Discovering America Podcast

Unlike Massachusetts, Rhode Island and the plantations just did not have a firm foundation of government, which gave Massachusetts reasons to find ways to incorporate those lands under their jurisdiction. It also didn't help that people like Samuel Gorton had beliefs that didn't quite match up with those Puritans in Boston and sometimes even upset Roger Williams. The Gortonists purchased land from the Indians far away from everybody else in hopes that they would be left alone but, Massachusetts had other ideas and then the process and treatment against this religious group is disturbing.

The separation of Williams' plantations settlements and Coddington's Rhode Island settlements from that of the more pronounced settlements of Massachusetts and Plymouth was having its toll. There were those in Williams' camp that wanted the safety and governmental arm that Massachusetts could furnish. Williams sailed off to England with the intent to receive a charter bring the colonies together under one roof. He arrived only to find England in turmoil. He was a man of means, with charter in hand he sailed home.

The other English colonies didn't like the opinions or the teachings of Roger Williams and it was decided he must go. He headed off to plant a colony away from the rest of society although, many found his presents more favorable and made their way to his new land called Providence.

A letter sent home from a young indentured servant expressing his situation and begging for money so he could come back home.

The final parts describing Maryland really comes down to a few major items, the succession of the Calverts through the years. The conflicts between government and citizens, starting in Virginia, Bacon's rebellion, an action that could have spilled over into Maryland's own governmental uneasiness, and throw in the wars in Europe that added to the contention against Cecilius Calvert's (second Lord Baltimore) religion.

Lord Baltimore had control of Maryland but, this was short lived. The disputes in Europe lead some to take advantage of the New World's venerability. It didn't help matters with the execution of Charles I. Claiborne and this time with the assistance of Richard Ingle put the strong arm upon Maryland. Once Oliver Cromwell became the Lord Protector in England, matters about the validity of Baltimore's charter was finally laid to rest. Maryland was now its own province.

William Claiborne sailed over from England in 1621, became secretary of the province and was later appointed treasurer of Virginia for life. He created a trading post on Kent Island, a convenient place for trading with the Indians, far up the Chesapeake Bay. In 1634 new settlers landed in this area and created a new province naming it Maryland. This group had a charter authorized by the King, taking away land that was considered part of Virginia and this would include Kent Island. So starts the mud flinging between Claiborne and Lord Baltimore.

King James I was gracious enough to grant Lord Baltimore or George Calvert a stretch of land at the South Eastern promontory in Newfoundland a region that was known as Ferryland. It was great in the beginning but, a little on the cold side for his likely. He asked the new king, Charles, for a territory located in a warmer climate. The suggested area was Carolina but, in steps William Claiborne who already had his eye on this land. Next was the land area North of Jamestown, it was ripe for the settling. Yes, it was part of Virginia, not anymore, it would become Maryland. The worst part, this transferred control of the Indian trade and control of the great waterways connected to the great bay known as the Chesapeake to Lord Baltimore and his difference of religion. The Virginians are not going to be happy with this situation.

It seems tough times for Jamestown and Virginia were behind them, not quite. King James annuls the Virginia Company's charter and then he passes away. The new King, Charles allows them to continue as they were, basically governing themselves in exchange for control of the tobacco trade, sure fair enough.

Happy thanksgiving, may you enjoy the day with friends and family.