Chronicles of Baltimore - Part 16



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1848. Agreeably to previous announcement, the first Fair ever held in this 
city for the exhibition and encouragement of the mechanic arts generally, 
was commenced on Thursday morning, May 18th, in the saloon of Washington 
Hall, adjoining Baltimore Street bridge.

On Thursday morning, May 25, the new massive east-iron bridge which 
crossed Jones Falls at Fayette street, broke in the centre and fell with a 
tremendous crash into the water beneath.

A number of the Baltimore troops, under the command of Major Kenly, 
arrived in Baltimore on Thursday afternoon, July 20th, from the battle-
fields of Mexico.

The melancholy duty of committing to their mother earth the mortal remains 
of the late Capt. Boyd and Lieut. Taneyhill, both of whom fell whilst 
nobly and bravely defending their country's flag in an engagement near 
Haujutta, Mexico, on the 12th of July, 1847, was performed on Monday, 
September 27th, by an immense concourse of their fellow-citizens, friends, 
acquaintances, and bereaved relatives.

The Baltimore Athenæum was opened, and the edifice inaugurated by the 
address of Mr. Brantz Mayer, on Monday evening, October 23d, in the 
presence of a large and brilliant audience of ladies and gentlemen. The 
address, which was listened to with

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profound attention, was an able and eloquent production worthy the high 
attainments of its talented author. The Athenæum is the free gift of the 
citizens of Baltimore to the Maryland Historical Society, and is occupied 
by the Maryland Historical Society, Old Baltimore Library Company, now 
merged in the former society, and the Mercantile Library Association. 
Forty thousand dollars were contributed to build the Athenæum by citizens 
of Baltimore, and of the sum by far the largest portion was solicited and 
obtained by the late Osmond C. Tiffany, an eminent merchant, originally 
from New England, but who settled in Baltimore in 1816, and died in 1851. 
Mr. Charles M. Eaton also rendered good service in this matter, very 
frequently accompanying Mr. Tiffany in his visits of solicitation.

On the 9th of April, Mr. Joseph K. Randall leased the upper floors of the 
large building at the N. E. corner of Baltimore and Charles street, 
belonging to Mr. Wm. W. McClellan, and altered the premises into a 
theatre, which he called the "Howard Athenæum and Gallery of Arts," which 
was opened on Monday evening, June 12th, under the proprietorship of Mrs. 
Charles Howard, and direct management of Messrs. Howard & Hewitt. The 
orchestra was under the direction of Mr. Sandy Jamison. The performance 
commenced with an opening address delivered by Mrs. Howard, followed by a 
play called the "Rivals;" then followed a dance by Miss Albertine, after 
which the performances were concluded by a farce called the "Two Queens." 
In 1853 Mr. John E. Owens assumed charge of the theatre, opening on the 
25th of April with Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams. On the 5th of May, the 
property was leased to George Joseph Arnold, who enlarged the theatre, and 
called it "Arnold's Olympic." Arnold, in turn, transferred his leasehold 
interest to "The Kemble Company of Baltimore," (composed of Wm. Key 
Howard, Wm. R. Travers, Geo. P. Kane, Wm. Sperry and others), who had 
originally furnished the means for Arnold to enlarge it. On Christmas eve 
the theatre was re-opened by Laura Keene, with the finest company which 
had ever appeared in Baltimore. They held the boards until the close of 
the season, drawing most fashionable audiences. Early in the winter of 
1854, Mr. John E. Owens became manager, so continuing until June 10th, 
1855. On the 1st of July, 1855, Mr. Joseph Jefferson and John Sleeper 
Clarke rented the theatre. In October, 1856, Mr. McClellan altered the 
property into offices and warerooms as at present. Mr. Edwin Adams made 
his first great hit at this theatre. The following actors made their first 
appearance at this theatre: John Wilkes Booth, who assassinated resident 
Abraham Lincoln, made his debut as Richmond in "Richard the Third." He and 
his brother Edwin F. Booth were born near Belair, in Harford County, the 
first in 1838, and the latter in November, 1833. Mr. John S. Clarke was 
born in Baltimore in 1833. He made his first public appearance on any 
stage at the

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Howard Athenæum, Boston, but his first appearance was as a member of the 
Thespian Association in this city, Mr. Edwin Booth being the leading man. 
While connected with this association, Mr. Clarke acted all the tragic 
parts, believing that his forte was tragedy, Mr. Booth playing comedy. Mr. 
Richard P. Jones made his first appearance on the stage as an actor at 
this theatre, February 10th, 1855. Among those who made their first 
appearance in Baltimore upon the theatrical stage, we find Thomas Apthorpe 
Cooper in 1796; John Claude; Mrs. John Johnson, November 5th, 1795, as 
Lady Teazle; Mr. John Mills in America, October 4th, 1806; Mr. Warren 
1776, and Frederick Wheatley.

An immense town meeting was held in Monument Square on Wednesday evening, 
May 3d, by the citizens of Baltimore, for the purpose of giving expression 
to the feelings of pride and exultation at the intelligence of the recent 
revolution in France. Addresses were delivered by Reverdy Johnson, Chas. 
F. Mayer, Charles E. Leloup, George Fein, Wm. P. Preston, and Thomas Swann.

The Democratic National Convention, to nominate candidates for President 
and Vice-President of the United States, met in this city on the 22d of 
May, in the basement of the Universalist Church, Calvert street. On the 
24th, during the proceedings, a crashing sound was heard in the gallery, 
that was crowded most densely with spectators, which was followed by a 
most alarming scene for a moment, under the impression on the part of all 
in the house that the whole gallery was coming down. A rush was made in 
every direction for an opening to escape from the catastrophe, which it 
was supposed was about to happen. So great was the fright that many jumped 
out of the windows, others tumbled over each other in their effort to 
reach the door, while several jumped from the upper end of the gallery 
down upon the platform erected for the officers. Others thought the church 
was on fire, and cries of fire in some parts of the house rendered the 
panic still greater. After much exertion upon the part of the president 
and the committee of arrangements, order was partially restored. It was 
then stated by some that only a pew had broken; by others, that the 
gallery had settled somewhat in one corner; the convention finally took a 
recess, and examined the gallery. The convention on the 25th nominated 
Gen. Lewis Cass, United States Senator from Michigan, as their candidate 
for the Presidency, and Gen. William O. Butler, of Kentucky, as their 
candidate for the Vice-Presidency.

One of the most destructive fires with which our city has been visited, 
occurred on the afternoon of the 28th of May. It broke out about three 
o'clock, in the extensive cotton factory of Mr. Knox, situated in 
Lexington street, above Fremont. There were at least sixty dwellings 
consumed. The origin of this dreadful calamity was the work of an 
incendiary.

About half-past five o'clock on the afternoon of the 30th of May, the 
whole city was startled by a violent shock, as if by an earthquake,

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which immediately gave rise to the most painful and exaggerated 
statements. But on the arrival of the York train of cars, intelligence was 
received that the shock was caused by the explosion of the powder mill of 
Mr. Beatty, some six miles from the city on the Susquehanna railroad, by 
which two lives were lost, and much damage done to the property in the 
surrounding neighborhood. This same mill exploded in November, 1846.

On the 25th of May, the Western telegraph line to Cumberland was opened 
for business.

On the 4th of October, after the result of the election for sheriff had 
been ascertained, a party of rowdies, bearing with them a transparency 
purporting to belong to the 7th ward Cass and Butler club, created a 
wanton and unprovoked riot in Baltimore street, and immediately made a 
violent attack on the Baltimore Clipper office, smashing in windows, 
breaking the doors, endangering the lives of the hands while at work, and 
doing much other damage. The mob, before the attack on the Clipper office, 
showered upon the Patriot office a volley of brick-bats and other missiles 
which broke more or less all the windows in the building, and also the 
windows of Mr. G. S. Griffith, Messrs Ades & Albert, Mr. W. Moulton, and 
Mr. Taylor's periodical depot.

On the 10th of October our city was again disgraced by another shameful 
riot, which occurred in the eastern section of the city. About 8 o'clock a 
large number of persons, having with them a portion of the apparatus of 
the Watchman Fire Company, proceeded to Caroline street above Baltimore, 
and for reasons best known to themselves, commenced a violent attack upon 
the tavern of Mr. John Appleby, at the corner of Caroline and Hampstead 
streets, demolishing nearly every window in his house, one of the bricks 
striking Mr. A. a severe blow on the forehead. Pistols were freely used. 
Finding his house surrounded by a host of wretches who seemed bent on its 
destruction, Mr. Appleby thought proper to defend himself as he best 
could, and accordingly fired several shots at them from his windows, some 
of which took effect on his assailants and caused them to retreat. During 
the progress of the row the pavements in the neighborhood were torn up 
with axes to supply ammunition. We regret to say seven men were shot.

Mr. Robert Gilmore, one of the oldest merchants in this city, died on the 
morning of the 30th of November after a protracted illness. Mr. G. was 
extensively connected with mercantile affairs, and died regretted and 
esteemed by a large number of friends.

1849. February 7th was a day of intense excitement in this city, it being 
the day set apart for the great prize-fight between Hyer and Yankee 
Sullivan, in which, contrary to general expectation, Sullivan was 
dreadfully whipped by Hyer, who sustained but comparative little injury, 
winning the stakes ($10,000) in sixteen minutes. The police force under 
High Constable Gifford, started

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in hacks for Carroll's Island to operate by land in that direction. The 
Independent Greys, Capt. Hall, and the Independent Blues, Capt. Shutt, 
were on brief notice ordered out, "armed and equipped as the law directs," 
all under the command of Major Watkins. The steamer Boston having been 
chartered by Attorney-General Richardson to carry the military to the 
"seat of war," started off about 12 o'clock on the night of the 6th, and 
reached the field of battle about daylight. The police and military 
arrived on Poole's Island about 3 o'clock on the morning of the fight, but 
both of the principals escaped. The fight took place notwithstanding all 
the efforts to prevent it, on Rock Point, in Kent County, Maryland. As it 
was, none of those who were on board the boat, and those of the police who 
so nobly endured the most laborious and painful hardships to prevent the 
fight, will ever forget this memorable "expedition to Poole's Island."

The National Council of the Bishops of the Roman Catholic Church commenced 
its session at the Cathedral on the 6th of May. The Most Rev. Archbishop 
Eccleston of Baltimore presided.

On the 20th of July Conrad Vintner, the murderer of Mrs. Elizabeth Cooper, 
near Parkton, Baltimore County, was executed in the jail-yard.

During the summer of 1849 the cholera prevailed to an alarming extent at 
the almshouse. The first death from the epidemic occurred on the 11th of 
July, and the last one on the 4th of August. The total number of cases 
during its existence was 158, and the total number of deaths 94.

The funeral ceremonies which took place in this city on the evening of the 
25th of July in honor of the late ex-President Polk, drew together in 
Monument Square one of the largest assemblages ever before convened in 
Baltimore. It was a spontaneous outpouring apparently of our whole 
population, Whigs and Democrats, male and female, of all classes and 
conditions of society. The orator of the day was Hon. John C. Legrand; the 
officiating clergymen Rev. Dr. Johns and Rev. T. B. Sergeant.

On the 17th of September, about four o'clock, a large number of persons 
assembled on W. Lexington street near Franklin square, to witness the 
ceremony of laying the corner-stone for the "Indigent Widows' Asylum," 
about being erected under the auspices of the Female Humane Impartial 
Society of Baltimore. The ceremonies were opened by an impressive prayer 
by the Rev. S. P. Hill. The Rev. Joseph P. Smith, pastor of Second 
Presbyterian Church, then delivered an eloquent and appropriate address. 
The Rev. Mr. Trapnall, of St. Andrew's (Episcopalian) Church, followed in 
another address. The corner-stone was then laid by Mr. Dixon, the 
architect, after which a liberal collection was raised. The ceremonies 
concluded by a prayer from the Rev. Mr. Nadall, of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. This institution was dedicated with religious services on Tuesday, 
October 28tb, 1851. Doctor Fuller

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commenced the exercises with prayer, followed by Rev. Dr. Roberts. Rev. 
John C. Backus delivered the address, followed with prayer by Rev. Messrs. 
Bolton and Heiner.

Edgar Allan Poe, although not actually born in Baltimore, was the 
descendant of a family long settled in this city, and is therefore 
universally looked upon as a Baltimorean. His mother was temporarily 
absent from her home at the time of his birth. It is not positively 
certain whether he actually saw the light first in Boston or Richmond. It 
is, however, certain that there is an error of two years in all his 
biographies as to the day of his nativity. He was born on the 20th of 
January, 1809. His father was David Poe, Jr., son of that David Poe of 
whose services to the country during the Revolutionary War, as deputy 
Commissary General of Supplies, we have heretofore spoken in this work. 
His mother was Mrs. Hopkins, an actress, an Englishwoman by birth, whose 
maiden name was Elizabeth Arnold. His father and mother dying when he was 
an infant, he was adopted by Mr. John Allan, a rich and childless 
Scotchman, of Richmond, whose wife became passionately attached to him. He 
had every possible opportunity for education--having been placed at school 
in England under the charge of the Rev. Dr. Buzby. Afterwards he was sent 
to the University of Virginia, where his classmates, amongst others, were 
St. Geo. W. Teackle, the late Judge Collins Lee, and the Hon. R. M. T. 
Hunter, of Virginia. In consequence of some irregularities he left the 
University before graduating. His foster-father obtained for him an 
appointment of cadet at West Point, but he was unfitted for the discipline 
of a military school and did not remain long there. Mrs. Allan having died 
and Mr. Allan having married a young lady who soon brought him children of 
his own, the adopted son disagreed with his early patron and friend and 
was left to his own resources. The story of his visit to Greece and St. 
Petersburg which is found in all his biographies, is a pure invention, as 
he never was in Europe, except whilst he was at Dr. Buzby's academy.

From the time of his estrangement from Mr. Allan he was obliged to rely 
for support upon his exertions as a writer. In 1829 he published Tamerlane 
and Al Aaraf, which, whilst they exhibit many marks of his peculiar 
genius, did not attract general attention. In 1833, a committee consisting 
of John P. Kennedy, John H. B. Latrobe, and another gentleman, were 
requested by the publishers of the Baltimore Saturday Visitor to award 
prizes of one hundred dollars each, which they had offered for the best 
poem and prose story. The names of the competitors were not known until 
the prizes had been awarded to the respective pieces, when it was found 
that Poe was the successful competitor for both. It is not within the 
scope of this work to trace him through his literary labors. He was 
successively editor of the Southern Literary Messenger at Richmond, of 
Burton's Gentleman's Magazine in Philadelphia, and an assistant of Morris 
and Willis upon the Home

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Journal. He also established, in conjunction with Charles F. Briggs, a 
short-lived weekly paper, called the Broadway Journal. He was equally 
distinguished as a writer of prose and poetry. Some of his tales display, 
in a high degree, invention and imagination, but the impression they have 
upon the mind is often gloomy and unsatisfactory. "The Raven" is 
universally regarded as a work which could only have been produced by a 
genius at once original and sublime. It has been translated into many 
languages, and is spoken of by the most discriminating critics as entirely 
sui generis.

His death was as melancholy as his life. In September, 1849, he went to 
Richmond, Va., where he delivered a lecture on temperance. He there met a 
lady to whom he had been attached in early life. He had become a widower--
his amiable and beautiful wife, Virginia Clemm, having died some years 
before; and the lady had lost her husband. Their old partiality was 
revived, and it was arranged that they should be married. He set out early 
in October, 1849, for New York to make arrangements for his marriage. 
Arriving in Baltimore, he was induced by the solicitation of a friend to 
take a glass of wine. His temperament was such that one or two glasses 
produced upon him all the consequences usually following excessive 
indulgence. For one or two days his whereabouts cannot be traced, but on 
the fourth of October he was carried, in a condition of unconsciousness, 
to the Washington University Hospital. On the seventh of that month he 
regained, for a few moments, the possession of his faculties, looked round 
and inquired where he was. The answer brought to his mind, no doubt, the 
terrible consciousness of what he had probably forfeited by yielding to 
temptation, and he died in a few moments--there is every reason to 
believe, from the overwhelming conflict of his emotions. He lies buried 
amongst his kindred, near the western wail of Westminster graveyard, 
corner of Greene and Fayette streets, and no stone or monument yet marks 
his resting-place.

Gen. Tobias E. Stansbury died at his residence in Baltimore county, on 
Thursday, October 25th, in the 93d year of his age.

On the 11th of December the Rev. Theobold Matthew, so extensively known as 
the advocate and propagator of Temperance, arrived in this city in the 
morning train from Philadelphia. He was received at the outer depot with 
every demonstration of respect by a large number of persons who had 
assembled there, and was from thence conveyed in a carriage to the 
residence of the Rev. Mr. Dolan, adjoining St. Patrick's Church, Broadway, 
where he sojourned during his stay in this city. Among the many who 
visited him was his goner Mayor Stansbury, who welcomed him to the city, 
and who expressed the hope that his sojourn here would be rendered 
pleasant and agreeable. Mr. A. Hyam took the temperance pledge from Father 
Matthew, and his certificate was numbered 5,774,059, being the whole 
number of persons who had received

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the pledge from the reverend father from the beginning of his labors up to 
this time. Mr. Hyam was chief officer of the Sons of Temperance in this 
city, and administered the pledge of his order to Father Matthew, who 
expressed himself highly honored.

Proverbial as our country is for impulse and enterprise, these feelings 
have never been so fully illustrated as since the discovery of gold in the 
recently acquired territory of California. "The fever is up," and 
thousands went on their way to "the modern El Dorado." The adventurers 
were not confined to the reckless and the improvident--to individuals 
bankrupt in character and in fortune; but among them were choice spirits--
active, earnest, industrious and high-minded young men, who saw in this 
discovery "a golden opportunity," and who were determined to take 
advantage of a tide that appeared so especially calculated to lead on to 
fortune. Many, no doubt, departed with delusive hopes and extravagant 
expectations. Others, excited and bewildered, dashed into the enterprise 
without an adequate calculation as to all the risks and trials, the perils 
by sea and land, the dangers to health, the difficulties of the way, and 
the fearful sickness which is apt to steal upon the heart when friends, 
home, and beings loved dearer than life, are far, far away. There were 
others again who calculated the chances, who embarked in a cool, calm and 
somewhat reluctant spirit, but still with a determination to tax every 
energy to realise something in the way of pecuniary independence. Several 
vessels departed from the port of Baltimore during this year. Crowds on 
these occasions thronged the wharves, the light laugh and the merry jest 
were heard from the lookers-on, and among the adventurers were not a few 
who smiled a last farewell, and joined in the hearty shout that thrilled 
like the peal of a trumpet as the vessels were parted from their 
fastenings. But there were other and sadder scenes. Gentleness and love 
had their homes in some of those daring hearts, and the voice trembled 
with emotion and the eye filled with tears as a fair white hand was 
clasped for the last time, or a sacred kiss was impressed upon cheeks that 
paled at the thoughts and associations of that tender, passionate, and yet 
sorrow-fraught moment. The mother parted from her son, the husband from 
his wife, the lover from his betrothed; and the very effort to subdue and 
suppress emotion, to check and restrain the overflowings of the heart, 
only rendered the agony deeper. The first ship off was the Greyhound, on 
the 10th of January, commanded by Capt. Claypoole, and owned by William 
Chesnut. She carried out thirty-nine passengers. The Greyhound was 
followed by the following vessels, all destined for the same country, 
California: Schooner Sovereign, Capt. Peterson; ship Xylon, Capt. 
Millington; barque John Potter, Capt. Watts; ship Jane Parker, barque 
Kirkland, barque Tarquin, ship Juniata, Capt. Smith; barque Hebe, Capt. 
Stetson; barque John Mayo, Capt. Parrington;

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brig Richard W. Brown, Capt. Speed; brig Bathurst, Capt. Hooper; schooners 
Ferdinand, Capt. Parker; Wilmington, Capt. Gosnell; brig St. Andrew, Capt. 
Paul; brig Arabian, Capt. Slemmer; ship Andalusia, schooner Creole, Capt. 
Allen; brig Ospray, Capt. Orem; barque Martin W. Brett, ship Aquetnet, 
Capt. Mosher; ship Henry Pratt, Capt. Muling. A number of persons went 
from this city on their way to California by the overland route, through 
Independence, Missouri.

The new Jewish temple of the Har Sinai Verein, situated on north High, 
near Fayette street, was dedicated on Friday, September 7th. The 
ceremonies were conducted under the direction of Messrs. L. Lowman, Samuel 
Dellvie, and William Mosher, the committee of arrangements. The 
introductory prayer was read by Mr. William S. Raynor, in German. The 
consecration sermon was preached by Rev. Mr. Braun; and Mr. Joachimsen, 
Esq., of New York, delivered an oration in English.

1850. Mr. Henry Mankin established a regular line of packets between 
Baltimore and Liverpoolin January. The Mayor of Baltimore called on the 
citizens to assemble in town meeting at Monument Square, on Monday 
evening, March 4th, to give "expression of Baltimore city for the Union!" 
The whole number of persons assembled was estimated at 5000, which 
considering the severity of the weather was an immense meeting. Joshua 
Vansant called the meeting to order, and nominated a large number of 
officers. Speeches were made by Col. Stansbury, Hon. Wm. Fell Giles, and 
Wm. H. Collins, Esq.

On Tuesday, April 2d, Messrs. Gibson & Co., auctioneers, sold at the 
Exchange the property known as the "Wheatfield Inn," situated on the west 
side of Howard street, north of Baltimore, now known as the Howard House, 
fronting 511/2 feet, with a depth of 140 feet. Purchased by Robert Garrett 
and Sons for $25,000.

The scene throughout the city of Baltimore on Saturday, July 13th, the day 
set for the commencement of the funeral obsequies at Washington to the 
memory of President Zachary Taylor, who died in Washington, July the 9th. 
was of the most impressive and solemn character. The deep and mournful 
tolling of the church and fire bells--the constant booming of distant 
minute-guns--the waving of craped flags from every prominent point in the 
city and harbor--the insignia of mourning displayed in front of public 
houses and stores, all told that our citizens were deeply impressed with 
the great loss which the nation had sustained in the death of that brave 
and good old man, Gen. Zachary Taylor, and that they were resolved to 
sanctify his memory in their hearts' warmest affections. The day will long 
be remembered as one of unusual solemnity in Baltimore.

On Saturday, July 13th, about half-past eleven o'clock at night, a fire 
broke out in the extensive lumber-yard of Mr. John J. Griffith, East Falls 
avenue, which, owing to the dry and combustible

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nature of the material, spread with great rapidity, resulting in one of 
the most destructive fires that had been witnessed in this city. The wind 
at the time was blowing quite fresh from the west; and by the time any of 
the apparatus could get to work, the whole line of the lumber-yard of Mr. 
Griffith along the Falls, from Fawn street up, was in one sheet of flame. 
Soon after the fire spread to the adjoining lumber-yard of Mr. James 
Harker, working up northwardly toward the steam saw and planing mill of 
Mr. H. Herring. Despite the exertions of the firemen, the fire gradually 
gained upon them, until the entire block from the Falls to President 
street and from a short distance below Fawn street, including a portion of 
Messrs. King and Sutton's lumber-yard, and two dwelling houses belonging 
to Mr. Richard Cross, up to Stiles street, were in flames. Mr. Herring's 
saw-mill, through the incessant labors of the firemen, withstood the 
flames, only a small portion of the building being burnt. As usual at this 
period, the lumber-yard was set on fire by an incendiary.

On the 20th of July the corner-stone of Grace Church (Protestant 
Episcopal) was laid with the usual ceremonies by the Rev. Dr. Atkinson, 
assisted by the Rev. Messrs. Killen, Leakin, Piggott, Moore, Berger, 
Stewart and Hall.

On the 21st of October the ceremony of laying the corner-stone of a 
monument to commemorate the virtues and the noble deeds of the two brave 
youths, Wells and McComas, who lost their lives in the memorable battle of 
North Point, was performed under the most favorable auspices. Governor 
Thomas laid the stone, being escorted to the ground by the militia and 
various civic societies of the city. Rev. Henry Slicer followed with an 
eloquent prayer, after which Col. B. U. Campbell was introduced to the 
assemblage, and proceeded to deliver an oration full of eloquence and 
replete with interest.

After long expectation, the great songstress Jenny Lind arrived in this 
city on the 8th of December. In anticipation of her arrival, several 
thousand persons had assembled at the depot and Barnum's to get a sight of 
her. During the afternoon and evening she was waited upon by a number of 
ladies, receiving all in a graceful manner. At night she was serenaded by 
the "Independent Greys Band." The announcement that the tickets, or rather 
seats, for the first concert would be disposed of at auction, drew an 
immense crowd at the Front Street Theatre, the place of sale. About ten 
o'clock Mr. Gibson, of the firm of Gibson and Co., auctioneers, mounted a 
stand in the centre of the stage and announced that the sale would now 
commence, and proceeded to state the terms. The price of tickets of 
admission to all parts of the house had been fixed at $3. The first choice 
was now put up: "What's bid for the first choice?" A breathless silence 
prevailed for a moment, and then was heard a first voice say "ten
dollars;" $20, $30, and $40 followed in quick succession. $50 was then 
bid; and after

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being dwelt upon for several minutes, was raised to seventy-five. One 
hundred followed quickly, and at this price the seat was knocked down to 
the bidder, Mr. J. H. Whitehurst, the well-known "daguerreotypist." The 
announcement brought from the house "three cheers for Whitehurst!" and 
cries of "show him up!" But Mr. W. was not present, having been 
represented by an agent. The aggregate amount of the sales, including 
price of tickets and premiums, reached $12,000; average price of the 
tickets was about $7. On the night of the concert, the scene within the 
theatre was one beyond the power of description. Every nook and corner 
where a man could stand was filled, just room enough being left on the 
stage for the orchestra and the fair Nightingale. A more brilliant 
audience--more beauty and fashion--never assembled within the walls of any 
building in this city. The doors were opened at six o'clock, and the crowd 
commenced pouring in in a continuous stream till 8, the time for the 
commencement of the concert. Front street was blocked up with carriages, 
omnibuses, and a dense mass of spectators, so that it was extremely 
difficult to get near the door. For her fourth and last concert a charge 
of twelve and a half cents was made at the door for all persons who went 
into the auction at the theatre to purchase tickets. The receipts of the 
four concerts were about $60,000, a very snug sum for the singing of some 
two dozen songs. How much the speculators made on them is hard to tell, 
but it could not be less than one fourth more.

1851. Archbishop Eccleston, of Baltimore, died at Georgetown on the 22d of 
April, 1851. Bishop Eccleston was held in the highest esteem, not only by 
the particular branch of the religious denomination of which he was the 
honored head, but by the citizens generally. He was a prelate of 
distinguished talents, eminent piety, and great influence. He was born in 
Kent county in June, 1801, and was therefore nearly fifty years of age.

On the 15th of September, a meeting of some five or six thousand persons 
was held in Monument square to give an expression of the sentiments and 
feelings of Baltimoreans relative to the recent outrage and murder at 
Christiana, Pennsylvania. The meeting was organized by Hon. John H. T. 
Jerome, president, with a large number of vice-presidents and secretaries. 
Messrs. Z. Collins Lee, Coleman Yellott, Francis Gallagher, Samuel H. 
Tagart, and Col. George W. Hughes eloquently addressed the meeting. The 
accounts of the terrible affair having reached the city on the 12th of 
September, were briefly this: Mr. Edward Gorsuch, a wealthy, well-known 
and highly esteemed citizen of the upper part of Baltimore county, 
residing at Coal Bottom, about 22 miles from the city, on the York road, 
missed two valuable slaves, and ascertaining that they had taken refuge at 
a small town in Lancaster Co., Pa., named Christiana, some 20 miles from 
Lancaster, determined to proceed thither and repossess himself of them. In 
company

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with his son Mr. Dickinson Gorsuch, and several of his neighbors, Dr. 
Pearce, Mr. Nathan Nelson, Mr. Nicholas Hutchins, and his nephew, Mr. 
Joshua Gorsuch, he proceeded to Philadelphia, and there obtaining the 
services of a deputy United States Marshal, started for the village above-
named. They arrived there the next day about daylight, and proceeded to 
the house of Levi Pownell, where Mr. Gorsuch expected to find his slaves. 
The house seemed occupied by negroes. Mr. Gorsuch immediately requested 
his slaves, who looked from the windows, to come down, but they refused, 
and threw an axe at him. About the same time two white men appeared on 
horseback, and simultaneously gangs of negroes surrounded the Deputy 
Marshal and his companions. The blacks then fired and killed Mr. Edward 
Gorsuch, and desperately wounded his son Dickinson, and slightly wounding 
Dr. Pearce. Throughout the whole county of Baltimore, as also in this and 
other parts of the State, the murder created an intense feeling of revenge.

According to previous announcement, the interesting ceremony of laying the 
corner-stone of the new hall about being erected by the "Maryland 
Institute for the Promotion of the Mechanic Arts," on the site heretofore 
occupied by the first of the Centre markethouses, took place on the 13th 
of March, in the presence of a large concourse of citizens. The exercises 
were commenced by a fervent prayer to the Throne of Grace by the Rev. Dr. 
Fuller, at the conclusion of which the building committee, headed by its 
chairman, Wm. Bailey, Esq., proceeded to lay the corner-stone, the formula 
used being similar to that used by the Masonic order. Upon the conclusion 
of this part of the ceremony the band performed the national anthem of 
Hail Columbia, and Joshua Vansant, Esq., president of the institute, 
introduced to the audience S. Teackle Wallis, Esq., the orator of the 
occasion, who proceeded to deliver the address. At the conclusion of Mr. 
Wallis's address, the proceedings were closed by a prayer and benediction 
by the Rev. Dr. J. G. Burnap, followed by music from the band. On the 20th 
of October the building was opened with a great exhibition, and on the 
21st the Hen. Jno. P. Kennedy delivered the annual address to the vast 
assemblage that thronged the hall in every part. The first pile for this 
building was driven on Monday, January 13th, and the first stone laid 
Friday, January 24th, 1851.

The corner-stone of the House of Refuge, located at the intersection of 
the Frederick Road and Gwynn's Falls, was laid with appropriate ceremonies 
on the 27th of October. A staging was erected near the southwestern corner 
of the building, which was occupied by Gov. Lowe, Chief Justice Taney of 
the United States Supreme Court, the Mayor, members of the Council, the 
choir, and a number of other invited guests. The ceremony was commenced by 
the choir singing "Before Jehovah's Awful Throne," accompanied by 
instrumental music from the Quartezians, consisting of

Page 537

Messrs. J. F. Dix, Andrew Reese, Jacob Deems, Jr., and H. S. Spillman. The 
choir was principally from the Rev. Dr. Fuller's church, led by Mr. John 
Mason. The Rev. Dr. Johns then offered up an eloquent and appropriate 
prayer. Gov. Lowe, Mayor Jerome, and Geo. Brown, Esq., president of the 
House of Refuge, then proceeded to lay the stone. Having returned to the 
stand, after singing by the choir, Mr. Charles F. Mayer was introduced, 
and delivered an address which was most eloquent and appropriate, and was 
listened to with great interest and satisfaction by the attentive 
auditory. Rev. J. G. Hamner closed the ceremonies of the afternoon by 
prayer and benediction. This institution was incorporated February 8th, 
1831, and the charter amended March 27th, 1850.

On the 1st of November the interesting ceremony of laying the corner-stone 
of St. Luke's Protestant Episcopal Church, on the east side of Carey 
street, between Saratoga and Lexington streets, took place in the presence 
of about five hundred persons. The Rt. Rev. Bishop Whittingham officiated 
in person, assisted by twelve of the reverend clergy of this diocese. 
Rector, Rev. Francis Asbury Baker. The lot on which the church is erected 
was presented to the congregation by John Glenn, Esq.

Died, on the 10th of February, Attorney-General George R. Richardson; and 
also James Wilson, Esq., of the well-known firm of William Wilson & Sons.

The New Assembly Rooms, at the corner of Hanover and Lombard streets, were 
finished in February for Col. John Eager Howard, and were opened on the 
5th of March by Madame Anna Bishop with her concert troupe. The shot-tower 
on South Eutaw street was torn down in March, and the bricks used in the 
building of five warehouses on the south side of Baltimore street, between 
Eutaw and Paca streets.

The corner-stone of the Methodist Episcopal Church situated on the corner 
of Franklin and Poppleton streets, was laid on Monday afternoon, March 
24th, with the usual ceremonies. The exercises were opened by Rev. A. A. 
Reese, and concluded by the Rev. I. P. Cook. St. Mark's Protestant 
Episcopal Church was consecrated on Thursday morning, July 17th. The Rt. 
Rev. Bishop Whittingham officiated, assisted by the Rev. Mr. McFarland, 
the pastor of the church.

In June the Post-Office Department at Washington rented the Exchange 
building for a post-office, and after expending considerable means in 
fitting it up, removed there on Thursday, August 21st, from the corner of 
North and Fayette streets.

A crowd of several hundred persons from Federal Hill paraded through the 
principal streets of the city on Friday evening, August 29th, with a band 
of music, accompanied by an old wornout horse, bearing on his back an 
effigy intended to represent the Hon. A. F. Owen, the American consul at 
Havana. The "pageant"

Page 538

attracted no little curiosity, and was followed by an immense crowd, who 
finally wended their way back to the Hill, where the effigy was committed 
to the flames amidst the greatest apparent enthusiasm. These proceedings 
were caused by the execution of fifty American citizens in Havana for 
participation in the revolution in Cuba.

The first annual exhibition of the Maryland Horticultural Society was held 
in the saloon of Carroll Hall in September.

The first Of the contemplated course of lectures was delivered on Tuesday 
evening, December 16th, at the hall of the Maryland Institute, by the Hon. 
Joseph R. Chandler, of Philadelphia.

During the past five years the number of houses annually erected in the 
city has been as follows: 1847, 2006; 1848, 1920; 1849, 1894; 1850, 1827; 
1851, 1815.

The distinguished Hungarian patriot and exile, Louis Kossuth, arrived in 
this city on Saturday afternoon, December 27th, and received one of the 
most enthusiastic receptions that has ever been extended by the people of 
Baltimore to any individual since the memorable visit of the great "Friend 
of America," La Fayette. Notwithstanding the extreme cold, the shocking 
condition of the streets from ice and snow, and the shortness of the time 
given for the making of preparations, the great Magyar was greeted by a 
numerous procession of military and civic associations, constituting a 
most imposing demonstration of welcome. As soon as the cars arrived 
bearing Kossuth, he stepped into a barouche by the side of Mayor Jerome 
and bowed to the people. The carriages were then put in motion, and bore 
him to the right of the military. Here the barouche, with the carriages 
following, halted, whilst the military escort filed past him in review; 
after which the procession moved forward. Kossuth was dressed in a black 
velvet sack cloak, with full sleeves, and wore a Hungarian hat with black 
plumes. He stood erect in the carriage by the side of Mayor Jerome, and 
bowed repeatedly in answer to the cheers that greeted him in his progress 
at every point. Following Kossuth came a long line of carriages, 
containing Madame Kossuth, Madame Pulusky and the members of his suite; 
the members of the City Council of Baltimore, committee of reception on 
the part of the citizens, and a delegation from the City Council of 
Philadelphia, who, together with the sub-committees of reception on the 
part of the City Council and of the citizens of Baltimore, accompanied the 
distinguished guest to this city. On reaching the Eutaw House, Kossuth was 
escorted to his apartments by Mayor Jerome, and shortly afterwards, in 
answer to the vociferous calls of the people without, appeared on the 
portico, and delivered a few remarks. In the evening the Mayor delivered 
his welcome address to Kossuth in the Maryland Institute; upon the 
conclusion of which Kossuth delivered a long and eloquent reply. Adddesses 
were also delivered by Judge Legrand, Wm. P. Preston, and R. T. Merrick.

Page 539

The General Assembly of Maryland, on the 6th of May, incorporated the 
Baltimore and Potomac Railroad Company.

1852. The Roman Catholic national council met in this city on the 9th of 
May, consisting of six archbishops, twenty-seven bishops, and a large 
number of provincials, superiors, clergymen and seminarians. The Most Rev. 
Archbishop Hughes preached the opening sermon of the council.

The Democratic National Convention convened at the hall of the Maryland 
Institute on the 1st of June, pursuant to appointment, and on the 5th 
nominated General Franklin Pierce, of New Hampshire, as the Democratic 
candidate for President, and Wm. R. King, of Alabama, candidate for Vice-
President.

The Whig National Convention assembled in this city on the 16th of June, 
at the hall of the Maryland Institute, and on the 21st of June nominated 
Gen. Winfield Scott, of New Jersey, on the fifty-third ballot as the Whig 
candidate for President of the United States, and subsequently Wm. A. 
Graham, of North Carolina, was nominated for Vice-President. On the 
evening of the 21st, one of the largest and most enthusiastic meetings 
that ever collected in Monument Square was assembled there, to ratify the 
Whig nominations made that day. It was estimated that there were 20,000 
people present. Hon. John H. T. Jerome was chairman. The meeting was 
addressed by Messrs. Gardner of Alabama, Preston of Virginia, Williams of 
Kentucky, Yerger of Mississippi, and Gov. Jones of Tennessee.

On the 29th of June, a telegraphic despatch was received in this city at a 
quarter before twelve o'clock, announcing the death of the great 
statesman, orator and patriot, the Hon. Henry Clay, at the National Hotel, 
Washington city, D.C. Immediately on receipt of this melancholy 
information the bells commenced tolling, and a gloomy feeling pervaded the 
community. Flags, draped in mourning, were flung out, and the business men 
generally promptly resolved to suspend all transactions, and close their 
respective stores and counting-rooms for the rest of the day. The 1st of 
July was indeed a gloomy day in the city; business was paralyzed, and the 
people's whole mind and conversation were turned upon the solemn 
ceremonies about to take place; in connection with which, the life and 
services of the distinguished subject of these solemnities were the 
engrossing topics of conversation; men of all parties commingled in 
crowds, and freely joined in expressions of sorrow and deep-felt grief. 
About six o'clock, the car containing the remains of the illustrious 
statesman reached the outer depot at the corner of Poppleton and Pratt 
streets, and the coffin containing the remains was removed from the car 
and placed in a richly-trimmed hearse, and escorted by a large procession 
of military, &c., to the rotunda of the Exchange, where it was placed upon 
a beautiful catafalque richly dressed with drapery. The lid of the coffin 
was thrown open, admitting to view, through a glass plate, the face

Page 540

of the deceased, and thousands of the citizens availed themselves of the 
opportunity to get a last look at the features of one of the greatest 
patriots and statesmen that ever lived. On the morning of the 2d the 
coffin was conveyed out of the Exchange to the hearse, and driven with the 
escort to the Philadelphia depot. After a short detention the cars moved 
off, and all that was mortal of Henry Clay had left Baltimore forever.

On the morning of the 13th of July it began to rain very hard about half-
past nine o'clock, and continued to pour down in torrents for the space of 
an hour and a half. Harford Run, in the northeastern section of the city, 
however, seems to have been the only stream the rapid rising of which 
caused any considerable destruction of property. The bridge across the run 
at Broadway, near Gay street, was swept away, and came thundering down the 
stream, and striking against the bridge which crosses at Bond street, tore 
it from its fastenings. The current then kept upon its onward course, 
bearing the bridges upon its bosom, until it got into the midst of a 
cluster of about a hundred new houses, erected along the line and in the 
immediate neighborhood of Dallas and Gay streets. The two floating 
bridges, together with a vast amount of drift-wood, fences, &c., came in 
violent contact with the Dallas street bridge, and with a tremendous crash 
it gave way. Two of the bridges kept on in the current of the stream, and 
were stranded after floating a short distance; the other bridge turned off 
from the main channel, and brought up in the midst of the houses above 
mentioned, and after knocking the sides and corners of two or three of 
them away, was stayed in its course by actually piercing into one of the 
houses. The bridges crossing Caroline and Spring streets shared the same 
fate as those mentioned. Six new houses on Spring street, near Madison, 
were undermined by the water, gave way, and fell to the ground. A man 
named Phillips was driving two cows in from the pasture, when the banks of 
the run overflowed above Broadway. The water swept towards the animals at 
a rapid rate, and after vainly endeavoring to urge them on, the driver was 
compelled to abandon them to their fate, and betake himself to flight for 
his own safety. The cows were overtaken by water and swept off and 
drowned. At a house in the vicinity of Dallas street, a cradle with a 
small child in it floated out of the window of the first floor, and was 
caught as it went surging along by a neighbor, and the child rescued and 
restored to its parents uninjured.

The "Loyola College," situated on Calvert, near Madison street, was opened 
on the 15th of September, and in April, 1853, was raised by the 
Legislature of Maryland to the rank of a university. The course of studies 
is that pursued in other colleges of the country, and more particularly of 
the Society of Jesus. In addition to the fifteen hundred volumes in the 
students' libraries, the institution possesses a library of twenty 
thousand volumes, including

Page 541

a valuable collection of rare and interesting works, a gift of the late 
Rev. James Dolan.

On the 18th of November, a number of gentlemen connected with the various 
Evangelical Associations of this city, met in the lecture-room of the 
First Presbyterian Church, corner of North and Fayette streets. The object 
of the meeting was to take measures for the formation of a Baltimore City 
Young Men's Christian Association. Mr. M. M. Yeakle was called to the 
chair, and John W. Ball appointed secretary. After a couple of hours spent 
in a very entertaining discussion, in which a number of reverend gentlemen 
and others participated, a committee of five was appointed, consisting of 
the Rev. Franklin Wilson, the Rev. Mr. Balton, and Messrs. R. M. Lockwood, 
Wm. B. Canfield and John C. Bridges, with instructions to take the 
necessary steps to aid in carrying out the objects of the contemplated 
association.

St. Michael's R. C. Church, situated at the corner of Pratt and Register 
streets, was dedicated on Sunday morning, January 11. The Right Rev. 
Archbishop Kenrick officiated.

The Hon. Judge Upton S. Heath died on Saturday morning, February 21st, in 
the 67th year of his age. He had been for sixteen years Judge of the 
District Court of the United States for the district of Maryland.

The corner-stone of the Baltimore Orphan Asylum, on Stricker street, near 
Saratoga, was laid on Thursday, June 10th, with appropriate ceremonies, by 
Rev. Drs. Fuller, Poisal, and Killen. It was formally opened Thursday, 
November 10th, 1853.

A special train containing John Smith Hollins, Mayor-elect, a large number 
of the members of the City Council, and other invited guests, left this 
city on Friday morning, October 22d, in a special car from Calvert 
Station, to witness the opening of the Hanover Branch Railroad.

The earthly remains of the great tragedian, Junius Brutus Booth, arrived 
in Baltimore Thursday evening, December 9th, from Louisville, Ky., where 
he died on the 2d, whilst on his way to this city on a visit to his 
family. For more than thirty years he was the most popular representative 
of Shakspeare's characters in this country. He was born in London, May 
1st, 1796, and made his first appearance upon the American stage as a 
"star" at Petersburg, Va., under the management of James H. Caldwell, in 
1821, as "Richard the Third." He resided in this city on Exeter street.

On Saturday, December 11th, seven prisoners confined in the jail effected 
their escape.

1853. In the month of April the Rev. Francis A. Baker resigned the 
rectorship of the Protestant Episcopal chapel, known as St. Luke's, to 
connect himself with the Roman Catholic church. This event created the 
greatest excitement amongst the congregation over whom Mr. Baker was 
pastor, they having looked upon him with peculiar feelings of veneration 
and love from his spotless

Page 542

Christian character. On the fact being made known to the congregation, men 
and women wept like children. By his change of faith, which came upon him 
after long deliberation, he certainly had nothing to gain in a worldly 
point of view. No clergyman in this city enjoyed more thoroughly the love 
and affection of his flock than Mr. Baker, and the desertion of the 
doctrines of the church he had for a number of years so successfully been 
teaching, created as great a sensation in the religious community as had 
occurred in this city for many years.

On the morning of the 5th of August, Thomas Connor, convicted of the 
murder of Capt. Wm. Hutchinson, of Accomac county, Va., in the early part 
of October, 1852, paid the penalty of his crime by death on the gallows. 
The ceremony on the gallows was short, consisting of reading a few 
prayers, on the conclusion of which the sheriff and the Rev. Mr. Foley and 
Rev. Mr. Hickey bade him farewell, and descended; a few moments after the 
drop fell. To the horror of all, the rope, which was insufficient to bear 
the weight of his body, broke, and the miserable man was precipitated with 
considerable force to the ground. He struck the ground on his feet, and 
fell over on his right side, sustaining, however, very little injury 
beyond being slightly stunned. The officers gathered around the fallen man 
and raised him to a sitting posture, when he exclaimed in a full clear 
tone, "Gentlemen, I am innocent of murder in the first degree." He wept 
bitterly, saying that he did not wish to live. He begged over and over 
again to take him "up there" where he just came from. Another rope was 
procured, and when all was fixed the trap fell, and Connor swung in the 
air, having fallen about three feet. The awful sight was witnessed by an 
immense concourse of men, women and children. It was estimated there were 
20,000 persons collected on the vacant lots and the roofs of the 
surrounding houses, one-third at least of whom were females. On the 
breaking of the rope a feeling of deep regret pervaded the immense crowd; 
large numbers, whose curiosity had been fully satisfied by witnessing this 
awful catastrophe, returned to their homes without waiting to witness the 
further execution of the law, whilst some few unfeeling and ignorant 
persons commenced shouting and clapping their hands.

On Thursday, May 5th, the corner-stone of St. Matthew's Lutheran church of 
this city, on Central avenue, north of Baltimore street, was laid with the 
usual solemnities and in the presence of a large audience. The ceremonies 
were conducted by Rev. Mr. Neuhaus, Rev. Mr. Schwartz, Rev. Dr. Benj. 
Kurtz, Rev. Mr. Siess, Rev. Chas. Weyl, and Rev. Mr. Branden.

The Hon. John Glenn, Judge of the United States District Court of 
Maryland, died on Friday, July 8th, at his country seat, near Catonsville. 
During his short career upon the bench, his decisions were marked with an 
ability and impartiality that gave universal satisfaction. The Hon. Wm. 
Fell Giles was appointed to fill the vacancy occasioned by the death of 
Judge Glenn.

Page 543

Loudon Park Cemetery was dedicated Thursday, July 14th. Charles F. Mayer, 
Esq., delivered the opening address.

Considerable excitement was raised in this city in July, occasioned by 
Mayor Hollins prohibiting "Blind Johnny" to preach in the market-houses. A 
mass-meeting was held in Monument square, and addresses were delivered by 
a large number of citizens. A committee was appointed requesting the Mayor 
to resign, who declined.

The first "Know-Nothing" mass-meeting was held in Monument square on 
Thursday evening, August 18th, and was attended by nearly 5000 persons.

The corner-stone of the Union Square Methodist Episcopal church was laid 
on Tuesday, September 20th, with appropriate ceremonies, in which the 
Revs. T. B. Sergeant, A. A. Reed, John Bear, and Isaac P. Cook were 
engaged.

The corner-stone of St. Ignatius Roman Catholic church was laid on Sunday, 
September 25th, before a large assemblage of persons. The ceremonies were 
conducted by Archbishop Kenrick.

The corner-stone of the Second Baptist church was laid on Monday, October 
3d, the ceremonies being conducted by the Revs. Geo. F. Adams, Williams, 
Simpson, and Fuller.

1854. Nathan Towson was born in Baltimore County in 1784, and was 
appointed Captain in the second regiment of artillery in March, 1812. In a 
few days after his appointment he gathered around him in Towsontown, a 
brave band of his fellow-countrymen, whose hearts beat in sympathy with 
his own, and then and there was organized that company which soon 
afterwards carried terror into the enemy's ranks, all along the Canada 
frontier. He aided Lieutenant Elliott, of the navy, in capturing the 
Caledonian and Detroit, two British vessels, from under the very guns of 
Fort Erie in October, 1812, and for his gallant conduct upon this occasion 
he was breveted a Major. We must pass over the other contests in which he 
was honorably engaged; his services at Queenstown, his brave defence of 
Black Rock, his gallantry displayed at the capture of Fort George, at the 
defence of Fort Erie and at Stony Creek. In Fort Erie a bastion was named 
in his honor, after the Americans took possession of it early in July, 
1814. But there were two engagements during that war which the pen of 
American history should ever delight to record--for they covered the 
American name with glory, and first taught our vaunting enemy that there 
still existed among our countrymen the same undaunted bravery which they 
had displayed forty years before, at Saratoga, Eutaw, and Yorktown. It was 
on the afternoon of a hot summer day, the 5th of July, 1814, upon an open 
plain on the Canada shore, that the glorious battle of Chippewa was 
fought. There nineteen hundred Americans, under the heroic Scott, met in 
close encounter, and vanquished twenty-one hundred of the best regulars of 
the British army. The only artillery under Scott's command

Page 544

was the company of Towson; and throughout that fierce engagement its guns 
poured upon the enemy's ranks a constant storm of canister, which mowed 
them down like grass, and materially contributed to their final defeat. 
Gen. Wilkinson, writing an account of this battle, says: "A warm, close, 
and bloody conflict of small arms and field artillery ensued, in which it 
was the good fortune of the gallant Towson to silence the enemy's chief 
battery. The oblique attack of the artillery and the perpendicular fire of 
the American line were insupportable, and valorous troops yielded the palm 
and retreated precipitately, leaving their killed and wounded on the 
field. Here, as at Minden, the fate of the day was settled by the 
artillery; and the American Towson may deservedly be ranked with the 
British Phillips, Drummond, and Foy." For his conduct upon this occasion 
he was breveted Lieutenant-Colonel. Three weeks afterwards, amid the roar 
and almost within the spray of the mighty cataract of Niagara, was fought 
the memorable battle of Lundy's Lane--except Buena Vista, the bloodiest 
and most desperate ever fought by an American army against a foreign 
enemy. tom sunset until after midnight the hostile ranks were closely 
mingled together in the murderous struggle, which left upon the field, 
killed or wounded, nearly one-fourth of their whole numbers. Among the 
American threes were found Brown and Scott and Ripley, and Jessup, Miller, 
and Worth; and there, too, in the very thickest of the fight, was the 
brave Towson, pouring leaden death upon the foe. A continued sheet of 
flame marked the presence of his artillery, known then and ever after as 
"Towson's LightHouse." The official dispatch of the commanding officer 
says: "Towson's company was the first and last engaged, and during the 
whole conflict maintained that high character which they had previously 
won by their skill and valor." Both of his Lieutenants and twenty-seven of 
his thirty-six men were either killed or wounded upon the spot. Speaking 
of his conduct upon another occasion, General Ripley said: "I cannot 
retrain from adverting to the manner in which Captain Towson's artillery 
was served; I have never seen it equalled. This officer has so 
distinguished him self, that to say simply that he is in action is a 
volume of eulogium; the army only to be informed he is there, by a 
spontaneous assent are at once satisfied that he has performed well his 
part. I have no idea that there is an artillery officer in any service 
superior to him in the knowledge and performance of his duty." He was 
retained in the service at the close of the war, and was made Paymaster-
General in 1819. In 1834 he was breveted Brigadier-General; and for his 
distinguished services in the Mexican war he was breveted Major-General in 
March, 1849. He died in Washington city on the 20th of July, 1854, at the 
age of seventy years. His remains lie interred on a pleasant slope in Oak 
Hill Cemetery, Georgetown, District of Columbia, by the side of those of 
his wife. General Nathan Towson is now no more, but his gallant 
achievements

Page 545

will not be forgotten. His native State and county will never cease to 
remember with pride that his is one of the most glorious names which ever 
adorned the rolls of the American army.

In May Mayor Hollins gave his approval to the ordinance authorising the 
purchase or lease of the square of ground bounded by Fayette, Lexington, 
Holliday, and North streets, for the erection of a new City Hall. The 
terms of the lease were that the city was to issue stock to Messrs. Brown 
and White, the owners, to the amount of $104,000, bearing six per cent. 
interest, redeemable at the pleasure of the Mayor and City Council. There 
was also a further ground rent upon the lot of $180 per annum, making the 
total cost in fee $107,000. The city was not to take possession until the 
year 1858.

One of the most terrible railroad accidents that ever transpired in our 
country took place on Tuesday afternoon, July 4th, 1854, on the Baltimore 
and Susquehanna Railroad, by which over thirty persons were killed and 
nearly one hundred wounded, some of them slightly. The scene of the 
accident was a curve of the road about midway between the Relay House and 
Rider's Grove, at which latter spot the "Grand American Celebration" took 
place. It was doubtless the largest 4th of July celebration ever held in 
the neighborhood of Baltimore, the assemblage amounting, it was estimated, 
to about ten thousand persons. The Declaration of Independence was read by 
Wm. P. Preston, and addresses were delivered by a number of other 
gentlemen. Three trains full of ladies and gentlemen with children left 
our city during the day to participate in the celebration. Returning, one 
of the trains left for Baltimore at two o'clock, another started at five, 
and the third, to which the accident occurred, at about fifteen minutes 
later. It seems that the accommodation train for York with four passenger 
cars attached, under the direction of Wm. Scott, conductor, started on its 
way up shortly before 5 o'clock, instructed to lay off at Green Spring 
Switch until one of the excursion trains should pass. This he did, and the 
second return train passed as directed. The accommodation train then 
started, and, dreadful to relate, an excursion train from the Grove had 
also started. They met about three-quarters of a mile above the Relay 
House, at the turn of an abrupt switch, and came together with a fearful 
crash. About half a dozen cars were crushed and shivered to atoms, and a 
large number of their unhappy inmates either killed upon the spot or 
dreadfully injured. The scene was described as harrowing to the last 
degree. Several of those killed and wounded were so caught in the wreck of 
the broken cars that they could not be released for a considerable time. 
Axes and crow-bars were brought into requisition, and those alive and 
unhurt made superhuman efforts for their relief. An eye-witness says: "The 
scene, as first presented, was altogether the most horrible we ever 
witnessed, and

Page 546

we hope never to see again. On both sides of the wreck, turn which way you 
would, there lay the inanimate and stiffening forms of those who were so 
lately breathing as freely as ourselves. Some had their arms crossed upon 
their breasts by friendly hands, and most had their straw-hats placed over 
their ghastly faces. The wounded cried continually for water--'Water!' The 
physicians on the ground labored indefatigably for the relief of the 
sufferers; and, for lack of materials, used slats from the car-windows for 
splints, and for bandages shreds of shirts, drawers, their own 
handkerchiefs, and in several cases extra skirts handed over by the 
ladies." Immediately upon the authorities at Calvert Station being 
informed of the disaster, they despatched assistance to the spot. The 
train with the survivors and the killed and wounded came in at half-past 
twelve o'clock. The scene at the depot was harrowing in the extreme. An 
immense crowd of those who had friends and relatives at the Grove was 
assembled, and the state of terrible suspense was painful to behold. Wives 
and mothers, brothers and sisters, ran up and down the platform, eagerly 
questioning as to the killed and wounded; anxious, yet dreading the reply 
which, might inform them of the melancholy fate of some one near or dear. 
The bodies were taken out of the car where they had been placed piled one 
upon another, presenting a ghastly spectacle, and laid upon the platform, 
where inquests were held over them by Coroners Stevens and Goldsmith. Most 
of them had been instantly killed by the crash, some of them being 
horribly crushed and mutilated in a manner to sicken the beholder of the 
spectacle. The wounded were made as easy as possible; and, in most of the 
cases, their friends were at the depot, and had them immediately removed.

One of the most destructive fires with which our city has been visited 
broke out shortly before 12 o'clock on Thursday night, October 19th. It is 
supposed that the fire originated in the engine-room of Crook & Duff's 
sash factory, on East Falls avenue, near Stiles street. Owing to the 
inflammable nature of the contents of the establishment, the flames spread 
with a fierceness and rapidity that defied all efforts made for their 
suppression, and the factory was soon reduced to a heap of smouldering 
ruins, together with a large amount of ready-made work. The extensive 
steam works and sash factory of Messrs. Lapourelle & Maughlin, nearly 
adjoining, on the corner of Stiles street and East Falls avenue was, next 
reduced to ruins, together with all the machinery, ready-made work, &c. 
The lumber-yard of Griffith & Cate, with the extensive stock on hand, was 
also completely destroyed. Five dwelling houses, extending from President 
street to a court in the rear, were also burnt out. The fire also 
communicated to the rear of James Bates' establishment, also a vessel-load 
of coal belonging to him was consumed, with fixtures, hoisting-wheels, &c. 
The spice-mill of Crawford & Berry, the coal office of Mr. Cliff, cooper-
shop of

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Mr. John Causin, and several tenement houses occupied by colored people, 
were burnt out, as also were several sheds, &c. The fire department was 
promptly on the spot and did all that could be done to quench the flames, 
but owing to the large piles of lumber on the wharf of the Falls, great 
difficulty was experienced in obtaining water. At one time it was feared 
that the conflagration would sweep the whole of that section of the city, 
the flames being dashed about in huge masses, and the roofs of many of the 
houses that actually escaped material damage showing symptoms of soon 
being given up to the devouring element from flakes of fire that had 
fallen upon them, or from the intense heat of the burning buildings, 
lumber, coal, &c.

On the afternoon of Saturday, December 9th, another destructive fire broke 
out in the warehouse of J. McGowan & Sons on Baltimore street, one door 
east of Paca, and before the flames could be arrested seven large 
warehouses were destroyed, besides which three others were injured to a 
very great extent, inflicting a loss estimated at $200,000. The stores 
were occupied, by Messrs. J. McGowan & Sons, wholesale grocery and 
liquors, Messrs. Knabe & Gahle, piano manufacturers, Messrs. Mills & Bro., 
stoves and tinware, Messrs. Newsham & Co., iron-railing manufacturers, 
Messrs. Mills & Murray, feed store, Messrs. Rothrock and Peacock, tinners 
and reefers, Mr. Caspear, cedar-cooper, Mr. E. P. Osler, cedar-cooper. On 
Paca street the stores of Messrs. Kahler and Smith were also on fire. At 
one time it was feared that the Eutaw House would be destroyed, but the 
employees well saturated the roof with water, and thus prevented the 
disaster that might otherwise have ensued.

The corner-stone of the First Constitutional Presbyterian church, situated 
on the corner of Greene and German streets, was laid on the afternoon of 
Tuesday, May 2d, Rev. John C. Smith officiating. Addresses were delivered 
by Rev. A. H. Boyd, Rev. Thomas A. Brainard, and Rev. B. Sunderland; Rev. 
Mr. McCain offering the benediction. This church was dedicated Sunday, 
July 8th, 1855. The ceremony of laying the corner-stone of the German 
Methodist Episcopal church on Broadway, took place on Monday, June 5th. 
The corner-stone of the Franklin Square Baptist church was laid on 
Tuesday, September 12th, with appropriate religious ceremonies. Addresses 
were delivered by Rev. J. W. M. Williamson and Rev. Dr. Fuller.

Judge John Purviance, the contemporary of Harper, Pinkney, Wirt, and 
Taney, and frequently their colleague in the important cases of the day, 
died in September, in his 81st year.

1855. On Saturday, May 26th, a very destructive fire broke out between 
seven and eight o clock, at which time the bells sounded an alarm, and the 
firemen promptly repaired to the scene of disaster, but were unable, in 
consequence of the great headway the fire had gained, to subdue it until 
four large warehouses, together

Page 548

with their contents, had fallen a prey, and several others, with the stock 
in them, considerably damaged. The fire originated in the cellar of the 
wholesale clothing warehouse of Messrs. Dailey, Massey & Maupin, Baltimore 
street, one door east of Howard. The flames next communicated to the 
houses occupied by Messrs. Devries, Stephens & Thomas, wholesale dry goods 
merchants, on the corner of Baltimore and Howard streets, then to Norris, 
Caldwell & Co., grocers, and Messrs. Fisher, Boyd & Co. On Howard street 
the stores of Messrs. Mayer & Brother, John Cushing, and Mr. Enoch Bennett 
were greatly damaged, if not completely ruined.

The Union Protestant Infirmary was opened on Monday, January 8th, for the 
first time, with religious ceremonies, the Revs. Franklin Wilson, Mr. 
Hoge, Dr. Fuller, Williams, and Edwards officiating.

The trial of the steam fire-engine "Miles Greenwood," built in Cincinnati 
for the corporation of Boston, came off on Thursday, February 2d. This was 
the first steam fire-engine in this city.

The "Emanuel Church" was dedicated on Thursday, March 8th. The dedicatory 
sermon was preached by Rev. John Johns, Bishop of Virginia. The following 
reverend gentlemen participated: Rev. Dr. H. V. D. Johns, Rev. Dr. Cox, 
Rev. Mr. Swope, and the Right Rev. W. R. Whittingham. Col. Bernard U. 
Campbell, of the Baltimore branch of Brown, Brothers & Co., of London, 
died in this city on Friday, April 27th.

The most disgraceful riot on the part of firemen that had occurred within 
the city since the riots of 1838, transpired on Saturday night, August 
18th, 1855. It appears that the New Market fire company, in colleague with 
the United, had formed a plot whereby they designed giving the Mount 
Vernon Hook and Ladder company a severe thrashing, and accordingly the 
bell of the New Market sounded an alarm of fire at ten o'clock on that 
night, and the members ran with the apparatus in a northerly direction. 
Upon returning, the New Market fell in behind the Hook and Ladder at the 
corner of Franklin and Park streets, when bricks were thrown at them. This 
continued until the companies reached Lerew's alley, where pistols were 
fired and a skirmish of short duration ensued; after which they proceeded 
along Franklin street, until about midway between Howard and Eutaw 
streets, the Hook and Ladder ahead and New Market following. At this 
juncture the United turned out of Eutaw street into Franklin, immediately 
in front of the Hook and Ladder company, and the onslaught commenced upon 
them from the front and rear. Pistols were fired, bricks thrown, and axes, 
picks and hooks used in the most desperate manner. Life seemed to have 
little valuation to those concerned. The Hook and Ladder company, however, 
thus hemmed in, with the aid of the police fought until their assailants 
were glad to scamper off. During the melee two men were mortally wounded, 
and a greater number severely.

Page 549

Hon. William Frick, Judge of the Superior Court, died at the Warm Sulphur 
Springs, Va., on Sunday, July 29th, aged 65 years. The deceased spent a 
large portion of his life in prominent public positions, the duties and 
responsibilities of which had been discharged in a manner highly 
acceptable to those by whom they had been delegated, His first public 
position, after several years' successful practice in the courts of this 
State, was as State Senator from this city, that being succeeded by the 
office of collector of this port, under the administration of Martin Van 
Buren. He was subsequently appointed Judge of the Baltimore county courts 
by the late Ex-Governor P. F. Thomas, which place he held until the 
adoption of the new constitution, when he was chosen by his fellow-
citizens as the first Judge of the Superior Court of this city, which post 
he honorably filled to the date of his death.

1856. This city was visited by a violent storm of wind and rain on the 
night of Wednesday, August 13th. It was a veritable tornado leaving very 
visible traces of its passage by the destruction it occasioned, which was 
not less than $100,000. At the corner of Madison and Calvert street a row 
of four-story brick houses in course of erection by Mr. Michael Roach were 
struck by lightning, and four of them almost totally ruined. The roofs of 
warehouses of the following gentlemen were blown off: Mr. Solomon King, 
Mr. Larrabee, Mr. George, Kensett & Wheeler, Middleton & Dorsey, David T. 
Bayly, Love, Martin & Co., Montel & Bro., William Crane & Sons, and J. 
Lyle Clark & Co. There were numerous instances of minor damages throughout 
the city: signs were blown down, awnings torn to atoms, telegraph-poles 
prostrated, window-glass broken, trees torn up, all attesting the mighty 
force exerted by the wind.

On the 12th of September a bloody and disgraceful riot took place at the 
Seventeenth Ward House, kept by James Clark, on Light street, nearly 
opposite Warren. The house was attacked by the "Rip-Rap" and "Wampanoag" 
Clubs, and then commenced a bloody and desperate affray, which will long 
be remembered as one of the most bloodthirsty ruffianisms of the times. 
The streets where the contest took place presented the appearance as if 
cart-loads of bricks had been strewn about. Women were running about 
looking for their husbands and brothers, and the curiosity which attracted 
many to the scene was the occasion of many being wounded. During the melee 
one man was killed and some twenty badly wounded, some of them fatally. 
This reckless and sanguinary fusilade continued for nearly half an hour, 
when the police gradually dispersed the crowd and the firing ceased.

Baltimore was again disgraced by another such scene of violence and blood, 
which occurred on Wednesday, the 8th of October, being the election for 
Mayor and City Council, when Mr. Thomas Swarm was elected Mayor by 1575 
majority over Mr. Robert C. Wright. About 12 o'clock a desperate struggle 
took place between

Page 550

the "Rip-Rap" Club and the New Market Fire Company in the Lexington 
Market, which was a bloody and protracted battle. The firing was as 
regular as if it were by platoons. A great many persons were wounded and 
carried from the ground, and the drug shops near the scene of action were 
filled with the wounded and dying. The New Market Company were driven from 
the market-house and dispersed. Their engine-house was entered by the "Rip-
Raps" and found deserted, which their sacked. Disturbances broke out in 
various parts of the city, but none equalled that which we have mentioned.

The "Exchange Buildings" were sold to the United States Government in 
February for $267,000, and the old "First Presbyterian Church," situated 
at the northwest corner of North and Fayette streets, for $50,000.

The dedication of the Red Men's Hall on Paca street took place on 
Wednesday, September 10th. The ceremonies were conducted by William G. 
Gorsuch, Louis Bonsal, Isaac Petit, E. H. Reip, George W. Lindsay, William 
H. Hayward, Samuel Meeking, and Howard Meixsell. R. Stockett Matthews, the 
orator of the day, delivered an exceedingly appropriate and beautifully 
couched oration.

The "Old Line Whigs" National Convention met at the Maryland Institute on 
Wednesday, September 17th, and endorsed Millard Fillmore and Andrew 
Jackson Donelson as their candidates for the Presidency and Vice-
Presidency of the United States.

Our city, on the 4th of November, was again made the theatre of the most 
prolonged and desperate rioting. Armed and organized associations, 
belonging to both political parties, resorted to firearms, with which they 
were liberally provided, and fought with ferocious and daring 
recklessness. Individual combats and minor affrays occurred at a number of 
polls, but the most serious took place in the vicinity of the second and 
eighth ward polls. In both of these riots eight persons were killed and 
about 150 were wounded. During the morning there was considerable ill-
feeling displayed at the second ward polls, but up to three o'clock no 
serious disturbance occurred. At that hour a furious fight broke out, said 
to have originated from a stone being thrown into the crowd surrounding 
the window. Pistols were immediately drawn and fired by both parties. The 
Democrats drove the Know-Nothings from the polls and up High street. The 
alarm was carried to the fourth ward polls, and a strong body of Know-
Nothings started from there. In the vicinity of the second ward polls they 
were met and driven back. Further reinforcements were then received and 
the battle renewed. A good proportion of both parties, by this time were 
provided with muskets, whilst others used pistols, and others skirmished 
with knives and clubs. Both parties fought with determination, and in many 
instances exposed themselves with the most reckless disregard of danger. 
The battle-ground was spread

Page 551

over portions of Fawn, Stiles, Exeter and High streets, and Eastern 
Avenue, and the spectacle presented was a terrible and revolting one. As 
either party gained a temporary advantage, men would be seen running, with 
others shooting at them; the wounded were limping off and being carried 
away by their companions, whilst others begrimed with smoke and powder, 
and in some cases covered with blood, still kept up the fight, now firing 
singly and then again in volleys. In the surrounding neighborhood the 
utmost degree of excitement and consternation prevailed. Children were 
hastily gathered, the houses closed, and the occupants in many instances 
sought their garrets and cellars to be out of harm's way. The Democrats 
were finally overpowered, driven away from the polls, and retreated, still 
fighting, down Eastern Avenue. In the neighborhood of the Causeway they 
again made a stand, and there a guerilla warfare, carried on from the 
alleys and street corners, continued for more than an hour. About 3 
o'clock in the afternoon a report was brought to the police stationed at 
the eighth ward, that there was fighting at the sixth ward, and assistance 
was asked to quell it. The police started, and with them several hundred 
of the crowd assembled around the polls, who in a few moments were armed 
with muskets, and accompanied by two gangs of boys, each dragging small 
brass cannon on wheels. They passed along the side of the Belair market, 
and towards Orleans street, when they were met by a concourse of equally 
as wild infuriated men and youths, armed with muskets and pistols. A fight 
then commenced, the eighth ward Democrats taking shelter in the market-
house, and the sixth and seventh ward Know-Nothings firing from the fish-
market and the corner of Orleans street. They finally rallied on the 
eighth ward party and drove them up through the market, accompanied by 
perfect volleys of musketry and the occasional discharge of a swivel. The 
fighting through the market was continued with but little intermission up 
to dark, when both parties retired. The scene in the vicinity of the 
Belair market was of the most sanguinary character throughout the 
afternoon. At times one party would apparently obtain the better of the 
other, and they continued to drive each other back and forward through the 
market-house. The sixth ward party were reinforced shortly after the 
battle commenced by a detachment of the seventh ward and other Know-
Nothing clubs, who brought with them a small cannon on wheels. The 
Democrats got possession of this cannon at one time, and were about 
carrying it off, when it upset and the cannon fell off the wheels. Whilst 
the fight was going on in the Belair market, word was sent to the central 
station for aid. High constable Herring, deputy Brashears, and Sergeant 
Tayman, with a squad of twenty men, repaired to the scene. On arriving at 
the market they found the eighth warders with a cannon in position 
preparing to fire. They attempted to take possession of the piece, but 
were immediately

Page 552

surrounded by an infuriated crowd armed with muskets. They attempted to 
make arrests, but were foiled by the number and fierceness of the 
assailants, but succeeded, however, in carrying off the cannon.