USA > Maryland > Saint Mary's County > Saint Mary's City > Civil and religious equality : an oration delivered at the fourth commenoration of the landing of the pilgrims at Maryland. > Part 1
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ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY
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Gc 975.2 C36c CHANDLER, JOSEPH R. 1792- 1880. CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS EQUALITY
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CIVIL AND RELIGIOUS EQUALITY.
AN ORATION
DELIVERED AT THE
FOURTH COMMEMORATION OF THE
LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS OF MARYLAND,
CELEBRATED MAY 15, 1855.
UNDER THE AUSPICES OF THE
PHILODEMIC SOCIETY
OF
GEORGETOWN COLLEGE.
BY HON. JOSEPH R. CHANDLER, A MEMBER OF THE SOCIETY.
TO WHICH IS PREFIXED A NOTICE OF THE PROCEEDINGS AT THE CELEBRATION.
" I will make no difference of persons in conferring offices, favors or rewards for, or in respect of Religion."-Outh of office of the first Governor of Maryland.
"No religious test shall ever be required as a qualification to any office or public trust under the United States."-Constitution of the United States.
PHILADELPHIA: J. B. CHAND" ER, PRINTER, 123 CHESTNUT STREET, THIRD STORY. 1855.
Allen County Public Library 900 Webster Street PO Box 2270 Fort Wayne, IN 46801-2270
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Georgetown, D. C., May 21, 1855.
TO THE HON. J. R. CHANDLER,
Dear Sir :- At a late meeting of the Philodemic Society of Georgetown College, the undersigned were instructed to extend to you the sincere thanks and un- qualified congratulations of the. Society, upon the distinguished manner in which you represented them, as well as the cause of civil and religious liberty, at the celebration of the landing of the Maryland Pilgrims, and, also, to express the hope that you will allow the address delivered on that occasion to be pub- lished. The undersigned take great pleasure in having the present opportunity of expressing to you, personally, their high esteem and kind regards.
Your most obedient servants,
HENRY BAWTREE, R. C. CAMP, SCOTT B. SMITH. Committee of Correspondence.
Philadelphia, May 25, 1855.
GENTLEMEN :-
The address which I had the honor to deliver, at the request of the Philodemic Society, at the celebration of the Landing of the Maryland Pilgrims, is placed at your disposal, with my grateful acknowledgments of the courtesies of the members of the Society, and the kind manner in which you have conveyed to me their sentiments.
I have the honor to be,
With great respect,
Your obedient servant,
JOS. R. CHANDLER.
To Messrs. HENRY BAWTREE, R. C. COMBS, SCOTT B. SMITH,
Committee of Correspondence of the Philodemic Society of Georgetown College.
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ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
OF THE
LANDING OF THE PILGRIMS OF MARYLAND,
AT THE SITE OF ST. MARY'S CITY,
MAY 15, 1855.
IT was a beautiful thought, and does honor to those who entertained it and gave it utterance, and finally put it into practice, to make a public celebration of the "Landing of the Pilgrims of Maryland." The commemoration of sacrifices for truth, is a perpetuation of reverence and love for truth; and since "the glory of the children are their fathers," those who perpetuate the good fame of their ancestors, keep alive the means of their own honor.
It was intended to present an interesting statement of all the proceed- ings at the great celebration, of which this is only a memorial, not only on account of the importance of such a festival, but also from the fact that the fourth celebration, that which we now record, was, from seve- ral circumstances, shared in and honored by a much larger number of persons of both sexes and all conditions, than had assisted at any pre- ceding commemoration of the Landing of the Pilgrims; and let it be recorded with gratitude to God, and honor to all, that persons of all creeds were present, and participated in the general sentiment of reverence for those who, by theory and practice, recommended civil and religious equality.
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The members of the Philodemic Society of Georgetown (D. C.) College, who have made it a part of the objects and duties of their Asso- ciation to hold a triennial celebration of the Landing of the Pilgrims, had, with their customary forethought, made all provisions for the interesting ceremonies at St. Mary's, having the hearty co-operation and liberal contribution of the people of that vicinity; and on the afternoon of the 14th, the Philodemics and the Young Catholic Society of Washington, and other societies and numerous citizens of the Dis- trict of Columbia and the adjacent parts of Maryland and Virginia, set forth for the place of celebration, having two steamboats well loaded with those who were Pilgrims to the shrine where their fathers found a home, and their religion had made a sanctuary. Among those on board the steamer, besides the members of societies, were the Rev. Father Stonestreet, Superior of the Order of Jesuits; the Rev. Father Maguire, President of Georgetown College, and a great number of other clergymen, professors in that institution. With them were the Rev. John Donelan, of Piscataway, and the Rev. James D. Donelan, of St. Matthew's Church, Washington. D. C.
The weather was providentially all that the most fastidious could ask in such a climate, and men, women, and children seemed to do all they could to make delightful the celebration to each other. Provi- dence blest those efforts, by making it most interesting and gratifying to all; compensating those who had most laboriously ministered to the success of the occasion, by evidences of the appreciation of their efforts by others, and a consciousness of duties well discharged.
The few pages which we can give to the account of the proceedings of the day, would not suffice to record all the interesting occurrences; and a volume would be too small to portray the beautiful scenes, the interesting groups, and the felicitations of old and long-parted friends meeting, under such delightful circumstances as that day pre- sented. Enlarged generous feelings were in active operation ; men thought of the glory of their ancestry, and recalled with pride the prominent features of that poliey which distinguished the government of the first settlers of St. Mary's county, and has become a part of the inheritance of the State, and the principles of our National Government.
No peculiarity of creed was necessary to a Marylander, to enjoy pro -- perly a celebration of such a character and of events and principles such
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as those commemorated. Accordingly, there were seen distinguished . men of various creeds, and of all republican political distinctions. Each felt that by his presence there, he was doing honor not merely to the memory of Lord Baltimore, of Calvert and his followers, but he was celebrating the adoption of the principles of civil and religious equality, the rightful inheritance of every citizen of this country, of whatever political creed or religious denomination. Piety and patriotism, Chris- tian charity and active philanthropy, found exercise and gratification in this beautiful festival.
The number of the company and the enjoyment of the festivity, were greatly augmented by the contributions from the city of Baltimore ; and as the proceedings of the day were ably and graphically reported for the Daily American, of that city, we copy from that paper additional details :-
THE BALTIMORE EXCURSIONISTS.
"The fine steamer Georgia, Captain Pearson, of the Norfolk Line, was engaged by the Committee of Arrangement, appointed by the Catholic Institute and the Young Catholic's Friend Society, under whose super- intendence the Baltimore division of the celebration took place, and Monday, 6 P. M., was appointed for her departure. Before that hour a large company, rising two hundred in number, had assembled on board, and in the interchange of friendly salutations and the bustle of departure anticipated the enjoyment expected to be derived from the excursion. Among those on board were Archbishop Kenrick, Bishop Whelan of Wheeling; Bishop Young of Erie ; Rev. Mr. Cochran, and Rev. Dr. Lynch, of Charleston, and a number of the Roman Catholic clergy of the city, together with ex-Governor Lowe, Judges Legrand and Howard, of the Maryland Court of Appeals, and a number of well known and highly esteemed citizens. A small company of ladies also gave their welcome countenance to the excursionists, and added by their presence to the general pleasure. Amidst the music of Lien- hardt's band, the rattling crack of a small swivel, which became well known for its noisy qualities before the party returned, the boat left the wharf and as the evening pleasantly closed, passed down the river. A ยป spirit of sociability and kind feeling prevailed among the whole com-
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, pany, and had the immediate effect of disposing all to unite in increas- ing the general stock of pleasure to be derived from the trip. The promenade performance of the band, vocal music from different ama- teurs, and the more quiet enjoyments of conversation, held their dif- ferent votaries scattered throughout the boat, until as the night advanced the company sank into partial quiet, and sought rest in the spacious cabins of the boat, where arrangements for their accommoda- tion had been made.
THE RENDEZVOUS AT PINEY POINT.
Four o'clock on Wednesday morning found the boat at anchor off Piney Point, and as daylight dawned we perceived that the steamers George Washington and Powhatan, from Washington, and the Planter, from the Patuxent, were already at the Point, with the excursionists, who were to proceed with ourselves to the celebration. Between six and seven o'clock the boats got up steam and moved for St. Inigoes, which was the point for the religious observances of the day. The morning was a beautiful one, and the broad Potomac, glancing in the rays of the early sunlight, presented a scene of surpassing beauty, to which the simultaneous movements of the gaily decked and thronged steamers gave an added charm. Amid the music of the bands, and a morning salute from the Baltimore boat, the fleet moved down the Potomac and soon turned into St. Mary's river. The quaint old wind- mill, and the yet more quaint old house at St. Inigoes was soon in sight, and entering St. Inigoes Bay the landing of the company was in a short time effected, without any more serious contretemps than the accidental ducking of some half dozen gentlemen, who endured their misadventure with a good humor that even the laughter of their asso- ciates could not ruffle, and the whole company soon gathered on the shore. An interchange of civilities with those who had come down in the other boats followed.
THE RELIGIOUS OBSERVANCES.
Shortly after landing, the various Societies were formed in line, and with . banners displayed and music playing, marched to the Church of
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St. Inigoes, where the religious portion of the observances were to take place. The company was here joined by Mr. Chandler, the orator of the day, who, with his wife and daughter had been spending some days with Colonel Coad, whose extensive and highly improved pro- perty lies immediately in the vicinity of St. Inigoes, and, also, by Rev. Mr. Lilly, the parish priest of St. Inigoes and a number of ladies and gentlemen of the neighborhood.
The procession was dismissed on arriving at the church, and the services commenced immediately. High Mass was celebrated by the Chaplain of the day, Bishop Whelan, assisted by Rev. Mr. Boyle, of Washington, as Deacon, Rev. Mr. Hagan, of Georgetown College, as sub Deacon, and Rev. James D. Donelan as Master of Ceremonies. The choral portion of the services was performed by a choir led by the Rev. Mr. King, Musical Preceptor of Georgetown College, accom- panied by Lienhardt's full band. At the conclusion of the mass, Bishop Whelan spoke briefly to the congregation which crowded every portion of the church. He said that it was a day of joy and exultation for those who had assembled to commemorate the landing of the pilgrim fathers. Those ancestors, who, fleeing from religious persecution in England, were the first to proclaim on the American shores perfect civil and religious liberty. This fact, so honorable to them and so glorious to us, he said, should not induce us to use invidious compari- sons, but must urge us to the exercise of true charity-a charity like theirs which embraced love to all, and was in perfect observance of the rule to do unto others as we would have them do unto us. The cele- bration, to-day, of the glorious event commemorated should make them ever cherish, more and more, the sacred principles of freedom of con- science.
The church being entirely insufficient to accommodate more than a small portion of those who had assembled, many took the opportunity to examine the objects of interest in the vicinity. The church itself is a small, unpretending brick edifice, pleasantly surrounded by woods. It is of recent erection, but occupies the site of the first church built in Maryland, and in which the pilgrims first worshipped in the land. ' In the quiet, shaded graveyard which surrounds it the principal object that attracts attention is the neat white marble obelisk erected to the memory of. the Rev. Joseph Carberry, born May 3d, 1776, died May
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25th, 1849, who was for many years parish priest of St. Inigoes, and by his irreproachable life and hospitable and generous qualities, won an esteem and respect that was not limited to those of his own charge or faith, but was general and sincere among all the inhabitants in the vicinity. The Rev. Mr. Lilly, who succeeded him, seems to be, in many respects, similar, and evidently warmly attaches to himself those who are placed under his care.
The old edifice at St. Inigoes has lost its antiquity of aspect, though it has gained perhaps in appearance, by the white washing that now so prettily relieves it amidst the green of the surrounding foliage; but its peaked roof, curiously shaped dormer windows, and multiplicity of chimneys still indicate its claims as a material link with the past. Its age is thought to be something over two centuries, as it was erected about 1640-'45. It was built for Cecelius Calvert, the second Lord Baltimore, and was undoubtedly the first brick house built in Maryland.
Our stay at this point was necessarily brief, as the remainder of the celebration was to take place near the site of the ancient city of St. Mary's, some miles distant, on the main bank of the river. Re-embark- ing, the boats were soon again under way, ruffling the placid bosom of the St. Mary's with their unusual commotion.
THE CELEBRATION AT ST. MARY'S.
A very brief run brought us in sight of the beautiful headland and sheltered harbor which no doubt attracted the pilgrims in the Ark and the Dove, and induced them to choose it as the site of their first permanent settlement. The aspect it now presented was in striking contrast to that which must have met the eyes of the first settlers. As the boat advanced, with the music of the bands and the cheers of the excur- sionists blending, the whole hill side, from the water up, was thronged with the people of St. Mary's county, who had assembled to attend the celebration. The ladies and gentlemen of the county occupied the centre and crown of the hill, whilst on either side the colored popu- lation were gathered in clusters, showily and comfortably clad and overrunning with superabundance of mirth, that perpetually exploded in the wildest glee and the most extraordinary of laughs.
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THE PROCESSION.
The excursionists were received, on landing, by H. G. S. Key, Esq., Marshal-in-Chief, and aids, appointed by the citizens of St. Mary's county. The various Associations were formed as they moved off the boats, and the line marched to the scene of the celebration in the fol- lowing order :
Marshal-in-Chief-H. G. S. KEY.
MUSIC.
The Philodemic Society, of Georgetown, with the Chaplain and Orator of the day. This society carried with it two beautiful banners. The foremost bore upon it a painting representing the first celebration of religious worship, by the pilgrims, after their landing in Maryland. The figure of the officiating priest, and those of the principal pilgrims, with a group of Indians in the rear, being presented with much effect. Below is the quotation "The glory of the children are their Fathers," Prov. xvii. 6, and on the reverse the announcement that the banner was presented to the Society by the ladies of St. Mary's county. The other banner was presented to the Society by the ladies of the Cathe- dral, of Baltimore. It bears on its front three figures, representing father White, the priest who accompanied the pilgrims, Leonard Calvert and an Indian warrior, with the inscription below, "Civic and Religious Liberty." Following this Society came the members of the Maryland Judiciary present, and next the reverend clergy.
The Faculty of Georgetown College, headed by their President, the Rev. Bernard A. Maguire, and the students of the College followed, and were succeeded by a numerous delegation of citizens of Virginia, bear- ing a neat white satin banner with gold lettering, and accompanied by a band of music.
Next in line came the Baltimore delegation, consisting of members of the Catholic Institute, the Young Catholic Friends' Society, and of the Calvert Beneficial Society, the whole under the direction of T. Parkin Scott, Esq., first Vice-President of the Catholic Institute. The Baltimoreans all wore crape on the left arm, in respect for the memory of the late B. U. Campbell, Esq. They carried no banner, but were distinguished merely by the American flag borne at the head. Lein- hardt's band accompanied them.
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Behind the Baltimoreans followed a long array of citizens of St. Mary's county and other portions of the state.
After a march, which was rendered somewhat fatiguing by the heat of the sun and the excessive dust, the procession reached the site of the celebration, on the lands of Dr. J. M. Broome, who had liberally tendered them for the purpose. The locality is known as the " Gover- nor's Spring," it being on the spot where the first house for the use of the Governor of Maryland was built, and is provided with a fine spring, to which, in consequence of that fact, the above historic name had been attached. The most generous and extensive arrangements had been made here by the citizens of St. Mary's for the accommodation of the visitors. A rostrum for the speakers was erected, and a long vernal arcade, with seats arranged for the accommodation of the audience.
The arrangements having been completed, Colonel Chapman Bil- lingsley called the assemblage to order, and announced that the delivery of the oration and other ceremonies would take place. Before reading the order of proceedings, Colonel Billingsley spoke briefly and impres- . sively of the religious and patriotic associations connected with the occasion, and said he was sure that those who had been brought together by desire to join in the commemoration of such events, amidst scenes so calculated to appeal to the most sacred feelings, would need no request from him to preserve order and decorum whilst the ceremonies were in progress.
The exercises were then opened with music from the bands; after which the choir sang the following ode :-
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O DE
On the Celebration of the Landing of the Pilgrim Fathers of Maryland, held on the site of the ancient town of St. Mary's.
BY MRS. MARY A. FORD, OF PHILADELPHIA. AIR-Araby's Daughter.
St. Mary's ! St. Mary's! awake from thy slumbers, For footsteps are crowding thy late lonely plain ; Its silence is broken by music's sweet numbers- Awake thee! and list to the patriot strain. There rest on thy bosom no ruined old towers, No relics of pride that have battled with time ;
But the low simple hearths which the waving grass covers Have beautiful mem'ries of virtues sublime.
For here breathed the spirit of ardent devotion, With freedom of conscience, a priceless bequest; Thy Calvert and pilgrims for this braved the ocean, Then offered to others a haven of rest,
And planted the Cross, in its glory outshining The pageants that herald a colony's birth ;
Beneath its blest shadow the Indian reclining, Then fancied the Spirit-land nearer to earth.
His own loved Yeocomico* still smiled at even, Unharmed was his wigwam that rose by the stream; The stranger's bright faith, while it guided to heaven, Yet gladdened the pathway of life with its beam. And still round their mem'ry a halo is glowing, That lights with mild lustre our country's first page ; Like the beautiful waters that past thee are flowing, Their virtues glide on to a more distant age.
Then list thee, St. Mary's! thou art not forsaken, Though long years have flown o'er thy sleep by the wave ; For patriots' hearts have now come to awaken The glorious past from a hallowed grave. New cities have risen, in grandeur and splendor, In the beautiful land where thy dwellings first rose, But dearer the mem'ry, more thrilling, more tender, Of thee, on this spot of thy dreamless repose.
* Yeocomico was the name of the Indian village and tribe found there by the first settlers of Maryland.
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The Hon. Joseph R. Chandler was then introduced by Colonel Billingsley, and received with long-continued and hearty applause. He proceeded to deliver, in an earnest and emphatic manner, and with a dis- tinctness of utterance that enabled his hearers to catch every word, the oration of the day.
Notwithstanding its immense length, requiring over an hour in its delivery, he was listened to with close and earnest attention, and fre- quently drew forth the warmest tokens of approval. At its close, he retired amid another hearty round of applause.
Music by the bands followed, and the President announced that by special request, George Washington Parke Custis, who was present, would make a few remarks. The venerable orator was warmly received, and proceeded to express his thanks for the kindness with which the "old man" had been greeted. He would not say he was among strangers, because, among his countrymen, he had a home everywhere. It was not by any worth of his, but his name, that earned for him their kind consideration. He was cradled and brought up in Mount Vernon, and the Father of his Country was the only earthly father he ever knew. Mr. Custis then referred to different revolutionary incidents, showing the bravery of the old Maryland band, the confidence reposed in them by Washington, and after relating an anecdote of Carroll of Carrollton, and paying a tribute to his devoted patriotism and honor, remarked upon the celebration, and closed by reciting some original lines upon the "Old Maryland Line."
There were numerous calls upon ex-Governor Lowe for an address; but the length to which the ceremonies had already been protracted, and the fact that the citizens of St. Mary's were waiting to entertain their guests, prevented Mr. Lowe from complying with the call.
At the close of the ceremonies, the company were quickly assembled around the dinner-tables, which were spread under the shade of the trees, and covered with an abundance of the most substantial food. The famous hospitality of St. Mary's county was most practically demon- strated, and no effort on the part of the entertainers omitted to render the enjoyment of all as full as possible. The arrangements of the pro- cession and upon the ground, were under charge of the following gentlemen :-
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Chief Marshal-H. G. S. KEY, Esq.
Assistant Marshals-Col. J. H. Sothoron, Z. D. Blakistone, William D. Kirk, Dr. B. Jones, Dr. McWilliams, L. W. B. Hutchins, Dr. Stewart, James Cresswell, Thomas Harrison, J. C. Wilburn.
Committee of Arrangements-George C. Morgan, Esq., George F. King, Esq., Robert Ford, Mr. Hopewell, Dr. J. M. Broome, J. E. Coad.
The Committee of Arrangements received numerous letters, from Governor Ligon and other prominent gentlemen, who were unable to accept the invitation to be present on the occasion. The Governor pleads official business, which rendered necessary his presence at Annapolis.
A portion of the letters received by the Committee, from those who had been invited, but were unable, from various causes, to assist in the celebration, are subjoined. They express the feelings of a large class of citizens, with regard to the celebration and the events and princi- ples celebrated. It may be proper to add also, that the President of the United States and members of the Cabinet had been invited, whose letters to the Committee pleaded official demands upon their time, as a reason for absence.
Letter from Governor Ligon.
Annapolis, May 8, 1855.
Dear Sir :- I have the pleasure of acknowledging the receipt of your favor of the 25th ult., informing me that the Committee of Arrangement for the Celebra- tion of the Landing of the Pilgrims of Maryland, have honored me with the appointment of "President of the day," on the occasion of the approaching anniversary.
A reply to your letter has been delayed for some days, with the hope that it would be in my power so to arrange my business here, as to say with certainty that I could accept this very kind and flattering invitation. I regret very sin- cerely to find now, that my official engagements at Annapolis during the present month, will deprive me of the pleasure of participating with you in the proposed celebration ..
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