The history of Maryland : from its first settlement, in 1633, to the restoration, in 1660 ; with a copious introduction, and notes and illustrations, Part 1

Author: Bozman, John Leeds, 1757-1823
Publication date: 1837
Publisher: Baltimore : J. Lucas & E.K. Deaver
Number of Pages: 1062

USA > Maryland > The history of Maryland : from its first settlement, in 1633, to the restoration, in 1660 ; with a copious introduction, and notes and illustrations > Part 1

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REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION

ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 02256 2547

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THE

HISTORY OF MARYLAND.

FROM

ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT, IN 1633, TO

THE RESTORATION, IN 1660,

WITH

A COPIOUS INTRODUCTION,

AND

NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS.

BY JOHN LEEDS BOZMAN.

Gc 975.2 B71h

VOL. I.

BALTIMORE: JAMES LUCAS & E. K. DEAVER. 1837.

Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by James Lucas & E. K. Deaver, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland.

Lucas & Deaver, printers.

THE DONATION

OF THE ORIGINAL MS. OF THE HISTORY OF MARYLAND

Was made to the State by

JOHN LEEDS KERR, Esq.

Of Talbot County, Md.

And accepted by the General Assembly, in the following Communication and Resolutions :-

To THOMAS WRIGHT, Esq.,

Speaker of the House of Delegates of Maryland.

SIR,-I beg leave, through you, as the presiding officer of one branch of the General Assembly, to offer for its acceptance the autograph MS. of a History of Maryland, from its first set- tlement, in 1633, to the Restoration, in 1660, by John Leeds Bozman, deceased.

1208924

An introduction to a history of Maryland, written by my de- parted friend and relative, was published in the year eighteen hundred and eleven. The reasons which induced that publica- tion, without the entire history itself, were assigned by the writer in his preface, and his design to complete the history at some future time was then intimated. He continued, for several years, with the utmost zeal to pursue this literary task,-to him a delightful occupation,-but, the rapid decline of his health defeated, in part, the object of his ardent ambition. Although his determination had been to bring his history down to the Revolution, in 1776, he felt himself admonished to close his task and stopped at the period of the Restoration, in 1660.

So far, this history, with numerous corrections and additions to the Introduction and an appendix of notes and illustrations, was accurately written out by the author himself, and prepared for the press-and would, altogether, comprise in print, about twelve hundred pages in octavo.

Such is a general description of this work. It is derived from the written memorials which then existed in the public archives of the State, from general history, annals and ancient journals, and all other pure sources, to which the anxious inqui-

ries and curious research of the writer could gain him access; and it comprises a history of the Province during the most in- teresting and eventful periods of its progress, through many difficulties and disasters, to a prosperous and regular govern- ment. Every intelligent and patriotic citizen will delight to trace therein the origin of many of our civil and political insti- tutions, as well as the causes which first led to the emigration of our ancestors hither,-and he may, perhaps, feel a peculiar degree of gratification, in possessing this first essay to a regular history of the State, by a native citizen.

Of the learning or ability of the author, or of his qualifications for the execution of the task he assumed, it may not become me to say much, if any thing. To the scholar and the critic, as well as to the plain, sensible and patriotic reader, who can feel the utility and importance of a faithful history of his native country, the character of the work and the fame of its author must be alike submitted; and I feel assured that the most com- petent judges and those who best know the difficulties and labors of such an enterprise, will best appreciate the efforts and merits of the adventurer.

It would not seem very complimentary to the intelligence of the people of Maryland, at this time of day, to urge many state- ments in order to awaken their curiosity to the history of the first settlement of their ancestors and their early transactions here-and less so would it be towards their enlightened repre- sentatives who compose the General Assembly, to attempt to superadd inducements, to those which their own minds will suggest, to the attainment of an authentic history of any im- portant period of our existence as a separate people here.

This gift to the State, if it be accepted, will not breed money for the treasury, nor will it, by a jot or tittle, elevate or depress the interests of any political party-but it will impart to the whole people a knowledge of their origin and of the by-gone fortunes and doings of their ancestors, and may inspire them with a more patriotic attachment to the land of their birth; whilst to me it will afford the most grateful recollection that the literary labors of a very dear departed friend-a native son of Maryland -have been justly appreciated by my fellow citizens.

I might, perhaps, with some exertions to obtain individual subscriptions and the ordinary patronage of the legislature, have made profit by the publication of this work-but, I prefer the

honor of its adoption by the State to any emolument that could be derived from invading the province of the bookseller.

Nevertheless, sir, there is one indispensable condition in this donation, even if it should be honored with an acceptance, to wit :- that it be printed and published within two years, at the latest, from this date, and that it be printed correctly; also that I have some assurance of a fulfilment of this condition precedent.

I desire very much to see the story of interesting incidents and events, and those valuable materials of history, which this MS. contains, preserved by a speedy multiplication of printed copies, against accident and the mouldering of time-to say no- thing of any merit in the philosophical and political reflections by which they are connected together; and I could scarcely see, without mortification and regret, the cherished literary offspring of a friend mangled, as it might be, in the press, for want of the proper auspices.

The work described, will be left in the care of Thomas Cul- breth, esqr., Clerk of the Council, for the inspection of any committee that either house of the Assembly may think proper to appoint.

I have the honor to be, sir, Most respectfully, Your obd't humble serv't, JOHN LEEDS KERR.

Annapolis, Feb. 21, 1834.

Resolved, by the General Assembly of Maryland, that the do- nation offered by John Leeds Kerr, of Talbot county, of an Au- tograph Manuscript of " a history of Maryland, from its first set- tlement, in sixteen hundred and thirty-three, to the Restoration in sixteen hundred and sixty," and of "corrections and additions" to an introduction to a history of Maryland, heretofore published, by John Leeds Bozman, deceased, together with a printed and corrected copy of the said Introduction, be and the same are hereby accepted, for and in behalf of the State.

Resolved, That the Governor and Council be, and they are hereby authorised and required, by contract, upon such terms as they may deem reasonable, to cause the said history and intro- duction, with the corrections and additions, notes and illustra- tions, to be correctly printed and published, in fair and good type and upon proper paper, in two volumes octavo, with an

index to the whole work, and so that the introduction, with the notes and illustrations, and that part of the manuscript which comprises the corrections and additions thereto, inserted in the proper places, according to the directions and references, shall form the first volume; and that the history, with its notes and il- lustrations, shall form the second volume; Provided, that five hundred copies of the work shall be reserved upon any such con- tract, for the use of the State, at such price as the said Gover- nor and Council shall deem reasonable.

Resolved, That six copies of the said work, when so printed and published, be neatly bound and presented to the said donor.

THE

AUTHOR'S PREFACE TO

THE INTRODUCTION,

Published in 1811.

"IT will, perhaps, be expected by the public, that some reason should be assigned for publishing an Introduction to a history without the history itself. The author has to reply in explana- tion thereof, that his original intention was most certainly to complete the work he had undertaken. As this design of his has been of long standing, and numerous circumstances have in- tervened so as to interrupt his progress therein, it would afford but little amusement or satisfaction to the reader to peruse a re- hearsal of them here in detail. It will be sufficient to mention, that whenever the author's occupation in life would permit his indulgence in any literary pursuit, that of history always pre- sented to him the strongest attractions. But as it is natural for every man to feel an anxiety to know something of the transac- tions of his own neighbourhood, rather than of those abroad, so an acquaintance with the history of our native country is a more natural object of desire than that of distant nations. A native of the American States, will always feel an interest in the affairs of any one of them. But contracting the circle of his patriotic sensations to a smaller compass, he finds that the individual state, of which he is a citizen, nay indeed, the county and neigh- bourhood of his nativity, will more particularly claim both his affection and his attention. The citizen of Maryland, however, has hitherto in vain inquired for some information relative to the past transactions of his own individual state. While almost every other state in the Union has had its historian, Maryland, though one of the earliest British colonies, has never yet had even its first provincial transactions developed to the inquiring

viii

reader. Under the influence of these sentiments, the author of this introduction, about six years past, undertook the task of ex- amining the Provincial Records, at Annapolis, with a view of extracting from them the necessary materials for his design. He soon perceived, that the task of procuring these materials was a much more arduous one than he expected. It was impossible to compile and digest from voluminous books of records, scat- tered in different offices, where the author would be liable to constant interruptions, any historical work worthy of perusal. He perceived, that he must have either the original books them- selves, or full copies of the documents which they contain, in his private apartment, before he could extract from them a recital or narrative of their contents. He takes pleasure, however, in this opportunity of expressing his acknowledgments of the polite attentions and readiness to oblige, which he received from the two gentlemen, who filled the offices of clerk of the council, and that of the late general court. But, formidable as the labour of copying was, the author would have readily encountered it, had it not become evident to him, that a residence at Annapolis for a year or two at least, would be necessary for the purpose. Of this his circumstances in life did not at that time permit. He retired, therefore, from his pursuit, with much reluctance, though still cherishing some hope, that it might at some future time be in his power, by a temporary residence at Annapolis, to complete the task he had assigned himself. Before this could be accom- plished by him, he received information, that the gentleman, who has obliged the citizens of this State with a most useful work, "The Landholder's Assistant," had undertaken also, a history of the State of Maryland. As he has manifested much judg- ment and ability in the execution of the work already published by him, just mentioned, and as he has all the materials either under his own direction, (being register of the land office,) or near at hand to him, the public may expect to be amply gratified with his performance. Should, however, the gentleman just mentioned,* not have undertaken the work, or having underta- ken it should have since relinquished it, the author of this volume would think himself authorised to pursue his original intentions.

It might not perhaps be improper in this place to suggest to the legislature of the State, or at least to those members of it

* Mr. Kilty, the gentleman here alluded to, died since this work has been in the printer's hands.

who may be competent judges of the utility and importance of a faithful history of their native country, that the written memori- als of the State, whence only that history can be extracted, being comprised in a few MS. volumes, of which no duplicates exist, even should they fortunately escape an accidental destruction by fire, yet are constantly acted upon by the mouldering hand of time. The curious inquirer, who would wish to know some- thing of the causes and origin of many of our political as well as civil institutions, may soon be told, that these reliques of the doings of our ancestors have been considered as useless rubbish, and no longer exist. Might it not, therefore, be suggested, that as the finances of the State are, as we are told, in a very prosper- ous situation, and the public have much money to spare, some judicious compiler should be employed to arrange and publish such documents remaining on our provincial or state records as would in any way be necessary to form materials for a faithful compilation of our history ? A plan of this kind has already been executed with respect to the aggregate history of the seve- ral States of the Union, by Mr. Ebenezer Hazard, which, it seems, was undertaken at the instance of the legislature of the United States. One great excellence which the art of printing boasts over that of manuscript is the preservation of historical materials, by the multiplication of copies. If such a number only of the collection proposed was printed, as would be suffi- cient to deposite a copy in each of the several public offices of every county in the State, their preservation would be satis- factorily secured. Another advantageous result from this might possibly accrue. It is favourable to the cause of truth, that the materials of history should be accessible to all. Under free go- vernments both the animosity of political parties, and the fanati- cism or bigotry of religious sects are well known to be peculiarly prevalent. It is not enough, that the historian of such governments should have talents for declamation, and should have attained to celebrity in the senate or the forum. He should be one who has accustomed himself to view the scrambles of parties and the pre- judices of sects "in the calm lights of mild philosophy." How has the once elevated character of Fox, the English Demosthenes, faded from its former lustre, by one little feeble historical effort- the emanation of party feelings, while that of the diffident and retired Hume rises daily in importance, and bids fair to be im- mortal. Besides, the same facts may present themselves to dif-

VOL. I .- 1

ferent writers in different points of view. One may state some circumstances attending a transaction, which throw much light on it, while others may omit the same, considering them as immate- rial to the purpose. A variety of historians, therefore, contri- butes much to the preservation of historical truth. Thus a mo- dern historian is enabled at this day to present to the world a more perfect history of Rome, than that of either Livy or Tacitus,"

CONTENTS.

SECTION I.

The effects of Columbus's discoveries on the English nation-Commission to John Cabot and his three sons-John Cabot's death-Sebastian Cabot's voy- age-Disputes between the courts of Portugal and Spain, in consequence of Columbus's discoveries-Portuguese discoveries-The Pope's partition-Cor- tereal's voyage-Patents for discovery and trade to some merchants of Bristol -- Voyages and discoveries of the French-of the Spaniards-Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida-Luke Vasquez's expedition-Verazzini's voyage-that of Stephen Gomez-English attempts for discovering a North-west passage -- Pamphilo Narvez's Grant-Ferdinand de Soto's expedition-Cartier's-First attempts of the French to colonize Canada-English attempt to settle New- foundland-La Roque's attempt to settle Canada-Further proceedings of the English-Fishery of Newfoundland-Pension granted to Sebastian Cabot, 9

SECTION II.

The reign of Elizabeth favorable to maritime adventures-Sir Humphrey Gil- bert, the first conductor of an English colony to America-Letters Patent to him for that purpose-Characteristic incidents relative to Sir Humphrey Gil- bert-his first voyage unsuccessful-sails a second time for America-takes possession of Newfoundland-is lost on his return to England, - - 41

SECTION III.

Sir Walter Raleigh-his rise and character-obtains a renewal of Sir Humphrey's letters patent to himself-Voyage of capts. Amidas and Barlow .- The effects of their voyage in England-Sir Richard Grenville's attempt to settle a colo- ny in North Carolina, 52

SECTION IV.

Attempts to relieve the first colony under governor Lane-A second colony at the same place under governor White-Sir Walter Raleigh assigns his patent- The whole of the second colony lost-Gosnold's voyage to New England- Sir Walter Raleigh's endeavours to find out the second colony at Roanoke- captain Pring's expedition-captain Bartholomew Gilbert's voyage-captain Weymouth's, 67 -

SECTION V.

The progress of the French in settling colonies in America-A settlement of convicts on the Isle of Sables, by the French-Chauvin's voyages to the St. Lawrence-Pontgrave's voyage to the same-The Sieur de Mont's commis- sion, and voyages under it-His patent revoked-Pontrincourt's endeavours to fix a settlement at Port Royal, Nova Scotia-The Sieur de Mont obtains a restoration of his grant-and establishes the first permanent colony in Canada, under the conduct of Champlain, 83

XII

SECTION VI.

A new association formed in England to colonize America-The letters patent commonly called the first charter of Virginia-Proceedings of the Plymouth Company under this charter-The king's instructions relative to both the co- Ionies or companies to be formed under this charter-Proceedings of the first or South Virginia Company-The first colony sent out to South Virginia un- der Newport, and a permanent settlement formed at James' town, 91

SECTION VII.

The distresses of the first Virginia colony, and the services of captain Smith- His first attempt to explore the bay of Chesapeake-His second attempt more successful-A general sketch of the tribes of Indians then inhabiting Virginia and Maryland-Smith becomes president of Virginia, and the tenor of some instructions from England to Virginia-An attempt of the Plymouth company to settle a colony in Maine-The second charter of Virginia, and the causes of granting it-The settlement of the Dutch at New York-English attempt to settle Newfoundland-The third charter of Virginia-Captain Argall's expedi- tion to break up the French and Dutch settlements at Nova Scotia and New York, 103

SECTION VIII.

Reasons for the following digression-Rise of the reformation-Its progre through the continent of Europe-Its introduction into England-The orig ... of the Puritans-Divisions among the Puritans-State of religious parties in England, on James I's accession-The independents emigrate to Holland- Their distressing situation there-They form the design of removing to Ame- rica-Negotiate with the Virginia Company for that purpose-Dissensions in the Virginia Company occasion delay-They embark for America, and settle at Plymouth, in Massachusetts, 194

SECTION IX.

Causes of the severe statutes against Roman Catholics in England, during the reign of Elizabeth-Their conduct on the accession of James I .- The cause of addi+ nal statutes against them-The excesses of the Catholics and Puritans g . >rise to political parties-First scheme of a colony of English Catholics in Newfoundland, under the patronage of Sir George Calvert-Sir George Calvert created lord Baltimore, visits Virginia, with further views of colonization- The conduct of the Virginians towards him-Differences among the Catholics with respect to the oaths of allegiance and supremacy-Lord Baltimore forms the scheme of settling a colony in Maryland-Settlement of a colony of Sweeds on the Delaware-The Virginians oppose the lord Baltimore's scheme -William Claybourne's claim-Lord Baltimore returns to England, and re- linquishes his views of a settlement on Newfoundland-Obtains the promise of a grant of the province of Maryland, which is given on his death to his son Cecilus, - 222

INTRODUCTION

TO A

HISTORY OF MARYLAND.

SECTION I.

The effects of Columbus's discoveries on the English nation-Commission to John Cabot and his three sons-John Cabot's death-Sebastian Cabot's voy- are. Disputes between the courts of Portugal and Spain, in consequence of Columbus's discoveries-Portuguese discoveries-The Pope's partition-Cor- tereal's voyage-Patents for discovery and trade to some merchants of Bristol -Voyages and discoveries of the French-of the Spaniards-Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida-Luke Vasquez's expedition-Verazzini's voyage-that of Stephen Gomez-English attempts for discovering a North-west passage- Pamphilo Narvez's Grant-Ferdinand de Soto's expedition-Cartier's-First attempts of the French to colonize Canada-English attempt to settle New- foundland-La Roque's attempt to settle Canada-Further proceedings of the English-Fishery of Newfoundland-Pension granted to Sebastian Cabot.

As Maryland was originally an English colony, to understand SECT. I. fully the early part of its history, it is indispensably necessar 1492. be acquainted, in some measure, with those events which imm. diately led to its colonization. This will necessarily require not only a concise detail of such European attempts to form settle- ments in other parts of North America, as preceded that of Ma- ryland in time, but also a short elucidation of the nature of those religious controversies in England, which produced the colonial settlements in New England and Maryland.

It is well known to every one tolerably acquainted with the The effects history of America, that the first discovery of the West Indies, of Colum- bus' disco- by Christopher Columbus, in 1492, filled all Europe with aston- veries on ishment and admiration. This brilliant achievement of this re- the Eng- nowned citizen of Genoa, under the patronage and auspices of lish nation. Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, cast such a lustre on their throne as to excite the envy of most of the monarchs of Europe.

VOL. I .- 2

INTRODUCTION TO A

SECT. I. It does, however, no small credit to the character of Henry VII. 1492. of England, their cotemporary, that he listened with a favour- able ear to the application of Bartholomew Columbus, in behalf of his brother Christopher, prior to his grand undertaking. But Ferdinand and Isabella had anticipated him. To make some amends to his subjects, among whom this discovery had excited an uncommon spirit of adventure, Henry invited other seamen of known reputation, to enter into his service for similar pur- poses. It is remarkable, that at this period of time the English nation was much inferior to most other European nations in the science of navigation, though, from the advantages which its insular situation always gave, the contrary might have been ex- pected. Its military glory retained its rank of equality with any ; but the inconsiderate ambition of its monarchs had long wasted it on pernicious and ineffectual efforts to conquer France. In succession to which, the civil wars produced by the contest be- tween the houses of York and Lancaster, had, as it were, preyed upon its bowels and exhausted its vigour. The city of Bristol, however, appears to have been inhabited at that time by some merchants of considerable enterprise and public spirit. Here, also, it seems, a certain Giovanni Gaboto, commonly called by the English, John Cabot, a native and citizen of Venice, had long resided. Desirous of emulating the exploits of Columbus, he offered himself to Henry as a person amply qualified to make further discoveries under the English banners. It is to be re- membered, that the great object of Columbus, in his first voyage, was not to discover such a continent as that of America, but to explore a more convenient route to the East Indies, which were then supposed to form the grand fountain of all the wealth in the world. As the islands which Columbus discovered, were deem- ed by him a part of those Indies, and the reports of the vast quantities of gold and silver found among the natives of those islands had, without doubt, reached England, Henry, whose prevailing passion was avarice, was easily induced to listen to Cabot's proposals. He accordingly, by letters patent, bearing date the 5th of March, in the eleventh year of his reign, (in the 1496. year of Christ, 1496, according to New Style,*) " granted to Commis- sion to Jno. John Cabot and his three sons, Louis, Sebastian, and Sancias, Cabot and and their heirs, full power to navigate to any country or bay of his three the sea, east, west, or north, under his banners, with five ships,

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The history of Maryland : from its first settlement, in 1633, to the restoration, in 1660 ; with a copious introduction, and notes and illustrations, Part 1

Author: Bozman, John Leeds, 1757-1823 Publication date: 1837 Publisher: Baltimore : J. Lucas & E.K. Deaver Number of Pages: 1062

Author: Bozman, John Leeds, 1757-1823
Publication date: 1837
Publisher: Baltimore : J. Lucas & E.K. Deaver
Number of Pages: 1062