USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > The Ancient City.: A History of Annapolis, in Maryland, 1649-1887 > Part 23
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In the meantime, September 8th, the battle of Eutaw had been fought and the Maryland troops, under the command of the "Hero of Cow- pens," Gen. John Eager Howard, added new lustre to their already glorious name.
The news of Cornwallis' surrender reached Annapolis Saturday evening, October 20th. It was communicated by Count de Grasse in a letter sent by express to the Governor. The citizens hailed with ac- clamations of joy and volleys of artillery. On Monday afternoon, few de joie was fired by the "red artillery," and "selected militia," and in the evening the ancient city was brilliantly illuminated.
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CHAPTER XXXXIX. A POLITICAL PRISONER IN ANNAPOLIS DURING THE REVOLUTION.
The English Collector of Customs of Annapolis had an experience rarely allotted to an officer in an enemy's country. For nearly three years after violent retaliatory measures had commenced, and for two years after open hostilities were carried on, he had been allowed to re- main in Annapolis as the King's officer, and collect the royal customs. His personal experience as found in his published letter, describes the vibrations of public sentiment and the march of events in a graphic manner. On Monday, June 10th, 1776, he writes :
"Tomorrow I must obey the summons of the Committee. My col- league and I have drawn up the following representation of our case, which we mean to deliver to the chairman of that body, in order to obviate the necessity of entering into bond.
"'To the chairman and members of the Committee of Observation for Anne Arundel county,
·· · Gentlemen,
" *We flatter ourselves that the following representation will engage the committee's candid, and dispassionate consideration ; and that when the personal liberty of even an individual is concerned, his en- dea vours to preserve it will be received with indulgence.
"'You will please, gentlemen, to observe, that it is not ordered by the convention, that the Committees of Observation take bonds of all non-associators, but it is left to their discretion, whether to require bonds or not ; and, in the exercise of this power, though the commit- tees are not held, as magistrates are in similar cases, by the obligation of an oath, yet we presume they are bound in honour, not to demand security unnecessary for the public good, and inconvenient and em- barrassing to the persons called upon.
""From the above consideration we inferred, on being required to give up our arms, without any demand or hint respecting the enter- ing into bonds, that the Committee of Observation, in their discretion, did not deem it necessary, or conducive to the public good. Had we been called upon for that purpose, we should have had an opportunity of appealing immediately to the convention. To that respectable body, we could have represented our peculiar circumstances ; that we are officers of the Crown ; that we have given security in London for the faithful discharge of our duty, agreeable to instructions from time to time received, respecting the revenue of customs ; that we are not entitled to our salaries without a nihil account, transmitted quar- terly of our proceedings ; and. that though a correspondence of this nature could be no way injurious to America, yet it might, perhaps, be deemed a breach of the proposed bond, and consequently deprive us of the means of subsistence for ourselves and families ; for by the condition of this bond, "no correspondence, directly or indirectly, by letter, message, or otherwise, with any person holding a civil office under the crown," is allowable, even a demand for, and receipt of our salaries, would be a breach of the condition prescribed.
" 'Although we are not natives of this country, we are animated with the warmest attachment for its interest and happiness ; and we
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"THE ANCIENT CITY. "
flatter ourselves, that our conduct, for a term of years, has been generally approved, both as servants of the public, and members of the community. We are determined to persevere, faithfully and honourably, in discharging the duties of our respective offices, as long as with propriety we can act in the same ; but we cannot sacrifice our honour, or prostitute our oaths. for temporary indulgences. Should we be obliged to depart from this continent, we hope we shall be per- mitted to take leave, with security to our persons and property, agreeably to a resolve of the convention, in that case provided ; and wherever we may fix our residence, we shall retain the most affec- tionate regard for Maryland, without deviating from our allegiance to our Sovereign, which has been, and will ever continue to be the invariable rule of our conduct. Not to trespass, gentlemen, upon your time, permit us to assure you, that we cannot. consistent with our peace of mind, enter into the proposed bond. We act solely from principle, and the dicta. es of conscience. Relying, therefore, on your impartiality. we shall cheerfully submit to whatever you may please to determine ; and however Providence may dispose of us in future, our prayers shall be continually offered for the prosperity of this once happy province, most ardently wishing a permanent and constitutional reconciliation may speedily take place, and that Great Britain and America may remain. to the latest period, one happy, free, and undi -. vided empire.
"We are, gentlemen, "Your obedient, humble servants, "JOHN CLAPHAM. "WM. EDDIS."
"''Should the Committee be pleased to determine, agreeable to the resolve of the convention. and grant us passes to depart the country. we have only to desire that a sufficient time may be allotted us, to settle the various and intricate concerns of the loan-office, which we need not observe, are of the utmost importance to the community in general. It is also highly incumbent on us, to leave the business of that department in a clear state, so that our securities. who are en- gaged in very large sums for our fidelity, may be honourably dis- charged from the obligations entered into on our behalf.
"We are by no means sanguine, with regard to the above applica- tion ; on the contrary. we are prepared to encounter every disagreea- ble consequence. It is possible a few weeks may be allotted, to ad- just provincial and private concerns : we must then give up every flattering expectation ; every late crec ed hope. We must forsake ALL, or act inconsistently with the dictates of honour and of con- science."
The committee required Messrs. Eddis and Clapham to give bond of £10,000 each, not to communicate with the enemy. On their refusal they were ordered to leave the province before the first of August.
June 16th, he wrote "I look forward with extreme impatience to the hour of my departure from this country, where every surround- ing prospect is dreary and uncomfortable."
On the 1st of October he writes :
"My worthy colleague and his family are preparing to remove from Annapolis to a house belonging to Mr. D-, on Hunting Ridge, about
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six miles distant from Baltimore to which place Iintend to accompany them. We propose to attend alternately in this city, until dis- charged from employments, or confirmed in them."
HUNTING RIDGE, November 1.
"I write to you from one of the most delightful situations on the con- tinent of America, where I have obtained an occasional retreat from the noise, the tumult, and the miseries, of the public world. From the back piazza of our habitation, we command a truly picturesque view into several fertile counties ; a distant prospect of the eastern shore ; the magnificent waters of the Chesapeake, and the river Patap- sco, from the entrance at the Bodkin Point, to its apparent termina- tion at the town of Baltimore. After this inadequate description, I need not observe, that we reside on a lofty eminence where
the air Nimbly, and sweetly recommends itself Unto our gentle senses.'
"As Mr. C- and myself are not superseded in our office we at- tend in rotation, every other week, in Annapolis, from which this place is about thirty miles distant. The contrast we experience on these occasions is hardly to be described ; from the churlish sounds of of hostile preparation to the calin enjoyment of peaceful retirement. Though in the vicinity of a large and populous town, agitated with uproar and confusion, and rumours of approaching calamities, here, sheltered by surrounding woods, we are entirely secluded from the busy haunts of men, and are benevolently permitted to enjoy our retirement without dread of molestation. It is well known that we have never attempted, by any injudicious steps, to incur the resent- ment of those who conceive they are warranted by justice and by duty, to take a contrary part ; and while we thus continue to regulate our conduct, we shall surely experience attention, with the most perfect security."
January 1st, 1777, he says :
"Myself and colleague are not yet superseded in our provincial em- ployment ; but the day is assuredly at hand. When the event has taken place, I am persuaded I shall be at liberty to revisit England ; and have reason to believe, I shall be necessitated to shape my course by way of the West Indies. I think it possible we may be re- stored to each other early in the ensuing summer."
April 2. he writes, "We are at length superseded in our depart- ment as commissioner of the loan office."
Saturday, June 7, he embarked to return to England by way of the West Indies, permission having been refused him by the Americans to enter the British lines. On that date he wrote :
"I have taken leave of the few faithful friends still residing in An- napolis. Perhaps a final one ! It is a painful distressing idea ! But I am hastening to those, my separation from whom I have so long felt, and lamented. That thought will firmly support me under every anxious trial it may be yet my fortune to encounter. I shall embark in a few minutes. So will Mr. D-, as his vessel is likewise in the harbour, and ready for sea. Our projected route, though aiming at the same point, is widely different. I shall deliver this to his care.
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"'THE ANCIENT CITY."
Should he accomplish his passage, agreeable to his wishes, he must reach England long before I can possibly expect that happiness. Adieu !"
CHAPTER XL. ANNAPOLIS AFTER THE REVOLUTION.
1781-1784.
In the minds of the people the battle of Yorktown had closed the war. On his way northward, General Washington arrived in An- napolis, on Wednesday, November 21st, 1781.
"When the citizens received the pleasing information of his Excel- lency's arrival, all business ceased, and every consideration gave way to their impatience to behold their benefactor, and the deliverer of his country. On his appearance in the streets, people of every rank and every age eagerly pressed forward to feed their eyes with gazing on the man, to whom, under Providence, and the generous aid of our great and good ally, they owed their security, and hopes of future liberty and peace ; the courteous affability, with which he returned their salutes, lighted up ineffable joys in every countenance, and diffused the most animated gratitude through every breast.
"You would have thought the very windows spoke, so many greedy looks of young and old through casements darted their desiring eyes upon his visage ; and that all walls, with painted imagery, had said at once, "God save thee, Washington."
"The general's arrival was announced by the discharge of cannon, and he was accompanied to his Excellency the Governor, by the honest acclamations of the whigs ; a few tories, to expiate their crimes and shuffle off the opprobium of their characters, feebly joined in applaud- ing the man whose successes had annihilated their hopes, and whose conduct was a satire on their principles. The President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Delegates, Members of the House of Delegates, Members of the General Assembly and Council, and many of the citi- zens, hastened to offer their tribute of affection, which was richly re- paid by the engaging frankness and affectionate politeness of the re- ception. The evening was spent at the Governor's elegant and hos- pitable board with festive joy, enlivened by good-humour, wit, and beauty.
"On the next day the General partook of a public dinner given hy the legislature, as a mark of their respect, and to render the partici- pation of his company as general as possible. In the evening the city was beautifully illuminated, and an assembly prepared for the ladies. to afford them an opportunity of beholding their friend, and thanking their protector with their smiles."
· Md. Gazette.
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HISTORY OF ANNAPOLIS.
"His Excellency, to gratify the wishes of the fair, crowned the en- tertainment with his presence, and with graceful dignity and familiar ease so framed his looks, his gestures, and his words, that every heart overflowed with gratitude and love, and every tongue grew eloquent in his praise. When he retired from the assembly-with one united vuice, all present exclaimed,
"Unrivalled and unmatched shall be his fame And his own laurels shade his envied name."
The day on which General Washington reached Annapolis, the fol- lowing address was presented by the citizens :
"To his Excellency General Washington.
"The citizens of Annapolis feel themselves happy in having an op- portunity, personally, to express their affection for, and gratitude to, your Excellency. Your private character forces admiration from the foes of virtue and freedom.
"We derive peculiar pleasure from the contemplation, that the successes at Trenton and Princetown laid the corner stone of our freedom and independence, and that the capture of Earl Cornwallis and hisarmy has completed the edifice, and secured the temple of lib- erty to us and our posterity. These brilliant and important events are the more agreeable to every American, from the reflection that they were planned by, and executed under, the immediate command of your excellency.
"The love of your country alone, which induced you to accept the command of our armies at the expense of domestic happiness ; the persevering fortitude and equanimity of soul you have displayed on every occasion, and the very important services rendered America, justify us in saluting you as the patriot, the hero, and the saviour of your country.
"Our prayers, with those of millions, are daily offered up to the Supreme Ruler of the Universe, for your health, safety and happi- ness.
(Signed,) JOHN BULLEN, Mayor. "ANNAPOLIS, November 21st, 1781."| To which address General Washington made the following reply :
"Sir,-I am obliged by the polite and affectionate address of the citizens of Annapolis. Nothing can be more flattering to me than to know, that my general conduct has met the approbation of my coun- trymen ; it is the most grateful reward for those services which I have ever, in the course of my command, endeavoured to render them, but which their too great partiality has oftentimes over-rated. That the State in general, and this city in particular, may long enjoy the bene- fits which they have a right to expect from their very spirited exer- tions in the prosecution of this just war, is the sincere wish of,
"Sir, your most obedient and very humble servant, "GEORGE WASHINGTON. "The Worshipful JOHN BULLEN, Esq.,
"Mayor of the City of Annapolis.
"ANNAPOLIS, November 21st, 1781."
On Friday, the 23rd, General Washington resumed his journey Northward. 13
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''THE ANCIENT CITY. ''
Annapolis was at this period a city of great importance. On the di- rect line of travel to the North, by way of Rock Hall on the Eastern shore, it received all the prominent generals of the war who passed from North to South or the reverse. Loyal to its principles, hospita- ble to a fault, ample in resources, the distinguished stranger who chanced in its midst or the historic or patriotic event that happened in their hearing, were certain to be awarded the honors of a cannonade or the convivialities of the banquet.
On the 25th of June, 1781, the birth of a Dauphin was celebrated in the city by a public dinner given in the State House where a numer- ous and respectable assembly gathered and many toasts were drunk suitable to the occasion. At intervals during the day there were five hundred discharges of cannon, and at night a splendid ball was given.
[1783.] "On the 4th of January, 1783, count Rochambeau, with this suite, arrived in Annapolis, and the next morning embarked on the "Le Emerande" for France.
On the 24th of April, Annapolis celebrated the signing of the treaty of peace between England and America. An extensive building suffi- cient to accommodate many hundreds was erected on Carroll's Green, thirteen pieces of artillery planted, and an elegant dinner provided. The proclamation of peace was then read, and thirteen cannon an- nounced the white-winged messenger. The gentlemen then repaired to dinner, at which were present, his Excellency, the Governor, the honorable council, Members of the Senate and Delegates of the As- sembly, and a large number of gentlemen, both of town and country ; who "with unfeigned satisfaction congratulated each other on the blessings of peace-the rising glory of their country-the prospects of her commerce-her future grandeur and importance in the scale of nations.
"After dinner the following truly liberal, generous, and patriotic toasts were drunk, each attended with thirteen cannon :"
1. The third of February, 1783-in perpetual memory, on which day a virtuous war was concluded by an honourable peace.
2. The United States-may their confederacy endure forever.
3. Friendship with France-may every nation imitate the depth and moderation of her policy, by which the freedom of navigation has been secured, the liberty of these States confirmed, and the blessings of peace and commerce diffused throughout the globe.
4. His Excellency, General Washington.
5. The generals, officers and soldiers of our army-may their ser- vices be remembered, and generously rewarded by a grateful people.
6. The French generals, officers, and troops, who served in America.
7. The Marquis of Fayette-may our posterity ever retain a grate- ful sense of his strong attachment to this country, and of the im- portant services rendered it in the field and cabinet.
8. The immortal memory of the gallant soldiers and virtuous citi- zens who gloriously fell in the late war.
9. The patriots of America-honour crowns their labours ; may future ages revere their memory, and emulate their fame.
10. The United Netherlands, and the friendly powers in Europe.
11. May the influence of the present revolution be extended to all the nations of the earth, by introducing among them that spirit of
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humanity. and religious toleration, which has so peculiarly dis- tinguished this country, and united the efforts of all denominations of Christians in the support of freedom.
12. The Commissioners of the United States at Paris.
13. The State of Maryland-may she ever support religion, learn- ing, and virtue ; preserve justice, public faith, and honour ; give every encouragement and attention to agriculture and commerce ; and on all occasions maintain with dignity her national character."
At night, the State House was beautifully and brilliantly illumi- nated and an elegant entertainment given at the ball-room to the ladies.
Major-General Greene and his suite arrived in the city from the South on their way North on September 25th, 1783. On the next day the Corporation met, and presented the following address :
To the Hon. Major-General Greene :
"Sir,-We, the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council, of the city of Annapolis, impressed with the most greatful feelings for the eminent services rendered these United States, and the cause of liberty, by the Southern Army under your command, beg permission to congratulate you on your arrival in this city, and to testify, with the sincerest respect and regard, the lively sense we entertain of the invaluable blessings secured to us, by your conduct and unremitted assiduity, in the noblest cause that ever graced a soldier's sword,
"Justice would wear the aspect of adulation, were we to enumerate the many signal endowments which endear you to the inhabitants of this city, and inspire us with the warmest and most respectful grati- tude. They are such as will ever engage our prayers to Divine Provi- dence, that you may long continue to possess the affections of a generous republic ; to share the sweets of domestic felicity ; and to ex- perience the happy reward of your distinguished virtues.
"This address springs from the heart ; and we solicit your accep- tance of it, as the genuine sentiments of a grateful people.
"Signed by order and in behalf of the corporation.
"JAMES BRICE, Mayor. "ANNAPOLIS, September 26th, 1783." To which the General returned the following answer :
"ANNAPOLIS, September 27th, 1783.
"Gentlemen,-It is with the highest satisfaction I receive your affectionate address, and feel my bosom glow with gratitude upon the occasion.
"The happy termination of the war affords the most pleasing field for contemplation, and while it promises the richest harvest to the good citizens of America, it gives the sweetest pleasure, and most de- sirable repose to the soldier. If the operations of the Southern Army have answered the expectations of the public, or have had any influence upon this great event, I shall consider it one of the most happy employments of my life. And if to this I may venture to flatter myself, that my conduct either merits, or meets in the smallest degree, the approbation of the public, I shall be still more happy. The honour you have done me, and the troops under my command, are too sensibly felt to be fully expressed, or properly acknowledged.
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"'THE ANCIENT CITY."
"I beg leave to return my most sincere thanks to the corporation, for the interest they take in what concerns my future happiness, peace, and prosperity.
"I have the honour to be, gentlemen,
"Your most obedient, humble servant, "NATHIANIEL GREENE.
"To the Corporation of the City of Annapolis."
November 21st, 1783, the order of the society of Cincinnati, for Maryland, was inaugurated in Annapolis; Otho H. Williams in the chair; John Eccleston, Secretary. The order elected : Major-General Small- wood, president ; Brigadier General Gist, vice-president ; Brigadier General Williams, secretary ; Col. Ramsey, treasurer ; and Lieut. Col. Eccleston, assistant treasurer. Annapolis was appointed the place for their annual meeting.
On Monday, November 29th, 1784, Generals Washington and La- Fayette arrived in Annapolis. The next day the Legislature ordered a ball to be given in honor of the visitors. The Gazette says:
"The evening was crowned with the utmost joy and festivity, the whole company being made happy by the presence of two most amia- ble and all-accomplished men, to whom America is so deeply indebted for her preservation from tyranny and oppression."
The following addresses were presented by the executive and legis- lative bodies respectively to the Marquis, during his visit at An- napolis :
"ANNAPOLIS, November 30th. 1784. In Council.
"Sir,-We, the Governor and Council of Maryland, beg leave with the most entire respect and heart-felt satisfaction, to embrace this first opportunity of your presence in the metropolis of this State, since the establishment of our peace, to offer you our warmest congratula- tions, and to express our high and grateful sense of the illustrious share which you bore in the accomplishment of that happy event.
"The early and decided part which you took in the cause of Ameri- can liberty and glory, your generous services for us in the court of your august monarch, our great and good ally, and your wise and magnanimous conduct in the field, upon many of the most arduous occasions of the war, have endeared your name to America, and en- rolled it high in the list of patriots and heroes, the supporters of her liberty and founders of her empire.
"May, sir, your future days be as great and honourable as the past, and may heaven take under its peculiar care and protection, a life so eminently distinguished for its attachment and devotion to the rights and liberties of mankind. With every sentiment of regard and re- spect, we have the honour to be, sir, your most obedient humble ser- vant,
"WILLIAM PACA.
"The honourable the Marquis de la Fayette."
La Fayette replied :
"To his Excellency the Governor and the honourable Council of the State of Maryland.
"Sir,-In the polite attention of your Excellency and Council, I find myself equally obliged to your attachment, and honored by your ap- probation.
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"To have been early adopted among the sons of freedom, to have seen French and American standards united in the cause of mankind, to have so peculiarly shared in the confidence and friendship of the United States, are ideas the more pleasing to me, as I am assured, when I reflect upon the difficulties this country overcame, that she will attend to the means of splendor and happiness, which now, thank God, are in her disposal.
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