Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1862-01-10
GeIc.tc0 1flistelIonp.
EARLY History OF MARYLAND.

1t was the peculiar fortune OF the U.
States that they were severally cclonized
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, new
government was erected on foundation
as extraordinary as its results were be-
nevolent Sir George Calvert Nord
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 among
Protestants were spreading. general
alarm, his mind sought relief from con-
troyersy, in the bosom of the Roman
Catholic Church. He had, in early life,
shared in thegeneral enthusiasm Of Eng
land in favor of American plantations.
and he obtained from King james a
charter for domains north of the Poto-
mac. This country received the name
of MARYLAND. Christianity was, by the
charter, made the law Of the land, but
no preference was given to any sect
Calvert deserves to be ranked among the
most wise and benevolent lawgivers of
all ages. He was the first. in the history
Of the Christian world, to seek for reli-
gious security and peace. by the practice
of justice. and not by the exercise Of
power to plan the establishment of pop
ular institutions with the enjoyment of
liberty of conscience; to advance the ca
recr Of civilization by recognising the
rightful equality Of all Christian sects
The asylum of Papists was the spot
where, IN a remote corner of the world,
on the banks Of the rivers which, as yet,
had hardly been explored, the mild for
bearance of proprietary adopted reli-
gious 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 for
tunes, in the enterprise of planting a
colony under so favorable charter.
On Friday, the 22d of November, 1852,
| Leonard Calvert, and about two hundred
people. most of them Roman Catholic
/ gentlemen and their servants, in the Ark
and Dove, ship of large burden, and a
pinnace set sail for The northern bank Of
the Potomac. Stopping on the way al
Barbados and St. Christopher, in the
following February they arrived at Point
Comfort, in Virginia. Leaving PoinI
Comfort, Calvert sailed into the potomac
and with the pinnace assembled the stream
A cross was implanted on an island, and
the country claimed for Christ and fol
England. He entered the river noH
called st. Mary's, and anchored at al
Indian town, one half Of which the In.
dams readily and peaceably consented he
might occupy. The Catholics took quie
possession Of the little place, and religious
liberty obtained home. its only homo
il the wide world, at the humble village
which bore the name Of St. Marys. Ev
cry other country in the world had per
scouting laws. IL will not" such wal
the oath Of the Governor Of Maryland
II will not, by myself or any other, di
rectly or indirectly, modest any persol
protesting to believe in Jesus Christ, 70
or in respect of religion Under tn
mild institutions Of Baltimore, the droar.