Chronicles of Baltimore - Part 4



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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the act blocking up the harbor be repealed, the same will prove the 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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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 16th, 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

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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 3d, 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

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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 15th, 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.

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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 22d, 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

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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

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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

Page 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

Page 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

Page 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, 30th 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

Page 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

Page 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

Page 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

Page 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,

Page 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

Page 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.

Page 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

Page 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

Page 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, 13th 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 12th, 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

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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

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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

Page 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

Page 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."

Page 153

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

Page 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 27th, 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."

Page 155

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

"Baltimore, 30th 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, Richard Cromwell, James Calhoun, George Welsh, 
Theodore Barrel, William Young, George Patterson, Darby Lux, Daniel 
Carroll, Thomas Donnellan, John Boyd, Benjamin Leavy, Samuel Hillegas, and 
William Govett to sign bills of credit or money. On the 31st of December 
Dr. Mackenzie was authorized by Congress to purchase such medicines as 
were wanted for the army stationed in Baltimore. Congress continued in 
session in Baltimore until Friday, the 27th of February, when it adjourned 
to Philadelphia, where the delegates met on the following Wednesday, the 
4th of March, 1777.