lower House of Assembly upon the Act for calling Assemblies-Extracts from the Rules of the Lower House of Assembly-Annapolis erected into a Town, &c .- Com- missioners appointed to survey and lay out Annapolis-Annapolis becomes the Seat of Government-Governor Nicholson causes the Records to be removed from St. Mary's-Public Ferry-First Cor- poration of Annapolis-Mr. Richard Beard makes a map of the Town-A Market and Fair-Proposition for a Bridewell-Im- provement of Annapolis-A Church proposed to be erected-King William's School established-William Pinkney a Student of it- Governor Nicholson projeets a Library for Annapolis-A State- House built-Roman Catholics-Persecution of, , , 55
CHAPTER IV.
Dispute between Governor Nicholson and the Lower House of As- sembly-They become reconciled-Governor Nicholson leaves this Province to preside over Virginia-Petition of Mr. John Perry- James Crawford, a Delegate, killed by lightning-First public Jail-State-House burnt down-A new one erected-Described- Improvement of the town-A plot for burning of Annapolis, disco-
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CONTENTS.
vered-Bounds of Annapolis-Annapolis chartered-Description of Annapolis-Delegates from Annapolis to receive only half wages-Improvements-Mr. James Stoddart appointed to lay off anew the city-Mr. Wm. Parks appointed to compile the Laws of the Province-Improvements-Appropriation to build a Govern- ment-House-Mr. Jonas Green appointed Printer to the Pro- vince-His character-Editor of the Maryland Gazette-The first public horseracing-Aurora Borealis-South River Club-Mili- tary movements at Annapolis-Anniversary of George the Se- cond-Trade and Commerce of Annapolis-The first Ship-Yard- Brig Lovely Nancy-Notices of some of the oldest houses of the town-The old Episcopal Church-Indians-King Abraham and Queen Sarah-A Hiccory Switch-A Jockey Club formed-Races- The first Theatre built-The first Lottery drawn in the Province- Governor Sharp arrives at Annapolis-The military march from 1
Annapolis against the French on the Ohio-General, Braddock and other distinguished persons arrive at Annapolis-Doctor Charles Carroll, his death -- Annapolis entrenched-Hostilities of the French and Indians-Small-pox, 101
CHAPTER V.
Forts on the Border Country-Fort Frederick-Reduction of Que- bec-A Company of Comedians at Annapolis-Stone Wind-mill erected-Collection for the sufferers by fire at Boston-Ball-room- Cold winter-Stamp Act-Proceeding at Annapolis on-Maryland Gazette-Sons of Liberty-Repeal of the Stamp Act-A new The- atre opened-Gov. Eden arrives at Annapolis-His character- Death and burial-Articles of Non-importation, &c .- Arrival of Brig Good Intent-Resolute course pursued by the Association- Its results-Mr. Wm. Eddis-Annapolis described-Whitehall- Governor Sharpe-His character-Appropriation to build the pre- sent State-House-Commissioners appointed-The Foundation laid-Incident-Dimensions of the building-The Architect-An- niversary of the Proprietary's birth-Rejoicings at Annapolis-La- dies of Annapolis-Saint Tamina Society-Their Proceedings- Theatre opened-Trustees appointed by the Legislature, to the Theatre-Theatre pulled down-Causes which led to it-Mr. Dun- lap-Trustees appointed to build a new Church-Meeting of the Citizens of Annapolis-Their proceedings on the Act of Parlia- ment for blockading the Harbour of Boston-Some portion of their Resolves dissented from by many Citizens-Proceedings of the Dissentients-Burning of the Brig Peggy Stewart-And the tea on board-The Proceedings had thereon, 131
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VI.
Tea Burning in Frederick County-The Citizens of Annapolis or- ganized into Military Companies-Proceedings of the Baltimore Committee of Observation-The ship Totness, with salt on board, burnt just below Annapolis-General Charles Lee-Massachusetts' Colony-Lord Viscount Barrington-Addresses-Gen. Burgoyne- And Gen. Lee-Council of Safety-Chart of the Harbour of Anna- polis-Appropriation to fortify the City-Fortifications-Slaughter Houses-Certain Citizens ordered to leave the City-Colonel John Weems before the Committee of Safety-Their proceedings there- on-Captures in the Chesapeake, by Capt. Nicholson, of the ship Defence-Offers Battle to Otter Sloop of War-Balls prohibited throughout the Province-A Declaration of the Delegates of Mary- land-Meeting of the Associations of the City of Annapolis-Their Proceedings-Maryland Troops leave Annapolis for Philadelphia- Letters from Philadelphia-Appeal to Maryland-Responded to- Battle on Long Island-Maryland Troops-Major Gist-Maryland Officers made prisoners at Long Island-Thomas Johnson, jr. Esq. Governor of Maryland-British Ships of War pass up the Bay- Gov. Johnson's Proclamation-Mr. Griffith-Baltimore Troops- Battle of Brandywine-General Smallwood-Colonel Smith-Fort Mifflin-Surrender of General Burgoyne-Count Pulaski-Battle of Monmouth-Letter from Commodore Grason to Gov. Johnson- Battle at the Capes-Winter of 1780-Chesapeake crossed by carts and carriages-Baron de Kalb-Battle of Camden-The Baron wounded-His death-Congress voted a Monument to his memory-To be erected in Annapolis-Inscription for the Monu- ment-Extracts of Letters relative to the Battle of Camden-Mary- land Troops-Battle of the Cowpens-Col. Howard-Maryland , Troops-British Sloops of War off Annapolis-General Lafayette drives them down the Bay-Meeting of the citizens of Annapolis- To consider the Acts of Assembly-For the Emission of Money Bills-Their Proceedings-Militia Assembled at Annapolis-Bri- tish Fleet arrives before York-Troops landed-Maryland Regi- ment marches from Annapolis to join the Southern Army-The Recruiting Service-Gen. Smallwood-The Fourth Maryland Re- giment marches from Annapolis to join the Marquis de la Fayette- The French Fleet, &c. at Annapolis-From the Head of Elk- The French Army arrives from the North about the same time, on their way to Virginia-Battle of Eutaw-Extract of a Letter from Camp-Col. Howard-Maryland and Virginia Troops-Officers killed and wounded at Eutaw-Surrender of Lord Cornwallis- Rejoicing at Annapolis, . 163
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CONTENTS.
CHAPTER VII.
General Washington arrives at Annapolis-Public Dinner-Ball- The Citizens address him-His Answer-He leaves the City -- The Birth of a Dauphin celebrated at Annapolis-Count Rocham- beau arrives at Annapolis-Embarks for France-Cessation of Hostilities-Public Rejoicing-Public Dinner-Toasts on the Oc- casion-State-House Illuminated-Ball-Peace-General Greene arrives at Annapolis-Corporate Authorities of the City address him-General Greene's Reply-The Society of Cincinnatti for the State of Maryland formed in Annapolis-Officers of the Maryland Line-Congress in Session at Annapolis-General Washington ar- rives there-Is entertained by the Citizens-Corporate Authorities address him-His Reply-General Washington resigns his Com- mission into the hands of the Congress-Proceedings of Con- gress thereon-General Washington again visits Annapolis accom- panied by General Lafayette-They are entertained by the General Assembly-General Lafayette-Addressed by the Governor and Council, and by the Legislature-His Answers-The General As- sembly naturalizes General Lafayette-St. John's College-The President of the United States arrives at Annapolis-His Recep- tion-Annapolis-Baltimore-Citizens of Annapolis address the President of the United States-The President's Reply-Defence of Annapolis-Tribute to the Memory of Washington-General Tureau, arrives at Annapolis-His Reception-William Pinkney arrives at Annapolis-His Reception-Public Dinner-Officers and Crew of the Frigate Philadelphia-Meeting of the Citizens of Annapolis-Frigate Chesapeake-Proceedings of the Citizens- Piracy in the Chesapeake Bay-Pirates Captured-Conclusion, 200
CHAPTER VIII.
City of Annapolis-Its Population-Shipping-Its Site-Its Advan- tages-Naval Academy-The Round Bay-Rail Road-Its proxi- mity to the seat of the National Government-Its Harbour-The Treasury-The Government-house-St. John's College-Epis- copal Church-Roman Catholic Chapel-Methodist Church- African House of Worship-The Farmers' Bank of Maryland- Court-house-City Hall-City Hotel-Ball-room-Theatre-The Garrison at Fort Severn, 23.0
A list of the Governors of the Province and State of Maryland, from the First Settlement in 1633 to 1840, 249
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CONTENTS.
APPENDIX.
Letter from General Charles Lee to the President of the Council of Safety of Maryland, 251 Letter from the Hon'ble John Hancock to the Convention of Maryland, 254 Letter from the same to the same, 256
Letter from Colonel Smallwood to the President of the Conven- tion, . 256
Letter from General Washington to Thomas Johnson, Jr. Gover- nor of Maryland, 263
Letter from the same to Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer and William Fitzhugh, 264
Letter from the same to Governor Lee, of Maryland, 265 Letter from the same to the same, 265 Letter from the same to the same, . 266 Letter from the same to Philip Schuyler, John Matthews and
Nathaniel Peabody, Committee of Co-operation in Congress, 267
Letter from the same to the same, .269
Letter from General Washington to the Committee of Co-opera- tion in Congress, 269
Letter from the same to the same, . 270 Letter from General Washington to Governor Lee, of Maryland, 272 Letter from the same to the Committee of Co-operation in Congress, . 272
Letter from the same to George Plater and William Bruff, 275
Letter from the same to Governor Lee, 275
Letter from the same to the same, (Extract,) .
276 Letter from the same to the same, 276 . Letter from the same to the same, 278
. Letter from the same to the same, 279 Letter from the same to the same, 280
Letter from the same to the same, (Extract,) 281 Letter from General Greene to Governor Lee, . 282 Letter from Colonel Armand to the Governor of Maryland, . (Paca,) 282
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ANNALS OF ANNAPOLIS.
CHAPTER I.
Cecilius, Lord Baltimore, prepares for sending out a Colony-Ap- points his brother to conduct it-They depart from Cowes-Arrive in the Chesapeake-Sail up the Potomac-Fix upon St. Mary's for the first settlement-Reception by the Natives-Father Andrew White-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. Thos. Greene appointed governor 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 Assembly-The Puritans refuse to attend -- Governor Stone visits Providence-Returns Burgesses to the As- sembly-They attend-Providence organized into a County, called Anne Arundel-Murders committed by the Indians-Susquehanock Indians-Preparations against the Indians.
1632. CECILIUS CALVERT, Lord Baron of Balti- more, having succeeded to the proprietary rights of his father, George Calvert, and having obtained pos- session of the charter* for the government of the province of Maryland, made his preparations for planting this colony. These preparations were begun in June, 1632.
* The royal grant was given on condition that 'two Indian arrows of those parts' should be delivered at Windsor Castle, every year, on Tuesday, in Easter-week : and also, the fifth part of all the gold and silver which might be found within the province.
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ANNALS OF ANNAPOLIS.
The difficulty of procuring and furnishing a sufficient number of colonists, with the necessary conveniences to enable them permanently to form their colony, caused some delay before their' departure from Eng- land.
It was not until this year that the colonists 1633. were ready to embark on their voyage, and Lord Baltimore, who had originally designed to accompany them in person, changed his mind, and appointed his brother, Leonard Calvert, Esquire, to go in his stead, in the character of governor, or lieutenant-general.
On the 22d of November, 1633, they sailed from Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, and on the 24th of February, 1634, arrived off Point Comfort in Virginia.
After entering the Potomac and sailing up 1634. that river about fourteen leagues, they came to an island called 'Heron Island,' and anchored under another neighbouring isle, to which they gave the name of 'St. Clements.' Here the governor landed, and setting up a cross, in the Roman Catholic manner," took formal possession of the country ; 'for our Saviour and for our sovereign lord the king of England.' But the governor on reflection thinking it would not be advisable to settle so high up the river, in the infancy of the colony, determined to seek for a settlement further down. He, therefore, returned down the Poto- mac, taking captain Fleet with him. They proceeded to a small river on the north side of the Potomac, within four or five leagues of its mouth, which the governor called 'St. George's river.' Sailing up this river about four leagues, they came to an Indian town, called by the natives Yoamaco, from whence the tribe here inhabiting, was called Yoamacoes. The governor
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ANNALS OF ANNAPOLIS.
having landed here, entered into a treaty with the We- rowance, or chief of the tribe-who, with the natives, agreed to leave the whole town to the English, as soon as they could gather their corn; and which they faithfully performed. The governor then, on the 27th of March, 1634, caused the colonists to land, and according to the agreement, took possession of the town, which they named 'St. Mary's.' :
Being thus favourably received by the Indian inha- bitants, whose affections they had the good fortune to conciliate by the liberality of their conduct, they were soon enabled to purchase extensive tracts on the most moderate terms, and to settle their lands to the best advantage, without fear of molestation from the origi- nal possessors.
The following interesting article, 'The Pilgrims of Maryland,' taken from the 'Metropolitan Catholic Almanac,' for the year 1840, is here given for the gratification of the curious antiquarian. It is consi- dered not to be out of place here to state that the general assembly of Maryland, at its December session of 1836, made a liberal appropriation for the purpose of procuring from Rome a transcript of the Narrative of Father Andrew White, which is deemed important to the elucidation of the early history of our state ; and that the services of a distinguished gentleman of the order of the Jesuits, now in Rome, are kindly promised to obtain it for the library of the state.
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ANNALS OF ANNAPOLIS.
THE PILGRIMS OF MARYLAND.
The student of American history must ever regret that so little has been done to furnish the particulars of the first settlement and early transactions of Maryland, by such as having been actors in those scenes, could have supplied the loss of the early records, destroyed in Ingle and Claiborne's rebellion, about ten years after the landing in 1634. Had Maryland been equally fortunate with her sister colonies, in the possession of her early records, she had not wanted an enlightened and impartial historian to present to the world the en- terprizing and honourable actions, as she has with a masterly pen exhibited the just and liberal principles which distinguished the founders of this province.
Mr. McMahon, with a taste and industry worthy of his genius, has culled from the mouldering and ne- glected records in the archives of the state, all that they possessed of interest on this subject. The sub- sequent publication by the State, of the history of Maryland from its settlement to 1660, by Bozman, exhibits that patient and laborious scholar, after having devoted years of toil to his favourite work, unable to elucidate many important events, or to pourtray the characters of conspicuous individuals, for the want of authentic materials.
A gleam of hope remains that among the letters of the missionaries of the society of Jesus, who first preached the gospel in Maryland, may be found much interesting matter for a history of the early days of that state.
Enlightened scholars of every nation and creed have long appreciated those charming volumes, Lettres Edi-
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ANNALS OF ANNAPOLIS.
fiantes et Curieuses, which by their communications on civil and natural history, geography, astronomy, &c. &c. have added so much to the stores of learning, while their edifying accounts of religion have delighted all who esteem true virtue and admire the heroism of the soldiers of Christ.
A young American clergyman,* of the society of Jesus, while pursuing his studies at Rome, found in the archives of that distinguished body, various letters similar to those collected in Lettres Edifiantes, written by Father Andrew White, and other priests, who ac- companied the first settlers of Maryland. He brought with him copious extracts from these documents, which having been accidently seen by John Bozman Kerr, Esquire, an active member of the house of dele- gates in this state, and an accomplished scholar, that gentleman proposed that the legislature should take measures to procure all the information on the early history of Maryland, which might be found in the archives of the Jesuits. A resolution was adopted, which, it is hoped, will result in producing important materials for the future historian.
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