FINANCIAL CRISIS.

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Her

15. Of course, Maryland did not escape. liabilities were very great, as the State had subscribed very liberally to the public improvements. It was found that, on the first of December, 1840, there would be a deficit in the treasury of six hundred thousand dollars—an amount almost twice as great as the whole revenue of the State.

16. Instead of following the example of some of the other States, by repudiating her debts, it was resolved that a direct tax should be levied on the property of the people; as a means of revenue, it also adopted the stamp system on all pecuniary obligations. By the energetic measures recommended by Governor Pratt, she redeemed her credit, and her financial condition has ever since been highly prosperous.

17. In the Mexican war, which broke out in 1845, Maryland was represented by many brave and distinguished heroes, among whom was Maj. Samuel Ringgold. He was born in the year 1800, in Washington county, on the estate of his father, General Samuel Ringgold, known as Fountain Rock-now the seat of the College of St. James, and not far from the home of that other Maryland hero, Otho Holland Williams.

1. He was graduated at West Point. By nature he was a soldier. His ancestors had per

Questions.-15. What is said of Maryland? 16. How did she relieve herself of her difficulties? 17. What is said of the Mexican war? Of Major Ringgold? Where was he born? 18. Education?

formed no mean part in the war of the Revolution, and his maternal grandfather, General Cadwalader, had been the warm friend and confidant of General Washington.

19. At his entrance into the army, he was made aid to General Scott. After three years in this service, he was datailed as an engineer under Major Bache, of the Coast Survey.

20. At a later period he performed the duties of an ordnance officer. To this branch of the service, he brought not only great skill as an officer, but a superior inventive genius, initiating that improvement in the percussion lock of the cannon, that formed the basis on which all the modern improvements have been made.

21. At the time of the trouble between South Carolina and the general government, in 1831, he was ordered to Charleston. This was an un

pleasant and delicate position, Ringgold, by his kindness and urbanity, pursued such a course as to assist materially in soothing irritated feelings, and removing as it were, the torch which seemed ready to light the whole Union into a blaze.

22. These services were so appreciated by the general government, that he was elevated to the rank of Captain, by brevet. In 1836, he received

Questions.-19. First service? 20. What is said of him as ordnance officer? 21. His conduct at Charleston? 22. How was he rewarded?

MAJOR RINGGOLD.

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his full commission as Captain, and took part in the Seminole war then raging in Florida.

23. On his return from Florida, Major Ringgold was selected by the general government as one of its chief agents in organizing a corps of flying artillery, new to our service, but which had been found so formidable in Europe. An exhibition of

the feats of his company was made before the President and his Cabinet, at Washington. "So quick and sudden were the movements, so rapid and constant the discharge of the cannon, so soon in harness again, and ready for change of position or flight, that it seemed almost the work of magic art."

24. He met his death at Palo Alto. The post of honor was assigned to him. Major Ringgold, with the attention of the whole right wing rivetted on his battery, pointed the guns with his own hand, and with unerring precision, directing the shot not only to masses of the enemy, but to particular men. The most brilliant success attended every manœuvre.

25. For three hours he continued to do great execution until shot through the thighs by a cannon ball. While suffering from his wound, he gave directions to his officers, and especially to Randolph Ridgely, with all the coolness, of

Questions.-23. To what duty was he assigned? 24. Where was he killed? 25. What is said in this section?

one on parade. On the same day, he was carried to Point Isabelle, where he died on the following morning. The next day he was buried with military honors. IIis remains were subsequently brought to his native State, where he was reintered at Greemount Cemetery. On that day there was a general suspension of business, and a splendid military cavalcade collected from all parts of the State, accompanied his remains to their final resting place.

26. Colonel Wm. H. Watson distinguished himself at the battle of Monterey. He fell a victim to his ardor. Struck by a cannon ball, he sunk in the arms of Capt. Oden Bowie, one of his comrades, since made Governor of this State, and expired.

27. Lieut. Randolph Ridgeley, who distinguished himself at the battle of Resaca de la Palma, and who had passed unscathed through so many scenes of blood, was instantly killed by being thrown from his horse.

28. In the battles of the valley of Mexico, the Maryland company of Voltigeurs was distinguished in the storming of the Castle of Chapultepec, where they were thrown in the advance, Captain John Eager Howard, grandson of the hero of Cowpens,

Questions.-26. What is said of Col. Watson? 27. What is said of Lieut. Ridgeley? 28. What is said of the Maryland company in the battles of the valley of Mexico?

JOHN EAGER HOWARD.

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was the first officer to cross the parapet, and to leap down amidst the bayonets of the foe, slaying several of the enemy with his own hand. Capt. Archer and Lieut. Swan were also distinguished for their courage.

29. Thus stood Maryland in 1848. Its credit established; its property redoubled; its internal improvements hastening to completion; its metropolis growing with a rapidity almost beyond precedent; its commerce, agriculture and manufactures flourishing and improving, and its people proud of its past history, were welcoming home those gallant sons who had so sustained her reputation with the brave old Maryland Bayonet.

Question.-29. What is said of Maryland in 1848?