Sunday, May 26, 2013

Prince George's County Business Makes News in New York in 1809

               In proof of the attention of country gentlemen to the improvements of their breed of Sheep, we learn that two young rams were shorn at Northampton, the seat of Osborne Sprigg, Esq. [1] of Prince George's Co. a few days since whose fleeces averged [sic] nine & a half pounds and whose carcases [sic] 186 lbs. each.  At the same time and place the fleeces of six ewes, with twin lambs, averaged eight and a quarter pounds.  The fleece of one of the ewes weighed 12lbs.; the whole of the wool being of a remarkable fine fiber and length of staple. [2]



[1] Reporter names the plantation as the seat of Osborne Sprigg whose son, Governor Samuel Sprigg, was most likely responsible for the 1809 news. Samuel Sprigg (c.1783– April 21, 1855) served as the 17th Governor of the state of Maryland in the United States from 1819 to 1822.

"For nearly three centuries Northampton was a tobacco plantation which also produced other crops. Today the physical remains of the plantation include the ruins of the manor house, its outbuildings and roads, and the remains of two slave quarters. The latter are the focus of current archaeological excavations and historical research. Excavations continue at the frame dwelling, while the foundation and partial walls of the brick quarters have been reconstructed.

Historians and archaeologists are working together to reconstruct the lives of the many slaves and tenant farmers who lived at Northampton Plantation. Detailed information about the life of one slave, Elizabeth Hawkins, was obtained from descendants who live in the area and are active participants in the research and excavations relating to this site.

Northampton is located at the Northlake residential development in Lake Arbor, Maryland,in a community park."  - The Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission
Department of Parks and Recreation, Prince George's County. http://www.pgparks.com/places/eleganthistoric/northampton_intro.html

[2] The Public Advertiser; Date: 05-25-1809; Volume: III; Issue: 744; Page: [2]; Location: New York, New York.
Transcribed by John Peter Thompson, May 26, 2013.

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