August 1, 1700. After a tedious journey I arrived here on the banks of the Potomac about midday to take command of the garrison of Provincial Forces (known as the Maryland Rangers) at the site of the first falls of the river. These are called the Little Falls; the ones farther upstream, the Great Falls. I was accompanied by Colonel Ninian Beall, Commander in Chief of the forces, who will stay with us for a few days before returning to his home a few miles away in the southern portion of Prince Georges County.

The garrison was placed here four years ago to protect settlers in this area from Indian raids. Colonel Beall has told me that the Piscataways have been generally friendly, as have a tribe called variously the Nacotchanks or Anacostians living on the eastern branch of the river. The Piscataways, in fact, were helpful in warning the settlers of the presence of unfriendly Indians in the vicinity. They are a people given largely to trading and commerce up and down the river and have much contact with other tribes with whom they trade the tools and vessels which they manufacture from the local soapstone. Soon after the garrison was established, however, the Piscataways left their village and moved to an island farther down the river. All efforts to persuade them to return have failed. Their chief, one Oquotomaquah, complained that his braves were being punished for acts they did not commit, which is unfortunate if it is true, for it is not our object to drive off peaceable natives but to protect our people from those would maliciously burn their farms and steal their stock.

August 10, 1700. I have been studying the area I am charged to protect, and making myself familiar with its features. The terrain is very pleasing to the eye, the climate temperate, the river and forests abundant in fish and game, and the soil apparently fertile. On the west bank of a stream feeding into the river is the former village of the Piscataways, called Tohoga. It is most convenient for habitation, and the river forms a natural means of communication, being navigable as far as the Little Falls.

Small holdings farmed by Scots and Irish have been here for many years at the mouth of the stream which they call Rock Creek. There is a calm and sheltered bay at that point which would seem to make an excellent harbor.

Colonel Beall, who left us yesterday, holds 225 acres on the east side of the creek, and other estates are owned by Thomas Dent and Daniel Carroll. Of the latter, Mr. Carroll’s lands, called Duddington Manor, are the largest, comprising 1,000 acres; Mr. Dent’s “Gisborough,” is 850 acres.

April 30,1701. We were most happily surprised today by a visit from Colonel Beall, who, after being in the saddle since sun-up, shows not the slightest sign of weariness. I never cease to be amazed at the strength and endurance of this man who has attained and passed his three score years and ten. Well over six feet in height, with abundant red hair and a ruddy complection, he is the equal in feats of physical prowess to any man half or a quarter of his age.

Colonel Beall calls his home Fifes Largo after his birthplace in Fifes Shire, Scotland. His emigration to this continent came about thus: fighting for the Stuarts against the army of Oliver Cromwell, some fifty years ago, he was made a prisoner at the battle of Dunbar and sentenced to five years’ servitude in the Barbadoes. From thence he came to Maryland and, completing his term, received additional lands and has held many high offices in the province. Two years ago the General Assembly passed an Act of Gratitude to him for his services against the Indians.

September 2, 1703. Today I leave for my father’s home in Annapolis, though it will be many weeks before I shall see all my friends there, having been invited to visit Colonel Beall at his manor and other acquaintances along the way. This summer has seen the building of a sturdy ship’s landing in the bay and an increase in the number of settlers. I have found my time here so agreeable that I feel I shall certainly return. A few acres along Rock Creek might afford a profitable investment.

July 20, 1705. What a pleasure to find myself once again on the banks of the Potomac and to renew my acquaintances with this beautiful country. Having long deferred a visit to some Virginia relations and having heard that a ferry was available between the two shores, I determined to travel by way of Tohoga. I find it not much changed except for more land under cultivation and of course the enterprising businessman who runs the ferry.