force to make head against Cornwallis. He passed through Maryland on his way, and was hospitably received by the merchants of Baltimore.

14. Being invited to a ball, he was there observed to be grave and sad. On being questioned by the ladies, as to the cause of his gloom, he replied he could not enjoy the gayety of the scene, whilst his poor soldiers were without shirts, and destitute of the necessities of a campaign. will supply them," exclaimed these patriotic women.

"We

15. The pleasures of the ball-room were exchanged for the labors of the needle, and on the next day they assembled in great numbers to make up clothing for the soldiers. The husbands and fathers furnished the materials. The distresses of

his corps were relieved. The history of this city during the last few years has proved that the women of the present day, whose kind hearts and fair hands have contributed to alleviate the wants of the suffering, are worthy descendants of those noble women of the revolution.

16. Great efforts were made to organize a force to repel an invasion, which the open condition of the bay might invite. The glory of the southern battles had re-awakened the spirit of the people of Maryland, and the measures proposed were promptly carried out. Provision was made for

Questions.-14. What anecdote is related of La Fayette? 15. What was done the next day? 16. What is said of the defence of the bay?

WASHINGTON IN BALTIMORE.

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the defence of the bay, and several severe actions took place with the straggling cruisers of the enemy. A regiment was ordered to join La Fayette in Virginia.

17. Washington, having formed the design of destroying Cornwallis, was now anxious to concentrate as strong a force as possible in that quarter, while the French fleet seized the mouth of the bay to cut off the retreat of the enemy.

18. On the 8th of September, Washington passed through Baltimore, where he was received with every mark of respect. An address was presented to him on behalf of the people, and the city was illuminated.

men.

19. On the 19th of October, 1781, Cornwallis surrendered with his whole force of seven thousand In this hard contested siege, a portion of the Maryland troops was engaged, maintaining the honor of the State and the fame of the old Maryland line.

20. In a letter to Governor Lee, of Maryland, Washington says, "my present engagements will not allow me to add more than my congratulations on this happy event, and to express the high sense I have of the powerful aid which I have derived from the State of Maryland."

Questions.-17. What design had Washington formed? What was done in order to carry out this plan? 18. When did Washington pass through Baltimore? 19. When did Cornwallis surrender? 20. What does Washington, in his letter to Gov. Lee, say?

21. On Washington's passing through Annapolis, to join the army in the north, that venerable city was crowded to overflowing with happy spectators, and presented one constant scene of enthusiastic rejoicing.

22. Maryland had the honor of first "saluting him as the PATRIOT, the HERO, and the SAVIOUR OF HIS COUNTRY." She had been the first to propose him for that station in which he gained liberty for his country, and the admiration of all posterity for himself. She was the first to announce to him the gratitude of that country, and to confer upon him those titles which were to render his name universal and immortal.

Questions.-21. What is said of Washington's passage through Annapolis? 22. How did Maryland salute him?

NEW PAPER ISSUES.

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CHAPTER XV.

THE CLOSE OF THE REVOLUTION-New Paper Issues— Tory Conspiracy-Plot Exposed-Execution of Leaders -Success or Failure-Commissioners from EnglandSpirited Resolution of Maryland Legislature-Close of the War.

1. The Legislature had made every effort to prepare for the campaign of 1781. Knowing the impossibility of meeting the necessary expenses by means of the usual paper money, they determined to have recourse to the patriotism of the wealthier citizens.

2. There was a large amount of confiscated land unsold, that had belonged to British subjects. The Legislature determined to issue two hundred thousand pounds in notes, secured by these confiscated lands, which were pledged to the amount of four hundred thousand pounds.

3. The wealthy and patriotic planters and merchants agreed to take at their par, or nominal value, such amounts as they subscribed for. As the security was sufficient, nearly the whole amount was subscribed. For a time the scheme was successful, but such was the want of confidence in paper money of any kind, that in three months, even these

Questions.-1. What is said of the legislature? 2. How did the legislature proceed to raise money? 3. Did the plan succeed? Did the paper money retain its value?

bills had depreciated to less than half their nominal value.

4. An extensive alarm was created by the discovery of a conspiracy to excite an insurrection of the disaffected within the State.

5. At the opening of the campaign of 1781, a design was formed of invading the western frontier from Canada. A body of British troops was to strike at Fort Pitt; and Col. Conolly, already once baffled in his designs in Maryland, was to assemble a tory force to co-operate with him.

6. Large numbers had been enrolled in Frederick county, when the conspiracy was discovered at Frederick. It is said that a British officer in disguise was to meet a messenger of the conspirators at a designated place, and put into his hands papers containing every information concerning its progress.

7. The British officer was deterred from attending at the appointed place, and the papers fell into the hands of an American officer, who by a singular coincidence was at that moment standing where the tory expected to meet his correspondent.

8. The plot and the names of the leaders were at once exposed, and efficient measures were instantly taken. The leaders were arrested and convicted. Seven were brought to trial before a

Questions.-4. What alarm was excited? 5. What design was formed? 6. & 7. How was the conspiracy discovered? 8. What was done with the leaders of the plot?