The Catholic Signer

American Catholic ^ | Sunday, August 22nd, 2010

[GonzoII]

Without morals a republic cannot subsist any length of time; they therefore who are decrying the Christian religion, whose morality is so sublime & pure, [and] which denounces against the wicked eternal misery, and [which] insured to the good eternal happiness, are undermining the solid foundation of morals, the best security for the duration of free governments.

Charles Carroll of Carrollton, letter to James McHenry, November 4, 1800.

Charles Carroll of Carrollton, the sole Catholic signer of the Declaration Independence, was an endlessly fascinating man. He led the fight for Catholic civil rights in Maryland and the new nation. A slaveholder, he supported the efforts to establish a free colony of blacks in Liberia, and sponsored legislation in the Maryland Senate for the gradual abolition of slavery in Maryland, although the bill was defeated. He lived a long and eventful 95 years, dying in 1832, the last of the signers. He will be the subject of many blog posts in the future, but today I want to post on what he is most famous for, the signing of the Declaration.

Two stories are told about him signing the document. Supposedly he initially signed as Charles Carroll. A member of Congress, who disliked Carroll sneered, saying how would the British know which Charles Carroll had signed, this being a common name. Carroll then angrily took up his quill pen and appended “of Carrollton” to his signature. I love this story, but alas it is unlikely. Charles Caroll had been appending “of Carrollton” to his signature for years prior to the Revolution. Additionally, as one of the richest men in the colonies it unlikely that the British government would have any confusion as to which Charles Carroll had signed his name.

...Video at link

[GonzoII]

[Puzzleman]

I agree wholeheartedly that morality is essential for a democratic republic to survive.

[doberville]

His piercing intelligence comes through - evident even in the portrait.

[SunkenCiv]

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[Pharmboy]

Thanks for the post, GonzoII, and the ping, SunkenCiv. Charles Carroll is an inspiration to all Americans, and a special one, I would assume, to Catholic Americans. Maryland was the Catholic colony, so it's certainly fitting that it was Mr. Carroll signed. And all those brave lads who gave their lives during the Battle of Brooklyn were mostly Marylanders and Catholics ("The Maryland 400"). (And just for full disclosure, I am not Catholic).

The RevWar/Colonial History/General Washington ping list...

[Pharmboy]

Just to make it clear, I meant that the stand made during the Battle of Brooklyn near the Gowanus Creek...that was the Marylanders along with some Delaware infantry...not during the entire battle.

[colorado tanker]

Maryland was founded as a refuge for Catholics and for a time had a religious tolerance act. However, the colonies were still subject to the English Test Act and Catholics like Carroll (as well as Protestant Nonconformists) could not hold public office. Independence and the First Amendment changed all that.

Just another example of how the First Amendment was not intended to drive religion out of public life, but to allow adherents of all religions to participate in public life and worship how they pleased.

[the OlLine Rebel]

Interesting that there is a county in GA named after him - and they actually put up a historical marker about him!

I always remember Carroll mostly for 2 things - signing, and setting the stone for the B&O. :D

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks ct!

[COBOL2Java]

When I saw the title I thought you meant this kind of Catholic signer... :-)

[SunkenCiv]

Thanks PB.

[Melian]

Yes, he has that same piercing gaze I remember getting from Father Quatannens at the parish where I grew up. We were required to go to morning Mass if we arrived at school early. He would often stop in the middle of Mass and give us that look if the students were not behaving appropriately. Once in a while he’d stop and say, in a loud and commanding voice, “You in the back of the Church. Come sit in the front pew where I can keep my eye on you.” We trembled!

He was a wonderful Pastor and priest. He also served heroically as a chaplain during WWII. He was a true warrior for Christ.

[Pharmboy]

Wow! In the land of the Anabaptists!

[aculeus]

Those of us who survived Catholic grammar school learned a lot about Carroll.

Thanks for the ping.