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the office after the adoption of the Federal Constitution. None thought more highly of Williams as a soldier and a man, than Washington, who visited him at Springfield's farm, at Williamsport, at the time it was spoken of as a site for the Federal seat.

15. A sense of duty, and not inclination made him a soldier, therefore, when he was offered by General Washington, a post which would make him the eldest Brigadier General, and second in command, he declined it.

16. The effect of his rigorous confinement in New York, in the beginning of the war, began to tell upon his health, and, at the early age of 45, he died. His remains repose on the banks of the Potomac, "beneath a simple monument, crowning the summit of a hill, overlooking a wild expanse of waving woods and pleasant fields, and distant mountains, which he once delighted to look upon.'

17. John Eager Howard was born July 4th, 1752. His father was a wealthy gentleman, living upon his estate near-now a part of-Baltimore. At the breaking out of the war, he was appointed Captain, and commanded a company in the flying camp of General Mercer. His first battle was at White Plains.

Questions.-15. What rank did he deciine? 16. Cause of his death? 17. What is said of the birth, &c.. of General Howard?

18. In 1776, he was appointed Major in one of the regiments of the Maryland line, and joined the army of Washington in New Jersey, taking part in the battles of Germantown and Monmouth. In 1780, as Lieut. Colonel, he followed DeKalb in his campaign in the South. Under Gates, he fought at Camden, but won his great laurels under Greene, at Cowpens, where his quick sightedness, his promptness to avail himself of an advantage he alone saw, his readiness to assume the responsibility, at a critical moment, when a failure would have been punished by death, of modifying the orders of his superior officer, united to his brilliant valor and the gallant bayonet charge of the Maryland troops under his command, threw the enemy into confusion and turned the fortune of the day.

19. He fought with his wonted valor at Guilford Court House; was of infinite service to Greene in conducting his masterly retreat; and again fought at Hobkirk's hill. After this battle he succeeded Lieut. Col. Ford in the command of the second Maryland. At Eutaw Springs, he and his troops performed prodigies of valor, and were so cut up, that the command was reduced to thirty men. With this small force, returning to the charge, he was wounded.

Questions.-18. What, of his military career? 19. What further?

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20. At the close of the war, he retired to his estate. He was Governor of the State for three years, and United States Senator from 1796 to 1803. In 1798, he was selected by General Washington as one of his Brigadier Generals.

21. The war of 1812, found him living in retirement from the political world. But when the soil was invaded, he was among the foremost to repel the aggression. He was one of the committee of vigilance and safety. After the capture of Washington, when the British were threatening Baltimore, it was suggested by some of the more timid spirits in this body, that it would be well to capitulate, and save the city from destruction. Howard's indignant response was worthy the hero he had proved himself: "I have, I believe, as much property in the city as any of the committee, and I have four sons in the field, but I will sooner see my property 'in ashes and my sons in their graves, than consent to listen to any proposal of capitulation."

22. As a soldier and a statesman, General Greene said of him, that he deserved "a statue of gold no less than Roman and Grecian heroes.” He died in 1827.

23. Gist was born in Baltimore, in 1743. He was a merchant at the breaking out of the Revo

Questions.-20. To what offices was he raised? 21. What was his conduct in 1812? 22. What did Gen. Greene say of him? 23. Give an account of Col. Gist.

lution. He gave up his business, and was made Captain of the first corps raised in Maryland. He was rapidly promoted to the rank of Major, and Colonel. He was in the battle of Germantown, and bore the brunt of the fight at Camden. He was also present at the surrender of Cornwallis. Very little is known of him after the war. With the modesty that characterizes real merit, he retired from public life, and devoted himself to the duties of a private citizen. He resided at Charleston, S. C. In person, he was tall and symmetrical, and of great strength. "His expressive features, lighted by eyes of singular brightness, indicated the chivalry of character." He died 1792.

CHAPTER XVII.

SEAT OF GOVERNMENT-Annapolis Offered-Action of Congress-Washington determines to Resign-Reception at Annapolis-Resignation.

1. It was now an interesting question where the seat of national government should be placed.The central position of Maryland drew attention

Questions.-1. What was now a question?

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in this quarter, and the corporation of Annapolis addressed a memorial to the legislature in 1783, offering the city to the general government.

2. The legislature, therefore, offered to the gov. ernment the use and possession of the State House for their sessions. Other inducements were offered to make Annapolis the permanent seat of government. Congress determined to fix the capital in Maryland, yet deemed it more prudent to select some other place than that already occupied by the State legislature.

3. They resolved to select a point upon the Potomac, near Georgetown, but for the present, accepted the accommodations tendered them by the State.They, therefore, adjourned from Princeton to Annapolis. The legislature welcomed them with great cordiality, gave up one of their halls for their use. Governor Paca surrendered the government house to their president.

4. General Washington had already notified the several States of his intention to resign his commission, and retire to private life. He now hastened to Annapolis, where he arrived on the 17th of December, to consummate his purpose.

5. He was met a few miles from the city by Generals Gates and Smallwood, with the most distinguished citizens of Maryland. He was greeted

Questions.-1. What is said of the position of Maryland? 2. What did congress determine? 3. What did the legislature do? 4. What is said of Washington? 5. How was he received?