Mr. Wolfe’s Grade 4 Mock Trial
Leonard Calvert, the first governor of Maryland, was found guilty of one charge and innocent of another in a mock trial held by Mr. Wolfe’s grade four class.
With Judge Richard Fisher of the Upper School History Department presiding, prosecutors Darcy and Justine were able to convict the governor of conspiring to kill Native Americans. In his verdict, Judge Fisher noted that their research skills helped them uncover an order by Gov. Calvert to shoot any Susquehannock Indians on sight.
However, the governor was found not guilty of charges of kidnapping and slavery. Though there was strong testimony by the slave Hattie McCoy (played by Allie), Judge Fisher complimented Calvert’s defense lawyers, Nick P. and Dmitri, on their defense of slavery as an economic system that was supported by many colonists and even King Charles I of England (played by Morgan).
Other witnesses contributing valuable testimony to both sides were William Claiborne (Ben), Hunter of the Susquehannock tribe (Charlie), Strong Arms of the Yaocomico tribe (Ashkahn), Margaret Brent (Lily), Daniel Dulaney (Nick S.), the indentured servant Richard Frethorne (Jason), and the plantation owner Daniel Hynson (Antonio). Drew was very well-prepared and honest as the governor himself.
