Chronicles of Baltimore - Part 8



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1793. The agents of the French Convention at Cape Francois having tendered 
liberty to such slaves as should take arms against the French government 
of Hispaniola, General Galbaud and Admiral Gambis attacked the town, and 
it was plundered and burnt by the seamen and negroes on the twenty-first 
of June; and on the ninth of July, fifty-three vessels bearing about 1000 
white and 500 people of color flying from disaster, arrived in Baltimore. 
Many were quartered in the houses of the citizens, and a committee was 
appointed to solicit subscriptions for their relief, consisting of Robert 
Gilmor, George Presstman, Philip Rogers, Samuel Hollingsworth, Jeremiah 
Yellott, James Carey, James McHenry, Robert Smith, Zebulon Hollingsworth, 
Thomas McElderry, Stephen Wilson, John O'Donnell, Adam Fonerden, and 
Thomas Coulson. The Vice-Consul of the Republic also appointed the 
following gentlemen to cooperate with him: Col. Daniel Smith, Mr. David 
Plunkett, Mr. Samuel Sterrett, Mr. Voucher, Mr. Cazanave, and Mr. 
Bentalou. They succeeded in raising above $12,000 for the relief of such 
as were destitute. Those more fortunate who brought capital entered into 
trade, others introduced new arts of cultivation in the neighborhood, and 
with succeeding arrivals from the southern and western parts of the 
island, contributed to increase the wealth as well as the population of 
the town.

A French sloop-of-war, mounting eighteen guns, brought in with her as a 
prize a Dutch ship, which she intercepted on her

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passage to this port. There were also several other prizes brought in by 
the French fleet, among which was a Dutch ship loaded with coffee, &c., &c.

Philadelphia being visited by the "yellow fever," Governor Lee interdicted 
all direct intercourse with that city and the admission of infected 
vessels, and appointed Doctors John Ross and John Worthington to be health 
officers; a temporary hospital to be procured for mariners of such 
vessels; and a duty, confirmed by Congress, of one cent per ton was 
granted towards the expense.

Messrs. Daniel Bowley and Thomas Yates commenced their improvements on the 
water between the Falls and Harford run. Messrs. Cumberland Dugan and 
Thomas McElderry commenced their wharves below the Centre Market, 
extending from Lombard street to the north side of the channel, a distance 
of 1600 feet. Nine years after, Judge Chase commenced his wharf, binding 
on the west side of the Falls.

Since the last notice in 1783, there had been a great accession of 
settlers, amongst whom were Messrs. Hugh Thompson, Edward Ireland, William 
Lorman, Thomas Tenant, John Holmes, Joseph Thornburgh, Dr. Andrew Aitkin, 
Robert Miller, John Donnell, Luke Tiernan, Solomon Birkhead, Solomon 
Betts, James H. McCulloh, Steuart Brown, Leon Changeur, John Carrere, 
Henry Didier, A. McDonald, J. P. Pleasants, Barclay and McKean, S. Etting, 
James Corrie, James Armstrong, &c.

The subject of a city charter, which had generally occupied the writers in 
the papers and the citizens for nearly ten years, was taken up by the 
Legislature in 1793, and an Act passed on the 28th of December for 
consideration; but the inhabitants of the Point, and the mechanics, the 
carpenters, and republican societies, then lately formed for other 
purposes, took part in opposition, and it was not carried into effect.

There was an effort made by a number of merchants to open an exchange for 
the transaction of business, and the buildings at the southwest corner of 
Lombard and Commerce streets were fitted up and used for the purpose, but 
after some time was discontinued.

The Vice-Consul for Maryland, Edward Thornton, takes up his residence in 
Baltimore.

By an Act of Assembly passed December 28th, Messrs. John Eager Howard, 
John O'Donnell, William Smith, Henry Dorsey Gough, Samuel Owings of 
Samuel, Charles Ridgely of William, Daniel Bowley, and Andrew Robinson 
were appointed commissioners, with full power to purchase ten acres of 
land, in or near Baltimore Town, and to lay out the same into small lots, 
with proper enclosures and stalls for the reception of cattle, and 
Thursday in every week to be held as a market day for the sale of horses, 
sheep, hogs and live cattle of every kind, and a general market to be held 
two or more days in each year.

Men of the present age, seeing the immense use of cigars,

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might think they were always so used; but not so. They began with the 
fevers which were very prevalent about this time, and were first used 
along the streets, to keep off the yellow fever.

1794. Freemasons' lodges in America are of recent date in comparison with 
other countries. Upon application of a number of brethren residing in 
Boston, a warrant was granted by the Right Honorable and Most Worshipful 
Anthony Lord Viscount Montague, Grand master of Masons in England, dated 
the 30th of April, 1733, appointing the Right Worshipful Henry Price Grand 
master of North America, with full power and authority to appoint his 
deputy and other Masonic officers necessary for forming a grand lodge, and 
also to constitute lodges of Free and Accepted Masons as often as occasion 
should require. In consequence of this commission the Grand master opened 
a grand lodge in Boston (which is sometimes called "The Grand Lodge of 
Modern Masons") on the 30th of July, 1733, in due form, and appointed the 
Right Worshipful Andrew Beulcher Deputy Grand master, the Worshipful 
Thomas Kennelly and John Quann Grand Wardens. The grand lodge being thus 
organized, under the designation of St. John's Grand Lodge, proceeded to 
grant warrants for instituting regular lodges in various parts of America; 
and from this grand lodge originated the first lodges in Massachusetts, 
New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, 
Maryland, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Barbadoes, Antigua, 
Newfoundland, Louisburg, Nova Scotia, Quebec, Surinam, and St. 
Christopher's. In 1775 hostilities commenced between Great Britain and 
America; Boston became a garrison, and was abandoned by many of its former 
inhabitants. The regular meetings of the grand lodges were terminated, and 
the brethren of St. John's Grand Lodge held no assembly until after the 
reestablishment of peace. There was at that time also a grand lodge held 
at Boston upon the ancient establishment, under the designation of "The 
Massachusetts Grand Lodge," which originated as follows: In 1755 a number 
of the order residing in Boston, who were Ancient Masons, in consequence 
of a petition to the Grand Lodge of Scotland, received a dispensation, 
dated November 30th, 1752, from Sholto Charles Douglas, Lord Aberdour, 
then Grand master, constituting them a regular lodge, under the title of 
"St. Andrew's Lodge, No. 82," to be held at Boston. This establishment was 
discouraged and opposed by the St. John's Grand Lodge, who thought their 
privileges were infringed upon by the Grand Lodge of Scotland; they 
therefore refused to have any intercourse with St. Andrew's Lodge for 
several years. The prosperous state of St. Andrew's Lodge soon led its 
members to make great exertions for the establishment of an ancient lodge 
in America, which was soon effected in Boston by the assistance of 
travelling lodges belonging to the British army who were stationed there. 
On the 27th of December, 1769, when the order was assembled to

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celebrate the Festival of the Evangelists, a commission was received from 
the Right Honorable and Most Worshipful George Earl of Dalhousie, Grand 
master of Masons in Scotland, dated the 30th of May, 1769, appointing 
Joseph Warren to be Grand master of Masons in Boston, and he was, 
according to ancient usage, duly installed into that office. The Grand 
master then appointed and installed the other grand officers, and the 
grand lodge was at this time completely organized. Between this period and 
the year 1791 this grand lodge granted warrants of constitution for lodges 
to be held in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Vermont, and New 
York. In the year 1773 a commission was received from the Right Honorable 
and Most Worshipful Patrick Earl of Dumfries, Grand master of Masons in 
Scotland, dated March 3d, 1772, appointing the Right Worshipful Joseph 
Warren, Esq., Grand master of Masons for the Continent of America. In 1775 
the meetings of the grand lodge were suspended by the town of Boston 
becoming a garrison. At the battle of Bunker Hill, on the 17th of June, 
1775, Masonry and America met with a heavy loss in the death of Grand 
master Warren, who was slain contending for the liberties of his country. 
His death shed a gloom throughout the community. He was exceedingly 
beloved by all classes for the mildness and affability of his deportment 
and the virtues of his private life. As a statesmen he was able and 
judicious; as an orator eloquent; as a man, of uncompromising integrity 
and undaunted bravery; and the first officer of rank that fell in the 
contest with Great Britain. The glory of Bunker Hill is interwoven with 
the reputation of Major-General Warren.

Soon after the evacuation of Boston by the British army, and previous to 
any regular communication, the Masons, influenced by a pious regard to the 
memory of their late Grand master, were induced to search for his body, 
which had been rudely and indiscriminately buried in the field of 
slaughter. They accordingly repaired to the place, and by direction of a 
person who was on the ground at the time of his burial, a spot was found 
where the earth had been recently turned up. Upon moving the turf and 
opening the grave, which was on the brow of a hill, and adjacent to a 
small cluster of sprigs, the remains were discovered in a mangled 
condition, but were easily ascertained by an artificial tooth; and being 
decently raised, were conveyed to the State House in Boston, from whence, 
by a large and respectable number of Masons, with the late grand officers 
attending in procession, they were carried to a stone chapel, where an 
animated eulogium was delivered by Perez Morton of the Masonic order. The 
body was then deposited in the silent vault.

On the 8th of March, 1777, the Masons who had been dispersed in 
consequence of the war, again assembled and proceeded to the formation of 
a Grand Lodge, and elected and installed the most worshipful Joseph Webb 
their Grand master. On the 5th of

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December, 1791, a committee was appointed agreeably to a vote of the 
second of March, 1791, "to confer with the officers of St. John's Grand 
Lodge upon the subject of a complete Masonic union throughout the 
commonwealth," which was consummated on the 19th of June, 1792, when the 
officers of the two grand lodges met in conjunction, agreeably to previous 
arrangements, and installed the Most Worshipful John Cutler Grand master; 
and resolved, "that this Grand Lodge organization as aforesaid, shall 
forever hereafter be known by the name of The Grand Lodge of the Most 
Ancient and Honorable Society of Free and Accepted Masons for the 
Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

The Grand Lodge of New Hampshire was first formed the 8th of July, 1789; 
Rhode Island was organized on the 25th of June, 1791; Connecticut was 
constituted on the 8th day of July, 1789, by fifteen lodges which then 
existed in the State; Vermont was constituted at Rutland, on the 14th day 
of October, 1794; New York was first constituted by a warrant from the 
Duke of Athol, dated London, 5th of September, 1781; New Jersey was 
constituted at the city of New Brunswick, on the 18th of December, 1786. 
On the 24th of June, 1734, upon the petition of several Masons residing in 
Philadelphia, a warrant of constitution was granted by the Grand Lodge of 
Boston, for holding a lodge in that place; appointed the Rt. Worshipful 
Benjamin Franklin their first master; which is the beginning of Masonry in 
Pennsylvania. The Grand Lodge of England granted a grand warrant, bearing 
date the 20th of June, 1764, to the M. W. William Bell and others, 
authorizing them to hold a Grand Lodge for the State of Pennsylvania. The 
Grand Lodge of Delaware was established at the Town Hall, in the borough 
of Wilmington, on Friday, June 6th, 1806; Virginia began its operations 
October 30th, 1778; the Grand Lodge of Kentucky was established on the 
30th of October, 1800; the Grand Lodge of North Carolina was first 
constituted by virtue of a charter from the Grand Lodge of Scotland, 1771; 
the Grand Lodge of the State of South Carolina was instituted and 
established at Charleston on the 24th of March, 1787; the Grand Lodge of 
Ohio was instituted the first Monday of January, 1808; and the Grand Lodge 
of Georgia on the 16th of December, 1786.

Until the year 1783, the lodges in Maryland, which had become numerous, 
derived their authority from and were subordinate to the Grand Lodge of 
Pennsylvania; on the 17th day of June, in the same year, a convention was 
called, who held their session at Talbot court-house, to take into 
consideration the propriety of establishing a statistical jurisdiction. 
Among other proceedings a resolution was unanimously passed, that the 
convention deemed it a matter of right, and that they ought to form a 
Grand Lodge for the State of Maryland, independent of any other 
jurisdiction. At a grand convention held at the same place, on the 31st of 
July, in the same year, the respective representatives being clothed with

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full powers, proceeded to the formation of a Grand Lodge, by electing 
grand officers, when the following gentlemen were selected, viz: John 
Coates, G. M.; James Kent, D. G. M.; Thomas Bourke, S. G. W.; William 
Forrester, J. G. W.; Charles Gardiner, G. S.; and William Perry, G.T. The 
Grand Lodge of Maryland continued to hold their sessions at the town of 
Talbot, until the year 1794, when Masonry having by this time extended its 
influence throughout the State, a number of lodges having been established 
in the town of Baltimore and on the western shore of the State, it became 
convenient to remove the Grand Lodge to Baltimore. The first session under 
the new arrangement was held in the month of May, 1794, and has since 
continued to meet here.

Under the auspices of the Rev. John Crawford, M. D., who for a long series 
of years presided as Grand master, Masonry continued to flourish. The 
death of this venerable seer was attended with such circumstances as will 
not soon be eradicated from the minds of his brethren, who, with the 
community at large with whom he associated, were wont to respect him for 
his Christian and Masonic virtues; perhaps, since the days of the 
celebrated Howard, that man has not appeared on the stage of life whose 
character has so nearly approached that celebrated philanthropist as Dr. 
Crawford. The circumstances alluded to are as follows: At the last session 
he delivered, as was his custom, an original charge, lengthy and luminous, 
the production of his own rich imagination, couched in the most 
affectionate and parental language, at the conclusion of which he 
intimated to his brethren his wish to retire from office, pleading his 
long services and advanced age. He then resigned the Oriental chair to his 
associate, and passing through the adjacent room, gave the Tyler an 
affectionate shake by the hand, observing.that the door which had just 
closed upon him would never again be opened for his reception, wishing him 
at the same time happiness here and hereafter. The first act of the Grand 
Lodge, and it was the spontaneous act of each individual composing it, was 
to give him a unanimous vote of continuance; but Heaven had decreed what 
the venerable man seemed to have a full presentiment of; that his work was 
finished; for the same Grand Lodge who heard his valedictory address, who 
unanimously recalled him to the chair, were called upon before the session 
adjourned to follow his remains to the tomb. He was born in Ireland on the 
3d of May, 1746, and rendered up his soul to his Creator on the 9th of 
May, 1813.

A company of mounted volunteers put themselves under the command of Capts. 
Plunket and Moore, of which Samuel Hollingsworth, who had been an officer 
in the troop, became commander. A volunteer company of artillery was 
formed, commanded by Captain Stodder, and a company of riflemen by Captain 
James Allen.

The neutrality being much infringed by the maritime powers

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at war, the President announced a general embargo for thirty days by 
Congress; and the news was received here with much satisfaction on the 
twenty-eighth of March--on the expiration of which, a Captain Ramsdell, 
who in a fit of intoxication had hoisted his colors half-mast, was 
violently seized by the populace and tarred and feathered, as well as a 
young ship-carpenter named Sintorn, who had been an apprentice of Mr. 
Stodder.

The extraordinary pretensions and naval power of the British rendered them 
most obnoxious, and it was thought a war with them could scarcely be 
avoided; but as the surest means of preserving peace with honor, the 
President invited serious preparations here, both for offence and defence, 
whilst his minister, Mr. Jay, with the terms of accommodation prescribed, 
was waiting in London their acceptance. The fort at Whetstone Point was 
repaired by the inhabitants of the town, and the Star Fort of brickwork 
added. The ground was afterwards ceded to the United States, and the work 
called Fort McHenry, in honor of Colonel James McHenry of Maryland, then 
Secretary of War.

Agreeably to the Act of Congress of the year before, and the provisions 
made by the Legislature, Governor Stone appointed Colonel Smith Major-
General of the Third Division,--Colonel Hall and Howard declining; and 
Colonel Swarm and Charles Ridgely of Hampton, Brigadier-Generals; the 
first for the Third Brigade and the latter for the Eleventh Brigade of 
Maryland Militia, and a general enrolment takes place. In 1807, a new law 
was passed, and General Swann's declining health obliged him to resign, 
when Colonel Stricker was appointed Brigadier-General in his place, the 
cavalry being placed under their own field officers. In 1809 General 
Ridgely resigned, when he was succeeded by Tobias E. Stansbury.

Captain Barney having resigned the office of Clerk of the District Court, 
took command of a merchant vessel, in which he was made prisoner by the 
British. They took him to Jamaica, condemned his vessel, and affected to 
try him for piracy; but he was acquitted at the moment he was demanded by 
the President, and indemnity was received for the vessel afterwards. Capt. 
Barney was selected to command one of the frigates to be built by the 
General Government, but not being satisfied in respect to rank, he 
declined soon after, and went to France, where he entered into the service 
of that republic. Commanding, in 1797, on the St. Domingo station, he 
visited the Chesapeake, eluded the British and returned to the capes in 
safety. Capt. Barney was succeeded by Philip Moore as Clerk of the 
District Court.

The Government intending to fit out several vessels of war at this port, 
Capt. Jeremiah Yellot was appointed navy agent, and Mr. David Stodder 
builder.

The Criminal Court was abolished in this year, the Justices of the county 
court being then Joshua Seney, Chief Justice; William Russell, and William 
Owings, associates.

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President Washington having called upon Maryland for her quota of militia 
to quell the "Whiskey Insurrection of Pennsylvania," over five hundred men 
from Baltimore assembled at Cumberland under the command of Maj.-Gen. 
Smith, the whole under the command of Gen. Richard Henry Lee, or Light 
Horse Harry of the Revolution, as he is sometimes called. The march of the 
army produced a salutary effect; a bloodless victory was everywhere 
obtained, many of the ringleaders were taken, and the insurrection having 
been completely crushed, the troops were dismissed to their homes. Gen. 
Lee acknowledged the services of the Maryland troops in the following 
letter to Governor Lee, which has never before been published:

"Headquarters, Nov. 26th, 1794.

"Sir:--The period having arrived when the army entrusted to my direction 
by the President of the United States, having accomplished the object of 
their advance into this country, are about to return home, I should commit 
violence on my own feelings were I not to express to your Excellency my 
very high ideas of their merit. Suddenly brought into the field, they were 
unprepared for the hardships which they encountered. Nevertheless 
disregarding the distress to which they were consequently in a greater 
degree exposed, they continued to evidence, with firmness and zeal, the 
purity of the principles by which they were moved, and terminated their 
campaign in perfect correspondence with the patriotism which impelled them 
to exchange domestic enjoyments for the toils and privations inseparable 
from military life. To all is due the tribute of applause which ever 
attends the faithful and animated discharge of duty; but to one class 
something more is due. Those inestimable and friendless citizens who fill 
the ranks seem to have been scarcely noticed in the legal provisions for 
compensation.

"It the example exhibited by my companions in arms is deemed worthy of 
attention, I derive great consolation from my hopes that the State 
Legislature will take into consideration the inequality which at present 
exists in the pay allowed to the officers and to the soldiers; and so far 
as respects the faithful army under my orders, will be pleased to manifest 
their sense of the conduct of the troops, by rendering the pecuniary 
compensation of the soldier proportionate to that given to the officer. 
The justice and policy of such interposition are alike evident, and will 
be peculiarly acceptable.

"Another point, in which both officers and soldiers are interested, 
claims, in my humble opinion, legislative notice. Although the wise and 
temperate system adopted by the President of the United States averted the 
heaviest of all human calamities, and saved the effusion of blood, yet the 
sufferings which the army experienced from the extreme severity of the 
weather have deprived many families of their dearest friend and chief 
support.

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To alleviate their miseries, by extending to them, with equity and 
liberality, the public aid, is the only possible retribution which can be 
made by the community, and I flatter myself it is only necessary to make 
known the existence of such cases to secure to the sufferers the requisite 
legal provision.

"I forbear to gratify my affectionate attachment to my citizens in arms 
with me, by yielding to my solicitude for their welfare, and subjoining 
the many observations which my knowledge of their virtue and sufferings 
crowds upon my mind, in the confidence that their conduct best bespeaks 
their worth, and that the General Assembly will take pleasure in 
manifesting their respect to real merit.

"I have the honor to be with great respect, your most obt. servt,

Rch. Hy. Lee.

The following unpublished letter was written to Gov. Lee by Alexander 
Hamilton, then Secretary of War:

"War Department, November 24th, 1794.

"Sir:-- I have the honor to acknowledge the receipt of a letter of the 
18th instant from the Executive Council of Maryland, and to congratulate 
you and them on the disappearance of the insurrection in Maryland.

"The President has seen with great satisfaction the laudable vigor with 
which it was met by the Government, the excellent disposition manifested 
by the citizens, and the speedy termination of the disturbance. Such an 
example cannot but have the best effect.

"Though severity towards offenders is to be avoided as much as can consist 
with the safety of society, yet impunity in such cases is apt to produce 
too much promptitude in setting the laws at defiance. Repeated instances 
of such impunity in Pennsylvania are perhaps the principal cause of the 
misfortune which now filets itself, and through it the United States. The 
disturbers of the peace familiarly appeal to the past experience of 
unpunished offences as an encouragement to the perpetration of new ones. 
This general reflection will no doubt be duly adverted to by the judiciary 
and other authorities of Maryland.

"With great respect and esteem, have the honor to be, Sir, your most 
obedient servant,   Alexander Hamilton.

"His Excellency Thomas Sim Lee, Governor of Maryland."

Before the departure of the troops from Baltimore to suppress the "Whiskey 
Insurrection," the yellow fever made its appearance in the town, and 
Messrs. Gustavus Scott, George Salmon, Jos. Townsend, Alexander McKim, 
Jesse Hollingsworth, Thomas Johnson, and Thomas Dixson were appointed a 
Committee of Health. There were 344 deaths by the fever and other diseases 
during the

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months of August and September. The malady did not cease until the 15th of 
October. Capt. James Allen, who had conducted his company of riflemen as 
far as Frederick to protect the State Arsenal from the insurgents, 
returned an invalid, and with other meritorious citizens fell a victim to 
the fatal disease. The Commissioners of Health selected a site for the 
hospital from Capt. Yellot, which was improved and continued to be used as 
a hospital for strangers and seafaring men until 1808, when it was leased 
on certain conditions to Doctors Smyth and Mackenzie. It was at this 
period, and particularly on accouut of the fever, that many citizens fled 
from the town with their families, where it appears the fever did not 
reach them, and some of them erected country residences which now ornament 
the vicinity.

On the 25th of December the General Assembly passed "An Act to alter such 
parts of the Constitution and form of government which prevented persons 
conscientiously scrupulous of taking an oath from being members of the 
Legislature, electors of the Senate, or to hold offices of profit and 
trust." By this Act a member of either of the religious sects or societies 
called Quakers, Menonists, Tunkers or Nicolites, or New Quakers, by 
affirming, may hold office, &c.

Otho Holland Williams was born in Prince George's county, Maryland, in 
March, 1749. His ancestors were Welsh, and came to America soon after Lord 
Baltimore became proprietor of the province of Maryland. He was left an 
orphan at twelve years of age. He was a resident of Frederick county when 
the war of the Revolution began, when he entered the military service as 
lieutenant of a rifle corps under Colonel Michael Cresap, and with that 
officer he went to boston in 1775. He was afterwards promoted to the 
command of his company. In 1776 he was promoted to major, and fought at 
Fort Washington with distinction. In that engagement he was wounded and 
captured, and for fifteen months experienced the horrors of the provost 
prison of New York. He was afterwards exchanged for Major Ackland, 
captured at Saratoga. During his captivity he was appointed to the command 
of a regiment in the Maryland Line. He was Gates' adjutant-general during 
the campaign of 1780. When Gates collected the remnant of his army, 
scattered at Camden, the Marylanders were formed into two battalions, 
constituting one regiment. To Williams was assigned the command, with John 
Eager Howard as his lieutenant. When Greene assumed the command of the 
Southern army he perceived the value of Williams, and appointed him 
adjutant-general. In Greene's memorable retreat, and the subsequent battle 
at Guilford, Williams greatly distinguished himself, and at Eutaw Springs 
he led the celebrated charge which swept the field and gained the bloody 
victory. Congress promoted him to the rank of brigadier, and at the close 
of the war he received the appointment of collector of customs at 
Baltimore, which office he held until his

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death, which occurred on Tuesday, the 15th of July, 1794, at Millerstown, 
in Virginia, when on his way to the Sweet Springs for the benefit of his 
health, in the 46th year of his age. His body was conveyed to Springfield, 
now Williamsport, and deposited in the family graveyard. Gen. Williams 
left a widow and four small children, all sons. Upon Major Otho Williams 
receiving the appointment of Colonel, he wrote the following 
characteristic letter to Governor Johnson:

"Fred'k Town, March 6th, 1778.

"Sir:--The very honorable appointment which the Assembly of the State of 
Maryland hath been pleased to make me, adds an obligation to my natural 
duty and inclination to serve my country with my best abilities. I have 
not been able to obtain a state of the regiment which I expect the honor 
to command, but from the best information learn there is not above one 
hundred effective men with Lt.-Col. Ford, and those very indifferently 
clothed. The laws for recruiting and equipping men in this State (of 
themselves deficient) I find very badly executed, and I could wish it in 
my power to afford some assistance, which I cannot possibly do until I am 
instructed where to get cash and how to subsist the recruits till they are 
equipped and fit for duty. It would give me great pleasure to be advised 
on this subject. I heartily desire to join the army as soon as possible, 
but certainly it had better be reinforced by a regiment without a colonel 
than by a colonel without a regiment.

"I am your Excellency's most obedient, humble servant,

"Otho H. Williams.

"His Excellency Thomas Johnson, Esq., Governor of Md."

General Williams was one of the most distinguished officers of the 
Revolutionary period, and was beside, in private life, a truly lovable and 
interesting character. He was a man of very decided genius, of noble and 
magnanimous nature, singularly handsome in person, a warm friend, and 
fondly affectionate in all his family relations. He was succeeded as 
Collector of the Port by Robert Purviance.

George G. Presbury was appointed one of the justices of the Orphans' Court.

Alexander McKim and James Winchester are elected delegates to the 
Assembly, and Henry Stevenson is again elected Sheriff.

Died, on the ninth of June, John Smith, one of the framers of the 
Constitution, and lately a Senator in the State Legislature.

Col. Nathaniel Ramsay becoming Naval Officer in the place of Mr. 
Purviance, promoted to Collector, Jacob Graybell is appointed Marshal of 
this district. He was succeeded by Messrs. Reuben Etting, Thomas Ruter, 
and Col. Paul Bentalou.

On the 26th of December the General Assembly passed an Act to incorporate 
"The Baltimore Equitable Society" for insuring houses from loss by fire.

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1795. Died at New York, on Wednesday, September 30th, Col. Eleazer Oswald, 
lately one of the editors of the Maryland Journal. He served in the army 
of France under Dumonrur, and gained merited applause at the famous battle 
of Jemmape. He also served gallantly in the Continental army.

In this year, Judge Jones, who resided at North Point on the Patapsco, 
counted, in passing to Baltimore, no less than 109 ships, 162 brigs, 350 
sloops and schooners, and 5,464 of the "bay craft," or small coasters so 
welt known in the traffic between the eastern and western shores of the 
Chesapeake. The shad, herring, oyster and other fisheries had grown to 
consequence, as may be judged from the large number of these smaller 
vessels; and, according to the published reports, the value of merchandise 
entered at our Custom House for exportation from 1st October 1790 to 1st 
October 1791, was $1,690,930; same period in 1792, $1,782,861; in 1793, $2,
092,660; in 1794, $3,456,421; in 1795, $4,421,924;--making in all $13,444,
796; while the exports from the Whole State of Maryland for the same time 
were $20,026,126; showing that our town already exported two-thirds of the 
whole amount sent forward by the State.

The demand abroad for our flour stimulated the "milling interests," and 
the abundant water-power on Jones Falls was taken advantage of by the 
erection of a new mill within a mile of navigation, while Gwynn's Falls 
was also improved by a mill-race, with sufficient fall in succession for 
at least three mills within three miles of the city's wharves. In 
consequence of these enterprises of the Penningtons, Ellicott's, Taggerts, 
Tysons, and Hollingsworths, the manufacture of flour was greatly 
increased, so that but little wheat in bulk was subsequently exported from 
our city. Nor should we forget in this enumeration of the material 
progress of Baltimore, that our merchants and intellectual men did not 
neglect their minds, nor the minds of their children, in this prosperous 
period. The Right Rev. Bishop Carroll, the Rev. Doctors Patrick Allison 
and Joseph G. J. Bend, Doctor George Brown, Messrs. Richard Caton, Thomas 
Poultney, James Carroll, George W. Field, Robert Gilmor, Nicholas Brice, 
David Harris, and others, established the old Library Company, and made 
that splendid collection of the best works of the day and age which, 
within a few years past, was merged, and is still preserved in the 
collections of the Maryland Historical Society.

John B. Bernabeau was appointed French Consul for Maryland, and resided 
here.

David McMechan was elected one of the delegates to the General Assembly in 
the place of Alexander McKim.

An Act was passed by the General Assembly, on the 24th of December, to 
incorporate the Bank of Baltimore; and on the same day the Maryland Fire 
Insurance Company was also incorporated.

On the 27th of July, a town meeting was held at the court-house,

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and a committee was chosen to address the President on the subject of a 
treaty with England, adverse to the ratification. The answer of the 
President referred the citizens to his answer to the select men of Boston; 
in which, being disposed to adopt the treaty, he appeals to the principles 
of conscious rectitude contained in his answer to the address of this town 
on his first election to the Presidency, and hopes that experience will 
justify him.

1796. The following letter was written by President Washington to Col. 
James McHenry, of Baltimore, formerly private secretary on his staff 
during the Revolution:

"Philadelphia, 20th January, 1796.

"My Dear Sir:--Let this letter be received with the same friendship and 
frankness with which it is written. Nothing would add more to the 
satisfaction this would give me, than your acceptance of the offer I am 
going to make. Without further preface, then, will you suffer me to 
nominate you to the office of Secretary of War? That I may give evidence 
of the candor I have professed above, I shall inform you that, for 
particular reasons, more fit for an oral than a written communication, 
this office has been offered to General Pinckney, of South Carolina, 
Colonel Carrington, of Virginia, and Governor Howard, of Maryland, and 
that it would now give me sincere pleasure if you would fill it. After 
making this declaration, I can press you no farther; but I press for an 
immediate answer, as the public service is suffering much for want of a 
head to the department of war. If you consent to this nomination, prepare 
to come on as soon as it is made, for the reason just mentioned; although, 
at this season of the year, and in the present state of the roads, you 
should not find it convenient to bring Mrs. McHenry and your family along 
with you. Sound, I pray you, and let me know without delay, if Mr. Samuel 
Chase would accept a seat on the supreme judicial bench of the United 
States, made vacant by the resignation of Mr. Blair. If his decision is in 
the affirmative, he will at once perceive the necessity of being here, if 
possible, by the first Monday in the next month, at which time that court 
is to sit in this city. Although these subjects are both of an interesting 
nature, I will add no more on them at present, but assure you of the 
sincere friendship and affectionate regard of, &c.,

George Washington."

Mr. McHenry and Mr. Chase both consented to the proposal, and were 
accordingly appointed.

The Baltimore Library Company opened their library for the use of the 
members on the evening of October 22d, at the house of Mr. Williams, Lemon 
street.

Messrs. Thompson and Walker issue the first directory published in 
Baltimore, containing the names, occupations and places of abode of the 
inhabitants of Baltimore Town and Fell's Point. Messrs. Pechin & Co., 
printers.

Page 279

On the 20th of November, 1783, the officers of the Maryland Line, 
agreeably to the request of Major-General Smallwood, met at Mr. Mann's 
tavern, in Annapolis. In consequence of the absence of General Smallwood 
and General Gist, the two senior officers, the meeting was adjourned to 
the evening of the following day. The aforesaid officers not appearing, 
General Otho Holland Williams was called to the chair, and Lieutenant-
Colonel Eccleston appointed secretary. The institution of the order of 
"The Society of the Cincinnati" was read and adopted, when they proceeded 
to the election of officers. Whereupon Major-General Smallwood was elected 
president; Brigadier-General Gist, vice-president; Brigadier-General 
Williams, secretary; Colonel Ramsey, treasurer; and Lieutenant-Colonel 
Eccleston, assistant treasurer. The representatives elected to the General 
Society were General Smallwood, General Williams, Governor Paca and 
Colonel Ramsey. The first meeting of the members of the society in 
Baltimore was held at the "Indian Queen" hotel, which stood on the 
southwest corner of Sharp and Baltimore streets, then kept by Mr. William 
Evans, on the 4th of July, 1796. At this meeting Colonel John H. Stone was 
re-elected president, and Colonel John Eager Howard, vice-president; 
Robert Denny was re-elected secretary and treasurer. The officers of the 
Maryland society at the present day are: Tenth Tilghman, president; 
William Williams, vice-president; W. Carvel Hall, treasurer; and Richard 
J. Manning, secretary.

On Sunday, December 4th, Baltimore Town witnessed such a scene as to 
threaten at one time the destruction of a greater part of it. About four 
o'clock in the afternoon a fire broke out in a frame building on the west 
side of Light street, occupied as a shop by Dr. Goodwin. The flames 
immediately caught the frame buildings of Messrs. Wilkinson & Smith's 
cabinet manufactory on the south side, and Mr. Hawkins' two three-story 
brick houses. On the north they communicated to the "magnificent
structure," the Baltimore Academy, and the Methodist meeting-house. The 
fierce element had now got to such a height as to put it out of the power 
of the citizens to save the six buildings on fire; and therefore, to 
prevent its spreading still further, they threw down the roof of the Rev. 
Mr. Reed's house and demolished some back buildings, by which means the 
flames were got under control. "Mr Bryden's Fountain lnn, directly 
opposite, was with difficulty preserved by wetting the roof, and spreading 
wet blankets by a gentleman traveller, (Mr. Francis Charlton, of Yorktown, 
Va.) on a shed adjoining the inn, which was on fire several times previous 
to this experiment." The fire originated with some boys, who set fire to 
some shavings in the back part of the house.

Judge Seney resigned, and Henry Ridgely was appointed Chief-Justice of the 
judicial district. Dr. Andrew Wiesenthall is appointed one of the Judges 
of the Orphans' Court.

The Charitable Marine-Society was formed and incorporated

Page 280

in the name of Thomas Elliott, David Porter, Thomas Cole, Daniel Howland, 
and others, masters of vessels, or their friends.

At length, on the last day of the year 1796, a law is passed to constitute 
the town a city, and incorporate the inhabitants by the name of "The Mayor 
and City Council of Baltimore"; and that the best means were sought by our 
legislators to restrain the errors and promote the happiness of a numerous 
and mixed society, is proved by the enlightened views which they have 
concisely expressed in the following preamble: "Whereas, it is found by 
experience that the good order, health and safety of large towns and 
cities cannot be preserved, nor the evils and accidents to which they are 
subject avoided or remedied, without an internal power competent to 
establish a police, and regulations fitted to their particular 
circumstances, wants and exigencies." It required no little exertion of 
the talents and influence of Messrs. McMechen, McHenry, Robert Smith, and 
Winchester, the Senators and Delegates at the time, to reconcile the 
citizens to the charter, such as it was, especially those of the Point, or 
Deptford Hundred, who were conciliated by an exception from any tax 
towards deepening the upper harbor or basin. Still the Act was introduced 
as an experiment for a year only, and another was passed the ensuing 
session to give it perpetual duration, with an enumeration of some of the 
principal powers.

James Winchester was chosen Elector of the Senate for the City. Col. 
Howard and Charles Ridgely of Hampton were elected members of the Senate 
of the State, but the Colonel having been appointed a member of the Senate 
of the United States, is succeeded by David McMechen. Robert Smith was 
elected to the House of Delegates in the place of Mr. McMechen.

An Act of Assembly was passed on the 30th of December, authorising the 
filling up of the west side of the Basin from Forrest (now Charles) to the 
east side of Light street, and the extension of Lee, Barre, Conway, and 
Camden streets to Light. Also on the 31st of December, an Act was passed 
by the General Assembly to lay out and establish a turnpike road from the 
City of Washington to Baltimore town.

1797. "In virtue of an appointment by the Governor and Council, bearing 
date the 5th day of January, 1797, to divide the City of Baltimore. into 
eight wards, agreeably to the Act to erect Baltimore. town, in Baltimore 
county, into a city, and to incorporate the inhabitants thereof, we have 
made, and do declare the following division of the said city into eight 
wards,--viz.:

"The first ward to comprise all that part of the City of Baltimore to the 
westward of Hanover street and McClellan's alley, in eluding the west side 
of said street and alley, and all the west side of Charles street north of 
the place where said alley intersects it. 
"The second ward: the east side of Hanover street and McClellan's alley, 
to the west side Light street and St. Paul's lane inclusive.

Page 281

"The third ward: the east side of Light street and St. Paul's lane, to the 
west side of Calvert street inclusive. 
"The fourth ward: the east side of Calvert street to the west side of 
South street and North lane inclusive. 
"The fifth ward: the east side of South street and North lane, to the west 
side of Gay street inclusive. 
"The sixth ward: the east side of Gay street to Jones Falls inclusive. 
"The seventh ward: the east side of Jones Falls and the north side of 
Wilkes street inclusive. 
"The eighth ward: all that part of Fell's Point to the southward of Wilkes 
street, including the south side of said street.

"Given under our hands in the City of Baltimore, this 9th day of January, 
1797:

"John Stricker, 
"Philip Rogers, 
"Emanuel Kent, 
Alexander McKim, 
James Calhoun, 
James Stodder."

Agreeably to the Act of Assembly for incorporating the City of Baltimore, 
the inhabitants of the several wards met on the 16th of January, 1797, for 
the purpose of electing two councilmen for each ward and eight electors 
for the choice of a Mayor; when the following gentlemen were returned as 
duly elected:

First Ward Councilmen:--James Carey, Ephraim Robinson. Elector, George 
Reinecker. 
Second Ward:--Dr. George Buchanan, Samuel Owings. Elector, William Gibson. 
Third Ward:--Zebulon Hollingsworth, James McCannon. Elector, Jesse 
Hollingsworth. 
Fourth Ward:--Hercules Courtenay, William Wilson. Elector, Jeremiah 
Yellott. 
Fifth Ward:--Thomas Hollingsworth, Adam Fonerden. Elector, Philip Rogers. 
Sixth Ward:--James A. Buchanan, Peter Frick. Elector, Englehard Yeiser. 
Seventh Ward:--James Edwards, David Brown. Elector, John Brown. 
Eighth Ward:--Joseph Biays, William Trimble. Elector, John Coulter.

The General Assembly, on the 20th of January, passed an Act incorporating 
"The Library Company of Baltimore," now merged in the Maryland Historical 
Society. On the same day the Assembly incorporate "The Presbyterian 
Church, in the city of Baltimore," with a committee consisting of William 
Smith, Robert Purviance, James Calhoun, David Stewart, Robert Gilmor, 
Samuel Smith, William Patterson, Christopher Johnson, George Brown, John 
Swann, William Robb and James A. Buchanan.

A meeting was held on the 21st of February, of the electors of

Page 282

a Mayor and eight members for the Second Branch of the City Council, when 
the following gentlemen were declared to be duly elected: James Calhoun, 
Mayor. First Ward, William Goodwin; Second Ward, Col. Nicholas Rogers; 
Third Ward, John Merryman; Fourth Ward, Henry Nicholls; Fifth Ward, Robert 
Gilmor; Sixth Ward, Richard Lawson; Seventh Ward, Edward Johnson; Eighth 
Ward, Job Smith, who chose John Merryman their President. On the same day 
the citizens for the several wards held an election for sixteen members of 
the First Branch of the City Council, when the following gentlemen were 
elected: First Ward, James Carey and Ephraim Robinson: Second Ward, Samuel 
Owings and Dr. George Buchanan; Third Ward, Zebulon Hollingsworth and 
James McCannon; Fourth Ward, Hercules Courtenay and David McMechen; Fifth 
Ward, Thomas Hollingsworth and Adam Fonerden; Sixth Ward, Baltzer 
Schaeffer and Peter Frick; Seventh Ward, James Edwards and Frederick 
Schaeffer; Eighth Ward, Joseph Biays and William Trimble. Hercules 
Courtenay, Esq., was chosen President of this Branch.

On the 20th of January the General Assembly passed an Act "to lay out and 
establish a turnpike road from the City of Baltimore through Frederick-
town in Frederick county, to Elizabeth-town and Williamsport in Washington 
county." Luke Tiernan, Peter Hoffman, and Hezekiah Claggett, were 
appointed managers for taking subscriptions for stock in Baltimore City.

One of the first acts of the Corporation was an expression of approbation, 
gratitude, and good wishes toward Gen. Washington, passing through the 
city homeward after the expiration of the second period of his 
presidential term, in an address dated the 14th of March, of which the 
following is a copy:

"To George Washington, Esq.:

"Sir:--To partake of the prosperity arising from your unwearied attention 
to the welfare of your country--to admire that firmness which has never 
been disconcerted in the greatest difficulties, and which has acquired 
vigor in proportion to the exigency--to feel that honorable ascendency you 
have obtained in the well-founded opinion of your fellow-citizens, by a 
wise administration, and the exercise of the virtues of a private life, 
and to suppress our admiration and acknowledgment, would be wanting to our 
own individual sensation, and the just expectation of those we represent.

"Permit, therefore, the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, amongst the 
first exercises of their corporate capacity, to gratify themselves and 
their constituents, in the sincere expressions of regret for your 
retirement; their lively gratitude for your public services, their 
affectionate attachment to your private character, their heartfelt 
farewell to your person and family, and their unceasing

Page 283

solicitude for your temporal and eternal happiness. In behalf of the 
corporation of the city of Baltimore,

"James Calhoun, Mayor."

To which was returned the following reply:--

"To the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore:

"Gentlemen:-- I receive with grateful sensibility the honor of your 
address.

"To meet the plaudits of my fellow-citizens for the part I have acted in 
public life, is the highest reward, next to the consciousness of having 
done my duty, to the utmost of my abilities, of which my mind is 
susceptible; and I pray you to accept my sincere thanks for the evidence 
you have now given me of your approbation of my past services. For these 
regrets which, you have expressed on the occasion of my retirement to 
private life, and for the affectionate attachment you have declared for my 
person, let me reciprocate most cordially all the good wishes you have 
been pleased to extend to me and my family, for our temporal and eternal 
happiness.

"George Washington."

Richard H. Moale was appointed by the Mayor and City Council to "receive 
for safe-keeping the records, papers, proceedings, and accounts of the 
commissioners of Baltimore town, port wardens, &c., until the corporation 
shall further order." William Gibson was appointed to "receive for safe-
keeping all the moneys in the hands of the commissioners of Baltimore 
town, &c., until the corporation shall further order."

At the navy-yard of David Stodder, Harris Creek, on the 9th of September, 
was launched the United States frigate Constellation, of 36 guns. Capt. 
Thomas Truxton was appointed to command her.

Captain David Porter, Sr., established the signal-house on Federal Hill, 
opposite, but near to, and in sight of the town, by which the approach of 
public and private vessels to the Bodkin and North Point is immediately 
known.

In this year a subscription was gotten up for a hall for dancing, and the 
building was erected and is still standing on the north-east corner of 
Fayette and Holliday streets, from a design by Colonel N. Rogers--Messrs. 
Robert C. Long, James Donaldson, Hessington, and Lander, builders--which 
was called the "Assembly Room."

Mr. George Keating published a small plan of the city, and two years after 
another was published by Mr. Charles Varle, which included some of the 
environs, with views of the buildings. Messrs. Dugan and McElderry 
commenced their improvements in Market Space.

Colonel Howard having completed the senatorial term, is re-appointed 
Senator of the United States for the ensuing six years. Adam Fonerden, 
Esq., is elected a delegate to the Assembly in the place of Mr. McMechen; 
and Cornelius H. Gist is elected sheriff.

Page 284

Died in this city, on the 19th of March, at an advanced age, Daniel 
Dulaney, barrister, formerly secretary of the Province and member of the 
Council, and of the Upper House under the Proprietary government.

An Act was passed on the 20th of January, by the General Assembly, 
incorporating the Reisterstown Turnpike Company, and authorizing Samuel 
Smith, Joseph Thornburgh, Jesse Hollingsworth, and Philip Grable, to 
receive subscriptions to the stock in Baltimore City.

On the same day, the General Assembly appointed Samuel Owings, James 
Carroll, John Merryman, James Carey, and Nicholas Rogers, commissioners 
for the purpose of erecting a new jail, and they purchased ground and 
built on the site of the present one. An Act was passed at the next 
session to sell the ground now occupied by the City Court, formerly old 
Masonic Hall, and the proceeds to be applied in the erection of the new 
jail on the east side of Jones Falls. It was finished and occupied in 1802.

1798. The difficulties which had arisen in Europe out of the French 
Revolution, soon extended themselves in this country. The cloud soon 
passed away, and nothing was heard but distant rumblings.

On the 7th of November, Gen. Washington, who had accepted the command of 
the army again, designated Col. Howard to be one of the Brigadier-
Generals, and arrived here and reviewed General Swann's brigade. On this 
last visit of the beloved chief and brother, the R. W. Mr. William Belton, 
Grand Master of the Grand Lodge of Maryland, presented a copy of their 
constitution then just revised, and an address, to which the General 
returned an answer highly commendatory of the benevolent purposes of the 
institution.

Two new companies of volunteer cavalry were raised, one on the Point, 
commanded by Captain James Biays, and one in town by Captain Paul Bentalou.

In July, Congress voted an addition to the army and naval forces, and 
authorized the seizure of French vessels which were armed. The ships 
Baltimore and Montezuma, merchant vessels of this port, were fitted out 
with twenty guns each, the first commanded by Captain Isaac Philips, and 
the last by Captain Alex. Murray. On the 16th of November, the Baltimore 
having convoyed a number of American vessels near Havana, was met by a 
British squadron under Admiral Loring, who invited Captain Philips on 
board his ship, and in his absence, had above fifty men brought away from 
the Baltimore, as British seamen, which Captain Philips resented 
strenuously and offered up his ship. Upon this Loring returned all the men 
but five, and Captain Philips being without a commission for his ship, and 
thinking the Government would find some better means of redress, hoisted 
his flag and proceeded, but was dismissed the service on his return 
without a trial

Page 285

by an order of the Secretary of the Navy. John Rogers and Andrew Sterett 
were appointed Lieutenants in the navy, and David Porter, Jr., Midshipman, 
were on board the Constellation and contributed by their gallant behavior 
to the capture of the Insurgente French frigate, on the 9th of February, 
1799. Besides the above Baltimore gentlemen, there also entered the navy 
about this period, Messrs. John Ballard, William Peterken, Charles 
Ridgely, John and Joseph Nicholson, and George Levely; and another ship 
was fitted out and called the Patapsco, to be commanded by Captain Geddes.

To relieve the county courts from duties not judiciary, Levy courts were 
organized by law, and eleven justices appointed for this city and county, 
who took charge of the property and finances. The tobacco inspectors 
formerly nominated by the vestries, and latterly by the courts of justice, 
are now by this court, as are the county-constables and overseers of the 
roads. The Legislature also passed an Act to prevent abuses in the 
practice of medicine and surgery, the want of which had been announced ten 
years before, incorporating the faculty, prohibiting any from commencing 
practice thereafter without a license from a board of examiners. This 
restriction was so far modified in 1816 as to permit the graduates of 
reputed seminaries or colleges to practice without other license.

The form and dimensions of brick for building or sale were established.

The property of the city subject to taxes was valued at £699,519 9s. 2d., 
pursuant to a general assessment law, and five commissioners for the city, 
and five for the county, appointed.

At a town meeting on the 7th of September, it was resolved that a 
subscription should be opened for money to aid the distressed inhabitants 
of Philadelphia, then afflicted by the yellow fever, and on the 15th the 
Mayor suspended communication between the two cities.

Wm. Wilson and Archibald Buchanan, Esqs., are elected delegates.

On the 5th of July, John Moale, Esq., many years presiding justice of the 
county court, and member of the convention in 1774 for the county, 
departed this life at an advanced age; on the eleventh of September, also 
at an advanced age, Alexander Lawson, Esq., formerly clerk of Baltimore 
county court; and on the twentieth of October, at his then residence in 
Queen Anne County, Joshua Seney, Esq., late chief-justice of this 
district, and fomerly member of Congress.

An Act was passed by the General Assembly, on the 15th of January, to 
extend and open Sharping lane, now called Second street, to the breadth of 
forty-nine feet six inches from Gay to South street.

1799. Agreeably to the powers of the corporation, an addition

Page 286

was made to the city of a small parcel of ground situated north of 
Saratoga street, and the bounds of Harford street and Canal were fixed, 
together with the channel of the Basin.

On the 28th of May a very destructive fire broke out on the west side of 
South street, in the bake-house of Patrick Millian, and consumed fourteen 
warehouses, and much valuable property between that street and Bowley's 
wharf. The following persons were the principal losers: James Piper, 
William Jessop, william Woods, V. Kapff & Anspach, Benjamin Williams, 
Rogers & Owens, Solomon Betts, James Corrie, Redmond Berry, M. Larew, 
William Ryland, John McFadden, A. W. Davey, Mrs. Lawson, John Stricker, 
Pat. Millian, Jarard Toepken, J. Masey, Lewis Pascault.

In this year the Rev. John Hargrove, who had espoused the doctrines of 
Baron Swedenborg, and others of that faith, erect the New Jerusalem Temple 
at the corner of Baltimore and Exeter streets, which was dedicated the 
ensuing year.

Heretofore the citizens had witnessed much confusion and turbulence by the 
multitudes of people assembled at elections for the town and county. The 
Legislature therefore changed the constitution in this respect, by 
dividing both into districts, the wards of the city serving for districts; 
two years after, the manner of voting was limited to ballots, instead of 
voice, and these seasons ceased to be riotous as they had been.

At the session of 1799, a new Court of Oyer and Terminer is organized for 
Baltimore city and county, and Walter Dorsey appointed chief-justice; 
George Presbury and Job Smith, associate justices. In 1808 Judge Dorsey 
resigns, and is succeeded by John Scott, who, dying in 1813, is succeeded 
by Luther Martin. In this year James Winchester was appointed judge of the 
district court, in place of Mr. Paca deceased.

The Insurgente, a French frigate, was captured by Captain Truxton, U. S. 
N., brought here and fitted out, but was, with Capt. Patrick Fletcher and 
all the crew, lost at sea the ensuing winter.

On the petition of the proprietors, Pratt street from Franklin Lane was 
directed to be opened to the Fails, and it was then opened from Frederick 
street, and a bridge erected by ordinance of the corporation to connect 
Pratt street with the one called Queen, now Pratt street, east of the 
Falls. Pratt street had been opened westwardly as early as 1795, and in 
1811 a law was passed for extending it eastwardly across Cheapside, 
Hollingsworth, and Ellicott's docks, but this was not effected until 
another one-was passed in 1816, including that part of the new street only 
which runs from Light street to Franklin lane,--when another law was 
passed to open and extend North lane, which was called Belvedere, now 
North street; and another, to extend Lombard street eastwardly, which was 
not carried into effect for a number of years after. In 1807 an. Act was 
passed to open Centre street eastwardly from Howard

Page 287

street to the Falls, and a bridge was built there; and in 1811, St. 
Paul's, now Saratoga street, was extended from Charles to Fish, now 
Saratoga, in front of the African Bethel Church. In 1809 Mr. Christopher 
Hughes obtained a license to extend his grounds on the south side of the 
Basin, northward to Lee street, and from Forest, now Charles, to Johnson 
street eastwardly.

The port wardens had determined the width of the Falls, before the city 
was chartered, at 60 feet above Baltimore Street bridge and 80 feet below 
it, and now complete the survey of the harbor, which the corporation 
confirmed in 1805 and 1807; and in 1815, a resolution was passed to 
sanction the deepening of the bed and walling in the sides of the Falls.

Archibald Buchanan and George Johannot, Esqs., are elected to represent 
the town in the House of Delegates.

On the 15th of December, the sad news arrived of the decease of General 
Washington, which happened the day before, and on the 1st of January, 
1800, funeral rites were celebrated. The military, including the regulars 
then stationed at Fort McHenry, and the citizens, including many from the 
county, formed a procession at the head of Baltimore street, when an 
appropriate address was delivered by the Rev. Dr. Allison. From thence the 
procession returned to Christ Church, and when the bier had entered, the 
funeral service was performed by the Rev. Dr. Bend before an immense 
concourse, deeply affected at the loss which they had sustained, and 
anxious to manifest the grateful sentiments by which they were animated 
towards the memory of the hero who had so often testified his regard for 
them, and rendered the most important services to their country.

On Monday, June 3d, the United States sloop-of-war Maryland was launched 
from the ways at Price's ship-yard, Fell's Point. This vessel carried 20 
guns, and was built by the merchants of Baltimore and presented to the 
United States Government.

On Tuesday, June 4th, the Baltimore races commenced at the new course on 
Whetstone Point. There was an immense number of spectators present of both 
sexes and all conditions. Mr. Hanson's horse Hamlet was the winner of the 
four-mile race in seven minutes and forty-seven seconds.

On Friday, June 20th, was launched from the ways at De Rochbroom's ship-
yard, Fell's Point, the U. S. sloop-of-war Chesapeake.

On Monday morning, July 1st, a number of seamen, lately belonging to the 
Constellation, to evince their respect to their former lieutenant, John 
Rogers, carried him through the principal streets of Baltimore on a chair 
elegantly decorated. On passing Market street (Broadway), Fell's Point, 
the procession was saluted by a discharge of cannon.

On the 24th of July, the following gentlemen having been appointed a 
committee on behalf of the citizens of Baltimore, published an appeal to 
raise by subscription among the citizens of the

Page 288

city sufficient means to finish the fortification (Fort McHenry) at 
Whetstone Point: Robert Gilmor, George Sears, Robert Oliver, William 
Patterson, David Stewart, Jeremiah Yellott, Mark Pringle, Archibald 
Campbell, Thomas Coale.

A summary description of Baltimore as taken from an old paper of the year:

"Baltimore, the largest and most flourishing commercial city in the State 
of Maryland, is situated in a county of its own name, and on the N. W. 
branch of Patapsco river. It extends from Harris's creek on the S. E., 
until it reaches a branch of the western branch, over which there are 
three wooden bridges. In the city the streets extend from east to west, 
along the north side of the basin, and these are again intersected by 
others at right angles, extending north from it; except a few which run in 
different directions. At Fell's Point the streets also in general extend 
from east to west, and are crossed by others at right angles; but 
immediately on the Point there are a few which run in various directions, 
as circumstances would admit of. On the side Jones Falls, there are some 
which extend parallel to it, and vary their course from the former. The 
number of streets, lanes and alleys, is about 130; but several of these 
are yet without a building. The buildings are principally placed between 
Howard street and the Falls. The main street is 80 feet wide, and extends 
from east to west about three-quarters of a mile, and is called Baltimore 
street. Pratt, Water, Second and East street (Fayette) have the same 
direction, and are from 40 to 60 feet wide. These are intersected at right 
angles by Market street, 150 feet wide, Frederick, Gay, South, Calvert, 
Charles, Hanover, and Howard streets, which are from 66 to 80 feet wide, 
and compactly built. There are others partly built, as Holliday street 100 
feet wide, where the new theatre stands, Lovely and St. Paul's lanes 
thirty feet wide, &c. The public buildings are a court-house, jail, market-
houses, a poorhouse, which stands on the northwest side of the town, 
besides three banks and exchange, and a theatre already mentioned: these 
last are private property. The Bank of Maryland stands in South street, 
between Walnut street and Lovely lane, and was incorporated in 1791; its 
capital is $300,000. The branch Bank of the United States stands at the 
corner of Second and South Gay streets. The Baltimore Bank stands in 
Baltimore street--No. 154. The court-house is a brick building erected 
upon an arch in the north end of Calvert street. In the next square, a 
little to the northwest, is the jail (now record-office). The houses for 
public worship are eleven, viz: one for Episcopalians, one for 
Presbyterians, one for German Lutherans, one for German Calvinists, one 
for the Reformed Germans, one for Nicolites or New Quakers, one for 
Baptists, one for Roman Catholics, and two for Methodists, one of which 
stands at Fell's Point. The Presbyte rian church stands in East street 
(northwest corner of North and

Page 289

Fayette streets), has a handsome portico, and is supported by six pillars 
in front. It is well-finished, and is one of the most elegant churches in 
America. The houses as numbered in 1787 were 1955; about 1200 of these 
were in the town and the rest at Fell's Point. The number of houses at 
present is about 3500: the greater part of these are brick, and many of 
them handsome and elegant. The number of warehouses is about 170, chiefly 
placed contiguous to the harbor; and the number of inhabitants, according 
to the census taken in 1791, was 13,758, of whom 1255 were slaves; but 
this must be far short of the present number.

"The basin is on the south side of the town, in which the water at common 
tides is from eight to nine feet deep. The harbor at Fell's Point is deep 
enough to admit ships of 500 tons burthen. The situation of part of the 
town is low, and was unhealthy until a large marsh was reclaimed about 
twenty-seven years ago, since which time the town has been as healthy as 
any other in the United States. Where the marsh formerly was there is a 
market space 150 feet wide, which we have mentioned above; on each side is 
a row of buildings, with the market-house in the centre. Perhaps the 
increase of houses, and consequently of smoke, together with the 
improvements which have been made in paving the streets and keeping them 
clean, may also have contributed in rendering it so healthy. The articles 
manufactured here are sugar, rum, tobacco, snuff, cordage, paper, wool and 
cotton-cards, nails, saddles, boots, shoes, ship-building in all its 
various branches, besides a variety of other articles. Within eighteen 
miles of the town there are fifty capital merchant-mills, one powder-mill, 
and two paper-mills, besides several furnaces and two forges. Twelve of 
the merchant-mills are within four miles of the town, on Jones Falls, and 
four others are about the same distance on two other streams. Adjoining 
the town is a large mill, with four pairs of stones six feet in diameter, 
capable of manufacturing 150 barrels of flour in a day; the water-course 
is about a mile in length, one-third part of which is cut out of the solid 
rock: in this distance the water gains sixty-five feet fall. The rapid 
increase of Baltimore has even surprised its friends, and it now ranks as 
the third commercial port in the Union. There were belonging to it in 
1790, 27 ships, I scow, 31 brigantines, 34 schooners, and 9 sloops: total 
102 vessels, containing 13,564 tons. In the year ending the last day of 
December, 1797, the shipping amounted to 59,837 tons. The exports in 1790 
amounted to $2,027,770, and the imports to $1,945,899; balance in favor of 
Baltimore, $81,971. In the year ending September, 1794, the exports 
amounted to $5,094,248, and in 1798, ending September 30th, $12,000,000 
and upwards. Mr. Morse, in his Gazetteer, says of Baltimore:

"On what authority he makes the first part of his publications we know 
not. In looking into his own observations, we find he contradicts himself; 
for he allows a greater population to Charleston,

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which, when the census was taken in 1791, was the fourth in size, and 
contained about three thousand people more than Baltimore. We believe 
Baltimore has, since that period, increased more in wealth and population 
than any town in the United States; but whether it exceeds Charleston in 
population at the present day, he has no authority we presume for saying 
it, because no census was taken since 1791, and therefore it must be, with 
him, mere conjecture. With respect to his asserting it is 'in commerce the 
fifth in rank in the United States;' he in this discovers either a want of 
recollection, or a total ignorance of the subject. In looking over the 
exports of the United States, published by Mr. Coxe, commissioner of the 
revenue, in 1796, for five years ending September 30th, 1795, we find, in 
a commercial view, Pennsylvania ranks first, New York second, 
Massachusetts third, Maryland fourth, and South Carolina fifth. 
Massachusetts has more sea-ports than any State in the Union, from which 
commerce is carried on with foreign countries. These necessarily lessen 
the exports of Boston, so that we find in 1794, Baltimore exported to the 
amount of $2,512,545 more than Boston, and $1,447,856 more than 
Charleston, the exports of which exceed Boston $1,064,689; yet Boston he 
ranks as the third commercial town in the Union. Perhaps he will, in the 
next edition of his Gazetteer, make another advance towards truth, and 
place Baltimore in its proper rank as the third commercial city in the 
United States. It is peopled from various parts of the Union, and from 
different countries in Europe. The inhabitants by mixing together in a 
social and friendly manner, have a politeness in their address and 
conversation which renders them pleasant and agreeable companions. It 
contains more men of wealth and of probity in commercial transactions, in 
proportion to its population, than any of the seaport towns in the Union. 
This is demonstrated from its exports being greater than either Boston or 
Charleston, each of whose population was more numerous in 1791. its 
exports are much larger in proportion to its population than either 
Philadelphia or New York; for if population be the standard of wealth, 
each of these cities ought to export twice the amount that Baltimore does. 
This reasoning is obvious, and proves what we have stated, that Baltimore 
possesses a larger proportion of men of wealth or of probity in commercial 
affairs than any of the seaport towns, as its trade is so much greater in 
proportion to its population; for it is self-evident that all commercial 
transactions are carried on by means either of wealth or of credit, which 
last is founded on probity and punctuality; and when the commerce of a 
people surpasses the ordinary proportion, it is of itself a proof that 
they possess either one or other of these in a great degree.

"Baltimore was incorporated and declared a city by an Act of the 
Legislature of Maryland, passed on the 31st day of December, 1796. It is 
governed by a Mayor, and City Council consisting of two Branches. The 
First Branch is composed of two members

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from each ward; at present there are sixteen members in this Branch. The 
Second Branch consists of eight members. A member of the First Branch must 
be twenty-one years of age, a citizen of the United States, three years 
resident in Baltimore before his election, and rated on the assessor's 
books at one thousand dollars. The voters for this Branch must have the 
same qualifications as those who vote for members of the General Assembly 
of Maryland. The election is annual, and made viva voce. A member of the 
Second Branch must be twenty-five years of age, a citizen of the United 
States, four years a resident in the city previous to his election, and 
rated on the assessor's books at two thousand dollars. The members of this 
Branch are chosen every second year by the First Branch. The Mayor, who is 
elected by the First Branch also, continues in office two years, must be 
twenty-five years of age, ten years a citizen of the United States, and 
five years a resident of the place before his election. His salary is 
fixed by an ordinance of the corporation: last year it was two thousand 
four hundred dollars. He appoints all officers of the corporation; the 
Second Branch, in case of a vacancy, nominates two citizens, one of whom 
the Mayor commissions."

1800. President Adams passed through the city on the 15th of June, from 
the seat of government, then lately moved to Washington, and the 
corporation presented him an address of congratulation.

Doctor John B. Davidge, who had been educated in Europe, and some time 
settled in Baltimore, commenced a course of lectures on the principles and 
practice of Midwifery, to which the next session he added practical 
surgery, and the third session demonstrative anatomy. These lectures were 
delivered at his residence; and though they were never attended by a dozen 
students, the Doctor erected an anatomical hall near the southeast corner 
of Liberty and Saratoga streets, being joined by Doctor James Cocke in the 
lectures on anatomy and physiology, and by Doctor John Shaw, who delivered 
lectures on chemistry at his own dwelling. The anatomical lectures had 
scarcely commenced in the new hall when a clamor was raised by some 
ignorant neighbors; it was demolished by the populace, and the Doctor's 
preparations destroyed, upon which, and for two or three years after, the 
anatomical and surgical lectures were delivered at the county almshouse.

Mr. Marcus McCausland erects a brewery in Holliday street, and a new 
powder magazine is erected on the south side of the river by the 
corporation.

A number of gentlemen form a society, which they call "The Society of St. 
George," to relieve emigrants from England; and the Rt. Rev. Bishop 
Carroll, the Rev. Dr. Bend, Mr. James Priestly, Doctor Crawford, and 
others form a society by the name of "The Maryland Society for promoting 
useful knowledge," both of which societies were discontinued after a few 
years.

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Robert Smith and James H. McCulloch, Esqs., are elected delegates, and 
James Wilson, Esq., sheriff.

By the new census, the city, without the precincts, contained white males, 
11,294; females, 9,606; other free persons, 2,771; slaves, 2,843; 
precincts supposed, 5,000; total, 31,514, being an increase of 18,011 
persons in the last ten years.

In this year an agreement was made by the First Presbyterian Church and 
the city authorities with reference to opening North lane and reducing the 
ground. This ground had been used for a number of years for burial 
purposes. The congregation reserved the right to continue the parsonage in 
the bed of the present North street as long as it suited them, not 
exceeding ten years. They retained it till 1805.

An Act was passed by the Legislature, on the 19th of December, "to enable 
the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore to introduce water into the said 
city."

1801. Innoculation with vaccine matter having been discovered as a 
preventative from small-pox by Dr. Jenner five years before, in 1801 Mr. 
William Taylor, merchant, received from his brother, Mr. John Taylor, then 
in London, a quantity of matter for propagation; and being delivered 
through Dr. M. Littlejohn, physician of Mr. Taylor, to Dr. James Smith, he 
introduced it generally and successfully. Upon the application of Dr. 
Smith, the Legislature of Maryland became the first to sanction the 
distribution; and in 1809 he is granted a lottery to raise a certain 
compensation for the distribution of matter gratuitously during six years; 
and in 1810, the Rev. Dr. Bend, Wm. Gwynn, Dr. Smith, and others form a 
society for promoting vaccination generally; but this society was 
discontinued and another erected in 1822, of which Dr. James Stewart was 
President.

In 1801, the Legislature authorised the building of a Lazaretto, Which was 
accordingly put up by the corporation on the point opposite Fort McHenry, 
which has since become one of the bounds of the city eastward.

Messrs. Emanuel Kent, Elisha Tyson, William Maccreery, Richardson Stewart, 
and others, formed a society to furnish medicinal relief to the poor 
gratuitously, which in 1807, was incorporated by the name of the 
"Baltimore General Dispensary," and relief for drowning persons provided, 
there having been since the foundation and to that time 6263 patients. 
This society, for a charitable purpose of all others the most interesting 
perhaps, has, by great exertions, outlived most of its contemporaries.

The following letter was written by President Thomas Jefferson to General 
Samuel Smith, tendering him the appointment of Secretary of the Navy in 
his Cabinet, which he accepted for a short time. When he retired, his 
brother, Robert Smith, was appointed in his place:

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"Washington, March 9th, 1801.

"Dear Sir:--By the time you receive this, you will have been at home long 
enough, I hope, to take a view of the possibilities and of the 
arrangements which may enable you to dispose of your private affairs as to 
take a share in those of the public, and give us your aid as Secretary of 
the Navy. If you can be added to the administration I am forming, it will 
constitute a mass so entirely possessed of the public confidence that I 
shall fear nothing. There is nothing to which a nation is not equal, when 
it pours all its energies and zeal into the hands of those to whom they 
confide the direction of their force. You will bring us the benefit of 
adding in a considerable degree the acquiescence at least of the leaders 
who have hitherto opposed us. Your geographical situation too is 
peculiarly advantageous, as it will favor the policy of drawing our naval 
resources towards the centre, from which their benefits and protection may 
be extended equally to all the parts. But what renders it a matter not 
only of desire to us, but permit me to say, of moral duty in you is that, 
if you refuse, where are we to find a substitute? You know that the 
knowledge of naval matters in this country is confined entirely to persons 
who are under other absolutely disqualifying circumstances. Let me then, 
my dear Sir, entreat you to join in conducting the affairs of our country, 
and to prove, by consequence, that the views they entertained in the 
change of their servants are not to be without effect. In short, if you 
refuse, I must abandon, from necessity, what I have been so falsely 
charged of doing from choice,--the expectation of procuring to our country 
such benefits as may compensate the expenses of their navy. I hope 
therefore you will accede to the proposition; everything shall be yielded 
which may accommodate it to your affairs Let me hear from you favorably 
and soon. Accept assurances my high and friendly consideration and esteem.

"Thomas Jefferson.

"To Gen'l Samuel Smith."

John Scott, who had lately removed from Kent County, and Thomas Dixon, are 
elected delegates to the Assembly. James H. McCulloch was chosen elector 
for the city.

1802. Mr. Benjamin Henfrey, an Englishman, had lately discovered and 
attempted to bring into use a species of coal from Gen. Ridgely's lands, 
about six miles northeast of the town, but did not succeed. Mr. Henfrey 
was, however, more successful soon after in discovering a method of 
creating light by gas from wood. He exhibited experiments here, and 
actually lighted Richmond, Virginia, before any similar discovery was 
known.

On the 28th of August, 1802, during a hailstorm, the flag-staff at Fort 
McHenry and a house in Gay street were struck by lightning.

A number of the members of St. Paul's Church, attached to the

Page 294

Rev. Geo. Dashield, commenced a church called St. Peter's, which stood 
until lately at the S. E. corner of German and Sharp streets, and soon 
after erected in the rear of the same a free school for children of that 
society.

After the census of 1800, Maryland was entitled to nine representatives in 
Congress, and the electoral districts were again altered by Act of 
Assembly. Baltimore city and county became the fifth, to elect two, one to 
be a resident of each, jointly elected; and General Smith and Col. 
Nicholas A. Moore were elected; but the General being appointed a Senator 
of the United States, William Maccreery is elected to Congress in his 
place. James Purviance is elected a member of the Assembly in the place of 
Mr. Scott.

On the 21st of August, departed this life, aged 62 years, the Rev. Dr. 
Patrick Allison, founder of the First Presbyterian Church in this city, 
who was succeeded by the Rev. James Inglis, a very eminent minister. Died, 
also in this city, on the 2d of November, aged 63 years, Edward 
Langworthy, deputy naval officer, and formerly member of Congress from the 
State of Georgia.

The first regular meeting of The Female Humane Association for the relief 
of indigent women was held at the residence of Bishop Carroll, on the 7th 
of January.

1803. A new Act having passed for the inspection of tobacco in 1801, the 
public warehouse on the Point having become insufficient for the quantity 
of that article brought to Baltimore, the Levy Court had been authorised 
to license another warehouse in 1799, at the instance of Judge Chase, on 
terms he disapproved and declined. But James Calhoun obtained another 
license on similar terms, and erected one at the southwest corner of Pratt 
and Light streets in 1803, and a similar license was granted to Messrs. 
Dugan and O'Donnell to erect another at the end of their wharves.

In this year the Right Rev. Bishop Carroll, and Mr. James Priestly, who 
had been sometime Principal of a respectable seminary in Paul's lane, and 
others, procured a charter for the Baltimore College, which, by aid of a 
lottery, was erected on a plain but convenient style, on Mulberry street, 
the Bishop being appointed president of the trustees.

The 7th day of February was remarkable in this city for a great fog in the 
atmosphere; and toward night, a porter employed at Messrs. Peters and-
Johnson's brewery being found in the basin with his horse and dray, was 
supposed to have missed the way, and driving over the end of Bowly's wharf 
was drowned.

Thomas Dixon and Cumberland Dugan were elected delegates to the Assembly, 
and Thomas Baily sheriff. Thomas Rutter was appointed a Justice of the 
Orphans' Court.

In the Federal Gazette of Tuesday, the 27th of December, we find the 
following marriage notice: "Married on Saturday evening last, by the 
Reverend Bishop Carroll, Mr. Jerome Bonaparte,

Page 295

youngest brother of the First Consul of the French Republic, to Miss 
Elizabeth Patterson, eldest daughter of William Patterson, Esquire, of 
this city."

1804. Experiments having been made in some other places to reduce the 
number of public offences committed, by substituting confinement and labor 
instead of public and degrading punishment, which it was thought had 
proved successful, the Legislature had as early as 1801 published a plan 
for a similar change in the criminal law of this State, to supersede the 
"wheelbarrow law," as it was commonly called, and now resolved to erect a 
penitentiary in Baltimore. Messrs. John E. Howard, Thomas Dixon, Josias 
Penington, Thomas McElderry, Robert C. Long, Levi Hollingsworth, Daniel 
Conn, Samuel Sterett, and George Warner, commissioners, purchase ground 
and erect buildings on Madison street near the York road, Mr. Conn being 
the architect and builder. In 1809 a new criminal code was adapted to the 
institution, leaving the commission of murder, arson, rape, and treason 
only, liable to the punishment of death.

In this year the Union Bank of Maryland is organized and chartered; 
William Winchester is chosen president, and Ralph Higginbotham cashier. In 
1807 the directors build a spacious banking-house on the S. E. corner of 
Fayette and Charles streets, of which Mr. Robert C. Long was architect, 
and Mr. W. Stewart and Col. Mosher builders; Messrs. Chevalier Andrea and 
Franzoni performed the sculpture. The proposed capital was $3,000,000; and 
$2,312,150, including $42,400 by the State, were paid; but shares to the 
amount of $224,250 were purchased by the corporation itself, and losses 
sustained previously, a law was obtained in 1821 reducing the capital 25 
per cent. In the meantime, the Mechanics' Bank is incorporated in 1806, 
and in 1812 they erected their banking-house at the southeast corner of 
Calvert and East, now Fayette street. The capital intended for this bank 
was one million, of which, $640,000 were paid, including $94,625 by the 
State, all of which, in consequence of losses sustained, were reduced 40 
per cent. by Act of 1821.

Edward Johnson is chosen elector of President, and Andrew Ellicott and 
John Stephens delegates.

Died at New York, in his 69th year, Commodore James Nicholson, formerly of 
this town, and commander of the public ships Defence, Virginia, Trumbull, 
&c., in the war of Independence; and on the 19th of September, aged 72 
years, William Buchanan, Esq., formerly one of the justices of the county, 
and Commissary General of purchases for the Continental army.

On the 30th of April, Samuel Smith, W. Cooke, E. Ellicott, Robert G. 
Harper, Thomas McElderry, Alex. McKim, and John E. Howard, agreed to form 
themselves into a company for the purpose of introducing a supply of water 
into the city of Baltimore, to be called "The Baltimore Water Company," 
with a capital of $250,000;

Page 296

for which they received an act of incorporation in the year 1805. So great 
was the demand at one time for the stock of this company, that shares were 
sold at more than nine hundred per cent. above par, which produced a scene 
of speculation for a few days almost equal to the great South Sea bubble 
in England. At an election held on the 24th of May for directors, the 
following gentlemen were duly elected to serve till the first day of May, 
1805: John McKim, Sr., Solomon Etting, T. A. Buchanan, John Donnell, 
Jonathan Ellicott, and William Cooke.

1805. By a new organization of the courts of justice at the session of 
1804 and 1805, the general court was abolished, and the chief-justices of 
the district courts were constituted a court of appeals. The State was 
divided into six districts, of which Baltimore and Hafford counties were 
the last. Robert Smith was appointed chief-justice, but he did not accept; 
and Joseph H. Nicholson, of Queen Anne county, was appointed, and came 
here to reside. The associates of this court were gentlemen of the law, 
viz: Benjamin Rumsey and Thomas Jones. The counties ceased to have 
separate associate justices, Zeb Hollingsworth was appointed in the place 
of Mr. Rumsey, who did not accept. Judge Jones died in 1812, and was 
succeeded by Theodoric Bland. Thomas Dixon is appointed Judge of the 
Orphans' Court.

At the session of 1805, Messrs. Thomas McElderry, Henry Payson, William 
Jessop, Alexander McKim, John McKim, Jr., Thomas Dixon, Thomas Rutter, 
Robert Stewart, and William C. Goldsmith, are appointed commissioners to 
build a new court-house, and having decided on erecting the same on part 
of the old public ground on North Calvert street, corner of Lexington, the 
same is begun according to the designs of Mr. George Milleman, who was 
builder, and executed the wood-work; Mr. William Steuart executed the 
stone work, and Col. James Mosher the brick work. The county records were 
removed, and the courts held sessions there in 1809, when the old arched 
court-house was taken down. When the old court-house was taken down, the 
gentlemen who had erected fine residences around it feared that the site 
might be re-occupied by an unsightly building; and Messrs. John Comegys, 
James A. Buchanan, David Winchester; and others, memorialised the 
Legislature in 1809 for leave to raise $100,000 for the erection of a 
monument to the memory of Washington. This was the origin of the present 
Washington monument, built however on land ranted for the purpose by 
Washington's friend and fellow-soldier, Colonel John Eager Howard, and 
not, as originally proposed, in the square. It seems that when the 
dwellers in that neighborhood reflected on the risks incurred from having 
so tall and isolated a column near their houses, and moreover that, if not 
built with rock-like staunchness, it might some day fall down and crush 
them, or that the lightnings of heaven might be attracted by the bare 
monument from passing thunderstorms, they preferred to leave the

Page 297

square a vacant space, until it was adorned with the shorter and less 
dangerous shaft raised by our townsmen in memory of their defenders in the 
second war against Great Britain. The erection of these "fine dwellings" 
near the future square, attests the removal of the principal merchants and 
traders from Fell's Point, where, up to, and even beyond, the period of 
the Revolution most of them had dwelt, as most convenient for their 
interests and business. Indeed, we remember perfectly, it was long 
afterwards that our fathers could be persuaded to abandon Camden, Conway, 
Barre, Hanover, south Charles and Water streets, and all the best 
vicinities of the Basin or the Patapsco, and begin even to believe in the 
upper parts of Baltimore as suitable for trade or dwellings. The men of 
those days, on arriving at the town, used to land at "The Point," and were 
entertained in some of its comfortable homesteads, among the hospitable 
gentlefolks to whom they were introduced by correspondence, until able to 
obtain dwelling-houses or lodgings for themselves and families elsewhere 
in this conglomerate of settlements. Between town and Point there was a 
vast space with few houses, and mostly covered with corn-fields or forest 
trees; so that, (on a sort of waste land) the original theatre of Hallam & 
Henry was built on a common beyond what was afterwards known as "The 
Causeway," which was long infamous for its vile inhabitants and sailor 
brawls. At that time the waters of the Basin flowed up to this notorious 
causeway, close to the brewery known as "Claggett's," on Pratt street; 
while on its banks, as well as in the marsh below the market, multitudes 
of blackbirds, snipe, and other water-fowl were shot by the sportsmen of 
that day. The road between the two sides of the Falls to Water street, at 
Frederick, was then so frequently overflowed as to require two or three 
long bridges to cross the swash made by the tide. At the foot of Gay 
street, within fifty yards of Lombard street, the waters of the Patapsco 
rippled on a sandy margin, and there was little interruption to the 
original shore-line from thence to the commencement of Commerce street and 
the foot of South street (which was then at the present line of Lombard 
street,) and so on to Light street, and southwardly to the "City Spring," 
existing not long since on south Charles street near Camden. Thence the 
shores curved to the foot of Federal Hill at "Hughes' Quay." Mr. Robert 
Gilmour, who died in 1849, said that when a boy he has "crabbed" with a 
forked stick the whole of this distance. His parents embarked for Europe 
in 1782, at a little dock which came up to Exchange Place, within thirty 
feet of its present southern limit, and close by the fine house which Mr. 
Gilmour afterward built on the south side of Exchange Place.

The corporation was empowered to exclude Roger's addition on the east from 
the operation of city taxes and ordinances, which was never carried into 
effect.

The City Delegates in the Legislature introduced a bill to alter

Page 298

the Constitution of the State, so as to give the city an additional 
representation; but on the second reading it was rejected by the vote of 
every member present in the House of Delegates, being sixty-two, except 
the two from the city itself.

In January St. Mary's College of Baltimore was raised to the rank of 
University by the Legislature of Maryland, and empowered to hold public 
commencements, and to admit any of its students to any degree or degrees 
in any of the faculties, arts and sciences and liberal professions which 
are usually permitted to be conferred in any colleges or universities in 
America or Europe. Since the establishment of St. Mary's College (now 
called Seminary of St. Sulpice) in 1791, it has given to the American 
Roman Catholic Church a long list of clergymen distinguished for their 
talents, learning, and piety. The names of Flaget, David, Marechal, 
Dubourg, Eccleston and Chanche, recall the brightest ornaments of the 
episcopacy; while those of Nagot, Garnier, Tessier, Richard, Wheeler and 
Fredet, exhibit an equal claim to respect in the sacerdotal order. 
Catholic literature is particularly indebted to the learning and zeal of 
Rev. Pierre Fredet, who was born about the year 1801, in the town of 
Sebasat near Clermont, in Avergne, a celebrated province of France, and 
closed his earthly career on the 1st of January, 1856, in Baltimore city. 
Mr. Fredet, from the time of his arrival in America (in 1831) to that of 
his last illness--a period of twenty-four years--was attached to St. 
Mary's Seminary at Baltimore as professor of various branches of 
ecclesiastical learning, especially that of moral theology; but he 
rendered more important services as professor of history, and was the only 
one, if we mistake not, that ever taught this essential branch of study in 
that academy. His two excellent volumes of Ancient and Modern History are 
enduring monuments of his learning and skill. The latter was published in 
1842, and was followed a few years after by the former work. The fact of 
their having been adopted as text-books in the Catholic institutions of 
learning in the United States, and particularly in the Catholic University 
of Ireland and many leading schools of Europe, is sufficient evidence of 
their high character. He was likewise the author of and contributor to a 
number of valuable miscellaneous works.

The exports from Maryland--of which nearly all are from Baltimore--from 
October, 1805, to 1806, amounted to $3,661,131 domestic produce, $10,919,
774 of foreign goods, or a total of $14,580,905,--and the receipts into 
the Treasury of the United States from this city for the year 1806 
amounted to $1,224,897.

Part of this year Robert Smith held the office of Attorney-General of the 
United States, but returned to the Navy Department and in 1809 was 
appointed Secretary of the State--having, in the mean time, that is in 
1806, been appointed Chancel of the State, and Chief Judge of this 
District Court, but declined.

1806. On the 22d of January, L'Eole, a French seventy-four,

Page 299

part of a squadron commanded by Admiral Willaumez, which was dispersed by 
a storm on the coast, after eluding two British squadrons, came into the 
bay with other ships under Commodore Khrome, and stripped of her guns; she 
being a wreck was sold.

Messrs. Sower and Hewes established a type-foundry on Lexington street, 
which becoming the property of other gentlemen, was transferred to Biddle 
street.

Wm. Pinkney was appointed Attorney-General on resignation of Mr. Martin, 
in 1805, but fixed his residence here this year, and resigned, when he was 
appointed Envoy Extraordinary to the Court of Great Britain.

At Chawan, his residence in the county, departed this life, on the 5th of 
April, James Winchester, Judge of the United States District Court, and 
formerly member of the General Assembly; and the same year was succeeded 
by James Houston, of Kent county; and on the 9th of October, at an 
advanced age, died Robert Purviance, collector of the port of Baltimore. 
David Christie, Esq., of Harford county, is appointed collector in the 
place of Mr. Purviance, and the next year James McCulloch, Esq., is 
appointed upon the death of Mr. Christie.

Alexander McKim is chosen elector of the Senate for the city, and Tobias 
E. Stansbury and Moses Brown, Esqs., for the county. James H. McCulloch 
and Thomas McElderry are elected Senators, and next year Elias Glenn in 
place of Mr. McCulloch, resigned; and to fill another vacancy in 1808 
Thomas B. Dorsey, Robert Stewart, and Edward Aisquith are elected 
delegates, and John Hunter sheriff.

The ceremony of blessing and laying the first corner-stone of the Roman 
Catholic Cathedral Church, was performed according to the rites prescribed 
in the Roman Pontifical, on the 7th of July, in presence of a vast 
concourse of citizens. At half-past eight o'clock in the morning, the 
Right Reverend Bishop Carroll, in his episcopal robes, with crosier and 
mitre, preceded by a procession of twenty priests and junior 
ecclesiastics--the priests with surplices and stoles, and the others in 
surplices--proceeded from the west front up the intended nave of the 
church to the large wooden cross, previously planted on the spot, where 
the high or principal altar now stands, and the Bishop having there 
recited the part of the office appropriated to the consecration of that 
spot, the procession returned in the same order to the west front, and 
blessed the first foundation stone on the south-west corner of the 
building, sprinkling it with the blessed water, whilst the attending 
clergy repeated the 126th psalm, "Unless the Lord build the house, &c.; 
then kneeling, he began the litany, which was continued to the end by the 
same clergy. The stone being blessed and placed in its proper situation, 
the procession moved round the entire foundations of the church, repeating 
the 50th psalm, whilst the Bishop following, sprinkled them with blessed 
water, and invoked, at three

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equal divisions, the blessings of Almighty God upon the undertaking. On 
returning to the place where the stone was laid, the hymn of invocation of 
the Holy Ghost, "Veni Creator Spiritus," was intoned and sung to the end; 
and the ceremony concluded with a prayer, requesting the assistance and 
direction of the same Divine Spirit. The Bishop made a short address to 
the spectators, reminding them of the arduous undertaking which was begun 
for the glory of God and the promotion of true religion and sincere piety. 
He encouraged them to imitate the zeal of their predecessors in erecting 
temples to the Divinity, by which they had contributed to perpetuate the 
faith of Jesus Christ amidst all the adversities and storms with which it 
had been assailed, and particularly admonished them to make themselves 
worthy of the favor of heaven, by imitating the virtues of those who left 
behind them such lasting proof of their sincere attachment to the 
doctrines of their heavenly teacher. A bed was formed in the foundation 
stone for receiving a copper plate with a Latin inscription, thus 
translated: "The first stone of the Cathedral Church, to be erected for 
the honor of Almighty God, under the title of Jesus and Mary, was placed 
this 7th day of July, 1806, by the R. R. John, Bishop of Baltimore." The 
square of ground on which the church is built was obtained of Col. Howard, 
on terms which justly entitled him to be considered a large contributor. 
The outside walls of the Cathedral are of gray granite from the vicinity 
of Ellicott's Mills, on the Patapsco, and were carried up to the 
entablature in a few years, when the war, with other causes, suspended its 
progress.