Evening star., 1934-10-28
GEORGE WASHlNCTONS FOREFATE4EF
Aided in the Founding Of Maryland

person this little Ann Pope-the future grea:-
grandmother of George Washington
Doubtless, almost from the first Nathaniel
Pope occupied peculiar position in the Colony
as agent IN some sense for Gov. Calvert
1t is all very indefinite, the records only hint
ing of Popes acts and missions for the Gov
ernor. But such relation plainly existed It
led the Governor In 1643 to do a very i'm
polite thing. To the surprise and displeasure
of the colonists he issued a writ exempting
Nathaniel Pope from military service. Pope
with nine Of his servants, was freed from "all
watches & wardings, g. from all attendance at
musters & trainings, & from being called out
from his house upon any march without his
consent"
Another indication OF Pope's standing was
in 1914 when an expedition was fitting out TO
deal with hostile Indians. It's leader was CON-
manded to take counsel with certain prcmi-
nent men, among whom was Nathaniel Pope.
But Indian troubles were not all. By this
year Gov. Calverts popularity was waning.
Insurgency was showing in the Colony. Was
1t for this reason that the Assembly was con-
vened. not in the fort. nor yet at st. Marys.
but "at Mr.. Pope's house?
Insurgency grew. William Claiborne, still
fighting for Kent Island turned many colonists
against Calvert. But the dramatic element
was supplied by another man. Richard InGle
was probably pretty much of a pirate. But
he claimed that he and his armed ship were
honestly sailing under letters of marque when
he appeared in st. Marys River one Autumn
day of 1914, and took part against Calvert. The
attack was successful. st. Marys City was
taken and Gov. Calvert fed TO Virginia.
For two years Maryland was under irregular,
largely brigand rule. Nathaniel Pope was now
active in behalf of the exiled Governor. Calvert
had taken refuge in the little town Of Kecough-
tan (now Hampton), Va. He was seeking TO
raise forces in Maryland and Virginia for the
recovery of his lost Colony. Time after time
Pope travelled back and forth between st.
Marys and Kecoughtan. At last, in 1916, the
moment arrived. At the head of a strong
force, Calvert surprised and seized st. Marys
City. He found the Assembly. with the Acting
Governor in full session, and captured :hem
all. He soon regained the entire Province.
One of the first acts of the reinstated Gov.
Calvert was to buy Nathaniel Pope's new house.
Apparently rather sudden affair. And it was
provided that the Governor was to allow MIR,
Pope place "at the Ende of the house to putt
his things in till Spring of the yeare that he
can Remove them"
That sale befuddled history. The Governor
probably did not more than get moved into
the house in the short time he had yet to live
And still, so potent is great name that the
house has come down in the annals as the
determinable passes for that of the historic
home of the first Governor.
Now, an unfortunate incident in the career
of Nathaniel Pope. Even after Calverts VIC
torious return, Kent Island kept muttering in
subordnation. The Governor again turned to
this man, Employing him agent to pacity
the island. For after his return to st. Marys
a story grew that he had sought at Kent To
lead the islanders into a scheme of his own
involving disloyalty.
Gov. Calvert investigated the charge and
found it baseless. But, unfortunately, in this
1647, the Governor died-and the story cid
not Nathaniel was hailed to court and was
ordered Into the sheriffes hands until he
should putt in security to the valew of 10000
pounds of tobacco" Into the sheriffes hands
likely meant only that; for, even up to thi:
time, there was probably no Jail in st. Mary'
City. Ultimately Pope was acquitted.
Now the days of Washingtons great-great-
grandfather, as q Marylander, were about over
He swas planning to move with his family te
Virginia. That removal was to be historically
significant. In the American ancestry oi
George Washington every forefather except
Pope was q virginian. About 1850 he too
crossed the river into the Old Dominion.
Nathaniel Pope fiourished in Virginia as in
Maryland. became o large land holder there
and was commissioned lieutenant colonel
After q while that daughter Ann met and mar
ried Col John washington. Col Pope lived
long enough to behold their little son Lawrence
the future grandfather Of George Washington
Then, In 1860, he died.
D.TT N