Calvert of Maryland - James Otis |
When the gentlemen had broken their fast, we all went on shore. Not a brown man could be seen anywhere, and certain it is there were none on the island.
I ventured to say sportively to John that mayhap we had dreamed of those watch fires, and of the armed men who marched to and fro, but he replied grimly, that unless we had a care there would soon be good proof it was no vision.
"They are hiding amid the foliage all around use, I make no doubt," he said, "to learn what is our purpose, and it will be well if we do not offend them."
Surely the wickedest brown men that ever lived could not have been offended at that which we did on this first morning in the Province of Maryland. Our gentlemen themselves, with Governor Calvert lending a hand, hewed down two large trees, fashioned both roughly into the form of square timbers, and of them made a huge cross, after which we formed in procession, serving men as well as gentlemen, marching two by two, with Father White and the governor leading. At the head were four of the gentlemen bearing the cross, which was carried to the highest part of the island.
Here a hole was dug, and the cross set therein, where it might be seen from far out over the bay.
We recited the litanies of the. Holy Cross with great emotion, and Governor Calvert took solemn possession of the soil of Maryland in such form as must have been pleasing in the sight of the good God who had delivered us out of so many dangers.
As soon as all this had been done, and verily it seemed to me after the religious services as if we were indeed at home, I could see that it was not the purpose of our governor to waste any time before beginning to build a town wherein we might live.