zens, in consequence of the 'dreadful murders and massacres' committed by the French and Indians upon the border country, and serious apprehensions were entertained by the inhabitants, that Annapolis would fall into the hands of their 'politic, cruel and cunning enemies.' It was asserted by a writer for the Gazette, that the Indians 'were but a little way from the city, and that so entire was their defenceless situation, that even a small party of twenty or thirty Indians, by marching in the night and skulking in the day time, might come upon them unawares in the dead of night, burn their houses, and cut their throats, before they could put themselves in a posture of defence.' Other writers of the day, seemed to think that there was no more danger of 'Annapolis being attacked by the Indians, than London.' The fears of the inhabitants were soon quieted, by the return of several gentlemen who had gone as volunteers to the westward, and who reported they had seen no Indians, except one, and he was 'very quiet,' for they found him dead. 1757. On the 29th of March, of this year, (1757) governor Sharpe arrived here from the northward, accompanied by governor Dobbs, of North Carolina, and governor Dinwiddie, of Virginia. In this year, the small-pox made its appearance in Annapolis, and continued to afflict and alarm the inhabitants for nine months. Scarcely one of them escaped the disease. Of about one hundred persons who were inoculated, not one died, while those who had it in the natural way, at least one in every six died. On this occasion the physicians of the town inoculated every person who desired it, without fee or reward. In consequence of the disease being here, the ge neral assembly was prorogued to meet in Baltimore, where it held its sesion for this year. In the winter of this year, (1757,) five companies of Royal Americans, were quartered upon the town. CHAPTER V. Forts on the Border Country-Fort Frederick-Reduction of Quebec-A Company of Comedians at Annapolis-Stone Wind-mill erected-Collection for the sufferers by fire at Boston-Ball-roomCold winter-Stamp Act-Proceeding at Annapolis on-Maryland Gazette-Sons of Liberty-Repeal of the Stamp Act—A new Theatre opened-Gov. Eden arrives at Annapolis-His character Death and burial-Articles of Non-importation, &c.—Arrival of Brig Good Intent-Resolute course pursued by the AssociationIts results-Mr. Wm. Eddis-Annapolis described-WhitehallGovernor Sharpe-His character-Appropriation to build the present State-House-Commissioners appointed-The Foundation laid-Incident-Dimensions of the building-The Architect—Anniversary of the Proprietary's birth—Rejoicings at Annapolis-Ladies of Annapolis-Saint Tamina Society-Their ProceedingsTheatre opened-Trustees appointed by the Legislature, to the Theatre Theatre pulled down-Causes which led to it—Mr. Dunlap-Trustees appointed to build a new Church—Meeting of the Citizens of Annapolis-Their proceedings on the Act of Parlia ment for blockading the Harbour of Boston-Some portion of their Resolves dissented from by many Citizens-Proceedings of the Dissentients-Burning of the Brig Peggy Stewart-And the tea on board-The Proceedings had thereon. BELIEVING the following statement of distances be tween the several forts which were erected for the defence of the border country, will be interesting to many, it is here subjoined. 'Fort Frederick and Fort Cumberland stood on the north bank of Potomac river, about fifty miles distant from each other, the first twelve miles beyond Conococheague, the then most western settlement. Fort Loudoun was about twenty-five miles north from Fort Frederick; Rays Town fifty-three miles west from Fort Loudoun, and thirty-five miles northward from Fort Cumberland; the distance from Rays Town to the Loylhanning, is said to have been fifty-eight miles, and thence to Fort Du Quesne, was computed to be about thirty-five miles.' Fort Frederick being 'the only monument of the ante-revolutionary times,' now remaining in the western parts of our State, deserves to have handed down to posterity all that can be now collected relative to its origin and present ruins. It is stated by Mr. McMahon, in his history of Maryland, to have been situated on an elevated and rather commanding position in the plains along the Potomac, distant about one-fourth of a mile from that river, and about ten or eleven miles above the mouth of Conococheague creek. It was constructed of the most durable materials, and in the most approved manner, at an expense of upwards of £6000. When Mr. McMahon saw its ruins in 1828, the greater part of it was still standing, and in a high state of preservation, in the midst of cultivated fields. According to a description given of it at its construction, its exterior lines were each one hundred and twenty yards in length, (the fort being quadrangular,) its curtains and bastions were faced by a thick stone wall, and it contained barracks sufficient for the accommodation of several hundred men. This garrison was built under the personal supervision of governor Sharpe, and by a plan of his own; he appears to have taken great interest in its construction. Its first commander was captain Dagworthy, who on being removed to the command of Fort Cumberland, was succeeded by captain Alexander Beall, who continued in the command of this fort until after the capture of Fort Du Quesne, and the close of the border troubles. Governor Sharpe, in a letter to Mr. Calvert, dated Annapolis, the 21st of August, 1756, speaking of Fort Frederick, says 'I thought proper to build Fort Frederick of stone, which step I believe even our assembly will now approve of, though I hear some of them sometime since, intimated to their constituents that a stoccado would have been sufficient, and that to build a fort with stone would put the country to a great and unnecessary expense; but whatever their sentiments may be with respect to that matter, I am convinced that I have done for the best, and that my conduct therein will be approved of by any soldier, and by every impartial person. The fort is not finished, but the garrison are well covered, and will, with a little assistance, complete it at their leisure. Our barracks are made for the reception and accommodation of 200 men, but on occasion there will be room for twice that number. It is situated on the North Mountain, near Potomack river, about fourteen miles beyond Conegochiegh, and four on this side Licking-creek. I have made a purchase in the governor's name for the use of the country, of one hundred and fifty acres of land that is contiguous to it, which will be of great service to the garrison, and as well as the fort, be found of great use in case of future expeditions to the westward, for it is so situated that Potomack will be always navigable thence almost to Fort Cumberland, the flats or shallows of that river lying between Fort Frederick and Conegochiegh.' The general assembly of Maryland in 1790, appointed an agent to sell and convey the right of this State to one hundred acres of land at Fort Frederick, in Washington county.-(See resolution No. 4.) 1759. On the 30th of October, in this year, there was great rejoicing here, in consequence of the reduction of Quebec, by the troops under general Wolfe. The guns at the 'Point Battery' were fired early in the day. The military paraded through the streets, and at 12 o'clock, the cannon from the 'Halfmoon Battery' were discharged. 'At night the city was illuminated, and the governor gave a public ball in the council chamber, at which there was a brilliant ` assemblage of ladies." 1760. Mr. Green, in his Gazette of the 7th February, in this year, says 'by permission of his excellency, the governor, a theatre is erecting in this city, which will be opened soon by a company of comedians, who are now at Chester Town.' The company here alluded to, arrived at Annapolis on the 3d of March, and on the same evening opened the theatre. They continued to perform here until the 12th of May following, as will be seen by the annexed list of performances, which is given for the amusement of the curious in these matters, as well as for the gratification of the lovers of the drama. Plays. March 3. Orphans, 6. Recruiting Officer, 8. Venice Preserved, 10. Richard III. 13. Provoked Husband, Farces. Lethe, or Esop in the Shades. King and the Miller. |