THE SIXT VOYAGE. 1606.

TO ANOTHER PART OF VIRGINIA, WHERE NOW ARE PLANTED OUR ENGLISH COLONIES WHOM GOD INCREASE AND PRESERUE: DISCOVERED AND DESCRIBED By CAPTAINE IOHN SMITH, Sometimes Governour of the Countrey.

“ By these former relations you may see what inconveniences still crossed those good intents, and how great a matter it was all 0010 2 this time to finde but a Harbour, although there be so many. But this Virginia is a Country in America between the degrees of 34. and 45. of the North latitude. The bounds thereof on the East side are the great Ocean: on the South lyeth Florida: on the North nova Francia: as for the West thereof, the limits are vnknowne. Of all this Country we purpose not to speake, but onely of that part which was planted by the English men in the yeare of our Lord, 1606. And this is vnder the degrees 37. 38. and 39. The temperature of this Country doth agree well with English constitutions, being once seasoned to the Country. Which appeared by this, that though by many occasions our people fell sicke; yet did they recover by very small meanes, and continued in health, though there were other great causes, not onely to haue made them sicke, but even to end their dayes, &c.

“The Sommer is hot as in Spaine; the Winter cold as in France or England. The heat of sommer is in Iune, Iuly, and August, but commonly the coole Breeses asswage the vehemency of the heat. The chiefe of winter is halfe December, Ianuary, February, and halfe March. The colde is extreame sharpe, but here the Proverbe is true, that no extreame long continueth.

“In the yeare 1607. was an extraordinary frost in most of Europe, and this frost was found as extreame in Virginia. But the next yeare for 8. or 10. dayes of ill weather, other 14 dayes would be as Sommer.

“The windes here are variable, but the like thunder and lightning to purifie the ayre, I haue seldome either seene or heard in Europe. From the Southwest came the greatest gusts with thunder and heat. The Northwest winde is commonly coole and bringeth faire weather with it. From the North is the greatest cold, and from the East and Southeast as from the Barmudas, fogs and raines.

“Sometimes there are great droughts, other times much raine, yet great necessitie of neither, by reason we see not but that all the raritie of needful fruits in Europe, may be there in great plentie, by the industrie of men, as appeareth by those we there Planted.

“There is but one entrance by Sea into this Country, and that is at the mouth of a very goodly Bay, 18. or 20. myles broad. The cape on the South is called Cape Henry, in honour of our most noble Prince. The land white hilly sands like vnto the Downes, and all along the shores great plentie of Pines and Firres.

“The North Cape is called Cape Charles, in honour of the worthy Duke of Yorke. The Isles before it, Smith's Isles, by the name of the discover. Within is a country that may haue the prerogatiue over the most pleasant places knowne, for large and pleasant navigable Rivers, heaven and earth never agreed better to frame a place for mans habitation; were it fully manured and inhabited by industrious people. Here are mountaines, hils, 0011 3 plaines, valleyes, rivers, and brookes, all running most pleasantly into a faire Bay, compassed but for the mouth, with fruitfull and delightsome land. In the Bay and rivers are many Isles both great and small, some woody, some plaine, most of them low and not inhabited. This bay lyeth North and South, in which the water floweth neare 200. myles, and hath a channell for 140 myles of depth betwixt 6 and 15 fadome, holding a breadth for the most part 10 or 14 myles. From the head of the Bay to the Northwest, the land is mountanous, and so in a manner from thence by a Southwest line; so that the more Southward, the farther off from the Bay are those mountaines. From which fall certaine brookes which after come to fiue principall navigable rivers. These run from the Northwest into the Southeast, and so into the West side of the Bay, where the fall of every River is within 20 or 15 myles one of the other.

“The mountaines are of divers natures: for at the head of the Bay the rockes are of a composition like Mill stones. Some of Marble, &c. And many peeces like Christall we found, as throwne downe by water from those mountaines. For in Winter they are covered with much snow, and when it dissolveth the waters fall with such violence, that it causeth great inundations in some narrow valleys, which is scarce perceived being once in the rivers. These waters wash from the rocks such glistering tinctures, that the ground in some places seemeth as guilded, where both the rocks and the earth are so splendent to behold that better iudgements then ours might haue beene perswaded, they contained more then probabilities. The vesture of the earth in most places doth manifestly proue the nature of the soyle to be lusty and very rich. The colour of the earth we found in diverse places, resembleth bole Armoniac, terra a sigillata, and Lemnia, Fullers earth, Marle, and divers and other such appearances. But generally for the most part it is a blacke sandy mould, in some places a fat slimy clay, in other places a very barren gravell. But the best ground is knowne by the vesture it beareth, as by the greatnesse of trees, or abun dance of weeds, &c.

“The Country is not mountanous, nor yet low, but such pleasant plaine hils, and fertile valleyes, one prettily crossing another and watered so conveniently with fresh brookes and springs, no lesse commodious, then delightsome. By the rivers are many plaine marshes, containing some 20 some 100. some 200 Acres, some more, some lesse. Other plaines there are few, but onely where the Salvages inhabit: but all overgrowne with trees and weeds, being a plaine wildernesse as God first made it.

“On the west side of the Bay, we sayd were 5. faire and delightfull navigable rivers. The first of those, and the next to the mouth of the Bay hath his course from the West Northwest. It is called Powhatan, according to the name of a principall countrey that lyeth vpon it. The mouth of this river is neare three myles 0012 4 in breadth, yet doe the shoules force the Channell so neare the land, that a Sarce will overshoot it at point blancke. It is navigable 150 myles, the shouldes and soundings are here needlesse to be expressed. It falleth from Rockes farre west in a Country inhabited by a nation they call Monacans. But where it commeth into our discovery it is Powhatan. In the farthest place that was diligently observed, are falles, rockes, shoules, &c., which makes it past navigation any higher. Thence in the running downeward, the river is enriched with many goodly brookes, which are maintained by an infinit number of small rundles and pleasant springs, that disperse themselues for the best service, as do the veines of a mans body. From the South there fals into it: First, the pleasant river of Apamatuck. Next more to the East are two small rivers of Quiyoughcohanocke. A little farther is a Bay wherein falleth 3 or 4 prettie brookes and creekes that halfe intrench the Inhabitants of Warraskoyac, then the river of Nandsamund, and lastly the brooke of Chisapeack. From the North side is the river of Chickahamania, the backe river of Iames Towne; another by the Cedar Isle, where we liued ten weekes vpon Oysters, then a convenient harbour for Fisher boats at Kecoughtan, that so turneth it selfe into Bayes and Creekes, it makes that place very pleasant to inhabit; their cornefields being girded therein in a manner as Peninsulaes. The most of these rivers are inhabited by severall nations, or rather families, of the name of the rivers. They haue also over those some Governour, as their King, which they call Werowances. In a Peninsula on the North side of this river are the English Planted in a place by them called lames Towne, in honour of the Kings most excellent Maiestie.

“The first and next the rivers mouth are the Kecoughtans, who besided their women and children, haue not past 20 fighting men. The Paspaheghes (on whose land is seated Iames Towne, some 40. myles from the Bay ) haue not past 40. The river called Chickahamania neare 250. The Weanocks 100. The Arrowhatocks 30. The place called Powhatan, some 40. On the South side this river the Appamatucks haue sixtie fighting men. The Quiyougcohanocks 25. The Nandsamunds 200. The Chesapeacks 100. Of this last place the Bay beareth the name. In all these places is a severall com mander, which they call Werowance, except the Chickahamanians, who are governed by the Priests and their Assistants, or their Elders called Caw-cawwassoughes. In sommer no place affordeth more plentie of Sturgeon, nor in winter more abundance of foule, especially in the time of frost. I tooke once 52 Sturgeons at a draught, at another 68. From the later end of May till the end of Iune are taken few, but yong Sturgeons of two foot, or a yard long. From thence till the midst of September, them of two or three yards long and few others. And in 4 or 5 houres, with one Net were ordinarily taken 7 or 8: often more, seldome lesse. In the small rivers all the yeare there is good plentie of small fish, so that with hookes those that would take paines had sufficient.

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“Fourteene myles Northward from the river Powhatan, is the river Pamavnkee, which is navigable 60 or 70 myles, but with Catches and small Barkes 30 or 40 myles farther. At the ordinary flowing of the salt water, it divideth it selfe into two gallant branches. On the South side inhabit the people of Youghtanund, who haue about 60 men for warres. On the North branch Mattapament, who haue 30 men. Where this river is divided the Country is called Pamavnkee and nourisheth neare 300 able men. About 25. myles lower on the North side of this river is Werawocomoco, where their great King inhabited when I was delivered him prisoner; yet there are not past 40 able men. Ten or twelue myles lower, on the South side of this river, is Chiskiack, which hath some 40 or 50 men. These, as also Apamatuck, Irrohatock, and Powhatan, are their great Kings chiefe alliance, and inhabitants. The rest his Conquests.

“Before we come to the third river that falleth from the mountaines, there is another river ( some 30 myles navigable ) that commeth from the Inland, called Payankatanke, the inhabitants are about 50 or 60 serviceable men.

“The third navigable river is tailed Toppahanock. ( This is navigable some 130 myles ). At the top of it inhabit the people called Mannahoacks amongst the mountaines, but they are aboue the place we described. Vpon this river on the North side are the people Cuttatawomen, with 30 fighting men. Higher are the Moraughtacunds, with 80. Beyond them Rapahanock with 100. Far aboue is another Cuttatawomen with 20. On the South is the pleasant seat of Nantaughtacund having 150 men. This river also as the two former, is replenished with fish and foule.

“The fourth river is called Patawomeke, 6 or 7 myles in breadth. It is navigable 140 myles, and fed as the rest with many sweet rivers and springs, which fall from the bordering hils. These hils many of them are planted, and yeeld no lesse plentie and varietie of fruit, then the river exceedeth with abundance of fish. It is inhabited on both sides. First on the South side at the very entrance is Wighcocomoco and hath some 130 men, beyond them Sekacawone with 30. The Onawmanient with 100. And the Patawomekes more then 200. Here doth the river divide itselfe into 3 or 4 convenient branches. The greatest of the least is called Quiyough, trending Northwest, but the river it selfe turneth Northeast, and is still a navigable streame. On the Westerne side of this bought is Tauxenent with 40 men. On the North of this river is Secowocomoco with 40. Some what further Potapaco with 20. In the East part is Pamacaeack with 60. After Moyowance with 100. And lastly, Nocotchtanke with 80. The river aboue this place maketh his passage downe a low pleasant valley overshaddowed in many places with high rocky mountaines; from whecne distill innumerable sweet and pleasant springs.

“The fift river is called Pawtuxunt, of a lesse proportion then rest; but the channell is 16 fadome deepe in some places, Here 0014 6 are infinit skuls of divers kindes of fish more then elswhere. Vpon this river dwell the people called Acquintanacksuak, Pawtuxunt, and Mattapanient. Two hundred men was the greatest strength that could be there perceived. But they inhabit together, and not so dispersed as the rest. These of all other we found most civill to giue intertainement.

“Thirtie leagues Northward is a river not inhabited, yet navigable; for the red clay resembling bole Armoniack we called it BOLUS. At the end of the Bay where it is 6 or 7 myles in breadth, it divides it selfe into 4. branches, the best commeth Northwest from among the mountaines, but though Canows may goe a dayes iourney or two vp it, we could not get two myles vp it with our boat for rockes. Vpon it is seated the Sasquesahanocks, neare it North and by West runneth a creeke a myle and a halfe: at the head whereof the Eble left vs on shore, where we found many trees cut with hatchets. The next tyde keeping the shore to seeke for some Salvages; (for within thirtie leagues sayling, we saw not any, being a barren Country,) we went vp another small river like a creeke 6 or 7 myle. From thence returning we met 7 Canowes of the Massowomeks, with whom we had conference by signes, for we vnderstood one another scarce a word: the next day we discovered the small river and people of Tockwhogh trending Eastward.

“Having lost our Grapnell among the rocks of Sasquesahanocks, we were then neare 200 myles from home, and our Barge about two tuns, and had in it but twelve men to performe this Discovery, wherein we lay about 12 weekes vpon those great waters in those vnknowne Countries, having nothing but a little meale, oatemeale and water to feed vs, and scarce halfe sufficient of that for halfe that time, but what provision we got among the Salvages, and such rootes and fish as we caught by accident, and Gods direction; nor had we a Mariner nor any had skill to trim the sayles but two saylers and my selfe, the rest being Gentlemen, or them were as ignorant in such toyle and labour. Yet necessitie in a short time by good words and examples made them doe that that caused them ever after to feare no colours. What I did with this small meanes I leaue to the Reader to iudge, and the Mappe I made of the Country, which is but a small matter in regard of the magnitude thereof. But to proceed, 60 of those Sasquesahanocks came to vs with skins, Bowes, Arrows, Targets, Beads, Swords, and Tobacco pipes for presents. Such great and well proportioned men are seldome seene, for they seemed like Giants to the English, yea and to the neighbours, yet seemed of an honest and simple disposition, with much adoe restrained from adoring vs as Gods. Those are the strangest people of all those Countries, both in language and attire; for their language it may well beseeme their proportions, sounding from them, as a voyce in a vault. Their attire is the skinnes of Beares, and Woolues, some haue Cassacks made of Beares heads 0015 7 and skinnes, that a mans head goes through the skinnes neck, and the eares of the Beare fastened to his shoulders, the nose and teeth hanging downe his breast, another Beares face split behind him, and at the end of the nose hung a Pawe, the halfe sleeues comming to the elbowes were the neckes of Beares, and the armes through the mouth with pawes hanging at their noses. One had the head of a Wolfe hanging in a chain for a Iewell, his Tobacco pipe three quarters of a yard long, prettily carued with a Bird, a Deere, or some such devise at the great end, sufficient to beat out ones braines: with Bowes, Arrowes, and clubs, sutable to their greatnesse. These are scarce knowne to Powhatan. They can make neare 600 able men, and are pallisadoed in their Townes to defend them from the Massawomekes their mortall enemies. Fiue of their chiefe Werowances came aboord vs and crossed the Bay in their Barge. The picture of the greatest of them is signified in the Mappe. The calfe of whose leg was three quarters of a yard about, and all the rest of his limbes so answerable to that proportion, that he seemed the goodliest man we ever beheld. His hayre, the one side was long, the other shore close with a ridge over his crowne like a cocks combe. His arrowes were fiue quarters long, headed with the splinters of a white christall-like stone, in forme of a heart, an inch broad, and an inch and a halfe or more long. These he wore in a Woolues skinne at his backe for his Quiver, his bow in the one hand and his clubbe in the other, as is described.

“On the East side of the Bay, is the river Tockwhogh, and vpon it a people that can make 100 men, seated some seaven myles within the river: where they haue a Fort very well pallisadoed and mantelled with barkes of trees. Next them is Ozinies with sixty men. More to the South of that East side of the Bay, the river Rapahanock, neere vnto which is the river Kuscarawaock. Vpon which is seated a people with 200 men. After that, is the river Tants Wighcocomico, and on it a people with 100 men. The people of those rivers are of little stature, of another language from the rest, and very rude. But they on the river Acohanock with 40 men, and they of Accomack 80 men doth equalize any of the Territories of Powhatan, and speake his languge, who over all those doth rule as King.

“Southward we went to some parts of Chawonock and the Mangoags to search for them left by Mr. White. Amongst those people are thus many severall Nations of sundry Languages, that environ Powhatans Territories. The Chawonockes, the Mangoags, the Monacans, the Mannahokes, the Masawomekes, the Powhatans, the Sasquesahanocks, the Atquanachukes, the Tockwoghes, and the Kuscarawaokes. All those not any one vnderstandeth another but by Interpreters. Their severall habitations are more plainly described by this annexed Mappe, which will present to the eye, the way of the mountaines, and current of the rivers, with their severall turnings, bayes, shoules, Isles, Inlets, and creekes, the breadth of 0016 8 the waters, the distances of places, and such like. In which Mappe obserue this, that as far as you see the little Crosses on rivers, mountaines, or other places haue beene discovered; the rest was had by information of the Savages, and are set downe according to their instructions.

“Thus haue I walkt a wayless way, with vncouth pace, Which yet no Christian man did ever trace: But yet I know this not affects the minde, Which eares doth heare; as that which eyes doe finde.”

In the foregoing account, the “annexed Mappe,” of which Captain Smith speaks, showing “the way of the mountains, and current of the rivers, with their severall turnings, bayes, shoules, Isles, Inlets, and creeks, the breadth of the waters, the distance of places, and such like,” presents to the eye almost a facsimile of modern maps representing the same section, the only material distinguishing difference between them being in the Indian names, which have, of course, been superseded by English ones. Its accuracy, as compared with the maps of the present day, is wonderful; and upon it may be, not traced, but immediately fixed on by the familiar eye, the locale which has since become Baltimore on the Patapsco—a river marked on the “Mappe” as the “Bolus” river, and so called by Captain Smith because of “the red clay resembling Bole armoniack.” This red clay, or “bole,” after which Captain Smith named this river Bolus, was a covering for extensive mines of iron ore since discovered and worked extensively on the Patapsco (the old Bolus), the first of which mines were owned and worked by Mr. John Moale, at “Moale's Point,” that “point” where it was sought to establish Baltimore town, but where the town was not established, through the hostility of Mr. Moale, who refused to sell his land, and who preferred and had a greater interest in his ores than in a prospective town.

Concurrent authorities fix upon the Bolus and the Patapsco as one and the same river, either in words or by inference. Bozman says “the Patapsco is the Bolus river of Smith.”

Lossing says of Smith:—“He went up the Potomac to the falls above Washington city. He also entered the Patapsco, and ate maize upon the site of Baltimore. These long voyages were made in an open boat, propelled by oars and paddles. It was one of the most wonderful of exploring expeditions, considered in all its aspects, recorded by the pen of history. Smith constructed a map of his discoveries, and every subsequent survey of the region attests its wonderful accuracy.”

That Captain John Smith was the first white man whose eye rested upon the site of Baltimore, there can be, hardly, a reasonable doubt. It was as far back as 1606, as appears, that he penetrated the Patapsco; and when he had turned away from the head-waters he had sought, a long time intervened before the coming of any 0017 9 other of the European race to the Patapsco again. It is not improbable that the next white man who penetrated to this river, and who mayhap also stood and ate maize upon the site of the present city, was Lord Baltimore himself, in 1628, of whom, in this connection, the historian Bozman says:—“Whether Lord Baltimore personally, at the time of his visit to Virginia, explored that tract of country now denominated Maryland, of which he afterwards procured a grant, we are not positively informed. But as the obtaining a more complete knowledge of the country bordering on the Chesapeake, than he could otherwise possibly have from report, must have been the principal object of his visit, we cannot but suppose that he must at this time, notwithstanding the discouragement of his pursuits by the Virginians, have made the tour by water of the principal parts of the Chesapeake Bay.”

Nothing is positively known of the presence of any others in the neighborhood of Baltimore up to the year 1659, although it is not unlikely that some had pushed up and settled about the head waters of the Patapsco, following in the track of Captain John Smith's and Lord Baltimore's visit.

1659. Baltimore County was established in this year. Its limits were then far more extensive than at present, embracing not only all of Harford and Carroll Counties, but large portions of Anne Arundel, Howard, and Frederick. At that time the population of all Maryland was only twelve thousand, and that of the newly erected county was probably less than one-sixth of that number.

On the 28th, 29th and 30th of July, patents for land in the neighborhood of Baltimore were issued to Robert Gorsuch for 500 acres, Hugh Kensey 400 acres, Richard Gorsuch 500 acres, Thomas Humphreys 300 acres, John Jones 200 acres, Thomas Powell 300 acres, Howell Powell 300 acres, William Ball 420 acres, and Walter Dickinson 420 acres. Captain Thomas Howell, Captain Thomas Stockett, and Messrs. Henry Stockett and John Taylor, styled Commissioners of the County, took up patents, and on the 20th of July, 1661, held a court at the house of Captain Howell, the presiding Commissioner, Mr. John Collett being their clerk.

On the 20th day of October, Mr. Walter Dickinson sold all his land to Mr. Abraham Clarke, a ship-wright. Mr. Clark also pur chased of Mr. John Collett, on the 2d of March, 1662, 200 acres, and of Richard Gorsuch 300 acres, and on the 7th of March, 1662, Mr. Clarke sold all his lands to Thomas Muntross.

1661. The next settler who took up ground was Charles Gor- such, said to be a member of the Society of Friends, who patented fifty acres of land on the 24th of February, 1661, which is afterwards known as “Whetstone Point,” lying between the branches of the Patapsco River, and at whose extremity Fort McHnry now stands—Mr. Gorsuch yielding and paying the rent of £1 sterling per annum in equal half-yearly instalments at Saint Mary's.

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Mr. Gorsuch vacating, a patent was granted for the same land, on the 2d of June, 1702, to Mr. James Carroll, who called it “Whetstone,” he paying two shillings rent per annum.

On the 15th of June, Mr. Peter Carroll surveyed for Mr. David Jones, 380 acres of land on the line of what is now called Jones Falls, at a rent of fifteen shillings two and one-half pence per year, which was called “Jones Range.” Mr. David Jones gave his name to the stream which is so often mentioned, and by its repeated overflows, of such troublesome interest to Baltimoreans of the present day. Jones is said to have been the first actual settler, having his residence on the north side of his “Falls” on Jones street, which by the sacrilegious interference of the ministers of the law has been changed into Front street. We say sacrilegious, because the ancient landmarks and names of towns, cities, &c., should be preserved and cherished reverentially as are family heir-looms. Mr. Jones built his residence in the neighborhood of the intersection of French street, near what was known as “Finn's Bridge.”

On the 8th of February a warrant was issued to the Surveyor General to lay out 200 acres of land for Alexander Mountenay, which was afterwards called “Mountenay's Neck.” Mr. Alexander Mountenay did not, however, receive a patent for his lands until the 30th of June, 1663. The patent states that Lawrencen Porter assigned 200 acres to Mr. Mountenay, at the rent of 4 shillings sterling, &c., per annum; but we can find but one entry where L. Porter demands 100 acres for transporting himself and servant in 1661. There is another entry on the Land Records where Margaret Kinsey assigns 50 acres, Robert Ball 100 acres, and Wm. Like 50 acres, to Alex. Mountenay in 1661, which is no doubt the correct entry. “Mountenay's Neck,” which lay on each side of Harford run, was re-surveyed the 27th of April, 1737, for Wm. Fell as Escheat Land. The run in question is now bound in by long straight walls, or tunneled over, through which in drier times it trickles in a meagre rivulet, or after heavy rains dashes with a swollen and turbid tide, to contribute its portion of alluvion to supply labor to the ponderous “mud machines” to which the harbor or basin of Baltimore owes its continuing existence. In olden days, Harford run meandered lazily along the broad low lands until it silently entered the Patapsco; extending now to the right, now to the left, now hid among the rushes on its banks, now lost to view as it spread into some widening of the marsh, and then reappearing, slowly creeping onward to its destination. lnsignificant as it was, it possessed charms for Mr. Alexander Mountenay, the ancient patentee; and as if acquiring dignity in the course of years, it now, with its confines, is the boundary between “Old Town” and “Fell's Point.”

On the 1st of May an Act was passed by the General Assembly “that all vessels whatsoever, not properly belonging to this Province, 0019 11 having a deck flush fore and aft, coming in, and trading within this Province, shall pay, for port duties, or anchorage, half a pound of powder, and three pounds of shot, or so much in value, for every ton of burden, to the Lord Proprietary, and his Heirs.”

1668. The next land taken up was “Cole's Harbor,” on which the town of Baltimore was originally laid out, containing about 550 acres, and divided into nearly two equal parts by the current of “Jones Falls.”

On the 13th of January, Thomas Cole received a warrant for 300 acres of land, which he soon after revoked, but renewed it again on the 8th of June. He also received on the 8th of June 200 acres more by assignment from Geo. Yates, and 50 acres more by assignment from John Blomfield, the assignee of Roger Sheekie, for his the said Sheekie's transporting himself into Maryland in the year 1649. Geo. Yates received his land from John Collitt the 8th of Feb., 1668, and John Collitt received the same from Major Samuel Goldsmith, who claimed five rights of 50 acres each, for transporting Robert Parker, Nicholas Banks, Thomas Pickerall, Edward Jackson, and Elizabeth Hopkins,—all excepting 50 acres which were laid out for John Deering, were transferred to Yates as aforesaid. “Cole's Harbor” was surveyed for Thomas Cole, Aug. 28th, 1668, and was patented to him Sept. 4th: “To be held in fee and common soceage, by fealty only, for all manner of services; yielding and paying therefor yearly unto us our heirs, at our receipt at St. Maries, at the two most usual feasts in the year (viz) at the feast of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and at the feast of St. Michael the archangel, by even and equal portions the rent of eleven shillings sterling in silver, or gold, and for a fine upon every alienation of the said land or any part or parcel thereof, one whole year's rent in silver or gold, or the full value thereof, &c., &c.”

“Cole's Harbor” was for a long time ample space for the accommodation of Baltimore; and until, like a sturdy boy outgrowing his first garments, it required larger limits, and embraced within its expansion Hap Hazard, Spicer's Inheritance, Chatsworth, Welsh Adventure, Bond's Pleasant Hill, Ridgely's Delight, Lunn's Lot, Mount Royall, Timber Neck, David's Fancy, Salisbury Plains, Haile's Folly, Gay's Neglect, Darly Hall, Hanson's. Wood Lot, Cole's Addition, Gallow Barrow, Roger's Inspection, Carter's Delight, Kemp's Addition, Parker's Haven, Mountenay's Neck, Upton Court, Whetstone Point, Georgia, Diligence, Fell's Point, Elizabeth, Inspection and Portland. All of these lands or farms, by various names and titles, subsequently fell within the growing limits of Baltimore. “Cole's Harbor,” after being patented to Cole, September 4th, 1668, was re-surveyed February 17th, 1698, and found to contain only 510 acres, which were patented to James Todd, June 1st, 1700, as “Todd's Range,” at the rent of ten shillings and two and a half pence per year.

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On the 20th of June, 1668, Mr. John Howard patented “Timber Neck” comprising 200 acres, yielding and paying therefor yearly the rent of four shillings sterling in silver or gold. “Timber Neck lay between the middle and north branches of the Patapsco, being that part of the city now occupied by Howard, Eutaw and Paca streets. Other parties followed Gorsuch, Mountenay, &c., and year after year the cultivation of this part of Baltimore County went on increasing.

The most striking feature upon the face of society was these plantations. Upon them were held some of our earliest courts and councils. Hardly a home or a tenement was not approached by water. And our governors, privy-councillors, and county court judges, were, all of them, planters. The principal planters were also the merchants, who traded with London and the other great ports of England. And the large plantations, with their group of storehouses and other buildings, assumed the appearance and performed the office of little towns.

The currency of the province presents a good key to the state of society. In some contracts, none was required. There was simply a barter or an exchange of one commodity for another. In commercial transactions, a little English or European coin was occasionally used. In the trade with the indians, for beaver skins and other valuable articles, the peake and the roanoke obtained a free circulation, and a good deal of this kind of currency was held by the colonists. There was also a provincial coin consisting of silver, and issued by the Proprietary, of various denominations (as groats, sixpences, and shillings), having upon one side his lordship's arms, with the motto Crescite et Multiplicamini, upon the other his image, with the circumscription Cœcilius Dominus Terrœ-Mariœ, &c.; being equal in fineness to English sterling, and of the same standard, though somewhat less in weight. Specimens of this curious money are preserved in the Maryland Historical Society; but very little of which, there is reason to believe, was ever coined—tobacco being the most common currency of the province; and one pound of it, in 1650, worth about three pence of English money.

Our ancestors, about this time, generally sat upon stools and forms, the latter a sort of bench, and sometimes, if not always, attached to the wall. They dined without forks, but made a free use of the napkin; and paid especial attention to the furniture of their bed-chambers. The walls, also, of their principal rooms were wainscotted, specimens of which are still preserved at some of the old family-seats in Maryland. And they kept a great deal of rich and massive silver plate, upon which were carved the arms of their own ancestry. Tea and coffee they rarely if ever tasted; sugar they sometimes had; but freely did they drink both cider and sack. And there is frequent mention of the silver sack-cup. Strong punch and sack, it would seem, were their favorite 0021 13 drink. They had, also, every variety of fruit, both for the winter as well as for the summer. They delighted in pears and apricots, in figs and pomegranates, in peaches and apples, and the most luscious melons. The wild strawberry and grape-vine grew, also, in the richest profusion. The air and the forest abounded in game; the rivers and bays in fish. Our ancestors feasted upon the best oysters of America; and dined, we may suppose, upon the canvas-back, the most delicious duck in the world. Providence was “not content with food to nourish man.” All nature then was “music to the ear,” or “beauty to the eye.” The feathered songsters of the forest were constantly heard. And so fascinated were our forefathers with a bird they had never seen before their arrival, that they gave it the name of Baltimore —its colors (black and yellow) corresponding with those upon the escutcheon of the Calverts. The eagle also, which still lingers, was then more frequently seen, in all his proudest majesty.

Tobacco was the great product of the province. In all the parts of Maryland at that time colonized, was it cultivated. And it is said upon good authority, that “a hundred sail of ships,” a year, from the West Indies and from England, traded in this article—the source also of a very large revenue to the English crown, at “his lordship's vast expense, industry, and hazard.” Indian corn (or “mayz,”) was also cultivated at an early period. From the Indian also did we obtain the sweet potato. The word itself is derived from them. So also are pone hominy, po coson, and many others.

No regular post was established; and it is doubtful if we had any printing-press before the year 1689 in the province. Gentlemen travelled on horseback by land, or in canoes or other small boats by water. Ferries over the rivers and other large streams were erected by the government, and kept by the most respectable colonists—the duties in most cases, however, being performed by their deputies. Letters were sent by private hand, and dispatches from the government by a special messenger. The practice of partaking of ardent spirits and other refreshments at funerals was brought by our earliest ancestors from their own fatherland, and generally, if not universally observed. The sums expended in “hot waters” and other drinks upon such occasions were surprisingly large.

The costume, during the reign of Charles I., bore the marks of the strong military spirit of that age, and was the most striking and picturesque ever worn in England. We have also, here and there, a glimpse of it upon the records of this province. The inventory of Thomas Egerton, a cavalier, may illustrate a part of it. There we have the falchion and the rapier; the cloth coat lined with plush, and the embroidered belt; the gold hat-band, and the feather; the pair of shoes, and the silk stockings; the pair, also, of cuffs, and the silk garters. The signet-ring is also 0022 14 mentioned, one of the articles of a gentleman at that period. And we find that leather breeches, and stockings of the same material, were frequently worn. The collar was succeeded by the cravat, it would seem about the time of the Protestant Revolution. Buff coats were also worn as early as 1650. The cocked hat was probably not introduced before the year 1700.

Finger-rings were worn by almost all the early landed gentry of Maryland, and they were the favorite tokens of regard and remembrance given in their wills. The number bequeathed during the first hundred years after the settlement at St. Mary's would seem incredible to any one who is not familiar with our early testamentary records.

Mr. Macaulay says that many English gentlemen and lords of manors, as late as 1685, had hardly “learned enough to sign” a mittimus. The accuracy of his picture has been doubted; but so far as it regards the education of many of the early gentry of Maryland, nothing could be more faithfully drawn. That many gentlemen could not write their names is evident; they repeatedly made their marks. Cases from the records could be cited. We have instances in which the servant writes his name and the master makes his mark. One, if not several, of the earliest udges of the provincial court came within this same category. The fact, indeed, suggests a very important inference, and can only be accounted for upon the true historical hypothesis. In the past we see the military, in the present the commercial spirit of society.

1683. In 1663 an Act was passed by the General Assembly, “for seating of lands in Baltimore County,” which was rejected by the Proprietary. But on the 6th of November, 1683, an Act was passed establishing towns, ports, and places of trade in “Baltimore County on Patapsco, near Humphrey's Creek,” and on “Bush River on the town land, near the Court House.” By this Act, “all ships and vessels, trading into this province, shall unlade, and put on shore, and sell, barter and traffic away all goods, &c., imported into this province. And all tobacco, goods, &c., of the growth, production or manufacture of this province, intended to be sold here, or exported, shall be for that intent brought to the said ports and places.” The commerce of the bay and river was growing, and as the most convenient converging point at that time for all sections bordering on or communicating with the great streams, “North Point” was agreed on as the common resort and anchorage of vessels for loading and distribution.

1696. On the 13th of January, 1695, Charles Carroll surveyed 1000 acres of land “lying in Baltimore County on the north side of Patapsco river in the woods upon Jones' Falls, and on the west side of the said Falls,” which was called “Ely O. Carroll.” On the 10th of February, 1696, this land was patented; 500 acres to Daniel Carroll and 500 to Charles Carroll, at the yearly rent of 0023 15 two pounds per annum for the whole—this land being “Cole's Harbor,” with further additions.

1702. On the 25th of March an Act was passed for the “establishment of religious worship in this province, according to the Church of England; and for the maintainance of ministers.” By this act the Episcopal Church was established by law throughout the State, and a tax or assessment of forty pounds of tobacco per poll was successively levied upon every taxable person within each parish, for the maintenance of the minister, who was appointed by the Governor or Commander-in-Chief.

1704. On the 3d of October an Act was passed “prohibiting the importation of bread, beer, flour, malt, wheat, or other English or Indian grain or meal, horses, mares, colts or fillies, or tobacco from Pennsylvania, and the territories there belonging.” At the same time an Act was passed “requiring the masters of ships and vessels to publish the rates of their freight, before they take any tobacco on board.” By this Act “every Master and Commander of a ship or vessel, before he take any tobacco on board his said ship or vessel, publish in writing, by a note under his hand, which he shall cause to be affixed on the Court-house door of the County where his said ship shall ride at Anchor, at what rate he will receive tobacco upon freight per ton, on board his said ship for that intended voyage; which note the Clerk of the County shall enter upon record.”

On the 3d of October of this year it was “thought convenient, and very much for the benefit of the inhabitants of the province, that roads and paths be marked.” It was enacted, therefore, that all public and main roads be hereafter cleared and grubbed, fit for travelling twenty feet wide, and that the roads that led to any County Court-house shall have two notches on the trees on both sides of the roads, and another notch a distance above the other two; and any road that leads to any church shall be marked into the entrance of the same, and at the leaving any other road, with a slip cut down the face of the tree, near the ground. This certainly shows how much of the country then settled was a wild wood, and at the same time the primitive guide-marks along the public roads and paths leading to court-houses, and also to the places of public worship.

1706. On the 19th of April an Act was passed creating “Whetstone Point” a town,— the original favorite among locaters of land in this vicinity.

Speaking about this period, Beverly, in his history of Virginia, says:—“At the mouth of their rivers, and all along upon the Sea and Bay, and near many of their creeks and swamps, grows Myrtle, bearing a berry of which they make a hard, brittle wax, of a curious green color, which by refining becomes almost transparent. Of this they make candles, which are never greasie to the touch, nor melt with lying in the hottest weather; neither does the snuff 0024 16 of these ever offend the smell, like that of a tallow candle; but instead of being disagreeable, if an accident puts a candle out, it yields a pleasant fragrancy to all that are in the room; insomuch, that nice people often put them out, on purpose to have the incense of the expiring snuff. The method of managing these berries is by boiling them in water, till they come to be entirely dissolved, except the stone or seed in the middle, which amounts in quantity to about half the bulk of the berry; the bigest of which is something less than a corn of pepper.”

1708. On the 17th of December an Act was revived “imposing three pence per gallon on rum and wine, brandy and spirits, and twenty shillings per poll for negroes, for raising a supply to defray the public charge of this Province, and twenty shillings per poll on Irish servants, to prevent the importing too great a number of Irish Papists into this Province.”

1711. In this year we find Mr. Charles Carroll selling thirty-one acres of his portion of “Cole's Harbor” with a mill-seat, to Mr. Jonathan Hanson, millwright, who erected a mill, of which the remains were standing a short time since, in the old building near the northwest intersection of Bath and Holliday streets.

1713. On the 14th of November an Act was passed “for the more speedy conveying public letters and packets of this Province and defraying the charge thereof; and to prevent the abuses of breaking open, and concealing any letters whatsoever.” By this Act the sheriff of each county was authorised to convey all public letters to the sheriff of the next county, and so on to the place of destination—the sheriff of Baltimore county to receive for his services six hundred pounds of tobacco annually.

1715. On the 3d of June an Act was passed authorising “that for the future there shall be held four courts in the year, viz.: for Baltimore County, the first Tuesday in March, June, August, and November.”

1717. On the 8th of June an Act was passed “for laying an additional duty of twenty shillings current money per poll on all Irish servants, being Papists, to prevent the growth of Popery by the importation of too great number of them into this Province; and also the additional duty of twenty shillings current money per poll on all negroes, for raising a fund for the use of Public Schools within the several counties of this Province.” By this Act “all masters of ships and vessels, or others, importing Irish servants, being Papists, into this Province, by land or by water, at the time of their entry, shall pay unto the Naval officer for the time being, belonging to such port or place, where they make their entry, the additional sum of twenty shillings current money, over and above the twenty shillings sterling per poll imposed by a former Act of Assembly of this Province, for every Irish servant so, imported, on penalty and forfeiture of five pounds current money for every servant that shall be by him or them concealed 0025 17 at the time of his or their entry as aforesaid, one-half thereof to be appropriated for defraying the public charge of this Province, the other half to the informer, or to him or them that shall sue for the same, to be recovered in his Lordship's name, in any court of record within this Province, that shall have jurisdiction of the same, by action of debt, bill, plaint or information, wherein no ession, protection or wager of law to be allowed.” It is further “enacted, that the Naval Officers of the time being, belonging to the several and respective Districts within this Province, be, and are hereby authorized, impowered and required to administer to every such Irish servant, except children under the age of fourteen years, (to be adjudged at the discretion of the Naval Officer) so imported as aforesaid, the several oaths appointed by the Act of Assembly, and cause them to subscribe the Oath of Abjuration and the test, and all and every such servants that shall refuse to take the Oaths, and sign the Oaths and test as aforesaid (except before excepted), shall be and are hereby deemed and declared Papists, for whom the owner or importer shall be obliged to pay the additional duty as aforesaid.”

1723. On the 26th of October, an Act was passed “to punish blasphemers, swearers, drunkards, and sabath-breakers.” By this Act it was imposed, “That if any person shall hereafter, within this Province, willingly, maliciously, and advisedly, by writing or speaking, blaspheme or curse God, or deny our Saviour Jesus Christ to be the Son of God, or shall deny the Holy Trinity—the Father, Son and Holy Ghost, or the Godhead of any of the Three Persons, or the Unity of the Godhead, or shall utter any profane words concerning the Holy Trinity, or any the Persons thereof, and shall be thereof convict by verdict, or confession, shall, for the first offence be bored through the tongue, and fined twenty pounds sterling to the Lord Proprietor, to be applied to the use of the County where the offence shall be committed, to be levied on the offender's body, goods and chattels, lands or tenements; and in case the said fine cannot be levied, the offender to suffer six months imprisonment without bail or mainprizes; and that for the second offence, the offender being thereof convict, as aforesaid, shall be stigmatized by burning in the forehead with the letter B, and fined forty pounds sterling to the Lord Proprietor, to be applied and levied as aforesaid, and in case the same cannot be levied, the offender shall suffer twelve months imprisonment without bail or mainprize, and that for the third offence, the offender being convict as aforesaid, shall suffer death without the benefit of clergy.” Profane swearers were fined two shillings and six pence for the first oath or curse, and five shillings for every oath or curse after the first. Drunkards to be fined five shillings for every offence. In case of the non-payment of fines by drunkards and swearers, they were to be fined or whipped not over thirty-nine lashes, or be placed in the stocks over three hours. Sabbath-breaking 2 0026 18 was punishable by a fine of 200 pounds of tobacco. House-keepers selling strong liquor on Sunday, punishable by a fine of 2000 pounds of tobacco. This act to be read by every minister in his parish church four times a year, on forfeiture of 1000 pounds of tobacco.

In this year there were but five ships in the Patapsco up for freight for London, to which place the trade was then carried on extensively, but one of which ships was said to lie in the Northern Branch. There were persons living in the last twenty years who have seen as many vessels of burthen anchored at the same time, at the point between the south and middle branches of the Patapsco, as in the north branch on which our city was finally established. The ships which traded with the surrounding country never at this time ascended the Patapsco, but lying at anchor off North Point, received their cargoes from the rivers which emptied into the bay in the vicinity.

1726. Mr. Edward Fell, a Quaker from Lancashire, England, who had settled east of Jones Falls, took out an escheat warrant, and employed Richard Gist to survey “Cole's Harbor,” or “Todd's Range,” and in the succeeding year purchased the rights in it of John Gorsuch, son of Charles. But this stirred the sons of Charles Carroll, then lately dead, who entered a caveat, and prevented the new grant sought for by the enterprising land-hunter from Lancashire. Gist's return of the survey is interesting as showing that, in 1726, the sole improvements in that part of modern Baltimore were three dwellings, a mill, tobacco-houses and orchards, and that the land was about “one-half cleared and of middling quality.”

1728. On the 24th of October, an Act was passed “to encourage the destroying of wolves, crows, and squirrels.” By this Act every taxable person was required to produce annually to the Justice of the Peace where they resided, three squirrels' scalps or crows' heads, under a forfeiture of two pounds of tobacco by execution, for every such scalp, &c., not produced. Two pounds of tobacco were also allowed in the county levy for every such scalp, &c., produced over and above the three required by law; 200 pounds of tobacco were also allowed in the payment of taxes for every wolf's head.

1729. As yet no designation had been given to the significant settlement, which had groped its way and fixed itself amid the creeks and marshes and under the hills of the northwestern branch of the Patapsco. To the point between the south and middle branches, the main road from the west and through the country generally was directed, passing south of Gwynn's Falls, at the mouth of which once stood Tasker & Carroll's Furnace of the “Baltimore Company.” This point, the terminus of such a road, and with such an anchorage for commerce, was, of course, one of vast importance in “seating counties” and establishing a 0027 19 future metropolis. And at last, when the head of tide began to attract attention as the proper site for a fair and promising town, it was upon the southern, and not the northwestern branch it was proposed to be placed. Fortunately for the owners of “Cole's Harbor,” and for us of the present day, “Moale's Point”—which looks in on Spring Gardens—the intended and designated site of the new city, was the property of a Mr. John Moale, a merchant from Devonshire, in England, who set prodigious store by certain iron mines which he believed to be situated on his territory, and when he got wind of the attempt about to be made to put a town upon his property, he posted off to Annapolis, which by this time had become the seat of government, and taking his place in the Legislature, of which he was a member, defeated the plan, much to his own satisfaction, no doubt, but whether equally to the satisfaction of his heirs is a point which admits of question. Excluded from the level land, those persons interested in forming a new town, were obliged from sheer necessity, which in this instance forced them to their true interests, to seek the site of Baltimore under the hills and amid the marshes of the northwestern branch of the river; and accordingly, on Monday morning, July 14th, 1729, the petition of the inhabitants of Baltimore was read in the Upper House of Assembly, “praying that a bill may be brought in for the building of a Town, on the North side of Patapsco river, upon the land supposed to belong to Messrs. Charles and Daniel Carroll.” On Friday morning, July 25th, the bill was read a second time and ordered to be endorsed thus, “the name of the land being inserted, and a saving clause as usual in bills of the like nature to be added.” It was then sent to the Lower House by Colonel Tilghman, signed, &c., by order of John Ross, clerk. On July 14th, Colonel Ward, from the Upper House, delivered to the Speaker of the Lower House “the petition of several the inhabitants in and about Patapsco river and the rest of the inhabitants of Baltimore County” endorsed thus, “By the Upper House of Assembly, 14th July, 1729, read and recommended to the consideration of the Lower House of Assembly,” with this further endorsement: “We the subscribers proprietors of the land mentioned in the within petition, do consent there may an act pass as prayed in the usual terms.

“ Charles Carroll,

“ Daniel Carroll. ”

On the second day it was ordered that leave be given to bring in a bill as prayed. On Saturday, July 26th, the bill was passed for engrossing. On the 30th the bill was finally passed. On the 8th of August the Lower House assembled in the Upper House, where the laws passed during the session were signed and received the assent of the Right Honorable the Lord Proprietary, &c., of which the following is a copy of the law relating to Baltimore:—“At a session of Assembly begun and held at the City of Annapolis, in the County of Ann-Arundel, for the Province of Maryland, on the 0028 20 10th Day of July, in the 15th Year of the Dominion of the Right Honourable Charles, absolute Lord and Proprietary of the Province of Maryland and Avalon, Lord Baron of Baltimore, &c., and ended the 8th of August, Anne Domini 1729, was enacted the following law: ‘Benedict Leonard Calvert, Esq., Governor. Passed Aug. 8th, 1729:—An Act for erecting a Town on the North side of Patapsco, in Baltimore County, and for laying out in Lots, Sixty Acres of Land, in and about the place where one John Fleming now lives.’” By this Act Major Thomas Tolley, William Hamilton, William Buckner, Dr. George Walker, Richard Gist, Dr. George Buchanan and Colonel William Hammond were appointed commissioners to lay off the town. They were all justices of the county, excepting Doctor Walker, and as such, generally deputy commissaries; some of them were delegates before or after. Mr. Gist, then deputy surveyor of the western shore, was the son of Mr. Christopher Gist, or Guest, as in some records, who had settled on the south side of the Patapsco as early as 1682, and died before the river became the bounds of the county; Dr. Buchanan, who came from Scotland, purchased lands and practised medicine in the county from the year 1723; Colonel Hammond was, from all accounts, the son of Mr. John Hammond, who settled on the north side of the Patapsco, upon lands for which he paid forty shillings sterling per acre, as early as 1695; Mr. Hamilton purchased lands in the county, as appears by the records, in 1710; Doctor Walker, with a brother James, had practised medicine in Anne Arundel county some years, but came to reside in Baltimore county about the year 1715, and was the proprietor of that well-known seat and tract of land on the west side of the town called Chatsworth, which is occupied at present by Daniel B. Banks, on Franklin street; Mr. Buckner had not apparently been long settled in the country, but in 1726 became purchaser of several tracts of land in Patapsco Neck. John Flemming, who has thus travelled down to posterity by Act of Assembly, and to whose memory a great city may now be almost deemed a monument, was a tenant of Mr. Carroll's; and the antiquarian who revels in the occupation of deciphering the almost illegible remnants of the past, may deposit himself on the east side of South Charles Street at the intersection of Lombard, and repeating, as he may do with perfect security, “here was once the homestead of John Flemming,” enjoy at his ease the associations that the occasion may give rise to. The Commissioners of Baltimore Town were appointed for life, and were authorised to fill their own vacancies; also empowered “to purchase (by agreement, or valuation of a jury) sixty acres of land, on the tract whereon John Flemming now lives, commonly known by the name of ‘Cole's Harbor;’ and to lay out the same in the most convenient manner into sixty equal lots, to be erected into a town. The land being laid out, surveyed, marked, staked out and divided into convenient streets, lanes, &c., and the lots marked, 0029 21 numbered, &c., the owner of the land to have the first choice for one lot, after which the remaining lots to be taken up by others, none to take up more than one lot during the first four months, nor any but the inhabitants of the county within six months after laying out; after which vacant lots may be taken up by any other persons. The takers-up of lots to pay the owner of the land the valuation of the sixty acres, proportionably to their lots, which shall give such purchasers, their heirs and assigns, an absolute estate, in fee simple, in said lots; they complying with the requisites in this Act mentioned. The surveyor to return a plat of the town to the County Clerk, to be by him kept among the county records. In case the taker-up of any lot or lots neglect to build thereon within eighteen months, a house that shall cover 400 square feet, then may any other person enter upon such lot or lots so not built upon, paying the Commissioners, or person by them thereunto appointed, the sum first set and assessed upon such lot, for the use and benefit of the town; provided, such second taker-up do build and finish, within eighteen months after such his entry made, such house as in this Act is before limited and appointed be built by the first taker-up; which house so built, shall give as good estate to such second taker-up as is by this Act settled upon the first taker-up and builder. If any lots remain untaken after seven years from the date of this Act, then shall the owner of the land (after such time has expired) be possessed and interested in such lots, as in his first and former estate. The town to be called Baltimore Town; the Commissioners to employ a sufficient clerk to make true and impartial entries of their proceedings, upon oath, which entries shall be made up into a well bound book, and lodged with the clerk of Baltimore county court, for the inspection of any person, saving to the Crown, the Lord Proprietor, all bodies politic and corporate, and all others not mentioned in this Act their several rights.” On the first of December, Messrs. Richard Gist, William Hamilton, Doctors Buchanan and Walker, agreed with Mr. Charles Carroll, acting for himself and brother Daniel, about the price and purchase of the sixty acres of land, to be erected into a town called Baltimore Town, in honor of the Lord Proprietary, who in his turn had borrowed his from a town of the same name, which stands on a promontory in the sea, in the County of Cork, Ireland, at the rate of forty shillings per acre in current money of Maryland, or tobacco, to be paid into the hands of the Sheriff of the County, at the rate of one penny per pound, this to be paid by each “taker-up” of lots.

1730. On the 12th of January, the commissioners, assisted by Philip Jones, the county surveyor, laid off the town, commencing at a point near the northwest corner of what is now called Pratt and Light streets and running thence northwesterly, along or near Uhler's alley, towards what was then called a “great eastern road” and “a great gully” or drain at or near Sharp street, thence 0030 22 across the present Baltimore street, east of the gully northeasterly with the same road, afterwards called the Church road, and now McClellan's alley, to the precipice which overhung the falls at or near the southwest corner of St. Paul and Saratoga streets, then with the bank of Jones Falls (which then swept up to the hast named corner) southwardly and eastwardly various courses, unto the low grounds which lay ten perches west of Gay street, including the African Bethel church lot, then due south along the margin of those low grounds to the bank on the north side of the river, which then came up to near the present Custom House and Post Office building, and thence by that bank various courses, nearly as Lombard street runs, westwardly and southwardly to the first mentioned point, making thus by its original bounds the form of an ancient lyre. The town was divided by Long street, now called Baltimore street, running 132¾ perches from east to west and four perches wide, intersected at right angles by Calvert street, then not named, 56¼ perches from the hill near the falls north, to the riverside south, also four perches wide, and by Forrest street, afterwards called Charles street, 89¼ perches in the same course, and three perches wide. There were also nine lanes of the width of one perch each, since widened and called South, Second, Light, Hanover, East, Belvedere, Lovely, St. Paul's and German streets. The lots, containing about one acre each and numbered from one to sixty, commencing on the north side of Long (Baltimore) street and running westward, returned eastward on the south side. On the 14th of January, and on several of the following days, the office was open for takers-up, and it appears that the proprietor, Mr. Carroll, chose No. 49, which was the east side of Calvert street next the river bank, Mr. Gist taking the lot on the opposite side of Calvert street. Other lots were taken by Messrs. Walker, Jones, Jackson, Hammond, Price, Buckner, Sheridine, Powell, Ridgely, Trotten, North, Hewitt, Gorsuch and Harris, all inhabitants of the vicinity; some did not improve in time, and their lots were taken by new settlers in succession, but some lots fell to the original proprietor, not being taken up within seven years. Thus the first “Baltimore Town” was laid out and disposed of, but it was as we see a small affair of sixty rough acres, comprised within the westernmost basin of the Patapsco on the south, the chalk hills of Charles and Saratoga streets on the north, the deep drain and gully which swept down about the present course of Liberty street and McClellan's alley on the west, and on the east of the big swamp, which bordering Jones Falls, ran up by its western flank as far on the present Frederick street as Saratoga or Bath streets. Jones Falls, the absolute easternmost limit, swept round in a deep, horse-shoe bend, a couple of squares above our Gay street bridge, the course of the horse-shoe penetrating as far as the corner of Calvert and Lexington streets, and thence going northeastwardly along the line of Calvert street. From the 0031 23 small quantity of ground originally taken for the town, and from the difficulty of extending the town in any direction, as it was surrounded by hills, water-courses or marshes, it is evident that the commissioners did not anticipate either its present commerce or population. The expense of extending streets, of building bridges, and of levelling hills and filling marshes, to which their successors have been subjected, and which unfortunately increases that of preserving the harbor as improvements increase and soil is loosened, have been obstacles scarcely felt in other American cities, requiring immense capitals of themselves, against which nothing but the great local advantages for internal and external trade would have enabled the citizens to contend. The situation relative to other parts of the country, however, afforded the most direct communication; the proximity of better soil, the great security presented by the harbor, the abundance of stone, lime, iron and timber, and the proximity of seats for water-works, all contributing to make the first part of the town the centre around which additions have been nearly equally made, affords some proof of the commissioners' judgment and foresight. It is to be noticed also, that the lots toward the river were all taken within the first three days, and not one of those on Baltimore street, except that on the north side, next adjoining the great public road, now McClellan's alley.

It appears that Roger Mathews was presiding justice at this time, and Thomas Sheridine sheriff, but the latter was succeeded the same year by John Hall.

During this year a ship-carpenter, William Fell, brother of Edward, who settled east of Jones Falls in 1726, bought the tract of land called Copus's Harbor, and built a mansion there, on the present site of Lancaster street, so that the subsequent improvements and disposition of the property have resulted in what still bears the name of “Fell's Point.”

The situation of the town at this time was unhealthy, and would continue to be so until a large marsh was reclaimed. The alluvion of the falls, spreading from the shore from Harford run to South street, already limited the channel of the river on the north side of it, and formed some islands which continued to be overflowed by high tides, until the islands and shoals were made fast land, as they now are. Certainly the commissioners were not regardless of the navigation, or they would not have located the town by the water; yet the exterior lines nowhere reached the shore, and one street only, Calvert street, appeared to communicate with it, for between the east end of Baltimore street and the falls, there was a marsh, and on the south, Charles street terminated at Uhler's spring branch, or rather a precipice which stood on the south side of it, as did the north end of Calvert street, at a greater precipice, where, indeed other commissioners closed the street by erecting the Court-house, which stood on a bluff overhanging the falls, precisely where the Battle Monument now stands.

0032 24

The zeal of the founders of our city furnishes evidence this year, in the passage of an Act by the Assembly on the 16th of June, for the erection of a parish church in Baltimore, which, being the first church erected in the town, we will endeavor to give a brief history of the same from the first knowledge we have of it, down to the present time. In January, 1675, Mr. Jeremiah Eaton in his will devised to the first Protestant minister who should reside in Baltimore County, and his successors, “Stokely Manner,” containing 550 acres. Up to this time there had been no resident Protestant, in other words Church of England, minister in the county. This Manor was about two miles south from Abington, as it is now called, and four or five miles northeast from Joppa, and six or seven miles from the bay.

It is not probable that as yet there was a population of more than one thousand in the whole county, which extended from below the Patapsco river to the north line of the Province, a distance in a direct line from north to south of more than forty miles, and a considerable proportion of it was on the south side of the Patapsco. The rest, save on the Spesutiæ and Bush river neighborhood, were scattered widely distant from each other on the rivers and inlets along the bay. Little land could as yet have been brought under cultivation, and a house of unhewed timbers from the wild forest, afforded the most comfortable dwelling possessed by any one. The original terms for seating lands in this country indeed had materially hindered the increase of population. Not only had the time fixed for the emigrants sailing from England been too short as well as unseasonable, but each one was obliged to keep three servants, above three years old, upon his plantation, which many were not able to do. Besides all this, through this vast region of wild forests lay the great war-path of the “ Sasquesahanocks ” and more northern Indians, in their too frequent forays on the Piscataway nations on the Patuxent. Of these a few were sometimes killed in their passing through by the settlers, and revenge was not long delayed; and when even not prompted by revenge, the lives and property of the settlers were alike a prey to their savage depredations. It is not long after this date that we have a petition, quite illustrative, to the General Assembly, from Thomas Hawkins of this county, asking for relief; in which he states that the Indians had lately broken into his house with violence and spoiled him of all his goods, so that he had not a bed left him to lie on or a spoon left to eat his victuals with. It may not be out of place to mention here some account of the Indian tribes which inhabited Baltimore County, and the surrounding country. Captain John Smith, in his history, speaking of the habits and customs of the Indians, says:

“When they need Walnuts they break them between two stones, yet some parts of the shels will cleave to the fruit. Then doe they dry them againe upon a Mat over a hurdle. After they 0033 25 put it into a morter of wood, and beat it very small. That done, they mix it with water, that the shels may sinke to the bottome. This water will be coloured as milke, which they call Pawcohiccora, and keepe it for their use. Of their Chesnuts and Chechinquamins boyled, they make both broath and bread for their chiefe men, or at their greatest feasts. They divide the year into five seasons. Their winter some call Popanow, the spring Cattapeuk, the sommer Cohattayough, the earing of their Corne Nepinough, the harvest and fall of leafe Taquitock. From September untill the midst of November are the chiefe feasts and sacrifice. Then haue they plentie of fruits as well planted as naturall, as corne, greene and ripe, fish, fowle, and wilde beasts exceeding fat. The greatest labour they take, is in planting their corne, for the Country naturally is overgrowne with wood. To prepare the ground they bruise the barke of the trees neare the root, then doe they scortch the roots with fire that they grow no more. The next yeare with a crooked peece of wood they beat up the weeds by the rootes, and in that mould they plant their Corne. There manner is this: They make a hole in the earth with a sticke, and into it they put foure graines of wheate and two of beanes. These holes they make foure foote one from another. Their women and children do continually keepe it with weeding, and when it is growne middle high they hill it about like a hop-yard. Their corne they rost in the care greene, and bruising it in morter of wood with a Polt, lap it in rowles in the leaues of their corne, and so boyle it for a daintie. As small as the proportion of ground that hath yet beene discovered, is in comparison of that yet vnknowne; the people differ very much in stature, especially in language, as before is expressed. Some being very great, as the Sasquesahanocks; others very little, as the Wighcocomocoes: but generally browne when they are of any age, but they are borne white. Their hayre is generally blacke, but few haue any beards. The men weare halfe their beards shaven, the other halfe long; for Barbers they vse their women, who with two shels will grate away the hayre of any fashions, agreeable to their yeares, but ever some part remaineth long. They are very strong, of an able body and full of agilitie, able to endure to lie in the woods vnder a tree by the fire in the worst of winter, or in the weedes and grasse in ambuscado in the sommer. Some are of disposition feareful, some bold, most cautelous, all savage. They are soone moued to anger, and so malicious that they seldome forget an iniury. For their apparell they are sometimes covered with the skinnes of wilde beasts, which in winter are dressed with the hayre, but in sommer without. The better sort vse large mantels of Deare skins, not much differing in fashion from the Irish mantels, some imbrodered with white beads, some with Copper, other painted after their manner. But the common sort haue scarce to cover their nakednesse, but with grasse, the leaues of trees, or such like. Their women, some haue 0034 26 their legs, hands, breasts and face cunningly imbrodered with divers workes, as beasts, serpents, artificially wrought into their flesh with black spots. In each eare commonly they haue 3 great holes, whereat they hang chaines, bracelets, or copper. Some of their men weare in those holes, a small greene and yellow coloured snake, neare halfe a yard in length, which crawling and lapping her selfe about his necke oftentimes familiarly would kisse his lips. Others weare a dead Rat tyed by the taile. Some on their heads weare the wing of a bird, or some large feather with a Rattell. Those Rattels are somewhat like the chape of a Rapier, but lesse, which they take from the taile of a snake. Many haue the whole skinne of a Hawke or some strange foule, stuffed with the wings abroad. Others a broad peece of Copper, and some the hand of their enemy dryed. Their heads and shoulders are painted red with the roote Pocone brayed to powder, mixed with oyle, this they hold in summer to preserve them from the heate, and in winter from the cold. Many other formes of paintings they vse, but he is the most gallant that is the most monstrous to behold.”

In closing his description he says: “So then here is a place, a nurse for souldiers, a practise for mariners, a trade for marchants, a reward for the good, and that which is most of all, a businesse (most acceptable to God) to bring such poore Infidels to the knowledge of God and his holy Gospell.”

Under all these circumstances, it is not wonderful that the early settlers of this country had not as yet been able to have the services of a minister; and it was a noble Christian act for Mr. Eaton to provide as he did for the support of a resident minister, for this scattered, struggling, destitute people. The Rev. John Yeo, who removed to this county from Calvert about 1682, is the first Church of England clergyman, or any other of whom we have any mention, in Baltimore County. Mr. Eaton having made the provision which we have mentioned, it may have been some inducement to Mr. Yeo to remove to this county. The places for holding public worship were generally private dwellings; for we have found no hint that there were any other than such in the county, save St. George's, which was simply a log-building. St. Paul's Parish were accustomed to assemble for public worship in Patapsco Neck, the neck of land between Back Creek and the Patapsco river, cast from the city of Baltimore. Their place of assembling at that time, was probably from six to eight miles from the present city limits. Mr. Yeo was spared to minister here only a few brief years, He died in 1686, leaving a married daughter, and a son John, if no other children, to which son the Court gave his property, and made Miles Gibson his administrator.

Within three years after the death of Mr. Yeo, on the first of August, 1689, occurred what is called the Protestant revolution in Maryland. On that (lay the government of the Province was seized by the Protestants, without bloodshed, which put an end here to 0035 27 the Roman Catholic rule and domination. The government passed into the hands of a Protestant Convention of the Colonies, and Lord Baltimore's officers were deposed. Aider its continuance for two years and a half, the government of the Province was taken in charge by King William and Queen Mary, and early in the spring of 1692 Gov. Copley arrived as their Majesties' Governor. In this government no Roman Catholic was permitted to hold office.

By the Act establishing the Church of England in the Province, passed on the 9th of June, 1692, every taxable inhabitant (and such were all male persons, and female slaves, female mulattoes born of white persons, and free negro women), of the age of sixteen, were obliged to pay 40 pounds of tobacco annually to the support of the parish minister. Patapsco Hundred, or St. Paul's Parish, in the returns of the year 1694 to the County Court, contained 231 taxable inhabitants, equal to 8240 pounds of tobacco, or $226 less than one dollar tax to each inhabitant. Under the Act of 1692, the several parishes having been determined or defined, the freeholders of each parish were then directed to meet by the appointment of the County Justices, and make a choice of six vestry-men. Such an appointment having been made, the freeholders of Patapsco Parish, as it was then called, now known as St. Paul's, accordingly met and elected a vestry. But of that meeting we find no record. That they however did so meet and make then an election, the following entry, found in the records of the Baltimore County Court for 1693, folio 126, fully proves. It is this:

“We, the Vestrymen for Patapsco Hundred, met together at the house of Maj. John Thomas,” when it was determined “that at Pettetes old field was the most convenient place to erect a church, and also appointed John Gay to be clerk of the Vestry, Mr. Watkings being absent. And at another meeting at Master Demondidies, did confirm the above mentioned proceedings. Mr. Watkings also absent. George Ashman, Nicholas Corban, John Terry, Richard Sampson, Francis Watkings, Richard Cromwell.” This record thus tells of two vestry meetings, of what was done at, and who the vestry-men were. Such were the beginnings at the organization of this parish one hundred and seventy-nine years ago.

General Tobias Stansbury, who died in 1849, aged 92 years, said that the old St. Paul's Church stood about thirty or forty rods west of where the Sellers Point road leaves the North Point road on the left side as you go east. It was built of brick. In 1765 it was then in ruins, and the bones of the dead buried there were removed to Baltimore town. The plough has not left a trace of the old building on the spot where it stood.

In 1702 St. Paul's was made a missionary parish, mainly under the ministry of Roy. Wm. Tibbs, who does not appear to have been a faithful rector. After several unsuccessful attempts to build a new church, the parish at last succeeded, and about 1702 built, as is 0036 28 supposed, the one mentioned by Gen. Stansbury. On the 2d of January 1728, Mr. Thomas Sheredine and Mr. Richard Gist having been appointed a committee by the vestry to purchase a site for the building of a new church, purchased two acres of land of Mr. Moses Edwards, on the old York road near Walsh's tan-yard. The vestry afterwards, on the 8th of July, 1729, decided to build at Mr. Edward Fells', who lived east of Jones Falls.

On the 16th of June, 1730, an Act was passed by the General Assembly “for the Building a Church in Baltimore County, and in a Town called Baltimore Town, in St. Paul's Parish.” Bacon says: “The Act of 1727 having impowered the Vestry-men and Church wardens to purchase one or more acres of land, and thereon to build a Parish Church; in pursuance whereof, land was purchased but not built on; and the same being very inconvenient, the present Act impowers the Vestry-men and Church-wardens to purchase a Lot in Baltimore-Town and to cause a Church to be built thereon; which shall be the Parish Church of the said Parish, and be called St. Pauls Church, and directs, that the Tobacco to be raised by the afore recited Act, be applied to the Building a Church in the Town as aforesaid.” Under the provisions of this Act, on the first of July, 1730, the vestry having abandoned the idea of building at Mr. Fells', as they had previously determined, on the lot purchased on the old York road, agreed with Doctor George Walker for lot No. 19 on the town plat, to build the church on. This lot was the most elevated point on the plat, and it is on the northwest corner of that lot that the present St. Paul's now stands—on the corner of Saratoga and Charles streets. The lot then extended south below Lexington street, and eastward to St. Paul's street.

On the 28th of July, 1730, the vestry again met, and agreed with Thomas Hartwell to build the walls of the new church, which were to be 50 feet by 23 feet in the clear, and 18 feet high from the floor to the ceiling, for £40; the vestry to haul the bricks, lime and sand. They also agreed with Charles Wells to make 100,000 bricks, to be delivered at or upon the last day of October, and May then succeeding, for £90 currency. On the 3d of November the vestry agreed with Mr. John Moale and Mr. William Hammond to get the rafters, six window-frames, two for each side, and one for each end, and two door-frames, one for the southeast side, and the other for the end, for £59 5s. currency, or tobacco at 105 per hundred at the same amount. On the 2d of February 1731, the vestry agreed with Mr. Hammond to build a vestry-house in Baltimore Town, 16 feet by 12, in height 7½ feet, for which they were to pay £6. They also agreed with Mr. Charles Ridgely to draw the brick for £10, and Mr. Jonas Robinson to furnish 1500 bushels of lime, at the place where the church was to be built, for 6d. currency per bushel. On the 9th of April Mr. Hartwell failed in his contract, and the vestry agreed with Mr. John Babcock to build the walls of the church for £50 currency. On the 11th of October 1732, Rev. Wm. 0037 29 Tibbs died. He was succeeded by Rev. Joseph Hooper. Owing to the failures in fulfilling contracts and other delays, the church was not completed until 1739, a period of eight years from the time work was first commenced. Mr. Hooper died July 12th, 1739, and was buried in the church, He was succeeded by the Rev. Benedict Bourdillon, July 29th, 1739. He died January 5th, 1745, greatly lamented. On the 11th of February 1745, Rev. Thomas Chase was appointed rector by Gov. Bladen. At the meeting of the vestry on the 30th of June, 1753, they ordered that the middle portion of the front gallery be taken down. This was done in order to place the organ there, which had been purchased by subscription from Mr. Adam Lynn, to put in its place. At this period the church also had a bell. On the first of June the vestry ordered a brick wall to be built around the church. After an eventful and useful ministry of thirty-four years, Dr. Chase, father of Samuel Chase, one of the signers of the Declaration of Independence, &c., &c., died on the 4th of April 1779, and was succeeded, by Rev. Wm. West, D. D., who became rector June 7, 1779.

On the 1st of November 1779, the vestry resolved to build a new church; and on the 25th of April 1780, the corner-stone was laid with religious services by Rev. Wm. West. This church was erected with the assistance of money raised by lottery, which realised $33,443 currency. It was finished May 10th, 1784, when the pews, 83 in number, were distributed “by ballot.” The church was opened May 30th at Whitsuntide. The Rev. Mr. West preached from Psalm cxxii. 1: “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the Lord.” This new edifice stood a little at the south of the centre of the square, and just in front of the old one. Its appearance was similar to St. Peter's which lately stood on the southeast corner of Sharp and German streets, except that it was not quite so large. At the east end there was an immense window of common glass, which during the morning service would have poured an intolerable light into the church but for the protection of a green baize curtain. It had three large doors, more imposing than any belonging to the structure to which it has just been compared. One was at the west end, and was seldom entirely opened, but access was given to the church through a sort of wicket cut in one side. The other two doors were on the south side; one of them was closed and plastered on the inside, but on the outside it appeared as a door. This was the eastern one of the two; the western was the principal entrance.

The church stood on very high ground, surrounded on three sides by the graveyard. On the south side was a terrace, paved with imported brick and shaded by sycamore trees. From the terrace to the two south doors it was reached by flights of rough stone steps, three or four steps each, and the ground descended to New Church street, now called Lexington, by three or four of what gardeners call falls. At Lexington street was a fence, the 0038 30 gate of which was about halfway between the present doors of Mr. Hodges and Prof. Hall. The interior appearance of the church was very heavy. The galleries were solid wainscotting and supported by large solid pillars. The galleries were reached by two very massive flights of stairs. The pews were the old-fashioned square boxes, very high. In the original plan of the church there were five aisles. There was no vestry-room; the minister put on his robe behind a red stiff curtain suspended from an iron rod. The bell remained in the tower built in the time of the former church. The organ was placed in the west gallery, in front of which was a desk, from which the clerk made the response. There was no choir, and the organ was generally so much out of repair as to be useless until the present century.

In April 1785, it appears from the records of this date, that the communion furniture consisted of one silver plate, two napkins, one table cloth, one pewter basin, and one green cloth cover for the communion table. In the same year the old church was used for a school-house by Rev. Wm. Nixon. In November 1786, the old church, excepting the bell-tower, was ordered to be torn down, and the brick to be used in a wall to be placed around the church lot. In 1791 a new parsonage was finished, on ground donated by John Eager Howard, at the head of Liberty street, where the rector now resides. The house which had been heretofore occupied as a parsonage, and in which Dr. West resided, was on the northwest corner of the intersection of Charles and Lexington streets, nearly opposite the church. It was a one-story frame building with a “hip roof,” and was painted red, had a yard in front ornamented with trees and shrubbery. There was then no house between the parsonage and one on the south side of Baltimore street.

On the 22d of June, 1783, the first Convention of the Diocese met, and adopted a constitution adapted to the new state of affairs, resulting from the independence of the United States, and the separation of state and church affairs. Dr. West died March 30th, 1791. June 17th, Rev. Joseph G. J. Bend, D. D., was elected rector, whose ministry was signalised by a violent controversy with a Rev. Mr. Ralph. Rev. John Ireland was made associate rector, December 8th, 1796, and removed October 17th, 1801. On the 10th of June, 1797, the church was consecrated by Bishop Claggett. On the 8th of April, 1802, Rev. Elijah Rattoone was then elected associate. He was succeeded by Rev. James Whitehead, March 24, 1806, who died August 24, 1808; and he by Rev. Frederick Beasley, D. D., August 7, 1807. Upon the death of Rev. Dr. Bend, November 25th, 1812, Rev. Dr. James Kemp was elected rector—a man of high literary and scientific culture, and an author of much repute, He died suddenly, from injuries received by the upsetting of a stage coach October 28th, 1827. William Wyatt was elected May 3d, 1814, as associate rector, and afterwards, November, 1827, rector; and after a most useful and distinguished ministry of 50 years, died universally lamented, June 24th, 1864.

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On the 4th day of May, 1814, the corner-stone of the new St. Paul's Church, was laid, with appropriate ceremonies, Rev. Dr. Kemp delivering the address. This church was situated where the present one now stands. It was a spacious and noble edifice, of the Grecian Doric order, 126 feet in length by 84 feet in breadth. The portico was supported by four fluted marble columns, and the steeple was considered the handsomest in the United States. The church was finished in 1817, R. C. Long architect, and cost $126,140. On Saturday morning, April 29th, 1854, shortly after one o'clock A. M., the stately edifice of St. Paul's was discovered to be in flames. The rain was falling heavily, but upon forcing the doors, it was perceived that the flames had gained great headway in a room in the back part of the building, immediately over the altar, and in that place most certain to ensure the complete destruction of the building. At about this stage of the fire, Dr. Colburn, the Secretary of the Episcopal Convention, residing directly opposite, assisted by others, succeeded, after great exertions and no little danger, in removing from the church the iron safe containing the records and other valuable papers of the Diocese of Maryland. The firemen labored hard to arrest the progress of the flames, but this was impossible, in consequence of the elevated position of the building and the scarcity of water. The fire gaining increased power, soon swept through the building, forced through the roof, and illumined the darkness of night by its glare. Its towering torch gained access to the beautiful steeple, and then the terribly grand spectacle was complete. The bell fell from its airy perch, and the crashing timbers throughout sent a chill to the heart of many a silent witness of the picture; the fire had subdued its victim, and the raging element ceased.

The rebuilding of St. Paul's was at once entered on, without the indecision of an hour on the part of the vestry or the congregation, and being finished, was dedicated, by Bishop Whittingham on the 10th of January, 1856, assisted by the Rev. Drs. Wyatt, Johns, and Balch, and Rev. Messrs. Crane, Rankin, Leakin, Stringfellow, Thos. J. Wyatt, C. C. Adams, McFarland, Piggot, Reed, Rich, Schroeder, Bausman, Cox, Swope, Spoon, Tuttle, Harrison, and Allen. The building is Norman Gothic, designed by Mr. Up-john of New York. The walls of the previous building remain entire, with the addition of a new front, bringing the church much nearer to the street than it was before. The bell-tower if finished would be one hundred and fifty feet high, but in view of the westward and northward march of the population, including the members of the church, it may never be completed; the sacred edifice itself being perhaps destined to give place to other buildings.

1731. The county town of Joppa being afflicted by small-pox, the Legislature suspended the sessions of the court, which made it very dangerous for the magistrates and people to meet from June court till first Tuesday in November, a circumstance the more unfortunate 0040 32 for the place, as Baltimore was then preparing to become its rival.

1732. On the 8th day of August the Assembly passed “An Act for erecting a Town on a creek, divided on the East from the Town lately laid out in Baltimore County, called Baltimore Town, on the land whereon Edward Fell keeps store.” (Samuel Ogle, Esq., Governor.) By this Act Major Thomas Sheridine, Capt. Robert North, and Messrs. Thomas Todd, John Cockey and John Boring were appointed Commissioners, who also appointed Doctor Walker their clerk. They were empowered to purchase by agreement with the owner, or in case of such owner's refusal, &c., by valuation of a jury—(a common custom at the present day, when an individual's land is taken for public purposes, on his being paid what twelve of his neighbors, who have no property similarly situated, think that he ought to be satisfied with)—ten acres of land out of the said tract lying most convenient to the water, and to lay out the same into twenty lots, &c., to be numbered from one to twenty for better distinction thereof, &c., &c., &c. The town to be called Jonas Town, but afterwards Jones's Town, in compliment to one of the former owners of the land. The new town was laid off on Wednesday, November 22d, 1732, in twenty lots, valued at 150 pounds of tobacco each, on that part of “Cole's Harbor” which was first improved, east of the Falls, and where Edward Fell kept store, belonging, it is said in the return of the jury, to the orphan children of Richard Colgate. The conditions of settlement were similar to those of Baltimore Town, except that the possessors of lots in this town were to pay the Proprietary one penny sterling per lot annually. Major Sheridine had taken up land in the county as early as 1721, and in 1734 purchased the Kigsbury lands at the head of Back river, where the furnace was afterwards erected, and General Smith built a mill. Capt. North, who took the lot No. 10 at the northwest corner of Baltimore and Calvert Streets, and upon the laying out of Jones's Town, had visited the Patapsco and carried freights in the ship Content, which he commanded, as early as 1723. Mr. Thomas Todd was the son and heir of Capt. Thomas Todd, who removed from Virginia and purchased the land at North Point in 1664, which had been first taken up by Messrs. William Batten and Thomas Thomas. Mr. John Cockey purchased lands near Patapsco in 1728; the year after, his brother Thomas settled in the Limestone Valley, on the York Road. Mr. Boring was a merchant, whose father had bought several tracts of land on Patapsco Neck as early as 1679. Jones's Town consisted of three streets, or one street with courses corresponding with the meanders of the bank of the Falls, from a great gully at Pitt Street to the ford at the intersection of the old road where French Street commences, and which was afterwards called Front, Short, and Jones Streets; on the last of which, at the southwest corner of Bridge, or Gay Street as since called, and the only cross street, stood Mr. Fell's store.

0041 33

Improvements were soon made on the east side of the Falls, by which, and from the early settlement of Cole, Gorsuch, or Jones, it obtained the name which it now bears of “Old Town.” The communication with Baltimore Town being obstructed by the passage of the Falls, was so inconvenient by the ford that a bridge was soon erected where Gay Street bridge now stands, by the respective inhabitants of the towns.

Edward Hall was presiding Justice in 1732, and Sheriff in 1734, when Col. William Hamilton was presiding Justice.

1735. On the 23d of April the Assembly passed an Act to prevent the injuring of harbors within this Province. By this Act masters of vessels and others were prohibited, under a penalty of £50 currency, from casting ballast into the bay above Cedar Point, nor into any river, creek or harbor below high-water mark, nor to unload ballast but between the rising and setting of the sun.

1736. John Stokes, Clerk of the county, died, and was succeeded by his son, Humphrey W. Stokes. Col. William Hammond was Sheriff, and Richard Gist presiding Justice.

1738. In this year Col. Nicholas Ridgely was Sheriff. Mr. Edward Fell died, leaving a daughter, or daughters, in England, but bestowed his property here on his brother's son Edward.

1739. On the 29th of August Captain Michael Willson, of the good ship Parad and Gally, published according to law that he was up for freight; and it appears from the records that he received one hogshead of leaf tobacco, shipped by Avarila Day, and consigned to Messrs. Delmitt and Heathwat of London, at the rate of £7 sterling per ton. This is the first vessel we find in the records of Baltimore County published according to law for freight.

1740. Mr. John Moale died, bequeathing his lands near Baltimore to his two surviving sons, John and Richard.

1741. Thos. Brereton was clerk of the county. On the 19th day of February, for the sum of 40 pounds sterling money of Great Britain, Mr. Jonathan Hanson sold to Mr. Edward Fottrell all of his the said Hanson's right, title and interest in the lands lying upon Jones Falls, being part of the tract called “Cole's Harbor,” containing by estimation about 30 acres, and also all of his interest and property of and into 20 acres of land lying on both sides of Jones Falls: the latter being taken by Jonathan Hanson and George Walker in 1735 by virtue of the law for appropriating mill-seats. Walker also sold his interest this year to Fottrell for 120 pounds paper money of the Province. Mr. Edward Fottrell was a gentleman from Ireland, and imported the materials and erected the first brick house with freestone corners, and the first which was two stories without a “hip-roof” in the town. It stood near the northwest corner of Calvert and Fayette streets, on or near the lot at present occupied by Reverdy Johnson's mansion, opposite Barnum's Hotel, and was the dwelling house of Mr. Fottrell. He returned to Ireland before the Revolution, 3 0042 34 when his property was confiscated and sold. Our worthy forefathers did not, at this period, arrive at the stature of so high a fact as to believe that there was earth in Maryland which could be made into a brick, much less that they were daily walking over a soil which was destined to be fashioned into the material of a beautiful city, whose architectural renown should be in some degree connected with the unrivalled excellence of its brick.

1742. Mr. Thomas Harrison, merchant, arrived from England, and built a house near the northeast corner of South and Lombard streets, buying the lots nearest the water on each side of South street.

On the 29th of October St. Thomas's Parish was taken from St. Paul's, and the new parish church of that name was erected about ten miles northwest of the town.

Major Thomas Sheredine was presiding Justice, and John Ridgely sheriff.

On the 20th of January, Mrs. Elizabeth Groor shipped on board the ship Swan, Capt. Joseph Tuck, four hogsheads of Maryland leaf tobacco, consigned to Jonathan Foward, of London, at the rate of nine pounds sterling per ton.

1744. On the 22d of August, John Boyley shipped on board the Elizabeth, Capt. David Frazer, 4 hogsheads Maryland leaf tobacco, consigned to Joseph Adams, London, at the rate of nine pounds sterling per ton.

1745. The Assembly of Maryland, on the 28th of September, passed a supplementary and additional Act to the Act entitled, “An Act for erecting a town on the north side of Patapsco, in Baltimore County, and for laying out in lots sixty acres of land in and about the place where John Flemming now lives; and to an Act entitled, An Act for erecting a town on a creek divided on the east from the town lately laid out in Baltimore County, called Baltimore Town, on the land whereon Edward Fell keeps store.” (Thomas Bladen, Esq., Governor.) “On the joint petition of the inhabitants of Baltimore and Jones's Town, in the County of Baltimore, it is herein enacted:

“1st. That the same Towns, now called Baltimore and Jones's Town, be incorporated into one entire Town, and for the future called and known by the name of Baltimore Town and by no other name.

“2d. The bridge built by the inhabitants on the branch that divided the said Towns, shall for the future be deemed a public bridge, and repaired and kept, &c., at the charge of Baltimore County.

“3d. Certain Commissioners (Maj. Thomas Sheridine, Doctor G. Buchanan, Capt. Robert North, Colonel William Hammond, Capt. Darby Lux, and Messrs. Thomas Harrison and William Fell), seven in number, appointed to see the present and former acts, relating to the Towns before mentioned, put in execution, and 0043 35 cause them to be carefully surveyed by their outlines, therein including the branch over which the bridge is built; and shall from time to time (for preventing disputes.), cause all the lots taken up and improved, or that shall hereafter be taken up, &c., to be regularly surveyed, substantially and fairly bounded, and numbered.

“4th. On the death, removal, or declining to act, of any commissioner, the major part of the remaining commissioners shall appoint another to serve in the stead of such commissioner dying, &c.

“5th. Disputes about the bounds of lots shall be fully determined by a majority of the said commissioners; and to prevent partiality herein, the commissioners, or a major part, shall meet at least once a year, and see that a boundary to each lot be kept up and preserved, in manner before prescribed; and cause other sufficient boundaries to be fixed in the room of any missing or decayed.

“6th. The commissioners have power to employ a clerk (William Lux, son of Darby Lux, was appointed in place of Doctor Walker, who died in 1743,)who shall be under oath fairly and honestly to enter in a book, to be kept for that purpose, all the proceedings of the said commissioners relating to the town; in which book, among other things, shall be kept a fair plat of the said town, describing every lot by its right number, and who the taker-up was, or shall be; and to prevent corruption, all or any of said commissioners, and their successors, shall have recourse to the clerk's book as frequently as they please without fee or reward.

“7th. The commissioners are impowered to levy, assess, and take by way of distress, if needful, from the inhabitants of the town, by even and equal proportion, the sum of 3 pounds yearly, to be paid to their clerk; and also have power to place and displace their clerk as often as they shall think fit.

“8th. The commissioners for the time being, may, by due course of law, or any other legal manner, in the name of the said commissioners, or the major part of them, take, demand and recover any money which shall be found due to the first commissioners nominated for the said towns, from any takers-up of Iota by virtue of the original laws for laying out the same; which money they shall apply to the uses intended by the said original Acts, and in no other manner.

“9th. All after purchasers of lots, whether before or after the making of this Act, shall be deemed to be within the said town, provided their lots shall be within the outlines thereof; and shall have as good estate in their lots as if taken up, improved and paid for under the original laws erecting the said town.

“10th. All improvements, of what kind soever, either wharf, houses, or other buildings, that have or shall be made out of the water, or where it usually flows, shall (as an encouragement to 0044 36 such improvers) be forever deemed the right, title and inheritance of such improvers, their heirs and assigns forever.

“11th. None shall keep or raise any swine, geese, or sheep, within the said town, unless they be well inclosed within some lot or pen.

“12th. All takers-up of lots, therein directed, shall have a sure indefeasible estate of inheritance, in fee simple, in the lots by them taken up; any law, custom, &c., notwithstanding.”

Of the Commissioners, Capt. Lux commanded a ship in the London trade as early as 1733 and 1743, purchased the lots number 43 and 44 on the west side of Light street, where he resided and transacted much business.

On the 28th of September the Assemby passed a law for the “prevention of frauds and abuses, frequently practiced by greedy avaricious traders in pork, beef, tar, turpentine, and pitch, who for their own private lucre and gain, not only make and set up badly made and beeped small barrels, but slightly pack and deceitfully fill the same, to the great prejudice of the trade of this Province in the commodities and merchandise, &c., &c.”

On the 27th of November, Mr. Charles Ridgely shipped on board the Three Friends, Capt. David Livingston, six hogsheads of Maryland leaf tobacco, consigned to Messrs. Williams & Rothlitt, London, at the rate of 12 pounds sterling per ton freight, and 5 pounds on each hogshead for insurance.

1746. Mr. Wm. Fell dying during this year, he was succeeded by Mr. Alexander Lawson as one of the town Commissioners.

On the 2d of December, Jacob Gupon shipped on board the Frederick, Capt. James Hall, 10 hogsheads of Maryland leaf tobacco, consigned to William Black, London, at the rate of 12 pounds per ton, and 5 pounds per hogshead insurance.

1747. The communication by the bridge, which brought the great eastern road from the ford directly through both parts of the town, gave value to the intermediate grounds, and the whole land and marsh, containing twenty-eight acres in all, was purchased of Mr. Carroll by Mr. Harrison in 1747, for 160 pounds sterling; and on the 11th of July the Assembly passed “An Act for the enlargement of Baltimore Town, in Baltimore County, &c. (Samuel Ogle, Esq., Governor.) The inhabitants of Baltimore Town, in Baltimore County, petitioned to the General Assembly that there is between what was formerly called Jones's Town and Baltimore Town, a parcel of land of about eighteen acres which is not included in what was called Jones's Town, nor in Baltimore Town, which, by means of a bridge which is already built, reduce the said laces into one, which would be an encouragement to people to build and improve, and they beg that the same may be laid out in lots, and made part of Baltimore Town.” The Act was passed, by which Gay and Frederick and part of Water and Second streets were laid off, with eighteen acres of ground. This addition, principally 0045 37 on the west side of the Falls, contained all the fast land between the eastern limits of the first town and the Falls. Takers-up of lots were to agree with and pay the owners of the grounds, as for the former addition. The Commissioners were authorised to open and widen streets or alleys, with the consent of the proprietors, and remove nuisances, and also to hold two annual fairs, the first Thursday of May and October, with privileges from civil process during the fairs. Housekeepers were subject to a fine of 10 shillings if' they did not “keep a ladder high enough to extend to the top of the roof of such house, or if their chimnies blazed out at top.”

During this year the shipping interests of Baltimore and vicinity showed a wonderful increase from one vessel a year to seven. The following is a copy of one of the advertisements:

“I herewith publish the freight of the ship Baltimore now at anchor in Patapsco river, burthen 450 tons or thereabouts, carrying twenty guns, six pounders, and forty hands, at the rate of twelve pounds sterling per ton, with insurance at five pounds sterling per hogshead, the freighter consigning their tobacco to Stephen Theod. Jansson, Esq., merchant in London. In witness whereof I have set my hand and seal this 26th of June, 1748.

“ John Anter. ” [SEAL.]

Captain Antho Beck, of the Francis and Elizabeth, publishes that she “mounts ten guns; as good as can be made of wood, and the best sailing ship in Maryland; takes in tobacco for Mr. John Philpott & Co., at £14 sterling per ton, and shall be glad to see my friends on board the said ship at any time they please.”

Often at this period when vessels were up for freights, they would be compelled to wait three and four months until they could get a cargo. We find from the records that Captain Darby Lux paid for some time, three pounds sterling per day demurrage, “the tobacco not being ready and collected for that purpose.” Mr. John Toward, merchant in London, writing to Captain John Jackson, says, “Capt. Lux will supply you with rum to treat my friends when they come on board, and Mr. Blackburn will supply you with a good parcel of your north country ale, which may be the means of getting dispatched a month earlier.”

1748. Messrs. Leonard and Daniel Barnetz, from York, Pa., erected a brewery at the southwest corner of Baltimore and Hanover streets, now replaced by stores. These gentlemen, if not the first, were among the first of the Germans, or the descendants of Germans, whose successive emigration from that Province, with capital and industry employed here, contributed so essentially to aid the original settlers.

Capt. Darby Lux was elected a delegate in the place of Col. Hall. Talbot Risteau was clerk of the county at this time.

During the year there were fifteen vessels published according to law, up for freight in the rivers running into the Patapsco, all bound for London.

0046 38

1749. Mr. Thomas Sheredine and Thomas Sleigh bought of Mr. Hurst and of Richard Colgate's sons, John and Thomas, their several rights to the residue of Cole's Harbor and Mountenay's Neck, east of the Falls, and High street from Plowman to French street, with lots on each side, including eighteen acres of ground, which is added to the town.

1750. On the 2d of June, the General Assembly, in pursuance of a petition from the inhabitants of that portion of Baltimore County, caused about 25 acres of land, on the north and east sides of Baltimore Town, formerly called Jonas's Town, to be surveyed and laid out into lots and streets, and to be declared to all intents and purposes a part of Baltimore Town.

A house for the inspection of tobacco was erected on the west side of Charles street, and near the head of the inlet into which Uhler's spring emptied, and a public wharf commenced at the south end of Calvert street, a long time called the “County Wharf.” Messrs. Lawson, Hammond, and Lux, three of the commissioners, entered notices of their intention to improve into the water, and did actually erect houses on the bank near the shore, the first of wood, on the east, and the last of brick, on the west side of Light street, near the west end of Bank street (Mercer), and the other further east, near South street.

Our annals about this date are embellished with an exploit of some unction, in an historical fact pleasantly demonstrative of the vivacity and of the picturesque imagination of the founders of our city. For what reason connected with our position in reference to foes either foreign or domestic, we have never been able to find out; but there was a vague and latent opinion in Baltimore for several years, that the inhabitants were dangerously exposed to the incursions of an enemy. We have on one occasion at least—just after Braddock's defeat—the tradition of a panic which drove the country people into the town, and the town's-people into the boats of the harbor—suddenly and strangely apprehensive of mischief that never came. This peculiarity of opinion or temper, or whatever it might have been, suggested, at an early period, to the inhabitants the policy of building a defensive fortification. So our people went to work and raised a subscription, and having provided the funds, straightway—under the direction of what military engineer we know not, for history has not preserved his name—but what we suppose was intended to be considered and regarded as a fence or wall of defence around the whole inland border of the town; thus showing very clearly that the enemy against whom this provision was made, was not of the maritime or salt-water kind. In this formidable wall, which, it is to be noted, was not pierced for cannon, there were two great gates to admit the friendly traveller, or to be shut in the face of the unfriendly one. The first of these gates was at the west end of Baltimore street, and was placed somewhere very near the present intersection 0047 39 of McClellan's alley. The second gate for carriages opened into the upper part of North Gay street, not far, we conjecture, from the stone house at the corner of Front street. Between these two great portals a smaller gate, for the use of foot-passengers—a postern, it may be called—was cut through the fence near the head of Charles street, that is to say about the intersection of Saratoga. This line of fortification never had its virtue put to the trial by any attack from abroad, but like some of the most distinguished martyrs of history, it sank before privy sedition at home. It was not more than three or four years after its erection when a severe winter came on, and the wall, by a great and indeed fatal mistake, being made of wood of a very combustible kind, and not being put together with so much skill as the engineer ought to have employed in so weighty a matter—this whole bulwark was, by very secret and gradual assaults, pulled to pieces, and stolen away for “kindling.” A second winter finished it; and it thus fell a sacrifice to the rigors of the climate and the fireside comforts of the inhabitants. Not a vestige of a decayed post or rusty nail belonging to this ancient fortification of the only “walled town” in the United States remains. Lloyd Buchanan was employed by the commissioners to prosecute the needy inhabitants, but found they had not sufficient legal authority.

In this year Doctor Buchanan died, leaving, besides the son Lloyd, Archibald, who was a merchant, Andrew, George, and William, noticed hereafter.

The following is a copy of the original subscription-paper, now in the possession of the Maryland Historical Society, to keep the fence in repair:

“ Maryland, Baltimore Town, January 28 th, 1748.

“Whereas, there is an Act of Assembly which prohibits all the inhabitants of Baltimore Town from keeping or raising hogs or geese in the said town, we the subscribers do hereby agree and oblige ourselves to pay to the clerk of said town the sums affixed against our respective names towards keeping up, repairing, and making good the fence of the said town, and supporting a person to keep it in good order—

£ s. d.

Robert North gives 10 00 00

Wm. Hammond “ 10 00 00

Thos. Chase “ 10 00 00

R. Chase “ 10 00 00

Nicholas Rogers “ 00 10 00

John Shephard “ 00 5 00

Hannah Hughes “ 00 10 00

John Frasher “ 00 5 00

James Perkins “ 00 5 00

Nich. Hartway “ 00 5 00

Capt. Darby Lux “ 1 00 00

Chris. Cytmire “ 00 5 00

Thomas Harrison “ 1 00 00

Darby Lux gives 10 00 00

Wm. Rogers “ 10 00 00

Wil. Lyon “ 10 00 00

Brian Philpot, Jr., “ 00 10 00

John Ensor, Jr., “ 00 5 00

Abraham Pamer “ 00 2 6

Joseph England “ 00 5 00

Henry Johnson “ 00 2 6

Wm. Ferguson “ 00 3 00

Dr. Geo. Buchanan “ 00 10 00

Wm. Rogers “ 1 00 00

Edward Dogan “ 00 10 00

Capt. Chas. Ridgely gives 00 10 00

0048 40

Dr. Buchanan was succeeded in the Board of Commissioners by Mr. Brian Philpot, an English merchant then lately arrived, and in the Assembly, by Wm. Smith, Esq., of the northern part of the county. Thomas Franklin, Esq., was presiding Justice, and so continued more than twenty years, during which time the following gentlemen were appointed to the office of sheriff, viz: Messrs. Roger Boyce, in 1750; William Young, 1754; Charles Christie, 1756; Aquilla Hall, 1761; Robert Adair, 1765; Daniel Chaimier, 1768; and John R. Holliday, 1770.

The precise date of the origin of the First German Reformed Congregation in this city is not known. There is, however, good reason to believe that it was established in or about the year 1750. An old German manuscript, found a few years since among the archives of this church, states, among other things, that “in the year 1756 or 1757, the congregation purchased a lot on which to erect a church, of Mr. Croxall for nine pounds, besides making him a present. . . . After this the congregation appointed a committee to superintend the building of a church, which consisted of Andrew Steiger, Frederick Meyer, Jacob Kuhbord, John Soller, Valentine Loersh and Conrad Smith. These men made preparation to build, and with the means they had they built the best church they could. We then called the Rev. John Christian Faber to become our pastor, and we all in peace and love.”. . . . . At that early period, one hundred and seventeen years ago, they called a settled pastor, and were numerous and strong enough to give him a support, besides undertaking to build a house of worship. Previous to the year 1756, the congregation was occasionally visited by several German Reformed ministers, among whom was Rev. Mr. Lachey. With these statements before us it is perfectly safe to presume, we think, that if the congregation in 1756-57 felt themselves numerous and strong enough to build a church and support a stated minister, they must have been in existence some six or eight years before, at least, for under the circumstances they must have increased in numbers rather slowly. But there are other facts to sustain the statement. In the early records of the first Lutheran congregation in this city, on Gay street, we find “up to the year 1758, both Lutherans and German Reformed worshipped together, and great friendship and harmony prevailed. In that year they resolved to erect a house of worship in common, as each party was too weak to build alone; and it was at the same time determined that a pastor should be called by either church, as might best suit.” Previous to this time they were occasionally visited by ministers of both Churches. Although the Reformed account makes no mention of the two denominations worshipping together up to a certain period, yet there Can scarcely be a doubt of the fact, as stated by the Lutheran records. It was usual in the beginning (and even now in very many instances) for the Lutheran and Reformed to worship together in the same place, but 0049 41 maintaining for the most part separate organizations. The first church building owned by the German Reformed Congregation was built, as it would seem, about 1756–58. It was located on North Charles street, nearly opposite to and north of the present St. Paul's Episcopal Church. A deceased member of this congregation for more than forty years, and who, when a boy, used to worship with his parents in the old church on Charles street, once wrote to a friend as follows: “Our first church was located up North Charles street, and was approached with difficulty, especially by the aged and infirm, on account of the steep hill of sand they were obliged to climb every Sabbath in order to reach their humble place of worship. At that time we had no cushioned seats, no carpeted aisles, no sweet-toned organ to aid in the musical exercises—no, not even a stove to warm the body. The cold northwest wind would pierce through the tender weather-boarding, and almost blow the light fabric off.” The first regular pastor of this congregation was the Rev. John Christian Faber. In one of the old church books belonging to the congregation, the following is the first record made:

“ Baltimore, January 25, 1769.

“The first minister of this congregation was John Christian Faber, born in Mosback on the Neckar, in the Pfaltz, in Europe. His father was a preacher at Gimmeldingen on the river Haardt. May the blessing of God attend this enterprise, and may the church increase and flourish.”

Mr. Faber was pastor of this church about fourteen years. Towards the close of his ministry he met with great opposition from a portion of his congregation, who charged him, it is said, with coldness and languor in his ministrations. They wished him to give place to a warm-hearted younger preacher, a Rev. Mr. Swope, who had recently come from Germany. In this they did not succeed. Mr. Faber continued in his place, and the consequence was a division of the congregation in the year 1770. The opposition members withdrew, built a Second Reformed church, and elected Mr. Swope as their pastor. After a few years Mr. Swope either resigned or died, we do not know which, and in 1774 the Rev. Philip William Otterbine, who came from Germany in 1752 with the Rev. Mr. Slatter and others, and who had served the congregation at Lancaster, Tolpehocken, Frederick, York, alternately, for twenty years with great acceptance and success, took charge of the new congregation, and remained its pastor until his death, which occurred November 11, 1813. The old church blamed Mr. Otterbine and Swope for the division that took place in the congregation. Under Mr. Otterbine's long administration the German Reformed congregation in Conway street, between Hanover and Sharp streets, erected three different houses of worship. The first soon became too small for his rapidly increasing 0050 42 congregation, so the second and then the present fine church edifice on Conway street was erected, where he officiated till the year of his death. In one of the old church books we have the following entry: “After Mr. Faber had been here many years, and had seen much trouble, he left, and was succeeded by Rev. George Wallauer, who held the same faith. The next minister was the Rev. Charles Boehme, a member of the Pennsylvania Synod. After some time Mr. Boehme got into trouble, and at a meeting of the Rev. Synod held at Reading, Pa., in 1782, he was dismissed from the ministry. At the same time liberty was given to call another minister, and they called the Rev. Nicholas Pomp, who delivered his first sermon on the first Sunday in September, 1783. At this period Jacob Coberts, Frederick Meyer, Jacob Meyer, and Henry Zorah were the elders of the church; and Philip Crusius, Andrew Granget, and Philip Miller the deacons.” Mr. Wallauer during our struggle for independence left his congregation and joined the British army, but in what capacity is not known.

It was under the administration of the Rev. Mr. Pomp that the congregation resolved to build a new and larger church, and to locate it at the northwest corner of Baltimore and Front streets. They purchased the lot, which was 60 by 115 feet, in 1784 for £125, and built the church in 1785, the estimated cost of which was £4000. It was resolved that the thousand pounds which they had at interest should be taken towards erecting the new church, and that every member of the church should give from his private means to the same object, according to his ability. The subscription list was headed by Michael Diffenderffer (who appears to have been the leading spirit of this congregation to the close of a long and useful life), with the very liberal subscription of £150. Next are Frederick Meyers and Daniel Diffenderffer with each a £100; then follow Peter Diffenderffer, Jacob Myers and others, with their fifty and twenty-five pound subscriptions, and the rear is brought up with a good list of names with smaller amounts, and the sum total of the whole is a subscription large enough to encourage them to build. The number of male members who contributed to this object was one hundred, and those who contributed to the support of the pastor one hundred and twenty-five. But there were some, for some reason or other, who opposed the building of the new church, and who gave the congregation a great deal of trouble. Herman Sticher, Weinbert Tschudy, Nicholas Tschudy and others, were opposed to the new church enterprise, but would support it notwithstanding; whilst others not only opposed the building of the new church, but did all they could to hinder the enterprise from going forward. At length the minister, Mr. Pomp, was requested to announce from the pulpit that they could not go on to build in consequence of the violent opposition which a few persons made to the movement. But a little time after, the congregation, on the 26th of June, 1785, again 0051 43 resolved to go forward with the new church. On the first of September, 1785, the corner-stone was laid with appropriate solemnities. After the walls were up the opposition created further and more serious difficulties. Scarcely was the church under roof in 1786, before the gable end wall on Jones Falls was swept away by the flood, and damage done to the amount of more than five hundred pounds. On the 8th of May, 1787, the Consistory met at Daniel Diffenderffer's, and made another contract to put up the injured walls and otherwise improve the church. On the 20th of June, 1787, the first service was held in the church, and the Rev. Mr. Troldenier of York, and Hendel of Lancaster, Pa., were present on the occasion. Soon after this, in view of the difficulties and misfortunes of the congregation, several of the neighboring ministers brought their congregations to the church on different Sabbaths, and after they had preached, took up collections. These pastors were the Rev. Mr. West of the Episcopal Church, the Rev. Dr. Allison of the Presbyterian Church, and the Rev. Dr. Kurtz of the Lutheran Church. The collections in all amounted to sixty-three pounds. A year after this, in consequence of much opposition, from only two members, chiefly growing out of the new church building, Mr. Pomp resigned, and on the 15th of November, 1789, preached his farewell discourse. The Rev. George Troldenier, a native of Germany, was his successor, He was called from York to this place, and on the 13th of October, 1791, he preached his introductory sermon. At this time Michael Diffenderffer, Conrad Smith, Nicholas Tschudy, and John Dargenberg were the elders; and Peter Diffenderffer, Peter Herr, John Hull, and Philip Heisher, the deacons of the church. In 1788, the congregation petitioned the State Legislature for an Act of incorporation, and they obtained a very liberal and most excellent charter in December of the same year.

In the year 1795, having become dissatisfied with their church property for several reasons, and among others for its proximity to Jones Falls, and the frequent interruptions in public worship from vehicles passing over Philpot's bridge (as our Baltimore street bridge was then called), the congregation resolved to sell the church lot and building, and Jacob Hoffman, Peter Diffenderffer, George Decker, and others were authorised and directed by eighty-two male members to carry the resolutions into effect. After some time the committee succeeded in selling the property (old Christ's Church, as it was afterwards called) to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, and the sale was ratified by the congregation in August, 1796. The ground which they afterwards selected as the site for the erection of a new church was situated on the north side of Second street, nearly in the bed of Holliday street, as now cut through. It was nearly 100 feet front by 200 feet deep, and was purchased from a certain William Russell as early as June, 1772, and held in trust by Melchoir Keener, Andrew Stiger, and others, 0052 44 for the congregation. On the 29th of June, 1795, it was conveyed by the surviving trustees, Keener and Stiger, to Geo. Decker, Peter Diffenderffer, Nicholas Tschudy, and others in trust for the congregation. A few months after the charter was obtained this and all other property vested in trustees for their use, was vested in the elders, deacons, and trustees of the church. The corner-stone of this building was laid on the 28th of April, 1796, with appropriate solemnities. The pastor of the congregation, Mr. Troldenier, delivered a brief discourse, from Romans ix. 33. Rev. Mr. Otterbine followed with a short address, the Rev. Dr. Kurtz closed with prayer. When the money received from the sale of the old (Christ's) church, on Baltimore street, was all laid out on the new building, the congregation came together and subscribed liberally to carry on the work. On the 24th of September, 1797, this church, which was nearly one year and a half in building, was solemnly consecrated. The pastor, Rev. Mr. Troldenier, preached in the morning, the Rev. Dr. Becker, of Lancaster, Pa., in the afternoon, and the Rev. Mr. Otterbine at night. The dimensions of this church were fifty by eighty feet. The architect and builder was Lewis Herring, an eminent architect and builder in his day. The steeple was erected in 1805, several years after the church proper was completed. It was built by George Robach, of Lancaster, Pa., a celebrated architect, and was nearly two hundred feet high. The bells, three in number, weighing forty-five hundred pounds, were cast in England, by Thomas Mears, for the use of the congregation, at a cost of $1800, and brought to Baltimore by Robert Gilmor, Esq., shipping merchant, free of charge. They were placed in the steeple in 1805-6. About the same time the large clock was put up by Mr. Eberman, of Lancaster, Pa. The organ was built by John Geib and Son, in New York, at a cost of about $3000, and was put in the church in 1809. Soon after the church was finished, the congregation was called to mourn over the death of their pastor, which occurred on the 12th of December, 1800. He was succeeded in 1802 by Mr. John H. Dreyer; four years aider he resigned, and was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. Christian L. Becker, of Lancaster, Pa., about the 1st of July, 1806.

In February, 1818, a petition drawn up by Dr. M. Diffenderffer, and signed by him and thirty-five other members, was presented to the Consistory, respectfully soliciting permission to have English preaching in the church on every Sabbath afternoon. This subject seems to have caused a great deal of excitement, and gave the pastor no little trouble and uneasiness. On the 12th of July, 1818, Dr. Becker suddenly died, and his death, for a time, put an end to further proceedings about English preaching. The Synod having granted the petition presented by a committee consisting of Peter Diffenderffer and Jacob Hoffman, they invited the Rev. Lewis Mayer to pay them a visit, and preach in German and English. On Sabbath morning, Sept. 27, 1818, Dr. Mayer preached a discourse 0053 45 in the German language to a very large congregation, and in the afternoon he preached another in the English language (which was the first sermon ever delivered in this church in English) to an immense concourse of people. The excitement was intense. Some of the members, regarding English preaching as an innovation that ought not to be tolerated, threatened violence to the minister, and said and did many things which they afterwards regretted. On the 10th of February, 1819, the Rev. Albert Helffenstein, Sr., then pastor of the German Reformed Congregation of Carlisle, Pa., was unanimously invited to the pastorate of this church, and about the 1st of July in the same year he preached his introductory discourse. As years rolled away, German preaching became less and less frequent, and in the year 1827 it was abandoned by the pastor altogether. Mr. Helffenstein tendered his resignation to the Consistory in April, 1835, which was accepted, and in September following he preached his valedictory discourse, and immediately left with his family for the Western country (Ohio). In November, 1835. Rev. Elias Heiner, the last pastor of this church, received a unanimous call, and on the first Sabbath in January, 1836, he delivered his introductory discourse, from Genesis lv. 24, “See that ye fall not out by the way.” On the 8th of December, 1850, Mr. Heiner delivered in the Second Street church, a centenary sermon on the occasion of the centenary celebration. A short time aider the close of the late civil war the church was torn down, to open Holliday to Second street.

From the statements we have made in the opening sketch of the German Reformed denomination in this city, it is reasonable to suppose that the Lutheran denomination was organized about the same time; for we learn, as before mentioned, from the early records of the first Lutheran congregation in this city, that “up to the year 1758, both Lutherans and German Reformed worshipped together, and great friendship and harmony prevailed. In that year they resolved to erect a house of worship in common, as each party was too weak to build alone; and it was at the same time determined that a pastor should be called by either Church, as might best suit.” Previously to this time they were occasionally visited by ministers of both Churches from Pennsylvania, &c. It was usual in the beginning (and even now in very many instances) for the Lutheran and Reformed to worship together in the same place, but maintaining for the most part separate organizations. In 1773, Messrs. Lindenberger, Wershler, Hartwig, Hoecke, Rock, Grasmuck, Levely and Barnetz, Dr. Wiesenthall, and others, German Lutherans, with the aid of a lottery, erected a new church on the site of the original one, which was built in 1758, in Fish (now Saratoga) street; the identical establishment now known as the African Bethel Meeting House—their pastor being the Rev. Mr. Gerock, who was the resident minister of the Lutheran congregation in this city. He died on the 25th of October, 1788, aged 65 0054 46 years; being some time assisted, he was now succeeded by the Rev. Daniel Kurtz. In 1808, the German Lutherans disposed of the church in Fish street, and erected that on north Gay street, of which Mr. George Roerback was architect. On the 30th of March, 1840, this church was nearly destroyed by fire, (see fire 1840). Mr. Kurtz remained pastor for over 50 years, and was succeeded in the pastorate by Rev. John Uhlhorn, a brilliant German orator, who died about 1844 in Bremen, whither he had gone on a visit. The next pastor was Rev. Henry Scheib, who still survives. During Mr. Scheib's pastorate the pastor and congregation dissolved their synodical connection with the Lutheran Church, and now maintain an independent relation.

Until 1824 this was the only Lutheran church in the city. About that time an English Lutheran congregation was established, which worshipped in a school-house on south Howard street, near Pratt. The original corporators were John Reese, David Bixler, George Stonebraker, Joshua Medtart, Frederick Segler, Philip Uhler and Andrew Hack.

In 1826, the church recently burned (see fire 1873) was erected, and in February, 1828, Rev. John G. Morris assumed the pastoral charge. He served the congregation thirty-three years, during which the house of worship was twice enlarged, two Sunday school-rooms and the parsonage were erected. When Mr. Morris resigned his pastorate in 1860, to take charge of the Peabody Institute, over 100 members withdrew and purchased the Presbyterian church on Eutaw street, above Saratoga. When Mr. Morris retired from the Lexington street church, he was succeeded by the Rev. Dr. J. McCron, who served them nine or ten years, when he resigned. Rev. J. H. Barclay was then elected, who is pastor at present. The congregation have purchased a lot on the corner of Lanvale and Fremont streets, and are now engaged in erecting a magnificent house of worship.

1751. In this year a subscription was set on foot to build a market-house, but the object of it was not effected until ten years after. It was erected on the northwest corner of Gay and Baltimore streets, on ground lease by Messrs. William Lyon, Nicholas R. Gay, John Moale and Archibald Buchanan, a majority of the town commissioners, from Mr. Harrison, at eight pounds sterling per annum. It was constructed with a large room in the second story, where public assemblies, dances, jugglery now and then, and other matters of public concern were held or exhibited; an early and dim type, perhaps, of greater market-houses in after-times. The following is a copy of the original subscription list, now in the possession of the Maryland Historical Society, which shows how anxious the first settlers were to improve the town:

“Whereas, Several Acts of Assembly have been made for the Enlargement and Encouragement of Baltimore Town, and forasmuch as the said Town Increases as well in Inhabitants as good 0055 47 Buildings and Trade, and the Situation thereof renders it convenient for Navigation and Trade, as well with the Inhabitants of Baltimore and Ann Arundel Countys, as the Back Settlements of this Province and Pennsylvania. But no Provision hath yet been made by Law or otherwise for Purchasing a Lott or Lotts, whereon to Build, a Market House, Town House and other Necessary Buildings for the Benefit of said Town, and conveniency of such Persons as bring their Butchers Meat, and other Commodities to sell at Market in the said Town.

“Wherefore, for the further Encouragement, and Improvement of Baltimore Town We whose Names are hereunto subscribed do hereby Promise and Oblige ourselves our Executors and Administrators to Pay to the Commissioners of Baltimore Town or their Order the Several Sum or Sums of Money to each of our Names affixed to be applied to the Purchasing a Lott or Lotts in said Town, and Building thereon a Market House and Town Hall in such manner as the Commissioners of said Town shall direct and appoint. Provided the said Lott or Lotts shall be Purchased, and the Building began within Two Years from the date hereof.

“Witness our Hands and Seals this Twenty third Day of April, 1751.

£

T. Sheredine, ten pounds [SEAL.] 10

W. Hammond, five pounds [SEAL.] 5

Thomas Harrison T. Flumford [SEAL.] 15

Alex. Lawson, ten pounds sterling [SEAL.] 10

Brian Philpot, Jr., ten pounds sterling [SEAL] 10

Wm. Rogers, cash [SEAL.] 10

Wil. Lyon, 5 pounds sterling [SEAL] 5

Thos. Sleigh, sterling [SEAL] 10

Thos. Chase, five pounds [SEAL.] 5

Jno. Rendell, sterling [SEAL.] 5

Ld. Buchanan, five pounds currency [SEAL] 5

Wm. Lux, 5 pounds sterl [SEAL] 5

N. Ruxton Gay, five pounds currency [SEAL.] 5

1752. There hangs upon the wall of the saloon of the Maryland Historical Society, a rude and very primitive drawing in ink, colored after a most juvenile fashion, purporting to be a true portraiture of Baltimore Town in the year 1752. It is said to be by Mr. John Moale, the father of one of our oldest and most esteemed families, and the son of that parliamentarian who was so successful in protecting his iron mines. He was then quite a youth, we should say, from the style of his work; rude and unartistic as it is, it is a very interesting memorial. Some years ago it was engraved by the direction of Mr. Edward J. Coale, with some touches of improvement both in the matter and manner of it thrown in by Mr. Bayley. We prefer, however, the original with all its faults, because they obviously show that Mr. Moale was not an ambitious or an imaginative artist, but dealt severely with facts; manifestly, every house is put down to the best of his knowledge and belief, as if he were upon oath. It is palpably a conscientious production, and we would be willing almost to certify that he counted every 0056 48 window, and drew it with a ruler upon the paper, though in a shocking disregard, we must say, of the laws of perspective. Still this picture of Baltimore Town, taken in 1752, is a most veritable historical document, and is a relic to be guarded — precious as the book of Sibyl. These houses are scattered, with abundant space for elbow-room, over a hillside which slopes towards the basin. The principal locality which we recognise is Calvert street, and there is a brick building laid down which is ascertained to be the house that stood, until a few years ago, at the corner of Calvert and Bank street (Mercer), and was at the date of the drawing, Payne's Tavern. There was a rival to this tavern at the northeast corner of Baltimore and Calvert streets, kept by Mr. Rogers. Mr. Bayley's improvement of the drawing is valuable for some authentic insight it gives us into the state of navigation at the epoch. The whole of our marine, employed in the foreign trade is engraved in the picture. There lies the good brig Philip and Charles, belonging to Mr. Rogers, and there the trusty sloop The Baltimore, belonging to Mr. Lux. This is the marine list of the port, comprehending all the shipping that ventured beyond the capes of the Chesapeake. These are very descriptive statistics: two hundred inhabitants; twenty-five houses, four of them brick, one of them two-storied, without a hip-roof; one church (St. Paul's,) two taverns; and then, for the navigation, one brig, one sloop, both owned in the town. We have some other particulars to help along this view of Baltimore. Mr. James Gardner kept a school at the corner of South and Water (Lombard) streets; and still he was not sufficient for the literary need of the town, for we read, in an advertisement put in the Maryland Gazette, published at Annapolis, of the 27th of February, 1752, that “A school-master of sober character, who understands teaching English, writing and arithmetic, will meet with good encouragement from the inhabitants of Baltimore Town, if well recommended.”

The population of the county of Baltimore at this time consisted of 2,692 white men, 3,115 white boys, 2,587 white women, 2,951 white girls, 595 servant men, 126 servant boys, 200 servant women, 49 servant girls, 470 men convicts, 6 boy convicts, 87 women convicts, 6 girl convicts—being 571 convicts in all, designed for compulsory labor in the county, and sold for certain terms; while, there were 116 mulatto slaves, 196 free mulattoes, 4,027 black slaves, and 8 free blacks, making a total population of 17,238; whereof eleven thousand three hundred and forty-five occupied the position of master or mistress, and four thousand eight hundred and ninety-three the position of menials, affording a servant for nearly every two. Servants in Maryland at this time may properly be classed, as the Redemptioners, provided for by Lord Baltimore in his originial scheme of colonization. Much of the early emigration to Maryland was thus effected, the emigrant binding himself to five years in the Province in consideration of his 0057 49 transportation thither at the cost of the co-contractor. In 1638 the term of service was reduced by Act of Assembly to four years. Where these agreements were made with a merchant, ship-owner or ship-captain, these indentured servants, or “Redemptioners,” were sold at auction for the term of four years, and at the end of their term they received one whole year's provision of corn and fifty acres of land. These “servants” therefore are not to be confounded with the negro slaves or the convicts, the latter of whom were also sold to labor for terms.

The following list of well-known inhabitants of Baltimore town in 1752, is from a paper in possession of the late Joseph Townsend, who had it many years before his death, from one of the early settlers, who was cognizant of the facts stated: “Capt. Lucas, Wm. Rogers, Nich. Rogers, Dr. Wm. Lyon, Thomas Harrison, Alex. Lawson, Bryan Philpot, Nick Ruxton Gay, James Cary (innkeeper), Parson Chase, Mr. Paine, Chris Carnan, Dame Hughes (the only midwife among English folk), Chs. Constable, Mr. Ferguson, Mr. Goldsmith, Mr. Jno. Moore, Mr. Sheppard (tailor), Bill Adams (barber), Geo. Strebeck (only wagoner, drove a single team), Jake Keeports (carpenter), Conrad Smith, Captain Dunlop, Jack Crosby (carpenter), Bob Lance (cooper), Philip Littig (whose wife was accoucheuse among the German population), John Wood, Hilt Stranwitch (laborer), Nancy Low, Mr. Gwinn.”

1753. On the 17th of November, the Assembly passed an Act empowering the commissioners of Baltimore town to make an addition to the town of thirty-two acres of “Cole's Harbor,” which Mr. Joshua Hill had purchased of Mr. Carroll, being part of the tract which lay between the town and the lines of Lunn's lot at the south, west and north of the first town; commencing at the same point on the river, and including the grounds between McClellan's alley and Forest's lane (Charles street), and ran to the Falls' side, north of the church and city spring, where Mr. John Frazier rented a ship-yard and resided. It was enacted at the same time, that no earth, sand or dirt was to be thrown into or put upon the beach or shore of the Patapsco river, or any navigable branch thereof below high-water mark, unless secured by stone walls, dove-tailed log-pens, &c., from washing into the river, under a penalty of five pounds current money.

During the year a lottery is advertised in the Maryland Gazette (Annapolis,) for the purpose of raising 450 pieces of eight, or dollars, towards building a public wharf; of which lottery Messrs. John Stevenson, Richard Chase, John Moale, Charles Croxall, William Rogers, Nicholas Rogers, John Ridgely, N. R. Gay, William Lax and Brian Philpot were managers. The drawing took place in Annapolis on the 30th of April, 1754.

Mr. George N. Myers, a Pennsylvania German, moved to Baltimore; and another, Mr. Valentine Larsh, built an inn at the south-west 4 0058 50 corner of Baltimore and Gay streets; and Mr. Andrew Steiger, butcher, built at the southwest corner of Baltimore and Charles streets. Mr. Steiger in 1756 procured the lot at the northeast corner of Gay and Baltimore streets; and in 1759 he purchased of Dr. William Taylor, the wooded marsh in the bend of the Falls, and then on the east side of the stream, which he drained and cleared for the pasturage of his cattle.

1754. On Monday, February 4th, His Excellency Governor Horatio Sharpe, who had lately arrived in Maryland, visited Baltimore town, where he was received by a company of foot under arms, the firing of cannon, displaying of colors, and many other tokens of joy and respect. In the evening there were dances, fire-works, &c.

Tuesday and Tuesday night, July 30th, Baltimore was visited with a great freshet, which did immense damage, and the like had never been known up to this period. Almost all the bridges were carried away in the county, and “the fine large bridge in Baltimore town was removed about sixty feet,” and the roads were so washed as to be almost impassable. There was scarcely a mill left either in Baltimore or Kent county.

Mr. Moale built a brick store on the southeast corner of Calvert street and Lovely lane, and a dwelling near the corner of Sharp and German streets, in the rear of where St. Peter's Episcopa| church lately stood. Conspicuous among the houses built this year, and forming quite an era in our history, is the Mount Clare House, erected in 1754 by Charles Carroll, then usually called Barrister Carroll. The bricks were imported for this mansion, the record somewhat carefully informs us, as they had been, before that, for other houses. This fact stands in very striking contrast with the brick-yards which now engross the once beautiful grounds of Mount Clare. This old mansion, which yet survives, is a graphic monument of the past time. Its aspect is solemn and scrupulously aristocratic, and magnificent too, in view of the means of that day. One may fancy its amplitude and grave dignity of exterior, with the old lions carved in stone that stood rampant on the pillars of the gateway, and there was a fine terrace overlooking the town. It is but a few years since these disappeared.

Doctors John and Henry Stevenson arrived from Ireland; the former conducted an extensive trade with that and other countries, and the latter entered into the practice of medicine, and built his house on the hill near the York road, rough-cast, which is still to be seen there. This house, on account of its elegance, was called by envious townsmen of that time, “Stevenson's Folly.” It was not too elegant nor too costly, however, to be converted by him into a small-pox hospital, supported at his own expense, when the town stood in need of it—a noble act, worthy of honorable commemoration now, of a man whose genius was equal to his generosity.

0059 51

Mr. Sheredine dying, was succeeded by Lloyd Buchanan; and Mr. Nicholas Ruxton Gay, who was surveyor, succeeded Col. Hammond, who had been one of the first commissioners of the town.

Mr. John Sly came to settle in Baltimore, and erected a house on the north side of south Gay street, and Mr. Conrad Smith another on the opposite side; and three years afterwards, Mr. Jacob Keeports another one adjoining. In the meantime, Frederick and Peter Myers arrived.

John Paca, Wm. Govane, Lloyd Buchanan and Walter Tolley, are elected delegates; but Mr. Buchanan being appointed prosecutor, is succeeded by Wm. Smith. Beale Bordly is clerk of the county.

1755. The savages, after Braddock's defeat by the French and Indians in 1755, penetrated the country past Forts Frederick and Cumberland, and pushed their plundering and murdering parties to within fifty miles of Baltimore. There is no doubt the growth of Baltimore was promoted by the continuation of the war, preventing the extension of the settlements westward, for within a year after peace the town became suddenly the greatest mart of trade in the province, if not before the war began.

1756. On the 26th of March, an Act was passed by the General Assembly to raise large supplies for His Majesty's service towards securing and protecting the frontiers of this province, and engaging the friendship and assistance of the southern tribes of Indians, and for repelling and removing His Mafajesty's ambitious and perfidious enemies from their unjust encroachments on these dominions. Charles Carroll, Jr., was appointed one of the commissioners to treat with the Indians. By this Act a duty was laid on all bachelors of twenty-five years of age and upwards, worth £100 and under £300, five shillings; if worth £300 or upwards, twenty shillings; on all freehold estates per 100 acres, one shilling; if belonging to Roman Catholics, two shillings. Under this Act the following persons, who were bachelors of twenty-five years and upwards, were taxed in Baltimore Town from 1756 to 1762 for six years, when the French or Indian war terminated: Thomas Harrison, John Moale, Andrew Buchanan, Daniel Charnier, Sr., James Franklin, Jonathan Plowman, John Shule, Dr. John Stevenson, Edward Parish, William Baxter, Thomas Dick, John Mercer, Mark Alexander.

In this year there is an influx of inhabitants, sent hither by an event which belongs to a most melancholy page of history, the expulsion of the Acadian French from Nova Scotia, upon the conquest of that province by the British. You may find their story sung in the exquisitely sweet and plaintive story of Longfellow's “Evangeline.” There is nothing in human chronicle more tender or more touching than the fate of that little colony, of which a fragment, like frightened birds driven by storm, lit down, wearied and bruised, at our hearthstones. A nation of simple, virtuous peasants 0060 52 are driven from the homes consecrated to them by affections of more than a century, and are thrust almost penniless upon the world. Not friendless, homeless nor hopeless, however, were they in Baltimore. Those who came here were received with a ready and generous hospitality. They were at first lodged in private houses, and in that building of Mr. Fotterall's with the “free stone corners,” to which we have alluded, which was now empty. Here they had quarters and established their little chapel, and it was not long before these frugal and industrious exiles were able to construct some small but comfortable houses upon South Charles street, near Lombard, giving to that quarter its designation as “French Town,” which it preserved for a long time. The names of Guttro, Blanc, Gould, Dashield and Berbine, who had suffered least perhaps, attached themselves mostly to navigation, and the infirm picked oakum.

1757. At the general election in September, Mr. William Govane, Captain Thomas C. Deye, Doctor Samuel Owings and Captain John H. Dorsey, were chosen delegates, and again in 1758.

1758. Mr. Jacob Myers took a lot at the southeast corner of Gay and Baltimore streets and built an inn. At this period there also arrived and settled on lots north of Baltimore street, Messrs. Leveley, Conrad, and Grandchut, the last of whom erected a brewery on North Frederick street.

The following items, taken from an original bill for the “funeral expenses of a gentleman in Baltimore Town, in this year,” are curiously indicative of manners and expenses then: Coffin, £6 16s.; 41 yards crape, £7 3s. 6d.; 32 yards black tiffany, £4 16s.; 11 yards black crape, £1 18s. 6d.; 5½ yards broadcloth, £6 11s. 3d.; 7½ yards of black shaloon, 19s. 3d.; 6½ yards linen, £1 13s.; 3 yards sheeting, 7s. 10d.; 3 dozen pairs men's black silk gloves, £5 8s.; 2 dozen pairs women's do., £3 12s.; 6 pairs men's black gloves at 3s., 18s.; 1 pair women's do., 3s.; then there were black silk handkerchiefs, 8½ yards calamanco, mohair, buckram, 13½ yards ribbon; 47½ pounds loaf sugar; 14 dozen eggs; 10 oz. nutmegs; 1½ pounds allspice; 20⅝ gallons white wine at £4 2s. 6d.; 12 bottles red wine; 10⅜ gallons rum; while 10 shillings additional were paid for coffin furniture, and one pound sterling each to Dame Hannah Gash and Mr. Ireland for attendance; and so it seems our forefathers went becomingly and jovially to their graves Anne Domini 1758, in Baltimore Town.

1759. Messrs. John Smith and William Buchanan, from Carlisle, the first a native of Strabane in Ireland, and the last from Lancaster county in Pennsylvania, purchased of Mr. Harrison, after having been refused water lots on terms which they would accept by Messrs. Moale and Fell, the lot fronting on Gay and Water streets (now Lombard), building besides the dwelling houses there a short time since, two wharves of pine cord wood about one thousand feet long each, to the channel of the river.

0061 53

Mr. Jonathan Plowman, an English merchant, arrived, and bought several acres of ground of Mr. Sligh, adjoining the last addition east of the Falls, and built at the northeast corner of York (Baltimore) and High streets.

1760. Mr. Philpot purchased of Mr. Sligh most of the peninsula between the Falls and Harford run, and built a house at the northeast corner of Baltimore street bridge, which caused the bridge afterwards built to be known by his name.

1761. Messrs. Wm. Smith and James Sterritt moved from Lancaster, Pa., and improved, the first in Calvert street, and the latter at the northwest corner of Gay and Lombard streets, where he erected a brewery, which was burned and rebuilt, and burned again soon after the Revolution. Mr. Mark Alexander, from Cecil County, purchases part of the original lot number one, on the north side of Baltimore street, and afterwards the water lot on the west side of Calvert street, and erects extensive buildings at both places, as well as a house at the southwest corner of Charles and Saratoga streets.

Mr. Melcher Keener arrived from Pennsylvania and built in North Gay street, and also builds a wharf and warehouse below Hanover street. Mr. Steiger erected a dwelling, and Mr. Lytle took a lot at the corner of Baltimore and Hanover streets and erected an inn, and Mr. Amos Fogg rented the “White Horse Inn,” on the southeast corner of Front and Low streets.

Mr. William Moore, who came from Ireland and removed to Baltimore in 1762, purchased from Mr. Edward Fell of William, who held a commission in the provincial army, the mill property (Hanson's). The next year Mr. Moore sold the upper mill-seat to Messrs. Joseph Ellicott and John and Hugh Burgess, from Buck's County, Pa., who built the mill opposite the present jail. Mr. Ellicott sold his interest to Burgess and went away, but returned with his brothers John and Andrew, purchased the lands and erected the mills on Patapsco ten years after.

John Paca, Thomas C. Deye, John H. Dorsey, and Corbin Lee, Esqs., are elected delegates.

1762. The Assembly passed an Act on the 24th of April, empowering the Justices of Baltimore County Court to assess and levy on the taxable inhabitants of St. Paul's parish, in said county, £600 current money, together with the sheriff's salary of 5 per cent. for collection, at three equal annual assessments, in the same manner, &c., as the county charges are usually assessed and levied; and certain commissioners are appointed and empowered to purchase in fee, in the name of the rector, vestrymen, and church wardens of said parish, two acres of land, and thereon erect a Chapel of Ease to the aforesaid parish, &c., &c. The said chapel, when built, to be deemed a Chapel of Ease for the said parish. Divine service shall be performed therein, by the incumbent for the time being, every third Sunday; and the same Chapel of Ease 0062 54 to be constantly kept in repair at the charge of the parish of St. Paul's aforesaid forever.

1763. Messrs. Plowman and Philpot laid out some grounds between the Falls and Harford run, into streets running northwest to southeast, and nearly parallel with the former stream, with other streets at right angles with them. And Mr. Fell laid off part of the tracts of land on the east which his father had purchased of Harris, Carter, and others, buying of Sligh himself part of Mountenay's Neck, and all, two years before, resurveyed and patented by the name of Fell's Prospect, with streets running north, south, east, and west, except on the extreme Point itself, where he was governed by the course of the river; which locations were confirmed and the same added to the town by Act of Assembly ten years after.

Messrs. John Brown, Benjamin Griffith, and Samuel Purviance settled in Baltimore, the former from Jersey, and, learning his trade in Wilmington, erected a pottery on the east side of Gay street; and the latter, who came from Donegal by way of Philadelphia, erected a distillery on the southeast corner of Lombard and Commerce street, with a wharf. Mr. Griffith came from New Castle, and having purchased Fell's lot adjoining the bridge, rebuilt it by contract, which was afterwards called by his name.

A new tobacco inspection house was erected on Mr. Thomas Harrison's grounds, near what is now the southwest intersection of Lombard and South streets; and a powder magazine on the Falls' side, under the hill, at the northeast corner of Calvert and Lexington streets. A tobacco inspector was appointed, with a salary of nine thousand six hundred pounds of tobacco a year.

The following law, among others, was enacted at this session of Assembly: “Coroner's fee for viewing the body of any person or persons murdered or slain, or otherwise dead by misadventure, to be paid out of the goods and chattels of the party so dead, if there be; otherwise, to be levied by the commissioners of the county where such accident shall happen, 187 pounds of tobacco.”

The justices of the peace, whose jurisdiction out of court, in relation to small debts, had been first limited to the sum of sixteen shillings and eightpence, was extended to fifty shillings, and some chancery jurisdiction was extended to the county courts.

On the 5th of December Messrs. Henry Stephenson, William Smith, James Sterritt, Mark Alexander, John Brown, Benjamin Griffith, Robert Purviance, John Plowman, and William Spear, Presbyterians, leased two lots on Fayette street, in the rear of Christ Church, on the corner of Gay street, where they erect a small log meeting-house, which two years after was sold to Mr. Charles Ridgely for £100 and the accrued ground-rent due on said lot from the date of the lease. This meeting-house was used for many years afterwards as a carpenter-shop, and originally stood on the bank of a precipice overhanging Jones Falls, which, strange 0063 55 as the assertion may now seem, did at one time meander, navigable for sea-vessels, in this neighborhood. In March, 1765, feeling the disadvantages of worshipping in so poor and incommodious a building, they purchased 80 feet of ground for £60 Pennsylvania currency, at the northwest corner of Fayette and North streets, from Mr. Alexander Lawson. The deed from Alexander Lawson to William Smith and others is dated October 21st, 1765. In 1772 this was added to that portion of the lot which had been leased from Alexander Buchanan, and afterwards purchased in fee. The building was completed in November, 1766, and all the pews rented except two. In 1771 this building was enlarged one-third, so as to contain fifty pews. In 1789 the congregation, finding the house still too small for them, met together, and after some deliberation resolved to erect the edifice which was lately torn down to give place to the new United States Court-House. The new church was made ready for occupancy in 1791; at this time it was one of the largest and finest church edifices in this country. The church was elevated some twelve feet above the level of the street, and its large portico and towers contributed to render it one of the most conspicuous buildings in the city. It was continued in use almost, seventy years, and all the other churches of the sect have grown out of it. In 1811 an organ was introduced into the church, which at first gave some dissatisfaction, but it soon passed away, although several valuable families left the church. The old parsonage, which stood on Fayette street, east of the church, was removed for the opening of North street, which was previously an alley, and a new one erected on North street, in the rear of the church. It is also remarkable, that in one hundred and ten years since the foundation of the First Church, it has had bat four pastors, viz: Rev. Patrick Allison, D.D., from May, 1763, till Aug. 21st, 1802; Rev. James Inglis, D.D., from 1802 till Aug. 15th, 1819; Rev. William Nevins, D. D., from Oct., 1820, till 1835; while Rev. John C. Backus, D.D., the present pastor, was settled in 1836, and has consequently occupied the pulpit for thirty-seven years. The first Sabbath-School of this church was commenced in 1815 by the ladies of the church, and was held for some time in a room over the “Old First Baltimore Hose Company” house in McClellan's alley, and with it was connected a weekly meeting for social prayer. The first Sabbath-School in the city was introduced by Mrs. Stephen Williams, then a member of St. Peter's Protestant Episcopal Church, with the assistance of the ladies of that church. At length the time came when the venerable building itself was obliged to give place to another structure. For many years the locality had been changing, offices and stores taking the place of dwellings, and most of the congregation had moved far westward. In October, 1853, it was determined to erect another church and dispose of the old one, and ground was accordingly broken on the new lot, corner of Madison and Park streets, in July, 1854. 0064 56 The present beautiful structure of brown-stone and of pointed Gothic architecture was then erected and completed, with the exception of the tower, which will now be completed in a year or two, work upon it rapidly progressing. The final service in the old church was held on the last Sabbath of September, 1860, when Dr. Backus preached a historical discourse of very interesting character. The old site was purchased by the United States, the church was demolished, and in its stead the United States District Court-House, of solid granite, was erected.

Messrs. William Lyon, Nicholas R. Gay, John Moale, and Archibald Buchanan, a majority of the town commissioners, leased the lot on the northwest corner of Baltimore and Gay streets of Mr. Harrison, at £8 per annum, for a market-house, which was built by the subscription of the citizens, with the aid of the following lottery, which is advertised in the Maryland Gazette:

“ Baltimore Town, July 16 th, 1763.

“The following Scheme of Lottery is humbly proposed to the Public for Raising the sum of 510 Pounds Current. Money, to be applied towards Completing the Market House in Baltimore-Town, in Baltimore County, Buying Two Fire Engines, and a Parcel of Leather Bucketts, for the Use of the said Town, Enlarging the present Public Wharf, and Building a New One.”

The scheme contained—

1062 prizes, amounting to £2490

1938 blanks—sum raised 510

3000 tickets at 20s. each £3000

The managers were Messrs John Ridgely, Brian Philpot, John Smith, John Moale, Jonathan Plowman, Barnabas Hughes, James Steret, William Lux, Andrew Buchanan, William Aisquith, Benjamin Rogers, Nicholas Jones, Mark Alexander, John Hartz, and Melchior Keener, all of said town.

1764. Mr. William Spear, who came from Lancaster, took the water lot near Gay street, and wharfing out about 1000 feet to a small island, erected a bakery there. Mr. Robert Long, who, it is said, had persuaded Mr. Fell to lay off that part of the town, commenced some improvements at the corner of Ann and Thames streets, but moved to the country and left his improvements unfinished. Some lots were also conveyed to Mr. John Bond by Mr. Fell, but sold out by him. James Heath, Esq.; was elected one of the delegates in the place of Mr. Dorsey.

1765. Captain Charles Ridgely and Mr. Griffith purchased water lots of Mr. Fell, west of the public wharf, the latter building a wharf and warehouse, which was the first there; and Mr. Benjamin Nelson, shipwright, who had moved from Charlestown, Cecil county, established a ship-yard in Philpot street; three years 0065 57 after Mr. Isaac Griest, also from Cecil, took the water lot east of the public wharf. The ensuing year George Patton, who came from Ireland, erected the wharf on the west end of the Point, and three years after Mr. Jesse Hollingsworth another on the east, the remainder of the water lots being chiefly taken and improved in the meantime by Messrs. Purviance, Wells, Smith, Mackie, and Vanbibber. The Point containing all the artisans and articles requisite for building and fitting vessels, was already a rival of the town. Mr. Hollingsworth, from Elkton, and Mr. Vanbibber, from Charlestown, Cecil county, joined by their brothers, afterwards moved from the Point to the town, and made other considerable improvements. The first settlers were at great loss to determine in which part to buy, as most likely to improve; and those who had sufficient means or enterprise, generally took lots both in town and Point.

Mr. Cornelius Howard, from part of the tract of land called Lunn's lot, then lately re-surveyed by Mr. Howard, added thirty-five acres of it, including the streets called Conway and Barre, after those successful opponents of the Stamp Act in the British Parliament; and the dwelling-house near the southeast intersection of Hanover and Pratt streets, and running between the west side of Charles and the east side of Liberty to Saratoga street, which addition was confirmed by law the same year, and Messrs. Keener, Myers, Vanbibber and others took water lots of him.

September 17th, instructions from the Honorable the Lower House of Assembly of the Province of Maryland: To William Murdock, Edward Tilghman, and Thomas Ringgold, Esqs., a committee appointed to join the several committees from the several colonies in America, at New York: “Gentlemen, you are to repair immediately to the city of New York, in the province of New York, and there join with the committee from the houses of representatives of the other colonies, in a general and united, loyal and humble representation to his Majesty and the British Parliament, of the circumstances and condition of the British colonies and plantations, and to pray relieff from the burthens and restraints lately laid on their trade and commerce, and especially from the taxes imposed by an act of the last session of Parliament granting and applying certain stamp duties and other duties in the British colonies and plantations in America, whereby they are deprived in some instances, of that invaluable priviledge of Englishmen and British subjects, trials by juries, that you take care that such representation shall humbly and decently, but expressly, contain and assertion of the rights of the colonies to be exempt from all and every taxations and impositions upon their persons and properties to which they do consent in a legislative way, either by themselves or by their representatives, by them free chosen and appointed. Signed by order of the House, Robert Lloyd, Speaker.” This convention met, and Mr. Edward Tilghman, one of the delegates 0066 58 from Maryland, was appointed one of the committee to prepare a memorial and petition to the lords in Parliament.

1766. During this year a law was passed to compel Messrs. Harrison, Lawson, and Philpot to fill up the marsh between Frederick street and the Falls, and nine commissioners, viz: Robert Alexander(John Smith, William Smith, Jonathan Plowman, William Spear, Andrew Steiger, Charles Ridgely, Jr., John Merryman, and Benjamin Griffith, or five of them, were appointed to lay it off as an addition to the town. A law was also passed prescribing a quarantime, at the discretion of the Governor, on all passenger ships infected by diseases, and another relating to the roads of the county.

Within the year Mr. Edward Fell died, leaving one son, William, an infant.

On the 24th of February, a large number of the principal inhabitants of Baltimore County, assembled in Baltimore Town, and organised themselves, as an association for the maintenance of order, and the protection of American Liberty, under the name of the Sons of Liberty. Thus associated, they entered into a resolution to meet at Annapolis, on the first of March ensuing, for the purpose of compelling the officers there, to open their offices, and to transact business without stamped paper. This design was immediately communicated to the inhabitants of the neighboring counties, who were invited to co-operate in it, by the formation of similar associations. The officers, at whom their resolutions were aimed, were afterwards notified, in very polite terms, of their intended coming, and advised to be in readiness to receive them. True to their promise, on the first of March, they assembled at Annapolis in considerable number; the associators of Anne Arundel and Baltimore being personally present, and those of Kent appearing by deputy. Upon their organization, it was resolved, that a written application should be preferred, to the Chief Justice of the Provincial Court, the Secretary, the Commissary General, and the Judges of the Land Office requiring them to open their respective offices on the 31st of March, or earlier, if a majority of the Supreme Courts of the northern governments should proceed in their business before that period; and that in the event of their acceding to this request, they should receive a written indemnification, signed by the Sons of Liberty. The replies which they received, although not direct refusals, were not-entirely satisfactory; and the associators, after issuing invitations to the other counties to unite with them, by forming similar associations, adjourned to meet again at Annapolis, on the day assigned to the officers, for the purpose of witnessing the issue of their application. On the day appointed they again assembled, and repaired in a body to the Provincial Court, to present and enforce their petition. It was at first peremptorily refused by the Court, but the Sons of Liberty were not now to be denied. “It was again 0067 59 earnestly insisted upon, and demanded, by the Sons of Liberty, (says the writer of that day in giving his account of that transaction), with united hearts and voices; ” and such applications, at that period. were too well understood to be resisted. The Court yielded, and passed an order in conformity to their petition, of which an attested copy was delivered to their associators. The other officers immediately acceded, without further opposition. Thus was consummated, in Maryland, the nullification of the Stamp Act.

1767. John Ridgely, Thomas C. Deye, John Moale, and Robert Adair, Esqs., were elected delegates. Mr. Adair, who was sheriff, resided at the southeast corner of Baltimore and South streets, which was struck during the year by lightning, and a Mr. Richardson, of Annapolis, killed.

Mr. Eddis, in his letters from Annapolis written about this period, to London, says: “Lands to a very considerable extent, are taken up by persons who, looking to security for greater advantages, are content to clear gradually some portion of their domains for immediate subsistence. Not having the means to sell, and carry their timber away, they make a deep incision with an axe entirely round each trunk, at the distance of about four feet from the ground, which occasions the leaves almost instantly to wither, and before the total decay of the tree, Indian corn may be cultivated to great advantage amidst the immense trunks that fill the dreary forest.” “The habitations of the planters, in this remote district of the province, are in general, of a rude construction; the timber with which they frame their dwellings, seldom undergoing the operation of any tool except the axe. An apartment to sleep in, and another for domestic purposes, with a contiguous store-house, and conveniences for their live-stock, at present gratify their utmost ambition Their method of living, perfectly corresponds with their exterior appearance. Indian corn, beaten in a mortar, and afterwards baked or boiled, forms a dish which is the principal subsistence of the indigent planter, and is even much liked by many persons of a superior class. This, when properly prepared, is called homony, and when salt beef, pork, or bacon, is added, no complaints are made respecting their fare.”

1768. Baltimore, seventy-seven years ago, was known only as “Baltimore Town in Baltimore County.” Her population having increased to about eighteen thousand, she was incorporated as a city in the year 1796. But she still remained a portion of the county It is true she had been allowed a distinct representation in the Legislature of the State; but in almost every respect she was but Baltimore City in Baltimore County. The same Court of Oyer and Terminer exercised criminal jurisdiction over both; and Baltimore County Court at the same terms heard and decided all civil causes, whether the parties were residents of the city or county. There were the same Sheriff, Clerk, and Jurors. There was the same Record Office, the same Court House, Alms House, 0068 60 and Jail. It seems to be the general impression that the first Court House for Baltimore County was at Joppa, upon Gunpowder river; but this is an error. It is a singular fact that no living man can tell, with any degree of certainty, the place where the county seat of Baltimore County was first located. The county was established in 1659, and the Court House was not built at Joppa until nearly fifty years afterwards. The County Court held its first session at the dwelling of Captain Thomas Howell, in the year 1661. Soon afterwards a court house was built not at Joppa, on Gunpowder river, but at some point on Bush river, which empties into the Bay about four miles farther north. By reference to Bacon's edition of the laws of Maryland it will be found that the county seat was on Bush river as late as 1683, and that a port of entry was established there in that year. The court house on Bush river was abandoned at some period between 1683 and 1707, and a second one erected on Gunpowder river, at a place called “Forster's Neck.” In 1707, the Provincial Assembly of Maryland passed an Act, directing that the court house at Forster's Meek “should be deserted, and in lieu thereof fifty acres of land in a tract on said river, belonging to Anne Felks, called ‘Taylor's Choice,’ should be erected into a town, and the Court House of the said county should be built there.” The place designated for the county seat by this Act was the same afterwards known as Joppa. The commissioners appointed for the purpose proceeded forthwith to build the court house, and had nearly finished it when, to the great disappointment of the good people of the county, the news came across the ocean that Her Royal Highness Queen Anne had vetoed the bill l What grave reasons influenced tier Majesty to prefer that the court-house of Baltimore County should not be removed from Forster's Neck to Taylor's Choice, history hath not disclosed. At all events, the commissioners discovered that they had been proceeding under a void Act; and they found it necessary to obtain a subsequent law to legalise what they had done. This was passed in 1712, and is entitled “An Act for settling Baltimore County Court at the new house at Joppa.” It recites the former proceedings of the commissioners, confirms them, and then declares “that Baltimore County Court shall be from henceforth held at the said court-house, now built at the town of Joppa, and not elsewhere; and that the same house be to all intents, constructions and purposes, adjudged, used, reputed and taken as the proper court-house for Baltimore County.”

It appears that the commissioners for building this courthouse at Joppa were peculiarly unfortunate. The first blunder was in commencing operations before the Queen had approved the bill. They made another one equally serious in putting the building upon the land of a minor, to which they had acquired no legal title. It was found necessary to get an Act passed in 1724 to remedy this latter mistake. This Act, as published in Kilty's edition. 0069 61 states in its preamble, that a court-house and prison had been erected at Joppa at the county expense, but that the right of the land was in a minor, “who could not convey, although his father, Col. James Maxwell, had received full satisfaction for the same.” It then proceeds to declare, that the two acres of land on which the court-house and prison were built “shall be to the use of the county forever.” It further provides, that certain commissioners should, by purchase or condemnation by a jury, obtain twenty acres of land at Joppa, and lay it out into forty lots “to be erected into a town.” It also directs that no house to be built in said town shall have any chimney unless of brick or stone, and that each house shall cover at least four hundred feet, or about twenty feet square. But the most important provision in this law, in reference to the commercial prosperity of Joppa, was one which would be regarded at this day as rather a curious specimen of legislation. The last section provided that every debtor who should bring tobacco to Joppa for the purpose of paying a debt, should be allowed a discount or reduction of ten per cent. on the claim. This was intended as an inducement to draw trade to the new county-seat, which was also made a port of entry. The result proved that the legislators of that day were tolerably good judges of human nature. Tobacco was brought to Joppa in vast quantities; and tradition informs us that she soon became an important shipping-point, carrying on a considerable commerce, not only with the West Indies, but with Europe. Her population was never large, but she was one of the most prosperous and important seaports of Maryland, before the first house had been erected at Baltimore. The courts were held at Joppa down to this year (1768).

Such had now been the increase of “Baltimore Town,” and the inconvenience to which the inhabitants were subjected in attending court at Joppa, an Act was passed on the 22d of June of this year for the removal of the county seat to “Baltimore Town.” From this time may be dated “the decline and fall” of the ancient town of Joppa. No vestige of her former glory now remains. The old court-house was sold, and has long since crumbled away; her wharves, at which hundreds of the largest merchantmen have been laden, have disappeared; her dwellings have fallen one by one, until scarcely their foundations can be traced. A solitary tenement of antique style and venerable appearance, standing a short time since on the Harford shore of Gunpowder river, about half a mile north of the railroad bridge, is seen by the traveller passing between Baltimore and Philadelphia. That lonely building is all that now remains to mark the spot where Joppa once stood. Her history has never been written, and those who could have furnished the materials for it have now passed to the tomb. By this time her very existence would have been totally forgotten, except for the name of the numerous “Joppa roads,” which still exist, and remind us that the inhabitants of every section of Baltimore and 0070 62 Harford counties were once accustomed to resort to that important county seat, to attend to courts and pay their debts in tobacco, less ten per cent., deducted according to law. How different a fortune was destined for Baltimore, the next and fourth county-seat of Baltimore County! Of all the chief commercial cities of the Atlantic coast she is the youngest, and, considering the recent period since she was founded, her growth has been the most rapid and wonderful. New York, originally called New Amsterdam, was founded by the Netherlands as far back as 1614; Boston was founded in 1630, and Charleston in 1680; Philadelphia, on the arrival of Penn in 1684, contained 2500 inhabitants; New Orleans was founded in 1718.

Messrs. J. B. Bordley, John Ridgely, Jr., John Moale, Robert Adair, Robert Alexander, William Smith and Andrew Buchanan, were appointed under the Act of 1768 commissioners to build the County Court House and prison “on the uppermost part of Calvert street next to Jones Falls.” The Court House was erected on a bluff overhanging the Falls, precisely where the “Battle Monument” now stands. It was two stories high and built of brick, and tapered off in the centre of its roof with a tall lookout and spire, terminated with “a weathercock and the points of the compass.” The jail of those days stood higher up on the hills, about the site of the granite Record Office; while the Powder House was in the declivity east of the Court House, and near the original bed of the Falls, at the southeast corner of our square and Lexington street, with a small wharf in front of it, to which boats from the shipping came for powder during the war. The water was quite deep, and the late Mr. Robert Gilmor in his “Reminiscences” asserts “that he learned to swim, and often dived from the banks in front of this edifice,” about the present southeast corner of Lexington and Calvert streets. Mr. Gilmor also says that a “man was drowned not far from this spot.” The low swampy fiat embraced by the horse-shoe curve of the Falls in this neighborhood was called “Steiger's Meadow,” the name it was commonly known by to a very late period. The commissioners were directed to sell the court house and prison at Joppa, the courts being accommodated in the meantime in the hall erected for public assemblies over the market, and the prisoners lodged in a log building, near Mr. Chamier the sheriff's house on the east side of South Frederick street. The subscription towards building the court house amounting to nearly 900 pounds currency, chiefly by inhabitants of the town, did not reconcile the people on the north and east sides of the county, and the removal of the records by Mr. Alexander Lawson was attended with some violence and outrage. In the grading of Calvert street the bluff overhanging the “Falls” on which the court-house stood was to be cut away, but it was very much desired to save the court-house. Mr. Leonard Harbaugh, a zealous craftsman of Baltimore, pondered over the matter, and finally persuaded himself, and 0071 63 afterwards the Town Council, that he could preserve the favorite building by leaving it twenty feet in the air, after all the adjacent earth was taken away. Our towns-people thought this an incredible exploit, the dream of a bold projector; but Mr. Harbaugh knew what he was about, and successfully accomplished, in the face of that incredulous world which dwelt upon the banks of the Patapsco, this daring achievement. The old court-house, with its magnificent arch below, that gave it something of the air of a house perched upon a stool, the whipping-post, pillory and stocks which stood in front of the arch, with a most malignant aspect of admonition addressed to the loafers, rowdies and petty thieves of that day. But steeple and arch were both fated to follow the common fate of all sublunary creations, and on the 27th of January an Act was passed by the Legislature “to provide for the erection of a new court house,” and in 1809 the present court house was finished, and the old one taken down with the buildings to which they belonged, and, except in the page of the annalist, became as things that never had been. The following is a copy of the original subscription list for the underpinning of the old court house as before mentioned:

“ Baltimore, 21 st September, 1784.

“The subscribers, impressed with the many advantages which would result to Baltimore Town and the country at large from Calvert street in said town being opened, which street is at present blocked up by the court-house, to the great injury of the town and country, do, by this instrument of writing, engage and bind themselves to pay the sum or sums annexed to their names, respectively, for the purpose of underpinning and arching the said court-house in Calvert street aforesaid, so as large and convenient passages may be had underneath the same to the end that new communications may be opened with the country; provided always, that the said subscriptions shall not be paid or demanded unless the Honored the General Assembly of the State of Maryland shall authorise the said undertaking, and appoint fit and proper persons for the collecting and applying the same.

£ s.

John McHenry 130 00

Griffith, Hall, and Lemmon, in case Calvert street is extended eight hundred feet across their meadow, near the mill, will pay 100 00

J. E. Howard, in case the street is not extended so as to run through my ground on the west of Jones Falls 50 00

Engelhard Zeisser 125 00

John McLure 50 00

John Boyd 50 00

Nath'l Smith 25 00

Henry Speck 20 00

W. Smith 20 00

John Moale 40 00

Peter Hoffman 15 00

William Neill 10 00

Geo. Salmon 10 00

John Parks 10 00

Richard Burland 10 00

Geo. Pressman 10 00

Thos. E. and Sam'l Hollingsworth 20 00

Caleb Hall 10 00

Adam Fonerden 7 10

Aaron Levering 15 00

0072 64

Matthew Patton 10 00

Twinnal & Geroack 10 00

Hansheweg 10 00

Andrew and Alex. Robinson, in case the said Calvert street is not extended so as to interrupt the carriage road 10 00

Michael Allen 10 00

Jacob Brown 11 5

George Levely 10 00

Erasmus Uhler 10 00

Wm. Clemms 10 00

Elisha Winters 7 10

Wm. Wilson 7 10

Wm. Baker 7 10

— — 6 00

George McCandless 11 5

Robt. Portteus 6 00

Benjamin May 10 00

John Brown 7 10

Edward Kelly 20 00

Dan'l Bowly 10 00

Clem't. Brooke 10 00

Jno. Sterrett for Gen'l Gist 35 00

ditto 15 00

Henry Wilson, paid 3 00

1769. Messrs. David Shields, James Cox, Gerard Hopkins, George Lindenberger, John Deaver and others, aided by a general subscription, procured an engine for the extinguishment of fires, which was called “The Mechanical Company.” This was the first machine of the kind in Baltimore, and cost ninety-nine pounds, or two hundred and sixty-four dollars. This company formed in this city the leader in a long line of kindred associations, who devoted themselves to a truly benevolent object, with a gallantry amounting to heroism.

November 14th, a meeting of the merchants and others, inhabitants of Baltimore Town and county, associators for non-importation of European goods, was held at Mr. Little's, with John Smith chairman; the committee of inquiry having reported that William Moore, Jr., had imported a cargo of goods in the Lord Cambden, Captain John Johnston, from London, of the value of £900 sterling, which they were in doubt were not within the terms of the association. The following question was put, whether William Moore, Jr., had imported the said cargo within the terms mentioned in the agreement of the 30th of March last, to which he was a signer? Upon which question, the gentlemen present were unanimously of opinion that the said cargo was imported contrary to that agreement. Of which determination William Moore being informed, he alleged, as a justification of his conduct, that at the time he signed the agreement, he objected to Mr. John Merryman, who then had the carriage thereof, and who is now absent in London, that he would not sign unless he had liberty to send off his orders for fall goods, and to import the same. That some few days afterwards Mr. Merryman informed him, that the merchants of the town would gave leave to send off the orders, and receive the fall goods; and that in consequence of this information, he signed the agreement, without any such condition, written or expressed, in the same opposite to his name. After which the question was put, whether Mr. Morris should have liberty to land and vend his whole cargo? which was determined in the affirmative by the following vote:

For the Affirmative —Thomas Ewing, Alexander MacMachen, Benjamin Rogers, Jonathan Hudson, Murdock Kennedy, Henry Brown 0073 65 William Hammond, Andrew Buchanan, John Deaver, H. D. Gough, Jonathan Plowman, Richard Moale, Archibald Buchanan, Hercules Courtenay, John Macnabb, Charles Rogers, John A. Smith, Thomas Place.

For the Negative. —John Moale, Henry Thompson, William Lux (E. R.), Robert Christie, Robert Alexander, John Smith, William Smith, Alexander Lawson, Ebenezer Mackie, William Lux. The committee of inquiry having also reported that Benjamin Howard had imported a cargo of goods, of the value of £1700 sterling, in the Lord Cambden, Captain John Johnston, from London, which they were in doubt were not within the terms of the association of the 30th March, upon which the following question was put: whether Benjamin Howard be permitted to land and vend the said cargo, he having alleged that he never signed the association of the 30th March, being then an inhabitant of Anne Arundel county, and that he apprehended he was entitled to import within the terms of the general association of the 22d June, to which he was a subscriber, his orders for the said cargo having been transmitted the 1st May, resolved in the affirmative by the following vote:

For the Affirmative. —Thomas Ewing, Alexander McMachen, Benjamin Rogers, Jonathan Hudson, Thomas Place, Henry Thompson, Henry Brown, William Hammond, Andrew Buchanan. John Deaver, H. D. Gough, Jonathan Plowman, Richard Moale, Archibald Buchanan, Murdock Kennedy, John Moale, John Macnabb, Charles Rogers, John A. Smith, Hercules Courtenay.

For the Negative. —John Smith, Robert Christie, William Smith, Ebenezer Mackie, Alexander Lawson, William Lux.

1770. In this year a storm of wind carried away a part of the roof of the First Presbyterian Church.

It would doubtless be interesting to many of the Roman Catholics of the present day to know the history of their respective congregations; and it is not less due to the memory of the Christian men who planted the seed of their religion, than it may be profitable to the piety of their children in the faith, to record the humble beginnings, the painful labors, the generous zeal and persevering fidelity which led to those respectable establishments which now adorn the State by their beauty, while they improve society by their usefulness. With this view the writer proposes to furnish some particulars of the origin of the two oldest Catholic congregations in Baltimore, those of the Cathedral and St. Patrick's. In the view of “ Baltimore as it was in 1752,” which we have mentioned before, a brick house with stone corners is represented. Its location, as well as we can determine, is on or near the lot at present occupied by Mr. Reverdy Johnson's mansion, opposite Barnum's Hotel, and was the dwelling of Mr. Edward Fottrell, a gentleman from Ireland. This building was not designed or intended for a church; but the proprietor having returned to Ireland, where he died, left it in an unfinished state, and it was a waste and deserted 5 0074 66 house when some of the “Neutral French” or Arcadians, who had been cruelly expelled from Nova Scotia by the British, arriving in Baltimore in the most forlorn condition in 1756, took refuge in this deserted house, occupying such rooms as were habitable. No Catholic priest resided nearer than Daughoregan (Carroll's) Manor, about fifteen miles from Baltimore. The priest who was stationed at the Manor occasionally visited Baltimore and celebrated mass. The Rev. Mr. Ashton, who was at that period the residing priest of Carroll Manor, visited Baltimore once a month, for the purpose of giving the few Catholics of Baltimore the convenience of attending divine service. On these occasions he brought with him the vestments and sacred vessels used in the celebration of mass. A room in the lower story of Fottrell's building was prepared for the purpose. A part of this preparation consisted in first expelling the hogs which habitually nestled there. A temporary altar of the rudest description was erected each time. The congregation sometimes consisted of not more than twenty, and seldom exceeded forty persons. These consisted principally of the “Neutral French” and some few Irish Catholics, among whom were Messrs. Patrick Bennet, Robert Walsh and William Stenson. About the year 1770, the Catholics having increased in number, determined to build a church. A lot for the purpose, fronting on Saratoga and Charles streets, was obtained from Mr. Carroll, and on the northwest side of it a very plain brick building was erected of the modest dimensions of about twenty-five by thirty feet, which was known as St. Peter's Church. Mr. John McNabb erected or superintended the building until the walls and the roof were completed. It is probable that the church was then used for the purpose of worship, although in an unfinished state. Before its completion the superintendent failed in business, owing a debt on account of the building of two hundred pounds in Maryland currency, (about five hundred and forty dollars). The principal creditor, Mr. P—, locked up the church and kept possession of the key until 1774 or 1775. Griffith, in his “Annals of Baltimore,” says, “By a ludicrous suit against Ganganelli, Pope of Rome, for want of other defendant, to recover the advances of Mr. McNabb, who became a bankrupt, the church was sometime closed. This was at the commencement of the Revolution, and the congregation assembled in a private house in South Charles street, until possession was recovered.” The manner of re-opening St. Peter's was somewhat novel, and partook of the spirit of the times. A volunteer company, probably in 1775, which was part of a military force organised to repel the apprehended attacks or incursions of Lord Dunmore, Governor of Virginia, was in Baltimore, under the command of Captain Galbraith. The company was then employed in guarding some Scotch malcontents from North Carolina. On Sunday morning some of the soldiers asked permission of the captain to go to church. A majority of them decided on going to the Roman 0075 67 Catholic Church, and on learning that it was closed and the key in the possession of Mr. P—, they marched in a body, with their captain at their head, to the residence of this gentleman, and Captain Galbraith demanded the key of the church. It so happened that Mr. P.— had fallen under suspicion of being disaffected to the cause of American independence, and, on seeing a body of soldiers halted in front of his house, he apprehended they were about to make him prisoner; but on learning their object, he readily delivered the key to Captain Galbraith. The company then moved off, opened the church, and after they had satisfied their devotion, the Catholics retained possession of the key and the church until the close of the Revolutionary war, after which period the sum of two hundred pounds was raised by subscription and paid to Mr. P.— in discharge of the debt due to him, and he relinquished all claim upon the church.

There was no resident pastor at the church before the year 1784. The Rev. Mr. Phelan, an Irish priest, passed rapidly through Baltimore, celebrated mass and preached in English in St. Peter's Church, and also preached in French for the Acadians, who understood English imperfectly. In the year 1782 Count Rochambeau, returning with his army from Yorktown, halted in Baltimore, where some of his troops remained until the close of the war. The legion of the Duke De Lauzun encamped on the ground where the Cathedral now stands, which, as well as that around St. Peter's, was then covered with forest trees. The chaplains of the French army frequently celebrated mass in this place. On one occasion a grand mass was celebrated with great military pomp; the celebrant was an Irish priest, chaplain to General Count Rochambeau. The bands of the French regiments accompanied the sacred service with solemn music, the officers and soldiers attended in full uniform, and a large concourse of the people of the town were present, so that the small church was not only crowded, but the spacious yard in front was also filled. St. Peter's remained in an unfinished state until 1783. In the following year the Rev. Charles Sewell came to reside in Baltimore, having been appointed pastor of St. Peter's, and was the first resident Catholic priest. The congregation having increased so much as to make a larger church necessary, an addition to St. Peter's was built, of larger dimensions than the original church. The Rev. Mr. Sewell was the only pastor for two or three years. This respectable priest had very moderate abilities as an orator. In the year 1786 the Rev. John Carroll was stationed at St. Peter's, and in conjunction with Mr. Sewell, attended to the laborious duties of the mission as parish priest for several years. He preached his first sermon in Baltimore on the parable of the ten virgins; the classical purity of his composition, the sweetness of his manner, and his earnest piety made a deep impression upon his audience; and on preaching a second time, he became a decided favorite, His sermons were so much admired that many Protestants 0076 68 attended them with great satisfaction. Before the Revolution the Catholics of America were dependent on the spiritual jurisdiction of the bishop (Vicar Apostolic) of the London district; but after the Revolution there was very little communication between the bishop and the Catholics on this side of the Atlantic. Shortly after the war the clergy of Maryland and Pennsylvania, convinced of the necessity of a superior on the spot, requested permission of the Holy See to choose a superior from their own body; which request having been acceded to, their unanimous suffrages centred in the Rev. John Carroll, whose nomination was approved by the Holy See, and ample power, even that of administering confirmation, was immediately conferred upon him.

In the year 1789, the earliest general meeting of the Roman Catholic clergy of the United States of which we find any account, was held in Baltimore. At that meeting it was decided that the sovereign pontiff should be requested to establish an Episcopal See in Baltimore, and the Rev. Dr. Carroll was recommended as a suitable person for the office of chief pastor. It became necessary for Dr. Carroll to go to Europe to receive consecration; he accordingly repaired to England, and presented himself for that purpose to the Rt. Rev. Chas. Walmsley, bishop of Rama, senior vicar apostolic of England. By invitation of Thomas Weld, Esq., the consecration of the new bishop was performed during a solemn high mass, in the elegant chapel of Lulworth castle, on Sunday, the 15th August, 1790, and the munificence of that gentleman omitted nothing that could possibly add dignity to so imposing a ceremony. It was during his short stay in England that Bishop Carroll met the Rev. Mr. Nagot, who had been sent by the superior general of the Sulpitians from Paris to London, to confer with him upon the expediency of establishing a theological seminary in America. The good bishop encouraged the pious design, and on the 10th of July, 1791, Rev. Mr. Nagot, with several priests of the society, arrived in Baltimore, and founded the Seminary of St. Mary's. During their voyage they were accompanied by the celebrated Chateaubriand, then a young man on a visit to America. It may be interesting to observe that at this time the whole thirteen original States were included in Bishop Carroll's diocese. There were nineteen priests in Maryland and five in Pennsylvania.

In 1791 a diocesan synod was held by Bishop Carroll in Baltimore, at which several decrees of discipline were enacted. This synod was attended by twenty priests. Some time after this period a very painful duty devolved upon the bishop by the misconduct of a German or Dutch priest, named John Baptist Cousy, who, being irregular, was suspended by him. Cousy was refractory, and having assembled some of his countrymen, said mass in an old house formerly used as a theatre. Dr. Carroll at length resolved to excommunicate him, and on the appointed day preached on the occasion, taking his text from 2 Cor. iii., and 0077 69 manifested great sensibility. Sentence of excommunication was formally pronounced against Cousy, whose followers immediately deserted him. In St. Peter's Church, in the year 1800, the Rev. Leonard Neale was consecrated bishop of Gortyna, and coadjutor to the Rt. Rev. John Carroll.

For many years St. Peter's was the cathedral church of Baltimore, but the Catholics became so numerous that notwithstanding the organization of St. Patrick's and St. John's congregations, St. Peter's was crowded to excess on Sundays and holidays. Necessity demanded the erection of a larger church, and the good bishop laid the corner-stone of the present Cathedral on the 7th of July, 1806. In 1808 Episcopal Sees were established at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Bardstown, and Baltimore was erected into a Metropolitan Church, by which arrangement. Dr. Carroll was invested with the dignity of archbishop. On the former site of St. Peter's is erected Calvert Hall, now a Catholic school for boys. Full of years and good works, the venerable Archbishop Carroll surrendered his soul to his Maker on the 3d of December, 1815, in the eightieth year of his age.

The second Catholic church erected in Baltimore was St. Pattick's. The original building has disappeared from its site in Apple alley, near Wilks street. The congregation of St. Patrick's Church dates as far back as 1792. The Catholics who lived in the southeastern part of the city, known as Fell's Point, finding it very inconvenient to attend worship at St. Peter's Church, which was at nearly two miles' distance, procured the necessary approbation of Bishop Carroll for the public exercise of divine service among them, and for this purpose rented an unplastered room in the third story of the house which was standing a few years since at the northeast corner of Fleet and Bond streets. They fitted up this room as a chapel, and the first mass was celebrated in it by the Rt. Rev. Bishop Carroll, assisted by the Rev. J. Tessier, afterwards superior for many years of St. Mary's Seminary. The little congregation was committed to the care of the Rev. Mr. Garnier, who soon devoted himself to his charge with the punctuality and zeal of the true pastor. They next procured a room in the second story of a house in Thames street, where religious worship was performed for two or three years. In the year 1796 the number of Catholics on the Point was so large that they determined to build a church. A lot 60 by 100 feet was leased at a ground rent of forty dollars per annum, and the church erected on Apple alley. The whole length of the church was 42 feet, width 35 feet, and height of ceiling 12 feet.

1771. Mr. William Eddis, in a letter dated January 18th, from Annapolis to his friends in London, describes Baltimore as follows: “This place, which is named Baltimore, in compliment to the Proprietary's family, is situated on the northern branch of the river Patapsco, about thirty miles higher up the bay of Chesapeake than 0078 70 Annapolis, and at nearly the same distance by land. Within these few years some scattered cottages were only to be found on this spot, occupied by obscure storekeepers, merely for the supply of the adjacent plantations. But the peculiar advantages it possesses, with respect to the trade of the frontier counties of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Maryland, so strongly impressed the mind of Mr. John Stevenson, an Irish gentleman who had settled in the vicinity in a medical capacity, that he first conceived the important project of rendering this port the grand emporium of Maryland commerce. He accordingly applied himself, with assiduity, to the completion of his plan. The neighboring county being fertile, well settled, and abounding in grain, Mr. Stevenson contracted for considerable quantities of wheat, he freighted vessels, and consigned them to a correspondent in his native country; the cargoes sold to great advantage, and returns were made equally beneficial. The commencement of a trade so lucrative to the first adventurers, soon became an object of universal attention. Persons of a commercial and enterprising spirit emigrated from all quarters to this new and promising scene of industry. Wharfs were constructed; elegant and convenient habitations were rapidly erected; marshes were drained; spacious fields were occupied for the purposes of general utility; and within forty years from its first commencement, Baltimore became not only the most wealthy and populous town in the Province, but inferior to few on this Continent, either in size, number of inhabitants, or the advantages arising from a well-conducted and universal and commercial connection.” In a note he adds: “Soon after the appointment of Mr. Eden to the government of Maryland, Sir William Draper arrived in that Province on a tour throughout the Continent. He contemplated the origin of Baltimore, and its rapid progress, with astonishment, and when introduced by the Governor to the worthy founder, he elegantly accosted him by the appellation of the American Romulus.”

Mr. Jonathan Hanson, son of the gentleman of that name who had erected the third, fourth and fifth mills on the Falls, was appointed Inspector of Flour, which continued to be sold by weight until after the Revolution.

Messrs. Cumberland Dugan and Lemuel Cravath, from Boston, the latter the first New-England gentleman who settled here, traded largely hence. Mr. Dugan, who came from Ireland and married in Boston, took the lot on Water street near Cheapside. About this time Mr. William Moore built a stone house at the southeast corner of South and Water streets. South street, originally an alley sixteen and a half feet broad, at the instance of N. Rogers' guardians was widened from Baltimore street to the water by the new inspection-house.

Samuel Owings and George Risteau, Esqs., were elected delegates in the places of Messrs. Ridgely and Adair.

0079 71

Among those who arrived and carried on trade from Baltimore about this period were Messrs. Hercules Courtenay, James Clarke, Thos. Usher, James McHenry, David Williamson, David Stewart, Daniel Carroll, David Plunkett, James Cheston, John Ashburner, Matthew Ridley, William Russell, Thomas Russell, Jonathan Hudson, Robert Walsh, Mark Pringle, James Somervel, Thomas Place, John Riddle, Charles Garts, William Neil, Johnson Gildert, John McKim, George Woolsey, James Calhoun, William Aisquith, Joseph Magoffin, Henry Schaeffer, George Lindenberger, Barnet Eichelberger, Francis Sanderson, Richard Lemmon, Jacob Walsh, William Wilson, George Presstman, Richardson Stewart, Robert Steuart, Englehart Yeiser, Christopher Hughes, John Cornthwait, and William Smith. The practising physicians in and near the town were Doctors Lyon, Hultz, Stenhouse, Weisenthall, Pue, Stevenson, Boyd, Craddock, Haslet, Gray, and Coulter. The members of the bar who resided here were Robert Alexander, Jeremiah T. Chase, Benjamin Nicholson, Thomas Jones, George Chalmers, Robert Smith of W., Robert Buchanan of W., W. Francis Curtis, and David McMechin, Esqs.

1772. In this year the first efforts were made in Baltimore to introduce the use of umbrellas as a defence from the sun and rain. They were then scouted as a ridiculous effeminacy. On the other hand, the physicians recommended them to keep off vertigos, epilepsies, sore-eyes, fevers, &c. Finally, as the doctors were their chief patrons, they were generally adopted. They were of oiled linen, very coarse and clumsy, with rattan sticks, and were imported from India by way of England. Before their time some doctors and ministers used an oiled linen cape hooked around their shoulders, looking not unlike the big coat-capes now in use, and then called a roquelaire. It was only used for severe storms.

1773. The importance of the trade and intercourse had already produced the establishment of a line of packets and stage-coaches, by the head of Elk, to and from Philadelphia; and a coffee-house or hotel was opened at the Point.

Until this period the hills on which the Cathedral and Hospital are erected, and the grounds west of Greene street, where Mr. Lux had established a rope-walk, and the south shore of the river from Lee street, where Mr. Thomas Moore set up the frame of a vessel, to the Fort point, were covered with forest trees or small plantations. The grounds between the town and Point, called Philpot's Hill, remained an open common. The last fair was held on Mr. Howard's grounds, between Liberty and Greene streets, where races were also run before the Revolution. Most of the timber fell a prey to the wants of necessitous inhabitants during the cold winters of 1779 and 1783, and improvements did not commence, even on Mr. Philpot's grounds, for some years after.

In May, Charles Ridgely, Thomas C. Deye, Aquilla Hall, and Walter Tolley, Esqs., were elected delegates to the General Assembly, 0080 72 and the subversion of the colonial government taking place before the usual period of issuing writs for an election, which was three years, they were the last delegates under that government.

Messrs. Moale and Steiger were authorised, at a session in June, to add eighteen acres of ground lying between Bridge, now Gay and Front streets. It was not carried into effect until eight years after; but about eighty acres of Plowman, Philpot, and Fells' lands were added to the town on the east.

The markets were regulated by law, and the commissioners authorised to hire stalls, appoint a clerk, &c.

At this time Gay Street bridge was rebuilt of wood, and a new one erected at Baltimore street, first of stone, which gave way when finished, and then of wood; and for the first time on Water street, now Lombard, another of wood. To the two last it was necessary to raise causeways from Frederick street across the marsh. Mr. Joseph Rathel issued proposals for a circulating library, but without success.

Antecedent to the erection of Alms Houses in the State of Maryland, the County Courts had levied tobacco for the relief of the sick and infirm poor, from year to year, as other county charges were levied. The year before Baltimore County Alms House was authorised to be erected, 240 persons were relieved in the county, then including Harford, and the amounts levied averaged 1200 lbs. of tobacco each—the levies per poll on 10,000 taxables being sometimes in the name of persons who had the poor in charge, but generally in the name of the persons relieved at their own houses. At the session of Assembly in November 1773, an Act was passed, appointing Charles Ridgely, William Lux, John Moale, William Smith, and Samuel Purviance, of Baltimore Town, and Andrew Buchanan and Harry Dorsey Gough, trustees for the poor of Baltimore County, with corporate powers to fill their own vacancies, and to elect one new member annually in the place of the first-named in succession. Four thousand pounds in bills of credit, of a larger loan made to the county, in common with other counties, were directed to be paid the trustees, for the purpose of purchasing “in Fee or Quantity” of land in the said county, not exceeding 100 acres, near and convenient to Baltimore Town, but not within a half a mile thereof; and to agree and contract with a workman or workmen, to undertake, erect, build, and in a workmanlike manner to complete and finish, on the said land, when so purchased, good, strong, sufficient and convenient houses, habitations, and dwellings, for the reception of the poor of said county, and of such vagrants, beggars, vagabonds, and other offenders, as shall be committed; and shall appropriate one part thereof, to be called the Alms House, to and for the reception and lodging of the poor of said county; and another part or parts thereof, to be called the Work House, to and for the reception and lodging of all such vagrants and other offenders; and also to purchase sufficient beds, bedding, working 0081 73 tools, kitchen utensils, cows, horses, and other necessaries, of which vouchers were to be produced at Court. The people were taxed at the rate of 12 pounds of tobacco per poll annually to repay the loan-office commissioners, and which in 1775–6 was levied by the then sheriff, whose property on his return to England was confiscated to the State; but the loan was still standing against the county, and 15 pounds of tobacco per poll was authorised to be levied by the Justices of the County Court, as had been provided for individual poor before, “for the use, benefit and charge of maintaining the poor, vagrants, &c., in the purchase of provisions and other necessaries for use and labor; in paying a Doctor for his salary and medicines; in providing men and women servants, to be under the management and direction of an overseer of such alms and work house, hereafter to be appointed; and in purchasing materials for the use and employment of the poor, and all beggars &c., who shall be able to work and who shall be committed by virtue of the act.” The Trustees were directed to meet “on the first Monday of May yearly, and at all such other times as they shall judge necessary, at the Alms and Work house, to appoint a fit person of said County to be overseer of the Alms and Work house aforesaid, and such other proper officers and servants as to them shall appear necessary, and in the first week in February, May, August and November annually or oftener to make all such good and wholesome ordinances, rules and by-laws as they shall think convenient and necessary.” It was made lawful for any one Justice, and for any person authorised and appointed by such Justice, “to apprehend or cause to be apprehended any rogues, vagrants, vagabonds, beggars, and other idle dissolute and disorderly persons found loitering or residing in the said County, City or Town corporate, who follows no labor, trade, occupation or business, and have no visible means of subsistence whereby to acquire an honest livelihood, thence to be kept at hard labor for any term not exceeding three months,” which power was afterwards, on the organization of a special Court of Oyer and Terminer for Baltimore County, transferred with additional powers to said court; but on the adoption of the Penitentiary in September 1811, the County work-house was used, as was the prison, for the detention of such vagrants until they were duly convicted or acquitted.

The elevated and beautiful site of the Alms-house was first purchased of Mr. William Lux for £350, containing twenty acres, being nearly in form of a square, and situated northwest of the town, at the head of North Howard street, and was on the square formed by Eutaw, Biddle, Garden, and Madison streets. The trustees erected the necessary buildings, then laid out the grounds, planted them with trees in the most agreeable manner, excellent water being procured from two wells about seventy feet deep each, with pumps. On Wednesday, September 18th, 1776, a fire broke out in the garret, caused by accident with some flax in the main 0082 74 building. The wind blowing fresh from the westward, the fire soon communicated to the dome and east wing, both of which were nearly consumed before the engine from town arrived. By the activity of the inhabitants, part of the west wing of the house was preserved and most of the furniture. The main building was immediately rebuilt, but the wing not until some years after. In 1792 nearly ten acres of land was purchased of Mr. Russell, agent of Mr. Lux, for the sum of £167 13s. 5d., and added as a pasture, by Messrs. P. Hoffman, W. McLaughlin, Alexander McKim, David Brown, George Presstman, James McCannon, and Samuel Hollingsworth, the then trustees, who with difficulty obtained the acquiescence of the County Court, and to which ground the burial-place was removed from the south side of Howard street when that street was extended ten years afterwards. In pursuance of a law passed in 1805, commissioners were appointed to open a road in the extension of Howard street, to the north side of the Poor-house ground, converting the square into two angles, and separating about one-half of the garden from the other and from the buildings, and the trustees were authorised to lease part of the ground so separated from the rest. In the same year the management of the Poor-house and funds of the poor was transferred to the Justices of the Levy Court, at their own request, and they proceeded to lay out and dispose of lots in pursuance of the authority which had been given to the trustees, and which was increased in the Court, to open other streets and lots on both sides of the new road, by acts passed in 1807 and 1811, until 1816, when the same Court was authorised to sell the house and all the ground east of Biddle street, and to purchase land in the county for a new alms-house. The Court advertised for land, but none was tendered them which was considered sufficiently eligible and cheap to induce them to abandon such extensive improvements so conveniently placed as the present.

After a number of modifications in the system of relieving the poor, the Legislature in 1799 authorised the trustees to pay a pension, not exceeding thirty dollars each, to not more than ten persons in one county, “whose peculiar circumstances may render a situation in the Poor House particularly unsuitable,” which number of out-pensioners was extended to thirty persons in this and other counties, and to forty persons, at forty dollars each, in some about ten years after. In the meantime the Legislature was importuned to special acts of relief, and this and some other ties were to special acts of relief, and this and some other counties were compelled by laws to provide for almost as many more out-pensioners.

In 1819 or 1820 the city and county of Baltimore jointly, for the sum of $44,000, purchased from the Mechanics' Bank of Baltimore, “Calverton,” formerly the country seat of Dennis A. Smith, with its splendid mansion, to which the trustees added two wings 130 by 40 feet each, and other necessary out-buildings, and thereby 0083 75 formed the large and elegant alms-house, which in point of extent, convenience, and beauty of location, was not surpassed in its day by any similar establishment in the United States. The old alms-house, between Eutaw and Howard streets, was demolished about the year 1827. It contained 306 acres, and was situated about two and a half miles from the court-house in a northwestern direction, on the Franklin road. No part of the debt incurred in the purchase was paid until the year 1828, between which period and 1836 the whole debt was cancelled. The purchase-money was paid out of the proceeds of the old alms-house property, and from the same source-also a very large proportion of the improvements, including additional wings, &c. The entire cost of land and improvements was about $94,000.

In 1866 Bay View Asylum, a new institution for the paupers of the city which had been erected by the City of Baltimore, was occupied. The grounds consist of forty-six acres, which were purchased of the Canton Company, at the rate of $150 per acre. The building is exceedingly imposing in appearance, and situated upon a hill high enough to render it conspicuous for many miles. Over $500,000 have been expended on the premises, and every rare and modern appliance afforded to render the asylum and its grounds equal to the best in the world. The wings and centre building give an aggregate front of 714 feet, whilst it is three stories in height, including the basement. The top of the cupola rises to the height of 184 feet, whilst the base is estimated at 100 feet above tide-water. More than seven millions of brick have been used in the work of erection. The superintending architect of the building was John W. Hogg, Esq. The principal management of fitting it up for the occupation was performed by James McDougall, Sr., W. W. Maughlin, William Callow, A. W. Poulson, and James F. Ross, Esqs., trustees appointed by the Mayor, whose labors, though gratuitous, were of the utmost advantage to the city in point of economy and completeness. It was under the able administration of these gentlemen, that an asylum for the insane was established in the building, which proved to be a saving to the city of nearly $35,000 a year.

The sale of the old “Almshouse” property took place at the Exchange Salesroom on Tuesday, April 18th, and drew together a large number of capitalists and property-dealers. Mr. F. W. Bennett, the auctioneer, first offered lot No. 1, containing 12¾ acres, binding on the southwest side of the Calverton turnpike road at the junction of the Potomac Railroad. The first bid was $1500 per acre, but was finally knocked down to Thomas G. Scharf, Esq., at $3600 per acre, he becoming the purchaser at that price, it being $45,900 for the lot. Lot No. 2 was divided into three lots. The first lot, comprising within its limits the almshouse buildings and the stone quarry, and containing 36¼ acres, was sold after much effort to Messrs. William S. Raynor and James Bromell, at $2600 0084 76 per acre, or $94,250 for the lot. The second portion of lot No. 2, containing 28 acres, was sold to Mr. A. S. Abell at $2610 per acre, or $73,080 for the lot. The third portion of lot No. 2, containing 27¼ acres, was sold to Mr. A. B. Patterson at $500 per acre, or $13,625 for the lot. Lot No. 3, containing 67½ acres adjoining lot No. 2, was sold to Mr. A. S. Abell at $1700 per acre, or $114,750 for the lot. The sale amounting in the total to $341,605.

In the latter part of the year 1735 Mr. John Wesley and his brother Charles consented to leave England, and to come over to America as missionaries to the Indians, and on the 14th of October, 1735, they set off. After a passage of more than three months, they landed on the 6th of February, 1736, at Tybee, near Savannah, Georgia. On the 24th of December, 1737, Mr. John Wesley sailed from Charleston, South Carolina, for England, and never returned again to America. Mr. Charles Wesley embarked for England in July, 1736, after a short stay of about six months in Georgia. Mr. George Whitefield, who came to America in May, 1740, passed through Baltimore on several visits to the members of the Methodist society from Europe, settled in the United States (then British Colonies), who were scattered about as sheep having neither fold nor shepherd. In the beginning of the year 1766 the first permanent Methodist society was formed in the city of New York. Not long after this society was formed in New York, Robert Strawbridge, from Ireland, who had settled in Frederick county, in the State of Maryland, began to hold meetings in public, and joined a society together near Pipe Creek. Mr. Strawbridge was a useful man, and zealous in the cause, as he spent much of his time in preaching the Gospel in different places before any regular preachers were sent over to this country by Mr. Wesley. The first Methodist meeting-house that was built in the United-States, was in John Street, New York; the second by Mr. Strawbridge and his society, near Pipe Creek in Frederick county, Maryland, and was called the “Log Meeting House.” On the 24th of October, 1769, Mr. Boardman and Mr. Pillmore landed at Gloucester Point, below Philadelphia, from England, and were the first regular itinerant Methodist preachers that ever came to the United States. On the 27th of October Mr. Francis Asbury and Mr. Richard Wright arrived in Philadelphia, having been sent over from England by Mr. John Wesley to this country. They soon began to extend their labors farther into the country, and in a short time they preached in Baltimore, with Mr. Rankin, Webb, King, Williams, Pillmore and others. Mr. Asbury first preached in Baltimore at Fell's Point on Saturday, November 28th, 1772. In November, 1773, Messrs. Jesse Hollingsworth, George Wells, Richard Moale, George Robinson, John Woodward, and others, formed a society on Fell's Point, and built the first Methodist meeting-house in the city of Baltimore, in Strawberry alley.

On the 11th of February, 1774, William Moore and Philip 0085 77 Rogers took up a subscripton towards building another church in Baltimore Town, and secured a lot in Lovely lane, which lay immediately south of Baltimore street, running from Calvert to South street. The history of this first Methodist meeting-house west of Jones Fails, and the second in Baltimore Town, and which has long since been removed and its precise site scarcely known, reveals the following facts: On Monday, the eighteenth day of April, 1774, the foundation of the house was laid, and the first quarterly meeting that was ever held in the town of Baltimore was on Tuesday the third of May in this year. In October of the same year the building was completed, and Captain Webb, the British-officer, and faithful pioneer local preacher, delivered his Gospel message to the congregation assembled therein. On the 21st of May, 1776, the first conference of Methodist preachers held in Baltimore, took place in this meeting-house. The first three conferences had been held in Philadelphia. The Methodists met with some particular persecutions this year. Mr. Asbury says, on the 20th day of June “I was fined near Baltimore five pounds for preaching the gospel.” It was with great difficulty the preachers could travel their circuits, on account of the war which was spreading through the land; these persecutions were due perhaps to the fact that the preachers were all from England, and some of whom were so imprudent as to speak too freely against the proceedings of the Americans. During the Revolutionary war a number of the Methodist preachers were brought into difficulties and sufferings. In April, 1778, Joseph Hartley, one of the travelling preachers, was apprehended in Queen Anne's county for preaching, and afterwards in Talbot county was seized by the people and shut up in jail. Freeborn Garretson, another travelling preacher, was severely beaten in Queen Anne's county. Mr. Asbury says, “On conscientious principles I was a non-juror, and could not preach in the state of Maryland, and therefore withdrew to the Delaware state, Where the clergy were not required to take the state oath, though with a clear conscience I could have taken the oath of the Delaware state had it been required, and would have done it, had I not been prevented by a tender fear of hurting the scrupulous consciences of others.”

On the 24th day of April, 1780, the eighth conference met in Baltimore, where the northern preachers only attended. This conference took under consideration the subject of slavery, and required all the travelling preachers who belonged to the Baltimore Conference to promise that if they held slaves they would set them free. They went further, and said that they believed that keeping of slaves was contrary to the laws of God, of man, and of nature, and that it was hurtful to society and contrary to the dictates of conscience and pure religion. They also said, “We pass our disapprobation on all our friends who keep slaves.”

December 27th, 1784, the thirteenth conference began in Baltimore, 0086 78 and where the most important epoch in the history of American Methodism occurred, which has given to the Lovely Lane Meeting House and to the preachers assembled on that occasion, a commanding position in the religious history of this country. The Methodist societies in the United States were here organized into the Methodist Episcopal Church in the United States of America, and Rev. Thomas Coke, LL. D., and Rev. Francis Asbury became the first bishops of the Church. The rapid growth of Methodism soon rendered the Lovely Lane Meeting House too limited to accommodate the people, and arrangements were made to locate the First Light Street Church on the northwest corner of Light street and Wine alley. The building was commenced in August, 1785, being 46 feet front by 70 feet deep. On May 21st, 1786, the church was dedicated to worship by Bishop Asbury; subject in the morning, Psalm lxxxiv. 10; in the evening 1st Kings ix. 6–9. The subject of liberal education engaged the attention of Bishops Coke and Asbury and their early fellow-laborers, and at the close of the conference in 1785, “A plan for erecting a college, intended to advance religion in America, to be presented to the principal members and friends of the Methodist Episcopal Church,” was decided on, and signed by the two superintendents. A site was selected in Abingdon, Harford county, Maryland, and the two superintendents called the college, when finished, aider their own names, “Cokesbury College.” On the 8th, 9th and 10th days of December, 1787, the college was opened, and Mr. Asbury preached each day; the dedication sermon on Sunday from 2 Kings iv. 40, “O thou man of God, there is death in the pot.” On the 4th of December, 1795, the college was destroyed by fire. The Methodists of Baltimore rallied to the relief of the Church to repair this calamity. A large assembly or ball-room which stood on the lot where the late Light Street Church stood, was purchased, and Cokesbury College was re-opened under favorable auspices. A sad trial awaited the First Light Street Church and the second Cokesbury College. Mr. Patrick Colvin's mortal remains were borne to Light Street church, December 4th, 1796. Rev. Henry Willis was officiating on the occasion; in the midst of the solemn service a cry of fire was heard, the flames were issuing from a contiguous building (see fire in the year 1796), and in a short time the first Light Street Church and the second Cokesbury College were smouldering ruins. It was remarkable that this destructive fire occurred precisely in one year after the loss of the first college by conflagration. This catastrophe awoke valuable sympathy among the citizens of Baltimore; and the members and friends of the church immediately projected the building of a new and commodious edifice. A lot was secured from Mr. Daniel Grant on the southwest corner of Light street, and Wine alley, being the opposite corner to the one previously occupied. The trustees, Mr. James McCannon, William Hawkins, Isaac Burneston, Samuel 0087 79 Owings, John Hagerty, Job Smith, Caleb Hewitt, Walter Simpson, and Philip Rogers paid for the lot £5,360 Maryland currency. On October 29, 1797, being about ten months after the loss of the first church, Bishop Asbury dedicated the new Light Street Church. This church was removed upon the opening of German street.

In 1788 Methodism greatly increased in Baltimore, and in the course of the summer a plan was adopted of preaching on the common, or in the Lexington Market on Howard's Hill, every Sunday-afternoon after the services were ended in the churches. On the 18th of May 1800, Richard Whatcoat was ordained a bishop at the third regular conference, held in Baltimore, by the laying on of hands by Dr. Coke, Mr. Asbury, and some of the Elders.

In the year 1801, camp-meetings were first introduced in the new paints of the country where the people were but thinly settled, and no house could hold them when the people collected together. The first camp-meeting that was ever held in the State of Maryland was in the woods, about fifteen miles from Baltimore, a little to the east, on the Reisterstown road. This meeting was held in September, 1803, and began on Saturday and ended on Monday. That day was long remembered as “The happy Monday, the blessed 26th of September, 1803.”

Up to this time the newspapers of Philadelphia and Annapolis were the sole media of information for Baltimoreans, and the only means of advertising their wares or their wants. The Maryland Gazette, originally published in the interest of the Provincial Government, by Jonas Green, at Annapolis, with the Pennsylvania Journal and the Weekly Advertiser, the Pennsylvania Chronicle and Universal Advertiser, and the Pennsylvania Packet, or the General Advertiser, published at Philadelphia, seemed to have hitherto satisfied every requirement. There was not a practical printer to be found within the limits of the town; and yet matters of the gravest political importance were culminating, and many of the leading minds in the colonies were becoming editors and pamphleteers. The Pennsylvania Chronicle was published weekly in Philadelphia on Monday. The first number appeared January 6th, 1767, by William Goddard, at ten shillings per annum. This was the fourth newspaper in the English language established at Philadelphia, and the first with four columns to a page in the colonies. The second and third years it was printed in quarto, and the fourth year again in folio. It was ably edited, having the celebrated Joseph Galloway, Esq., and Thomas Wharton, Esq., as secret partners. If gained great circulation. It became at last too Tory in its bias to stand the times. It continued till February, 1773. A short time afterwards Mr. Goddard made a visit to Baltimore, where he was urged by some prominent townsmen to undertake the publication of a paper here, with assurances of hearty co-operation and liberal support. This resulted in Mr. Goddard's removal to Baltimore late in June, 1773, and in the general 0088 80 advertisement on the 15th of the month following, in the Maryland Gazette, of the prospectus of The Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser, which was announced to appear in August. Meanwhile an office was secured, a press erected, a handsome outfit of type and material obtained, several old employees brought hither from Philadelphia to work at the case, and every provision made for a successful debut. The first issue of The Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser appeared on the morning of Friday, August 20th, 1773, and was distributed throughout the town and Fell's Point. It was in folio sheet, 18×24 inches, and contained twelve broad columns. It was printed from a new and beautiful Elzevir type, on heavy book paper. The press-work was admirable. The armorial bearings of the Province, engraved by Sparrow at Annapolis, formed the device with the title. Type-graphically the paper compared favorably with any printed in the colonies. The motto selected for the Journal —and the papers of that day invariably had mottoes—was the familiar couplet from Horace:

Omne tulit punctum qui miscuit utile dulci. Lectorum delectando, pariterque monendo.

Which may be thus freely translated:

He carries every point who blends the useful with the agreeable, Amusing his reader while he instructs him.

The paper was published every week from the office in Market street, three doors from the corner of South lane, then, as it now is, the business heart of the town, at ten shillings per annum. Late in October Mr. Goddard made a “tour to the northern colonies,” leaving his sister, Miss Mary K. Goddard, in charge of the paper, a position which she most acceptably filled. The founder of the first newspaper in Baltimore was also the founder of our present national postal system. Mr. Goddard was the most enterprising editor of his day. He had pledged himself to present the news to his readers, and he determined to do it. But the mails were under a systemized espionage: they were regularly tampered with. All matter considered prejudicial to the interests of the Royal Government was suppressed. And, apart from these considerations, the service was inefficient and the range of its operations narrow. Already Mr. Goddard had established a special post to Philadelphia in connection with his paper, the success of which induced him to attempt the establishment of a complete postal system throughout the colonies. With this end in view, he started northward in February, 1774, leaving his sister for the second time in full charge. Mr. Goddard returned July 1st, and on the 2d announced in his paper, “that his proposal for establishing an American post-office on constitutional principles hath been warmly and generously patronized by the friends of freedom 0089 81 in all the great commercial towns in the Eastern colonies.” The same number gives at length the official plan for establishing a new American post-office, signed William Goddard, which within a month was in full operation, from Maine to Georgia—certainly a note-worthy incident in connection with the history of this paper. It may be mentioned, also, that Miss Mary K. Goddard was appointed the Postmistress in Baltimore, which position she held for fifteen years, and that the mails were received and distributed at the Journal office. In November, 1775, paper became very scarce, and Mr. Goddard established a paper factory near the town. In March, Mr. Goddard was mobbed by the “Whig Club.” [See mob in the year 1797.] On the 8th of June, 1779, Colonel Eleazer Oswald, a gallant and distinguished officer, formed a business connection with his friend Goddard, at Baltimore. In the Journal for July 6th, 1779, appeared the article, “Queries—Political and Military,” which caused the mob as recorded in the year 1779. On the 19th of February, 1783, the Journal published an extra, headed “The Olive,” announcing, in advance of any paper in the country, the signing of the preliminary articles of peace at Paris, the news having been brought direct by a Baltimore clipper. Miss Goddard having continued ostensible “Printress” and “Editress” of the Journal during the war, and until the 1st of January, 1784, when her brother, who had been on a long absence north, returned to Baltimore and resumed his original connection with the Journal, the number for January 2d being published by William and Mary K. Goddard. They jointly conducted it until January 25th, 1785, when Edward Langworthy, “a gentleman of character and abilities,” becomes a partner, and it is published by them regularly until January 1st, 1787, when Mr. Langworthy retired, and Mr. Goddard alone continued it. On the 7th of August, 1789, Mr. James Angell, “a young man who hath embarked his all in this establishment,” becomes co-editor and partner. About this time a personal controversy was carried on through the columns of the Journal, between Leonard Harbaugh and Christopher Hughes, continuing for some time, and frequently filling from one to two columns. Mr. Harbaugh, it seems, overwhelmed Mr. Hughes with satire and ridicule, as the end will show. In answer to Mr. Hughes, the following appears in the Journal of Feb. 9th, 1790: “We hear that the noted Kit Crucible, alias Kit Chartres, hath given his white-faced Nag a Respite from his daily labor of carrying his master's dead weight through the streets of Baltimore, and applies himself closely, at his Forge, Anvil, and Vice (near Harbaugh's Wharf ), in melting down, casting and hammering into solid Ingots, his old Buttons, Buckles, and Spoons, with his Clippings and Filings, for the encouragement of a certain Attorney. Incog, who hath become Crucible's Bellows Blower, in the present Exigency of his Affairs. Beware of the Alloy.” This card, it seems, was too much for Mr. Hughes, 6 0090 82 for we find shortly after, the following in the same paper: “Kit Hughes, the Silversmith, unable, it seems, to Refute the Charges of the ‘Sturdy Carpenter,’ hath essayed to confound them by clapping a Writ on the Editors, for the free promulgation of accusations derogatory to his fair immaculate character,—they have only publicly to present him their Compliments and assure him they will do themselves the Honor cheerfully to attend his polite and Pressing Invitation (per the high-Sheriff of the County) to the General Court in May next, when, they doubt not, they shall further illustrate a Character, already conspicuous, highly to the satisfaction of the lovers of real sport. ” From the Journal we also get the following: “On Monday, March 17th, 1794, in Baltimore County Criminal Court, an indictment against Goddard & Angell, as the printers of a publication of Leonard Harbaugh against Christopher Hughes, the Chief Justice, in a long and labored charge to the Petit Jury, expressed in the most dogmatical manner his decided opinion against the defendants, but his doctrine of the law of libels appearing to the july to be utterly inconsistent with every principle of a free Constitution, they had patriotism enough to scout it and to acquit the Printers. The following persons composed the Jury: Richardson Stewart, Caleb Hewett, Caleb Smith, Joshua Porter, John Picket, Matthew Swain, Alexander Coulter, John Laypoll, John McClellan, Jacob Eichelberger, George Wiley, and Jacob Miller. Counsel for the Printers, James Winchester and Robert Smith.”

Messrs. Goddard and Angell continued in partnership until August 14th, 1792, when Mr. Goddard, who became involved in financial difficulties, sold his interest in the Journal to Mr. Angell. The following extract is taken from the Journal of August 14th, 1792, “Address to the friends and patrons of the Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser, and in relinquishing a business reared under favor of the public, to its present consequence and respectability, by long perseverance and incessant application, on a small Capital of a single solitary Guinea, after a total wreck of my fortune in another state. It is, however, an alleviating circum stance, that by this measure, I am enabled to do justice to a worthy friend, who, from my too sanguine anticipation of the growth and importance of this really flourishing Town, spontaneously became my security, in an unfortunate speculation for upwards of twenty-five hundred pounds, and has actually advanced the money. From an anxious desire fully to indemnify this disinterested gentleman, who never wounded me by an unkind suspicion—an untimely importunity, or, by a word, or even the countenance of dissatisfaction, and from a consideration of my age (verging fast on 52 years) the little probability that I should, by the most unwearied industry, be able, seasonably, to discharge this highest of all moral obligations, I have, after mature deliberation, disposed of my whole Printing concern (one of the most considerable in the United 0091 83 States) for a valuable consideration, to my partner and brother-in-law, Mr. James Angell.” Mr. Goddard removed to near Providence, R.I. On the 24th of January 1795, it is announced in the Journal that Mr. Goddard had been elected to the Rhode Island Legislature. Miss Goddard remained in Baltimore, where she kept a book-store until 1802; she died on Monday the 12th of August, 1816, aged 80 years.

On the 1st of November 1793, Mr. Paul James Sullivan purchased an interest in the establishment, and assisted Mr. Angell in the editorial duties. On the first day of Mr. Sullivan's connection, the Journal became a tri-weekly, and so continued until it became a daily, a year later. Mr. Sullivan retired on the 11th of June, and Mr. Angell alone carried on its publication until October 24th, 1794, when Mr. Francis Blumfield purchased and published it until January 1st, 1795, when Mr. Philip Edwards, editor of the Baltimore Daily Advertiser, purchases an interest, and consolidates his paper with the Journal, which then begins its daily publication. The paper was continued under the title of The Maryland Journal and Baltimore Universal Daily Advertiser. June 18th, 1795, Mr. Francis Blumfield retired from the establishment, and Mr. John W. Allen took his place. Mr. Philip Edwards and Mr. J. W. Allen remain but a short time associated in its conduct, for on the 18th of June, 1796, they dissolved partnership, and the Journal “after a continuation of 23 years is continued by Philip Edwards.” On the 2d of August 1796, a partnership commenced between Mr. P. Edwards, and W. C. Smyth, under the firm of Edwards & Smyth. They remained in partnership but a short time, for on the 8th of September, 1796, the Journal was continued by P. Edwards. On the 4th of December, 1796, the Journal office was burnt out, [see fire 1796] and the paper suspended until the 2d of January, when it was continued by Mr. D. Finchete Freebairn as editor and proprietor. After the fire on the 9th of December, 1796, Mr. P. Edwards published the following card in the Federal Gazette and Baltimore Daily Advertiser: “To the Subscribers, Friends, and Patrons of the Maryland Journal and Baltimore Daily Advertiser —Citizens: The dreadful fire which happened on Sunday last, contiguous to my printing office, obliged me to remove the apparatus, and everything belonging to my business, so that I have not a single press fit to work, and a considerable quantity of types thrown together in the utmost confusion. Being thus unfortunately situated, I have through necessity, suspended the publication of the Maryland Journal, &c., but hope in a few days to be enabled to commence again its publication; and that my friends and customers, considering the great calamity which has taken place, and the trouble and difficulties I have experienced, will kindly wait a few days, assuring them that the utmost diligence will be exerted on this occasion, and that I shall ever have a grateful sense of their indulgence, and will endeavour, by every 0092 84 means in my power, to make them amends hereafter, whenever any public matter of importance may occur. I am with great respect the public's most obedient, and very humble servant, Philip Edwards.”

In the Journal of Tuesday the 28th of February, Mr. D. F. Freebairn “announces to the public, in particular to the patrons of the Maryland Journal, that its publication, by him, will terminate with this month.” He also says: “Was he to judge, of the public opinion from the encouragement he has received, he would consider it as not favorable towards the continuance of its old and faithful Mirror. As it is certain that its support has not been near equal to the pains and expences of its publication.” In the same paper Mr. P. Edwards says: “The publication of the Maryland Journal is necessarily suspended for a short time. Arrangements are made for its continuance, upon a plan which cannot fail of rendering it acceptable to an enlightened public. The apparatus are entirely new, and are daily expected to arrive. The subscriber, therefore, under whose immediate care it will be conducted, solicits the exercise of the public patience and candor, and informs the patrons of the Journal, that in a few days they may expect its appearance in a new and improved form. Timely and proper notice will be given.” On Tuesday, March 21st, 1797, the former editor, Mr. Philip Edwards, “solicited by some of his friends, and influenced by other private considerations, is determined once more to attempt an establishment of this truly valuable paper.” The paper was issued upon the before-mentioned date, and named simply the Maryland Journal. From the Maryland Journal of Thursday, June 29th, 1797, we extract the following from a card published by Mr. Philip Edwards, editor, &c.:—“I am now constrained to inform them [the public] that such are the difficulties of my present situation, that I find it necessary for me to decline the publication of my paper altogether. It is with regret, much regret, I relinquish a pursuit, from which I expected much satisfaction; but so it is—the Maryland Journal will be no longer continued after the 30th June (to-morrow), the last day of the present month.”

The Baltimore American and Daily Advertiser was first published by Mr. Alexander Martin, at the time mentioned in a brief sketch of the early history of the paper, published under the signature of Mr. Martin in the American of June 9th, 1800, which is as follows: “On the 14th May, 1799, the American first commenced. It had then no subscribers previously engaged. Like a friendless stranger, it threw itself upon the generosity of the public; nor were its hopes misplaced. Many of the hospitable doors of the citizens were thrown open for its reception; and at this period, nine hundred citizens daily take it in.” There were two offices, for we find in the first number the following notice:—“Subscriptions, Advertisements, and Communications for this paper received at No. 15 0093 85 Baltimore street, where all business connected with this establishment will be attended to with the same promptitude as at the Office of the publisher, No. 39 Bond street, Fell's Point.” From that time to this—seventy-five years, lacking but a few months—the regular publication of this paper, which bears the same name now that it did then, has not for a day been interrupted—with a single exception, and that was when its then patriotic editor strapped on his sword, and every employee of the establishment shouldered his musket and met the enemy on the battle-field of North Point! To compensate his subscribers for the deficiency of size in his paper, the editor issued the Honey Comb, a dainty little literary paper of eight pages, beautifully printed, and full of interesting matter, beginning on the 18th of August, and it was continued until the 14th of November, when the American was considerably enlarged and otherwise improved. The office was also removed to Second street, near South. On the 1st of January, 1803, Mr. Martin having sold out his interest to Messrs. Pechin & Frailey, they became the proprietors of the American, and removed its office to No. 31 South Gay street, near the Custom-house. Mr. Martin settled down permanently in Baltimore, opened a printing office, and on January 1st, 1804, began the publication of the Rush-Light, a satirical, political, and literary weekly journal, which, in September of the same year, began a series of papers upon Pechin, sharply criticising him. The latter gentleman answers him, and the Rush-Light goes out. On the 10th of August, 1805, Mr. Frailey, a most efficient coadjutor, on account of ill-health withdrew, and Mr. Pechin became full proprietor.

On the 1st of July, 1810, Mr. Pechin, who had associated with himself Messrs. Dobbin & Murphy, the paper on that day bears at its head the names of “W. Pechin, G. Dobbin & Murphy.” On the 23d of September, Mr. Pechin is nominated by the Democratic Republicans of this city to represent them in the State Legislature, and after an active canvass, on October 7th he was elected by a large majority. On Tuesday, the 3d of December, Mr. George Dobbin, one of the proprietors of the American, died in his 38th year. The name of the firm remained unchanged. The share owned by Mr. Dobbin was worked for the benefit of his widow (who is still living), and when his son (the late Robert A. Dobbin) arrived at manhood, he took his father's place as a partner. Early in 1812 the office of the American was removed to No. 4 Harrison street, and remained there for some years. On the 10th of September, 1814, announcement is made in the American that for a few days the publication of the paper would be suspended. Messrs. Dobbin & Murphy, the printers, and Major Pechin, the editor, with every attache of the paper, are enrolled among the volunteers, and were immediately sent forward. On account of the indisposition of the aged Colonel of the Sixth Regiment, the command devolved upon Major Pechin, who promptly took the field at the head of 600 0094 86 men, rendering most efficient service. On the 20th of September, the American resumed publication, since which time—59 years ago—with the exception of Sundays and two annual holidays, it has been published regularly every morning. The number for September 21st, 1814, gave to the people of America their national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written only a week before—a most interesting fact in the history of this paper. In 1815, Mr. Wm. Bose was taken into the firm, and his name first appears at the head of the editorial columns in the issue of the 4th of July, 1815. The firm then was Pechin, Dobbin, Murphy & Bose.

On the 17th of January,1849, the American office was removed from the building which it had occupied for nearly forty years No.2 South Gay street.), to its present location, Nos. 126 and 128 West Baltimore Street. On Saturday, March 9th, 1850, the first number of the Weekly American was issued. The old firm of Dobbin, Murphy & Bose. which had been in existence for nearly half a century, was dissolved on the 30th of June, 1853. Mr. Dobbin purchased the interest of Mr. Murphy, and Charles C. Fulton purchased the interest of Mr. Bose. For the next eleven years the American was owned and published by Dobbin & Fulton. from the time that Mr. Fulton became a member of the firm of publishers, there was a change in the tone and spirit of the paper; its scope of vision was vastly enlarged, and new life and vigor were infused into the “news,” “local,” and editorial departments. His experience as a journalist had taught him that money must be expended in the gathering of news, if a paper would afford its readers that which is latest and most striking, and that all outlays in this direction brought ample returns. Acting upon this principle, Mr. Fulton has succeeded in making the American one of the most entertaining and instructive newspapers south of Mason and Dixon's line, and placed it beside the great journals of New York in enterprise and far-reaching vigilance. In September, 1862, Mr. Dobbin died, and Mr. Fulton purchased the interest in the American which descended to his heirs thereby becoming sole proprietor. Mr. Fulton was always a great believer in “special correspondence,” and during the war the American was frequently in advance of all other newspapers in the country, in its letters from the great battle-fields. He was with the army of the Potomac himself during two of its most important campaigns, and the readers of the American got the benefit of his candor, his accurate habits of observation, and his indomitable enterprise in gathering and sending news while the incidents are fresh. The American paid more attention to our naval operations during the war than any other newspaper in the United States. Mr. Fulton's son (Albert K. Fulton, one of the present proprietors of the American ) was an engineer on Admiral Farragut's flag-ship the Hartford, and the American published the first, the fullest, and most graphic 0095 87 descriptions of all the great naval engagements fought by that illustrious commander. Mr. Fulton himself accompanied the first “iron-clad” expedition against Fort Sumter, and was on board the United States steamer Bibb when the attack was made. Considering that the American is published in a city in which for the last fifteen years the preponderating political sentiment has been against it, the wonderful success it has achieved can only be attributed to substantial merits which politics cannot affect.

The first number of Dunlap's Maryland Gazette or the Baltimore General Advertiser was issued on Tuesday, May 2d, 1775—printed by John Dunlap once a week, at his printing office in Market street, at 10 shillings per annum. On Tuesday, September 15th, 1778, Mr. Dunlap sold out his interest in the paper to Mr. James Hays, Jr., who changed the name to The Maryland Gazette and Baltimore General Advertiser. On the 5th of January, 1779, this paper was discontinued for want of support.

Another paper, called The Maryland Gazette or the Baltimore General Advertiser, issued its initial number on Friday, May 16th, 1783—published by John Hays every Friday, in Market street, opposite the dwelling of Mr. Archibald Buchanan—terms, 15 shillings per annum. On the 27th of February, 1787, it was published semi-weekly, Tuesdays and Fridays.

The initial number of The Baltimore Daily Repository (the first daily paper published in Baltimore) was issued on Monday, October 24th, 1791, by David Graham, publisher, in Calvert street, between Market street and the court-house. After April 29th, 1793, the paper was published by Messrs. D. Graham, Z. Yundt, and W. Patton. On the 28th of October, 1793, Mr. Graham retired, and the paper was continued under the name of The Baltimore Daily Intelligencer, by Messrs. Yundt & Patton, at $4 per annum, or twopence for a single copy. On the 30th of October, 1794, Messrs. Yundt & Patton dissolve partnership, Mr. Patton retiring, the paper being continued under the name of Federal Intelligencer and Baltimore Daily Gazette, by Messrs. Yundt & Brown. “Through convenience,” the Federal Intelligencer and Baltimore Daily Gazette changed its name on the 1st of January, 1796, to the Federal Gazette and Baltimore Daily Advertiser. Messrs. Yundt and Brown dissolved partnership on the 1st of January, 1807, the paper being continued by John Hewes. In 1812 Mr. Hewes retires from the Federal Gazette, &c., which is continued by Mr. William Gwynn, who purchased his interest. Mr. William Gwynn, after having issued the Gazette twenty-one years and six months, sold all his interest on the 21st of July, 1834, to Mr. William Gwynn Jones, who as “editor and proprietor” continued the paper from his office at the corner of St. Paul street and Bank lane. On the 24th of May, 1835, Mr. Jones was detected in robbing the post-office [as recorded in 1835], and was convicted and sentenced to the penitentiary, from which he was pardoned out during the latter part of President Van Buren's administration. 0096 88 After the arrest of Mr. Jones, Mr. William Gwynn assumed control of the Gazette, which ceased publication on the 30th Of December, 1837.

On the 2d of March, 1795, Mr. John W. Allen issued the first number of the Fell's Point Telegraph, at the price of $2.50 per annum; tri-weekly, Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

Messrs. Clayland, Dobbin & Co., on Monday, March 23d, 1795, issue the first number of The Baltimore Telegraph, from their printing office on the northwest corner of Market and Frederick streets. This paper was afterwards continued by Mr. Thomas Dobbin, in the rear of No. 1 Light street, under the name of The Telegraph and Daily Advertiser.

The Eagle of Freedom was published by Messrs. Pechin & Wilmer in 1796.

The first regular issue of the American Patriot was on Saturday, September 25th, 1802—S. McCrea, printer and publisher, No. 67 South street. In a short time the office was removed to Fell's Point, and the name of the paper changed to the American Patriot and Fell's Point Advertiser, S. Kennedy, printer and publisher.

The first number of the Baltimore Evening Post and Mercantile Daily Advertiser was issued on Monday evening, March 25th, 1805, by J. Cook & Co., corner of South and Water streets. In a short time Messrs. Cook & Co. sold their interests to Mr. George Bourne and Hezekiah Niles. On the 10th of June, 1811, Mr. Niles sold his interest to Mr. Thomas Wilson, who formerly edited a paper called The Sun.

The first number of the North American and Mercantile Daily Advertiser was issued in January, 1808, and was published by Jacob Wagner, in an old frame building situated at the time on the northwest corner of Gay and Second streets. On the 3d of October, 1809, it was consolidated with the Federal Republican, and was issued on the 4th of October, 1809, as the Federal Republican and Commercial Advertiser, by Messrs. Hanson & Wagner. The Federal Republican was very violent in its politics as a Federal paper, and on the 22d of June, 1812, the office in which it was printed was entirely destroyed by a mob at night (as per reference to the year 1812). The publishers recommenced the publication in Georgetown, D. C., and forwarded the printed copies by mail to this city. As soon as it was known, the people gathered at the post-office, then at the corner of St. Paul's and Bank lanes (Chas. Barrall, post-master), and demanded the copies for the purpose of destroying them. Soon after this the publishers recommenced the publication in Baltimore in a house on South Charles, near Pratt street. As soon as this was noised abroad, a crowd gathered, and a terrible outbreak ensued, with the result as stated (in 1812). This was the last of the Federal Republican, whose violent strictures against President Madison, the war, and the soldiers who went forth to the Canada borders, had caused this terrible riot, which for many 0097 89 years after left a stigma upon the fair name of our city, which bore the sobriquet of “ mob town. ”

On Friday, February 1st, 1802, the first number of The Republican or anti-Democrat was published by Messrs. Prentiss and Cole, No. 14 South Charles street, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. This paper ceased December 30th, 1803.

The first number of the Mechanics' Gazette and Merchants' Daily Advertiser was issued in March, 1815, from No. 28 South Gay street, by Thomas Wilson & Co.

Niles' Register, which had a character and circulation in every part of the civilized world: was read in the palaces of kings, in the haunts of commerce, and in the cabin of the pioneer; is referred to as an authority in courts of justice and in legislative assemblies; and at this day constitutes the best and truest foundation extant of the history of our country for the period over which it extends —issued its first number in Baltimore, on Saturday, September 7th, 1811, printed and published weekly by Hezekiah Niles, late editor of the Baltimore Evening Post, at $5 per annum. On the 3d of September, 1836, after the lapse of twenty-five years, H. Niles gave up his business to his eldest son William Ogden Niles, who continued to publish the Register in an enlarged form and new dress. On the 2d of September, 1837, Mr. Niles removed his printing-office to Washington, D. C., and published the Register there, under the name of Niles' National Register. Hezekiah Niles, the founder of the Register, died at Wilmington, Del., on the 2d of April, 1839, in the 63d year of his age. On the 4th of May, 1839, the office was removed again to Baltimore, and the Register was published there until it ceased to exist. On the 19th of October, 1839, Mrs. Sally Ann Miles, who was administratrix of her husband's estate, disposed of the Register to Jeremiah Hughes, formerly editor of a paper at Annapolis, who continued to publish the Register until the 26th of February, 1848, when it ceased to exist.

In the year 1811 the Baltimore Whig, then edited by Baptist Irvine and Samuel Barnes, was the leading Democratic paper in Baltimore. When the Presidential election was about to come off, the Whig was induced by the malcontents of the Democratic party to declare for Mr. De Witt Clinton against Mr. Madison, much against the wishes of Mr. Barnes, who soon after sold the paper and retired to Frederick, where he established a Democratic paper in full faith with the party, which is still in existence, the Political Examiner. Messrs. Cone and Norvell took charge of the Whig, and endeavored to bring it again into the fold of the party to which it originally belonged, but it was too late—the blow it experienced by its desertion at an imminent period of the war was so stunning that it soon had to succumb, and its subscription list and several of the apprentices were united with the American. Norvell was an able editor, and was afterwards elected one of the first Congressmen from the State of Michigan, when that State was 0098 90 admitted into the Union. His associate. Mr. Spencer H. Cone, whose sister Norvell married, had been on the theatrical boards before becoming an editor, but after his retirement from the latter position, he took orders in the Baptist Church, and for a great many years, to the day of his death, was the pastor of one of the largest churches in New York of that denomination, and was one of its most eloquent and respected ministers. Mr. Samuel Sands; who is now editor and proprietor of the American Farmer, was one of the apprentices in the Whig office, and after that paper suspended went to the American office, and continued with that paper until about the year 1820 or '21, and was in the office at the time of the attack on Baltimore by the British, and had the honor of being the first man who set in type our national song, the “Star Spangled Banner.” After the Whig abandoned Mr. Madison, the influential members of the administration party induced Isaac Monroe and Mr. Ebenezer French, then connected with the Boston Patriot, to come to Baltimore and establish a new paper in support of Mr. Madison's administration, and hence the origin of the Baltimore Patriot, which commenced on the 28th of September, 1812, and continued till after the breaking out of the late war with the South, when it ceased to exist. In 1814 the name was changed to the Baltimore Patriot and Evening Advertiser, published by Monroe & French. At certain periods the Patriot was published and edited by Messrs. J. Fand, J. N. McJilton, and Messrs. John Wills and William H. Carpenter.

About the year 1821 Mr. Samuel Sands published the Saturday Herald, which had been started by Richard Matchett and edited by Paul Allen. It was a weekly literary paper, and Mr. Allen used it during the remarkable contest in our courts and in the Presbyterian Church, in defence of Rev. John M, Duncan. After Mr. Allen's death, the Herald was discontinued, and Mr. Sands commenced the publication of a paper with Dr. Patrick Maccauley as editor, intended to be of a similar character to the Albion published in New York, with this exception that the latter was devoted to British interests, whilst Mr. Sands' was to be of American. This paper had but a short existence. About the time it was published the great contest for the presidency commenced between J. Q. Adams and Jackson, and the friends of the former established the Marylander to support him for re-election. The first number was issued on Wednesday, December 3d, 1827, and continued every Wednesday and Saturday—Edward P. Roberts, publisher, Edward C. Pinckney, editor, and Samuel Sands, printer. Mr. Pinckney was the son of Hon. William Pinckney, the celebrated lawyer and statesman and was an elegant poet, some of his lyrics being among the choicest in the language. When the election was over, and Mr. Adams was defeated, the paper was discontinued; but Mr. Sands purchased the interest of Mr. Frank Davidge in the Commercial Chronicle, which had been in existence since April, 1819, 0099 91 being first started by Schaeffer and Maund, afterwards by Thomas Maund, William Pechin, and then by Gen. S. C. Leakin and Mr. Davidge. At this time it was a neutral paper, devoted to commercial matters. The Marylander's subscription list was united to that of the Chronicle, and it was afterwards published by Leakin and Sands under the title of the Commercial Chronicle and Daily Marylander, as a political journal, and the organ of the Whig party. For several years it was thus published, when Mr. S. Barnes, from Frederick, bought out the interest of the junior partner. Mr. Nelson Poe afterward published it, but it finally shared the fate of many of its predecessors in this city, and ceased to exist.

About the year 1818, John S. Skinner, Esq., published a periodical political in its character, called the Censor. About a year afterwards the paper was discontinued, and the first number of the first agricultural journal ever published in this, and perhaps any other country (the American Farmer ), was sent forth, without a single bona fide subscriber to it in advance. The paper took with the public for whose interests it was commenced, and in a few days had obtained a large subscription list; it was published weekly, in quarto form, at $5.00 per annum. Mr. Skinner after a few years sold a half interest in the paper to Mr. J. Hitchcock at a large price, and not a very long time thereafter Mr. Hitchcock purchased the other half. Mr. Hitchcock published the Farmer but a short time after he had control of it, and it was discontinued for about a year. He shortly after this commenced the issue of a new journal of a similar character under the name of The Farmer and Gardener, but before the end of the year sold out to Mr. Moore, of the firm of Lindan and Moore. He published it for a while, and then sold out to Mr. E. P. Roberts, who had been editor. Mr. Roberts subsequently sold his interest to Mr. Samuel Sands, who commenced its publication with Mr. John S. Skinner, the original founder, as the editor. From this time to the end of Mr. Sands' connection with it, the paper flourished, and again obtained a high position among the agriculturists of the land. Mr. Skinner having received the appointment of Assistant Postmaster General, he removed to Washington, and ceased his connection with the Farmer. Mr. E. P. Roberts again assumed the editorship, and continued to the end of his life; Mr. Sands being proprietor and publisher nearly all the time. An interest, however, in the meantime was sold in the paper to Mr. N. B. Worthington, and about three years afterwards Mr. Sands sold him the other half and retired therefrom. Mr. Sands, the ensuing year, commenced a new paper called the Rural Register, which was published four years, but the civil war in the South, where the most of his support was obtained, interfered with it to such an extent that after the second year of the war the Rural Register ceased to exist. The Farmer had stopped in about six months after the war commenced. When the war was over, the proprietors of the Farmer, Messrs. Worth- 0100 92 and Lewis, resumed publication, but in a few years it was permitted to go out of existence after having changed hands once or twice since its renewal. After remaining suspended for fifteen or eighteen months, the old publisher, Mr. Sands, in connection with his son, recommenced its publication on the 1st of January, 1872, under the name of the American Farmer and Rural Register, and it has in less than two years attained again to the high character it formerly enjoyed under Mr. Skinner and its other proprietor, Mr. Sands, and is now about entering on its third year, under its present proprietors, editors and publishers, under the most auspicious circumstances.

In September, 1829, Mr. John S. Skinner commenced to publish the American Turf Register and Sporting Magazine. In August, 1835, he disposed of his interest, and Mr. Gideon B. Smith became editor; shortly afterwards it was published in New York.

The first one-cent paper published in Baltimore was the Baltimore Daily Transcript; the first number was issued in the afternoon of Thursday, the 10th of March, 1836 — Messrs. S. P. Kenny and A. G. Tenney, editors and proprietors.

Messrs. Cloud & Wilman, in February, 1832, issued the first number of the Saturday Visitor, which was afterwards sold to Dr. Snodgrass. Messrs. Charles F. and R. M. Cloud, in 1840, issued the first number of the Argus; in 1841 they purchased the Republican, and consolidating the two papers, gave it the name of the Republican and Argus.

The Metropolitan, a monthly magazine devoted to the Roman Catholic religion, education, literature and general information, was founded in February, 1853 — Mr. John Murphy & Co., publishers.

The first number of The United States Catholic Magazine and Monthly Review was issued in January, 1841, Mr. John Murphy, printer and publisher, edited by Rev. Charles J. White. The Very Rev. M. J. Spalding, D. D., for three years was assistant editor. In December, 1848, the last number was issued.

The first number of the Companion and Weekly Miscellany was issued, November 3d, 1804, by Edward Easy, Esq. — Messrs. Cole & Hewes, printers and publishers.

The Red Book was published anonymously October 23, 1819,Messrs. John P. Kennedy, Peter Cruse, and Josiah Pennington. was a spirited publication, much esteemed at the time, and is now very rare.

The first number of the Spirit of Democracy was published by Mr. R. M. Cloud, on the 1st of August, 1840. Issued tri-weekly— Mr. T. L. Murphy, editor.

The Itinerant or Wesleyan Methodist Visitor was first published on Wednesday, November 12th, 1828. Issued every two weeks— Melville B. Cox, editor.

The Enterprise was first published in 1847 by W. Taylor and 0101 93 N. Sardo. This paper republished the Baltimore letters, taken from a newspaper published in New York in 1847, by Wm. Chase Barney, called The Aristocratic Monitor, which created much excitement. These letters were on “Mushroom Hill” and its environs, of “May Lady Fashionable,” “The Prince of Morocco,” “My Lords of the Yard Stick and other distinguished Aristocrats” in Baltimore. A writer speaking of this paper says: “I find the Monitor, ‘The Aristocratic Monitor,’ is everywhere. If I go into a fashionable drawing-room, there is the Monitor; if I go into bank to have a check cashed, there is the Monitor; if I go into a store, there lies the Monitor; the people go through the streets reading—what? Why, ‘The Aristocratic Monitor.’” It was however a scurrilous publication, and was ere long discontinued.

In 1836 Messrs. Cloud & Pouder published the Daily Intelligencer.

There have been numerous papers and magazines of every shape and character issued in this city, some of which were successful for a time, many unprofitable, and a few, by dint of capital, perseverance, and success in meeting popular demands, have become permanently established. Among the new daily and weekly newspapers and magazines started in Baltimore, and long since disappeared, we find the following:

In August, 1804, The Porcupine was established. In November, 1831, Mrs. Mary Barney issued the first number of her political and literary monthly, called the National Magazine or Lady's Companion. In 1834, Messrs. J. F. Weishampel, Sr., and T. J. Beach published The Experiment. In 1827, The Emerald was established, which was afterwards merged in the Minerva. Then there was the Portico, a weekly published by a bookseller, Mr. Edward J. Coale, an amiable and popular gentleman; many able pens contributed to this work, among them those of Edward C. Pinckney, the poet, and Francis S. Key, the author of the “Star-Spangled Banner.” The first Sunday paper published in Baltimore was called the Enterprise, by Wm. Taylor, in January, 1848. About this time the Wreath, another weekly, was commenced. In 1829, there were published the Mutual Rights and Christian Intelligencer, the Itinerant Weekly, and the Saturday Evening Post. Then we had the Jefferson Reformer, the Genius of Universal Emancipation, the Republican, the Huntress, the Amethyst, the Athenaeum, the Young Men's Paper, the American Museum, the Dispatch, the Baltimore Times, the Saturday Herald, the Freeman's Banner, the American Whig, the Temperance Herald, the Odd Fellows' Magazine, the Log Cabin; in 1848, the Buena Vista; in 1846, the Western Continent, Park Benjamin and Carpenter & Thompson, editors and publishers; the Monument, a weekly journal, edited by J. N. McJilton and D. Creamer, first number October 8th, 1836; the Baltimore Literary and Religious Magazine, Rev. Robert J. Breckenridge and Rev. Andrew B. Cross, ministers of the Presbyterian Church, 0102 94 editors, &c.; the Family Magazine, published in 1836, by T. A. Richards & Brother; the People's Friend, first number May 25th, 1816; the Columbian Democrat; the Federal Republican and Baltimore Telegraph, by Paul Allen & Co.; the Baltimore Intelligencer, which ceased January 5th, 1835; the Wanderer, by R. J. Matchett; the Merchant, in 1801, by General Duff Green; the Kaleidoscope, the Baltimore Visitor, the Literary Visitor, by Edward J. Cole; the Maryland Colonization Journal, the Baltimore Iris; in 1839, the Penny Magazine, the Journal of the American Silk Society, Gideon B. Smith, editor; the Baltimore Literary Monument, the Baltimore Post, ceased Wednesday, April 22d, 1840; the Athenaeum and Visitor; the Chronicle's subscription list was transferred to the American January 1st, 1839. In 1840, we have the Daily Evening Gazette, a Whig penny sheet, first number issued in August. Wm. Ogden Niles, Esq., editor; in January, 1841, Juvenile Mirror, by Geo. H. Hickman; the Independent Press, a tri-weekly, first number issued in April; in August, the Clayite, an evening penny paper; the Baltimore Counterfeit Detector, by H. Wigman; in November, the Christian Family Magazine, Rev. Dr. Newell, editor; in November, the Baltimore Privateer, the Baltimore Phœnix and Budget, published by Messrs. Snodgrass, Sherwood & Co. In July, 1842, we have the Baltimore Whig, by Mesrs. Sperry, Gallup and Rogers; in 1844, the American Whig, heretofore published weekly, was changed in July to a penny daily paper, Samuel Sands, editor; the Democratic Sentinel, first number issued the 6th of April, 1844; in January, 1846, the first number of The Flag of our Union was issued by Mr. W. Bennet, publisher; The Bankers' Magazine and State Financial Register, published and edited by J. Smith Homands, Esq.; the Temperance Herald; in June, the Baltimore Daily News; in January, 1849, Mr. N. Sardo published a paper called the Paul Pry; in January, Mr. H. M. Garland published The Young America; in May, by Mr. James Young, the Temperance Banner; on the first of October, by H. M. Garland, the Parlor Gazette and Ladies' Advertiser; on the 30th of October, by Messrs. Martin & Co., The Daily City Item; by Mr. John S. Skinner, The Plough, the Loom, and the Anvil; the Baltimore Bank Note Reporter; in November, Mr. Beale H. Richardson purchased the interest of Mr. Charles F. Cloud in the Republican and Daily Argus.

In January, 1850, Messrs. W. C. Peters & Co., publishers, issue the first number of the monthly, Baltimore Olio and American Musical Gazette. In December the Monumental Fountain, a temperance paper, by the Grand Division of the Sons of Temperance, suspended.

On the 16th of September, 1851, The Flag of Liberty, a weekly Whig paper, was commenced. On the 25th of September the first number of The Daily Morning News, a Whig paper, by Messrs. Peake, Walker & Co., was issued; it ceased May 10th, 1852.

In 1852 The Evening Porcupine was published by an association 0103 95 of journeymen printers. It was afterwards changed to a morning Democrat paper, and the name changed to the Daily Advertiser. In the same year was commenced The American Whig Review. The first number of The Daily Times, by Messrs. F. K. Lipp & Co., was issued on Monday, April 26th. The Parthenian, or Young Ladies' Magazine, was conducted the same year by the pupils of the Baltimore Female College. The Old Defender, a weekly Whig paper, was first issued Saturday, August 21st, Mills, Troxall & Co., publishers.

Messrs. Hoffman & Co., on Sunday morning, February 6th, 1853, issued the first number of the Sunday Morning Atlas. In the same year the Daily Republic is issued, also American Daily Times, Daily Globe, Literary Bulletin, and the Monumental Literary Gazette, in December, by Messrs. Finley, Johnson & Co.

In January, 1854, Messrs. Charles F. and R. M. Cloud issued the first number of the Sunday Dispatch, which they sold in November to Messrs. William H. Gobright and J. Cloud Norris. In the same year The True Union was published, also The True American.

In February, 1855, the first number of The Presbyterial Critic and Monthly Review was issued; also in the same year The Baltimore Flag, and The American Democrat, September 10th.

In April, 1856, the first number of The Bible Times was issued; also in the same year The Evangelical Lutheran and The Elevator.

On the 17th of April, 1857, the first number of The City Agent was issued, and in the same year the Baltimore Stethescope, The Traveller; and on the 15th of August Our Opinion was published by John T. Ford, and edited by Clifton W. Tayleure, who was at this time connected with the Museum and theatre in the capacity of dramatist. The Baltimore Illustrated Times and Local Gazette, by Messrs J. C. Gobright and J. W. Torsch, was published the same year.

The first number of the Baltimore Christian Advocate appeared in May, 1858.

In 1859 the first number of the Real Estate Register was issued by Mr. Samuel Sands. In the same year there also appeared the Weekly Bulletin, the Weekly Freeman, and Our Newspaper. On the 2d of April the first number of the Evening Star was issued; in the same year The Lily of the Valley, and The American Nautical Gazette.

In May, 1864, Messrs. Simpson K. Donavin and Charles W. Kimberly published the first number of the Baltimore Advertiser.

The first number of The Monitor was issued on Friday, June 2d, 1857. Published by Joseph Robinson weekly, and edited by Hugh Davey Evans.

On the 29th of February, 1836, Messrs. William M. Swain, Arunah S. Abell, and Azariah H. Simmons, then in the city of New York, entered into partnership as equal partners, both in law 0104 96 and equity, under the firm of Swain, Abell & Simmons, for the purpose of publishing, and in the publication of a daily penny paper, (neutral in politics,) to be entitled “The Times, in the city of Philadelphia, State of Pennsylvania.” Such was the beginning of the memorable association of Swain, Abell & Simmons, which lasted for nearly a quarter of a century, until dissolved by death, and which resulted in the establishment of two of the most successful, widely circulated and influential journals in the United States, published in two of its largest cities, the Public Ledger in Philadelphia, and The Sun in Baltimore. On Friday, March 25th, 1836, within less than a month after the partnership had been formed, the first number of the Public Ledger made its appearance, “price one cent, or six cents a week.” It was at first coldly received, and two of the parties became so much discouraged as to propose a discontinuance of publication. Mr. Abell, however, urged so strenuously the policy of holding on, at least until their funds were exhausted, that the confidence felt by his copartners in the soundness of his judgment led them to defer to his wishes, and they did “hold on,” with what splendid results need not now be told The business of the paper having been established upon a sound and paying basis, and having no further misgivings about the future success of the Ledger, it occurred to Mr. Abell, in the spring of the following year, to visit Baltimore for the purpose of determining the feasibility of establishing a penny paper in that city. A suggestion from him to that effect meeting with the hearty approval of his partners, Mr. Abell, in April, 1837, visited the Monumental City for the first time. There were then published in Baltimore a number of respectable and well-conducted journals, but not a single penny paper. They were all “six pennies.” To the editors of these journals Mr. Abell brought letters of introduction, and he then formed the acquaintance, among others, of Messrs. Dobbin, Murphy & Bose of the American, Mr. Gwynn of the Federal Gazette, Mr. Harker of the Republican, Mr. Poe of the Chronicle, Mr. Monroe of the Patriot, and Messrs. Streeter & Skinner of the Transcript. It cannot be said, however, that any of these gentlemen with whom Mr. Abell conferred in regard to his plans, held out much encouragement as to the success of a new paper. In fact the times seemed singularly inauspicious for any enterprise of the kind. The year 1837 was one of unprecedented disaster and gloom in all commercial and business circles, and all classes shared the general depression. Mr. Abell, however, felt persuaded that a penny paper would make its way where other enterprises might fail. He returned to Philadelphia impressed with this idea, and obtained the approval of his partners to hazard the experiment, upon condition that he should assume the immediate responsibility and personal control. This, although he had just passed through a similar trial of patience and faith incident to the first establishment of the Ledger, he consented to do. With 0105 97 the same rapidity that had characterised their proceedings in regard to that paper, when once their minds were made up, type and materials were ordered, one of the best single cylinder presses of that day worked by hand was purchased from the Messrs. Hoe, an office taken at No. 21 Light street, and on the 17th of May, 1837, the first copy of The Sun was left at the door of nearly every house in Baltimore. The Sun was well received. In less than three months it had a larger circulation than the Ledger had attained at the end of nine months. Within a year it circulated more than twice as many copies as the oldest established journal in Baltimore. It is believed that its success was more immediate and more rapid than has attended the advent of any similar enterprise in the United States. It was soon discovered that the original quarters in Light street were entirely too contracted for the growing business of the paper. Mr. Abell accordingly purchased the property at the southeast corner of Baltimore and Gay streets, long familiarly known as the “Old Sun Building,” made such alterations as were necessary to adapt it to its new use, and in 1839 removed the whole establishment to that location. Soon, however, the same want of increased accommodation to meet the requirements of an increasing business, was again felt, and it was deemed desirable, that before making another change, a site should be purchased and a building erected which should be expressly designed for the purpose of the paper, and at the same time be an ornament to the city which had so generously fostered and rewarded the enterprise of the proprietors of The Sun. To Mr. Abell was confided the task of selecting such a site. After mature consideration, the lot at the corner of Baltimore and South streets, in the very business heart of the city, was determined upon, and Mr. Abell effected the purchase of this valuable property, then occupied by six old brick buildings, four on Baltimore and two on South street, for a fraction less than $50,000. It happened that just about this time Mr. James Bogardus, of New York city, a man of undoubted genius as well as mechanical skill, was seeking for an opportunity to test in practice his invention for the construction of iron buildings. His proposal had been but coldly received in Yew York, and he was almost in despair of finding a man intelligent enough to comprehend his plans, and liberal enough to aid him in their realization, when fortunately he submitted his views to the proprietors of The Sun. They gave to the plans of Mr. Bogardus the most serious and careful consideration, and were soon convinced of their entire feasibility. Mr. Abell accordingly determined that the new building should be of iron, and erected according to the plan of Messrs. Bogardus & Hoppin, of New York, who were the contractors for the work, and whose inventive genius, enterprise and perseverance gave the first cast-iron edifice to the world. The architect whose taste conceived and executed the original design, was Mr. Hatfield, of New York. The 7 0106 98 carpenter work and general superintendence of the building were confided to Messrs. H. R. & J. Reynolds. The iron work was done by Messrs. Adam Denmead & Brother and Mr. Benjamin S. Benson, of this city. When The Sun was first started, and for some time afterwards, Mr. Abell had the personal assistance of Mr. Simmons, who at that time resided in Baltimore. Subsequently Mr. Simmons returned to Philadelphia, leaving The Sun in sole charge of Mr. Abell, the two other partners devoting their attention to the Ledger. This arrangement continued until the death of Mr. Simmons, which occurred December 9th, 1855, and which dissolved the original copartnership of Swain, Abell & Simmons. The two surviving partners immediately formed a new association, under the style of Swain & Abell, and continued as before the publication of their two papers, and the business of the printing offices connected with them. Although equally interested in each paper, it naturally happened that as Mr. Swain lived in Philadelphia, and Mr. Abell in Baltimore, the management of the Ledger and its concerns fell to the charge of the former, and that of The Sun continued in the hands of the latter, an arrangement which was found productive of entire harmony, and which removed all occasion for interference or collision. Gradually, however, Mr. Swain's health began to decline, until he was unable to give to the Ledger his active personal supervision. The war too broke out, and Mr. Abell's duties in Baltimore became exceedingly difficult and onerous. His own position and that of The Sun were not free from danger, when public journals were suppressed and their editors incarcerated at the mere will of a military commander; and to add to his other perplexities, his partner in Philadelphia took the extreme Northern view in the conflict between the sections. Under these circumstances, Mr. Abell notified Mr. Swain of his willingness to dispose of his interest in the Ledger, and finally, after considerable negotiations and many delays, on the 3d of December, 1864, the Ledger was sold to Mr. George W. Childs, the publisher, and the Messrs. Drexel & Co., bankers, of Philadelphia. After the sale of the Ledger, The Sun was conducted by Mr. Abell alone, as agreed upon between his partner and himself, until February 16th, 1868, when Mr. Swain departed this life in the sixtieth year of his age. Since the death of Mr. Swain, Mr. Abell has sold his interest in the Ledger Building and other real estate in the city of Philadelphia, which he held in common with his late partner, to Mrs. Swain and her two sons, and they in turn have sold to Mr. Abell all their interest in the Sun Iron Building and other real and personal estate in the city of Baltimore, thus completely severing the interests which were formerly joint. In 1852 the founders and proprietors commenced using two Hoe type revolving cylinder presses, each rated at 10,000 copies per hour, and which were the first type-revolving presses successfully used in the world. Their use has since spread throughout the world and into all great printing offices 0107 99 of this country and Europe. Prior to the introduction of the magnetic telegraph, in a spirit of sagacious enterprise Mr. Abell organized, in connection with Mr. Craig, afterwards agent of the Associated Press of New York, a carrier pigeon express for the transmission of news between the cities of New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore and Washington. The pigeons for this service, about four or five hundred in number, were kept in a house on Hampstead Hill, near the Maryland Hospital for the Insane, and were carefully trained. Foreign steamer news was frequently obtained in this way, and on more than one occasion a synopsis of the President's message was brought by the pigeons to Baltimore immediately after the delivery to Congress, and published in extras to the great surprise of the public. This was the first pigeon express organized in this country, and was regularly continued until superseded by the telegraph. The first (President's) message of any considerable length which was ever transmitted by the electric telegraph, at once demonstrating and illustrating the success and the utility of Morse's great invention, was sent across the wires, then newly laid from Washington to Baltimore, addressed to The Baltimore Sun, and published in an extra Sun. It may be stated that Mr. Abell was the first to introduce into Baltimore the “carrier system” for the distribution of newspapers, which has since been found so convenient both to publishers and subscribers, as well as remunerative to the carriers themselves, who own their own routes and make their own collections, that it has been adopted by all the papers of the city. There are few subjects, too, of vital concern to the community in which The Sun has not led the way, and it may now be said to have acquired an individual character of its own; it has traditions from which it never departs, grooves which it rarely leaves, a certain tone by which it is almost invariably distinguished. Here it may be remarked, and it is an illustration of what has just been said, that many of the persons employed about The Sun office have been there for years. For a long period the chief editor was the late Thomas J. Beach, a writer of much force. Mr. John T. Crow, who was an associate with Mr. Beach, and who formerly edited and published a paper in Georgetown, D. C., where his youth was spent, is editor-in-chief, and the editorials are distinguished for clearness and directness. He is evidently a close observer and thinker, and does not permit the superficial treatment of any subject of moment. The Sun continues to increase in business and prosperity, and Mr. Abell has brought to his aid in its conduct latterly Mr. George W. Abell and one or two others of his sons, who, having the advantage of his teachings and example and association with others long connected with the conduct of the journal, it may he confidently assumed that the paper will be kept in the judicious path it has always pursued so advantageously to the community.

The first number of the Baltimore Clipper was issued on Saturday morning, September 7th, 1839, from No. 10 North Gay street, 0108 100 John H. Hewitt & Co., editors and proprietors. Tuesday, may 19th, 1840, Mr. Hewitt retired from the paper, having disposed of his interest to Messrs. Bull & Tuttle. On the 10th of June, 1840, the Clipper announced that “the daily circulation is five times greater than that of any other dally paper of Baltimore.” On Saturday, June 27th, 1840, the Clipper issued their first weekly number, called the Ocean. On Monday, Nov. 11th, 1844, the name was changed from the Baltimore Clipper to that of the American Republican. On Friday, January 1st, 1847, the paper resumed its former name of the Baltimore Clipper. Mr. Tuttle died Friday, June 17th, 1864, and on Monday, July 11th, 1864, Mr. Edmund Bull, surviving partner of Messrs. Bull & Turtle, disposed of the Baltimore Clipper to Mr. William Wales, who continued it until it ceased, Saturday, September 30th, 1865.

Mr. Wales having entered into partnership with Mr. Wm. R. Coale, issued on the following Monday, October 2d, the first number of the Baltimore Daily Commercial. In 1867, the Daily Commercial was changed to an afternoon paper by the original proprietors, until 1869, when Mr. Wales withdrew, returning to Minneapolis. The title was changed to Evening Bulletin, and on Sunday a Sunday Bulletin was issued. In 1870, the paper was purchased by Dr. William H. Cole, a talented gentleman, formerly connected with some of the leading papers of the country, and who had been connected since 1867 with the Commercial and the Bulletin, and who is now connected with the Baltimore Gazette; and he, in company with Colonel E. M. Yerger, of Mississippi, started the Evening Journal, under the firm name of E. M. Yerger & Co. In 1871, Dr. Cole withdrew from the firm, and the paper was continued until July, 1871, by Col. Yerger, who discontinued it.

At the time of the purchase by Dr. Cole of the Bulletin, Mr. W. R. Coale, its formerproprietor, together with Mr. W. M. Laffan, a gentleman of marked literary attainments, who was assistant editor, made the Sunday Bulletin a separate establishment. The first number had been issued August 14th, 1870, on Sunday morning, and attained from the first a large circulation. The name was changed on the 11th of May, 1871. to Baltimore Bulletin, its present title, Mr. Laffan being opposed to the word Sunday in the title, it being in nowise a Sunday paper. At the same time it took up Real Estate, and gave it close attention, besides publishing a record of all transactions in the city and county. On the 3d of September, 1873, Mr. Coale retired from the firm, and his interest was purchased by Mr. Laffan and Mr. Samuel S. Early, the latter a gentleman well known in business circles, who had come to Baltimore from Terre Haute, Indiana, to settle with his family. Mr. Early's wealth and position, and the healthier management that was immediately apparent in the conduct of the paper, gave new life to it, and it became exceedingly prosperous and valuable. It is independent in politics, expresses radical opinions without regard 0109 101 to persons or prejudices, and is a strong advocate of local and general progress. With the exception of real estate, it is mainly devoted to literature. Among its numerous contributors may be mentioned S. Teackle Wallis, Dr. Wm. Hand Browne, Edward Spencer, Professor Gildersleeve, Mrs. Bellonoy, Mrs. Margaret J. Preston, Dr. J. Williamson Palmer, Dr. George Reuling, Dr. Edward Warren, Miss Mary Laffan, of London, England, Miss Margaret Fitz Gibbord, and others.

The proprietors, Messrs. E. V. Hermange & Co., of The Evening News, a merry, pungent, spicy and sprightly evening paper, issued their initial number on the 4th of November, 1872, The News, from the first, has been a success; every day there are three editions published, and frequently four and five, when important events occur to justify it. Mr. Hermange, before engaging in the newspaper business on his own account, was connected with the Baltimore Sun for sixteen years as clerk, night editor, and latterly manager and general superintendent of The Sun book and job printing office, one of the largest in the country. The fact of Mr. Hermange being with his first and only employer for so many years,—the knowledge he necessarily acquired whilst serving him during that time, induced a few gentlemen who knew well his character and abilities, to furnish the additional capital that he required to establish a successful evening newspaper, and it is they who compose the company of E. V. H. & Co. The News is independent on all subjects, and its editorials are noted for their sprightliness and vim. On the 9th day of February, 1874, Mr. James R. Brewer, a gentleman of fine scholastic attainments, and in every way fitted for a live journalist, purchased a half interest in the Evening News and assumed control of its editorial department.

The first number of The Sunday Telegram was issued on Sunday, the 16th of October, 1862, by Messrs. J. Cloud Norris and William R. Coale as publishers and proprietors. After publishing the Telegram about three months, Mr. Norris purchased the interest of Mr. Coale, and has continued sole owner and proprietor from that time to the present. Mr. Norris was formerly connected with Mr. Charles F. Cloud and William H. Gobright in the publication of a paper called the Sunday Dispatch, and latterly the Weekly Dispatch. The Sunday Telegram is the first successful weekly published in Baltimore, and has the largest circulation. The paper was formerly edited by Mr. William H. Gobright, but for the last eight years Mr. James R. Brewer ably fills that responsible position. While the progress of The Sunday Telegram has been steady and its success uniform, it must not be inferred that that progress has been unattended with difficulties, or that that success has not been achieved over obstacles. In the firm and conscientious discharge of his duties as a public journalist, the proprietor of the Telegram has frequently incurred, 0110 102 during the dark hours of the last war, the hostility of the violent and lawless elements of society which it was his business to rebuke. He has been threatened with mob violence, but the paper never swerved from its course in consequence of such threats. After the war ceased the Telegram advocated the principles of the Democratic party, from which it has never departed.

The Southern Magazine, a monthly periodical, was founded in January, 1868; its proprietors, Messrs. Turnbull and Murdoch, having purchased the Richmond Eclectic, published by Drs. Hoge and Brown, in Richmond, Virginia. They gave the new journal the title of The New Eclectic; and as at that time it was impossible to secure a sufficient number of original contributors, its contents were almost entirely composed of selections or translations from the leading English, French and German journals. It is worth while mentioning that at the commencement of their enterprise the publishers wrote to each of these foreign papers—although the absence of international copyright made the obligation only one of courtesy—requesting permission to use their materials, which was very obligingly granted. In March, 1869, an arrangement was made with Gen. D. H. Hill, publisher of The Land we Love, a monthly magazine, issued at Charlotte, N. C., by which that journal was combined with the New Eclectic. At the close of 1870 Mr. Turnbull retired, and the magazine became the property of Mr. Murdoch, Mr. Wm. Hand Browne, a highly educated and talented gentleman (who had for some time ably filled the editorial chair), and Mr. W. S. Hill, formerly its general agent. By this time the magazine had drawn around it a sufficient staff of contributors to assume the rank of an original journal, so the title was changed to that of The Southern Magazine. In 1873 the house of Turnbull Brothers became the publishers, Mr. Wm. Hand Browne remaining the editor. The Southern Magazine is the only first-class literary monthly published south of Philadelphia. As its title denotes, it is devoted to the interests and development of the South, and the organ of the higher thought and culture of the Southern people, most of whose leading thinkers, poets and scholars are numbered among its contributors. For its efforts to promote the well-being and intellectual advance of the South, and to do justice to her history, the Magazine was recently complimented by a public vote of thanks of the Southern Historical Society, and a resolution that it be adopted as the official organ of that body.

Lyford's Baltimore Price Current, published weekly by Wm. G. Lyford, editor and proprietor, commenced Saturday, March 3d, 1838, printed by Bull & Turtle, northwest corner of Baltimore and Gay streets. Mr. Lyford continued his publication until January 5th, 1850.

On the 29th of June, 1850, the Baltimore Price Current and Weekly Journal of Commerce made its first appearance, published 0111 103 and edited by George U. Porter and Thomas W. Tobin, and printed by James Young. In the early part of the war Mr. Tobin died, and the Price Current has ever since been published by George U. Porter. In July, 1862, Mr. Porter was arrested whilst at work in his private office, and hurried off to Fort McHenry, for no alleged cause, denied an examination, and prevented from engaging an attorney—Gen. Morris, who was in command at the time, calling particular attention to a printed order forbidding prisoners from engaging counsel to defend them. After being confined for fifteen days, he was taken to Fort Lafayette, in New York harbor, and there detained for three months longer. There was no interruption in the regular issue of the Price Current, nor has there been since the date of its first issue. Mr. Porter has been connected with the Merchants' Exchange since the 14th of August, 1841, and for the last twenty years has been the commercial reporter for the daily and weekly Sun, and for about five years also filled the same position with the Baltimore Gazette; retiring from the latter when it passed from the hands of Mr. W. W. Glenn.

The German Correspondent was founded February 1st, 1841, by Mr. Frederick Raine, its present proprietor. The place of publication was then at the northeast corner of Baltimore and Holliday streets, in a building since demolished for the purpose of widening the latter street. The establishment was moved in 1842 to Second street, opposite the Post-Office, thence to No. 75 Baltimore street, below Tripolet's Alley (now Post-Office Avenue), thence to Baltimore street opposite the Museum, thence to Gay street opposite Christ Church, afterwards the “Old Sun Building,” corner of Baltimore and Gay streets, until lastly (1869) it found a permanent resting-place in the magnificent marble building, corner of Baltimore street and Post-Office Avenue, erected at a cost of more than $200,000, by Mr. F. Raine for the purposes of his paper. From 1841 to 1842 the paper was published as a weekly, of rather small dimensions, the original list of subscribers embracing only some 80 names. It is also a remarkable fact that Mr. Raine at that time composed, set-up the type, printed and carried the paper, which to-day as a German public journal has no superior in the country. In 1843 Mr. Raine ventured first upon a bi-weekly, then upon a tri-weekly, and in 1844 upon a daily publication. Not meeting the support he expected, the tri-weekly was resumed, until 1848, when the daily became a fixed fact, and has as such remained until the present date, being at present the largest two-penny paper published in the State of Maryland. The German population, comparatively small in 1841, has increased since to 60 or 70,000, and the Correspondent has been closely identified with the progress of that class of our citizens and their development as manufacturers, merchants, mechanics, agriculturists, &c. In its early struggles to maintain itself, the Correspondent and its industrious, energetic and enterprising founder, showed the same pluck 0112 104 and perseverance that characterize those of his competitors who from 1841 until to-day have devoted themselves to journalistic enterprises in our city. Sagacity and enterprise are exhibited in its management, and the editorial columns are marked by ability and sound sense. Mr. E. F. Leyh, a talented gentleman and a writer of some renown, fills the editorial chair.

The first number of The Catholic Mirror, a first-class weekly religious paper, was issued on the 5th of January, 1850, Rev. C. J. White, D. D., editor. Present proprietors, Messrs. Kelly, Piet & Company.

The Baltimore Wecker, a daily paper published in the German language, was founded by Charles Henry Schnauffer in the fall of 1851. its founder was before that time one of the editors of the Journal in the city of Mannheim, Baden (Germany), but by taking part in the German revolution of 1848–49, was compelled to leave his country. In September, 1854, C. H. Schnauffer, the original founder, and a very popular German, died, when his widow, a talented lady, continued the publication without interruption. In 1856, the Wecker was the only paper in Maryland which advocated the principles of the Republican party. Shortly after the presidential election in 1856, the office was attacked at night by a crowd of lawless politicians, but were prevented by the police from doing serious harm. About this time the Wecker came into the hands of Mr. Wm. Schnauffer, who added a weekly edition to the paper, which soon commanded a large circulation in the counties. The paper continued on its course until the ever-memorable 19th of April, 1861, when, soon after the attack by the mob on the military, the office of the Wecker (then on Frederick street) was visited by the same, and completely wrecked, and the building seriously injured. The paper was suspended, and the publisher, Mr. Wm. Schnauffer, and the editors, whose lives were threatened, were compelled to quit the city, leaving the establishment at the mercy of the infuriated people. As soon as Gen. Butler took possession of the city by the armed military, Mr. Schnauffer returned and resumed the publication of his paper. The Wecker continued throughout the war a firm supporter of the Union cause. In 1865, Gen. F. Sigel entered into partnership with Mr. Schnauffer, which continued for two years, when the former gentleman went to New York. Mr. Rapp becoming his successor. In the spring of 1873, Mr. Wm. Schnauffer, after nineteen years' service in the establishment, retired, leaving the paper in a flourishing condition in the hands of Blumenthal & Co., who are continuing it on the same progressive principles inspired by its founder.

The South, a very able afternoon paper, “devoted to the South, Southern Rights and Secession,” issued the first number on Monday, April 22d, 1861—Thomas W. Hall, Jr., Editor. From the first it became exceedingly popular, and was eagerly sought after by all classes of our citizens. The South flourished until Friday, September 0113 105 13th, 1861, when the printer announced in the afternoon edition on a half sheet, under a flaming head of the “Freedom of the Press,” that the “usual hour for the arrival of the editor, Thomas W. Hall, Jr., Esq., having passed this morning, an effort was made to gain admittance to his editorial room. This was easily accomplished, for on trying the door, it was found that the lock had been forced, and that all his papers and documents of value had been abstracted. The locks of Mr. Hall's desk and private drawers had been picked with an expertness that would do no discredit to the most accomplished convict, and all the letters and scraps of papers contained in them carried off, as were also the full files of the Exchange and South, the files of the American, Clipper and Sun being left. Whilst looking on with wonder and amazement, the astounding intelligence was brought in that Thomas W. Hall, Jr., Esq., had been arrested * * * * * and it is only reasonable to suppose that he is now an inmate of the American Bastile, formerly known as Fort McHenry. As all communication between the editor and the printer of the South is forcibly cut off, the latter is constrained to announce to its numerous readers that its publication, for the present, must necessarily cease with the current number.” This was certainly, for the times, bold language of the printer. On Thursday, the 19th of September, The South, after a suspension of six days, was continued by Messrs. John M. Mills & Co., on a half sheet. On Thursday, the 13th of February, 1862, the paper was issued on a full sheet by Messrs. S. S. Mills & Bro., who continued to publish it until Monday, the 17th of February, 1862, when it was suppressed by the military authorities.

The first number of The Daily Times was issued on Thursday, September 19th, 1861; Edward F. Carter and Wm. H. Neilson, editors and proprietors.

After the war a weekly paper was started in Baltimore, called The Southern Society, which was afterwards changed to the name of The Leader, and was finally merged into The Statesman, which soon ceased to exist.

The Episcopal Methodist was established in Richmond, Virginia, July, 1865; publishers and editors, Rev. D. S. Doggett, D.D., (now Bishop of the M. E. Church South) and Rev. J. E. Edwards, D.D., a leading member of the Virginia Annual Conference. The office was transferred to Baltimore, and the first number issued the first Saturday of July, 1866, under the title of Baltimore Episcopal Methodist. It was owned and published by Rev. John Poisal, D.D., and edited by Rev. Thomas E. Bond, M. D., D.D. In November, 1869, Dr. Bond resigned his position as editor, and the editorial as well as the business department was managed by Dr. Poisal. On the 1st of May, 1872, Dr. Poisal sold out half his interest to Rev. Wm. S. Baird, A. M. (a minister of thirty years' standing in the Baltimore Conference of the M. E. Church South), by virtue of which sale Mr. Baird became joint proprietor 0114 106 and editor with Dr. Poisal. On the 1st of October, 1872, Dr. Poisal sold his remaining interest in the paper to J. Everett Martin, Esq., a graduate of Columbia College, D. C., and a lawyer by profession. From that date until the present the Baltimore Episcopal Methodist has been issued under the style of William S. Baird and J. Everett Martin, proprietors and publishers, and Rev. Wm. S. Baird, A. M., editor. The Baltimore Episcopal Methodist is published in the interest of the M. E. Church South, and circulates extensively throughout the whole South, and is the organ of the Baltimore Conference.

The Baltimore Saturday Night was first issued January 9th, 1869, by James H. Wood, publisher, and has continued in the same ownership until now. Mr. John Wills was its first editor, and subsequently it numbered among its conductors Dr. Palmer, Mr. A. J. Bowen, and D. Preston Parr, Jr. The latter gentleman, late editor of the Dispatch, a poet as well as a general newspaper writer, fills its editorial chair. The Saturday Night is independent in polities, and literary, semi-social and artistic in tone. In 1871–2 a series of valuable articles on the connection of Baltimore with the civil war, by Osmond Tiffany, a talented and much respected gentleman, were published in the Saturday Night. They were graphic in character, and considered very impartial and accurate records by all parties.

The Baltimore Dispatch was first published by James E. Anderson, its initial number appearing March 30th, 1872. It was an eight-page weekly, devoted to literature, art, and the reform of municipal governmental abuses. From its second issue to its last, which was on November 9th, 1872, it was edited by D. Preston Parr, Jr., who fearlessly and independently opposed fraud and corruption, whether practised in high or humble position. Mr. Parr first purchased a half interest, and afterwards the whole paper. It was sharp, spicy and determined, and died only for lack of means.

The first number of the Baltimore Underwriter was issued in July, 1865, Dr. C. C. Bombaugh editor and proprietor—a class paper, published monthly—devoted to the interests of insurance. Continued as a monthly to Jan. 1st, 1873, since which it is published weekly—present publishers, Bombaugh & Ransom.

Die Maryland Staats Zeitung, a German daily paper, formerly Der Neue Correspondent, was founded by three compositors of the German Correspondent. On the 1st of April, 1869, it was purchased and published by A. Douglas, who afterwards sold it to Fred. Polmyer, August 15th, 1870, who conducted it as an evening paper till the 1st of August, 1871, when it was discontinued.

The following German papers were started in Baltimore: In 1838, the Geschaftige Martha; in 1840, the Wahrheits Verbreiter, published by Samuel Ludwig; in 1844, the Democratic Whig, by William Raine; in March, 1853, the Novellen Zeitung, illustrated 0115 107 Sunday paper, by F. Raine of the German Correspondent; in April, 1856, the Leit-Stern, illustrated paper, published by Messrs. L. Wunderman & Co.; in Oct., 1859, Die Turn Zeitung, by Mr. Rapp of the Wecker; in the same year, the Zwin Zeitung; in 1865, Der Leuchtthurn; in 1867, Die Belletristischen Blaetter, Messrs. W. Minckler and Joseph Leucht, publishers; in January, 1873, Die Biene von Baltimore, by Messrs. Juenger & Mueller.

Die Katholische Volks-Zeitung is the most successful Roman Catholic paper published in the United States. The first number was issued on Saturday, May 8th, 1860, by the publishers, Messrs. Kreuzer Brothers, Mr. John Schmidt, editor. By energy, industry, and perseverance, the paper has now a weekly circulation of over 24,000 numbers, circulating in all parts of the United States and Canada.

The first number of The Baltimorean, a first-class weekly paper, was issued on the 8th of June, 1872. The proprietors are Messrs. Crutchfield & Haas, practical printers and journalists. As a family paper, The Baltimorean has no superior in the State, and we are pleased to know that, within the comparatively brief space of two years, it is permanently established. The proprietors have been unremitting in their endeavors to please the public, and we hope they will meet with a liberal and just reward, which they really deserve.

The Enquirer, a first-class weekly newspaper, established principally for the discussion of questions relating to and affecting insurance interests; for the examination of the condition of Companies, and the advisement of policy-holders and persons seeking insurance, whether that of life, fire, marine, or accident, issued the initial number on Saturday, December 14th, 1872. Mr. Nat Tyler, formerly of the Richmond Enquirer, and Mr. Frank Markoe, editors and proprietors.

The People's Appeal, devoted to literature and independent politics, issued the first number Thursday, July 17th, 1873.

The Young Idea, a monthly literary journal, issued first number in August, 1872. Edited and published by boys.

The Amateur Journal, devoted to literature, gossip, and general amusement, issued first number in January, 1872. Published monthly, by R. Emery Warfield, C. Taylor Jenkins, and John F. Nichols; on the 1st of January, 1873, continued by Warfield & Jenkins. This paper was edited by boys. On Saturday, the 5th of July, 1873, the name was changed to The Monumental Journal, the following young men being the editors and business managers: H. F. Powell, W. Landstreet, Jos. H. Rieman, Jr., and Geo. U. Porter, Jr.

Our Church Work. —The initial number of this weekly newspaper was issued on Saturday, December 3d, 1870, Rev. Hugh Roy Scott, editor.

The first number of The Baltimore Herald was issued in March, 1873, Mr. Tom Wash Smith, publisher.

0116 108

The Southern Star was first issued January, 1873. Published monthly, by Messrs. James S. Calwell and Geo. D. Fawcett.

The Railway World and National Economist, a weekly review of manufactures, transportation, and the iron, metal, and railway supply markets, was established in 1872.

The Monthly Argus, conducted by schoolboys, was established in January, 1873.

There are also published in Baltimore, the Lutheran Observer, the Baltimore Market Journal, the Good News, The Baltimore Matrimonial Journal, The Episcopal Register, and several others, of which we cannot now remember the names.

The first paper published by, and devoted exclusively to, the colored race in Baltimore, was the “ Lyceum Observer, a compendium of literature, romance, poetry, and general intelligence.” It was published by J. Willis Menard, in the year 1864, but was short-lived. The next one that made its appearance was the Communicator. It was published semi-weekly in 1865 and '66, by James Thomson. There was another called the Daily Evening Chronotype, which was published in 1867, by Mansfield, Hobbs & Co.

On the 22d of February, 1858, (Washington's Birthday) uppeared the first number of The Daily Gazette. Its projectors and proprietors were Messrs. Charles J. Kerr and Thomas M. Hall, two talented young members of the Baltimore bar. A week or two subsequently Mr. Wm. H. Carpenter became connected with the paper, and at a little later period bought an interest in it. The need of a paper boldly and fearlessly conducted was never greater than at that time. Baltimore had long suffered under the reproach of ruffianism. Even at an earlier day the stigma of “mob town” had been applied to it. At no period of its history was “mob rule” more predominant than in 1858. The police were insufficient, and the municipal authorities were in accord with the worst elements of the population. Brute force was in the ascendant; clubs of desperate and reckless men banded together as “Plug Uglies,” “Blood Tubs,” “Rip Raps,” “Rough Skins,” and by other names equally significant of their character and evil qualities, held possession of the city. Politically in affiliation with the faction in power and controlling the municipal elections by terrorism, they were too useful to be put down by those whom they served, and too strong to be overawed by individual effort. Day after day, night after night, brawls and riotous demonstrations, and sanguinary conflicts in which blood was shed and lives were lost, were common occurrences. It was against these desperadoes and those who upheld them, that The Daily Exchange opened a vigorous assault. For more than two years it maintained the dangerous contest. Its office was mobbed in open day, the screen on the counter torn down, the clock smashed with brick-bats, and a pistol pointed at the head of its business manager. Its editors were dogged in the day-time by ruffians, and at night they gathered about the 0117 109 editorial rooms waiting an opportunity to wreak their vengeance. But at every intimation of a probable attack, citizens, well-armed, assembled at the rooms and constituted a formidable garrison of defence. At length, one Paul Placide, whilst in a passenger railway car, fearing to assault, commenced to violently abuse Mr. Henry M. Fitzhugh, who had become one of the proprietors of the Exchange by purchase from Mr. Kerr. Fitzhugh drawing a pistol, made a dash for Placide, who rushing from the car, was caught on the sidewalk, and would have been shot but for the interposition of others passing along at the time. Placide soon afterwards commenced suit against Fitzhugh for assault with intent to kill. The case was removed to Baltimore County Court, where Fitzhugh was defended by S. Teackle Wallis and promptly acquitted by the jury. After this the office of the Exchange and its editors suffered less molestation. The unremitting efforts had ultimately aroused a spirit of indignation in the community, to which many brilliant editorials from the pen of Mr. S. Teackle Wallis largely contributed. A “Reform” party was organized, the banded ruffianism which had so long disgraced the city was overthrown, and peace and good order restored and maintained by a law which took from the city the control of the police and vested it in a Board of Commissioners. Of this new police force Col. Geo. P. Kane was appointed marshal. In the second year of the Exchange Mr. Frank K. froward became a partner by purchase, and when Mr. Hall retired, took his place on the editorial staff. Of his contributions to the columns of the Exchange, up to the time of his arrest and imprisonment in Fort Warren, and also to the Gazette after the close of the war, we cannot better speak than in the language of the noble tribute paid to his memory in the Daily Gazette, from the brilliant pen of Mr. S. Teackle Wallis, after his death in London in June, 1872. “Connected as we were with Mr. Howard in the labors and responsibilities of journalism, amid dangers and trials such as rarely beset its path, we are entitled to speak of his character and qualities, as only men can speak of each other who have gone side by side through such an experience. Testifying thus, and from our very hearts and knowledge, it is our pride to say of him, that no manlier soul than his, no steadier intellect or nobler purpose was ever consecrated to the discharge of public duty. Even in these times, when forgetfulness of the past seems to be regarded as almost the only hope of the future, there are hosts of Maryland men who remember with gratitude and honor how bravely he fought the fight of public liberty through the press; how vigorously he upheld what he believed to be the right, and how he suffered all that oppression and brutality could inflict, rather than abate one jot or tittle of his hatred and defiance of the wrong. Time will be when the sayings and doings of those days will have their true place in the history of the freedom of thought and speech. There will be no prouder name then on the list of the champions of both, than that of our 0118 110 departed associate and friend. It is needless to say anything to our readers of Mr. Howard's ability as a writer. He had the command of a vigorous and lucid style, to which culture had given grace without diminishing its strength. His power of statement was remarkable; his logic was eminently clear and cogent, and there was a manly independence, an earnest directness and candor in every line, which commanded the confidence of all who read, and the respect of enemies as well as friends. Of the petty arts of journalism he knew nothing. He was incapable of imposture, and despised it, as he despised clap-trap and demagogism in every from. His humor was genial and effective, and he was a master of denunciation, as it is used by gentlemen who know the dignity as well as the force of the English tongue. Of the literature of that tongue he was a loving, enthusiastic student; and if circumstances had permitted him to dedicate his lifo to it, he might have attained a high rank in poetry as well as prose. Of Mr. Howard's personal qualities we cannot yet trust ourselves to speak. The remembrances which the moment of his death recalls cannot now be written. There were none of those who knew him well who did not love him; there are none who will not mourn the gifts and the hopes which are thus early ended with him now.” Scarcely had the Reform party attained to power in Baltimore before that intense agitation of the slavery question was begun which after the election of Mr. Lincoln to the presidency brought on civil war. During the Presidential canvass, the Exchange supported the candidacy of Mr. Breckenridge, and the vote of Maryland was cast for him. But neither then nor subsequently did the Exchange countenance secession as a remedy for the injuries inflicted on the South, believing that the true policy of that section was to fight its battles under the Constitution in Congress, and not in the field of arms. But when all overtures for peace were at an end, and no adjustment was possible but by the bloody arbitrament of the sword, the Exchange, reflecting the sympathies and opinions of nine-tenths of the people of Maryland opposed what Mr. Lincoln subsequently and truthfully declared to be a “most cruel and unnecessary war.” Soon after Mr. Lincoln's election, Mr. Fitzhugh differing with his associates in respect to the policy of the paper, sold out his interest to Mr. W. W. Glenn, so that when the crash of war came, the proprietors of the Exchange were Messrs. Glenn, Howard and Carpenter. Then followed a period of wild turmoil, in the midst of which all the evil passions, with such difficulty subdued by the strong arm of the Reform party, were all loose again in Baltimore. The city was included in a military department. The Exchange was harassed on all sides. It was denied the use of the mails. This failing, its proprietors were arrested and imprisoned. First Mr. Frank K. Howard, then Mr. W. W. Glenn, and his arrest was followed by the suppression of the paper. The office and all its printing material were forthwith transferred 0119 111 to other hands, and the paper re-issued as The Maryland News Sheet, its editor, Mr. Carpenter, being the only remaining partner of the supressed Exchange then at liberty. Presently The News Sheet was denied the use of the mails, and Mr. Carpenter cited to appear before the commanding General. A strong protest being made against the denial of mail facilities, and the late Henry May interesting himself in the matter, the order was reversed. After a little while the vindictiveness of its enemies again manifested itself. The privilege of the mails was again refused; Mr. Carpenter was arrested at midnight, taken to Fort McHenry (where he nearly died from ill treatment and exposure), and thence to Fort Delaware. After an imprisonment of several months he returned and resumed his editorial duties, but subsequently was compelled to seek refuge in the country, until by grace of the General then in command he was allowed to return. Thus suppressed several times, and restricted in its circulation southwardly, harassed in every possible way, the News Sheet was published until the close of the war, when under the new name of the Gazette, the former owners of the Exchange resumed possession of their property, and recommenced their editorial labors. In 1870 Mr. Frank K. Howard sold out his interest to Mr. W. W. Glenn, who in turn sold out in 1872 to Messrs. Welsh, Taylor & Carpenter; Mr. Taylor subsequently transferring his interest to Mr. Charles J. Baker. The style of the firm at the present writing is Welsh, Baker and Carpenter, and the power and influence of the paper are felt throughout all points of the State; whilst the frequent notices of the press, not less than the large circulation it has acquired, bear testimony to the great ability with which it is edited and conducted.

The history of the American Theatre is a subject of importance as connected with the history of our literature and manners. Dramatic poetry is one of the first of the fine arts. The histrionic art, not complete in itself, because dependent on the poet, is still so important as the handmaid of poetry, that its history, as a part of the history of any country, is positively necessary to the understanding of its literature and its manners. The rise, progress, and cultivation of the Drama mark the progress of refinement and the state of manners at any given period in any country. Without the aid of the actor there are thousands who would never have heard the name of Shakspeare; but who, by his aid, are familiar with the most sublime, moral, and beautiful sentiments that ever adorned a language. That there are evils and perversions and abuses attendant upon theatrical exhibitions, as on all sublunary things, no one is more ready to admit than the writer; but he firmly believes that the theatre is in itself a powerful engine well adapted to the improvement of man, and that it only wants the directing hand of an enlightened society to make it the pure source of civilization and virtue. In May, 1752, Mr. Lewis Hallam's company, 0120 112 under the appellation of the “American Company,” embarked in London on board the “Charming Sally,” Captain Lee, and after a voyage of six weeks, a short passage in those days, the first company of players that crossed the Atlantic arrived safely at Yorktown, Virginia. Williamsburg was then the capital of Virginia, and thither the players proceeded from Yorktown. Upon application made to Governor Dinwiddie, permission was granted to erect or fit up a building for a theatre. Hallam found a building which he judged to be sufficient for his purpose, and proceeded to metamorphose it into pit, box, gallery, and stage. This was the first theatre opened in America by a company of regular comedians, and on the fifth of September, 1752, at Williamsburg, the capital of Virginia, the first play performed in America by a regular company of comedians was represented to a delighted audience. The piece was “The Merchant of Venice,” and it was followed by the farce of “Lethe.”

The first theatre, in point of time, erected in the United States was in Annapolis. it was a neat brick building, tastefully arranged, and competent to contain between five and six hundred persons. It was built upon ground which had been leased from St. Ann's Protestant Episcopal Church, which lease expired about the year 1820, and the church took possession of the theatre. It was sold and pulled down merely to procure the materials of which it was built. From the Maryland Gazette we find:— “By permission of his Honor the President. At the new theatre in Annapolis, by the company of comedians, on Monday next, being the 13th of this instant, July 1752, will be performed a comedy called the Beaux' Stratagem. Likewise a farce called the Virgin Unmasked, to begin at precisely 7 o'clock. Tickets to be had at the printing office. Box 10 shillings, pit 7 and 6 pence, gallery 5 shillings.” Wynell and Herbert, who were the principal performers at the Annapolis theatre came over with Hallam's company, who arrived at Yorktown in June. As the regular company did not play at Williamsport until the 5th of September, ample time was left for Wynell and Herbert to have gone to Annapolis for the purpose of performing plays, for we find them playing at Williamsport in September in their subordinate stations. It was the earliest temple reared in our country to the dramatic muse, and perhaps the first spot upon which the characters of Shakspeare were exhibited to the western world.

Theatrical performances have an early date in Baltimore. In the year 1773 a large warehouse, which stood at the corner of Baltimore and Frederick streets, was occasionally converted into a theatre, on the boards of which the company of Messrs. Douglas and Hallam performed plays from time to time for the edification of the colonists. The theatre-going spirit appears to have been active in those early days when Baltimore was but a small village, for we are told that the encouragement received by the company was sufficient to induce them to erect a small theatre at the intersection 0121 113 of Water and Albemarle streets, where they performed until the Revolution commenced, when all amusements of the kind being prohibited, they removed to the British West India Islands. In 1781, however, the first theatre built of brick in Baltimore was erected in East Baltimore street, nearly opposite the “Second Presbyterian” church. The announcement of its completion was published during Christmas week, and on the 15th of January, 1782, it was formally opened, with the following play-bill as published in the papers of the day, and from which we give a facsimile:

(By Permission)

THE NEW THEATRE IN BALTIMORE.

Will Open, This Evening, being the 15th of January, 1782, With an Historical Tragedy, called KING RICHARD III.

Containing—The Distresses and death of King Henry VI. in the Tower; The inhuman Murder of the young Princes; The Usurpation of the Throne by Richard; The Fall of the Duke of Buckingham; The landing of Richmond at Milfords Haven; The Battle of Bosworth Field, and Death of Richard, which put an end to the Contention between the Houses of York and Lancaster; with many other Historical Passages.

King Richard, by Mr. Wall.

Earl of Richmond And Tressel, By Gentlemen for their Amusement.

King Henry, by Mr. Tillyard; Duke of Buckingham, by Mr. Shakespeare; Prince Edward, by a young Gentleman; Duke of York, by Miss Wall; Lord Stanley, Mr. Lindsay; Catesby, by Mr. Killgour; Ratcliff, by Mr. Atherton; Lady Anne, by Mr. Bartholomew; Queen Elizabeth, by Mrs. Wall.

An Occasional Prologue by Mr. Wall, to which will be added a Farce, called MISS IN HER TEENS; Or the Medley of Lovers.

Boxes one Dollar; Pit Five Shillings; Galleries 9d.

The Doors to be open at Half-past Four, and will begin at Six o'Clock.

No persons can be admitted without Tickets, which may be had at the Coffee House in Baltimore, and at Lindlay's Coffee House on Fells-Point.

[???] No Person will on any pretence be admitted behind the Scenes.

At different periods there were added to the play-bills the following notices, viz: “Any Gentlemen possessed of good Farces, and will lend or dispose of them to the Managers, will greatly oblige them.” “Some Tunes having been called for by Persons in the Gallery which have given Offence to others, the Managers have resolved, that no Music will be played, but such as they shall order the Day before the Representation.” “Children in Laps will not be admitted.” We give the annexed list of plays which were performed here during the season, for the amusement of the carious as well as for the gratification of the lovers of the drama: 8 0122 114 Tragedy.

Orphan; or the Unhappy Marriage.

Gamester.

Venice Preserved; or a Plot Discovered.

The Revenge.

Tamerlane the Great.

Gustavus Vasa.

Mahomet the Impostor.

Jane Shore.

Hamlet, Prince of Denmark.

Romeo and Juliet.

Farce.

The King and the Miller of Mansfield.

The Citizen.

Beaux' Stratagem.

The Contrivances.

The Busy-Body.

Thomas and Sally.

The Ghost.

The Mayor of Garratt.

The Devil Upon Two Sticks.

The Wapping Landlady.

After the Revolutionary War terminated Messrs. Hallam and Henry returned to Philadelphia; but the people received the runaways with frowns, and many would have willingly continued the prohibition of stage-plays, which the caution of the first Continental Congress had so effectually recommended. After a short stay in Philadelphia the company removed to New York, and while there the managers caused a theatre to be erected in Baltimore, between the town and Point, near Pratt and Albemarle streets, on the lot where the old Trinity Church now stands. On the 17th of August, 1786, the theatre was opened. This was a new soil for the players to cultivate, and their harvest was proportionably great. Their Southern friends received them with smiles, and they continued their efforts in the new theatre until the beginning of October, when they proceeded to Richmond, Va. The Maryland Gazette of Tuesday, August 22, 1786, says: “On Thursday last was opened the new Theatre on Philpot's Hill, belonging to Messrs. Hallam and Henry, where the Old American Company performed that celebrated Comedy, The School for Scandal. The principal characters were so admirably well-sustained as to give entire satisfaction to the audience, and, indeed, the exertions of the whole company were such, that we have never before seen any Theatrical Exhibition in this town nearly equal to it. The new Theatre is very commodiously built; the scenery and other decorations truly elegant, and well-designed, expressive of the just taste of the managers, who have been at a great expense in forwarding the completion of their plan for the entertainment of the public, whose indulgence and approbation we are persuaded will adequately reward them for their labor and ingenuity. As their stay will be short, they continue to perform four times a week.”

John Henry joined Hallam soon aider the return of the latter to America, in 1785, and became his partner in business. Dunlap says, “Henry was full six feet in height, and had been an uncommonly handsome man.” His wife was a very meritorious actress. He was greatly afflicted with gout sometimes, and was compelled to keep a carriage to move about in. It was small, yet large enough to carry himself and wife to the theatre, He was the only actor in America then who kept a coach. Aware of the rather 0123 115 hostile feeling of the public toward players, and anticipating the inevitable sneer about an actor keeping a carriage, he had painted on the doors, in the manner of the coat-of-arms of the European aristocracy, two crutches, in heraldic position, with the motto, “This or these.” “I put this marked motto and device on my carriage,” Henry said, “to prevent any impertinent remarks on an actor keeping his coach.” The wits would have taken care to forget that the actor could not walk.

In 1792 an important division took place in the old American Company of Hallam & Henry. Mr. Wignell, the most important member of the company, resigned his situation and entered into partnership with Mr. Reinagle, a professor of music in Philadelphia. Their friends furnishing the means, and with the assistance of a man by the name of Anderson, who associated himself with them, and afterwards acted as their treasurer, they commenced to build an elegant theatre in Philadelphia. Whilst the theatre was being constructed, Mr. Wignell went to England to secure a company, and upon his return, Death, in the loathsome form of yellow fever, had established himself in the beautiful city of Philadelphia, in the citadel which had been prepared for the reception of Mirth and her attendants. All the usual occupations of life had ceased, and the streets were deserted. Wignell and Reinagle distributed their forces, and in the meantime opened the old theatre in Annapolis, and caused to be erected the old theatre on the site of the present Holliday street. Before it was finished they returned to Philadelphia and opened the splendid theatre prepared for them on the 17th of February, 1794, and thence they came here to open the “new theatre,” of which we have the first mention in the following advertisement:

“ New Theatre. —Persons desirous of becoming subscribers to the New Theatre of Messrs. Wignell & Reinagle, are respectfully informed that there are five shares unappropriated of One Hundred Dollars each. Subscribers to draw interest at six per cent. till the money is repaid, and to be entitled to a free ticket for the first season for each share. Application to be speedily made to Thorowgood Smith and Robert Gilmore, Esqs.

“ Baltimore, August 19 th, 1794.”

Wignell & Reinagle's company consisted of the following named actors and actresses, viz: Fennel, Chalmers, Moreton, Marshall, Harwood, Whitlock, Green, Darley & Son, Francis, Bates, Blisset, Warrell, Mrs. Whitlock, daughter of Roger Kemble, Mrs. Oldmixon, Mrs. Francis, Mrs. Marshall, Mrs. Broadhurst, Mrs. Warrell, Miss Willems (afterwards Mrs. Green), Miss Oldfield, and Mr. and Mrs. Morris, composing a force that defied opposition. Of this “New Theatre” the editor of the Maryland Journal says: “The inhabitants of Baltimore and its vicinity will soon have the 0124 116 opportunity of being gratified with the most refined and rational amusement which a liberal mind is capable of enjoying. The animated sentiments of immortal authors, when clothed in the smooth robe of pathetic eloquence, cannot fail to awaken the most dormant of the human faculties, and, by exciting a laudable emulation, rouse the noblest principles of the soul in imitation of the virtues and glorious achievements of the heroes of the drama. In all ages, since the first invention of dramatic entertainments, the stage has been justly celebrated for its tendency to reform the manners, and give an elegant polish to society; its facility in exposing the baser part of mankind cannot be too warmly admired, and the beautiful representations of the rewards of virtue, which every well written play exhibits, must cause the honest, generous breast to glow with the strongest consciousness of rectitude and additional self-satisfaction. The public may anticipate the full enjoyment of all the ravishing sensations which the superior talents of able theatrical performers, assisted by the attractive charms of melodious music, are capable of conveying to the soul. The ingenious conduct of Messrs. Wignell & Reinagle, the peculiar taste displayed in their selections, and the shining abilities of their company, have already merited and received the loudest applauses of a distinguished part of our country; and from the convenient situation and accommodations of our New Theatre, but particularly from the address of its managers, the public have everything that is pleasing to expect.” From the Maryland Journal we also copy the following card, published by Wignell & Reinagle:

NEW THEATRE.

The Public are respectfully acquainted that the Entertainment for the Season commences on Wednesday, the 24th instant [August], with the Comic Opera of LOVE IN A VILLAGE, And a Comedy in two Acts, called WHO IS THE DUPE?

[???]Places for the Boxes to be taken on Tuesday, at the office in the front of the Theatre from the Hour of 10 till 2, and on the Day of Performance—Boxes 7s. 6d.—Pit 5s. 7½d.

Floreat Republica.

From the Maryland Journal of Wednesday, September 24th, 1794, we also get the following:

The Public are respectfully acquainted that the opening of the NEW THEATRE

Is unavoidably postponed until Thursday, the 25th instant, when a favorite Comedy will be performed (for the first time here) called EVERY ONE HAS HIS FAULT, With an occasional Overture, composed by Mr. Reinagle.

0125 117

End of the Comedy,

A SCOTS PASTORAL DANCE, In which will be introduced a New Highland Reel composed by Mr. Francis called THE CALEDONIAN FROLIC.

To which will be added A Comic Opera in two Acts called THE FLITCH OF BACON; Or, Dunmore Priory.

[???]Love in a Village is obliged to be postponed on account of the indisposition of Mrs. Warrell, &c.

Subscribers to the New Theatre are requested to send for their tickets of admission to the store of Mr. Clarke, bookseller in Market Street, on Thursday morning.

[???]Places for the Boxes to be taken on Tuesday at the office in front of the Theatre, &c., &c.

Floreat Republica.

Of which the editor of the Journal, of the 26th of September, says:—“We have the pleasure of announcing to the public that the opening of the New Theatre, last night, was attended by a numerous and brilliant audience, who deservedly bestowed their reiterated plaudits on the very skilful performance of the company.” From the play-bills we get the following information: “The scenery was designed and executed by Mr. Milbourne.” “Doors were opened at a quarter past five and performances commenced at a quarter past six.” “The manager requests gentlemen and ladies who procure tickets at the office of the Theatre, would in future, always bring the exact change, as no change can be given, owing to the confusion it occasions in the hurry of business.” “The ladies and gentlemen are requested to send their servants to keep places by a quarter before five o'clock, and to direct them to withdraw as soon as the company are seated, as they cannot on any account be permitted to remain.” We add the following reminiscences, extracted from an old old newspaper which was published by the Hon. John P. Kennedy anonymously: “This playhouse stood in Holliday street, just where the present ‘Theatre’ now stands. What a superb thing it was!—speaking now as my fancy imagined it then. It had something of the splendor of a great barn, weather-boarded, milk-white, with many windows; and to my conception, looked with a hospitable, patronising, tragi-comic greeting down upon the street. It never occurred to me to think of it as a piece of architecture. It was something above that—a huge, mystical Aladdin lamp that had a magic to repel criticism, and filled with wonderful histories. There Blue Beard strangled his wives and hung them on pegs in the blue chamber; and the glorious Valentine overcame his brother Orson by the clever trick of showing him his own image 0126 118 in a wonderful shield of looking-glass, which, of course, we believed to be pure burnished silver; and there Babes in the Wood went to sleep under the coverlet provided for them by the charitable robins that swung down upon wires, which we thought was even superior to the ordinary manner of flying; and the ghost of Gaffer Thumb came up through the floor, as white as a dredge-box of flour could make him—much more natural than any common ghost we had seen. Alas! what has become of Orcobrand's Cave and the Wood Demon and the Castle Spectre, and all the rest of those delightful old horrors which used to make our hair stand on end in delicious ecstasy in those days? This reflection gives me rather a poor opinion of the modern drama, and so I do not look much after it. In fact, I suspect this age to be greatly behind ours in these terrible fascinations. Young America is evidently not so easily scared as old America was. It has a sad propensity towards fast trotters, and to that wretched business of driving buggies which has spoiled the whole generation of young gentlemen, and made a good cavalry officer, just now, an impossibility, or at least a virtuous exception in one half of the country. The age is too fast for the old illusions, and the theatre now deals in respectable swindlers, burglars, and improper young ladies, as more consonant with public favor than our old devils, ghosts and assassins, which were always shown in their true colors, and were sure to be severely punished when they persecuted innocence. The players were part and parcel of the playhouse, and therefore shared in the juvenile admiration with which it was regarded. In fact, there was a misty confusion of the two which destroyed the separate identity of either. The playhouse was a compound idea of a house filled with mountains, old castles and cities, and elderly gentlemen in wigs, brigands, fairies and demons, the whole making a little cosmos that was only connected with the world by certain rows of benches symmetrically arranged into boxes, pit and gallery, where mankind were drawn by certain irresistible affinities to laugh and weep and clap their hands, just as the magicians within should choose to have them do. Of course there was but one playhouse and one company of actors. Two or more would have destroyed that impression of the supernatural, or rather the extranatural, which gives to the show its indescribable charm. A cheap and common illusion soon grows stale. Christy's Minstrels may be repeated every night, and people will only get tired of the bad jokes and cease to laugh; but Cinderella and her glass slipper would never endure it. The fairy bubbles would burst, and there would be no more sparkling of the eyes of the young folks with the delight of wonder. Even Lady Macbeth, I believe, would become an ordinary sort of person in ‘a run’—such as is common now. The players understood this, and therefore did not allow themselves to grow too familiar. One company served Baltimore and Philadelphia, and they had their appointed seasons—a few months or even 0127 119 weeks at a time—and they played only three times a week. ‘The actors are coming hither, my lord,’ would seem to intimate that this was the condition of things at Elsinore—one company and a periodical visit. There was a universal gladness in this old Baltimore when the word was passed round—‘The players are come.’ It instantly became everybody's business to give them a good reception. They were strange creatures in our schoolboy reckoning, quite out of the common order of humanity. We ran after them in the streets as something very notable to be looked at. It was odd to see them dressed like gentlemen and ladies—almost incongruous, we sometimes thought, as if we expected to see them in slashed doublet and hose, with embroidered mantles and a feather in their caps. ‘There goes Old Francis!’ was our phrase; not that he was old, for he was far from it, but because we loved him. It was a term of endearment. And as to Jefferson! Is there anybody now who remembers that imp of ancient fame? I cannot even now think definitely of him as a man, except in one particular, that he had a prominent and rather arching nose. In regard to everything else he was a Proteus—the nose always being the same. He played everything that was comic, and always made people laugh till tears came to their eyes. Laugh! why, I don't believe he ever saw the world doing anything else. Whomsoever he looked at laughed. Before he came through the side scenes, when he was about to enter O. P. or P. S., he would pronounce the first words of his part to herald his appearance, and instantly the whole audience set up a shout. It was only the sound of his voice. He had a patent right to shake the world's diaphragm which seemed to be infallible. No player comes to that perfection now. Actors are too cheap, and all the hallucination is gone. When our players came, with their short seasons, their three nights in the week, and their single company, they were received as public benefactors, and their stay was a period of carnival. The boxes were engaged for every night. Families all went together, young and old. Smiles were on every face: the town was happy. The elders did not frown on the drama, the clergy levelled no canon against it, the critics were amiable. The chief actors were invited into the best company, and I believe their personal merits entitled them to all the esteem that was felt for them. But, among the young folks, the appreciation was far above all this. With them it was a kind of hero-worship, prompted by a conviction that the player was that manifold creature which every night assumed a new shape, and only accidentally fell into the category of a common mortal. And, therefore, it seemed so interesting to us to catch one of them sauntering on the street looking like other people. That was his exceptional character, and we were curious to see how he behaved in it—and, indeed, thought him a little awkward and not quite at his ease in that guise, How could old Francis be expected to walk comfortably in Suwarow boots and a stove-pipe hat—he 0128 120 who had, last night, been pursuing Columbine in his light suit of triangular patchwork, with his wooden sword, and who so deftly dodged the police by making a somersault through the face of a clock, and disappearing in a chest of drawers, or who, the night before that, was a French dancing-master, and ran away with a pretty ward of a cross old gentleman who wanted to marry her himself!”

Finally, this old wooden theatre, which had become too small for the rapidly increasing population of the city, was to be replaced by a new one. In the Baltimore American of Wednesday, September 4th, 1811, we find the following advertisement:

“ New Theater. —The subscribers, managers and proprietors of the New Theatre of Baltimore, propose to build a new edifice on the site of the present theatre, on an elegant, improved and enlarged plan. To effect this object, equally desirable to themselves and the public, it is proposed to raise a sum of money, on the security of the property, by subscription. Those who feel disposed to assist and patronize the undertaking, are invited to examine the proposed terms of the subscription, which are left at the office of William Gwynn, Esq., in Chatham street, and will be found to be highly advantageous to subscribers.

Warren & Wood. ”

On the 10th of May, 1813, the “New Theatre” (now called Holliday street) was opened with the following ceremonies, as taken from the programme of the day, published in the Baltimore American of May 8th:

BALTIMORE THEATRE.

On Monday, the 10th of May, The Theatre will open with an occasional Patriotic Address, commemorative of the late brilliant Naval victories, to be spoken by Mr. Wood.

After which, Cumberland's Comedy of THE WEST INDIAN.

Belcour. Mr. Wood.

Captain Dudley Mr. Doyle.

His first appearance here.

To which will be added, a new farce, never acted here, called THE SLEEP WALKER, OR, WHICH IS THE LADY?

Somno, (the Sleep Walker) Mr. Jefferson.

Doors will be opened at half past 6, and performance commence at 7 o'clock

The theatre was built by Col. Mosher, after a design of Robert Carey Long, architect. The managers were William Warren, father of the present well-known comedian of the same name, and William Wood, author of “Personal Recollections of the Stage.” The theatre not being finished, it was closed for the season Thursday, June 10th, 1813.

0129 121

A short time after the retreat of the British forces from their unsuccessful attempt upon Baltimore, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” written by Francis S. Key, on the night of the 13th of September, during the bombardment of Fort McHenry, was set to music and sung by the Durang brothers (two of these volunteer actors) on the stage of the Holliday street theatre, creating immense enthusiasm. So popular did it at once become that its repetition was demanded every night for several weeks. This fact gave the theatre a national reputation; and after the war, all the leading American, and every foreign actor who visited this country, appeared on its boards. Here John Howard Payne, the author of “Home, Sweet Home,” won the name of “The Young Roscius;” here the great George Frederick Cooke, then at the zenith of his power, gained fresh laurels; here Edmund Kean drew the largest audiences which had ever been seen in a Baltimore theatre; here the classical and scholarly Macready enchanted the most cultivated citizens by his delineations of Shakspeare's most celebrated heroes; here the elder Booth displayed that amazing genius which made him the acknowledged head of the American stage; here Forrest, Ellen Tree, Fanny Kemble, Cooper, the elder Vandenhoff, Murdoch, Burton, Charles Kean, the elder Wallack, the elder Jefferson, Madame Celeste, Fanny Elssler, Hackett, and other famous actors, appeared from time to time. Later came Mr. Joseph Jefferson, the younger Booths, Owens, Clarke, Boucicault, the Williamses and Florences, Davenport, Holland, the younger Warren, Laura Keene, Maggie Mitchell, Ristori, Charlotte Cushman, Matilda Heron, and a host of others, including many of the prominent and first singers of the world, including Bosio, Mario, Grisi, Sontag, Piccolomini, Patti, Madame Bishop.

On Thursday evening, Sept. 10th, 1846, the theatre was closed by an injunction granted by the Chancellor of the State, on application of Mendes I. Cohen, one of the original stockholders. It appears that the theatre was built originally by subscription, 126 shares having been sold at $200 each, but which were not sufficient to complete the building, and consequently liens were held against it for work done. Two several times it was offered for sale to satisfy these liens, and at the last time offered in 1846, was purchased by Jas. V. Wagner, Esq., for $13,000, it being the only bid offered. Mr. Cohen immediately took exception to the sale, on the grounds of there being but one bid for the building, and of the sale having taken place on Saturday, which, being a Jew, and his Sabbath, he could not attend the sale. Mr. Cohen held fifty shares of the stock, and formerly each share of stock was entitled to a ticket of admission, and after the sale Mr. C. sold all his stockholder's tickets, which were refused admission, and hence the suit. The court dismissed the injunction and confirmed the sale.

For years it remained closed entirely—unthought of, or uncared for, by responsible managers. Latterly efforts were at different 0130 122 periods made by managers of more repute than tact to continue it regularly, but their attempts invariably resulted disastrously. In the fall of 1854 it was purchased by an association of liberal and wealthy gentlemen, who refitted and magnificently refurnished it at an actual expenditure of $12,000, and determined upon leaving no effort untested for the establishment of the drama in our city. They engaged, at enormous salaries, a full and for the most part a talented dramatic corps, which they placed under the absolute control of an experienced actor; but through mis-management, the season closed with an actual cash loss of $15,000. It remained for Mr. John T. Ford and his confreres in management to determine that our citizens would support a properly conducted theatre, He assumed entire control of the theatre on the 12th of August, 1855, and purchased the same fifteen years later, in 1870, for $100,000. It was sold on Monday, April 21st, 1856, at the Exchange, at public sale, for the sum of $32,000, Mr. John Grayson becoming the purchaser. Under Mr. Ford's efficient management the establishment attained a degree of popularity and prestige never before known in the theatrical annals of Baltimore. The season of 1873–74, which was doomed to so sudden and disastrous a termination, opened on Monday, August 11th, with the spectacular drama of “The Ice Witch,” and promised to be the most brilliant and profitable it had ever experienced. On Monday, September 8th, “After Dark” was placed on the boards, and on Tuesday night was again performed. That evening the curtain fell for the last time on the stage of our “Old Drury,” for in less than five hours afterwards the fire broke out, which in a short time leveled it with the ground. It may appear as a singular coincidence that the last words spoken in the play of “After Dark” are, “After dark the light has come.” At this period (1874) Mr. John T. Ford has associated with him his eldest son, Mr. Charles E. Ford, a gentleman well adapted to aid him in the management of his extensive theatrical business, and is re-building the “Old Drury” on an enlarged and more modern plan.

The following celebrated actors and actresses made their first appearance at the Holliday Street Theatre: Mr. John W. Albaugh commenced his first regular season here August 22d, 1855; Mr. George Boniface in 1851, as Capt. Bleinheim, in “Rough Diamond;” Thomas Authorpe Cooper in 1796; Mr. W. C. Drummond made his American debut here in 1810, in “Cinderella”; Rosalie Durand in 1854; Mr. Gallagher made his debut as a callboy; Miss Effie Germon, in the season of 1857–58, as Sally Scraggs, in “Sketches in India”; Mr. Charles Matthews, Sr., made his first appearance on the American stage at the Holliday, on September 2d, 1822, in “The Trip to Paris,” his receipts being $752; Mr. Milliken in 1835; Mr. Mills made his first appearance in America at the Holliday, October 4th, 1806, as “Bob Tyke”; Mrs. Joseph E. Nagle made her debut at the same place, September 4th, 1847; 0131 123 Mr. James A. Oates made his first appearance here in 1859; Maria Pritchard was brought out as a star at the Holliday by John T. Ford and Mr. Joseph Jefferson; in 1843, Peter Richings was manager; Henry J. Riley made his American debut here October 5th, 1830; Edward Sinclair Tarr, in Nov. 1861; Clifton W. Tayleure, the dramatic author and actor, took his farewell of the stage at the Holliday, May 3d, 1856. From 1854 to 1859 he was business manager. In May, 1859, he was admitted to the Baltimore bar, and practised law until 1861, uniting in the latter year the profession of journalism with that of the bar. From 1861 to 1864 he was connected with the press of Baltimore and Richmond. In August, 1864, he became business manager for Mr. John E. Owens, and accompanied him to England in 1865. At present he resides in New York. Mr. Henry Wallack made his first appearance in America at the Holliday in 1819. His average receipts were $441 per night. Mrs. Chester, in September, 1857; on the 2d of November, 1821, the elder Booth made his first appearance in Baltimore at the Holliday, and created an unusual sensation in Richard the Third. His receipts averaged about $350 per night. During this season Booth appeard as Lear, Edgar, Charles Kemble, and Edmund, Macready. The last night the receipts were not sufficient to pay the expenses, and they were obliged to make up the deficiency by paying $80—which nearly absorbed all the earnings of their former nights. Charles Kean played here in 1826, but owing to the partisan feeling against him in relation to the Boston riot, he did not fill his engagement of eight nights, but removed to Philadelphia. On the 15th of December, 1848, Forrest was announced to act “Macbeth” at the Holliday Street Theatre, and at the same time Macready was announced for the same part at the Front Street Theatre, which created great excitement, both theatres being crowded with the friends and admirers of each.

1773. In this year Messrs. Griffith, Shields, Lemmon, Presstman, McKim, Cox, and others purchased a lot and erected a church on the corner of Front and Fayette streets, where the Shot Tower now stands, for the Baptist society. The Rev. John Davis, from Harford, officiated occasionally; but on the 15th of January, 1785, Mr. Lewis Richards (who had been elected the presiding minister the year previous), together with Mr. David Shields, George Presstman, Francis Presstman, Jean Shields, Racheal Coal, Thomas Coal, Richard Lemmon, Alexander McKim, William Hobby, and Eleanor Thomas were constituted in a regular Baptist Church by the Rev. John Davis, pastor of the Baptist church in Harford County. There were attached to the church at the time a parsonage and graveyard. This church since its organization has had only five pastors, including the present incumbent. Rev. Lewis Richards was pastor for thirty-three years, from its organization in 1785 to 1818; Rev. Edward J. Reis was associate pastor from 0132 124 1815 to 1818, and full pastor from 1818 to 1821, in all six years; Rev. John Finlay from 1821 to 1834, thirteen years; Rev. Stephen P. Hill from 1834 to 1850, sixteen years; Rev. John W. M. Williams, D. D., the present pastor, from January 1st, 1851, nearly twenty-three years; Rev. H. O. Wyer was elected pastor in 1834, and accepted, but declined before entering upon his duties because of ill-health. During the pastorate of Rev. Mr. Richards 293 persons were received into the church by baptism and 115 by letter; under the Rev. Mr. Reis 30 were received by baptism and six by letter; under the ministration of Rev. Mr. Finlay, 140 by baptism and six by letter; under Rev. Mr. Hill, 410 were added by baptism and 159 by letter; and under the Rev. Mr. Williams, the present pastor, 865 have been added by baptism and 302 by letter and restoration. In the spring of 1834 the church held a protracted meeting, conducted principally by Rev. W. F. Broaddus of Virginia, which was a great success, as were also those held in October, 1839, by the Rev. Jacob Knapp, assisted by the pastor, Mr. Hill.

In 1817 the original society erected their commodious circular church on the corner of Sharp and Lombard streets, at a cost of over $50,000. The debt incurred by the building of such a large and costly house proved a serious hindrance to the prosperity of the church for many years. In 1823 a resolution was passed to close the house and give the keys up to the creditor, and but for his generous spirit it would have been lost to the denomination. It was not until 1852, during the pastorate of the present minister, that the whole debt was paid and the ground-rent greatly reduced. The property is now held in fee-simple. On the removal to Sharp street the church and grounds on Front street were sold, and the remains of the interred there removed to the cemetery southwest of the city; but soon after the old church is let to a third Baptist congregation, the Rev. James Osborne officiating there. Several colonies have gone out from the first church, which have become large and influential bodies. Among them is the Seventh Baptist Church, constituted in 1845 with ninety-two members. Its meeting-house, on the northwest corner of Paca and Saratoga streets, cost between thirty and forty thousand dollars. Rev. R. Fuller, D. D., was pastor for twenty-three years; Rev. W. T. Brantley, D. D., has been pastor for more than two years past. It now numbers 556 members, a large number having left with the former pastor to form the Eutaw Place church in 1871. This church reports now 370 members. It has a beautiful white marble edifice, costing with the ground $125,000.

The Lee Street Baptist church is also a colony of the old First, constituted in 1854. It has 231 members; Rev. John Pollard pastor. Its house of worship was dedicated in June, 1864; cost, $16,000.

Besides these there are in Baltimore the Second Baptist Church, 0133 125 Broadway, near Pratt, founded in. 1797. The venerable John Healey was pastor for more than fifty years; Rev. E. N. Harris is the present pastor. In 1854 they left their old meeting-house on Fleet street, and entered their present handsome one on Broadway; cost, $15,000. The High Street Church was constituted in 1835. It first met in Calvert, near Saratoga street, but in 1844 moved to High street. Rev. Franklin Wilson, D. D., was pastor for several years, and saved the house from being sacrificed for debt. It cost about $15,000. The Franklin Square Church was organized October, 1854, with thirty members. It now has 330; pastor, Rev. G. W. Sunderlin. Its meeting-house cost about $20,000. Besides these there is one German Baptist church and three colored churches in the city. One of these, on Leadenhall street, has a house, dedicated in 1873, which cost $20,000, and is one of the finest houses for colored people in Baltimore.

1774. Mr. Isaac Griest, Benjamin Griffith, Jesse Hollingsworth, and thirteen gentlemen in the county, were appointed commissioners under an Act of the Provincial Legislature, to direct the expenditure of a sum of nearly $11,000 to make the three great roads leading to the town.

In consequence of the passage by the British Parliament of the Boston Port Bill—a bill intended to shut out the people of Boston from commercial intercourse with every part of the world—the people of Boston assembled in town-meeting at Fanueil Hall on the 13th day of May, 1774, and voted “that if the other colonies would come into a joint resolution to stop all importations from Great Britain, and every part of the West Indies, till the act blocking up the harbor be repealed, the same will prove the salvation of North America and her liberties.” This resolve was transmitted to the people of Baltimore, in a letter written by Mr. Samuel Adams to Mr. Win. Lux, of Baltimore. Mr. Adams said: “The people receive this edict with indignation. It is expected by their enemies, and feared by some of their friends, that this town singly, will not be able to support the cause under so severe a trial. As the very being of every colony, considered as a free people, depends upon the event, a thought so dishonorable to our brethren cannot be entertained, as that this town will now be left to struggle alone. The town of Boston is now suffering the stroke of vengeance, in the common cause of America. I hope they will sustain the blow with a becoming fortitude, and that the effects of this cruel act, intended to intimidate and subdue the spirits of all America, will by the joint efforts of all, be frustrated.” In the Maryland Journal of the 28th of May, 1774, a notice appeared, of which the following is a copy: “On Tuesday last, a few hours after the arrival of an express from Philadelphia relative to the situation of affairs at Boston, a number of merchants and respectable mechanics of this town met at the Court-house, and appointed a committee to correspond with 0134 126 the neighboring colonies, as the exigency of affairs may make it occasionally necessary.” This committee was Robert Alexander, Robert Christie, Sr., Isaac Van Bibber, Thomas Harrison, John Boyd, Samuel Purviance, Jr., Andrew Buchanan, Wm. Buchanan, John Moale, Wm. Smith, Win. Lux, and John Smith. They met at the Court-house on Tuesday, May 31st, 1774, Captain Charles Ridgely acting as chairman. There were eight resolutions adopted. The three first were dissented from by very inferior minorities; the remaining five were unanimously adopted. The first resolution expresses it as the duty of every colony in America to unite in the most effectual means to obtain a repeal of the late act of Parliament for blockading the harbor of Boston; three dissenters. The second concurred in the sentiment expressed by the Boston resolve, that if the colonies came into a joint resolution to stop importations from, and exports to, Great Britain and the West Indies, the same would be the means of preserving North America and her liberties; three dissentients. The 3d, the inhabitants of the county will join in an association to stop the intercourse at given days; nine dissentients. The 4th provides for the appointment of delegates to attend a general congress from each county in the State, to be held at Annapolis, and delegates to attend a general congress from the other colonies; unanimously assented to. The 5th provides for breaking off all trade and dealing with that colony, province or town, which refuses to come into similar resolutions; unanimously assented to. The 6th appoints Capt. Charles Ridgely, Charles Ridgely, son of John, Walter Tolly, Jr., Thomas Cockey Dye, William Lux, Robert Alexander, Samuel Purviance, Jr., John Moale, Andrew Buchanan, and George Risteau, as a committee to attend a general meeting at Annapolis, and that the same gentlemen together with John Smith, Thomas Harrison, William Buchanan, Benjamin Nicholson, Thomas Sellers, William Smith, James Gittings, Richard Moale, Jonathan Plowman, and William Spear, be a committee of correspondence to receive and answer all letters, and on any emergency to call a general meeting, and that any six of the number have power to act; unanimously assented to. The 8th is a vote of thanks. That all these resolves did not meet with the unanimity which was expected at the time, may be accounted for from this fact, that as some of them looked to a complete prohibition of all intercourse with Great Britain and her West India possessions, it was a ruinous interference with the most profitable branch of trade at that time carried on from Baltimore.

On the 4th of June, 1774, the Baltimore committee transmitted to the Boston committee the resolutions which had been adopted, when the people of Baltimore were first made acquainted with the distresses of Boston, accompanied with the following letter:

“ Gentlemen —On the 25th ultimo, we received, (by express) from Philadelphia, a copy of your letter of the 13th to the gentlemen of 0135 127 that city, and a copy of their reply thereto, together with the votes of your town meeting, on the truly alarming situation of your affairs by the late act of Parliament, for blocking up the harbor of Boston.

“Could we remain a moment indifferent to your sufferings, the result of your noble and virtuous struggles in defence of American liberties, we should be unworthy to share in those blessings, which (under God) we owe, in a great measure, to your perseverance and zeal in support of our common rights, that-they have not ere now, been wrested from us, by the rapacious hand of power.

“Permit us therefore as brethren, fellow-citizens and Americans, embarked in one common interest, most affectionately to sympathize with you, now suffering and persecuted in the common cause of our country, and to assure you of our readiness to concur in every reasonable measure that can be devised for obtaining the most effectual and speedy relief to our distressed friends.

“Actuated by these sentiments, we immediately, on receipt of the letters aforesaid, called a meeting of the principal inhabitants, and appointed a committee of twelve persons to correspond with you, the neighboring colonies, and particularly with the towns of this province, to collect the public sense of this important concern.

“We procured a general meeting of the freeholders and gentlemen of this county, the 31st ult., when the enclosed resolutions were agreed on, with a spirit and harmony, which we flatter ourselves, prevails very generally through all parts of this province. The resolve of a general congress of deputies, in order to unite the sense of the whole colony on this interesting occasion, will, we have reason to hope, be attended with success.

“Having addressed every county for that purpose, and the gentlemen of Annapolis concurring in the same design, as soon as the result of this congress is determined, we shall make you acquainted therewith.

“In order to inspire the same zeal in others with which we are actuated for your cause, we have transmitted copies of the papers we received to the gentlemen of Alexandria, Norfolk and Portsmouth, in Virginia, and have taken the liberty of recommending to our friends in Philadelphia the necessity of setting a good example, as their influence would greatly preponderate in your favor. Although the gentlemen of Philadelphia have recommended a general congress for proceeding by petition or remonstrance, we cannot see the least grounds of expecting relief by it. The contempt with which a similar petition was treated in 1765, and many others since that period, convince us that policy or reasons of state, instead of justice and equity, are to prescribe the rule of our future conduct, and that something more sensible than supplications will best serve our purpose. The idea of a general congress, held forth by our resolves, as merely to unite such colonies as will associate in a general system of non-exportation and 0136 128 non-importation, both to be regulated in such degree and manner as most suitable to the circumstances of each colony, and as to enable us (if necessary) to hold out longer without aggrieving one more than another.

“Permit us, as friends, truly anxious for the preservation of your and our common liberties, to recommend firmness and moderation under this severe trial of your patience, trusting that the Supreme Disposer of all events will terminate the same in a happy confirmation of American freedom.

“We are, with much sincerity, “Your truly sympathizing friends,

“ Samuel Purviance, Chairman.

“ William Buchanan, “ in behalf of the Committee. ”

We have already observed that the celebrated vote of the town of Boston, which took place on the 13th of May, 1774, together with a letter from the town of Boston of said date, was forwarded by express from Philadelphia to Baltimore, and received here on the 23d of May, and that immediate action was taken upon it by the people of Baltimore County. They addressed a letter on the 4th of June to the committee of Philadelphia, responding in the most enthusiastic manner to the vote which had been transmitted to them; and from the language it makes use of respecting the propriety of holding a general congress of deputies from all the colonies, we infer that the honor of first suggesting such an assembly to meet the great crisis which was then approaching, belongs as much to the people of Baltimore, as it has heretofore been considered as in the exclusive possession of Virginia. Although the resolutions of Virginia which recommended it were dated the 27th of May, yet the communication which announced it to the other colonies was not dated until the 31st of May; and on that day, the people of Baltimore, at their deferred meeting, made an equal recommendation of such a measure, and in conveying to the other colonies their sense of its propriety they certainly speak as if they were the first to present this great measure for their approbation. They remark in this celebrated letter to the committee of Philadelphia: “The idea we have formed of a general congress, as expressed in our fourth resolve, is by no means formed upon the opinion, or the necessity of such a congress, for the purpose of petitioning or remonstrating to the crown, or any other branch of the legislature of Great Britain. The indignity offered by the ministry to every petition from America; the affected contempt with which they treated those transmitted in 1765, and every other since that time, leave us not the least ray of hope that any application in that mode would be productive of relief to the sufferings of Boston, whom we consider as a victim to ministerial vengeance, for wisely and justly opposing them in their arbitrary 0137 129 attacks upon American liberty. We have proposed the congress to settle and establish a general plan of conduct for such colonies that may think fit to send deputies. Their local circumstances and particular situation may render some little diversity necessary, especially should the same influence that has unhappily guided the councils of Great Britain continue to prevail.”

A copy of these resolutions was transmitted also to the committee of Annapolis. The committee on receiving them, assented to the proposition they contained of calling a general congress, and immediately thereafter addressed a communication to the committee of correspondence for Virginia on the subject of these resolutions. They say in their letter, “It is our most fervent wish and sanguine hope that your colony has the same disposition and spirit, and that by a general congress such a plan may be struck out as may effectually accomplish the grand object in view.” The committee of correspondence of Virginia reply to this suggestion of the Baltimore committee on the 4th of August in the following language: “The expediency and necessity, however, of a general congress of deputies from the different colonies was so obvious, that the meeting have already come to the resolutions respecting it.” If there be merit in being among the first to suggest a great and leading measure, which from its peculiar fitness to produce the end contemplated by its creation, the recommendation of the general congress as suggested by the Baltimore committee pre-eminently entitles them to its claim. That congress, according to these suggestions, did assemble, and from their deliberations resulted the declaration, that the thirteen colonies were free and independent States, and as such were entitled to do all those acts which of right may be adopted by independent nations—a congress, as described by Lord Chatham, “for solidity of reasoning, force of sagacity, and wisdom of conclusion, under such a complication of difficult circumstances, no nation or body of men can stand in preference to the general congress of Philadelphia.” The Baltimore committee appear to have lost no occasion to keep alive the spirit of patriotism which had burned with intensity in their bosoms from the moment they were made acquainted with the arbitrary legislation of Great Britain towards the town of Boston. Wherever their voice could reach they were not backward in sending it forth; nor did they conceal their regrets whenever any response was made by any of the colonies to their communications, which they thought fell short of their ardor.

The committees appointed by the several counties met at Annapolis on the 22d of June, in which Baltimore County and Town were represented by Captain Charles Ridgely, Thomas C. Dye, Walter Tolley, Jr., Robert Alexander, William Lux, Samuel Purviance, Jr., and George Risteau, Esqs. By them non-importation resolves were entered into; collections were to be made for the 9 0138 130 relief of the Bostonians, and congressmen were appointed. The Congress which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of September, having adopted similar measures, recommended the appointment of town and county committees throughout the colonies; and on the 12th of November, a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of Baltimore County and Town, entitled to vote, was held at the Court-house, and the following gentlemen were chosen to compose the committee for Baltimore Town, viz:

Messrs. Andrew Buchanan,

Robert Alexander,

William Lux,

John Moale,

John Merryman,

Richard Moale,

Jeremiah T. Chase,

Thomas Harrison,

Archibald Buchanan,

William Buchanan,

William Smith,

James Calhoun,

Benjamin Griffith,

Gerard Hopkins,

John Deaver,

Messrs. John Smith,

Barnet Eichelberger,

George Woolsey,

Hercules Courtenay,

Isaac Griest,

Mark Alexander,

Samuel Purviance, Jr.,

Francis Sanderson,

Dr. John Boyd,

George Lintenberger,

Philip Rogers,

David McMechen,

Mordecai Gist,

William Spear.

In all twenty-nine, and thirty-eight other gentlemen for the county, of whom—

Messrs. Thomas C. Deye,

Samuel Worthington,

Walter Tolly, Jr.,

Benjamin Nicholson,

Messrs. John Moale,

Capt. Charles Ridgely,

Dr. John Boyd,

William Buchanan,

or any three of them, were a committee to attend the committee meetings at Annapolis, and—

Messrs. Robert Alexander,

John Moale,

Andrew Buchanan,

Dr. John Boyd,

Messrs. Samuel Purviance, Jr.,

Jeremiah T. Chase,

William Buchanan,

William Lux,

or any four of them, a committee of correspondence for Baltimore Town. Of the Baltimore committee, Mr. Samuel Purviance, Jr., was elected chairman, and possessing much ardor in the cause which his excellent talents enabled him to promote in an eminent manner, so continued until the new government was formed. Mr. Purviance was the writer of the greater part of the correspondence which emanated from the committee, of which he was chairman. His fate was an untimely one. In the year 1788 he was descending the Ohio, in company with several others, when the boat on board of which he was, was captured by a band of Indians; some of the party made their escape; it was his misfortune to have been secured by his captors, and led by them into the interior of their vast wilderness. From this moment, to him, his 0139 131 country, his family and friends were lost forever, Mr. Jeremiah T. Chase was the first secretary, but as other duties were confided to him, he was succeeded by Mr. George Lux.

In December Messrs. Richard Moale, Wm. Spear, Isaac Van Bibber, and Isaac Griest were appointed a committee to report and observe the arrival of all vessels into port.

The following letter was written by a gentleman of Baltimore to his friend:

“ Baltimore, July 16 th, 1774.

“A vessel has sailed from the Eastern Shore of this Province with a cargo of provisions as a free gift to our besieged brethren at Boston. The inhabitants of all the counties of Virginia and Maryland are subscribing with great liberality for the relief of the distressed towns of Boston and Charlestown. The inhabitants of Alexandria, we hear, in a few hours, subscribed three hundred and fifty pounds for that noble purpose. Subscriptions are opened in this town for the support and animation of the inhabitants of Boston under their present great conflict for the common freedom of us all, which have already been so successful that a vessel is now loading with provisions for that place, as a testimony of the affection of this people towards their persecuted brethren, now bravely contending against fraud, power, and the most odious oppression, which God grant may never rise triumphant over right, justice, social happiness and freedom.”

We find from a Boston paper, under date of August 29th, 1774—“Yesterday arrived at Marblehead, Captain Perkins, from Baltimore, with three thousand bushels of Indian corn, twenty barrels of rye, and twenty-one barrels of bread, sent by the inhabitants of that place for the benefit of the poor of Boston, together with one thousand bushels of corn from Annapolis, sent in the same vessel, and for the same benevolent purpose.”

The Committee of Boston, writing to the Committee of Baltimore, under date of July 16th, said: “The part taken by the Province of Maryland must henceforth stop the mouths of those blasphemers of humanity who have affected to question the existence of public virtue. So bright an example as you have set cannot fail to animate and encourage even the lukewarm and indifferent; more especially such honest men as wish to be assured of support before they engage in so weighty an enterprise. The noble sacrifice you stand ready to make of the staple commodity of your Province, so materially affecting the revenue of Great Britain, and your generous interposition in our favor, have our warmest acknowledgments.”

In the course of this year, the office of deputy postmaster-general was taken from Doctor Franklin by the ministry, and the communications by mail exposed to the control of English agents. Mr. William Goddard, editor and proprietor of the Maryland 0140 132 Journal, in this town, devised and succeeded in establishing an independent line from Massachusetts, first to Virginia, and afterwards to Georgia, and he was appointed surveyor of the post-roads by Congress; but they having restored his office to Dr. Franklin the ensuing year, Mr. Goddard was disappointed, and, retiring himself, made his sister the ostensible editor of the newspaper.

1775. May 5th, the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Edmund Pendleton, George Washington, Benjamin Harrison, and Richard Henry Lee, Esqs., delegates from Virginia, and Richard Caswell and Joseph Hewes, Esqs., delegates from North Carolina, arrived in town on their way to Philadelphia. They were met by three companies of militia, and escorted to the Fountain Inn, where the companies saluted the delegates with a triple discharge of their musketry. On the following day four companies of the town militia were drawn upon the Common, where they were reviewed by Col. Washington, afterwards President, accompanied by the other delegates, who were pleased to express their satisfaction in the appearance and behavior of the officers and men. In the afternoon the delegates, accompanied by the Rev. Clergy and principal gentlemen of the town, preceded by Capt. Gist's independent company, and the officers of the other companies, walked from the Fountain Inn to the new Court-house, where an entertainment was provided. Among other toasts, the delegates were pleased to give the following: “May the Town of Baltimore flourish, and the noble spirits of the inhabitants continue till ministerial despotism be at an end.” The day was spent with great festivity; joy beamed in the countenances of the townsmen, who were happy in the honor of the company of the delegates, and pleased with the opportunity of showing them that respect which their conduct deservedly merited from all British America.

Messrs. Robert Buchanan, Robert Alexander, and David McMechen were appointed a committee to establish a watch for the security of the town.

Extracts from the proceedings of the Baltimore Committee of Observation:

“ Committee Chamber, April 3 d, 1775.

“Information being made to the Committee that a few individuals, inhabitants of this town, have of late worn pistols or private arms, alleging in justification of their conduct, ‘That a motion had been made in the Committee to sacrifice some of the persons in this town who differed from them, or were averse to the public measures now carrying on in this Province, and that they wore arms against any such attempts.’ The Committee, to remove any prejudice that may be taken by the public against them, and to prevent the ill effects of such false and injurious reports, if circulated without contradiction, do solemnly declare that no such motion was ever made, or any entry relative to the same minuted in their proceedings. A few members of the Committee were of 0141 133 opinion that the names of such persons who, upon application, had refused to contribute for the purchase of arms and ammunition, should be published, but even this measure was overruled in the Committee as improper at that time. Our meetings have been held public, nor has any person who thought fit to attend ever been excluded. Our records are free and open for inspection. From the public we receive our authority, not by personal solicitation, but a free and voluntary choice: to that tribunal we submit our actions. Although we have uniformly persevered, and are determined to persevere into carrying into execution the association and measures of Congress, yet in no instance have we exceeded the line pointed out by that Assembly and our Provincial Assembly; and abhorring every idea of proscription, the Committee call upon the persons who have circulated the aforesaid report to disclose the author.

“A true extract from the minutes.

“ R. Alexander, Secretary. ”

“ April 15 th, 1775.

“The Committee of Observation for Baltimore County, reflecting on the many mischiefs and disorders usually attending the fairs held at Baltimore Town, and willing in all things strictly to observe the regulations of the Continental Congress, who, in the eighth resolution, have advised to discountenance and discourage every species of extravagance and dissipation, especially horse-racing, cock-fighting, &c., have unanimously resolved to recommend it to the good people of this county, and do hereby earnestly request that they will not themselves, nor will suffer any of their families to attend, or in any wise encourage the approaching fair at Baltimore Town; and all persons are desired not to erect booths, or in any manner prepare for holding the said fair. We are persuaded the inhabitants of the town in particular will see the propriety of this measure, and the necessity of enforcing it, as the fairs have been a nuisance long before complained of by them, as serving no other purpose than debauching the morals of their children and servants, affording an opportunity for perpetrating thefts, encouraging riots, drunkenness, gaming, and the vilest immoralities.

Sam. Purviance, Jr., Chairman. ”

On the 17th of June, the British attacked the Provincials, and the memorable battle of Bunker's Hill was fought. Then hesitation ceased, and doubt everywhere gave place to certainty. Congress determined to carry on an offensive war; Boston was ordered to be invested; General Washington, nominated before that body by Thomas Johnson, of Maryland, on the 15th of June, 1775, was chosen commander-in-chief of the American forces.

July 13th, a special meeting of the committee of Baltimore Town was held, William Smith, president, and twenty-eight members. 0142 134 A letter from James Christie, Jr., merchant of this town, directed to Lieutenant-Colonel Gabriel Christie, of his Majesty's 60th regiment, at Antigua, having been intercepted, was laid before the committee and ordered to be read, which was accordingly done, and the following paragraphs were part of the contents: “ Baltimore, February 22 d, 1775.—We are in such confusion here with our politics, there is no depending on anything, and that added to other things, we are little behind the New-Englanders, mustering, purchasing arms, ammunition, &c. We have some violent fanatical spirits among us who do everything in their power to run things to the utmost extremity, and they have gone so far, that we moderate people are under a necessity of uniting for our own defence, after having been threatened with expulsion, loss of life, &c., for not acceding to what we deem Treason and Rebellion. The Provost and family are very well; our public affairs vex him, and he wishes himself away, but I know not when, or if ever, that will happen. A part of yours, or any other regiment, I believe, would keep us very quiet.” The committee then summoned Mr. Christie to attend them, but being confined to his bed, he was unable to do it, and they sent Messrs. James Calhoun, William Buchanan, Thomas Harrison, Thomas Jones, William Goodwin, and Isaac Vanbibber to wait on him at his house, and to inquire whether the said letter was written by him. The gentlemen returned and reported that Mr. Christie had been shown the letter, and acknowledged that it was written by him, but requested that any further proceedings thereon might be postponed until his health would permit his personal attendance. The committee, not thinking it proper to comply with his request, as Mr. Christie had confessed that he wrote the letter, immediately gave him notice thereof; upon which the committee directed a guard of nine men, under the command of an officer, to be placed round Mr. Christie's house. On the following day the committee met according to adjournment. Mr. Robert Christie attended, and declared that Mr. James Christie was very sorry for the letter he had written to Lieut.-Col. Christie; that he did not mean any harm by it; and that he was very willing to acquiesce in the determination of the committee. On motion resolved, that Doctor John Boyd and Mr. John McLure (members of the committee) do wait on Mr. James Christie, and inquire of him who those moderate people were that united for their defence, as mentioned in his letter, and that they take his answer in writing. The gentlemen returned and reported that Mr. Christie declared there never was any association between him and his friends for the purpose alluded to, or for any other purpose, and all that he remembers to have passed on the occasion was, that some time last winter he was informed that he, with some of his friends, were to be made a public example of for not uniting with the town in the present opposition, and this being spoken of accidentally among two or three of his 0143 135 friends, it was proposed whether an association for mutual defence would be advisable, but no determination being then made, and they soon after being convinced that no threats worth notice had been thrown out against them, the matter dropped, and was never afterwards thought of or attempted, and that it was at this time of doubt and apprehension that he wrote the letter in question, which accounts for that part of it alluded to in this inquiry. The committee proceeded to take Mr. Christie's conduct with respect to said letter into further and deliberate consideration, and were unanimously of opinion, that by representing in said letter the people of this town to be concerned in treasonable and rebellious practices, and that a number of soldiers would keep them quiet, he has manifested a spirit and principle altogether inimical to the rights, privileges, and liberties of America. They do therefore think it their duty to advertise the said James Christie, Jr., as an enemy to this country, and all persons are desired to break off all connection and intercourse with him. The committee do further resolve, that, as the crime of which the said James Christie is guilty, is of so dangerous and atrocious a nature, they will lay the same before their delegates of the Continental Congress for their advice, and in the meantime it is ordered, that as Mr. Christie is confined to his bed, and cannot be removed with safety to a place of security, the same guard be continued at his house to prevent any escape attempted either by himself or the assistance of his friends, and that Mr. Christie pay each man 5s. for each 24 hours, and the officer 7s. 6d. A report having been circulated that a number of arms and a quantity of ammunition were secretly lodged in the house of Mr. James Christie, and the same being mentioned in the committee, they directed two of their members, Captain Clopper and Mr. James Cox, to go immediately and search Mr. Christie's house, which they accordingly did, and reported that they had examined the house carefully in every part, attended by Mr. Robert Christie, Jr., and that they only found two guns and a pair of pistols, and no ammunition, and were convinced no others were in the house. Mr. Christie had been engaged in mercantile business at Rock Run, in Harford county, with Mr. John Wilson and Robert Christie, Jr. The day on which the committee gave in their decision on his conduct, these two gentlemen dissolved their partnership with him, determining not to be implicated with him in his adherence to the Tory cause. Mr. Christie was kept under the surveillance of his guard until the 24th of July, when he was discharged, upon giving an obligation, with five securities, not to depart the Province without leave of said committee or the Convention of Maryland. As a part of the resolution in his case was, to refer the question involved in it to the delegates to the General Congress, Mr. Christie himself also referred his case to Congress. That body referred him to the Provincial Convention of Maryland, to whom, in consequence of this reference, he presented a memorial 0144 136 on the 9th August, 1775. Taking his own testimony as furnished by the memorial as conclusive against him as to the offence with which he had been charged by the Baltimore committee, the Convention resolved, “that the said James Christie is, and ought to be considered as an enemy to America, and that no person trade, deal, or barter with him thereafter, unless for necessaries and provisions, or for the sale or purchase of any part of his real or personal estate of which he may be at the time seized or possessed. Resolved, that the same James Christie be expelled and banished the Province forever, and that he depart the Province before the first day of September next.” The committee had accepted the explanations given by several persons charged with inimical acts, but the people accused Mr. James Dangleish, a foreign merchant, who had declared his aversion to the cause, and therefore as soon as he had been published as an enemy he fled for safety. The laws against Roman Catholic teachers still existing, some persons actuated by worse motives broke up Mr. John Hefferman's school, and he also left the place. Other persons were also exposed to personal violence, as it was alleged, from the mistaken zeal of the committee itself, or ignorance of the principles by which they should be governed.

At an election on the 23d of September, held at the court-house, agreeably to a resolution of the late Provincial Convention, the following gentlemen were declared elected:—John Moale, Jeremiah T. Chase, James Calhoun, Benjamin Nicholson, Andrew Buchanan, Thomas Sollers, John Craddock, James Gittings, Robert Alexander, Samuel Purviance, William Wilkinson, Charles Ridgely, Jr., of William, Walter Tolly, Jr., Darby Lux, John Cockey, William Smith, William Buchanan, William Lux, John Boyd, John Smith, Zachariah McCubbin, Jr., Capt. Charles Ridgely, Thomas Harrison, Benjamin Griffith, William Randell, Thomas Gist, Sr., Stephen Cromwell, Isaac Grist, Thomas C. Dye, Mordecai Gist, John Stephenson, Ezekiel Towson, Jeremiah Johnson, William Aisquith, John Howard, George Risteau, Abraham Britton, and on casting up the ballots the following gentlemen were declared delegates to the convention for one year, viz: Robert Alexander, Benjamin Nicholson, John Moale, Walter Tolly, Jr., Jeremiah Townly Chase.

Several members of the German or Dutch Presbyterian society, attached to the Rev. William Otterbein, formed a separate religious society, which they distinguished by the name of the “German Evangelical Reformed,” and they purchased a lot on Conway street, and worshipped in a small house until they built their church.

October 16th the committee “ordered that a quantity of powder and lead be delivered to the captains of the companies enrolled agreeably to the resolutions of the late convention, equal to a half-pound of powder and two pounds of lead for each man in the company, and that the same be made up into cartridges and 0145 137 returned to the several Captains, to be by them faithfully kept and delivered out to the different men in such quantities and on such occasions as they in their discretion shall think fit. Resolved, That the privates of each company produce to their several Captains, on each day of mustering, the number of cartridges and ball delivered to them; and on default, that they pay one shilling for each and every cartridge wanting of the quantity delivered out. George Lux, Sect.”

In October the whole country was in a state of political excitement—the ferment was universal, and though perhaps but few individuals of the great mass that were then in motion had the remotest idea of a total disruption of the ties that connected them with the mother-country, yet all were ready to fly to the resort of arms in defence of their colonial rights, upon which the Government of Great Britain had been gradually making encroachments, until her system had become insupportable, tyrannical, and oppressive. In the state of things that then existed it was natural that commercial enterprise should be in a great measure suspended. The mouth of the Chesapeake was watched by British ships of war, and the merchants of Baltimore, doubtful whether their most peaceful and legitimate intentions of trade would be respected, for the most part laid up their vessels. A Bermudian sloop about this time was purchased, armed with ten guns, and called the Hornet, under the command of Capt. William Stone, with Joshua Barney as second officer or master's mate. A crew had not yet been shipped, and the duty of recruiting one was assigned to Barney. Fortunately for his purpose, just at this moment a new American flag, sent by Commodore Hopkins for the service of the Hornet, arrived from Philadelphia. Nothing could have been more opportune or acceptable. It was the first “Star-Spangled Banner” that had been seen in the State of Maryland; and next morning at sunrise Barney had the enviable honor of unfurling it to the music of drums and fifes, and hoisting it upon a staff, planted with his own hands at the door of his rendezvous. The heart-stirring sounds of the martial instruments, then a novel incident in Baltimore, and the still more novel sight of the Rebel colors gracefully waving in the breeze, attracted crowds of all ranks and eyes to the gay scene of the rendezvous, and before the setting of the same day's sun, the young recruiting, officer had enlisted a full crew of jolly “rebels” for the Hornet. Towards the latter end of November the Hornet and Wasp, the two Baltimore vessels, left the Patapsco in company. They were fortunate enough to descend the Chesapeake and pass the capes without being perceived by the British cruisers. They found the little fleet of Commodore Hopkins anchored at the mouth of the Delaware. In a few days the fleet weighed anchor and sailed for New Providence (one of the Bahama Islands), where, contrary to expectation, the town and fort surrendered without firing a 0146 138 shot. Commodore Hopkins, as had been anticipated, found an immense quantity of ammunition, great guns, mortars, shells and other valuable stores, which were brought away.

Before the 19th of April, when the battle of Lexington took place, the town had formed several companies of each description of arms, and every exertion was made to procure ammunition. Amongst others, General Buchanan, the Lieutenant of the county, distinguished himself by his zeal, and took command of a company of gentlemen of riper years, and a company of their sons and others, mostly unmarried, who armed and equipped themselves in an excellent scarlet uniform, put themselves under the command of Captain Gist, who afterwards became well-known as the General Mordecai Gist of the Revolutionary army; Lieutenant Thomas Ewing, and other officers, who, with some of the privates, became distinguished in different commands in the regular service afterwards, being trained by Richard Cary, Adjutant, who had arrived from New England, and had been a member of the Ancient Artillery Company of Boston, then lately commanded by John Hancock, Esq., first President of Congress.

Many vessels returning home were searched and stripped of their arms and ammunition. It was about this time that the water-battery on Whetstone Point was planned by Mr. James Alcock, and begun under the superintendence of Messrs. Griest, Griffith, and Loudenslager, while Captain N. Smith was put in command of the artillery stationed at that post. Three massive chains of wrought iron, passing through floating blocks, were stretched across the river, leaving a small passage on the side next the fort, and the channel was protected by sunken vessels.

November 13th the Continental Congress having recommended that adventures be made for procuring arms and ammunition, and it being necessary that a particular committee be appointed to superintend the same, Messrs. Samuel Purviance, John Smith, William Buchanan, Benjamin Griffith, Isaac Griest, Thomas Gist, Sen., and Darby Lux were appointed a committee for that purpose, under oath to keep their proceedings secret. Lady Washington and the lady of Gen. Gates arrived in town on the way to their respective husband's camps; they were escorted a few miles out of town by a part of the Independent and Light Infantry companies, with many other gentlemen.

Doctor Wiesenthal, Dr. Boyd, and Dr. Craddock publish a call to the ladies of Baltimore to lend their assistance in furnishing linen rags and old sheeting for bandages, &c.

In a regiment of regular troops commanded by Col. Smallwood, Messrs. Mordecai Gist, Samuel Smith, David Plunkett, Brian Philpot, and William Ridgely held commissions and raised men in Baltimore. Congress had recommended a general fast for the 20th of July, and it was kept here by the meetings of religious societies for worship. About this time there arrived and settled 0147 139 here Messrs. Hugh Young, Alexander Donaldson, Christopher Johnston, James Sterling, John Weatherburn, George Salmon, John McFadon and others, who were foreigners, and Messrs. William Young, Hezekiah Waters, Benjamin May, Peter Hoffman, George Warner, Anthony Houck, and others from this or neighboring provinces.

It has often been a disputed question when the first military company was organised in Maryland, at the coming on of the Revolution. The following letter, written to the Honorable Matthew Tilghman in convention at Annapolis, will settle the point:

“ Coffee House, 30 th December, 1775.

“ Sir: —Permit me to address you as President of that honorable body, whose rules I consider as sacred, and to which I have ever paid a ready and cheerful obedience. Prompted by the regard I owe my country, I did at the expense of my time and hazard of my business, form a company of militia, early in December 1774—a company composed of gentlemen, men of honor, family, and fortune, and though of different countries, animated by a zeal and reverence for rights of humanity, they have acted superior to the narrow attachments that influence contracted minds, whose sentiments are determined by the place of their nativity. Unanimously approved of by this company, I have been twice appointed to the honor of being their commander, since the last of which, we remonstrated to the Council of Safety, praying to be confirmed as an independent company. Having received no answer, I am induced to believe, that such an establishment ought not to be acceded to; but still desirous of being serviceable to my country, I have entered my name among the number of applicants who are soliciting preferment from the convention. That cruel and unjust system of policy which has for many years influenced the British Senate, has long since inclined me to lose sight of an honorable accommodation with the mother country, unless resisted by a brave and manly opposition. This consideration led me to an early and constant attention to military affairs; and allow me, sir, to assure you, that I have neither spared time nor expense in the acquisition of that kind of knowledge. In private life I have ever been ambitious of being the useful citizen. Emulous of that character, I wish to assume the soldier; and if appointed to an orifice (not beneath what my former rank entitled me to) I shall endeavor to acquit myself with honor to those who are pleased to appoint me.

“I am, sir, “Your most humble servant, “ Mordecai Gist. ”

To carry into execution the resolutions of the Continental Congress, respecting the public defence, it became necessary to raise in the Province the sum of ten thousand pounds, to be laid out in 0148 140 the purchase of arms and ammunition. The convention of Maryland, in assigning to each county the quota that would be requisite from it to make this amount, assigned to Baltimore county as her proportion £930. The Baltimore committee, to whom was entrusted the power of levying this amount on the inhabitants, affixed to the different districts of the county, the sums as follows:

£ s. d.

Gunpowder Upper 79 17 6

North Hundred 51 17 6

Middlesex 33 7 6

Wyne Run 53 00 0

Back River Upper 112 00 0

Back River Lower 39 5 0

Patapsco Upper 50 10 0

Delaware Lower 63 00 0

Middle River Upper 43 10 0

Soldier's Delight 87 12 6

Middle River Lower 51 10 0

Patapsco Lower 50 2 6

Pipe Creek 34 5 0

Westminster 51 00 0

Baltimore Town West 72 7 6

Deptford 30 2 6

Baltimore Town East 26 12 6

930000

We cannot forbear noticing the honorable solicitude felt by the committee, that their brethren of limited means should not be required to contribute any portion of the above taxation, for, in the resolution which levied it, they say, “care ought to be taken, to avoid laying any part of the burthen upon the people of narrow circumstances, hoping that those whom Providence has blessed with better fortunes, will, by their generosity, supply the necessity of calling on those whose fortunes are confined to the mere necessaries of life.”

Eddis, writing from Maryland in March, 1775, has given us a lively picture of the transactions of this period. “From one extremity of this continent to the other, every appearance indicates approaching hostilities. The busy voice of preparation echoes through every settlement; and those who are not zealously infected with the frenzy, are considered as enemies to the cause of liberty; and, without regard to any peculiarity of situation, are branded with opprobrious appellations, and pointed out as victims to public resentment. Very considerable subscriptions have been made in every quarter for the relief of the Bostonians; large sums have likewise been collected for the purchase of arms and ammunition; and persons of all denominations are required to associate under military regulations, on pain of the severest censure.” In another of July, 1775, referring more particularly to the condition of this Province, he remarks: “The inhabitants of this Province are incorporated under military regulations, and apply the greater part of their time to the different branches of discipline. In Annapolis there are two complete companies; in Baltimore seven; and in every district of this Province the majority of the people are actually under arms: almost every hat is decorated with a cockade, and the churlish drum and fife are the only music of the times.”

1776. Baltimore, from its peculiar fitness for the building and 0149 141 equipment of vessels, was selected as one of the sites for naval constructions, and many vessels which afterwards became celebrated for the injury they inflicted on the enemy were built here. The Virginia frigate, the Defence sloop, Buckskin, Enterprise, Sturdy Beggar, Harlequin, Fox, &c., were among the number, and the success which sometimes attended their cruises contributed to aid Congress with the means of carrying on the war.

Commodore James Nicholson on the 5th of June obtained his commission from Congress, being the first officer in rank in the United States service, and soon after took command of the Virginia frigate. He was a native of the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and gave early proofs of his peculiar fitness for the responsible station to which he was now called. He served his country faithfully during the war, and was among the number of those distinguished seamen who contributed to build up a name for his country in maritime war which will be as imperishable as her glory. He was the father-in-law of the distinguished Mr. Gallatin, and died in the year 1791. Two brothers were also naval officers in the service, Capt. John Nicholson and Capt. Samuel Nicholson.

At an election held “in the town” in 1776 four hundred and seventytwo votes were taken, while the unadded “Fell's Point” at that time contained a population of 821. The year before there were enumerated 564 houses, and 5934 inhabitants in the town proper, so that with the addition of the 821 of “Fell's Point,” or Deptford Hundred, as it was called, there were 6755 individuals girdled by the defences of Whetstone Point and its floating chain. In the growth of Baltimore between 1752 and the date of the Revolution we may observe that quite a decided tendency was manifested in settlements east of Jones' Falls. There are parts of Old Town and Fell's Point which, to the present day, retain the outward character of the oldest portions of the city. The streets there indicate by their names the colonial era to which they belong. York and Lancaster, Exeter and Albemarle, Queen and Granby, tell their own history. The growth on the west of the Falls, though of a later period, was much more rapid. At the date of the Revolution, Market street, now Baltimore, offered to view a respectable thoroughfare, along which a double line of houses straggled as far as the southeast corner on Market, now Baltimore and Liberty streets, where Mr. Jacob Fire had built a house sufficiently large to accommodate the Continental Congress, which held its sessions there in December, 1776. This house being then the farthest west, and one of the largest in the Town, was called for a long time Congress Hall. The streets after this period equally indicate their era. We have, in contrast to those we have before mentioned, the names of Conway and Barre, Fayette and Greene, Lexington and Eutaw, fragrant with the recollections of the Revolution.

Extract from the minutes of the proceedings of the Convention 0150 142 in Baltimore, May 28th: “Whereas his Britannic Majesty King George has prosecuted, and still prosecutes a war against the British colonies in America, and has acceded to acts of Parliament declaring the people in the said colonies in actual rebellion; and whereas, the good people of this Province have taken up arms to defend their rights and liberties, and to repel the hostilities carrying on against them, and whilst engaged in such a contest, cannot with any sincerity of heart pray for the success of this arms. Therefore, resolved, that every prayer and petition for the King's Majesty in the book of common prayer, and administration of the sacraments and other rites and ceremonies of the Church of England, except the second collect for the King in the common service, be henceforth omitted in all churches and chapels in this Province, until our unhappy differences are ended.

G. Duvall, Clerk. ”

In June, Lieutenant Joshua Barney sailed for the West Indies from Philadelphia in the Andrea Doria, a fine brig of 14 guns, under the command of Captain Robinson. On their arrival at St. Eustatia, they fired a salute to the fort, which the Governor, with more complaisance than prudence, returned—forgetting that he thus took upon himself to acknowledge the independence of their flag before their High Mightinesses at the Hague had decided, whether to listen to the remonstrances of Sir Joseph Yorke or to the Solicitations of Dr. Franklin. For this premature instance of courtesy, the Governor was afterwards displaced, on the complaint of the English government; the fact, nevertheless, that he did return the salute of the Andrea Doria, contradicts the generally received impression that Captain Paul Jones was the first American officer, to whom such an honor had been paid by a foreign power. It was not until February, 1778, that Jones's salute was returned by the French Admiral at Brest.

In March, Capt. Squires, the commander of the British sloop of war Otter, who had been cruising about in various parts of the bay, made a demonstration in the Patapsco river with various boats, which produced great alarm in the town. Capt. Nicholson, the commander of the Defence, a ship belonging to the State of Maryland, was at that time in Baltimore. He soon got under weigh to drive these marauders from the river, which he did in short time, and captured four or five of their boats. It was the occasion of this alarm that gave rise to the necessity of throwing up batteries on Bell's Point, the fortifying of Whetstone Point with eighteen guns, &c., &c. These defences were considered at the time as invaluable, and the aid which the militia of the surrounding country afforded, called forth the grateful thanks of the people. From Harford County a battalion marched to Baltimore, whose services it afterwards became unnecessary to accept. Col. Ramsey, to whose regiment the battalion belonged, in acknowledging the receipt of the communication made to them by the 0151 143 Baltimore committee expressive of their sense of the patriotism of the battalion, says: “That battalion, Sir, esteem it but their duty to march to the assistance of any part of the Province when attacked, or in danger of it. But they march with greater alacrity to your assistance, from the pleasing memory of former connections, and a sense of the value and importance of Baltimore Town to the Province in general.” Nor was this devotion to Baltimore confined in her hour of need to the citizens of her own State. The borough of York wrote on the 10th of March to the committee: “Our committee resolved instantly to raise a good rifle company, to be ready to march on an hour's warning to your Province, in case you should judge it necessary, and signify the same to our commiteee.” This is not a solitary instance of this patriotic borough's offering her valuable aid to Baltimore. In the war of 1812 a company sent by her united with the Baltimore troops on the day of her celebrated battle with the British army near North Point, and no troops on that day were more entitled to the honor which their valor won, than those from York.

The committee presented an address to Captain Nicholson, acknowledging the valuable services he rendered to the town by driving Capt. Squires away from the river, His answer to them is worthy of being transcribed here: “ Gentlemen: —i return you my most sincere thanks for your polite address. In support of the rights and liberties of my country, I cheerfully undertook the arduous task of my present office, and am exceedingly happy in finding my conduct stand approved by so respectable a body as the committee of Baltimore county. I am likewise to assure you that the officers, volunteers, and others on board the Defence, consider your address as doing them the highest honor.

“I am, gentlemen,

“Your obedient and humble servant, “ James Nicholson. ”

In the beginning of April, Capt. James Barron, commanding one of the public vessels employed in the Chesapeake Bay for its defence, fell in with and captured a small vessel, which had been sent by Lord Dunmore, who was at that time on board one of the British squadrons stationed in the bay, to Annapolis, for the purpose of transmitting certain letters from Lord George Germain, the British Secretary of State, to Governor Eden of Maryland. These letters were placed in the hands of Alexander Ross from Pittsburg, a person who had been well-known as a violent British partisan. The letters were sent by Capt. Barron to Gen. Lee, who at that time was in Williamsburg, and who, on a consultation with the committee of safety of that place, sent them to Mr. Samuel Purviance, the chairman of the committee of safety at Baltimore. That the public should be made early acquainted with the contents of these letters, and that the person to whom they were addressed, 0152 144 should be dispossessed of all power to aid the British Government in their views as set forth in these letters, Mr. Purviance, believing, from the peculiar circumstances attending this case of Governor Eden, that the powers he had been invested with, as the chairman of a committee, whose duty it had been from the commencement of the disturbances, to hold such a supervision, as well over the conduct of those who were the residents of the colony, as those who might come among them, either as transient persons or traders, would extend to such a case as the letter to Gen. Lee directed his attention to, he instructed Capt. Samuel Smith, of Col. Smallwood's battalion, on the 14th of April, to go to Annapolis, and seize the person and papers of Governor Eden, and detain him until the will of Congress Was known. The council of safety at Annapolis took offence at this order of Mr. Purviance, and interfered to prevent its execution. Their disapprobation of it proceeded less from an objection to the measure itself, than from an implied disrespect of their own authority. He was however requested by the convention on the 24th of May to leave the Province; and in accordance with this request, Mr. Eden departed from Annapolis in the ship Fowey on the 24th of June, 1776.

On the 6th of July, without waiting for the expected declaration of Congress, and before its final ratification could have been known, the independence of the Province of Maryland was formally proclaimed by its own convention, in the following Declaration, which for the dignity of its sentiments, and the force and fervor of its appeals, will not shrink from a contrast even with the far-famed Declaration of American Independence.

“ 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, they can have no security for their lives or liberties.

“The Parliament of Great Britain has, of late, claimed an uncontrolable right of binding these colonies in all cases whatsoever. To force an unconditional submission to this claim, the legislative and executive powers of that state have invariably pursued, for these ten years past, a studied system of oppression, bypassing many impolitic, severe, and cruel acts, for raising a revenue from the colonists; by depriving them, in many cases, of the trial by jury; by altering the chartered constitution of one colony, and the entire stoppage of the trade of its capital; by cutting off all intercourse between the colonies; by restraining them from fishing on their own coasts; by extending the limits of, and erecting an arbitrary government in the province of Quebec; by confiscating the property of the colonists taken on the seas, and compelling the crews of their vessels, under the pain of death, to act against their 0153 145 native country and dearest friends; by declaring all seizures, detention, or destruction of the persons, or property of the colonists, to be legal and just. A war unjustly commenced, hath been prosecuted against the United Colonies, with cruelty, outrageous violence, and perfidy; slaves, savages, and foreign mercenaries have been meanly hired to rob a people of their property, liberties, and lives; a people guilty of no other crime than deeming the last of no estimation without the secure enjoyment of the former. Their humble and dutiful petitions for peace, liberty, and safety, have been rejected with scorn. Secure of, and relying on foreign aid, not on his national forces, the unrelenting monarch of Britain hath at length avowed, by his answer to the City of London, his determined and inexorable resolution of reducing these colonies to abject slavery.

“Compelled by dire necessity, either to surrender our properties, liberties, and lives, into the hands of a British King and parliament, or to use such means as will most probably secure to us and our posterity those invaluable blessings:

“ We, the Delegates of Maryland, in convention assembled, do declare, that the king of Great Britain has violated his compact with this people, and that they owe no allegiance to him. We have, therefore, thought it just and necessary, to empower our deputies in Congress, to join with a majority of the United Colonies, in declaring them free and independent States, in framing such further confederation between them, in making foreign alliances, and in adopting such other measures as shall be judged necessary for the preservation of their liberties; provided the sole and exclusive right of regulating the internal polity and government of this colony be reserved to the people thereof. We have also thought proper to call a new convention, for the purpose of establishing a government in this colony. No ambitious views, no desire of independence, induced the people of Maryland to form an union with the other colonies. To procure an exemption from parliamentary taxation, and to continue to the legislatures of these colonies the sole and exclusive right of regulating their internal polity, was our original and only motive. To maintain inviolate our liberties, and to transmit them unimpaired to posterity, was our duty and first wish; our next, to continue connected with, and dependent on Great Britain. For the truth of these assertions, we appeal to that Almighty Being who is emphatically styled the searcher of hearts, and from whose omniscience nothing is concealed. Relying on his Divine protection and assistance, and trusting to the justice of our cause, we exhort and conjure every virtuous citizen to join cordially in defence of our common rights, and in maintenance of the freedom of this and her sister colonies.”

Thus fell, in this colony, to rise no more, the dominion of England, and with it the government of the Proprietary: and from their ruins arose an independent state. 10

0154 146

It appears to have been an important part of the duty of the Committee of Observation to see that the military part of the defence of Baltimore was properly officered, that the companies were regularly filled up, and that they wore to be in readiness to take the field when the occasion called for their services. They united in their appointments with others, and nominations when made by them were generally confirmed by their associates in the appointing power. In the discharge of the duty of which we speak, the following instructions were given by the Committee in September: “The colonels of the militia having this day received an order from the convention to nominate and appoint officers in this county for two additional companies of militia, to be immediately raised for the reinforcement of the Continental army, which companies are to be enlisted until the first day of December next, each man is to be allowed a month's advance and a bounty of £3, and their pay is to commence from the time of enrolment. And whereas, in many parts of this county the battalions are not yet completed, nor the field-officers of the battalions already formed, be desired to meet the Committee on Friday next, at 10 o'clock, jointly to fix on the nomination of officers for the said two companies of militia, when such gentlemen as are desirous of commissions are requested to apply, and that the respective battalions and the companies of militia already formed be desired to meet on Saturday next, when such as are inclined to enter as volunteers will have an opportunity.”

There was a part of the population who, when they were required to subscribe to an association which had been formed in the Province at the recommendation of the general congress, refused to do so. The object of this association was for the general defence of the Province, and those who refused to unite in such a design were generally considered as inimical to American liberty. They were known by the name of non-associators, and as such were subject to a fine of a given amount. A person by the name of Robert Dow seemed to be so much under the influence of conscientious motives that he could not reconcile it to himself to become a patriot, and for his refusal to enlist under the sacred banner of his country's cause he was fined five pounds. This appeared to him to be a large sum to which his conscience subjected him, and therefore plead earnestly that “he had a wife and six children to maintain; that he is unable to pay the fine, and therefore requests the committee to mitigate it.” The committee take this laconic notice of it: “In committee, 29th of July, 1776, Read and rejected. Per order, W. Lux, Vice-Chairman.”

Another resolution respecting arms was adopted February 27th. “All persons, in this county, possessed of any arms belonging to the public, are hereby directed to deliver the same to the committee of observation at Baltimore Town, as speedily as possible, the council of safety having given them orders to collect and repair the 0155 147 same. It is hoped that the urgent necessity of an immediate compliance with this requisition will induce every one who has any of said arms, to attend thereto without delay. By order of the Committee, George Lux, Secretary. ”

On Monday, the 29th of July, the Declaration of Independence was read at the court-house, in the presence of the independent and artillery companies and the several companies of militia. It was received with great acclamations of joy and satisfaction by those present, accompanied with the discharge of cannon. At night the town was illuminated, and at the same time the effigy of George the Third was carted through the town, to the no small mirth of the spectators, and afterwards committed to the flames. Mr. Robert Christie, Jr., who, as sheriff of the county, it had been supposed was the proper person to read the Declaration of Independence to the people at the court-house, refused to appear there for such a purpose. In consequence of this refusal on his part, threats had been made against him, which he deemed it prudent not to brave, and therefore he withdrew from the town. As these threats indicated a state of feeling in the public mind which the committee thought boded no good to the common cause, they promptly met them by such a conciliatory resolution as dispelled the threatened evil. Extract from the minutes of the committee of observation for Baltimore county, July 30th, 1776: “The chairman being informed by Robert Christie, Jr., the sheriff of this county, that he had reason to be apprehensive of violence being offered to him, the said sheriff, on account of his not attending to read the Declaration of Independence last Monday, agreeable to the desire of the committee, and that from those apprehensions he would be under the disagreeable necessity of retiring to the country, and withdrawing himself from the public service. Wherefore, resolved, that this committee do declare their utter disapprobation of all threats or violence being offered to any person whatever, as contrary to the resolves of Congress and the sense of the convention of this Province. That they conceive themselves bound to protect (as far as in their power) the civil officers in the discharge of their duty. That they do expect of, and call upon every good citizen and friend to his country, to assist them in their endeavors to preserve the peace and good order of society, and to prevent all riots and tumults, and personal abuse and violence to individuals. That the good people of Baltimore, having hitherto been so respectfully attentive to the resolves of this committee, on all occasions, they flatter themselves that due regard will be paid to this recommendation. Samuel Purviance, Jr., Chairman. ”

The promulgation of the Declaration of Independence was the signal for the departure of the “Loyalists,” and Baltimore afforded her faithless quota, among whom we find the names of Robert Alexander, who had once been a delegate to the Convention, and even to the Congress; of Daniel Chamier, who had been sheriff of 0156 148 the county; of Doctor Henry Stevenson and Patrick Kennedy, the former of whom had built a splendid mansion and laid out superb grounds and gardens on the hills near the Falls, in the rear of the Jail; of Mr. James Sommerville, a respectable merchant, and several others, who, in retiring from Maryland, determined that, if they could not join the townsmen in the dispute, they would not oppose them by violence. Some, it is said, ended their lives in obscurity, and perhaps in poverty, abroad, while others took opportunities, during the war, to render kindly services to the soldiers of liberty who fell into the hands of the British. A very few returned after the peace, and remained in Baltimore or the State.

The following letter was written to Captain James Cox, who commanded a company in Baltimore Town, by William Buchanan, who commanded the battalion in said town:

“ Baltimore, 13 th December, 1776.

“ Sir: —By letter from General Buchanan of this date, I am directed to order the several Companies of my Battalion, to hold themselves in readiness to march for Philadelphia on the shortest notice, from the Council of Safety, to him for that purpose, and which I know is hourly expected. Every excuse of inconvenience, interest, &c., must now cease. You will therefore, without a moment's loss of time, acquaint your company thereof, that I may have the pleasure of meeting you as complete as possible at the place of rendezvous, of which you will have previous notice should there be occasion. Should any effective men in your company be so lost to virtue and his bleeding country as to refuse or skulk, under any pretence whatever, I desire you will furnish me with the names thereof.

I am, sir, your obedient servant, Wm. Buchanan. ”

The following very interesting letter is a copy of the original, which is now in the possession of the Adjutant-General's office at Annapolis:

“ Camp of the Maryland Regulars, “Head Quarters, October 12 th, 1776.

“ Sir: —Through your hands I must beg leave to address the Hon'ble Convention of Maryland, and must confess not without an apprehension that I have incurred their displeasure, for having omitted writing when on our march from Maryland for New York, and since our arrival here; nor shall I in a pointed manner urge anything in my defence, but leave them at large to condemn or excuse me, upon a presumption that they should condemn, they will at least pardon, and judge me perhaps less culpable when they reflect in the first instance on the exertions necessary to procure baggage wagons, provisions and house-room for 750 men marched the whole distance in a body, generally from 15 to 20 miles per day, as the several stages made it necessary; and in the latter I 0157 149 trust they will give some indulgence for this neglect, for since our arrival at New York it has been the fate of this Corps to be generally stationed at advanced posts, and to act a covering party, which must unavoidably expose troops to extraordinary duty and hazard, not to mention the extraordinary vigilance and attention in the commandant of such a party in disposing in the best manner, and having it regularly supplied; for here the commanders of regiments, exclusive of their military duty, are often obliged to exert themselves in the departments of Commissary and Quarter-Master General, and even directors of their regimental hospitals.

“Perhaps it may not be improper to give a short detail of occurrences upon our march to Long Island and since that period. The enemy from the 21st to the 27th of August, were landing their troops on the lower part of Long Island, where they pitched a large encampment, and ours and their advanced parties were daily skirmishing at long shot, in which neither party suffered much. On the 26t? the Maryland and Delaware troops, which composed part of Lord Stirling's Brigade, were ordered over. Col. Haslet and his Lieut.-Col. Bedford, of the Delaware Battalion, with Lieut.-Col. Ware and myself, were detained on the trial of Lieut.-Col. Ledwitz, and though I waited on General Washington and urged the necessity of attending our troops, yet he refused to discharge us, alleging there was a necessity for the trial's coming on, and that no other field-officers could be then had. After our dismission from the court-martial it was too late to get over, but pushing over early next morning, found our regiments engaged, Lord Stirling having marched them off before day to take possession of the woods and difficult passes between our lines an d the enemy's encampment; but the enemy overnight had stolen a march on our generals, having got through those passes, met and surrounded our troops on the plain grounds within two miles of our lines. Lord Stirling drew up his brigade on an advantageous rising ground, where he was attacked by two brigades in front, headed by the Generals Cornwallis and Grant, and in his rear the enemy's main body stood ready drawn up to support their own parties and intercept the retreat of ours. This excellent disposition and the superior numbers ought to have taught our Generals there was no time to be lost in securing their retreat, which might at least have been effected, had the troops formed into a heavy column and pushed their retreat; but the longer this was delayed it became the more dangerous, as they were then landing more troops in front from the ships. Our brigade kept their ground for several hours, and in general behaved well, having received some heavy fires from the artillery and musketry of the enemy, whom they repulsed several times; but their attacks were neither so lasting nor vigorous as was expected, owing, as it was imagined, to their being certain of making the whole brigade prisoners of war; for by this time they had so secured the passes on the road to our lines (seeing our 0158 150 parties were not supported from thence, which indeed our numbers would not admit of) that there was no possibility of retreating that way. Between the place of action and our lines there lay a large marsh and deep creek, not above 80 yards across at the mouth — (the place of action upon a direct line did not exceed a mile from a part of our lines), towards the head of which creek there was a mill and bridge, across which a certain Col. Ward from New England, who is charged with having acted a bashful part that day, passed over with his regiment, and then burnt them down, though under cover of our cannon, which would have checked the enemy's pursuit at any time; other ways, this bridge might have afforded a secure retreat. There then remained no other prospect but to surrender, or attempt to retreat over this marsh and creek at the mouth, where no person had ever been known to cross. In the interim I applied to Gen'l Washington for some regiments to march out to support and cover their retreat, which he urged would be attended with too great a risk to the party and the lines. He immediately afterwards sent for and ordered me to march down a New England regiment and Capt. Thomas's company, which had just come over from New York, to the mouth of the creek opposite where the brigade was drawn up, and ordered two field-pieces down, to support and cover their retreat should they make a push that way. Soon after our march they began to retreat, and for a small time the fire was very heavy on both sides, till our troops came to the marsh, where they were obliged to break their order and escape as quick as they could to the edge of the creek under a brisk fire, notwithstanding which they brought off 28 prisoners. The enemy taking advantage of a commanding ground, kept up a continued fire from four field-pieces, which were well served and directed, and a heavy column advancing on the marsh must have cut our people off, their guns being wet and muddy, not one of them would have fired, but having drawn up the musketry and disposed of some riflemen conveniently, with orders to fire on them when they came within shot; however, the latter began their fire rather too soon, being at 200 yards' distance, which notwithstanding had the desired effect, for the enemy immediately retreated to the fast land, where they continued parading within 800 yards till our troops were brought over. Most of those who swam over, and others who attempted to cross before the covering party got down, lost their arms and accoutrements in the mud and creek, and some poor fellows their lives, particularly two of the Maryland, two of the Delaware, one of Attley's Pennsylvania, and two Hessian prisoners were drowned. Thomas's men contributed much in bringing over thin party. Have enclosed a list of the killed and wounded, amounting to 256, officers inclusive. It has been said the enemy during the action also attacked our lines; but this was a mistake. Not knowing the ground, one of the columns advanced within 0159 151 long shot without knowing they were so near, and upon our artillery and part of the musketry's firing on them they immediately fled. The 28th, during a very hard rain, there was an alarm that the enemy had advanced to attack our lines, which alarmed the troops much, but was without foundation. The 29th it was found by a council of war that our fortifications were not tenable, and it was therefore judged expedient that the army should retreat from the Island that night, to effect which, notwithstanding the Maryland troops had but one day's respite, and many other troops had been many days clear of any detail of duty, they were ordered on the advanced post at Fort Putnam, within 250 yards of the enemy's approaches, and joined with two Pennsylvania reg'ts on the left, were to remain and cover the retreat of the army, which was happily completed under cover of a thick fog and a southwest wind, both which favored our retreat; otherwise the fear, disorder and confusion of some of the Eastern troops must have retarded and discovered our retreat and subjected numbers to be cut off. After remaining two days in New York, our next station was at Harlaem, 9 miles above, at an advance post opposite Montresove's and Bohana's Islands, which in a few days the enemy got possession of without opposition; from the former of which we daily discoursed with them, being within two hundred yards, and only a small creek between. It being judged expedient to abandon New York and retreat to our lines below Fort Washington, the military stores, &c., had been removing some days, when on the 15th Sept. the enemy effected a landing on several parts of the Island below (and it is cutting to say without the least opposition). I have often read and heard of instances of cowardice, but hitherto have had but a faint idea of it till now. I never could have thought human nature subject to such baseness. I could wish the transactions of this day blotted out of the annals of America—nothing appeared but flight, disgrace and confusion. Let it suffice to say, that 60 light infantry upon the first fire put to flight two brigades of the Connecticut troops—wretches who, however strange it may appear, from the Brigadier-General down to the private sentinel, were caned and whip'd by the Generals Washington, Putnam, and Mifflin; but even this indignity had no weight—they could not be brought to stand one shot. General Washington expressly sent and drew our regiment from its brigade, to march down towards New York, to cover the retreat and to defend the baggage, with direction to take possession of an advantageous eminence near the enemy upon the main road, where we remained under arms the best part of the day, till Sergant's Brigade came in with their baggage, who were the last troops coming in, upon which the enemy divided their main body into two columns; one filing off on the North river endeavored to flank and surround us, the other advancing in good order slowly up the main road upon us; we had orders to retreat in good order, which 0160 152 was done, our Corps getting within the lines after dusk. The next day about 1000 of them made an attempt upon our lines, and were first attacked by the brave Col. Knolton of New England, who lost his life in the action, and the 3d Virginia regiment, who were immediately joined by three Independent Companies, under Major Price, and some part of the Maryland flying-camp, who drove them back to their lines, it is supposed with the loss of 400 men killed and wounded. Our party had about 100 killed and wounded, of the former only 15. Since which we have been viewing each other at a distance, and strongly entrenching till the 9th October, when three of their men-of-war passed up the North river above King's Bridge, under a very heavy cannonade from our Batteries, which has effectually cut off our communication by water with Albany. I must now break off abruptly, being ordered to march up above King s Bridge, the enemy having landed 6000 men from the Sound on Frog's Point. 50 ships are got up there, landing more troops—there is nothing left but to fight them. An engagement is generally expected and soon. Have enclosed a copy of a general return of the battalion and Veazy's company, being all the troops I marched from Maryland, with the accoutrements and camp equipage taken in Philadelphia, to be rendered the Congress, together with our weekly general return. The Independents are now about their returns of arms, accoutrements and camp equipage brought by them from Maryland, but not having time to finish, they must hereafter be returned to Council of Safety. We have upwards of three hundred officers and soldiers of the Maryland regulars very sick, which you will observe by the return; and I am sorry to say, it's shocking to humanity to have so many of them; this must hurt the service upon the new enlistments. Major Price and Gist and Cap'n Stone are in the Jerseys very sick, and Col. Ware and myself are very unfit for duty, though we attend it; many more officers are very unwell. I am very respectfully,

“Your obedient and very h'ble servant, “W. Smallwood .

“ Sunday, 13th October, 1776.

“ Sir, —The troops having marched, and Col. Smallwood not having time to make a fair copy of the rough draught, from which the above is copied, desired me to do it. and sign his name, which I have done accordingly, and am your obedient and very humble servant,

Chris'r Richmond. ”

“P. S.—It is now near sunset, and we have heard no firing, or any news of an action above King's Bridge, which has been hourly expected.

“The Honble Math'w Tilghman, Esq.,

“ President Convention Maryland. ”

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When the constitution of 1776 was adopted, Baltimore had so much increased in population that it was thought just that she should be allowed the privilege of electing two delegates to the General Assembly, the same number given to Annapolis. But the members who formed the constitution seemed to have been suspicious that the prosperity of Baltimore was an ephemeral one, and that she might probably soon begin to decay like her neighbor Joppa. They, therefore, added a proviso in these words: “If the said inhabitants of the town shall so decrease, as that the number of persons having a right of suffrage therein shall have been, for the space of seven years successively, less than one-half the number of voters in some one county in this State, such town shall thence-forward cease to send two delegates or representatives to the House of Delegates, until the said town shall have one-half of the number of voters is some one county in this State.” They had much more confidence in the continued growth of Annapolis, and therefore thought it entirely unnecessary to insert any such condition to the enjoyment of her right of electing two representatives. Seventy-eight years have since rolled round, and Annapolis, the former “Athens of America,” still adorns the banks of the beautiful Severn; but her commerce and prosperity are gone, and her population of three thousand is less than one-third that of the smallest county; while “Baltimore Town” has now nearly one-third of a million of inhabitants, more than were to be found in all Maryland when the constitution of 1776 was adopted. Such is the uncertainty of all human predictions, and such the wonderful changes which the period of a single lifetime will bring forth in this heaven-favored land. The people of this country are ever so intent upon the employments of the present, and so eager to anticipate the improvements of the future, that they are seldom inclined to pause and look back upon the scenes of the past. Though pride may tell us that we are wiser than our ancestors, we can always be profited by the contemplation of their noble examples; and gratitude should teach us never to forget the patriotic services of those by whom the foundations of our country's prosperity were laid.

We have mentioned the fact that on the approach of the royal troops toward the Delaware in 1776, Congress, then in session in Philadelphia, adjourned to Baltimore. Their first meeting in this city, pursuant to adjournment, was on the 20th of December. They met and continued their session in a spacious three-story and attic brick building, which stood until a few years since, on the south side of Baltimore street from Sharp and Liberty streets. The Rev. Patrick Allison, first minister of the Presbyterian Church of Baltimore, and Rev. W. W. White, were appointed chaplains on the 23d. On the same day a resolution was passed “That until the apartments in the jail of the town of Baltimore be repaired and put in such a condition as not to endanger the health of those 0162 154 who may be confined in them, the prisoners from the State of North Carolina be removed from thence to different rooms in the Court-house, or wherever else they can be procured, and there safely locked up and secured.”

While Washington was achieving the victory at Trenton, the Continental Congress, sitting in this city, were taking measures to strengthen his hands. The extreme jealousy of a military ascendancy, which had restrained the majority in Congress from giving the commander-in-chief such ample powers as necessity manifestly demanded, now yielded to expediency, and by a resolution adopted on the 27th of December, before they could possibly have heard of the affair at Trenton, they constituted Washington in all respects a dictator in the old Roman sense of the term. The following is the preamble and resolution:

“ December 27 th, 1776.—This Congress, having maturely considered the present crisis, and having perfect reliance on the wisdom, vigor, and uprightness of General Washington, do hereby

Resolve, That General Washington shall be, and he is hereby, vested with full, ample, and complete powers to raise and collect together, in the most speedy and effectual manner, from any or all of these United States, sixteen battalions of infantry, in addition to those already voted by Congress; to appoint officers for the said battalions of infantry; to raise, officer, and equip three thousand light-horse, three regiments of artillery, and a corps of engineers, and to establish their pay; to apply to any of the States for such aid of the militia as he shall judge necessary; to form such magazines of provisions, and in such places as he shall think proper; to displace and appoint all officers under the rank of brigadier-general, and to fill up all vacancies in every other department in the American army; to take, wherever he may be, whatever he may want for the use of the army, if the inhabitants will not sell it, allowing a reasonable price for the same; to arrest and confine persons who refuse to take the Continental currency, or are otherwise disaffected to the American cause, and return to the States of which they are citizens their names and the nature of their offences, together with the witnesses to prove them.

“That the foregoing powers be vested in General Washington for and during the term of six months from the date hereof, unless sooner determined by Congress.”

This resolve was transmitted to Washington by Robert Morris, George Clymer, and George Walton, the Committee of Congress who remained in Philadelphia when that body adjourned to Baltimore. “Happy is it for this country,” they wrote to Washington, “that the general of their forces can safely be intrusted with the most unlimited power, and neither personal security, liberty, nor property be in the least degree endangered thereby.”

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The following letter was sent by Congress, as a circular, to the Governor of each of the States, accompanied by the above resolve:

“ Baltimore, 30 th December, 1776.

“ Sir —Ever attentive to the security of civil liberty, Congress would not have consented to the voting of such powers in the military department as those which the enclosed resolves convey to the Continental Commander-in-Chief, if the situation of public affairs did not require at this crisis a decision and vigor which distance and numbers deny to assemblies far removed from each other, and from the immediate seat of war. The strength and progress of the enemy, joined to prospects of considerable reinforcements, have rendered it not only necessary that the American forces should be augmented beyond what Congress had heretofore designed, but that they should be brought into the field with all possible expedition. These considerations induce Congress to request, in the most earnest manner, that the fullest influence of your State may be exerted to aid such levies as the General shall direct, in consequence of the powers now given him, and that your quota of battalions, formerly fixed, may be completed and ordered to headquarters with all the despatch that an ardent desire to secure the public happiness can dictate.

“I have the honor to be, &c., “ John Hancock, President. ”

Congress authorized William Aisquith, John Griffith, Hercules Courtney, John Cockey, James Kelso,