love and reverence the ancient tree. On the spot where it cast its 

 dense shade for so long a period, stands a handsome monument bear- 

 ing the following inscription: 



"To the Memory of Leonard Calvert 



First Governor of Maryland, 



This Monument is 



Erected by 



THE STATE OF MARYLAND. 

 ERECTED ON THE SITE OF THE 

 OLD MULBERRY TREE 



Under which the First Colonists of Maryland assembled 

 To Establish a Government where the persecuted and 

 oppressed of every creed and every clime might repose in 

 peace and security, adore their common God, and enjoy 

 the priceless blessings of civil and religious liberty. 



Leonard Calvert 



Second Son of George Calvert 



and Anne, His Wife, 



Led the First Colonists to Maryland 



November 22, 1633-March 3, 1634 — Founded Saint Mary's 



March 27, 1634." 



The Hakris Mulberry 



Until 1884, when it was uprooted by a flood, a mulberry tree 

 sacred to the memory of John Harris, founder of Harrisburg, Penn., 

 stood at the foot of Washington Street, in that city. 



Harris was one of the emigrants who came to this cotmtry with 

 William Penn, possessing at that time sixteen guineas as his entire 

 capital. Settling in Philadelphia, he began work as a contractor, 

 cleaning the streets of stumps and opening new thoroughfares. 



Opening trade with the Indians, he traveled as far as the present 

 site of Harrisburg, and began a settlement there about 1719. 



It happened, one day, that a number of Indians stopped at 

 the Harris home, most of the party being under the influence of liquor, 

 and demanded more rum. Upon Mr. Harris' refusal, they bound him 

 to the mulberry tree and warned him to prepare for death. Piling dry 

 wood at his feet, they were about to apply a torch, when Hercules, his 

 negro slave, summoned a band of friendly Indians to the rescue. 

 Harris' life was saved, and as an expression of gratitude he gave 

 Hercules his freedom. 



In later years, an inscription commemorating Harris' narrow 

 escape was placed upon the tree. 



92 



