The History of Maryland, from its first settlement, in 1633, to the Restoration, in 1660, with a copious introduction, and notes and illustrations

Front matter

THE HISTORY OF MARYLAND, FROM ITS FIRST SETTLEMENT, IN 16$:j TO THE RESTORATION, IN 1660, WITH A COPIOUS INTRODUCTION, AND NOTES AND ILLUSTRATIONS. BY JOHN LEEDS BOZMAN VOL. I. BALTIMORE: JAMES LUCAS & E. K. DEAVEK. 1837. Entered according to the Act of Congress, in the year 1837, by James Lucas &E.K. Deaver, in the Clerk's Office of the District Court of Maryland.* Lucas & Deaver, printers. THE DONATION OF THE ORIGINAL MS. OF THE HISTORY OF MARYLAND Was made to the State by JOHN LEEDS KERR, Esq Of Talbot County, Md. And accepted by the General Assembly, in the following Communication and Resolutions : — To Thomas Wright, Esq., Speaker of the House of Delegates of Maryland. Sir, — I beg leave, through you, as the presiding officer of one branch of the General Assembly, to offer for its acceptance the autograph MS. of a History of Maryland, from its first set tlement, in 1633, to the Restoration, in 1660, by John Leeds Bozman, deceased.

An introduction to a history of Maryland, written by my de parted friend and relative, was published in the year eighteen hundred and eleven. The reasons which induced that publication, without the entire history itself, were assigned by the writer in his preface, and his design to complete the history at some future time was then intimated. He continued, for several years, with the utmost zeal to pursue this literary task, — to him a delightful occupation, — but, the rapid decline of his health defeated, in part, the object of his ardent ambition. Although his determination had been to bring his history down to the Revolution, in 1776, he felt himself admonished to close his task and stopped at the period of the Restoration, in 1660. So far, this history, with numerous corrections and additions to the Introduction and an appendix of notes and illustrations, was accurately written out by the author himself, and prepared for the press — and would, altogether, comprise in print, about twelve hundred pages in octavo.

Such is a general description of this work. It is derived from the written memorials which then existed in the public archives of the State, from general history, annals and ancient journals, and all other pure sources, to which the anxious inquiries and curious research of the writer could gain him access ; and it comprises a history of the Province during the most in teresting and eventful periods of its progress, through many difficulties and disasters, to a prosperous and regular govern ment. Every intelligent and patriotic citizen will delight to trace therein the origin of many of our civil and political institutions, as well as the causes which first led to the emigration of our ancestors hither, — and he may, perhaps, feel a peculiar degree of gratification, in possessing this first essay to a regular history of the State, by a native citizen.

Preface

TO THE INTRODUCTION, Published in 1811. "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 progress therein, it would afford but little amusement or satisfaction 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 always 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 interest 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 neigh bourhood 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 relative to the past transactions of his own individual state. While almost every other state in the Union has had its historian, Maryland, though one of the earliest British colonies, has never yet 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, undertook the task of ex amining the Provincial Records, at Annapolis, with ,a view of extracting from them the necessary 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 acknowledgments 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 was, 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, with 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 accom plished by him, he received information, that the gentleman, 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 ability in the execution of the work already published by him, just mentioned, and as he has all the materials either under his own 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 gentleman just mentioned,* not have undertaken the 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 * Mr. Kilty, the gentleman here alluded to, died since this work has been in the printer's hands. who may be competent judges of the utility and importance of a faithful history of their native country, that the written memori als of the State, whense only that history can be extracted, being comprised in a few 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 some thing 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 we are told, in a very prosper ous situation, and the public have much money to spare, some judicious compiler should be employed to arrange and publish such documents remaining on our provincial or state records as would in any way be neressary 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. Ebenezer Hazard, which, it seems, was undertaken at the instance of the legislature of the United States.

One great excellence which 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 was printed, as would be suffi cient to deposite a 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 go vernments both the animosity of political parties, and the fanaticism or bigotry of religious sects are well 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 who has accustomed himself to view the scrambles of parties and the pre judices of sects "in the calm lights of mild philosophy." How has the once elevated character of Fox, the English Demosthenes, faded from its former lustre, by one little feeble historical effort — the emanation of party feelings, while that of the diffident and retired Hume rises daily in importance, and bids fair to be im mortal. Besides, the same facts may present themselves to dif- VOL. I.— X ferent writers in different points of view. One may state some circumstances attending a transaction, which throw much light on it, while others may omit the same, considering them as immate rial to the purpose. A variety of historians, therefore, 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 either Livy or Tacitus." CONTENTS.

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 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 Biistol — 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 — Cartier's — First attempts of the French to colonize Canada — English attempt to settle Newfoundland — La Roque's attempt to settle Canada — Further proceedings of the English — Fishery of Newfoundland — Pension gTanted to Sebastian Cabot, 9

Section II

The reign of Elizabeth favorable to maritime adventures — Sir Humphrey Gilbert, the first conductor of an English colony to America — Letters Patent to him for that purpose — Characteiistic 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, - - 41

Section III

Sk Walter Raleigh — his rise and character — obtains a renewal of Sir Humphrey's letters patent to himself — Voyage of capts. Amidas and Barlow. — The effects of their voyage in England — Sir Richard Grenville's attempt to settle a colony in North Carolina, - 52

Section IV

Attempts to relieve the first colony under governor Lane — A second colony at the same place under governor White — Sir Walter Raleigh assigns his patent The whole of the second colony lost — Gosnold'3 voyage to New England Sir Walter Raleigh's endeavours to find out the second colony at Roanoke captain Pring's expedition — captain Bartholomew Gilbert's voj'age captain Weymouth's, -- ..g7

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 St. Lawrence — Pontgrave's voyage to the same — The Sieur de Mont's commission, and voyages under it — His patent revoked — Pontrincourt's endeavours to fix a settlement at Port Royal, Nova Scotia — The Sieur de Mont obtains a restoration of his grant — and establishes the first permanent colony in Canada, under the conduct of Champlain, Cumnasrs nuierA»^^to? — :D*toJ^r* ■^■■mbs si — ~% ■snwr. ■— 1 1 jrniBlt-ls jpj-lmninir Trrmtri M. Sames" «iwu. 91 K««wr«te»mfnmt»il»'nrifTll Mil MI sll I I IIMf tl M|ir ■llll asce^Bt a ~n^n» i ii us !■ i sin i «r laiiai i -hm «JrT"Trr "™» _: . '■ ," - . — - :: : z - r ----:.-.:: v '.~z '-- — -1 - : -- ." - ~ -:--.-; . _ — "." - __ "".--__._;:■:= .-_- "- • ; ". :r _i :r -_;- _- -• : 1 _: .

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 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 — 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 — Cartier's — First attempts of the French to colonize 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 SECT. I. fully the early part of its history, it is indispensably necessary to 1492. be acquainted, in some measure, with those events which immediately led to its colonization. This will necessarily require not only a concise detail of such European attempts to form settle ments in other parts of North America, as preceded that of Ma ryland in time, but also a short elucidation of the nature of those religious controversies in England, which produced the colonial settlements in New England and Maryland. It is well known to every one tolerably acquainted with the The effects history of America, that the first discovery of the West Indies, °f c°lum- J ' 11-1 Dus aisco by Christopher Columbus, in 1492, filled all Europe with astonveries on ishment and admiration.

This brilliant achievement of this rejj^ nowned 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. Vol. I.— SECT. I 1492. 1496, Commission to Jno. Cabot and his three ions It does, however, no small credit to the character of Henry VII. of England, their cotemporary, that he listened with 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 anticipated him. To make some amends to his subjects, among whom this discovery had excited an uncommon spirit of adventure, Henry invited other seamen of known reputation, to enter into his service for similar pur poses.

It is remarkable, that at this period of time the English nation was much inferior 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 ex pected. Its military glory retained its rank of equality with any ; but the inconsiderate ambition of its monarchs had long wasted it on pernicious and ineffectual efforts to conquer France. In succession to which, the civil wars produced by the contest be tween the houses of York and Lancaster, had, as it were, preyed upon its bowels and exhausted its vigour. The city of Bristol, however, appears to have been inhabited at that time by some merchants of considerable enterprise and public spirit. Here, also, it seems, a certain Giovanni Gaboto, commonly called by the English, John Cabot, a native and citizen of Venice, had long resided.

Desirous of emulating the exploits of Columbus, he offered himself to Henry as a person amply qualified to make further discoveries under the English banners. It is to be re membered, that the great object of Columbus, in his first voyage, was not to discover such a continent as that of America, but to explore a more convenient route to the East Indies, which were then supposed to form the grand fountain of all the wealth in the world. As the islands which Columbus discovered, were deem ed 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 was avarice, 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 New Style,*) " granted to John Cabot and his three sons, Louis, Sebastian, and Sancias, and their heirs, full power to navigate to any country or bay of the sea, east, west, or north, under his banners, with five ships, *See note (A) at the end of the volume.

SECT. I 1496 of such burthen, and manned with as many men as they might choose, at their own cost and charges, to discover such islands, countries, regions, or provinces of any nation of infidels what soever, or wheresoever situated, which were then before unknown to any christian people ; and as his vassals, govemours, 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 with them from such countries so discovered ; and that no English subject what ever 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 commanding all his subjects, as well by land as by sea, to be aiding and assisting to the said John and his sons and deputies, in arming and fitting out his ships, to be done at their own expense." * There are some circumstances necessary to be noticed here, which will plainly account for the delay which took place with the Cabots in availing 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 own expense," so conso nant to the parsimonious or frugal policy of the monarch who granted them, will readily suggest, that much difficulty might drobably occur in the way of these enterprizing navigators, be- *See this patent at large in the original Latin in Hazard's Collections, vol. 1, p. 9, and a translation of it in Chalmers' Annals, ch. 1, note 7. Chalmers has inserted it in his book, as he says, " because it is the most ancient American State-paper of England." It may be proper also to take notice here of what is alleged in Harris' collection of Voyages, (ed. 1748, vol. 2, p. 190,) 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 Newfoundland, to which they gave the name of Prima Vista, or First Seen ; and upon the report made by them of this voyage, the before mentioned patent was granted."

But as I do not find this circumstance recognized 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 discovered Newfoundland, sailed along the coast as far as Florida ;" which certainly being without foundation as to time at least, if not extent, I have not thought it proper to be inserted in the text. It is possible, however, that those authors might have meant, that Cabot was sent a year be fore Columbus discovered the continent in his third voyage. If so, it is some corroboration of what is said in Harris. SECT. I. fore they would be able to procure the means of preparing such H96. equipment out of their own finances. This consideration necessarily leads to point out the real cause of a subsequent grant or 1498. license by the same king, on the 3d of February, 13 Hen.

VII. (nearly two years after their first patent,) whereby he authorised John Cabot " to seize upon six English ships,* in any port or ports of the realm of England, of 200 tons burthen, or under, with their requisite apparatus," &c. Before the license hereby John Cagranted could be carried into effect, John Cabot died, j But boss death Sebastian, his son, making application to the king, and proposing to discover a north west 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 own charges, three or four other ships. With this little fleet, Sebastian was now ready to undertake his long projected voyage.

He accordingly, in May, Sebastian 1498, J embarked at Bristol for that purpose. Animated by the voyage. example of Columbus, he had adopted the system of that great man, concerning the probability of opening a new and shorter passage to the East Indies, by holding a western course. He accordingly deemed it probable, that by steering to the north west, he might reach India by a shorter course than that which Columbus had taken. After sailing for some weeks due west, and nearly in the parallel of the port from which he took his departure, he discovered a large island, which he called Prima Vista (First Seen,) and his sailors (being Englishmen) Newfoundland ; and in a few 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 westward, 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, and a mutiny breaking out among the mariners, they returned to England, without attempt- * The words are, " quod ipse capere possit," &.c. See it at large in Hazard's Collections, vol. 1, p. 10. t Harris' Voyages, vol. 2, p. 190. X Mod. Univ. Hist., vol. 44, p. 60. Hume's Hist, of England, at the end of Hen. 7th's reign. Other historians place his voyage in 1497; but see note (A) at the end of this volume. SECT. I 1498. Portuiruese discoveries. ing either settlement or conquest in any part of this continent.* It may be proper here to observe, that although Columbus might not have actually been the first discoverer of the continent of America, yet as he was unquestionably the first discoverer of those islands, now 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 conti nent.

For the discovery 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 conti nent of North America by Sebastian Cabot was, as before men tioned, in the same year, to wit, 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 un connected with the other ; and therefore, each entitled to their respective merits, with this manifest exception, that Cabot would never, in all probability, have been sent out on his voyage, had not the fame of Columbus' sprior discoveries led the way.

Nor is it easy to deprive the Portuguese nation of a considerable share of merit, which they have just pretences to, in clear ing the road, as it were, to the discovery of America. Their indefatigable industry 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 would have thrown on that com mander and the Portuguese nation, all the honour and fame which Columbus acquired by his own personal sagacity.f * 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 between Virginia and Maryland,) he must have had a view of Fenwick's and Assatiegue islands, and possibly looked into Sine puxent or Chinigoteague inlets. t Harris' Voyages, vol. 1, p. 666. Robertson's Hist, of America, vol. 1, p 214. SECT. I. Immediately on the return of Columbus from his first voyage, 1498. in 1492, the Portuguese, who had discovered and possessed the Dispute Azores, claimed also, in virtue thereof, as well as by a former theWcourts grant °f tne P°Pe>* a-* sucn newty discovered islands and coun ofPortugal tries as had been visited by Columbus. Their catholic majesties, fnd c^1": by the advice of Columbus, applied to the pope to obtain his quence of sanction of their claims, and his consent for the conquest of the discoveries West Indies.

The Spanish queen being a niece of the king of Portugal, he was induced to agree to a reference of their dispute to the pope. The pope then in the chair, was Alexander VI., a Spaniard by birth, and from this circumstance as well as the general depravity of his character, was not perhaps so impartial a judge as might be wished. Readily acceding to the proposal, he, by a bull, bearing date the third of May, 1493, made the celebrated line of partition, whereby he granted to their catholic majesties, all The pope's the islands and countries already discovered, or to be discovered, partition. wnjcn snould He westward of a line drawn from the north to the south pole, at the distance of one hundred leagues westward of the Azores and Cape de Verd Islands, and which had not been ac tually possessed by any christian king or prince, on or before the first day of the same year 1493. f Although the king of Portu- *This bull of the pope was made in 1444, through the intercession of prince Henry of Portugal, so celebrated for promoting the Portuguese discoveries along the coast of Africa.

The tenor of this grant of the pope to the crown ot Portu gal, was an exclusive right to all the countries which the Portuguese should dis cover, from cape Non, on the coast of Africa, to the continent of India. Harris' Voyages, vol. 1, p. 664. Mod. Univ. Hist., vol. 9, p. 246. Robertson's Hist, of America, vol. 1, p 69. It is said by Chalmers (in his Annals, ch. 1, note 19,) that — " Pope Nicholas V. in January, 1454, granted to Alphonsus, king of Por tugal, and to the infant Henry, the empire of Guinea, with authority to subdue it ; and he at the same time prohibited all persons from sailing thither, without their permission ;" for which he cites "the bull in Leibnitil codex juris gent. diplomat, p. 165." But, as Robertson (ibid.) seems positive in ascribing the original giant to prince Henry to have been by the pontiff Eugene IV. and the date affixed to it (Anno 1444,) in Harris' Voyages and in the Mod.

Univ. Hist. (ibid.) corresponds thereto, wherein it is also said, that Nicholas V. and Sixtus IV. confirmed the original grant to Henry, it appears that the grant, alluded to by Chalmers, was in the nature of a deed of confirmation, supposed to be neces sary as the Portuguese advanced in their discoveries. t See this bull at large, in the original Latin, in Hazard's Collections, vol. 1, p. 3. The curiosity of a free American citizen of the United States, may per haps be excited to a desire to know a little of the character of a man, who once had the power of making a grant of the land they live in. He is thus spoken of by Guicciardini, an Italian historian of great estimation :— In his manners he was most shameless ; wholly divested of sincerity, of decency, and of truth ; without fidelity ; without religion ; in his avarice, immoderate ; in his ambition, insatiable ; in his cruelty, more than barbarous ; with a most ardent desire of gal had agreed to the reference, he was dissatisfied with this par- SECT. 1. tition.