The life of Henry Thompson was an early American venture and adventure.  When he arrived in Baltimore in 1794 Thompson’s mission reputedly was to collect money owed to his father by a local metal dealer.  Thompson decided to stay in Baltimore and went into business himself importing  a variety of goods including metal items.  Four years after his arrival Thompson married Ann Lux Bowly, the daughter of a prominent Baltimorean.

Thompson soon started purchasing lands in and around Baltimore.  When children began to arrive after the marriage Thompson moved his family to Clifton, his large country house which was outside the city limits.  From Clifton Thompson went to his counting house and warehouse  every day to operate his shipping and import/export businesses.  At the same time the lands around his house became extensive gardens and livestock areas.  An avid horseman, Thompson became captain of a troop of horse, and served with some distinction during the war of 1812.

Fortunately for us, Henry Thompson left a journal in which he made entries nearly every day for most of his life in Baltimore.  His descriptions of his part in the war of 1812, horse races, cholera epidemics, family illnesses, social life, and civic activities are a part of his legacy to be shared here.