The step which the gentlemen of the upper house had taken in proposing such a bill, added to the report which the justices had made, had this effect, however, that it quieted the minds of the people, and silenced those who had endeavoured to inflame and terrify them.

I have since ordered another circular letter to be wrote and sent to the justices, desiring them to enquire again, and inform me how the Roman catholicks in the several counties had behaved, since they, the justices, made their last report, in a packett marked No. 2. I shall transmit your lordship copies of all their answers, which will, I am apt to think, incline your lordship to believe that the Roman catholicks who are among us continue to behave as behooves good subjects; and, upon the whole, my lord, I must say, that, if I was asked whether the conduct of the protestants or papists in this province hath been most unexceptionable since I have had the honour to serve your lordship, I should not hesitate to give an answer in favour of the latter.'*

*Governor Sharpe's MS. Letter-book, in the Maryland state library,

CHAPTER IV.

Dispute between Governor Nicholson and the Lower House of Assembly-They become reconciled-Governor Nicholson leaves this Province to preside over Virginia-Petition of Mr. John PerryJames Crawford, a Delegate, killed by lightning-First public Jail-State-House burnt down-A new one erected-DescribedImprovement of the town-A plot for burning of Annapolis, discovered-Bounds of Annapolis-Annapolis chartered-Description of Annapolis-Delegates from Annapolis to receive only half wages-Improvements-Mr. James Stoddart appointed to lay off anew the city—Mr. Wm. Parks appointed to compile the Laws of the Province-Improvements-Appropriation to build a Government-House-Mr. Jonas Green appointed Printer to the Province-His character-Editor of the Maryland Gazette-The first public horseracing-Aurora Borealis-South River Club-Military movements at Annapolis-Anniversary of George the Second-Trade and Commerce of Annapolis-The first Ship-Yard― Brig Lovely Nancy-Notices of some of the oldest houses of the town-The old Episcopal Church-Indians-King Abraham and Queen Sarah-A Hiccory Switch-A Jockey Club formed-RacesThe first Theatre built-The first Lottery drawn in the ProvinceGovernor Sharp arrives at Annapolis-The military march from Annapolis against the French on the Ohio-General Braddock and other distinguished persons arrive at Annapolis-Doctor Charles Carroll, his death--Annapolis entrenched-Hostilities of the French and Indians-Small-pox,

1698.

Ar the close of March session of the assembly in 1698 which had been one of conten, tious disputation between the lower house and governor Nicholson; the governor closed his address as follows:

'A letter from your house supposed to be for my Lord Bishop of London, has been here read, and his excellency says that he scorns to have his reputation and honour supported and vindicated by some of you, but shall rather look upon it as a scandall to have it so,

for that he can prove one your house to be a villian upon record, if not worse, and of several others, your lives and conversations to be so well known, both in this country and England, that they are not agreeable to truth and justice.'

It appears, however, that before the conclusion of the October session of the same year, a better state of feeling prevailed, between the members of the lower house and governor Nicholson. At this period he was appointed governor of the province of Virginia, and was succeeded in Maryland by governor Blackstone. Before taking his departure, in addressing the two houses of assembly, he embraced the occasion to say— that notwithstanding the public business had been 'interrupted by heats and animosities amongst them— he hoped they were now burried in the depth of oblivion, and that he was not willing to revive them.

'And for as much as he hoped all differences are composed or forgot, he will not make any distinction or separation amongst the gentlemen of the house of delegates, and for what hath happened, he doth believe was through inadvertency, and as he has an esteem for all persons that had shewed themselves truly loyall to his majesty, whensoever, that occasion may require it, he will signalize it by the best services he may doe them,' &c. In reply to which the following address was made, viz:

"The honourable colonel Henry Jowles, chancellor, on behalf of the honourable, his majesty's councilthe honourable, the justice of the provincial courtsome of the members of the house of delegate, and the grand jury—presented the following address:

"To his excellency Francis Nicholson, Esq., cap

tain-general and governor of this his majesty's pro vince and territory of Maryland;

'Sir, having lately received information from yourself and others, that his majesty has thought fit to remove you unto another government, that of our neighbour colony of Virginia—and reflecting with ourselves how becoming a thing it is to have always a grateful remembrance of benefits received, we cannot forbear to leave this testimony and acknowledgment under our hands, as it proceeds from our hearts.

"That in your conduct over us in this place, your great care and study has been to promote the practice of piety and worship of Almighty God, by erecting churches, schools, and nurserys of learning, both for reforming of manners and education of youth, wherein you have not only been a large benefactor, but an indefaticable promoter, together with your integrity of maintaining his majesty's honour and authority in this province-your care in providing arms and military instruments for the defence of it. Your regulating and happy settlement of the civil constitution, both as to the courts of justice; and in bringing us out of debt which the public was in, into a condition clear of debt and money in bank, by your promotion of good laws to such purposes; your great care to cause speedy justice to be administered to all persons; your pious and just, your noble and benevolent carriage in all things, deserves better pens, and would take up more paper than this to recount.

'Be pleased, therefore, honoured sir, to accept our humble acknowlegments for the same, as the just though slender tribute of an obliged people, to a generous and good governor, praying to God to bless

you and all your pious and noble undertakings, with happiness and success.' So prays your humble and obliged servants.

HENRY JOWLES.'

This admirable address is signed by the members of council-provincial court-by thirty-four members of the house of delegates, and by the grand jury.

Governor Nicholson expressed his pleasure, and thanked 'the gentlemen for the character they have been pleased to give him, which is greater than he was able to perform, but that he has endeavoured as much as in him lay, to discharge his duty to God— the King, and the county; and prays God, that they may never find cause of complaint more than he has given.'

In this year, a Mr. John Perry, petitioned to the assembly, complaining that he had been at great expense in building a brick house in the porte of Annapolis, and that a certain small market-house had since been so incommodiously erected, that it deprived him of his 'sight and prospect.'

Upon considering his petition, the house consented that the said market-house should be removed 'at the charge of the petitioner.'

1699.

The following memorandum is recorded on the journals of the house of burgesses in the

year 1699.

'Memorandum, that on Thursday, July 13th, about four or five of the clock in the afternoon, a violent fflash of lightening broke into the state-house at Annapolis; the house of delegates being there sitting, which instantly killed Mr. James Crauford, one of the members of Calvert county, and hurt and wounded several other members, and shattered and broke