USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > The Ancient City.: A History of Annapolis, in Maryland, 1649-1887 > Part 21
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did I know the tea would be suffered to be lodged as a security for the payment. I had nothing in view but to save the vessel from a seizure, and of having an opportunity of releasing the passengers from a long and disagreeable confinement." Captain Jackson added to this card an affidavit in which he stated that the tea had been put on board the brig in London without his knowledge. Neither card nor affidavit, which had been published in handbill form two days previous to the Wednesday meeting, calmed the popular indignation.
Where the committee's action ended and the people's began, it is difficult to determine, owing to no definite distinction being made as to the respective parts played by each in this curious drama ; but it appears that the committee privately heard the letter of the Messrs. Williams read, then took action upon it, and adjourned to the public meeting where the proceedings following were enacted before a large assembly of people. The first was the reading of the annexed letter signed by Anthony Stewart, Joseph and James Williams, in which it will be seen sentiments were expressed by these gentlemen very dif- ferent from what they had previously given out. Mr. Stewart and the Messrs. Williams read their recantation. It ran : "We, James Williams, Joseph Williams, and Anthony Stewart, do severally ac- knowledge that we have committed a most daring insult and act of the most pernicious tendency to the liberties of America ; we, the said Williams, in importing the tea, and said Stewart in paying the duty thereon ; and thereby deservedly incurred the displeasure of the pleople now convened, and all others interested in the preservation of the constitutional rights and liberties of North America, do ask pardon for the same ; and we solemnly declare for the future, that we never will infringe any resolution formed by the people for the salvation of their rights, nor will we do any act that may be injurious to the liberties of the people ; and to show our desire of living in amity with the friends to America, we do request this meeting, or as many choose to attend, to be present at any place where the people shall appoint, and we will there commit to the flames or otherwise destroy as the people may choose, the detestable article which has been the cause of this our misconduct."
The Williamses smarted under this compulsory self-condemnation, and, in the issue of the Gazette, of Annapolis, of the 17th of October, justly and bitterly complained of this card as "a most ungenerous piece," which "was drawn up by Matthias Hammond, wherein not- withstanding our candid behaviour, we are most cruelly made liable to the same degree of censure as Mr. Stewart who paid the duty ; which piece was afterward produced, and we were called upon to read and acknowledge in the midst of an incensed people, wholly unacquain- ted with our conduct in the affair."
The indignation of the people was centered chiefly upon Mr. Stewart, for what they considered his cheerful compliance with the act of Parliament taxing the tea ; and some were very much "disposed to present him with a suit of tar and feathers." A diversity of senti- ment sprung up as to what ought to be done. Some contended that the offer to destroy the tea was sufficient reparation ; others favored the destruction of the vessel that had brought "the detestable weed" to American shores. A division took place on the question. "Whether the vessel should, or should, not be destroyed ?" It was carried in the negative by a large majority.
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The citizens of Annapolis generally were averse to using violence , but the minority, mainly persons from a distance, some of great in fluence in their respective neighborhoods, avowed their determination to collect a body of men to accomplish the destruction of the Stewar. st. At this juncture, under the advice of Charles Carroll, of Carrollton Mr. Stewart offered "to destroy the vessel with his own hands." The _ane proposal was gladly accepted. The people assembled in crowds &Eat the water-side to witness the conflagration. Mr. Stewart and th the Messrs. Williams the former accompanied by several gentlemen tto protect him from personal violence, repaired to the brig. Her sail Fils were set, and, with her colors flying, she was run aground on thect .he shore between the Gas-House and the northwestern wall of the Nava val Academy. It was brought up to this point that Mrs. Stewart, thefshe invalid wife of the owner of the vessel could see the conflagration on. from the window of her residence, the house on Hanover street, nowO.OW occupied by Mr. Charles S. Welch. Mr. Stewart applied the matelatch to the vessel, and, as an offering and atonement to the offended pec .eo- ple and an open defiance to the Crown, the Peggy Stewart and thefthe obnoxious tea-chests were, in a few hours, reduced to ashes.
The adjourned meeting of provincial deputies, chosen by several or of the counties in Maryland, was held at the city of Annapolis, Nov. 21 I = 21, 1774, and continued by adjournment to Friday, the 25th day of the the same month at which fifty-seven deputies were present ..
Mathew Tilghman was chosen chairman and John Duckett, clerk f-rerk. The delegates appointed to represent the province at the late conti inti. nental congress, laid the proceedings of the congress before the meet-set. ing which being read and considered, were unanimously approved of. of
Not only in words and sounds of war did the inhabitants of Anne On Arundel show their intention to defend their rights, but when oppor- TO Cor tunity offered they put in practice the faith that was in them.
July 18th, 1775, "the ship Totnes, captain Harding, belonging toto Mr. Gildard, of Liverpool, having on board a cargo of salt and dry Edry goods, in coming up the bay, ran aground near the three Islands at = at the mouth of West river ; upon this the committee immediately met, set, and after consideration, determined she should proceed on to Balti- ti- more, her intended port, but before she could get off, highly resenting - Ting so daring an infringement of the continental association, a number of of people met, went on board, and set her on fire."
There were opponents of these proceedings even among those who ono espoused the patriot cause. They had condemned the burning of the Peggy Stewart and also this, "the second burnt-offering to liberty within this province." But revolutions are not handicapped by a mi- nority of dissenting voices.
Early on the morning of Wednesday, September 27th, Annapolis was alarmed by the beating of drums, and a proclamation for the in- habitants to assemble at the Liberty Tree. The object of the meeting was to secure the passage of the resolution : "That all persons who had refused to sign the association, and comply with the other requi- sitions should be obliged to quit the city, as enemies to the essential in- terests of America." This was in opposition to the proceedings of the convention, and the resolution was easily defeated. A report, about this time, that a British ship of war was to be ordered to the port of Annapolis, caused many families to quit the city, and others to talk of removing. At a meeting of the citizens, it was unani-
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mously resolved : "If a vessel, belonging to his Majesty, should be stationed in our harbor to supply the same with every necessary, at & reasonable price, and cautiously to avoid any cause of contention with the officers or the crew." An address was also prepared to be delivered to the Governor, expressing the same pacific sentiments and asking him to convey the same to the commander of any ship that may be ordered on this duty.
Private correspondence, in the latter part of 1775, began to be ex- amined by the provincial authorities, for here in Annapolis was set up the novelty of a dual government-the King's officers on the one hand, and the local and general committees of public safety on the other-living harmoniously together, but so far as the King's repre- sentatives were concerned very much like the fox when invited to the stork's supper.
Annapolis became daily more and more deserted ; some families leaving because of apprehensions of a bombardment ; others on ac- count of the distressing times, bad markets, and a general scarcity of money ; even tradesmen and mechanics quitted their habitations, and retired from the vicinity of navigable waters. Agriculture was neg- lected, the voice of peaceful industry was hushed, and military science became the universal study of the hour.
At a meeting of the deputies from the counties of Maryland, at Annapolis, on May 24, 1775, there were present 100 men.bers. The Hon. Matthias Tilghman being in the chair, and Gabriel Duvall, clerk, the following resolutions were adopted :
"Resolved, That we acknowledge King George the third, as our lawful sovereign.
"Resolved, That all exportation to the provinces in British posses- sion be prohibited until further orders from the Continental Con- gress.
"Resolved, That the formation of militia be continued, and sub- scription for the same be levied by the several counties."
Loyalty to the King, legions for the people, voted in the same breath !
A meeting of the committee of observation for Anne Arundel county and city of Annapolis, was held on the 14th day of June, 1775, in Annapolis, Mr. Charles Wallace, chairman. Its proceedings show how vigilant the people were to maintain inviolate the regulations adopted for their defence.
A charge having been made on oath, that Thomas Chipchase, of the city, butcher, on the 23d day of May last, had killed several lambs, he was ordered to attend. He appeared, and confessed the fact, al- leging, in excuse, that he understood that there was no absolute pro- hibition by the continental congress, and that the scarcity of provi- sions at that time would plead for him, and what he did was from a a desire of supplying the many strangers in town. But as he had since been informed that such procedure was contrary to a resolve of the provincial convention, he would take care to offend in that man- ner no more, and hoped the committee would forgive him. The sense of the committee being taken on the above, they declared it a breach of the resolve of the provincial convention, respecting the killing of lambs; but, all circumstances considered, they were of opinion he ought to be forgiven.
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It will still further be seen by the following, as well as by other in- stances quoted, that the committee of observation of Anne Arundel .county and the city of Annapolis, was no idle form, but it was vigi- lant in searching out offences, and inexorable in their punish- ment.
On the 28th day of June, Capt. Charles Henzell, of the ship Ad- venture, informed the committee of his arrival with goods on board, cleared for Maryland, his cargo consisting of two hundred dozen por- ter, one hundred pipes in packs, 2,000 weight of cheese, and forty- two chaldron of coals, Winchester measure-also about seventy pas- sengers, including servants. The captain testified on oath that unfav- orable winds prevented landing at Madeira, where he intended to sell his goods. The committee refused to allow him to land his goods, but gave him permission to land his passengers. Those of the .committee who were present, were Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Matthias Hammond, John Bullen, Charles Wallace, John Allen Quinn, .John Brice, and Dr. Richard Fostell-Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, presiding, and G. Duvall, Clerk.
At a convention of the people of Maryland, July 26, 1775, at An- napolis, a temporary form of government was established, which en- dured until the constitution of 1851 was adopted. While other States had acted by the advice of Congress in establishing similar forms of gov- ernment, Maryland moved solely by its own volition. Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Charles Carroll, barrister, were members of the Committee of Safety under its first organization, from Annapolis.
At a meeting of a number of the inhabitants of Anne Arundel county and city of Annapolis, at said city, on Sept. 12. 1775 ;
Present, eight members of the late Convention :
Charles Carroll, barrister, in the chair, Gabriel Duvall, clerk, it was "Resolved, That Samuel Chase, Thomas Johnson, John Hall, Wil- liam Paca, B. T. B. Worthington, Matthias Hammond, Charles Car- roll, barrister, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Capt. William Hyde, Rezin Hammon, John Bullen, Capt. Richard Fostell, John Weems, Joseph Galloway, Stephen Stewart, John Thomas, Thom. Tillard. Marmaduke Wyvill, Thomas Watkin's, son, Thomas Dorsey, John Dorsey, son of Michael, Edward Gaither, Jun., Caleb Dorsey, Rich- ard Stringer, Dr. Chas. Alexander Warfield, John Burgess, John Davis, Benjamin Howard, Elijah Robinson, and Thomas Hammond, or any seven or more of them be, and they are here by appointed a committee of observation for this county for a term of one year.
"Resolved, That Charles Carroll, barrister, Thomas Johnson, Jun., Samuel Chase, William Paca and Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Esq., or any three or more of them, be delegates to represent this county in convention for the said term of one year."
In committee, Annapolis, Wednesday, 13th of September it was
"Resolved, That Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Brice T. B. Worth- ington, Capt. William Hyde, Matthias Hammond, Dr. Richard Fos- tell, John Bullen, and John Thomas, be a committee to license suits in this county during the term of one year.
"Resolved, That Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, B. T. B. Worth- ington, Capt. William Hyde, Matthias Hammond, and Dr. Richard Fostell be a committee of correspondence for this county for the said term of one year.
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"That the parliamentary post be prohibited, and that this reso- lution be strictly enforced by the several committees of observation.
"That no vessel leave this province without a license from this con- vention, neither shall any skipper carry any person, or letter, without giving previous notice, though this does not apply to vessels going up the Potomac, or the passage of the Pocomoke ferry."
On December 28, an evidence of the zeal of the convention, was given by the publication by their order of a well established process for making erude nitre .
On January 21st, 1776, the Council of Safety, "Resolved, That Messrs. Lancelot Jacques, Charles Wallace, William Hyde, Allen Quynn, James Brice, William Whetcroft, and Beriah Marybury, or any three of them, be requested to make a chart of the land and water at the mouths of this river, specifying the width and depth of the channel between Horn Point and Greenbury's Point, and some dis- tance without and within the same."
This chart, returned on the 16th of March following, has been lost. The convention of Maryland appropriated £5,900 to fortify Annapo- lis. The Council of Safety desired a larger sum, suggesting that. with an increased appropriation, batteries might be erected on Greens- bury's and Wind Mill Points, and other places, between those loca- tions and Annapolis, that would prevent men of war from apprach- ing Annapolis. The council was thereupon given leave to draw on the treasury for whatever sums it might deem necessary to com- plete the fortifications and to build a number of "row-gallies or gon- dolas."
Fortifications were erected on Horn Point, Beaman's Hill, and Wind Mill Point, besides several breast works were thrown up at other places. They were finished with great celerity. under the direction of Messrs. James Brice, John Bullen, Charles Wallace, William Wil- kins, Beriah Marybury, John Brice, John Campbell, Joshua Frazier and Allen Quynn.
Whilst these preparations were made to receive the expected men- of-war, the public mind, by dwelling upon the subject, became un- usually alert to credit alarming reports .. On the fifth of March. about eight in the evening, information was received, that a ship of war was on her passage up the bay, and no distance from the city.
"The consternation," says Mr. Eddis, who was present, "occasioned be this information, exceeds description. The night was tempestuous ; extremely dark ; and the rain descended in torrents ; notwithstanding which, many persons began to remove their effects ; and the streets were quickly crowded with carriages, laden with furniture and prop- erty of various kinds. A little reflection must have made it evident, that, without violent provocation, hostilities would not have com- menced ; and, at all events, that timely notice would have been given, previous to any bombardment. It ought to have been considered, that a governor, acting under the authority of Great Britain, was resi- dent in the town, and, apparently, exercising the powers with which he was invested. No complaint had been transmitted. on his part, rela- tive to the treatment experienced by him, and the adherents of the ad- ministration. His prudent and consistent conduct had greatly tended to prevent personal outrages, and under such circumstances, it was
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manifest, that no commander in his Majesty's service, could have formed the most distant idea of proceeding to extremities, without communicating his intentions to the supreme magistrate, who was un- doubtedly a valuable pledge in the hands of the people, to secure themselves and property from immediate violence.
"But as reason seldom operates under instantaneous impressions, the Governor resolved to pursue every eligible method that might ef- fectually remove the apprehensions so universally entertained. Ac- tuated by such motives, he made immediate application to the Coun- cil of Safety, and, in order to dissipate the general anxiety, proposed sending a flag of truce on board his Majesty's ship, the instant she made her appearance, or came to an anchor off the harbor. An offer, so evidently tending to preserve the public tranquility, was accepted with every suitable acknowledment ; and, on the seventh jestant, a ship of war, accompanied by a tender, passed by Annapolis, I had the honour to be deputed to perform this service; on which occasion I thought it necessary, in order to obviate any misrepresentation, to transcribe ; as follows, the substance of my negotiation, for the in- spectation of the Governor, the Council of Safety, and the Committee of Observation.
FRIDAY, March 8th.
"By order of his Excellency the Governor, and, with the approba- tion of the president of the Council of Safety, I repaired yesterday on board his Majesty's sloop, the Otter, commanded by Captain Squire, then lying at anchor in Chesapeake Bay, between Magothy River and the Bodkin ; and delivered to him a letter from the Gov- ernor, to which a satisfactory answer was returned, and immediately made known, for the general information of the citizens of Annapo- lis."
Whilst one part of the people were alarmed at the approach of the man-of-war, which proved to be the sloop of war Otter, Capt. Squire, and two tenders, the necessary disposition of troops was made to re- ceive the enemy in case he thought proper to land, and expresses were dispatched to Baltimore and other parts of the province to communi- cate the presence of the foe. The Otter continued up Magothy River where she took a ship loaded with wheat and flour, and several other prizes. These, whilst in charge of the Otter's tenders, were subse- quently recaptured by the Defence, Capt. Nicholson, the Otter stand- ing by and not offering assistance to her consorts.
Mr. Eddis gives a clear insight into the inner life of Annapolis at this interesting period. May 20, 1776, he wrote to England from An- napolis ;
"In consequence of residing with the governor, I expected an exemp- tion from any penalties inflicted on persons, who had refused to asso- ciate or enrol. But in this idea I was very materially mistaken. The committee of observation will not consider me as a member of his ex- cellency's household ; alleging in support of their opinion, that I hold offices immediately dependent on the province. These are not times to dispute nice points. I have therefore paid ten pounds for my fine, and have taken a receipt for the same. My arms have likewise been demanded. I am, however, happy to inform you, that I have con- stantly been treated with kind attention, even by political opponents. It is my endeavour to regulate my conduct with propriety ; carefully
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avoiding mixed company ; taking heed that 'I offend not with my tongue ;' and not permitting my pen to expatiate on the tendency of public transactions. I intrust this to the care of a friend, hound to Lisbon ; may it safely reach you !"
The Council of Safety, fearing that the large number of slaughter- houses then in Annapolis, would engender disease, adopted on July 22d, the following :
"Whereas, it hath been represented to the Council of Safety by physicians and others, that the intolerable stench arising from slaugh- ter-houses and spreading hides to dry in the city of Annapolis, may be productive of pestilentinl disorders and ill consequences to the troops and others residing in the said city : Therefore, ordered, that no butcher or other person shall, after the 26th of this instant, presume to slaughter bullocks, mutton, or any kind of meat, or put up green hides to cure within the limits of said city for and during the terms of three months, thence next ensuing."
On the 18th of December. several of the citizens of Annapolis hav- ing received letters demanding their immediate departure from the city, and the Council of Safety being informed thereof, expressed its sense of the illegality of such a measure, by the following proceedings :
"In Council of Safety, December 19, 1776.
"We are called upon by the duty of our station to take notice of the powers assumed by some persons yesterday evening in ordering divers of the inhabitants of the city of Annapolis into banishment, without any cause assigned, by cards transmitted them. We are of opinion such cards are contrary to our association, flying in the face of the resolves of congress and convention, and against the letter and spirit of our declaration of rights. The peace of the State ought and must be preserved, and all offenders brought before the proper judicatures for trial. Therefore we earnestly recommend to all asso- ciators and other well disposed persons to discourage such extra ju- dicial and disorderly proceedings, tending in their consequences to prejudice the common cause, and to the destruction of order and regu- lar government."
On the 23d of the same month, the Council of Safety transacted the following :
"Whereas, we have received information that on Wednesday, 18th day of this instant, (December) in the evening, cards were delivered to sundry persons in the city of Annapolis, to the following effect :
"""You are hereby ordered to depart this city tomorrow, 9 o'clock. Signed, J. WEEMS.
" 'In behalf of Anne Arundel county :'"
"Which cards we are informed were delivered by Stephen Stewart, Junior, the Council of Safety having taken the same into considera- tion, are of opinion that such cards are contrary to the resolves of congress and convention, and against the 21st section of the declara- tion of rights, which asserts
"That no freeman ought to be taken or imprisoned, or deprived of his freehold, liberties, or privileges, or outlawed, or exiled, or in any manner destroyed, or deprived of his life, liberty or property, but by the judgment of his peers or by the law of the land."
"Ordered, therefore, that the said John Weems and Stephen Stew- art, Junior, attend the Council of Safety on the thirtieth day of De-
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cember, to shew by what authority the said cards were so made out and delivered."
On the 30th of December, Colonel John Weems and Stephen Stew- art, Junior, accordingly appeared before the Council of Safety, and acknowledged that they had been active in making out and delivering the cards mentioned in the order of the board, and having promised that they would not intermeddle in the same manner again, but would leave all persons to be dealt with according to the law of the land, they were dismissed by the council, on condition that they pay the messenger his fees.
Annapolis, the centre of State Government, felt every throb of the revolution. Here most of the political movements and martial preparations in the State had their initiative. Its people were strained to the utmost tension of excitement and were sullen and inimical to those who did not share their patriotic sentiments though always keeping within those bounds that courage and principle outline for the conduct of brave men against an enemy in their power.
On July 6, 1776, the Maryland Convention then in session at An- napolis issued the following :
ANNAPOLIS, July 6th, 1776. "A Declaration of the Delegates of . Maryland.
"To be exempt from parliamentary taxation, and to regulate their internal government and polity, the people of this colony have ever considered as their inherent and unalienable right ; without the former, they can have no property ; without the latter, no security for their lives or liberties.
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