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?

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?

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.

With

out 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 inhabiThe 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.

tants.

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 What of Maryland, during the war?

war?