USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > A history of Anne Arundel County in Maryland : adapted for use in the schools of the county > Part 10
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21
9. Though it is true, " her pleasures, like those of luxurions and pampered life in all ages, ministered neither to her happiness nor her purity," yet, that manli- ness of character that the English chronicler of its life, at that epoch had noticed, marked the bearing of even the humblest of its people, and its citizens, at the first call of the Revolution, responded to its demands by the exhibition of the highest attributes of human nature and the loftiest aspirations of unalloyed patriotism.
10. This picture of Annapolis would want its best and brightest coloring, and the right to its title of "the Athens of America," would be clouded if it were not written that, in this city of pleasures, of Courts, Conventicles, of Assemblies, and of proud and valiant men, were the best lawyers of America- the Jenningses, the Carrolls, the Chalmers, Rogers, Hall, the Chases, the Johnsons, and the Dulanys,
PARAGRAPH 7. (a) Of what did three-fourths of the dwellings of the city give evidence? (b) What incident gave proof of its luxury and wealth?
(c) What flourished at this period in Annapolis? (d) What special effort was made by enterprising citizens?
PARAGRAPH 8. (a) What was not wanting in this dwarfed prototype of a European capital? (b) What did these attractions produce? (c) What created the real fame of Annapolis?
PARAGRAPH 9. (a) What marked the bearing of even the humblest of its people? (b) How did they respond to the first call of the Revolution?
PARAGRAPH 10. (a) What would the picture want if it were not written that the city had in it
72
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
for almost all of them went in pairs, with father and son at the bar together- Dulany, the younger, with his opinions courted by the Bench at home to aid them in elucidating the law, and asked even from the great metropolis of London, domi- mating them all.
11. From the lawyers sprang the real fame of Annapolis. It was gay, but it halted in its gayety the moment that the call for earnest work was made. It was learned ; it was patriotic ; it was capable ; it rose in sacrifice, from steep to steep, as the trumpet-note of patriotism sounded for greater and more dangerous enter- prises for the sake of American liberty. At every advance, the lawyers were in the forefront-they were always on the outposts of freedom, to give warning of danger to the liberties of the people ; their clarion tones were constantly heard calling to battle ; they led the conflict in field and forum.
12. It was to such a community and in such a city-quick to hear ; nervous in thought ; cultivated in the highest culture of the colonies ; jealous of its rights : used to severe struggles with the wilderness and battles royal with their autocratic proprietary rulers ; that the lawyers of Maryland, or rather of Annapolis, for here the legal talent of the State was gathered, spoke. It was not surprising that the profound polemies in which the lawyers of Maryland engaged-" Considerations " upon the Stamp Act and the ministerial policy towards America, and the arbitrary endeavor of Gov. Eden to make revenue laws over the head of the General Assembly, by Executive Proclamations-produced results that thrilled the patriotic blood in the veins of the hearers, and, as they talked in the ball-room, at the theatre, on the race-track, at the Coffee House, in the Legislature, and which reverberating in the Courts, sent contagious sentiments throughout the American colonies. Indeed, when the First Stamp Act had been repealed in 1766, and Pitt had delivered his speech founded upon the arguments that Daniel Dulany of Annapolis had furnished him in his "Considerations why England should not tax America," the rejoicing Philadelphians toasted that patriotic Annapolitan, as " the Camden of America."
13. The stately and handsome residence of Gov. Paca still stands a memento of this grand epoch in Annapolitan history. The garden that surrounded it in aute- Revolutionary days, more than any other spot in the capital, indicated the delightful life of Annapolis, and that yet lingered after the Revolution, though feeling then, under the new regime, the symptoms of decay. The spring-house, the broad expanse of tree, the octagonal two-story summer-house, that represented " My Lady's Bower," the rippling brook, fed by two springs of water, that went cheerily along to the bath-house, that refreshed in the sultry days and gave delight to the
the best lawyers of America? (b) Name some of these lawyers? (c) Who dominated the lawyers? PARAGRAPH 11. (a) From what sprang the real fame of Annapolis? (b) Who were in the fore- front of the Revolution?
PARAGRAPH 12. (@) What was the character of the community to which the lawyers spoke? (b) What did their profound polemies produce? (() Who furnished Pitt with his arguments in 1766 on the repeal of the Stamp Act?
PARAGRAPH 13. (a) What stately and handsome residence more than any other spot indicated the delightful life of old Annapolis?
A Bird's eye View of St. John's College.
THENE
ARY
3751.
73
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
occupants of the splendid old dwelling, form a picture upon which tradition loves to dwell, and which is clearly written on the annals of departed glories in the remains of the great walls that lies scarce hidden under the march of modern improvements.
14. Time would fail to tell of Aunt Kitty Smith's famous cook shop, where her delicious pastry was made ; the curious records of old St. Anne's ; the high debates in the Assembly ; the days of King William's School ; the shipyards ; the patriotic town meetings ; the lordly banquets to distinguished visitors and honored sons ; the splendid battles the General Assembly made for the liberties of the people ; the grand polemics published in the Gazette ; its poets and its belles-they all linger and hallow its streets and history -graceful decorations of a delightful and departed age.
15. These stately houses that yet exist, these great names that will ever live give to Annapolis the intensest charm to those who live to dwell in thought upon the careers, ambitions and successes of the great and patriotic. Annapolis now needs nothing in its annals to make it the lawful legatee of all that is ancient, honorable and delightful in American history. Its patriotism was intense ; its culture broad ; its statesmanship wise; its women lovely ; its life gay, happy and progressive. Not only are many of its homes adorned with the wrinkles of an honorable old age ; but its stately houses and winding streets have their ennobling traditions, and recall the day when, in the beliefs of the age, many a family had its familiar spirit, and many a dark corner, its wandering ghost or goblin.
CHAPTER TWENTY-THIRD.
A QUAINT INCIDENT THAT LED TO IMPORTANT RESULTS.
1. The constant efforts of the Proprietary Government, immediately previous to the Revolutionary War, in making encroachments upon the rights of the people of Maryland, had succeeded in absorbing not a few of the privileges of its citizens. There were patriotic spirits alert, however, to these denials of right, and they determined to bring these lost immunities to the attention of the people.
PARAGRAPH 14. (a) What still linger and hallow the streets and history of Annapolis?
PARAGRAPH 15. (a) What gives to Annapolis its intense charm? (b) What does Annapolis need to make it the lawful legatee of all that is ancient, honorable and delightful in American history? (c) With what are many of its homes adorned? (d) What have its stately houses and winding streets, and what do they recall?
PARAGRAPH 1. (a) What had the constant efforts of the Proprietary Government succeeded in absorbing? (b) Who were, however, alert? (c) What did they determine to do?
74
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
2. At that time, previous to the year 1770, when it was demolished to make room for another, there hung in the second State House a portrait of Queen Anne, in whose hands was a scroll containing the charter of the city. This was most appropriate, as the charter was given the city in the reign of Queen Anne, and, after her, the city had been named. Age and dust had rendered illegible the words of the charter. One morning the charter was found cleaned, and, at the feet of Queen Anne, a coffin, covered with a pall, lay.
3. This strange spectacle was soon noised abroad in the city, and the keeper of the State House, who was in the secret, gave public notice that, on a certain day and at a certain time, he would lift the pall and open the coffin to ascertain what was in it. A large company of citizens assembled at the appointed hour upon the State House Hill.
4. The pall, at the time selected, was lifted and the coffin opened. In the casket was found a copy of the charter of the city. In the assemblage were the chief actors in the civic drama. The charter of the city was, thereupon, read to the public, amidst the delight and applause of the citizens assembled, who were enthu- astic over the discovery of their ancient rights and privileges. The incident created such a profound impression upon the people, that it roused the government to action and these lost rights were restored to the public.
5. The authors of this forcible petition for the restoration of these chartered rights were Samuel Chase, William Jennings and one of the noted family of Brice.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOURTH.
ANNE ARUNDEL DURING THE REVOLUTIONARY WAR.
1. All of the acts of the great body of the people of Maryland, in the initial throes of the Revolution, and up to within a few days previous to the Declaration of Independence, when the Convention of Delegates gave authority to their represent-
PARAGRAPH 2. (a) What hung in the second State House? (b) What was in Queen Anne's hand? (c) What had rendered the words of the charter illegible? (d) What was found one morning?
PARAGRAPH 3. (a) What was soon noised abroad in the city? (b) What public notice did the keeper of the State House give? (c) What assembled at the appointed hour?
PARAGRAPH 4. (a) What was then done? (b) What was found in the casket? (c) Who were in the assemblage? (d) What was read to the public? (?) How did the citizens receive this reading? (f) What did the incident create? (g) To what did it rouse the government? (h) What did it restore to the people?
PARAGRAPH 5. (a) Who were the authors of this forcible petition?
PARAGRAPH 1. (a) What had been acts of the great body of the people of Maryland in the
-
75
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
atives in the Continental Congress to vote for that announcement, had been aimed to preserve their rights as colonies of England, and had not been done in the interests of separation from the mother-country. In this spirit the deputies from Maryland met at Ammapolis, on May 24th, 1774, and amongst their acts resolved that "we acknowledge King George the third, as our lawful sovereign," and, in the same series of resolutions, further resolved, "That the formation of militia be con- tinned, and subscriptions for the same be levied by the several counties."
2. An effort was made in September, 1775, to require those citizens of Annapolis who had not signed the articles of Association, to " quit the city, as enemies to the essential interests of America." This was easily defeated in the public meeting held on the subject. In the latter part of 1775, private correspond- ence began to be examined by the Provincial authorities, for, in Annapolis was set up the novelty of a dual civil government-each acting under separate authority- the Governor by virtue of the warrant of the English Proprietary, and the county committee commissioned by the people. Annapolis became daily more and more deserted ; some leaving from fear of a bombardment of the city ; others on account of the distressing times, bad markets and a general scarcity of money ; tradesmen and mechanics abandoned their homes and retired from the vicinity of navigable waters. Agriculture in the county was neglected, the voice of peaceful industry was hushed, and, in time, King William's School was converted into an arsenal, and military science became the universal study of the hour.
3. The committee of observation for Annapolis and Anne Arundel county was most exacting in its efforts to preserve the conditions of their associations and con- ventions. In June of 1775, Thomas Chipchase, a butcher of Annapolis, was called before the committee in answer to the charge of killing several lambs. This was contrary to the articles of the Maryland Convention, for the wool was wanted for clothing. Chipchase, on pleading his ignorance of the prohibition, and the scarcity of provisions, coupled with the promise to take care not to offend again, was par- doned of his offence.
4. On the 28th of June, 1775, Captain Charles Henzell, of the Ship Adventure, informed the committee of Annapolis, that his vessel, with goods on board, had cleared for Maryland, his cargo consisting of two hundred dozen porter, one hun- dred pipes in packs, 2,000 weight of cheese, and forty-two chaldrons of coals- Winchester measure; also, about seventy passengers, including servants. The captain testified, under oath, that unfavorable winds prevented him from landing at
initial throes of Revolution been aimed to preserve? (b) What resolution did the deputies of Mary- land pass on May 24th, 1774, at their meeting in Annapolis?
PARAGRAPH 2. (a) What effort was made in September, 1775? (b) What began to be examined in the latter part of 1775? (c) What novelty was set up in Annapolis? (d) Who constituted these two governments? (e) Describe the condition of Annapolis at this time? (f) What was neglected?
PARAGRAPH 3. (@) In what were the Committee of Observation for Annapolis and Anne Arnudel County exacting? (b) Who, and for what, was he called before the Committee? (c) Why was Chipchase pardoned?
PARAGRAPH 4. (a) What information, on June 28, 1775, did Captain Charles Henzell give to the
76
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
Madeira, whence he intended to sell his goods. The committee refused him per- mission to unload his goods, but permitted the passengers to be landed.
5. A meeting of the inhabitants of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County was held, on September 12, 1775, at which eight members of the State Convention was present. The meeting resolved, that Samnel Chase, Thomas Johnson, John Hall, William Paca, B. T. B. Worthington, Matthias Hammond, Charles Carroll, barrister, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Captain William Hyde, Rezin Hammond, John Bullen, Captain Richard Fostell, John Weems, Joseph Galloway, Stephen Stewart, John Thomas, Thomas Tillard, Marmaduke Wyvill, Thomas Watkins, son, Thomas Dorsey, John Dorsey, son of Michael, Edward Gaither, Jr., Caleb Dorsey, Richard Stringer, Dr. Charles Alexander Warfield, Jolin Burgess, John Davis, Benjamin Howard, Elijah Robinson and Thomas Hammond, or any seven or more of them be, and they are hereby appointed a committee of observation for this county for a term of one year. Charles Carroll, barrister, Thomas Johnson, Jr., Samuel Chase, William Paca and Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, were elected delegates to represent the county in the State Convention. The next day the county committee elected Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Brice T. B. Worthington, Captain William Hyde, Matthias Hammond, Dr. Richard Fostell, John Bullen and John Thomas as a committee to say what suits might be brought in the courts, and selected the same with the exception of John Bullen and John Thomas, as a committee of correspond- ence for the county. Each Committee was to serve one year.
6. No point was nncovered in the efforts of the patriotic people of Anne Arundel to protect their rights and themselves. On January 2Ist, 1776, the Council of Safety " Resolved, That Messrs. Launcelot Jacques, Charles Wallace, William Hyde, Allen Quynn, James Brice, William Whetcroft and Beriah Marybury, or any three of them, be requested to make a chart of the land and water at the months of this (Severn) river, specifying the width and depth of the channell between Horn Point and Greenbury's Point, and some distance without and within the same." The chart was returned on the 16th of March, and the Convention appropriated 5,900 pounds to fortify Annapolis. The Council of Safety desiring a larger sum, it was given an unlimited order to complete the fortifications and to build a number of " row-gallies or gondolas." Fortifications were then erected on Horn Point, Bea- man's Hill, and Wind Mill Point. Breastworks were thrown up at other places. Indeed, from Wind Mill Point on the Severn, where the Naval Academy Seamanship Building now stands, to the new Naval Academy Armory, was one continnous line of
Committee of Annapolis? (b) What did the Committee refuse?
PARAGRAPH 5. () What meeting was held on September 12th, 1775? (b) What resolution did the meeting pass? (c) Who were elected to represent the county in the State Convention? (d) What committee was appointed the next day?
PARAGRAPH 6. (a) How did the people of Anne Arundel act to protect their rights and them- selves? (b) What resolution did the Council of Safety make on January 21st, 1776? (c) How much was appropriated to fortify Annapolis ? (d) What order was afterward given the Council of Safety; (e) On what other Points were fortifications erected? (f) Where was there a continuous line of breastworks? (g) Under whose management were these forts erected?
An Annapolis Officer of the Maryland National Guard.
The St. Jolin Battalion Parading on the College Campus.
-
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ASTON, LENOX AND TILDEA PULADA, 248
77
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
earthworks. These forts were erected with great celerity under the direction of James Brice, John Bullen, Charles Wallace, William Wilkens, Beriah Marybury, John Brice, John Campbell, Joshma Frazier and Allen Quyn.
7. During these preparations the minds of the people of Annapolis reached a. high tension of alarm at an expected attack by British vessels. On May 5th, 1776, information was received at Annapolis that a man of war was coming up the bay and at no great distance from the city. Mr. William Eddis, who was present, says " the consternation occasioned by this information exceeds description. The night was tempestuous ; extremely dark ; and the rain descended in torrents ; notwithi- standing which, many persons began to remove their effects ; and the streets were quickly crowded with carriages laden with furniture and property of various kinds. A little reflection must have made it evident, that, without violent provocation, hos- tilities would not have commenced, and, at all events, that timely notice would have been given previous to any bombardment."
8. Gov. Eden, desirous of removing the apprehensions of the people, made immediate application to the Council of Safety of the County, and proposed to send a flag of truce on board His Majesty's ship, the moment she made her appearance or came to anchor off the harbor. The offer was accepted with a suitable acknowl- edgment, and when, on the 7th of May, the British sloop Otter, Captain Squires, arrived and anchored between Magothy and the Bodkin, Mr. Eddis, the English col- lector of the port, was sent on board the ship with a flag of truce, with a letter from the Governor, to which a satisfactory answer was returned.
9. The Otter captured a ship loaded with wheat and flour, and several other prizes ; but these, whilst in charge of the Otter's tenders, were re-captured by the Defence, under Captain Nicholson. The Otter stood by and offered no assistance to her consorts.
10. The life of Annapolis at this period was most intense in its strain of martial excitement. Gov Eden was permitted to remain at Annapolis, though power had passed from his hands. Mr. Eddis, the collector, was not considered a member of the Governor's household, and was fined ten pounds for being in Annapolis, though he was treated with great personal courtesy ; but there were many who did not view with favor the presence of enemies in their midst. The Council of Safety had agreed that people who had not joined the Association, should not be banished from the Province. Contrary to this, notice was given to a number of citizens that they must leave the city by 9 o'clock the next morning. The papers were signed, "J. Weems," in behalf of Anne Arundel county. The Council of Safety convened, and resolved that this action was contrary to the
PARAGRAPH 7. (a) What was expected of the people of Annapolis at this time? (b) What information was received at Annapolis on May 5th, 1776? (c) What scene followed this information? PARAGRAPH 8. (a) What application did Governor Eden make to the Council of Safety? (b) How was the offer received? (d) Who was sent on board the ship, and with what result?
PARAGRAPH 9. (a) What was captured by the Otter? (b) Who captured these vessels?
PARAGRAPH 10. (a) What was the life of Annapolis at this period? (b) Who was fined ten pounds for being in Annapolis? (c) To what had the Council of Safety agreed? (d) Contrary to this
78
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
resolves of the Continental Congress, the Maryland Convention and the bill of rights. John Weems, who signed the cards, and Stephen Stewart, Jr., who deliv- ered them, were called before the Council of Safety, where they acknowledged their conduct in the matter, and were dismissed without further proceedings upon the promise that they would not intermeddle any more in such matters.
11. Annapolis, the centre of the State Government, felt every pulsation of the Revolution. Here most of the political movements and martial preparations of the State had their initiative, while, when the conflict was in progress, the ships of the enemy hovered on the coast of the city and county, and the fleets of the ally of America repaired to its chief harbor, and the troops of France and the Colonies again and again passed and re-passed through the city.
12. The Associators, of Annapolis, William Roberts, President, and John Duckett, Secretary, were most energetic in supporting the State in its operations of war ; they resolved (on July 11, 1776), that every citizen should aid in the con- struction of the fortifications ; that preference on public works be given to those who had joined the associations, and that no Associator should deal with a non- associator. At this period there were six companies of Col. William Smallwood's famous regiment, stationed at Annopolis, four companies of which a few months later saved Gen. Sullivan's army at Long Island from destruction.
13. On Friday, March 21, 1777, Thomas Johnson, the first Governor of Mary- land, elected by its people, was inaugurated at Annapolis, with imposing civil and military ceremonies. At 9 A. M., on Thursday, the 21st of August, a considerable fleet of British men of war, transports and other vessels passed the mouth of the Severn and stood up the bay. Immediately after the fleet had passed Annapolis, Governor Johnson issued a stirring proclamation, calling on a portion of the militia of the State to march to the Susquehanna. During the winter of 1777, Gov. Johnson raised a new brigade of the Maryland Line, placed himself at the head of it, and marched to the assistance of General Washington, near Philadel- phia. In 1778, Count Pulaski's legion of cavalry and infantry was organized in Annapolis. Maryland furnished a portion of the recruits to this organization.
14. The city of Annapolis was affected not only with military matters ; but internal troubles, connected with the war, constantly agitated it. In 1778. a con- siderable number of citizens met in public assemblage, with Charles Carroll, of Car-
what was done? (e) What action was then taken by the Council of Safety?
PARAGRAPH 11. (a) What did Annapolis feel? (b) What caused this state of feeling?
PARAGRAPH 12. (a) Who were most energetic in supporting the State in its operations of war? (b) What was resolved that every citizen should do? (c) Who were to be given preference on the public works? (d) Who were stationed at Annapolis at this time?
PARAGRAPH 13. (@) Who was inaugurated Governor on March 21, 1777? (b) What passed the mouth of the Severn on Thursday, the 21st of August, 1777? (c) Immediately upon the passage of the fleet what did Governor Johnson issue? (d) What did Governor Johnson raise? (e) Who had command of the brigade and to whose assistance did it march? (f) What was organized at Annapolis in 1778?
PARAGRAPH 14. (a) What public Assemblage was held in 1778? (b) What resolution was made? (c) Why was Lawrence allowed to remain in the city?
79
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
rollton, in the chair, and resolved that John Lawrence, a citizen of Pennsylvania, " ought to depart the city, and not return without the permission of the Governor and Council," for having made threats of violence, and for attempting to put them in execution, against Gov. Jolmson, for carrying into execution against Lawrence, a law that obliged the Governor to require Lawrence to take an oath of allegiance to Maryland, or be fined, imprisoned, or return to his own State. On the certificate of his illness by Dr. Murray, Lawrence was allowed to remain in the city until he could be removed with safety.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.