Page:Historic towns of the southern states (1900).djvu/66

 a few odd, disconnected facts have been handed down. The tax upon bachelors—levied to raise supplies for his Majesty's service—cannot have been very productive, as only thirteen "taxables" are reported. The commercial activity of the community was stimulated every October and May by a fair, when residents and visitors were free from arrest, except for felony and breach of the peace. Among other police regulations, fines were laid upon those whose chimneys blazed out at the top, or who neglected to keep ladders. Baltimore began to look like a busy, thriving town, enjoying life to the utmost.

And if our ancestors lived well, they endeavored to die well—at least with regard to the comfort of the guests at their funerals. One bill for funeral expenses, besides yards upon yards of crape, tiffany, broadcloth, shalloon and linen, several pairs of black gloves and other necessary attire, includes these items:

47-1/2 lbs. loaf sugar 14 doz. eggs 10 oz. nutmegs 1-1/2 lbs. allspice 20-5/8 gall. white wine 12 bottles red wine 10-3/8 gallons rum [!]