USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > Annals of Annapolis : comprising sundry notices of that old city from the period of the first settlements in its vicinity in the year 1649, until the war of 1812 ; together with various incidents in the history of Maryland, derived from early records, public documents, and other sources ; with an appendix, containing a number of letters from General Washington, and other distinguished persons, which letters have never been published before > Part 10
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Mr. Hood intimated to me, that if I thought his resigning the office would reconcile his countrymen to him, and would advise him to take that step, he would even do so, but as I could not take upon myself to give him such advice, and both he and his relations doubted whether he could while the ferment continued,
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be safe in mine or any other house in the province, he has retired for a few weeks to New York. To what length people who have made such a beginning, may go to render the act of parliament ineffectual, I cannot tell, but am very apprehensive that if the stamp't pa- per was to arrive here and be landed at this time, it would not be in my power to preserve it from being burnt, as there is no place of security here wherein it might be lodged, and the militia is composed of such as are by no means proper to be appointed a guard over it, if therefore a vessel should soon arrive here with the stamp't paper, I shall caution the master against landing it, and advise him either to lye off at a distance from the shore, or return to the men-of- war stationed in Virginia, until the people shew a better disposition, or I have the satisfaction to receive from your lordship some instructions about it.'
Captain Brown, commander of his majesty's sloop Hawke, arrived at this port in December, 1765, with some of the stamped paper destined for this province. But no person authorized to receive and distribute it, being here, and the lower house of assembly and the people being still averse to its reception, it was never landed. Governor Sharpe returned three boxes con- taining the stamped paper, to England, by a merchant ship, the Brandon, captain McLachlan, in December, 1766.
A supplement to the Maryland Gazette appeared on the 31st of October, in deep mourning. The editor determined to suspend its publication, rather than sub- mit to the 'intolerable and burthensome terms,' imposed on all newspapers by the stamp act, declaring in this supplement,
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'The times are Dreadfull,
Dismal, Doleful,
Dolorous, and Dollar-less.'
On the 10th of December, he issued 'an apparition of the late Maryland Gazette,' and resolved to re-estab- lish his paper, 'under the firm belief that the odious stamp act would never be carried into operation.'
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1766. In March, 1766, the 'Sons of Liberty,' from Baltimore, Kent, and Anne Arundel counties, met at this place, and made a written application to the chief justice of the provincial court, the secretary and commissary-general, and judges of the land office, to open their respective offices, and to proceed as usual in the execution of their duties. This demand was complied with, and the stamp act virtually became null and void.
On the 5th of April, of this year, general joy was diffused throughout the city, by the arrival of an ex- press, bringing information of the repeal of the stamp act, and the afternoon was spent by the citizens in congratulations and mirth, and 'all loyal and patriotic toasts were drank.'
The 11th of June following, was by appointment of the mayor, observed here, as a day of rejoicing and festivity, on account of the 'glorious news,' of the total repeal of the stamp act, and in the evening the city was brilliantly illuminated.
On Saturday evening, the 18th of February, 1769. of this year, (1769,) the new theatre was again opened, by the American company of comedians, with
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the tragedy of Romeo and Juliet. The company then consisted of Messrs. Hallam, Jefferson, Verling, Wall, Darby, Morris, Parker, Godwin, Spencer, Malone, Page, Walker, Osborne, and Burdett, and Mrs. Jones, Walker, Osborne, Burdett, Malone, Parker, and Miss Hallam.
This company appear to have been held in high es- teem by the citizens of Annapolis, for their perform- ances, especially of the tragedy of Richard III.
On the 5th of June, in this year, Robert Eden, Esquire, with his lady and family, arrived here in the ship Lord Baltimore. On the ship's coming to an- chor off the city, she fired seven guns, which were re- turned by an equal number, but on the governor's land- ing in the afternoon, he was met by all the members of the council then in town, and a great number of the citizens, under a discharge of all the cannon on the battery. And on Tuesday morning 'about ten o'clock, he went up to to the council-house, attended by his lordship's honourable council, where his commission was opened and published.'
Governor Eden succeeded governor Sharpe, imme- diately on his arrival, and continued to govern the affairs of the province until 1776, when he returned to England in consequence of the revolution, and the formation of the provisional government of Maryland, which was at this period established. Governor Eden is represented to have been a gentleman, 'easy of access, courteous to all, and fascinating by his ac- complishments.'
When he had taken his departure, his property was confiscated. In 1784 he returned to Annapolis, to seek the restitution of his property. He died soon
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after his arrival, in the house now owned and occupied by Richard J. Jones, Esq. He was buried under the pulpit of the Episcopal church on the north side of Severn, within two or three miles of this place. This church was some years since burned down.
In the month of June, this year, (1769,) a numerous meeting of the citizens of Annapolis was held, 'called by the beating of the drum,' at which were many gentlemen from the several counties of the province, who with the citizens formed, and entered into 'articles of non-importation of British superfluities, and for pro- moting frugality, economy, and the use of American manufactures,' and passed the following resolution :
'Resolved, unanimously, that the said articles be most strictly adhered to, and preserved inviolate; and that each and every gentleman present at this meeting, will use his utmost endeavours to those laudable ends.'
Early in February following, the citizens of Annapo- lis had an opportunity afforded them, to test the sin- cerity of their patriotism, by the arrival of the 'brig Good Intent,' in their harbour, with a cargo of British goods.
Immediately on her arrival, a meeting of the citizens was convened, and three gentlemen were appointed a committee to inquire into the matter, who reported 'that the goods were ordered and shipped contrary to the articles of their association, and ought not to be landed.' The brig was accordingly ordered and com- pelled to return to London, carrying back a cargo con- sisting of European goods, to the value of £10,000 sterling.
Thus did the association show their determination to 'adhere strictly' to their articles of non-importation,
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and proved themselves as independent of foreign lux- uries, as they subsequently did of British dominion.
The committee of Annapolis and Anne Arundel, consisted on such occasions of Messrs. Thomas Sprigg, John Weems, B. T. B. Worthington and William Paca. The resolute course pursued by the association, brought the merchants of the British markets to 'a de- termination not to ship in future, any goods to Mary- land, but such as would be agreeable to the association.'
In October of 1769, Mr. William Eddis, (the sur- veyor of the customs at Annapolis,) writing home to his friends, describes Annapolis and its public build- ings, thus :
'Annapolis is nearly encompassed by the river Se- vern, and with every advantage of situation, is built on a very irregular plan. The adjacent country pré- sents a variety of beautiful prospects, agreeably diver- sified with well-settled plantations, lofty woods, and navigable waters.
'In our little metropolis, the public buildings do not impress the mind with any idea of magnificence, hav- ing been chiefly erected during the infancy of the colony, when convenience was the directing principle, without attention to the embellishment of art.
'The court-house, situated on an eminence at the back of the town, commands a variety of views highly interesting ; the entrance of the Severn, the majestic Chesapeake, and the eastern shore of Maryland, being all united in one resplendent assemblage, vessels of various sizes and figures are continually floating before the eye; which, while they add to the beauty of the scene, excite ideas of the most pleasing nature.
'In the court-house, the representatives of the people
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assemble, for the dispatch of provincial business. The courts'of justice are also held here, and here likewise the public offices are established.
'This building has nothing in its appearance expres- sive of the great purposes to which it is appropriated, and by a strange neglect, is suffered to fall continually into decay, being, both without and within, an emblem of public poverty, and at the same time a severe reflec- tion on the government of this country, which, it seems, is considerably richer than the generality of the Ameri- can provinces.
'The council-chamber is a detached building, adja- cent to the former, on a very humble scale. It contains one tolerable room, for the reception of the governor and council, who meet here during the sitting of the assembly, and whose concurrence is necessary in pass- ing all laws.
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'The governor's house is most beautifully situated, and when the necessary alterations are completed, it will be a regular, convenient, and elegant building. The garden is not extensive, but it is disposed to the utmost advantage; the centre walk is terminated by a small green mount, close to which the Severn ap- proaches ; this elevation commands an extensive view of the bay, and the adjacent country. The same ob- jects appear to equal advantage from the saloon, and many apartments in the house, and perhaps I may be justified in asserting, that there are but few mansions in the most rich and cultivated parts of England, which are adorned with such splendid and romantic scenery.
'The buildings in Annapolis were formerly of small dimensions, and of an inelegant construction ; but there are now several modern edifices which make a good
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appearance. There are few habitations without gar- dens, some of which are planted in a decent style, and are well stocked.
'At present the city has more the appearance of an agreeable village, than the metropolis of an opulent province, as it contains within its limits a number of small fields, which are intended for future erections. But in a few years, it will probably be one of the best built cities in America, as a spirit of improvement is predominant, and the situation is allowed to be equally healthy and pleasant with any on this side the At- lantic. Many of the principal families have chosen this place for their residence, and there are few towns of the same size, in any part of the British dominions, than can boast of a more polished society.'
Mr. Eddis describes the villas, at this period, in the vicinity of Annapolis, as being pleasant and beautiful, particularly that which belonged to governor Sharpe, about seven miles from this place, on the north side of Severn. It is a most delightful situation. The man- sion-house is large and elegant. Whitehall, the name of this estate, is still in the possession of the descend- ants, of the gentleman to whom governor Sharpe be- queathed it. Governor Sharpe resided in this city, and governed the province of Maryland for many years, with honour to himself and satisfaction to the people ; and established a reputation which reflected the highest honour on his public capacity and private virtues.
In this year, (1769,) the general assembly appro- priated the sum of £7,500 sterling, to be applied to the building of the present state-house. The building of which was superintended by Daniel Dulany, Thomas Johnson, John Hall, William Paca, Charles Carroll
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Barrister, Lancelot Jacques, and Charles Wallace, the majority of whom were empowered to contract with workmen, and to purchase materials; and were also authorized to draw on the treasurers of the western and eastern shores, for whatever further sums might be required to complete the building. The old state- house was accordingly demolished, and the present one erected on its site.
The foundation stone of this edifice was laid on the 28th day of March, 1772, by governor Eden. On his striking the stone with a mallet, which was customary on such occasions, tradition informs us, there was a severe clap of thunder, although a cloud was not to be seen, the day being clear and beautifully serene. In
1773, this building was covered in with a copper roof, and in 1775, this roof was blown off, during the equinoctial gale, the market-house was blown down, and the water is said to have risen three feet perpen- dicular above the common tide, during the storm.
The dome was not added to the main building until after the revolution.
The dimensions of the building are here given, to wit :
Feet.
From the platform to the cornice, about 36
66 cornice to top of arc, or roof, 23
top of the roof to the cornice
- of the facade of the dome, 30
" cornice to the band above the. elliptical windows, 24
This terminates the view internally, -113
From the band to the balcony, 22
Height of the turret, 17
From the cornice of the turret to the floor
of the campanelle, or lantern, 6
= 2 80
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Feet.
Height of the campanelle, or lantern, 14
Height of the pedestal and acorn,
10
Height of the spire,
18-87
Entire height, 200
Diameter of the dome, at its base,
40
do. balcony,
30
do. turret, 17
do. campanelle, or lantern, 10
do. acorn, 38 in.
Length of the front of the building, 120
Depth, (exclusive of the octagon,) 82
The architect of this building was a Mr. Joseph Clarke. Mr. Thomas Dance, who executed the stucco and fresco work on the interior of the dome, fell from the scaffold just as he had finished the centre piece, and was killed.
1770. Mr. Eddis, in a letter dated Annapolis, Feb- ruary 20th, 1770, says, 'on Saturday last, our little city appeared in all its splendour. It was the anniversary of the proprietary's birth. The governor gave a grand entertainment on the occasion to a nu- merous party ; the company brought with them every disposition to render each other happy, and the festi- vity concluded with cards and dancing, which engaged the attention of their respective votaries until an early hour.
'I am persuaded there is not a town in England of the same size of Annapolis, which can boast a greater number of fashionable and handsome women, and were I not satisfied to the contrary, I should suppose that the majority of our belles possessed every advan-
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tage of a long and familiar intercourse with the man- ners and habits of your great metropolis.'
Annapolis has always been celebrated for the ele- gance and beauty of her female population ; and the compliment paid to them by Mr. Eddis in 1770, is equally true at the present time.
1771. In this year, and for many years later, there existed in this city, a society called 'The Saint Tamina Society,' who set apart the first day of May in memory of 'Saint Tamina,' whose history, like those of other venerable saints, is lost in fable and uncer- tainty. It was usual on the morning of this day, for the members of the society to erect in some public situation in the city, a 'May-pole,' and to decorate it in a most tasteful manner, with wild flowers gath- ered from the adjacent woods, and forming them- selves in a ring around it, hand in hand, perform the Indian war dance, with many other customs which they had seen exhibited by the children of the forest. It was also usual on this day for such of the citizens, who chose to enter into the amusement, to wear a piece of bucks-tail in their hats, or in some conspicu- ous part of their dress. General invitations were given, and a large company usually assembled during the course of the evening, and when engaged in the midst of a dance, the company were interrupted by the sudden intrusion of a number of the members of 'Saint Tamina's Society,' habited like Indians, who rushing violently into the room, singing the war songs, and giving the whoop, commenced dancing in the style of that people. After which ceremony, they made a collection, and retired well satisfied with their reception and entertainment. This custom of cele-
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brating the day was continued down, within the recol- lection of many of the present inhabitants of this city.
On Monday, the 9th of September, 1771, the editor of the Maryland Gazette says, 'the new theatre in West street was opened with the Roman Father and Mayor of Garret, to a numerous and brilliant audience, who expressed the greatest satisfaction, not only at the performance, but with the house, which is thought to be as elegant and commodious for its size, as any theatre in America.'
The theatre above mentioned, was built of brick, of handsome structure, the boxes were commodious and neatly decorated, the pit and gallery were calculated to hold a number of persons without incommoding each other ; the stage was well adapted for dramatic and pantomimical exhibitions, and several of the scenes
reflected great credit on the ability of the painter. In 1782, the general assembly appointed Samuel Chase and Allen Quynn, trustees of this property, for the use of John Henry and others, of the American company of comedians. This theatre was built upon ground leased from St. Anne's Parish, and when the lease expired, about 1814, the vestry of the parish took pos- session of it, and sold it. It was soon after pulled down. A carriage manufactory is now erected on its site.
Mr. Dunlap, in his history of the American theatre, admits that Annapolis has the honour 'of having erect- ed the first theatre, the first temple to the dramatic muse.' Of this fact there can rest no doubt, for as early as the year 1752, a theatre was built here, and in which were performed some of Shakspeare's best plays.
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1774. In 1774, John Ridout, Samuel Chase, Wil- liam Paca, Upton Scott and Thomas Hyde, Esquires, were appointed trustees for building in An- napolis 'an elegant church,' which is to be adorned with a steeple. The old church to be pulled down, and the new one erected at the same place.
In return for £1500, contributed by the public au- thorities, there was provided a pew for the 'governor, a large one for the council, one for the speaker, pews for the members of the legislature, judges and strangers, all of which are to be in the most airy, agreeable and commodious part of the church, and to be properly ornamented.'
The old church was accordingly razed to the ground, and the present Episcopal church erected on the site; of which more will be said in another place.
On the 25th of May, of this year, (1774,) in conse- . quence of the 'act of parliament for blocking up the harbour of Boston,' a meeting of the citizens of An- napolis was called, when the following proceedings were had :
'At a meeting of the inhabitants of the city of An- napolis, on Wednesday, the twenty-fifth day of May, 1774, after notice given of the time, place, and occa- sion of this meeting,-
'Resolved, That it is the unanimous opinion of this meeting, that the town of Boston is now suffering in the common cause of America, and that it is incum- bent on every colony in America, to unite in effectual measures to obtain a repeal of the late act of parlia- ment, for blocking up the harbour of Boston.
'That it is the opinion of this meeting, that if the colonies come into a joint resolution to stop all impor-
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tation from, and exportation to Great Britain, till the said act be repealed, the same will preserve North America, and her liberties.
'Resolved, Therefore, that the inhabitants of this city will join in an association with the several coun- ties of this province, and the principal provinces of America, to put an immediate stop to all exports to Great Britain, and that after a short day, hereafter to be agreed on, that there shall be no imports from Great Britain, till the said act be repealed, and that such association be on oath.
'That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the gentlemen of the law of this province bring no suit for the recovery of any debt due from any inhabitant of this province, to any inhabitant of Great Britain, until the said act be repealed.
'That the inhabitants of this city will, and it is the opinion of this meeting, that this province ought immediately to break off all trade and dealings with that colony or province, which shall refuse or decline to come into similar resolutions with a majority of the colonies.
"That Messieurs John Hall, Charles Carroll, Thomas Johnson, jun., William Paca, Matthias Hammond, and Samuel Chase, be a committee for this city to join with those who shall be appointed for Baltimore Town, and other parts of this province, to constitute one general committee ; and that the gentlemen appointed for this city inmmediately correspond with Baltimore Town, and other parts of this province, to effect such association as will secure American liberty.'
Mr. Eddis, writing from Annapolis to England, on the 28th of May, immediately after the above proceed-
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ings were had, begins his letter by saying, 'all Ame- rica is in a flame ! I hear strange language every day. The colonists are ripe for any measures that will tend to the preservation of what they call their natural liberty. I enclose you the resolves of our citizens ; they have caught the general contagion.
'Expresses are flying from province to province. It is the universal opinion here, that the mother country cannot support a contention with these settlements, if they abide strictly to the letter and spirit of their associations.'
After the publication of the resolves entered into on Wednesday, the 25th of May, had appeared, several gentlemen of influence expressed their belief, that if the sentiments of the people had been properly taken, it would not appear that the whole of the proceedings received their unanimous support. And to obviate this objection, hand-bills were distributed, and a general attendance was earnestly requested, in consequence of which, on the evening of the 27th, a second meeting of the citizens was held, when the proceedings of the previous meeting of the 25th of May were fully sus- tained.
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But on the ensuing Monday, a protest made its appearance, signed by one hundred and thirty-five persons, amongst whom are to be found the names of many of the first importance at that day in this city, and in the neighbourhood, and is as follows : 'TO THE PRINTERS :
'May 30th, 1774.
'A publication of the enclosed protest, supported $ by the names of a considerable number of the inhabi- tants of the city of Annapolis, will, it is presumed, furnish the most authentic grounds for determining
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the sense of the majority, on a question of the last importance.
'We whose names are subscribed, inhabitants of the city of Annapolis, conceive it our clear right, and most incumbent duty, to express our cordial and expli- cit disapprobation of a resolution which was carried by forty-seven against thirty-one, at the meeting held on the 27th instant.
'The resolution against which we protest, in the face of the world, is the following :
'That it is the opinion of this meeting, that the gentlemen of the law of this province, bring no suit for the recovery of any debt due from any inhabitant of this province, to any inhabitant of Great Britain, until the said act be repealed.' Dissentient.
First-'Because we are impressed with a full con- viction, that this resolution is founded in treachery and rashness, inasmuch as it is big with bankruptcy and ruin, to those inhabitants of Great Britain, who, rely- ing with unlimited security on our good faith and in- tegrity, have made us masters of their fortunes, con- demning them unheard, for not having interposed their influence with parliament in favour of the town of Boston, without duly weighing the force, with which that influence would probably have operated ; or whether, in their conduct, they were actuated by wisdom and policy, or by corruption and avarice ..
Secondly-'Because whilst the inhabitants of Great Britain are partially despoiled of every legal remedy to recover what is justly due to them, no provision is made to prevent us from being harrassed by the prosecution of internal suits, but our fortunes and per- sons are left at the mercy of domestic creditors, with-
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out a possibility of extricating ourselves, unless by a general convulsion, an event in the contemplation of sober reason, replete with horror.
Thirdly-'Because our credit as a commercial peo- ple, will expire under the wound ; for what confidence can possibly be reposed in those, who shall have ex- hibited the most avowed, and most striking proof that they are not bound by obligations as sacred as human invention can suggest.
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