A Character of the Province of Maryland / Described in four distinct parts; also a small Treatise on the Wild and Naked Indians (or Susquehanokes) of Maryland, their customs, manners, absurdities, and religion; together with a collection of historical letters.

Chapter 10: To my Friend Mr. GEORGE ALSOP, on his Character of MARY-LAND.

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About This Book

The tract presents a promotional portrait of Maryland intended to encourage emigration, describing fertile land, navigable waterways, and economic prospects while mixing practical observation with exuberant praise. It is organized in four parts and includes a separate treatise on the Susquehanoke Indians that catalogs their customs, religion, and manners as observed by the author. The narrative outlines the redemption system and the terms and experiences of bonded servants, and it offers reports on colonial life, social conditions, and agricultural opportunity. A collection of historical letters supplements the account, and the tone shifts between colloquial rhetoric and deliberate persuasion aimed at prospective migrants.

To my Friend Mr. GEORGE ALSOP, on his Character of MARY-LAND.

This plain, yet pithy and concise Description

Of Mary-Lands plentious and sedate condition,

With other things herein by you set forth,

To shew its Rareness, and declare its Worth;

Compos’d in such a time, when most men were

Smitten with Sickness, or surpriz’d with Fear,

Argues a Genius good, and Courage stout,

In bringing this Design so well about:

Such generous Freedom waited on thy brain,

The Work was done in midst of greatest pain;

And matters flow’d so swiftly from thy source,

Nature design’d thee (sure) for such Discourse.

Go on then with thy Work so well begun,

Let it come forth, and boldly see the Sun;

Then shall’t be known to all, that from thy Youth

Thou heldst it Noble to maintain the Truth,

’Gainst all the Rabble-rout, that yelping stand,

To cast aspersions on thy MARY-LAND:

But this thy Work shall vindicate its Fame,

And as a Trophy memorize thy Name,

So if without a Tomb thou buried be,

This Book’s a lasting Monument for thee.

H. W., Master of Arts. (See note No. 10).

From my Study,
Jan. 10, 1665.