USA > Maryland > Talbot County > History of Talbot county, Maryland, 1661-1861, Volume II > Part 7
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In order to introduce a pleasant episode of the political history of the times, it is necessary to revert to the year preceding these events, 1769. In this year Robert Eden, Esq., who had been appointed, was installed Governor of the Province. Governor Sharpe for sixteen years filled the chair of the chief executive officer of the Lord Proprie- tary, with great acceptability to the people of Maryland. It has been pointed out that those questions which were at the very foundation of the subsequent great revolt, were discussed during the last years of his official incumbency. Although our historians give no intimation that such was the fact, yet it is not improbable that he was at heart in sympathy with that spirit of colonial independence which was then appearing, notwithstanding he, in his public declarations, maintained the proprietary rights and defended the royal pretensions. The following address gives countenance to this surmise, for it is hardly probable that the Justices of Talbot County, who were men from the people, would have spoken to him and of him in so complimentary a tone, had they not been assured of his secret sympathy with their own opinions and aspirations. But this is inferential only.
7 Scharf's History of Maryland, Vol. II, p. 119.
8 Maryland Gazette, Nov. 1, 1770. Scharf's History of Maryland.
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To Horatio Sharpe, Esq., late Governor of Maryland.
SIR: The Right Honourable, the Lord Proprietary of this Province, having been pleased to appoint his Excellency Robert Eden, Esq., a near relation of his Lordship, to succeed you in this Government, permit us, sir, on taking leave of you as our Governor, gratefully to acknowledge the mildness and equity of your administration, and the Benefits and Happiness which have flowed from it to the people of this Province.
Ever since you have presided over us, we have observed with Pleasure, your steady care to have the Laws duly executed, and justice impartially administered, and that a desire to promote the good of this province hath been the ruling motive of all your actions. Such motives and such actions, worthy of those that are appointed to rule, must render your memory dear to a grateful people.
Your public virtues impressed us with Esteem and Reverence for the Magistrate, whilst your social virtues impressed us with the warmest affection for the man, and must now give you the heart-felt Pleasure of being followed into your retirement by the prayers and Blessings of a people you made happy. But virtue like yours will not be suffered to remain long sequestered from the world, and happy will the favored people be, over whom his Majesty shall hereafter appoint you to preside. Signed, Risdon Bozman, Robert Goldsborough, James Dickinson, John Goldsborough, Edward Oldham, Jonathan Nicols, William Martin. TALBOT COURT HOUSE, May 24th, 1774.
To this address Gov. Sharpe made a suitable reply on the 24th June, 1769, which need not here be inserted. 9
As occurring during the revolutionary period, and as promotive of the revolutionary movements, the controversy respecting the "Vestry Act" which sprang up in the year 1770 and continued through several years, might be noticed, but there is no extant evidence that the storm which was aroused in this province by the Proclamation of Gov. Eden gained any force from Talbot where there were few dissenters, except the quiet Quakers, and Roman Catholics, and whose people faithful and attached to the church as established by law, had always paid their church rates ungrudgingly, whether they were 40 or 30 pounds of tobacco
9 From the Gilmor papers in the possession of the Maryland Historical Society. This address and the reply were, for the first time, printed in the Easton Star of Dec. 24th, 1872.
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per poll. There is no doubt, however, that the seeds of discontent which had been sown by the methods of appointing the clergy to the parishes, and the exaction of rates from all, whether of the English com- munion or not, had begun to germinate under the influence of the warm discussions of the time-upon the question whether the expiration of an Act of Assembly by limitation did or did not leave in force a prior act for which it was intended to be substituted. As indirectly con- nected with this question of church rates, and as bearing upon the causes of the Revolution, may be mentioned the appearance in the county of the ministers of Mr. Wesley and the introduction by them of a form of religion democratic in its spirit and methods.
The public agitation caused by the proclamation of the Governor establishing fees of office, and by the attempted restoration of the law of 1702 respecting the support of the clergy, had scarcely subsided under the influence of measures of compromise, when it was again aroused by a renewal of the attempt of the British ministry to enforce the claim, which never had been abandoned, of taxing America. Although all imposts had been abolished except that on tea, this remained and efforts were made to collect it through the agency of the East India Company, in whose hands immense amounts of this article had accumulated by reason of the refusal of the American colonists to receive it. The story of the destruction of the tea in Boston Harbor need not here be repeated; nor even that of a similar destruction of the tea and the ship trans- porting it, in the harbor at Annapolis. The first of these occurrences took place in Dec., 1773, and led to the adoption by the British Parlia- ment in March, 1774, of what is known as the Boston Port Bill. This was followed by other punitive measures. These acts aroused the great- est indignation throughout the American colonies, and sympathy with their brethren of Boston was expressed in addresses couched in the most glowing language, and adopted at enthusiastic meetings of the citizens of almost every section. Among the very earliest of these meetings held in Maryland was that which convened in this county, the proceed- ings of which taken from the Maryland Gazette were as follows:
Alarmed at the present situation of America and impressed with the most tender feelings for the distresses of their brethren and fellow sub- jects in Boston, a number of gentlemen having met at this place, took into their serious consideration the part they ought to act as friends of liberty and the general interests of mankind.
To preserve the rights and to secure the property of the subject, they apprehend is the end of government. But when those rights are invaded -when the mode prescribed by the laws for the punishment of offences
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and obtaining justice is disregarded and spurned-when without being heard in their defence, force is employed and the severest penalties in- flicted; the people, they clearly perceive, have a right not only to com- plain, but likewise to exert their utmost endeavors to prevent the effect of such measures as may be adopted by a weak and corrupt ministry to destroy their liberties, to deprive them of their property and rob them of their dearest birthright as Britons.
Impressed with the warmest zeal for andloyalty to their most gracious sovereign, and with the most sincere affection for their fellow subjects in Great Britain, they have determined calmly and steadily to unite with their fellow subjects in pursuing every legal and constitutional measure to avert the evils threatened by the late act of Parliament for shutting up the port of Boston; to support the common rights of America, and to promote that union and harmony between the mother county and the colonies, on which the preservation of both must finally depend.
Unfortunately no record is preserved of the officers and active members of this meeting, which marks the beginning of the Revolution in the stricter sense. It is probable that there was a committee of correspond- ence appointed at this meeeting as was done at a similar meeting held a few days after in the neighboring county of Queen Anne, and as was done at like assemblages elsewhere within the province.10 The object of these committees was the forming of a body within each county that should have a quasi official character, give guidance to any political movements, and hold communication with bodies of the same kind wherever they had been organized throughout the colonies. These soon gave place, as will presently be shown, to the committees of observa- tion regularly elected by the people with defined duties. At this meet- ing or at one held subsequently, of which there is no record, the follow- ing gentlemen who doubtless were also of the committee of correspond- ence were appointed a committee to attend a general meeting of like committees of the several counties of the province, which assembled on the 22nd of June 1774, at Annapolis, and "continued by adjournment from day to day until the 25th of the same month:11
Mr. Matthew Tilghman, Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Nicholas Thomas, Mr. Robert Goldsborough, 4th.
10 It would seem this meeting in Talbot, was the first of those held in Maryland. Those for Baltimore and Annapolis being held on the 25th of May, that for Queen Anne on the 30th, and that for Kent on the 2nd of June, 1774. Scharf's Hist. Md., vol. ii, pp. 144-149.
11 From the Maryland Journal of July 2nd, 1774.
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The Convention upon its assembling called Mr. Matthew Tilghman to the chair-a position in which he was frequently placed in these revo- lutionary conventions. On this occasion he was chosen to preside over a body, probably the most respectable that had ever convened in Mary- land, composed of gentlemen distinguished in the Province for their intelligence, moral worth, social standing and wealth. The delegates from Talbot represented not only the political sentiments, but the best elements of the character of her people. A series of resolutions were passed by this convention, in which were embodied recommendations to the several colonies to break off all commercial intercourse with Great Bri ain until the repeal of the obnoxious acts, from a time to be named by a general congress of deputies, which, it was suggested, should assemble at the city of Philadelphia in the following. September, and to which Matthew Tilghman, Thomas Johnson, Jr., Robert Goldsborough [of Dorchester], William Paca, and Samuel Chase, Esquires, or any two or more of them should be deputies of the province of Maryland. It was also recommended that collections be taken up in each of the counties "for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of Boston." It will be seen that Talbot has the honor of sending a member, and the principal mem- ber, or chairman of the delegation, to what may be called the first of the Continental Congresses. Whether she contributed to the relief of the wants of the Bostonians is not known, but that she did may be inferred from her liberality in 1760 upon the occasion of the great fire in the town of Boston, when from her citizens was collected for the sufferers a little more than two hundred and thirty-three pounds, the largest amount contributed by any county of the province.12
The congress, known as the Carpenter's Hall Congress, assembled on the 5th of Sept. at Philadelphia, and a few days after its organization Mr. Tilghman took his seat, a worthy compeer of Washington and other illustrious men who were members of that body. It does not appear that he took any active part in the debates, but nothing is hazarded by saying that his opinions upon the subjects discussed received that weight to which they were entitled by reason of the maturity of his judgment, and his practical experience in political affairs. But another scion of Talbot held a conspicuous place in this body, namely "Farmer"
12 In the Maryland Gazette of July 3d, 1760, it is stated that "An honourable and compassionate gentleman" of Talbot contributed 50 guineas. Although the name of this gentleman escaped mention, it may be said the credit of making this lies between the Hon. Samuel Chamberlaine, and the Hon. Edward Lloyd, both of whom were at the time members of the Governor's Council.
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John Dickinson, who had been elected after the meeting of the congress, as a delegate from Pennsylvania. His unquestioned devotion to his country, coupled with his conceded abilities, gave weight to his counsels of moderation, which caused him to be selected to draft the petition to the King for the redress of the grievances of the colonies represented. To the same hand is attributed the elaborate "address to the inhabitants of Canada," urging them to unite their fortunes with those of the people of the other colonies. One of the two gentlemen appointed by the con- gress to draft a "Declaration of Colonial Rights," was the Hon. Robert Goldsborough, a member of the Talbot family of that name. His career was one of great distinction, but further notice of him is precluded by the accident of his birth in Dorchester county. To give force to the articles of the "Declaration of Rights," an "American Association" was formed similar in character to those colonial and county associa- tions that originated during the period of the controversy respecting the Stamp Act, and the Revenue Act. The articles of this association pledged "the associators to an entire commercial non-intercourse with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, and the non-consumption of tea and British goods."13 Among other provisions of this association was one for the appointment in every county, city and town of a com- mittee to detect violations of the terms of this obligation. To the arti- cles of this association Mr. Matthew Tilghman, with his fellow members of the congress from Maryland affixed their names, and upon his return to Talbot he was active in securing the appointment of the committee of observation of that county, he himself becoming one of the council of safety, which was so efficient in preventing the infringement of the provision for non commercial intercourse with the mother country and some of its dependencies, as will presently be shown. The first continental congress adjourned on the 20th October, 1774, and at a "Provincial Meeting of Deputies, chosen by the several counties of Maryland, held at the city of Annapolis, November the 21st, 1774," Mr. Tilghman again being in the chair, a report was made by the dele- gates to that congress of its proceedings which were approved; and it was resolved that "every member will and every person ought, strictly and inviolably to observe and carry into execution the association
13 It is noticeable that the associators especially denounced the slave trade, and pledged themselves to abstain from trading with those engaged in it. One historian declares "The signature of the association by the members of con- gress, may be considered as the commencement of the American Union." Hil- dreth, vol. iii, page 46.
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agreed on by the said continental congress." The meeting adjourned to Dec. 8th, 1774, when it again assembled and placed Mr. John Hall in the chair. The thanks of the convention were given to the deputies in the late continental congress for the faithful discharge of their impor- tant trust. The further proceedings of this convention make a part of the general history of the province or State, and need not be particular- ized; but it may be well enough to mention that among other recommen- dations was one that "each county should raise by subscription, or in such voluntary manner as they may think proper," certain specified sums of money, amounting in all to ten thousand pounds, for the pur- chase of arms and ammunition for each county. The sum assigned to Talbot was four hundred pounds, which, doubtless, was readily con- tributed though no record has been preserved of the names of the contributors. It is known that companies of militia were raised within the county, organized and equipped. It was resolved to appoint a committee of correspondence for the province, and of this committee Mr. Matthew Tilghman was one, and the chairman, having such prom- inent gentlemen for his coadjutors as John Hall, Sam'l Chase, Thomas Johnson, Jr., Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Charles Carroll, barrister, and William Paca, Esquires. The convention also unanimously passed the resolution "that the Hon. Matthew Tilghman and Thomas Johnson, Jr., Robert Goldsborough, William Paca, Samuel Chase, John Hall and Thomas Stone, Esquires, or any three or more of them to be deputies to represent this province in the next continental congress, &c. It is barely necessary to note that many of these gentlemen, including the chairman from Talbot, continued to be members of congress until that ever memorable one assembled which passed the declaration of independence. The convention adjourned to meet April 24th, 1775.
Early in this year meetings were held in the several counties of the province by which the proceedings of both Congress and the provincial Convention were ratified by the popular voice, and at which Committees of Observation were appointed to secure the observance of the articles of Association, and also Committees of Correspondence. Unfortunately no record has been preserved of the proceedings of the meeting held at Talbot Court House, but that such a meeting was held, passed resolu- tions and appointed committees is absolutely certain. The moderation which had been shown by the conventions was hardly felt by the people. There was a growing feeling in favor of independence, and this was mani- fested by signs that were not to be mistaken. Armies were collected, military associations formed, those suspected of being disaffected were
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subjected to annoyances, and sometimes personal injury, freedom of expression of opinion, if that opinion seemed opposed to the popular feeling, was abridged, and in short every sign that portends revolution was prevented. That no collision between hostile forces occurred is owing to the character of the provincial government, which required the presence in Maryland of no royal troops. In truth a revolution in civil affairs had been virtually accomplished, for the Governor was powerless, the General Assembly was prorogued indefinitely, the Con- ventions were the legislative authority which was obeyed, and the committees appointed by a popular vote were the actual executive in the several counties.
The appointment of Committees of Observation seems to have been a spontaneous movement upon the part of the people, for which there was no other authority than the requirements of the emergency. The number of members was indefinite, and they were chosen by resolutions passed at public meetings composed of those who were entitled to vote for delegates to the General Assembly. , There does not appear to have been regular polls held, but the meetings were similar to the political meetings of the present, when the sentiments of the participants were given by acclaim or a show of hands. No record of the meeting at Talbot Court House has been preserved, as before noted, but the names of a considerable number of the committee that was chosen have been recovered from one source or another, and are here given, namely:
James Hindman, Dr. Moses Allen,
Thomas Martin, Jr., Samuel Sharpe,
John Stevens, John Cochran,
Rev. John Gordon, James Lloyd Chamberlaine,
Nathaniel Cooper,
John Bracco,
John Gibson, Jacob Hindman,
Charles Troupe,
Robert Wilson,
Dr. John Troupe,
Nicholas Thomas,
Francis Baker,
Thomas Harrison,
William Hindman,
William Hambleton,
Robt. Loyd Nicols,
Hugh Rice,
Samuel Thomas, Thomas Ray,
Richard Skinner.
To these it would be very safe to add the names of those gentlemen, not already mentioned, who had seats in the Convention. Mr. Edward Lloyd, Mr. Pollard Edmundson, Mr. Matthew Tilghman, and Mr.
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Robert Goldsborough, 4th of the name. This committee appears to have entered upon its duty with great diligence, and though the records of its proceedings have in a great measure disappeared, a few dis- jointed memoranda remain, and these it is proposed to present. They have been derived from the files of the Maryland Gazette, in the State Library at Annapolis, and from Force's American Archives, published by the Congress of the United States.
A meeting of the Committee of Observation for Talbot county, being requested by Mr. Charles Crookshanks, on Tuesday, the 21st March, 1775, the following gentlemen did accordingly meet at Mr. Brascup's Tavern, viz .:- James Hindman, Dr. Moses Allen, John Stevens, John Cochran, Nath. Cooper, John Gibson, Jacob Hindman, Francis Baker, William Hindman, Robt. Lloyd Nicols, Saml. Thomas, Thomas Ray, Thomas Martin, Jr., Samuel Sharpe, Dr. John Troupe.
Mr. Crookshanks thereupon made the following report: That the ship Baltimore, James Longmair captain, consigned to himself by Messrs. Spiers French & Company, had arrived the evening before with two bales of goods on board; which, as would appear by letters he was ready to produce from the said gentlemen, had been shipped at Glasgow, Nov. 10th, 1774, and were part of a cargo, intended to have been sent by a former ship; that the said Longmuir came by way of Rotterdam, and had been detained by the ice which had protracted his voyage.
The committee, upon examination being satisfied with the truth of the above report, were of opinion that no imputation ought to be thrown upon the said company of an intention to contravene the non- importation agreement entered into by the colonies; as it was not possi- ble for them to receive an account of the proceedings of the continental congress, at the time of the shipping of the said goods; and as Mr. Crookshanks voluntarily proposed and solemnly plighted his honor, that the said bales should not be landed, but sent back in the same bottom, the committee were much pleased with his readiness to comply with the resolution of the continental congress, accepted the proposal and Resolved unanimously that the said goods be sent back to Glasgow in the same ship without landing.
Charles Troupe, Sec'y pro. temp.14
At a meeting of the Committee of Observation for Talbot County, on the 23d of May, 1775, at the Court House in the said county, the Rev. Mr. John Gordan in the chair, a letter from the Committee of Observation in Baltimore town, bearing date May 20th, 1775, and signi- fying that the ship Johnston, belonging to Mr. Gildart, of Liverpool, was loaded with salt and dry goods by the house of Messrs. Ashton, and bound for the Chesapeake Bay, was read; in consequence whereof a deputation, consisting of eleven gentlemen, was appointed to wait
14 Maryland Gazette, April 6th, 1775.
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on Mr. James Braddock,15 agent and storekeeper for Mr. Gildart, owner of the said ship Johnston, to advise him of the information received, to request him to give a satisfactory account, and statement of all goods now in his hands, and not to assist or countenance, directly or indirectly, the landing of any goods from the ship, or in any way to promote the sale thereof. On the whole, the deputation had it in charge to require an answer from Mr. Braddock as to the part he meant to act upon this occasion, and to report the same to the Committee on Tuesday, the 30th inst., on which day they agreed to meet, unless the deputation should think it necessary to call the Committee sooner, in which case they were requested to give public notice.
On the 30th inst. the Committee as above mentioned, met according to appointment, when the deputation aforesaid appeared and reported that they went to Mr. Braddock's store, but not finding him at home, they left a copy of the letter from the Committee of Baltimore town, together with a copy of the order of this Committee, to be delivered to him when he should return. In consequence from this Mr. Braddock appeared before the Committee and informed them "that he did not expect the ship Johnston shortly to arrive in Miles River, but that he had no advice nor had any reason to believe (except from the aforesaid letter from the Baltimore town Committee) that the said ship would bring either dry goods or salt." Mr. Braddock did likewise, at the same time, voluntarily enter into the following engagement and promise: "that the said ship Johnston, or any other vessel, having on board any goods or merchandize, prohibited by the American Association, shall come addressed to him, or to any other agent or factor of Mr. Gildart, he will, in such an event, neither directly nor indirectly receive nor assist in landing, storing or selling the said goods or merchandize; but that, on the contrary, he will, immediately and forthwith, give notice of the arrival of said ship or other vessel to the above mentioned deputation, or to some four of them (who are appointed to go on board of each ship or vessel, and to examine the papers, viz .: the manifest, the cockets and log book); and that he would give directions for the immediate return of such ship or vessel addressed to him, without breaking bulk." Mr. Braddock delivered, at the same time, to the Committee an inventory of the goods he has now on hand, with which they declared themselves satisfied for the present.
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