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 14
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CHAPTER VII.
General Washington arrives at Annapolis-Public Dinner-Ball- The Citizens address him-His Answer-He leaves the City- The Birth of a Dauphin celebrated at Annapolis-Count Rocham- beau arrives at Annapolis-Embarks for France-Cessation of Hostilities-Public Rejoicing-Public Dinner-Toasts on the Oc- casion-State-House Illuminated-Ball-Peace-General Greene arrives at Annapolis-Corporate Authorities of the City address him-General Greene's Reply-The Society of Cincinnatti for the State of Maryland formed in Annapolis-Officers of the Maryland Line-Congress in Session at Annapolis-General Washington ar- rives there-Is entertained by the Citizens-Corporate Authorities address him-His Reply-General Washington resigns his Com- mission into the hands of the Congress-Proceedings of Con- gress thereon-General Washington again visits Annapolis accom- . panied by General Lafayette-They are entertained by the General Assembly-General Lafayette-Addressed by the Governor and Council, and by the Legislature-His Answers-The General As- sembly naturalizes General Lafayette-St. John's College-The President of the United States arrives at Annapolis-His Recep- tion-Annapolis-Baltimore-Citizens of Annapolis address the President of the United States-The President's Reply-Defence of Annapolis-Tribute to the Memory of Washington-General Tureau, arrives at Annapolis-His Reception-William Pinkney arrives at Annapolis-His Reception-Public Dinner-Officers and Crew of the Frigate Philadelphia-Meeting of the Citizens of Annapolis-Frigate Chesapeake-Proceedings of the Citizens- Piracy in the Chesapeake Bay-Pirates Captured-Conclusion.
ON Wednesday, the 21st of November, 1781, gene- ral Washington arrived in this city, on his way to the northward. 'When the citizens received the plea- sing information of his excellency's arrival, all business ceased, and every consideration gave way to their im- patience to behold their benefactor, and the deliverer of his country. On his appearance in the streets, people of every rank and every age eagerly pressed forward to feed their eyes with gazing on the man, to whom,
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under Providence, and the generous aid of our great and good ally, they owed their security, and hopes of future liberty and peace; the courteous affability, with which he returned their salutes, lighted up ineffable joy in every countenance, and diffused the most ani- mated gratitude through every breast.'
'You would have thought the very windows spoke. So many greedy looks of young and old through case- ments darted their desiring eyes upon his visage; and that all the walls, with painted imagery, had said at once, 'God save thee, Washington.'
'The general's arrival was announced by the dis- charge of cannon, and he was accompanied to his excellency the governor's, by the honest acclamations of the whigs ; a few tories, to expiate their crimes, and shuffle off the opprobium of their characters, feebly joined in applauding the man whose successes had annihilated their hopes, and whose conduct was a satire on their principles. The president of the se- nate, speaker of the house of delegates, members of the general assembly and council, and many of the citizens, hastened to offer their tribute of affection, which was richly repaid by the engaging frankness and affectionate politeness of the reception. The evening was spent at the governor's elegant and hos- pitable board with festive joy, enlivened by good-hu- mour, wit, and beauty.'
'On the next day the general partook of a public dinner given by the legislature, as a mark of their respect, and to render the participation of his company as general as possible. In the evening the city was beautifully illuminated, and an assembly prepared for the ladies, to afford them an opportunity of beholding
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their friend, and thanking their protector with their smiles.'
'His excellency, to gratify the wishes of the fair, crowned the entertainment with his presence, and with graceful dignity and familiar ease so framed his looks, his gestures, and his words, that every heart overflowed with gratitude and love, and every tongue grew eloquent in his praise. When he retired from the assembly-with one united voice, all present ex- claimed :
'Unrivalled and unmatched shall be his fame,
And his own laurels shade his envied name.'
The day on which general Washington reached Annapolis, the following address was presented by the citizens :
'To his Excellency General Washington :
'The citizens of Annapolis feel themselves happy in having an opportunity, personally, to express their affection for, and gratitude to, your excellency. Your private character forces admiration from the foes of virtue and freedom.
'We derive peculiar pleasure from the contemplation, that the successes at Trenton and Princetown laid the corner stone of our freedom and independence, and that the capture of Earl Cornwallis and his army has com- pleted the edifice, and secured the temple of liberty to us and our posterity. These brilliant and important events are the more agreeable to every American, from the reflection that they were planned by, and executed under, the immediate command of your excellency.
'The love of your country alone, which induced you to accept the command of our armies at the expense
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of domestic happiness ; the persevering fortitude and equanimity of soul you have displayed on every occa- sion, and the very important services rendered Ame- rica, justify us in saluting you as the patriot, the hero, and the saviour of your country.
'Our prayers, with those of millions, are daily offered up to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for your health, safety and happiness.
(Signed,) JOHN BULLEN, Mayor.
'ANNAPOLIS, November 21, 1781.'
To which address general Washington made the following reply :
'Sir,-I am obliged by the polite and affectionate address of the citizens of Annapolis. Nothing can be more flattering to me than to know, that my general conduct has met the approbation of my countrymen : it is the most grateful reward for those services which I have ever, in the course of my command, endea- voured to render them, but which their too great par- tiality has oftentimes over-rated. That the State in general, and this city in particular, may long enjoy the benefits which they have a right to expect from their very spirited exertions in the prosecution of this just war, is the sincere wish of,
'Sir, your most obedient and 'Very humble servant, 'G. WASHINGTON.
'The Worshipful JOHN BULLEN, Esq., 'Mayor of the City of Annapolis.
'ANNAPOLIS, November 21, 1781.'
By this visit Annapolis had an early opportunity of manifesting the gratitude and love which pervaded
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every American bosom, to the father of his country, and the honour of making one of the first public ad- dresses after the crowning act of all his other suc- cesses during the Revolutionary war. For the reader will observe, it was presented but a short time after the capitulation at Yorktown.
On Friday the 23d, general Washington left the city, attended by the prayers of her citizens for his health, safety and happiness.
On Tuesday, the 25th of June, the birth of a Dau- phin, was celebrated here-a public dinner was given in the state-house, to a numerous and most respecta- ble assembly, where many toasts were drunk, suitable to the occasion. Five hundred discharges of cannon were fired through the day; and at night a splendid ball was given to 'the fairer part of creation.'
1783. On the 4th of January, 1783, his excellency, general count Rochambeau, with his suite, ar- rived in this city, and the next morning embarked on board his most christian majesty's frigate 'Le Emer- aude,' for France.
Official intelligence being received by his excellency the governor, of a general cessation of hostilities- Thursday, the 24th of April, in this year, was ap- pointed as the day of public rejoicing. And on which occasion, a convenient and extensive building was erected on Carroll's Green, sufficient for the accom- modation of many hundreds. Thirteen pieces of artil- lery were planted, and an elegant dinner provided.
The proclamation being read-thirteen cannon were discharged, to announce the glorious and memorable event. The gentlemen then repaired to dinner, at which were present, 'his excellency the governor, the
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honourable council, members of the senate and dele- gates of the assembly, and a large number of gentle- men, both of town and country ; who with unfeigned satisfaction congratulated each other on the blessings of peace-the rising glory of their country-the pros- pects of her commerce-her future grandeur, and im- portance in the scale of nations.'
'After dinner the following truly liberal, generous, and patriotic toasts were drunk, each attended with thirteen cannon :
1. The third of February, 1783-in perpetual me- mory, on which day a virtuous war was concluded by an honourable peace.
2. The United States-may their confederacy en- dure forever.
3. Friendship with France-may every nation imi- tate the depth and moderation of her policy, by which the freedom of navigation has been secured, the liberty of these States confirmed, and the blessings of peace and commerce diffused throughout the globe.
4. His excellency General Washington.
5. The generals, officers and soldiers of our army- may their services be remembered, and generously rewarded by a grateful people.
6. The French generals, officers and troops, who served in America.
7. The Marquis of Fayette-may our posterity ever retain a grateful sense of his strong attachment to this country, and of the important services rendered it in the field and cabinet.
8. The immortal memory of the gallant soldiers and virtuous citizens who gloriously fell in the late war.
9. The patriots of America-honour crowns their 18
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labours ; may future ages revere their memory, and emulate their fame.
10. The United Netherlands, and the friendly powers in Europe.
11. May the influence of the present revolution be extended to all the nations of the earth, by introducing among them that spirit of humanity, and religious toleration, which has so peculiarly distinguished this country, and united the efforts of all denominations of christians in the support of freedom.
12. The Commissioners of the United States at Paris.
13. The State of Maryland-may she ever support religion, learning, and virtue ; preserve justice, public faith, and honour ; give every encouragement and at- tention to agriculture and commerce ; and on all occa- sions maintain with dignity her national character.'
At night the state-house, a superb building, was beautifully and magnificently illuminated ; and an ele- gant entertainment was given to the ladies at the ball- room, which concluded the evening.
Thus Annapolis, which had ever been energetic in maintaining the war, was among the first in the Union to hail with joy the blessings of an honourable peace.
On the 25th of September, (1783,) major-general Greene, and his suite, arrived in the city, from the south, on his way to the north.
The next day the corporation met, and presented him with the following address :
'To the Hon. Major-General Greene :
'Sir,-We, the mayor, recorder, aldermen, and com- mon council, of the city of Annapolis, impressed with the most grateful feelings for the eminent services ren- dered these United States, and the cause of liberty,
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by the southern army under your command, beg per- mission to congratulate you on your arrival in this city, and to testify, with the sincerest respect and regard, the lively sense we entertain of the invaluable bless- ings secured to us, by your conduct and unremitted assiduity, in the noblest cause that ever graced a sol- dier's sword.
'Justice would wear the aspect of adulation, were we to enumerate the many signal endowments which en- dear you to the inhabitants of this city, and inspire us with the warmest and most respectful gratitude. They are such as will ever engage our prayers to Divine Providence, that you may long continue to possess the affections of a generous republic ; to share the sweets of domestic felicity ; and to experience the happy re- ward of your distinguished virtues.
'This address springs from the heart; and we solicit your acceptance of it, as the genuine sentiments of a grateful people.
'Signed by order and in behalf of the corporation. . 'JAMES BRICE, Mayor.
'ANNAPOLIS, September 26th, 1783.'
To which his excellency returned the following answer :
'ANNAPOLIS, September 27th, 1783.
'Gentlemen,-It is with the highest satisfaction I receive your affectionate address, and feel my bosom. glow with gratitude upon the occasion.
'The happy termination of the war affords the most 1 pleasing field for contemplation, and while it promises the richest harvest to the good citizens of America, it gives the sweetest pleasure, and most desirable re-
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pose to the soldier. If the operations of the southern army have answered the expectations of the public, or have had any influence upon this great event, I shall consider it one of the most happy employments of my life. And if to this I may venture to flatter myself, that my conduct either merits, or meets in the smallest degree, the approbation of the public, I shall be still more happy. The honour you have done me, and the troops under my command, are too sensibly felt to be fully expressed, or properly acknowledged.
'I beg leave to return my most sincere thanks to the corporation, for the interest they take in what concerns my future happiness, peace, and prosperity.
'I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
'Your most obedient, humble servant, 'NATH. GREENE.
'To the Corporation of the City of Annapolis.'
On the 21st of November, 1783, the order of the Society of Cincinnati, for the State of Maryland, was formed in Annapolis, by the officers of the Maryland line-who had here assembled for that purpose. Otho H. Williams in the chair, and John Eccleston, se- cretary.
The officers of the order elected were, major-ge- neral Smallwood, president ; brigadier-general Gist, vice-president ; brigadier-general Williams, secretary ; colonel Ramsey, treasurer ; and lieutenant-colonel Ec- cleston, assistant treasurer, Annapolis was the place appointed for their annual meetings-the proceedings of the order upon the occasion are to be seen at large in the Maryland Gazette, of the 27th of No- vember, 1783.
The congress of the United States being then in
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session, at the city of Annapolis, general Washington arrived there with his suite, on Friday, the 17th De- cember, 1783, for the purpose of resigning his com- mission into their hands. He was met a few miles from the city, by generals Gates and Smallwood, accompanied by several of the principal inhabitants of the place, who escorted him to Mr. Mann's hotel, where apartments were prepared for his reception. His arrival was announced by the discharge of can- non. After receiving visits from many of the citi- zens, he waited on the president of congress, with whom he and the members of that body, with the principal military and civil officers of the State, dined on Saturday.
On Sunday morning, he returned the visits of the citizens and others who had waited on him.
On Monday, congress gave general Washington a public dinner, at the ball-room, where upwards of two hundred persons of distinction are said to have been present ; and where every thing was provided by Mr. Mann, in the most elegant and profuse style.
After dinner many toasts were drunk, accompanied by the discharge of cannon.
At night the state-house was illuminated, where a ball was given by the general assembly, at which a very numerous and brilliant company of ladies was present .*
The following address was made to general Wash- ington, on this occasion, by the corporate authorities of the city.
* On this occasion general Washington opened the ball with Mrs. James Maccubbin, of this city, one of the most beautiful women of her day.
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'To his excellency General Washington :
'The mayor, recorder, aldermen, and common coun- cil, of the city of Annapolis, congratulate your excel- lency on the restoration of peace, and the establish- ment of the freedom and independence of the United States of America. The citizens feel themselves par- ticularly happy, in this opportunity afforded them, of expressing their sincere approbation of your most dis- tinguished and unexampled conduct through every stage of the war, and the high sense they entertain of your excellent virtues, fortitude, and unremitting perseverance, under the pressure of the greatest diffi- culties. To you they esteem themselves principally indebted, under the favour and smiles of Providence, for the inestimable blessings of peace and freedom. This acknowledgment flows from hearts filled with gratitude, and the most perfect respect and veneration for your person and character.
'In your retirement to the peaceful and pleasing scenes of domestic tranquillity, may America long experience the benign influence of your example, and benefit by the salutary suggestions of your wisdom ; and may you, sir, long enjoy your health, and the hea- venly sensations arising from a consciousness of hav- ing done every thing for your country, and wrested her from the oppressive hand of unrelenting tyranny, with- out the hope of any reward, but the approbation of a free people.
'We are, with every sentiment of esteem and respect, 'Your excellency's most obedient servants.
'Signed per order and on behalf of the corporation.
'J. T. CHASE, Mayor.'
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To which address he replied :
'To the worshipful the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council of the city of Annapolis :
'Permit me, gentlemen, to offer you my sincere thanks for your congratulations on the happy events of peace, and the establishment of our independence.
'If my conduct throughout the war has merited the confidence of my fellow-citizens, and has been instru- mental in obtaining for my country the blessings of peace and freedom, I owe it to that Supreme Being, who guides the hearts of all: who has so signally interposed his aid in every stage of the contest, and who has graciously been pleased to bestow on me the greatest of earthly rewards-the approbation and affec- tions of a free people.
'Though I retire from the employments of public life, I shall never cease to entertain the most anxious care for the welfare of my country. May the Almigh- ty dispose the heart of every citizen of the United States to improve the great prospect of happiness before us ! And may you, gentlemen, and the inhabi- tants of this city, long enjoy every felicity this world can afford.
'G. WASHINGTON.
'December, 1783.'
"The United States in congress assembled :
'December 23, 1783.
'According to order, his excellency, the commander- in-chief, was admitted to a public audience, and being seated, the president,* after a pause, informed him,
*General Mifflin.
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that the United States in congress assembled, were prepared to receive his communications ; whereupon he arose and addressed congress as follows :
'Mr. President,-The great events on which my resignation depended having at length taken place, I have now the honour of offering my sincere congratu- lations to congress, and of presenting myself before them, to surrender into their hands the trust committed to me, and to claim the indulgence of retiring from the service of my country.
'Happy in the confirmation of our independence and sovereignty, and pleased with the opportunity offered the United States of becoming a respectable nation, I resign, with satisfaction, the appointment I accepted with diffidence : a diffidence in my abilities to accom- plish so arduous a task ; which, however, was super- seded by a confidence in the rectitude of our cause, the support of the supreme power of the Union, and the patronage of Heaven.
'The successful termination of the war has verified the most sanguine expectations ; and my gratitude for the interposition of Providence, and the assistance I have received from my countrymen, increases with every review of the momentous contest.
'While I repeat my obligations to the army in gene- ral, I should do injustice to my own feelings not to acknowledge, in this place, the peculiar services, and distinguished merits of the gentlemen, who have been attached to my person during the war. It was impos- sible the choice of confidential officers, to compose my family, should have been more fortunate. Permit me, sir, to recommend, in particular, those who have continued in the service to the present moment, as.
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worthy of the favourable notice and patronage of congress.
'I consider it as an indispensable duty to close this last act of my official life, by commending the in- terests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, and those who have the superintend- ence of them to his Holy keeping.
'Having now finished the work assigned me, I retire from the theatre of action, and bidding an affectionate . farewell to this august body, under whose orders I have so long acted, I here offer my commission, and take my leave of all the employments of public life.'
He then advanced and delivered to the president his commission, with a copy of his address, and having resumed his place, the president returned him the fol- lowing answer.
'Sir,-The United States in congress assembled, receive with emotions too affecting for utterance, the solemn resignation of the authorities under which you have led their troops with success through a perilous and doubtful war. Called by your country to defend its invaded rights, you accepted the sacred charge, before it had formed alliances, and whilst it was with- out funds or a government to support you. You have , conducted the great military contest with wisdom and fortitude, invariably regarding the rights of the civil powers through all disasters and changes. You have, by the love and confidence of your fellow-citizens, enabled them to display their martial genius, and trans- mit their fame to posterity. You have persevered, till these United States, aided by a magnanimous king and nation, have been enabled, under a just Provi- dence, to close the war in freedom, safety, and inde-
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pendence ; on which happy event we sincerely join in your congratulations.
'Having defended the standard of liberty in this new world ; having taught a lesson useful to those who inflict and to those who feel oppression, you retire from the great theatre of action, with the blessings of your fellow-citizens-but the glory of your virtues will not terminate with your military command, it will . continue to animate remotest ages.
'We feel with you our obligations to the army in general, and will particularly charge ourselves with the interests of those confidential officers, who have attended your person to this affecting moment.
'We join with you in commending the interests of our dearest country to the protection of Almighty God, beseeching him to dispose the hearts and minds of its citizens to improve the opportunity afforded them, of becoming a happy and respectable nation. And for you we address to him our warmest prayers, that a life so beloved may be fostered with all his care; and that your days may be happy as they have been illustrious ; and that he will finally give you that reward which this world cannot give.'*
Mr. Green, the editor of the Maryland Gazette, in allusion to the resignation by general Washington, of his commission to congress, says :
'Here we must let fall the scene-few tragedies ever drew more tears from so many beautiful eyes, as were affected by the moving manner in which his excellency took his final leave of congress. After which he im- mediately set out for Virginia, accompanied to South
* Ninth vol. Journal of Congress, pages 12, 13, 14.
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river, by his excellency our governor,* with the warmest wishes of the city for his repose, health and happiness. Long, long may he enjoy them.'
On Monday, the 29th of November, 1784, 1784.
general Washington, arrived at Annapolis, ac- companied by the Marquis de la Fayette. On the day following, the general assembly of this State, being then in session, to manifest their gratitude and attach- ment to those distinguished men, directed an elegant ball to be provided for their entertainment. Mr. Green says, 'the evening was crowned with the utmost joy and festivity, the whole company being made happy by the presence of two most amiable and all-accom- plished men, to whom America is so deeply indebted for her preservation from tyranny and oppression.'
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