Page "Frederick Calvert, 6th Baron Baltimore" Paragraph 5

During the 1750s, during the French and Indian War, when funds were needed to finance the common defence of the colonies, Maryland alone refused its share.

Calvert was prepared to pass an Act raising taxes but only if his own vast estates were exempted.

Benjamin Franklin later wrote: " It is true, Maryland did not then contribute its proportion, but it was, in my opinion, the fault of the Government, and not of the people ".

The colony was ruled through governors appointed by Calvert, such as Horatio Sharpe and later Robert Eden.

Governor Sharpe was keenly aware of the difficulties placed upon his subjects by Lord Baltimore's intransigience, but his hands were tied.