The Testimonies for Robert Eden - Page 4 - Transcript
“ But the aforesaid Benjn Calvert supposing he can make
“ good his Right or Claim to the said Lands so Granted
“ or given to him by Chs Lord Baltimore the said Benjn
“ Calvert has commenced suits agt all those who now
“ hold the said Lands in Right of the Sale or Grants of
“ the late Fredk Lord Baltimore, About 400 Acres
“ part of the aforesaid Lands was given by the late
“ Fredk Lord Baltimore to his Sister Lady Eden in
“ the year 1771. I belive by the Name of the Homeney
“ pot plantn which said plantn is confiscated
“ as British property - But should the said Benj:
“ Calvert Substantiate and Establish the Grant
“ of Gift made to him by the said Chs Lord Baltimore
“ the said Benjn Calvert has promised to give up
“ to Lady Eden the Homing pot plantation or
“ the value thereof.
April 2d 1788.
John Clapham Esqr Sworn
Being questioned whether he considers Sir Robt Eden as being liable
to the Confiscation Laws - He says the people in Maryland consider him as
falling within the Purview of the general Confiscation Law - and the State have
by a Resolve declared that the House shall be in future appropriated for the Residence
of the Governor for the Time being.
Says the Homing pot plantation was given to Lady Eden. The patent
was in the name of Mr Robt Smith, as no patent could be issued to Lady Eden. In
order to save it Mr Smith executed a Conveyance to Mr Chs Steuart who was a secret
Trustee for the Family. Mr Calvert has set up a Title to this as well as other property.
He has promised if he succeeds in a Suit now brought to recover this property to
give this plantation to Lady Eden So that in either Case Mr Clapham thinks
it will be saved - by Gift if Mr Calvert succeeds - by the Conveyance to Mr
Steuart if he does not.
Mr Clapham thinks the House in Annapolis was worth
3000£ Sterling before the War
Never heard of any Claim upon the House. There had
been a Mortgage but it was paid off.
Speaks of a Claim made by Mr Fitzhugh on Sir Robts Estate
which he says is unjust to the last degree
[Transcribed by Jillian Curran]
