July 6.
Latt 22° 48′ N, Long 64° 58′ W, Saw a sail standing to the south’d. Went in chase of her. At 10 made her out to be a Frigate hauld on a Wind, when she made all sail in chase of us, which continued untill 5PM when we lose sight of her from Deck.
From the journal of the Privateer Armed Schooner Lawrence, July 6, 1814. Maryland Historical Magazine, Volume 3, Number 2, June 1908, p. 171-176.
on July 6,
These 24 hours commences with thick fog so we Can’t [Discern] one hundred yards Distant from us. Middle part same as above. Latter part thick fog. At 9 AM sounded but got no Batten.
From the Schooner Mammoth Logs, 1814. MS 3082, H. Furlong Baldwin Library, Maryland Historical Society.
5 – Very fine day – Wind, N.W. Went to Town, return’d to dinner. Mrs. T. & S. Stewart walk’d to Mr. Ph. Rogers & Henry return’d with them – Busy hauling Rye & making Hay. Receiv’d two Pups from Mr. Patterson of the Spanish breed of Sheep Dog
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, July 5, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.
on July 5,
These 24 hours commences with fresh breezes from the WSW and clear weather. At 1 PM took in the Main Topsail and brailed up the Foresail. Hove too and caught several cod fish. At 7 filled away. At 8 took one reef in the Fore Topsail and took in the flying Jib. Middle part fresh breezes with thick foggy weather. Latter part same; at 1 AM hove too and caught several cod fish. At 11 AM filled away and set the Foresail and main Topsail. Ends with thick fogs and fresh breezes. No observations this day.
From the Schooner Mammoth Logs, 1814. MS 3082, H. Furlong Baldwin Library, Maryland Historical Society.
4th July – Fine day, Wind S.W. The 3rd Brigade Paraded in Honor of the day, and I join’d with the Horse Artillery, being the first time we have been out, and had a very good Muster, – look’d very well. Mrs. T. & Children, Miss Merony & Sally Stewart rode to Town and we all return’d to Dinner- Commenc’d mowing Orchard – Wm. Hollins call’d for a few minutes
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, July 4, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.
July 4th.
Having finished Watering proceeded to sea.
From the journal of the Privateer Armed Schooner Lawrence, July 4, 1814. Maryland Historical Magazine, Volume 3, Number 2, June 1908, p. 171-176.
On July 4, 1814, the American and Commercial Daily Advertiser continued its’ “annual custom” publishing the Declaration of Independence in full:
For newspaper editor William Pechin, reading Thomas Jefferson’s words held special meaning in the summer of 1814:
We have this day, according to annual custom, inserted the Declaration of American Independence.—Never since the 4th day of July 1776, has its publication become more necessary, for never since the Revolutionary war has our Independence been in greater danger from the same ambitious and powerful enemy.—Let every American read it with solemn attention, and firmly resolve, with an honest ear, and a resolute hand, to support the liberties of the Republic.
The threat of the British attacks on towns and small farms around the Chesapeake still did not prevent Baltimore from celebrating the occasion. After the holiday passed, the American Commercial and Daily Advertiser summarized the events of the day in their next issue on July 6:
“Monday last, being the annual recurrence of that memorable transaction which took place on the 4th day of July 1776, and which, we trust, for ever separated the Western from the trammels of the Eastern hemisphere, the same was observed in this city by the various Military Corps and Associations—In the morning, they parade in Market-street, from whence they marched to Pratt-street Avenue, and fired three rounds in the honor of the day—After which they returned to Market-street, when the corps proceeded to their separate parades, and dismissed, each man to his place of abode, where, we hope, they will see many happy returns of the day, and long enjoy peace and independence, the invaluable inheritance of FREEMEN, both individually and nationally.”
Others gathered for private parties, including at Rutter’s Spring where William Pechin, writing on July 7, praised their restraint:
“A small part convened at this delightful spot to celebrate the Anniversary of Independence. Fully sensible, that the memory of Freedom is too often abused by inebriated riot, this little band of patriots mingled their bowl with temperance and discretion, and after dining and drinking the following toasts, went to their respective homes with gladdened hearts and steady heads.”
The group still shared a twenty-six toasts including a toast to the City of Baltimore calling it “The scourge of traitors, the heart of oak, too tough to be split by the influence which flows through the ‘Common Sewer’.”
Happy 4th of July!
on July 4,
First part of these 24 hours Light winds and very foggy weather and very cold. at 7 PM heard a Report like unto A gun. Made all sail in pursuit of it. At 10 PM came on so Dark that I could not see the fore mast from the main. At 10 PM it being to Dismal to run hove her too. At 4 AM made all sail. at 8 saw several Islands of Ice with in a mile of us. Tack ship and stood to the [?] , as I suppose it must Be the Island of Ice Bursting which made those Reports like guns. The mountains of Ice was nearly 50 feet above the surface and very large in circumference and the Islands being thick together. [?] it Ends with thick weather [?]
From the Schooner Mammoth Logs, 1814. MS 3082, H. Furlong Baldwin Library, Maryland Historical Society.
3rd Sunday – Sultry morng. with a heavy Shower of Rain at one O’Clock – Capt. Wedeistrandt pd. me a visit & Jas. Sanderson din’d with us, after which S & Jas. Sterett – Mr. & Mrs. P. Wirgman call’d & drank Tea – Fine evening ~
From the journal of Captain Henry Thompson, July 3, 1814. Courtesy the Friends of Clifton.