Description:

Revolutionary War
Baltimore, MD, February 21, 1778
Revolutionary War Patriot James Calhoun Signed Oath of Fidelity, 1778 Maryland
Partially Printed DS

Revolutionary War. James Calhoun (1743-1816). Partial printed, partial manuscript document signed, "Jas. Calhoun," 1p, 8" x 4.25", Baltimore County, Maryland, February 21, 1778. Even block of toning covering most of document. Expected folds and creases with previous tape repair at verso. A few scattered pin holes. Soiling and minor staining. In near very good condition.

James Calhoun signed this Oath of Fidelity and Support as justice of the peace for Baltimore County. It reads, in full: "It is hereby certified to all whom it may concern, that the Bearer hereof Mr. Capt. John McClellan hath taken and subscribed the Oath of Fidelity and Support to the State of Maryland (contained in the Act, entitled, 'An Act to punish certain Crimes and Misdemeanors, and to prevent the Growth of Toryism,') before the Subscriber, one of the Justices of the Peace for the County aforesaid..."

James Calhoun (1743-1816) was a politician from Maryland who served as the first mayor of Baltimore from 1794 until 1804, when he resigned. He settled in Baltimore in 1771, where he became a successful merchant and businessman, including serving as president of the Chesapeake Insurance Company. During the American Revolution, he served in several positions to benefit the Patriot cause, including deputy commissary general and as an officer in the local militia.

Captain John McClellan represented the Westminster Hundred at the Association of Freemen on August 21, 1775, and was a lieutenant in Capt. Cox's Baltimore County Militia, 3rd Company, and became Capt. of the same upon the death of Capt. Cox in October 1777 at the Battle of Germantown. He took the Oath of Allegiance in 1778 before Hon. James Calhoun, and signed a letter to the Governor of Maryland, Sept 4, 1778, regarding suspicious floor shipments headed for the enemy. He served throughout the Revolutionary War.

The Oath of Fidelity and Support was an oath swearing allegiance to the state of Maryland and denying allegiance and obedience to Great Britain during the American Revolutionary War. As enacted by the Maryland General Assembly in 1777, all persons holding any office of profit or trust, including attorneys at law, and all voters were required to take the oath no later than March 1, 1778. It was signed by residents of every county, including 3,136 residents of Montgomery and Washington counties, and 9,000 residents of the Eastern Shore. Being a direct female descendant of a signer of the oath is sufficient condition to join the Daughters of the American Revolution. Being a direct male descendant of a signer of the oath is sufficient condition to join the Sons of the American Revolution.

This item comes with a Certificate from John Reznikoff, a premier authenticator for both major 3rd party authentication services, PSA and JSA (James Spence Authentications), as well as numerous auction houses.

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  • Dimensions: 8" x 4.25"
  • Medium: Partially Printed DS

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June 4, 2025 10:00 AM EDT
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University Archives

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