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 7
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Many of the volumes which were thus presented by the king to Annapolis, are now in the library of St. John's College-to which they were removed on the burning of the state-house in 1704. They are rare and curious works.
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In this year (1697) the new state-house which had been ordered to be built on the removal of the seat of government to Annapolis in 1694, being nearly com- pleted, the rooms therein were by an act of assembly, particularly designated and appropriated to the use of the several offices of the government. This house was built of brick, and was a capacious and conve- nient edifice. . This was the state-house destroyed by fire in the year 1704.
The following extracts are made from the journals of assembly of this year-but not unaccompanied by profound regret, that an act of religious bigotry should have ever stained the proceedings of a people whose colony was founded on the holy principles of toleration, and freedom of conscience :
'LOWER HOUSE, March, 1697.
'A letter to his excellency the governor, written by a minister of the church of England, giving an ac- count of the presumptions of popish priests in Charles county, in visiting dying and phrantick persons, and endeavoring to make proselytes of them, and also ad- ministering the sacraments to them in such dying and phrantick condition, was read.
'Whereupon put to the question, if a bill shall be drawn up to restraine such their presumption or not, and carryed by the majority of voices in the negative. 'But resolved, nemine contradicente, that his excel- lency be addressed to issue his proclamation to re- straine such their extravagances and presumptions.
'Resolved, that the following address be sent to his excellency the governor.
'By the house of delegates, March ye 21st, 1697.
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'Uppon reading a certain letter from a reverend min- ister of the church of England, which your excellency was pleased to communicate to us, complaining to your excellency, how that the popish priests in Charles county do of their own accord in this violent and raging mortality in that county, make it their business to go up and down the country to persons houses when dying and phranticke, and endeavour to seduce and make proselytes of them, and in such condition boldly presume to administer the sacraments to them. We have put it to the vote in this house, if a law should be made to restraine such their presumption, and have concluded not to make such law at present-but humbly to entreat your excellency that you would be pleased to issue your proclamation to restraine and prohibit such their extravagante and presumptious behaviour. Signed by order.
'W. BLADEN, Clerk House of Delegates.'
By several acts of subsequent legislation, the Roman catholics were rendered incapable of voting, unless they qualified themselves by taking the several test- oaths, and making the declaration prescribed by the act of 1716; and all judges of elections were empowered to tender these oaths and declaration to 'any person sus- pected to be a papist, or popishly inclined ;' and, upon his refusal thus to qualify, they might reject his vote. These were the mere legal disqualifications of the ca- tholics ; but they fell short of the actual oppressions practised upon them during many periods of this era. 'When laws degrade, individuals learn to practice wan- ton outrage; the former stigmatize, the latter catch its spirit, and make its example an excuse for oppression.' Hence the personal animosity of the protestants against
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the catholics of Maryland was, at one period, carried to such an extent, that, as we are informed, the latter were even excluded from social intercourse with the former-were not permitted to walk in front of the state-house, and were actually obliged to wear swords for their personal protection .*
In 1758, during the time governor Sharpe presided over the province of Maryland, information was given, and complaints were made to Lord Baltimore, that too much countenance was given to the Roman catholics ; that, in consequence thereof, their numbers greatly in- creased ; and that many of them behaved in such a manner, as to give the protestants in the province great offence and uneasiness.
Governor Sharpe, in a letter to the Lord Proprietary, dated December 16th, 1758, says : 'I think it my duty, and in justice to myself, I can do no less than to assure your lordship, that since I have had the honour to bear your commission, nothing has been farther from my inclination than to countenance, or give encouragement to persons of that persuasion, nor has there, to my knowledge, been any given them by any persons in authority under me, but, on the contrary, extraordinary burthens have been lately laid on them, particularly by an act of assembly that was made in May, 1756, where- by all landholders of the Romish faith are obliged to pay, by way of land tax, twice as much as the rest of your lordship's tenants, who are protestants.
'It might, perhaps, be unknown, if not to the authors, at least to some of the propagators of the above men- tioned report, that the people who first settled in this province were, for the most part, Roman catholics, and
* McMahon's History of Maryland.
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that, altho' every other sect was tolerated, a majority of the inhabitants continued papists till the revolution, soon after which event, an act was made here for the support of a clergyman of the church of England in every parish, which is still in force ; and the papists as well as protestants, are thereby obliged to pay annually very considerable sums for that purpose. Other acts of assembly were made afterwards, in the reign of her ma- jesty Queen Ann, subjecting all popish priests that should be discovered here, to all the penalties to which such priests would be lyable in England, but her ma- jesty was pleased to disapprove thereof, and to order that no popish bishop, priest o1 jesuit should be prose- cuted or indicted for exercising his function in any pri- vate family within this province. But, notwithstanding her majesty thought fit to allow the papists in Maryland the free exercise of their religion, they were not permit- ted to sit in either house of assembly, to vote at the election of representatives, to act as magistrates, or to enjoy any place of publick trust or profit, nor have they been since suffered ; and to this, I presume, it must be principally attributed, that, altho' half the province were Roman catholicks about sixty years ago, the people of that religion do not, at present, make a thirteenth part of the inhabitants, as I find by the return of the sherriffs and constables who have, in obedience to my orders, made the most strict inquiry in their respective districts, and the rolls returned by the collectors of the land tax shew that they are not possessed of a twelfth part of the land which is held under your lordship as proprie- tary of Maryland.
'That your lordship may not be at a loss to account for their having many enemies ready to propagate sto-
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ries to their disadvantage, I must intreat your patience while I inform you, that some time before your lordship was pleased to appoint me your lieutenant-governor, one Mr. Carrol, a Roman catholic, died here, and left a considerable estate to his two sons, having appointed two of his relations their guardians and executors of his last will and testament. Both these gentlemen were, at that time, of the same religion as the testator ; but, after a while, one of them declared himself a protest- ant, and, having qualified himself according to law, was chosen by the people of this county to represent them in the lower house of assembly. A difference or quar- rell arising between the executors, concerning the ad- ministration, he that had not renounced his religion published a peice by way of advertisement, which re- flected much on the conduct and character of the other, who had address enough to persuade the house of as- sembly, which was then sitting, to take notice thereof, and to punish the author for violating their priviledges by libelling, as they said, one of their members. Some Roman catholicks, friends of the gentleman who was thus treated, having taken the liberty to speak disre- spectfully of the assembly for such their proceedings, the lower house immediately resented it by resolving that the papists were bad members of the community, and unworthy of the protection and indulgence which had been given them.
After this, their enemies, and many were made such by envy or the hopes of reaping some advantage from a persecution of the papists, were continually represent- ing them as a very dangerous people, enemies to his majesty and their country, nor had this spirit of enmity subsided, when I arrived in the province. Immediately
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after the defeat of general Braddock it was given out that several Roman catholicks had showed signs of sa- tisfaction and joy at that unhappy event, and that one of their priests had been seen on the frontiers in the dress of an officer. To alarm the people the more, it was, at the same time, rumoured that the negroes had been ca- balling in many parts of the country-nay, Mr. Chase, rector of St. Paul's parish, in Baltimore county, scru- pled not to intimate from the pulpit to his congregation, that the state or situation of the protestants in this pro- vince was, at that time, very little different from that of the protestants in Ireland, at the eve of the Irish mas- sacre. In order to learn whether the behaviour of the papists, or of any negroes, had given reason or afforded room for such reports, I convened the gentlemen of the council, and, by their advice, circular letters were sent to the justices of the peace in the several parts of the province, whereby they were directed to enquire whe- ther the Roman catholicks, in their respective counties, had misbehaved, or whether there was any foundation for the reports which had been spread concerning them, and which had made many of his majesty's good sub- jects in the province very uneasy.
The letters which I shall herewith transmit to your lordship in a packett marked No. 1, will shew that none of the county courts could, upon the strictest enquiry, find that any of the papists had behaved or expressed themselves in an unbecoming manner, tho', indeed, the justices of Prince George's county (who, it seems, had taken extraordinary pains to make discoveries, but in vain,) were too much prejudiced to acquit them, or, at least, to acquit their priests of having ill designs against the government. When the assembly met in April fol-
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lowing, the lower house, incited by two or three gen- tlemen whose interest and popularity were thereby pro- moted, presented an address to me which was calcula- ted to inflame the people still more against the papists, and to make 'em believe that they, or a few of them, at least, had received extraordinary favours from myself. I cannot help thinking that your lordship was thoroughly satisfied, by the answer I gave the gentlemen the 24th of April, 1656, which is printed in their journal, that the allegations or insinuations contained in their address were false and groundless, and, indeed, I am persuaded that, if they had not been convinced thereof, and been sensible that they had been imposed on, they would not have failed to make a reply. During the same session, the gentlemen of the upper house thought proper to frame a bill for preventing the growth of popery within this province, by which the priests were to be rendered incapable of holding any lands, to be obliged to regis- ter their names, and give large security for their good behaviour, forbid to make a proselyte under pain of the penalty for high treason, and it was to have been enacted by the said bill, that no person who should hereafter be educated at any foreign popish seminary, could be quali- fied to inherit any estate or to hold lands within this province. There were many other restraints to be laid on them by this bill, as your lordship may see, if you shall be pleased to peruse the copy of it which you will herewith receive ; but the gentlemen of the lower house refused to pass it without many amendments, and these the upper house would not agree to, being of opinion that the bill, as it was first drawn, was severe enough, and sufficient to answer every good end that could be desired by any protestants who delighted not in perse- cution.
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The step which the gentlemen of the upper house had taken in proposing such a bill, added to the report which the justices had made, had this effect, however, that it quieted the minds of the people, and silenced those who had endeavoured to inflame and terrify them.
I have since ordered another circular letter to be wrote and sent to the justices, desiring them to enquire again, and inform me how the Roman catholicks in the several counties had behaved, since they, the justices, made their last report, in a packett marked No. 2. I shall transmit your lordship copies of all their answers, which will, I am apt to think, incline your lordship to believe that the Roman catholicks who are among us continue to behave as behooves good subjects ; and, upon the whole, my lord, I must say, that, if I was asked whether the conduct of the protestants or papists in this province hath been most unexceptionable since I have had the honour to serve your lordship, I should not hesitate to give an answer in favour of the latter.'*
* Governor Sharpe's MS. Letter-book, in the Maryland state library.
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CHAPTER IV.
Dispute between Governor Nicholson and the Lower House of As- sembly-They become reconciled-Governor Nicholson leaves this Province to preside over Virginia-Petition of Mr. John Perry- James Crawford, a Delegate, killed by lightning-First public Jail-State-House burnt down-A new one erected-Described- Improvement of the town-A plot for burning of Annapolis, disco- vered-Bounds of Annapolis-Annapolis chartered-Description of Annapolis-Delegates from Annapolis to receive only half wages-Improvements-Mr. James Stoddart appointed to lay off anew the city-Mr. Wm. Parks appointed to compile the Laws of the Province-Improvements-Appropriation to build a Govern- ment-House-Mr. Jonas Green appointed Printer to the Pro- vince-His character-Editor of the Maryland Gazette-The first public horseracing-Aurora Borealis-South River Club-Mili- tary movements at Annapolis-Anniversary of George the Se- cond-Trade and Commerce of Annapolis-The first Ship-Yard- Brig Lovely Nancy-Notices of some of the oldest houses of the town-The old Episcopal Church-Indians-King Abraham and Queen Sarah-A Hiccory Switch-A Jockey Club formed-Races- The first Theatre built-The first Lottery drawn in the Province- Governor Sharp arrives at Annapolis-The military march from Annapolis against the French on the Ohio-General Braddock and other distinguished persons arrive at Annapolis-Doctor Charles Carroll, his death -- Annapolis entrenched-Hostilities of the French and Indians-Small-pox.
AT the close of March session of the assem-
1698. bly in 1698-which had been one of conten- tious disputation between the lower house and go- vernor Nicholson ; the governor closed his address as follows :
'A letter from your house supposed to be for my Lord Bishop of London, has been here read, and his excellency says that he scorns to have his reputation and honour supported and vindicated by some of you, but shall rather look upon it as a scandall to have it so, 9*
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for that he can prove one your house to be a villian upon record, if not worse, and of several others, your lives and conversations to be so well known, both in this country and England, that they are not agreeable to truth and justice.'
It appears, however, that before the conclusion of the October session of the same year, a better state of feeling prevailed, between the members of the lower house and governor Nicholson. At this period he was appointed governor of the province of Virginia, and was succeeded in Maryland by governor Blackstone. Before taking his departure, in addressing the two houses of assembly, he embraced the occasion to say- that notwithstanding the public business had been 'in- terrupted by heats and animosities amongst them- he hoped they were now burried in the depth of obli- vion, and that he was not willing to revive them.
'And for as much as he hoped all differences are composed or forgot, he will not make any distinction or separation amongst the gentlemen of the house of dele- gates, and for what hath happened, he doth believe was through inadvertency, and as he has an esteem for all persons that had shewed themselves truly loyall to his majesty, whensoever, that occasion may require it, he will signalize it by the best services he may doe them,' &c. In reply to which, the following address was made, viz :
'The honourable colonel Henry Jowles, chancellor, on behalf of the honourable, his majesty's council- the honourable, the justice of the provincial court- some of the members of the house of delegate, and the grand jury-presented the following address :
'To his excellency Francis Nicholson, Esq., cap-
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tain-general and governor of this his majesty's pro- vince and territory of Maryland ;
'Sir, having lately received information from your- self and others, that his majesty has thought fit to re- move you unto another government, that of our neigh- bour colony of Virginia-and reflecting with ourselves how becoming a thing it is to have always a grateful remembrance of benefits received, we cannot forbear to leave this testimony and acknowledgment under our hands, as it proceeds from our hearts.
"That in your conduct over us in this place, your great care and study has been to promote the practice of piety and worship of Almighty God, by erecting churches, schools, and nurserys of learning, both for reforming of manners and education of youth, wherein you have not only been a large benefactor, but an inde- faticable promoter, together with your integrity of maintaining his majesty's honour and authority in this province-your care in providing arms and mili- tary instruments for the defence of it. Your regulating and happy settlement of the civil constitution, both as to the courts of justice ; and in bringing us out of debt which the public was in, into a condition clear of debt and money in bank, by your promotion of good laws to such purposes ; your great care to cause speedy jus- tice to be administered to all persons ; your pious and just, your noble and benevolent carriage in all things, deserves better pens, and would take up more paper than this to recount.
'Be pleased, therefore, honoured sir, to accept our humble acknowlegments for the same, as the just though slender tribute of an obliged people, to a ge- nerous and good governor, praying to God to bless
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you and all your pious and noble undertakings, with happiness and success.' So prays your humble and obliged servants. HENRY JOWLES.'
This admirable address is signed by the members of council-provincial court-by thirty-four members of the house of delegates, and by the grand jury.
Governor Nicholson expressed his pleasure, and thanked 'the gentlemen for the character they have been pleased to give him, which is greater than he was able to perform, but that he has endeavoured as much as in him lay, to discharge his duty to God- the King, and the county; and prays God, that they may never find cause of complaint more than he has given.'
In this year, a Mr. John Perry, petitioned to the : assembly, complaining that he had been at great ex- pense in building a brick house in the porte of Annap- olis, and that a certain small market-house had since been so incommodiously erected, that it deprived him of his 'sight and prospect.'
Upon considering his petition, the house consented that the said market-house should be removed 'at the charge of the petitioner.' 1699.
The following memorandum is recorded on the journals of the house of burgesses in the year 1699.
'Memorandum, that on Thursday, July 13th, about four or five of the clock in the afternoon, a violent fflash of lightening broke into the state-house at An- napolis ; the house of delegates being there sitting, which instantly killed Mr. James Crauford, one of the members of Calvert county, and hurt and wound- ed several other members, and shattered and broke
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most part of the doors and window cases belonging to the said house, and sett ye said state-house on fire in one of the upper chambers, and several other damages ; but the fire was presently quenched by the dilligence and industry of his excellency, Nathaniel. Blackistone, his majesty's governor.'
The first public prison was built at Annapolis this year, and the manner in which it was to be made, is minutely described on the journals of the house.
This jail was erected on the corner of the lot be- longing to the Episcopal parsonage, and was made of wood.
In this year Annapolis was made by an act of as- sembly-the 'chief place and seat of justice,' within the province, for holding assemblies and provincial courts, and where all writs were made returnable. 1704. In 1704 the general assembly passed an act for building the state-house, to supply the place of the one burned down this year.
At the first session of assembly held in Annapolis after the burning of the state-house, his excellency governor Seymour, in his message says on that sub- ject, 'the late melancholy accident might have been prevented had my often admonitions took place ; for I never saw any public building left solely to Pro- vidence but in Maryland. I hope this sad experi- ment will awaken your care for time to come, and in the interim your best considerations to secure the laws and records of your country for the advantage and quiet of future generations. What is proper to be done in rebuilding your stadt-house, so very ne- cessary for the accommodation of the public, I leave entirely to your own serious debates and decision,
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for I have no other aim than the true interest and service of your country.'
At this time the provincial legislature sat in a house belonging to a colonel Edward Dorsey, for which they contracted to pay a rent of twenty pounds ster- ling per annum.
Immediately after reading the governor's message, the house of delegates appointed a committee to in- spect the ruins of the state-house, and to 'make report if the walls now standing are fit and sufficient to rebuild upon.'
This committee reported in favor of rebuilding upon the old walls, and in the same 'form and manner as before.'
The new state or court-house, as it is often termed in the journal of proceedings, was accordingly rebuilt, under contract, by a Mr. W. Bladen, (who had erect- ed all the other public buildings,) the cost of the building not to exceed one thousand pounds sterling, Mr. Bladen to have the benefit of all 'the materials saved out of the fire which appertained to the old court-house.'
This house was finished in 1706,* and is recol- lected by some few of the present inhabitants of this city-and stood where the present state-house now stands. It is described as having been a neat brick building. It was in form an oblong square, entered by a hall-opposite to the door of which was the judges' seat, and on each side there were rooms for
* During the building of this house, the house of delegates met at and held their sessions 'at the house of colonel Edward Dorsey, in Annapolis'-the house met twice a day-to wit : from 8 o'clock to 12 A. M., and from 2 to 4 P. M., and were 'called by beat of drum.'
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the jurys to retire. Over the judges' seat was a full length likeness of Queen Anne, presenting a printed charter of the city of Annapolis. In this house the general assembly held its sessions. A handsome cu- pola surmounted the building, surrounded by balus- trades, and furnished with seats for those who de- sired to enjoy the beautiful scenery around. The portrait of Queen Anne, just mentioned, is said to have been destroyed during the revolutionary war- 'when every thing bearing the semblance of royalty was in bad odour with our republican sires.'
About the same period, an armory was built near the court-house, on the north side of it. It is repre- sented to have been a large hall with seats around it, above which the walls were covered with arms, tastefully arranged. It was often used as a ball- room-from the vaulted roof was suspended a wooden gilt chandelier, which when lighted up, produced a brilliant effect by the reflection of the light from the arms. The walls of the hall were also decorated with full length portraits of Queen Anne and Lord Balti- more. The governor and council held their sessions in one of the apartments of this building.
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