28

CHARTER IX.

The Rebellion.
In the meantime emigration kept adding to Maryland’s popu-
lation. In 1638, a colony of Swedes came to America, and sailing
up the Delaware landed near the site of the present city of
Wilmington and built a fort which they naraed Christiana after
their young queen. Disputes arose between them and the Dutcli,
who in 1655 finally conquered New Sweden. A number of the.
Swedes fled to Maryland where they were kindly received
Puritans came from England, New England and Virginia and
settled on South River and other places. It seems that the
people at this time were content, for the Assembly, feeling
grateful to Lord Baltimore for what he had done for them,
placed upon the public records a testimony of their love and
, affection').
In 1651, commissioners were sent out by Parliament (the
Commonwealth being now tirmly established) to the American
colonies for the purpose of tending the oath of allegiance.
Trouble arose between fliese commissioners and Stone, who was
still governor of Maryland, and the latter was deposed. Finding
however that he was populär among the colonists and not ill-
affected to the Parliament, Stone was reinstated and for a few
years matters went smoothly enough. In 1654 things were
brought to a crisis by Baltimore sending instructions to Stone
to demand an oath of fidelity to the Proprietor from all the
colonists; all who refused were to be banished. The Puritan
party, considering this a violation of their pledge to the Com-
monwealth, arose in rebellion. Headed by Clayborne they com-
pelled Stone to surrender bis Commission and government into
their hands. Then followed gross intolerance. An Assembly
was called which prohibited any Catholic to vote or to sit as
a delegate. This body, after thus excluding the Catholics passed
an act concerning religion which read as follows:

1) Scharf.