Baltimore, 8 February, 1777.
This day has been observed in this place with exemplary decency and
solemnity, in consequence of an appointment of the government, in
observance of a recommendation of Congress, as a day of fasting. I went
to the Presbyterian meeting, and heard Mr. Allison deliver a most
pathetic and animating as well as pious, patriotic, and elegant
discourse. I have seldom been better pleased or more affected with a
sermon. The Presbyterian meeting-house in Baltimore stands upon a hill
just at the back of the town, from whence we have a very fair prospect
of the town and of the water upon which it stands, and of the country
round it. Behind this eminence, which is the Beacon Hill of Baltimore,
lies a beautiful meadow, which is entirely encircled by a stream of
water. This most beautiful scene must be partly natural and partly
artificial. Beyond the meadow and canal, you have a charming view of
the country. Besides the meeting-house, there is upon this height a
large and elegant Court House, as yet unfinished within, and a small
church of England, in which an old clergyman officiates, Mr. Chase,
father of Mr. Chase one of the delegates of Maryland, who, they say, is
not so zealous a Whig as his son.
I shall take opportunities to describe this town and State more
particularly to you hereafter. I shall inquire into their religion,
their laws, their customs, their manners, their descent and education,
their learning, their schools and colleges, and their morals. It was
said of Ulysses, I think, that he saw the manners of many men and many
cities; which is like to be my case, as far as American men and cities
extend, provided Congress should continue in the rolling humor, which I
hope they will not. I wish, however, that my mind was more at rest than
it is, that I might be able to make more exact observation of men and
things, as far as I go.
When I reflect upon the prospect before me, of so long an absence from
all that I hold dear in this world, I mean, all that contributes to my
private personal happiness, it makes me melancholy. God Almighty's
providence protect and bless you, and yours and mine.