Sword – Maryland Center for History and Culture

Sword

Description

Sword has stuck scabbard with engravings all over, an ornate filigree pommel. It was presented by the state of Maryland to Captain John Adams Webster (1789-1877) in 1842 for his gallant defense during the Battle of Baltimore - War of 1812. Webster was born in Harford County and grew up on the "Mt. Adams" farm. At the age of 14 he went to see as a merchant mariner. When the war broke out, he volunteered and first served with the Naval Militia under Captain Joshua Barney in his flotilla. Webster took part in the gunboat battle on the Patuxent River and the subsequent engagement at the Battle of Bladensburg (August 24, 1814). During the Battle of Baltimore, he commanded a battery just west of Fort McHenry where he engaged with British ships and was wounded twice. For his service, he was presented with two swords: first, in 1816 by the City of Baltimore (1912.3.1) and this sword in 1842 by the State of Maryland.

Creator

Fletcher, Thomas, 1787-1866

Date

1842

Contributor(s)

Rose, William, 1783-1856

Contributor(s) Notes

Rose was a Philadelphia cutler and Fletcher produced the ornate goldwork on this sword.

Materials

Metal, gold

Dimensions

29 L inches

Object ID

1939.4.1

Resource ID

10605

Notes

Among the many inscriptions, reads: (1) "Presented by the State of Maryland to Capt. John A. Webster for his gallant defense of the battery committed to his charge during the memorable attack against the city of Baltimore, September 14, 1814--Filio forti et fideli, John Adams Webster, dedit, 1842" (2) "J.A. Webster," (3) "Industry the means, plenty the result."

Credit Line

Gift of Misses E. Pleasants Dallam, Margaret A. Dallam, Elizabeth Tinges, the Mrs. James W. Waster, Minnie L. Hatch, Mabel P. Harlan, Kate D. Smith; Messrs. John W. Dorsey, Webster Patterson, and the Rev. Wm. Glenn

Digital Publisher

Digital resource provided by the Maryland Center for History and Culture

Rights

This digital image is made available here for private study, scholarship, and research. Commercial and other uses are prohibited without the permission of the Maryland Center for History and Culture. For more information, visit the MCHC’s Reproductions and Permissions web page.