USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > The Ancient City.: A History of Annapolis, in Maryland, 1649-1887 > Part 14
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Joseph Wilson, the counterfeiter, who escaped jail in 1749 from Cecil county, got into a fracas in New Jersey, was wounded, and afterward recognized and re-arrested. He was then confined in Bucks county, Pennsylvania, jail, and succeeded in escaping from it.
Thursday, May 8th, the Legislature met at Annapolis. On Wed- nesday 9th, the Legislature discharged from their body, Mr. Walter Dulany, a representative from Annapolis, "on account of his accep- tance of the office of Deputy Commissary, for Anne Arundel county, since his election." On Wednesday the 16th, Mr. Dulany was unani- mously re-elected the representative of Annapolis in the same General Assembly.
About the middle of this year, James Mitchell, a resident of Annapo- lis, met with a singular and fatal accident, in Rappahannock River, Virginia. He went out on a flat and becamed entangled "in a great number of sea-nettles and was drowned."
On Friday, August 31, a negro named Cuffee, was executed at An- napolis for horse-stealing.
[1751.] On Thursday, February 28, Mary Steadman was found dead in her bed with numerous bruises upon her body. A coroner's jury brought in a verdict of wilful murder, and her husband was arrested. On Friday the 12th of April, the husband, John Steadman, a Scotch- man, was convicted of this murder. Besides many other bruises there were visible on her throat the marks of a man's thumb and finger. The evidence was entirely circumstantial. He was executed Wed- nesday April 17, denying to the last his guilt. He was afterward hung in chains on a gibbet near Annapolis. At the same time Daniel Sullivan, an Irishman, who was convicted of the murder of Donald Mckennie in Baltimore county, was hung. His body was sent to that county to be placed in a gibbet near the spot where he committed the murder.
On Friday, April 12, two negro women were executed at Annapolis for burning down a tobacco house.
The convicts, transported to Maryland, committed numerous and alarming crimes-murder amongst them. Thomas Poney, in June, was sentenced to be burnt in the hand at Annapolis for burglary, and
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one Sipheorus Lucas, for burglary, was sentenced to be hung. He was executed at Annapolis June 26th. Both these were transported con- victs.
On Tuesday night, July 2nd, a bold robbery was committed in An- napolis. Two armed men placed a ladder up to a dormer window of the house of Mr. Charles Cole, merchant, and one entered the room of Mr. Cole, with a dark lantern and pistol. Presenting the weapon to the head of Mr. Cole, he threatened, if he made a stir or noise, to blow his brains out. The robber proceeded to tie him, bruising him during the operation, and telling him his money he wanted, and that he would have. Mr. Cole's servant-man John, who was in a house adjoining, hearing a noise, looked out and seeing the robber's accomplice below, was told by nim if he made a noise he would shoot him. The faithful fellow, not deterred from duty by this threat, proceeded to get his gun, and fired out of the window at the robber, but, missing him, was fired upon in return, barely escaping being shot. The robbers, being thus alarmed, made off. A reward of £80 current money was offered to the accomplice if he would inform who broke into Mr. Cole's room, and the certainty of a pardon.
Subsequently, about the middle of August, John Conner, a convict servant, confessed he was the accomplice who was engaged in the robbery of Mr. Cole, and that Thomas Bevan was the one who entered the room. Both were captured and lodged in jail. On being put on his trial Thursday, September 12th, Bevan pleaded not guilty, and when his accomplice was put on the stand against him, he objected to him giving evidence as contrary to the laws of England. On being told that there was a law of the province which allowed it, he "cour- teously," begged pardon for giving so much trouble, and entered a plea of guilty. He was sentenced to death, and was executed at An- napolis on Friday, November 2nd, manifesting much contrition for his evil life, and, in an address on the scaffold, warning others by his bad life and sad fate. He was transported from England for crime.
George Wilson was in September found guilty of the murder of Capt. Smith, near St. Mary's, and received sentence of death. He was afterward reprieved.
Richard Whalen, a resident of Annapolis, about this time was drowned in Bohemia River.
It was now that the authorities become thoroughly alarmed in regard to the conduct of convict servants, and the magistrates of Anne Arundel, during August, ordered that, for every convict servant hereafter imported in that county, there should be £50 security given. It was understood that other counties would do the same. The Gazette puns on the fact that these people were sent to America for the better peopling of the colonies.
[1752.] Green street was laid off in 1752 from Church [Main] street to Duke of Gloucester, by Dr. Chares Carroll. He offered lots on both sides of it for sale.
On Sunday morning, May 5th, Governor Samuel Ogle died at An- napolis, in the 58th year of his age. His remains were interred in St. Anne's Church. Benjamin Tasker, Esq., as the first person named of his Lordship's Council, assumed the Governorship of the province after the death of Governor Ogle. Governor Ogle had served three terms as Governor.
On Friday, May 15th, James Powells was hung at Annapolis, for
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burglary and robbery committed in Somerset county. He fainted at the gallows, it was supposed, by the stagnation of blood caused by his hands being tied so tightly. "On his coming to himself, he de- sired the executioner to make haste and, amidst some private ejacula- itions, was turned off."
Benjamin Tasker, Jr., and Christopher Lowndes offered for sale in Annapolis, by public advertisement a parcel "of healthy slaves, con- sisting of men, women, and children," directly from the coast of Africa, in the Elijah, Captain James Lowe.
[1753.] Wednesday, May 26th, Charles Campbell, Daniel Spinkfe, and John Brown, were executed at Annapolis for burglary. These frequent executions at Annapolis were not all due to the dissolute morals of the people of Anne Arundel, but the practice was to execute all the criminals of the province at the Capital.
Several times in July a large wild bear was seen in the woods on the North side of Severn, visiting plantations, and stealing hogs, and other domestic animals.
September 7th, Robert Gordon, Esq., died, aged 77, who for many years was" a reputable inhabitant of thiscity, having held the offices of Alder- man, Representative to the Lower House of Assembly, Judge of the Provincial Court, and Commissioner of Land Office, which trusts he executed with diligence and industry."
December 6th, Hon. Daniel Dulany, died. He had been Commis- sary General, one of the Council of State, and Recorder of Annapolis. "He was very eminent in the profession of law, and in all his several stations, acquitted himself with strict equity and unwearied diligence." This was Dulany, the elder. It was the other Daniel Dulany that was so prominent for his ability.
[1754.] November 28th, Messrs. Walter Dulany and Stephen Bordley were chosen to represent the city of Annapolis in the ensuing General Assembly.
[1755.] March 13th, at the Anne Arundel County Court, Edward Vinn was convicted of stealing a grindstone for which he was stood in the Pillory and received thirty lashes at the whipping post, well laid on, "which convinced him of having had a hard bargain."
Ponelope House was twice whipped and twice stood in the Pillory for shop-lifting.
February 28th, died here Mrs. Elizabeth Marriott, widow, who kept the Ship Tavern in South East street. She had property valued at upwards of £3,000.
February 28th, was landed here "from on board the Good, Captain Chew, for the use of the city, a very fine engine, made by Newthem- and Reagg, No. 1800, London, which the inhabitants last year gener- ously subscribed for. It threw water 156 feet perpendicular." Was not this the city's present heirloom, "THE VICTORY ?""
October 30th, Jonas Green was elected Con.mon Councilman in place of John Brice, Esq.
November 5th, the French and Indians were drawing so near the province that it was deemed expedient to fortify Annapolis. The cele- brated Fort Frederick, still standing, was then built in Washington county.
November 18th, about 4 o'clock in the morning, a shock of an earthquake was sensibly felt by many.
[1755.] On the first of December, 1755, five vessels arrived at An-
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napolis loaded with those unfortunate exiles-that Longfellow has immortalized in verse. The people of the town were at first exercised at the thought of having a number of "French Papists" among them- the mixture being a double portion of foreign and religious evil. The poor Acadians proved objects of charity rather than of fear, and food and raiment were promptly supplied them. Three of the vessels were despatched to other points in Maryland to distribute the exiles among the people. One ship remained at Annapolis, and, no doubt, the descen- dants of these unfortunate people are with us to this day. It is to be regretted that the names of the exiles are not known to us that their progeny might trace their descent from them-genealogical study being a pleasure for which even our sturdiest Republicans have the keenest zest.
[1756.] February 5th, Mr. Launcelot Jacques, merchant, was chosen Common Councilmen, in place of Dr. Charles Carroll, deceased.
February 17th, the birthday of Lord Baltimore was celebrated by the Governor who gave an elegant entertainment. In the evening a. public ball was given at the Council House.
March 22nd, Col. George Washington passed through Annapolis, en route for Virginia.
June 24th, there was a violent gust of lightning, thunder, hail, and wind. The lightning struck the Court House, and set it on fire, but, by the assistance of the inhabitants and the fire-engine, it was- speedily put out.
July 8th, a Tannery was set up at Annapolis by Thomas Hyde.
Wednesday, the 10th of November, was celebrated at Annapolis as the birth-day of the King who, on that day, entered his 27th year.
[1757.] June 23rd, a number of young gentlemen of the place, armed, went as volunteers from here, to join what other force might be raised for immediate defence of the colony against the Indians.
This is the style in which the fair were puffed one hundred years ago:
"On Saturday last (January 1st, 1757,) Wm. Murdock, Esq., of Prince George's county. was married to Mrs. Hamilton, of this city, & most agreeable widow lady, of excellent accomplishments, and a happy temper."
During the preceding fall and present winter Annapolis was infected with the small-pox. Inoculation was practiced upon one hundred persons ; all of whom recovered ; whilst of those who had it in the natural way, one out of every six died. The family of Jonas Green was afflicted to such an extent that many of his customers were afraid to take the "Gazette," lest they would catch the disease. Mr. Green, whilst he expressed a doubt as to paper carrying the disease, subse- quently stated that people "need not fear to catch the small-pox from the paper, as it was kept all the time a good distance from the house, and beside the disease was now eradicated from his premises."
On March 10th, the Gazette announced that, "As almost all the in- habitants of this city, who were liable to that distemper-(Small-pox, ) have either had it, or are now down with it, we hope in a very little time the town will be quite clear of it, and business be carried on as usual." The small-pox was so bad on the 27th of March that the Legislature would not meet on that day in Annapolis, but was pro- rogued by the Governor to meet in Baltimore on the fifth of April.
February 14th, Col. George Washington stopped in Annapolis.
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[1758.] March 22, "at night, at two minutes before ten, when the air was very calm and serene, we had here a very considerable shock of an earthquake, but through God's mercy, it has done no damage that we have yet heard from. For about § of a minute, before the shock, there was a rumbling sound, not unlike that of carriage wheels on pavements or frozen ground, at a distance, which increased until the shaking, and that lasted about half a minute."#
September 7th, Walter Dulany and George Stewart, Esqrs., where chosen to represent this city in the Legislature.
The price of lodging at this time was about $1.00 per day, during the session of Assembly.
November 7th, during an inquiry into a contested election affecting a representative from this city, the question as to whether aldermen had a right to vote in the election of delegates was decided in the negative.
December 21, the election of George Stewart, Esq., one of the re- turned members of the Legislature from this city, was set aside, and a writ issued for a new election.
[1759.] August 20th, Mr. Thomas Jennings, Chief Clerk of the Land Office died here. He was succeeded by Mr. Wm. Stewart.
During this year, many dead bodies of men, were, at intervals, found floating in the dock. They were supposed to have been thrown over- board by captains of vessels, to escape the trouble of interment.
[1760.] On April 17th, a negro man, named Bristol, died at An- napolis, aged 125.
A handsome collection was made May 29th, in the Episcopal Church, for the sufferers by the late great fire in Boston.
The Windmill, built on Windmill-point, in this town, began to grind September 1st, and was reckoned to be the strongest and best built mill in the country. It ground, with a middling wind, 12 bushels in an hour. It was built of stone and stood on the site of the Naval Academy.
In November, a Stocking Manufactory was in operation in this city.
[1769.] On May 11th, a servant of Richard Mackubin made a con- fession that he was one of a gang of miscreants who for some time past had been plundering smoke-houses, ware-houses, cellars, etc., which they entered by false keys. Eleven of his companions were ap- prehended and committed to jail.
October 24th, a man, supposed to be intoxicated, went into a house and demanded grog, which being refused, he drew a sword, and stab- bed a Mrs. Cumberford, who bled to death before assistance could be rendered.
In the Act, entitled "an Act for emitting bills of credit and other purposes therein mentioned," passed during the Session of 1769, and a sum of money not exceeding £7,000 stirling, was appropriated to the building an edifice in this city where the present (the second) State House now stands, sufficient to accommodate the Upper and Lower Houses of Assembly, the High Court of Appeals, Chancery and Provincial Courts of this Province.
[1770.] January 11th, Mr. James Brookes, of Annapolis, was ap- pointed Clerk to the Commissioners for emitting bills of credit.
[1771.] January 12th, the following gentlemen were chosen to * Md. Gazette.
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represent the City of Annapolis in the General Assembly : Messrs. John Hall and William Paca.
In an "especial Court" held here, January 17th, one person was burnt in the hand, two ordered to be whipped and stood in the Pillory.
Morris McCoy and negro Daniel, the former for the murder of his master-were executed January 22nd, on the gallows near this city, pursuant to their sentences : McCoy's body was from thence removed to a place near which his master was murdered, and there hung in chains, on a gibbet erected for that purpose, in sight of the road lead- ing to the lower ferry on Patapsco River.
As an instance of the curious matter deemed of such importance as to warrant publication, there is published on February 28th, a notice of the inoculation of the Governor's two children and their safe re- covery.
Mr. Ralph Dobinton, of Annapolis, was drowned July 4th, while attempting to save another person, which person safely reached the shore.
The new theatre on West street, was opened September 9th. This was on the lot now occupied by the Express Office.
[1772.] A slight shock of earthquake was felt in Annapolis on April 25th.
Captain Dunlop, on board of a schooner bound for the Eastern Shore, was seized with a frenzy on November 11th, and leaped over- board, near Greensbury Point, and was drowned.
[1773.] On Tuesday, April 1st, as a young negro was digging away a bank in a gentleman's garden, he undermined the earth to such an extent that it fell upon him, and killed him instantly.
The same day, a dispute arising between a man and woman, both under the influence of liquor, the woman gave the man several blows on the head with a broomstick, from the effects of which he died in a few hours.
November 14th, Mr. Robert Pinkney was killed by a fall from his horse.
It was at this period the national feeling of the Annapolitans was all aglow. The famous dispute between the brilliant Dulany and the learned Carroll had taken place in the Maryland Gazette. Loving the mother country with all the loyalty of a patriotic people, the citizens of Annapolis were yet more loyal to their rights, liberties, and sacred privileges. The author of the letters of "The First Citizen," who sustained the extreme American side of the stamp act controversy, was entirely unknown but so grateful were the people to the author, that they instructed the members of the Legislative Assembly of Mary- land, to return their hearty thanks to the unknown writer, through the public prints. This was done by William Paca and Matthew Ham- mond. When it transpired that Charles Carroll, of Carrolton, was the author of these letters, numbers of citizens went to him and expressed their thanks personally. The knowledge of this authorship elevated him at once in public favor.
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CHAPTER XXXI. CUSTOMS AND CHARACTERS OF THE CAPITAL.
"William Farris, Maker, Annapolis." "Such is the inscription on the face of an old clock standing in an old hall in old Annapolis. And pray who was William Farris, the maker of this stately time- piece that, in measured cadence, still records thecreeping hours mark- ing the day of the month and showing the phases of the moon by the appearance and disappearance of that ever rubicund and amiable countenance which in obedience to the mysterious mechanism, peers- over and dodges behind the dial plate with lunar punctuality ?
"He must needs have been an oddity. The only record of his life, his will in rhyme, turns up from the dusty pigeon hole of a dead law- yer's office desk, legally endorsed, W. Farris, watchmaker at An- napolis, Maryland, his will-composed by Miss Charlotte Heselius, first wife of Thos. Je nings Johnson, Esq., and daughter of Heselius, the portrait limner.'" Here is
THE WILL OF WILLIAM FARRIS.
. "Old Farris one day, as he sat in his shop Revolving the chances of dying or not,
The hyppo so seized him he tho't it was best
To divide his estate ere his soul went to rest, So to work went the goldsmith :- Dreadful the task !
But first, for advice, he applied to his flask. The gin, ever generous, fresh spirits afforded And the will as I heard it was nearly thus worded,
I, William Farris, being well as to health, Knowing Death often comes to old people by stealth And without giving caution, or caring for fears, Will take whom he pleases, regardless of tears ; So I now think it best to be thus on my guard, By making my will, tho' I own it is hard To forsake all the gains I have made all my life, And, God knows, I have made them with trouble and strife, Many nights have I watched, dread want to defy ;
Now I make my last will and prepare me to die, Then, I give and bequeath to my dear loving wife ; In case she's a widow the rest of her life ; The plates, spoons and dishes, pots, kettles and tables,
With the red and white cow that inhabits the stables, The landscape, and "Judith" that hangs on the wall, And the musical clock hind the door in the hall. My buckles and cane to son William I give.
And no more, because he's got substance to live, His road I took care in his youth to instruct him, Tho' I say it myself, a princess might trust him. The dog grew ungrateful, set up for himself,
* A large portion of this chapter is the result of the research, labor, and ability of Frank B. Mayer, E-q, who, with unusual personal kindness and. marked zeal in the work of saving to history the chronicles of Annapolis,. placed his manuscript at the disposal of the author, who has liberally availed himself of the generous offer.
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And at Norfolk, they say, he has plenty of pelf. Since he's gone away 't will be best for his brother. I give Hyam his portion to comfort his mother, All the tools in my shop to said Hyam I give And, if he minds work, he'll make out to live. My coat, which I turned, is a very good brown And may serve many years to parade in the town. 'Twill be good as ever if he take my advice, And the buttons of silver will make it look nice, The place in the back which is greased by my club Would come out if he'd take good care to rub It with soap and with brush or good spirits of wine Which will freshen the cloth and make it look fine. The coat he must wear with my corduroy breeches When Abbey has given them a few odd little stitches. And Ab' will be kind, I know, to her brother Because he's the favorite of me and his mother.
A pair of silk hose I had when a boy
Intend shall be his ; 'twill give him much joy.
To own these said hose he has begged for so often
But they n'er shall be his till I'm safe in my coffin.
I had always a mind to give them to Saint "Till he, like a fool, turned Methodist quaint.
I swore at the time he never should have them ;
And I know Saint would wear, the other would save'em.
For the reasons here mentioned I leave them to Hy To wear if he pleases when walking is dry. To my son, Charles Farris, " I have and bequeath
My watch and bird organ, and also I leave To said son, as he pleases, a black ring or pin ; There are two ready made which I'm sure would suit him,
They're the first that I made, rather clumsily done, But good, in all consceince, enough for my son.
The teeth he may have, rather clumsily strung ;
Every tooth that I've drawn since the time I was young ;
Six pair of thread stockings ; two cotton, two yarn ; That my wife, poor dear woman, sat up all night to darn,
These will last him, with care, a very great while And so money he'll save to make the pot boil. To Saint Farris, my son, who is now on the seas I will that he has any roots that he please ; All my garden utensils ; "Swift's Polite Conversations ;"' And I wish he'd leave sea to live with his relations.
I know all their minds, and they all love poor Saint, And his brother has promised to teach him to paint. The "History of China" and "Swift" sometimes lend When your business or pleasure requires a friend ; Such acts, my dear children, I very well know Are of much greater service than making a foe. Thank God ! I've but two that I hate from my heart. And, as ill luck would have it, they're not far apart.
* In August 1765, Charles Farris is mentioned a. one of many citizens to re- sist successfully the landing of the odious stamp paper.
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I've the greatest dislike ; God forgive me the sin ;# But indeed there's no bearing that old Louis Dinn, There's another I hate bad as Quinn for the fraud That his heart is so full of that is Jonathan Todd." This sin, as I die, I hope will be forgiven ; Or, else, I am sure, I shall ne'er get to heaven, My sons, if you heed me, beware of such friends ; They'll destroy all you're worth, if they have but the means. To Nancy, the darling of me and my wife. I give and bequeath the spinnet for life. Once I thought she would play with the help of a master, But, it grieves me to say, she learned not a bit faster, Harry Woodcock I trusted to teach her to play, But I soon found 't was money and time thrown away ; So she did what was right, made me save all my pelf, And picked out a tune here and there by herself. All the town knows that Harry's a very great liar And music from him she should never acquire, What a time there has been for his making of money ; Like a puppy he's missed it, like a puppy he's funny, Poor devil, sometimes, in the midst of a gloom, For a dinner he's forced to play the buffoon ; But I still like old Woodcock I vow and declare; As a proof I shall leave him a lock of my hair. To Abagail next ; my trunk, desk, and papers, That's therein contained, and a large box of wafers. The "Spectator" for her, as she reads very well, And she'll soon learn to write, for now she can spell, For Abb is the girl that would take the most learning And, I flatter myself, she's a girl of discerning. A negress, named Sylva, I leave to my Nancy, For Sylva she'd always a very great fancy. That woman's first child, about fifteen years old,
I give to my Abb lest for debt she be sold. Poor thing 't was a fool from its birth, I well know,
But her mistress will teach her to spin, knit, and sew.
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