Chapter I: Part 1

A CHARACTER OF THE PROVINCE OF MARYLAND BY GEORGE ALSOP

A Character of the Province of MARYLAND.

By GEORGE ALSOP.

1666.

Baltimore, 1880.

ALSOP’S MARYLAND.

1666.

REISSUED AS

Fund-Publication, No. 15.

A Character of the Province of MARYLAND.

By GEORGE ALSOP.

1666.

Baltimore, 1880.

GOWANS’ BIBLIOTHECA AMERICANA. 5

“Thy fathers went down into Egypt with three score and ten persons, and now the Lord thy God hath made thee as the stars of heaven for multitude.” . . . _Moses._

“Two things are to be considered in writing history, truth and elocution, for in truth consisteth the soul, and in elocution the body of history; the latter without the former, is but a picture of history; the former without the latter, unapt to instruct. The principle and proper work of history, being to instruct, and enable men by their knowledge of actions past, to bear themselves prudently in the present, and providently towards the future.” . . . _T. Hobbes._

NEW YORK:

WILLIAM GOWANS.

1869.

64 COPIES PRINTED ON LARGE PAPER 4TO.

A

CHARACTER OF THE PROVINCE

OF

MARYLAND.

DESCRIBED IN FOUR DISTINCT PARTS.

ALSO

A SMALL TREATISE ON THE WILD AND NAKED INDIANS (OR SUSQUEHANOKES) OF MARYLAND, THEIR CUSTOMS, MANNERS, ABSURDITIES, AND RELIGION.

TOGETHER WITH

A COLLECTION OF HISTORICAL LETTERS.

BY

GEORGE ALSOP.

A NEW EDITION WITH AN INTRODUCTION AND COPIOUS HISTORICAL NOTES.

BY JOHN GILMARY SHEA, LL.D.,

MEMBER OF THE NEW YORK HISTORICAL SOCIETY.

_Our western world, with all its matchless floods,_
_Our vast transparent lakes and boundless woods,_
_Stamped with the traits of majesty sublime,_
_Unhonored weep the silent lapse of time,_
_Spread their wild grandeur to the unconscious sky,_
_In sweetest seasons pass unheeded by;_
_While scarce one muse returns the songs they gave,_
_Or seeks to snatch their glories from the grave._
ALEXANDER WILSON, The Ornithologist.

_The greater part of the magnificent countries east of the Alleghanies is in a high state of cultivation and commercial prosperity, with natural advantages not surpassed in any country. Nature, however, still maintains her sway in some parts, especially where pine-barrens and swamps prevail. The territory of the United States covers an area of 2,963,666 square miles, about one-half of which is capable of producing everything that is useful to man, but not more than a twenty-sixth part of it has been cleared. The climate is generally healthy, the soil fertile, abounding in mineral treasures, and it possesses every advantage from navigable rivers and excellent harbors_ . . . MRS. SOMERVILLE.

NEW YORK: WILLIAM GOWANS.

1869.

5

Not entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1869, by W. GOWANS,

In the Clerk’s Office of the District Court of the United States for the Southern District of New York.

J. MUNSELL, PRINTER, ALBANY.

DEDICATED

TO

THE MEMORY

OF

LORD BALTIMORE.

ADVERTISEMENT.

The subscriber announces to the public, that he intends publishing a series of works, relating to the history, literature, biography, antiquities and curiosities of the Continent of America. To be entitled

GOWANS’ BIBLIOTHECA AMERICANA.

The books to form this collection, will chiefly consist of reprints from old and scarce works, difficult to be produced in this country, and often also of very rare occurrence in Europe; occasionally an original work will be introduced into the series, designed to throw light upon some obscure point of American history, or to elucidate the biography of some of the distinguished men of our land. Faithful reprints of every work published will be given to the public; nothing will be added, except in the way of notes, or introduction, which will be presented entirely distinct from the body of the work. They will be brought out in the best style, both as to type, press work and paper, and in such a manner as to make them well worthy a place in any gentleman’s library.

A part will appear about once in every six months, or oftener, if the public taste demand it; each part forming an entire work, either an original production, or a reprint of some valuable, and at the same time scarce tract. From eight or twelve parts will form a handsome octavo volume, which the publisher is well assured, will be esteemed entitled to a high rank in every collection of American history and literature.

Should reasonable encouragement be given, the whole collection may in the course of no long period of time become not less voluminous, and quite as valuable to the student in American history, as the celebrated Harleian Miscellany is now to the student and lover of British historical antiquities.

W. GOWANS, _Publisher_.

INTRODUCTION.

George Alsop, the author of this curious tract, was born according to the inscription on his portrait, in 1638. He served a two years’ apprenticeship to some trade in London, but seems to have been wild enough. His portrait and his language alike bespeak the rollicking roysterer of the days of the restoration, thoroughly familiar with all the less reputable haunts of London. He expresses a hearty contempt for Cromwell and his party, and it may be that the fate which confined him to a four years’ servitude in Maryland was an order of transportation issued in the name of the commonwealth of England. He speaks disdainfully of the “mighty low and distracted life” of such as could not pay their passage, then, according to _Leah and Rachel_ (p. 14), generally six pounds, as though want of money was not in his case the cause of his emigrating from England. He gives the letters he wrote to his family and friends on starting, but omits the date, although from allusions to the death of Cromwell in a letter dated at Gravesend, September 7th, he evidently sailed in 1658, the protector having died on the 3d of September in that year.

In Maryland he fell to the lot of Thomas Stockett, Esq., one of three brothers who came to Maryland in 1658, {10} perhaps at the same time as Alsop, and settled originally it would seem in Baltimore county. It was on this estate that Alsop spent the four years which enabled him to write the following tract. He speaks highly of his treatment and the abundance that reigned in the Stockett mansion.

Alsop’s book appeared in 1666. One of the laudatory verses that preface it is dated January, 1665 (5/6), and as it would appear that he did not remain in Maryland after the expiration of his four years, except perhaps for a short time in consequence of a fit of sickness to which he alludes, he probably returned to London to resume his old career.

Of his subsequent life nothing is known, and though Allison ascribes to him a volume of Sermons, we may safely express our grave doubts whether the author of this tract can be suspected of anything of the kind.

The book, written in a most extravagant style, contains no facts as to the stirring events in Maryland history which preceded its date, and in view, doubtless, of the still exasperated state of public feeling, seems to have studiously avoided all allusion to so unattractive a subject. As an historical tract it derives its chief value from the portion which comprises its _Relation of the Susquehanna Indians_.

The object for which the tract was issued seems evident. It was designed to stimulate emigration to Maryland, and is written in a vulgar style to suit the class it was to reach. While from its dedication to Lord Baltimore, and the merchant adventurers, we may infer that it was paid for by them, in order to encourage emigration, especially of redemptioners. {11}

Much of the early emigration to America was effected by what was called the redemption system. Under this, one disposed to emigrate, but unable to raise the £6, entered into a contract in the following form, with a merchant adventurer, ship owner or ship master, and occasionally with a gentleman emigrant of means, under which the latter gave him his passage and supplies:

THE FORME OF BINDING A SERVANT.

[From _A Relation of Maryland_, &c., 1635.]

This indenture made the ...... day of .............. in the ......... yeere of our Soveraigne Lord King Charles &c betweene .............. of the one party, and .............. on the other party, Witnesseth that the said .............. doth hereby covenant, promise and grant to and with the said .............. his Executors and Assignes, to serve him from the day of the date hereof, vntill his first and next arrivall in Maryland, and after for and during the tearme of ...... yeeres, in such service and employment as the said .............. or his assignes shall there employ him, according to the custome of the countrey in the like kind. In consideration whereof, the said .............. doth promise and grant, to and with the said .............. to pay for his passing and to find him with Meat, Drinke, Apparell and Lodging, with other necessaries during the said terme; and at the end of the said terme, to give him one Whole yeeres provision of Corne and fifty acres of Land, according to the order of the countrey. In witnesse whereof, the said .............. hath hereunto put his hand and seale the day and yeere above written.

Sealed and delivered
in the presence of

The term of service, at first limited to five years (_Relation of Maryland_, 1635, p. 63), was subsequently reduced to four (Act of 1638, &c.), and so remained into the next {12} century (Act of April, 1715). Thus a woman in the _Sot Weed Factor_, after speaking of her life in England, says:

Not then a slave for twice two year,
My cloaths were fashionably new,
Nor were my shifts of linnen Blue;
But things are changed; now at the Hoe,
I daily work and Barefoot go,
In weeding Corn or feeding Swine,
I spend my melancholy Time.

Disputes arose as to the time when the term began, and it was finally fixed at the anchoring of the vessel in the province, but not more than fourteen days were to be allowed for anchoring after they passed the Capes (Act of 1715). When these agreements were made with the merchant adventurer, ship owner or ship captain, the servants were sold at auctions, which were conducted on the principle of our tax sales, the condition being the payment of the advances, and the bidding being for the term of service, descending from the legal limit according to his supposed value as a mechanic or hand, the best man being taken for the shortest term. Where the emigrants made their agreement with the gentleman emigrant, they proceeded at once to the land he took up, and in the name of the servant the planter took up at least one hundred acres of land, fifty of which, under the agreement, he conveyed to the servant at the expiration of his term of service.

Alsop seems to have made an agreement, perhaps on the voyage, with Thomas Stockett, Esq., as his first letter from America mentions his being in the service of that gentleman. His last letter is dated at Gravesend, the 7th of September, and his first in Maryland January 17 (1659), making a voyage of four months, which he loosely calls five, and describes as “a blowing and dangerous passage.” {13}

Through the kindness of George Lynn Lachlin Davis, Esq., I have been enabled to obtain from J. Shaaf Stockett, Esq., a descendant of Captain Stockett, some details as to his ancestor, the master of our author, during his four years’ servitude, which was not very grievous to him, for he says, “had I known my yoak would have been so easie (as I conceive it will) I would have been here long before now, rather than to have dwelt under the pressure of a Rebellious and Trayterous government so long as I did.”

A manuscript statement made some years later by one Joseph Tilly, states: “About or in y^e year of o^r Lord 1667 or 8 I became acquainted w^{th} 4 Gent^n y^t were brethren & then dwellers here in Maryland the elder of them went by y^e name of Coll^o Lewis Stockett & y^e second by y^e name of Capt^n Thomas Stockett, y^e third was Doct^r Francis Stockett & y^e Fourth Brother was M^r Henry Stockett. These men were but y^n newly seated or seating in Anne Arunndell County & they had much business w^h the Lord Baltimore then pp^{etor} of y^e Provinces, my house standing convenient they were often entertained there: they told mee y^t they were Kentish men or Men of Kent & y^t for that they had been concerned for King Charles y^e first, were out of favour w^{th} y^e following Governm^t they Mortgaged a Good an estate to follow King Charles the second in his exile & at their Return they had not money to redeem their mortgage, w^{ch} was y^e cause of their coming hither. JOSEPH TILLY.”

Of the brothers, who are said to have arrived in the spring or summer of 1658, only Captain Thomas Stockett remained in Maryland, the others having, according to family tradition, returned to England. As stated in the {14} document just given, they settled in Anne Arundell county, and on the 19th of July, 1669, “Obligation,” a tract of 664 acres of land was patented to Captain Thomas Stockett, and a part still after the lapse of nearly two centuries remains in the family, being owned by Frank H. Stockett, Esq., of the Annapolis bar.

By his wife Mary (_Wells_ it is supposed), Captain Thomas Stockett had one son, Thomas, born April 17, 1667, from whose marriage with Mary, daughter of Thomas Sprigg, of West River, gentleman (March 12, 1689), and subsequent marriage with Damarris Welch, the Stocketts of Maryland, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, New York and New Jersey are descended.

The arms of this branch, as given in the family archives, are “Or a Lyon rampant sable armed and Langued Gules a cheife of y^e second a castle Tripple towred argent betwixt two Beausants—to y^e crest upon a helm on a wreath of y^e colours, a Lyon Proper segeant supporte on a stock ragged and trunked argent Borne by the name of Stockett with a mantle Gules doubled Argent.” These agree with the arms given by Burke as the arms of the Stocketts of St. Stephens, county of Kent.

Thomas Stockett’s will, dated April 23, 1671, was proved on the 4th of May in the same year, so that his death must have occurred within the ten intervening days. He left his estate to his wife for life, then his lands to his son Thomas, and his posthumous child if a son, and his personal estate to be divided among his daughters. His executors were his brothers Francis and Henry and his brother (in-law) Richard Wells. His dispositions of property are brief, much of the will consisting of pious expressions and wishes. {15}

To return to the early Maryland emigration, at the time there was evident need for some popular tract to remove a prejudice that had been created against that colony, especially in regard to the redemptioners. The condition of those held for service in Maryland had been represented as pitiable indeed, the labor intolerable, the usage bad, the diet hard, and that no beds were allowed but the bare boards. Such calumnies had already been refuted in 1656 by Hammond, in his _Leah and Rachel_. Yet it would seem that ten years later the proprietor of Maryland found it necessary to give Alsop’s flattering picture as a new antidote.

The original tract is reproduced so nearly in fac simile here that little need be said about it. The original is a very small volume, the printed matter on the page being only 2 1/8 inches by 4 7/8. (See note No. 1).

At the end are two pages of advertisements headed “These Books, with others, are Printed for Peter Dring, and are to be sold at his Shop, at the Sun in the Poultrey, next door to the Rose Tavern.”

Among the books are Eliana, Holesworth’s Valley of Vision, Robotham’s Exposition of Solomon’s Song, N. Byfields’ Marrow of the Oracle of God, Pheteplace’s Scrutinia Sacra, Featly Tears in Time of Pestilence, Templum Musicum by Joannes Henricus Alstedius, two cook books, a jest book, Troads Englished, and ends with A Comment upon the Two Tales of our Renowned Poet Sir Jeffray Chaucer, Knight.

At the end of this is the following by way of erratum: “Courteous Reader. In the first Epistle Dedicatory, for Felton read Feltham.”

_View here the Shadow whoſe Ingenious Hand_
_Hath drawne exact the Province Mary Land_
_Diſplay’d her Glory in ſuch Scænes of Witt_
_That thoſe that read must fall in Love with it_
_For which his Labour hee deſerves the praiſe_
_As well as Poets doe the wreath of Bays ._

_Anno Dõ: 1666. Ætatis Suæ 28._ _H.W._

_AM PHOTO-LITHOGR. OC (OSBORNES PROCESS.)_]

A

CHARACTER

Of the PROVINCE of

MARY-LAND,

Wherein is Deſcribed in four diſtinct Parts, (_Viz._)

I. _The Scituation, and plenty of the Province._

II. _The Laws, Cuſtoms, and natural Demeanor of the Inhabitant._

III. _The worſt and beſt Vſage of a Mary-Land Servant, opened in view._

IV. _The Traffique, and Vendable Commodities of the Countrey._

ALSO

A SMALL _Treatiſe_ on the Wilde and Naked INDIANS (or _Suſquehanokes_) of _Mary-Land_, their Cuſtoms, Manners, Abſurdities, & Religion.

Together with a Collection of Hiſtorical LETTERS.

By GEORGE ALSOP.

_London_, Printed by _T. J._ for _Peter Dring_, at the ſign of the Sun in the _Poultrey_; 1666.

TO THE RIGHT HONORABLE

CÆCILIUS LORD BALTEMORE, (see note No. 2)

Absolute Lord and Proprietary of the Provinces of _Mary-Land_ and _Avalon_ (see note No. 3) in _America_.

MY LORD,

I have adventured on your Lordships acceptance by guess; if presumption has led me into an Error that deserves correction, I heartily beg Indempnity, and resolve to repent soundly for it, and do so no more. What I present I know to be true, Experientia docet; It being an infallible Maxim, _That there is no Globe like the occular and experimental view of a Countrey_. And had not Fate by a necessary imployment, consin’d me within the narrow walks of a four years Servitude, and by degrees led me through the most intricate and dubious paths of this Countrey, by a commanding and undeniable Enjoyment, I could not, nor should I ever have undertaken to have written a line of this nature.

THE EPISTLE DEDICATORY.

If I have wrote or composed any thing that’s wilde and confused, it is because I am so my self, and the world, as far as I can perceive, is not much out of the same trim; therefore I resolve, if I am brought to the Bar of _Common Law_ for any thing I have done here, to plead _Non compos mentis_, to save my Bacon.

There is an old Saying in English, _He must rise betimes that would please every one_. And I am afraid I have lain so long a bed, that I think I shall please no body; if it must be so, I cannot help it. But as _Feltham_ (see note No. 4) in his _Resolves_ says, _In things that must be, ’tis good to be resolute_; And therefore what Destiny has ordained, I am resolved to wink, and stand to it. So leaving your Honour to more serious meditations, I subscribe my self,

My Lord Your Lordship most Humble Servant, GEORGE ALSOP.

To all the Merchant Adventurers for MARY-LAND, together with those Commanders of Ships that saile into that Province.

SIRS,

_You are both Adventurers, the one of Estate, the other of Life: I could tell you I am an Adventurer too, if I durst presume to come into your Company. I have ventured to come abroad in Print, and if I should be laughed at for my good meaning, it would so break the credit of my understanding, that I should never dare to shew my face upon the Exchange of (conceited) Wits again._

_This dish of Discourse was intended for you at first, but it was manners to let my Lord have the first cut, the Pye being his own. I beseech you accept of the matter as ’tis drest, only to stay your stomachs, and I’le promise you the next shall be better done, ’Tis all as I can serve you in at present, and it may be questionable whether I have served you in this or no. Here I present you with_ A Character of Mary-Land_, it may be you will say ’tis weakly done, if you do I cannot help it, ’tis as well as I could do it, considering several Obstacles that like blocks were thrown in my way to hinder my proceeding: The major part thereof was written in the intermitting time of my sickness, therefore I hope the afflicting weakness of {24} my Microcosm may plead a just excuse for some imperfections of my pen. I protest what I have writ is from an experimental knowledge of the Country, and not from any imaginary supposition. If I am blamed for what I have done too much, it is the first, and I will irrevocably promise it shall be the last. There’s a Maxim upon Tryals at Assizes, That if a thief be taken upon the first fault, if it be not to hainous, they only burn him in the hand and let him go_ (see note No. 5): _So I desire you to do by me, if you find any thing that bears a criminal absurdity in it, only burn me for my first fact and let me go. But I am afraid I have kept you too long in the Entry, I shall desire you therefore to come in and sit down._

G. ALSOP.

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.

The Reason why I appear in this place is, lest the general Reader should conclude I have nothing to say for my self; and truly he’s in the right on’t, for I have but little to say (for my self) at this time: For I have had so large a Journey, and so heavy a Burden to bring _Mary-Land_ into _England_, that I am almost out of breath: I’le promise you after I am come to my self, you shall hear more of me. Good Reader, because you see me make a brief Apologetical excuse for my self, don’t judge me; for I am so self-conceited of my own merits, that I almost think I want none. _De Lege non judicandum ex solâ linea_, saith the Civilian; We must not pass judgement upon a Law by one line: And because we see but a small Bush at a Tavern door, conclude there is no Canary (see note No. 6). For as in our vulgar Resolves ’tis said, _A good face needs no Band, and an ill one deserves none_: So the French Proverb sayes, Bon Vien il n’a faut point de Ensigne, Good Wine needs no Bush. I suppose by this time some of my speculative observers {26} have judged me vainglorious; but if they did but rightly consider me, they would not be so censorious. For I dwell so far from Neighbors, that if I do not praise my self, no body else will: And since I am left alone, I am resolved to summon the _Magna Charta_ of Fowles to the Bar for my excuse, and by their irrevocable Statutes plead my discharge. _For its an ill Bird will befoule her own Nest_: Besides, I have a thousand _Billings-gate_ (see note No. 7) Collegians that will give in their testimony, _That they never knew a Fish-woman cry stinking Fish_. Thus leaving the Nostrils of the Citizens Wives to demonstrate what they please as to that, and thee (Good Reader) to say what thou wilt, I bid thee Farewel.

GEO. ALSOP.

THE AUTHOR TO HIS BOOK.

When first _Apollo_ got my brain with Childe,
He made large promise never to beguile,
But like an honest Father, he would keep
Whatever Issue from my Brain did creep:
With that I gave consent, and up he threw
Me on a Bench, and strangely he did do;
Then every week he daily came to see
How his new Physick still did work with me.
And when he did perceive he’d don the feat,
Like an unworthy man he made retreat,
Left me in desolation, and where none
Compassionated when they heard me groan.
What could he judge the Parish then would think,
To see me fair, his Brat as black as Ink?
If they had eyes, they’d swear I were no Nun,
But got with Child by some black _Africk_ Son,
And so condemn me for my Fornication,
To beat them Hemp to stifle half the Nation.
Well, since ’tis so, I’le alter this base Fate,
And lay his Bastard at some Noble’s Gate;
Withdraw my self from Beadles, and from such,
Who would give twelve pence I were
in their clutch: {28}
Then, who can tell? this Child which I do hide,
May be in time a Small-beer Col’nel _Pride_ (see note No 8).
But while I talk, my business it is dumb,
I must lay double-clothes unto thy Bum,
Then lap thee warm, and to the world commit
The Bastard Off-spring of a New-born wit.
Farewel, poor Brat, thou in a monstrous World,
In swadling bands, thus up and down art hurl’d;
There to receive what Destiny doth contrive,
Either to perish, or be sav’d alive.
Good Fate protect thee from a Criticks power,
For If he comes, thou’rt gone in half an hour,
Stiff’d and blasted, ’tis their usual way,
To make that Night, which is as bright as Day.
For if they once but wring, and skrew their mouth,
Cock up their Hats, and set the point Du-South,
Armes all a kimbo, and with belly strut,
As if they had _Parnassus_ in their gut:
These are the Symtomes of the murthering fall
Of my poor Infant, and his burial.
Say he should miss thee, and some ign’rant Asse
Should find thee out, as he along doth pass,
It were all one, he’d look into thy Tayle,
To see if thou wert Feminine or Male;
When he’d half starv’d thee, for to satisfie
His peeping Ign’rance, he’d then let thee lie;
And vow by’s wit he ne’re could understand,
The Heathen dresses of another Land:
Well, ’tis no matter, wherever such as he
Knows one grain, more than his simplicity.
Now, how the pulses of my senses beat,
To think the rigid Fortune
thou wilt meet; {29}
Asses and captious Fools, not six in ten
Of thy Spectators will be real men,
To Umpire up the badness of the cause,
And screen my weakness from the rav’nous Laws,
Of those that will undoubted sit to see
How they might blast this new-born Infancy:
If they should burn him, they’d conclude hereafter,
’Twere too good death for him to dye a Martyr;
And if they let him live, they think it will
Be but a means for to encourage ill,
And bring in time some strange _Antipod’ans_,
A thousand Leagues beyond _Philippians_,
To storm our Wits; therefore he must not rest,
But shall be hang’d, for all he has been prest:
Thus they conclude.—My Genius comforts give,
In Resurrection he will surely live.

To my Friend Mr. GEORGE ALSOP, on his Character of MARY-LAND.

_Who such odd nookes of Earths great mass describe,_
_Prove their descent from old_ Columbus _tribe:_
_Some Boding augur did his Name devise,_
_Thy Genius too cast in th’ same mould and size;_
_His Name predicted he would be a Rover,_
_And hidden places of this Orb discover;_
_He made relation of that World in gross,_
_Thou the particulars retail’st to us:_
_By this first Peny of thy fancy we_
_Discover what thy greater Coines will be;_
_This Embryo thus well polisht doth presage,_
_The manly Atchievements of its future age._
_Auspicious winds blow gently on this spark,_
_Untill its flames discover what’s yet dark;_
_Mean while this short Abridgement we embrace,_
_Expecting that thy busy soul will trace_
_Some Mines at last which may enrich the World,_
_And all that poverty may be in oblivion hurl’d._
_Zoilus is dumb, for thou the mark hast hit,_
_By interlacing History with Wit:_
_Thou hast described its superficial Treasure,_
_Anatomiz’d its bowels at thy leasure;_
_That_ MARY-LAND _to thee may duty owe,_
_Who to the World dost all her Glory shew;_
_Then thou shalt make the Prophesie fall true,_
_Who fill’st the World (like th’ Sea) with knowledge new._

WILLIAM BOGHERST. (See note No. 9.)

To my Friend Mr. GEORGE ALSOP, on his Character of MARY-LAND.

_This plain, yet pithy and concise Description_
_Of_ Mary-Lands _plentious and sedate condition,_
_With other things herein by you set forth,_
_To shew its Rareness, and declare its Worth;_
_Compos’d in such a time, when most men were_
_Smitten with Sickness, or surpriz’d with Fear,_
_Argues a Genius good, and Courage stout,_
_In bringing this Design so well about:_
_Such generous Freedom waited on thy brain,_
_The Work was done in midst of greatest pain;_
_And matters flow’d so swiftly from thy source,_
_Nature design’d thee (sure) for such Discourse._
_Go on then with thy Work so well begun,_
_Let it come forth, and boldly see the Sun;_
_Then shall’t be known to all, that from thy Youth_
_Thou heldst it Noble to maintain the Truth,_
_’Gainst all the Rabble-rout, that yelping stand,_
_To cast aspersions on thy_ MARY-LAND:
_But this thy Work shall vindicate its Fame,_
_And as a Trophy memorize thy Name,_
_So if without a Tomb thou buried be,_
_This Book’s a lasting Monument for thee._

H. W., Master of Arts. (See note No. 10).

From my Study, _Jan._ 10, 1665.

A Land-skip of the Province of MARY LAND Or the Lord Baltimors Plantation neere Virginia By Geo: Alsop Gent.

Am. Photo-Lithographic Co. N.Y. Osborne’s Process]

A

CHARACTER

OF THE PROVINCE OF

MARY-LAND.

CHAP. I.

_Of the situation and plenty of the Province of_ Mary-Land.

Mary-land is a Province situated upon the large extending bowels of _America_, under the Government of the Lord _Baltemore_, adjacent Northwardly upon the Confines of _New-England_, and neighbouring Southwardly upon _Virginia_, dwelling pleasantly upon the Bay of _Chæsapike_ (see note No. 11), between the Degrees of 36 and 38, in the Zone temperate, and by Mathematical computation is eleven hundred and odd Leagues in Longitude from _England_, being within her own imbraces extraordinary pleasant and fertile. Pleasant, in respect of the multitude of Navigable Rivers and Creeks that conveniently and most profitably lodge within the armes of her green, spreading, and delightful Woods; whose natural womb (by her plenty) maintains and preserves the several diversities of Animals that rangingly inhabit her Woods; as she doth otherwise generously fructifie {36} this piece of Earth with almost all sorts of Vegetables, as well Flowers with their varieties of colours and smells, as Herbes and Roots with their several effects and operative virtues, that offer their benefits daily to supply the want of the Inhabitant whene’re their necessities shall _Sub-pœna_ them to wait on their commands. So that he, who out of curiosity desires to see the Landskip of the Creation drawn to the life, or to read Natures universal Herbal without book, may with the Opticks of a discreet discerning, view _Mary-Land_ drest in her green and fragrant Mantle of the Spring. Neither do I think there is any place under the Heavenly altitude, or that has footing or room upon the circular Globe of this world, that can parallel this fertile and pleasant piece of ground in its multiplicity, or rather Natures extravagancy of a superabounding plenty. For so much doth this Country increase in a swelling Spring-tide of rich variety and diversities of all things, not only common provisions that supply the reaching stomach of man with a satisfactory plenty, but also extends with its liberality and free convenient benefits to each sensitive faculty, according to their several desiring Appetites. So that had Nature made it her business, on purpose to have found out a situation for the Soul of profitable Ingenuity, she could not have fitted herself better in the traverse of the whole Universe, nor in convenienter terms have told man, _Dwell here, live plentifully and be rich_. {37}

The Trees, Plants, Fruits, Flowers, and Roots that grow here in _Mary-Land_, are the only Emblems or Hieroglyphicks of our Adamitical or Primitive situation, as well for their variety as odoriferous smells, together with their vertues, according to their several effects, kinds and properties, which still bear the Effigies of Innocency according to their original Grafts; which by their dumb vegetable Oratory, each hour speaks to the Inhabitant in silent acts, That they need not look for any other Terrestrial Paradice, to suspend or tyre their curiosity upon, while she is extant. For within her doth dwell so much of variety, so much of natural plenty, that there is not any thing that is or may be rare, but it inhabits within this plentious soyle: So that those parts of the Creation that have borne the Bell away (for many ages) for a vegetable plentiousness, must now in silence strike and vayle all, and whisper softly in the auditual parts of _Mary-Land_, that _None but she in this dwells singular_; and that as well for that she doth exceed in those Fruits, Plants, Trees and Roots, that dwell and grow in their several Clymes or habitable parts of the Earth besides, as the rareness and super-excellency of her own glory, which she flourishly abounds in, by the abundancy of reserved Rarities, such as the remainder of the World (with all its speculative art) never bore any occular testimony of as yet. I shall forbear to particularize those several sorts of vegetables that flourishingly grows here, by {38} reason of the vast tediousness that will attend upon the description, which therefore makes them much more fit for an Herbal, than a small Manuscript or History. (See note No. 12).

As for the wilde Animals of this Country, which loosely inhabits the Woods in multitudes, it is impossible to give you an exact description of them all, considering the multiplicity as well as the diversity of so numerous an extent of Creatures: But such as has fallen within the compass or prospect of my knowledge, those you shall know of; _videlicet_, the Deer, because they are oftner seen, and more participated of by the Inhabitants of the Land, whose acquaintance by a customary familiarity becomes much more common than the rest of Beasts that inhabit the Woods by using themselves in Herds about the Christian Plantations. Their flesh, which in some places of this Province is the common provision the Inhabitants feed on, and which through the extreme glut and plenty of it, being daily killed by the _Indians_, and brought in to the _English_, as well as that which is killed by the Christian Inhabitant, that doth it more for recreation, than for the benefit they reap by it. I say, the flesh of Venison becomes (as to food) rather denyed, than any way esteemed or desired. And this I speak from an experimental knowledge; For when I was under a Command, and debarr’d of a four years ranging Liberty in the Province of _Mary-Land_, the Gentleman whom I served my conditional and {39} prefixed time withall, had at one time in his house fourscore Venisons, besides plenty of other provisions to serve his Family nine months, they being but seven in number; so that before this Venison was brought to a period by eating, it so nauseated our appetites and stomachs, that plain bread was rather courted and desired than it.

The Deer (see note No. 13) here neither in shape nor action differ from our Deer in _England_: the Park they traverse their ranging and unmeasured walks in, is bounded and impanell’d in with no other pales than the rough and billowed Ocean: They are also mighty numerous in the Woods, and are little or not at all affrighted at the face of a man, but (like the Does of _Whetstons_ Park) (see note No. 14) though their hydes are not altogether so gaudy to extract an admiration from the beholder, yet they will stand (all most) till they be scratcht.

As for the Wolves, Bears, and Panthers (see note No. 15) of this Country, they inhabit commonly in great multitudes up in the remotest parts of the Continent; yet at some certain time they come down near the Plantations, but do little hurt or injury worth noting, and that which they do is of so degenerate and low a nature, (as in reference to the fierceness and heroick vigour that dwell in the same kind of Beasts in other Countries), that they are hardly worth mentioning: For the highest of their designs and circumventing reaches is but cowardly and base, only {40} to steal a poor Pigg, or kill a lost and half starved Calf. The Effigies of a man terrifies them dreadfully, for they no sooner espy him but their hearts are at their mouths, and the spurs upon their heels, they (having no more manners than Beasts) gallop away, and never bid them farewell that are behind them.

The Elke, the Cat of the Mountain, the Rackoon, the Fox, the Beaver, the Otter, the Possum, the Hare, the Squirril, the Monack, the Musk-Rat (see note No. 16), and several others (whom I’le omit for brevity sake) inhabit here in _Mary-Land_ in several droves and troops, ranging the Woods at their pleasure.

The meat of most of these Creatures is good for eating, yet of no value nor esteem here, by reason of the great plenty of other provisions, and are only kill’d by the _Indians_ of the Country for their Hydes and Furrs, which become very profitable to those that have the right way of traffiquing for them, as well as it redounds to the _Indians_ that take the pains to catch them, and to slay and dress their several Hydes, selling and disposing them for such commodities as their Heathenish fancy delights in.

As for those Beasts that were carried over at the first seating of the Country, to stock and increase the situation, as Cows, Horses, Sheep and Hogs (see note No. 17), they are generally tame, and use near home, especially the Cows, Sheep and Horses. The Hogs, whose increase is innumerable in the Woods, do {41} disfrequent home more than the rest of Creatures that are look’d upon as tame, yet with little trouble and pains they are slain and made provision of. Now they that will with a right Historical Survey, view the Woods of _Mary-Land_ in this particular, as in reference to Swine, must upon necessity judge this Land lineally descended from the _Gadarean_ Territories. (See note No. 18.)

_Mary-Land_ (I must confess) cannot boast of her plenty of Sheep here, as other Countries; not but that they will thrive and increase here, as well as in any place of the World besides, but few desire them, because they commonly draw down the Wolves among the Plantations, as well by the sweetness of their flesh, as by the humility of their nature, in not making a defensive resistance against the rough dealing of a ravenous Enemy. They who for curiosity will keep Sheep, may expect that after the Wolves have breathed themselves all day in the Woods to sharpen their stomachs, they will come without fail and sup with them at night, though many times they surfeit themselves with the sawce that’s dish’d out of the muzzle of a Gun, and so in the midst of their banquet (poor Animals) they often sleep with their Ancestors.

Fowls of all sorts and varieties dwell at their several times and seasons here in _Mary-Land_. The Turkey, the Woodcock, the Pheasant, the Partrich, the Pigeon, and others, especially the Turkey, whom I have seen {42} in whole hundreds in flights in the Woods of _Mary-Land_, being an extraordinary fat Fowl, whose flesh is very pleasant and sweet. These Fowls that I have named are intayled from generation to generation to the Woods. The Swans, the Geese and Ducks (with other Water-Fowl) derogate in this point of setled residence; for they arrive in millionous multitudes in _Mary-Land_ about the middle of _September_, and take their winged farewell about the midst of _March_ (see note No. 19): But while they do remain, and beleagure the borders of the shoar with their winged Dragoons, several of them are summoned by a Writ of _Fieri facias_, to answer their presumptuous contempt upon a Spit.

As for Fish, which dwell in the watry tenements of the deep, and by a providential greatness of power, is kept for the relief of several Countries in the world (which would else sink under the rigid enemy of want), here in _Mary-Land_ is a large sufficiency, and plenty of almost all sorts of Fishes, which live and inhabit within her several Rivers and Creeks, far beyond the apprehending or crediting of those that never saw the same, which with very much ease is catched, to the great refreshment of the Inhabitants of the Province.

All sorts of Grain, as Wheat, Rye, Barley, Oates, Pease, besides several others that have their original and birth from the fertile womb of this Land (and no where else), they all grow, increase, and thrive here {43} in _Mary-Land_, without the chargable and laborious manuring of the Land with Dung; increasing in such a measure and plenty, by the natural richness of the Earth, with the common, beneficial and convenient showers of rain that usually wait upon the several Fields of Grain (by a natural instinct), so that Famine (the dreadful Ghost of penury and want) is never known with his pale visage to haunt the Dominions of _Mary-Land_. (See note No. 20).

_Could’st thou (O Earth) live thus obscure, and now_
_Within an Age, shew forth thy plentious brow_
_Of rich variety, gilded with fruitful Fame,_
_That (Trumpet-like) doth Heraldize thy Name,_
_And tells the World there is a Land now found,_
_That all Earth’s Globe can’t parallel its Ground?_
_Dwell, and be prosperous, and with thy plenty feed_
_The craving Carkesses of those Souls that need._

{44}

CHAP. II.

_Of the Government and Natural Disposition of the People._

Mary-Land, not from the remoteness of her situation, but from the regularity of her well ordered Government, may (without sin, I think) be called _Singular_: And though she is not supported with such large Revenues as some of her Neighbours are, yet such is her wisdom in a reserved silence, and not in pomp, to shew her well-conditioned Estate, in relieving at a distance the proud poverty of those that wont be seen they want, as well as those which by undeniable necessities are drove upon the Rocks of pinching wants: Yet such a loathsome creature is a common and folding-handed Beggar, that upon the penalty of almost a perpetual working in Imprisonment, they are not to appear, nor lurk near our vigilant and laborious dwellings. The Country hath received a general spleen and antipathy against the very name and nature of it; and though there were no Law provided (as there is) to suppress it, I am certainly confident, there is none within the Province that would lower themselves so much below the dignity of men to beg, as long as limbs and life keep house together; so much is a vigilant industrious care esteem’d. {45}

He that desires to see the real Platform of a quiet and sober Government extant, Superiority with a meek and yet commanding power sitting at the Helme, steering the actions of State quietly, through the multitude and diversity of Opinionous waves that diversly meet, let him look on _Mary-Land_ with eyes admiring, and he’ll then judge her, _The Miracle of this Age_.

Here the _Roman Catholick_, and the _Protestant Episcopal_ (whom the world would perswade have proclaimed open Wars irrevocably against each other), contrarywise concur in an unanimous parallel of friendship, and inseparable love intayled into one another: All Inquisitions, Martyrdom, and Banishments are not so much as named, but unexpressably abhorr’d by each other.

The several Opinions and Sects that lodge within this Government, meet not together in mutinous contempts to disquiet the power that bears Rule, but with a reverend quietness obeys the legal commands of Authority. (See note No. 21). Here’s never seen Five Monarchies in a Zealous Rebellion, opposing the Rights and Liberties of a true setled Government, or Monarchical Authority: Nor did I ever see (here in _Mary-Land_) any of those dancing Adamitical Sisters, that plead a primitive Innocency for their base obscenity, and naked deportment; but I conceive if some of them were there at some certain time of the year, between the Months of _January_ and _February_, {46} when the winds blow from the North-West quarter of the world, that it would both cool, and (I believe) convert the hottest of these Zealots from their burning and fiercest concupiscence. (See note No. 22).

The Government of this Province doth continually, by all lawful means, strive to purge her Dominions from such base corroding humors, that would predominate upon the least smile of Liberty, did not the Laws check and bridle in those unwarranted and tumultuous Opinions. And truly, where a kingdom, State or Government, keeps or cuts down the weeds of destructive Opinions, there must certainly be a blessed harmony of quietness. And I really believe this Land or Government of _Mary-Land_ may boast, that she enjoys as much quietness from the disturbance of Rebellious Opinions, as most States or Kingdoms do in the world: For here every man lives quietly, and follows his labour and imployment desiredly; and by the protection of the Laws, they are supported from those molestious troubles that ever attend upon the Commons of other States and Kingdoms, as well as from the Aquafortial operation of great and eating Taxes. Here’s nothing to be levyed out of the Granaries of Corn; but contrarywise, by a Law every Domestick Governor of a Family is enjoyned to make or cause to be made so much Corn by a just limitation, as shall be sufficient for him and his Family (see note No. 23): So that by this wise and _Janus_-like providence, the thin-jawed Skeliton with his starv’d Carkess is never {47} seen walking the Woods of _Mary-Land_ to affrighten Children.

Once every year within this Province is an Assembly called, and out of every respective County (by the consent of the people) there is chosen a number of men, and to them is deliver’d up the Grievances of the Country; and they maturely debate the matters, and according to their Consciences make Laws for the general good of the people; and where any former Law that was made, seems and is prejudicial to the good or quietness of the Land, it is repeal’d. These men that determine on these matters for the Republique, are called Burgesses, and they commonly sit in Junto about six weeks, being for the most part good ordinary Householders of the several Counties, which do more by a plain and honest Conscience, than by artificial Syllogisms drest up in gilded Orations. (See note No. 24).

Here Suits and Tryals in Law seldome hold dispute two Terms or Courts, but according as the Equity of the Cause appears is brought to a period. (See note No. 25). The _Temples_ and _Grays-Inne_ are clear out of fashion here: Marriot (see note No. 26) would sooner get a paunch-devouring meal for nothing, than for his invading Counsil. Here if the Lawyer had nothing else to maintain him but his bawling, he might button up his Chops, and burn his Buckrom Bag, or else hang it upon a pin untill its Antiquity had eaten it up with durt and dust: Then with a {48} Spade, like his Grandsire _Adam_, turn up the face of the Creation, purchasing his bread by the sweat of his brows, that before was got by the motionated Water-works of his jaws. So contrary to the Genius of the people, if not to the quiet Government of the Province, that the turbulent Spirit of continued and vexatious Law, with all its querks and evasions, is openly and most eagerly opposed, that might make matters either dubious, tedious, or troublesom. All other matters that would be ranging in contrary and improper Spheres, (in short) are here by the Power moderated, lower’d and subdued. All villanous Outrages that are committed in other States, are not so much as known here: A man may walk in the open Woods as secure from being externally dissected, as in his own house or dwelling. So hateful is a Robber, that if but once imagin’d to be so, he’s kept at a distance, and shun’d as the Pestilential noysomness. (See note No. 27).

It is generally and very remarkably observed, That those whose Lives and Conversations have had no other gloss nor glory stampt on them in their own Country, but the stigmatization of baseness, were here (by the common civilities and deportments of the Inhabitants of this Province) brought to detest and loath their former actions. Here the Constable hath no need of a train of Holberteers (see note No. 28), that carry more Armour about them, than heart to guard him: Nor is he ever troubled to leave his {49} Feathered Nest to some friendly successor, while he is placing of his Lanthern-horn Guard at the end of some suspicious Street, to catch some Night-walker, or Batchelor of Leachery, that has taken his Degree three story high in a Bawdy-house. Here’s no _Newgates_ for pilfering Felons, nor _Ludgates_ for Debtors, nor any _Bridewels_ (see note No. 29) to lash the soul of Concupiscence into a chast Repentance. For as there is none of these Prisons in _Mary-Land_, so the merits of the Country deserves none, but if any be foully vitious, he is so reserv’d in it, that he seldom or never becomes popular. Common Alehouses (whose dwellings are the only Receptacles of debauchery and baseness, and those Schools that trains up Youth, as well as Age, to ruine), in this Province there are none; neither hath Youth his swing or range in such a profuse and unbridled liberty as in other Countries; for from an antient Custom at the primitive seating of the place, the Son works as well as the Servant (an excellent cure for untam’d Youth), so that before they eat their bread, they are commonly taught how to earn it; which makes them by that time Age speaks them capable of receiving that which their Parents indulgency is ready to give them, and which partly is by their own laborious industry purchased, they manage it with such a serious, grave and watching care, as if they had been Masters of Families, trained up in that domestick and governing power from their Cradles. These Christian Natives of the Land, {50} especially those of the Masculine Sex, are generally conveniently confident, reservedly subtile, quick in apprehending, but slow in resolving; and where they spy profit sailing towards them with the wings of a prosperous gale, there they become much familiar. The Women differ something in this point, though not much: They are extreme bashful at the first view, but after a continuance of time hath brought them acquainted, there they become discreetly familiar, and are much more talkative then men. All Complemental Courtships, drest up in critical Rarities, are meer strangers to them, plain wit comes nearest their Genius; so that he that intends to Court a _Mary-Land_ Girle, must have something more than the Tautologies of a long-winded speech to carry on his design, or else he may (for ought I know) fall under the contempt of her frown, and his own windy Oration. (See note No. 30).

One great part of the Inhabitants of this Province are desiredly Zealous, great pretenders to Holiness; and where any thing appears that carries on the Frontispiece of its Effigies the stamp of Religion, though fundamentally never so imperfect, they are suddenly taken with it, and out of an eager desire to any thing that’s new, not weighing the sure matter in the Ballance of Reason, are very apt to be catcht. (See note No. 31). _Quakerism_ is the only Opinion that bears the Bell away (see note No. 32): The _Anabaptists_ (see note No. 33) have little to say here, {51} as well as in other places, since the Ghost of _John_ of _Leyden_ haunts their Conventicles. The _Adamite_, _Ranter_, and _Fifty-Monarchy men_, _Mary-Land_ cannot, nay will not digest within her liberal stomach such corroding morsels: So that this Province is an utter Enemy to blasphemous and zealous Imprecations, drain’d from the Lymbeck of hellish and damnable Spirits, as well as profuse prophaness, that issues from the prodigality of none but cract-brain Sots.

_’Tis said the Gods lower down that Chain above,_
_That tyes both Prince and Subject up in Love;_
_And if this Fiction of the Gods be true,_
_Few_, Mary-Land, _in this can boast but you:_
_Live ever blest, and let those Clouds that do_
_Eclipse most States, be always Lights to you;_
_And dwelling so, you may for ever be_
_The only Emblem of Tranquility._

{52}

CHAP. III.

_The necessariness of Servitude proved, with the common usage of Servants in_ Mary-Land, _together with their Priviledges_.