Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 2/8)
Maryland Historical Society
 
  

Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 2/8)
Maryland Historical Society

Contact Information:
Manuscripts Department
Maryland Historical Society Library
201 West Monument Street
Baltimore MD 21201-4674
410.685.3750
Fax: 410.385.2105
library@mdhs.org
www.mdhs.org

[1782]

Thad[deus] KOSCIUSZKO. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[172]

Glad to get letter from Williams; enemy to leave Charleston [S.C.] in 2 months; Quator House is evacuated; Tories much alarmed and confused; hard to tell rascals from honest men; looks forward to seeing Williams in Baltimore; Williams would have no chance with Miss Nancy Elliot against Col. Moris [Morris], for Morris was ill at her house a month and gained her affections; asks Williams to let Mrs. Hayne know where her son is.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 21 cm.

1783 Jan. 1

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia. To General George WASHINGTON [Newburgh, N.Y.].

[173]

He had told Washington that a general was resigning but the resignation is now improbable, and he [Williams] cannot get that place; war office said to be contemplating reorganization of all the independent corps, cavalry especially; he recommends legionary plan for cavalry and has been talking with the Secretary of War [Maj. Gen. Benjamin Lincoln]; if Congress should order a general to take command, he would be glad to be appointed.

A.Df.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed: D. and in different ink: to the President.

1783 Jan. 1

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia. To General George WASHINGTON [Newburgh, N.Y.].

[174]

He has told Washington that a general was going to resign; this now seems improbable; there is another chance for him [Williams] to get employment; War Office said to be planning to reorganize all the independent corps,

especially the cavalry; he recommends legion plan for cavalry; has been talking with War Office and would be glad to be appointed to head it.

A.Df.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed: To His Excellency, Gl. Washington 1st January, 1783.

1783 Jan. 3

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia. To Maj. Gen. Benjamin LINCOLN [Secretary of War].

[175]

Is told by Captain [William] Jackson that all corps not attached to particular lines or Gen. Hasens [Moses Hazen] regiment are to be brought together under the command of one officer; if a general is to be appointed, he [Williams] would be glad to have the appointment.

A.Df.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

1783 Jan. 6

Council of Maryland, Annapolis. To General Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.

[176]

Commission of Williams as naval officer, 4th District, Baltimore County.

Printed form signed by John Rogers, chancellor. 1 p. 20.5 cm. × 32 cm. State of Maryland seal.

Endorsed: O. H. Williams Commission Naval Officer Marylande.

See: Archives of Maryland, XLVIII, 338, 339.

Missing

1783 Jan. 6

Council of Maryland, In Council [Annapolis].

[177]

Extract from council minutes: council considered appointment of a naval officer for 4th [Baltimore] district; resolved that member of the Assembly was ineligible; that an army officer was ineligible before he resigned; that an officer on half pay was eligible; that Williams should be appointed.

Contemporary copy signed by T. Johnson, Jr. but not in his hand. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

See: Archives of Maryland, XLVIII, 337, 338.

1783 Jan. 6

Council of Maryland, Annapolis. To General [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[178]

Notification of his appointment as Naval Officer of the Baltimore District.

Signature torn out. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed: From Govr. Paca.

See: Archives of Maryland, XLVIII, p. 339. [The date is given here as January 7. On the letter 7 was changed to 6.]

1782 [i.e. 1783] Jan. 8

Nathanael GREENE, General Headquarters Charles Town [Charleston, S.C.]. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[179]

Received yesterday a letter, dated Philadelphia, November [1782], and answers at once though on point of setting out for Georgia; glad Williams is going to headquarters; he can learn much that Greene wants to know; enemy gone but country

is defenceless; army provisions hard to get; troops are hutting on James Island [S.C.], healthy and need only provisions; he [Greene] living in Governor [John] Rutledge's very elegant house; Mrs. G[reene] has been to a city ball; Kosciuszko will write to Williams; glad Williams has got his health; [Brig. Gen. Mordecai] Gist leaves in the spring; [Brig. Gen. Anthony] Wayne's health poor; Williams may be ordered down; Mrs. G[reene] is Williams' friend and sends her compliments.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 38 cm. × 23 cm.

Endorsed: From Gl. Greene No. 5 8 January 1783.

1783 Jan. 9

S[amuel] SMITH, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Philadelphia].

[180]

Williams got han[d]somest appointment in this State against numerous and respectable competion; State will ever prefer to appoint officers rather than civilians; Williams now rich, for appointment is worth 1,000 guineas and he has his half pay; [Benjamin] Stoddert says Williams must resign his commission but may keep his half-pay; Williams must hurry home for no business can be done till he arrives; Mrs. Smith asks him to bring her 50 yards of Curtain line and 17 Tossells for a bed.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From my true friend Sam Smith Jany 1783.

1782 [i.e. 1783] Jan. 12

G[eorge] WASHINGTON, Headquarters, Newburgh [N.Y.]. To Brig. Genl. [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[181]

Acknowledges Williams' letter of 1st instant; unaware of any plans to organize the independent corps or to reorganize the cavalry; if any arrangement should be made to give Williams a command suitable to his rank without injuring another, it will be extremely satisfactory to me.

L.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.

In hand of Benjamin Walker.

Published in The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799, John C. Fitzpatrick, ed., vol. XXVI, p. 31.

1783 Jan. 15

General Assembly of Maryland [Annapolis]. To Major General [Nathanael] GREEN[E].

[182]

Address signed by the President of the Senate [George Plater] and by the Speaker of the House of Delegates [T. Cockey Deye] and sent to the General by the Governor [William Paca] and Council; testimony of the General Assembly to the value of the services rendered to the United States by the General; request that the General report to such Maryland troops as he has, the value the state sets upon their sufferings and their services.

Copy signed by William Harwood, clerk of the House of Delegates. 2 pp. 37 cm. × 21 cm.

Published in Votes and Proceedings, House of Delegates, November 1782 session, pp. 93, 94.

1783 Jan. 15

William JACKSON, major, War Office. To President of Congress [Elias BOUDINOT, Philadelphia].

[183]

Lays before Boudinot a letter from Brigadier General Williams; unlikely that Williams will get a command, therefore necessary to recommend letting him retire; is persuaded Congress will let him retire with the emoluments allowed to supernumerary officers.

Contemporary copy. 1 p. 33 cm. × 21 cm.

Endorsed: Letter from, etc.

On same sheet with entry 185. Enclosed with entry 187.

1783 Jan. 15

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia. To Major [William] JACKSON, Asst. Secy. at War [Philadelphia].

[184]

Major Edwards, Depy. Adjt. Gen., Southern Army, tells him number of Maryland and Delaware troops is so reduced that there is no place for him [Williams] or [Brig. Gen. Mordecai] Gist in the south; Gen. [George] Washington has said there was none in the north; Maryland offers him a good employment which he cannot hold with his military commission, therefore he would like to retire on half-pay; asks Jackson to act soon, since no vessel can leave Baltimore until he [Williams] arrives there.

A.Df.S. 4 pp. 21 cm. × 17 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To the Secretary at War.

Missing

1783 Jan. 16

By the United States in Congress [Philadolphia].

[185]

Letter of [January] 15 from War Office and one from General Williams were had, asking that Williams be allowed to retire with emoluments allowed to retiring officers; resolved that this be permitted; extract from minutes.

Contemporary copy sent by Jackson to Williams. Signed by Charles Thompson, secretary to Congress.

See: Journals of the Continental Congress, Library of Congress edition, vol. XXIV, p. 47.

On same sheet with entry 183. Enclosed with entry 187.

1783 Jan. 16

By the United States in Congress Assembled [Philadelphia].

[186]

Letter of [January] 15 from War Office and one from Gen. Williams were read, asking that Williams be allowed to retire with emoluments allowed to retiring officers; resolved that this be permitted.

Copy signed by Chas. Thompson, secy. 1 p. 31 cm. × 20.5 cm.

Endorsed: Resolution of Congress respecting Brigadier Gen'l. Otho Williams.

See: Journals of the Continental Congress, Library of Congress edition, vol. XXIV, p. 47.

1783 Jan. 20

[William JACKSON] War Office, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[187]

Glad to tell Williams that Congress readily let him retire on supernumerary pay; encloses copy of his [Jackson's] letter to Congress and the resolve of Congress; urges Williams to continue his friendship.

A.L. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

For enclosures see entries 183 and 185.

1783 Jan. 20

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Governor [William] PACA [Annapolis].

[188]

Acknowledges receipt of commission as naval officer and thanks governor and council for it.

A.Df. S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.

1783 Jan. 28

Robt. DENNY, Lieutenant 5th Md., Annapolis. To Gen. [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[189]

Since Captain [Samuel] Godman declines to be deputy naval officer, he [Denny] would like the appointment, since he is leaving the army and must find employment.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Denny 28th Jan. 1783 Appointed at [UNK]150 p an.

1783 Feb. 1

[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Balt[im]o[re]. To [William JACKSON].

[190]

Very serviceable and opportune that Jackson got Congress to let Williams retire on half-pay; Naval Office so highly esteemed that the discontented murmured that he [Williams] was ineligible; his friends helped and Jackson's letter gave a conclusive parry to the last push of his adversaries; has had to learn the duties of his office, and to retrieve the respectability of an Office which has lately been badly executed so has had no time to write; if letters from [George] Washington or [Benjamin] Lincoln come, Jackson will please make Williams' excuses for not attending to the business of the Independent Corps; Jackson will please present his compliments wherever they are applicable or acceptable.

A.Df. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 18.5 cm.

1783 Feb. 3

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k Town, Md.

[191]

Has heard of the death of Mr. [John?] Hanson and though he does not believe it, asks Thomas to let him know at the very first opportunity; Thomas, who knows his pride, can understand what keeps him in Baltimore; some of his numerous competitors were troublesome to the Gov. and Council, saying that he [Williams] was ineligible to be Naval Officer; he had, however, straightened that out with Congress before he left Philadelphia; his half pay is as secure as half pay ever is; the late

Deputy Naval Officer... was exceedingly disobliging to me,... behaved sullenly and with reluctance reliquished the Office papers to me in a state of complete confusion; was pestered with applications, and his brain was half turned with dissipation; did not know whom to trust as a deputy or clerk; bundled all the papers into a little room; the next day began business as naval officer and has applied himself to it assiduously ever since; is now competent to do the business and in a few weeks he will have a trustworthy deputy; will soon be at Thomas' houso; no news, and no one knows anything about the rumbling reports of peace; the Financier, a handsome ship from Baltimore with tobacco, was carriod into New York, to the great loss of some of his [Williams'] friends; Is not a little stew'd Quaker excellent this weather?

A.L.S. 3 pp. 34 cm. × 21.5 cm.

Endorsed: From Genl. Williams Feby 3, 1782.

1783 Feb. 11

Thad[dous] KOSCIUSZKO, Charles Town [Charleston, S.C.]. O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[192]

Everyone crying for money; has written to Williams many times; Army on James Island [S.C.], beautiful healthy site; Moris [Morris] has married Miss Nancy Elliot; our friend has left the Army; rich girls and widows being sought for marriage, as all the riche of the first class are married already except Miss Mott, Mrs. Charles Elliot is married to Beresford; Augustine pirates plunder the coast; Lord Charles Montague brought to Wilmington [N.C.] and paroled; urges Williams to write to him.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 37.5 cm. × 23.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Kosciuszko 11th Feby 1783.

1783 Feb. 11

[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.

[193]

Lamentable part of a letter from Thomas gives him pain; sorry for the declining state of our mutual friend; but neither Mrs. Obryan nor Miss P--P-- are any loss to... [Williams]... one gone to Heaven, the other to Virginia, very different directions truly, but according to the Xtian creed both may meet again; honest Naval Officer sure to be unpopular, but an honest man can so execute the laws as to throw blame on government, and put the emoluments, if there are any, in his pocket and give the Devil his due; know no girls who are not melancholy, foolish, or shrewish.

A.Df. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 18.5 cm.

1783 Feb. 16

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Luther MARTIN, attorney general of Md.

[194]

Old law said assessors' accounts [for 1781] must be settled by December 5 of that year; are vessels arriving after December 5, and before January 1, 1782 liable to the assessment; if not, must their cargoes pay duties; when do the

laws go into effect, 1st day of session or last; Martin's decided opinion... will very much oblige.

Copy 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To Luther Martin Esq. Attorney General, 16th February 1783 Copy.

1783 Feb. 18

Jos[eph] CARLETON, paymaster, Pulaski Legion, Philadelphia. To Brigr. Genl. Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[195]

Received letter from Williams under cover to Major [William] Jackson; lost a memo from Williams about the seals and the Ivory curiosity; has ordered engraver to hurry the office seal; ordered an oval one as more fashionable; whole city crying peace, peace, except Tories; all prices have fallen save those for shaving Tories; Tory faces are so much longer that a barber must have twice as much to shave them; has sent to Williams' care a package of pamphlets for Mr. Robert Dick of Bladensburgh: if Williams can get them to Stoddert in Annapolis, he will get them to Mr. Dick.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Carlton 18th February 1783.

[1783] Mar. 17

Thad[deus] KOSCIUSZKO, Charles Town [Charleston, S.C.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[196]

Williams said in a letter to Pendleton that Kosciuszko had not answered his last letter, but he did not deserve the reproach; Williams grows warmer in friendship in proportion to distance and time; Edwards told him [Kosciuszko] that Williams spoke so well of him, that he [Edwards] could not recognize him; wishes he were like the description.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed: From Kosciuszko 17th March, 1783.

1783 Mar. 18

[Gen.] Henry LEE, Stratford, Virginia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[197]

Has been intending to write ever since he heard that Williams had established himself in his own country; delighted to hear how Congress and his own country [Maryland] have honored his military services; introduces to Williams Mr. [William Augustine] Washington, a gentleman and his neighbor; asks Williams to help Washington with his [Maryland] business; hopes that Williams will prosper.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 37.5 cm. × 24 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: H. Lee 18 March 83 recd

7th May 83.

1783 Mar. 18

O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To Gov. [William] PACA.

[198]

Governor's letter of March 15th supposes he [Williams] has public money in his hand and he has not; merchants may take 5 months to pay duties, and they incline to do so; hopes to persuade some to pay now and hopes that if the governor must draw on him he will give a few days' leeway; must settle with Treasurer about April 10, and can then give governor a report; begs governor to believe in his devotion to public interest.

Copy by Williams. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed: To Gov. Paca March 18, 1783 Copy.

For Paca's letter of March 15, 1783, see Archives of Maryland, XLVIII, 382 (Liber 78, p. 429).

1783 Mar. 22

[Maj.] Wm. [Leigh] PIERCE, jr., Head Quarters, Charlestown, South Carolina. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[199]

Why has Williams not answered a long letter from him; protests his love for Williams; leaving army for mercantile life in the Havannah; asks Williams to recommend him and sends a copy of General [Nathanael] Greene's testimonial of him; no news and not inclined to believe reports of peace; Mrs. Greene very ill with a nervous Head-ache; a dozen Doctors are trying to cure her, but he thinks she needs only Rhode Island air to aid her recovery.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 19 cm.

Enclosure missing.

1783 Apr. 11

N[athanael] GREENE, Head Quarters, Charlestown [S.C.]. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[200]

Has no time to write; has been having disputes with Governor [Benjamin Guerard] who claims the sole right of sending flags and receiving them; none but a lunatick would have claimed the sole right, but Governor's obstinacy may force Greene to do what of all things I wish to avoid; principles of confederation is not sufficiently understood to mark out a proper line between the particular States and the United States; Williams was wise in resigning from the army; Pearce [Pierce?] going to West Indies; Mrs. Greene in bad health and is going north soon; Greene will go north if there is peace; in act of setting off for Fort Moultrie [S.C.] with Kosciuszko; bids Williams remember him to [Samuel] Smith, [James] McHenry, [John Eager] Howard, and Colhoun.

A.L.S. 8 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From [General] Greene 11th April 1783.

1783 Apr. 23

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Annapolis. To Major EDWARDS [Charleston, S.C.?].

[201]

After the theatre last night, Williams wrote General [Nathanael] Greene a long letter which Edwards may see; Mr. John Smith is Williams' friend and Edwards will please befriend him; give his love to Jim Hamilton, [Will] Pierce,

Kosciuszko, [William?] Burnett, Morris, etc.; knows Edwards is a man of honor, how this conforms with your want of veracity, you must answer.

Copy. 1 p. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: to Edwards, 1783.

1783 May 8

[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Annapolis. To [Henry] LEE.

[202]

Acknowledges receipt, May 7, of Lee's letter of March 18; will help Mr. [William Augustine] Washington when he asks help; thanks Lee for good wishes.

Copy. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

1783 May 8

O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Annapolis. To William PIERCE, Havanna.

[203]

Pierce's letter of March 22 is first he has had from him since he [Williams] left the Southern Army; Pierce has his warmest wishes; whatever he can do, he will do; his situation in Baltimore may enable him to help Pierce in the future, but just now he is still unsettled; involved in a little love affair which postpones everything else; wishes Pierce good fortune and happiness.

In hand of Robert Denny; initialed by Williams. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To Capt. Wm. Pierce Havanna 8 May 1783.

1783 May 8

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Annapolis. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k Town, Md.

[204]

Does not care what his friends say, so long as it is the truth; it is true that he [Williams] is engaged to Miss S.; Sophia is so closely confined, or watched when she's from home, that I cannot possibly speak to her. Once only since I saw you have I pressed her to my Heart.... The father is biased by the mother; worried about Mr. [John?] Hanson; Society will suffer if Hanson dies; has made no enquiries about what Thomas is doing in either politics or gallantry; will see Thomas soon.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed: Gl. W. 8 May 1783.

1783 May 10

[Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Forest of Needwood, Md. To William HAYNE.

[205]

Statement of Hayne's account with Williams; cash for Hayne's expenses for the journey from South Carolina to Maryland, [UNK]9/11; cash paid for a violin and strings, [UNK]15/0/6; cash given Hayne at Frederick and Hagerstown; cash paid Mr. Lee, Zane Taylor, Mr. Shryock, Thomas Mugg, Mr. Boothe, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Morgan, on Hayne's account; To Mr. Bond for --- I know not what, [UNK]6. 18. 6; 2 pair of cotton stockings and one pair of fine ones for [UNK]2/6/8; a suit of clothes, and another pair of nankeen

breeches and vest, 2 pocket handkerchiefs and a furred hat [to a grand total of] [UNK]125/6/4; received from Hayne [UNK]85 from the sale of a Negro boy and [UNK]50/12/6 in cash from Mr. W. Webb of Philadelphia; acknowledged as just and true by Hayne; [period covered] 1782-May 10, 1783.

In hand of Williams, with acknowledgment signed by Hayne. 2 pp. 24.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Hayne Account.

1783 May 15

Minutes of meeting of half-pay officers at Annapolis which accepted 5 years' full pay in lieu of half pay for life; copy of resolution of acceptance, naming Williams to signify acceptance; encloses list of names.

[206]

In hand of Williams; signed by Nat. Ramsey, secy. 1 p. 32.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.

For enclosure see entry 207.

[1783 May 15]

List of Maryland officers, arranged by rank.

[207]

Genl. [Otho Holland] Williams

Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall

Col. [John] Gunby

Col. [Nathaniel] Ramsey

Col. [Thomas] Woolford

Col. [John Eager] Howard

Col. [Alexander Lawson or Samuel?] Smith

Maj. [John] Davidson

Maj. [Benjamin] Brookes

Maj. [Johnathan] Sellman

Maj. [William Dent] Beall

Capt. [Elisha?] Williams

Capt. [Jacob] Brice

Capt. [Thomas] Mason

Capt. [John] Gassaway

Capt. [James] Bruff

Capt. [Richard] Anderson

Capt. [?] Dorsey

Capt. [James McCubbin] Lingan

Capt. [John] Mitchell

Capt. [Gassaway?] Watkins

Capt. [William] Lemar [Lamar]

Capt. [Luke or Joseph?] Marbury

Capt. [Perry] Benson

Lt. [Thomas] Boyd

Lt. [?] Beall

Lt. [Joseph] Cross

Lt. [Edward or Nathan?] Wright

Lt. [James] Bagues [Bacques]

Lt. [Issac] Rawlings

Lt. [Nicholas?] Gassaway

Lt. [Jacob] Crawford

Lt. [Arthur] Harris

Lt. [David] Luckett

Lt. [?] Hanson

Lt. D[aniel] Jenifer

Lt. I[saac] Hanson

Dr. William Kilty

Capt. [James] Som[m]ervell

Dr. [Gerrard] Wood

Lt. [Thomas] Dyson

Lt. [William] Smoot

Lt. [William or Samuel?] Hanson

Lt. [Nathan] Smith

By their representatives

Capt. [Adamson] Tannehill

Capt. [Thomas Hussey] Luckett

Capt. [Rezin] Davis

Lt. [Elijah?] Evans By Capt. Lingan

Maj. [John] Lynch

Capt. [Richard] Waters By Col. Howard

Capt. John A. Hamilton

Lt. [?] McFaddin By Capt. Brice

Lt. [Robert] Denny By O. H. W.

Capt. [David] Lynn

Lt. [John] Lynn By Lt. Lamar.

In hand of Otho Holland Williams. 1 p. 32 cm. × 20.5 cm.

Endorsed: Meeting of Offrs Md. Line Commutation of Halfpay.

Enclosed with entry 206.

1783 May 21

[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To Mr. [Samuel] CHASE [judge in Maryland].

[208]

Chase promised to help revise Maryland import laws so Williams sends him information about inconvenience of present laws; laws on commerce never published so are known only to officers executing them; merchants say that in other ports they pay duty only on goods put on shore; naval officer in Maryland has no discretion and must collect tonnage and other duties whether vessel lands cargo or not; law vague on whether tonnage is to be paid on entrance or on clearance; law says 1% ad valorem but how is that 1% to be ascertained; Williams has hitherto demanded no duties on goods produced or manufactured in any of the United States and brought thence to Maryland; impossible to prevent clandestine imports; if as Congress recommends, the General Assembly creates a collector of import duties, Williams' office will be extremely insignificant; he hopes for Chase's influence.

Draft in hand of Robert Denny. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To Mr. Chase, 21st May 1783.

1783 May 22

Thomas FRENCH [Captain in De Lancey's Corps], Now York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[209]

On evacuation of Charles Town [Charleston, S.C.], [December 14, 1782] French left letter for Williams and enclosed in it one for his [French's] brother; brother did not get his, therefore Williams protably did not; thanks Williams for getting [UNK] for a friend of French and for his inquiries about French's death during siege of [Fort] 96; hardly probable that they will ever see each other again so he bids Williams adieu and wishes for him every earthly happiness.

A.L.S. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Thos. French 22d May 1783.

1783 June 4

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Nav[al] Off[icer], Baltimore. To Governor [William] PACA [Annapolis].

[210]

Encloses copy of letter from Chevalier D'anmours, consul-general of France; asks Governor and council to say whether he is to accept the security the Chevalier suggests for the payment of duties on French ships and cargoes.

Copy by O.H.W. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Copies letters to His Excy. Govr. Paca and to the Consul of france 4th June 1783.

On same sheet as entry 211.

Enclosure missing.

For reply of Governor, see Archives of Maryland, XLVIII, 429, 430 (Liber 78, p. 444).

1783 June 4

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore]. To Chevr. [Charles Francois Adrien Le Paulinier] D'anmours, consulgeneral of France to the United States.

[211]

Letter received from D'anmours will be sufficient security for all [French] vessels arriving, until the state council instructs him in answer to his question, the Laws of the State being silent on the case.

Copy by O.H.W. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Copies letters to His Excy. Govr. Paca and to the Consul of france 4th June 1783.

On same sheet as entry 210.

See: Maryland Historical Magazine, I: 241-246, Soptember 1906.

1783 June 10

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY [lieutenant colonel], Annapolis. To General [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[212]

Williams will receive herewith names of half-pay officers; Banks and Co. in Charles Town [Charleston, S.C.] have bought up all the Southern Army certificates; many have been sent on to Major Forsythe to be disposed of; Banks and Co. said to have got them at 20 to 1 and sold their goods at 3 prices; Ramsey thinks a good bit may be picked up at 5 to 1 exclusive of interest; has laid out [UNK]200 in that manner, of which [UNK]79 was Williams'; if Williams sends him more he can lay it out in the same manner; Williams had better ride down [to Annapolis] before he goes to Philadelphia; all are well; no news.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: fr. Col. Ramsey 10th June 1783. On margin of p. 4, Williams noted [UNK]3775.

1783 June 10

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Elias BOUDINOT< president of Congress, Philadelphia.

[213]

Signifies to Congress assent of the Maryland half-pay officers to the offer by Congress of 5 years' full pay in lieu of half-pay [for life].

A.L.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Proceedings of the Committee of Officers at Ann[apoli]s May 15, 1783.

1783 July 2

[Nathanael GREENE] Headquarters [Charleston, S.C.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[214]

Glad to hear by Williams' letter of March 21 that his prospects for matrimony and an easy competency are so good; it is said that Williams is courting a very agreeable Lady; Mrs. Greene has gene to Philadelphia and then to Rhode

Island; Greene will follow her in a month; Capt. Pearce [William Leigh Pierce] is in business with Col. White and Major Cole; Capt. Pendleton studying law, but Mr. Cole, Dr. Olliphant's son-in-law, caused him to leave this country [S.C.]; Mr. Fitzhugh will tell Williams all about the duel; Morris is quite the planter; [William?] Burnet has been in business for some time; Capt. Pearce [Pierce] said to be engaged to Miss Fenwick; thanks Williams for hints about reports unfriendly to him [Greene]; must go before a magistrate and swear he had no connection with Banks' business; got [Brig. Gen. Anthony] Wayne and [Lt. Col. Edward] Carrington to examine the whole transaction; if any officers have any prejudice against him, he despise[s] their low suspicions; expects to see Williams soon and will tell him the full history; Mr. Fitzhugh is waiting for letter and vessel is waiting for Fitzhugh.

A.L. Signature cut out. 8 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Gl. Greene No 7 2 d July 1783 to be particularly noticed in Banks' affair and in his love for his [official] family. Mrs. Greene had sailed for Philadelphia at this Date.

1783 July 2

Postlethwaite [William JACKSON], Princeton [N.J.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Elizabeth-Town [N.J.].

[215]

Kosci[uszko] writing by this stage and Jackson's letter is a glossary to his; to have a celebration of our independence at this place on Friday next [July 4]; Liberty is nothing without a Pole, so Kosciuszko will not be able to keep his engagement with Williams; to have illumination, rockets, and racket; [Maj. Gen. Robert] Howe passed through Princeton on way to Philadelphia this morning; Congress have not yet resolved on a permanent residence; the late humidity of the atmosphere has condensed the paths of Princeton to solidity of substance and--mixture; letter is written before 9 a.m. and no juleps.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 20.5 cm. × 16 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Jackson 2d July 1783.

[1783 July 2]

Thad[deus] KOSCIUSZKO [Princeton, N.J.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS [Elizabeth Town, N.J.].

[216]

Congress decided to make illumination on the forth of July, and chose him to execute it; told them he had an engagement in Elizabeth [N.J.] but they insisted; Jackson is his witness that his write foot was forward; heroe of Savana [Ga., Maj. Gen. Robert Howe] has gone to Philadelphia, Elision field for the susceptible hearts; sends his compliments to his West Point friends, especially General [George] Washington, Colonel [George] Nic[h]olas, Colonel [William] Jackson, and Colonel and

Mrs. Brooks; tell Mrs. Brooks that he [Kosciuszko] will go to see her whenever she can receive me in a silk gown.

A.L.S. 1 p. 32 cm. × 20 cm.

1783 July 6

W[illia]m PIERCE, jr., [major] at Mr. Lotts. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Somewhere.

[217]

Bids adieu and need not tell you how much I love you; expects to spend his time attaining riches in order to live elegantly and entertain comfortably; not ready to marry yet and when he does, his wife must be kind, benevolent, goodnatur'd, and sensible; is sending this letter by Miss Cornelia Lott, a charming girl.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 32 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: fr. Wm. Pierce July 83 Friendly and unimportant.

1783 July 7

J. UPHAM, Major, Head Quarters, New York.

[218]

The bearer General Williams has the Commander in Chiefs Permission to pass to and from L'long [sic] Island J. Upham Aid-de-camp.

A.D.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed [by Williams?]: Pass-port etc. in New York July 1783.

1783 July 13

[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] New York. To Major [J.] UPHAM.

[219]

Thanks the major for making his short stay in New York so pleasant; will Upham present his most respectful compliments to the C-in-O.

A.Df. 1 p. 25 cm. × 18.5 cm.

1783 July 18

Thomas FRENCH [loyalist captain], New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[220]

Tried to see Williams as soon as he heard he was in New York but he had left before French arrived; has written him twice before, but is sure this 3rd letter will reach him; Mr. Cunningham came to town with him in order to thank Williams; would be glad to hear from Williams especially if he has any intelligence of George; glad to execute any commands; hopes Williams will be happy; intended to send this by Major Franks [?] but Franks left town too soon.

A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Capt. Thos. French 18 July 1783.

1783 Aug. 7

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY [lieutenant-colonel]. To General [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[221]

Wrote yesterday by Captain [Robert] Denny who will also take him a more agreeable epistle; General [William] Smallwood has offered him his two lots adjoining his [Ramsey's] on Monocacy; could purchase certificates cheap if he had money; sends an order payable in 10 days for [UNK]50; would be obliged if

Williams could advance it to him; Smallwood to give up all his purchases; Dick Ridgly or some of Williams' friends might take them up; recollects that it was by Stephen Steward he wrote yesterday.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 31 cm. × 20.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Col. Ramsey 7th Augt. 1783.

1783 Sep. 14

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY [lieutenant-colonel], Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].

[222]

Disappointed not to see him [Williams] on his way through Baltimore; anxious to know whether Williams is likely to receive money for which Ramsey gave him orders; paid [UNK]200 into Treasury for Williams; perhaps he [Williams] will inquire why he [Ramsey] has not received the money from Campbell; encloses Captain Brown's obligation for Morris' notes; will be in Baltimore about October 1; Colonel [Samuel] Smith, by whom he is writing, will give him [Williams] all the scandal and politics of Philadelphia.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 19.5 cm. × 16 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Col. Ram[s]ey 14th Septr. 1783.

Enclosure missing.

1783 Sep. 22

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS. To [William] JACKSON.

[223]

Not pained by Jackson's long silence, save that it was caused by illness; Williams' situation has been singularly cruel, and he still does not know the result of his attachment to an amiable... Girl; thanks Jackson for his letter for our worthy Jack Smith, although Smith had already sailed; Polluck's vessel and cargo seized and held contraband at Havana; will write to Jackson frequently, though it is hard to express one's feelings; Armstrong is one of ours and Jackson will please make Williams' compliments to him and to all we love; Gen. [Nathanael] Greene is sick at Alexandria [Va.] but will be in Baltimore in a few days; if Obryan gave Jackson any money, Jackson will please give it to [Nathaniel] Ramsey who will be at Mr. [Charles Willson?] Peale's.

A.Df.S. 3 pp. 24.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed: To Jackson, 22 Septr. 83.

1783 Oct. 6

W[illiam] JACKSON. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[224]

Writes in a convivial moment; Capt. [Edward] Dyer delivered Williams' letter, and Jackson, to show his delight at Williams' friendliness, invited Dyer to dinner; Jackson will present this gentleman [Dyer] to the Commander-in-Chief and to Gen. [Benjamin] Lincoln [Secretary at War], and hopes he [Dyer] will have their interest; received also Williams' letter of [September] 22d; has private projects of his own which can yield to the interests

of Williams, if necessary; is sufficiently sober to ask Williams to tell Col. [Samuel?] Smith that his request to Mr. Sterret about his sword will have his [Jackson's] best care; asks Williams to introduce him in his absence to his [Williams'] generously explicit Fair One.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

1783 Oct. 14

Ephr[ai]m HOWARD (of H[enry]), Elk Ridge. To Will[ia]m Augustien [i.e., Augustine] WASHINGTON, Balti[mor]e Town.

[225]

Received letter of yesterday; remiss in not answering Washington's offer to receive red money at par; does not need to be compelled to do justice; would have written but did not know where to send letter; Mr. [Richard] Lemmon of Baltimore had an offer on him [Howard] and he relied on him [Lemmon] to pay the balance and told Mr. [William] Hammond so; if Washington will have Hammond get from Lemmon a release of his [Howard's] verbal agreement, he [Howard] will settle the remainder with him in 10 or 12 days; afflicted with rheumatism; sorry to have made Washington think he [Howard] would prevaricate about their engagement.

A.L.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: 1783 Dr. Howards l[et]tre andc andc with Mr. Washington's order for [UNK]43 and Int. Ex[ecute] Unimp[ortan]t.

1783 Oct. 15

Rich[ar]d LEMMON, Balt[imo]re. To Dr. Ephraim HOWARD.

[226]

Mr. [William A.] Washington asked Lemmon for a release of a promise made to him [Lemmon] in discharge of a debt due to Washington; remembers Howard told him he would pay part of the order that week, or order Hoofman and May to do it; this he or they did not do, and Howard's refusal now to pay it puts part of the blame on him [Lemmon] which he refuses to bear; releases Howard from any promise to him, as he claimed no part except for Mr. Washington.

A.L.S. 1 p. 20.5 cm. × 15 cm.

1783 Oct. 16

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Ephraim HOWARD.

[227]

Mr. [William A.] Washington, who has had to stay in Baltimore longer than he expected, needed more money and asked Williams for a loan; showed Williams Howard's letter of October 14 and a letter from [Richard] Lemmon releasing Howard from a verbal promise about a debt which Howard owed Washington; Howard appears to have promised to pay Washington in 10 or 12 days from the date of his letter and Washington therefore left with Williams an order on Howard for [UNK]43 with interest from January 1782; Washington says Howard was to pay in Red money and Williams hopes to hear from Howard at the time set.

Df. 1 p. 24 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed: To Dr. Ephm Howard 16th October 1783.

1783 Nov. 21, 22

State Society of the Cincinnati, Maryland, Annapolis.

[228]

November 20, at the call of Gen. [William] Smallwood, a considerable number of Maryland Line officers met at Annapolis; Smallwood absent so they adjourned till November 21; 11 a.m., they met at Mann's [tavern, Annapolis] and discussed; Smallwood and [Mordecai] Gist still absent so they then adjourned till 3 p.m.; list of those present, 66 names; Williams read System of the Order of Cincinnati; those present concurred and signed; formed Committee of the Whole to elect officers and by ballot, November 22, did so; Smallwood and Gist, president and vice-president, being absent, Williams, sec'y, was directed to notify them and to act as president until one of them took up the presidency; thanked Almighty God for allowing them to return to peaceful citizenship; Gov. William Paca chosen honorary member; Williams, Paca, Smallwood and Ramsey chosen delegates to General Society; Annapolis chosen for annual meeting; future honorary members to apply 3 months before election; system of the Order and these proceedings to be published.

Otho H[olland] Williams, B. General

Nathaniel Ramsey, Colonel

John Eccleston, Lt. Col.

Henry Hardman, Major

John Davidson, Major

William D[ent] Beale, Major

William Brown Major

Jacob Brice Major

Richard Dorsey, Major

Edward Oldham, Major

Henry C. Gaither, Major

Jonathan Morriss, Captain

John Kilty, Captain

William Ryley, Captain

Perry Benson, Captain

Lloyd Beale, Captain

William Lamar, Captain

Michael Bayer, Captain

Benjamin Price, Captain

James Bruff, Captain

William Bruce, Captain

Adamson Tannehill, Captain

Edward Dyer, Captain

Phillip Read, Captain

Edward Spurrier, Captain

Thomas Mason, Captain

Samuel McPherson, Captain

John Hamilton, Captain

George Hamilton, Captain

James Smith, Captain

Francis Revelly, Captain

John Gassaway, Captain

Christopher Richmond, Captain

Mountjoy Bayley Lieutenants, Captain

Nicholas Ricketts

Isaac Rawlins

John D. Car[e]y

John J[eremiah] Jacobs

Samuel Hanson

Samuel B. Beale

John Brevitt

William Pendergrast

Thomas Boyd

Thomas Rouse

Henry Baldwin

Bazel Burgess

Thomas Price Junr.

Arthur Harriss

Thomas A[ndrew] Dyson

Henry Clements

Samuel Edmiston

John T[olson] Lowe

William Smoote

Malchiah Bonham

Hezekiah Foard

Henry H. Chapman

Isaac Hanson

Benj[amin] Fickle

Thomas Beaty

Mark MPherson

John Sears

Physician to the Army

James Craik

Regimental Surgeons

William Kilty

Ezekiel Kaney[?]

Surgeons Mates

John L. Elbert

Gerrard Wood.

In hand of and signed by Williams as President of Committee and signed by John Eccleston as Sec'y.

8 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed: Proceedings of Committee of Officers Instituting the State Society of Cincinnati of Maryland 21st November 1783.

End Book 2

1783 Dec. 10

Ephr[ai]m HOWARD (of H[enry]), Elk Ridge Hill Serene. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.

[229]

Just received from Williams a letter of October 30, in which he spoke of Howard's letter to [William A.] Washington of October 14, and of his [Williams'] letter to Howard of October 16; had thought letter of October 16 was from William Hammond and wrote him [Hammond] an answer to it; had promised to pay Hammond the money in 10 or 12 days and made mistake because he was ill; Mr. John Lewis of Virginia promised to lodge with Hammond in 8 or 9 days more money for Howard than Howard owed Washington; Hammond says Lewis did not do this, therefore Howard can not pay Williams, and does not know when he will be able to do so; will sell property to get money; has been ill for some time; Hammond must have thought him drunk or crazy; his indisposition had created... an imperfection in... [his] intellectual faculties so that he could not do business.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 34.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.

Book 3

1783 Dec. 15

Henry [Light Horse Harry] LEE, jun., Annapolis. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[230]

Got Williams' letter this morning and it adds to his misery; urges Williams to speed up a decision; if the lady is worthy of him, she is sincere, and if she is sincere she will elope; then Gen. [George] Washington who will be in Annapolis in a few days will take it up with the family; was at the Hill a few days ago and talked to Miss S[?] whose answers were not satisfactory and yet encouraging; will try to furnish the cash though his disappointments are complicated.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 24 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From H. Lee, 15 Decr. 1783.

1783 Dec. [18]

[Otho Holland WILLIAMS]. To General WASHINGTON.

[231]

Inhabitants of Baltimore have instructed us to congratulate Gen. [George] Washington on the happy ending of the war; may Heaven reward him.

A.Df. 1 p. 11 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Address to G. Washington.

For complete address see Maryland Journal, December 23, 1783, p. 2.

1783 Dec. 20

John DAVIDSON, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Annapolis.

[232]

Just after Williams left for Annapolis, Davidson received from Philadelphia an address to [George] Washington from the Yankee Club of Stewarts Town, Tyrone, Ulster, Ireland; will Williams give it to the General; Davidson is too ill to get to Annapolis; Mr. Wilkins just setting off and Davidson cannot write more.

A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 21.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: from J. Davidson with the Irish Address 20 Decemr. 1783.

On recto, below Davidson's signature, is written by Williams: The address was `signed in the name of the Society by Alexr. Davidson Chairman From the Yankee Club of Stewarts Town in the County of Tyrone and Province of Ulster Ireland.----- June 7th 1783.'

Enclosure missing.

On same sheet as entry 233.

1783 Dec. 21

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Annapolis. To [George] WASHINGTON [Annapolis].

[233]

Has the honor to present an address to Washington from the Yankee Club of Stewarts Town, Ireland; address came by way of Philadelphia and Baltimore.

Df. on verso of entry 232.

1783 Dec. 31

W[illiam] JACKSON, London [Eng.]. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.

[234]

Glad to have their correspondence renewed; wrote Williams briefly before he [Jackson] left Philadelphia; hurry of his leaving made him bring off Mr. Obryan's note, but he will enclose it with this and send both by Capt. Truxtun; is very busy; plans to return to Philadelphia in March and open a stationery store, selling also hardware, jewellery, musical instruments, music, guns, canes and other things; R[obert] Morris is his patron; hopes for Williams' patronage; will write again soon.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: f[ro]m Jackson 31 Decr. 83.

Enclosure missing.

1784 Jan. 8

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To George WASHINGTON.

[235]

Enclosed letter to Major [John] Davidson authenticates the address which he [Williams] gave to Washington at Annapolis; County Tyrone is very patriotic; in 1775 its innkeepers would not let Mr. [William] Patterson pay

for his fare when they heard he was coming to this Country [America]; Yankee Club of Stewartstown is not unlike the old Whigg Club of Baltimore; sends his best compliments to Mrs. Washington.

A.Df.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed: To G. Washington 8 January 1784.

1784 Jan. 14

O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To [Nathanael] GREENE.

[236]

Delayed writing until he could tell Greene certainly about the outcome of a love affair; The apostacy of the fascinating Sophia astonishes every body -- even her obdurate, malevalent mother hardly yet relaxes her tyrannical severity lest her daugher may be practising a deception, at which she is the most accomplished of any Girl in the World; At a time when I had every reason to expect that she was prepared to execute her own plan and throw herself Under my protection... When I was to bear [her] off... from... a full assembly of the most fashionable people at the Court of the United States,... I received a letter in her own hand... [in which] she proposes an exchange of Letters, and pledges:... [says] that `the only thing in which I can oblige her is never to see or speak of her again,' she owns... `I know my reputation is in your hands'; replied with a recapitulation of all the circumstances and a delicate but poignant censure of her perfidy; nothing can compensate for the wretchedness to which I have been wantonly exposed. I have suffered the extremity of mental misery; has always preserved the strictest propriety; the news is out, and every one except a few particular friends observe a delicate silence on the subject... [she] is universally condemned; does not think less favorably of the Sex, than I formerly did; Kosciuszko will be petrified at all this if he hears of it but he [Williams] does not know where Kosciuszko is: he promised to be here a month ago.

A.Df.S. 5 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To Genl. Greene 14th January 84.

1784 Feb. 27

W[illiam] JACKSON, London [Eng.]. To Otho [Holland WILLIAMS], Baltimore.

[237]

Happiness is not the lot of mortals; has read Williams' letter to [Uriah] Forrest, and, at Forrest's request, is answering it; Williams' letter causes Jackson to congratulate him on his very fortunate escape from a connexion, which promised so little happiness; is sure Williams acted upon principles of the nicest honor; has written to Williams several times since he arrived in England; is sailing for Philadelphia in a few weeks and hopes to see Williams in six weeks.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Jackson and Forrest.

Note by U[riah] Forrest on verso, that he has read what Jackson wrote and bids Williams be himself.

1784 Feb. 27

W[illiam] JACKSON, London [Eng.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[238]

Has already written to Williams by this opportunity, and now wants to tell about his future commercial intentions; is shipping all his goods and intends, when he arrives at Philadelphia, to open a stationery store with a stock of books, prints, maps, stationery goods, fine hardware, plate, musical instruments and music, some jewellery, fowling pieces, swords, pistols, etc.; asks Williams to mention his [Jackson's] intentions to all his friends in the literary, musical, and gay circles; encloses an [important] business letter and asks Williams to find out where Franks[?] is and give the letter a safe conveyance.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Enclosure missing.

1784 Feb. 29

[Dr.] Cha[rle]s McKNIGHT, New York. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[239]

Is writing partly for his own pleasure, and partly on behalf of their old friend, Dr. [John] Cochran; upon the evacuation of [New] York, many persons remained whose political principles were highly obnoxious; one of these, whom Williams knew and condemned most strongly, was Dr. Bailey [Richard Bayley?]; Bailey proposes to remove [from New York] when he has settled his business and vindicated his character; asks Williams to write him [McKnight] a line, telling how he remembers Bailey was regarded when he [Williams] was a prisoner in New York, and how cruel and hostile he was to all American prisoners; has heard Williams express his sentiments about Bailey; the bearer, Dr. Lamure [?] is a very iminent Dentist who is on his way to Virginia at the special request of Gen. [George] Washington; he is a very clever genteel man and well acquainted with Anatomy and Surgery, but chose dentistry as most lucrative; recommends Lamure to Williams' attention.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 25 cm. × 19 cm.

Superscribed: fav'[ore]d by Dr. LeMayuer.

Endorsed by Williams: frm Doctr. McKnight 29th Feby 1784. and Answer. Relative to treatment of Am[erica]n prisoners in N. York.

1784 Mar. 12

Henry [Light Horse Harry] LEE, Stratford [Va.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[240]

Embraces an accidental opportunity to say that in February he sent Williams, by Capt. [James?] Heard, an order for [UNK]120 in his [Williams'] favor; presumes the order has long since been executed; urges Williams not to condemn the whole sex because one very fair has proved herself faithless.

A.L.S. 1 p. 19.5 cm. × 15 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: fm. H. Lee 12 March 1784.

1784 Mar. 12

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS.

[241]

Without much difficulty got to Charles Alexander's on Sunday evening [March 7, 1784] and had a pleasant, lively conversation until almost bedtime; happened then to see [Judge Aedanus] Burk[e]'s pamphlet, which he had never seen before, and of which he professed ignorance; looked over a paragraph or two, and, discovering how much his host's judgment was biased by Burke's views, he took the pamphlet to bed with him; next morning the subject came up again; Mr. Burk's piece is replete with art, but his premises are often false and his cases usually inapplicable; had his friend [Alexander] heard both sides before he formed his judgment, he would have thought less of Burke's performance, but now like a true partizan he uses ridicule when he can not find argument; Williams does not mean to say so much on the subject [of the Cincinnati] again; returned home at noon today and found a notice from the state president [Gen. William Smallwood] for a meeting of the national society at Philadelphia, the first Monday in May [May 3]; Monday afternoon [March 8], he [Williams] got to Miss Lyd's house, and stayed there Tuesday and Wednesday because of a storm; they talked much of Thomas, and Williams promised her one of the kittens the cat is going to have soon; left her yesterday and got to Dr. [?] Pugh's [Dr. Pue?] last night; got here about noon today; [John Eager] Howard is well and is glad to hear from Thomas; has spent this afternoon in a clamorous conversation in a congress of belles and beaux; retorted compliments for those given him, and stole home to write this so that [?] Swartzell or [?] Fair can carry it to him [Thomas] along with a small package.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.

1784 Mar. 13

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Charles McKNIGHT].

[242]

Considers Dr. McKnight and Dr. Cockran among his friends; upon serious reflection, he does not remember ever hearing the name of Dr. Baily [Richard Bayley?] until after the evacuation of New York; the barbarous treatment of prisoners in New York was so general that, of all the British officers, he thinks of only one, Dr. Huddleston, that showed any benevolence; Dr. [James] McHenry and Dr. [Hugh] Hodge, fellow prisoners with him, used to come and dress his wounds; was never in the hospital or in any jail except the provost's; great numbers of dead bodies were dragged in carts past the quarters where he [Williams] lay; thinks McKnight must be mistaken in saying that he heard him [Williams] speak in terms of strong disgust of Baily; remembers Dr. [Samuel Turbott] Wright, captain in the Maryland Line, and sometime aide to Gen. [Anthony] Wayne was in the British Hospital for a little while, and was sent to the provost for commenting too freely on the treatment he received there; thinks possibly McKnight heard Wright's

opinions, for he [Williams] remembers nothing of any definite details of ill-treatment, and he would be unlikely to forget completely.

A.Df.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.

1784 Mar. 25

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k Town.

[243]

It [sic] was sympathy... an undefinable something... [which makes us] often enjoy, or rather endure, the sensation without knowing or thinking of the source; ice gone and vessels coming in; more to do than time will allow and cannot write; [John Eager?] Howard is well, we yesterday returnd together from the forest [of Prince George's County]... [from] an elegant party of pleasure; [P.S.] Love to Mr. Scott and every-Body -- I've not forgot the silk stock[in]gs.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.

Endorsed: G[enera]l W. 25 Mar 1784.

1784 Apr. 3

[Mrs.] Marg[are]t Jane RAMSEY [Annapolis]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[244]

His letter of April 1 has frightened his sister almost to death with anxiety for Col. [Nathaniel] Ramsey; Ramsey left home Sunday to go to Boston in the ship Washenton; he [Ramsey] might have left the ship, and my fears represent the worst; is sending up his carriage, and asks Williams to get to him if he is in Baltimore; this may anger him [Ramsey] but she does not care; hopes soon to have the pleasure of seeing him [Williams] here [Annapolis].

A.L.S. 1 p. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: frm. Mrs. Ramsey 3d. Apl. 84.

1784 Apr. 10

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Col. H[enry, Light Horse Harry] LEE, Jr.

[245]

His answer to Lee's letter by Capt. [James?] Heard must have astonished Lee, and his [Lee's] letter of March 12 confirms Williams' idea that Lee would not have left to chance the payment of the small sum for which Williams had had to ask him; A debt of honor, tho' transferred from one who avails himself of his good fortune to win your money to one who is willing, even beyond his ability, to serve you, is still a debt of honor; this thought and the complicated causes that have so nearly ruined Williams' affairs made it a matter of delicacy for Lee to relieve him [Williams] from the embarrasment which the little mischances of your fortune had occasioned; not every man has refinement enough to reason thus, nor does he think Capt. Heard was aware of his [Williams'] circumstances or he would not have been so unjust and ungererous as to disappoint him [Williams]; Williams' half-yearly account, closed today, shows that he is in arrears to the state, and

he has only ten days to pay the balance; has sent one of his clerks, Mr. Cary, to Lee; if this source of help fails he has only one other, to extend a loan of which he was thinking and on which he would have to pay a premium; must do everything to avoid the mortification of not paying; no excuse that he came poor from the army; hopes to see Lee soon, either here or at Philadelphia.

A.Df.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To Coll. H. Lee 10th April 1784.

1784 Apr. 14

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k Town, Md.

[246]

Is so busy making up his half-yearly accounts that he can not reply fully to Thomas' letter; notices the pathetic part of Miss Lyd[?]'s letter in which she sympathizes with him [Williams] and warns Thomas against the consequences of an indiscreet passion; she [Miss Lyd] is sensible and ingenious; he [Williams] admits he is mortified, but has not the least idea of finding relief in... Death; Thomas' knotty position is an impossibility, for they are now too knowing and so mutually and unreservedly trusted that the case could not possibly happen; he [Williams] would not sacrifice Thomas' friendship for any girl in the universe; yet there is one whom if Thomas should marry, our Friendship, tho' it might not absolutely subside, yet it would never have any pleasing circumstances attending it ------- I will not curse her; asks Thomas to tell [Roger] Nelson that he [Williams] will write letters for him by the next post; Thomas shall have Williams' bust, but his [Williams'] finances are low now and he will order it when he goes to Philadelphia.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed: From Genl. Williams Apl. 14. 1784.

1784 Apr. 17

H[enry, Light Horse Harry] LEE, Jr., Stratford [Va.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[247]

Is most sensibly affected by Williams' letter, sent by Mr. McHay [or McKay] for he [Lee] had thought Williams' money was paid to him in February as Mr. [James?] Heard promised to do; he [Lee] gave Heard an order for cash in Philadelphia amounting to more than [UNK]100, in addition to the [UNK]120 which he [Heard?] himself owed him [Lee]; sorry he did not know of Heard's failure, for he might readily have sent the money to Williams, having almost enough in hand; will raise it and send it within twelve days, cost what it may; any injury to Williams is an injury to him [Lee] also, but when that injury arises from Williams' offices of friendship to him, the injury is doubly keen; McHay [or McKay] will tell him [Williams] what Lee has done and is going to do to raise the money; asks Williams to write to him at Alexandria [Va.] where he is going on [April] 27th on his way to York Town [Va.]; if Williams can get the money at any cost, he is to do so, and he [Lee] will stand the loss; his innocence must be his excuse.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Superscribed: favor of Mr. Coney [or Correy].

1784 Aprl 20

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Mt. Pleasant. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[248]

Got safely to Mt. Pleasant and found his Excellency and lady well; we propose setting out tomorrow morning, after a two-day delay due to the rain; if sickness keeps him [Williams] from getting to Philadelphia, will he send on the certificate of the delegation, and send or bring the orders drawn by the officers for the month's pay.

A.L.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: fm. Coll. Ramsey ----- 20th April 1784.

1784 Apr. 20

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gov. [John] HOUGHSTON [Houston], Georgia.

[249]

Is not personally acquainted with him [Houston] but recommends to him Dr. [John] Nellson [Nelson] who is coming to Georgia to practice physic and surgery; Nelson is not only respectable in his profession, but is also a man of delicacy Sentiment and Honor.

A.Df.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To Govr. Houghston Georgia --20th Apl. 84.

1784 Apr. 27

O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.

[250]

Thomas' prescription comes too late, for he [Williams] is now as much at ease as he has been for a year; intemperance had vitiated him, and the sudden and severe changes of the climate had laid him up; took a dose of salts and next night a couple of alterative pills; lived on tea and barley broth and stayed in the house till a fine day and [John Eager] Howard w[i]th his Phaeton tempted me abroad; rode around over the most beautiful of the hills, and had a fine view of the harbor; then they joined a more beautiful and more agreeable party of ladies; the girls told him he was so much his old self that the only reason he had stayed home a whole week was to get himself a less sallow complexion; was so much pleased with the dear creatures that he has since had a tea party for them in his little parlor and is to have them again every fortnight while he is in town; your [Thomas'] white sattin and Black florentine shall be suited; he and [John Eager Howard] will set out next Thursday or Friday in a phaeton and pair; Mr. [William] Hayne gave his [Williams'] letters for [Dr. John] Nelson to Mr. [?] Ogle of Frederick, and he [Williams] will give the post another to Gov. [John] Houghston [Houston] of Georgia; is invited to drink tea with a family nearly connected with our amiable friend at Elk Ridge; a brig, Capt. Stone,

just came in from St. Eustatius [W.I.] with rum; Mr. Hayne sails tomorrow in the sloop Mercury for Savannah [Ga.]; hears that John Habersham is Lt. Gov. of Georgia, and will send him a letter by Nelson; Mrs. Sappington has had a note from Lyd asking her [Mrs. S.] to urge him not to desert Delia because of the baseness of her sister [Sophia]; Lyd is superior to false delicacy and Delia is dear to her as ever; he is to call there [?] on his way up to the [Warm] Springs [Va.]; Thomas will hear from [?] Warfield; Williams told Warfield to say they would meet Thomas at the Annapolis races, which are to be about May 20.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.

1784 Apr. 27

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS. To William HAYNE.

[251]

Statement of Hayne's account with Williams; paid Mr. Calhoon for cloth and trimmings, [UNK]14. 15. 11½; paid Henry Speck the tailor, [UNK]5. 16. 11; two pair of cotton stockings, [UNK]1. 5; 1 set of gilt buttons for full suit, 15 s.; paid seamstress for making shirts, handkerchiefs and cravats, and for edging and marking, [UNK]2. 4. 4; paid Mr. O Neill for his [Hayne's] account, [UNK]1. 2. 6; cash by Col. [Nathaniel] Ramsey, [UNK]1. 2. 6; balance to be remitted, [UNK]72. 19. 9½; Hayne acknowledged himself indebted to Williams, being the balance... for sundry sums... advanced by him [Williams] for two years Schooling -- Clothing -- Board, washing and lodging and private expences after deducting Eighty five pounds received by him for a negroe Boy -- and One hundred and ten pounds twelve Shillings and six pence Currency to my Credit -- Which balance... I promise to pay or cause to be paid; witness Robert Denny.

Partly in hand of Otho Holland Williams, partly unknown; signed by Hayne and witnessed by Robert Denny. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Mr. William Hayne Ac[coun]t. Bal[an]ce 72.19.9½ Cur[rency].

1784 Apr. 28

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Uriah] FORREST.

[252]

[George Washington] will be in Baltimore this week on his way to Philadelphia for the Cincinnati meeting which he called for the first Monday in May; as a representative of Maryland, he [Williams] will set off with [John Eager] Howard in a day or two; will inform Forrest of anything material that happens; a committee of the Massachusetts General Assembly, appointed to enquire into the nature and tendencies of the Cincinnati, has made an unfavourable and plausable report; Rhode Island is said to be going to disfranchise all her citizens who join the order; all the eastern seaboard states are clamorous against half pay commutation, impost, the Cincinnati, and old uniforms; the people being what they are, this is not to be wondered at, but what does Forrest think of a prejudice in Congress against the order; Williams had thought that because the army is disbanded and the officers

returned to their private lives, they were responsible only to the governments under which they were living; in this he is mistaken; the mutiny at Philadelphia last summer produced a quarrel between Congress and the state of Pennsylvania; Capt. [Henry] Carbury [Carbery] of Maryland was in the mutiny; he entered the service against the wishes of his father who disinherited him for doing so; when the Pennsylvania line was reduced, Carbery was put out of the army with nothing more to live on than a good military name; he [Carbery] was at the barracks in Philadelphia when the Northern Army was afraid it was going to be disbanded without pay or any settlement of its accounts; the troops at Philadelphia, encouraged by some of the citizens, decided to practise upon the fears of the general Assembly then sitting, hoping to extract money; the troops in the barracks at Lancaster [Pa.] heard of this, though not through Carbery, and some eighty or so of them marched upon the city; they insulted Congress and Congress left the city; after Congress had gone, the president of the State [John Dickinson] ordered out the militia; Carbery and [?] Sullivan, an accomplice, advised the soldiers to submit and went off; in a military view, Carbery's action was criminal; after peace was restored, Carbery came back to Maryland and was trying to get himself a pardon; Congress, hearing that he was in Baltimore, appointed a committee to go into the circumstances, and that committee signed a warrant for his arrest; an unsigned postscript to the warrant was in the hand of an able lawyer, one of our representatives, and some more was added by a member from Carolina verbally; Mr. [?] Gassaway was to take Carbery into custody, with the help of Sergeant [?] Dove, and carry him to Annapolis before one of the judges of the general court there, though there was a judge of that court in Baltimore then; Gassaway let Carbery go unattended to Annapolis on his parole; Mr. [?] Golds-borough, one of the judges has gone down for the occasion, and Mr. Harrison is already there; the issue will show whether citizens who have been soldiers are liable to arrest by Congress or like other citizens, they are subject to the laws of their own state only; Baltimore is generally afraid that a power has been exercised that is not warranted by the Confederation of the States; Carbery will probably not be executed; will write again when the matter is settled; hopes that the committee [of Congress] is wrong, at least in the manner of the arrest, for it would be hard if the soldiers should be the only class not entitled to the privileges of freemen; asks Forrest to send to Stoddert for him [Williams] a very plain neat, middlesized gold Wa[t]ch of Wagstaffs make value 20 or 25 G[uinea]s and I will give him the Clinkers.

Df. 2 pp. 40 cm. × 24.5 cm.

1784 May 1

J[ohn] E[ager] H[OWARD], Chester [Pa.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia.

[253]

Detained till noon to get some money for a Baltimore man; drove his [horse] Niggard, who behaved well; likes Ploughboy better every time; left card for Williams at Lee's; bids Williams have the picture for [Dr. Philip] Thomas sent down with his [Williams'] own and the Eagle as soon as possible; sorry Williams will have to lay out money, since he [Howard] is loaded with it; Mrs. A. surprised that she has not seen Williams; Howard vexed at being obliged to leave Phil[adelphi]a; sends his compliments to all his friends there.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 22 cm. × 17 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From J. E. Howard 1st Friday May 1784.

1784 May 4

Society of the Cincinnati, Philadelphia.

[254]

Extracts from the proceedings of the general meeting convened at Philadelphia; Major [George] Turner and Capt. [Abraham George] Claypole were appointed to oversee the engraving, on the copper plate that Major [Pierre-Charles] L'Enfant brought from France, of the diploma of the society in the written form approved by them; the committee for procuring the written form to be engraved were ordered to deliver the copper plate to the secretary or the assistant secretary to be put among the archives.

In hand of Otho Holland Williams. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

1784 May 6

Geo[rge] FRENCH. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[255]

Since Williams' letter, he has been enquiring about the George Town School; it is in high repute now; head master unfortunately a presbyterian Clergyman, but a worthy man; terms one [hundred] pounds a year, board and washing thirty m[ore]; if Williams sends his nephew, French will pay him every attention; meant to send Williams 4 half Joes, but is coming to town in 10 or 12 days and will pay them in person then.

A.L.S. 1 p. 19.5 cm. × 16 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: from George French 6 May 1784.

A half Joe, i.e., a half Johannes, was worth by law [UNK]3 or 9 dwt. gold. (Laws of Maryland, November session, 1781, ch. 16. Passed January 18, 1782) - Editor's note.

1784 May 11

O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Philadelphia. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k Town, Md.

[256]

Can't write, but bids Thomas read the enclosed letter to his [Williams'] brother [Elie Williams] before he sends it on; his mortifications wear off, Philadelphia is full of fine women; will get Thomas all the things he commanded; his troubles will end this week, and the circular letter will show the world another example of the infloxible patriotism of the American officer, that is, of the Cincinnati.

A.L.S. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 23.5 cm.

Endorsed: Genl. Williams May 11, 84.

Enclosure missing.

1784 May 17

Sam[uel] SMITH, Balt[imor]e. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia.

[257]

Concludes from Williams' letter brought by Clyde [Williams' manservant] that the Cincinnati would have expired at once, but for the French member; at present it is important only to those who travel; possibly when the states are more at ease, our heirs may revive it in its original Beauty; wrote to him by the last post and now encloses a draft on John Leary and Co. for [UNK]75 which he [Smith] sent them long ago and which they have not yet forwarded; his [Smith's] wife has been sick for a week; everyone else save Little Bess[?] is well.

A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed: f[ro]m Coll. Smith 15th and 17th May 84.

1784 June 2

Susanna HAYNE, Spring Dale [S.C.]. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[258]

Received Williams' letter of March 10 only two days ago, only the second he has written her since he left Carolina; she has vainly urged Mr. [Thomas?] Shubrick to write to him; when he [Williams] offered to take charge of her son, he proposed through the medium of Mr. Shubrick to transact every business for him [the son], so she felt a little delicacy in writing to him [Williams]; keeps telling William, her son, to thank Williams for his care, and also to thank his [Williams'] sister; it was not neglect, but unforeseen accident that kept William from being regularly supplied; has not previously had any account of William's expenses, and doubts that he has received half of the letters sent to him; sorry she did not get his [Williams'] letter sooner, for her only objection to his placing William at Washington College [Chestertown] was the trouble it would give him [Williams] if William stayed longer in the north; she should have written to him [Williams] direct and not depended on a third person [Shubrick]; plans now to remove to Charleston [S.C.] and put William to a lawyer; sorry William has been such an expense to him, but does not object to any of the items; had she known of the amount due, she would have sent it by Major Edwards who just sailed for Philadelphia; wonders who could have been so cruel as to hint that what Williams did for William was from any other motive than disinterested goodness; if William were home now, he would surely send regards to Williams and to Mrs. [John] Stull; asks about repurchasing the [negro] boy; she has had a severe pain in her head, and enjoys such ill health that she would like to come north this summer.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed by Williams; f[ro]m Mrs. Hayne. 2d. June 1784.

1784 June 9

Geo[rge] NAYLOR, Jr., Magruders Warehouse. To Elie WILLIAMS, Hagers Town.

[259]

Received Williams' letter by Mr. Harrison and another letter from him; did not answer because he hoped to get the tobacco to discharge the debt due Williams; has not collected enough since he left Washington [County], but the inspection is coming along now; hopes to be able soon to remit your Brother [Otho H.] the Notes; hopes to convince Williams that his [Naylor's] intention has always been good.

A.L.S. 1 p. 36.5 cm. × 23.5 cm.

Endorsed by Otho H.: I gave Capt Thos. Harwood Robt. Curtis's Note for 22 Ct [hundredweight] Tobacco pble M. Bayly told me he had recd. the money long after this delivery.

[1784 June 20]

List of medicines and doctor's supplies.

[260]

In hand of John Nelson. 1 p. 20 cm. × 10.5 cm. Enclosed with entry 261.

1784 June 20

J[ohn] NELSON, Savannah [Ga.]. To Oth[o] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[261]

Thanks Williams for his introductory letters; Major [William Leigh] Pierce has already been attentive; not yet decided where to practice; Sunbury, 40 miles south of Savannah, has been recommended and he is going tomorrow to investigate it; physicians are too numerous in this country; cannot get medicines here; will Williams send him what is on his list; will pay for them at sight.

A.L.S. 1 p. 20.5 cm. × 16.5 cm.

For enclosure, see entry 260.

1784 July 9

Thad[deus] KOSCIUSZKO, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[262]

Must at last leave this country, reluctantly because of the number of valued friends he has here; few persons are in the world for whom I have equal regard... as you; asks of Williams a favor with the same frankness he wants Williams to show him; if Congress sets up a peace establishment for the army, will Williams try to have the Maryland delegates appoint him [Kosciuszko] a chief engineer with the rank of brigadier general; would be happy to correspond with Williams on both private and public affairs; is to go at once in the stage to New York, there to embark in the French packet L'aurient [sic]; M. Grand Banquier á Paris will forward any letters to him [Kosciuszko].

A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: fr. Kosciuszko 9 July 1784.

1784 July 13

Will[iam] HETH, Eagle's nest [Va.]. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[263]

Just before he [Heth] left Philadelphia he left a note for Williams at Mrs. Strickland's, in which he asked Williams to send him, by July 4, the resolutions of the general meeting about the state societies [of Cincinnati]; since he did not get them, he concludes Williams did not return from New York; will Williams send them now, in care of Capt. Minor, Petersburg [Va.]; too few at Fredericksburg [Va.], July 4, to do any business; to have meeting in October and for that he wants the resolutions; would like to have the whole proceedings of the general meeting and feels a kind of persuation that Williams will send that, since he would do as much for Williams.

A.L.S. 1 p. 29.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Heth 13 July 1784 Answd 25 July 84.

1784 July 15

[Francois de Barbé] MARBOIS, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[264]

When the minister [de la Luzerne] left Philadelphia, Marbois advanced him the [UNK]70 which Williams had agreed to pay for his horses; has several claims to pay on the minister's account and would be glad to know when it would suit Williams to send the money; Mrs. Marbois sends her compliments and hopes Williams can stay longer in Philadelphia next time than he did this last time.

A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: fm. c. Marbois 15 [July] 1784.

1784 July 20

W[illiam] JACKSON, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[265]

Congratulates Williams on the too long delayed return of his composure; received Williams' letter of [July] 16; Williams gave an excellent reason for continuing the order [of the Cincinnati]; all objections to the order are based on regret or envy, and, the hereditary transmission being done away with, there can remain no valid objection to its completion; as to the objections of the spleen vexed Cassius [Aedanus Burke], [Burke] entered the 2nd. South Carolina regiment as a subaltern and continued to be a lieutenant until he found out that honorable poverty was the only reward to be hoped for; he [Burke] dreads the order only because its rejection of him recalls his motives for leaving the army, and every meeting of the order must place a stigma on him; he [Jackson] has taken a house in Second Street between Walnut and Chesnut, where he will keep his store and also keep bachelors' hall with [Horatio] Gates, [Arthur] St. Clair, [?] Armstrong, [?] Dunn and [?] Edwards; Williams must be his guest whenever he is in Philadelphia, on whatever basis [of paying or not paying]

he chooses; thanks Williams for the commission he procured for him, and hopes his [Williams'] fair friend will be pleased; Williams had mentioned no price limit for the Piano Forte, and since the best instrument that ever came to this country was little more than another not so good, he sent the better one; the price is [UNK]75.15/; Mrs. [Robert] Morris and Col. [Thomas] Hartley have both had an eye on it; the locket is in hand and will be sent soon; Kosciuszko has sailed leaving an address that he desired Jackson to give Williams, too; has found the three letters Williams sent him from New York for transmission to Baltimore; they had been put into a drawer by a servant; he will send them to Williams by the first good conveyance, since they are too bulky for the post.

A.L.S. 8 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

1784 July 24

G[eorge] TURNER, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[266]

Received Williams' letter about the diplomas, and now encloses the original draft of it; will exert himself in the business.

A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: f[ro]m Maj. Turner 24 July 1784.

1784 Aug. 15

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Charles Town, [Cecil County]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[267]

On his return from Annapolis he found the partnership letter, and he thanks Williams for the money he advanced to Mr. [?] Hudson; does not need Williams' caution about October first, for his resources are such that he cannot be disappointed; has a right to draw on Mr. [Charles] Wallace for [UNK]350, but he [Wallace] needs all his money, so, to oblige him [Wallace], Ramsey has made use of Williams' purse, as usual; has directed his manager, Thomas Ramsey, to call on Williams or his deputy, Capt. [Robert] Denny, for what money he needs for some shingles and planks, possibly [UNK]15 or [UNK]20; thinks there are no shares in the [Chesapeake and Ohio] Canal to be disposed of; must return to Annapolis soon but hopes in the course of a month to move up [to Charles Town] for good; expects his lieutenant [Thomas Ramsey?] up by the next packet to take command; has a bushel and a half of locks at Williams' office; will he put them on the packet for [Charles Town].

A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 17.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Ramsey 15 April [sic] 1784.

1784 Sep. 9

A[lexander] SKINNER, at the falls of Ohio. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore, by Mr. [Samuel?] Purviance.

[268]

At the falls of Ohio engaged in Dirty Business of a Preaching Doctor in landjobbing; caring for a man in the last stage of a Bilious putrid fever; may not be able to save him; is Williams composed enough for Skinner to congratulate him on his escape at Strawberry Hill; debilitated off-

of infamous greatness better in that post than Williams would be; rich country, though Indians still scalp a few; sends his love to Sam and Jack Smith if they are still alive and to my Dr. [dear or doctor?] Howard.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: A Skinner 9th Septr. 1784.

1784 Sep. 9

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Millsborough. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS [Frederick].

[269]

Will tell [John Eager] Howard that he will be in Frederick next Tuesday and will wait there till he hears from him [Howard] or sees him; he [Williams] has been away from Baltimore a long time and must be in Georgetown and Upper Marlborough this month, so he does not want to delay in Frederick; he [Williams] and Thomas would be pleased if Howard would come up on October 4th to go to the fair and have dinner with them; dinner or not, he [Williams] will be glad when they meet; is now tolerably at ease.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed: Genl. W. 9 Septr. 84.

1784 Sep. 15

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Charles Town [Cecil County]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[270]

Sends this letter to Baltimore, on the chance that Williams has returned there; the craving 1st of October is near, and, since he has to put his hand in to Williams' pocket, he has made arrangements to discharge the debt he [now] owes him [Williams]; has lodged [UNK]150 with Charles Wallace and [UNK]50 with Mr. Randall, both sums being in specie; Williams will find the money in Annapolis; owes [UNK]132. 10 Virginia currency, payable in Richmond [Va.] about November first; if Williams could have Knox and Maccullouch or some other merchants with Richmond connections take up the bill and receive the money from him [Williams] in Baltimore, he [Ramsey] can get the money to him [Williams] immediately; Williams can answer by return of post or by the packet that comes from Baltimore twice a week; sends Williams a bill on Russell and Ridgley, by way of experiment, since Williams is the best dun in Baltimore; Williams may use the money, converting paper into cash at Annapolis; according to his recollection, he owes Williams something less than [UNK]170, which will leave a balance in his [Ramsey's] favor; is settled now, and ready to receive visitors.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Ramsey 15 Septr. 1784.

1784 Oct. 6

John WHITE, Ass't Comm'r [of Accounts], Annapolis. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[271]

Heard that Williams had returned to Baltimore and decided therefore to ask him about the papers of the Maryland troops for 1781; in closing the accounts of the Maryland

Line, he has tried to get hold of papers that would let him settle it all in one general account; otherwise, each individual would, in person, have to produce his vouchers; has succeeded for 1782 and 1783, but so far has only two muster rolls for 1781; believes the Line was properly mustered for that year, and that therefore the musters must be in existence somewhere; will Williams tell him whether the line was mustered and where the papers may be; the vicissitudes of the Maryland troops in the South make it hard to straighten out their accounts.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm. Seal in red wax attached.

Endorsed by Williams: fm. J. White Esqr Asst. Comr. of Accounts 6th October 1784.

1784 Oct. 9

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Charles Town [Cecil County]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[272]

Money he owes in Richmond [Va.] is because of a bill drawn by Capt. William Fitzhugh; he [Ramsey] wrote to Mr. [?] Stuart, brother-in-law of Mr. [?] Bowley, to accept the bill and transmit it for immediate pay, or to pay the money there and draw for it on sight here; left with Mr. [J.] Randall [UNK]125 in paper, which Randall thought would turn into [UNK]100, at least, in specie and at once; has in Randall's hands, in addition to the bills he gave Williams, [UNK]30 or [UNK]40 specie; has in Ben[jamin] Harwood's hands [UNK]30 or [UNK]40 in paper with instructions to dispose of it; owes Harwood [UNK]60 which, being paid, will leave a balance of [UNK]40; will enclose Williams conditional orders on them [Harwood and Randall] which he thinks will be paid; if they are paid, will he [Williams] take the first opportunity to Richmond to tell Mr. Stewart [sic] that he [Williams] will pay either the bill or his [Stewart's] draft when it comes; expects to see Williams and other friends November 10, so says Captn. Elliott.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: This Letter inclosed two orders One on Mr. Ben: Harwood for balance of an acco[un]t and one on Mr. J. Randall -----Do.----- Both sums indifinite.

Enclosures missing.

1784 Oct. 14

[Frederick William Augustus von] STEUBEN, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.

[273]

Is about to make an appeal to the justice and generosity of the United States; wants repose and loves this country; asks therefore to be allowed to remain its Citizen; if he is disappointed in this, he must go back to Europe and use what resources he can find there; thinks he has a claim to the attention of this nation; the value of his services has been acknowledged and it is not unreasonable to hope for such provision as will enable him to enjoy the distinction; thinks himself somewhat entitled to a genteel and competent support for the brief remainder of his life; expects, as soon as Congress reassembles, to bring his affairs before them; if the

public bodies in the states want his [Steuben's] application to succeed, he would like them to make some intimation to that purport to their delegates [in Congress]; would not suggest that he distrusts Congress, but he has learned that the members of Congress are very properly diffident of adopting any measure which they do not know to be agreeable to the sense of their Constituents; if Williams sees nothing improper in it, he [Steuben] takes the liberty of asking his friendship in the occasion.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm. Seal in red wax attached to cover.

Cover endorsed by Williams: The Baron Steuben 14 October 1784.

1784 Oct. 22

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Baron [Frederick William Augustus von] STEUBEN.

[274]

Just received Steuben's letter of October 14; needs no argument to further Steuben's suit before Congress; U. States have not enough to reward all their servants, but the advantages derived from Steuben's discipline may induce Congress to grant him not only competency but at least an elegant sufficiency; Williams will do all he can to influence Congress.

Copy. 1 p. 22 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed: Coppy of a Letter to the Baron Steuben October 22nd 1784. In the same hand as entry 227.

1784 Oct. 23

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Charles Town [Cecil County]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[275]

Has Williams been to Annapolis and did he get cash for the orders Ramsey drew; did he get cash for the order on Baltimore; did he write to Mr. Stewart at Richmond [Va.]; how are Williams' finances; will Williams please send him by the next packet a hogshead of cheap New England rum; has spent [UNK]300 since he came up, and had expected it to last until Christmas; Mrs. [Margaret Jane Peale] Ramsey sets out next week for a short visit to Philadelphia; when she gets back, about the middle of November, the Canvasbacks will be at their highest perfection, and Ramsey wants Williams to make one of a Gormandizing party from Baltimore.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Ramsey 23d. October 1784.

1784 Oct. 24

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.

[276]

Thomas' two letters by Capt. [David] Lynn came as Williams lay tortured by rheumatism; got back from Annapolis four or five days ago; expects to be well enough in two or three days to come to the [Frederick] races; either Thomas does love the girl or he does not, and he had better get it

settled, one way or the other; Williams believes the lady loves him [Thomas]; John [Hanson Thomas] and the little girls [Catherine and Rebecca] are the only possible impediments, but even their welfare need not stand in the way of his marriage; has some smooth things to say about our sweet friend Miss Lyd; she [Miss Lyd] is to spend the winter in Baltimore; Throckmorton's news is all blab; Williams would not marry a woman who would speak confident[iall]y to him [Throckmorton]; Anna is a good girl... but for a wife -- Education and circumstances would not accord, and her brother's marriage to that Circe, would make that connection more to be avoided; [John Eager] Howard is at Annapolis about his law suit; will send Howard Thomas' letter in a day or so and will write to Thomas about the horses; the tailor, not the rascal that spoiled Williams' good cloth, but the best in Baltimore, has directions about the cloak; Thomas' surtout will be made as soon as the cloth comes down; can't go out but will write [Gen. John] Stricker a note; gave [?] Campbell $200, all he had, at the Annapolis races; Capt. [Robert] Denny, who was in Annapolis since then, had order to pay Campbell the remaining [UNK]25 but he was not home; refuses to copy over this [scratchedup] letter.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed: Genl. Williams 24 Octo. 84.

1784 Oct. 26

Tho[ma]s W. COLLINS [Philadelphia]. To [George] TURNER.

[277]

Receipt for three dollars for writing the diploma of the Cincinnati.

A.D.S. 1 p. 9.5 cm. × 23.5 cm.

Endorsed by Turner: Phila: October. 26th / 84 Tho: W. Collins's Rec't for writing Diploma of the Cincinnati. [UNK]1. 2. 6.

Enclosed with entry 284.

1784 Oct. 28

G[eorge] TURNER, Phila[delphia]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[278]

Answers Williams' letter of [October] 21st; Mr. [Robert] Scott [Scot], the only engraver on the continent capable of doing the Cincinnati diplomas, has had the business in his hands a long time; Scot has, however, an engagement to complete McMurray's map of the United States; took him [Turner] a long time to find someone capable of writing out the diploma in and elegant hand for the help of the engraver; Scot can do but a line a day, and can work on it only on Sunday; Scot will print off the parchments at the rate of [UNK]4 per hundred; asks Williams to send some good parchments if there are any in Baltimore, for there are too few in Philadelphia.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Maj. Turner 28th October 1784.

1784 Nov. 4

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[279]

Must avail himself of Williams' offer, and has therefore directed his manager, [Thomas] Ramsey, to call on him [Williams] for money to buy a load of staves, about [UNK]30; will be in blast by the last of November, when Mr. [Charles] Wallace pays him something; asks what excuse Russell and Rigely give for not paying his [Ramsey's] order; if Williams fails to get the money [from them], Ramsey dispairs of ever, getting it; Madam [Mrs. Margaret Jane Peale Ramsey] is gone, to return Saturday week; hopes to see Williams [in Charles Town, Cecil County] about the 20th of this month.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 21 cm. × 16.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Ramsey 4th Novemr. 1784.

1784 Nov. 7

G[eorge] TURNER, Phil[adelphi]a. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[280]

Sends his compliments to Williams by Mr. Young; the plate for the [Cincinnati] diploma will be ready for the press this evening; there are about 400 members in Pennsylvania alone who will need diplomas, and Turner assumes that 1000 or 1500 will be needed in all for immediate delivery; plans to have 1000 struck off and sent, with the plate, to Williams; is at a loss to defray so considerable an expense; has asked the secretary of the Pennsylvania branch to collect from the members and send to him [Turner] 5/ of this Currency, which will be enough to pay all expenses; hopes, if Williams approves, he will do the same in Maryland; expects answer; cost of engraving the plate, [UNK]7. 10; printing, [UNK]4 por hundred; writing a fair copy for the engraver, [UNK]1. 2. 6.; coarse paper used in wetting the parchments, 10 [shillings]; parchments, about 3/ apiece.

A.L. in third person. 2 pp. 21.5 cm. × 16.5 cm.

1784 Nov. 12

Robert AITKEN [Philadolphia]. To G[eorge] TURNER.

[281]

Receipt for Turner's draft for eleven pounds, Pennsylvania currency, on Gen. O[tho] H[olland] Williams, which when paid shall be in full for 44 skins of Parchm[en]t for the... Cincinnati.

A.D.S. 1 p. 9.5 cm. × 23.5 cm.

Memorandum by Turner at foot of sheet: Received back the Draught, and taken payment... upon my self on account of the Cincinnati.

Endorsed by Turner: Phil[adelphi]a: Novr. 12 '84 Rec[eip]t for my order on Genl. Williams at 60 Days for [UNK]11 Curr[enc]y Cincinnati.

Enclosed with entry 290.

1784 Nov. 19

G[eorge] TURNER, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[282]

Has drawn on Williams at 60 days sight for [UNK]11, this currency, in favor of Robert Aitkin who furnished 44 skins of parchment for the Cincinnati; from these skins Turner has made almost twice that many diplomas; Scott [Robert Scot] who engraved the plate is printing it also, at a cost of $20 for cutting it and ten and 60/90 dollars per hundred for printing; thinks 1000 or 1500 will be needed, and wishes there were a way to defray the cost; French members must get their diplomas here; sent Williams, by Mr. Young, a hurried rough estimate of the costs, and a request that Williams collect the share of the cost that each member in Maryland must pay; in Pennsylvania a dollar apiece is being collected, which will be less trouble than 5 shillings, because of the difficulty of making change; if Williams collects the money from the Maryland members, he will have enough to honor Turner's draft; Please to be expeditious, since he [Turner] must soon go to New York, and his colleague is in the West Indies; will, in a day or so, send Williams by the stage the diplomas already printed and a list of the Pennsylvania members; one [?] Andrews, a Philadelphia jeweller, has made several Eagles, the order [sic] of the Society that are superior in workmanship to the French ones; they will cost about 20 dollars apiece; had forgot to say that the ornamental part of the diploma, mislaid at the general meeting, turned up later in the possession of Major [Winthrop] Sargent, and is now at Williams' disposal.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Maj. Turner 7th and 19th Novr. 84.

[1784 before Nov. 26]

G[eorge] TURNER.

[283]

Statement of the account of the Cincinnati with him [Turner]; paid [Thomas W.] Collins for writing the Cincinnati diploma, $3; paid for engraving it, 20 dollars; for printing 100 copies, of which 83 have been sent to [Williams] in Baltimore, and the remainder of which will follow, 10 60/90 dollars; for nine quires of rough paper used to dampon the skins before they were printed, 2 dollars; for postage, 45/90 of a dollar; received from Capt. Richard Fullerton 14 dollars, subscribed by 14 Pennsylvania members for their diplomas; balance due Turner, 22 15/90 dollars.

In hand of Turner. 2 pp. 20.5 cm. × 34 cm.

Enclosed with entry 284.

1784 Nov. 26

G[eorge] TURNER, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[284]

Is sending by tomorrow's stage 83 diplomas; Williams' failure to answer his last two letters has put a stop to the business of the diplomas; Pennsylvania members' subscriptions have not amounted to more than 14 dollars as yet; blames this on the lukewarmness of the Deputy Secretary [Richard Fullerton];

can do nothing without cash; could get skins at 6 dollars or less per dozen, each of which would cut into two diplomas; encloses his account and the names of the gentlemen who have paid their money for diplomas; only justice to serve them among the earliest; any more money raised by Williams from diplomas may be used to discharge an order on him [Williams] in favor of Robert Aitken.

Pennsylvania members who subscribed were Gen. Armand de la Rouerie, Lt. Col. [Francis] Mentges, Maj. George Shaffner, Maj. [Claudius] De Bert, Capt. Augustine Briffau[l]t, Lieut. Decouturier, Capt. de Fontevieux, Capt. Baptiste Vordier, [the last six served in] Armand's Corps, Capt. Richard Fullerton, Lt. John Humphrey, Lt. James Campbell, Capt. [Andrew] Caldwell, Maj. George Turner of the 1st. South Carolina [Regiment], Cornet Raffaneau of Armand's [Corps].

A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Majr. Turner 26th Novr. 1784 With names andc.

For enclosures see entries 277 and 283.

1784 Nov. 27

Arch[ibal]d MURRAY, Philadelphia. To [George] TURNER, Philadelphia.

[285]

Receipt for a bundle of parchment which Murray engages to deliver to Gen. [Otho Holland] Williams in Baltimore, along with a letter, in the same dry and good condition in which he received them; receipt also for a dollar for carrying the same.

In hand of Turner. 1 p. 12 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Enclosed with entry 290.

1784 Nov. 27

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS. To [George] TURNER.

[286]

Received Turner's letters of November 7th and 19th; besides the expenses which you have been pleased to consider in the estimate, there are charges for records, paper, transportation, postage, etc., which I will not think of paying out of my own pockett; suggests that the money be raised by taxing the diplomas; will get the instructions of the president [George Washington], and if he approves, the members of the Society will be sent diplomas at a dollar apiece; if the Pennsylvania gentlemen will advance money to Turner for that purpose, Turner can apply it to the payment of the expenses he has already incurred; when he sends Williams the plate with the copies already struck off, and his account which Williams must have as a voucher for his own, Williams will send up the diplomas with the members' names inserted, as soon as the president signs them; will not answer any bill on account of the Society, and does not see how he could be expected to do so.

A.Df.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.

1784 Dec. 2

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.

[287]

Capt. [Thomas] Price got Williams out of bed at nine o'clock to order William [Williams' servantman] to deliver to him [Price] Thomas' mare; Price has the mare locked up with Liberty [Williams' old war horse]; Capt. [Thomas] Elliott at Fells Point is a justice of the peace; Miss Elliott drank tea at Miss Spear's [now 37 South Gay Street] the same evening Williams lost Thomas' cloak; next day such a cloak was brought before her [Miss Elliot's] father, she recognized it, and claimed it for him [Williams]; she told him this last night at the Assembly; did not take Capt. Price to the ball, for Price came into the office when Williams was busy and did not think of it; the day was so bad that he could not go out in search of Price; The Marquis De La Fayette -- and Miss Lyd are in Town.

A.L.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.

1784 Dec. 9

Ro[ber]t SCOT, Phil[adelphi]a. To G[eorge] TURNER.

[288]

Receipt for twenty dollars, in full for engraving the written part of the diploma of the Cincinnati.

In hand of Turner. 1 p. 10.5 cm. × 23.5 cm.

Enclosed with entry 290.

[1784 before Dec. 15]

G[eorge] TURNER.

[289]

Statement of the account of the Cincinnati with him [Turner]; paid [Thomas] Collins for writing the diploma, 3 dollars, and sent Collins' receipt to Gen. [Otho Holland] Williams; paid Robert Scott [sic] for engraving it, 20 dollars, and sends Gen. Williams the receipt herewith; paid Robert Aitken for 44 skins of parchment, 29 30/90 dollars, per voucher sent as above; paid Robert Scott for printing 83 copies of the diploma, 10 60/90; paid for 9 quires of paper to dampen the parchments, 2 dollars; postage, 65/90 dollars; paid Archibald Murray for conveying the diplomas to Gen. Williams at Baltimore, p[er] Rect. sent herewith, 1 dollar; received from Capt. Richard Fullerton, 14 dollars subscribed by gentlemen in anticipation of their diplomas; balance due Turner, 52 55/90 dollars.

In hand of Turner. 2 pp. 20.5 cm. × 33 cm.

Enclosed with entry 290.

Endorsed by Williams: 15 Decr. 1784 Major Turner's Acc[oun]t Cur[ren]t with The Cincinnati.

1784 Dec. 15

G[eorge] TURNER, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[290]

Received Williams' refusal to answer his [Turner's] draught on account of the Cincinnati; had previously sent to Williams, by the stage, 83 diplomas printed on parchment; assumes Williams got them and has sent them to the president [George Washington] to be signed; enclosed in his letter sent along with the diplomas a statement of his account; now sends

another with some necessary alterations; asks Williams to send him the balance due him, or, if he has not sufficient cash of the Society, to send him enough of the diplomas to pay him at the rate of a dollar for each diploma; the president of the Pennsylvania society [Gen. Arthur St. Clair] will fill in the names of the members entitled to them; would have sent Williams the plate, but believes Williams will see the propriety of letting Scot, the engraver-printer, have the profit of printing the copies, since that was the sole consideration that caused Scot to undertake making the plate; it is, however, at Williams' disposal; has finished the business entrusted to him and Capt. [Abraham George] Claypoole by the Society; Scot lives on Front Street, near Race Street; he [Turner] may soon leave town, but Williams is to address him as usual; in addition to the vouchers sent in his last letter, he now encloses three more.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

For enclosures see entries 281, 285, 288, and 289.

1785 Jan. 7

William GORDON, Jamaica Plain [Mass.]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[291]

Desired the bearer, Mr. Andrews, when going to Baltimore a few months ago, to carry a letter to Williams asking that he send by him [Andrews] the papers Williams and Gordon were talking about; Williams was not home then; hopes that he will now have time to get the needed papers together before Andrews returns; Andrews is a careful person, fit to be trusted with whatever Williams may wish to send.

A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.

On same sheet as entry 302.

1785 Jan. 13

G[eorge] TURNER, Phil[adelphi]a. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[292]

Asks whether the 83 diplomas he [Turner] sent by the stage were received; Mr. [Robert] Aitken has asked for the money for the parchments purchased, and Turner would, for that reason, be glad to have Williams remit the balance of his account, in money or in diplomas; amount is 52 and 55/90 dollars.

A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Majr. Turner, 13th Jany 1785.

1785 Jan. 18

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[293]

Has twenty times made an appointment to go to Baltimore and thence to Annapolis, but has always been prevented; will probably have to wait until the navigation is open again; must dispose of some paper money and some certificates, but wants to wait until the act of Assembly has made them more valuable; presumes the money he left with

Williams, to be paid in Virginia, has been called for; presumes Mr. Russell has paid, either in paper or specie; has drawn on Williams for ten pounds in favor of the bearer [Mr. O'Harra]; if it is really convenient, would like to borrow thirty or forty pounds more; wishes greatly to hear news of Williams; strange reports about Williams prevail now.

A.L.S. 3 pp. 20.5 cm. × 16.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Colonel Ramsey 18 Jany. 1785. by O'Harra.

1785 Jan. 18

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Maj. [George] TURNER, Phil[adelphi]a.

[294]

Sees from Turner's letter of January 13 that he has not yet received his [Williams'] acknowledgment of the receipt of the bundle of diplomas; when the president of the society [George Washington] signs those for the members on the list Turner sent, Williams will send them to Turner at once, but he presumes [Washington] will not consent to sign any blank ones; as assistant secretary, Williams has only to receive the plate from Turner when it is done, as the general meeting ordered; has none of the society's money and cannot send Turner any on their account.

A.Df.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Letters Extracts andc. Correspondence with Majr. Turner andc relative to Diplomas. 1784 and 1785.

1785 Jan. 24

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen. [George] WASHINGTON.

[295]

Major [George] Turner of Philadelphia, who, with Capt. [Abraham George] Claypole [Claypoole] had the business of getting the Cincinnati diploma engraved on copper, has sent Williams a bundle of 83 diplomas on parchment, with a list of 14 members who have already paid a dollar [for one]; Maj. Turner has importuned me exceedingly to pay him the money he advanced on the Society's account, but Williams cannot do this without some means of reimbursing himself; if he [Washington] signs the diplomas, most of the members will be glad to have them, and Williams will keep a regular and just account of the money.

A.Df.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: To Gl. Washington Prest. of the Society of the Cincinnati. 24 Jany. 1785.

1785 Jan. 31

G[eorge] TURNER, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[296]

Williams' letter of January 18 ignores the fact that Turner had said to him in Philadelphia that the engraver of the plato [for the Cincinnati diploma] counted on having the profit of taking off the impressions from it; Turner had thought Williams agreed to this, and had told the engraver so; if he [Scot, the engraver] is to be deprived of this

profit, some other person must be found for that Business; — for I shall decline it; sorry Williams received so coldly his [Turner's] application for the trifling sum he had advanced; when Williams refused to honor his [Turner's] draught, he saw no impropriety in asking Williams to pay him out of money received from the sale of the diplomas; had not said Williams had any Cincinnati money, only that he could get some from the members who wanted diplomas; Williams had said that he was going to collect a dollar from each member for that very purpose; he [Turner] had been led by his regard for the Society to go farther than the bare requirements of the duty laid on him.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Major Turner 30th Jany. 1785.

1785 Feb. 3

Basil WILLIAMS, Donegal Township [?]. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[297]

Infinitely pleased to have this chance to tell [Otho H.] that his family is all well; Mr. Lee [?] brought the welcome news that [Otho H.] had managed to get certificates for the pay due his [Basil W.'s] son; finds from [Otho H.'s] brother's account that he [Basil] owes him [Elie] forty pounds, and gave him [Elie] an order to [Otho H.] for that sum; his [Basil's] son Laurence will call on him [Otho H.] for a statement of the balance of the account between them; thinks there is about fifteen or twenty pounds due him [Basil]; expects in the summer to see him and bring their affairs to a final settlement; will always be under great obligation to him [Otho H.] for his kindness; asks him to send cloth for a suit of clothes; bearer of this letter will give a receipt, good against yr. affectionate Uncle.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.

Endorsed by Otho Holland Williams: fm Mr. Basil Williams. 3d. Feby 1785.

1785 Feb. [5]

J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.

[298]

When Williams proposed to put his [Howard's] horse into the sleigh, Howard did not think that he would draw it, for he has frequently baulked; nevertheless, he wanted Williams to try it; when the boy, being asked why he had not put the horse in, replied that he had not wanted to do so without Howard's order, Howard regretted that Williams had paid any attention to what the boy said; in a similar circumstance, he [Howard] would certainly have used Williams' horse.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Howard 1st Saturday Feby 1785.

1785 Feb. 10

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.

[299]

The most fashionable color for cloth is not the superfine, rich, deep, green, but a mixture; wishes to curb

Thomas' prodigality in clothes, but if he really wishes the green, send two Yards and it shall be elegantly trimmed; cannot scold Thomas for losing his [own] money, when Thomas did not scold him for losing his; glad Thomas was so lucky as to be reimbursed for the loss; they [he and Thomas] are often seduced by a gentlemanly style of profligacy; at Annapolis a passion for play was prevalent among the... legislature; with these I sported and won... my expences for about seven weeks; his office [of Naval Officer] will be worth holding on to for three years certainly and possibly for seven years; is now perfectly indifferent on the subject of losing the Circe [Miss Sophia], and never by word or look betrayed any desire of reconciliation; hopes [Thomas'] affair, now drawing to a crisis, may have a happy outcome; sends his compliments to Miss S.; L ---- expects to hear from him [Thomas]; if he consistently can, Thomas may present the enclosed order, sealed, to the gentlemen it is addressed to; [John Eager?] Howard has Thomas' hat; Mr. Potts says he has not yet sent Thomas the account for his spirits; when he does send it, he [Williams] will pay it; is sorry for the misfortunes of [Henry] Hardman, with whom he used to be intimate, but Hardman has been guilty of a thousand improprieties and rudenesses.

A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.

Enclosure missing.

1785 Feb. 26

[John Eager HOWARD] Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[300]

[Williams'] friends here have regretted his inability to come up, as the place is now very agreeable; has made more engagements than he can stay to keep; has been detained by bad weather for the past two days, and will now wait until the roads are settled; dined today with [Williams'] friend, [?] Moore, and is invited to a party at Moore's Tuesday evening [March 1].

A.L. Signature torn out. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: fm. Coll. Howard 26 Feby. 1785.

1785 Feb. 28

Nat[haniel] RAMSEY. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[301]

Mr. Ramsey, his manager who carries this letter, is authorized to receive any money Williams pleases to send; if Williams can with perfect conveniency send two hundred dollars, that will oblige him [Nathaniel Ramsey]; nothing has happened since Williams left them, save the breaking open of his [Nathaniel Ramsey's] writing desk; what is the price of salt; [John Eager] Howard is not yet appeared.

A.L.S. 1 p. 20 cm. × 16.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Ramsey 28 February 1785.

1785 Mar. 10

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [William GORDON].

[302]

Regrets his inability to comply with Gordon's request and his own promise; memory is not good, so, in order to get the information Gordon wanted, he was going to get together all the letters he wrote home from the field to his family and friends; has now got together most of those he needs, but finds there is in them such a labyrinth of subjects that Gordon would be lost; proposes, as soon as he gets through with a piece of business now on his hands, to extract and send to Gordon whatever in them would suit his purposes; will send it by some safe hand to Boston in a few weeks.

A.Df.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.

On same sheet as entry 291.

1785 Mar. 19

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Doctor Philip THOMAS, Frederick.

[303]

Has this instant received and read Thomas' letter of March 16; Thomas will not suffer in Williams' opinion, for he will not form any conclusion on a delicate subject just now; pities Miss Landers [or Sanders?] and is sorry Thomas has to see such misery; has always sincerely esteemed Thomas' friend [Alexander Contee] Hanson, but circumstances and Hanson's taciturnity have kept them from being intimate; will mention Thomas to the Tillotson family; is supposed to go to Tillotson's this evening but is dining with [John Eager] Howard and some others at Grant's and may not go on; weather bad, and dressing and dancing all this week; St. Patrick's day ball; no engagements to any girl; not disagreeable that people give him so fine a girl as M. C.; not set against matrimony, but won't marry till he wants to do so;