On January 6, 1814, the United States Congress awarded Captain Oliver Hazard Perry and Captain Jesse D. Elliott the Congressional Gold Medal for their service at the Battle of Lake Erie on September 10, 1813.
On the same day, Lieutenant William Ward Burrows II and Lieutenant Edward McCall received a Congressional Gold Medals for their service in the capture of the HMS Boxer on September 5, 1813.
6 – Cloudy day – Wind SW – Cool – Went to Town, being much better, return’d Home to Dinner –
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, January 6, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.
5th Jan. Snow last Night, it is about four Inches deep, clear’d up at 12 O’Clock with NW Wind – Staid at Home & took Medicine, better in the evening – Cold – another Lamb last night.
“4 – Very cold cloudy day. Wind NE – Went to Town return’d to Dinner, feel unwell from a Cold, and the Inocifalus [?] in my Face, which is very painful – another Lamb.”
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, January 4, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.
In 1783, Maryland established the “Wardens of the Port of Baltimore” to oversee the construction of wharves, to help maintain clear waterways, and collect duties from vessels entering and leaving the Port. By the early 1800s, the marshy cove at the bottom of the Jones Falls — also known as Oakum Bay for the a tarred fiber “oakum” used in caulking and shipbuilding — posed a significant public health hazard. An 1808 report on the origins of Baltimore’s frequent yellow fever epidemics pointed a finger at the cove as a “sink of putrefaction,” continuing:
“So offensive were the effluvia emanating from this source of death that it affected those who had occasion to pass it even at a considerable distance interstices.”
The January 8, 1814 public meeting advertised in the American and Commercial Daily Advertiser helped to launch an effort to eliminate this hazard by filling in the cove and build the City Dock still located near today’s proposed Harbor Point development project.
“3 – Very fine day – Mrs. T accompanied me to Town, we return’d to dinner – Had a Lamb last Night & one today – John Conrad commenc’d trimming the Orchard at Furley, it is in very bad order & required much Pruning.”
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, January 3, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.
“2 Jan. Sunday. An uncommonly fine and mild day – The following Gentlemen din’d with us – Messrs Gray, Lucas, Tenant, S & Jo. Sterrett, Moore & C. Wirgman, afterward Doct. Gibson & Jacob Hollingsworth rode out in the evening I walk’d to Mr Nicols and sat an Hour -“
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, January 2, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.
As we reflect on the past this New Year at Baltimore Heritage, we’re looking a bit farther back than usual — 200 years back. Throughout 2014, we’re sharing hundreds of stories to give you a glimpse of everyday life in 1814 — a monumental year in Baltimore’s history.
Continue reading Happy New Year! Welcome to Baltimore 1814
“Jan 1st. A remarkably fine day with clear Frost, but not violent – went to Town & din’d at Mr. Wirgmans. A British Schooner has arriv’d at Annapolis bear a Flag of Truce, believ’d relating to Prisoners & brings acct of the complete defeat of Buonaparte by the Allied Army –Walked to Mr. Peters this evg. and Beckey return’d with me.”
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, January 1, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.