USA > Maryland > The history of Maryland, to which are added brief biographies of distinguished statesmen, philanthropists, theologians, etc.; prepared for the schools of Maryland > Part 4
Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8
2. With these statements before it, the House asked that the penal laws of England be put in force in the province. Their request, how- ever, was not granted. The memorialists then petitioned that the House of Delegates would
1. What memorial was sent to the House of Delegates ? 2. What was asked ? Was the request granted ? What fur-
2
65
FORT DUQUESNE CAPTURED.
present their grievances to the king and beg his interposition.
3. Meantime Fort Frederick was built, on the Potomac, near Hancock. In 1758 the pro-
vincial troops suffered another defeat ; but 1758. on the 22d of November Fort Duquesne (now Pittsburgh) was taken,-which ended the war. Maryland had furnished five hundred men for it, besides calling out the Western militia, at the cost of fifty thousand pounds (one hundred and thirty-three, thousand dollars). The war being ended, the Governor, by proclamation, ordered a public thanksgiving.
4. To meet the expenses of the war, the Gene- ral Assembly had resorted to taxation. 1758. Among the luxuries taxed are specified, after wines and liquors, and before billiard-tables, bachelors. All of twenty-five years and upwards, worth one hundred pounds and less than three hundred pounds, were taxed five shillings, and if worth over three hundred pounds, then twenty shillings, per annum. A list of these was required to be returned to the Governor, annually, by the vestries of the several parishes. This tax was paid for five successive years.
ther was asked ? 3. Of Fort Frederick ? Of Fort Duquesne ? What number of men had Maryland furnished ? 4. Of taxation ? What were taxed ? How was a list of bachelors
6*
.
7
أسياد
...
66
:
MARYLAND HISTORY.
1760.
5. Turning from war to the things of peace, we find it recorded that in 1760 a stone wind- mill was built on the Point, near Annapolis, where Fort Severn afterwards stood, and that it was then reckoned to be one of the best mills in the country. It ground twelve bushels in an hour. When the fort was built, the mill was destroyed.
6. On the 20th of March, 1760, a fire broke out in Boston, which destroyed one hundred and seventy-four dwelling-houses, and as many ware- houses, shops, and other buildings. Two hundred and twenty families were left houseless by this disaster, and property to the amount of one hun- dred thousand pounds sterling was destroyed. The Governor of Massachusetts appealed to the Governor of Maryland for relief.
7. Governor Sharpe, accordingly, sent out his brief to all the worshipping congregations in the province, requesting them to take up collections for the sufferers, to be returned to him. The returns showed the very liberal response of one thousand eight hundred and thirty-nine pounds and ten pence,-nearly eight thousand dollars.
obtained? How long was this tax imposed? 5. About a stone windmill ? 6. Of a fire in Boston? What did the Governor of Massachusetts do? 7. What did the Governor of Maryland do ? What response was made to the appeal ?
Г
67
STAMP ACT.
Of this amount, one thousand five hundred and three pounds came from the congregations of the Established Church, one hundred and thirty-four pounds from the Quakers, one hundred and seven pounds from the Presbyterians, seventy-six pounds from the Roman Catholics, seven pounds from the Baptists, six pounds from the Dunkers, and nearly five pounds from the Lutherans.
8. In 1765 the famous Stamp Act came from England. This produced intense excite- 1765.
ment. The General Assembly was con- vened at once, delegates were appointed to the Congress at New York, chartered rights were re- declared, the officer for the distribution of stamps was burnt in effigy and compelled to flee from the province, the courts were all suspended, and newspapers ceased to be published. The public offices were compelled by the people to be kept open, even without the stamps, in violation of the act.
9. In 1768 a number of the parishes undertook to set aside the presentation of ministers to
1768. them by Lord Baltimore. Coventry parish, in Somerset county, especially resisted; and the case was carried into court in Maryland, and de-
Who contributed this large sum? 8. What of the Stamp Act ? What did the Assembly and the people do? What of the public offices ? 9. What difficulties occurred in 1768 ?
-
٢
68
MARYLAND HISTORY.
cided against it. An appeal, however, being taken to the courts in England, the question was decided in favor of the parish.
10. The support of the clergy produced at this time much excitement, which was by no means beneficial to them. The clergy were persistently opposed by the laity in the General Assembly, though at the same time a great deal of legisla- tion was effected in favor of the church.
IX
NEW STATE-HOUSE.
11. On the 5th of June, Governor Sharpe was succeeded by Robert Eden, Esq., the last pro-
10. What further excitement ? 11. Who succeeded Gov- ernor Sharpe? What of a new State-house ? What re-
69
ANNAPOLIS.
vincial Governor. In 1769 an appropriation of seven thousand pounds sterling was made 1769. by the General Assembly, for building a
new State-house. The old one was pulled down, and the present one commenced, its foundation- stone being laid by Governor Eden, March 28, 1772 .. On his striking the stone with the mal- let, a heavy clap of thunder was heard, though not a cloud was to be seen, the day being beauti- fully clear and serene.
12. Annapolis never acquired a large popula- tion, nor any considerable degree of commer- cial importance. But it had at this time 1769. become conspicuous as the seat of wealth and fashion. The luxurious habits, elegant accom- plishments, and profuse liberality of its inhabit- ants were proverbial throughout the colonics. Said Mr. Eddis, in 1770, "There is not a town in England of the same size which can boast of a greater number of fashionable and handsome women ; and, were I not satisfied to the contrary, I should suppose that the majority of our belles possessed every advantage of a long and familiar intercourse with the manners and habits of the English metropolis."
markable circumstance occurred at the laying of the corner- stone? 12. What of Annapolis ? What had it become at this time? What did Mr. Eddis say of Annapolis in 1770 ?
m
L
70
MARYLAND HISTORY.
13. Soon after his arrival in Maryland, Gov- ernor Eden purchased of Edmund Jennings, Esq., by whom it had been built, what has since been called the Government House. He added to itethe long room and the wings, making it arcommodious and delightful residence. From
GOVERNMENT HOUSE, ANNAPOLIS.
Governor Eden it passed into the hands of the State, and has been since occupied by his succes- sors in office. Now, after having been occupied
13. What did Governor Eden purchase ? How did he add to it? Into whose hands did this house pass ? What of it after nearly one hundred years ?
-
71
DEATH OF LORD BALTIMORE.
for nearly one hundred years by the Governors of Maryland, it is about to pass into the posses- sion of the United States, as an appendage of the Naval School.
CHAPTER XIV.
Death of the last Lord Baltimore-First Conference of the Methodist Church-Population in 1774-Burning of a Cargo of, Tea-Allegiance to the King-Approaching Hostilities-Fifth Contention-The Declaration of the Freemen of Maryland-Sixth Convention-Seventh Con- vention-Eighth Convention-Ninth Convention-Charles Carroll-Population.
1. IN 1771 the last Lord Baltimore died, leav- ing no children by his marriage. By his will, however, his Maryland possessions passed to 1771. an illegitimate son,-Henry Harford,-then a minor. At this time the Proprietor's annual revenue from his rents, deducting all his govern- ment expenses, is said to have been sixty-four thousand dollars. Among the people a litigious spirit prevailed. The idea of equality was every- where manifest, and little respect was paid to those in the higher stations of life.
1. What of the last Lord Baltimore ? His annual income !
72
MARYLAND HISTORY.
2. The first Conference of the Methodist Church was held in Philadelphia, June 17, 1773. At
1773. this Conference ten preachers were present, four of whom had Maryland for their field. They reported their membership in all the provinces to be eleven hundred and sixty, of whom five hun- in Maryland. They claimed to the Church of England. They utterly repudi- ated slavery, and would not permit their lay preachers to administer the sacraments.
3. In 1774, Maryland claimed a population of three hundred and twenty thousand. Vir- 1774. ginia and Massachusetts were the only colo- nies which reported a greater number. The Revolution was making rapid progress, and the last provincial General Assembly was held in March of this year. This was succeeded in June by the first provincial convention, by which an association to cease all importations from or ex- portations to Great Britain was resolved on, and also a subscription in each county for the relief of Boston.
4. On the 19th of October a cargo of tea was burned in Annapolis, in open day, the owners
Of the spirit of the people? 2. What of the first Conference of the Methodist Church ? What did they report ? What did they claim? 3. Population in 1774? Of the Revolu- tion? What of the first provincial convention? 4. What
--
-
.
-
73
BURNING OF TEA.
themselves kindling the fire that consumed it. On the 21st of November a second convention was held, by which it was resolved that every person in the province ought strictly and invio-
BURNING THE TEA-LADEN VESSEL.
lably to observe and carry into execution the articles of association, and that balls be discon- tinued. On the 3d of December a third con- vention was held, by which it was resolved to in- crease the flocks of sheep, to manufacture linen and cotton, and, among other things, to prosecute no suit at law.
5. On the 24th of April, 1775, a fourth con-
of a cargo of tea ? Of the second convention ? The third ? 5. Of the fourth convention ? What recommendation was 7
or shid
·
£
74
MARYLAND HISTORY.
vention was held. By this it was resolved that
"King George III. is lawful and right King 1775. of Great Britain and of the dominions thereto belonging, and that the people of this province do owe and will bear faith and true allegiance to him." At the same time, par- ticular attention was recommended to be paid to forming and exercising the militia in every county. The 11th of May was set apart as a day of fasting and humiliation.
6. Every thing now indicated approaching hos- tilities. The busy sound of preparation echoed throughout every settlement, and those who were not infected with the general excitement were considered enemies to the cause of liberty, branded with opprobrious epithets, and pointed out as victims of public resentment.
7. A fifth convention met at Annapolis, in July. By this convention it was resolved 1775. that the articles of association for the main- tenance of peace, good order, and law should be subscribed by all the freemen of the province, and those who should refuse were to be noted. Forty companies of minute-men, of eighty-two men each, were called for, and all able-bodied
made ? 6. Of approaching hostilities ? 7. Of the fifth conven- tion ? What was resolved ? Of minute-men ? Of a Council of
---
-----------
W
75
DECLARATION OF FREEMEN.
men, from sixteen to forty-five years of age, were to be enrolled. A Council of Safety of sixteen was appointed to carry on the government, and paper money to the amount of two hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars was issued. The de- claration of the freemen of Maryland, which is subjoined, was made nearly one year before the Declaration of Independence by the Congress at Philadelphia, July 4, 1776. An original copy, with signatures, is kept in the Executive chamber at Annapolis.
Association of the Freemen of Maryland.
The' long-premeditated, and now avowed, design of the British government to raise a revenue from the property of the colonists without their consent, on the gift, grant, and disposition of the Commons of Great Britain; the arbitrary and vindictive statutes passed, under color of punishing a riot, to subdue by military force, and by famine, the Massa- chusetts Bay ; the unlimited power assumed by Parliament to alter the charter of that province, and the constitution of all the colonies, thereby destroying the essential securities of the lives, liberties, and properties of the colonists; the commencement of hostilities by the ministerial forces, and the cruel prosecution of the war against the people of the Massachusetts Bay, followed by General Gage's proclama- tion, declaring almost the whole of the inhabitants of the United Colonies, by name or description, rebels and traitors, are sufficient causes to arm a free people in defence of their liberty, and to justify resistance, no longer dictated by pru-
Safety ? Of the declaration of the freemen of Maryland ?
للتوسطـــ
0
-
76
MARYLAND HISTORY.
dence, merely, but by necessity ; and leave no alternative but base submission or manly opposition to uncontrollable tyranny. The Congress chose the later, and for the express purpose of securing and defending the United Colonies, and preserving them in safety against all attempts to carry the above-mentioned acts into execution by force of arms, re- solved that the said colonies be immediately put into a state of defence, and now supports, at the joint expense, an army to restrain the further violence and repel the future attacks of a disappointed and exasperated enemy.
We, therefore, inhabitants of the province of Maryland, firmly persuaded that it is necessary and justifiable to repel force by force, do approve of the opposition by arms to the British troops employed to enforce obedience to the late acts and statutes of the British Parliament ; for raising a revenue in America, and altering and changing the charter and Con- stitution of the Massachusetts Bay, and for destroying the essential securities for the lives, liberties, and properties of the subjects in the United Colonies. And we do unite and associate as one band, and firmly and solemnly engage and pledge ourselves to each other and to America, that we will to the utmost of our power promote and support the present opposition, carrying on, as well by arms as by the Continental association restraining our commerce.
And as in these times of public danger, and until a recon- ciliation with Great Britain on constitutional principles is effected (an event we most ardently wish may soon take place), the energy of government may be greatly impaired, so that even zeal unrestrained may be productive of anarchy and confusion ; we do, in like manner, unite, associate, and solemnly engage in maintenance of good order and the pub- lic peace, to support the civil power in the due execution of the laws, so far as may be consistent with the present plan of opposition : and to defend with our utmost power all per- sons from every species of outrage to themselves or their property, and to prevent any punishment from being in-
--
77
1
REVOLUTIONARY MEASURES.
flicted on any offenders other than such as shall be adjudged by the civil magistrate, the Continental Congress, our con- vention, Council of Safety, or committees of observation.
8. Atythe sixth convention, held on the second Tuesday in September, committees of observation and correspondence were appointed. The provin- cial government being still in existence, this was imperium in imperio. Three of the leading clergy- men of the Established Church left the pro- vince and went to England, and three were ar- rested and imprisoned. The number of Church- of-England clergymen in the province at this time was forty-four ; and of these the larger por- tion were on the side of American liberty.
9. On the 1st of January, 1776, the seventh convention assembled. Eleven hundred and forty-four men were ordered to be raised for 1776. service, but no soldier was to be placed in any civil office. . William Smallwood was appointed colonel, and instructions were given to the depu- ties in Congress.
10. The eighth convention met on the 8th of May, 1776. Governor Eden was by it requested to leave the province; and with this request he complied. All oaths taken to the proprietary
8. Of the sixth convention ? Of leading clergymen of the Established Church? 9. Seventh convention? Who was appointed colonel ? 10. Eighth convention ? Of Governor 7*
٠
عام ٢٦١
78
MARYLAND HISTORY.
government were declared null and void. The exercise of official authority was suppressed, pray- ers for the king were directed to be omitted in churches and chapels, and all the powers of government were to be exercised under the au- thority of the people.
11. On the 18th of June the ninth convention met. Instructions were given to the depu-
1776. ties in Congress-Johnson, Paca, Chase, and Stone-to concur in declaring the United States free and independent ; provided that the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal government of this colony be reserved to the people thereof. Three thousand four hundred of the militia were called out to con- stitute a flying camp, and a new convention CHARLES CARROLL. was ordered to be elected, with power to form a new government. 12. On the 4th of July, at this convention,
Eden ? Of oaths ? Exercise of official authority ? 11. Ninth convention ? What instructions were given ? Of the militia ? 12. What occurred on the 4th of July, 1776? What was the population at this time ?
79
.BATTLE OF LONG ISLAND.
Charles Carroll of Carrollton was elected a deputy to Congress, to supply a vacancy in the delega- tion, and, though not present at the passing of the Declaration of Independence, he afterwards signed it. There were now eighty thousand taxables in the province,-giving a population of three hun- dred and twenty thousand, nearly one-seventh of which was in Frederick county.
CHAPTER XV.
Battle of Long Island-Attack on Baltimore-Repulse of the Enemy-Maryland Troops -- State Constitution-In- surrection-Devotion to the Cause of Independence-La Fayette-Population in 1782-Peace-United States Congress at Annapolis -- Resignation of Washington- The Maryland Line.
1. AT the battle of Long Island, August 27, 1776, Colonel Smallwood's battalion was present, and of seven hundred and fifty men two 1776. hundred and fifty-six are said to have been killed. On the 14th of August the convention for forming a new State constitution had' met. Frederick county was then divided into three.
1. What of the battle of Long Island ? What of the con-
-
Tà hộc
80
MARYLAND HISTORY.
counties, -- Montgomery, Frederick, and Wash- ington.
2. Early in March, 1776, a man-of-war sailed up the Patapsco River and attacked Baltimore, at that tine a town of six hundred inhabitants. Most of the families, with their effects, were removed into the country. The enemy was repulsed, and the prizes which he had taken coming up the bay were all recaptured. On the 4th of July the British fleet sailed up the Potomac, along the shores of which they plundered and burned dwell- ings, and had several skirmishes. Many tories and negroes, it was said, were on board.
3. Five companies were raised about this time, in Baltimore and Frederick counties, for the
1776. war. At the same time, a number of East- ern Shore companies were sent to the lower part of Somerset county to disarm the disaffected. A number of the inhabitants of Caroline county at one time marched into Dorchester county, where they were joined by some of the inhabitants, and committed various depredations and outrages.
4. The convention continued in session till the 11th of November. During its sittings the State Constitution was formed. The Proprietor's
vention ? 2. What of a man-of-war ? What became of most of the families? What of the enemy? Where did the enemy's vessels go on July 4? 3. Of more soldiers ? 4. What
-
1
:
INSURRECTION. 81
government was swept away, a new and inde- pendent government was organized, the Estab- lished Church was broken up, its clergy were deprived of their livings, the vestries were struck out of existence, and many of the churches were closed.
5. Thomas Johnson, Esq., of Anne Arundel county, was the first Governor appointed 1777. under the new Constitution, and its legis- lature met on the 5th of February, 1777. Upon the announced principle that in every State alle- giance and protection are reciprocal, and that no man is entitled to the latter who refuses the former, all who declined to take the oath of fidelity to the State were disfranchised, and sub- jected to a treble tax.
6. About this time an insurrection of several hundred tories, from Sussex county, Delaware, and Somerset and Worcester, took place near Salis- bury, and was of so threatening a character that Generals Smallwood and Gist, with a Virginia regiment, were sent from Annapolis to quell it. Not long after this, a party of loyalists congregated near Pipe Creek, in Frederick ; but the sight of a party of militia put them to flight. In neither
further of the convention ? 5. Who was the first, Governor under the new Constitution ? What principle was announced ? 6. Of an insurrection ? Of a party of loyalists at Pipe Creek ?
.
+
In
.
82
MARYLAND HISTORY.
instance was any blood shed : some of the tories were, however, taken and imprisoned,-though they were afterwards pardoned on submission.
7. Of the forty-five parishes in the State, twenty-eight became vacant by the war. Thirty- seven of the clergy of the old Church remained ; at least twenty-five of these are recorded as having taken the oath of fidelity, and some of them were known patriots.
8. In 1778, Maryland furnished more than three thousand three hundred regular troops for
1778. the war. This was a number, in proportion to what was asked for by Congress, one-third greater than that furnished by any other State, except Delaware.
9. Devotion to the cause of independence was manifested by all. classes of citizens. When La Fayette halted in Baltimore, on his way to join the army at the South, a ball was given in honor of his arrival. One of the ladies observing that he appeared sad, inquired the cause. "I cannot enjoy the gayety of the scene," the marquis replied, "while so many of the poor soldiers are in want of clothes.". "We will supply them," was the prompt response.
1
7. Of the forty-five parishes ? Of the clergy ? 8. How many men did Maryland furnish in 1778? 9. What of the cause of independence ? What of La Fayette ? What response
·
.
TT m
ப் பபப்பாட்டுட்
1
83
LA FAYETTE.
10. The next morning the ball-room was turned into a clothing manufactory. Fathers and hus-
Droit
LA FAYETTE AT THE BALL.
bands furnished the materials; daughters and wives plied the needle at their grateful task. One lady, with her own hands, cut out five hundred garments and superintended the making of them. Such were the women of the Revo- lution.
11. On the 3d of February, Articles of Con- federation between the thirteen States had 1780. been proposed. In these articles Virginia had succeeded in inserting the provision that no
was given ? 10. What was done the next morning ? 11. What occurred on the 3d of February, 1780 ? What had
EL
84
MARYLAND HISTORY.
State should be deprived of her territory for the benefit of the United States,-she at the same time claiming westward to the Mississippi River. Against this the Assembly of Maryland entered their protest, setting forth that this was an unjust appropriation of the public lands won by all, and refused to sign the articles till that clause was stricken out. Nor were they signed by the representatives of Maryland till 1780; and then it was done under this protest.
12. In 1782 the population of Maryland, as 1782. enumerated by assessors appointed, was found to be one hundred and seventy thousand six hundred and eighty-eight white, and eighty-three thousand three hundred and sixty-two colored,- making a total of two hundred and fifty-four thousand and fifty. The population of the State of New York at the same time was two hundred and thirty-eight thousand eight hundred and ninety-seven,-more than fifteen thousand less than that of Maryland.
13. Peace at length was declared, and with it came the acknowledgment of our independ- ence, in. September of 1783. In the war which had resulted thus gloriously to us, Maryland
1783.
Virginia done ? What did Maryland do? 12. What was the population of Maryland in 1782? Of New York at the same time ? 13. When was peace attained ? What of Maryland's
-
---
ورية اري لا
85
----
1
MARYLAND'S LOSSES BY THE WAR.
had nobly done her part. Though no battle had been fought within her borders, her soldiers-num- bering one-twelfth of the forces of the thirteen States-had gone North and South, and of the twenty-three thousand whom. she sent out, few re- turned. By emigration to England or elsewhere, in slaves carried off, and in the casualties of war, Maryland had lost sixty-six thousand of her population in seven years.
14. During the last three years of the war, her land had depreciated in value one-third. Thirty thousand acres were confiscated, exclusive of what belonged to the Proprietor. The war expenses of the State were seven million six hundred thou- sand dollars,-two-thirds of the value of all her real estate. Of specie there remained in circula- tion only one hundred thousand pounds, currency, -two hundred and sixty-six thousand dollars ; and her population was reduced to two hundred and fifty-four thousand.
Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.