Leaving the welcome of Jamestown behind, Calvert heads northwards up the Potomac River till they reach an island which they name St Clements and decide to go ashore. There they erect a cross hewn out of a great tree trunk, receive Mass, give thanks for a safe crossing and ‘recite litanies with great emotion’. It happened to be Lady Day, the Feast of the Annunciation in the ancient cycle of Quarterly church festivals or New Year’s Day in the old-style Julian calendar still being used by the English. (Later generations will designate the 25th day in March as ‘Maryland Day’).

Governor Calvert proves to be a very practical leader from the start, setting the men to work to piece together a knocked down barge they’ve brought over from England. The task he sets for the women is to wash the dirty clothes and linen that has accumulated during the long voyage. The first task is a success, the second a disaster as (lower scene) the laundering takes place using a shallop, which overturns with the weight of the water-sodden items and much of their invaluable clothing and linen is lost.

Still, no lives are lost, the natives more friendly and the scenery absolutely stunning. Father Andrew White records in his diary, writing about the Potomac River ‘The Thames seems a mere rivulet in comparison with it.’ He accompanies Calvert on an expedition to explore some 60 miles up the Potomac. Within two days he has visited various Indian tribes on the Maryland side and comes to an agreement with a petty chieftain of the Yacomico tribe to buy one half of his village and land now and the other half next year. (Note the Indians ‘FOR SALE’ sign for Father White describes the transaction as such). ‘We have bought from the King thirty miles of this land, delivering in exchange axes, hatchets, rakes and several yards of cloth.’

It is March 27 and, as shown, Calvert and the Chief shake hands on the deal in a most friendly manner. The village is then immediately renamed St Marie’s with great rejoicing among the colonists. There is a blowing of trumpets, the beating of drums and much firing of cannon to celebrate the birth of the first Catholic settlement in New England – miraculously achieved with Indian goodwill.