Maryland State Archives, Guide to Special Collections

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MSA SC 210-1-3
Collection	Benjamin Watkins Collection
Author
Dates	1812-1814
Medium
Restrictions	NO RESTRICTIONS
Storage	00/10/02/24
Description
Diary book written by an upper-class Federalist who lived in southern part of Anne Arundel County, near Pig Point, on a farm called Springfield. Entries date from 1812-1814. The volume was subsequently signed by A [?] Duvall, and later purchased by David Weems in 1833, possibly at an estate sale. Entries can also be found from David G. Weems. The diary describes weather and horticultural observations, and house accounts at Springfield during the years 1812-1814. Detailed notes and personal opinions on the news of the day from various posts, including political and national news and events in Canada and Europe. Most notably the author continuously discusses The War of 1812. Included is Maryland involvement in the war and politically related news from several Maryland counties as well as events in Europe and Canada. Some persons mentioned are: Lord Wellington, “Bone” ( Napoleon Bonaparte), President Madison, William Thomas, Lord Castlereagh, and Gen W. (Washington) as well as local citizens and friends. Also offers genealogical information, specifically deaths of local citizens.

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