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?

T

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 government 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?

with enthusiasm by the people. Every one vied in doing him honor.

6. At twelve o'clock, on the 23d of December, the gallery, and a great part of the floor of the hall of congress, were filled with ladies, with public functionaries of the State, and with general officers. The members of congress were seated and covered, as representatives of the sovereignty of the union. The gentlemen present were standing uncovered.

7. After a decorous silence of a few minutes, Washington rose, and in a dignified and impressive manner, delivered a short address. When he had concluded, he placed into the hands of the President that great commission, under which he had achieved the liberty and independence of America, "commending the interests of our dearest country to the protec

tion of Almighty God, and those who have the superintendence of them, to his holy keeping."

Questions.-6. Describe the scene in the State House? 7. What did Washington do? What did he say?

8. The editor of the Maryland Gazette, who was present, says: "Few tragedies ever drew so many tears from so many beautiful eyes, as the moving manner in which his Excellency took his final leave of congress."

9. Then calmly, as if he had not just resigned the highest place in his country's gift, and broken the sword of his own power for its lasting good, that great man retired from that hall which had thus been consecrated forever by this noble scene.

CHAPTER XVIIL

1783-1789-DEBT-Public Improvement · Susquehanna Canal-Potomac Company -Population of BaltimoreColleges Constitution of the United States Adopted.

1. The great difficulty the country now had to contend with was the debt incurred both by the general government and the several states. The treasury was empty and credit was gone. So great was the scarcity of money that taxes had to be paid, to a great extent, in merchandise, or, as it is called, in kind.

Questions.-8. What is said by an eye-witness? 9. Repeat this section? 1. What great difficulty had the country to contend with? How had taxes to be raised?