COMMISSIONERS.

183

commission presided over by Judge Hanson, found guilty and sentenced to death.

9. Three of their number were executed in the Court-house yard of Frederick.

They persisted, to the last, that they were only guilty of doing their duty as lawful subjects of the King of England, and asserted that their judges were more truly deserving the name of rebels and traitors.

10. Had the result of the revolution been different, and acquiesced in, a different name would have been given to their fate—which they met with firmness; for whilst one side stigmatized them as traitors, the other mourned over them, and honored them as true and loyal martyrs. Success makes a revolution glorious, the want of it leaves the reproach of disgrace upon the unfortunate. Without success the patriots of the Maryland line would have been called traitors and rebels to this day, and the name of tory, now a reproach, would be proudly assumed as a token of loyalty.

11. As soon as the arrival of commissioners from Great Britain, with power to make either peace or war with the revolted colonies, was announced, the Maryland Legislature unanimously resolved, that "though peace with Great Britain and all the world, was an object truly desirable, war with all its calamities was preferable to national

Questions.-9. How many were executed? What did they insist upon to the last? 10. What is said in this section? 11. What did the Maryland legislature resolve?

dishonor. That this State could never consent to treat with Great Britain, except upon the footing of an equal, and would never enter into any treaty with that power, which would sully its own honor or violate its obligations to France, its great and good ally."

12. The bay-shores were still infested by armed galleys and barges, manned by tories and refugees, who plundered and sometimes murdered the inhabitants. The Legislature determined to re-establish the marine, and by its rigorous measures the commerce of the bay was relieved, and the inhabitants of its shores were protected.

13. The war was now at an end. Throughout the whole contest, Maryland had been distinguished for its zeal in support of the common cause. Besides those enlisted in the independent corps, the State companies, and the marine and naval forces, she had furnished during the war, to the Continental army, fifteen thousand two hundred and twenty-nine men, and five thousand four hundred and seven militia.

As an illustration of the hardships of the times, and the depreciation of the paper money a few specimens are given, from the original papers, still in existence, of the means of raising the supplies for the army, and also bills shewing the prices of the most ordinary articles of daily use, viz:

Questions.-12. What is said of the bay shores? 13. What of the war? What of Maryland, during the war?

No. 11.

BILLS, &C.

185

Flour. Wheat. Rye. Corn.

nine hundred pounds.

from am 1 Chamberlain Forty five bushells of wheat

TALBOT COUNTY, to wit:

I hereby certify, that I have taken into my possession, in virtue of an act of assembly, entitled An act for the immediate supply of flour and other provisions for the army, the articles expressed in the margin, and the bearer hereof is entitled to receive from the State of Maryland, the current market price on this day, with six per cent. interest thereon.

Witness my hand this first day of March 1780.

WM. MAYNADIER, Com.

The back of this paper gives the appraisement of the wheat at seven shillings and sixpence in Spanish Milled

Dollars, signed by

WM. SHERWOOD,

HARVEY GOLDSBOROUGH,

SAM'L CHAMBERLAIN.

The State of Maryland

1780

Dr To ED. EDGERLY lt 2nd Md reg't

To 2 gals Rum, being stores due for the month of October "4 lbs Sugar for ditto

To 21 lbs Brown Sugar, being stores not drawn for the months Augt. Sept and Oct. at $8 per lb.

To 11 lb Tea

Ditto

Do at $100 "

£72.

56. 5

11. 5

6.15

£146. 5

Auditor's office, Nov. 2, 1780, The above ac'ct proved and passed for £146. 5s, exclusive of 2 gals. Rum and 4} lbs of Coffee. T. GASSAWAY, D. Auditor.

In the currency of the times, seven shillings and six pence made one dollar, this bill of nails, therefore, would amount to $1120.

Contents Rec'd by Alex. W Davey

The Barrell of flour cost in Maryland currency $571.33.

WILLIAM RUSSELL

BILLS, &C.

187

To WM WILSON Dr Dec'r 1780

22nd To 2 pair small shoes at 85 dollars

$170

Rec'd the above in full

The money that was issued upon the credit of the confiscated lands was called red money, and the difference between the value of this and the old currency will be seen by the following account sales, viz: