USA > Maryland > Anne Arundel County > Annapolis > The Ancient City.: A History of Annapolis, in Maryland, 1649-1887 > Part 34
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"Whatever were the errors of his course during the Revolution, I have never heard them ascribed, either to opposition to the rights of America, or to a servile submission to the views of the ministry ; and I have been credibly informed, that he adhered, thoroughout life, to the principles advanced by him in opposition to the Stamp Act. The conjecture may be hazarded that had he not been thrown into col- lision with the leaders of the Revolution in this State, by the proclama- tion controversy, * and thus involved in discussion with them, which excited high resentment on both sides, and kept him at a distance from them until the Revolution began, he would, most probably, have been found by their side, in support of the measures which led to it."
Mr. Dulany was Secretary of the Province when he conducted the famous controversy with Charles Carroll, of Carrollton. He was also a member of the Upper House under the proprietary Government t.
. Over Gov. Eden's proclam ition regulating fees In the Colony.
t Chronicles of Baltimore, Scharf, p. 284.
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"'THE ANCIENT CITY.''
The political differences of the Revolution survived its conclusion. Mr. Dulany held no public office after it, and the brilliancy of his talents, displayed alone in the forum of provincial courts, did not shed its effulgence in national councils, and his fame, reflected from the humble pedestal of State history, has not depicted to the nation the phenomenal proportions of his intellect. Such was the iron-heel of public opinion upon the political fortunes, of a man "whose opinions were thought to have moulded those of William Pitt, by whom they were publicly noticed with great honor." These opinions, (which were published October 14, 1765, and which looked to "a legal orderly, and prudent resentment" to be expressed aginst the Stamp Act "in a zealous and vigorous industry,") widely prevailed in America. # This course was urged until that time might come "when redress may be obtained," **.
Mr. Dulany died in Baltimore, March 19, 1797, aged 75 years and 8 months, and was buried in St. Paul Cemetery, corner of Lombard and Fremont Streets, Baltimore tt.
# Bancroft's History of the U. S. vol. 5, p. 329.
** Dulany's Pamphlet, Scharf.
tt Schart vol. 1, p. 549.
CHAPTER LVIII. CHRONICLES OF ANNAPOLIS FROM 1860 To 1861.
[1860.] On the 12th of September the Governor's Guards paraded for the first time, and were inspected by Adjutant-General Nicholas Brewer, of John. The company appeared to be well drilled. This company was disbanded during the Civil War, but, after it. was recuscitated. Its present commissioned officers, (1887,) are Louis Green, Captain ; John H. Wells, First-Lieutenant ; James C. Porter, Second Lieutenant.
In September, 1861, the oyster catchers of Annapolis, then represented to be some fifty or sixty in number, formed themselves into an associa- tion to further the execution of the laws against oyster pirates. The sheriff of the county, Thomas Ireland, requested them to notify him of any infraction of law, and promised "to use all his power to arrest and punish the pirates."
By the census of, 1860, the population of Annapolis was 4,658. Of these 1,643 were white males, and 1,484 white females; 551 free col- ored males ; 505 free colored females ; 220 male slaves ; and 255 fe- male slaves.
By the census of 1850, Annapolis contained, 3,011 inhabitants. Increase to 1860, 1,647, Of the inhabitants in 1850, 913 were white males ; 913 white females ; 236 free colored males; 297 free colored females ; 249 male slaves ; 403 female slaves. The large increase in the population from 1850 to 1860 is due to the enumeration of the 300 inhabitants of the Naval Academy in the census of Annapolis.
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On the 5th of October, 1860, John Brice died. He was the grand- son of Thomas Jennings, Attorney-General of the then Province of Maryland. The deceased was a defender of Baltimore in 1814.
On the 14th of October, John Stalker, aged 80 years, one of the de- fenders of Baltimore, died at Annapolis.
The Ar.napolis Gazette of Thursday, December 6, 1860, said :
"WHO WILL BELIEVE IT?"-"Nobody. And yet it is a fixed fact that we are to have a telegraph from Annapolis to the Junction. We actually saw the first coil of wire laid on last Saturday. We looked on in a sort of dreaming, wondering, doubting uncertainty ; but had finally, to yield to the patent, tangible reality. We saw the poles, and the wire, and we saw the workmen putting them in their proper places, therefore, we were compelled to believe. The work is under the management of Mr. Joshua Brown, and will be pushed to com- pletion wieh the utmost despatch."
Lieut. Horace Gambrill, of Annapolis, wason the Revenue Cutter "Aiken" that was surrendered by her captain to the South Carolina authorities in December, 1860.
On Christmas Eve a patrol guarded the South River section by reason of the groundless rumor of an intended insurrection of slaves.
[1861.] The Gazette of February 28, announced the completion of the Annapolis, Baltimore, and Washington telegraph line.
CHAPTER LIX. OPENING OF THE CIVIL WAR -- ANNAPOIS SEIZED BY THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT.
[1860.] The exciting contest of 1860 had just closed in the election of Lincoln. The political movements in the extreme Southern States vibrated in Maryland-a commonwealth identified with these States by its institutions, its traditions, and its interests.
The tone of the people of Anne Arundel and Annapolis, in the momentous political contest that preceded the civil war, is found in the vote in the Presidential election.
After an exciting campaign, Anne Arundel gave Bell for President, 24 majority over Breckinridge. The vote was Bell, 1041; Breckin- ridge, 1017; Douglas, 98 ; Lincoln, 3. Lincoln received his three votes : in Annapolis, one ; First District, one ; Second District, one. In Annapolis the vote was Bell, 261; Breckinridge, 227; Douglas, 36 ; Lincoln, 1. Mr. William Taylor, the present head carpenter of the Naval Academy, has been generally credited with the courage that made him give the lone vote for Lincoln at a time when public sentiment in Annapolis did not take kindly to Republicanism.
The State authorities as well as the people generally felt a crisis was at hand.
In his proclamation for a day of Thanksgiving on the 29th of November, 1860, Gov. Hicks among other things asked the people to
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pray "that dissension and strife may depart from among us ; that concord and love of country may prevail ; that those in authority may have his guidance ; so disposing the hearts of the people and ordering the State, that the happiness and peace, the power and abun- dance, with all the unnumbered blessings, which this Union, which the God of our fathers gave to them, and to us, may suffer no diminution, through our follies, or our crimes ; but, safe-guarded through His mercy and multiplied by His favor, descend to our children's children."
The martial spirit in the people as this time shows an undefined desire to prepare for the arbitrament of the sword.
On November 22, there was a great military display in Annapolis. The following companies took part :
The Governor's Guards, Major Wm. H. Thompson, commanding ; St. John's College Cadets, Adjutant Hopkins, commanding ; Union Guard, Cavalry, Capt. Iglehart, of West River, commanding ; West River Guard, Cavalry, Capt. Stewart, commanding; the Southern Guard, Cavalry, Capt. Lyles, commanding; the Severn Guard, Capt. Clay- tor, commanding ; the Vanville Rangers, Capt. Snowden, command- ing. The Governor's Guards were presented by Miss Eliza Murdock, on behalf of the ladies of Annapolis, with a beautiful flag. Major Thompson responded. Lieut. John R. Magruder, of the Governor's Guards, acknowledged the compliment paid the Guards. He said the gift was appropriate, "The Star Spangled Banner now, as I trust it and ever will be, the proud symbol to the world of the united power of the people of more than thirty sovereign States, in their union one great and mighty nation." At the close of the proceedings Col. Spencer, Chief Marshal proposed "three cheers for the Union, which were given with a hearty good will and enthusiasm seldom excelled." The line, 500 strong, marched through the city and into the Naval Academy where the battalion of cadets was drawn up in full uni- form and offered and received the military salute. This unexpected compliment gave eclat to the occasion.
Gov. Hicks was petitioned at this period by Thes. G. Pratt, Sprigg Harwood, J. S. Franklin, N. H. Green, Llwellyn Boyle, and J. Pink- ney to convene the Legislature "to consider of the present momentous crisis,"-the dissensions in the Union. Gov. Hicks declined.
In December, 1860, South Carolina and other States had given full intention of dissolving their relations with the Federal Government, and Marylanders were debating what was the proper course for them to pursue. The editor of the Annapolis Gazette, Mr. Thomas J. Wilson, published the following as his sentiments:
"Our own opinion is that Maryland should declare that her soil shall not be the battle ground for the fanatics who are so eager to dye their hands in each other's blood. To declare that, whilst her borders are free of transit to all who are on missions of peace, they shall never be crossed by Northern men or Southern men in arms.
"To maintain such a position it is necessary that the Old Maryland Line be re-organized and equipped. Her sons are numerous enough and courageous enough to defend the State lines. But they must learn the soldier's life and the soldier's skill, or their courage will be unavailing. The volunteer soldiery, though admirably drilled, and well equipped, are not numerous enough for the services we have indicated. Arms and ammunition must be provided, and men of un-
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daunted courage must be put in command of the army that can be speedily raised." # * * * We no longer urge hope for the Union. We now counsel men to look to the defence of the State, and to provide for her welfare when strife shall cease."
Events sped along at too rapid a rate for the editor to hold long to his separate sovereignity theory, and, in the winter of 1860-61, the Gazette is found violently denouncing the secessionists who were at- tempting to draw the State, as it alleged, into secession. It was especi- ally denunciatory of them for calling, outside of Gov. Hicks, a sovereign convention "to declare the position of the State of Maryland in the present crisis." This extraordinary project accomplished no definite results. The Gazette rapidly drifted from its passive policy, and on February 21, 1861, is found calling the Southerners "Hotspurs," and asking this question : "Has it ever occurred to you, reader, that our present troubles might never have come but for the over- weening pride and audacity of the Southern politicians?" The Gazette spoke very contemptuously of Mr. Lincoln's night flight through Baltimore, and, in a subsequent editorial, declared that Mr. Lincoln intimated to Gov. Hicks that he could have any office he wished." March 28, the Gazette says : "Let Maryland be kept in the power of true Union men. Let secession, and all other hideous isms be kept in the dust." April 4, the Gazette said : "He who is not for the Union is against it. There is no half way place-no middle ground."
The Gazette grew more and more furious with sympathizers with the South, saying on April 18: "Men in high office now-a-days have a queer way of shutting their eyes to the obligation of their official oaths. We know of several high in office in our city, who have solemnly sworn to support the Constitution and Laws of Maryland and of the United States, who, nevertheless, are openly preaching rebellion against the State and Federal Government, and urging men to join them in their diabolical crusade. Those men too, go to church, and pray God to deliver us from 'all sedition, piracy, conspiracy, and re- bellion,' and with holy prayers on their impious lips, button-hole the first man they meet and pour into his ear inducements for sedition."
April 25. The 19th of April had been passed. The Gazette says : "It seems to be the impression that the Legislature will pass an ordinance of secession. The feeling hereabouts is almost unanimous on the subject. # The excitement here is terrible. No man seems to know what should be done to avert the evil that has come upon us ; and all admit that we are utterly powerless to offer any resistance." It was a few days previous to this that Gov. Hicks said in Monument Square, Baltimore, that "I will suffer my right arm to be torn from my body before I will raise it to strike a sister State." May 9, 1861, the editor indignantly denied he had pandered in his issue of April 25, to the secession element, and declared himself unreservedly in favor of the Union.
December 6, 1860, Gov. Hicks wrote to John Contee :
"In all my feelings and interests as a Southerner, I am ready to stand by the interests and honor of the South."
Soon after, December 20, the Governor approved of, by procla- mation, the appointment by President Buchanan of January 4, 1861,
. Mr. Wilson, the editor. and Gov. Hicks were very intim ate and Mr. Wil- son berame afterwards the Governor's Secretary of State.
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as a day of Humiliation, Fasting, and Prayer for a restoration of friendship among the States of the Union, adding a prayer be directed to Almighty God that "we may all again realize 'how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity.' "
The Governor was at this moment besieged with importunities to con- vene the Legislature. He had been elected as a candidate of the Ameri- can party, and the Legislature was democratic. He resisted these in- cessant petitions with a rare courage until the tragic events of the 19th of April in Baltimore.
In the meantime two parties were rapidly forming in the State- one for immediate secession, the other urging the maintenance of the Union and indorsing the course of Gov. Hicks. The Gazette was a valiant champion of Gov. Hicks' sentiments.
January 4, 1861, the day appointed by President Buchanan and endorsed by Gov. Hicks, was observed in Annapolis by religious ser- vices at St. Anne's, Salem Methodist Episcopal, St. Mary's Catholic, and the Presbyterian Churches. Rev. Mr. Davenport preached at St. Anne's. He argued that the national troubles were brought upon us mainly by the corruptions of politicians, and by a sort of sans culottism that had mastered the minds of the people, causing them to look to a "higher law," and to, consequently, be wanting in proper respect to our Rulers. He urged that this was contrary to the teachings of the Bible, and exhorted his hearers to yield their political passions and prejudices by submitting to the will of those who rule us by our own elections, and whose authority over us had the divine sanction taught in the Bible." Mr. Davenport was of northern birth, and continued to hold his strong Union sentiments, as long as he stayed in Anna- polis, which was sometime after hostilities commenced; but his opinions, cropping out in church service, begot him a host of opponents. Rev. Mr. Clemm preached at Salem Church.
January 17, a meeting was held in Annapolis, of which Dr. Dennis Claude was appointed President, Col. John Walton and Dr. Edward Jacob, Vice-Presidents. Hon. Alex. Randall offered a series of reso- lutions on the State of the Union which were adopted. The reso- lutions denied the authority of a State to secede, declared the duty of the General Government to protect itself if any State should attempt to withdraw from the Union, and that, whilst they regret the election of Abraham Lincoln, they could see nothing in it that should impair the integrity of the Union.
On Tuesday, February 5, a Palmetto Flag was hoisted near St. Anne's Church. It was soon hauled down and torn in pieces.
On January 31, a meeting of the workingmen of Annapolis was held. Mr. L. W. Seabrook was made president ; Col. John Walton, Vice-President, and Norman Leslie, Secretary ; John E. Stalker, James E. Hopkins, John R. Magruder, Benj. Hopkins, and Andrew E. Chaney were made a committee to draft resolutions. The reso- lutions which were adopted, declared unalterable attachment to the Union : that secession was "no remedy for the grievious ills under which the slaveholding State have been so long suffering ; that the citizens assembled had full confidence in the patriotism and integrity of Gov. Hicks." The resolutions approved of the Crittenden Com- promise.
Monday, April 1st, the municipal election was held. So soon in the struggle had party names been assimilated to politicalopinions. Only
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one ticket was voted for-the "Union ticket." By this John R. Magruder was elected Mayor by a vote of 180, and Thomas J. Wilson recorder by 184 votes.
April 11th is the first date in which a headline appeared in the Gazette with war in it. It was "The War Excitement."
The Naval Academy began to pulsate to the war news. Under orders from Washington the authorities removed the cannon and am- munition from the battery to the practice ship Constellation. The ship took in a supply of oil and candles. The watchmen were armed with revolvers. During this period Annapolis experienced a new sensation in obtaining the stirring news of the times by telegraph.
Immediately after the 19th of April, Gen. Butler began to land the troops en route for Washington, in Annapolis; thousands of troops passed through the city, and the town assumed the appearence of a military outpost, and to experience the results of this distinction in a scarcity of provisions. There was now not three days supply on hand.
By the 1st of May, the excitement in Annapolis had subsided. and troops, munitions of war, and provisions, arrived and departed daily from the Naval Academy which had been made a depot, on their way, via the Annapolis and Elkridge Railroad, to Washington. Their passage through the city no longer stirred up any excitement. The soldiers were well-behaved, and treated the citizens with every courtesy.
This was not accomplished without political throes that threat- ened to make Maryland the theatre of the war itself.
Gov. Hicks, had, in view of the extraordinay circumstances in and out of the State, on the 22d of April, called the Legislature to meetat An- napolis on the 26th of April in special session, "to deliberate and con- sider of the condition of the State, and take such measures as in their wisdom, they may deem fit to maintain, peace, order, and security within our limits." Annapolis being, subsequent to the date of the proclamation occupied by Federal troops, on the 24th Gov. Hicks changed the place of meeting to Frederick city, Frederick county.
Lincoln had called for Maryland's quota of troops to defend the capital from a real or supposed advance of the Southern forces upon Washington. There began immediately a diplomatic corres- pence between Gov. Hicks and the Federal authorities as to the use of Maryland's levy. Whilst this was proceeding, the people of Mary- land, whose sympathies were deeply aroused for the South, began to grow restive and threatening under the intention of the Federal government to force its troops through Maryland to Washington. The 19th of April came with its startling episode in the streets of Balti- more. The correspondence changed from diplomatic to dramatic. These letters and telegrams bring the actors on the stage and shift the scenes with living vividness. The first letter on the subject was this :
WAR DEPARTMENT, April 17th, 1861.
HIS EXCELLENCY,
THOS. H. HICKS,
Governor of Maryland.
DEAR SIR :- The President has referred me to your letter of this day, and, in reply, I have the honor to say that the troops to be raised
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in Maryland will be needed for the defense of this Capital, and of the public property in that State and neighborhood. There is no inten- tion of removing them beyond those points.
Very respectfully, SIMON CAMERON, Secretary of War.
This note was followed by the annexed correspondence :
BALTIMORE, April 17th, 1861. To the President of the United States :
SIR :- From the conversation I had yesterday, in Washington, with the Secretary of War, and with Lieutenant-General Scott, I under- stood that the four regiments of militia to be called for from Mary- land were to be posted and retained within the limits of this State, for the defense of the United States Government, the maintenance of the Federal authority, and the protection of the Federal Capital. I also understood it was the intention of the United States Government not to require their services outside of Maryland, except in defense of the District of Columbia.
Will you do me the favor to state, whether I am right in this under- standing, so that, in responding to the lawful demands of the United States Government, I may be able to give effective and reliable aid for the support and defence of this Union.
I have the honor to be your obedientt servant, THOS. H. HICKS, Governor of Maryland.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 17th, 1861.
To HIS EXCELLENCY,
THOS. H. HICKS,
Governor of Maryland.
SIR :- The President has referred to me your communication of this date, in relation to our conversation of the previous day, and I have the honor to say, in reply, that your statement of it is correct.
The troops called for from Maryland are destined for the protection of the Federal Capital and the public property of the United States within the limits of the State of Maryland ; and it is not intended to remove them beyond those limits except for the defense of this Dis- trict.
I have the honor to be yours, &c., SIMON CAMERON. Secretary of War.
WAR DEPARTMENT, WASHINGTON, April 18th, 1861. ]
To HIS EXCELLENCY,
THOS. H. HICKS,
Governor of Maryland.
SIR :- The President is informed that threats are made, and meas- ures taken, by unlawful combinations of misguided citizens of Mary-
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land, to prevent by force the transit of United States troops, across Maryland, on their way, pursuant to orders, for the defense of this capital. The information is from such sources and in such shapes, that the President thinks it his duty to make it known to you, so that all loyal and patriotic citizens of your State may be warned in time, and that you may be prepared to take immediate and effective meas- ures against it.
. Such an attempt could have only the most deplorable consequences ; and it would be as agreeable to the President, as it would be to your- self that it should be prevented, or overcome by the loyal authorities and citizens of Maryland, rather than averted by any other means.
I am very respectfully, yours, &c., SIMON CAMERON,
Secretary of War.
STATE OF MARYLAND,
EXECUTIVE CHAMBER, ANNAPOLIS, April 20th, 1861.
HON. S. CAMERON,
SIR :- Since I saw you in Washington last, I have been been in Bal- timore City, laboring in conjunction with the Mayor of that city to preserve peace and order, but I regret to say with little success. Up to yesterday there appeared promise, but the outbreak came, the turbulent passions of the riotous element prevailed, fear for safety became reality, what they endeavored to conceal, but what was known to us, was no longer concealed but made manifest ; the rebellious ele- ment had the control of things. We were arranging and organizing forces to protect the city and preserve order, but want of organiza- tion, of arms, prevented success. They had arms, they had the prin- cipal part of the organized military forces with them, and for us to have made the effort, under the circumstances, would have had the effect to aid the disorderly element. They took possession of the Armories, have the arms and ammunition, and I therefore think it prudent, to decline, (for the present,) responding affirmatively to the requisition made by President Lincoln, for four regiments of infantry.
With great respect I am your obedient servant, THOS. H. HICKS.
FREDERICK CITY, Mw., April 20th, 1861.
HIS EXCELLENCY,
THOMAS H. HICKS,
Governor of the State Maryland,
Annapolis, Md.
SIR :- In obedience to Special Orders, No. 106 Adjutant General's Office, Washington, D. C. of April 15th, 1861, (detailing me to muster into the service of the United States, the troops of this State called out by the President's proclamation of that date, ) I have the honor to report to you my arrival at this place.
I would be pleased to receive from you, at your earliest convenience,
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information and instructions you may have to communicate to me, . in reference to this duty.
I am sir, very respectfully, Your obedient servant, R. MACFEELY, 1st Lieut. 4th Infantry.
STATE OF MARYLAND, EXECUTIVE CHAMBER. Annapolis, April 23d, 1861.
R. MACFEELY, EsQ., 1st Lieut. 4th Infantry.
SIR :- Your letter of the 20th inst. was received this morning. I am directed by the Governor to inform you that no troops have been called out in Maryland, and that consequently your mission is at an end. And you will therefore report to the Secretary of War, who has been informed of the Governor's views in this matter.
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