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Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 4/8)
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Services, March 1999.)
Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 4/8)
Contact Information:
Manuscripts Department
Maryland Historical Society Library
201 West Monument Street
Baltimore MD 21201-4674
410.685.3750
Descriptive Summary
Calendar of the General Otho Holland Williams Papers at the Maryland Historical Society, 1744-1839
MS.908 (Part 4/8)
Maryland Historical Society
Baltimore MD 21201-467
The Maryland Historical Records Survey Project
November 1940
*Note: This Collection has eight parts*
(Part 4/8)
1790 Feb. 9
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Genl Otho HOLLAND WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[548]
Received several letters from Williams and delivered to the Secretary of the Treasury the enclosures in them; nothing reported yet about the Collection and Impost laws andc.... it might be well for you to spend a fortnight here when that business is taken up - - The inclosed paper will give you the State of public business, this day will probably decide the fate of Public credit; thinks the House will be decidedly in favor of funding the public debt, without discrimination; Williams had better send [Capt. William] Campbell for Mr. Baker who lives next door to T. Constable old Town near Moores Mill, and inquire what he has done on the land business; Smith will at some other time talk about the State funding law, but does not like what little he knows of it.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 9 February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Feb. 12
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[549]
You are out of debt! -- And how came you so?; all Thomas did was to put people in mind that doctors, like other people, must eat and drink, and pay their debts; bids Thomas examine the enclosed account which contains all that Thomas ever owed him, and all he owed Thomas, and see where the balance stands; is sure Thomas is not ironically dunning him, for this lump of Gold, by [Richard?] Potts, assures me not; does not charge Thomas with the price of a horse, since Thomas may give him a mare next spring; he [Williams] has the finest Stud in America; the funding system is too extensive and complicated for a familiar letter; thinks [Alexander] Hamilton's abilities are greater than the perfection of this plan; governments must sometimes make a departure from the established maxims of justice, and morality; hard to tell exactly what strict honesty demands; did not intend to enter on this subject of debts; his physicians have advised him to take a tour, with a temporary change of climate; next May, with his wife and all his family, he is going off through Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Frederick, Washington counties, to the Sweet Springs [Va.] for six weeks; will not keep his office [Collector of the port of Baltimore] unless there is a change in the impost laws.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Feb. 14
W[illiam] SMITH. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore.
[550]
Had been expecting the death of Dr. [John] Boyd, but Williams' letter announcing it [Feb. 4, 1790] gave him all those gloomy sensations which naturally occur, on those solem occasions... [Dr. Boyd] retained his senses to the
last moment, without excruciating pain, or much regret; maintaining the rational hope, and faith, of a sincere Christian; has thought, with Williams, that Billy Mathews' circumstances have preyd upon his mind; for that reason has cautiously avoided saying anything; Mathews came into Smith's office, twice, the day before Smith left home and attempted to say something; perceived from the fulness of his heart, and the tears trickling down from his eyes, that he was unable to proceed; have had ten days of severe, steady, cold weather; hopes, from Williams' last letter, that Williams will be perfectly restored in health; My letter book which contains the coppy of that referred to in yours, is in a trunk, the key of which is in my Desk, of which Peggy has the key, but I don't apprehend it will be necessary before my return; Williams has not acknowledged $2,000 which Smith sent him some time past; Continental paper remains in statu quo,... Congress has not hitherto made much progress in the funding business the last two days being lost by the consideration of a petition from the Quakers on... slavery which was finally referred to a special committee; we have only resolved that adequate provision ought to be made for paying the foreign debt; about the domestic debt, [James] Madison proposed that original holders of certificates shall be paid at the Rate of 6 p[er] cent on the full nominal value, that, the present holders by purchase, shall be allowed at the rate of the present market price, and the difference paid to the original owners; he introduced this motion by a very masterly speech; but Smith thinks that idea, while just and equitable, is impracticable; expects the public debt to be funded, but at what interest he cannot say; expects public securities to settle down at 10/ or 12/6 in the pound, but not till after some time; about the state installment law, he [Smith] fears that the interest of the whole debt is to be paid in specie, before a debtor is entitled to install; if this is true, he will have to pay off before August if possible; expects to be home in time to take care of that.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 14 February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Feb. 16
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].
[551]
Sent Williams yesterday the latest New York papers with European news, telling of the horrible situation the inhabitants of Flanders, Brabant, etc. are in; although the Emperor seems at last disposed to yield to their first demand, the people now want more, like America at the commencement of our revolution; no action, but much debate of [James] Madison's proposal to pay the original holders of Continental paper part of its present value; the house will be more divided on this question than he at first
apprehended... although he does not think a single member has altered or will alter his opinion; Senate attending debates, in the House, and galleries crowded; eager to get the sentiments of some of his friends at Baltimore on this subject,... but hitherto disappointed; not, even in the Baltimore papers, does he see a single politician step forth for or against.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 February 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Feb. 17
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].
[552]
Writes only to say that the vote on the question of discrimination is not yet taken; he does not expect it will be determined in all this week; many speeches made; many more will yet be made; Mr. [James] Madison lays by, to sum up the whole... and refute the arguments if he can... [Smith]... still of opinion the majority is on the other side... perhaps a still more difficult question, will be the... interest to be allowed on the funded paper; on this question there are a variety of sentiments.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 February 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Feb. 18
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[553]
No decision yet on... discrimination; this day Mr. [James] Madison... [spoke] in a masterly manner; thinks Madison's proposal will lose, abt. thirty to twenty four; failed to say that he had answered Mr. McCubbin's letter, respecting the purchase of Long's land; was thinking of buying only because Long owed him [Smith] a debt; he discovered very earlin in business that, if he purchased, he must pay the money or Certificates to the State, or he could not obtain a title; wants about twenty acres... adjoining Orange even on their terms; asks Williams to get him a good tenant for Riley's lot by March; would take a low rent in order to get someone who would take care of the garden and fruit trees; if no one offers, perhaps Mr. Edwards who owns and works a lot adjoining would, for the use of the garden, take care of the whole lot.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 18 February 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Feb. 21
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]o. To [General Benjamin LINCOLN, Collector of the Port of Boston, Mass.].
[554]
Lincoln's second certificate respecting Mr. Wells' Schooner came; the delay... was attended by no inconvenience that he knows of, to Mr. Wells, whose character he respects; Lamb, who had written to Lincoln, wrote to Williams also, and proposed that he [Williams] make it convenient to be in New York; his [Williams'] services are at the command of
Congress, for a reasonable compensation; work required of collectors and the pay given them are unreasonable, and he [Williams] told the Secretary of the Treasury so; if equitable amendments are made in respect to the emoluments and the laws are made intelligible, and practicable, he is still the public's humble servant; if not, he does not have to submit to the mortification of petitioning for employment or support; I agree with you that it is humiliating.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 3d. February 1790 General Lincoln and answer.
On verso of entry 546.
END Book 5
Book 6
1790 Feb. 22
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[555]
The House in Committee of the Whole resolved That adequate provisions ought to be made for fulfilling the engagements of the U[nited] S[tates] in respect to their foreign debt; House resolved also that the payment of interest on the domestic debt and its gradual discharge ought to be provided for; thus far have Congress gone and no further; [James Madison's] motion for a discrimination was rejected by a great majority, not more than twelve, or thirteen in favor; tomorrow comes the question, `That the debts of the Respective States ought with the consent of the creditors to be assumed and provided for by the United States [']; Smith has heard nothing from Maryland Assembly about assumption; those Politicians who prevented the Maryland Assembly from complying with the requisitions of Congress, made in 1787, whereby Indents were made receivable for the respective quotas of each States interest due the U. S. have done an irreparable injury to us; finally will be obliged to make good that deficiency in specie; British sloop of war came into New York a few days ago with dispatches for Sir John Temple and for the President; some suppose that the dispatches are for the governor of Canada, and that they are sent in this way because the St. Lawrence is not accessible at this time; others think it is to announce to the United States, that the British ports are now open for Am[erica]n wheat; Smith inclines to suppose, that... the dispatches are to order the British ports within the limits of the U[nited] S[tates] to be evacuated and to offer an advantageous commercial treaty.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 22d. February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Feb. 23
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To John RANDALL [Annapolis?].
[556]
Invalids in, and near Annapolis (where... there are many) cannot well get to Baltimore at this time of year, so he [Williams] asks Randall to spread the information that he
[Williams] proposes to pay them in Annapolis and will do it as soon as the Executive gives him the necessary returns.
Df. 2 pp. 29.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23d February 1790 To John Randall, respecting Invalids.
1790 Feb. 23
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Doctr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[557]
A great flourishing superscription --- and a good lump of heavy metal would ensure the welcome reception of a letter from almost any man; but from a friend, it comes with a double grace; Thomas had put into the Account Current [between them] some items which Williams never minded, possibly because he was away from home when he contracted the debt; present stage of the funding system... renders a speculation in certificates, at this time, very precarious; four per cent interest on the certificates, with arrears of interest, will average the price of funded paper at about 10/ in the pound; it may rise to 12/6 in the pound; he [Williams] regrets he did not sell his certificates when the price was 9/6d. for the Prinl. and 6/6d. for the interest; may reserve Thomas' hundred pounds,... for expenses to bath [Bath, Va.]; is going to take wife, children, and servants --- bag and baggage,... to saunter away the summer; urges Thomas to fix up his Phaeton and go with them; consider the advantage it will be to Thomas' health; thick fog has overwhelmed the town five days of six past; it is now (10 o'Clk) almost too dark to see;... Polly cannot go shopping today -- and... the Misses Thomas must wait the next best opportunity for fine things; is going to write to [Alexander] Hanson today.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by [Thomas]; Feby 29 [sic] 1790.
1790 Feb. 25
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].
[558]
assuming the State Debts, by the United States... has been the subject of debate for many days.... I now perceive the resolution will be carried, I think, by a considerable majority,... no provision is to be made for payment of... Interest before 1792; does not know what his constituents think about it, but believes the Maryland delegation will be unanimous in the negative; Virginia will concur with them; South Carol[in]a and several other States have instructed their members to vote for the measure; is convinced the business is premature and is fearful it will be attended with injurious consequences.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; 25 February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Mar. 7
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[559]
Received Williams' letter of the 28th ult[im]o [February 28, 1790] yesterday and this morning sent the enclosure to the printer for publication; he finds Williams has not touched on the... assumption of the State debts, by the United States; resolution was postponed, two or three days ago, until the Secr[etar]y [of the Treasury] should report the ways and means, to provide for the payment thereof, if they should be assumed; the report Williams has in one of the enclosed papers; the House is much divided; the eastern members (except New Hampshire) for, the Southern (except South Carolina) against the measure, the middle states divided; Smith believes a great majority in the Senate are in favor of assumption; the members from North Carolina, who are daily expected, will be opposed to the assumption.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 7 March 1790 Mr. Wm. [Smi]th.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Mar. 9
W[illiam] SMITH. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[560]
The question was just now decided in a Committee of the whole house by a vote of 31 to 26 that the United States assume the debts of the individual states; we have now proceeded to the Ratio of Interest, where we may probably, stop a day or Two.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 30 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 9 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Mar. 11
HART and ROCHESTER, Hagerstown merchants, Hagers Town. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[561]
Enclose Williams' acct. amounting to [UNK]11.12.20, which he told the merchants to come for; if Williams will pay it to Mr. Jno Saters[?] or Mr. Walter Roe when convenient, they will be obliged.
Signed Hart and Rochester. 4 pp. 20 cm. × 16 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th March 1790. Hart and Rochester Letter.
Enclosure missing, or possibly entry 399.
On same sheet with entry 564.
1790 Mar. 11
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[562]
First part of Williams' letter had already been published, and Smith sent to the press this morning the conclusion thereof; House agreed that two thirds of the principal shall be funded at six per cent, and the other third paid in [Western] lands at twenty cents per acre; debating now a motion to strike out all other alternatives, except six per cent on 66 2/3 doll[ar]s, and to have 26 doll[ar]s and 88 Cents funded at the same rate at the end of ten years; this motion will probably succeed; he [UNK] the impost law will
be taken up and revised; owns land adjoining that advertised by Mr. Bow [or Bowen?], but expects to be at home before his com[mission]s can be executed; believes the line betwixt Bow and him [Smith] is well ascertained; observes that Mrs. Cox is dead; will write to her executors respecting his claim against her estate.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th March 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Mar. 14
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[563]
Received Williams' letters of the 6th and 7th instant [March]; [thinks] Calder's description of that survey was calculated to favor Mr. Plowman, whose particular friend he was, as that land lay in... the Propri[etar]y's reserved land; would wish to have it secured if to be done; at any rate it will be worth the expense of taking up; had already told Williams that the House had assumed the State debts, and it has since agreed to fund two thirds of the debt at six per cent and to pay the other third in lands in the western territory at 20 cents per acre; doubts this business is finally settled, for the majority in favor of assumption was small; if the No[rth] Carolina members arrive before the bill passes and are against the assumption, as is expected, the bill will be lost; many members would give up the whole of the funding system if thwarted in their favorite scheme; nothing has transpired, relative to the dispatches brot by the British sloop of war; is inclined to think she had dispatches for Lord Dorchester, and could not get up the St. Lawrence with them; has been ill for two days past; is better and hopes to be able to go out soon; thinks the assumption of the State debts at this time premature; foresees great frauds will be committed; in the end it [assumption] would be just and right; because Maryland earlier would not comply with the requisition of Congress, she may now have to pay specie for some paper, and this will bear very hard on Maryland; sends the paper containing the conclusion of the Mary[lan]d letter, because he sent the original to the printer; Williams can send the paper to [Dr. Philip] Thomas.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 14 March 1790 Mr. Will[ia]m Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Mar. 16
Walter ROE, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[564]
Received of Otho H. Williams Eleven pounds twelve shillings and ten pence Current money for Messrs. Hart and Rochester.
In hand of Otho Holland Williams; signed by Walter Roe.
On same sheet as entry 561.
1790 Mar. 17
O[tho] H[ollan]d WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [George] WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
[565]
Has had for more than two years an order in London, to procure one of the first [best?] stud horses, of the dray breed, that could be procured; the order was executed last summer and the horse arrived in perfect health and excellent order in September last; the enclosed advertisement describes him, and he assures Washington that his merits are not exaggerated; if Washington thinks that his blood will be any advantage to his present stock, Williams will give particular directions respecting any mares he may direct to be sent the stallion; probably a greater number will offer than can be servod, as, being his first season, Williams does not intend that the number shall much exceed fifty.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 22 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 March 1790 The President U States.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Mar. 17
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[566]
Knew that Thomas was planning some sort of production, and is not agreeably disappointed upon reading it; Thomas had determined in his own mind that the plan of the Secretary [of the Treasury] was not consistent with his professed principles, and he [Williams] inclines, though cautiously, to agree with him; Mr. [William] Smith in Congress had to say something, and wanted to use Williams'opinion, so that he [Williams] had to be most careful; likes groatly the manner of Thomas' communication; Thomas knows his [Williams'] contract with [?] Adams and knows Adams too well to be surprised that Williams is suing Adams for payment; wants to send Thomas some writs and declarations against Adams for Thomas to serve at once; has been trying for three months past to get up [to Frederick], and now is so much better that he is determined to set out as soon as the roads permit; is also anxious about another heavy affair, with which you are allready acquainted; John [Hanson Thomas] is [UNK] to set off this afternoon.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.
1790 Mar. 18
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[567]
When he wrote last, he was much indisposed; is pretty well recovered, but a little weakened; assumption is yet doubtfull; the house has been employed, foolishly, all the week on the Quaker memorial; certificates have fallen to 7/; if they will bring 8/6 certain and cash, it might be worth while to speculate.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 18 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Mar. 21
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To O[tho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[568]
The inclosed papers lead him [Smith] to believe that the ensuing summer will probably produce a general war in Europe and that the King of Prussia and Poland have entered into an alliance with Wien [Vienna] to operate against the Emperor; the whole of last week has been spent in foolish debates on the Quakers' memorials; the southern members were apprehensive, that Congress would interfere in the importation and manumission of slaves, a jealousy without the smallest foundation; nothing new on funding the dobts; the assumption of the State debts is far from being reduced to a certainty; will have four No[rth] Carolina members in all this week, and if they vote against the assumption as is expected, the house will be nearly divided; believes a majority in the Senate are in favor; yesterday a ship from Amsterdam arrived in this harbour which it is said has brought specie; the crew, fifteen or seventeen in number, the mate at their head, rose on the Captain fourteen days ago with a design to murder him, and carry off the Ship; he received information of the plot a few minutes before the time to carry it out; by a firm resolute conduct with the assistance of four others he overpowered the revolters; they are in the gaol of New York.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Mar. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[569]
Encloses the morning's papers which contain some European politics; the crew of the Dutch ship have dwindlod down to two; believes the cash is also melted down in proportion; the Quaker business still occupies the time of the House, to their disgrace; while he writes, that business is debating with as much warmth, as if it had not been under consideration before this morning.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Mar. 28
W[illiam] SMITH, New York, To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[570]
Says in answer to Williams' letters of the 18th and 19th [March], that the impost law has not yet come up in the House; it will probably not come up until the funding system is adopted or dismissed; about the assumption of the state debts, neither side is certain of its ground; agrees with Williams that a direct tax, on real property, is the most equitable and just of any that can be devised, and almost the only one that can reach many of the wealthiest citizens in this country; a very small tax, not more than a quit rent, say half a dollar or 5/ per hundred acres, would raise a very large
revenue; owns no part of the Principio company's lands but ninety odd acres which lie directly above his mill dam, on both sides of the creek, which probably lie foul of his original tract at Eutaw; Williams can get the certificate and plat from Mr. Duval; the State, in Mr. Presbury's time, ordered a resurvey and a new granting of certificates, but Smith has tried vainly to get his lot surveyed, the executive refusing to admit any other than the County surveyer to execute the business; expects to be home before the lines adjoining him are run; Pennsylvania holders of Continental paper prayed Congress for its repayment in specie, but the committee advised paying it off at 100 to 1; Smith thinks 75 to 1 as likely as any other value, when the matter is finally settled; when he [Smith] left Baltimore, Continental paper was selling at 500 to 1, and it would perhaps be a better Speculation than Finals.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 12 [sic] March 1790.
1790 Apr. 1
Ae[danue] B[URKE, Member of the House, New York]. To A[lexander] H[AMILTON].
[571]
Tells Hamilton that he [Hamilton] proclaimed aloud in the face of... thousands that the militia were the mere mimicry of soldiery; the torture which the insult inflicted upon Burke he [Burke] had to bear;... had he called Hamilton to account and hurt a hair of his head, he should have been thrown into East river; believes men of sensibility and honor will approve him.
Copy in hand of Otho Holland Williams. 6 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Copy Correspondence Coll. H. and AE. B. Esqr.
1790 Apr. 1
A[lexander] H[AMILTON], N[ew] York. To Ae[danus] B[URKE, Member of the House, New York].
[572]
Is informed that in the House yesterday, Burke used some very harsh expressions about him; lays them to misapprehension or misrepresentation; sends Burke an extract of his [Hamilton's] speech, containing the only things Burke could have been referring to; `Knyphauson at the head of a veteran army baffled and almost beaten by a General [Nathanael Greene]... aided or rather embarrassed by small fugitive bodies of volunteer militia the mimicry of Soldiership' ; tells Burke that it now remains for him [Burke] to judge what conduct... will be proper.
Copy in hand of Otho Holland Williams. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 8
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[573]
the quarrell mentioned... in my last is accommodated, by arbitration of six members... [from] both houses. The
Sec[retar]y [Hamilton] has explained that he did not mean any reflection on the militia in general or that of Carolina in particular. Mr. Burke satisfied... is sorry for having made use of any expression that should wound the feelings of the Sec[retar]y or the house, whether there will be any statement or publication of this transaction I know not.... Dr. Williamson, has not said anything to me on the subject mentioned respecting Dr. [James] McHenry.
A.L.S. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 8
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[574]
Busy in the Criminal Court since his return, and therefore has had but little leisure to attend to private affairs; Judge [Robert Hanson] Harrison is no more an inhabitant of this planet; to what other he is removed Heaven knows; his exit a public loss; funding system is in a precarious situation, for some who favor the adoption of State debts by the United States, have said that if the adoption does not occur, they will not support any funding system at all; finals are fallon in New York to 7/ and 7/6d.; Mr. [Aedanus] Burk of S. Carolina said that the great services of the militia of S. Carolina was one argument why their debts ought to be paid out of the general fund; Secretary Hamilton [on July 4th] dropped some words which were considered derogatory to the militia; Mr. Burke said he gladly gave the gentleman the lie;... he was called to order, stopped, and sat down; after some time he [Burke] rose, supposing Coll. Hamilton in the gallory which was filled with Ladies, He faced about and said aloud `I throw the lie in Colonel Hamilton's face.' He was silenced; the Secretary [Hamilton] a man of firmness; Mr. Burke very obdurate in his temper; it is the opinion of Williams that Burke ought most certainly to make an apology to the House; a most scandalous piece of behavior; there is neither black money here [Baltimore] nor the demand for it; going to Annapolis Tuesday, and hopes to know more about several things next week; It murders me to write and Crim Court is called; sends some New York papers and wants them returned because they belong to Mr. W[illiam] Smith's file; asks Thomas to write if he hears of his [Williams'] brother's return.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.
Endorsed; 18 April 1790.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Apr. 11
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[575]
Glad to hear from Williams' letter of the 6th, that his western trip was successful and that Williams and everybody at Baltimore are well; value of his military certificates may depend on the assumption or non-assumption of the State debts; if that takes place, it must be by some compromise; if assumption occurs, State paper and Continental will be of
nearly equal value; for some time past the assumption business has been postponed from day to day; South Carolina, Massachusetts and Connecticut say they must inevitably become bankrupt if not relieved; hopes this question will be decided tomorrow; thanks Williams for the news of his tour and for his good wishes; is as well as he can expect in a very inactive situation, and an excessive moist damp climate.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th April 1790 Wm. Smith Esqr.
1790 Apr. 12
W[illiam] SMITH, New York City Hall. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[576]
The committee of the whole house has this morning decided against the assumption of the State debts 31 to 29; sure to be brought up again, for the house were so evenly divided that one vote more in favor would have carried it, for the chairman was on that side.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 12th April 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Apr. 18
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[577]
Acknowledges letters of 10th and 11th [April?]; the quarrel between [Alexander] Hamilton and [Aedanus] Burke was finally settled; the Sec[retar]y wrote a letter to Mr. B[urke] declaring that he did not mean any reflection on the militia; Mr. B[urke] was satisfied and declared himself sorry for the expressions made use of in the house (which were certainly very indecent and unbecoming); the B[urke] speech has since appeared at full length in Greenleaff's paper, which Smith enclosed to Williams some days ago; if this publication was by Burke's consent, perhaps the last offence is as great as the first; it is believed that Mr. Oswald, now in New York from Philadelphia, is active in blowing the coal; does not expect Mr. Secret[ar]y [Hamilton] will take any further notice; if the man who applied for his [Smith's] brick tenement is trustworthy he may have it at the rent Williams mentioned; Williams to make him take good care of the trees and garden; he must give it up by [March 1, 1791], because the garden must be made for the next year; before he [Smith] left Baltimore, Captain [Clemont] Skerrett asked him to help him [Skerrett] get a place in Williams' department; since then, Skerrett has written several letters; if Williams thinks Skerrett worth a place, he will appoint him on his application; a vessel from London yesterday brought news that the Prince of Wales is to be married to the Princess Royal of Prussia; Mrs. [Maria] Fitzherbert to retire on a pension of [UNK]5,000 per annum; this day a very severe snow storm and high wind; afraid the fruit is gone in Maryland; it is not in danger in New York; the peaches not yet in bloom; should tell Robert
he has some fears for his apples by Capt. White[?], who was out in last night's storm; nothing more done on the funding business, since assumption of state debts was rejected again; believes a great majority will do everything possible to support public credit.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams on p. 1: 18 April 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
[UNK] paper is [UNK] the New-York Journal, and Patriotic Register - Editor's note.
1790 Apr. 18
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS]. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS?].
[578]
Discovers that one paper he wanted to send was left out; would like to see L.X. in the Frederick paper; encloses C.C.'s letter; does not see that Thomas is to be offended with it; is not now going to argue the thing with Thomas.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.
Endorsed by Thomas: From Genl. Williams Apl. 1790.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Apr. 21
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS [Frederick].
[579]
No good bed ticking in town until just now when three or four vessols came in from Europe; the feathers are spoke for, but not yet received, the other little articles for the young ladies I intend to bring with me; not alarmed by Thomas' account of 50 head of stock being seen in one field at Ceresville; when he bought that desirable spot he bargained for double that number of accidents at least; hopes to see his brother returned safe; my anxiety has become painful; may hope to find [David] Bryan and the miller busy if they are doing what Thomas told them to do; sorry Thomas is, like himself, a Valetudinarian; could not Thomas go to the Springs [Va.] with him; sends Thomas the latest papers; got back from Annapolis last friday afternoon; [Alexander Contee] Hanson was well, and Madam; the Dutchess mentioned Thomas with esteem and affection; Mrs. Governor [Howard] told him that she loved to steal his [[UNK]] letters and read them; Hanson is sincere in his liberal enccmiums on the merits of R.C.; candidly has not heard above three men of sense mention R.C.; not one disapproves; the old luminary [Benjamin] FRANKLIN is dead; everybody running after the new fashions just arrived in the London ships; a lady did actually read your Sprightly scrip to Lyd who was in town, and who, after breaking a dry seal, read it herself an hour afterwards.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 22
John Ross KEY, Fred[eric]k Town. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[580]
Has been told that there was recently in Frederick a Mr. Randle from Baltimore who wanted to buy a mill and some lands in this county; asks Williams to tell Randle that he has for sale a large and convenient mill situated on Pipe Creek that he will dispose of on reasonable terms and with the mill any
quantity of good farming land not exceeding two thousand acres; does not know where Randle is to be found; will be in Baltimore on thursday next; would like to hear from Randle by then.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 27
W[illiam] SMITH, New York, To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[581]
Omitted to mention last time that the Secy. [Hamilton] has at last reported on the defects, and objections, to the Impost and Tonnage Laws; report contains forty-seven pages; the House has appointed a committee to consider it; [Benjamin] Goodhue, [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, [John] Lawrence [Laurance], [Thomas] Fitzsimmons and [Richard Bland] Lee; understands that Williams is planning to visit New York and suggests that he come while the report is being considered; assumption of the State debts has been again rejected and a committee appointed to bring in a bill for funding the debt of the United States; assumption will be again bro[ugh]t forward, modified under restrictions and limitations; is convinced a very considerable part of the debts contracted by the several states are proper charges against the United States; doubts they will be assumed under any shape this session.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27 April 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Apr. 28
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[582]
The inclosed paper will show you the state of the funding System; resolutions therein contained passed very quickly through the House; Notwithstanding this rapid progross, and the small opposition, the assumptionists will come forward when the bill in conformity to the resolutions is brought in; New York is having a very heavy snow with rain at intervals.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 28 April 1790 Mr. W. Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Apr. 30
EXTRACT from an Act for regulating the MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT of the UNITED STATES, passed April 30, 1790.
[583]
Rations, clothing, disability pay, form of oath to be taken by every commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer, private, and musician in the army of the United States.
1 printed page. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1790 May 16
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, New York.
[584]
Heard only accidentally of his illness in New York, and, until she saw a letter from her father [William Smith] to Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall, she was much alarmed; she is sending this letter by David Sterret, who, with his niece Harriet
[Sterret, dau. of John], is going to his brother's wedding; Sterret can tell him how well the boys are, for he saw them all late this evening exercising themselves about the door; her father gives a dismal account of the weather and the climate.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Polly 16 May 179[0].
1790 May 21
R[obert] DENNY, Annapolis. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[585]
Has just heard of the death of Mr. White, Deputy Post Master at Baltimore, and as Miss [Mary Katherine] Goddard will probably not be appointed to hold the office, applies for the place; does not know personally Mr. Burrell through whose influence that department is filled, and therefore asks Williams to help him; Williams is pretty well acquainted with him [Denny]; the Auditors office will probably be abolished soon.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 May 1790 R. Denny.
1790 May 24
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, New York.
[586]
Glad to hear that he has some idea when he will be able to leave New York; she had even thought of packing up the children and coming to New York on a vessel Mr. [?] Cam[p]bell is sending; she had heard that he had got an appointment that would make it necessary for him to live there; will now make herself happy in the expectation of seeing him the last of the week; she is as happy as she can be in his absence, since her sister [Peggy?] is with her; last Saturday they all made up an expedition and went as far as Orange [Baltimore County] to meet him; Robert has been complaining and feverish all day, and William and Edward are well.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Polly May 24th 1790.
1790 May 27
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[587]
Hopes that this finds Williams at Baltimore, restored to health; encloses the papers of the day, though they have little news in them; the funding bill will probably be engrossed to-day, the assumption has had another trial and failed once more; A motion was made in the Senate two days ago by R[obert] M[orris] that when Congress do adjourn it shall be to Philada.; this motion was postponed till next week; the Baltimore company land sold by the intendant is called Pimlico, lies on the road to Lexington [Baltimore County], about four miles from town, and is 800 or more acres of Land; the title is in C. Carroll of Carrolton [sic], who claims exceeding [UNK]3000 Sterling with interest; Carroll has filed a bill in chancery and will recover from the present possessors of the
land; Carroll is determined to hold the legal, but not the equitable, title until he is paid; the State will probably not object to letting at least so much of my bond to remain unpaid, until this suit is determined, as will be equal to my proportion of the claim.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27th May 1790 Mr. W. Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1790 May 29
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[588]
Thomas has been giving himself too much trouble about Williams' interests; [George] Adams is a bad fellow; encloses a letter for Adams which Thomas may give him or not as he sees fit; leaves for Ceresville with his family between June 6th and 10th; while he is there, he will assuredly settle Adams; asks Thomas to let [overseer David] Bryan know he [Williams] is coming, and thinks if Bryan is steadfast, he [Williams] will be able to make satisfactory arrangements at Ceresville; will take the first opportunity to send this letter and will also write to his [Williams'] brother to send down his wagon to carry all the baggago up; his health is better than when he was in New York; The President was really dangerously ill and by some of his Physicians, despaired of. But was out of danger when I loft the Capital; says good night and is going to take a warm bath; [P.S.] Sunday morning, he feels more cheerful; turns his back on politics or business for six or eight weeks.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Thomas: From Genl. May 29. 1790.
Enclosure missing.
1790 May 31
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[589]
Received last Saturday some papers from Williams' brother relative to the contract; gave them to the auditor, who promised to settle the accounts; auditor said something had been paid in advance and thought there would not be any money due; Mr. [Robert] Elliot must send him [Smith] a power of attorney before the paymaster will deal with him [Smith] about the soldiers' pay; The question was taken this afternoon on the adjournment of Congress from this City to meet for their next session at Philada. I offered Baltimore as a substitute..., but unfortunately for Poor Baltimore, the Representatives from Maryland were divided, [George] Gale, [Daniel] Carroll, and [Benjamin] Contee for Philada. the other three [Joshua Seney, William Smith, Michael Jenifer Stone] for Balt[im]o[ro] and so the question was lost; next session to be held in Philadelphia for which he [Smith] finally voted; a bill was brought into Senate this morning for fixing the Permanont Soat leaving a blank to be filled up, and Congress to sit here until a certain time; encloses
Williams' brother's letter wh. S[amuel] Smith directed me to open, if you were gone.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 31 May 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 June 2
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS.
[590]
Was indeed very much indisposed in New York; the influenza attacked his breast, his weakest part, and he has returned home more reduced than at any time since his release by the British provost; [?] Adams is a provoking scoundrel and he [Williams] will be glad when he is gone, But off he must, and shall go; bids Thomas pay Adams no more money; hopes [David] Bryan will not be defeated [by Adams] before he [Williams] can reinforce him; wrote to Thomas two days ago enclosing a letter calling on Adams to surrender; is not afraid of [Adams'] secret villainy, for he fears hanging too much to burn a House; despairs of getting the horses and wagon here in time to get to Coresville [Frederick County] by [June] 10th; his brother [Elie] will hear from him by this post, and, even if he has been obliged to go to Fort Pitt [Pa.] he will send him [Williams] a team; asks Thomas to send my old favorite; will probably not have an opportunity to make the offer to Aristides [Alexander Contee Hanson] of which Thomas spoke, but would be happy to serve Hanson; saw [?] Poe today, and Poe told him that a good friend of his [Williams'] in Frederick had tried to get him to sell his [Poe's] place after Williams had received his terms and had paid an advance; Envy and folly do your damndest.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
1790 June 4
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[591]
Glad Williams is back in Baltimore, health restored, and all his family well; sorry not to be able to see them before they go to the Springs [Va.], especially the Boys who I ardently long to see; has ordered Lindenberger Smith and Co. to pay Williams the cash he advanced on his [Smith's] account; asks Williams to leave with them a memorandum of the steps he [Smith] must take to complete his titles in the land surveys; asks whether he has done anything about my bond due to State; if he has not paid his [Smith's] certificates in to the Treasury, will he please leave them with Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall; Williams will please try to have a newspaper delivered at the Springs; the house have agreed to hold their next sessions at Philada.; the day that resolution went to the Senate, a bill was introduced there to fix, the permanent residence, with a view... to secure the temporary residence in this City for some time, and perhaps to defeat Philada.... some good may come from it to us,... Potomack Baltimore, and Susquehanah are all spoken of in the Senate for the
Permanent Seat; hopes that something may turn up in our favor.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 4 June 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 June 26
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Saratoga (G[eneral] Morgans) [Va.]. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[592]
Has been detained three days by foul weather, and fair hospitality... [but did not] find time to write... We persuade ourselves that you will follow us... Set out early and lodge with Genl [Horatio] Gates the first night (about 40 miles). He will conduct you the next day to Saratoga [Va.] 28 miles, and from hence follow us to Newton [Va.] 9 miles -- Stoverstown [?] 10 -- Snaps tav. 8 Widow McMechans 11 -- Staunton [Va.] (100 from Saratoga) -- and there enquire further On horse back, and alone, I would think nothing of it; everybody is well, and sends compliments to Thomas, to Mrs. [Jane] Hanson and the Girls -- and John; Send the letter to May Beall if you can. It is to give her pleasure; comfort at least.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed [by Thomas]: From G[en]l Williams June 26, 1790.
1790 July 2
Dan[ie]l DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs, Va.
[593]
The suit in the General Court [of Maryland] about the duties secured during the inter[r]egnum is decided in favor of the State, though the merchants affected have taken an appeal; thinks the merchants should at once take up their bonds, and the Attorney General agrees with him; has received more than [UNK]2600, and has promises of more in the next week or so; presumes he will be able to forward the quarterly accounts by the middle of the month; nothing important has occurred in the office since Williams left.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 2d. July 1790 Mr. Danl. Delozier.
1790 July 8[?]
G[eorge] NICHOLAS, Spring House near Danville [Kg.]. To ----------?
[594]
Mr. [Robert] Elliot has given him the enclosed paper to begin suit against Col. [Thomas] Bullit; the executive of Virginia was applied to, for payment of the claim and the answer was that Colonel Bullit had no right to order the troops into service and that therefore the only thing to do was to make a claim against Colonel Bullit; people here seem to favor Colonel Bullit since his mistake or breach of duty worked in their favor; best way to do is to turn the claim into a protested bill of exchange, and to do this, it is necessary to get the Treasurer's protest certified by a notary in Richmond [Va.]; would be a good thing to get a copy of Bullit's order or instructions, if that can be had;
has no intelligence worth sending,... Indian affairs you have too little concern in, to want a long letter about them; the greater part of this settlement is as safe as you are in Baltimore except for some fools who recklessly expose themselves to the savages; if any part of the sea coast had been as frequently ravaged by an enemy, would not some means have been taken to protect them. A people who do not receive protection from the government they live under have a right to change it and will exercise that right; has made improvements on his farm, though nothing worth mentioning except a spring house, sixty feet long and twenty four feet wide; spring is eleven feet deep and has a pump; next to the compartment where the spring is, is a bathing pool where the water is from seven feet deep to two feet, and very cold; a third compartment is a dairy 30 feet by 24; Polly wishes her friends could see her playing dairy maid; My wife [Polly?] mentioned that it was the wish of some of Campbell Smith's friends that he should come out here; would be glad to have Smith come, provided he will submit to rigid discipline, I must always be absolute over every person within my house.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed [by Williams?]: 8[?]th July 1790 George Nicholas.
Enclosure missing.
No addressee given.
1790 July 15
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho H]olland WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs, Virginia.
[595]
Not sure this will reach Williams; the permanent seat of the government, for the United States of America, is fixed by Law, on the Banks of Potomac, at the mouth of Canogocheague [sic], after halting ten years, on its passage from hence, at the City of Phil[adelphi]a, from whence, some think it will be extremely dificult, if not impossible to remove it after so long possession.... the President has the power of Locating the spot, anywhere from that place [Conococheague] to the Eastern branch, or Carrollsburg but... [many] think it impossible, he should give a preference to any other place when that is in his option; Congress has spent near three weeks past on this question; the Senate today passed a Bill 14 to 12, for assuming the State debts, but he [Smith] does not know what the House will do with it; the House has set a limit of 4% on the interest on the funding bill; glad to get Williams' letter written at General [Daniel] Morgan's; had a letter from Jenny Hall in which she said everyone at Baltimore and at Eutaw is well, but that the mill dam was carried away by the last fresh, and that Capt. C[harles] Ridgely died suddenly of an appoplectic fit; encloses a coppy of the Residence bill as passed, for, the President is sure to sign it.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 15 July 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 July 20
[Edward CARRINGTON] Staunton [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, at the Sweet Springs [Va.].
[596]
Went by the wagon route by the natural bridge, from the sweet springs to this place, a distance of 124 miles; all the fords are good save two and they are passable; the whole way is thickly settled, the people are however until you get to Andersons Ferry the most filthy I ever saw, you will get plenty of oats and hay... [but] you must depend on your own baggage for both lodging and food, and these will be but badly enjoyed within doors; yet the bridge is so great and singular a curiosity, that the discomforts may be ondured, in order to see it; good fare and attention at Capt. Barclays; Williams must be careful not to set out while the water is high; present me to... Mrs. Williams,... Miss Smith,... Mr. and Mrs. Potts,... Mrs. Dall [or [UNK]],... and Miss Bickles.
A.L. Signature cut out. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 20th July 1790 Coll. Carrington.
1790 Aug. 1
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, at the Warm or Sweet Springs, Virginia.
[597]
Glad to get Williams' letters saying everyone is well; since the passage of the law for the permanent seat of Congress, a law has passed both houses for funding the Public debt, in which is included 20,500,000 D[olla]rs of what is commonly called the State debts; this assumption is said to be part of a bargain for the temporary and permanent residence; a new collection law raises the collectors' commissions to one per cent; great alarm caused here by a rumor by way of Baltimore that American flour, shipped last spring, was rejected in Europe and consequently bills drawn against it have been protested; this rumor, if true, will probably carry destruction to many respectable houses; no dofinite information about a European war between Great Britain and Spain.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 1 August 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Aug. 29
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.]. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[598]
Hates to write, for it [writing] keeps me in mind of the defect in my Breast, which... [is] almost imperceptible in any other situation; must go home on account of business; having had a tasto of the country, will quit, though only with the utmost reluctance.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 30 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed: Letters from Gen'l Otho H. Williams to his friend Dr. P. Thomas of Frederick Town were presented Wm. E. Williams by Dr. [Ashton] Alexander.
1790 Sep. 23
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Frederick. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS.
[599]
Thanks Thomas for the errangements for their comfort in Frederick, but after being away for four months everyone is eager to get home; would quit his office of Collector if he could do so gracefully; will be ready to confirm the terms of the contract which Thomas made in his [Williams'] name with two men whose names he forgets; Bryan [the overseer] will give possession of the house, stable, boat and pasture field, and Williams hopes that will be enough for the men until he [Williams] gets home; has made an agreement with Stover about the ferry over the Monocacy; has agreed with Goodebeyer [?] about the grist mill; has agreed to discharge Mr. Pierpoint on October first, and to have Bryan [the overseer] pass upon Pierpoint's accounts before they are paid; Dutch John has leave to take away his worthless Boy, on condition that I never hear of him, his wife or son any more; William Thomas promises fair... [but] he is so very [UNK] and clever that I suspect he will slip me if he can; tomorrow the ladies and the children are going, in the care of Mr. Pratt with whom they have been travelling, to Waymans, and Williams will go by another route and join them in the evening; hinted to Mother that since Becky [Rebecca Thomas] was away, he [Williams] had better not press Kitty [Catherine Thomas] to fulfill her promise, and Mother replied that she could not be left alone; hopes nevertheless that they will have a visit from Kitty this winter.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams, Sept. 1790.
1790 Sep. 24
J[ohn] DAWSON, Fr[e]d[eric]ksb[ur]g [Va.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[600]
Hopes Williams got safely from Staunton [Va.] to Baltimore; he [Dawson] and Dr. McConnel[?] got to Charlottesville [Va.] the first day; there, if our rest was disturbed by the rattle of dice and the oaths of drunken men, we were compensated by... the magnificent views from the top of Monticello [home of Thomas Jefferson]; is enclosing an exact copy of Mr. [John] H[enr]y's letter to me as he had promised; when he [Dawson] solicited Henry to accept the appointment as senator, he told him of [William] Grayson's death, and of this Henry speaks in the first part of his letter; is also going to forward to Williams a set of the debates of Virginia; in them Williams can read the speech of Col. [James] I[nne]s and see whether it deserves the praise that Mr. M[onroe?] gave it; eight of the members of Congress from the state of Virginia were re-elected; [Isaac] Coles did not offer, and [Theodoric] Bland is [UNK] to that country, where... his opposition to the present government, and his other good acts will be amply rewarded [Bland had died, June 1, 1790]; dined yesterday with A[rthur] Lee, and condoled with him on the loss of his election [as member of the Board of the Treasury?]; tell Mrs. W[illiams]
that I hope the skillet is on the fire and the peaches pared. Tell my anti-foederal friend that I trust she will remain firm in her principles -- and my an[a]tomical one, that the recovery of health will procure a change in his determination; wishes Williams health and happiness and the ten miles square.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 24 Septr. 1790 J Dawson Esqr to O H Williams Ltre.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Sep. 28
Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To John DAWSON, Richmond, Virginia.
[601]
Arrived home with his party on the 26th, and all send their compliments; requests a very particular favor for his brother, Mr. Elie Williams; the enclosed muster roll and the order endorsed thereon speak for themselves; it is said that Mr. Bullet [Col. Thomas Bullit] went beyond the orders which the governor of Virginia gave him, and that therefore the Treasurer of the State refuses to honor the order for money expended at Bullet's direction; his brother's attorney wishes to be possessed of the negative testimony [that Bullit was not ordered to do what he did and that therefore Williams' remedy is an action against Bullit, and not against the State]; if [John] Dawson will send all the papers by a safe conveyance, under cover, to Messrs. Elliot and Williams, merchants, at Pittsburgh [Pa.], he will confer a great favor.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 30 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 28 September 1790 to John Dawson, Esqr. Copy.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Oct. 9
Maj. John STAGG, [UNK]., New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[602]
Has handed to Williams' brother the diplomas requested, signed by the President [of the Cincinnati, George Washingon] and [UNK] by the Secretary [Henry Knox]; would have filled in the names, but lost the memorandum which Williams sent; expense amounts to four dollars, which Williams' brother paid; the diplomas are to be dated -- `City of New York' -- State of `New York' -- `Seventh' -- `August' -- `Ninety.'
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Majr. Jno Stagg 9th October 1790 Diplomas.
1790 Oct. 11
Thos. [UNK], Petersburg, Virginia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[603]
Congratulates Williams on his safe return to Baltimore, and asks him to present his [Shore's] respects to all his traveling companions; has very unfortunately had some transactions with a Mr. John Bondfield of Bordezux and am
likely to be a considerable sufferer unless I can secure my self in America; asks Williams to make all possible inquiries and to attach any property he can find belonging to Bondfield; Bondfield formerly had some connections with Messrs. Price and Haywood, but whether of Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York, Shore does not know; Excuse this freedom.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th Octr. 1790 Thos. Shore. answered 20 Oct. 90.
1790 Oct. 14
ELLIOT and WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen[era]l [Henry] KNOX.
[604]
In consequence of General [Josiah] Harmar's orders of July 15, they have furnished for the use of the army in the intended [UNK] against the Savages, 180,000 rations of flour, 26,000 rations of meat, 868 pack horses and artillery horses... and one horse master general, 18 horse masters, 130 Drivers, with many other Articles of considerable amount before the 18th of Septr.; had to employ all their funds and pledge their credit, to the people of the Western Country, where the supplies were principally obtained; the business of supplying rations for the troops of the United States is taken out of their hands by proposals to furnish supplies at lower rates than they could afford; moreover, now would be an especially bad time to have to close out their business; they wish to be [UNK] in the business and assure Knox of its being performed with the [UNK] punctuality, and to the entire satisfaction of the public, the army, and himself.
Df. In hand of Otho Holland Williams. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho Holland Williams: Elliot and Williams to General Knox. To be continued Quarter Masters.
1790 Oct. 14
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To General Henry KNOX.
[605]
His [Williams'] brother is writing to Gen. Knox, in the hope that the employment of Elliot and Williams in the Quartermaster's department will be continued, although their contract expires September 30; Notwithstanding certain misrepresentations, the contractors did all that could have been done by anyone; they were stimulated by General [Arthur] St. Clair to [UNK] not only the expected advances from the Treasury but their fortunes and their credit to the extent that unless they have an opportunity of continuing the business, Williams fears the consequences will be very disadvantageous; he [Williams] would not hesitate to [UNK] himself for the satisfactory performance of Elliot and Williams' contract if it is renewed; excuses himself for giving the General the trouble of this private letter.
A.Df. 2 pp. 27.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho Holland Williams: O.H. Williams to Genl. Knox Secy. for Depart. of War. 14 October 1790.
1790 Oct. 16
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[606]
Hates popular contests and has engaged in two only, one to defeat the advocates of paper money, the other to advance the friends of the new Constitution, which has all his wishes for its success; his conduct in the late elections for representatives has been misconstrued by both parties; Col. Sam Smith heard it asserted that General Washington had sent off to Frederick a letter giving the state of the Poll for Balt[imore] Town and County, and that those who did not want the letter to get to Frederick had sont off after the postman a good fellow who will make him drunk enough before he gets there; still believes the Gauntlet was thrown by the junto at Georgetown... The letter signed U.S. Pros[iden]t I saw in Frederick; when he got back to Baltimore, there were still some men in town from Harford and Cecil [counties] who had tried to get the Baltimoreans to agree on measures opposite to those proposed at Annapolis; the Chesapeak ticket... was assuredly not heard of here at the time you mention nor for a long time after. You admit the leaders of Montgomery [county] were blamable; thinks [Thomas'] motives for accepting the appointment to the convention were proper and his conduct there was honest; will attend to Mr. Potts' demands on him [Williams] on Thomas' account, at a moment's warning; Ceresville [Frederick County] will not do much until the second year; expects this winter only to have the stock taken care of; wants bryan [the overseer] to spare no expense to have the horses in good condition and fat; will try to please the young ladies both about the music; The Piano and the other case shall come by the first opport[unit]y, and when Miss Kitt comes to town we will endeavour to... [get her] an instrument if to be had; thinks the two parties in Maryland counteracted each other and played into the hands of the Pennsylvanians; Two days ago I put two Dollars as a Charity into a hand that signed the Declaration of Independence 4 July 1776, Providence has chastened a fellow creature of curs.
A.L. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm. Second sheet missing.
1790 Oct. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To William JACKSON [personal secretary to Washington].
[607]
Asks Jackson to present Dr. [Philip] Thomas, who will give him this, to the President.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. Williams to Major Jackson Asking him to introduce me his friend P.T. to Presidt. Washington 20 Octo. 1790.
Enclosed in entry 608.
1790 Oct. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[608]
Received Thomas' letter this evening and has only time to acknowledge it; The great man, I hear, is out upon his tour up Potomac and as I presume that he will pass through Frederick, I will enclose a note to [William] Jackson that you may not be obliged to anybody else for an introduction; will Thomas please forward the letter to Williams' brother [Elie] without delay... so as to be delivered before the Pres[iden]t arrives at W[illia]msport.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 22 cm.
For enclosure see entry 607.
1790 Nov. 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagars town. To G[eorge] WASHINGTON.
[609]
Elie Williams tells him [Otho Holland Williams] that President Washington intimated to him [Elie Williams] the propriety of propositions being made for grants of Lands, to aid the execution of the law of Congress respecting the permanent residence; writes to the President because he [Otho Holland Williams] owns some lands which may be included in the federal district; equitable that the proprietors of lands should make a grant, but there are so many proprietors in any square of ten miles, that a satisfactory arrangement would take a great deal of time; proposes that therefore the legislature of Maryland pass an act to appropriate to Congress a district of ten miles square within either of the Counties bounding on the river potowmack, and between the Eastern branch thereof and Conococheague Creek and to condemn and grant to Congress --- acres [sic] of land anywhere within the district... [for] public edifices, and building a city; proposes to have the cost of the land actually taken borne by an equitable apportionment of all the lands within the said district, as determined by the commissioners for the district; is going to send the President maps of his own land and of the town of Williamsport; is willing to give, without compensation, whatever land may be needed for public buildings; Williamsport, altho[ugh] small, is upon a large scale, the streets and alleys being much wider than common; and it... may be extended... to a great distance; asks to retain one acre of land, where are buried his parents and very dear friends, recently lost; he [Williams] has been trying to raise contributions for the building of the federal district along the lines recommended in the printed paper enclosed herewith.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 31 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the President G. Washington.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Nov. 11
Ed[ward] CARRINGTON, Richmond [Va.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[610]
Sold Williams' certificates [for] [UNK]170: 19: O, at 7/4 the pound, proceeds Sixty Two pounds 13/8d.; wrote to Williams
telling him that the money was in the hands of their friend [Captain Anthony] Singleton who would pay it upon Williams' order; since the money has not yet been drawn, he [Carrington] presumes the letter never got to Williams; hopes Williams got quite recovered at the Springs [Va.].
A.L.S. 4 pp. 20 cm. × 16.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11 Novr. 1790 Ed Carrington 62.13.8 Va. Curr.
1790 Nov. 13
R[obert] ELLIOT. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[611]
Received Williams' power of attorney about the soldiers' discharges and will execute them and return them by next post; Well the Devils to pay and more. S and J [Samuel and John Smith] has... protested E[lliot] and W[illiams'] Bills... I have stated a few plain facts to them... I am shure you are convinst that your Brother nor my Self would attemt to draw a Bill without it being Calcolated for the Benefit of the Consarn... it hurts our Privit Carictures [characters] to sopose that we would... draw a Bill without having the wright to do so. Perhaps Saml and J Smith may show you the Letter I have Rot them.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 13 Novomr. 1790 Mr. R[obor]t Elliot protost.
1790 Nov. 13
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To [John Eager] HOWARD, Governor of Maryland.
[612]
Has just received Howard's letter of November 9; does not know how the misunderstanding arose over paying the invalid officers; never thought he was authorized to pay those who had already been paid; the Secretary of War instructed him [Williams] that men who wanted to be paid must produce certificates from the clerks of the Orphans' Courts, and oaths taken before a magistrate; and if his deputy, Mr. [Daniel] Delozier refused to pay any gentleman, the refusal must have been based on lack of proper papers.
Df. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed [by Williams?]: 13 November 1790 Govr. Howard.
1790 Nov. 30
Rob[er]t ELLIOT, Ridston [?] Fort. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[613]
Has just met a number of the Militia Returning from the Late Expedition against the Indians... Our Troops Prassed [pressed] near to the Mommee towns wher the Indians Cam forward to Defend thir Towns and Property and of Corse a very Hevy Inguagment insued.... the Indains ware obligd to giv way when our Troops Prosued Burnt five of thir Towns and Corn with a Large quantity of goods that Belongd to Traders that ware in the Towns. Several of the Continantle officers fell... amongst the Number Majr. Williss... [who] Behaved with Great Corage; Americans had 180 killed
and 27 wounded, the Indians 160 killed, and certainly some wounded; the Indians hadd a Number Mounted with swords to encounter our Horse and Met them... [with] A very Stuberent [stubborn] Resistance; Indians followed the Americans back and stole 400 of their horses; Williams' brother set out for headquarters a few days ago.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 30 November 1790 Robert Elliot. first militia account of Genl. Harmars expedition.
1790 Dec. 16
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[614]
Nothing has happened since he got to Philadelphia, except the rise of Public Stock, funded 6 p[er] cent certificates, now sell at 15/ p[er] Pound, final settlements 13/4; unlikely that they will go lower, therefore he [Smith] will not dispose of his Mary[lan]d depreciation certificates, since Sam Smith tells him that the Maryland legislature will make good to their creditors the 6 p[er] cent fully; Williams will have seen the account of General [Josiah] Harmar's expedition; Harmar's account of the action is the most absurd, that ever appeared.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 Decr. 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Dec. 20
Major John [?] DOUGHTY, Fort Lyttleton. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[615]
Left Fort Pitt [Pa.] recently intending to go at once to Philadelphia, but finds he must go first to his home in Jersey; will not be in Philadelphia until about January 10; our friend Bob Elliott asked him to see Williams before that time; on the 10th of Jan[uar]y will be at the Conastoga Waggon in Markett Street, and will do any service he can for Williams or for Elliot and Williams.
A.L.S. 1 p. 32 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 December 1790 From Majr. Doughty, Fort Lyttleton.
1790 Dec. 21
Mary [Mrs. O.H.] WILLIAMS. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[616]
Exceedingly glad to get his letter, since he had been gone so long that she was afraid he was ill; all are well and as happy as they can be without him; has such a bad sore finger that she can write no more.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 Decr. 1790 Mr[s. Wi]lliams.
1790 Dec. 23
W[illiam SMITH], Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[617]
Continental securitios are now high and going higher; this species of paper is higher than Maryland, so he will not sell his at any price; nothing taken up in Congress yet except the militia bill, which may not get anywhere this session because
the members are so divided on it; The weather is excessive cold and has been so for three days; wood is eight dollars a cord; Smith refused to pay this price and therefore has no fire.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Rec'd 23 Decemr. 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Dec. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[618]
Has not heard from Williams since he [Smith] loft homo and concludes that Williams is not yet back from the Westward; Congress spent the whole week on the militia bill without passing it; hears from indubitable authority that 6 per cents have been sold for 20/ in the pound at six months and twelve months credit; has heard nothing from the Maryland Assembly; sent Robert Smith the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the national bank.
A.L.S. 1 p. 37.5 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23d December 1790 Wm Smith Esqr.
1790 Dec. 27
Otho Holland WILLIAMS. To the merchants of Baltimore.
[619]
Respectfully requests that Gentlemen whose bonds for duties are become payable will discharge them without further delay; the unfavorable season would be a reasonable apology for his postponing the collection if his official duty would admit; but his instructions are explicit.
A.Df. 1 p. 16.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27 Decemr. 1790 Note to the Merchts from the Collector.
1790 Dec. 29
Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen[eral] Henry KNOX.
[620]
Benjamin Foup [Phap] formerly in the 6th Maryland regiment has had him [Williams] oxamine a number of certificates signed by him [Williams] and to them he adds his own recolloctions; Phap onlisted before the battle of Monmouth, thence he marched south with the regiment and served until September 30, 1780; Phap was then ordered to join the Corps of Invalids in Philadelphia, but instead he joined a Corps of Invalids in Virginia, and remained with them until 1781; Phap is still an invalid and the time for settling such accounts as his is long since passed; his only hope is to be put into the Corps of Invalids, and Williams hopes that General Knox will do this.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 29 Decemr. 1790 To the Secretary for War respecting Benjn. Foup [Phap]. Copy to be sent with the list of the Invalids andc.
[1791] Jan. 4
Mr. [John] HOLLINS. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[621]
Mr. Hollins requests the pleasure of Genl. Williams' Company to dine on Thursday next 3 oClock. Tuesday 4th Jany. An answer is requested.
1 p. 12 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams, at right angles to the superscription and across it: Letters andc. The Secretary for the War Department and others on acct Elliot Williams and Co.
1791 Jan. 7
W[illiam] COOKE. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e Town.
[622]
Can say only that he will attend to the matter about which Williams wrote and will conclude it as soon as possible; But it rests pretty much with the Atty Genl to hasten the Division.
A.L.S. 1 p. 17 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 7 January 1791 Wm. Cook Esqr. letter.
1791 Jan. 8
Will[iam] HETH, Bermuda Hundred [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[623]
Has just finished listing some bank notes; Secretary [Alexander] Hamilton admits that the collectors would, by law, be justified in refusing to receive such bank notes; does Williams continue to receive them, and does he object to doing so; understands that some collectors charge 20 cents for giving the oath to merchants entering goods, and asks Williams whether he charges it; asks Williams to send his [Heth's] paper containing his [Heth's] unanswerable essay on Discounts, by Gold; writes in great haste, for he is Just sitting out to pay my Saturday nights visit to Shillelah.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsod by Williams: 8 January 1791 frm. Coll. W Heth answered 4 Feb.
1791 Jan. 11
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[624]
Has just opened a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, saying that he [the Secretary] was sending Williams a Thermometer and a Hydrometer for the purpose of ascertaining the degree of proof of distilled spirits; there was a tin case accompanied the letter very carefully seal up, but it was empty; sends Williams the tin by Major [Christopher] Richmond, so that Williams can have the mistake corrected.
A.L.S. 1 p. 30 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11 January 1791 D. Delozier Thermr. and Hydrometer.
1791 Jan. 17
List of Warrants drawn 17th Jany 1791 from the Auditor for Genl. Otho WILLIAMS Baltimore.
[625]
Mark Thomas 9. 5.
William Drennan 25.
do. 9.5.
Peter Smith 34.
Jacob Huts [or Herts] 11. 5.
Vincent Robins 11. 15.
Preserved Wilson 32. 5.
Tho[ma]s Neal 14.
William Elme 9. 5.
Aaron Van elwes 11. 15.
Henry Smith 22.
Jacob Huts [or Herts] 8. 10.
John Shesely 6. 5.
Total [UNK]204.10.
In the hand of Anthony Singleton. 1 p. 11 cm. × 7 cm.
Enclosed with entry 626.
1791 Jan. 17
Captain Anthony SINGLETON, Richmond [Va.]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[626]
Has just drawn from the Auditor Williams' warrants for Scouts and Rangers Amounting to [UNK]204.10, two of the claims which he returns to Williams being rejected for want of form; price of the warrants is now from 14/ to 14/6; if Williams wishes to sell, he may then draw on Singleton at sight for the amount at 14/ and if they sell for more, it can be adjusted; Col. [Edward]Carrington lodged with him [Singleton] [UNK]62.13.8, to be paid to Williams' order; uncertain whether to advise Williams to sell his warrants or to hold them three or four months; Mrs. Singleton joins me in best compliments to you and Mrs. Williams.... my Daughters brother I expect will [soon] come to town, this will make a pair and I intend to bespeak no more.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 January 1791 Captn. Anthony Singleton.
For enclosure see entry 625.
1791 Jan. 24
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[627]
The President has this day announced to both houses of Congress, the district for the Federal Town, designated as follows, beginning, or runing from the Court House of Alexandria in Virginia S.W. half a mile... [otc., etc.] This district, will include Geo[rge] Town, but the President has not yet fixed upon the spot nor has he mentioned to Congress the Commissioners, who are to execute the business.... the President... [thinks it may] be expedient... to enable him to extend the limits of the district, southward of the Eastern Branch so far as to take in the whole Town of Alexandria... the Federal buildings it is true must be on the Maryland Side of Potowmac... but... they will be so situated as to give Virginia all the advantages; will send a copy of the proclamation and message, by this post or by the next.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1791 Jan. 24
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[628]
Since he wrote this morning, he has got the enclosed copy of the President's Proclamation, and seos that the lines he [Smith] gave were incorrect; Mr. [James] Madison told me
this afternoon, that T[homas] Johnson, Danl. Carroll, and Doctr. [David] Stewart, of Alexandria [Va.], are appointed the commissioners to execute the Presidents instructions, relative to this business; understands that it is proposed to take all the surplus from the Excise and Import law to defray the cost of the Federal buildings; encloses a sketch giving his [Smith's] idea of the survey of the district.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 24 January 1791 Wm. Smith Esqr.
Enclosures missing.
1791 Jan. 27
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[629]
The President has just sent to the House letters from Marietta [Ohio] and Fort Harmar, advising that the Indians, on 2d January, attacked a settlement about 12 miles from Marietta, that they killed and took 19, that four only escaped, and that they must abandon their settlements, unless speedy aid is afforded from the general government; the commanding officer at Fort Harmar says they have heard nothing of a new commissary, and consequently have received no provisions.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27 January 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Jan. 31
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[630]
Suggests that Williams exchange his State paper money for that of the United States as often as it is profitable to do so, but bids him use his own judgment; glad his [Smith's] three daughters, and their three husbands are all well; wishes Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall would remain at Eutaw, because his daughter Jenny [Mrs. Hall] enjoys being with her sisters; why did his [Smith's] letter of the 13th not get to Williams until the 25th?
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 31 January 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Jan.
Estimates of Issues, Supplies andc andc furnished by E[LLIOT] and W[ILLIAMS] and Co.
[631]
Statement of the value of the quartermaster's stores furnished by Elliot and Williams, to a total of $108,370; with a deduction of $58,506.21, on account of advances received; [UNK] and disallowed by the Secretary [of War, General Henry Knox], but supported by facts and ultimately paid.
In the hand of Otho H. Williams. 1 p. 39 cm. × 23 cm.
1791 Feb. 2
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[632]
Sympathizes with the father and the friends of young Farrell, but does not believe Farrell was unnecessarily exposed to any danger; the Gale was mentioned not so much on
account of its being the cause of his falling overboard, as the reason why it was not practicable to recover him; Colonel [Sam.?] Smith offered to write to Thomas immediately, but Williams said he would apologize for him by saying that he was preparing to set out for Philadelphia the next day, as he did with him [Williams]; hopes the elder [John] Farrell will believe that his feelings as a father were respected; [Alexander Contee] Hanson has lately given another proof of his esteem by a private letter about his health; Hanson has been advising Williams what Mr. Grosh might do about his [Grosh's] claim to the lott, but Williams does not agree with Hanson; writing has again given him a Rheumatic pain on my breast, but otherwise he is better than he has been for several years; asks Thomas to insert the inclosed in the Frederick paper; Mrs. Williams... ordered a Coat like my own Sunday coat of Sup[er]fine bottle green and gilt button. It has been made some time and was omitted when Miller was down last, thro[ugh] neglect. It will come next week.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From G[eneral] Williams 2d Feby 91 Containing the unhappy acct. of the loss of my brother Farrells son at sea.
Enclosure missing.
1791 Feb. 3
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[633]
Glad Williams took the location of the Federal seat like a philosopher and a Christian; the arguments most used by those who wanted it on the Potomac were based on the supposed advantage of placing it as high up the river as possible and so of keeping the connection with the western settlements; the private views of individuals were very different; does not know what the Senate will do to the excise bill or what the salary of inspectors will be; the only thing W[illiam] Mathews can do is to submit a memorial, and if he does so, Smith will present it for him.
A.L.S. 1 p. 37 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 3d February 91 recd. 6th Wm. Smith Esqr.
1791 Feb. 5
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[634]
Is glad to help Mr. [Daniel] Delozier partly on Williams' account, and partly because he is a very deserving man; does not, however, expect to be in Baltimore before the choice of the directors for the bank takes place, and thinks that is to be March first; wants Williams to vote his [Smith's] five shares for him; many applications already received for the office Delozier wants; moreover, the law to incorporate the National Bank will probably pass the House today, and that National Bank will probably swallow
up all the State Banks; Smith saw yesterday a letter from S[amuel] Sterett to some member of Congress, recommending A. W. Davey to some appointment, probably that of inspector of the revenue; Davey is not so deserving as [William] Mathews, and Williams must help Mathews in drawing up his memorial; sent S[amuel] Smith's money by Andrew Ellicott.
A.L.S. 1 p. 37 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 5 February 91 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Feb. 13
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[635]
Both of Williams' tickets in the New York lottery were blanks; may be useful for Williams to know what Congress contemplates doing about the Western country, so he encloses a note giving the substance of a bill which passed the House Saturday and is now in the Senate; Williams is to tell no one about it, for Congress wants to keep it secret as long as the nature of the transaction will permit; four mails due from Baltimore now, on account of the bad roads; six per cents are up again and going higher in consequence of the National Bank.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Enclosure missing.
1791 Feb. 16
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[636]
Glad Williams and his son, William, are well again; saw Captain [William?] Campbell only yesterday, for the bad roads delayed him on his way up; will bring home with him deferred 6 p[er] cents, sufficient to discharge 1/3 my debt to the State; thinks that The law for establishing a land office in the Western territory will pass our house this day; the excise bill came back from the Senate yesterday with several amendments, which divide the U[nited] S[tates] into 13 districts and appoint a Supervisor for each State... [with] Inspectors and deputies; the president starts about March 10 on a tour of the South as far as Georgia; Mrs. President remains at Philad[ophi]a during the recess having determined not to visit her home during the present reign.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 38 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 February 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Feb. 16
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[637]
Passes over the unpleasant matters in Thomas' recent letter, and thanks him for the remainder; pleased at The improvem[en]t of affairs at Ceresville [Frederick County]; will write to Mr. [Cephas] Beall about a miller; The mill House will probably be substantially repaired next Summer... But I think most seriously of the cultivation of the farm, and, for that purpose, shall buy three, or four, stout hands from among the first that arrive; agrees with Thomas' favorable opinion of Mr. Beall and has no troublesome
anticipations about him notwithstanding my very unpleasant experience; is not destitute of ready money; if he were, Thomas' paper should not be sacrificed to his convenience; bought for Thomas a Certificate final for 360 Dols. and int.; advises Thomas to leave all your paper in the public funds; will certainly call [Alexander Contee?] Hanson's particular attention to John's health; Thomas' children are very dutiful, and promising, and perhaps you do not love them too much. But Polly and myself are both apprehensive that your great liberality... to Kitty, may spoil her, though now all her conduct is marked with modesty, and discretion. We are fond of her; expectorated a little blood about ten days ago; [Dr. George] Brown made incision in his arm to let out more; is now better; relapse due to necessary application to the desk for almost a week, and living with more freedom than common; two letters for Kitty and a little paper marked `3 Guineas' will be presented to her on her return from school.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams 16 Feby 91 in which mention is made of 360 Dols.....
1791 Feb. 21
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[638]
Has just received Williams' letter of the 17th, and is really sorry for the misfortune that befell their acquaintance from Petersburg [Va.]; amongst all her failings, never expected to hear the charge brought against her alluded to in Williams' letter; rather than lay under so infamous a charge, perhaps she may... produce testimony to invalidate what has been said to her disadvantage; a bill has been introduced into the Senate to enable the President to add Alexandria [Va.] to the district, and a motion to postpone this [enabling] act was carried, 15 to 12; the excise bill will probably pass into law, The Pres[iden]t to make the appointments, fix the Salarys andc.; expects to see them [Williams and family] ab[ou]t Sunday week.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 February 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Feb. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia, To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[639]
Encloses a letter for Elliot and Williams from the Comptroller, to be forwarded as soon as soon as possible; will ask the Comptroller if the late contractors are to be employed again; has seen C. Campbell only once and presumes he is having no difficulty; a district supervisor under the new excise law will undoubtedly be an appointment of trust and Consequence. The salary is entirely at the discretion of the President; the only present difference
between the two houses is that the House wanted seven per cent of the duties to be the maximum salary to be paid the collectors for two years; the Senate wants this limit to continue until altered by law; This is the 9th day the Bank Bill has been with the President; even bets are offered that ho will veto it, but he [Smith] does not think so; fear of a veto has caused a fall in the price of stock; Pennsylvania Assembly are considering bringing into the market ab[ou]t 600,000 continental securities to pay off their State debt; enclosed United States Gazette will give Williams the main points in Mr. [James] Madison's speech; will probably not write again.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23d February 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1791 Feb. 28
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[640]
Supposes that Williams is agreed now that the President's message does not augur well for a commercial treaty betwixt the U.S. and Great Britain; the supplement, to the residence bill, has been unexpectedly resumed in the Senato, and passed on Saturday, 14 to 12; the bill authorizes the inclusion of the town of Alexandria [Va.] in the district, and the extension of the line around it; has had another conference with Mr. Campbell about Williams' certificate; the Comptroller now says that he cannot pass it; Campbell is going to enter the certificates with the Auditor, who makes no difficulty; that being done, the other office will probably not raise objections; Williams will have heard that the excise bill has passed both houses and that the land office bill is in the Senate; several other bills unfinished and only four days left of this Congress; the next Congress will meet the fourth Monday in November unless called sooner by the President.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 28 Feb 1791 Mr. [Wm.] Smith.
1791 Mar. 6
S[amuel] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philad[elphia] City Tavern [Pa.].
[641]
Williams' late arrival will lose us 3 votes for Director [of the Bank of Maryland]; advanced R[obert] E[lliot] [UNK]750 on Tuesday last when he departed; Mr. I. Holmes says that Duver [?] was sent for by General [Henry] Knox and told that if he [Duver] cannot be certain of furnishing the supplies, Knox will buy his Provisions elsewhere; finds that Wilkie states only 4,000 barrels flour are to be raised in that region, of which 2,000 are ongaged for [New] Orleans [La.], so that with such quantity the campaign could not be carried on; the Millstones are gone, so that we shall soon be able to grind for the Orleans Market. If you do anything try for another advance.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 1 and 6th March 1791 Col. S. Smith, and, at another place on the same page, Mr. Ludlow 13/9 Mr. Plunkett 10/.
1791 Mar. 8
A[lexander] HAMILTON, Treasury Department. To the Honorable W. Brown.
[642]
In response to inquiry, the contract for the supply of articles in the Quarter Master Department was made with Messrs. Elliot and Williams, who are to provide everything, except horses and means of transportation, and they are themselves answerable to the individuals; accordingly very liberal advances of money have been made to them; no accounts have been yet rendered in relation to the expenditures for the late expedition; is ready to pay any balance the moment it is proved to him to be due.
Copy. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: 8 March 1791 Hamilton to Brown Official.
1791 Mar. 11
S[amuel] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philad[elphi]a.
[643]
Since Williams left Baltimore, he [Samuel Smith] finds malicious rumors floating around, about Mr. William Smith, so that he doubts that William Smith will be elected [director in the Bank]; therefore sends Williams a Power under hand and seal to vote, -- and remind Uncle to do the same; Mr. [Robert] Elliot would now like to supply the army clothing and asks that Williams find out the manner of supplying it; Elliot warns Williams not to say anything directly to the Secretary of War; he [Samuel Smith] thinks that before Williams leaves Philadelphia, the Presid[en]t ought to know that means must be taken to forward the provisions of E[lliot] and W[illiams] to [New] Orleans [La.], unless we can be assured that Government will require then for their use.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
1791 Apr. 2
W[illiam] COOKE. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imore].
[644]
By order of the Chancellor, a warrant of resurvey has issued in Williams' suit against the State, to see whether the terms by which Williams purchased the land can be complied with; asks Williams to give directions to the surveyor of the county in which the lands lie; cannot remember whether they are in Harford or Cecil County.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21.5 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 2d April 17[91] From W. Cook[e].
1791 Apr. 7
G[eorge] WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon [Va.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[645]
the enclosed letter should be received by General [Richard?] Butler as soon as possible.... I... request, if General Butler has left Baltimore that it may be forwarded immediately by a careful and diligent express.... if the General has left Baltimore,... he is [probably] gone to Annapolis to Governor [John Eager]
Howard --- But I must... rely on your care to dispatch the letter.
L.S. 1 p. 31.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mount Vernon 7 April 1791.
Washington seal in red wax.
Enclosure missing.
1791 Apr.
The Kentucky Gazetto, Number XXXI, Vol. IV.
[646]
Lexington [Ky.]: Printed by JOHN BRADFORD, 1791.
Contains a letter from Alexander Hamilton to John Brown, March 8, 1791, and an open letter of Elliot and Williams, April 9, 1791, about their accounts with the Quartermaster's department.
1 p. 33.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
1791 May 3
Elie WILLIAMS, Fort Washington. To Robert ELLIOT, Fort Pitt [Pa.].
[647]
all the pack horse papers are now signed the way he [Williams] wanted them; he is going to Lexington [Ky.] on the 5th and send the papers out, by John Elliot who wants to get back home; he [Williams] will not need to stay here any longer, since Elliot is sending on more goods under the old firm and since there is to be a campaign against Blue Jackett and his sons; does not know what arrangements have been made for the campaign, and does not think he will know until he sees Majr. Genl. Govr. [Arthur] St. Clair who is to be in Lexington on the fifth; thinks that he and Capt. Pratt will leave the Crab Orchard by June 10th or earlier; expects to spend the entire month in Hagorstown; if Elliot has not already done it, he is immediately on receipt of this to send Williams' bay horse in good order to Hagars Town; Garvin delivered the 201 barrells of flour, etc., but neither Garvin nor Blain brought any letters; Garvin returns in a perogue which I purchased here with the Canoe he brought and four dollars; Garvin is to get from several persons who go up, a dollar each for the liberty of working their passage so he will nearly clear the price of the perogue; You see I begin to calculate on small things since we have lost the appointment of Quarter Master.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho H. Williams: 3d. May 1791 E. Williams to R. Elliot Fort Washington.
1791 May 25
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[648]
The post[man] just gave him a letter from Thomas to Cat[herine Thomas, his daughter], which he delivered to her at dinner; after dinner, a dozen or so people went on a strawberry party into the country and fared sumptuously; Cate has been dancing all afternoon and has not yet come back, though it is now nine o'clock; he [Williams] is much better, and is hoping to get to Coresville [Frederick County] next week to stay a week or two; has no other news to tell.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. W. 25 May 1791.
1791 June 4
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Alexander HAMILTON.
[649]
Will forward as soon as possible a letter from Hamilton for Elliot and Williams which came just today; also received a letter today from Mr. Elie Williams, dated Fort Washington May 3d 1791 -- saying that he was preparing to leave that Country, and expected to be in Hagarstown in all this month, June; he [Elie Williams] will bring with him the vouchers necessary for closing the accounts of Elliot and Williams in the Treasury.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 4 June 1791 to Secy. of Treasury on ac[coun]t E. Williams and Co.
1791 June 8
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Deputy Collector, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS [Frederick].
[650]
Forwards a letter and papers which came yesterday from the Secretary of the Treasury; asks Williams what he [Delozier] is to do about the examination of Mr. Fraser; the Secretary has given orders that the money received for duty is to be deposited in the Bank of Maryland, and that the collectors are to get duplicate receipts for it; one receipt is to be forwarded to the Treasury department; and those receipts are to exonerate the Collectors.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosures missing.
1791 June 9
S[amuel] and J[ohn] SMITH [merchants], Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[651]
Encloses a letter and some other things which came for Williams by post; the vouchers which Williams left will amount to [UNK]3038.13.8, but the Smiths cannot form an accurate estimate for want of documents; the newspapers from Kentucky [see entry 646] gave a statement of the estimate which was submitted by Williams in Philadelphia; it would serve for a guide; Williams will please send it and a new estimate which he can do better than they [S. and J. Smith] can possibly do to serve as a guide; I Intend for Philadelphia... as soon as I shall hear from you; Elie Williams says there is not much hope of selling the provisions, and Mr. [I.] Holmes says provisions are more plentiful in the region than was expected; necessary to have the next contract to enable S. and J. Smith to dispose of them; S[amuel] S[mith] will try to find out all he can; memorandum about the account of Elliot and Williams.
Signed by John Smith, in the name of Samuel and John Smith. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosures missing.
1791 June 9
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[652]
Dr. [John] Coulter, at whose request Smith writes, will present this; Mr. McCauslin, Coulter's father-in-law, was removed as Inspector, because of imprisonment for debt; that objection being removed, the Doctor wishes the old gentleman restored to his employment; Williams will determine as he judges right.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 9 June 1791 Mr. W[illiam] Smith.
1791 June 14
S[amuel] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Frederick Town.
[653]
Received Williams' letters by last post and immediately got to work on the papers; has now a competent knowledge of them; they will amount to 65 or 66 thousand dollars and will all pass; On your Brothers arrival I shall be able to have a thorough knowledge of the Acc[oun]t so that he will have only to balance the Books. It will rather be riding Post for me to be at Hagars Town by the 28th Inst.... Tomorrow I go to Philad[elphia] for a few days.
A.L.S. 1 p. 35 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 14 June 1791 Saml. Smith.
[1791 Before June 15]
John WOODWARD.
[654]
Affidavit, sworn before Geo[rge] Salmon, J. P. for Baltimore County, Md., that he had heard Mrs. Kitty Dixon of Fells Point say repeatedly that Clement Skerrett had offered her a hundred dollars to testify against Capt. John Wardrobe, charged with smuggling.
Contemporary copy, certified as true by Daniel Delozier. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosed with entry 655.
1791 June 15
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[im]o[re]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[655]
Encloses a copy of an affidavit, now in the possession of Mr. Robert Smith, which will be brought before the court to refute the testimony of Mrs. Kitty Dixon; Mr. [Capt. Clement] Skerot was hardly so imprudent as to offer her abuse in direct terms, and it is remarkable that a man of respectability, as Woodard [John Woodward] is represented to be, should frequently have opportunities of conversing with a woman of Mrs. Dickson's character; testimony in court will reflect on the integrity of the Inspectors, so Delozier has asked Mr. Skerett to collect all the testimony he can on the matter; has received Williams' letter and the papers about the goods sent to Virginia by Mr. Fraser, whose shipment was undoubtedly legal.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; 15 June 1791 D. Delozier.
For enclosure see entry 654.
1791 June 16
S[amuel] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[656]
I arrivd at 12 O'Clock, have been with Genl. [Henry] Knox; have deposited the Papers with Mr. [Oliver] Woolcot [Wolcott] and paid my Respects to the Secy. of the Treasury -- from him I learn that Mr. Brown... has sent to Genl. Irwin the Kentucky Paper and insinuated that Elie Williams was saying that the Secy. of the Treasury had an accurate Statement of the Expenditures laid before him which he refused to advance upon and therefore had rendered it Impossible for E[lloit] and W[illiams] to pay the people; I found the Secy. very much hurt -- he said he had done everything that was proper in making us advances, that Mr. Williams' letter seemed to reflect on the Treasury; Smith thinks a statement should be sent into Kentucky saying that the balance will be paid just as soon as the papers are in order, and saying also that Elliott and Williams did not intend to reflect on the Secretary of the Treasury; Hamilton told him [Samuel Smith] that it was hardly worth while to wait until the 20th when Mr. Duver [?] was expected; the enemies of E[lliot] and W[illiams] are numerous and... take uncommon pains; must get some flour to New Orleans [La.] and must keep the Course flour from souring. The probable rise of whiskey will be some little help.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 June 1791 From S. Smith Phil[adelphi]a.
1791 June 22
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Hagars Town.
[657]
Has just received Williams' letter of the 20th; if Mr. McCaskey's [Mr. McCauslin, father of Mrs. John Coulter] distress is such as represented by Dr. [John] Coulter, Smith is sorry he could not once more be given the office he used to hold, but Williams is the proper judge of that; happy to hear Williams' health is once more good, but hopes he does not intend to give up his visit to the Sweet Springs [Va.]; you ought for 6 or 8 weeks to forget you have a Wife, and children, family or friends and divest yourself entirely of all Worldly concerns, for this would do more to restore Williams' health than anything else could do; our parched up farms in this neighborhood look very different from those at Ceresville [Frederick County]; but one small shower at Orange in three months; clover and timethy almost perished by the drought; the wheat has not suffered so much; duel is pending betwixt Lawson Alexander and Laming[?]; Laming horsewhipped Alexander who applied to a magistrate and had him bound over, after which he sent him a challenge; this is thought by some to opperate against Alexander, both as a warrior and lawyer.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Wm. Smith 22 June 1791.
1791 June 26
S[amuel] SMITH, Balt[imor]e. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagars Town.
[658]
Has given Mr. [Robert] Elliot copies of the paper he gave the Auditor and of the statement to the Secretary of the Treasury; thinks there is no doubt of receiving 5,000 dollars more from the Treasury; Mr. E[lliot] will give Williams further particulars until Smith sees him next Wednesday.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 26 June 1791 frm. S. Smith Balto.
1791 June 26
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick. To S[amuel] SMITH.
[659]
Thinks from Smith's letter of June 16 that the enemies of Elliot and Williams have been really industrious, certainly uncandid; Elliot and Williams did not say they had given the Secretary of the Treasury an accurate statement, but they did give him an estimate, and he [the Secretary] refused to advance to them an amount which appeared to be due them; it is then true that Elliot and Williams could not pay the people of Kentucky because the Secretary would not advance them the money; sorry the Secretary feels hurt but does not see the necessity of another letter to the paper to soothe him; differs from Smith in sentiment upon the disagreeable subject of whether [Alexander] Hamilton was or was not fair to Elliott and Williams; hopes Smith met with no unexpected difficulty or delay in settling the accounts -- and that he has received Whatever may have appeared to be due on the statement; unlikely that Smith made an advantageous sale to Mr. D[uver]; the chance of low water in the Ohio is the only one which affords a prospect of selling their flour for the use of the army; health is much repaired since he has been at Ceresville [Frederick County], where he has been almost all the time since he left Baltimore; goes to Hagers Town, where, in the course of the week, he hopes to embrace his brother.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 26 June 1791 to S. Smith.
End Box 6
1791 June 29
D[aniel] DELOZIER [Deputy Collector], Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
Start Vol. 7
[660]
How shall he answer a letter from the Commissioner of Loans; the gold was received from the Bank of Maryland in consequence of a check which he gave Captain Marbury after Marbury had signed duplicate receipts to the Collector; since January first the Collector has had in charge from 15 to 20 thousand dollars cash belonging to the United States, much of it gold; Collection law authorized the Collector to accept foreign gold coins at 89 conts the penny weight; previous to the operation of the Bank of Maryland the custom of the merchants in Baltimore fixed the value of gold indiscriminately
to be worth 6/8 the penny weight; residents of Baltimore who presented Treasury warrants for payment usually preferred silver or bank notes to gold on account of the loss they would sustain by receiving gold at 89 cents the penny weight, so the gold remained on hand; before he got the letter from the Commissioner of Loans, he had settled the Collector's Cash account at the Bank and taken duplicate receipts from the Cashier; hopes Williams has benefited by the change of air and that the intended visit to the Springs [Va.] will produce the wished for relief; duties in April and May amount to one hundred and ten thousand dollars; encloses a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury respecting the revenue cutter.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: 29 June 1791 From D. Delozier.
Enclosure missing.
1791 July 25
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[661]
Having this moment heard of the present conveyance, has only time to say that all are well but Peggy, and that she is getting better; heard from Polly and the Children a few days ago, all well, she says nothing of coming home, although Coll. [Samuel] Smith says he expects your Brother every day; has just turned down an appointment as auditor of the Treasury; this has been the warnest and dryest season ever known in this place.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Smith 25 July 1791.
1791 July 25
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.].
[662]
A gentleman going to Staunton [Va.] will carry her letter so far, and she hopes it will find a conveyance from there on; all are well, and it would give her real pleasure... to receive the same account from your dear hand; his son William, who was not well when he left, is now quite recovered, and the three boys are fat and hearty; they please her very much by talking of him with affection and asking when he will be home; has just heard from her [father's] home that her sister Peggy [Smith] is in bad health, and she thinks they will all return there some time this week; her father [William Smith] has put Eutaw [Baltimore County] in shape, so the three boys will not have to ondure the heat of summer in town; her sister [Jane, Mrs. Josias Carvel] Hall has just sent her a letter; his brother [Elie] has just sent to hurry her letter.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 26.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; Fm Mrs. Wms 25 July 91.
1791 Aug. 2
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.].
[663]
Another week, and she has not heard from him; she [and the children] reached home last Sunday [July] and went next
day to Eutaw [her father, William Smith's, place in Baltimore County]; is going soon to Harford [County] to visit her Sister [Jenny, Mrs. Josias Carvel] Hall; Sister Hall insists that, if she [Mrs. O. H. Williams] spent so much time in Hagers Town she can spend some in Harford; when he comes home, they must go together for a visit to the Halls.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; Mrs. Wms. 2 August 91.
1791 Aug. 15
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.].
[664]
Has at least had very agreeable accounts of him, from a young gentleman who brought a message from Mr. [?] Nicholson; is glad to hear that he is in such fine spirits that he is ranked with the youngest and gayest people there; has just seen a letter from him to her father [William Smith] that confirms the good news; the sons are in very good health and are as wild as any mountain Boys you ever saw. I left them at Eutaw [Baltimore County] and came in to go to church today.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mrs. Wms. 15 Augt. 91.
1791 Sep. 19
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagarstown.
[665]
Has just met Mr. [?] Lee on his way to Washington [County]; glad to hear that he [OHW] is so near home, and thinks herself very unfortunate that she cannot come up to Hagerstown to meet him; her sister Peggy [Mrs. Robert Smith] is at length thank God blest with the birth of a daughter; she might come as far as Frederick if his brother [Elie] were here, to come with her, but he is not yet come from Philadelphia; is in a hurry, but must take time to send very affectionate Compliments to Dr. [Philip] Thomas... for his many kindnesses and attentions to me.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Polly 19 Septr. 91.
1791 Sep. 19
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Millsborough. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS [Frederick?].
[666]
Very busy making the necessary arrangements of Col. [John] Stull's property for the sale tomorrow; a passer-by affords an opportunity to request Thomas to take the trouble to send to Mr. [David] Bryan and tell him that Will, a black fellow, may have a Horse to come up here tomorrow; Williams intends to buy Will himself but will not pay too much for him; sale will last two or three days, so he cannot be in Frederick until towards the last of this week; Rebecca is to be ready to accompany Matilda to Baltimore; will probably not see his wife till he gets home; Her sister is in the straw.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21.5 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed: G[enera]l W. 19 Sept. 1791.
1791 Sep. 26
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[667]
Thro thick fogs, and dirty roads, we got all safe to Baltimore last night. All my family in the Country, except Polly, who was at her father's... my house locked up -- Kitchen and Stables empty... Lodged Harvey at an Inn -- took the three girls with me to Mr. [William] Smith's,... Polly, who stood at the door, [did not see Williams] until I almost took her in my arms... I expect my little follows in town any minute and can do no business till I see them. Kit came trembling with gladness -- embraced us with much affection -- took Becks to sleep with her, and has not appeared yet this morning. Harvey will wait on the Girls for their commands and then depart.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. W. 26 Sept. 1791.
1791 Oct. 7
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[668]
Accepts Thomas' rebuke humbly; expects soon to be more at liberty than heretofore both in body and mind; not yet in his own house, which is being painted and whitewashed; Polly and he and his brother are at Mr. [William] Smith's; Matilda and Sophia are with the Children at Eutaw -- and Thomas' two Girls are still at Mrs. Smiths; will soon see Thomas and have a long talk; is confident he wrote to Thomas and told him to whom he [Williams] had sent his state certificates, but he has a record of numbers and amounts so they cannot be lost; may go to the Annapolis races and will then search for the certificates; Mr. Potts says he has done all Thomas asked him to do about the Bank stock; election for sheriff has been turbulent and Williams was necessarily more engaged yesterday in keeping the peace; many of the respectable part of the citizens encouraged him in this duty; excepts to be censured, nonetheless, and must despise those who blame him.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1791 Oct. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[669]
Hard to say whether Thomas should accept the office of Inspector of the Revenue; the emolument is... in favor of the Office. Its respectability must depend upon the appointments... throughout the department; the President usually chooses a Collector or a Surveyor of the Customs department to be collector of revenue; the departments of the Customs and of the Revenue are connected; inspectorship in Thomas' district will be either a sinecure or a drudgery; Mr. [George] Gale told Williams that he had written to the Secretary for explanations of some things in the excise law; must be as much as possible divested of care; has lately given up his most advantageous business, and may give up all public employment; however, his health is improving and he
hopes his mind will be renovated; extracts, which Thomas had sent, of his [Williams'] letters reminded him what he had done with his certificates; he had sent them to Alexander Hanson at Annapolis, but Hanson has not the least recollection of getting them, and Hanson has once before forgotten some important papers that were sent to him; John H. Thomas is thin, but in good health -- mounted the 2d. and 3d. day of the [Annapolis] races which was all the time I stayed; girls, both well, are still at Mrs. Smith's; painting and whitewashing still keeping him [Williams] out of his own house; cannot be up to Frederick as soon as he expected.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams Octo. 1791.
1791 Nov. 9
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS [Frederick].
[670]
Glad Thomas is recovering; Thomas' physical quarrel reminds him of the case of Dr. George Stevenson, son of Dr. Harry, who was taken ill and hurried home; the doctors agreed with him that he was very ill; his father, a doctor and a man of quick passions: and uncourtly manners,... discouraged the proper applications at first; and... his stomack... rejected... medicines... More physicians were called in -- Dr. Gilder clapped on... a great number of blisters,... [saying] it was 48 hours too late. Dr. Pugh was sent for... Poor Stephenson [Stevenson] was despaired of by all... the family [are] my next door neighbors, so I (humanely) went out of town on Monday to avoid the catastrophe.... [but Stevenson did not die]. Yesterday... the doors and windows... [were] thrown open and the house scented with musk and other things to counter act the... putrid [odor]; later there was another sinking spell and the doctors gave up hope; The Doctor however yet lives (Wednesday evening 6 o'Clock) the disorder has vanished, and now needs only to restore his strength; Stevenson is universally esteemed; a calamity consequent on his death was the pregnancy of his young wife; he [Williams] did not intend to buy Thomas a vest until the post from Frederick came down again, and may not do it at all, for possibly Thomas can do as well at Frederick; Polly went with him to Birrland's [Barland the tailor], and gave directions about your black coat. I expect that it is done; thanks Thomas for looking after Ceresville [Frederick County], and asks him not to let [David] Bryan die on any account.... His management will... save me something bye and bye; is coming up to Frederick in time for Court, if he can; [Daniel] Delozier went to Annapolis last week and got married; Thank God it rains once more,... I rejoice, although the dampness has given him a pain and keeps him from riding; bids Thomas be easy about Kitty. She is happy... and is really so fine a Girl that she cannot be unwelcome anywhere.... However, Thomas, if you find a real inconvenience in leaving home and it is necessary... for Kitty to be at
Fredk., I brought her here -- and I can take her back.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed, p. 1: From Genl. W. Novr. 9 1791.
1791 Dec. 12
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Col. W[illia]m HETH.
[671]
Has very lately received Heth's letter and package of September 28; he [Williams] need not plead guilty to the charge which Major Lindsay made and which Colonel Heth reports to the Secretary of the Treasury against him; opinions of Messrs. Jones and Harrison are formed upon the most rigid construction of a very ambiguous, or, illiberal law; is consoled by the opinions of Nelson and Innis and Marshall, and is sure that a court will decide in his [Williams'] favor; is surprised that Lindsay and Heth would involve him in the way they did; acquits Heth of any design to produce so unpleasant a consequence.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1791 Dec. 21
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Nicholas LOWE, N[ew] York.
[672]
Encloses a power of Attorney to sell $6,757.63 worth of six per cent stock; Please to sell for Cash payable the 15 March next and Guarantee the payment.... Mr. Gilmor had induced me to give you this trouble.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Letter and letter of Attorney to Mr. N. Lowe, N. York Copy.
1791 Dec. 21
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[673]
the second fine day... in seven, and I must ride; glad Thomas' journey home took only two days; would rather Late [?] would accept the proposition which [David] Bryan and Thomas made in his [Williams'] name, but does not care much; Rebecca has gone out with a Dollar in one hand and a scrip `Cornelius Nepos, all English' in the other; and as she returns from school will seek among the Shops for the thing [book] wanted, John shall have it with two Dollars, this week if possible.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From G[enera]l Williams Mar. [sic] 21 1791.
1791 Dec. 26
[William] HETH, Shillelah [Va.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[674]
Extremely distressed that Williams even for a moment thought he had reported him to the Secretary of the Treasury; he really intended to pay Williams a compliment, for manifesting so much firmness... as to be governod by your own opinions, instead of Messrs. Jones and Harrison's tho confirmed by the Secretary; he wrote to the Secretary about the opinion, saying that it was unjust and illiberal but that
he would conform to it; knew from private conversation with the Secretary that the Secretary thought his instructions indispensably binding on all collectors, but he found the opinion so unjust and absurd that he did not hesitate to depart from it; took Mr. Nelson's opinion instead of Jones and Harrison's, and told the Secretary that he got Nelson's from Williams; hopes this explanation satisfies Williams; thanks Williams for his [Christmas] wishes, but cannot enjoy any pleasure; on October 31 his little daughter, aged 2 years and 7 months, was snatched from us very suddenly; Eliza was threatened with a loss of her senses; November 28, another daughter was born, who is hearty and promising, but Eliza is not recovering; Williams' godson was six years old yesterday, and sends his love to you from under his own hand -- he reads finely -- can ride Twenty miles on horseback as fast as any gentleman ought to travel and sings, dances and plays the fiddle.
A.L.S. 5 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 26 Decr. 1791 From Coll. Heth.
For enclosure see entry 675.
1791 Dec. 26
Henry Gray HETH [Shillelah, Va.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore].
[675]
Henry Gray Heths love to his Godpa Williams 26th Decr 1791.
A.L.S. 1 p. 8.5 cm. × 18 cm.
Enclosed with entry 674.
1791 Dec. 28
Peter COLLINS, New York. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[676]
Acknowledges receipt of Williams' letter covering a power of attorney to sell some stock; has sent it on to Mr. [Nicholas] Low, at Philadelphia; Williams will have to send the certificate without which the power of attorney is of no use; Mr. Low will probably stay in Philadelphia until about January 5th, and the certificate had better be sent to him there, in care of Mr. Mordecai Lewis.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Peter Collins, N York 28 December 1791.
1792 Jan. 8
Nich[olas] LOW, Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[677]
Received Williams' letter of [December] 31, covering a certificate for Ds 6757. 63/100 6 p[er] Cent Stock; the power of attorney relative thereto had already been sent him [Low] from New York; has had the stock placed to his [Low's] credit on the Loans Commissioners' books in New York, and sold it, January 4th, deliverable there at 24/6 in the pound at 3 Months Credit; as soon as he gets home, he will send Williams an account of sales.
A.L.S. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Addressed: Messrs. Robert Gilmore and Co Baltimore.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Nich[ola]s Low 8 January 1792.
1792 Jan. 30
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Henry [Light Horse Harry] LEE, Va.
[678]
Henry Lee Williams was born on the 23d. day of December 1791, in the first hour of the morning, and is named, not for the governor of Virginia, but for the man whose merit hath exalted him to that high office; The retreat of the Southern army from Guilford Court House [N.C.] to Dan River [Va.], although now forgotten was,... one of the most masterly, and fortunate manouvres of our beloved [Nathanael] Greene; Lee's leadership of the [Lee's] Legion, attached to the light infantry commanded by him [Williams], and his co-operation with him [Williams], the responsible officer, left on my mind indelible impressions of gratitude and affection.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Henry Lee Esqr. 92 30 Jan 92.
1792 Feb. 7
Nich[ola]s LOW, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[679]
Sends Williams the account of the sale of Williams' 6% stock; total, [UNK]3278. 2. 6, due April 4; Williams' bill upon him [Low] will be honoured at any time after that, or in any other mode you may think proper to direct.
A.L.S. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
On same sheet as entry 683.
1792 Feb. 7
G[eorge] WASHINGTON, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS [Baltimore].
[680]
Has just had word from General [William] Moultrie of South Carolina that he is sending him [Washington] a lot of plants, by the packet for Baltimore; has had no account of the arrival of these plants at Baltimore, and is worried; will Williams look them up, find what condition they are in and if they are worth the trouble, send them to Mt. Vernon [Va.]; Williams will be so obliging as to ascertain and let him know the freight and other charges.
L.S. 2 pp. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From the President of the United States.
On same sheet as entry 681.
1792 Feb. 9
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To George WASHINGTON [Philadelphia].
[681]
The Swift Packett... sailed from Charlestown [S.C.] the 2d. January... The Packett was... to touch at Norfolk [Va.] -- On her way she struck on Willoughby's bar, and... was... lightened by throwing over a part of her Cargo... letters from... Norfolk... do not even mention that any such things as were sent by Genl. [William] Moultrie were on board.... two other packetts... ply between this and Norfolk. But the date of Genl. Moultries
advice to you... leads me to apprehend that the plants were sent in her [the Swift].... If they are not... lost you may depend on... [me]... to have them deposited at Mount Vernon [Va.].
A.Df.S. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
On verso of entry 680.
[1792 Feb.]
Henry [Light Horse Harry] LEE. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[682]
Wrote to Williams after Williams' letter announcing the adoption of my name into your family; since then, the debates in the House of Representatives on Mrs. [Nathanael] Greene's petition have cast underserved reflections on the General's name, reflections which Williams, because of his official character can readily set right; asks Williams to give him [Lee] any facts he may have; Present me to Mrs. Williams and worship for me our Henry.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 20 cm.
1792 Mar. 2
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Nich[ola]s LOW.
[683]
Has just returned from the country, and acknowledges the receipt of Low's letter of February 7, 1792 with its account of the sales of his [Williams'] 6% stock; wishes the amount to be paid into the treasury of the United States on April 4th, and passed to his credit on account of the duties collected in the [Baltimore] district; Mr. [Samuel] Meredith's [treasurer of the United States] receipt for the same will be an acquittal to you, and will... make the business of remittance convenient to us both; asks Low to tell him whether this arrangement will be carried out, since it will make it unnecessary for him [Williams] to pay the money into the treasury in another way.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
On verso of entry 679.
1792 Mar. 5
Second Congress / of the / United States: / At the First Session, begun and held at the City of Philadelphia, / in the State of Pennsylvania, on Monday the twenty-fourth of Octo / ber, one thousand seven hundred and ninety one. An Act for making further and more effectual Provision for the Protection of the Frontiers of the United States.
[684]
3 ptd. pp. 21 cm. × 34 cm.
1792 Mar. 5
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To A[lexander] HAMILTON [Secretary of the Treasury].
[685]
Writes privately to Hamilton because he has information about the conduct of the campaign against the Indians in the western country that might contribute to the public security in that quarter; The heterogeneous composition of the late army -- the animosities among the officers, occasioned partly by the different constitutions of their Corps, the delay in forming them, deficiency of supplies,... most probably... [caused] the defeat of... [Arthur] St Clair; the defeat
would have been worse, but for the severity of the winter; even without that disaster [the defeat], a worse one might have occurred, from the want of provisions in the Miami [Maumee] towns; the safety of the frontiers depends largely on the fidelity of the friendly Indians, and the Senecas are being urged to desert to the onemy; The Cornplant (or Cornplanter) has had a message... [to] Come to the council fire at Buffalo.... [which] he reported... to the commanding officer, Lieut. [John] Jeffers, at fort Franklin [Ohio], adding `my face is towards Buffalo...' Lieut Jeffers took the alarm and demanded five months provision and a reinforcement; might be well to cultivate a firmer closer connection with the Senecas; Old Guiasuta, a Sachem, and a Warrior,... once great, and... yet respectable, The Cornplant, active and friendly to the whites, if not reputed a great warrior, Half Town, inferior to Cornplant, Big Tree and Stiff Knee, all are worth cultivating; Stiff Knee was a friend of Gen. [Richard] Butler, and has sworn to take two scalps to avenge the death of his friend; Docker is young, honest, truthful, cultivated, well-informed and faithful; Bill Hutchins has an elegant, striking figure, and is talented and influential; the most important Senaca, (the Wm. Pitt of their nation) is The New Arrow a young man who... dictates their counsels subject only to their suporstitious regard for a superannuated sachem whose name he [Williams] does not know; the Senecas though friendly to the whites, are on the borders of the unfriendly tribes, and must therefore have uncommon inducements if they are to be held faithful; Cornplant, and others, [are said to] have offered to enter the service of the United States, and independent companies of such men would be useful; favors a chain of posts from fort pitt [Pa.] to Presque Isle [Pa.] garrisoned by regular troops, and connected by patrols of independent Indian companies under officers of their own color; if Indians are to be fought on their own ground, they must be fought in their own way, and they have perfected themselves in the art of bush fighting, none but our expert Rifle men not mere militia are a match for them in the woods; favors the Wabach [Wabash River] as a place to start the campaign against the Indian towns; would distinguish the rifle Corps from the herd of militia by extra pay and more favorable enlistments; Fort St. Joseph [Ill.], midway between the headwaters of the Wabash and Maumee Rivers, would be a good place to cut a link in an unfriendly chain of communications; the regulars, from posts along the Wabash, could strike effectively against the Indian towns, and thus prevent Indian incursions into white territory; war would become irksome to the Indians, peace offerings might be accepted and trade might commence; has been indisposed so long that he is out of touch with politics, and has no ambitions to be satisfied; sole purpose of his letter is to awakon a suspicion of the danger to be feared from Indian disaffection.
A.Df.S. 6 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Private To Coll. Hamilton 5 March 1792.
1792 Mar. 8
Nich[ola]s LOW, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[686]
Received Williams' favor of [March] 2d; had transmitted Williams' account of sale before he got the note; the buyer later made it [the note] payable on April 4, which, with the three days' grace, brings it to April 7, a Sunday; doubts not that it will be paid punctually, and, on Monday or Tuesday, he [Low] will remit it for Williams' account to the Treasurer of the United States, Mr. Samuel Meredith.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From N Low Esqr 8 March 1792.
1792 Mar. 14
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[687]
The Criminal Court is sitting, and besides, the port is open and he has a thousand things to attend to; his [Williams'] health is better than it has been for three or four years; his brother [Elie] has been so disobliged by the mismanagement of the overseer at Springfield [Washington County] that he is going to let the farm, sell part of the stock and move the remainder to Ceresville [Frederick County]; if he [OHW] can get a proper man for tenant, in place of J. Thomas, he will let a part of the management of the mill, and of the Inn in order once more to make it notorious as a place of entertainment; Judge [Benjamin] Nicholson is dying, or already dead, and he [Williams] cannot, therefore, get up to Frederick until Friday or Saturday; welcomes Thomas' advice, even when he does not follow it.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: 14 Mar. 1792.
1792 Mar. 15
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To Gov. [Henry, Light Horse Harry] LEE [of Virginia].
[688]
Soon after he answered Lee's undated letter, he had to go to Frederick, and as soon as he returned from there, the dissolution of the ice has let in a great deal of business to the Custom House; in addition, there is a sitting of the Court of Oyer and [Terminer]; would have had trouble in defending the memory of their friend [Nathanael Greene], had he not thought of [William] Gordon's history [of the Rise... of the Independence of the United States of America]; regrets greatly the loss of all his official military papers; he had lent them all to Gordon, at Greene's recommendation, and about a year after which he wrote to inform me that he had lost them; finds in Gordon's book whole pages of his [Williams'] narrative; with the help of Gordon's book and a little of [David] Ramsay's, he has thrown together some reflections which he encloses and which Lee is to comment on, unreservedly; as
soon as Lee returns it Williams will have it printed in a Philadelphia paper, all at once; asks Lee not to obliterate his [Williams'] touch at their friend [Anthony] Wayne, who had no business to be bragging while the fame of a better officer was butchered.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 28 cm. × 23 cm.
1792 [Mar.?] 19
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Balt[imor]e. To Gov. H[enry] LEE.
[689]
Had noticed the ungracious conduct of the House [of Representatives] toward the memory of their friend [Gen. Nathanael Greene]; did not at once reply, because of the remarks of Agricola (George Lux) and the feeling that too much zeal might injure the petition of Mrs. Greene; Greene once gave the historian [William] Gordon a letter of introduction to him [Williams], and he, being too idle and too much of a gallant to be at the trouble of transcribing my notes... without hesitation sent Gordon all his notes, orderly books, muster rolls, field returns, letters from the commanding officer, and all his invaluable collection which Gordon lost; this loss will make it harder for Williams to answer those who traduce the memory of Greene, but he will write down what he can and send it to Lee for his corrections.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 21 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Governor H. Lee.
1792 Mar. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[690]
[Judge Benjamin] Nicholson is dead, fatigued to death by disappointments and intolerable irritations; the condition of his family is deplorable; the story of his [Williams'] own family [of brothers and sisters] whould console the Nicholsons, who are not so badly off, financially; expects to be in Frederick about Thursday next week; advises Thomas to buy the woodlot, if it does not go higher than [UNK]15 per acre; J[ohn] R[oss] will give Thomas [UNK]20 if he buys the other lots, and if he does not, Thomas has a bargain, anyway; expects to meet several respectable men in Frederick, who want to rent his farm; would like to sell now, but thinks the price of land will rise still higher; hears that old [Patrick] Sim's place adjoining Ceresville [Frederick County] must soon be sold, and suggests, mildly, that Thomas buy it; must be in the District Court three days next week, then to Frederick, then on [April] 6th to Annapolis to meet with the Society of the Cincinnati; wants to make a summer tour with his family; will bring with him to Ceresville a sack of garden seeds; if [David] Bryan [overseer at Ceresville] can get peach trees, let him put in a hundred of them.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. Williams Mar 20. 92.
1792 Mar. 22
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Nicholas LOWE.
[691]
Lowe had written, agreeably to Williams' instructions, that he would pay into the Treasury of the United States the balance due him [Williams] upon the sale of his certificates, but now, since the price of stock has fallen, he wants to change his mind; will Lowe invest 2000 in 6 per cent or 3 per cent stock, as his judgment indicates, and deposit the remainder in the Treasury, taking [Samuel] Meredith's receipt for it on account of duties.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Nicholas Low Esq 22 March 1792.
1792 Mar. 22
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To G[eorge] WASHINGTON.
[692]
Glad to hear from Washington's letter of March 14 that the plants were not lost and that there is a prospect, ultimately, of receiving them safe at Mount Vernon [Va.]; has been deliberating for some time on the propriety of consulting you on a circumstance relative to our State Government... Several persons are nominated... [to succeed] Mr. [George] Plater to the office of Governor... [I] think that I should be Honored with an election to the office of Governor if I would accept... But.. that office is only temporary and though more honorable is not more profitable than the collectorship,... it would be a great inducement to my acceptance [of the governorship], if I could know that Mr. William Smith... would be my successor... [as] Collector of the Port... For altho I co[ul]d not possible [sic] participate with him in the profits of the office... I could rely upon his... making, in my favor, a vacancy in that office which... I had relinquished to him.... I... will not mention this, even to Mr. Smith, unless I have your approbation.
A.Df.S. 3 pp. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the President 22 March 1792.
1792 Mar. 25
Ed[ward] CARRINGTON, Richmond [Va.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[693]
Col. [Henry, Light Horse Harry] Lee showed him Williams' piece on the Southern campaign and asked him to look it over and see whether it agreed with his [Carrington's] recollections; they have considerably changed his words on the Virginia militia; many influential Virginians would have resented what he said, and might have joined those who were attacking [Nathanael] Greene; neither [John] Laurens' [Lawrence] nor [Edward] Stevens' militia went out by order of the [central] government; [James] Reed's [Read] North Carolina militia who marched with Carrington from Deep River [N.C.] are the only militia they had in or near Camden [S.C.]; Williams says the detachment to protect the baggage and artillery was under the command of [Col. William Augustine]
Washington; this, Carrington is certain, is not the case; he himself [Carrington] was ordered by the General [Nathanael Greene] and Williams together, standing at the mouth of Greene's tent, to take the detachment and use the best precautions with it that he could; Col. [Charles] Harrison, on his return from Virginia, tried to take the command of the detachment away from Carrington, and even lodged a complaint against him, but Carrington was sustained; Col. Reed [Read] made some difficulty with Carrington also, but that was reconciled; he [Carrington] does not think the command needs to be mentioned specially, but if it is mentioned at all, the commander should be named correctly; had no cavalry with them save a dozen horses so feeble that Lieut. [Charles] Yarborough, in charge of them, could hardly help him [Carrington] at all; glad Williams is taking up this matter for it is important that it be explained before Congress disperses.
A.L.S. 5 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Col.[Car]rington 25 March 1792.
1792 Mar. 26
[Henry, Light Horse Harry, LEE] Richmond [Va.] To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[694]
Received Williams' letter onclosing his intended publication in behalf of their friend [Nathanael Greene]; is returning it now, with some of its asperities softened; has also introduced facts about the militia which he supposes Williams did not know; he and Colonel [Edward] Carrington propose to follow Williams with other articles in support of their dear maltreated friend; urgos him to send it to the press so that it appears in print before Congress adjourns.
A.L. Signature cut out. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Lee 26 Mar 92.
Enclosure missing.
1792 Mar. 27
Nich[ola]s LOW, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[695]
Received Williams' letter of [March] 22d, and will execute the commissions in it; several changes occurring since his last letter to Williams tending to restore confidence in public and private credit; those who suffered by [William] Duer and [Robert R.] Livingston will soon reconcile themselves to their losses and the prices of stocks will be more uniform.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. N. Lowe [Ma]rch 1792.
1792 Mar. 28
A[lexander] HAMILTON, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore, Maryland.
[696]
Hamilton has been too busy to reply sooner to Williams' letter; Williams' ideas of the best way to conduct a certain business are just like Hamilton's own; the general
principles Williams gives will prevail, but how they may be executed must depend on who is to execute them... In confidence,... you have been... [the subject of] conversation.... But the state of your health... is... a serious objection; Hamilton's official letter of today will have told Williams that the duties must be paid with Exact punctuality, as an essential element in maintaining public credit; hopes that the Bank will prevent any [ill consequences] occurring upon the present occasion... it may lend its aid boldly... but coercive measures if necessary must proceed... the Bank of Maryland need not fear in this instance to extend its operations on the score of the establishment of a Branch of the National Bank... my forbearance will... [prevent any] danger to them.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Hamilton 23 d [sic] March 1792.
1792 Apr. 5
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Col. [Aloxander] HAMILTON.
[697]
Will give his particular attention to Hamilton's letter about the punctual collection of duties; the expected advantages from his [Hamilton's] agreement with the Bank of Maryland have not yet been realized, but may be settled soon; is much gratified by Hamilton's intimation that his [Williams'] name has been talked about as a successor to the unfortunate [Arthur] St. Clair; his health is much restored, but what is there in such a command to excite ambition or any other passion; is happy in his family and in a decent sufficiency for his needs; if he were as great as [Nathanael] Greene, he might, like him, be traduced in his grave; The shameful speech of G[enera]l [Thomas] Sumpter [Sumtor] upon Mrs. G[reene]'s petition aroused him [Williams] to reply, but he hositates to publish what he has written; asks Hamilton to read it, and, if he thinks well, to publish it in some Philadelphia paper; If there is any more brawling in Congress about the unmerited abuse or neglect of the S.C. [and N.C.] militia..., he will give a detail of occurrences to set the matter straight, for the vanity of puffing the militia has more than once disgraced the Ho[use] of Representatives.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Coll. Hamilton 5 Apl 92.
1792 Apr. 6
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Ed[ward] CARRINGTON.
[698]
Carrington and [Henry] Lee, in correcting his [Williams'] vindication of Gen. [Nathanael] Greene, did well, but did not discover as many errors as they believed they had; the Virginia militia were not involved, and he had purposely left out some details of the affair at Guilford [Court House, N.C.]; will include what they inserted, only shortening it a little, but nothing of the matter shall be lost; insists that the mention of the Virginia militia was not indispensably
necessary, for By including Va to be in the South, Greene could not be called unrivalled in glory in a picture including Yorktown; could give a picture, and a genuine one, of a majority of the Carolina militia that their admirers would be ashamed to look at; does Carrington remember being present at Mr. Kershaw's house, in Camden [S.C.] when Dr. [Samuel] Vickers complained of a lack of hospital stores; Mrs. Kershaw had told Vickers that there were things stored in her cellar by a certain Brig[adie]r of Militia; Greene referred Vickers to Governor [John] Rutledge [of South Carolina] then lying ill upstairs, but Rutledge would not order Vickers to seize the things he needed; he [Williams] advised the Doctor to break open the door and take the stores for the use of the hospital; believed and still believes the articles plundered.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 Apr. 8
Nich[ola]s LOW, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[699]
On [March] 28, he bought for Williams 8000 dollars worth of 3 per cents at 12/6 in the pound, receivable [April] 7th; the balance due Williams is 1301. 4. 9, and this sum, by Williams' diroctions, he will remit to Samuel Meredith, treasurer of the United States; stocks have fluctuated, and some dealers have either failed or suspended payment.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From N. Low 8 Apl. 1792.
A.N. by Williams at foot of page: Mr. Low paid into the Treasury 3250 Dollars on the 10th Apl. 92.
1792 Apr. 17
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[700]
While Thomas lay speechless at Frederick, Williams was in Annapolis with a putrid soar throat and a Billious Cholic at Manns [Tavern]; found Mr. Alexander's letter when he got back to Baltimore, and, next day met Mr. [Benjamin] Ogle in the streets; he presented Thomas' letter; the transition from anxiety to pleasure caused a perturbation which required a walk of, at least, half the length of Market Street before Williams could composedly take a seat at one of the shop doors and examine the letter; then went home and told Polly the good news; Rebecca knows Thomas was ill and is better, but she does not know how perilously ill he was; she [Rebecca] works and dances, alternately and with equal pleasure; tell John H. Thomas not to forget the key of Williams' desk; [Alexander Contee] Hanson and his wife were to depart Monday to visit Thomas.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. Williams 17 Apl. 92.
1792 Apr. 18
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Nicholas LOW.
[701]
Received Low's letter of [April] 8, saying that he had bought for him [Williams] 8000 dollars worth of 3 per cent stock; has also received Mr. [Samuel] Meredith's receipt for 3250 dollars paid into the treasury of the United States by Low for his [Williams'] credit; asks Low to send him by the post a certificate for the stock; notwithstanding the general wreck of credit among the dealers, he [Williams] has placed entire confidence in Low's judgement and honesty.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Mr. N. Low 18 April 1792.
1792 Apr. 18
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To George WASHINGTON.
[702]
Washington's silence causes him [Williams] to fear there was some impropriety in the letter of March 22 of which he [Williams] was unaware; if his fear is right, he wishes not that you would give yourself the trouble, or me the pain, of shewing me my fault, but that you would... cancel the letter and obliterate from your memory every trace of an incident which,... while it is remembered by you will... inflict on me the severest regret and mortification. With the most reverential respect and esteem, and allow me to say with the sincerest affection,... [etc., etc.].
A.Df.S. 1 p. 28.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the President 18th April 1792.
1792 Apr. 25
Nich[ola]s LOW, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[703]
Sends Williams an account of his stock transactions; the small balance due him [Low] will be paid him by Mr. [Robert] Gilmor, who will also carry the stock to Philadelphia and place it on the books of the Register of the Treasury in Williams' name.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. N. Low 24 April 1792.
1792 Apr. 25
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen. William HULL.
[704]
Received a copy of the circular letter from the officers of the Massachusetts line, with a copy of the memorial signed B. Lincoln, presented by the Massachusetts officers to Congress; in consequence of the death of Gen. [William] Smallwood, president of the Maryland Society of the Cincinnati, there was a meeting of the members in Annapolis on [April] 6th; Williams was too ill to go, but he sent the papers received from Massachusetts by someone who went; the meeting decided that the subject of the petition was not a proper one for the society to concern itself with, officially, and that the members individually should decide their own attitude; he [Williams] had had no opportunity to find out what the members
think; the Society has another meeting before the next session of Congress, and at that meeting he will collect the opinions and send them to Hull.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Genl. Wm. Hull.
1792 Apr. 29
[Robert GILMOR] Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[705]
Returned to Philadelphia yesterday, and lodged in the Treasury a certificate of transfer of stock from Mr. [Nicholas] Low to Williams; the certificate will be returned to him tomorrow, and he will bring it [to Baltimore] in a day or so; he paid Mr. Low a small balance on Williams' account, and he and Williams will settle when he gets back.
A.L. Signature cut out. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. R. Gilmor 29 April 1792.
1792 May 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gov. [Thomas Sim] LEE and the COUNCIL.
[706]
Resigns as associate justice for Baltimore County, because it is not in his power to give the office the attention it must have.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the Governor and Council of Maryland. 1 May 1792.
1792 May 2
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[707]
Thomas' son [John Hanson T.] has just arrived safe; just this morning he [Williams] received a letter from Mr. Nicholas Low, his agent, by penny post, that made unnecessary the philosophy shown in Thomas' letter; Low is unfortunate but honest; he [Williams] is secured by a transfer of stock on the Treasury books, and Mr. [Robert] Gilmor will bring the certificate from Philadelphia by the next stage; he had been afraid he would have to lose 2000 specie, but he had not lost sleep or appetite over it; bids Thomas do what he thinks best with [Sebastian?] Graff and the farm; his [Williams'] only concern about the mishap to Cassius [the horse] is that it dismounts Thomas a little out of time; of course Thomas has enemies, as he [Williams] has, but he pays no attention to them; is on his last duty in the district court; may sit again in the criminal court, for the Criminal Court proceedings... promote the improvement of the public roads; Thomas would have been pleased to see the politeness with which his son made his entranco; he [John Hanson T.] will go to Annapolis tomorrow; is glad there has been an accomodation with [?] Mollison's agent.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams May 2 1792.
1792 May 3
H[enry] KNOX, Philadelphia. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[708]
Williams has seen in the papers that Brigadier General [Daniel] Morgan has been made on the present arrangement a brigadier General, and the second in Command; Morgan will probably not accept; Knox is persuaded that the President [Washington] would be highly gratified if Williams were appointed; asks Williams to let him know by the very next post whether he would accept.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: (private)1 and 2 General Knox 3 and 6 May 1792.
Endorsed, in faint and partly illegible pencil: offering the command of the Army this was at the time of the Whiskey expedition in the Letter of the 13th he acknowledges that he is not pleased at being made 2d in Command under one probably who [?] was inferior Rank in the Revolution Col [Henry] Lee.
On same sheet as entry 709.
1792 May 6
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To [Henry] KNOX.
[709]
Is honored by Knox's private letter of the 3d, and by the complimentary opinion the President entertains of his [Williams'] abilities; his health is poor, and he must care for his family and for a number of orphans; asks to be allowed to decline the appointment.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.
On verso of entry 708.
1792 May 8
H[enry] KNOX, War Department. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[710]
The President [Washington] with the consent of the Senate has appointed Williams a brigadier general in place of [Daniel] Morgan, declined; encloses a copy of the Act of Congress relative to the military establishment.
L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Letters of General Knox announcing Genl. Williams' appointment as Brigadier General in the place of Genl. Morgan, declined. Genl. Williams' letter declining the appointment.
1792 May 9
H[enry] KNOX, Philadelphia. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAM[S].
[711]
Did not receive an answer to his private letter of May 3, and the session of the Senate ended today, therefore the President of the United States found himself constrained to nominate you A Brigadier General. I wish to God you could find it convenient to accept; Williams' former rank would make him second in command.
A.L.S. 1 p. 32.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Letter headed: (Private).
1792 May 13
Tobias LEAR. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[712]
The President [Washington] asks Williams to let him know by tomorrow's post directed to Mt. Vernon [Va.] whether he had received the notification of his appointment as Brigadier General, and whether he accepts it.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
1792 May 13
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Henry KNOX, Secretary of War.
[713]
Has this moment received Knox's letter informing him that he has been appointed brigadier general, vice [Daniel] Morgan declined; his health and the condition of his private concerns make it necessary for him to decline.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 7. To H Knox Esq. Secy. 13 May 1792.
1792 May 13
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Henry] KNOX.
[714]
Has just answered Knox's public letter of [May] 8; in answer to Knox's private letter of May 9, assures him [knox] that he answered the letter of May 3 the same hour he received it; the reasons given in his public and private letters are not fictitious, But... to be yet more candid with you, I preceive no temptation to my ambition in... being second in command.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: private 8. To General Knox 13 May 1792.
Endorsed in faint pencil: a sneer at being made 2d in Command under Gov [Henry] Lee his junior in the Revolution.
1792 May 13
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [George WASHINGTON] The President of the U States.
[715]
This morning received a note from Mr. [Tobias] Lear asking him to acknowledge the receipt of his appointment as brigadier general, and to signify his acceptance or rejection of it; has received no official notice, and his answer to a private letter from the Secretary at War [Henry Knox], of which the inclosed is a copy explains in part why he rejects the offer; had been thinking about accepting a post in the army, and had spoken of it to his friends; his physician's advice, the wishes of his friends, and other reasons of private inconvenience forbid him to receive the honor of an appointment; [P.S.] has just received, at ten o'clock at night, the official appointment and will answer it at once.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the President 13 May 1792.
1792 May 19
W[illiam] HETH, Bermuda Hundred [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[716]
Just happened to be in Richmond [Va.] when the mail came, bringing Williams' letter enclosing Beau [John]
Dawson's draft; though it was late and he had eight miles to ride to get here, he hunted up Mr. Dandridge; Dandridge said he had no money of Dawson's, and would tell the notary public so; When the `Gentlemanly gentleman' [Dawson] honors Richmond with his presence, I will wait upon his honor... Some people cannot obtain either credit or confidence because they are known, and others because, they are not... the gentleman's friends in Philadelphia put him under the necessity of conferring... an honor upon your Brother.... [It is] a little unreasonable, that your brother --- after such an extravagant mark of condescension... should expect to have the money returned in so short a time; seriously could Williams' brother not see that although Dawson was a genteel man, and of gentlemanly manners, he was dissipated and extravagant.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Heth 19 May 92.
1792 May 26
Will[iam] HETH, Richmond [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[717]
Has been unable to come in to Richmond until this morning, when he came in especially to tend to Williams' brother's [Elie] business with Mr. [John] D[awson]; found at the post office Williams' letter of [May] 16, with the scrap of paper bearing E[lie] Williams' signature, and found no difficulty in doing what you requested, -- my pen being the one you described; Dawson has promised to pay the money in ten days, and his manner would have induced him [Heth] to believe him if he could; Heth's brother Harry will present this letter to Williams, and will give him more information about Mr. D.'s credit hereabouts; how could anyone suppose that Williams would place himself under the command of so infamous an officer, and so Contemptible a Character as Mad Anthony [Wayne]; Wayne... [was] a fool -- a bankrupt, and a Coxcomb, and... [his] Services in the late war were such, as to prove to the world, that he was totally unfit for command.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Col. [Wm.] Heth 26 May 92.
1792 May 28
R[obert] BALLARD, Balt[imor]e. To George GALE.
[718]
The foregoing list [not included in the copy] gives a list of thirty-eight hogsheads of rum taken from the sloop Ceres, Capt. John T. Childs, New Port, Rhode Island, consigned to Elkin Solomon, Baltimore; the rum had been entered and permit had been given for it as West India Rum; from the flavor, he doubted that it was West India, and his opinion was corroborated by others, experts; therefore he seized the vessel and cargo for fraud; two hogsheads had been sold from the vessel to Mr. Elie Williams, now gone to the westward; Robert Purviance [Naval Officer] and Daniel Delozier [Deputy to Williams] first suggested the suspicion.
Contemporary copy. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 June 4
W[illiam] HETH, Richmond [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[719]
Called on Mr. [Beau, John] Dawson, and, tho only the ninth day since he promised payment,... He says the money will be paid in the course of tomorrow, and that he has told you so; Heth may not be in Richmond again this week and therefore left the bill with a gentleman, to receive payment if offered; can Williams make any sense out of the last paragraph in the letter of the Secretary of the Treasury; hopes to spend a few days at Bath [Va.] in July next on his way to Philadelphia on some important land business.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 19 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. W [Heth] 4 June [9]2.
1792 June 4
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Balt[imor]e. To A[lexander] HAMILTON.
[720]
The second section of the act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States said that an additional ten percent should be collected on all goods imported into the United States in vessels of other than United States registry, save where, in the first section of the act, such an additional ten percent was already specially laid on any goods; since, in the first section, the additional ten percent was laid on teas only, he [Williams] has, by his interpretation of the second section, collected the additional ten percent on everything but teas; by the act repealing the duties hitherto laid on distilled spirits, the duties laid on spirits by the act for the payment of the debts of the United States were to cease and others were to be substituted for them; construing the two acts together, he did not think the provision for the additional ten percent was intended to be repealed, and consequently he has continued to collect it; the Treasury has passed his returns so made out, so he supposes that that is the universal practice; recently the legality of this additional ten percent on spirits has been questioned, so he asks Hamilton's ruling on it.
Copy in hand of Delozier. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Note in hand of O.H.W.: the Secretary says that... your practice is consistant with the true construction of the law.
Enclosed with entry 728.
1792 June 5
A[lexander] HAMILTON, Treasury Department. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[721]
Acknowledges Williams' letters of March 18, April 18, May 27; cannot judge whether the absences of the officers were justifiable or not; thinks that so long as they are retained in service, they are to be paid computing from the date of their respective commissions; for services prior to commissions, a dollar a day has been allowed, and 155 dollars and eighty-three cents has been admitted in favor of Captain Gross; if a contract cannot be made,
Williams will have to subsist the men in the way he proposes, but Hamilton would rather have a contract, even on higher terms; intended to commit to Williams the business of supplying and directing the cutter, but warns him against extra expense; relies on Williams to render the cutters in the Chesapeake more serviceable to the Government without being vexatious to the trade.
Contemporary copy [in hand of Daniel Delozier?]. 4 pp. 26 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From the Sec. of Treasury 5 June 1792 copy.
Enclosed with entry 724.
1792 June 9
A[lexander] HAMILTON, Philad[elphia]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[722]
Explains why a paper Williams sent him had not yet appeared; thought the article a deserved reproof on certain folks [Gen. Thomas Sumter] and also calculated to throw a useful light... [on] the fame of our deceased friend [Nathanael Greene]; at the time Williams' letter arrived, events looked very favorable, and he did not think it necessary to start any new game, lest others [than Sumter] be chastised; will keep Williams' paper, since it contains material of which he [Hamilton] was ignorant.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: A Hamilton 9 June 1792.
Superscribed: Private.
Enclosed with entry 724.
1792 June 9-12
W[illia]m HETH, Bermuda Hundred, and Shillelah [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[723]
Has just received the new duty law, and does not understand it, indeed a great deal of the Congressional language has ever appeared unintelligible to me; sorry he never learned Latin, Greek, and Hebrew; Williams has a clear head and sufficient leisure, so he will have to answer Heth some questions; Shillelah 12th June 1792. Though a rainy day yesterday, I waited on Mr. [Beau, John] D[awson]; in the morning Dawson made an engagement to meet Heth at 2 o'clock, and did meet him, but had not the money with him; Dawson now says he will pay by Wednesday's mail; feels such contempt for a man like Dawson that he [Heth] would feel like sending him the bill, and, on a clean sheet of paper, a signed receipt in full; did that, once, and it then became a debt of honor and in 10 or 12 months it was paid; if Dawson disappoints him again, as no doubt he will, he [Heth] will think it his duty to have the bill protested.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Heth 7 June 92.
1792 June 13
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[724]
Encloses a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury; has settled with the officers of the cutter for their pay and subsistence, and, if anything more is to be done, must have instructions; Mr. Bowen has come to Baltimore in behalf of Clark and Nightingale, proprietors of the rum seized before Williams left the city; Bowen acknowledged to the Secretary of the Treasury that the rum was distilled in Rhode Island, that the duties had been secured, and the original casks correctly branded; Bowen, however, said that they wished to do away [with] the prejudice that has heretofore opperated to the disadvantage of home distilled spirits, and that they thought it advisable to start it into West India Hogsheads in order to promote the sale of it; the court has ordered the rum returned to them, with bond for the value subject to reappraisoment, and has set the trial for next court; the fraud is evident, if not on the revenue, on the public, and ought to be prevented; encloses a letter franked by the Secretary of the Treasury, and apparently private.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: D. Delozier 13 June 1792.
For enclosures see entries 721 and 722.
1792 June 13
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Ceresville, Frederick Town [Frederick County].
[725]
Glad Williams got safely to Ceresville; has been so cold and rainy in Baltimore that they have had fire in the parlor for two or three days; corn and cabbage at Orange [Baltimore County] have been injured; letters from Harford [County] say that the [Josias Carvel] Hall family are well, that Miss Mary Anna can rise by a hold of a chair, and is expected in a few days, to walk off alone; Peggy Smith [dau. of William, wife of Robert] is confined to her room for a day or two, and consequently Betsey is not very well; encloses the last two Baltimore papers which may have news he has not yet had at Ceresville; the Rhode Island rum has been acknowledged to be of New England origin by which you will observe they acknowledge themselves Rascals; saw Mr. [or Wm.?] Hammond this morning, who says Williams' young bull is well, and the finest calf he [Hammond] ever saw; the heifer calf sooms not well, so he [Smith] had Solomon take her to the lot and give her three or four bottles of milk a day; would like his bay mare sent down when convenient; if Mr. Gough [?] is obliged to deliver to Williams the full blood English calf, he [Smith] will take him if Williams does not want him.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. William Smith 13 June 1792.
Enclosures missing.
1792 June 14
Robert PURVIANCE. To [Alexander HAMILTON] Secretary of the Treasury.
[726]
[May] 21, he was informed by three [Baltimore] merchants that there had been landed from the Ceres, John T. Child, from Newport [Rhode Island], a quantity of rum, said to be West Indian, but suspected by them of having been made within the United States; in the absence of the collector [Otho Holland Williams] he [Purviance] consulted the deputy collector [Delozier], and those two consulted the inspector [Robert Ballard]; the three men went to Mr. Elkin Solomon, the consignee of C[lark] and Nightingale, the shippers of the rum, and demanded to see the rum and the papers; Solomon appeared to have more certificates than he did hogsheads, and the inspector found that the certificates nearly agreed, as to marks and numbers, with the hogsheads that were there; he [Purviance] caused the bungs to be started, and examined the rum; being satisfied, from his long experience, that the rum did not correspond with the certificates, he was convinced that deception had been practiced, and directed the inspector to seize the rum, and, without loss of time, to seize the sloop, as well as several hogsheads said to have been already delivered.
Extract in hand of Daniel Delozier. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosed with entry 745.
1792 June 18
[Alexander HAMILTON] Treasury Department. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[727]
The Commissioner of the Revenue informs Hamilton that Williams thinks Inspectors of Customs are not bound to perform the duty which has been assigned to them in relation to distilled spirits; Hamilton has re-examined the question, and now reiterates that the instructions must be carried out; the ordinary inspectors of customs can usually perform the service, and when they are too busy, temporary inspectors may be appointed; inspectors are to do what the Surveyor orders, and the Surveyor, in turn, is under the direction of the Collector; failure on the part of the Inspectors to perform the duties laid on them would be good reason for substituting others, who are better disposed; Hamilton has the fullest reliance that Williams will cause the Inspectors of the Customs to perform the services, which have been required of them, in aid of the Inspectors of the revenue.
Copy in hand of Daniel Delozier. 7 pp. 26 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From the Secretary of Treasury 18 June 1792.
Enclosed with entry 728.
1792 June 20
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[728]
Received Williams' letter of [June] 18, with the accompanying papers about the revenue cutter; has heard unofficially that Capt. Gross intends to resign about the end of this month, that the officers of the cutter are displeased with his conduct, and that he fears they will send in a report
on him to the Secretary of the Treasury; the Secretary of the Treasury has replied to Williams' letter of [June] 4 about the additional ten per cent to be collected on distilled spirits imported in ships not of U. S. registry, but since the Secretary is not explicit enough, he [Delozier] is enclosing to Williams, a copy of Williams' letter and of the Secretary's reply; Mr. [Robert] Purviance sends good wishes.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. D. Delozier 20 June 1792 10 p Cent on Spirit andc.
For enclosures see entries 720 and 727.
1792 June 20
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Ceresville [Frederick County]. To [Alexander HAMILTON].
[729]
Hamilton's favor of [June] 9th relieved his [Williams'] mind; glad that his letter, written privately, did not become public, for in it he had put some strictures against certain members of Congress; approves his reasons for deferring the publication of the defense [of Nathanael Greene] but still thinks that Vindicator might have appeared after the business was over; the country [South Carolina] that he liberated and the men with whom he fought were prejudiced against him [Greene]; even so liberal and well-informed a man as the Rev. Dr. [Patrick] Allison had entertained prejudices against Greene until he read Williams' paper; Allison pressed the expediency of the publication; submits the question to Hamilton's discretion.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 June 25
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[730]
Is just leaving for the Baltimore [Iron] Works, and has time only to acknowledge Williams' letter of [June] 23; Peggy [Mrs. Robert Smith] is well and so is the child; has told the waggoner to get Williams' calf that has been in his [Smith's] care; will be at the Works all day.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 21.5 cm.
[1792 June 28]
D[aniel] DELOZIER. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[731]
Received Williams' letter of [June] 23 and delivered the letter [in it] according to directions; encloses a copy of a letter of the Secretary of the Treasury about the revenue department.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Delozier andc Inspectors andc.
Enclosure missing.
1792 June 28
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County]. To A[lexander] HAMILTON, Secretary of the Treasury.
[732]
Has had to leave Baltimore on account of his health; has just received Hamilton's letter of [June] 18th about some communications by the Commissioner of the Revenue, including a letter of his [Williams'] to the Surveyor of the district of Baltimore; is surprised that the matter was reported to Hamilton as a controversy between officers about the limits of their duties; is oven more surprised that Hamilton should think it justifiable to remonstrate with him [Williams] in a way he knows he does not deserve; he [Williams] wrote to the Surveyor [Robert Ballard] because some of the inspectors complained that Ballard, in Williams' absence, was employing them at servile and degrading tasks; what he wrote to the Surveyor he thought was strictly according to law, and therefore not contrary to the instructions of the Secretary of the Treasury; saw the possibility of an interference of duties, saw that the men selected by him [Williams] for integrity and for ability might be engaged in a department [the Surveyor's] wherein he had no control; Hamilton will remember that the comptroller, whose instructions were binding on him [Williams], said that the inspectors were to be paid for services aboard certain vessels; he [Williams] did not think it either possible or proper for the Customs [Williams] to be charged with services rendered to the Revenue service; the services [demanded by Ballard] occurred at a time when the inspectors were constantly busy with attending and discharging vessels; he [Williams] had enough officers for his purposes and he had not thought he needed to create others in order to supply another department; will tell his inspectors that Hamilton says they must obey the orders of the Inspector of the Revenue as such, but if they demur, he does not promise to dismiss them; he [Williams] would not mind a retirement to private life, but some of the inspectors have no means of private support, and so may have to obey unjust orders.
A.Df.S. 5 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the Secretary of the Treasury 28 June 1792.
1792 June 28
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County]. To D[aniel] DELOZIER.
[733]
His answer to Secretary [Hamilton]'s letter of [June] 18, which he leaves open for Delozier to read and copy, will tell what he thinks of it; Delozier is to see Jamison, Hamilton, and any others who had objected, and tell them that the Secretary insists that they obey the orders of the Inspector of the Revenue; if they do not acquiesce, they are to remonstrate in respectful and decent, but... sensible and decided terms; Delozier is to say nothing to Mr. Inspector of the Revenue, and is not to discuss the matter with anyone not concerned in it.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
On same sheet as entry 734.
1792 July 3
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Ceresville. To [Daniel DELOZIER].
[734]
Wrote on [June] 28 about the inspectors, and enclosed the answer he had drafted to Hamilton's letter about their obedience to the Inspector of the Revenue, but is not sure he made himself clear; the inspectors are to obey the orders of the Inspector of Revenue, if they are called on to act in the Excise [bureau], but he does not wish them to qualify [take any oath of office] until the fate of their remonstrance is known; Delozier is to have nothing to do with Col. [Robert] Ballard but as Surveyor.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
On same sheet as entry 733.
1792 July 11
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[735]
Told Hamilton, Jameson and Smith what Williams had ordered them to do, and they acquiesced; they said they did not mind doing what the Inspector of the Revenue [Robert Ballard] asked them to do, except that it was demanded of them; they are not going to tell the Inspector that they are to obey his orders, but will simply obey without ado what orders he gives; Captain Gross has resigned and Lieutenant Porter is at present in command of the cutter; Delozier is sure the cutter will be more useful than heretofore; Mr. Richard Curson has delivered two shares of stock to him [Delozier] for Williams for 14,000 dollars, for he was not able to sell them at the price Williams had set.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 July 19
[Alexander HAMILTON] Treasury Department. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[736]
Was reluctantly constrained to use a stile of expostulation in his letter of [June] 28 [i.e., 18]; Congress set up a new branch of the revenue, and said the officers of the customs service might, if necessary, be called on to help execute it; the President decided to appoint collectors of the customs, surveyors and inspectors of revenue; the inspectors of the revenue are to execute the new law, which is intimately connected with the customs; Williams had differed with him about the possibility of an interference of duties, or an incompatibility; Hamilton reviews the situation as he sees it, and reiterates his belief that there is neither interference nor incompatibility; says that the surveyor [Robert Ballard] is under Williams' orders, and that therefore there can be no clash of power; Williams could keep his good subordinates, and hire other temporary ones for the work of the surveyor; Williams had drawn a much more personal application from some of Hamilton's words than was intended; hopes to prevent a final difference of opinion between us, but will persevere in the execution of the plan he has laid down.
Contemporary copy. 14 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Enclosed with entry 745.
1792 July 27
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County]. To A[lexander] HAMILTON.
[737]
Received today Hamilton's letter of [July] 19; his [Williams'] letter of May third to the Surveyor [Robert Ballard] was perverted, as to its interpretation, for his only intent was to intimate to Ballard the propriety of using with discretion the power undeniably lodged in the executive and necessarily put into effect through subordinates; some of the inspectors complained of harsh treatment at Ballard's hands, so that he [Williams] wrote to him, asking that he avoid, as far as possible, demanding of the customs inspectors services that might interfere with their proper duties; When an unconciliatory temper... aggravated the reluctance of some of the inspectors into a refusal to act, was I to... remove them from offices which they had before filled with satisfaction to the public?; doubts very much the Surveyor's charge that the deputy collector [Delozier] took pains to induce the inspectors not to obey his [Ballard's] orders, for Delozier just is not that sort of person; Ballard has never put into writing his complaints against Williams' subordinates, and he [Williams] would not tolerate in them any neglect of duty; Delozier knew what he [Williams] thought, and perhaps said something to the inspectors, but he [Williams] never wrote or said a word to any of them, until after Hamilton's letter of June 18; upon receipt of that letter, he wrote at once to Delozier, and was told by him that he had informed Hamilton, Jamison, and Smith what the Secretary said, and that the three acquiesced; several of the merchants had asked him about the right of the Surveyor [Ballard] to the perquisite of a proof bottle of spirits out of each Inspected Cask, against which they protested in strong terms; asks whether the Surveyor is the only person who has the power to put inspectors on board of vessels.
A.Df.S. 10 pp. 32 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Sec. Hamilton 27 July 1792.
1792 Aug. 1
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[738]
Has enclosed a copy of a letter to the Collector of Philadelphia about the proofs of seven hogsheads of rum sent to Mr. VanWyck in Baltimore; upon examination of the rum and the certificates, Mr. VanWyck thought the rum had been certified to be of a higher proof than it really was; Delozier investigated and found that, due to the use of inaccurate instruments, this was true; since then, the Surveyor [Ballard] has used other and more accurate instruments; this is the day appointed for the trial of the rum, but the judge did not arrive, and the court is adjourned till tomorrow; Delozier hopes those gentlemen will loose their property, as well as `their reputation' ; the Secretary of the Treasury has sent the opinion of the Attorney General [Edmund Randolph] about the fees for services performed according to the coasting law,
60 cents for qualifying to a manifest, 25 cents for a permit to depart; this will increase the fees collected at this office, on account of the many clearances.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 37.5 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 1. August 1792 From D. Delozier.
1792 Aug. 4
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Elizabeth Town [Hagerstown, Washington County]. To A[lexander] HAMILTON, Secretary of the Treasury.
[739]
Encloses papers to show that a considerable difference has been discovered between the instruments used at Philadelphia and at Baltimore for ascertaining the quality of distilled spirits; the importers of spirits will very probably demand a revision in the amounts of the duties they paid, possibly for the entire time the defective instruments are known to have been in use; this adjustment will be most difficult to make, and cannot be done without explanations at the Treasury; he [Williams] awaits instructions.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the Secy of the Treasy 4 August 1792.
1792 Aug. 11
A[lexander] HAMILTON, Treasury Department. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[740]
Received Williams' letter about the discovery of the inaccuracy of the instruments used for finding out the proof of distilled spirits; regrets the circumstances, but does not see how any remedy can be made as to the past; is not certain he has the power to make restitution, even if he knew how much to make; had the difference favored the importer, it would never have been demanded or paid; best to leave the past untouched and to provide remedies for the future.
Copy in hand of Delozier. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 Aug. 14
[Alexander HAMILTON] Treasury Department. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[741]
Is glad to learn from Delozier's letter of July 25, enclosed in Williams' letter of July 27, that the differences between the Inspector of the Revenue and the Inspectors of the Customs House had subsided; instructions have been sent down, about the duties of inspectors of the customs when they are serving as deputy inspectors of the revenue, and they will receive regular pay for so acting; when he [Hamilton] spoke of the customs inspectors as aids to the Surveyor, he did not at all intend to question or lessen the authority of the Collector [Williams] over the Surveyor [Ballard], and he will support him in maintaining that authority.
Copy in hand of Delozier. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosed with entry 745.
1792 Aug. 15
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Bath [Va.].
[742]
Has attended to Williams' request about the disposal of the stock, but has not yet sold any; consensus is that the stock will not fall in price and is likely to rise; asks further instructions; the bank is a certain source of accommodation in emergency.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 Aug. 16
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Bath [Va.].
[743]
Everybody here and in Harford [County] is well, save little Mary Anna [Hall, dau. of Josias Carvel and Janet Smith Hall] who is probably only teething; there is some hope that peace will shortly be restored in San Domingo; Charles Ridgley and Sam Smith are declared candidates for Congress, and John O'Donnell is said to be a candidate also; I have scarcely seen more canvasing the morning of an Election, than was observable yesterday in our Street, it being Court time and a number of Country People in Town; must give up the idea of visiting Ceresville [Frederick County] or Bath [Va.] this summer, for he is engaged in building, and a young man to whom he had entrusted the care of his mill in Harford [County] has robbed him of five or six hundred pounds, and done all he could to put his [Smith's] property out of the owner's reach; encloses some of the last papers, which give part of the controversy between parsons [Joseph Grove John] Bend and [George] Ralph.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 28.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 10 August 1792 Mr. Wm. Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1792 Aug. 17
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[744]
Because of the delay of the stage until today, he can send the latest number of the Maryland Journal, containing the pleasing but unconfirmed account of Lafayette's success against Namur; A very handsome young girl, niece to D Moore or his wife is to take her tryal this day or tomorrow, for the murder of her [bastar]d child; the family is still at Eutaw [Baltimore County].
A.L.S. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Enclosure missing.
1792 Aug. 22
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[745]
Encloses copies of two letters from the Secretary [of the Treasury]; supposes Williams has been told of the condemnation of the rum, and of the contention that arose about the half accruing to the person who first discovered the fraud; encloses a copy of an official report from the inspector of the revenue to the Supervisor [Ballard] which will show the foundation of the inspector's claim; encloses also an extract from a letter of Mr. [Robert] Purviance to the Secretary of
the Treasury; Williams may compare the two and draw his own conclusions; a public dispute arose at the court house between Mr. Purviance and the inspector of the revenue about their respective claims; at the intercession of the Judge and of Mr. [Samuel] Chase the parties agreed to submit the decision to Mr. [George] Gale who was present; Mr. Jo[hn] Williams told him [Delozier] that Purviance had misunderstood Col. Smith, Mr. McKim and himself [John Williams], and that the three had never intended to convey away any rights that might accrue to them as informers; Delozier, surprised, told him that they had certainly got their information through the three gentlemen; he [Delozier] had not liked the idea of being considered as one of the informers, and would not have done so, but for his [O.H.W.'s] opinion; as soon as Williams suggested their claim, I, immediately, determined to relinquish mine; Gale, who was to review the claims, had to have all the information, so he [Delozier] arranged a meeting of all the interested parties and told his story; his surrender of any rights he might have had, changed the question and Mr. Gale declined to settle it; next morning Delozier and Mr. Gale went to the Judge and Gale told him all the circumstances; in view of the attitude of the three gentlemen, Delozier has given up his claim, but Mr. Purviance declines to do so; Hamilton, Smith, Sanderson and Irwine have been appointed deputy inspectors in the revenue by Mr. Gale.
A.L.S. 8 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
For enclosures see entries 726, 736 and 741.
1792 Sep. 5
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[746]
The enclosed letter was given to him by Col. [Will] Heth on his [Heth's] return from Philadelphia; the law allows forty cents for the measurement of 100 bushels of salt; another section says that a bushel of salt shall weigh 56 pounds and that when an actual bushel weighs more than that, the import duty shall be collected at the rate of 56 pounds per bushel; the measurer claims that he is to have 40 cents for each 100 times 56 pounds of salt, and not 40 cents for each 100 bushels; Delozier asks instructions; wrote to Williams on [August] 22d about a dispute that now subsists over the award for the [detection of the fraudulently entered] thirty nine hogsheads of rum.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Delozier 5 De[cem]ber 1792.
Enclosure missing.
1792 Oct. 8
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Hagars Town.
[747]
Left Williams after dining in Frederick and reached Ceres Ville [Frederick County] in time to have William
[Williams, his grandson] show him the colts, which he thinks a remarkably fine lot; knew the farm to be good land, but not so good as he found it; Ceres Ville is equal to any farm between Hagerstown and Baltimore; left Ceres Ville early, reached Lexington [near Baltimore] by three o'clock and got home the evening of the same day; no news has yet come from Williams' brother [Elie]; G[abriel] Christie, S[amuel] Smith, [John Francis] Mercer, W[illiam] Hindman, W[illiam Vans] Murr[a]y, G[eorge] Dent and Thomas Sprig[g] were elected to congress; [Samuel] Chase... acted in the most arbitrary and outrageous manner as a Judge of the Election so glaringly so that a powerfull party of the mechanics, at the close of the Poll had provided a chair and were determined to hurtle him into it and carry him to the Dock and there leave him to find his way out the best way, he could, they were however prevented by some prudent persons.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 35 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Smith 8 Octr. 92.
1792 Oct. 9
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Elizabeth [now Hagerstown]. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[748]
Is very slowly recovering his strength; he has been able to ride each day; had fever yesterday, but resolved to try again last night to rest without assistance of Laudanum, and did so; alum nauseated him, so he got [Dr. Richard] Pindell to let him omit it; eats rice, milk and an occasional bird, but baked apples and quince do not agree with him; his son Henry is yet languishing and he is uneasy about him; Edward takes his medicine, but little Henry is more passive; Polly nurses assiduously; does not know when he can see Thomas.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1792 Oct. 15
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[749]
A letter from his son Campbell [Smith] said that Williams' health was improving, and that he was expected at Frederick by the end of last week; Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall and Jenny [Hall's wife, and Smith's daughter] were planning to visit Williams at Hagerstown because they had had such bad reports of his health; he [Smith] has written to the Halls to wait until Williams gets back to Baltimore; will send a sulkey to Ceres Ville if Williams thinks it would ease the journey for him; [P.S.] just got his letter of [Oct.] 11.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 35 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Smith 15 Octr 92.
1792 Oct. 29
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To A[lexander] HAMILTON.
[750]
Had thought his stay in the country had restored his health, but on his way home, he had another bad hemmorhage, which reduced me almost to the last extremity; now his physicians recommend a winter in one of the West Indies; does not wish to leave the continent without the consent of the
President and asks Hamilton to get it for him.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 35 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the Secretary of Treasy. 29 October 1792.
1792 Oct. 30
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Alexander HAMILTON].
[751]
Fears that a Maryland Chancery decision will force him to pay a considerable sum for which he became security; cannot raise the money without selling his funded certificates; learns, to his astonishment, that he cannot sell them without violating an act of Congress; if he does not sell them, he may be put into a Maryland jail; Mr. Christopher Richmond, his [Williams'] agent, will call upon Hamilton, to see if Hamilton can help him in this difficulty.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: private To the Sec. of Treasury 30 Decr. 1792.
1792 Nov. 1
Alex[andor] HAMILTON, Treasury Department. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[752]
Received Williams' letter of October 29th and at once went to the President with it; the President consents to Williams' taking the voyago recommended by his physicians; Hamilton assumes that proper arrangements will be made for the conduct of Williams' office while he is gone, and wishes him restoration of his health.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed: A. Hamilton Secy. 1 November 1792.
1792 Nov. 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gov. [Thomas Sim LEE] and COUNCIL.
[753]
Resigns as associate justice of the Court of Oyer and Terminer for Baltimore County, since he can no longer give the court the attention its duties require; his health makes it necessary that he be excused.
Contemporary copy. 1 p. 21 cm. × 17.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 1 November 1792 To Governor andc. Resignation.
1792 Nov. 3
Alex[ander] HAMILTON, Treasury Department. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[754]
Received, by Mr. [Christopher] Richmond, Williams' letter about his stock; believes it is sound, legally, not to apply the law retrospectively, for a retrospective application would invade the rights of property legally owned; warns Williams that the Attorney General does not agree with him.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From the Secy of Treasy 3 Nov. 92.
1792 Nov. 3
David ROSS. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[755]
The bond to Mr. James Chapline was for Company transactions, and Mr. [Richard] Henderson is the acting Partner, in charge of the funds of the Company; Ross has given Henderson the letter from the executors [of Col. John Stull]; if Henderson does not satisfy the bond, Williams' putting it into the hands of an attorney will not lessen Ross' esteem for Williams.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: David Ross Novemr. 3d, 1792.
1792 Nov. 4
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Richard HENDERSON.
[756]
Wrote last week to Ross and Henderson, asking that their bond to James Chapline, in the hands of the estate of John Stull, be paid; understands that Mr. Henderson is the active partner, and so asks an immediate answer from him; must go to the West Indies for his health, and must therefore leave behind directions for the recovery of all debts.
Contemporary copy. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Mr. Richard Henderson 4 November 1792.
1792 Oct. [Nov.] 7
Sharp DELANY, Philad[elphi]a. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[757]
The Martha, Capt. Moll, sails for Barbadoes [W.I.] on Monday or Tuesday next; the vessell excellent and the Captn clever; thinks that, if Williams finds it convenient, it is a good opportunity; will make such provisions for the voyage as Williams directs.
A.L.S. 1 p. 24 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Sharp Delany Esqr 7 Novemr. 1792.
Postmarked: 7 No[vember]. Dated by Delany: 7th Octr 1792.
1792 Nov. 7
Rich[ar]d HENDERSON, Bladensburgh. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[758]
Received Williams' letters of October 31 and November 4; Williams is right in thinking that he [Henderson] is the surviving, and so the active, partner in the business with Dr. Ross' devisees, but that concern has only property, not money in hand; he will try to borrow the money if he can; the distress of James Chapline and the desire of Ross and Henderson to protect the legal title to land of great value, dependent for years on equity only, induced them to take a bond from Chapline; they hoped it would come into the hands of someone able to wait for a time, with interest alone; considering Williams' situation in regard to Col. Stull's estate, they cannot ask him to wait in that way; Ross and Henderson have plenty of goods on hand, but they do not want to sell on credit, though a fury has got into Retailers to
do so; their works are in good order, they do not need to buy much or to make many repairs, but it will take time to sell enough to clear the concern of debt.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Henderson 7 Novemr. 1792 Un.
1792 Nov. 8
[William COOKE]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e.
[759]
Since he wrote to Williams recently, he has received Williams' letter with the bond enclosed, and Mr. [Randolph Brandt] Latimer has also shown him so much of Williams' letter [to Latimer] as relates to him [Cooke]; sorry to find that Williams' health makes a voyage to the West Indies necessary; Williams may be sure he [Cooke] will get the business before the Chancellor settled to Williams' advantage; But you know [Luther] Martin must be here and of late he has done so little in the States business that every Thing has been... at a stand.
A.L. Signature cut out. 1 p. 19.5 cm. × 15 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: W. Cook Esqr 8 Novemr. 1792.
1792 Nov. 8
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To John T. MASON.
[760]
Is going, in a week, to Barbadoes [W.I.] or some of the Windward Islands, for his health, and has not had time to meet Mason's claim against the estate of John Stull; however, Andrew Adams has just promised, with great seeming sincerity, to pay what he owes him [Williams] as soon as he gets his wheat ground and his flour to market; if Adams does not do so, Mason may take what steps he needs to, to compel him to do so, and pay himself from the proceeds; Mason will oblige him, if, when Adams pays, he takes part of the money to discharge a bond from the late Colonel Stull to John Galloway, dated August 31, for [UNK]35, with interest; Mason will keep the balance until he sees him [Williams] again.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To John T. Mason Esqr. 10 Novemr. 1792.
