Pioneers of the New world and the old French war ...

Preface

The discovery of the New World by Christopher Columbus, and the glowing description which was given of it by Americus Vespucius, aroused the governments of Europe to a perception of the importance of forming settlements in these new domains, and thus, by virtue of the right of discovery, or when this could not be urged, then by priority of possession, obtaining a title to some portions of its vast territory, which they might ever after hold as colonial dependencies. Accordingly, towns were built along its coast, and forts erected in the interior by subjects of different nations. As t'me rolled on, and enterprising pioneers pushed their explorations further from the original settle-

ments, they came in contact with each other. Then arose mutual accusations of trespassing beyond authorized limits. Collisions and wars were the consequence, until, after the expenditure of much treasure and blood, the Dutch and the French were subdued, and nearly the whole of North America came into the possession of the English.

After this, the British Parliament, by a series of indiscreet and oppressive acts, greatly irritated the colonies, and effectually alienated them from the mother country. The development of these facts, with an account of other cotemporaneous events of an interesting character in the history of our country, and especially in connection with Maryland, is the object of the present volume.

%hi ut ^Uustratinns.

L FRONTISPIECE

II. ILLUSTRATED TITLE PAGE

m. DOG HUNTING A STAG 86

IV. ENCAMPING FOR THE WINTER 95

V. INDIAN AMBUSH 150

VL HENDRIOK AND THE STICKS 166

VIIL SEAR-CHING FOR THE DEAD 212

IX. THE INDIAN WARRIOR 217

X. ASCENDING THE HEIGHTS OF ABRAHAM 226

XL HOOD RIDING IN EFFIGY 285

Chapter I. Pagi

Painful Discovery— Keligious Dissensions— Persecutions overruled— The Baron of Baltimore— An impracticable Measure— The Threo Calverts-An Error-The " Ark" and "The Dove"-The Arrival at the New World— The Jesuit's Narrative— Pirates and Perils— Intrepid Captain-Yiolent Storm-Lights at Masthead— " The Dove« disappears-Perils and Prayers-Insurrection-Fears allayed-Boat Upset-Interview with the Natives-Their singular Opinions-An adopted Indian-A discreet Answer-English Policy-A Treaty .... 19

Chapter II

A favorable Circumstance-First Buildings erected-An Indian honored-Honor Misunderstood-A Gala-day-Imposing Ceremonies- Whites and Indians living together-Nature of the Soil-Prepared for Planting-Clayborne's Conduct— He is frustrated-He is conquered and sent to England -His Deception there-His Trial and Its Results-Clayborne and Ingle -Govern or Calvert flees-Disorder prevails— Records lost— Session of the Assembly— Governor Hill—

89 Peculiarities

Xll CONTENTS

Chapter III. Paoi

Colonists to scatter— Foresight of Lord Baltimore— Conditions of Landgrants — Special Instructions — Courts Baron and Co'.irts Leet — Their Uses — Eemnant of the Feudal Ages — Manors of Lands— Important Feature — Failure of the Aristocratic Element a Cause of Thanksgiving 50

CHAPTER lY.

Erroneous Inferences — Religious Liberty — When it is Defective — Charter and Laws of Maryland — Conformity to the Ecclesiastical Laws of England — Union of Religion and civil Government — Religious Toleration — Reproachful Terms forbidden — Penalty for using them — Liberty limited — Oppressive Laws — The Difference in Rhode Island — Influence of Protestantism— Liberal Principles 54

Chapter V

Law against Stealing One's self— Arbitrary Distinction— Influence of the Roman Catholic Priests— Importance of little Knowledge— Peculiar Law — Curious Definition of Drunkenness — Its Penalty — Law enjoining Fasting — Laws respecting Tobacco and Corn — Corn to bo twice shaken— Corn Haad-mills— Water-mill Tax— Saw-mill destroyed in London— Reasons for Indian Fears— Ancient Feuds among the Indians— Indian Opinions- Collision with the Indians— Warlika Preparations — The Maquantequats — The Patuxent Indians — They are reconciled and protected

CONTENTS. Xm

CHAPTER YI.

PAGH

Colonies multiplied— Captain Lucas Fox— His Voyage to the Northern Regions — Dangers from the Ice — How Ice bergs are formed— Description of a Sea Unicorn — Variation of the Needle — Eeasons for it— Geological Discovery — A White Bear floating upon Ice — Its Pursuit and Capture — Petty Dancers — Hunting Swans and Seals- Graves Discovered— Dog hunting a Stag— School of Whales— A Dun Fox— Remains of Captain Button's dwellings— Going a Berrying— A Cross found — Seeking a Main yard — The Maria met with — Captain Fox names various Places — Fox's Return W

CHAPTER YII.

Captain James sails for the North— His trying Position— He is Frozen in — James's Ignorance — Danirers to which it leads — Encamping foi the Winter— Peculiar Featares of a northern Winter — The Scurvy — Its Symptoms— Eflfects of Extreme Cold — Difliculty of Working —Thawing Trees — Medical Treatment— A singular Phenomenon — Finding the Rudder— Disappointment — Difflculties multiplied— Sick recovering — Homeward Departure — False Facts.

CHAPTER YII I.

De Groslie — Information from the Ottowas— Hunters and Trappers— De Vries's Voyage— Smelling the Land— A Dreadful Scene— Its Perpetrators unknown— The Particulars— Effects of Confidence— Indian

XIV CONTENTS.

PAoa

Treachery and Revenge— Peace concluded — Beans wanted — Startling

Intelligence— Boat's Crew murdered — A suspicious Circumstance — Chiefs Visit— Gifts given and refused— A Peach-tree found— Interview with the English— Seven Whales taken— "Whaling unprofitable loa

CHAPTER IX.

Gustavus Adolphus — His Plans of Emigration— A War defeats them— Deception of the Swedish Governor— Fort Casimer taken by Treachery — Governor Stuy vesant attacks Delaware — Army of Seven Hundred — Stuyvesant's triumphant Advance — He conquers Delaware'^ Eumors of a silver Mountain — An Indian brings Ore — He is assassinated—The English conquer the Dutch— Children stolen by the Savages— Their Redemption-price in Tobacco— Commercial Regulations— The Famous Navigation Act. 12C

CHAPTER X.

A remarkable Fact— Political Troubles— Seizure of Arms and Ammunition—Resisting Authority— The Governor's Protest — A noble Resolution — ^A Boat seized— Terrific Threatenings— A Council of War — The " Golden Lyon" — A deceptive Trick— Stone fired upon— A Battle— The Victory— The Prisoners— The first Account sent home — Reconciliation between Prrotestants and Catholics 129

CONTENTS. . XV

CHAPTEE XI.

PAGB

Peace and Prosperity — A great Country— Its Possession desirable — Origin of tlie French "War— Chain of Forts — Preparation for a Campaign — Franklin's Patriotism— Braddock's Arrival— George Washington becomes Braddock's Aid-de-Camp — "Washington sick — A "Wagon his Hospital— March of the Army— A beautiful Sight— An Invisible, terrible Foe— Indian Ambush surprises the Army — "Washington's Perils and Escapes— The Killed and Wounded— Singular Interview between Washington and an Indian — The Indian's Story His Reverence for Washington c 142

CHAPTER XII.

Cavages offer their Services— The Offer unwisely rejected— Washington's Fame- Davies's Allusion to him Prophetic — Thirst for Blood — The Moravians attacked — Dreadful State of Things— A marvelous Escape— Scalp lost— Great Panic— Eeward of ten Pounds for an Indian's Scalp 168

CHAPTER XIII.

Design of the French— Crown Point — Johnson and the Indian Chief llendrick — Baron Dieskau — Indian Mode of numbering — Indian Battle — An eloquent Indian Chief— Important military Principle- Effects of Delay — Battle of Lake George— Death of Baron Dieskau — Retreat of the French— Effect of the Victory— Johnson highly honored— His selfish Meanness..— A new Principle 164

XVI - CONTENTS,

CHAPTER XI Y.

PAoa

Marquis de Montcalm — Forts at Oswego — Violent Midnight Attack —

Fort Ontario taken — Colonel Mercer killed — No aid to be obtained — ^The English capitulate to the Fi'euch — Terms of Capitulation shamefully violated — Montcalm destroys the Forts — Lord Loudon's Expedition — Montcalm's Barbarity — Munro's sad Discovery — The English yield to Montcalm — Terms of Capitulation — Wilfull Deception—Indignation of the Savages— Their horrid Cruelties — Effects of the Fall of Fort "William Henry— The Massacre attributed to Liquor. 174

CHAPTER XV.

Pitt favors Liberty— Three important Expeditions— Attack upon Louisburg— Landing in a Storm — Brave Attack and Defense — American Gibraltar— Bombardment— The City taken— Great Joy in England— Soldier's Wit— Disappointment in France— French commander degraded— Montcalm at Ticonderoga — His Intrenchments — Abercrombie on Lake George— A Battle in the Woods— Lord Howe slain— Assault of Ticonderoga— The Repulse— English want Cannon— Disheartening Effects 1'

CHAPTER XYI.

Activity of the French— Attempt to intercept them— Injudicious Spoi-tr-A Skirmish the Consequence— Putnam a Prisoner to the

CONTENTS. ^tVU

PAQB

Indiatis-Is tied to a Tree to be burned-His Thoughts-His Deliverance-Colonel Bradstreefs rroposition-The Expedition against Fort i'rontinac-State of Tilings at Oswego-Attack upon Frontinac -Indian Desertors-Frontinac taken-Manitions of War obtained- Armed Vessels seized-The Fort levoled-English encouraged.... 198

CHAPTER XVII.

L new Expedition against Duquesne-A new Eoad proposed-Wash- Ington opposes it-The Decision -Washington requests to be in the Front of the Army-Grant's Folly-Unexpected Attack-Injudicious

Conduct of the Highlanders-Panic of the Pennsylvanians-Method of the Marylanders-Conduct of Washington-Grant, a Prisoner- Council of War-Going into Winter Quarters-Loyal Hannlng- Another Fight-Sad Mistake-Indian PoUcy-Indian Deserters- Provincials the best Soldiers-Fort Duquesne taken-Name altered to Fort Pitt— Pay of the Soldiers ^^*

CHAPTER XVIII.

Indian Deputations-An affecting Duty-Searching for the Dead- A singular Incident-Dreadful Mementoes-Tragic Scenes-Battle of Niagara-French Defeated-Surrender of the Garrison-No Eetaliatirn-Captive Soldiers sent to Albany-Women and Children sent to Quebec-French Communication between Canada and Lou- Isiana destroyed

2*

XVUl CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XIX.

PAQH

Situation of Quebec— Its strong Defenses— Montcalm's Army — His Military arrangements — A Fleet of Fire-ships — How they are disposed of— Batteries erected— Terrififi Fire-stages — Battle of Montmorency — Ill-judged Assault— The English repulsed — The French fire upon the Wounded and the Dead — Their Apology for this Cruelty — General "Wolfe sick — A perilous Project — Wolfe approves it — Its great Difficulties— Courageous Midnight Adventure — Heights oi Abraham gained — Preparations for Battle — Position of the two Armies — Battle on the Heights— "Wolfe's Death in Victory — The French Defeated — Death of Montcalm — Quebec taken by the English. 2Jg

CHAPTER XX.

Oppressive Acts of the British Parliament— American Opposition to them — ^Famous Stamp Act — Its Design — Its Effect In Maryland — The Maryland Gasette— Treatment of Zechariah Hood — Stamped Paper not allowed to be landed — A ridiculous Ceremony — Hood whipped and burned in Effigy — Popular Feeling more powerful than Government — The Times doleful and dollarless — Stamp Act repealed 1

CHAPTER XXI.

Arrival of a New Governor— Burning of Tea— The Destruction of the Totness— Naval Engagement— Arrival of Lord Howe— Battle of Long Island— Trenton Taken— Princeton Seized— The Affair of Brandywine — Battle of Germantown — Valley Forge— Savannah Attacked— Battle of Camden— Cowpens-Eutaw Springs !

TRAGIC SCENES.

Chapter I

Painful Discovery — Eeligious Dissensions — Persecutions Over-ruled — Tb6 Baron of Baltimore — An Impracticable Measure — The Three Calvcrts— An Error — " The Ark" and " The Dove"— Arrival at the New World — Jesuit's Narrative — Pirates and Perils — Intrepid Captain — Violent Storm — Lights at Mast-head — " The Dove" disappears — Perils and Praj-ers — Insurrection—Fears allayed — Boat Upset — Interview with Natives — Their singular Opinions — An adopted Indian — A discreet Answer- English Policy— A Treaty.

The first explorers and settlers of this country experienced difficulties, and passed through perils, which are not easy for us, in our circumstances of safety, fully to appreciate. In a new world ; with a climate to which they were unaccustomed ; surrounded by barbarous tribes; wdthout dwellings, and with no lands prepared for cultivation, they were, at times, placed in circumstances of extreme perplexity. The dveceitful and jealous savages were to be closely watched; the severities of winter were to be guarded against; forests to be felled

20 RELIGIOUS DISSENSIONS.

and converted into timber; suitable houses to be reared, and lands cleared and prepared for the plow.

Then, at a later period, after the colonies were permanently established, misunderstandings ensued between them, which resulted in war. The mother countries, to which these colonies belonged, sympathized with them, and took part in a contest that furnished many tragic scenes. Some of the more important of these scenes, together with interesting incidents which occurred about the same time, in the explorations made by adventurous navigators along the coast and rivers, will be described in the following pages.

In the contemplation of the history of the past, there are few things that awaken iVLore painful emotions than the discovery of the bitter hostility which existed between different denominations of professed Christians, and the cruel methods by which that hostility was developed.

After the discovery of Xorth America by the Cabotg, when its fertile valleys and boundless prairies were under the dominion of barbarous tribes of Indians, the civilized nations of Europe were convulsed with internal dissensions. Different classes of religionists were arrayed in bitter animosity against each other. They were not satisfied with the privilege of receiving and practicing whatevei

EFFECTS OF PERSECUTION. 21

they believed to be in accordance with tlie will of God. Each was anxious that all others should receive his creed, and conform to his ritual; and as, in accordance with the vicissitudes of the times, one party or the other obtained the reins of government, did they use their power to coerce others to the adoption of their views. If this was not eifected by mild discipline, more stringent measures were used. Hence the severe enactments which were passed by different administrations against opposite sections of the Christian Church. At one time, puritanism, at another time, episcopacy and Catholicism were made to suffer.

It is interesting to observe how the exhibition of the unlovely elements of human nature in this exercise of spiritual despotism, was over ruled, so as to promote civil and religious freedom. The cruelties to which different classes of Christians were subjected in the Old World, on account of their religious opinions, were the reasons of their flight to the New. As they desired to go where they would not be molested for their opinions ; where fines and confiscations, prisons and tortures, would not be the reward of their adherence to what they conscientiously believed to be truth ; and as the newly-discovered continent, situated three thousand miles from their own land, seemed to offer them the safest asylum, they naturally looked to that as the place

22 GEORGE CALVERT.

of their retreat. It was in this manner that the iron hand of despotism scattered tlie seed of which our free institutions are the fruit.

Religious persecution was the immediate cause of the fliglit of the Puritans to Xew Enghmd, and of the Roman Catholics to Maryland.

George Calvert, a distinguished Papist, who was highly esteemed by King James — from whom lie received the title of Lord Baron of Baltimore in the kingdom of Ireland — attempted to establish a colony of Roman Catholics in Newfoundland. When experience convinced him of its impracticability, he turned his attention to the more favorable climate of Virginia, of which he had heard the most glowing accounts. Being very coolly received by the colony already established there, he conceived the idea of forming a settlement on Chesapeake Bay, somewhere above the river Potomac.

As the charter of the London Company, under which the colonies in Virginia had been established, was dissolved, the king assumed the right of regranting such parts of the territories of Vir2:inia as had not been parceled out into small portions to particular individuals. It was not difficult, therefore, for Lord Baltimore, who stood high in royal estimation, to obtain the promise of such a portion as he described to his majesty. But before the patent could be diawn up and receive the seals of

LEONARD CALVERT. 2S

office, Lord Baltimore died. His eldest son, Cecilhis, was, by the laws of England, heir to the title and the estate of his father. To him the patent of lands in America, designed for his fiither, was executed. The portion of country which was embraced in this patent, or charter, was intended to haA^e been called Crescentia, but, at the suggestion of the king, it was changed to Maryland, in honor of his queen, Henrietta Maria.

Cecilius Calvert, who was now called Lord Baltimore, went zealously to work to hunt up colonists, and prepare conveniences for them to remove to the New World. Impediments were thrown in his way by the Virginia Company, who seem to have supposed that the lands which they had obtained and cultivated, were about to be taken from them, and assigned to this new company. But this error being corrected, and certain orders in council being passed, which were binding upon both of the colonies, and designed for their equal benefit. Lord Baltimore was enabled to proceed in making the necessary arrangements for the new settlement.

It was the original intention of Baltimore to have come to Maryland with his colony, but this he subsequently abandoned, and appointed his brother, Leonard Calvert, Esq., to go in his place ; whom he also made Governor for the administration of the afiairs. With him Avere associated Jeremy Hawley

24 THE AKRIVAL.

and Thomas Cornwallis, Esqs., as assistants, oi counsellors.

Calvert succeeded in awakening sufficient interest to induce about two hundred, among whom were persons of fortune and rank, to unite ^^ith liim in the enterprise, the most of whom were Roman Catholics. All things being ready, the emigrants set sail from Cowes, in the Isle of Wight, on Friday the 22d day of November, in the year of our Lord 1633. They embarked in two vessels, one a ship called " The Ark," and the other a small pinnace called "The Dove." Taking the course to America which, in those early times, was usually pursued, by the Azores and the West Indies, they stopped at the islands of St. Christopher's, and Barbadoes, where they lingered some time, probably, because they did not want to come upon the coast of North Amei'ica in an unpropitious season of the year, when the attempt to establish a settlement and build a town would be attended with great inconveniences, and perhaps painful privations. In consequence of these delays, they did not reach Virginia until the 24th of February, at which time they arrived at Point Comfort.

As a nari-ative of that voyage, written by one of the company, has come down to us, we cannot do better than to give a considerable portion of it in the language of the writer himself. The author is

DET.AYS AND DANGERS. 25

Father Andrew Wliite, a Jesuit Missionary, who accompanied these first settlers to Maryland, and who wrote an account of the voyage in Latin, which account is among the archives of the Jesuits at Rome, from which the following extracts were translated.*

"On the 22d of November, being St. Cecilia's day, under the gentle influence of an eastern wind, we dropped down from the Isle of Wight. Having placed our ship under the protection of God, the Blessed Virgin Mother, St. Ignatius, and all the guardian angels of Maryland, we had progressed but a short distance, when we were obliged, for the want of wind, to cast anchor ofiTthe fortress of Yarmouth, where we were welcomed by a salute. While here, we were not without some apprehensions from our sailors, who began to murmur among themselves, alleging that they expected a messenger from land with letters ; and because none arrived, they seemed disposed to create delays. A kind Providence put an end to our fears ; for during the night a strong, but favorable, wind sprang up, and our pinnace,f which apprehended an attack from a French brig that kept within a short distance of her, took advantage of the wind and put to sea.

* Annals of Annapolis.

f The pinnace appears to have been a sloop of about fortv tons, called "The Dove." 3

26 VIOLENT STORM.

We, not willing to lose sight of her, followed her with all speed, and thus frustrated the evil designs of our sailors. This was on the night of St. Clement's day, the 23d of November. On the next morning, about ten o'clock, after receivmg a second salute from the fort at Hurst, w^e were carried beyond the breakers at the extremity of the Isle of Wight; and narrowly escaped being driven on shore. Taking advantage of a strong fair wind on that day and the next night, we left the western point of England, slacking sail, lest, running ahead of the pinnace, she might flill into the hands of the pirates and Turks, who then infested these seas. On the 24:th of November, we made great headway until evening, when a violent storm arose, and our sloop, being diffident of its strength, being only of forty tons burden, hove to, and informed us that, in case of danger, she would carry lights at her mast-head. We were in a well-built ship* of four hundred tons, as strong as iron and wood could make her, and our captain was one of great experience. The storm was so violent that we gave him the choice of returning to England, or pursuing the voyage. His intrepidity and confidence in the untiied powers of his ship, induced him to choose the latter. But in the middle of the night, in a boiling

* "The Ark."

CATHOLIC DEVOTION. 27

sea, we saw our sloop at a sliort distance from us, showing two lights at her mast-head. Then, indeed, did we fear for her, and in losing sight of her we all supposed she had been swallowed up in the stormy sea. Six weeks elapsed before we again heard from her. But God had preserved her. Fearing that she could not survive the storm, she changed her course, and took refuge in the Scilly Isles. She afterwards sailed in pursuit of us, and we met at the Antihes. On the 27th and the 28th we made but little progress. On Friday, 29th, a most dreadful storm arose, that made the most fearless men tremble for the result. Among the Catholics, however, it made prayer more frequent ; vows were offered in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mother, and her immaculate concej^tion, of St. Ignatius, the patron saint of Maryland, St. Michael and all the guardian angels. Each one prayed earnestly to expiate his sins through the sacrifice of penance. For, having unshipped her rudder, our vessel was tossed about at the mercy of the winds and waves. At first I feared that the loss of our ship and death awaited me. But after spending some time in prayer, and having declared to the Lord Jesus, and to his Holy Mother, St. Ignatius, and the protecting angels of Maryland, that the purpose of this voyage was to pay honor to the blood of our Redeemer, by the conversion

28 unn:ecessary fears.

of barbarians, I arose with a firm confidence that through the mercy and goodness of God, we should e;scape the dangers that seemed to threaten our destruction. I liad bowed myself down in prayer during the greatest rage of the tempest, and, let the true God be glorified ! scarcely had I finished, before the storm was ceasing.

" I felt myself imbued with a new spirit, and overspread with a flood of joy and admiration at the benevolence of God to the people of Maryland, to whom we were sent. Blessed forever be the merciful charities of our dear Redeemer. The remainder of the voyage, which lasted three months, was prosperous. Our captain aflSrmed that he never witnessed a more pleasant and happy one. The period of three months included the time we spent at the island of the Antilles, but we were, in fact, only seven weeks and two days at sea. In sailing along the Spanish coasts we were apprehensive of falling into the hands of the Turks, but we never met them. Having passed the Pillars of Hercules and the Madeira Islands, w^e were able to scud before the wind with full sail. The winds are not variable in those regions, but always blow in a south-west direction, which was our exact course. At the distance of about three leagues from us, we descried three sail of vessels, the smallest of which appeared to be larger than ours. Fearing they

EXTORTION. 29

were Turkish pirates, we were careful to avoid them, thougli we prepared our vessel for action. But as they showed no disposition to engage us, we concluded they were merchantmen, bound for the Fortunate Islands, and as much afraid of us as we wei-e of them. * * * During the

entire v^oyage no person was attacked with any disease — except that at Christmas, wine having been freely distributed in honor of that festival, several drank of it immoderately ; thirty persons were seized with a fever the next morning, of whom twelve died shortly after; of these, two were Catholics, namely, Nicholas Fairfax and James Barefoot."

The course which was pnrsued by the voyagers was, as we have stated, by the Azores and Barbadoes. They landed at the latter place on the 5th of January, 1634, new style. Here, Father White says that the governor and inhabitants, who were English, endeavored to extort unreasonable prices for provisions and other necessary articles. One exception was made in potatoes, which were so abundant that they received a wagon-load as a present. The slaves, at that time upon the island, were in a state of rebellion, and had determined to take possession of the first vessel that should arrive. But their plot being discovered, the ringleadera were taken and executed. As " The Ark" was the

80 EARLY NAMES.

first vessel that arrived, she was the doomed prize ; and on the very day that her eompaiiy hiiided, eiglity men, whom they tbimd under arms, prevented the slaves from exeeuting their designs, lieas ing Barbadoes they passed St. Lueia, GuadiV loupe, Montserrat, to St. Christopher's, where they spent ten days.

" Having, at length, w^eighed anchor hence," continues Father "White, " we pursued our voyage until we reached a point, on the coast of Virginia, called * Comfort,' on the 27th of February. We were in a good deal of dread from the unfriendliness of the English inhabitants of Vii'ginia — to \Ahom our colony had boen an unwelcome theme. We brought, however, letters from the king, and the high constable of England, to the governor of the province, which contributed very much to appease their feelings, and to procure us future advantages. After receiving kind treatment for nine or ten days, we set sail, and on the od of March, having arrived in the Chesapeake Bay, we tacked to the north to reach the Potomac river, to wliich we gave the name of St. Gregory. We called the point which stands on the south, St. Gregory ;* that on the north, St. Michael's,! in honor of the choir of angels. A larger and more

* Smith's Point. f Point Lookout

BOAT UPSET. 31

beautiful stream I never have seen. The Thames, compared with it, is but a rivulet. Bounded on the sides with no marshes, it runs between sohd and rising banks. On either side are splendid forests, not overgrown by weeds or briars ; you might drive a four-horse carriage, with the reins loose in your hand, through them. We found the natives armed, at the very mouth of the river. That night lires were blazing throughout the country, and as they had never seen so large a ship as ours, messeno-ers were sent around to announce the arrival of a ca?ioe as large as an island, and numbering as many men as the trees in a forest. We passed on to the Heron Islands, so called from immense flocks of those birds. We touched at the first of them, which we called St. Clement's, on which, owing to its sloping banks, we could only land by fording. Here the maids, who had landed to w^ash the clothes, were almost drowned by the upsetting of the boat ; I lost a large portion of my Hnen — no small loss in this part of the world. This island abounds in cedar-trees, sassafras, and all those herbs and flowers entering into the class of salads ; and the walnut-tree, with a heavy shell, and a small, but very delicious kernel. A scope of four hundred acres did not appear sufticient for our new j^lanta. tion. We desired a place which might preclude the commerce of the river to strangers, and also

52 ERECTIXG THE CIIOSS.

the possibility of their infringing on our boundaries. This was tlie most narrow crossing of the river. On the day of tlie Annunciation of the B. V. Mary (25th of Marcli), we tirst ottered the sacrifice of the mass, never before done in this region of the world. After which, having raised on our shoulders an immense cross, which we had fashioned from a tree, and going in a procession to the designated spot, assisted by the governor,* commissary, and other Catholics, we erected the trophy of Christ the Saviour, and humbly bent the knee in reverence during the devout recitation of the litany of the holy cross. Our governor, however, havhig understood that the great chief of Piscataway was obeyed by many petty chiefs, determined to visit him, to explain the objects of our coming, that, having conciliated his good-will our settlement might be more favorably regarded by the rest. Having, therefore, joined to our piimace another, which he had procured in Virginia, and leaving the ship at anchor off St. Clements, retracing his course, he sailed up the southern bank of the river. Finding the savages had fled into the interior, he proceeded to the village, which, taking its name from the river, is yet called Potomac. Here he found Archihu, the uncle and tutor of the king, who was yet a boy.

^"- Leonard Calvert

PKPJACIIIXG TO THE INDIANS. 33

The regency was in prudent and experienced liands. Father Altharn who accompanied the governor (for I was detained with the baggage), explained, by means of an interpreter, the truths of the Christian religion. The chief listened to him willingly, after acknowledging his own faults. Being informed that no hostile motives had brought us among them, but that feelings of benevolence prompted us to impart to them the advantages of civilization, and to open the path of heaven to them, and to the more distant regions, he expressed himself not only well satisfied, but very grateful at our arrival. The interpreter was from the Protestants of Virginia. As the father could not explain every thing at once, he promised to return in a short time. ' I think,' said Archihu, ' that we should aU eat of the same table ; my young men will visit the hunting-grounds for you, and all things shall be in common with us.' From hence we went to Piscataway, where all immediately flew to arms. About one ynm(h"ed armed men with bows, were drawn up with their chief at their head. On learning our pacific intentions, laying aside his fears, the chief stepped into the pinnace, and on understanding our benevolent views in their regard, gave us liberty to settle in any part of his kingdom we might select. In the mean time, while the governor was on his journey to the emperor, the savages at St. Clement's becoming more 2*