MAJOR RINGGOLD.

235

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. 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."

"So

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. His 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? 23. What is said of the Maryland company in the battles of the valley of Mexico?

JOHN EAGER HOWARD.

237

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.-19. What is said of Maryland in 1848?

RE-SURVEY OF MASON AND DIXON'S LINE-New Constitution-Completion of Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road --Its Communication with Europe -Southern Boundary Line of the State-Commission appointed to Retrace the Linc.

1. Very little of interest occurred after the Mexican war, until the civil war or 1861. In 1849, a revision was made of the boundary line between Maryland and Pennsylvania. The re-survey was made by commissioners appointed by the States of Maryland, Delaware and Pennsylvania. So accu

Question.-1. What is said of the re-survey of Mason and Dixon's

line?

NEW CONSTITUTION.

239

rate was the work of Mason and Dixon, that the change involved by the corrections amounted to less than two acres, which were added to the area of Maryland.

2. In 1851, a State Convention was appointed to form a new constitution. By this constitution lotteries were made illegal; imprisonment for debt was abolished; the judiciary was made elective; and, the fees of the officers were not allowed to exceed three thousand dollars; all in excess of this amount was to be paid into the State treasury. Other changes were made, but they were not of a permanent character.

3. On the first day of January, 1853, the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road was finished to the Ohio river. It had been promised two years before, that it should be completed on that day, and true to the time appointed, the first passenger train from Baltimore arrived at the bank of Wheeling Creek.

4. Thomas Swann, Esq., subsequently governor of the State, was president of the road at that time. It was to his boldness, eloquence and confidence, sustained by the skill, experience, energy and caution of the chief engineer, Benjamin H. Latrobe, Esq., that this work was carried through its difficulties to a successful completion-a work

Questions.-2. State some of the changes made by the Constitution of 1851? 3. When was the Baltimore and Ohio Rail Road completed? What had been promised two years before? 4. Who was president of the road at that time? To what was the completion of the road due?