Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1861-12-26
Stlecte0 Misrellanu.
EARLY HISTORY OF MARYLAND.

GAhA1 dlO1Uh1 OE MAR hYLANU u.
It was the peculiar fortune of the United
States that they were severally colenized by
men, in origin, religious faith, and purposes
as various as the climes which are included
within their limits. Before Virginia could
complete its settlements, and confirm its
claim to Jurisdiction over the country north
of the Potomac, a new government was
erected on Foundation as extraordinary as
its results were benevolent. Sir George
Calvert Oord Baltimore) had early become
interested in colonial establishments in
America. His capacity for business, his
industry, and his fidelity are acknowledged
by all historians. In an age when religious
controversies still continued to be active,
and when increasing divisions ameng Pro-
testants were spreading general alarm, his
mind sought relief from controversy, in the
bosom Of the Roman Catholic Church He
had, in early life, shared in the general en-
thusiasm of England in favor of American
plantations. and he obtained from King
James charter for domains north of the
Potomac. This country received the name
of Maryland. Christianity was, by the
charter, made the law Of the land, but nc
preference was given to any sect. Calvert
deserves to be ranked among the most wise
and benevolent lawgivers Of all ages. HI
was the first, in the history of the Christian
world, to seek for religious security and
peace, by the practice of justice, and not by
the exercise of power; to plan the establish
ment of popular institutions with the enjoy
ment of liberty Of conscience; to advance
the career of civilization by recognizing the
rightful equality of all Christian sects. The
asylum of Papists was the spot where, in {
remote corner of the world, on the banks O.
rivers which, as yet, had hardly been ex
plorcd, the mild forbearance of proprietary
adopted religious freedom as the basis of the
State.
Nor was it long before gentlemen of birth
and quality resolved to adventure their: lives
and good part of their fortunes, in the en-.
terprise Of planting colony under so favor
able charter. On Friday, the 22d of No
vember, 1882, Leonard Calvert, and abou
two hundred people, most of them Roman
Catholic gentlemen and their servants, il
the Ark and Dove, ship of large burden
and pinnace set sail for the northern bank
of the Potomac. Stopping on the way al
Barbados and St. Christopher, in the fol
lowing February they arrived at Point Com
fort, in Virginia. Leaving Point Comfort
Calvert sailed into the Potomac, and with
the pinnace assembled the stream. A cross
was implanted on an island, and the coun.
try claimed for Christ and for England. HI
entered the river now called St. Mary's
and anchored at an Indian town, one-hal
of which the Indians readily and peaceably
consented he might occupy The Catholics
took quiet possession of the little place, ano
religious liberty obtained home, its only
home in the wide world, at the humble vii
lagc, which bore the name of St. Mary's
Every other country in the world had per.
scouting laws; Il will not" such was the
oath OF the governor of Maryland, Il vii
not 10y myself or any other. directly or in
directly modest any person professinr tc