USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > A history of Anne Arundel County in Maryland : adapted for use in the schools of the county > Part 13
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
2. The people in Annapolis were, in general, Southern sympathizers, and some went so far as to wish to resort to force to prevent the landing of the Union troops, and the Gazette of that period stated, that " the people of Annapolis are highly indignant at the occupation of our city." No violence was offered the troops, but the engines of the Annapolis and Elk Ridge Railroad were put out of repair by some of the Southern sympathizers. When Gen. Butler called for machinists to repair the engine he wished to use, a volunteer stepped forward, and found that the engine was one that he had helped to build.
3. The Southern sentiment in the city had been displayed a few days before General Butler landed by the hoisting of a Confederate flag on a pole on West street. The leading spirits in this demonstration were August S. Bryan, Levi Tay- man, William H. Gassaway and John S. Sewell. From the strong Union element in the lower section of the town, a crowd of men marched in a body to pull down the Confederate flag. William H. Mills was half way up the pole to the flag when Mr. Thomas Basil, a merchant and member of the Governor's Guards, a military company, who had his gun in his private keeping to prevent its seizure, rushed out of his store, and pointing the musket at Mills, exclaimed : "Come down there, or I'll shoot !" Mills dropped to the ground immediately. Shortly after this incident
PARAGRAPH I. (a) With whom did Governor Hicks have a dramatic correspondence in April, 1861? (b) What did General Butler then do? (c) What protest did Governor Hicks make? (d) To what place was the Legislature called in extra session?
PARAGRAPH 2. (a) What were the people of Annapolis? (b) What did some wish to do? (c) Was any violence offered the troops? (d) How did the people feel about the occupancy of their city? (e) What damage was done at the railroad? (f) What singular incident happened when General Butler called for a machinist to repair the engine?
PARAGRAPH 3. How had the Southern sentiment been displayed before the landing of General Butler? (b) Who were the leading spirits in this demonstration? (c) Who attempted to pull down
The First Class to Graduate from the Annapolis High School, 1899.
THE NE PUBLIC LIB:
AUTOA, LEADA A TILDEA TOUTEATIONAL
97
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
Judge Alexander B. Hagner came to Mr. Basil's store, and said : " You would help to allay the excitement here if you would let that flag come down." Mr. Basil at once yielded to this conservative advice and the flag was lowered.
4. Annapolis, from the landing of Butler, to the close of the war, was an important military post, and while older heads who held secession views, found it wise to be quiet, a company of Southern youths, boldly dressed in red and white, with wooden guns, paraded town without fear or molestation, and, on the night when the news of the first battle of Bull Run, July 2Ist, 1861, was received in Annapolis, a crowd of young Southern sympathizers came down from the depot singing and cheering over the defeat of the Federal troops. This was the last of these public demonstrations of delight at Southern victories. The Federal anthori- ties began to show the glove of iron as well as the hand of iron in the management of public affairs in Maryland, and the citizens of Annapolis even found it a danger- ons combination to put red and white in juxtaposition in their articles of dress.
5. The Federal authorities not only supervised the sentiments of the Anne Arundel people, but took part in their elections, many soldiers illegally voting at them, and others, standing guard at the polls, deterred the citizens from casting their ballots, while their generals prescribed new qualifications in the nature of illegal test oaths for the electors. Amongst the incidents of the times was the arrest of Dr. Thomas J. Franklin, of the eighth district, the democratic candidate for Senator, on the day of election. On September 10th, 1862, Basil MeNew, an ardent South- erner, was arrested and placed in the Guard Honse at Annapolis, and was detained there three days on a charge of uttering "disloyal sentiments." In the Guard House Mr. McNew vociferously hurrahed for Jeff Davis and the Southern Con- federacy, and, it was, with difficulty, that the Federal paroled prisoners there could be restrained from doing personal violence to their enthusiastic Southern sympathizer. Mr. MeNew was carried to Fort MeHenry, and, finally released, after a brief imprisonment.
6. The preparations for the embarkation of the expedition of Gen. Burnside from Annapolis to Beanfort, North Carolina, added greatly to the already military atmosphere of the city. Thirty thousand troops poured into the town while the broad harbor of Annapolis was filled with transports for the invading army. This expedition brought Gen. Grant to Annapolis, and one of the incidents of the times
the flag, and what thereupon happened? (d) Upon whose advice did Mr. Basil consent to let the flag come down?
PARAGRAPH 4. (a) What was Annapolis during the Civil War? (b) What did the older heads who held secession views, find it wise to be? (c) In what way did the younger Southern element show its sympathy with the South? (d) When did this open sympathy with the South end? (e) What became a dangerous combination of colors?
PARAGRAPH 5. (a) What else beside dress did the Federal authorities supervise iu Anne Arundel? (b) Whom did they arrest upon election day? (c) Who voted illegally in the county? (d) Who prescribed illegal test oaths for the voters? (e) Who was arrested on a charge of uttering lisloyal sentiments. (f) What was done with Mr. MeNew?
PARAGRAPH 6. (a) What expedition embarked from Annapolis? (b) What distinguished gen- 7
98
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
was the grouping of Grant, Burnside and Admiral Meade in the corridor of the old City Hotel. The Confederates, too, were represented by agents who had come for- ward with their lives in their hands to spy ont the expedition. Amongst these, the call of Gen. Lee for this dangerons work, was Private Welch Owings, of the Confederate Army, a native of Anne Arundel, who came to Annapolis and boarded at McCul- longli's Hotel, while he took notes of the maritime armament preparing to attack the Southern coast. Mr. Owens returned safely to the Confederate Army. One of the amnsing incidents of this preparation was the manner of putting the horses on some of the transports. A large derrick was built and a reversed saddle placed beneath the horses and seenrely fastened. Then, at the appointed moment, the derrick lifted into the air the astonished animal, struggling, kicking and snorting, and thence deposited him to the lofty deck of the vessel.
7. The most exciting period in the martial history of Annapolis during the civil war, after the landing of Butler's troops, was the alarm caused by the raid of Gen. Early, in July, 1864, into Maryland, and nearly up to the gates of Washing- ton. The Federal anthorities at Annapolis at once proceeded to fortify the town, erecting entrenchments, some of which yet remain, from the head of Dorsey's Creek to Old Woman's Cove, on Spa Creek. To further this work citizens of Annapolis were impressed into service, and marched daily to the breastworks. A number of ardent Union men, whose patriotism did not rise to their enlistment as soldiers, armed with authority and bedecked with swords, paroled the town and took especial delight in impressing Southern sympathizers into this work. There were, however, wiser Union men than these who objected to such methods, reasoning that, in case of a Confederate attack, it would be dangerous for the attacked to have enemies within their own lines. This alarm subsided in three or four days, and a number of Southern sympathizers who had concealed themselves to avoid impressment, emerged from their hiding places. One of them had found 'refuge in the tower of the First Methodist Episcopal Church.
8. As soon as the war ended, a cordial and generous spirit immediately prevailed in the city of Annapolis between those who had differed so strongly on the mighty questions that had divided the country. This generosity of sentiment has been cemented in the firmest attachment to the Federal Union,. though the adherents on either side have not abated in the least in their devotion to the princi- ples that each maintained on the great issues that separated the people in the war between the States, and which were settled by the uncompromising arbiter of the sword.
eral did this bring to Annapolis? (c) How were the Confederates represented? (d) What singular device was used to put the horses of the expedition upon the vessels?
PARAGRAPH 7. (@) What was the most exciting event in Annapolis after the landing of General Butler? (b) What did the Federal authorities creet at Annapolis? (c) Who were impressed into this service?
PARAGRAPH 8. (4) As soon as the war ended what spirit immediately prevailed in Annapolis? (b) To what did this generosity of sentiment lead?
99
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
CHAPTER THIRTY-SECOND.
A PLAINTIVE STORY IN THE HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS.
1. The story of the expatriation of the Acadians from Nova Scotia has filled many a page of history, and inspired many a thought in poetry. Anne Arundel had its portion in the pathetic side of this sad and cruel judgment executed npon an unfortunate people. On the first of December, 1755, five vessels arrived in Annapolis, with nine hundred of these unfortunate exiles on board. This was the apportionment allotted by the British government for Maryland to provide for. The people of Annapolis were, at first, exercised at the thought of having such a large number of " French Papists," as they called the exiles, amongst them-this fear being excited by the double reason-that they represented to them, both a foreign element and a religious foe. The poor Acadians, however, proved objects of pity and of charity, rather than of fear, and food and raiment, of which they were greatly in need, were promptly supplied them.
2. The people of Annapolis were greatly distressed by the necessity of pro- viding for so large a number of persons. No public supply had been appropriated for them, and the best citizens, among them Daniel Dulany, of Daniel, became private almoners, and canvassed Annapolis soliciting donations for them, which were turned over to the city authorities, who had charge of the matter. These vessels lay awaiting a favorable wind, for which distressed citizens earnestly prayed, to take the larger part of the exiles to other parts of Maryland. Three of these vessels were despatched to other points for distribution of the Acadians amongst their inhabitants for support. They were carried to Patuxent, Oxford and Somerset. Sad was the story of the suffering, deprivation and scorn, which was their lot, with here and their some friendly Christian sympathy and assistance.
3. Part of the colony left at Annapolis was taken to Baltimore. Those that remained at Annapolis were quartered in large warehouses on Hanover and Duke of Gloucester streets. Laws were passed by the Legislature placing these unfortunates under the control of the County Courts, and the Acadians were not allowed to pass from county to county without a pass. The situation was rendered more severe by the exiles claiming that they were prisoners and were, therefore, entitled to a public support. With this view the people of Maryland had little sympathy. The Legis-
PARAGRAPH 1. (a) What has the story of the expatriation of the Acadians filled and inspired ? (b) How many vessel loads of them arrived in Annapolis in December, 1755? (c) How many were the Acadians in number? (d) What was their condition?
PARAGRAPH 2. (a) What effect did their arrival have upon the people of Annapolis? (b) To what places were the Acadians despatched?
PARAGRAPH 3. (a) Where was a part of the Annapolis colony taken? (b) What laws were passed for their keeping? (c) What county was, and why was it, excepted from this distribution?
633151
100
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
lature ordered the Acadians to be distributed in every county of the Province save Frederick. That county was thought too near the seat of war- the French and Indian-for any number of disaffected persons to be sent to it.
4. Those who went to Cecil had their own settlement and their history has been preserved ; those that were allotted to Baltimore resided near the Battle Monument on Calvert street. Their history is well known. These Acadians went to work in the shipyards and in other crafts and became a prosperous class,-some of their descendants were amongst the leading citizens of Baltimore. Not so with those of Anne Arundel. Not a trace of their subsequent history from their landing can be found. Not a name remains that can be warranted to be that of a French Neutral, although, it may well be believed that their descendants still remain in "the ancient city." By this absorption and disappearance their plaintive story has added a sad chapter to the history of Annapolis.
CHAPTER THIRTY-THIRD.
THE GEOLOGY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
1. The geological formation of Anne Arundel County is of the alluvial and diluvial period. The vast changes, made in the countless ages of the past upon the surface of the land and beneath it by the action of water, still continue in rapid alterations along the shores of the tide water ereeks, rivers and the Chesapeake. There the waves and tides are constantly tearing away one part of the shore and building up another. The rapid and potential effects of these forces have been marked in the section near the month of the South River on the eastern banks. A short distance from its entrance into the Chesapeake lies Fishing Creek, formerly a branch of South River, about a mile in length and in some parts nearly a half mile in breadth. The head of the Creek was formed by a narrow strip of land between the Creek and the Bay. About fifty years ago, a small opening that a shovelfull of earth would have closed, was made in this strip by the water. The opening widened until it is now about four hundred yards in breadth. While this action was in progress, the former month of the creek on South River gradually closed, until it can be crossed on land dry shod. The island that forms the south bank of Fishing Creek, formerly the site of the Thomas' Point Light, is rapidly washing away. The
PARAGRAPH 4. (a) What history of them have been preserved? (b) Can any history of the Annapolis colony be found?
PARAGRAPH 1. (a) Of what period is the geological formation of Anne Arundel county? (b) What still continues along the shores of its tide-waters? (c) Where have these changes been marked? (d) Can you give the curious change that took place in mouth of Fishing Creek?
The First Class to Graduate from the Annapolis High School, 1899.
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AL'DA LENOX AND
101
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
old residence of the keeper of the light, and the abandoned light-house having been washed into the bay, and the island ent in two parts by the tide. Fifty years ago one island of three that lay at the mouth of West River, and known as the last of the Three Sisters, still remained to mark the site of the group. It since has disappeared.
2. Another feature in the surface formation of Anne Arundel is observed in the former heads of Creeks. Investigation of them will show that many of the tide-water creeks in the county extended inland a much greater distance than they do now. Washings from the banks, and the withered growth of plants and trees have combined to fill up the creeks, and make beautiful meadows for the farmer. One of the most notable changes, in the county, but only notable because a record has been preserved of its changes, is that of the cove that formerly extended from Dorsey's Creek, north of Annapolis, past the site where the Annapolis city jail now stands on Calvert street. The water was so deep there a hundred and fifty years ago, that a shipyard was established upon its banks, and great ships were launched into the cove,
3. The formation of the land in Anne Arundel belongs specifically to the Cretaceous period, that is that which is formed by deposits from other sections. This is most apparent on the Severn River. The upper Cretaceous is formed of fine sand and clays, clearly stratified, and in the case of the clays often laminated. Characteristic fossils of the period have been found at Millersville and on the Severn and Magothy Rivers. Anne Arundel abounds in what is called the Eocene deposits. These often outcrop from the ground in a specie of green sand stone, filled with marine shells, one of which makes most beautiful building stone, being easily worked when first taken from the ground and hardening as exposed to the atmosphere. The green sand marl deposits of Anne Arundel are of unknown origin. Beds of sand of great commercial valne, on account of their thickness and purity, are found on Severn River. They are used both for building purposes and in making glass. Fine moulding sand, equal to the standard grades, also abonnd on Severn River. There are valuable clays for the making of bricks and iron ore deposits along this river. They were formerly worked. Pottery clay exists near Glen Burnie, in the fifth district of the county.
4. In Maryland there are not merely representations of all the great time-divi- sions of geology, but of each of the subordinate periods as well, while many of the best characterized eras and epochs may also be distinguished. These geological periods are like great dials-the eons, the hours and the eras and epochs, the minutes and the seconds. A map, prepared under the authority of the State, shows
PARAGRAPH 2. (a) What other feature in the surface formation of Anne Arundel is observed? (b) What notable change took place in Dorsey's Creek?
PARAGRAPH 3. (@) To what specific period does the formation of land in Anne Arundel belong? (b) How is this land formed? (c) Where is this formation most apparent, and of what is it com- posed? (d) Of what is the land made in the Upper Cretaceous formed? (e) What deposits abound in Anne Arundel? (f) In what specie of stone do they often outcrop? (g) What are found on the Severn River? (A) What exists at Glen Burnie?
PARAGRAPH 4. (4) What are represented in Maryland? (b) How many paleozoic formations are shown to be in Maryland? (c) What does paleozoic mean? (d) Into how many geological provinces
102
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
that there are distinguishable eight pre-Paleozoic, thirteen Paleozoic and eight post- Paleozoic formations-Paleozoic meaning the lowest strata of fossiliferons rocks. The number of separate horizons is even greater than these. Maryland naturally falls into three distinct geological provinces-an Eastern Coastal Plain, in which Anne Arundel is situated, surrounding the Chesapeake ; a central Platean and a western region of mountains. Excavations for artesian wells, made to the depth of six hundred feet, show that the sub-strata of Anne Arundel consists of alternate layers of sand, gravel and clay, interspersed with wood in the sand, in the initial stages of coal formation. The presence of the wood in the sand suggest in some far, remote age, the shore of a vast and unknown ocean. Wherever the ground is penetrated to the depth of two hundred feet or more, water impregnated with sulphur and iron is found in Anne Arundel. Not only, commercially, but, as a study and an art, the geology of Anne Arundel is an interesting and improving pursuit.
5. Elevations in Anne Arundel County are : At Annapolis State House, 58 feet ; Mariott Hill, (1st district), 240 feet ; Davidsonville, (1st district), 185 feet ; Owens- ville, (1st district), 182 feet ; Odenton, (4th district), 160 feet ; Jewell, (8th district), 160 feet ; Friendship, (Sth district), 150 feet : Glen Burnie, (5th district), 55 feet.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOURTH.
THE INDIANS OF ANNE ARUNDEL.
1. Few Indians were in Anne Arundel at the time of the settlement of the county. The land that composed the county, belonged to the Susquehanna Indians, a warlike tribe, inhabiting the section at the head of the Chesapeake, who were in continual hostility towards the Indians in Southern Maryland. Their rapines and forays, for the capture of chattles and women, had driven the Indians of St. Mary's county to cross the bay to seek shelter, by water and distance, from their incur- sions, and the most northern tribe of Southern Maryland was the Piscataway, which inhabited Prince George's county. The fear of Indian invasion made the settlers keep an organized troop in Anne Arundel to protect the county from surprise.
does Maryland naturally fall? What are they? (e) Of what does sub-strata of Anne Arundel con- sist? (f) What is found in the sand? (g) What is the character of the water two hundred feet, or more, beneath the surface?
PARAGRAPH 5. What are the elevations in Anne Arundel?
PARAGRAPH 1. (a) Were the Indians few or many in Anne Arundel at the time of its settle- ment? (b) To what tribe did the land of Anne Arundel belong? (c) What part of the country did
103.
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
2. The people of Anne Arundel concluded on the 5th day of July, 1652, a treaty of peace with the Susquehanna Indians. This treaty was made at Annapolis, tradition says, under the old tulip poplar tree which stands on the campus at St. John's College. The document recited the description of the land the whites were to have and gave the right to the Indians to build a fort on Palmer's Island. The treaty recited "that all former injuries being buried and forgotten, from henceforward, they do promise and agree to walk together and carry one towards another in all things as friends, and to assist one another accordingly.'
3. This treaty was never broken by any open war. The northern Indians in 1681, came into Anne Arundel and killed a colored man and wounded two whites, one of them fatally. They committed a robbery at the time, and this was the motive of the assaults. The county was subjected constantly to fears aroused by exaggerated reports of Indian invasions. At the time of the Protestant Revolution, of 1689, the people were excited by a rumor that nine thousand Frenchmen and Indians were at the Cliffs in Anne Arundel. When investigated, not a Frenchman nor an Indian was to be found at the place named.
4. In 1692, a small party of Indians, having come into Anne Arundel county, threw it into a great state of alarm. Thomas Sparrow, of Anne Arundel, met them while out hunting in the back woods. The Indians appeared more friendly than hostile, having sent after Sparrow and warned him and his party not to go Imnting, for there were Indians on the war-path, who would kill them if they met them. A Frenchman being taken up in Anne Arundel as a spy at the time, added to the apprehensions of the people. No injury at all resulted from the advent of the Indians.
5. In June, 1665, Captain William Burgess, of Anne Arundel, had charge of a body of soldiers who were charged to find out the Indian enemy. He was to keep parties ranging the woods around the head of Patuxent, Patapsco and Bush Rivers, and even up to the utmost bonnds of the Province upon the Susquehanna River.
6. Trading with the Indians was one of the profitable occupations of the colony, and was entirely regulated by law, it being a prerogative of the government, as well as a practice of dangerous consequences when not restricted. The Assembly of
the Susquehanna Indians inhabit? (d) Who were the most northern tribe of Southern Maryland? (+) What did the fear of Indian invasion make the settlers keep?
PARAGRAPH 2. (a) With whom did the people of Anne Arundel conclude a treaty of peace on July 5th, 1652? (b) Where does tradition say this treaty was made? (c) Where were the Indians allowed to have a fort? (d) What did the treaty recite? (e) Was this treaty ever broken by an open war? (f') What aet did the northern Indiens commit in Anne Arundel in 1681? (g) To what was the county constantly subjected? (h) What rumor excited the people in 1689?
PARAGRAPH 4. (a) Who threw the county into a great state of alarm in 1692? (b) Who met the Indians? (c) How did the Indians appear? (d) What added to the apprehensions of the people? (+) What resulted from the advent of the Indians?
PARAGRAPH 5. Of what body of soldiers did Captain William Burgess have charge in 1665?
(b) What was he to keep?
PARAGRAPH 6. (a) What was one of the profitable occupations of the county? (b) How was this trading regulated? (e) What Indian trading posts were in Anne Arundel in 1682?
ยท
104
A HISTORY OF ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY.
1682 proposed a number of Indian trading posts in the Province, two of them being in Anne Arundel-one at Col. Taillers, at Herring Creek ; and the other at Col. William Burgess's, at Londontown.
7. The Indians of Maryland present the same pitiful story of disappearance and annihilation before the onward march of white civilization. The beloved names by which the aboriginees knew the broad Magothy, the beautiful Severn, the picturesque South, the winding West, and the commodious Road Rivers, have perished from the memory of man, and the single tributary or name that connects the red man with his once favorite grounds in Anne Arundel is an English title- Cabin Branch, that empties into Underwood's Creek, about four miles north of Annapolis. Here the last Indian to remain in this section is said to have had his wigwam.
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.