IT

belonged to a member of the once dominant sect of Catholics to glorify his creed and clime, and to set an example to the world, in the establishment of complete reli

gious liberty. To George Calvert, the origi

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nator of the scheme for colonizing Maryland, this honor belonged; but, alas! he was not permitted to execute the plans his noble heart conceived, for death snatched him from his labors, ere the boon he contemplated for the world was ready to be given.

But Cecil Calvert was a worthy son of so great a father. He at once entered into all the plans of his deceased parent, and with a veneration that does him credit, resolved that they should be carried out to the fullest extent; and the slightest wish the old lord had expressed in regard to the new colony should be religiously complied with. Bigots sneered at him, enemies maligned, but, conscious of the rectitude of his purpose, he steadily pursued his plans.

Under the guidance of Leonard Calvert, (a brother of the proprietor,) some two hundred English gentlemen, and their servants, mostly of the catholic persuasion, sailed for the province, in November, 1633, and after the usual vicissitudes and adventures of a sea voyage at that period, arrived in the Potomac in the

spring of 1634. A small party was despatched into the interior to explore the country previous to effecting a permanent settlement; the woods were then all joyous and teeming with grandeur, and loveliness of spring tinting the fair face of nature with that peculiar and fascinating beauty which is better felt · than described.

To the sea-worn colonists, the country opened before them as a broad fair haven, where they might worship God free as the air and feel themselves men. The scouts soon returned, and, according to their direction, the party moved up to a spot they had selected on the banks of a clear and silvery stream flowing into the broad river they had first entered. Here, with the usual ceremonies, Calvert took possession, naming the surrounding country "Marie-land," in honor of "our glorious ladye, the queene;" and in gratitude for their success thus far, they named the river St. Mary.

But the good Cecil, in the wise provision for the wants of his people had not forgotten

the rightful lords of the soil, the Indian aborigines. "Entreat them kindly always, I conjure you, endeavor assiduously to cultivate their friendship, and above all take no land from them but what ye might pay therefor." Such were the mild and benevolent instructions of the proprietor, and faithfully were they carried into execution by his brother, the governor.

Anxious, therefore, to secure his settlement on a firm basis, and to obtain an acknowledged title to the soil, Calvert submitted to a neighboring chief, his propositions to purchase land of him, but received an answer of sullen indifference, "I will neither bid you go nor ask you to stay." Such was the address and courtesy of the governor, however, and the just and pacific policy of his people, that not only was the stoic warrior won over to their interests, but he also exerted his influence with the neighboring tribes, on behalf of the new comers.

Through his aid a council of the neighboring Indians was soon convened. The gover

nor appeared in pomp, and addressed them, calling them brothers, and asking for a piece of ground, that he and his people might plant corn, and the red man and the pale face would live together in peace and unity. He described to them, in their own exaggerated rhetoric, the power of the King of England, and his master, the Lord of Baltimore, and told them the kind messages he had sent to his forest children.

The Indians replied in the language of kindness and conciliation. "The white man should have land-room enough for both people-plenty room-White chief very good to send word to the Indians." The governor and chief then embraced each other, and the pipe of peace was passed round the circle, each one gravely taking a few whiffs. A treaty was then made, giving to the settlers a considerable tract of land, within which was the Indian town of Yaocomoco.

To this town they gave the name of St. Mary's, in honor of the Virgin, and the first building erected was a chapel dedicated to