A Sketch of the History of Maryland, during the three first years after its settlement: to which is prefixed, a copious introduction

Introduction

. BY JOHN LEEDS BOZMAN BALTIMORE . PUBLISHED BY EDAVARD J. CO.ALE, No. 176, Baltimore-street. 1811. District as Maryland, to wit : Be it remembered, That on this first day of October, in the thirty-fifth year of the Independence of the United States of America, Edward J. Coaley of the saidi district, hath deposited in this office, the title of a book, the right whereof he claims as proprietor, in the words following, to wit : " A Sketch of the History of M.\rvl.\nd, during the three first "years after its settlement, to which is prefixed, a Copious Introduction. " By John Leeds Bozman." In conformity to the Act of the Congress of the United States, entitled " An act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts, and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned ;" And also to the act entitled *' An act supplementary to the act entitled, " An act for the encouragement of Learning, by securing the copies of Maps, Charts and Books, to the authors and proprietors of such copies during the times therein mentioned," and extending the benefits there" oT to the arts of designing, engraving and etching Historical and other Prints. PHILIP MOORE, Clerk of the District of Maryland.

Preface

. IT will, perhaps, be expected by the public, that some reason should be assigned for publishing an Introduction to a History without the history itself. The author has to reply in explanation thereof, that his original intention was most certainly to complete the work he had undertaken. As this design of his has been of long standing, and numerous circumstances have intervened so as to interrupt his pro gress therein, it would afford but little amusement or satis faction to the reader to peruse a rehearsal of them here in detail. It will be sufficient to mention, that whenever the author's occupation in life would permit his indulgence in any literary pursuit, that of history ahvays presented to him the strongest attractions. But as it is natural for every man to feel an anxiety to know something of the transactions of his own neighbourhood, rather than of those abroad, so an acquaintance with the history of our native country is a more natural object of desire than that of distant nations.

A native of the American States, will always feel an inter est in the affairs of any one of them. But contracting the circle of his patriotic sensations to a smaller compass, he finds that the individual state, of which he is a citizen, nay indeed the county and neighbourhood of his nativity, will more particularly claim both his affection and his attention. The citizen of Maryland, however, has hitherto in vain inquired for some information relatiA'c to the past transac tions of his OAvn individual state. While almost every other state in the Union has had its historian, Maryland, though one of the earliest British colonies, has never jet v.i

PREFACE.

. had even its first provincial transactions developed to the inquiring reader. Under the influence of these sentiments, the author of this Introduction, about six years past, un dertook the task of examining the Provincial Records, at Annapolis, with a vieAV of extracting from them the neces sary materials for his design. He soon perceived, that the task of procuring these materials was a much more arduous one than he expected. It was impossible to compile and digest from voluminous books of records, scattered in different offices, where the author would be liable to constant interruptions, any historical work worthy of perusal. He perceived, that he must have either the original books them selves, or full copies of the documents which they contain, in his private apartment, before he could extract from them a recital or narrative of their contents.

He takes pleasure, however, in this opportunity of expressing his acknowledg ments of the polite attentions and readiness to oblige, which he received from the two gentlemen, who filled the offices of clerk of the Council, and that of the late General Court. But, formidable as the labour of copying Avas, the author would have readily encountered it, had it not become evident to him, that a residence at Annapolis for a year or two at least, would be necessary for the purpose. Of this his circumstances in life did not at that time permit. He retired, therefore, from his pursuit, Avith much reluctance, though still cherishing some hope, that it might at some future time be in his power, by a temporary residence at Annapolis, to complete the task he had assigned himself. Before this could be accomplished by him, he received in formation, that the gendeman, who has obliged the citizens of this state with a most useful work, " The Landholder's Assistant," had undertaken also, a History of the state of Maryland. As he has manifested much judgment and abi-

PREFACE.

. vii lity in the execution of the work already published by him, just mentioned, and as he has all the materials either under his OAvn direction, (being register of the Land-office,) or near at hand to him, the public may expect to be amply gratified with his performance. Should, however, the gen tleman just mentioned,* not have undertaken die work, or having undertaken it should have since relinquished it, the author of this volume would think himself authorised to pursue his original intentions. It might not perhaps be improper in this place to suggest to the legislature of the state, or at least to those members of it Avho may be competent judges of the utility and importance of a faithful history of their native country, that the wTitten memorials of the state, whence only that history can be extracted, being comprized in a feAV MS. volumes of which no duplicates exist, even should they fortunately escape an accidental destruction by fire, yet are constantly acted upon by the mouldering hand of time.

The curious inquirer, who would wish to know something of the causes and origin of many of our political as well as civil institutions, may soon be told, that these reliques of the doings of our ancestors have been considered as useless rubbish, and no longer exist. Might it not, therefore, be suggested, that as the finances of the state are, as A\Te are told, in a very prosperous situation, and the public have much money to spare, some judicious compiler should be employed to ar range and publish such documents remaining on our pro vincial or state records as Avould in any way be necessary to form materials for a faithful compilation of our history? A plan of this kind has already been executed with respect to the aggregate history of the several states of the Union, by * Mr. Kilty, the gentleman here alluded to, died since this work has been in the printer's hands.

PREFACE.

V11I Mr. Ebenezer Hazard, which, it seems, Avas undertaken at the instance of the legislature of the United States. One great excellence vtrhich the Art of Printing boasts over that of manuscript, is the preservation of historical materials, by the multiplication of copies. If such a number only of the collection proposed Avas printed, as would be sufficient to deposita copy in each of the several public offices of every county in the state, their preservation would be satisfactorily secured. Another advantageous result from this might possibly accrue. It is favourable to the cause of truth, that the materials of history should be accessible to all. Under free governments, both the animosity of political parties, and the fanaticism or bigotry of religious sects are Avell known to be peculiarly prevalent.

It is not enough, that the historian of such governments should have talents for declamation, and should have attained to celebrity in the senate or the forum. He should be one A\'ho has accustomed himself to view the scrambles of parties and the prejudices of sects " in the calm lights of mild philosophy." Hoav has the once elevated character of Fox, the English Demosthenes, faded from its former lustre, by one little feeble historical effort — the emanation of partyfeelings, Avhile that of the diffident and retired Hume rises daily in importance, and bids fair to be immortal. Besides, the same facts may present themselves to different writers in different points of view. One may state some circumstances attending a transaction, which throw much light on it, Avhile others may omit the same, considering them as immaterial to the purpose.

A variety of historians, there fore, contributes much to the preservation of historical truth. Thus a modern historian is enabled at this day to present to the world a more perfect history of Rome, than that of cither Livy or Tacitus. CONTENTS.

Section I

The effects of Columbus's discoveries on the English nation — Commission to John Cabot andhis three sons — John Cabot's death — Sebastian Cabot's voyage — Disputes between the courts of Portugal and Spain, in consequence of Columbus's discoveries — Portuguese discoveries — The Pope's Partition — Cortereal's voyage — Patents for discovery and trade to some merchants of Bristol — Aroyages and discoveries of the French — of the Spaniards — Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida — Luke A'asquez's expedition — Verazzini's voyage — that of Stephen Gomez — English attempts for discovering a North west passage — Pamphilo Narvez's Grant — Ferdinand de Soto's expedition — Cartier's — First attempts of the French to colonise Canada — English attempt to settle Newfoundland — La Roque's attempt to settle Canada — Further proceedings of the English — Fishery of Newfoundland — Pension granted to Sebastian Cabot.

SECTION H. The reign of Elizabeth favourable to maritime adventures — Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the first conductor of an English colony to America — Letters Patent to him for that purpose — Characteristic incidents relative to Sir Humphrey Gilbert — His first voyage unsuccessful — sails a second time for America — takes possession of Newfoundland — is lost on his return to England.

Section III

Sir Walter R.vleigh — His rise and character— obtains a renewal of Sir Humphrey's letters patent to himself — Voyage of captains Amidas and Barlow — The effects of their voyage in England — Sir Richard Grenville's attempt to settle a colony in North Carolina.

Section IV

Attempts to relieve the first colony under governour Lane — A second colony at the same place under governour AA'hite — Sir AValter Raleigh assign.1: his patent — The whole of the second colony lost — Gosnold's voyage to New England — Sir AValter Raleigh's endeavours to find out the second colony at Roanoke — Captain Pring's expedition — Captain Bartholomew Gilbert's voyage — Captain Weymouth's.

Section V

The progress of the French in settling colonies in America — A settlement of convicts on the Isle of Sables, by the French — Chauvin's voyages to the S-t- Lawrence — Pontgrave's voyage to the same — The Sieur de Monts's commission, and voyages under it — His patent revoked — Pontrincourt' s endeavours to fix a settlement at Port Royal, Nova Scotia — The Sieur De Monts obtains a restoration of his grant — and establishes the first permanent colony in Canada, under the conduct of Champlain. SECTION AT. A new association formed in England, to colonise America — The letters patent commonly called the first charter of Virginia — Proceedings of the Plymouth Company under this charter — The king's instructions relative to both the colonies or companies to be formed under this charter — Proceedings of the first or South Virginia Company — The first colony sent out to South \rirginia under Newport, and a permanent settlement formed at James' town SECTION VH.

The distresses of the first Virginia colony, and the services of captain Smith His first attempt to explore the bay of Chesapeake — His second attempt is more successful-— A general sketch of the tribes of Indians then inhabiting CONTENTS. Virginia and Maryland — Smith becomes president of Virginia, and the te nor of some instructions from England to A'irginia — An attempt of the Ply mouth Company to settle a colony in .Maine — The second charter of Virgi nia, and the causes of granting it — The settlement of the Dutch at New York — English attempt to settle Newfoundland — The third charter of Vir ginia — Captain Argall's expedition to break up the French and Dutch settlements at Nova Scotia and New York.

SECTION VIII.

Reasons for the following digression — Rise of the reformation — Its progress through the continent of Europe Its introduction into England — The origin of the Puritans — Divisions among the Puritans — State of religious parties in England, on James l's accession — The Independents emigrate to Holland — Their distressing situation there— They form the design of removing to America — Negociate with the Virginia Company for that purpose — Dissensions in the Arirginia Company occasion delay — They embark for America, and settle at Plymouth, in Massachusetts.

SECTION IX.

Causes of the severe statutes against Roman Catholics in England, during the reign of Elizabeth — Their conduct on the accession of James I. — The cause of additional statutes against them — The excesses of the Catholics and Puritans give rise to political parties — First scheme of a colony of English Catholics in Newfoundland, under the patronage of Sir George Calvert — Sir George Calvert created lord Baltimore, visits Virginia, with further Views of colonisation — The conduct of the Virginians towards him — Differences among the Catholics with respect to the oaths of allegiance and supremacy — Lord Baltimore forms the scheme of settling a colony in Maryland — Settlement of a colony of Swedes on the Delaware — The A'irginians oppose the lord Baltimore's scheme — AVilliam Clayborne's claim — Lord Baltimore returns to England, and relinquishes his views of a settlement on Newfoundland — obtains the promise of a grant of the province of Maryland, which is given, on his death to his son Ceciiius.

Chapter I

Cecii-ius, lord Baltimore, prepares for sending out a colony — The A'irginians petition against his charter — Their petition ineffectual, and the planters reconciled — Lord Baltimore appoints his brother to conduct the colony — Their arrival in the Chesapeake — They explore the Patowmack — The governour fixes upon St. Mary's for their first settlement — Circumstances favourable to them — Proceedings of the colonists after landing — Great harmony between the natives and colonists — Interrupted by Clayborne and his party — Clayborne resorts to open military force — The lord proprietor's instructions relative to grants of lands — Grants of small lots in the town of St. Mary's — The nature of the first form of government of the colony — _An ordinance for that purpose — Proclamation in England against emigration — Traffic with the Indians regulated in the province — The isle of Kent reduced to lord Baltimore's government — The county of St. Mary's organized — An assembly of the province called — The first assembly of the province meet — The assembly take into consideration the laws sent in by the proprietor — The laws sent rejected — How far the laws of England were deemed to be in force — The laws sent in by the proprietor again proposed and rejected — Courts of justice meet — Proceedings therein against Clayborne's party — The inhabitants of the isle of Kent refuse to submit — Governour Calvert proceeds with a military force against them — Secretary Lewger authorised to hold the assembly — Act of attainder against AVilliam Clayborne — Trial of Thomas Smith, one of Clayborne's men — Inquiry by the assembly into the conduct of captain Cornwallis — Resolution of the assembly relative to servants — The assembly dissolved — The lord proprietor refuses his assent to the laws enacted by the assembly-— AVilliam Clayborne's petition to the king in council, and order thereupon.

SECT. 1 1492

INTRODUCTION.

TO A HISTORY OF MARYLAND.

Section I

The effects of Columbus's discoveries on the English nation — Commission to John Cabot and his three sons — John Cabot's death — Sebastian Cabot's voyage — Disputes between the court s of Portugal and Spain, in consequence of Columbus's discoveries — Portuguese discoveries — The Pope's Partition — Cortereal's voyage — Patents for discovery and trade to some merchants of Bristol — Voyages and discoveries of the French — of the Spaniards— Ponce de Leon's discovery of Florida — Luke Vasquez's expedition — Verazzini's voyage — that of Stephen Gomez — English attempts for discovering a North-west passage — Pamphilo Narvez's Grant — Ferdinand de Soto's expedition — Castier's — First attempts of the French to colonise Canada — English attempt to settle Newfoundland — La Roque's attempt to settle Canada — Further proceedings of the English — Fishery of Newfoundland — Pension granted to Sebastian Cabot.

AS Maryland was originally an English colony, to understand fully the early part of its history, it is indispensably necessary to be acquainted, in some measure, with those events which immediately led to its colonisation. This will necessarily require not only a concise detail of such European attempts to form settlements in other parts of North America, as preceded that of Maryland in time, but also a short elucidation of the nature of those relip sect, gious controversies in England, which produced the colonial settlements in New England and Maryland. 1492. It is Avell knoAvn to every one tolerably acquainted sects tf wk*1 History of Maryland, that the first discovery coium- 0f tjje West Indies, by Christopher Columbus, in bus's uis- , j i coveries 1492, filled all Europe with astonishment and admi giish naration.

This brilliant achievement of this renoAvned citizen of Genoa, under the patronage and auspices of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain, cast such a lustre on their throne as to excite the envy of most of the monarchs of Europe. It does, hoAvever, no small credit to the character of Henry VII of England, their cotemporary, that he listened Avith a favourable ear to the application of Bartholomew Columbus, in behalf of his brother Christopher, prior to his grand undertaking. But Ferdinand and Isabella had anti cipated him. To make some amends to his sub jects, among whom this discovery had excited an uncommon spirit of adventure, Henry invited other seamen of knoAvn reputation, to enter into his ser vice for similar purposes. It is remarkable, that at this period of time the English nation was much in ferior to most other European nations in the science of navigation, though, from the advantages which its insular situation always gave, the contrary might have been expected.

Its military glory retained its rank of equality Avith any; but the inconsiderate am bition of its monarchs had long Avasted it on perni cious and ineffectual efforts to conquer France. In succession to Avhich, the civil wars produced by the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, had, as it were, preyed upon its bowels and exhaust ed its vigour. The city of Bristol, however, appears to have been inhabited at that time by some mersect. . i chants of considerable enterprise and public spirit, y^-v-^ Here also, it seems, a certain Giovanni Gaboto, 1492. commonly called by the English, John Cabot, a native and citizen of Venice, had long resided. De sirous of emulating the exploits of Columbus, he offered himself to Henry as a person amply qualified to make further discoveries under the English ban ners.

It is to be remembered, that the great object of Columbus, in his first voyage, was not to disco ver such a continent as that of America, but to ex plore a more convenient route to the East Indies, which Avere then supposed to form the grand foun tain of all the wealth in the world. As the islands which Columbus discovered, Avere deemed by him a part of those Indies, and the reports of the vast quantities of gold and silver found among the natives of those islands, had, without doubt, reached England, Henry, whose prevailing passion Avas ava rice, was easily induced to listen to Cabot's proposals. He accordingly, by letters patent, bearing date the 5th of March, in the eleventh year of his reign, (in the year of Christ 1496, according to J\"ew U96. Style*,) " granted to John Cabot and his three %£™' " sons, Louis, Sebastian, and Sancias, and ther W^a. "heirs, full power to navigate to any country or his three " bay of the sea, east, west, or north, under his ban " ners, with five ships, of such burthen, and man " ned Avith as many men as they might choose, at " their OAvn cost and charges, to discover such " islands, countries, regions, or provinces of any * See note (A) at the end of the volume.

SECT. 1496. " nation of infidels whatsoever, or wheresoever si " tuated, which were then before unknown to any " Christian people ; and as his vassals, governours, " lieutenants, and deputies, to subjugate, occupy, " and possess such countries or islands, as shall be " discovered by them : so that nevertheless they * should return to Bristol after every voyage, and " that they should pay him a fifth part of the nett " profits of such voyage ; granting to them and their " heirs, to be free from all customs on any goods " or merchandize brought Avith them from such " countries so discovered; and that no English " subject whatever should frequent or visit such " countries so discovered by them, without the " license of the said John, his sons, or their heirs, " or deputies, under the penalty of a forfeiture of " their ships and goods ; willing and strictly com " manding all his subjects, as well by land as by " sea, to be aiding and assisting to the said John and M his sons and deputies, in arming and fitting out " his ships, to be done at their oavii expense."* * See this patent at large in Hazard's Collections, Vol. I, p. 9 — It may be proper to take notice here of what is alleged in Harris's collection of voyages, (edit. 1748, Vol. 2, p. 1 90,) that " the year before this patent was granted, John Cabot, with his son Sebastian, had sailed from Bristol upon discovery, and had actually seen the continent of Newfound land, to which they gave the name of Prima Vista, or First Seen ; and upon the report made them of this voyage, the before-mentioned patent was granted."

But as I do not find this circumstance recognised by any historian, except in the obscure assertion made by the.authors of the Mod. Univ. Hist. Vol. 44, p. 2, " that Sebastian Cabot was sent by Henry VII, a year before the discovery of Columbus, and, having first distl There are some circumstances necessary to be sect. noticed here, which will plainly account for the dey^^,. lay Avhich took place Avith the Cabots in availing 1496. themselves of the benefits of this patent. The restrictive clause in the letters, that the equipment of their expedition was " to be done at their oavii ex pense," so consonant to the parsimonious or frugal policy of the monarch Avho granted them, will rea dily suggest, that much difficulty might probably ' occur in the way of these enterprising navigators, before they would be able to procure the means of preparing such equipment out of their own finances.

This consideration necessarily leads to point out the real cause of a subsequent grant or license by the same king, on the 3d of February, 13 Hen. VII. 1498. (nearly two years after their first patent,) whereby he authorized John Cabot " to seize upon six Eng lish ships,* in any port or ports of the realm of England, of 200 tons burthen, or under, Avith their requisite apparatus," &c. Before the license here by granted, could be carried into effect, John Cabot diedf. But Sebastian, his son, making application b°tl," Ca' to the king, and proposing to discover a northdeath- covered Newfoundland, sailed along the coast as far as Flo rida ;" which certainly is without foundation as to time at least, if not extent, I have not thought it proper to be insert ed in the text. It is possible, however, that those authors might have meant, that Cabot was sent a year before Columbus discovered the continent in his third voyage.

If so, it is some corroboration of what is said in Harris. " The words are, " quod ipse capere possit," Etc. See it at large in Haz.ard's Collections, Vol. l,p. 10. t Harris's Voyage, Vol. 2, p. 190. SECT. I 1498. Sebastian Cabot's voyage Avest passage to the Indies, the grand desideratum of those days, the ruling passion of the king was touched, and he ordered a ship to be manned and victualled for him at Bristol at the royal expense. Some merchants also of that city, fitted out for him at their OAvn charges, three or four other ships. With this little fleet, Sebastian Avas now ready to undertake his long projected voyage. He accordingly, in May, 1498,* embarked at Bristol for that purpose. Animated by the example of Columbus, he had adopted the system of that great man, con cerning the probability of opening a neAV and shorter passage to the East Indies, by holding a western course.

He accordingly deemed it probable, that by steering to the north- Avest, he might reach India by a shorter course than that Avhich Columbus had taken. After sailing for some Aveeks due west, and nearly in the parallel of the port from which he took his departure, he discovered a large island, Avhich he called Prima Vista (First Seen), and his sailors (being Englishmen) Newfoundland ; and in a feAv days he descried a smaller isle, to which he gave the name of St. John's. He landed on both these, made some observations on their soil and productions, and brought off three of the natives. Continuing his course Avestward, he soon reached the continent of North America, and sailed along it from thence to the thirty-eighth degree of latitude. Their provisions now failing, avj.d a mutiny break ing out among the mariners, they returned to Eno-- "* * Mod.

Univ. Hist. Vol. 44, p. 60. Hume's Hist, of England, at the end of Hen. 7th's reign. Other historians place his vc-age in 1497 ; but see note (A) at the end of this Vol. SECT. I 1498. land, Avithout attempting either settlement or con quest in any part of this continent.* It may be proper here to observe, that although Columbus might not haA'e actually been the first discoverer of the continent of America, yet as he Avas unquestionably the first discoverer of those islands, noAv denominated the West Indies, and the first navigator who had the fortitude to cross the Atlantic, he is certainly entitled to all the merit of the first discovery of the continent. For the disco very of the continent, after that of those islands, must, in the nature of things, have been in a short time a necessary consequence.

All historians seem to agree, that he first discovered that part of the continent of South America adjacent to the island of Trinidad, on the first of August, 1498, in his third voyage. Supposing the first discovery of the continent of North America by Sebastian Cabot was, as before mentioned, in the same year, to Avit, 1498, he probably fell in with the continent only a month or two before Columbus did. Each navigator, however, appears to have been distinct from, and unconnected with the other ; and therefore, each entitled to their respective merits, Avith this * If the reader should be a native of Maryland, and one of those who place confidence in a right resulting from prior discovery, he will be gratified by the strong probability there is, that Cabot in this voyage first saw and discovered that part of the State of Maryland, bordering on the Atlantic Ocean.

If he sailed along the coast from the northward to the 38th degree of latitude, (which is at or near the divisional line be tween \rirginia and Maryland,) he must have had a view of Fenwick's and Assatiegue islands, and possibly looked into Sinepuxent or Chinigoteague inlets. sect, manifest exception, that Cabot would never, in all s^-s^/ probability, have been sent out on his voyage, had 1498. not the fame of Columbus's prior discoveries led the way. Portu- Nor is it easy to deprive the Portuguese nation foverie's!8" °^ a considerable share of merit,, which they have just pretences to, in clearing the road, as it were, to the discovery of America. Their indefatigable in dustry in exploring the coast of Africa during the fifteenth century, in order to get to the East Indies, undoubtedly induced Columbus to think of his western route.

And the accidental discovery of Brazil in the last year of that century, by Pedro Alvarez Cabral, demonstrates, that in the course of a few succeeding years, chance Avould have throAvn on that commander and the Portuguese nation, all the honour and fame which Columbus acquired by his own personal sagacity. * Dispute Immediately on the return of Columbus from his between first vovage, in 1492, the Portuguese, who had dis the courts . o ' O » of Portucovered and possessed the Azores, claimed also, in ipah" in virtue thereof, as well as by a former grant of the pope,f all such newly discovered islands and coun- * Harris's Voyages, Vol. 1, p. 666. Robertson's Hist, of America, Vol. 1, p. 214. t This bull of the pope was made in 1444, through the in tercession of prince Henry of Portugal, so celebrated for pro moting the Portuguese discoveries along the coast of Africa.