materials such as bar iron or pig iron, and agricultural products from the colonies. Ridgely
commanded several vessels over a period of years, from whence his title of "Captain"
derived.

In 1760, CAPTAIN CHARLES
RIDGELY married Rebecca Dorsey
(1739-1812), the daughter of Caleb
Dorsey and Priscilla Hill. Caleb Dorsey
was a prominent and wealthy ironmaster
and the owner of "Belmont" in Anne
Arundel County.

By 1763, CAPTAIN RIDGELY had re-
tired from the sea. Although he remained
an active agent for British merchants in
the colonies, he also pursued other com-
mercial interests including a general mer-
chandising business in Baltimore begun
in 1765, and the operation of several mills,
quarries, plantations, and at least one
large orchard, in addition to his obliga-
tions to the Northampton Company.

The Revolutionary War era brought
many changes to the Ridgely fortunes. In
the 1760s, trade problems between Brit-
ish and colonial merchants escalated.
Likewise, by the end of that decade,
CAPTAIN RIDGELY's relations with Brit-
ish traders deteriorated because of conflicts regarding credit, fees and the payment of
bills. British import duties and the Stamp Act led to non-importation agreements among
the colonists and eventually to war.

Although British trade was cut off from 1775 until 1783, Ridgely's merchandising
interests regained momentum once the War ended. After the Revolution, Baltimore,
hardly more than a village when the ironworks was established, would become one of
the leading economic and commercial centers in America.

In 1771, CAPTAIN CHARLES RIDGELY's brother John died. Captain Charles pur-
chased John's one-third share in the Northampton ironworks from the estate executors.
COLONEL CHARLES RIDGELY died in 1772, leaving the final one-third share to his
three daughters, under the trusteeship of his son-in-law Darby Lux. CAPTAIN CHARLES
RIDGELY, however, maintained control over the entire operation.

Iron making was a difficult and labor-intensive procedure involving many levels of
workers. Artisans and tradesmen worked in proximity to convict laborers and, during the
War, British prisoners. Slaves conducted the heavy, simple tasks, but were also trained
for the various aspects of processing the iron. Many indentured servants, including
joiners, other tradesmen and laborers, bound themselves to CAPTAIN RIDGELY until
their passage fee to America could be paid back. Families, even children, often worked
together. Conditions were unenviable and indications of the usual diet show a rationing
chiefly of corn, pork, herring and flour.

Rebecca Dorsey Ridgely (1738-1812), by John
Hesselius, cJ770. Wife of Captain Charles Ridgely
and first mistress of Hampton. Hampton NHS
Collection.