¦¦¦BtllWll[{|>IWW|
Yale University Library

IIP

39002005645255

LETTERS AND PAPEfiS

GOV. JOHN HENRY

GP MARYLAND

Member of Continental Congress 1 777- 1 755
Member of United States Senate 1750- 1 707
Governor of Maryland • * 1707-1705

Cb*!.^*

E&BmBBM

"I give thefe Books-. ,
for. the founding if a. College' bi, this Colony'

¦ oiaiB^isEr •

Gift of

\

19

A

This book was digitized by Microsoft Corporation in
cooperation with Yale University Library, 2008. You
may not reproduce this digitized copy ofthe book for
any purpose other than for scholarship, research,
educational, or, in limited quantity, personal use. You
may not distribute or provide access to this digitized copy
(or modified or partial versions of it) for commercial purposes.

J. winfield henry.

LETTERS AND PAPERS

OF

GOVERNOR JOHN HENRY
OF MARYLAND

Member of Continental Congress 1 777-1 788
Member of United States Senate 1 789-1 797
Governor of Maryland - - 1797-1798

With some account of his Life, Genealogy and Descendants, as shown
by extracts from Records and Papers in the Maryland His
torical Society, and original Letters and Memoranda
in the hands of the Compiler, one of his
great-grandsons,
J. WINFIELD HENRY

1904
GEORGE W. KING PRINTING CO.
BALTIMORE

THIS BOOK
IS DEDICATED TO
MY GRANDFATHER
JOHN CAMPBELL HENRY
THE ELDEST SON OF GOVERNOR JOHN HENRY,
A NOBLE AND GENEROUS MAN, WHOSE
MEMORY SHOULD BE HONORED
AND CHERISHED BY ALL
HIS DESCENDANTS

INDEX Pages
Letters of John Henry to Governor Johnson  1 to 20
Letter of John Henry to Marquiss de la Fayette.   21
Letters of John Henry to Wm. Vans Murray  22 to 28
Letter of John Henry to General Smith  29
Letters of John Henry to Levin H. Campbell  31 to 35
Letter of John Henry to His Overseer.  36
Letter of John Henry to Skinner Ennels  38
Letter from Thomas Jefferson to John Henry  41
Letters from Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, to John Henry 45 to 49
Letters from John Eager Howard to John Henry  50 to 54
Letter from Oliver Walcott to John Henry   55
Letter from Gen. Samuel Smith to John Henry  57
Letter from Gov. J. H. Stone to John Henry  58
Letter from Benjamin Rush to John Henry  59
Letter from Wm. Vans Murray to John Henry  60
Letter from Isaac Henry to John Henry  62
Letter from Matilda Henry to John Henry.  63
Qualifications for the Governors of Maryland  64
John Henry elected Governor  65
John Henry takes the oath as Governor    66
John Henry's Letter of acceptance   67
Address of Governor Henry to the Maryland Legislature. 68
Answer from the Legislature   76
Memoir of Governor Henry.  81 to 93
Some Account of His Descendants.    94 to 102
Record of Governor Henry's Marriage    102
Family Traditions  103
Letter of Joseph Dashield   104
Old Family Tombs at Weston  105
Letter of Mrs. Aurelia Winder Townsend  106
Letter of Dr. James Murray   109
Memoranda of Wills in Somerset County, Maryland  113
Will of Rev. John Henry   117
Will of Madam Mary Hampton   120
Will of Col. John Henry.  125
Will of John Campbell Henry  130

LIST OF ILLUSTRATIONS

J. Winfield Henry.
Henry Coat of Arms.
Dorothy Rider, nee Hutchins.
John Campbell Henry.
Mrs. John Campbell Henry, nee Steele.
Dr. J. Winfield Henry.
Col. Francis J. Henry.
Hon. Daniel M. Henry.
Rider Henry.
Governor Henry Lloyd.
Daniel M. Henry, Jr.
View of the Hambrooks House.
Dennis Kennard, an old family servant.

LETTERS.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

York Town, Jan. 27th, 1778.
Sir : The unsettled state I have been in since I got
here has put it out of my power to answer your letter
of the 19th Jan. before this time.
Congress is extremely sorry the salt could not be pro
cured; at the same time they highly approve of your
Excellency's conduct, and desired the President to re
turn to you and the Council the thanks of Congress for
your respect and attention to their resolve.
Congress has accepted the salt you offered, and I ex
pect the President has written you fully upon that head.
The Commissary is likewise to purchase such quantities
as he may think necessary, and I am in hopes with what
he will receive from you, there will be a sufficient quan
tity for the present demand.
I am sensible of the low state of our own Treasury,
and I believe I may assure you with truth that the Con
tinental Treasury here is in a much worse situation.
However, we have procured a warrant on Thomas Har
wood, Esq., Commissioner of the Loan Office for the State
of Maryland, for twenty thousand dollars, drawn in your
favor, for the purpose of recruiting the Army.

The situation of our Army is truly alarming, and un
less we can supply it with provisions by some means
more effectual than any now adopted, I am afraid they
must separate. A committee is now out for that pur
pose. The Army is to undergo a reformation. Mr. Car
roll was one of the members appointed on that business,
but the indisposition of Mrs. Carroll called him home.
The other gentlemen who were appointed are now at
camp. Congress has at length agreed upon the just and
equitable doctrine of retaliation, which you may see by
the enclosed papers.
We have no news. Make my respects to the Council,
and believe me to be sir, with great respect,
Your very humble servant,
John Henry.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

York Town, Feb. 14th, 1778.
Sir: Congress a day or two ago took up the appoint
ment of commercial agents, and concluded to refer the
same to the Commissioners in France. Mr. Ross and
your Brother were in nomination. If you have an op
portunity, it would be well to write to Mr. Johnson. I
do not at present know in what part of France he re
sides; possibly, upon inquiry, I may be informed. At
this time I do not know of an opportunity, but as soon
as there is one I shall write to him myself.
Besides our accounts lately from the West Indies, we
are informed by a letter from Richd. H. Lee to his
brother, that there is a large snow arrived at York Town
42 days from Bordeaux, loaded with salt and dry goods.
The captain and supercargo say the number of troops
sent to the West Indies is certainly very considerable.
Among them are a very powerful body of artillery and
two thousand dismounted cavalry. What the latter can
be for, puzzles me. These gentlemen say that altho the
utmost care is taken to quiet the minds and suspicions
of G. B. that a war will most certainly take place in the
Spring. They further say the Spanish Ambassador, the
Duke de Choiseul and Dr. Franklin have had frequent
and long conferences.
The state of our Army is critical. Four months' pay,
if not more, are due them, and no money in the Treasury
to satisfy their just and reasonable demands. The press

is at work, and attended with all vigilance and care, and
has been for sometime past, and nearly a million a week
is now made, and yet our demands are greater than we
can answer. They come in from all parts of the conti
nent. The avarice of our people and the extravagant
prices of all commodities, joined with the imperfect
management of our affairs, would expend the mines of
Chili and Peru.
For the want of pay, of clothes and provisions, our
Army is decreasing every hour, not by one or two at a
time, but from seven to twelve. By a letter from Col.
Smith he tells me some of the troops have been eight
days at different times without meat, and only a bare
allowance of flour. The State of Pennsylvania has passed
a law appointing certain commissioners in every county
of the State, with full power to purchase or to seize at
stated prices all provisions necessary for the Army.
These men are subject to the orders of Congress as to
the quantity of each article of provisions to be pur
chased or seized. Besides this the Board of War have
authority from Congress to purchase twenty thousand
barrels of flour and other provisions necessary for the
Spring. From these resources I expect fifty thousand
barrels of flour, and quantities of other provisions, but
to what amount is uncertain. Our Commissary General
does not at this time, as I am informed, know that he
has five thousand barrels of pork or beef. Upon such
foundations the existence of our Army depends. At
whose door this prospect of ruin lies, time will discover.
What think you of Dr. Franklin's assassination ? With
some gentlemen here, the tale has the appearance of
probability, with others it is esteemed a fact. I hope
both opinions are groundless. His death will stagnate

5
our system in France and probably shatter some of the
Doctor's flattering hopes of serving his country through
the sides of France.
Will the test go down ? Will the law for recruiting
our quota of troops succeed ? The committee at camp,
I understand, will recommend measures for filling the
Army, which I expect will not be very agreeable to our
people. North Carolina has agreed only to part of the Confed
eration. The other States, I believe, have done nothing
with it as yet.
Virginia, New York and Massachusetts Bay are unrep
resented. I am sir, your very humble servant, John Henry.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

York Town, March 6th, 1778.
Sir: Col. Samuel Smith arrived here yesterday and
acquainted me with the difficulty he met with in the
recruiting service for the want of the Continental
Bounty. Upon his solicitation and the prospect of ad
vancing the public service, I have procured from Con
gress ten thousand dollars to be transmitted to you, to
be distributed in such proportion among the recruiting
officers as you may judge most proper. Colonel Smith
has undertaken the carriage of this money, which I
hope you will receive in a few days. It is the earnest
request of Congress that the battalions from each State
should be filled up as early this Spring as possible.
Maryland, I hope, will not be backward. The draught
of the militia, recommended by Congress, I fear, will
meet with many obstacles in the Legislature. Should
that measure fail, I am at a loss to discover what expe
dient can be fallen upon. The expedition into Canada
is suspended. General Burgoyne and two of his officers,
upon his earnest request to Congress, is permitted to
embark for England. Enclosed you have a copy of the
resolve upon which the ten thousand dollars, mentioned
above, was granted, by which you will see part of the
money is to be applied towards paying the premium for
taking up deserters. I am, Sir, your very humble servant,
John Henry.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

York Town, March 10th, 1778.
Dear Sir: Upon the representation of Col. Samuel
Smith who was here last week, I obtained from Congress
ten thousand dollars for the Recruiting Service. I sent
it by him to you and I expect you have received it be
fore this time. If that sum will not do, I beg you will
be kind enough to acquaint me. I am informed the
Committee of Congress at camp have among other
States, applied to the State of Maryland for the pur
chase of a number of horses for the purpose of forming
a body of light cavalry. If you should approve of the
plan, or should you lay it before the Assembly, and it is
adopted by them, I trust some estimate of the expense
will be made that the money may be forwarded from
this place. Should the Recruiting Service require a
greater number of dollars I believe they may be had.
I believe you need not entertain any fears of the ex
pedition against Canada going forward. The advanced
season of the year, and the feeble preparations in that
department has effectually put an end to it. I most
cordially join with you in opinion, that it is the interest
as well as the true policy of this Country to collect their
force to a single point by strengthening the hands of
General Washington. But this I fear will not be the
case. It is the opinion of some, and they have weight
with a certain class of men, that the whole force of the
enemy will be turned towards the east the next cam
paign. A military gentleman in high office supports this

8
opinion. Should it prevail in Congress I think it will in
jure the Middle States in a high degree, as well as the
common cause at large. The Virginia Frigate is ordered
to make another attempt, if she fails, the measure you
propose, I expect, will be adopted.
Virginia will this afternoon offer to ratify the confed
eration. No other State is prepared. I shall take this
opportunity of stating the objections to it, from Mary
land, though I have little hopes of this matter being soon
determined. I fear it never will in our favor.
We had intelligence last night of one of our armed
vessels in the Delaware, near Cristeen having taken two
ships and a small sloop of war. We have not heard the
cargoes. I believe this news may be relied on.
Enclosed you have some of the debates of the House
of Lords and Commons. They will amuse you. Twenty
thousand additional troops for the service of 1778 is
voted without a division. With great regard, I am, Sir,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
John Henry.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

York Town, April 5th, 1778.
Dear Sir:— I acquainted you in my former letter
that the Delegates had obtained from Congress the loan
of one hundred thousand dollars. I expected when I
wrote you, that I would have been able to send you the
money in a day or two but the great demands on the
Treasury have prevented me. In the course of this week
you may expect the whole or at least some part of it.
Congress yesterday ratified the Treaties of Alliances
and Commerce between France and these States. You
will soon have a copy sent to the State. Mr. Chase writes
you fully upon this subject.
I am, Sir, with great respect, yours,
John Henry.

10

John Henry to Governor Johnson.
York Town, April 20th, 1778.
Dear Sir : I have procured the inclosed paper with
some difficulty. When you have read it, if the Assembly
should be sitting, I wish you would send it to the
Speaker. Different opinions prevail here with regard to
the authenticity of it. For my own part, I have no
doubt, from what I have lately seen in the English
papers, but these two bills, before this time, are enacted
into laws. I dread the impressions it will make upon
the minds of many of our people. If it should, and I
have no doubt of it, make its appearance in the form of
a law, it will prove more dangerous to our cause than
ten thousand of their best troops. It will, in a day or
two, be under the consideration of Congress.
The cartel for the general exchange of prisoners is at
an end. Upon our commissioners examining the powers
of the commissioners on the part of General Howe, they
discovered he meant the treaty to be of a personal na
ture, founded on the mutual confidence and honor of the
contracting generals, and had no intention of binding
the nation, or of extending the cartel beyond the limits
and duration of his own command. They declared
themselves ready to treat with us on this footing, with
their present powers, which they deemed adequate
to the purposes of their meeting. Upon this point the
treaty broke off. I lament the situation of our prison
ers, and must approve of the conduct of our commis
sioners. A cartel upon so narrow a foundation as the

personal honor of General Howe would be of little use
to us and of short duration, liable at any time to be set
aside by a subsequent commander or by the British King
without a breach of honor. This conduct will teach us
a lesson respecting General Burgoyne and his army. I
make no doubt you have heard of the insurrection in the
Delaware State.
By a letter from a Mr. Patterson, we are informed
that a considerable number of the disaffected have as
sembled at a place near the head of the Chester River.
They are exerting themselves to add to their number,
and those who will not join them they deprive of their
arms and ammunition. It is said here they have British
officers among them, and expect to be re-enforced from
Philadelphia. This matter is viewed here as very serious
by some. Mr. Carroll gives his compliments to you and
desires me to acquaint you that there is a considerable
quantity of provision at Charles Town, at the head of
our bay, which appears to be in a dangerous situation.
There is also, as I am informed by Mr. S. Stewart, quan-
ties of provisions at Princess Anne in Somerset, and
other places in that neighborhood, which it would be
fortunate for us if we could remove them without delay.
When I wrote to you some weeks ago I informed you
that I had procured ten thousand dollars for the recruit
ing service, which I sent down by Col. S. Smith. I have
never heard whether you have received it. If you
should write to any of the delegates by the next post, I
should be obliged to you to acquaint us with the receipt
of the money if it has reached your hands. I am sir,
with great respect, yours,
John Henry.

12

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

York Town, April 24th, 1778.
Sir: I am desired by the delegates to acquaint your
Excellency that we have this day procured from Con
gress thirty thousand dollars for the recruiting service.
Colonel Williams applied to us for money for that pur
pose, and we have thought it proper to allow him out of
that sum eight thousand dollars; the remaining twenty-
two thousand will go from this place by Mr. Hamilton,
an express put up by Col. S. Smith. I have desired him,
as soon as the express reaches him, to send him forward
to you.
As to arms and blankets I can promise you nothing
certain at this time. A few have lately arrived in the
Eastern States. The Board of War have promised me
our troops shall have their proportion of them. Every
step is taken to procure arms, and I hope, as the troops
come forward, the Board of War will be able to supply
them. The arms of the State I would keep; not one of
them should, if I could prevent it, come out of the State
but upon the most urgent necessity. I have just left
the Board of War, and they are desirous and willing
that you should have the goods now at Cambridge made
up in Baltimore. And if you will be kind enough to
write particularly what you want, they will immediately
authorize you to take such articles and to distribute
them among Maryland troops.

13
You will receive by an express, which left this place
today, Lord North's speech, the two bills which occa
sioned it and the strictures of Congress upon them.
They were drawn up in haste, but I trust they will be
sufficient to show the wickedness of the Ministry.
I am, sir, with great respect, yours,
John Henry.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

York Town, May llth, 1778.
Dear Sir: — I sent you yesterday by Mr. David Poe
$36,000, part of the warrant of one hundred thousand
Dollars, lately granted by Congress to the State of
Maryland. This gentleman promised to deliver the
$36,000 to Mr. Lux, at Baltimore, whom I have requested
to forward it immediately to you.
I received today a letter from Mr. Brown of Annapolis,
he has expressed a strong desire to return home to his na
tive country. His intentions are to apply to you and the
Council for leave to go to Philadelphia and from thence
to England. I cannot discover any reasonable objection
against granting his request. Mr. Carroll will also write
to you upon this subject ; you will easily perceive this
gentleman is very desirous of appearing before you,
with the assistance of some of his acquaintances to
strengthen his application. I assure you if I could ap
prehend the least danger from granting him leave to
depart in the way he desires, I would be one of the last
who would give him permission, but I am persuaded
he cannot if he had an inclination, communicate any
thing to the enemy which they do not know already.
When you consider the particular situation of this
gentleman, I am inclined to think you will be of opinion
that he has some claim to your attention and indulgence.
If you should join with me in opinion in this, and there

15
are no particular State reasons for detaining this gen
tleman, I hope he will meet with your assent.
We have nothing new since Mr. Chase left us, except
a report that the enemy are preparing to leave
Philadelphia. I am, Sir, with great respect and esteem, yours,
John Henry.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

Philadelphia, Oct. 20, 1778.
Dear Sir: I had the honor of writing to you yester
day in the morning. Since that time the following in
telligence received from Lord Sterling has changed the
opinions of most gentlemen with respect to the imme
diate operations of the enemy.
"A certain Captain Clure, who was taken some time
since by the enemy in a merchant ship, came out of New
York yesterday and gave me more particular intelligence
than I have been able to procure. He says that two
hundred and fifty sail of transport are prepared for the
reception of troops. The embarcation is in part begun.
All the heavy iron cannon from the batteries are ship
ped. Sixteen sail of the line to go on what they call
the grand expedition.
" I have this moment received the report of the officer
I have fixed at Amboy to watch the motions of the
enemy. He says, 'October the 16th twelve ships fell
down to Sandy Hook. October the 17th, early in the
morning, about one hundred sail of ships of war and
transports fell down to the Hook.' Their grand move
ment is on the point of taking place, and I hope to be
able tomorrow to know their destination."
There is in the Secretary's office twenty copies of the
first and second volumes of the proceedings of Congress.
If it is agreeable to the Assembly I will have them
packed up and sent by way of Cristeen to Annapolis.

17
The Flag that was coming to this city with the mani
festo and proclamation from the Commissioners is cast
away on the Jersey shore. Two officers and ten men
were saved. They had three pickets which were lost.
If the General Assembly is now sitting you will be
pleased to communicate this intelligence to them. I
wrote to the Speaker yesterday and gave him the news
of the day, which was not as perfect as the present,
which, I believe, may be depended on.
I am at present alone, and from the important busi
ness before Congress, respecting our finances and for
eign affairs, earnestly desire a representation as soon as
any of my colleagues can possibly attend.
I am, sir, with great respect to you and the Council,
Your most obedient and very humble servant,
John Henry.
The letter from Sterling was dated on Saturday last.

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

In Congress, October 21, 1778.
Dear Sir : I have this moment received from the
President of Congress, the inclosed copy of a confession
of a pilot on board the Flag Ship that was cast away on
the Jersey Shore.
I gave you yesterday the best intelligence we have re
specting the motions of the enemy. I believe we may
rest assured that Boston is the object of their destination.
I shall continue to give you the earliest account we
have. I am, Sir, with great respect,
Your most obedient and humble servant,
John Henry.
Confession of the pilot is on page 220, Vol. 21, Archi
ves of Maryland.

19

John Henry to Governor Johnson.

Philadelphia, Oct. 27th, 1778.
Dear Sir: A considerable detachment, consisting of
the new levies, left New York the beginning of last
week. It is believed they sailed directly for the West
Indies. By a letter received from Lord Sterling yesterday
morning it appears that the troops on Staten Island are
ready to embark and only wait for the return of part of
their regiments sent on the late expedition to Egg
Harbor. They are destroying their fortification which
puts it out of doubt that they do not mean to hold that
island this winter.
I should be obliged to you, Sir, to inform me whether
the State has any clothing for their officers. Their wants
are great and distressing, and unless they are supplied, it
will be out of their power to continue in the service.
Some of them, I am told are at this time so circum
stanced, that unless they have speedy relief it will be
impossible for them to do their duty. To purchase out
of their pay would leave them pennyless for eight
months in the year. A suit of clothes will cost them
seven or eight months' pay, and when obtained will not
last them above five months; in this way many of them
have spent their patrimonies, and unless they can now
find some resources in the public benevolence, they must
leave a service in which they can no longer exist. If
there are any measures which can be fallen upon, in

20
which I can be of service, I should be happy in affording
every assistance in my power. Would it not be a desir
able thing to know the real state of the officers by send
ing some person to camp for that purpose. The men I
expect will be provided for; fifteen thousand complete
suits I am told are now on the way to camp and material
sufficient in hand to clothe the whole army.
I am, Sir, with great respect to you and the Council,
Your obedient and humble servant,
John Henry.

21
John Henry to Marquiss de la Fayette.

Dorset County, Vienna, April 19th, 1781.
Dear Marquiss : This letter will be delivered to the
Marquiss by Dr. William Wheiland, a friend of mine.
He has gone through a course of medical studies, and
is now very desirous of making further improvements
in the line of his profession. He has applied himself
with much care and industry, and as far as I am capable
of judging, is extremely well qualified to render service
to the public. If the Marquiss can gratify his anxious
desire of making further advances in his profession, by
permitting him to attend the hospitals of his detach
ment of the army, he will not only oblige a young
gentleman of abilities and application who will be use
ful, but also lay me under a particular obligation.
The Marquiss' attention to this request will be
esteemed a favor by him who has the honor to be, with
the highest sentiments of respect and esteem,
His obedient, humble servant,
[Signed.] John Henry.
Hambrook, Dorset Co., Md., Sept. 10th, 1863. The
foregoing is a true copy of the interior of a letter in the
handwriting of John Henry, grandfather of Daniel M.
Henry, and now in the possession of the latter, who, at
the request of Francis Southwick, Esq., of Albany, New
York, to be furnished with an autograph of Governor
Henry is about to forward it to that gentleman.
The endorsement of the letter is thus:
"The Honbl. Major General Marquiss de la Fayette"
"by Doctor Wheiland."

22

Senator John Henry to Wm. Vans Murray.
July 14, 1793.
Dear Sir : An acknowledgment by all nations that
the individuals of every society have an inherent right
to migrate in pursuit of happiness would have a most
efficacious tendency to meliorate the condition of the
oppressed. Happiness is so ardently desired, and so constantly
pursued by man through the whole varied conditions of
his life, that no impediments, however dangerous or
difficult, would restrain him to the spot of his nativity,
while there remained another country which presented
to his view greater portions of good. Rulers would then
perceive that the only effectual remedy to correct this
erratic disposition would be to make men happiest at
home. Whether so much fraternity and civilization will ever
prevail in the monarchies of Europe to induce this ac
knowledgment, is too distant an event at present to ex
cite hope, however ardently our philanthropy might
wish to hasten its arrival, and in the present state of
things little good is to be expected from the clearest
and fullest refutation of the doctrine of indissoluble al
legiance. The disposition, which for the last century
has existed in some degree in most of the countries of
Europe, has excited the attention of government and
produced such prohibitory statutes that no reasoning,
however clear and conclusive, which has only in view
the happiness of man, will prevail.

23
If those, however, who wish to immigrate would once
pass the barriers of their own country, I believe they
would never after experience any personal inconveni
ence from the doctrine of allegiance. In trade and in
war they might sometimes meet with difficulties, but as
men and members of another society it is not probable
they would be disturbed. Those who part from their
country and retain no views of ever returning to it, sel
dom leave anything behind them in the power of gov
ernment ; and where the government has no hold of in
terest by which it can induce a return, I do not recol
lect an instance where it has made use of other means,
such as a demand of the delivery of the individual, ex
cept in cases where he is charged with high crimes or
misdemeanors ; and, indeed, the law of England, as I
understand it, does not provide any other mode to com
pel the return of an absentee but a privy seal, which pro
ceeds by messenger immediately from the king and
notifies the party to return upon his faith and alle
giance. If he disobeys, his property, in the mode pre
scribed by law, is sequestered and remains, with its
profits, in the hands of the king till his return. If then
the only consequence of a refusal to return is the figure
of property, this principle of indissoluble allegiance is of
no importance to him who has shaken hands with his
native country and left no property behind him.
There are many instances in the English law where a
privy seal has been served and the property seized, but
in no instance that I recollect of a demand of the person
of the individual.
The multitudes that have abandoned their country
and been permitted to remain in quietness abroad, coun
tenance the idea that no compulsory process is known to

24
the English law or constitution by which a return is to
be effected, except what I have alluded to above.
If one contemplates simply the strength and aggran
dizement of a nation as such, without regard to the
happiness and prosperity of the individuals of which it
is composed, the doctrine of allegiance will be found to
haye its age. But I discard it as a slavish principle, in
compatible with the liberty of man and the great object
of his life, which, if he cannot obtain at home, he should
enjoy his natural right of seeking abroad; and this lib
erty might be allowed to him without endangering the
safety of nations, as the numbers are always small who
incline to emigrate and abandon their country.
I return your tract upon allegiance and thank you for
the liberty of reading it. In the present unsettled and
alarmed condition of Europe, an attack upon one of the
most subtle principles of their governments might in
crease difficulties upon those whom we wish to save.
The feelings of both kings and nobles are too much alive
to listen to the still voice of reason and humanity. The
vicissitudes of a few years may produce a conjuncture
in which your thoughts may be advantageously exposed
to the public eye.
I hope to see you in a short time, as I am obliged to
be in Cambridge. I am, dear sir, yours,
John Henry.

25
Senator John Henry to Hon. Wm. Vans Murray.

Dear Sir: Your several favors, the last of them, of
the 19th inst., the two preceding ones of earlier date,
have come safe to hand.
Mr. Madison's resolutions and the report of the Secre
tary of State, upon which I presume they are founded,
I have never seen; the letter, if not too voluminous and
weighty for post conveyance, I should be obliged to you
to transmit.
You intimate pretty strongly that the propositions of
Virginia wear a hostile appearance towards Great
Britain ; that war should be directly and openly sought,
or measures proposed which lead but remotely to that
event by any of the Southern States, is in my mind the
height of imprudence ; as the States south of Pennsyl
vania are circumstanced, there are few causes that ought
ever to induce them to embark in so perilous an under
taking. Not only the condition and treatment of our
slaves have been meliorated by the benign influence of
the principles established by the late war, but their minds
have been enlightened and their morals improved.
They have now for several years been accustomed to
think and talk of liberty; and man will not long think
of his rights and of injuries for ages inflicted on his an
cestors without entertaining the disposition to reclaim
and redress them. That he will remain tranquil when
it is in his power to assist the former and to avenge the
latter, is not to be expected, without the influence of
foreign causes. The progressive state of things among
ourselves, may place the master in the condition of the
debased African.

26
In this struggle for a change of condition, we must be
influenced by sentiments which governed the conduct of
the late General Lee, who openly professed that the
strongest army could set the providence of God at de
fiance. In such a cause, such a belief would be neces
sary, for the Deity has no attribute which could induce
a hope that his providence would be favorably disposed
towards the white man.
If this revolution is among possible events, which in
time will flow from the principles which we hold and the
Government which we have adopted, with what facility
might it be hastened and accomplished by foreign bid.
A Roman General boasted that an army would rise at
the stamp of his foot. A British Standard displayed in
the heart of the Southern States, proclaiming liberty to
all men, of whatever color, with professions to maintain
the equal rights of all, against the usurpations of any,
would exceed in assembling an army, the celerity of the
Roman General; an army too, to any amount that might
be desired, composed of materials vastly superior to that
by which the fate of the Republican form of Govern
ment of Rome was forever lost. That memorable bat
tle was fought in the decline of Roman virtue. The
black man of our day and country is inured to every
species of labor and fatigue. He possesses size, strength
and patience, is submissive and obedient from habit, and
when animated with the enabling spirit of liberty, would
become indeed, a very formidable enemy. The recollec
tion of past injuries and the desire of revenge, so
strongly planted in the human breast, would expose his
enemy, the white master, to the most mortifying and
cruel outrages.
Against such an enemy whom should we oppose. The
dread of degradation and motives of self preservation,

27
would justify me in counting upon the full exertions of
the whites in the States alluded to; but what avail would
that be against a formidable foreign foe and a still more
terrible domestic one. Could we rely on the assistance
of our Eastern Brethren. In this cause I fear not.
They as individuals love liberty and justify it to all men.
They like not that disproportion of wealth which arises
from the labor of slaves. To what exertions they would
go, under the faith, influence and engagements to which
they would be bound by the General Government, I will
not undertake to determine.
Whenever I reflect on the numbers of these injured
people and the eagerness with which they would embrace
a foreign standard, I tremble for our Southern country.
Under this view of their situation, it is madness to seek
a war. It is bad enough when the safety of the country
and the faith of solemn engagements imposes it upon us.
That all the men with whom I have served did not
feel and act as the representatives of an independent
people is most certain. But the number of Mr. Clark's
agents must be numerous indeed, from the apprehensions
which you seem to entertain of foreign influence. Our
public men very wisely regulate their opinions with a
due regard to the sense of the people, and they are as yet
steadfastly fixed in the paths of peace, and I sincerely
hope will continue to walk therein, till the honor and
safety of their country shall render a deviation both
prudent and proper.
Although there are naval powers against whom it is
not in our ability to oppose an equal force yet, I think
well of the good you are creating. It will generate as
fast as our resources and they are more abundant than
is generally acknowledged. I take it for granted that

28
the strength of the force against which your ships are
to act has been accurately ascertained, and that they are
adequate to the service to which they are destined. Al
though I hear little and see less of what is passing, I
have nevertheless understood that the force of money is
to be tried during the interval of maritime preparations.
I wish its influence may prevail.
Continue to send me the papers and believe me to be
Very affectionately yours, John Henry.

29
Governor John Henry to General Smith.

Annapolis, July 25th, 1798.
Dear Sir: I wrote to you a few days ago. I am sat
isfied that you have done what you considered to be your
duty respecting the orders which have been issued at
various times by the Commander-in-Chief.
I am really anxious that the militia should be placed
on a respectable footing, and I assure you that nothing
in my power shall be wanting. In my last letter I in
formed you that I should soon see you in Baltimore. I
am now obliged to go first for a few days to the Eastern
Shore. On my return I will see you, and if my visits to
Baltimore can aid the cause of union and concord, I
shall hasten to pay them.
I really am so much of a Marylander that I find my
pride not a little interested in seeing our militia at least
equal to any in the Union; nay, better, in our capital
city of Baltimore, the commercial prodigy of the age.
I should rejoice to see the spirit of arms and discipline
as preeminent as its commerce; and if you will consent
to become the soul of such a system, we shall soon be as
splendid in arms as in trade. Let no disgusts, however
well-founded, induce you to withdraw from the civil or
military service of your country. I have a list of the
late military appointments of the new army. The order
in which they stand may not be according to their rank;
if it is, it surprises me. By a proper selection we might
have a corps of officers in point of talents, experience,
mental and personal accomplishments equal, I may say,
with truth, superior to any in the world.
I entreat you, by your orders and military spirit, to
effect the drafts as soon as may be, although I have no

30
apprehension that they will be wanted, yet there are
personal reasons, exclusive of the respect and obedience
due to the orders of the President of the United States,
which will occur to you, and which induces me to press
for the returns of your division.
Will the President call upon the States for their pro
portion or will they proceed by indiscriminate enlist
ments throughout the States to get the men for the new
army? Do you suppose it will be an easy matter to procure
by voluntary enlistments an army of fifty thousand
men ? As far as my knowledge is connected with the
state of population in the lower parts of the Eastern
Shore, it leads me to think that it will be very difficult
to get our proportion. We want that class of men,
which, in the old kingdoms of Europe, are inclined to
become common soldiers.
There is lately published a book called The Monk,
which I will thank you to procure for me. It is called
also a novel, but I presume it is a political one.
I am, dear sir, affectionately yours,
John Henry.

31

Senator John Henry to Levin H. Campbell.
Philadelphia, January 29th, 1776.
Dear Sir: The inclosed letter will fully explain the
state of your money matter in New York. I lament
that the business has so far frustrated your present views.
My health is so bad at present that I am unable to be
more particular.
I have just heard that my brother is at the point of
death, which has filled me with the deepest sorrow and
distress. I hope for the best, altho the interval of doubt
will be full of anguish; yet I have no expected relief,
except from the return of the post, as my state of
health and the distance puts it utterly out of my power
to see him before an amendment or the fatal stroke is
felt. His loss, and the precarious state of my own health,
melts me into tears whenever I think of his and my
own children. Continue to let me hear from you, and
be sedulously attentive to your books.
I am, with affection, yours,
John Henry.

32
Senator John Henry to Levin H. Campbell.
Philadelphia, Dec, 21, 1794.
Dear Sir: Your favor of the 12th instant I received
some days ago. I rejoice to hear that you have so for
tunately succeeded in getting into Mr. Ray's office.
The necessary and incidental expenses attending the
prosecution of your studies, being so considerable, will, I
hope, be an additional inducement to excite your industry
and attention.
You will always remember that it depends solely upon
yourself whether you make a figure in the world and in
your profession, or sink into obscurity and insignificance.
It is immaterial where or with whom you read, unless
your attention is sedulously bestowed upon the subject
before you.
Time now well employed will render the profession
easy and honorable to you, but if the present opportun
ity is lost or misapplied, it will be in vain to think of
recovering the past.
The first impression at the outset in life is of the first
importance, and without knowledge in your profession,
the prospect will be barren and hopeless, you will there
fore, I trust, for your own honor and interest, cherish
every moment of your time.
Your letter to Mr. Murdock I shall send this week by
a vessel bound to London. I shall write to Mr. Mur
dock myself and express to him what I think most for
your interest.
I have had a most severe attack of the gout in the
breast. I have not been out for more than three weeks.
Tomorrow I shall go to the South.

33
If you have lately heard from my house, inform me
how they all do. I have had no letters since I left home.
I shall make constant inquiries how you spend your
time, and I hope and believe they will afford me the
highest pleasure. Having the sincerest desire for your
prosperity, I feel an interest in all that relates to you.
I am, dear sir,
Yours,
John Henry.

34

Senator John Henry to Levin H. Campbell.

Philadelphia, Dec. 23, 1796.
My Dear Sir : I hope the time will not occur when
you will cease to feel the pleasure you now express in
your correspondence. The sensibility of your heart is a
pleasing and satisfactory return for the concern which
I have always and still do take in whatever relates to
your happiness and prosperity.
The reform of the testamentary code is a subject of
general concern. I fear, however, that the considera
tion of a single session will be found inadequate to this
end. One mind would be better than many; the former
might give a system which it would be wise to adopt;
there is no probability that the latter would. Whatever
you do, suffer it not to be done with too much haste.
These perpetual changes set everything afloat; publish
your system for general consideration, with also a spe
cial reference to judges and law officers for their opinion
and amendment in writing.
Humanity may require that some measures should be
adopted respecting our jails ; at least, it has been so
hinted to me. While men are liable to imprisonment,
the place of confinement should be both safe and not
unsuitable to health or life. Our jail is said to be liable
to both these charges. If, upon consideration, repairs
or a new one shall be thought necessary, let a tax be
gradually levied upon the people.

35
The purchase of Dawson's house does not appear to be
so necessary as to require haste; let it be thought of by
the people, and, if found proper, money may be raised
by degrees.
The loan to the federal city seems to me proper. This
object is of immense moment to the State, if the union
continues and the course of things is in its favor ; if it
should be otherwise, I trust it will be at so distant a
period that the ascendency which the city will have
gained will, by its being a great mart for the produce
of the country, indemnify the State for this advance.
My compliments to all my friends. Yours,
John Henry.

\

36

Senator John Henry to His Overseer.
To Will. : I approve of your writing to me, and ex
pect that you will continue to do so, when you have any
thing to inform me of.
I am sorry to hear that Rock has been hurt, but I sup
pose that it was an accident, and we must make the best
of it. It was very proper to get him to Mr. Isaac
Henry's or home as soon as the weather and the wound
would permit. Be attentive to your other horses and
cattle. I hope you do not suffer anything to run on the wheat
except when the ground is covered with snow. Have
your corn stocks cut up and carted out for the cattle.
The money that I left with Mr. Lewis will get the
iron and vice from Baltimore as soon as the weather
will admit. I will order some more iron to be sent from
Baltimore by writing to Mr. Bailey.
I shall endeavor to get iron traces here, but there will
be no prospect of getting them to you as soon as you
will want them. The river here is frozen as hard as
iron itself and will continue for a long time. The
wagons now go over it deep loaded as if it was the high
road. As the quantity of pork is very short this year, you
must tell the people who had hogs that they must not
expect as much meat as those who had none, and enough
must be kept to give the people of the Indian Town
their allowance, if possible, as they had no opportunity
to raise hogs.

37
As the winter is very dry, I am in hopes that you will
be able to get a good deal of work done. Do not fail to
get enough logs so that we may not have that work to do
in the Summer.
As the winter is very severe, unless Leah is attentive
to the hogs and cattle, they must suffer. As I expect
you to be active and to move quickly from place to place,
you should always have a horse at hand, ready to ride
whenever it shall be necessary and proper to do so.
Job Robinson and his son-in-law were to get me a quan
tity of boards. When you see either of them inform
them that I hope they will not fail to fulfill their
promise. I am, with regard, John Henry.
January 9, 1797.

38
Governor John Henry to Mr. Skinner Ennalls.

Annapolis, June 8, 1798.
Dear Sir: I thank you for your kindness in attend
ing to my little concerns and for the liberty you give
me in calling upon you in future.
Will you get me forty gallons of whiskey for my har
vest, and send it by the first safe vessel that goes to
Nanticoke, to Mr. Alexander Smith in Vienna.
A friend of mine got some within a few days from
Mr. Askins at 4s. If the price of New England rum
does not exceed 4s. 6d. be pleased to get that.
Request Mr. Askins, or the person from whom you get
it, to send the bill by the packet and the money shall be
paid. Mr. Askins lives on Mr. Bowley's wharf. I will thank
you to drop me a line.
I am building a boat and wish to know the price of
sail cloth and oakum. The boat will be rigged as a
schooner, and the masts about forty-five feet. The sail
maker can tell the quantity of canvass that will be
wanted, also the quantity and size of the rope; also the
length and size of the cable and the weight of the
anchor. Upon these several things will you have the goodness
to give me information.
My sister and myself will be very happy to see you
and Mrs. Ennalls, and I hope when your leisure and con
venience will suit, that you will call upon us.
I am, dear sir, with the highest respect and esteem,
Yours,
John Henry.

39

Senator John Henry to (address illegible.)

May 12th, 1794.
Dear Sir: I wrote to you an hour ago. Since that
time I have seen Mr. Randolph and put into his hands
the papers which you inclosed to me. He will lay them
today before the President.
Mr. Jay certainly sails today from New York, so that
the business, if it should be judged proper for diplomatic
interference, cannot now go by him. Mr. Randolph is
of opinion that it is proper for the Government to take
up this business, should the President be of the same
sentiment an instruction to Mr. Jay will be forwarded
by the first opportunity.
Mr. Randolph will be glad to see your former state
ment. Forward it to me as soon as it can be copied.
I am, Sir, with great respect and esteem,
Yours,
John Henry.

40

Hon. Thomas Jefferson to Senator John Henry.

Philadelphia, Dec. 31, 1797.
Dear Sir: Mr. Tazavell has communicated to me
the enquiries you have been so kind as to make relative
to a passage in the notes on Virginia, which has lately
excited some newspaper publications. I feel with great
sensibility the interest you take in this business, and
with pleasure go into explanations with one whose ob
jects I know to be truth and justice alone. Had Mr.
Martin thought proper to suggest to me that doubts
might be entertained of the transaction respecting
Logan as stated in the notes on Virginia, and to enquire
on what grounds the statement was founded, I should
have felt myself obliged by the enquiry, have informed
him candidly of the grounds, and cordially have co-oper
ated in every means of investigating the fact and cor
recting whatsoever in it should be found to have been
erroneous, but he chose to step at once into the news
papers, and in his publications there, and the letters he
wrote to me, adopted a style which forbade the respect
of an answer; sensible, however, that no act of his
could absolve me from the justice due to others, as
soon as I found that the story of Logan could be doubted,
I determined to enquire into it as accurately as the test
imony remaining after a lapse of twenty odd years
would permit, and that the result should be made public,
either in the first new edition which should be printed
of the notes on Virginia, or by publishing an appendix
to it. I thought that so far as the work had contributed

41
to impeach the memory of Cresap by handing on an er
roneous charge, it was proper that it should be made the
vehicle of retribution; not that I was at all the author
of the injury.
I had only concurred with thousands and thousands of
others in believing a transaction on authority which
merited respect, for the story of Logan is only repeated in
the notes on Virginia precisely as it had been current
more than a dozen years before they were published,
when Lord Dunmore returned from his expedition
against the Indians in 1774, he and his officers brought
the speech of Logan, and related the circumstances of
it. These were so affecting, and the speech itself so fine
a morsel of eloquence, that it became the theme of every
conversation in Williamsbury, particularly and gener
ally, indeed, wheresoever any of the officers resided or
resorted. I learned it in Williamsbury, I believe at Lord
Dunmore's, and I find in my pocketbook of that year
(1774) an entry of the narrative as taken from the
mouth of some person whose name, however, was not
noted nor recollected, precisely in the words stated in
the Notes on Virginia. The speech was published in
the Virginia Gazette of that time (I have it myself in
the volume of Gazette's of that year), and though it was
the translation made by the common interpreter, and in
a style by no means elegant, it flew through all the pub
lic papers of the continent, and through the magazines
and other periodical publications of Great Britain ; and
those who were boys at that day will now attest that the
speech of Logan used to be given them as a school exer
cise for repetition. It was not till about thirteen or
fourteen years after the newspaper publications that the
Notes on Virginia were published in America, combat
ting there the contumelious theory of certain European

42
writers, whose celebrity gave currency and weight to
their opinions that our country, from the combined
effects of soil and climate, degenerated animal nature
in general, and particularly the moral faculties of man.
I considered the speech of Logan as an apt proof of the
contrary, and used it as such, and I copied verbatim the
narrative I had taken down in 1774, and the speech as it
had been given us, in a better translation by Lord Dun
more. I knew nothing of the Cresaps and could not
possibly have a motive to do them an injury with design.
I only repeated what thousands had done before, on
as good authority as we have for most of the facts we
learn through life, and such as to this moment I have
seen no reason to doubt that anybody questioned it, was
never suspected by me till I saw the letter of Mr. Martin
in the Baltimore paper. I endeavored then to recollect
who among my cotemporaries of the same circle of soci
ety, and consequently of the same recollections, might
still be alive. Three and twenty years of death and
dispersion has left very few.
I remembered, however, that General Gibson was still
living, and knew that he had been the translator of
the speech. I wrote to him immediately; he, in an
swer declares to me that he was the very person sent
by Lord Dunmore to the Indian town, that after he had
delivered his message there, Logan took him out to a
neighboring wood, sat down with him, and rehearsing
with tears the catastrophe of his family, gave him that
speech for Lord Dunmore, that he carried it to Lord
Dunmore, translated it for him, has turned to it in the
Encyclopedia as taken from the Notes on Virginia, finds
that it was his translation I had used, with only two or
three verbal variations of no importance, these I suppose
had happened in the course of successive copies. I cite

43
General Gibson's letter by memory not having it with
me, but I am sure I cite it substantially right, it estab
lishes unquestionably that the speech of Logan is genuine
and that being established, it is Logan himself who is
the author of all the important facts. Colonel Cresap,
says he, in cold blood and unprovoked, murdered all the
relations of Logan not sparing even my women and
children, there runs not a drop of my blood in the veins
of any living creature, the person and the fact in all its
material circumstances, are here given by Logan him
self. General Gibson, says indeed, that the title was
mistaken; that Cresap was a captain and not a colonel,
this was Logan's mistake, he also observes that it was on
a water of the Kanhaway and not the Kanhaway itself
that his family was killed, this is an error which has
crept into the traditional account; but surely of little
moment in the moral view of the subject, the material
question is was Logan's family murdered, and by whom?
That it was murdered has not I believe been denied,
that it was by one of the Cresaps, Logan affirms. This
is a question which concerns the memories of Logan
and Cresap, to the issue of which I am as indiffer
ent as if I had never heard the name of either.
I have begun, and shall continue to inquire into the evi
dence, additional to Logan's, on which the fact was
founded, little indeed can now be heard of, and that lit
tle dispersed and distant; if it shall appear, on inquiry,
that Logan has been wrong in charging Cresap with the
murder of his family, I will do justice to the memory of
Cresap, as far as I have concurred in believing and re
peating what others had believed and repeated before
me; if, on the other hand, I find that Logan was right
in his charge, I will vindicate, as far as my suffrage may
weigh, the truth of a chief whose talents and misfor-

44
tunes have attached to him the respect and commisera
tion of the world. I have gone, my dear sir, into this
lengthy detail to satisfy a mind in the candor and recti
tude of which I have the highest confidence, so far as
you may incline to use the communication for rectifying
the judgments of those who are willing to see things
truly as they are, you are free to use it, but I say that
no confidence which you may repose in any one, may
induce you to let it go out of your hands so as to get
into a newspaper; against a contest in that field I am
entirely decided. I feel extraordinary gratification in
addressing this letter to you with whom shades of differ
ence in political sentiments have not prevented the in
terchange of good opinion, nor cut off friendly offices of
society and good correspondence, this political tolerance
is the more valued by me, who consider social harmony
as the first of human facilities and the happiest mo
ments those which are given to the effusions of the
heart, accept them sincerely, I pray you, from one who
with sentiments of high respect and attachment has the
honor to be, dear Sir,
Your most obedient and humble servant,
Thomas Jefferson.

45

Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, to John Henry.

Annapolis, December 3d, 1792.
Dear Sir: Last Friday the law disqualifying members
of Congress from holding seats in our Legislature, &c,
passed the Senate, myself and Mr. Worthington only
voting in the negative. On the same day I resigned my
seat in the Senate of the United States. Tomorrow my
successor will be appointed. Three persons are men
tioned, Mr. Potts, James McHenry and Colonel Stone.
Thus I have got rid of a trust which I really accepted
with reluctance, and which, I assure you, hung heavy on
my mind. I was mindful of the advice of Horace :
"Solve senescentem mature sanus equum,
Ne peeces ad extremum ridendus, et
Ilia ducat. ' '
Our electors of the President and Vice-President are
chosen : Hanson, J. E. Howard, Thomas S. Lee, Sam
Hughes, Richardson, Ja. Seney, (two names illegible.) I
forget the other two. It is said they will all vote in
favor of Mr. John Adams. I should be sorry to see that
gentlemen not chosen Vice-President. He was a patriot
in the worst of times and has rendered his country
signal services. He has not merited such a slight from
his countrymen, as some are endeavoring, I fear, to
throw upon him. The House of Delegates has rejected a
militia bill originated in the Senate, the exact counter
part of the Act of Congress, and every bit as harmless.
We went a great way in our exemption, for we exempted
one-third of the militia from mustering; our bill hinted

46
at a rotatory militia, in which I think it was better than
that of Congress, if between two very bad things, one
may be held to be better than the other. How goes on
the enquiry into the failure of the expedition against the
Indians? Is the Secretary of the Treasury as much the
subject of debate and conversation as during the last
session? I believe our session will be protracted till
near Xmas; we shall spend between seven and eight
thousand pounds, and not do a sixpence worth of good.
Another insolvent debtors' bill; will the matter be taken
up by Congress? We shall have another assessment law,
this is necessary from the great change of property since
the last assessment. Its principle, I am ignorant of,
neither do I know whether a tax will be imposed. I be
lieve I mentioned in my former letter, that we (Johnson,
Forrest and myself) had settled the Van Chapports' claim.
If anything new and interesting turns up, drop me a
line or two. Though not a player myself, I shall find
myself in the game that is played.
With regard and respect, I remain,
Dear Sir, your most humble servant,
Charles Carroll, of Carrollton.

47

Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, to John Henry.
Annapolis. Dec. 16th, 1792.
Dear Sir: I received, the 14th instant, your favor of
the llth. Since my last we have received from the
House of Delegates, the Militia and Assessment Bill. The
latter does not lay any rate, only directs the mode of
valuing property, appoints commissions. &c. The for
mer, the Militia Bill, we shall not pass in its present form.
It subjects the whole of the fencible men between
eighteen and forty-five years of age, amounting at least
to thirty thousand, to muster four times a year in the
companies, battalions or regiments.
We propose to enroll in conformity to the Act of
Congress all fencibles between eighteen and forty-five
years of age, but then to direct the Government and
Council only to muster three or four times a year a part
of these (about five thousand) when so enrolled. I think
the Act of Congress may be so construed as suffer us to
throw such a clause into our militia bill.
Rest assured the mustering so large a body of men
as these will amount to. between eighteen and forty-five
years of age throughout the United States, will be a very
serious evil and felt as such when we come to experi
ence the consequences which will inevitably arise from
such large assemblages of men, while waste of time and
drunkenness will be the least pernicious of these conse
quences.

48
I fear as you do that our States will be found great
ly behind on a settlement of accounts, this fear always
inclined me to assume the State debts, as reported by the
Secretary and to have no settlement.
I am confident you will be pleased with Mr. Potts
on a better acquaintance, and the good opinion you now
entertain of him will be increased in proportion to your
personal knowledge of his character.
Please to inform me, as soon as you can, what alter
ations of the judicial system are in contemplation. I
have heard it rumored that the State Judges are to
be made Judges of the United States within the juris
diction or boundaries of each State and the Supreme
Court is to be sedentary at the seat of Congress. Such
a system will never answer.
Our Constitution militates against such an arrange
ment. By 30th section of our Declaration of Rights it is
provided "no chancellor, or judge ought to hold any
other office civil or military of any kind? " Is not the
office of Judges of the United States another office and
distinct from that of Judge of this State? Again Section
32 of Declaration of Rights says: " No person ought to
hold at the same time more than one office of profit, nor
ought any person," &c.
Supposing an ingenious or prostitute lawyer could
quibble away these sections so as to perplex and render
doubtful what to common sense is plain and obvious,
our late law, which is now become a part of our Consti
tution, puts the thing beyond all dispute. No person hold
ing an office under the United States can now hold an
office under this State, so that the acceptance of a com
mission of Judge of the United States would vacate the
commission or office of judge of this State.

49
It gives me pleasure to hear that Mr. Adams will be
elected Vice-President by a considerable majority. I
beg my respects to that gentleman; we have served to
gether in hard times, and I set a great value on his ser
vices, and I feel a sincere regard for all who stood firm
in the most dangerous and critical situation of our
affairs. When I think of those times the time of trial
always occurs to me.
I forgot to send to the post office last night to see
whether there were any letters from you. I am afraid
this will be too late for this day's post, however, I shall
send it to the postoffice. With sentiments of respect and
regard, I am, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton.

50

Gen. J. E. Howard to Senator John Henry.

Philadelphia, June 29, 1792.
Dear Sir : Several vessels have arrived at the Fort
from the ports in St. Domingo which have lately been
evacuated by the British, with passengers; among them
are a number of negroes who it is said have been trained
in the use of arms, and have some arms in their posses
sion. The report that three or four thousand have em
barked for this continent has excited much uneasiness,
and a bill offered in and will pass the Senate to prohibit
their landing in United States. These people having
joined the British were afraid of falling into the power
of the French and have come to this country for an asy
lum, but at this time it seems highly improper to suffer
them to land, especially the negroes, who are slaves and
attached to their masters. I suppose they will be sent to
Halifax where it is said the British offered to make pro
vision for them, but they preferred this climate. Some
of the captains report that the British forced them to
take these people on board their vessels, but that is
doubted ; however, suppose they have been paid for
bringing them. Among the passengers is a Colonel
Armand, who served in our Army.
Supposing that some of the vessels which are ex
pected to arrive will come into the Chesapeake, I have
thought it necessary to give you this information.
A resolution which has passed the House of Represen
tatives is now before the Senate for adjourning the two

51
houses on the 9th July; it is not certain that the Senate
will agree to the resolution, as several important bills
are now before them; however, I hope we shall not be
detained here much longer, as the weather is becoming
very hot, and I am not well.
We have no kind of news from Europe. I am, with
the highest respects, Your obedient servant, J. E. Howard.

52

Gen. J. E. Howard to Senator John Henry.
Philadelphia, July 3d, 1792.
Dear Sir: No proposition has been made in the
Senate for declaring war against France, nor have I any
information that such a motion is intended, though
some of the members have expressed opinions in favor
of such a measure. Some members of the other house
are also known to be in favor of it, but other federal
members are against it. I understand that it is a sub
ject of conversation among the members out of doors,
and if it is moved this session it will be tomorrow or
next day. The argument most urged in favor of it is
that our own citizens who may aid and assist the French
will not be guilty of treason unless there is a declara
tion of war. The committee to whom General Lloyd's
bill, to define and punish treason and sedition, was re
ferred, reported in substance a new bill, a copy of which
as it passed the Senate today, to a third reading, I
enclose. A bill has passed the House of Representatives for
granting letters of marque against French armed vessels
which you will see in the enclosed paper.
The bill which passed the Senate to prohibit and regu
late the landing of French passengers has, by the House
of Representatives, been postponed to the next session.
The accounts we had of those who lately arrived
in this country were greatly exaggerated as well with
respect to their numbers as to their dispositions; how-

53
ever, I think it is a misfortune to have any of them in the
country. Many of these have been in arms with the
British, but if France will offer them an amnesty, I
have little doubt of the most of them accepting it and
taking part against us.
I wish there was an entire prohibition to the negroes
being brought into the country.
The bill for the valuation of houses and land has
passed and the bill for laying a direct tax of two mil
lions of dollars is now before the Senate.
The resolution of the House of Representatives for
adjourning the 9th instant, is still before the Senate.
I doubt whether we shall break up on that day, but hope
we shall not be detained here more than a day or two
after the time proposed for adjourning.
We have had reports of the yellow fever being in the
city, but I believe they are greatly exaggerated if they
are not entirely groundless. It seems to be generally
agreed that one man died yesterday, or the day before,
of a billious complaint with some of the symptoms of
the yellow fever.
General Washington is appointed a Lieutenant Gene
ral to command all the armies. I have not been able to
ascertain whether. he has given any reason to expect he
will serve.
Livingston's motion respecting negotiation with the
French, which, without doubt, was not introduced with
the best motives, has been rejected, several members
who upon most occasions vote with him, being against it.
I am, dear Sir, with great regard,
Your obedient servant,
J. E. Howard.

54

Gen. J. E. Howard to Senator John Henry.

Annapolis, Dec. 6th, 1792.
Dear Sir : Expecting that you are desirous of know
ing how the electors in this State, for choosing a Presi
dent and Vice-President of the United States, voted, I
have the pleasure of informing you that only eight
electors attended, and that G. Washington and John
Adams had each eight votes.
If any regard is to be paid to reports, a great opposi
tion has been made in some of the States to Mr. Adams'
re-election, but I trust that if any attempt has been
made to put him out it has failed. The sentiments of
the people of this State have been fully expressed by
their electors.
Mr. Carroll has resigned his seat in the Senate of the
United States, and this day is appointed for choosing a
person in his place. Mr. Potts and Colonel Stone are the
persons proposed to be ballotted for. My own opinion
is that the former will be elected.
I am, your obedient servant,
J. E. Howard.

55

Oliver Walcott, Esq., Secretary of Treasury, Phila
delphia, to Senator John Henry.

Philadelphia, April 16th, 1795.
My Dear Sir: I have to acknowledge and thank you
for your obliging favor of the 3d instant, and though I
am concerned to hear of the continuance of your indis
position, I cannot but hope that the present favorable
season will even re-establish your health.
I am sorry to find that the anticipations which I re
luctantly formed of Mr. Muir's situation are confirmed.
I have thereupon supposed it to be my duty to advise
the Comptroller to institute a suit; the attorney, how
ever, will be instructed in case Mr. Muir's property is
deemed sufficient to meet the debt, not to trouble the
sureties. I presume, therefore, there can be no occa
sion for you to feel anxiety in respect to any personal
responsibility as a surety. I shall regard your present
communication as confidential, and shall be glad to re
ceive from you any intimations in future, to which I
shall not fail to pay attention.
Immediately after the arrival of the treaty it was
determined that the contents ought to remain entirely
secret until the meeting of the Senate. I believe that
no persons except the President and the Secretary of
State are yet informed of one syllable that the treaty
contains. I may, however, with propriety say to you
that Colonel Trumbull, Mr. Jay's secretary, informs me
that in his opinion the terms are honorable and advan-

56
tageous, and such as might have been with propriety
accepted, after a successful war. These several expres
sions, with the confidence arising from the known pru
dence and ability of our envoy, induce me to expect
that the treaty will be satisfactory to the candid and
intelligent minds of our country. I sincerely hope that
the public will be availed of your opinion upon this in
teresting subject at the meeting of the Senate.
With sentiments of perfect respect and affection,
I am, dear sir, your obedient servant,
Olie Walcott.
The Honorable John Henry, Esq.

57

Gen. S. Smith to Gov. John Henry.

Baltimore, Oct. 23d, 1798.
Sir: I am indebted for many of your letters which
want of time and years' absence has prevented me from
answering. The idea of a loan of money on common
interest is not practicable I believe in this city. Money
is now worth from three to five per cent, per month.
You expressed a wish to be informed when the next
review would be made here, I am only yesterday in
formed that General Juam's Brigade will be reviewed on
Monday next. Perhaps your state of health may permit
you to attend and review in person, if it should, you will
gratify the brigade and be gratified with the sight of
about one thousand men in uniform and armed.
My election is gained, but my character has been sub
jected to an immensity of calumny, some of which will
probably adhere to me forever. I have been sorely
vexed by men with whom I have heretofore been in the
habit of intimacy. A coolness must ever subsist among
us and tend to make my time less pleasant than form
erly. It has completly sickened me with public life, but
there is now no retreat for Your friend and servant, S. Smith.

58

Gov. J. H. Stone to Senator John Henry.
Annapolis, Feb. 9, 1795.
Dear Sir : Your friend Dr. Coates was appointed
Regester of the Land Office for the Eastern Shore, and
I am much pleased to say that in appearance it has
made him a very happy man.
We are all alive here to be informed of the particu
lars of the treaty made by Mr. Jay, when it is disclosed,
and all other interesting subjects. I shall consider my
self very much obliged by your communicating them to
doctor. Your friend and humble servant, J. H. Stone.

59

Benjamin Rush to Hon. John Henry.
Philadelphia, Oct. 8th, 1788.
Dear Sir: The bearer, Dr. Ruston, has business with
your Legislature. He was one of the friends of my
youth, and after a connection with him in that capacity
for nearly thirty years, I can truly say I have known few
better men.
During the late war he defended the claims of his na
tive country in England with so much zeal as to expose
himself to persecution.
His letters to me in the beginning and after the close
of the war breathe the highest degrees of the American
Whig spirit.
Your attention to the doctor's claims will much oblige,
dear sir, Your most sincere friend,
Benjamin Rush.

60

Hon. W. Vans Murray to Senator John Henry.
Philadelphia, March 22, 1794.
Dear Sir: The agitation of the public mind has been
very high here since the knowledge of the last dishon
est order of the British Cabinet, for it deserves no
softer name.
When Mr. P. had his last communicated conversa
tion with Lord Glenville, he (Lord G.) said everything
that the most cordial friendship could have dictated as
to the general state of the United States, their pros
perity or his Majesty's pleasure at their great progress,
and at this very time of gratulation the secret and mys
terious order had been dispatched for execution in the
West Indies. The mystery observed is one of the
strongest evidences of their expectation that we shall
go to war, as they, thus to avail themselves of our un
suspecting, march to seize all they can get. A judge of
Jamaica indeed says the word " adjudication " is not
equivalent to " condemnation," but the facts are against
them. In truth their islands are a nest of rogues and
of armed and licensed pirates. So universal was the
sweep made that very few or none of the home or out
bound vessels have escaped. It is true that one day has
regularly contradicted another as to the truth of par
ticulars, but I believe it is certain the order is now con
sidered as a warrant to condemn.
The conduct of the people of this country has per
haps given some cause to excite jealousy in the com
bined powers, but the Government is not in one single
measure implicated, either in avowed acts or inertness
as to doubtful ones, except in one instance, viz. : Mr.
Jefferson's admission (in his admirably well-written

letter to Mr. Morris) thai, the Government had permitted
prizes to be sold in our ports, and he makes a minute of
this, assuming that it is more than the treaty calls for.
I have never heard this remarked on by any one of the
British, and I am surprised at it, but I dare say it will
be among our avowed departures from neutrality.
We yesterday took a question on embargo, a general
one. I was in a minority of 45 to 48. It was  (this
word illegible) from the supposition that the President
could better do it, and on Monday will be reviewed Sed-
wick's motion to give the President power generally and
particularly, and it must be carried. I hope so. The
British are loading away at a great rate. I thought a
general embargo would secure our own ships, and would
not accelerate war, because not discriminating would
secure the property now here from export, would de
prive the British of supplies, and would be a good cau
tionary measure if war should come on soon, and by the
period we wished to give it, would enable us to judge
better whether war be likely or not. While we say we
are neutral we cannot discriminate by embargo; the ag
gressions are fair objects for us to consider whether we
shall yet remain neutral till it be decided that we shall
remain neutral no longer. Any measure that is an open
abandonment of neutrality would lead to war, and it is
pretty well agreed that to afford supplies to one and not
another party at war is a partiality inconsistent with
neutrality. Goods will rise here; brown sugar 5.10 cwt.
Mr. Elsworth is very anxious for your arrival, which
I told him would be the last of this or the first week of
next month. I rejoice at your established health, and
am, dear sir, sincerely and affectionately yours,
W. V. Murray.

62
Mr. Isaac Henry to Hon. John Henry.
Nanticoke, January 10th, 1793.
Dear Sir: I am now at your house and find your
family very well. Your little boys are pert and prat
tling. I heard Master John a lesson this morning, he
begins to have an idea of spelling.
I spoke to Mr. William Dodd, the schoolmaster in my
neighborhood, upon the subject you requested me, he in
formed me that he could attend your children and in
struct them in the house, and said he would wait upon
me sometime in February and talk further about it. If
you incline to engage him perhaps you had better write
me what sum you think you could give him. Both Mr.
Winder and myself believe he will answer your views
for the instruction of your children better than any other
character we know— shall be glad to hear from you if
you are disposed to secure him, before he is otherways
engaged. What charming weather ! No snow as yet
and but little frost. The air feels like May, and the
ground and fields as fit for the reception of the plow as
in the summer season.
I should have written to Miss Ragg before now and in
closed it to you, but Mr. McBryde's ship, it is expected,
will sail for Glasgow in March and I shall improve that
opportunity. The success of the French I suppose gave
joy to the friends of liberty and equality. I wish their
prosperity may continue. Kitty says she believes she
made a mistake and did not send the measure of her
foot, but it is now inclosed. I wish you health and
tranquility, and, am yours, with great esteem,
Isaac Henry.
(Endorsement on back.) The Hon. John Henry, Philadelphia.

63

Miss Matilda Henry to Senator John Henry.

February 13th, 1795.
Honored and Affectionate Uncle: I saw a letter
you wrote papa, wherein you were so kind as to request
me to send you the length of my foot. I have enclosed
it. I shall always have a heart beating with affection
ate gratitude for your attentions to me. I will endeavor
to deserve them more, and as I grow older try to fashion
my conduct so as to please you and gain your love. We
are all very well, but we are very happy to hear of your
health. We were extremely uneasy about you before
you wrote to papa. I have lately heard that my little
cousins, your sons, are well, and the rest of your family.
My warmest wish is for your health and happiness.
I am, your affectionate niece,
Matilda Henry.
N. B. — I have taken the liberty of sending my sister's
measure. M. H.

64

OFFICIAL PAPERS.

Qualifications Required for Governors of Maryland
in 1777.

The Constitution of Maryland in 1777 made the fol
lowing provisions for the election of its Governor :
" Sec. 25. That a person of wisdom, experience and
virtue shall be chosen Governor on the second Monday
of November, 1777, and on the second Monday forever
thereafter, by the joint ballot of both Houses," etc.
"Sec. 30. That no person unless above twenty-five
years of age, a resident in the State above five years
next preceding the election, and having in the State real
and personal property above the value of £5,000 cur
rent money, £1,000 thereof at least to be of freehold
estate, shall be eligible as Governor."

65

John Henry Elected Governor.

Record of House of Delegates, November 13th, 1797 :
" Gentlemen of the Senate : We have received your
message and are ready to proceed in the election of a
Governor, as proposed by you. John Henry, Esq., is put
in nomination by this House. " W. Harwood, Clerk."
The Clerk of the Senate delivers following message:
" Gentlemen of the House: We have received your
message and are ready to proceed in the election of a
Governor, as proposed by you. No gentleman is nomi
nated in this House in addition to John Henry, Esq.
" A. Van Horn, Clerk."
" The House having qualified agreeably to the Consti
tution proceeded to the choice of a Governor, and the
ballots being deposited in the ballot box, the gentlemen
named to strike retired, and after some time reported
that the Hon. John Henry was unanimously elected.
" The President of the Senate and Speaker of the
House, by joint letter, notified Mr. Henry of his election
on November 14th, 1797."

66

John Henry Takes the Oath as Governor of
Maryland.

Maryland Senate, November 28th, 1797.
" Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, and Littleton Dennis,
Esqs., from the Senate, acquaint the Speaker that the
Senate requests his attendance, with the members of
the House of Delegates, in the Senate room, to see the
Governor qualify.
" The Speaker left the chair, and, attended by the
members of his House, went to the Senate room and
saw his Excellency qualify in the presence of both
Houses, by subscribing the declaration, taking the sev
eral oaths required by the Constitution and form of
Government, the oath of office directed to be taken by
Act of Assembly, and the oath to support the Constitu
tion of the United States.
" The Speaker, with the members, returned and re
sumed the chair."

67

Letter of Acceptance of John Henry.

House of Delegates, November 22d, 1797.
The Speaker laid before the House the following letter:
To the Honorable John Chesley, President of the Sen
ate, and the Honorable William Thomas, Speaker of the
House of Delegates.
Gentlemen: I have this moment received by an ex
press your polite letter in which you announce to me
the late appointment of Governor. The various in
stances in which I have experienced through a political
life of twenty years, the confidence and attention of
my fellow-citizens, excites my gratitude and receives
my warmest acknowledgments.
I beg of you honorable gentlemen, on my behalf, to
communicate in the most respectful manner to the Leg
islature my acceptance of the appointment which their
confidence and goodness have conferred upon me.
I shall set out in a few days and expect to be in
Annapolis in the course of next week.
With all becoming duty and respect for the two Houses
over which you preside, I have the honor to be, gentle
men, with sentiments of respect and esteem,
Your obedient servant,
John Henry.
November 17, 1797.

68

Address of His Excellency, John Henry, Governor
of the State of Maryland, to the Legis
lature of Maryland.

Council Chamber, November 7th, 1798.
Gentlemen: In communicating the enclosed address
from the Executive, an opportunity is afforded of ex
pressing to the Legislature respectfully and concisely
some sentiments on certain subjects which appear im
portant to the peace and welfare of the people.
It is now obvious to all that the conduct of the French
nation would long before this time have justified an
open and direct state of hostilities. The love of peace
has hitherto restrained the authorities of the Union
from such a state of things.
How long it will continue to do so is not within our
province to determine. The uncertainty renders it pru
dent to be prepared for the worst; and notwithstanding
the defense of the Union is wisely by the Constitution
intrusted to the General Government, yet no one can
deny the propriety and importance at all times of a
sincere and vigorous co-operation.
We are taught by the Constitution to rely upon the
militia for our general defense.
On sudden emergencies it is certainly our only re
source; it is, therefore, at all times important, but espe
cially now, to place them on the most respectable foot
ing.

69
My duty for the last twelve months has called me, in
conjunction with the Council, often to deliberate on this
subject, and it would be criminal in this crisis of our
public affairs to withhold from the Legislature its de
rangements and imbecility.
In various parts of the State a spirit of patriotism
has displayed itself, and the zeal and intelligence of the
officers have surmounted the defects of the system, but
such temporary results are not to be relied on. The
safety of a community ought not to depend upon the
voluntary effusions of a few patriotic men. The law
must govern and invigorate the whole mass. To answer
this important and necessary purpose, it is indispensable
that it be revised in all its parts, and ample powers given
to produce order, discipline and obedience.
All men are now satisfied of the propriety of putting
the country in a complete state of defense; and in case
of actual war, or a remote expectation of it, it would
be unbecoming the wisdom of the Legislature to trust
the peace and safety of the country to this present weak
and defective system. Menaced as we are from abroad
by a brave, intelligent and enterprising nation, this sub
ject is all-important; and in the deliberations of the
Legislature all others ought to yield to it as of inferior
moment. Attached to this subject is the condition of our arse
nals. Their present state, and the conduct of past Leg
islatures, would induce a belief that they really consid
ered themselves as exempt in all future time from the
calamities of war.
Arms and ammunition are indispensable in times of
profound peace — a certain proportion of both are proper
— it is peculiarly so now; and while it is possible that

70
our altars or social happiness may not in any degree
depend on these things, no rational man can doubt what
course to pursue.
It appears important that the earliest and most unre
mitted attention of the Legislature should be bestowed
on these subjects and a supply of both speedily procured.
Expenditures on these articles are not lost; they are
of a double nature, and if from a display of animated
and united councils, together with vigorous preparations
for war, we should fortunately escape the present deso
lating scene, which is now laying waste the fairest por
tion of Europe, still they will be useful on future occa
sions.
How Much the Peace and Safety of a Country De
pend on a Prepared Condition for War.
It was greatly desired by the Executive to complete
the quota of men under the last call of the President
of the United. States. Orders from the Commander-in-
Chief, before I came into office, and since, have been
often but effectually repeated. It was finally deter
mined to send the Adjutant-General to various parts of
the State to try the effect of his official influence and
exertions. Various returns were procured in conse
quence of this measure, but the business is still incom
plete, and will continue to be so till the system is radi
cally improved. By those who are best acquainted with
military subjects, an Adjutant-General's office, upon a
respectable footing, is essential. His residence ought
to be at the seat of government, and his emoluments
adequate to a suitable maintenance in revising the mili
tia system. This subject will, no doubt, receive due
attention.

71
It is with great deference that I call your serious at
tention to these important measures of defense; it may
be thought unbecoming in an individual to press what
is so obvious to the understanding of all. I shall, how
ever, rely upon the seriousness of the times, the great
deficiency of all military articles, the solicitude which
a high public officer may be permitted to express for
the general welfare, and, above all, the dangerous and
embarrassing imbecility, as well as the utter insuffi
ciency of the militia system, for my justification.
It was early foreseen that the principles upon which
our Constitution was originally founded, and the spirit
of the times, would have a discomposing influence on
the minds of a certain species of property among us.
To these powerful and operating causes have been
added the establishment of certain self -created socie
ties; the practices of individuals among some religious
orders of men have also combined to hasten this pre
diction; its effects are now in operation and daily felt,
and the magnitude of the evil calls for all the aid and
circumspection which is in the power of the Legislature
to exercise.
The delicacy of this subject renders it inexpedient to
descend to particulars. It appears, however, not im
proper to remark that while the laws of a great portion
of the Union countenance this kind of property, self-
created societies and individuals of certain religious
orders of men among us ought not, of their own motion
and without authority, to set up their own judgment in
opposition to the settled order of things.
The height to which these matters are carried by in
dividuals in some of the neighboring States call for a
speedy remedy.

72
A candid representation from the highest authority
in the State, or a deputation from the two Houses, would
no doubt produce salutary effects, both on public bodies
and private individuals.
As to those classes of men among ourselves, and who
reside within the limits of the State, the laws can be
framed to reach their delinquencies. The propriety of
bestowing early and serious attention on this subject is,
with great deference, submitted to your consideration.
An early practice, now sanctioned by a positive law,
requires the Chief Magistrate, in cases where a sentence
of death is passed, to issue a warrant for the execution
of the criminal. Trials of this kind are often remote
from the seat of government, where the parties and the
circumstances attending their cases are wholly unknown
to the Governor; it is difficult, however ardently it may
be desired, to procure impartial information, and it can
seldom be had except from the judges themselves.
A record is forwarded to the executive containing a
naked sentence of death. Is it possible in such a case
that he can exercise with due deliberation the authority
with which he is constitutionally invested? Can he in
tuitively determine whether it is proper to execute or
meliorate the sentence of the law? The difficulty is felt.
It is thought and humbly suggested, that the judges
before whom the trial is had, ought to be enjoined,
either to state the circumstances of the case and the de
portment of the criminal or to express their opinion on
the propriety of executing or of extending mercy to the
criminal. Since the Legislature was last assembled, some resolu
tions have been received from the State of Massachu
setts, respecting the dangerous tendency of foreign

73
influence, and proposing an alteration in the Constitu
tion of the United States in this respect, which are now
submitted to your consideration.
No one will seriously contend that there is any physi
cal virtue in the spot of earth which first gave us birth,
and yet all will readily acknowledge that without the
exercise of our reason, and, indeed, independently of it,
it produces a predominant affection and preference in
its favor, which no time, nor scarcely any circumstances
will eradicate, and from hence arise the exclusion of
f oreignors from the affairs of nations to which they are
not allied by their birth.
The experience of our own times, and the history of
past ages, equally assure us of the propriety and truth
of this practice.
That philosophy, however flattering to the pride of
human nature, which teaches men to look upon them
selves as citizens of the world, and who, when they are
asked where their country lies, will point with their fin
gers to the Heavens, is too loose and universal for the
present age and will forever endanger the firmest
structure which human ingenuity can devise.
The country from which we derive our origin, and in
deed all the kingdoms of Europe with which we are
best acquainted, have, from the most remote antiquity,
fostered this passion. It has, in some degree, contrib
uted to their grandeur and security. It is, therefore, no
wonder that the prejudices of education should be put
on its side, and the mind early impressed with its truth
and importance.
Seeing then how guarded most nations have been upon
this subject, and testing the truth of it by the short ex
perience which we ourselves have had, we have sufficient

74
reason to be satisfied that it is either too late or too
early to support such systems of liberality. However
exalted the virtue or distinguished the talents of an in
dividual may be, and however worthy of public confi
dence, yet it is nevertheless true that in general it is un
wise to trust the high concerns of a nation to men not
born within its limits.
My own mind has long been satisfied on this subject,
and it appears salutary to carry the Massachusetts re
solves into effect.
By a resolution of both Houses, the Governor was di
rected to transmit a copy of our laws to the executive of
each State. This desirable measure I was not able to
execute, from the impossibility of procuring the acts of
some sessions. It was thought, therefore, advisable to
wait till a complete copy could be procured.
I was early made sensible of the propriety of passing
an order in favor of Charlotte Hall School. This fos
tering care of the Legislature, while it does honor to the
individuals concerned, is most useful to the country at
large ; and, if I may be permitted to express an opinion,
there is no subject on which the public money can be so
usefully expended as on institutions similar to Charlotte
Hall School, which brings a certain part of a liberal edu
cation within the resources of men of moderate fortunes.
From an early period of my life I have participated
in the councils of my country, and it is not without re
luctance that I now separate myself from them ; and
this, indeed, I cannot well do without looking back upon
the various and interesting scenes which have passed,
and of expressing with gratitude and great respect my
obligations to my fellow citizens. My heart and its best

75
affections are devoted to their happiness, and will con
tinue to the end of my life.
Should my name, therefore, be presented to you for
the purpose of again filling the station which I now enjoy,
you will be pleased not to receive it, as it is my deter
mination to become a private citizen.
I have the honor to be, with sentiments of great re
spect, your obedient servant,
John Henry.
The Honorable the General Assembly.

76

The Answer of the House of Delegates to Gov
ernor Henry's Address.

The Hon. John Henry, Esq. :
Sir: The House of Representatives of the State of
Maryland has received your communications on several
interesting subjects which merit and will command their
attention. The peculiar situation of our country requires the
utmost vigilance and energy. Of course our militia
system will undergo a serious revision, for it is a deep
and solemn truth, never to be departed from in repub
lican governments, that their ultimate security rests on
a well organized, prompt and disciplined militia. Con
nected with this subject we feel the necessity of attend
ing to the situation of our arms and arsenals.
That species of property existing amongst us, to
which you have with equal delicacy and propriety re
ferred, shall not escape our consideration, and every at
tention will be paid to the separate objects recommended
in your communication, and more particularly the Mas
sachusetts resolves, the principle of which is of the
utmost political consequence, and will most probably be
adopted so far as is consistent with acquired and exist
ing rights.
In reply to your observations respecting the order in
favor of Charlotte Hall School, we cannot but concur
with you, that institutions for the instruction of youth

77
merit, in a peculiar manner, our attention, and that the
public money cannot be expended in any way more use
ful to the community than in placing the benefits of
light and knowledge and their consequences, rational
liberty, good morals and religion, within the resources
of men of moderate fortunes.
We have heard with regret your determination to re
tire from public life, and sincerely believe that you will
carry with you the consolation of an upright and virtu
ous heart and the grateful sense of your countrymen for
more than twenty years' honorable and meritorious serv
ices in the highest offices in the power of the State or
its citizens to confer. We sincerely wish you health,
peace and happiness.

PART II.

HENRY COAT OP ARMS

81

A MEMOIR OF
Governor John Henry,
with
Some Account of His Genealogy and Descendants.

Note. — Much of this is copied from "A Brief Memoir" of him,
written by his grandson, the Hon. Daniel M. Henry, in February, 1887,
with additions and some corrections.

Of his paternal ancestors, the first who immigrated
to this country was the Rev. John Henry, a Presbyterian
minister, "who, it is said, stood high, not only as a divine,
but as a citizen." He graduated at Edinburgh, Scotland,
February 24, 1703, and was ordained by the Presbytery
of Dublin, Ireland, and came to this country shortly
afterwards. He was called to Rehobeth Church, in Somerset
county, Maryland, from Philadelphia, Pa., about 1710
(succeeding the Rev. Francis McCamie, who, it is
claimed, was the first Presbyterian minister who came
to this country), where he continued to reside as the
minister of the Rehobeth Church until his death, in 1717.
Several years after his settlement at Rehobeth, he
married Mary Jenkins, the widow of Col. Francis
Jenkins. He, having no children, gave her by his will

82
what in those days was considered an immense estate.
Her maiden name was King. " She was the daughter
of Sir Robert King, an Irish baronet," and is known by
tradition and in the public records of Somerset county,
Maryland, as Madam Hampton (having married after
the death of Mr. Henry the Rev. John Hampton, also a
Presbyterian minister.) *" She was an accomplished
woman of many virtues, and was sometimes called a
great woman." She had no children, except by the
marriage with Mr. Henry, by whom she left two sons,
Robert Jenkins Henry and John Henry. At the time of
their father's death they were both quite young, and he
speaks of them in his will as his " dear babes," and ap
pointed his brother-in-law, Col. Robert King, and his
friend Ephraim Wilson, "their counsellors and guar
dians." Their mother survived her last husband a num
ber of years, and died in 1744. She is buried at Hamp
ton, the family seat, near Rehobeth, on the Pocomoke
river, Somerset county, Maryland, and is described upon
her tomb as " Lady Mary Hampton."
Both of these sons afterwards became prominent and
important citizens and took an active part in public
affairs. Robert Jenkins Henry, the eldest son, was naval offi
cer for Pocomoke District, and for some years a member
of Lord Baltimore's Council. His wife was Gertrude
Rousby, a sister of Mrs. Edward Lloyd (the third Ed
ward). They left numerous descendants, who are now
living in Maryland and elsewhere, and hereafter men
tioned in " Memoranda of Wills, in Somerset county, by
Judge Upshur Dennis." He died in November, 1766.

* From History of Presbyterian Church, by Irving Spence, page
97, chapter 55.

DOROTHY RIDER, NEE HUTCHINS.

83
John, the younger son, known as Col. John Henry, held
numerous places of public trust, and was a gentleman
of wealth and refinement. He married Dorothy Rider,
daughter of Col. John Rider.
Col. John Rider was the maternal grandfather of Gov.
John Henry, and was the only son of John Rider, of
England, and Dorothy, the only daughter of Col. Charles
Hutchins. Colonel Hutchins, the great-grandfather of Governor
Henry on the materal side, was one of the early settlers
of Dorchester county, and displayed great judgment in
selecting and securing large tracts of valuable land.
He was for many years one of their Majesties' Coun
cil for the Maryland Colony (during the reign of King
William and Queen Mary); was also commissioned to
treat with the Indians, and at one time Colonel of militia.
He accumulated wealth and built the large brick house
at "Weston" on the Nanticoke river, which afterwards
became the homestead of the John Henry branch of the
Henry family. His daughter Dorothy was sent to Eng
land to be educated, and after the completion of her
studies he was anxiously awaiting her return. In those
days there was considerable direct trade between Vienna,
on the Nanticoke river (six miles above Weston), and
England, and when the ship in which his daughter was
expected anchored in front of his house, he felt confi
dent she was on board, but instead of this he received
her miniature and a letter informing him that she was
engaged to be married to John Rider.
In this disappointment he became very angry, and
threw the miniature into the fire; fortunately it was
rescued by some one standing near and before it was
seriously injured. It is now in possession of one of her

84
descendants and still in a fair state of preservation. A
copy of the miniature will be found in this volume.
Dorothy Hutchins was married to John Rider in Eng
land about the year 1685, and their son, since known as
Col. John Rider, was born there October 30, 1686. They
afterwards sailed for America, and both she and her
husband died on the voyage, leaving their infant son
surviving them. The young son was received by his
grandfather, Colonel Hutchins, and at his death in
herited all his property.
Colonel Hutchins died in 1699, and from him are
descended in the female line our branch of the Henry
family, as well as the Steeles, of Maryland, and his
name is still perpetuated in several living members of
the Steele family. His grandson, Col. John Rider, mar
ried January 23, 1706, Anne Hicks, of Dorchester county,
Maryland. He died February 16, 1740, and the entry
of his death in his family record says of him: " He was
an honest man, truly attached to the Church of Eng
land, of a solid, good judgment, reasoned well, without
affectation, ostentation or passion." Colonel Rider left
one son, Charles, and three daughters, Sarah, Anne and
Dorothy surviving him. His son died unmarried about
two years later. Of his daughters, Sarah, the eldest,
married James Billings, a merchant of Oxford, Md.
Anne married Thomas Nevitt, the father of John Rider
Nevitt, and Dorothy married Col. John Henry, as before
stated. Henry Steele, an English gentlemen, at that time
of Oxford, Md., afterwards nearest neighbor of Governor
Henry, married a daughter of James Billings, and his
son, James Steele, married Mary Nevitt, granddaughter
of Thomas Nevitt and daughter of John Rider Nevitt.
The Nevitts, Billings and Steeles were all refined
and cultivated people, as may be discovered from their

JOHN CAMPBELL HENRY.

MRS. JOHN CAMPBELL HENRY, NEE STEELE.

85
letters and other writings still in existence. The Bill
ings and Nevitts, I believe, are now extinct in the male
line. The name of Nevitt still survives in several mem
bers of the Steele family.
Col. John Henry, of Weston, who married Dorothy
Rider, died in 1781, leaving four sons and five daughters,
namely, John, Francis Jenkins, Robert, Rider, Charlotte,
Dolly, Nancy, Sarah and Keturah.
John Henry, the eldest son, United States Senator and
Governor of Maryland, was born in November, 1750, at
Weston, the Henry homestead, on the Nanticoke river
in Dorchester county, Maryland. (The writer has seen
several biographical dictionaries which gave Easton, Md.,
as the place of his birth, but this is incorrect.) He was
prepared for college at West Nottingham Academy in
Cecil county, Maryland, a school of renown at that time,
under the direction of Rev. Samuel Finly, D. D., and
was then sent to Princeton College, where he graduated
about 1769. After this he devoted himself to the study
of law for several years in this country and then went
to England, where he remained two or three years en
gaged in prosecuting his law studies in the Temple.
While in England the issues between the Colonies and
the Mother Country grew warmer day by day, and ex
cited intense feeling and anxiety. They were a fre
quent subject of conversation and led to animated dis
cussions in the Robin Hood Club, of which he was a
member. He took part in all these discussions and zeal
ously defended the rights of the Colonies. He left Eng
land in 1775, and upon his arrival at home, thoroughly
educated, with popular manners and a well stored mind,
he was almost immediately elected by the people a
member of the Maryland Legislature. In 1777 he was

86
sent to the Continental Congress, and remained by suc
cessive re-election almost continuously a member of that
body until the adoption of the Constitution of the
United States.
During his service there, he argued with great earnest
ness and force against Mr. Jay's proposed treaty with
Spain, whereby our right to the navigation of the Mis
sissippi river was to be surrendered in consideration of
some commercial advantages, which inured almost ex
clusively to the benefit of the Eastern States. He con
tended that the Southern States and people of the Mis
sissippi Valley ought to secede from the Confederacy,
rather than submit to the occulsion of that river.
In 1787 he was appointed one of the committee to pre
pare an ordinance for the government of the Northwest
Territory. When the ordinance was reported, and the
clause prohibiting slavery, or involuntary servitude (the
language of which is now embodied in the thirteenth
amendment of our Constitution), was adopted, *Mary-
land, on account of the just and determined position
which she had assumed in regard to public lands, was
not represented.
While he was a large slave-holder at that time, I have
no doubt from his expressed opinion that he would most
heartily have concurred in and supported this clause.
In a letter in 1796, addressed by him to Hon. Wm.
Vans Murray, who was a member of the United States
House of Representatives, then in session in Phila
delphia, it appears that his views on the subject of
slavery were much in accord with those of Thomas Jef
ferson. He regarded it as an element of weakness in
*See McMaster's History, volume 1, page 508 and note.

87
the event of war with a foreign power, and deprecated
its existence upon moral grounds and as contrary to the
principles upon which our government was founded.
Mr. Murray and himself were natives and residents
of the same county, and intimate friends. Mr. Murray
was a most accomplished gentlemen, and was afterwards
sent as United States Minister to The Hague, and also
as Envoy Extraordinary to France.
Upon the adoption of the Constitution, Mr. Henry was
elected United States Senator for the term commencing
March 4, 1789, and, upon its expiration, re-elected for
the term commencing March 4, 1795, but afterwards re
signed to accept the office of Governor of Maryland,
which he held from November, 1797, to November, 1798.
The Constitution of Maryland in 1777 made the fol
lowing provision for the selection of its Governor:
" Sec. 25. That a person of wisdom, experience and
virtue shall be chosen Governor on the second Monday of
November, 1799, and on the second Monday forever
thereafter, by the joint ballot of both Houses."
He declined re-election on account of ill-health and
returned home to his estate on the Nanticoke river,
where he died December 16, 1798. During the latter
years of his life he frequently suffered from ill-health,
the nature of which I have not been able to ascertain.
In one of his letters he speaks of having been confined
with the gout, and it is probable that he suffered with
this or some kindred disease.
Governor Henry had scarcely passed the meridian of
life when he died. From early manhood until his death
he was kept almost continually in the public service,
rising step by step, and in regular gradation, to the

88
highest honors which the people of his State could
confer. This, perhaps, is the best evidence of his private char
acter, and of the excellence of his qualifications for
public duty, but to show the estimation in which he was
held by those who knew him intimately; and to give
some idea of his personal appearance, I will make an
extract from a letter written by Levin H. Campbell,
Esq., to his uncle, Peter Murdock, who resided in Scot
land. This Mr. Campbell studied law under the direc
tion of Governor Henry, and afterwards became a suc
cessful lawyer in Cambridge, Md., leaving behind him a
most enviable reputation. The letter is a long one, rela
ting to matters of business and family affairs, but con
tains the following: " I would here forbear to add to the
melancholy list of deaths and misfortunes which have
happened to us in this part of the world, did I not owe
a precious tribute to the memory of my dear departed
friend and benefactor, the Hon. John Henry, who was a
few years ago called off the busy stage of the world,
where he had so long distinguished himself in all the
various departments of life. This great man calls up
to my mind a gloomy reflection upon the instability of
human greatness, and also the changeableness of the
natural and moral world, and this reflection assumes a
much higher coloring when I survey the qualities that
adorned his person and made him shine forth one of the
brightest luminaries in our Western World. Adorned
with every virtue, and an understanding capable of en
forcing the most benevolent wishes of the soul, he bla
zoned forth the patron of political integrity and wisdom.
He was for many years a distinguished member of the
Senate of the United States. In private life this great
man was not less remarkable for his virtues than in

DR. J. WINFIELD HENRY.

89
public— an affectionate husband, a fond parent, a hu
mane master, a warm friend, a kind neighbor, and grate
ful of kindness. These are virtues among the many
which he possessed — his person, which was most grace
ful and elegant, commanded veneration and respect
approaching almost the servility of homage. His man
ners were the most soft, easy and engaging; his conver
sation free, instructive and agreeable; upon the whole,
I doubt whether this country ever produced a purer or
more finished man. The last year of his life he acted
as Governor of the State of Maryland, and had but just
declined re-election to spend the remainder of his days
in ease and retirement, at his home on the Nanticoke
river, when tired nature received the dread shock which
gave a lasting period to his existence.
I will also make a quotation from a letter addressed
some years since to the Rev. Dr. Handy, by Mrs. Aurelia
Winder ToWnsend, of Oyster Bay, Long Island, in reply
to a request from him for sketches of her grandfather,
William Winder, and his brother, Levin Winder; also
her great uncle, Gov. John Henry. She was a lady of
much intelligence and culture, with a taste for genealogy
and family history, and died not many years ago.
Speaking of Governor Henry, she says: " That at the
most important crisis in the history of his State he
should have filled the most honorable and responsible
offices in her gift, without intermission, from the age of
twenty-five until his death (more than twenty years
after), sufficiently attest the estimation in which he was
held by the public, as the pride, love and reverence with
which he was regarded by his sisters, and his memory
cherished by their descendants, testify to the excellence
and loveliness of his private character. Devoted as he
was to important public duties, he yet found time and

90
inclination for all the small, sweet charities of life, and
was now delighting his nieces, Arrietta Winder and
Matilda Henry, with brocades imported expressly for
them, and then directing his nephew, William H. Winder,
in the commencement of his law studies, winning from
him such respect and affection as only the highest, intel
lectual and moral character could command. Even in
death his care for his sisters' children was manifested,
as he bequeathed a farm to two of his nephews, Rider
Winder and Hugh Henry." As a collateral relative she
availed herself of the traditions and memoranda gath
ered from the older members of the family, and coming,
as they do, from an independent source, corroborate
those which I have received from others who knew him,
including my father and mother; they both, although
only eleven and nine years of age, respectively, at the
time of his death, remembered his fine personal appear
ance and his dignified and affectionate bearing and
manners. We regret that no portrait or likeness of
him, as far as we know, is now in existence. His dwell
ing at Weston, his country homestead, was totally de
stroyed by fire a few years after his death, while his two
sons were yet at Princeton College, and by that accident
many of his papers and other valuables were destroyed.
"I have understood, as was to be expected from his
long public life, that he left a very large number, but
owing to that calamity, I have only been able to collect
a few here and there; some of these, however, are of
historic interest and value, and others showing the dis
tinguished men who corresponded with him, and the
friendly relations existing between them. He was ac
quainted with most of the great statesmen and soldiers
of his day, and seems to have been on intimate terms
with many of them. I have the original of Thomas Jef-

«$&*f*,m"%s

COL. FRANCIS J. HENRY.

91
ferson's letter to him while Governor, in regard to the
authenticity of Logan's celebrated speech (which will be
found elsewhere in this book). I will quote a closing
sentence or two, as showing Mr. Jefferson's personal es
timate of Governor Henry: 'I have gone, my dear sir,
into this lengthy detail to satisfy a mind in the candor
and rectitude of which I have the highest confidence.
So far as you may incline to use the communication for
rectifying the judgments of those who are willing to see
things truly as they are, you are free to use it, but I pray
no confidence you may repose in anyone may induce you
to let it go out of your hands, so as to get into a news
paper, against a contest in that field ; I am entirely de
cided. I feel extraordinary gratification in addressing
this letter to you, with whom shades of difference in
political sentiment have not prevented the interchange
of good opinion, nor cut off the friendly offices of society
and good correspondence. This political tolerance is the
more valued by me, who considers social harmony as the
first of human facilities and the happiest moments, those
which are given to the effusions of the heart. Accept
them sincerely, I pray you, from one, who with senti
ments of high respect and attachment, has the honor to
be, dear sir,
'Your most obedient and most humble servant,
'Thomas Jefferson.'"
John Henry and Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, were
elected United States Senators at the same time, and
were the first two Senators from Maryland after the
adoption of the Constitution.
The relations between the two were those of mutual
respect and esteem. When they separated they corre
sponded with each other unreservedly.

92
You have probably noticed in some of the various
compilations that at the third election for President and
Vice-President, under the original provision of the Con
stitution, the Hon. John Henry, of Maryland, received
two electoral votes for the Presidency of the United
States. * " In the year 1796 the Presidential Electors for Mary
land, in accordance with the Constitution, met in
Annapolis and cast the electoral vote of the State as
follows :
For John Adams, the incumbent, Vice-President, 7 votes
" Thomas Pinckney, of South Carolina, 4 votes
" Thomas Jefferson, of Virginia, 4 votes
" Aaron Burr, of New York, 3 votes
" John Henry, of Maryland, 2 votes."
Attention is called to this fact, not because it is of any
great significance, for he was not a candidate for either
of those offices, but merely for the purpose of showing
that he had friends who deemed him capable and worthy
of such a position.
I have no information which enables me to speak with
certainty as to his religious faith, but I presume, and
have reason to believe, that he adhered to the faith of
his grandfather and remained a Presbyterian until his
death, although the Rider and Goldsborough familes,
from whom his mother and wife were descended, were
devoted adherents of the Church of England.
It is not in my power to furnish a copy of any speech
delivered by him, for in the last century, as you know,
there was no Congressional Record. The Journals of
Proceedings of Legislative Bodies were meagre and un-
* From Scarf's History of Maryland, volume 2, page 598.

HON. DANIEL M. HENRY.

93
satisfactory. Newspapers were few and the sources of
information limited. Reporters had little or no admit
tance and the interviewer was almost unknown.
That he spoke frequently and well, may be inferred
from what he and others have written.
In Wm. Maclay's Journal of the United States Senate,
1789 1791, he several times refers to speeches made by
Mr. Henry in the Senate.
His letters to Governor Stone and others, and the
general character of his correspondents as published
herein, cannot fail to give a correct idea of the high es
timate placed upon him by the noted and prominent men
of that time.
My object has been to write a short sketch of him for
the benefit of his descendants, which may serve as a
basis for additions by them hereafter.
Now permit me, as one of the many descendants of
Governor Henry who revere his memory, to say that
the more I have learned of his life and character, the
more strongly I have inclined to the conviction that his
cultivated talents, manly virtues and devoted patriotism
entitle him to rank in history by the side of the best and
wisest of his great contemporaries.
I have not traced his ancestors back beyond their first
settlement in this country as it is difficult to secure
data that can be regarded as absolutely reliable.
Governor Henry is said to have left a will, which is
mentioned in the letter of Mrs. Aurelia Winder Town-
send, and I much regret that it cannot be published with
the other wills in this volume; but, owing to the destruc
tion of the records bv fire in the Dorchester County

94
Courthouse, some fifty years ago, there is no will now
in existence.
He married, March 6, 1787, Margaret Campbell,
daughter of John and Elizabeth Campbell, of Caroline
county, Maryland. Her mother's maiden name was
Goldsborough. Mrs. Henry's sister married Mr. Philip Francis, of Tal
bot county, Maryland, and she was the grandmother of
Gov. Philip Francis Thomas, of Maryland, who filled
with honor a number of public offices, among them being
that of Secretary of the Treasury of the United States.
Governor Henry left two sons, John Campbell Henry,
born December 6, 1787, and Francis Jenkins, born in
1789. His wife died about a month after the birth of
her younger son, and he remained a widower until his
death. His sons, after attending various schools in this
State, were sent some years after his death by their
guardian to Princeton College, where they completed
their education. Francis Jenkins, the younger, died un
married soon after becoming of age.
John Campbell Henry, the eldest son (my grand
father), was a man of fine personal appearance, remark
able intelligence and of the highest integrity. He was
fond of bright and refined society, and his country
home, " Hambrooks," was always the seat of generous
and unpretending hospitality. In April, 1808, he mar
ried Mary Steele, a daughter of James Steele and a
sister of I. Nevitt Steele, the distinguished lawyer of
Baltimore City. She was a granddaughter of Henry
Steele, who married Miss Billings.
Henry Steele was a neighbor and an intimate friend
of Governor Henry, and when he died, in 1782, was

RIDER HENRY.

95
possessed of personal property which was appraised in
the inventory returned after his death at £10,000, also
leaving besides a large and valuable landed estate. Mrs.
Henry and her husband both inherited fine estates, and
together they possessed large tracts of land and many
negroes. I have in my possession his account book,
which contains the names of one hundred and seven
negroes he owned at the time of his death, not including
quite a number he had previously given to his eight
children. He died in his seventieth year, in April, 1857, at Ham-
brooks, his beautiful residence on the Choptank River,
near Cambridge, Md. This attractive home and his
open-handed hospitality were well known to all the best
people of the State. He never sought public office, but
was appointed one of the Governor's Council without his
previous knowledge or consent, and after a few months'
service resigned. It is said he could have been elected
Governor, if he would have consented to accept the posi
tion. He had a large estate requiring his constant at
tention, and he preferred to devote himself to the duties
of private life.
Mary Steele, the wife of James Steele, and the mother
of Mrs. Henry was the only daughter of John Rider
Nevitt and Sarah Maynadier. (Miss Maynadier was a
daughter of the Rev. Daniel Maynadier, a minister of the
Church of England, and for many years, and until his
death, rector of the "Great Choptank Parish," Cambridge,
Dorchester county, Maryland.)
Mr. Nevitt died early in life, and his widow, Sarah
Nevitt, nee Maynadier, afterwards married Dr. James
Murray and resided in Annapolis. She lived there to an
advanced age, and died leaving two sons, Daniel and

96
James Murray, and three daughters, Sally, Nancy and
Catherine, surviving her, all of them distinguished for
their high social positions. Daniel married Miss Dorsey,
James married Miss Radcliffe, Sally married Gov. Ed
ward Lloyd, Catherine married Hon. Richard Rush of
Pennsylvania, Nancy married Gen. John Mason of
Virginia. Mrs. Mason was the mother of the Hon. James M.
Mason and grandmother of Gen. Fitzhugh Lee, one of
the recent Governors of Virginia.
Mrs. John Campbell Henry was a granddaughter of
Mrs. Murray by her first marriage with Mr. Nevitt, and
also a niece of the Murray children above mentioned.
Mrs. Henry survived her husband, John Campbell
Henry, many years, and died at the residence of her
son, Dr. J. Winfield Henry, in Cambridge, Md., Novem
ber 20, 1873, at the age of eighty-four years. She was
an accomplished woman, a lovely Christian character,
exceedingly entertaining in conversation, and even in
old age retained something of the beauty for which she
was noted in her early life. They left eight children
surviving them, four sons and four daughters, viz. : Dr.
J. Winfield Henry, Francis J. Henry, Daniel M. Henry,
Rider Henry, Kitty, Isabella, Mary and Charlotte.
Dr. J. Winfield studied medicine and graduated at
Jefferson Medical College, Philadelphia, in 1838, and
practised his profession successfully in Dorchester
county, Maryland, for many years. He was a conscien
tious and capable physician and always regarded as a
man of the highest integrity. In March, 1841, he mar
ried Anna Maria Campbell, daughter of Levin H. Camp
bell, a prominent lawyer of Cambridge, Md. (Previously

97
referred to as having studied law under the direction of
Governor John Henry). She was a most sincere
Christian woman, of decided character and opinions,
and an exemplary member of the Episcopal Church.
They both died in the Summer of 1889, within two
months of each other, leaving five sons and one daughter.
" Of his sons, James Winfield is a merchant, and was
for many years the head of a successful wholesale busi
ness in Baltimore, and at one time a director on the part
of the State in the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad ; also
director in two of the national banks of the State." He
married, in 1882, Maria Louise Dulin, of Baltimore. The
second son, John Campbell, is a practical and successful
business man, and at present a farmer in Talbot county,
Maryland. He married Elizabeth Hughlet, daughter
of Col. Thos. Hughlet, of Talbot county, Maryland.
They have one son, their only child, Hughlet Henry, who
is now practising law in Easton, Md. The fourth son,
Daniel Murray, was an able and talented lawyer in
Cambridge, Md., with a large practice, but died early in
life, at the age of forty-one. He had many friends, and
his loss was deeply lamented by all who knew him;
he married Miss Martha Adkins, of Easton, Md. His
wife, two daughters (Levina and Mary) and one son
(Adkins) survive him. His son Adkins Henry is now a
student at the Maryland University Law School. The
other sons of Dr. J. Winfield Henry, Levin Hicks and
Charles Steele, are both engaged in business in Cam
bridge, Md., and are yet unmarried. Their only daugh
ter, Nannie Campbell, married Dr. Brice W. Golds-
borough, a practising physician of Cambridge, Md., and
President of Cambridge (Md.) Hospital. They have
four daughters— Anna, Etta, Louise and Mary Campbell.

98
Francis J. Henry commenced business as a merchant,
but shortly afterwards became interested in politics and
held the office of Clerk of the Circuit Court for Dorchester
county by successive re-election for twenty-eight years.
He was a most courteous and hospitable gentleman, and
of great popularity. In early life he acquired a fond
ness for hunting, and became noted as an excellent
partridge and duck shot. It is said that he frequently
shot from the hip and with great success. His wife, to
whom he was married in August, 1836, was Willimena
Goldsborough, youngest daughter of Robert Golds-
borough of Cambridge, Md. He survived his wife some
twenty years and died in 1901, at the advanced age of
eighty-four years. His oldest son, John Campbell, served
with much credit in the Confederate Army during the
late Civil War, and was several times wounded in battle;
he is now a resident of New Orleans, La. The second
son, Robert Goldsborough, is a practising lawyer, and at
the present time is Mayor of Cambridge. Another son,
Nicholas, resides in Washington, D. C, and is connected
with the United States Coast Survey. They had four
daughters, Mary, Nannie, Elizabeth and Willimina, all
of whom married and have children.

Daniel Murray was an able lawyer, and for many years
the head of the Dorchester county bar; he served in both
branches of the State Legislature, also for two terms
(45th and 46th Congress) as a member of the House of
Representatives of the United States. He was a man of
much natural talent and fine legal ability, but of modest
and retiring manners. He was twice married; first in
November, 1845, to Henrietta Maria, youngest daughter
of Gov. Charles Goldsborough. She died in 1846, leav-

99
ing an infant son, who died in the following year. After
remaining a widower for thirteen years he married in
1859 Susan Elizabeth, only daughter of William Golds
borough, Esq., of Myrtle Grove, Talbot county, Mary
land, and granddaughter of Hon. Robert H. Golds
borough, United States Senator from Maryland, and
also granddaughter of Gov. Charles Goldsborough, above
mentioned. By the second wife, who died in 1883, he had
six children, three sons and three daughters. He survived
his wife about sixteen years, and died in 1899, at the age
of seventy-seven years. His oldest daughter, Susan, a
beautiful and accomplished girl, and his eldest son,
Maynadier, a most estimable young man, both died
shortly after becoming of age. His second son, Winder
Laird, is a lawyer by profession, and a young man of
much natural ability, and was elected a member of the
Fifty-third Congress at the age of twenty-nine years.
At the present time he is practising law in Cambridge.
Another son, Robert Goldsborough, is a merchant in Bal
timore, and has been quite successful in his business.
He married Miss Roberta Boiling, of Virginia. The
other daughters, Charlotte and Mary, are unmarried,
and reside in Cambridge, Md.

Rider, the fourth son, married, in 1859, Miss
Octavia Sulivance, only daughter of Dr. Vans Murray
Sulivance, of Mississippi, (a relative of the Hon.
Wm. Vans Murray hereinbefore referred to.) He
selected farming as his vocation in life, and they lived
for many years upon his fine estate called " Belvoir,"
near Cambridge, Md. After the civil war they moved
to Mississippi, where he engaged in cotton planting for
some years, but later they removed to Washington,

100
D. C, where he held an appointment under the United
States Government. He died in Cambridge in 1900, at
the age of seventy-three years. His widow, two sons
and two daughters survive him. The two sons, Clement
and Rider, are engaged in the importing business in
New York City, and I understand have been quite suc
cessful. His elder daughter, Mary, married John Golds
borough, a lawyer, of Washington, D. C, and the
younger daughter, Betty, married the Hon. John Hemp
hill, of South Carolina.

Kitty, the eldest daughter, in 1846, married Daniel
Lloyd, youngest son of Governor and United States
Senator Edward Lloyd, of Talbot county. They lived
for many years on his large estate, " Wye Heights," on
the Wye river in Talbot county, Maryland, but in 1860
they removed to Cambridge, Md., where he died some
years later. Mrs. Lloyd was a woman of sterling quali
ties and a sincere christian character. She survived
her husband a number of years and died in 1886, leav
ing three children, one son and two daughters. Henry
Lloyd, her son, studied law and practised his profession
for some years in Cambridge, Md. He represented Dor
chester county in the State Senate for several years, and
in 1887 was elected Governor of Maryland. It is very
remarkable that his name, Henry Lloyd, should repre
sent both of his grandfathers, who were also Governors
of Maryland. His Christian name, Henry, after Gov
ernor Henry, and his surname, Lloyd, after Governor
Lloyd. At the present time he is Judge Henry Lloyd, of
the first Judicial Circuit of Maryland. He married
Elizabeth Staplefort, of Dorchester county, and they
have one child named for his father, Henry Lloyd. Her

GOVERNOR HENRY LLOYD.

101
daughters, Mary and Kate, reside in Cambridge, and are
yet unmarried.

Isabella, in 1850 married her cousin, Dr. Thomas B.
Steele, formerly of the United States Navy, he having
resigned his commission in 1861. While in the Navy
he performed much active and arduous duty, participa
ting for several years in the Mexican War, and after
wards in 1851 going with Commodore Perry's expedition
on a long cruise to China. During the yellow fever
epidemic in Norfolk, Va. in 1855, he exhibited great
courage, being present and administering to the sick for
the entire time, and for his courageous and constant
professional services, the citizens presented him a hand
some gold medal. For the past forty years he has been
the leading physician in Cambridge and Dorchester
county, Md. He is a man of very generous and kind
impulses, and has been most unselfish in the practice of
his profession, doing much for the poor and sick without
any expectation of reward. Now nearly eighty years of
age he has the gratitude and respect of the entire
community. Mrs. Steele is a woman of strong mental
capacity, and has been a most devoted mother. They
have three children living, Ogle Steele, who holds a
Government position, and resides in Washington, D. C.
and Dr. Guy Steele, who lives in Cambridge, Md., and
has recently taken up his father's practice. Their
daughter, Isabella, married Mr. Lewis Trail, of Frederick,
Md., and they now reside in Easton, Md.

Mary, in 1848, married Richard Tilghman Golds
borough, a son of Gov. Charles Goldsborough; he was a

102
farmer for many years, and afterwards engaged in the
drug business in Cambridge. He died in 1895. Mrs.
Goldsborough is still living; she has no children.
Charlotte married, in 1852, Hon. Charles F. Golds
borough, also a son of Gov. Charles Goldsborough. By
profession he was a lawyer, and for some years held the
office of State's Attorney for Dorchester county; he was
also a State Senator for several terms, and was after
wards elected one of the Judges of the First Judicial
Circuit of Maryland, which position he held for many
years, and until his death in 1892. Judge Goldsborough
was a man of rare ability, and an accomplished speaker,
possessing unusual conciseness of language. Mrs. Golds
borough, who survived him, still occupies their attractive
home in Cambridge. She is an unselfish christian char
acter and beloved by all who know her. They have no
children now living.
Record of the Marriage of Governor John Henry
and Margaret Campbell.
Taken from the family Bible of Mrs. Charles Golds
borough: " On Tuesday, the 6th of March, 1787, was married
(at our house, Belvoir), Margaret Campbell, daughter of
John and Elizabeth Campbell, to John Henry, son of
John and Dorothy Henry.
" On the 6th of December following was born their
first son. He was baptized by the Rev. Mr. Kerr a few
months after his birth (at the wedding of Sally Henry
to John Ratcliff) by the name of John Campbell. Their
second son, born on Sunday night, the 6th of February,
1789. Mrs. Henry was taken very ill immediately after

103
the birth of her second son and continued so until the
17th of March following, when it pleased God to take
her to Himself. She was interred on Friday, the 13th,
after sunset, and on Tuesday, 24th, her funeral sermon
was preached by the Rev. Mr. Kerr from the words of
St. John, 16th chapter, 33d verse. ' These things have
I spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In
the world ye shall have tribulations, but be of good
cheer; I have overcome the world.' At the same time
her son was baptized by the the name of Francis Jenkins.
C G."
Traditions of " Weston," the Home of Gov. John
Henry, on the Nanticoke River,
Dorchester County, Md.
The incidents herein related come down to my genera
tion through my grandparents and old negro servants of
the Henry family:
When a boy I frequently heard my grandparents and
an old negro servant (Job) describe the attack made upon
"Weston " during the War of the Revolution, in the fol
lowing manner, viz. : -One day a British war vessel came
up the Nanticoke river, greatly alarming the family, who
retired for safety to the back country, and when ap
proaching "Weston " opened fire upon the place, causing
much damage to the buildings, and killing in the orchard
a favorite riding horse of Governor Henry. The horse
was struck by a cannon ball. They afterwards landed a
squad of soldiers and pillaged the house, the men getting
drunk on the fine old wines and liquors in the cellar and
destroying all they could not carry off by knocking in
the heads of the barrels. These proceedings were all
witnessed by a negro man who secreted himself in the

104
limbs of a Lombardy poplar tree. He described his
fright as being terrible, but after getting up the tree
said he was afraid to get down again. Fortunately he
was undiscovered and after the British had left he rep
resented the scene as "dreadful," and said the tears
came in his eyes to see all of "Marse John's " nice liquors
running ankle deep over the cellar floor, and "we darkies
jist got down on our knees and drunk until we couldn't
drink no more."
Another fact transmitted is that the old brick dwelling
at "Weston " was burned during the War of 1812 and
that all the family portraits, library and valuable papers
of Governor Henry were destroyed at that time.
J. Winfield Henry.
December 28, 1899.
In confirmation of the above you will find in Letter
Book No. 26, Letter No. 50, of the Maryland Historical
Society. Letter of Joseph Dashield, dated Salisbury, Septem
ber 30, 1780, to Gov. Thomas Sim Lee.
One portion of the letter has the following:
" The enemy's boats, after landing at Vienna and de
stroying a brigantine and several vessels, went down the
river to Col. John Henry's, where they gave a specimen
of their savage disposition. They broke all the glass in
the house, the doors, his clock; broke all his floors and
pulled up all his wainscoat; broke his still and started all
his cider and brandy, and did him a great deal more
damage, and carried off two of his negro men, and near
night they left him and then proceeded down to Dames
Quarter in Somerset county."

105
Inscriptions Copied From the Tombstones at " Wes
ton," the Old Homestead of the Henry
Family, Where Gov. John Henry
Lived and Died and
Was Buried.
In memory of Henry Steele, who departed this life the
fifth day of February, Anno Domini 1782.
* * *
Under this stone lyeth the body of the Honorable
Colonel John Rider, who departed this life on the six
teenth day of February, 1739.
In memory of Ann, daughter of the Hon. John Rider,
and relict of Major James Billings, of Dorchester county.
This stone is erected by her only surviving child, Ann
Steele, the 27th of February MDCCIVI (1741).

Here lies the body of Mr. James Billings, who de
parted this life the llth day of September, Anno Domini
1747.
' ' There is a gloomy vale between us,
Pass on, I am gone before. ' '

Under this stone lyeth the body of Captain Charles
Rider, who departed this life on the 20th day of October,
1741. Note. — The above are all of the tombstones to be
found at this time (October 12, 1897) in the old grave
yard, except several small stones erected to the memory
of young children of James and Ann Billings.

106
No tomb was ever erected over the remains of Gov.
John Henry, which is much regretted by all his descend
ants, and at the present time it is impossible to locate
his grave.
At the time of his death his two sons (the only chil
dren) were infants in a legal sense, being then only
eight and nine years of age, and did not realize the im
portance of erecting some monument to his memory.
J. Winfield Henry, Jr.
October 12, 1897.
Copy of Letter of Mrs. Aurelia Winder Townsend.
Rev. Dr. Handy:
Dear Sir: In compliance with your request, I will
endeavor to give you slight sketches of my grandfather,
Wm. Winder, Jr., his brother, Levin Winder, and my
great-uncle, Governor Henry. It will be easy to recount
the leading incidents of their lives, but I fear impossi
ble to convey to you the vivid, life-like impression of
the men which I have derived from conversation with
my mother from my earliest recollection. The likeness
produced by these innumerable, minute touches cannot
be copied by a stroke of the pen, at least not in my
hand, especially as I am restrained by the conscious
ness that my near relationship to these gentlemen might
occasion a suspicion of partiality if I wrote as every
one acquainted with my subjects spoke of them. But I
will attempt to give you an outline which shall be strictly
truthful, however wanting in grace, spirit and finish.
My authorities for the incidents I shall mention are my
mother, my father, memoranda letters from our friend
and relation, John B. Morris, of Baltimore, the nephew
,of my grandfather and Governor Winder, and a letter

\

DANIEL M. HENRY, JR.

107
from Mrs. Daniel Lloyd, of Cambridge, Md., a grand
daughter of Governor Henry.
Gov. John Henry, son of John Henry and Dorothy
Rider, was born in November, 1749, at the family seat,
"Weston," on Nanticoke, inherited by his mother from
her great-grandfather, Charles Hutchins, and now owned
by her great-grandson, Francis Jenkins Henry. He was
prepared for college by the Rev. Samuel Finley, D. D.,
who kept a celebrated school at West Nottingham, Cecil
county, Maryland, and graduated at Princeton in 1769.
From there he went to England to finish his education,
and graduated at Cambridge. He must also have
studied law in England, as his whole life after his return
was spent in public service, and he had no time either
for the study or practice of his profession, his large
property enabling him to devote himself with all the
influence derived from fortune, station, talent, integrity
and personal popularity to the service of his country at
a most critical juncture.
In the Autumn after his return from England (about
the time of the opening of the Revolution) he was
elected to the Legislature from Dorset county, and in
1777 to the Continental Congress, to which he continued
to be re-elected until the adoption of the Federal Con
stitution, when he and Charles Carroll were elected to
the U. S. Senate, Mr. Henry for the long term. At the
expiration of that term he was chosen Governor of
Maryland, which office he resigned in November, 1798,
and returning to his residence on the Nanticoke, died
before the close of the month, of what disease I do not
know ; ill-health probably occasioned his resignation.
That at the most important crisis in the history of
his State he should have filled the most honorable and

108
responsible offices in her gift without intermission, from
the age of twenty-five until his death, sufficiently attests
the estimation in which he was held by the public, as
the pride, love and reverence with which he was re
garded by his sisters and his memory cherished by their
descendants testifies to the excellence and loveliness of
his private character. Devoted as he was to important
public duties he yet found time and inclination for the
small, sweet charities of life, and was now delighting
his nieces, Arietta Winder and Matilda Henry, with
brocades imported expressly for them, and then direct
ing his nephew, Wm. H. Winder, in the commencement
of his law studies, winning from him such respect and
affection as only the highest intellectual and moral
character could commend from such a man. Even in
death, his care for his sisters' children was manifested,
as he bequeathed a farm to two of his nephews, Rider
Winder and Hugh Henry.
I am not able to give the date of his marriage. The
family mansion was destroyed by fire not long after his
death and his papers lost. His wife, who died before
him, was Margaret, daughter of John Campbell, of Bel
voir, on Jenkins' Creek, which estate now belongs to his
great-grandson, Rider Henry. Her mother was Eliza
beth Goldsborough. Governor Henry left two sons,
Francis Jenkins and John Campbell, both of them
remarkably handsome men. The first died unmarried,
soon after their return from Princeton. John Camp
bell died April 1, 1857, in his seventieth year, at " Ham-
brook," his residence near Cambridge. Mr. Henry was
a very fine specimen of a Maryland country gentlemen
of the old school. Inheriting a large fortune and the
highest social position, endowed with a very handsome
person, excellent abilities, cultivated by the best educa-

109
tion the country afforded, he married early in life his
relation, (her grandmother Steele and grandfather
Nevitt being first cousins of Governor Henry) Mary,
daughter of Henry Steele, a woman of extraordinary
beauty and great amiability, and settled down to the
management of his estate, the enjoyment of his family
and the exercise of a graceful, unostentatious old-fash
ioned hospitality. When the Governor of Maryland was
appointed by the Legislature, overtures were made to
elect him to that office and declined. Entirely satisfied
with his position, with the exception of serving once in
the Governor's Council, he avoided any conspicuous
political office, while he willingly served his neighbors
in offices such as Judge of the Orphans' Court that were
compatible with his home duties and pleasures.
Long will his memory be green in the hearts, not only
of his children, but of all the circle, which lost in him
one of its chief ornaments. His widow is still living at
the age of eighty-three, and retains, I am told, to a
remarkable degree the beauty of her youth. His eight
surviving children are all married and settled very near
his late residence.
Aurelia Winder Townsend.
Letter of Dr. James Murray to Hon. William
Vans Murray.
Annapolis, September 1st, 1799.
My Dear Sir: Your friends on this side of the Atlan
tic have for a long course of time had no direct commu
nication with you, but as I well know the warmth of
affection which you retain for your old friends, I em
brace this opportunity of giving you a short detail of
those whom you most love in this country, and to inform
you that we shall be highly gratified to hear of your

110
health and happiness and that of your amiable partner.
On a late visit which I made to Dorset, I found your
brothers and sisters, with all your other friends, in
health and spirits; but complaining, as we do in Annapo
lis, that your time is too much occupied to afford you
leisure to write to us. Your brother Robinson has lately
a stout son, and he expects, from his present size, that
he will soon be able to shoulder a musket. Your neigh
bor, Mr. Steele, who has purchased the Goldsborough
house at the Point, has also another son, and we are
multiplying in every direction. My daughter Nancy,
who married Mr. Mason, has two sons, and my daughter
Sally, who married Mr. Lloyd since you left us, has given
him an heir to his splendid fortune. Both the girls are,
I believe, as happy as health and fortune can make
them, and both Mrs. M. and myself feel a comfort and
happiness in our children which falls to the lot of few.
Mr. Mason is a man of great respectability and large
fortune. He will probably take his family to Europe as
soon as the convulsed state of that country will admit,
and if, in the course of their excursions, he should have
an opportunity of paying his respects to you, you will
be much pleased with him. Mr. Lloyd, though a very
young man, has great energy of character, is devoted
to domestic enjoyments and is esteemed and beloved by
his neighbors. In the several visits I have made to him
at Wye House, he appears to be a most affectionate hus
band and father, a kind and indulgent master, and also
shows an active and well-directed attention to his estate,
and I believe my daughter has not a wish of her heart
ungratified. This is a family detail, which I should not
have given had I not been convinced that the affection
which you bear the parties would make it a pleasing one
to you.

I have now, my good sir, a word to say to you respect
ing my son Daniel, who about twelve months ago finished
his collegiate education, and as our friend Mr. Dowell,
who continues the same worthy good character you left
him, assured me that he had talents which would qualify
him to fill any station with respectability, I proposed to
him the study of law, which he very diligently pursued
for several months, but the preparations which we had
been making for war has intoxicated all our young men,
and I could not prevail upon him to be an inactive
spectator of it. He has taken a station as midshipman
on board the insurgent frigate which Truxton took from
the French, and is now commanded by my brother,
Captain Murray, who is on a cruise off the coast of Spain
to give protection to our commerce which has suffered
greatly in that quarter. A letter which I received from
Captain Murray a few days after he sailed, says that
Daniel's conduct, so far as he can judge in so short a
time, promises everything he could wish, and he will
found the most promising expectations. Now, my good
sir, as you may suppose I have his advancement much at
heart, and I well know that you do and ought to possess
the confidence of the President. I trust that you will
take an opportunity in your private communications
with Mr. Adams to say that you have a relative who has
just commenced his career in the Navy, whom you wish
to see promoted. You may with confidence say of him
that he is a young man of talents, probity and the strict
est honor, and that he is of that class of society which
will give respectability to the Navy. He has the princi
ples and education of a gentleman and has a prospect of
a handsome independence.
These are qualifications which you will think ought to
give him a preference to a mere sailor; but I am in-

112
formed, as he is a good mathematician, a few months at
sea will qualify him for a lieutenancy, and as all our
naval officers are newly created, I trust that you will
think it would not be improper to solicit an appointment
for my son. I have a powerful personal interest with
the Secretary of the Navy, and am confident he would
willingly avail himself of every circumstance to promote
my son's interest, and should it not be inconsistent with
your principles to exert your interest with the Presi
dent on such occasions, I should have very little doubt
of his success. That he would be promoted in course
with other midshipmen, I have no doubt, but I hope you
will think his qualifications, connections, etc., ought to
give him a preference, and as he will return from his
cruise in the month of February, if you will add your
interest to what I can do for him, I think we may get
him a lieutenancy by the next cruise.
I have, my dear sir, expressed myself as a father par
tial to his son, but to you, whom I know has an affection
ate attachment to my family, I need make no apology.
If you think it consistent with your character, you will
gratify me by an application to the President; if not, I
shall impute it to that delicacy which your public situa
tion requires of you. Mrs. M. joins me in affectionate
wishes to yourself and Mrs. Murray.
I am, my dear sir, with great sincerity, your friend
and obedient servant,
James Murray.

pow02WOO«paS<!mHaIHO

113
MEMORANDA FROM WILLS IN SOMERSET
COUNTY, MARYLAND.
By Judge J. Upshur Dennis, of the Maryland Bench.
I. Rev. John Henry, (Liber E. B. No. 9, fol. 53,) died
about June 20, 1717. Married Mary, the widow of Col.
Robert Jenkins, by whom she had no children. She
was the daughter of Sir Robert King, an Englishman of
wealth, who settled in what is now Kingston, in Somer
set county. After Henry's death she married another
Presbyterian minister, the Rev. John Hampton, an
Englishman, but had no children by him. She is buried
at " Hampton "—the family seat— near Rehobeth, on the
river bank, and is described upon her tomb as "Lady Mary
Hampton." Her three husbands are probably buried
in the Presbyterian churchyard at Rehobeth ; it is. pos
sible, however, that one or more of them may be buried
near her at Hampton, although I have never heard of
any family burial-ground there,, nor has any trace of
one existed, to my personal knowledge, for forty years.
The Rev. John Hampton died circa February 2, 1721,
(will in Liber E. B. No. 9, fol. 85) ; while Lady Hampton
survived until circa December 13, 1744. By her will
she left the several tracts of land near Rehobeth, and
which afterwards became known as "Hampton," con
taining about nine hundred acres, and large tracts else
where and also certain lots in Snow Hill, to her son, Rob
ert Jenkins Henry, and several other tracts to her son
John, and legacies to her brother, Col. Robert King and
others, and named her two sons as executors. (Liber
E. B. No. 9, folio 249.)
From Rev. John Henry and the above-described Mary
were born two sons, the first called after the madam's

114
first husband, Robert Jenkins Henry, and the second
John Henry. When the Rev. John died they were both
under age, as he speaks of them as his " dear babes,"
and appointed his brother-in-law, Col. Robert King, and
friend, Ephraim Wilson, as their counsellors and guard
ians. He left a brother named Hugh, who left a son of
the same name, who left a son, the Rev. Hugh Henry ;
but I find no further trace of descendants on this
brother's line.
By his will, the Rev. John Henry gave the larger por
tion of his estate to his eldest son, Robert Jenkins
Henry; but left his son John also large tracts, especially
a large body of land lying in the St. Martin's river (from
which it is perhaps probable that the branch of Henrys
in the upper end of Worcester descended from this son).
As has been seen, both sons were under age at the time
of his death.
II. Robert Jenkins Henry, eldest son of Rev. John
Henry and Mary Jenkins (nee King). Died circa No
vember 14, 1766 (wills, Liber E. B. No. 4, fol. 119). His
wife was Gertrude Rousby and she survived him. She
was a sister of Mrs. Ed. Lloyd (the 3rd Edward).
He left two sons, Robert Jenkins Henry and Edward
Henry, and four daughters, Mary King, Ann, Elizabeth
and Gertrude. Both of his sons were under age (he
mentions that Robert, the elder, was ten years old), and
two of his daughters, although it does not appear which
two. By inheritance, and his own acquisitions, he became
possessed of very large wealth, not only of lands in
Maryland, but also in Virginia and North Carolina. He
gave the land upon which the Presbyterian Church at
Rehobeth was situated, and also the land upon which the

115
Episcopal Church (" Coventry ") is situated, to the con
gregations of those churches, and the land upon which
the Government Inspection House (for custom's duties)
was situated, for that use, as long as it should be needed
for that purpose.
He gave the homeplace "Hampton," together with the
larger portion of his estate, to his son Robert Jenkins
Henry, as also his watch "with the hope that he will not
part with it, as it is a family watch;" lands to Edward —
particularly a large tract in " Sussex county, on Dela
ware Bay"— and to his several daughters; and "com
memorative rings " to several friends (including "Cousin
Betsy Lloyd and brother Lloyd ") ; and named his brother-
in-law, the Hon. Edward Lloyd, and " Col. John Henry
of Dorchester," as guardians of his children, and especi
ally entrusted them with the education of his children.
From Robert Jenkins Henry and Gertrude, the oldest
son was— (nothing is shown in the records of their son
Edward, and it is probable that he died under age, or
removed to Worcester or Dorchester) —
III. Robert Jenkins Henry, born November, 1766,
(see his father's will). He died, without leaving a will,
circa: 1822-1824; but his eldest son, who inherited from
him "Hampton " and his other estates was
IV. Robert Jenkins Henry (old General Henry), who
resided at Hampton and died without a will about the
end of 1845. His wife was Mary Dennis Handy, grand
daughter of old Col. Samuel Handy, of Snow Hill, who
married a daughter of John Dennis, the second (and the
third in descent in this country) and sister of the first
Littleton Dennis. His wife's nephew, Dr. Littleton
Dennis Handy (a great-grandson of Col. Samuel Handy),

116
was appointed his administrator. The date of his birth
is not shown, but James U. Dennis says he was at least
sixty years old, a very fine-looking man, although rather
small in stature, very courtly in manner, but very "pep
pery " ; and " would fight at the wink of an eye." He
left descendants: Dr. Samuel Handy Henry, who re
moved to Elkridge Landing and afterwards to Balti
more; Robert Jenkins Henry, who removed to Missis
sippi about 1857, and Mary Dennis Henry, who married
McPherson (of the Frederick county family), and Har
riet Henry, who married the Rev. Henry Onderdonk.
Both daughters are buried in the Presbyterian church
yard at Rehobeth.
After the death of General Henry, my grandfather
purchased "Hampton," containing at that time nine
hundred and seventy-seven acres, and had it deeded to
his son, James U. Dennis, now of Princess Anne. (See
Deeds W. P., Liber No. 1, folios 269 and 431.)
J. Upshur Dennis.
March 19, 1900.
II. John Henry, second son of Rev. John Henry and
Mary Jenkins (nee King), died circa September 13, 1781
(Wills, E. B. No. 1, folio 147). He left four sons, John,
Francis Jenkins, Rider and Robert; and five daughters,
Charlotte (who married a Winder), Kiturah, Dolly, Nancy
and Sarah. It would seem from his will that he mar
ried a Rider.
He left to his son John several tracts of land in Som
erset and Dorchester, including the " plantation on Nan
ticoke, where I formerly lived ; to his son Francis
Jenkins Henry, all his lands in Worcester county;
to his son Rider Henry, several tracts in Somerset
and Dorchester, and lots in Vienna; to his son Robert

117
lands in Somerset; and legacies and some small tracts
of land to each of his daughters (having previously pro
vided for them by a deed of trust some years before
his death).
This is probably the "Col. John Henry of Dorchester,"
referred to in the will of Robert Jenkins Henry (the
first) and who, together with his brother-in-law, Col. Ed
ward Lloyd, was appointed guardian of his children.
There are no further references to any of this branch
in the male line in Somerset county. J. Upshur Dennis.
March 19, 1900. Will of Rev. John Henry.
In the name of God— Amen! The first day of Octo
ber, Anno Domini 1715, I, John Henry, of Pocomoke, in
the county of Somerset, province of Maryland, being
sensible of my approaching dissolution, though now of
tolerable health and sound judgment (blessed be God),
do make, constitute and appoint this my last will and
testament, disannulling and revoking all others before
made; that is to say, I commend my soul to Almighty
God through my blessed Redeemer. I bequeath my
body to its mother earth, expecting my soul shall meet
with it infinitely more glorious than now I lay it down,
and it is my will it be interred decently, without any
confusion or noise; also it is my will a sermon be
preached then or next Lord's Day after, by some Godly
minister, if to be had, from 2 Cor., 5th chapter, 12th
verse. Item. — I give and bequeath to my dear brother, Hugh
Henry, and loving sisters, Jennett and Helen Henry,

118
fifteen pounds sterling, which I will, be quickly after my
decease paid into the hands of the Rev. Mr. Alexander
Sinclare, in Plunkett street, Dublin; or, if he be dead,
into the hands of the Rev. Messrs. Francis Pudale, of
Cragshead, or either of them, in Cable street, Dublin;
either of whom I order to distribute the said money
in three equal shares among them, and if Alexander
Sinclare be alive, I order him 20s. to purchase a com
memoration ring. I give and bequeath to my dear son
John and to the heirs of his body, lawfully begot, the
half or moiety of a tract of land called Buckland, lying
on St. Martin's river, viz., that half which lies farthest
up the river, and order the divisional line to be run from
the river up either of the said lines of my Brother
King's two hundred acres that may be most convenient,
and so on to the outside woodland boundary.
Item— I give and bequeath to my said son John and
to his male heirs lawfully begotten, the one moiety of
my stone house and lot at Snow Hill Town and one hun
dred acres of a tract of land called Pershoar, on the
Whorekill creek, and I order it to be on the eastern side
of said tract and that he have thirty -three perches of a
third part of a perch from the last bounder of the said
tract on the Whorekill point of land at the mouth of the
creek toward the first bounder for his breadth, and for
length backward at discretion, and if my son Robert
disturb or put out him or his lawful male heirs of peace
able possession (and so cross my will), I leave and
bequeath to my son John and to his male heirs lawfully
begotten the other half of Buckland, but otherwise I
give it not to John but dispose 'ont as afterwards.
Item— I give to my son John and to his heirs forever
(after payment of my just debts and the decease of my

h ^iLvl

& ^

DENNIS KENNARD, AN OLD FAMILY SERVANT.

119
beloved wife) the half of my historical books and all the
rest save my law books and a few practical sermon
books, and the third part of all my personal estate.-
Item— I give and bequeath to my dear son Robert
Jenkins and to his heirs1 forever two tracts of land
lying on Merattock -River, in North Carolina, the one
containing nine hundred and thirty and: the other six
hundred and forty acres, also the tract of land whereon
I live called Mary's lot, containing four hundred acres,
also Henry's Addition, lying on the south side of said
Mary's lot, containing fifty acres; also a tract called
Jeshimon lying above Snow Hill, containing one hundred
and fifty acres; another called Providence, at Dividing
creek, containing two hundred acres.
Item— I give and bequeath to my said son Robert
Jenkins the southmost half of Buckland aforesaid upon
the condition aforesaid. The half of my lot and stone
house at Snow Hill, also a tract on Pocomoke whereon
Thos. Ellis now lives, called Necessity. These I say I
leave and bequeath to my son Robert Jenkins and the
heirs of his body lawfully begot.
Item — I give and bequeath to him, the said Robert
Jenkins, all my other real estate not here particularized
and to his heirs forever, also, my law books, some sermon
books and the half of my historical books, and also the
two-thirds of my personal estate after payment of my
just debts and my dear wife's. decease as above.
Item.— I give and bequeath to my dearly beloved wife
the full and free use and occupation of all the estate
God hath given me, both real and personal, all the days
of her life, only I desire my books be not lent abroad
nor spoiled; and her, together with my two sons, I con
stitute and appoint executors of this my last will, -&c.

120
Item. — I order and appoint that my two sons have a
genteel education such as their genius inclines them to
and may fit them to live handsomely in this ill world,
and in order to this I desire my dear brother Robt. King
and good friend Ephraim Wilson be counsellors in every
difficult point to my wife how to manage the estate and
guardians to my dear babes, and if any of these die
before my children come of age then I appoint my good
neighbor Robert Mills to join with the survivor. I hope
they will not refuse nor be unfaithful in discharging the
last request of your deceased friend. Let not false
men wrong my dear wife nor poor orphan babes.
John Henry. [Seal]
Signed, sealed, published and declared the day and
year above said before.
Jonathan Noble,
Robert Harris,
Elizabeth Dinely.
It is my desire, too, that the Rev. Mr. John Hampton
be a joint counsellor and director to my dear wife and
children. Probated June 20, 1717.
Recorded in Liber E. B., No. 9, folios 53 and 54.
Test: ESsine Bayly,
Reg. W. S. Co.
True Copy— Test: William F. Langford, Reg. W. S. Co.
Will of Madam Mary Hampton.
In the name of God — Amen. I, Mary Hampton, being
in good health and of perfect mind and memory (thanks

121
be to God) do make and ordain this my last will and
testament in manner and form following:
Imprimis.— I give and devise unto my son Robert
Jenkins Henry all the several tracts and parcels of land
now called or known by the names following, and situate
in the County of Somerset (to wit) one tract of land
called Mareys' Lot, one other tract of land called Henrys'
Addition. The southermost moiety of a tract of land
called Buckland situated on the seaboard side of Somer
set county, including one moiety of two hundred acres
of land purchased by me of my Brother Robert King,
one other tract or parcel of land called Limbrick, my
moiety of Cypress swamp called Conveniency, one other
tract or parcel of land called Conveniency in a place
called the Cypress Neck, one other tract or parcel of
land called Highland, one other tract or parcel of land
called Whitely, one other tract or parcel of land called
Dickesons' Hope, one other tract or parcel of land called
Goose Marsh, one other tract or parcel of land called
Cow Marsh, one other tract of land called Providence,
one other tract of land called Friends' Assistance and
my Grist Mill near William Stevens' Ferry, and one
other Grist Mill at Rehobeth Town, and all my lots in
the said town, and one moiety of a lot in Snow Hill
Town and the half of the store house there on the said
lot, being numbered two. And also the moiety of a
tract of land called Pershore, lying on Delaware Bay
near the Horn Kill Creek in the County of Sussex;
together with all profits, privileges and appurtenances
whatsoever to the aforesaid lands, and every of them
belonging, and also to the said lots and mills apper
taining unto the only proper use and benefit of my
said son Robert Jenkins Henry, his heirs and assignees
forever.

122
Item.— Whereas, I some years ago entered into an ob
ligation to a certain Thomas Shiles, conditioned to con
vey unto the said Thomas Shiles all my right, title and
interest of, in and to a certain tract of land called Ig
noble Quarter, situated upon Wickocomoco river, in the
said county of Somerset, containing by estimation three
hundred acres, which the said Thomas Shiles hath since
sold unto the Rev. Thomas Fletcher, and not as yet
from me conveyed, I therefore give and devise unto the
said Thomas Fletcher, his heirs and assigns, forever, all
my estate, right, title, interest, claim and demand what
soever, of, in and to the aforesaid tract of land called Ig
noble Quarter, and all profits, privileges and appur
tenances to the same, belonging unto the only proper
use and behoof of the said Thomas Fletcher, and of his
heirs and assigns forever.
Item. -I give and bequeath unto my loving brother,
Col. Robert King, ten pounds current money of the
Province of Maryland.
Item.— I give and bequeath unto my two nephews,
sons of my said brother, and to my nephews and nieces,
the sons and daughters of my dear sister Ballard, de
ceased, the sum of twenty shillings current money, afore
said each, to buy each of them a commemorative ring.
Item.— I give and bequeath unto Mr. Edward Round
and his wife and Mrs. Katharine Round, the sum of
twenty shillings, current money aforesaid, each to buy
each of them a commemorative ring.
Item.— I give and bequeath unto Elizabeth Jones, the
wife of William Jones, of Manokin, one mulatto wench,
named Eve, now in his possession, and her increase.
Item. — I give and bequeath unto Mary Jones, daugh
ter of the said William Jones, two cows and calves.

123
Item. — I give and bequeath unto my son, Robert
Jenkins Henry, all the stock of every kind, negroes
excepted, that shall happen to be upon my present
Manns plantation, and any of the lands before devised
to my said son Robert Jenkins, except such as may be
upon that moiety of the said tract Buckland, to him as
aforesaid devised at the time of my decease. I also
give unto my said son Robert Jenkins my clock.
Item. — I give unto my son John Henry all the stock
of every kind, negroes only excepted, that shall happen
to be upon the lands before devised to my said son John,
and upon my Savannah plantation at the time of my
death. Item.— After my just debts and the several legacies
paid, it is my will and desire that all the residue of
personal estate, of what nature or kind soever, be equally
divided between my aforesaid two sons, Robert Jenkins
Henry and John Henry, and that they may not have
any discord in regard to the said division or of or con
cerning any other matter whatsoever.
Item. — It is my will and pleasure that, if my said son,
Robert Jenkins Henry, or any claiming or that may
claim under him, or his representative or representa
tives, any larger or other share of my personal estate
than before to my said son bequeathed under the last
will and testament of Mr. John Henry, my late husband
deceased, or in any other manner, and shall sue or mo
lest the said John Henry, my son, or any under him, in
the quiet enjoyment of the part and portion of my per
sonal estate to him as aforesaid given, then and in such
case I give and devise unto my said son John Henry, his
heirs and assigns forever the said tract or parcel of land
called Highland, the said tract or parcel of land called

124
Dickeson's Hope, one tract of land called Goose Marsh,
the said tract or parcel of land called Conveniency, my
moiety thereof, the said tract or parcel of land called
Providence, one tract called Cow Marsh, and the said
tract of land called Whitely, to the said Robert Jenkins
Henry, my son, so as aforesaid, devised with full liberty
in case of such claim and disturbance into the said last-
mentioned lands for him, the said John Henry, and his
heirs to enter and to enjoy the same to his and their
proper use forever.
Lastly.— I do hereby appoint my aforesaid two sons,
Robert Jenkins Henry and John Henry executors of
this my last will and testament, and hereby disannul and
revoke all former and other wills by me made and do
declare this to be my last will and testament.
In witness whereof, I have hereunto my hand set and
seal affixed this twenty-sixth day of February, in the
year of our Lord, one thousand seven hundred forty-one.
Mary Hampton. [Seal.]
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said
Mary Hampton as her last will and testament, in pres
ence of us. Archebald White,
William White,
John Baker.
December 13, 1744, came Archebald White and Wil
liam White, two of the subscribing evidences to this will,
and made oath on the Holy Evangelist of Almighty God
that they saw the Testator, Madam Mary Hampton sign
and seal and heard her publish, pronounce and declare
this instrument of writing to be her last will and testa
ment, and that at the time of her so doing she was to the
best of their apprehension of sound and disposing mind

125
memory and understanding, and that they the said
Archebald White and William White subscribed their
names as evidences to this will, as also they further de
pose that they saw the other evidence John Baker sub
scribe as an evidence at the same time which was done
in the presence and at the request of the Testator, Mary
Hampton. Sworn to before Nehemiah King,
Deputy Commissioner of Somerset County.
Will of Col. John Henry.
In the name of God— Amen. I, John Henry, of Som
erset county, in the State of Maryland, being in good
health and of perfect mind and memory (thanks be to
God), do make and ordain this my last will and testa
ment, in manner and form following, to-wit:
First. -I give and devise unto my son John Henry, his
heirs and assigns, forever, all that tract of land called
Henry Addition to Western, as also all that tract of land
called Cow Quarter, as also all that tract of land called
Marsh Meadow, lying in Somerset county opposite to my
late dwelling house, as by patent and deeds thereof doth
appear, to have and to hold the several tracts aforesaid
unto him, the said John Henry, his heirs and assigns,
forever, which is all the land 1 think proper to give my
said son by this, my last will; for, as much as I hope he
will live to possess and enjoy an ample provision of land
made for him and comprised in a deed of settlement
heretofore made by myself and dear wife, deceased, to
trustees for the use and purposes therein expressed, and
not from any disaffection to him.
Item. — I give and devise to my son Francis Jenkins
Henry, his heirs and assigns, forever, all my lands of

126
what nature or kind so ever, situate, lying and being in
Worcester county, in the State of Maryland, to have and
to hold to him, the said Francis Jenkins Henry, his heirs
and assigns, forever.
Item. — I give and devise unto my son Rider Henry,
his heirs and assigns, forever, the tract of land called
Spring Hill, and one other parcel of a tract of land called
Gold's Delight, situate, lying and being in Somerset
county, as also the following lands in Dorchester county,
to-wit: A tract of land called Pasture Neck, whereon
Benjamin Caves and Joseph Cox now live, as also one
other tract adjoining thereto called Henry's Addition to
Pasture Neck, as also an undivided half or moiety of
two lots of land in Vienna Town, number thirty-six and
seven, together with one-half or moiety (the other half
being the property of Henry Steele, Esquire) of the
houses, gardens or other improvements of whatever kind
that may be upon the said lot, to have and to hold the
said several tracts and parcels of land as by the patents
and deeds thereof to him, the said Rider Henry, his heirs
and assigns, forever.
Item.— I give and devise to my son Robert Henry, his
heirs and assigns, forever, one tract of land called Rider's
Forest, one other tract of land being part of two tracts
of land lying on Chichacone, in the Indian town, the one
called Hansell and the other Reserve, it being that part
of the said lands which was my deceased wife's part and
share on partition with her sisters, as by deed thereof
may appear, containing four hundred and fifty acres;
one other tract called Holly Swamp, one other tract
called Addition to Holly Swamp, one other tract called
Security, one other tract called Hog Range, as by patent
and deeds doth appear, and also one other part or parcel

127
of a tract of land called Green's Loss, containing seventy-
five acres, purchased by me of John Cope and lying upon
his bond to me for conveyance, which said land was de
vised to the said John Cope by the last will and testa
ment of his brother David Cope, lying and being in Som
erset county; all of which said several tracts and par
cels of land aforesaid, to have and to hold to him, the
said Robert Henry, his heirs and assigns, forever.
Item — It is my will and desire that my five daughters,
Charlotte Winder, Kiturah Henry, Dolly Henry, Nancy
Henry and Sarah Henry have each of them a negro girl,
paid by my executor hereafter named, the said negro
girls to be between the age of ten and sixteen years, as
near alike in quality as may be, as also one hundred
pounds in gold or silver over and above their proportion
able part of my personal estate as hereafter bequeathed ;
and if, at the time of my decease, I should not leave
gold or silver sufficient to discharge these last bequests
of money to each of my daughters aforesaid, it is my
will and desire that they be discharged out of my per
sonal estate, rating the articles which shall be applied
to this purpose at the current price they would sell for
in gold or silver.
Item.— I give and bequeath unto Esther Mahoon, who
has long lived in my family, and in remembrance of her
tenderness to all my children, the sum of fifty pounds
in gold or silver, to be discharged as the money legacies
to my daughters aforesaid.
Item — I give and bequeath all the rest and residue of
my personal estate not herebefore devised, of whatso
ever nature or wheresoever the same may be at the time
of my decease, to be equally divided between my four
aforesaid sons, John Henry, Francis Jenkins Henry,

128
Rider Henry, Robert Henry and my five daughters,
Charlotte Winder, Kiturah Henry, Dolly Henry, Nancy
Henry and Sarah Henry, share and share alike, and my
intent and meaning is that when any of my children
aforesaid have or shall be paid in advance any part of
my personal estate in my lifetime, that such child or
children shall consider the personal estate so paid or
advanced as part of his or her share, and shall, upon the
division of my whole personal estate, receive only such
part, or shall make him, her or them equal to the child
or children unprovided for in my lifetime.
Item.— It is my will and desire that as long as any
child or children shall continue to live with my executor,
he shall receive and enjoy to his own use the whole
profits (except the increase of negroes) of the estate of
such child or children, both real and personal for the ex
pense and trouble he may be at in their education and
maintenance, which I hope and expect he will perform
in the same style and manner they have hitherto been
educated and brought up; provided, that if any child or
children aforesaid shall, on their arriving at the age of
twenty-one, if sons, of sixteen, if daughters, demand his,
her, or their estate, it is my will and desire, and I
hereby direct my executor to pay and deliver over upon
such demand to such child or children, the estate in
kind as by this my will is devised; and it is my intent
and meaning by the aforesaid clause that the estate
aforesaid shall be delivered up clear of all taxes and of
every burden whatsoever, and that no commission or any
other charge shall be made on the payment of the said
estates. Item. — It is my will and desire that my executor shall
not be subjected to make good the loss of any negroes

129
that may happen by death, or otherwise, while they are
in his possession, for as much as he is not to have the
increase, but such loss shall be born by the child himself
or herself, as the case may be.
Item.— It is my will and desire that the crop which
shall be made or that shall be in the ground of my plan
tation on Nanticoke, where I formerly lived, at my
death, shall not be divided, but be to the use and the
sole property of my executor.
Item.— As David Johnson, late of Worcester county,
deceased, and myself some years ago made a survey of
some cypress swamp called Second Choice, which was
patented in both our names, and being the survivor with
out any division made, I am informed the title to the
whole devolves on me; at the time of taking up the said
swamp the intent was to apply it to the use of our re
spective plantations, and it was agreed between us not
to sell or dispose of any timber to any person whatsoever,
or to get any ourselves for sale, but to keep it as a re
serve of timber for our plantations; now to do justice to
the sons of the said David Johnson it is my will and de
sire, and I hereby direct that the sons of the aforesaid
David Johnson and the heirs of their bodies lawfully
begotten, have at all times free liberty to cut and make
use of all such timber as they may stand in need of for
their plantation, but for no other use or purpose what
ever. Item. — It is my will and desire that there be no ap
praisement of my estate, and that the same may be
amicably and equally divided as I have heretofore de
vised and directed by this, my last will and testament.
I entreat my worthy friends, Mr. Henry Steele, Mr.
James Muir and Mr. Charles Muir, or the survivors of

130
them to give my dear children their most cordial advice
and assistance in the division and settlement of my es
tate agreeable to this my last will.
Lastly. — I hereby nominate, constitute and appoint
my dear and well-beloved son, John Henry, sole execu
tor of this, my last will and testament, hereby revoking
all former wills by me heretofore made. In witness
whereof I have hereunto set my hand and affixed my
seal this 21st day of April, Anno Domini, 1781.
John Henry. [Seal.]
Signed, sealed, published and declared by the said
John Henry, the testator, as and for his last will and
testament, in the presence of us, who, in his presence,
have subscribed their names as witnesses thereto.
Henry Steele,
James Steele,
his
John x Robinson.
mark
Memorandum.— What Mr. William Winder and Mr.
Isaac Henry have had of my personal estate in advance
towards their wives' portion, is entered in my account
book (Liber E, folio 55).
Probated September 13, 1781, and recorded in Liber
E. B., No. 1, folios 147, 148 and 149.
Test: Essine Bayly, Regr.
True Copy— Test: William F. Lankford, Reg. W. S. Co.
Will of John Campbell Henry.
In the name of God— Amen. I, John C. Henry, of
Dorchester county, being in my usual health, and of
sound mind and memory, but taking into consideration

131
the uncertainty of human life, and being desirous of
disposing of my worldly property before I shall' be called
from this world, do make, publish and declare ^this to
be my last will and testament, viz. :
Item 1st.— I give and bequeath to my dear wife, Mary
Nevitt Henry, all my household furniture, plate, etc.,
during her life, in addition to her legal interest in my real
and personal estate; I give to her also, all such supplies of
corn, garden vegetables, bacon and groceries as may be
upon my farm Hambrooks (for the year's consumption),
for that year in which my death may happen, to the end
that she may have a better opportunity to make such
arrangements as may be necessary, from the change
which must occur to her thereby. I here express the
desire, and wish that she would divide her own property,
both real and personal, equally, between all her childrefr,
as I have made no distinction between them, except such
as is unavoidable, without a sacrifice of personal feeling.
Item 2d.— I give to my son Daniel Maynadier Henry
(as I have advanced less to him than to any of my sons),
farm Hambrooks, containing one hundred and sixty
acres, more or less, to him and his heirs forever, in lieu
of all his interest in my real estate, including the lands
or proceeds thereof, which I sold to the Larabees, and
the farm I sold to James Brohawn, and provided he
gives up his interest in his mother's real estate to
be divided between his brothers and sisters, as I
have lived so large a portion of my life at my pres
ent residence, and devoted so much of my time and
attention to its improvement, I feel unwilling that
it should be sold with the rest of my lands for the
more equal and convenient distribution among my chil
dren (and hence the disposition I have made of it to my

132
son Daniel), and which I hope will create no dissatis
faction among them, as the intrinsic value of each will
be so nearly equal as to give rise to no just cause for
such. Item 3d.— I give and bequeath all my real and per
sonal estate, after my wife's portion is deducted, to be
equally divided among my sons, James Winfield Henry,
Francis Jenkins Henry, Daniel Maynadier Henry and
Rider Henry, and my daughters, Kitty Lloyd, Isabelle
E. Steele, Mary Goldsborough and Charlotte Augusta
Page Goldsborough and their heirs, except the devise I
have made to my son Daniel of my farm Hambrooks, as
a full equivalent for all his interest in my and his
mother's real estate as she possesses it at this date.
Item 4th.— As I have left accounts upon my book,
letter H, against all my children, of advances made to
them, towards their respective interest in my real and
personal estate, it is my will that whenever a distribu
tion is made these several sums shall be carried to the
aggregate sum, and each child's advance shall become a
part of his or her distributive share.
Item 5th. — I leave to my old cook, Sinah Nash, eighty
dollars in testimony of my estimation of her long and
faithful services. I also leave to my aged servants,
Letty Jackson, of my Indian Town farm, and Sal Bayly,
formerly of the same farm, twenty dollars each for their
long fidelity and for the fidelity of their families, as
none of them have ever fled from my service after being
raised to adult age.
Item 6th.— I leave my old servants, James Kennard,
and his brother, Dennis Kennard, to be free at my death,
or to be sold to their wives, for a small sum, so as to
legalize their freedom, as soon as my wife, their mis-

133
tress, can provide substitutes, and this I desire to be
done as soon as her convenience will permit.
Lastly.— I leave my sons James W. Henry, Francis J.
Henry, Daniel M. Henry and Rider Henry joint execu
tors of this my last will and testament.
In testimony whereof I hereunto set my hand and
seal this twenty-eighth day of May, in the year of our
Lord one thousand eight hundred and fifty-five.
John C. Henry. [Seal.]
Signed, sealed, published and declared by J. C Henry,
the above named testator, as and for his last will and
testament, in the presence of us, who, at his request, in
his presence, and in the presence of each other, have
subscribed our names as witnesses thereto.
Thomas J. Dail,
James H. Eccleston,
James L. Colston.