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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. cover

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 24: To my Honored Father at his House.
By George Alsop
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History - AmericanHistory - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)

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 Honored Father at his House.

SIR,

VVIth a twofold unmeasurable joy I received your Letter: First, in the consideration of Gods great Mercy to you in particular, (though weak and aged) yet to give you dayes among the living. Next, that his now most Excellent Majesty Charles the Second, is by the omnipotent Providence of God, seated in the Throne of his Father. I hope that God has placed him there, will give him a heart to praise and magnifie his name for ever, and a hand of just Revenge, to punish the murthering and rebellious Outrages of those Sons of shame and Apostacy, that Usurped the Throne of his Sacred Honour. Near about the time I received your Letter, (or a little before) here sprang up in this Province of Mary-Land a kind of pigmie Rebellion: A company of {99} weak-witted men, which thought to have traced the steps of Oliver in Rebellion (see note No. 63). They began to be mighty stiff and hidebound in their proceedings, clothing themselves with the flashy pretences of future and imaginary honour, and (had they not been suddenly quell’d) they might have done so much mischief (for aught I know) that nothing but utter ruine could have ransomed their headlong follies.

His Majesty appearing in England, he quickly (by the splendor of his Rayes) thawed the stiffness of their frozen and slippery intentions. All things (blessed be God for it) are at peace and unity here now: And as Luther being asked once, What he thought of some small Opinions that started up in his time? answered, That he thought them to be good honest people, exempting their error: So I judge of these men, That their thoughts were not so bad at first, as their actions would have led them into in process of time.

I have here enclosed sent you something written in haste upon the Kings coming to the enjoyment of his Throne, with a reflection upon the former sad and bad times; I have done them as well as I could, considering all things: If they are not so well as they should be, all I can do is to wish them better for your sakes. My Obedience to you and my Mother alwayes devoted.

Your Son
G. A.

From Mary-Land, Febr. 9. Anno