Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 3/8)
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Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 3/8)
Contact Information:
Manuscripts Department
Maryland Historical Society Library
201 West Monument Street
Baltimore MD 21201-4674
410.685.3750
Descriptive Summary
Calendar of the General Otho Holland Williams Papers at the Maryland Historical Society, 1744-1839
MS.908(Part 3/8)
Maryland Historical Society
Baltimore MD 21201-467
The Maryland Historical Records Survey Project
November 1940
*Note: This Collection has eight parts*
(Part 3/8)
1786 May 26
Dan[ie]l DELEZIER, Annapolis. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[349]
Understands that Capt. [Robert] Denny, who will carry this letter to Williams, is leaving for Europe; Williams will therefore need a deputy, and Delezier applies for the place.
A.L.S. 1 p. 19.5 cm. × 15.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Danl. Deleziere May 26th, 1786.
1786 June 11
W[illiam] S[tephens] SMITH, London [Eng.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[350]
Is now on a footing with Williams, and [Uriah] Forrest, their mutual friend who brings this letter, will explain why; last evening Forrest appeared as my friend, when a right Reverend Father in God -- had a great many things to say to me; Forrest's appearance among you will be sudden but must not lead to any surmises unfavorable to his character, for no one could be more respected than he; business alone makes Forrest's departure necessary, and Williams may take pleasure in spreading that information; sends compliments to Col. and Mrs. John Smith, to [Tench] Tilghman and [James] McHenry.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Wm. Smith Secy. of Embassy London 12th. June 86.
1786 June 12
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[351]
Is on the point of setting out for New York, from whence he will write Williams a long letter; encloses orders on the Treasurer for [UNK]20.10, and 12 dollars paper money, to pay the interest; can do no more than that; wishes the land could be sold; the failure of his fisheries has deranged him greatly; expected to make [UNK]2,000 and made barely enough to pay his taxes.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Superscribed: p. favor Doctr. Morrow.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. N. Ramsey 12th June 1786 With money and orders on Treasy.
Enclosures missing.
1786 June 15
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Mr. William LEWIS, Philadelphia.
[352]
Thanks Lewis for friendly and obliging letter of the 31st of May which came yisterday [June 14]; wishes warmly for the entire emancipation of the whole human race, and his having bought a slave is no contradiction of this; buying a slave is different from selling one, for in buying a slave, we can be sure our slaves are well treated; considers slavery national sin entailed on us by our forefathers, a political crime; setting slaves free without regard to their understanding or morals will fall far short of expiation; some who from purest humanity have freed their slaves have by giving Liberty to a number of ignorant illdisposed barbarians injured society more than they can have helped it; his [Williams'] father, who never owned a slave, and he [Williams] agreed in believing in gradual but eventually complete emancipation; comes now to the subject of [Lewis'] letter; last December he [Williams] needed a house boy; Mr. [William] Goddard advertised one for sale and Williams had Goddard send the boy's master to see him; Mr. Jonas Philips came to his house with a mulatto boy who came from Philadelphia, but had lived some time in Baltimore; Philips said the boy was a good boy and an excellent waitor, in all [of] which he deceived me, and the boy himself said he was a slave and was willing to be sold to Williams; Williams paid Philips [UNK]75 in Pennsylvania currency and Philips gave him a bill of sale for the boy as a slave; Williams soon learned that the boy was incapable, unwilling to learn and flighty, and was compelled to be severe with him; then the boy told the other servants that he was not a slave but only indented until he was twenty-one and that his master had given him money to say he was a slave; Williams considered that if this was true,
he would still have five years of the boy's services; however, the boy was so vicious that once when he [Williams] was to be away, he ordered him to go to a farm near where he [Williams] was to be, since he feared to leave him in his house; when he got to Hagerstown, he learned that Harry [the boy] had not come up; since he did not come back to Williams' town house, he concluded that Harry and his master were both rascals and made no inquiries; he will now send to his friend Major Dun the bill of sale Philips gave him and if Lewis can help him get his money back, he will be grateful; does not know who Lewis is, but respects his character.
A.Df.S. 3 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: To Mr. Wm. Lewis Phila. 15 June 1786.
1786 June 28
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To General [Henry KNOX?].
[353]
Was visiting in Western Maryland when the letter came and has since been considering whether the papers of the Cincinnati would go more safely by land or by water; diplomas signed by the President and sent to Williams were lost between Alexandria [Va.] and Baltimore; all the important papers which he [Williams] had collected on the operations of the Southern Army after the evacuation of Charleston [S.C.], in all about 3 quires of paper, he sent to the Rev. Mr. [William] Gordon of Boston [Mass.], and on their return by water, [they] were irrecoverably lost; Williams greatly mourns the loss; thinks land carriage is safer; will nail the Cincinnati papers in a small box addressed to you Sir and give them to the stage master, taking a receipt from him for them; has never received the plate for the diplomas from Major [George] Turner and Capt. [Abraham George] Claypole; refused to send Turner money for diplomas; Turner sent him 83 diplomas which were lost on the way to him [Williams]; thinks Scott, the Philadelphia engraver, has the plate; sends his good wishes to the General and his amiable companion; P.S. Mr. Henry the director of the American theatre is going in the stage to New York today and Williams will ask him to take care of the box of papers.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
[1786 June 28]
Blank form for the masters of vessels to acknowledge themselves bound to the State of Maryland for sums of current money.
[354]
In hand of [Otho Holland Williams]. 1 p. 17 cm. × 22 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the Honble M.Gl.Knox Secy at War 28 June 1786.
Possibly unfinished.
1786 June 30
John O'DONNELL, merchant, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore?].
[355]
Has not yet been able to get money to pay the duties Williams domands; brought a valuable cargo to this State but has not sold enough of it to pay the duties on it; expected when the duty came due to export most of what he had brought in and get the drawback; understands that a recent statute forbids this but does not see how that statute can be applied retrospectively to him; intends to explain next week to the Governor and Council and hopes to get from them temporary redress until the Assembly meets; nevertheless intends to pay the whole of the balance of his bond next week and [to] trust to getting a refund when he exports.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Captn. O Donnell June 30th 1786.
This importation, which arrived in Baltimore August 9, 1785, in O'Donnell's vessel, the Pallas, was the first direct importation from Canton, China, to Baltimore. O'Donnell owned what is now Canton, near Baltimore, and named it for the Chinese city. See the Maryland Journal, August 16, 1785 - Editor's note.
1786 July 1
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[356]
Has Williams' letter of June 20, and regrets that their land transaction has caused Williams any distress; considers that he [Ramsey] is the person who drew him into the business; hopes Williams did not mean to hint that he [Ramsey] intended to injure or deceive him; still really thinks the land a good bargain, for its good situation more than makes up for its poverty; the town offers an inexhaustible source of manure; poor lands 5 or 6 miles from the city sell for from 20 to 30 pounds per acre, and nearly the same rate is true near Philadelphia; well to get title to the land and then parcel it out; he [Ramsey] has no money to put in, for the [UNK]2000 he looked for from his fisheries did not come in; he [Ramsey] and Capt. Cole ought to be equally concerned with Williams about the land, for it would be hard to call on the heirs of Mr. Russell; Russell's estate is liable for contracts he made, but they had better not insist on it; has at last taken his seat at the great council, and finds affairs in such a state that a short time will bring about a national bankruptcy and of course a dissolution of our confederate Union; Congress will soon have to tell our foreign creditors that we cannot pay; has rented the White Conduit House on the North river, furnished; has sent for his servants; Mrs. Ramsey is still in Philadelphia; hopes for a visit from Williams and his wife.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Ramsey 1 July 86.
1786 July 12
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[357]
Thanks Williams for his very friendly letter; had not known to whom to write, until a letter from Mr. [Zebulon] Hollingsworth cleared up the question; Mr. Hollingsworth is employed by Mr. William Washington; encloses to Williams a letter to Mr. Hollingsworth, which Williams may put a cover on and deliver.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Superscribed to Williams Or in his absence to Zebulon Hollingsworth Esq Attorney at Law.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Ramsey 12th July 1786.
Enclosure missing.
1786 July 21
John O'DONNELL [Baltimore]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[358]
Has told the Governor and Council all about the duty Williams declares he [O'Donnell] owes; they will take the matter up the moment they have leisure; in the distressing event that they do not allow him [O'Donnell] any longer indulgence or do not withdraw the whole of the duties when he re-exports the remainder of the cargo, he will make every exertion to pay, rather than be named in court or preyed upon by lawyers.
A.L.S. 1 p. 18.5 cm. × 23.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Jno. O Donnell 21st July 1786.
1786 July 22
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[359]
Has had trouble getting his black money exchanged for specie and still has a lot of it on hand; the collectors are doing almost nothing, though executions will issue against them, if they are in arrears on August first; asks Thomas to ask Mr. [Gustavus?] Scott whether he has any remittances to make; if Scott has, he [Williams] will allow him 5% on whatever is payable in black money if Scott will make the exchange; wants to know as soon as possible; will send Thomas' carriage as soon as it comes, without delay; is very busy.
A.L.S. 1 p. 24 cm. × 19 cm.
Superscribed: By Peggy Smith.
Endorsed: G[enera]l. W. 22d July 1786.
1786 July 25
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[360]
About 3 hours ago [about 5:30 p.m.; letter written at 8:30 p.m.] Polly presented me a fine - full - formed - healthy looking Boy ----- This event ---------- [sic] But you know what it is to be a father... [fatherhood] opens a thousand now avenues to the Heart... etc., etc....
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: 25 July 86 Genl. Williams.
1786 Aug. 7
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[361]
Has Williams' letter of July 31, and joins with Mrs. [Margaret Jane Peale] Ramsey in congratulations on the birth of the little boy [Robert, born July 25]; not strange that men of little minds should envy Williams; thinks that a scene of distress and confusion, if not anarchy [is] not for distant; only news from New York is the entire failure of their attempts to buy a peace with the Barbary pirates, who demand 1,200 dollars for every private captured and more for officers; will try to send Williams a list and description of the naval force of the Algerines; the money he [Ramsey] had in hand for Capt. [George?] Cole, to be laid out for certificates if they could be exchanged for land, he has never laid out, for certificates, once 3 to 1, have now risen to 2 to 1; finals not having interest drawn are at 7 or 6 to 1, finals having interest drawn are from 9 to 8; Mr. [?] Joy Husband to the late Miss Jelph has asked Ramsey to ask Williams to help a young man he [Joy] has sent down to Baltimore on some business.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Colonel Ramsey 7th August 1786.
1786 Aug. 9
Will[iam] HETH, Buck Hill, near Manchester [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[362]
Congratulates Williams on the birth of his son and joins Williams in hoping that their sons will be friends one day so that three generations of Heths and Williamses will be friends; Heth's son, Henry Gray, was baptized last May and [Capt. Anthony] Singleton who might pass for your brother stood proxy for Williams as sponsor; Heth willing to stand sponsor to Williams' son; was urged to name his boy Gray Briggs but that would have been disrespectful to Heth's father in the hope of getting for the baby the fortune of his [the baby's other] grandfather of Wales; warns Williams not to spoil his wife; he [Heth] has absolutely spoiled a girl that... would have been but for my indulgence as fine a woman as any in the world; just this morning his [Heth's] wife snatched out of his hand this very letter, because he was warning Williams not to be too good to his wife; hopes soon to meet Mrs. Williams; his brother does business in Richmond [Va.] as Munford and Heth; if Williams can send him his diploma, his brother will pay for it.
A.L.S. 6 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams, on 2nd sheet: Coll. Wm. Heth 19th [sic] Augt 86.
1786 Aug. 10
W[illiam] SMITH, Bath, Stull Castle [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[363]
Received Williams' letter of [July] 25th, and hopes Polly [Mrs. O.H.W.] is well, now; has had no news from Baltimore since then; fewer people here than last year, possibly because of the prolonged rains; means to stay until the end of the month; Peggy [Smith's daughter, later Mrs. Robert Smith] has had to let out all her clothes an inch or two, so she must have gained something from the waters; gambling goes on as usual; some lame ducks have already waddled off from the E. O. Table.
A.L.S. 1 p. 31.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Superscribed: [care of] Mr. Bankson.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 10th Augt. 1786.
1786 Aug. 17
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS [Frederick?].
[364]
Schooner Bee has not yet sailed and Williams will surely give Thomas' package to her captain before she goes; Captain Lil, as Thomas calls him, has conducted himself most unworthily; if the captain says anything more, will Thomas tell him that Williams will expose him, if he is not below censure, to all his acquaintance; glad Thomas is succeeding in business; Williams' wife accepts Thomas' love; some people know who Frederick is but he [Williams] does not; sorry Thomas has had trouble with his slaves; black money is not all off his [Williams'] hands yet; I. Harrison, J. Simon [?] and T. Gantt owe him [Williams] [UNK]230.7.6 with interest since March 6, 1782, and he asks Thomas to see if he can stir them up a little; Thomas' machine has not arrived yet; Alexander Hanson is well; Mrs. Williams and the baby are well; his [Williams'] clerk, Captain [John] Gassaway, who has had to give up on account of his health, is going through Frederick on his way to Hagerstown, and he asks Thomas to be civil to him.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. W. 1786.
1786 Aug. 17
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore]. To John O'DONNELL.
[365]
Encloses two letters which he brought up from Annapolis; Governor and Council will not permit him [Williams] any longer to delay collecting duties which O'Donnell owes, and he hopes, therefore, that O'Donnell will cancel his bond some day this week.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 17.5 cm. × 24 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Jno. O Donnell 17 Augt 1786.
1786 Aug. 18
John O'DONNELL, Fells Point [Baltimore]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[366]
Received Williams' note with the enclosures; hopes that the next General Assembly will advocate the cause of equity
and justice else he might as well settle in the deserts of Arabia where he was once plundered; asks Williams to tell him how much he owes, so that he may liquidate his bill.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr O Donnell 18th August 1786.
1786 [27] Aug. 28
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[367]
Sends enclosed a receipt filled in as he had said; the paper money of this state [New York or Maryland?] has no fixed rate of depreciation on it, but no other kind is given to anyone who will accept paper; prices of what he buys in the market are higher than formerly, but this may be due to other causes; Pennsylvania paper is openly sold at 10 or 12 per cent discount; Rhode Island paper is totally damned; hears that there is a demand for the issuance of paper in Maryland, and it may be necessary to issue some; learns from him [Williams] that [James] McHenry is to be an elector, and asks whether there are any candidates for representatives in the town [of Baltimore] or the county besides Mr. [William?] Lux; wicked lies propagated against me in Caecil [Cecil County] will cause considerable opposition to his re-election, but he does not mind, even if he loses the election; the price of securities varies, and is now low and dull; finals without facilities are from 2/9 to 3/ in the pound, finals with facilities are from 2/ to 2/6; facilities are certificates for the interest due, and they are receivable for 2/3 of the continental tax; he [Ramsey] could buy here one or two thousand dollars of black and State continental money, but has not the money to do so; a good bill on Philadelphia would do as well as money, and Williams may write to him on that subject [whether he, Williams, could perhaps supply it]; to prove there is no news, sends Williams a newspaper.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Note by Williams on p.1: Colonel Ramsey 28th August 1786.
Enclosures missing.
1786 Aug. 31
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Thomas JOHNSON, Fred[eric]k.
[368]
Williams' brother [Elie] has just sent him a copy of the agreement between him [Elie Williams] and Johnson, in which Johnson accepted Elie Williams' word that if he [Johnson] took an assignment of Elie Williams' bond to Mr. D. Jacques, he would not lose by being paid in depreciated currency; Otho Holland Williams wishes to add his word to his brother's and asserts that Johnson will be paid in specie or in some other agreed medium on the day set; thanks Johnson for his confidence in them.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 24 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To T. Johnson esq 31 Augt. 1786.
1786 Sep. 15
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Annapolis. To Gov. [William] SMALLWOOD.
[369]
Suggested to the Governor and Council that the non-appropriated part of the [customs] duties of the present year might profitably be applied to the purchase of final settlement certificates at the present depreciated rate; [UNK]16,000 Duties will be due and payable in the 4th Naval District in the course of this year; of this, 3/4 must be paid to Congress; a fourth of the remainder is appropriated to the building of a light house on Cape Henry, and the residue is at the disposal of the Governor and Council; this means that before the meeting of the General Assembly, at least [UNK]3,000 arrears of duties will be unappropriated; if he [Williams] is given an order on the Treasurer of the Western Shore for [UNK]3,000, he engages to deposit in the treasury before November 20th next [UNK]15,000 in certificates or the [UNK]3,000 in specie; if the Governor and Council do not want him to do as he suggests, it will give him a week or two of leisure to attend to his private business in Washington County.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1786 Oct. 18
David ROSS, Annapolis. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[370]
Doubts that he will be able to get a second deed to Mr. [?] Jacques in time for Williams' application to the general assembly this session; could not Williams accept a deed from Mr. Jacques at once; this would enable Williams to apply for an act [of assembly], and he can then get a deed of confirmation from them [Ross et al.]; a deed of confirmation will be as effectual after Jacques' conveyance to Williams, as it would have been to Jacques before the conveyance; is sure the present deed covers the entire tract, notwithstanding the error in one of the courses; if Williams still wants the second deed to precede the conveyance, Ross will do his endeavor to get it in time.
A.L.S. 1 p. 31.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: David Ross Octr. 18th 1786 Ans'd 20th Nov. 1786.
1786 Nov. 27
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore?].
[371]
Wrote to Prager about Williams' trunk; has since heard from Prager, but no mention of the trunk; needs his own and will, if need be, buy one for Williams and send it on; received a few days ago a draft him [Howard] for [UNK]4 which has been in the hands of James McHenry and my stewart; inquiros for Williams' wife and baby and will call on them the first day he goes to town.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Howard has credit for the Order 4 25 July 1786, and in another place Coll. Howard Novr. 1786.
1786 Dec. 1
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore?].
[372]
Told the servant he would send for the trunk; if Williams gives his [Howard's] servant directions, he will buy him [Williams] a trunk and make Prager pay for it; glad to hear the Williams family is getting better; has been in town and intended to call, but has had many calls to make and much business.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Howard 1 Decr. 1786 Trunk.
1786 Dec. 11
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[373]
[Gabriel] Tobine who brought letters from Dr. [Philip] Thomas to Howard and to Williams, is in real distress and wants work; Tobine is a musician and would like to play at the Assemblies; since Williams is a manager, Howard sends Tobine to him; Tobine would teach music or do clerical work and says he has recommendations from Gen. Spotswood; Williams may have heard in Frederick something about Tobine; all Howard knows is that he is sorry for him.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22 cm. × 16.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll Howard 11 Decemr 1786, and in another place: Gabriel Tobe.
1786 Dec. 19
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS [Annapolis].
[374]
Asks Williams to call on the Treasurer for his [Smith's] bond, jointly with John Sterett, principal and interest paid [UNK]285.3.9., and to ask the Treasurer to have a deed made to him [Smith] for lot no. 9, for which the bond was passed; sends herewith [UNK]668.8.9. in state continental money with interest included to June 1, last; sends also [UNK]5,200 in specie certificates and [UNK]706.2.1. in depreciation certificates; Williams will do as he thinks best with the paper money; if Williams cannot do anything with the certificates, while he is at Annapolis, he may leave them with John Smith to watch for a time when there is cash in the treasury; asks Williams to pay Mr. T. B. Hodskin [UNK]28/ 6 for him, or twice that much, which Hodskin paid the Register in Chancery for him [Smith]; Williams will please also take charge of the judgments Hodskin gives him, unless they have already been sent on to Smith; hopes Williams' temper is not too much soured by the strict scrutiny the legislators are giving to his accounts; hears that a young gentleman from Williams' office is likely to get to Annapolis on his way to Virginia, and asks Williams to have him take charge of a bundle of Virginia certificates and negotiate them at Richmond [Va.].
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 19th Decr. 1786.
Enclosures missing.
1786 Dec. 27
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imore]. To Sam[uel] CHASE.
[375]
Encloses a list of Duties on Merchandise and Tonnage payable under the laws now existing, which he had promised to send; since he left Annapolis, he has thought of a way out of the difficulty the state is in, about its promise to the Maryland Line and the illegal settlements made on the lands to the westward of Fort Cumberland; must do justice to the officers and soldiers, and not do injustice to the people who have made improvements on the public lands; one of Chase's laconic laws can do all this; let all those to whom the lands were promised be formed into a corporation, to hold the lands and distribute them to the members; where there is a dispute between the corporation and someone already holding land, let the matter be settled by arbitration; if the parties are still dissatisfied, there can be an appeal; will say no more about the plan until he has heard from him [Chase]; is sure all the officers will concur; he [Williams] can promote the population of that part of the country, and many others also have poor relations who would willingly go there to settle; if Chase shares the feeling against the Society of the Cincinnati, Williams hopes it will not lead him to oppose this plan, for, so long as they get the land, they do not care by what name they are called.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 38 cm. × 25.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Saml. Chase Esqr. 27th Decemr. 1786.
1787 Feb. 27
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[376]
Despite intolerably bad roads, he and his niece [?] got safely to town [Baltimore] Saturday afternoon [February 24, 1786]; Polly and the boy were well; Dr. [John] Boyd will innoculate him this morning for the small pox... everything in his favor; his servants have been behaving badly; Patrick [Lemmon], whom he had taken, a beggar, from the streets, had been stealing furniture from him and giving it to a worthless woman; he [Williams] had been befriending her also; Clyde [manservant] had not taken proper care of his horses; the bearer will ride a horse to Frederick, and Williams wishes Thomas to put it with some farmer, to be fed and cared for and trained for hauling; compliments to Thomas' mother[-in-law] and his children.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: G[enera]l W. 27 Feby 1787.
1787 Mar. 19
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore, To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[377]
Aristides [Alexander Contee Hanson] has appeared, and Williams sends Thomas a copy, which Aristides may not have had time to send; he [Williams] is grateful for the note Aristides sent with the package of papers; thinks Aristides is addressed too much to the understanding to be read by
many with attention; even the United States is not a wide enough limit for the reputation of a man who so ably interests himself in the cause of truth as Aristides does; Williams himself is also going to appear in print, and he wants Thomas to advocate his scheme; Thomas can send out his [Williams'] handbills and sell his tickets; is going to enclose 40 tickets and a number of handbills; perhaps Mr. Sheridan [Sheredine?] will take a dozen tickets to dispose of; if half of the tickets are disposed of, the drawing of the lottery will take place; is confident the terms are moderate and the lots will sell; Assembly is to meet April tenth, according to the late Intendant [of the Revenue, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer], who paid him [Williams] a visit this morning.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed: G[enera]l W. Mar. 19. 87.
Enclosures missing.
1787 Apr. 4
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[378]
Has two letters from Thomas to answer; [John Eager] Howard was courting [Peggy Chew] in Philadelphia and Williams suppressed Thomas' letter to him [Howard] entirely and sent Thomas' extract to the press in another manner; Williams and one or two other men of respectable understanding think that Thomas' piece is plain and sensible but unfashionably lacking in scurrilous vulgarity; it will therefore, like Hanson's, be read only by the few, whose reason and discretion triumph over prejudice and sycophancy; pays Thomas the compliment of comparing him to Hanson, but the judge [Hanson] has much more ardor and enthusiasm than Thomas; some who do not know Hanson charge him with vanity and arrogance; Thomas is almost too moderate; he [Williams] would have suppressed Thomas' letter, had Thomas not thought that it was necessary to show what was really going on in Frederick; bids Thomas keep his nerves in tone and will be more explicit when they meet; Mrs. Williams is strong and the baby has already had whooping cough and smallpox; Williams' fortunes are prosperous, but he mourns his recently-dead sister with whom his Soul was united.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. W. Apl. 4, 87.
1787 Apr. 10
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[379]
The post behaved bad last week, left behind some letters for which he had promised to call and did not; several gentlemen spoke very respectfully of Thomas' production, but they were all enemies to S[amuel] C[hase], and
Thomas knows Williams is not C[hase]'s enemy; will give the printer Thomas' note of errata, although he [Williams] thinks the mistake is not important; regrets that Thomas has suffered an accident in his family, but you must not consider the death of an infant as a loss; son Robert had small pox and had to have 4 inoculations; his mother lived sometimes abstemiously, sometimes freely, consequently Robert has had pox coming out and drying away for two or three weeks, but he did not suffer much.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: Apl 10 Gl W.
1787 Apr. 19
[William JACKSON] Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[380]
Is a candidate for the secretaryship of the federal convention, and asks Williams' influence toward getting it.
A.L. Signature cut out. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Majr. Jackson 19th Apl. 87.
1787 Apr. 26
W[illiam] JACKSON, Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[381]
[Robert] Morris and [Benjamin] Franklin are against Jackson [for secretary of the federal convention] and in favor of Franklin's grandson [William Temple Franklin]; Morris would have favored Jackson, had he not made a promise to Franklin; [John] Armstrong's influence has got him [Jackson] some votes; hopes Williams will help get him the votes of Maryland and of Virginia; is writing in an extreme hurry.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: W. Jackson 26 Apl. 1787.
1787 Apr. 27
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[382]
Will Williams lend him an old oiled cap, as he means to try the cold bath; will return or replace the cap; still needs the money Williams promises to lend him and asks Williams to send [UNK]100 by the bearer; will repay in a week or so.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 19 cm. × 14.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Howard 27 Apl 1787 Loan [UNK]100.
1787 Apr. 28
Richard ROSS, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[383]
Received of General Otho H. Williams One hundred pounds On acct. of Col. [John Eager] Howard.
D.S. 1 p. 11 cm. × 16.5 cm.
Endorsed in red ink by Williams: Coll. Howard [UNK]100.
1787 [Apr.]
State of Maryland, John ROGERS, Chancellor. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[384]
Confiscated British property advertised for sale by the commissioners; Williams bought and paid for lot 31, Monococy
Manor, and it was surveyed; therefore The State of Maryland doth hereby grant unto him the said Otho Holland Williams the aforesaid lot number thirty one,... given under the great seal of the State of Maryland... April [?] seventeen hundred and eighty seven... J[ohn] Rogers, Chancellor, W. Smallwood [governor].
1 p. parchment, 28 cm. × 29.5 cm., partially illegible.
Signed by Rogers and by Smallwood.
1787 [Apr.]
State of Maryland, John ROGERS, Chancellor. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[385]
Confiscated British property duly advertised for sale; Williams bought and paid for lot 32, Monococy Manor, and had it surveyed; therefore the State of Maryland hereby grants the lot to Williams, under the great seal, April [?] 1787; John Rogers, Chancellor, Wm. Smallwood, Governor.
1 p. parchment, 20.5 cm. × 39 cm., worn and partially illegible.
Signed by Rogers and by Smallwood.
1787 May 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[386]
Enjoyed Thomas' long letter, but thinks Thomas magnified some things; For the sake of regularity we will settle our pecuniary matters (as I do once or twice a year with my brother [Elie Williams]) but the balance, fall where it will, shall not shew any weight of obligation upon either of us; accepts Thomas' proposition about John Yantes' debt and bill of sale; is going to Annapolis tomorrow.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Unsigned note by Thomas on verso: This letter I wish to be preserved to shew the Heirs and Executors of Genl Williams the reciprocity that subsisted between us in pecuniary matters.
1787 May 8
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen. [Henry] KNOX.
[387]
As an officer of the state, he [Williams] had to be at Annapolis while the General Assembly was in session, and it was extremely inconvenient to my private circumstances to go to Philadelphia for the meeting of the Cincinnati; assembly is still in session; he therefore submits to Knox his resignation as assistant secretary, to be accepted or not, as the meeting sees fit; honored by the appointment, but feels it no degradation to be superceded.
A.Df.S. 33 cm. × 22 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Genl. Knox Secy. Socy. Cin[cinnat]i 8 May 1787.
1787 June 20
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagers Town.
[388]
The enclosed letters arrived since the last mail; the one from B[enjamin] Harwood was a certificate for Col. [John] Stull's journal allowance; has given provisions to the two Dutch families, who will set out tonight for Hagers Town; the brig Active was condemned and sold last Saturday to Mr. William Buchanan for [UNK]160; the Williamsport leases will go with this letter by post; glad the business there goes on well; nothing has happened since Williams left; Capt. [John] Gassaway sends regards.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Danl. Delozier 20th June 1787.
Enclosures missing.
1787 June 21
G[eorge] TURNER. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[389]
Turner tried to get Mr. [Alexander Contee] Hanson to carry the enclosed packet; though the waiter at the tavern where Hanson stayed offered it to him twice, Turner was surprised to find it left behind...... by Mistake, he hopes; General [Henry] Knox has agreed to give the packet direct carriage, so it may yet appear before the society [of the Cincinnati] by July 4th.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 40 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Major Turner and Genl Knox 21st and 22d. June 1787.
On same sheet as entry 390.
Enclosure missing.
1787 June 22
[Henry] KMOX, Philadelphia. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS.
[390]
Asks Williams to lay the enclosures before the meeting [of the Cincinnati] July 4; just recollected that he did not answer Williams' letter [of May 8, 1787]; submitted it to the meeting and it and all the papers were turned over to [Major George] Turner.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 40 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Major Turner and Genl Knox 21st and 22d June 1787.
On same sheet as entry 389.
Enclosures missing.
1787 July 1
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD, Belvidere [Baltimore]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Hagars Town or Bath in Virginia.
[391]
Asks Williams to attend to repairing his [Howard's] house in Bath, and to do as little as necessary; perhaps it will rent for enough to make the repairs; sent a deed for the lot to the clerk of Berkely [Berkeley] County [Va.], and asks Williams to see if [Peter Bryan] Bruin had it recorded, as he promised to do; would sell for 200, though it cost him 300; sends his compliments to Mrs. Williams, and the Miss Rosses if they are there.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 20.5 cm. × 16 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Howard 1 July 1787.
1787 July 4
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Hagers Town.
[392]
Mr. [William] Goddard will send Williams 200 copies of the leases, embodying the interlineations sent to him [Delozier]; at William Taylor's request Delozier sends Williams an affidavit of Peter Gart about goods shipped last October 11 on the schooner Lively, Thomas Hall master, for Petersburg [Va.]; the gentlemen who claim the drawbacks of [UNK]28. 11. want to know Williams' opinion before the time limit expires; he [Delozier] has copied at the foot of the affidavit a section of the law; Taylor never reshipped any of the goods, but Zacharie Coopman and Co. did reship some, to be delivered to Taylor in Virginia; if the drawback is allowed, Coopman and Co. will apply it to Taylor's credit; the brig Active, purchased by William Buchanan, has become the property of Samuel and John Smith; the Smiths expect, because of her condemnation, that a register for her will be granted without more expense; this Delozier doubts, but, since the case is unprecedented, he asks Williams for instructions; has about [UNK]3750 on hand, part of it in Continental State and black paper; Robert Morris of Philadelphia and the French agents are disputing about the quality of the tobacco shipped; the funds that had been sent to London to meet Morris' draft are stopped, and Morris' agent, who had returned to America, has had his bills protested; the merchants [in Baltimore], alarmed at this, have sent all Morris' bills circulating here to Philadelphia for payment.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Danl. Delozier July 4th 1787.
Enclosure missing.
1787 July 18
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[393]
Williams' letters of July 7 and 13 were received today; the one for Dr. [William?] Baker he put in the post office, the other he forwarded to Mr. George Fitzhugh by one of Fitzhugh's own servants; last winter he [Delozier] heard Andrew Skinner Ennals ask Capt. [Robert] Denny [Williams' deputy] if it was necessary to particularise the owners when registering a vessel, and heard Denny answer that the law required a sworn statement of owners' names; last week the schooner Maria arrived from Boston with a cargo of rum; she was registered at Vienna [?] in January 1787 as the property of Ennals and Joseph Haskins of Baltimore; on the ground that she was built, owned and navigated by citizens of this state, they claimed a deduction of 1/3 of the duties; he [Delozier] apprehended some fraud, and asked Haskins to swear to the ownership; Haskins refused, and later Ennals
gave an account that showed 1/3 of the ownership was Philadelphian; he [Delozier] applied to Chase and Chase filed a libel against the vessel, which is now in charge of the marshal; she is a new handsome schooner of 39 tons; the judge of the Court of Admiralty is at the Springs [Va.] and will not return till September; any mistakes he [Delozier] makes are due to lack of judgment, and not to want of attention; Mr. [?] Smith's family are leaving tomorrow for Hagers Town.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: D. Delozier 18th July 1787.
1787 Aug. 29
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Bath [Va.]. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[394]
Health and spirits better, despite the severity of the strokes which my affections have recently suffered; plans to leave Bath about September 10, and to go home by way of Hagerstown, Frederick, the glass works, the great falls, Georgetown, andc., though perhaps travelling will become personally inconvenient to her [Mrs. Williams] before we get to Baltimore; Col. [Moses] Rawlings promised to give Thomas [UNK]100 for Williams; will Thomas please write to [Thomas] Johnson and offer him whatever he has, before Williams comes down; perhaps Johnson will have some bowells; will Thomas have the horses trained as much as possible; Williams hopes to sell them if he can; Dr. Nellson was here, and he is more mad than ever; Mackey is expected to visit a sick child; Skinner is in Beautetourt [Botetourt] drinking sweet spring water; the ladies present their compliments and Robert is better.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. Williams 1787.
1787 Sep. 4
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Bath [Va.].
[395]
Acknowledges receipt of Williams' letter of [August] 22, saying only that all were well; no news here, save the inevitable conflict between the prince and the people of Holland; the Convention [to frame the constitution of the United States] has not yet broken up; there is no news from it, and probably will be none until the proceedings are laid before Congress; a duel was fought yesterday morning on the Church Hill betwixt Jno. Smith Junr. and [Thomas?] Hadfield, with no lives lost and no blood shed; weather has been rainy and cold for several days; if Bradley has finished the chimney of his [Smith's] house at Bath and has pointed the seams, Williams will pay him [UNK]6, but not if the work is unfinished.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 4th Septr. 1787.
1788 Mar. 15
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[396]
In order to promote the happiness of his father-in-law, Mr. William Smith, he does not hesitate to call on his [own]
friends; Smith's eldest son, a man of sense, indulged too long in bad habits due to high health and choice companions, so that now his situation is bad; his second son, too long indulged, is excessively good-natured and idle; the third and youngest son, Campbell Smith, educated at Philadelphia, has been studying law with Mr. Robert Smith for two years; he [Campbell Smith] has made progress, but he is indiscreet and lured off by false pleasures; Williams talked to the young man and to his father, and it was agreed that Williams should try to get him into the study of Mr. [Richard] Potts of Frederick; asks Thomas to ask Potts, in the most prevailing manner, to take Campbell Smith into his family on his [Potts'] own terms, or, if he will not do that, into his office; Mr. [John] Stull's waggoner will leave two small rock [fish] for Thomas and two for Mr. [?] Young; compliments to Mother [-in-law, Mrs. Hanson], Mrs. Kimbol and Polly -- and to Polly Sheaff and Jean Charlton.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Superscribed: [per] Coll. Stull.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams Mar. 15 1788.
1788 Mar. 20
Otho Holland WILLIAMS, A Marylander. To the Editor of the Maryland Journal and Baltimore Advertiser.
[397]
Sends a few superficial thoughts on the plan of government proposed by the late Convention; the circular letter sent out with the proposed plan will lead every man to favor it, unless his mind is already biased against it; delegates to the state convention should not be pledged one way or the other about adoption; does Maryland wish to join disorderly Pennsylvania in opposition to the new order; men who have never paid debts or taxes are naturally averse to a government that will make itself felt in all corners of the union; amending process is a safeguard; the choice is between anarchy and all its evils on the one side, and peace, order and prosperity on the other.
A.Df. 8 pp. 40 cm. × 24.5 cm.
Endorsed: Secret and confidential.
1788 Mar. 29
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[398]
Is in treaty with George Adams; Thomas is not to be alarmed, he knows Adams; tells Thomas this only because he tells him everything and has already bothered him about the Monocacy matter; Adams said Potts has made him an offer; Adams lives at the ferry on Monocacy; he holds 145 acres of that fine land by purchase from the State; he has paid some five or six hundred pounds; still [UNK]2185.8.5 in principal and interest to be paid in Dep. Certs.; principal now about [UNK]1600 which you know is, at this time, worth not more than [UNK]900 specie... [if] lent a little less would reduce the land to about 16½ Dollars p[er] acre, which it is surely worth, besides the value of the ferry; land to be conveyed to Williams when the certificates are paid into the treasury and to be reconveyed to Adams when he pays Williams for it;
people think Thomas wrote a piece in the Maryland Journal last Tuesday, signed An Elector and dated Frederick, March 20; Williams did not deny the charge but knows that Aristides received a copy cut out of the paper and a note hastily written on the cover of a letter under [Thomas'] hand dated March 16 and copied without correction as the opportunity of conveyance was sudden and short; Thomas and Aristides alone can guess at the real author [Williams?]; what does Thomas think of Insolvent which was written in 2 minutes though the other [An Elector?] took 2 days; his deputy has gone for a fortnight and he [Williams] has only odd moments for personal correspondence; Polly sends word to Thomas that she is mother of two of the finest boys in Baltimore, which is a fact; love to Thomas and his little ones; Thomas has not answered Williams' letter about putting Campbell Smith into Mr. Potts' office.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. W. Mar. 1788.
[1788 Apr. 12]
HART AND ROCHESTER [the first store in Hagerstown]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[399]
Genl. O. H. Williams / Bought of Hart and Rochester / 1787 / July 10, 50 yds linen at 3/8 1½ yds hatband Crape at 7/ [[UNK]] 9.13.10 / 1788 2 pr Stock[in]gs at 9/6 1 pr ditto 8/ 1 pr ditto 7/ [[UNK]] 1.14 April 12 Shoing horse 5/ total [UNK]11.12.10.
1 p. 12 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1788 Apr. 15
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[400]
Howard told A-ke- [Aiken or Askew] that Williams wanted to buy the Hill and he has since told Howard that he will sell Williams the high ground separate from the Mill; including the orchard, this will be about ten acres, or Williams may take as little as he likes; price was not mentioned but Howard is sure it will be moderate; he [Howard] will go with Williams to see the owners whenever he wants to.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 20.5 cm. × 16 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 15 April 1788 Coll. Howard.
1788 Apr. 28
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, New York.
[401]
On Saturday [April 26, 1788] the question was put, `will this convention accept the form of government, as proposed by the genl. convention at Philadelphia [?'] Which was determined in the affirmative, 63 for, 11 against, Two federals, A. Goldsborough and a Mr. [illegible], were absent from illness; today the new form of government will be ratified in due form; preparations are being made for great rejoicing; 12 Antifederals had been counted on, so one must have been converted; convert was probably Gov. [William] P[aca], from a speech he is said to have made saying he would vote for the acceptance of the constitution, and urging that its opponents have time to say everything they had to say; Mr. C[hase]
spoke for 2½ hours and then a profound silence ensued for some time, when T[homas] J[ohnson] arose and... moved they adjourn for dinner. [Luther] Martin had a sore throat which... saved a great deal of time and money to the state... the federals agreed to hear the minority patiently all they had to say but declined making any reply; preparations are being made for a day of great rejoicing on May 1; a Federal Ship with 13 men aboard will be drawn through the streets, and there will be a parade of all ranks and degrees of trades and professions... with the tools of their respective professions; Mr. W[illiam] E[lie] Williams [second son of Otho Holland] has had a little fever, but not more than the doctor says he ought to have; 24 small pox have appeared.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith. Balte. Apl. 28th 1788.
1788 Apr.
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS?].
[402]
Memorandum covering February 1787-April 1788, giving by quarters, Nett amt duties and Drawbacks; total of duties, [UNK]49918-8-4; total of drawbacks, [UNK]4864.13.0.
1 p. 18-19 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1788 May 14
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[403]
Finds on his desk a letter he wrote Thomas before he [Williams] went to New York; will send it along with this one; he [Williams] is not worried, if his enemies have nothing worse to say of him than what passed at the card table that Evening; an intelligent and friendly man would have found as many things to criticize in his [Williams'] character as were pointed to by the observations of that Inimical Blockhead H ------[?]; not disturbed that most of the others laughed, and is grateful to that good old man [?] who defended him; why should a man who is at ease and respected among strangers of the first rank and females of the first figure mind the little nonsensical envious, censorious whispers of a whist party at a Frederick Inn; the people of New York and Philadelphia were greatly pleased by the news of the adoption by Maryland of the federal constitution; went to New York on business for his brother [Elie]; Elie and Mr. [Robert] Elliot of Hagars town put in a bid to the Board of Revenue to furnish the rations for the troops in the West; lack of money in the federal treasury may prevent the contract from being awarded at all; Polly [his wife] has been much indisposed and William Elie [Williams, his second son] has had the small pox; the post has Thomas' fine blue [cloth].
A.L.S. 3 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. Williams May 14. 1788.
Enclosure missing.
1788 June 3
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Maj. Gen. [Henry] KNOX.
[404]
Despite the non-payment of the money supposed to have been advanced them by the Continental Treasurer, Elliot and Williams are making great efforts to comply with the terms of their contract; they [E and W] have sent to the Board of the Treasury a transcript of the proceedings of the Maryland legislature on their memorial asking that warrants of the Board be receivable for taxes; Baltimore merchants have given E and W credit for the goods they needed to fulfill the contract; asks Knox to help devise some other way to get the money the Board agreed to advance; the stores of E and W are now on the way to the West, and they will have to know what places the troops are in; asks Knox for the necessary directions; if Knox could appoint Elliot or [Elie] Williams quarter master, the trust would be faithfully discharged.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 33 cm. × 21 cm.
1788 June 8
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gov. [William] SMALLWOOD.
[405]
Acknowledges receipt of a letter about duties for the payment of interest due to Messers Vanstaphorsts; as soon as the resolution for the payment of that interest passed, he [Williams] collected and paid into the Treasury all the money due for the payment; this was before he [Williams] received the orders [from the Board]; consequently he has now no money in hand to pay any more; encloses an abstract of the gross amount of duties in this office payable ten months after the date of entry; the Board ordered him [Williams] not to allow drawbacks on any merchandise exported for special duties, but these orders were superseded by a resolution of the General Assembly making the allowing of such drawbacks mandatory; the Naval Officer cannot certainly know how such duties are to be paid on any one cargo, until fifteen or eighteen months after importation; the general average of drawbacks is about one to nine; the salt duty of 8 pence per bushel is to go wholly to paying interest; suggests that Mr. [?] Sterret, agent of the Vanstaphorsts, will be willing to take an order of the Board on him [Williams] for a thousand pounds; this he could pay out of the general receipts; this sum he could replace from the special duties as they become payable; the scarcity of specie will make the collections this year difficult.
Copy signed. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the Governor -- 8 June 1788.
Enclosure missing.
1788 June 11
[Henry] KNOX, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[406]
Williams asked in his letter, which he [Knox] took to be a public one, what line of conduct New York would pursue; the antifederal interest is strong enough to have 45 or 46 votes out of 66, and they are obstinate and artful; if
Virginia adopts the constitution, New York will not have the hardihood to reject it, but the convention will adjourn to a distant day; Every thing rests on the decision of Virginia; policy of New York and Rhode Island is crooked; hopes Williams' friends [Elliot and Williams] will be able to fulfill their contract, and is sure the Quartermaster's Department will be conducive to their interests.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 31.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Genl. H. Knox private to O. H. Williams 11th June 1788.
1788 June 11
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To ELLIOT and WILLIAMS.
[407]
Mr. Oliver Pollock, who is here now, has suggested that, since he [Pollock] has a passport to trade with the Spaniards at New Orleans [La.], he and Elliot and Williams might make a profitable connection; he [Otho H.] feels no inclination to have E and W extend their operations outside their own superintendency, but if Pollock is going to buy tobacco and stores in the West, he [Otho H.] ought to know prices and convenient locations; asks E and W to write him fully on these points as soon as possible; hopes Elliot understands clearly now what Guardoque [Diego de Gardoqui], the Spanish minister, meant by his vastly polite and voluntary offer to help him [Otho H.] in New York; perhaps they will wish to accept his offer.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: O.H.W. To Messrs. E and Wms 11 June 1788.
[1788 before June 18]
Estimates on rations to be furnished according to advertisement of Treasury Board.
[408]
Rations consist of beef or pork, bread or flour, rum, salt, vinegar, soap, candles; 100 rations to cost [UNK]2.4.9, with the cost of transportation added, for places beyond Fort Pitt [Pa.]; yearly profits estimated at [UNK]5,493.1.1.
Memorandum in hand of Otho Holland Williams. 2 pp. 34.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Enclosed in entry 409.
1788 June 18
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To ELLIOT and WILIAMS.
[409]
Nothing by the post, but supposes they are busy parcelling and packing; bids them consider the enclosed papers, especially the one about the quarter master's office and let him [Otho H.] know their decision; he [Otho H.] thinks there should be some obligation on the part of the Secretary at War to pay when accounts are settled; appearances are dark just now -- save yourselves if you can; encloses contract for quartermaster stores, list of posts, letter from the Secretary at War.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Elliot and Williams 18 June 1788.
Enclosures missing, except entry 408.
1788 June 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To W[illia]m DUER.
[410]
The honorable the board of Treasury will remember their verbal promise to the contractors for Provisions andc. That they wd. Exchange their warrants upon the Collector in this State by others upon any of the states, except N York; the Maryland legislature have protested their [the contractors'] orders, and neither Williams nor the contractors have been able to find out why; the collector in Virginia has a quantity of tobacco on his hands, and the contractors would be willing to make an arrangement to take some of it, rather than lose all they have put up; asks Duer to send an early answer.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 29.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Mr. Will[ia]m Duer private 20th. June 1788.
1788 June 23
J[eremiah] To[wnle]y CHASE, Presid[en]t [of the Council of Maryland]. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore Town.
[411]
Thanks Williams for the information in his letter of June 8; gives Williams permission to advance Mr. Sterett a thousand pounds, if Williams can be sure of replacing it from the special duties in time for his annual settlement; Williams is to send a copy of Sterett's receipt to the treasurer, who has been told of the arrangement.
L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Annapolis 23d. June 1788 Prest. of Council Ltre.
1788 June 25
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[412]
Has had the presumption to accept an appointment as judge under the new criminal law; court opened yesterday with all the legal forms but without any pomp; three men were arraigned today for capital crimes, and one was tried and found guilty of felony and attempted murder; crowd in court house was large and respectful; the first road the Assembly provided for will be surveyed tomorrow and the work begun in a week or so; Williams has been three times on that [roads] board; has accepted two very unpopular commissions; expects to pay particular attention this summer to the main chance; anxious about his brother; wants to be at Williamsport at harvest time and May Ross will be with him; his poor little Wm Elie is much indisposed -- but Robert is quite a Buck; the Delanys have not answered his letter.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1788 June 27
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen. [Henry] KNOX, Sec. at War.
[413]
Encloses a contract on the part of Elliot and Williams, signed and sealed by himself [Otho Holland Williams] and Col. Sam Smith, legal representatives of the contractors; since the contractors are both gone to the Westward, the contract is not to subject them to any loss until after they have been informed of it by the Secretary at War; the contract does not specify the mode of payment, but presumably it will follow promptly upon the presentation of satisfactory accounts.
Copy in hand of and signed by O.H.W. 1 p. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: O. H. Williams to Genl. Knox 27th June 1788.
1788 July 16
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIA]MS, Balt[imor]e. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[414]
This is the 4th week Williams has been serving as Justice of the Criminal Court for [Baltimore] County and term is almost over; today Cassady, Wilson, Watson were sentenced to death for returning to the state contrary to the terms of a former pardon; they were also sentenced to 7 years' hard labor for later offenses, and this sentence they will have to serve even if the death sentence is not executed; Allen was condemned to death for burglary with intent to murder; On this day also Hugh Mulliken was publickly whipped, Pilloried, and had his cars cut off for coining and passing counterfeit money. A miserable old woman was whipped, pilloried and Carted with a conspicuous label Perjury -- Elizabeth Farrel -- carried on a pole in the cart; the roads are begun; Williams is acting as judge, as commissioner of roads as well as naval officer; has little time for the addition to his house and the care of his lot; visits his friends, writes letters, plays with his boys and takes his wife a moon light walk; [Alexander] Hanson's letter satisfies him; he [Williams] is astonished at Thomas' levity; he keeps up small talk with Miss L ----- as well as Williams himself could have done 7 years ago when he had nothing to do but write love letters, and fight; uncertain when they will meet; Polly and May [Ross] send love; will write to Hanson and will now dare to speak to him of Laudanum.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed: Gen. W. July 16, 1788.
1788 Aug. 21
Will[iam] HETH, Pittsburg [Pa.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[415]
Bill on Otho H. Williams, in favor of Elliott and Williams, for forty-two dollars, at twenty days sight.
A.D.S. 1 p. 20.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by O.H.W.: Order 21st. Augt. 88 Coll. W. Heth to O. H. Williams favor of Elliot and Williams ent[ere]d 1 Octr 88.
Enclosed in entry 419.
1788 Aug. 21
Will[iam] HETH, Pittsburg [Pa.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[416]
Had to go, about August 1, to visit his aged, unfortunate father; brought more than [UNK]30 with him, but has had to accept a loan from Mr. [Robert] Elliot for forty-two dollars; for this sum he [Heth] has drawn on Williams at twenty days sight; is confident he will be back in Richmond [Va.] in time to send the money to Williams before it is due, but knows Williams will honor it, any way.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21 cm. × 17.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21st August 1788 Wm. Heth O. H. Williams Ltre.
1788 Sep. 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To D[avid] ROSS, Congress.
[417]
Thanks Ross for his letter of [August] 25; meeting place for the first Congress of the new Govt. is important, and it is surprising that South Carolina thinks otherwise; They [Congress] had better if possible sit down, at once, where they intend to continue; if the Southern States connect themselves with the eastern ones in order to get the protection of the navy of New England, they will have to pay the price and submit to being made dependent vassals; the true interests of South Carolina are with those of the western and middle states; North Carolina will never be at a variance with Virginia; surprised at Ross' embarrassment in Congress and is sure that there is some female influence practised; attachment of Congress to seaport towns is injudicious; inconsistent with the existence of reciprocal confidence to fix the permanent residence of the American Court at one corner of the Continent; If the proposed System of Gover[n]m[en]t is ever carried to the extent of which it is capable -- Kaintucky -- Muskingum, and States not yet emerged from the... western Wilds, must be admitted, and received, into the Union... It is designed to be a Government of NATIONS; South Carolina can not possibly persist in her indiscreet preference [for the North], but if she does, Ross must try for Philadelphia, with a reference to the several State Legislatures, which will undoubtedly prefer a central location; Ultimately, some spot on Potomac [River] must be determined upon,... where Virginia and Maryland may unite in a Cession of territory; sends regards to [Benjamin] Contee, [Joshua] Seney and the others.
A.Df.S. 6 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To D. Ross Esq. Congress 1st Septr. 1788.
1788 Sep. 6-10
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Balt[imor]e. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[418]
Sends Thomas some copies, abstracts, etc., which he wishes returned, for D[avid] Ross has left Congress and Williams can use on another man pieces he had written about Ross; September 7, Sunday, cold and rainy; Tuesday September 9, clear again and Williams felt happier; went out to see his chain gang and found them happy; guests that evening; Wednesday, September 10, received Thomas' letter and after dinner will see what can be done; wishes he was worth [UNK]10,000.
A.L. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. Wms. Sept 6, 88.
Enclosures missing.
1788 Sep. 14
Rob[er]t ELLIOT, Fort Pitt [Pittsburg, Pa.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[419]
Received today Williams' letter of August 20; they [Elliot and Williams] drew on Sam and John Smith only because the time of commencing to issue [army rations] was so near that they could not get the necessary provisions in any other way; goods are now all forwarded and the business is in hand, so that they will be able to give the troops all they need; within a year they [E. and W.] will be able to send out a considerable Remittance in Peltry, Ginsang and Cashe; the paymaster left for the lower posts with seven months pay for the troops about the time Elie Williams started for the Falls [of the Ohio]; the Indians are [now] coming in to Fort Harmer [opposite Marietta, Ohio] to the Treaty in great Numbers and of course brings [sic] considerable quantities of furs from the Lakes; does not now seem possible to stop their [E. and W.'s] operations, as he [Otho H.] had advised but if he and the Smiths think it wiser, they will do so as soon as they can; if payments cannot be recovered, of course the issue of supplies must stop at once; if they recover all that is due them, they stand to do a business of [UNK]12,000 and to make a profit of more than 25%; Elie Williams, on his way to the Falls, contracted with Gen. [Samuel Holden] Parsons, [James Mitchell] Varnum and [Rufus] Putnum [Putnam] to furnish 100 rations a day at Fort Harmar at 8d. a day for a year; will forward Otho H.'s letter to [his brother] Elie Williams at the Falls of the Ohio; much obliged to him for taking up their bills, and promises to draw on him no more; if he [Otho H.] approves of their going on, the sooner he forwards the goods to Hagers Town the better; Indian goods, such as French matchcoats, are essential; Can we depend on nothing from the new Government as to future payments [?]; encloses a draft for 42 dollars which Otho H. will place to their credit.
L.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Otho H. Williams: Fort Pitt 14 Septr. 1788 Robert Elliot to O. H. Williams Ltre a general discussion.
For enclosure see entry 415.
1788 Sep. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[420]
Bad to have to live 21 hours on milk and water, but the patient must have had still more pain; Williams suppresst that part of your Epistle [did not tell his wife]; it is Mrs. Williams' opinion that Mrs. [Jane] Hanson, being both a Mother and a Mistress, can and will give Thomas' little daughters a better education than a boarding school would do; Williams and his wife agree that before the little girls are fifteen, it would be well for them to spend a year with Mrs. Smith for The ornam[enta]l parts of needle knowledge and a few finishing touches -- short of Music, might be acquired in that time with Mrs. S---; tried to make Roots more ashamod of his behavior by reminding him of the measures he took to make Williams' acquaintance; Boucher tried to take all the disgrace, but some of the papers were in Roots' own writing; Williams is convinced that kissing goes by favor for why else do the federal printers print what comes from their friends and favors their side; we have had the Devil to pay hore for a few days past; town meetings of Federals and Antis stirred the people up almost to the point of a dreadful conflict; leaders on both sides exerted themselves and kept the two sides apart; not a few broken heads and one of the Principals had his windows demolished -- How it will end I don't know.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: Sept. 20, 1788.
1788 Sep. 23
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To ELLIOT and WILLIAMS.
[421]
Has this hour received their letter of September 14, with very sensible pleasure; his letter of August 20 was written when commerce was at a standstill, and when E. and W.'s friends were afraid that they would not get money on treasury warrants; his [Otho H.'s] advice to stop had been based on his fear that otherwise he might have to protest their bills; prospects for negotiating treasury warrants is now so good that E. and W. may well add to the amounts of provisions they are buying; the Indian goods have not yet got to Baltimore; certificate and vouchers should be forwarded at once; will credit E. and W. with the amount of Will Heth's bill when it is due.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Balt. 23d. Septr. 1788 O. H. Williams to Elliot and Williams Ltre.
1788 Sep. 24
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Carp[enter] Point [Cecil County]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[422]
If he [Ramsey] is able to disentagle himself from his business, he will avail himself of Williams' invitation to share his house and his company in Baltimore; doubts that he can get a tenant with whom it would be safe to trust his property; is already tiring of an inactive life, and has been considering travel; may offer for the new Congress; as soon as the election is over, he [Ramsey] is going by water to Baltimore, and thence by horseback to his neglected lands in Monocacy Manor [Frederick County]; is sorry to hear of the violence with which your [Baltimore] citizens carry on their politics; [Samuel] Chase can help Williams in his efforts [to calm politics down] better than any one else.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Ramsey Septr. 24, 1788.
1788 Oct. 23
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Carp[enter] Point [Cecil County]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[423]
Encloses a letter to Mr. Chappel for Williams to deliver; has been confined to the house most of the time since he last wrote; asks Williams, if it is quite convenient, to get him a horse for his projected journey to Frederick.
A.L.S. 1 p. 28 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Ramsey 23d. Octr. 1788.
Enclosure missing.
1788 Nov. 5
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[424]
Had been expecting the fate of his sister and does not know why he did not press her to go and see Thomas; last time he [Williams] saw her, he recommended something that had helped him and after that, she seemed to get better; thanks Thomas for his constancy and friendship.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 17.5 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. Wms. Novem. 5 88.
1788 Dec. 8
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD, Gov., Annapolis. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore.
[425]
The bearer, Judah Fouble, an acquaintance of a friend of theirs [Howard and Williams], has been applying for a pardon from a two year sentence for larceny; he [Howard] is not sure he has the right to give a pardon to her; if he is satisfied he can do it, and decides he will do it, one condition will be her leaving the town of Baltimore which does not appear agreeable to her; if she takes herself off, the public will not be injured [by a pardon granted to her].
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Govr. Howard 8 Decr. 1788.
1788 Dec. 29
Nat[haniel] RAMSEY, Carp[enter] Point [Cecil County]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[426]
Election [campaign] begins in a few days, and he [Ramsey] would much like to have Williams' opinion about his [Ramsey's] being a candidate to the federal Congress; for some time his name was on the federal ticket for the second district, but at the last meeting of the committee, his name was stricken out in favor of Jos[hua] Seney; would still rather like to run, but fears it might give offence if he offered himself after so respectable a body as the Committee of the Assembly had rejected him; authorizes Williams to declare for him that he will or will not offer; has for some time had an unfortunate wound on his leg; has had no news and begs Williams to write him by the first post and for fear of accidents by the second also.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 29.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 29th Decemr. 1788 Coll. N. Ramsey.
END Box 4
1789 Jan. 3
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To H[enry] LEE [Jr.], Virginia.
[427]
Does not know Lee's friend [Richard Henry] Lee, senator, well enough to seek his help in being appointed by Congress to the office he now holds under the State government; asks Henry Lee to make him better known to the senator.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 3d. Jan. 1789 To Coll. H. Lee. Virg[ini]a.
1789 Jan. 3
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To R[obert] MORRIS.
[428]
The establishment of the general government has abolished the office he [Williams] holds under the State, and the early part of his life was taken by the Revolution; for these reasons he is dependent upon Congress; is a candidate for the same office under the federal system as he had under the State, and asks Morris' support; asks only that he be kept in mind when the appointment comes up.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 20 cm. × 24.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 3d. January 1789 To R. Morris Esqr. of Senate of U States.
1789 Jan. 6
R[ichard] PINDELL. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore Town.
[429]
Received Williams' letter of [December] 30th yesterday; Williams' brother [Elie] also arrived yesterday; Williams' sister, Mrs. [?] Chapline, died last Satuday week and was buried at Williams Port beside his [Williams'] other sister, Mrs. [John] Stull; the Federal ticket will prevail by a great majority, but we... have pledged ourselves... to use every effort to counteract the Dark and Villainous designs of the Antis; Dr. [?] Cruz from your town has been in this county several days circulating infamous falsehoods against
the Federalists; Cruz appeared yesterday at Beltzhover's and was threatened with tar and feathers; glad to hear that [John Eager] Howard is not likely to be dazzled with the rank [of governor] he now bears; cannot rewrite this scrawl, as he must write to all the big captains in the neighborhood asking them to exert themselves in the election; sends respects to Mrs. [O.H.] Williams and Mercy; has two bushels of nuts which he will send by the first wagon.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 31 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 6th January 1789. Doctr. Richd. Pindell.
Superscribed: request for Dr. P[hilip] Thomas to forward the letter as soon as possible.
Printed in Maryland Historical Magazine, XVIII: pp. 311, 312, December 1923.
1789 Jan. 8
Moses RAWLINGS, Hagers Town. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[430]
Received Williams' letter of [January] third, and wishes to explain how his name came to be on the Anti [Federalist] ticket; believed from the constitution that the legislature, and not the people at large, would choose the electors; wanted to be an elector and spoke to Mr. [?] Faw, Mr. [Richard?] Potts and Dr. [John] Coulter; Mr. Faw was therefore justified in thinking he [Rawlings] would serve if elected, but not in thinking he would run on the Anti ticket; hopes this explanation will satisfy Williams and his other friends; has written a little piece for the paper on the matter.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 8. January 1789. Coll. M. Rawlings.
1789 Jan. 9
John STULL, Milsburey [Millsborough]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[431]
Williams' letter, received last night, gave fresh spirit to their exertions; at present their polls show 809 on the federal ticket and none against it; about 15 Light boys Eaquel to my Self is ordered to scower the County and they will probably get several hundred more votes; yesterday 150 or more men from near Williamsport headed by Hoy [?] and van Lear voted federal tickets; eleven cannon shots were just fired on federal hill and he [Stull] must ride.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 19 cm. × 15.5 cm.
Note signed P[hilip] T[homas] that our victory is compleat, and that he is forwarding the letter the same day it was received.
1789 Jan. 11
Col. John STULL, Milsbury [Millsborough]. To Otho H. WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[432]
At the recent election, the Federal ticket had 1167 votes, and no other ticket had even one; election was conducted
with the greatest Cair and Caussion... ther was an Ox roasted of a bout 46 weight if you Could only a seen how quick it was Devoured by the numbers the tenth person Did not Get a tast; two or three thousand men women Children and negrows filled the town so full a man could not turn around; Williams' brother Elie looks poorly but seems tolerable herty; respects to Mrs. [O.H.] Williams, Mercy, Robert, Elie [Williams' sons]; asks news of how things went in Baltimore, and says that if any more Baltimoreans come up, as Dr. [?] Cruse did, to Dicktate and breed Contension a munckst the Good peple of W[ashington] County thay will not be so Gently handeled as Cruse was.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 19 cm. × 15.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 9th and 11 Jan. 1789 Coll. J. Stull.
1789 Jan. 20
W[illiam] JACKSON, Philadelphia. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[433]
Has decided to try to get a position under the federal government, and would like the secretaryship of the Senate; asks Williams to use his influence with [Charles] Carroll and [John] Henry, [Maryland senators] and with Col. [William] Grayson.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 20th. Jan 1789 Majr. W. Jackson Philadelphia.
1789 Jan. 26
Jacob YOUNG, Frederick. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[434]
Must go to jail unless Williams will stand his friend; a Fieri facias will be on my land -- with a gradil [great deal] of cost and the land will be sold and not for half value; begs for Williams' assistance and will deed his land to him.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 26th. Jany. 1789. Debt Jacob Young Frederick unim[portant].
1789 Feb. 2
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To W[illiam] JACKSON.
[435]
Jackson's letter of January 20 came while he [Williams] was away from home, and that is the only reason why it was not answered; he and Williams must help each other; Williams wants to continue at the head of the customs in Maryland and asks Jackson to help him get the post; cannot now write to Col. [William] Grayson for Jackson, since that would be too importunate, but will write to the Colonel when the time is seasonable.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 17.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 2d February 1789 Majr. W. Jackson.
1789 Feb. 8
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS [Frederick].
[436]
Presumes Thomas will be home by the time this gets to Frederick, for A[lexander] C[ontee] Hanson just wrote to him [Williams] that he [Hanson] and Thomas were not going to be in Baltimore; must spend all his energies in the line of revenue this summer; his deals will make him easier, financially, but just now he is engaged for some very considerable sums; sends Thomas some papers and asks him to have the deed recorded; if a good chance offers, Thomas might speak of it to old Mr. [George] Adams and his son and tell them they must pay punctually what they owe; Williams will sue on October 1 if they do not pay; land may not be worth much.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. W. Feb. 8, 1789.
Enclosures missing.
1789 Feb. 10
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gov. [John Eager] HOWARD.
[437]
Some time ago he [Williams] suggested to the governor a wish to make a complete abstract of imports and exports, and of vessels entering and clearing at the port since peace was made; had thought that the returns filed in the offices of the treasurers of the Eastern and Western Shores would give all the necessary information, but now he finds that the returns into the Treasury of the Western Shore are so few and so lacking in uniformity that no satisfactory accounts can be made out from them; does not see how this happened, since the late Intendant [of the revenue, Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer] was a financier and a patriot; the treasurer can not compel people to make returns, but can only keep those that are made and take the money; only way, at present, to remedy the defect would be to have general returns from the several naval districts, and this would require an order from the governor and council; encloses a plan for such an order, and will send in one from the fourth naval district; since this is a private letter, it admits of my offer'g my particular compliments to Mrs. Howard, and Miss Chew [Mrs. Howard's sister]; asks that Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall see this letter.
A.Df.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Balte. 10 Feby. 1789. To Govr. Howard.
1789 Feb. 14
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD, Governor, Annapolis. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[438]
Council on motion of Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall took up the matter of returns of exports and imports and directed the naval officers to make such returns; Howard will send Williams the forms by Monday; when he [Howard] stopped at Williams' house to pay his loan, he forgot the money Williams
had paid to the Jockey Club; if Williams will tell him how much it was, he will pay it; Mrs. Howard and Miss Chew send their compliments to Mrs. Williams, and Howard adds his.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Annapolis 14 Feby 1789 Govr Howard.
1789 Feb. 17
Henry [Light Horse Harry] LEE, Jr. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[439]
Will use his best exertions to accomplish Williams' wishes; is confident that, in regard to the offices existing under the states and necessary to the federal government, the executive [the president of the U.S.] will re-appoint the existing state officials; encloses a letter of introduction to Mr. [Richard Henry] Lee, who is surely wise and sincerely good, and therefore worth knowing.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Postmarked Alex[andria], Feby 20.
Enclosure missing.
1789 Feb. 23
Memorandum about a bay mare, Lofty, and her pedigree.
[440]
In hand of Otho Holland Williams, 2 pp. 21.5 cm. × 20 cm.
1789 Mar. 1
[Robert MORRIS] Philad[elphi]a. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[441]
Received Williams' letter of [February] third on his return from New York; Williams' letter was so very proper that he [Morris] will not forget it, but he makes it a rule never to promise [how he will vote on nominations]; has, however, the greatest esteem for Williams' conduct and abilities.
A.L. Signature cut out. 1 p. 26 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Robt. Morris Esqr. 1 March 1789.
1789 Mar. 4
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Col. [James] GUNN.
[442]
Has had the most considerable appointment in the state as regards the collection of customs, an appointment now cancelled by the powers delegated to the Congress in the new form of Govern[men]t; is now dependent upon the Senate for reappointment, and solicits Gunn's support.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 4 March 1789 To Coll. Gunn Senate U States.
1789 Mar. 5
J[ohn] HENRY [United States senator]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[443]
Mrs. Henry has been so ill that he [Henry] has had no time to answer Williams' letter of December 26; will do all he can to help Williams get what he wants under the new government; thanks him for his congratulations on his [Henry's] new appointment; did not want the place but had to take it
lest people think he was against the new government; Mrs. Henry has been so dangerously ill for so long a time that Henry is afraid her complaint will terminate fatally.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 31.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: 5th March 1789 The Hble Jno. Henry.
1789 Mar. 10
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Charles CARROLL [United States Senate].
[444]
Encloses abstracts of imports, imports and tonnage of merchandise and shipping for the port of Baltimore for some past years; has been trying to get the material for a general return for the whole state under those heads; has added some remarks about some of the figures, in order to make them more clear.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 17.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 10th March 1789. To the Hon[ora]ble C. Carroll Esq J[ohn] Henry Esq Senators in Congress.
1789 Mar. 16
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD, Annapolis. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[445]
Williams' brother [Elie], clerk of Washington County, is on the list of delinquents for not having made a return of marriage licences for 1787 and 1788; his returns of fines and forfeitures, of ordinary [inn] licences, hawkers and pedlars, retailers of spirituous liquors, and retailers at horse races are all lacking for one or more years, and the matter will probably be put into the hands of the Attorney General by April 1; he [Howard] received [Otho H.'s] letter about bringing into town the water of the independent spring; is always ready to help the inhabitants of Baltimore, but can give no answer in this matter until he sees what injury he [Howard] is likely to sustain; will be up [to Baltimore] soon.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho H. Williams: Mr. Prather Please return this to OHWms. and 16 March 1789. Governor Howard.
1789 Mar. 17
Rob[er]t ELLIOT. To Elie WILLIAMS, Hagrestown.
[446]
Received Williams' letter with the money; on March 6th he [Elliot]forwarded three boatloads of flour, whiskey, candles, soap, pork etc.; expects to send off two more on the 22nd of March and, on April 1, 35,000 pounds of flour and whiskey; is arranging to send the large boat to Venango [Pa.] the first week in April, and hopes to visit Hagerstown soon after that; Governor [Arthur] St. Clair has been here [?] for ten days and says he is going to hold a treaty with the Indians on the Masippy; he [St. Clair] has promised to favor them [Elliot and Williams] in the business resulting therefrom; St. Clair professes friendship for his [Williams'] brother [Otho H.], so he [Otho H.] might give
him some oblick [oblique] hints; is sending 9 horseload of deerskins, and has 20 more at Fort Franklin [Pa.]; sends Williams a Caintuck Horse Brought in by George Brickle.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 22 cm.
Endorsed: 17th March 1789 Mr. Elliot to E. Williams.
1789 Mar. 24
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS. To Dr. P[hilip] THOMAS.
[447]
Thomas has four or five hundred subjects for inoculation, his enemies divide among them all perhaps half that many; But the design -- the malignity -- the meanness, with which your character, and your interest, are attacked!; he [Williams] also has enemies, but he never complains, only takes care to give them nothing to attack him on; [William] Smallwood's low ambition -- to be the idol of Sycophants, -- and the meanness of his resentments taught him [Williams] that enemies are excellent friends. They never pardon an error; on Monday March 22, at five in the morning, Polly presented him with another fine son [Edward Greene]; he [Williams] is still confined with Cough and Rheumatism.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. W 24 Mar. 1789.
1789 Apr. 2
J[ohn] E[ager] HOWARD, Governor, Annapolis. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[448]
Has been too ill and too busy to see Williams about Cornelius Conway as he intended; in Annapolis, Howard overheard Mr. Hanson and Mr. Pitts talking about some man sentenced by a special Charles County court under the new criminal law; Hanson doubted that the sentence was legal, from lack of jurisdiction in the special court; must have been Conway that they were talking about; Howard must have a transcript of the record before considering a pardon; will see Hanson and is disposed [to pardon] him [Conway].
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm. Torn.
Endorsed by Williams: 2d. Apl. 1789 J. E. Howard Govr.
1789 Apr. 3
W[illiam] LEWIS, Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[449]
On the day set for trial of Williams' case against Jonas Phillips, Phillips' counsel, under excuse of absence of material evidence, urged that it be put off; objections overruled and the cause was ordered on; Phillips' counsel retracted their plea and forced Lewis to agree to put off the trial until this term; case came up this morning and Williams was awarded L92.11.3; Phillips tells Lewis he can pay in a short time, but as he [Phillips] is a great scoundrel, Lewis is not willing to trust him; asks Williams whether to issue an execution.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21.5 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Phila. 3d Apl. 1789 Wm Lewis Esq.
1789 Apr. 3
Jo[seph] SWEARINGEN. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[450]
Will be glad if Williams can send him, by Mr. John Swearingen, [UNK]25 and take John Swearingen's receipt for it.
A.L.S. 1 p. 19.5 cm. × 16 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 3d April 1789 100 Jo Swearingen Ltre.
For receipt see entry 457.
1789 Apr. 4
David ROSS [Bladensburg]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[451]
Has application for all the tract of which Williams wants only a part; if Williams wants to buy, Ross will make the time of payment convenient, if they can agree on a price; ice has been out long enough for Mr. Hughes to get his wheat to market and Ross hopes Hughes has paid Williams the money he [Williams] lent Ross; if Hughes has not done so, Williams is to favor him with a line, and he [Ross] will come up and fix it as soon as the Prince Georges April term [of court] is over.
A.L.S. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Rec'd 5 Apl. 1789 David Ross. On same sheet as entry 847.
1789 Apr. 5
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Col. [David] HUMPHRIES [Humphreys], Mt. Vernon [Va.].
[452]
Has been asked to find out whether the President [Washington] is going to pass through Baltimore on his way to Congress, and whether he would delay a day, to let the inhabitants pay him their compliments; is sure Washington does not like that sort of thing, but it serves to attach the people even more to the new government; asks Humphries to find out for him and to let him know as soon as possible; the universal domand for Washington for president will... Justify me,... for calling him so before his appointment is announced.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Humphries 4 Apl. 1789.
1789 Apr. 6
Jonas PHILLIPS, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[453]
Had Williams been so obliging as to have wrote to him before he [Williams] had him arrested, he [Phillips] would have given back Williams' money upon the return of the negro; Williams was justified, but he [Phillips] thought he had a right to do as he did and sell his negro out of the state; boy belonged to Colonel Clock [sic], Sir William Johnson's son-in-law, and was a slave for life; the law in this state [Pennsylvania] sets them free but Phillips always thought he could sell a slave out of the state if he was bound until he was twenty-eight; thought he explained this to several people in Baltimore, but
could not prove it and therefore consented to confess judgment in Williams' favor, without a trial; tells Williams in what manner and the only way... [he] Williams can receive his money; Phillips owes a considerable sum here and in Europe, but has assets to pay 20 shillings per [UNK]; went to his creditors and induced them to sign a letter of Licence accepting 1/3 of what he [Phillips] owned each one in two years, 1/3 in three years and 1/3 in four years with interest; made over all his estate to Messers Cunnyngham and Nisbet, Jacob Spicer and Robert Smith; if Williams orders his attorney to sign the letter of licence, he will be doing an essential peace of service to... [Phillips and his] wife and Ten small children; if he gets out an execution, it will throw Phillips into [UNK] and Williams will not get a shilling for Phillips is going to sell to each of his creditors their full amount out of his real and personal estate; asks Williams to keep this a secret, as it might injure his credit; does not intend to tell anyone except those to whom he makes the promise; refers Williams to Cunnyngham, Nisbet, Jacob Spicer, Robert Smith.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Philadelphia, 6 April 89 frm the Villain Jonas Philips.
1789 Apr. 6
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[454]
Congratulates Williams on the birth of another son, however if you proceed at this rate it may soon be necessary to turn your eyes to the Western country; the Senate will probably meet today, count the ballots, and send Charles Thomson for the President; the House has done nothing but organize and will do nothing until after the arrival of Washington; thinks the Pennsylvanians are planning to move that Congress adjourn to Philadelphia as soon as the election is over; many members are dissatisfied with New York, for the board is more expensive than in Philadelphia and Baltimore and not so good; the first people here have overwhelmed the members of Congress with attention; Williams need not come up before May first and perhaps not so soon.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 31 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: N. York 6 Apl. 89 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1789 Apr. 6
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[455]
About 2 o'clock this day the ballots were opend when G. Washington Esq was... unanimously elected president of the United States of Am[eric]a having 69 votes, John Adams Vice President 34 votes... At 5 O Clock I dined with the French Minister when we drank Genl. Washington for the last time, under general discharge of artillery, and then drank the Pres[ident] of the united [sic] States for the first time; no motion today on sounding the members; encloses
last New York paper; party feeling high in New York; New York city unanimously against [George] Clinton and for [William] Yates for governor; election 3d Tuesday of the month [April 21] and politicians are busy.
A.L.S. 1 p. 31 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Enclosure missing.
1789 Apr. 8
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[456]
The House is sitting as a committee of the whole, and is likely to pass, too quickly, bills to collect a revenue on all merchandise imported, and to collect a tonnage on American or foreign bottoms; asks Williams to rush him all the information he has on that subject, perhaps a complete copy of the [Maryland] laws; a bill may even be got ready to pass as soon as the president arrives, so Williams' information may be the more necessary.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: N. York 8th Apl 89 Wm. Smith Esqr.
1789 Apr. 8
John SWEARINGEN. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[457]
received of O. H. Williams his order on Thomas Johnson for One hundred pounds on acct of Joseph Swearingen [signed] John Swearingen [UNK]100.0.0.
In hand of Otho Holland Williams and signed by John Swearingen. 1 p. 19.5 cm. × 16 cm.
On same sheet as entry 450.
1789 Apr. 8
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[458]
Thomas was unhappy until he made two of his friends acknowledge a regard of which they were mutually conscious, but what did he intend in bringing them together, if they were not to have secrets he [Thomas] did not share; is glad Thomas is jealous of [Alexander Contee] Hanson; to humor Thomas by taking leave of Hanson for a while, he [Williams] has just written Hanson a long letter; We look for Charley T --- [Charles Thomson] every day to pass thro' this town on his way to Mount Vernon ---- The Illustrious the President General of the United States is to be escorted across Maryland; a meeting of gentlemen was called at the Fountain Inn, to consider the matter of escort, and those who did not come cannot complain if they do not like the arrangements; if the president's route lay through Frederick, an escort of volunteer troops would take place.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed: G[enera]l W Apl. 8 89.
1789 Apr. 15
FORREST, STODDERT and MURDOCH, London [Eng.] To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[459]
Are sending him invoices and other papers about a pair of looking glasses sent to him on the Nantz, Capt. Skinner; the glasses are practically the same as those sent to Dr. [Philip] Thomas; have placed his order for a dray horse with a man doing [UNK]50,000 yearly with that breed; prices for a superior dray stallion run from [UNK]35 to [UNK]100.
Letter signed: Forrest Stoddert and Murdoch. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: a/c and Letter O. H. Williams with Forrest Stoddert and Murdoch 19.8.11 St[erlin]g.
1789 Apr. 16
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To George WASHINGTON.
[460]
The office to which he had been appointed in the state government will be superceeded by the powers vested in the new federal Government; asks to be continued in office; knows the business, and has a reputation for honesty.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16th April 1789 His Excellency the Prest of U.States.
1789 Apr. 18
FORREST, STODDERT and MURDOCH, London [Eng.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[461]
Invoice of a pair of looking glasses; entry and shipping charges, primage, freight, commission and insurance; total, [UNK]19 /8 /11.
D. Signed Forrest Stoddert and Murdoch. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
1789 Apr. 18
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Balt[imor]e. To George WASHINGTON.
[462]
Draft of address to Washington in Baltimore.
A.Df. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Rough address not presented. Another by J[ames] McHenry was [presented.] This was not read. Endorsed also by R[obert] Gilmor: written by General Williams whose daughter-in-law Mrs. Ann Williams widow of E. G. Williams gave it to me. R. Gilmor 1833.
1789 Apr. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[463]
The enclosures in Williams' letter of April 15 will be useful to the committee drawing up the revenue bill; the president is expected today at noon, after preparations lasting for six weeks; perhaps no man was ever so universally respected and esteemed as he [Washington] is; the Senate has appointed a judiciary committee, which is proceeding moderately; both houses are inclined to promote the operations of the federal government.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: N. York 23d April 1789 Mr. Will[ia]m Smith.
1789 May 12
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] New York. To Col. [David] HUMPHREYS.
[464]
Does not wish to bother the president [George Washington], so he writes to Humphreys, and asks him to put the matter before Washington when time permits; retired from the army to take a position in the customs service of Maryland; drafted a revision of the Maryland revenue laws and got the legislature to pass it; now one officer has all the duties and rights, about the collection of custom, that in other states are given to several men; has had six years experience in the office; some members of Congress consulted him [Williams] on the federal revenue law, and at their request he has drafted a law; courts of admiralty are essential to any revenue collection system; must have a comptroller of customs for the United States, with deputies, and with collectors or naval officers for each port; anyone who knows our coast line knows that force would not avail [in the collection of revenue].
A.Df. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Coll. Humphreys 12 May 89.
1789 June 7
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[465]
Trip to New York gave him [Williams] more to write about than can be put into a letter; the Governor and Council are asking him for certain returns, not required by law which being excentric from my method will occasion me an infinity of trouble; thinks they are trying to find out the truth of rumors spread by Capt. [William] Campbell, Mr. [Randolph Brandt] Latimore and others, that he [Williams] has in his office a considerable sum of money which he should long since have paid into the treasury; Governor's letter intimates he thinks Williams a defaultor and implies what is not true; Shoaff, a foolish Gentleman from New York spread a rumor that Williams is to be Comptroller General, and this made some men envious; [Daniel] Dolozier, Williams' friend and deputy, heard some rumors while Williams was away, went to Annapolis to investigate, and told Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall about it; Hall wrote to Robert Smith, and Smith made what enquiry he could; found it only a rumor; The American court... is as gay as any... and for all I know as virtuous - - -; the Good old Fabius [Washington] when the ship is fairly under way will hail the Crew and bid them change the watch -- He is anxious for repose and speaks to his private friends of his home and a quiet life in very moving terms; finds but few [men] divested of state Politics, though Congress may in time prove to be wise; no laws passed yet, and only three departments agreed on, finance,
foreign affairs, war; Mrs. Washington arrived in New York... [May 27, 1789] and on Thursday morning I went to take my Leave. Breakfast was on the table. I was seated; and the family being retired, conversed two hours with the greatest man on Earth... Coll. [David] Humphreys came in to say a gentleman was waiting in the Drawing room -- the Gentleman waited -- and the conversation continued... I was sensible of this honor; bids Thomas tell no one about it; Thomas may tell that a Committee of Congress had agreed on salaries to be recommended, President to have $20,000 and secretaries, house rent, furniture, 2 carriages, 12 horses; Williams is now happy at home, with a wife and children... in such good health that they compensate for his misfortunes.
A.L.S. 6 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed: From Gl. Williams 7 June 1789.
1789 June 8
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[466]
Enclosed papers will give the news; House of Representatives has for several days been considering the bill for the collection of the revenue, but without much result; thinks that the United States will be divided into districts, each having one port of entry and delivery, and the needed number of ports of delivery only; the bill is unlikely to pass for two months; will send [Williams' son] Robert a hobbyhorse which he must lend to William [Elie Williams]; intends to add Elk River and Charleston [Charlestown, Cecil County] to the Baltimore district.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 June 1789 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1789 June 15
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[467]
Received Williams' letter of [June] 7th, with enclosures; the House, after debate and delay, has agreed to recommit to a special committee the bill for the collection of the revenue; the whole of the United States is to be divided into districts having ports of entry and delivery and ports of delivery only; he [Smith] will try to cut down the number of districts; at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Norfolk [Va.], Portsmouth [Va.], Alexandria [Va.], George Town, Charles Town [Charleston, S.C.], and Savanna[h, Ga.] there will be a collector, a naval officer and a surveyor; not yet certain what will be done to Connecticut [ports]; ports of delivery only will have but one officer, a surveyor; Mr. [George] Gale has gone back to Maryland, so he [Smith] cannot lay his hand on the draft of the bill Williams spoke of; agrees that after the many bills about the revenue are all passed, so many inconsistencies will appear that Congress will have to form the whole into one general system; And after all, the first laws will be found very imperfect, and require explanatory laws every
Session, from time to time; glad to hear such good reports from his clover, etc., from Orange [his estate not far from Baltimore]; when he writes to Polly [Mrs. O.H. Williams], he will answer her censure of his buildings and improvements which he had thought were very Clever; has not been able to get Robert such a hobbyhorse as he wants, but will not forget it.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 31 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 15 June 1789. Wm. Smith Esqr.
1789 June 17
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[468]
Received Williams' letter of [June] 11th; the committee to which was committed the bill for the collection of the revenue, of which Smith is a member, met yesterday and divided the United States into districts; Elk River is now a part of the Baltimore district; ports of entry and delivery will have a collector and ports of delivery a surveyor only; a few of the largest ports will have three officers whose duties are not yet laid out; some gentlemen in Congress were suspected of intending to make the interests of all the States bend to the convenience of one or two, for an attempt was made to have but one port of entry for Maryland, and that one ten miles up the Potomac River at St. Mary's; the House and the Senate are in agreement on the bill, except that the House maintains its first position about the deduction of the duty on spirits; he [Smith] has proposed as a compromise that the Senate's proposal should be accepted as to spirits imported in American bottoms, and the proposal of the House as to spirits in foreign bottoms; this would secure the carrying trade for American merchants; the Senate judiciary bill, just published, will probably meet much opposition in the House; sorry not to be at Eutaw [his country place near Baltimore]; the House spent all day yesterday debating whether the President should have to get the consent of the Senate to displace the secretary of foreign affairs, and the debate will continue most of today; the President [Washington] has been indisposed for a day or two; asks how it happened that Bowly and Ridgely lost Harrison's estate, for it is said here that the estate is confiscated.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 31.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 June 1789 Mr. William Smith.
1789 June 19
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[469]
The collection bill is not yet brought into the house, thought it has already been much altered; the Senate decided yesterday, after two days debate, that it would vote on the President's nominations by ballot only; this will enable the members to skulk concealed, instead of acting openly and above board; our house has spent three days of warm debate on the power of the president to remove the secretary of
foreign affairs without the consent of the Senate; the president has been much indisposed for some days... I much fear no other man could hold us together; the move to vote by ballot only on the president's nominations to office will throw the appointment of officers entirely into their [the Senate's] hands.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 19th June 1789 Mr. William Smith.
1789 June 21
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[470]
Everyone has been in Anxious suspense, for some days past on acct. of the Presidents [Washington] indisposition, who has been dangerously ill, although not generally known, his disorder has been a fever which at present is apprehended, will terminate in a large Boil on his thigh, and will be lanced to day or tomorrow and expected to carry off his disorder; after four days of solemn general debate, the house decided, 32 to 20, not to strike out the president's power of removal without the consent of the senate; the resolution of the senate, to vote on the president's appointments by ballot only, has been generally condemned; the collection bill may come out of committee in two or three days; he [Smith] doubts the collection bill will be ready to go into operation before September first; Williams may find it useful to correspond with members of the Senate; the ballotting business is intended to throw into their [the Senate's] hands the appointment of officers, Col. R[ichard] H[enry] L[ee] was at the head of this scheme, and from his assiduity and address, he expects, and I have no doubt he will obtain a considerable influence; he [Lee] is very open to flattory; Our little C[harles] C[arroll of Carrollton] is I think very candid and sincere in his professions, and what you will hardly believe, is almost an enthusiast in favor of trade and navigation.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 31.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 June 1789 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1789 June 24
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[471]
What does Thomas think can be [Thomas] Johnson's reason for not attending to that little piece of business; can Johnson think Williams ought to be grateful; while Williams was prisoner of war along with Peter Hanson, Peter's father prevailed on Thomas Johnson, then Governor, to draw a Bill in his [Peter's?] favor on Danl. Chemier [Chamier] of New York; the bill was sent to Williams because he was a friend and patron of Peter; Peter died, but Chamier paid the money to Williams; Williams distributed the money among the prisoners and has receipts to prove it; Williams and Johnson's brother were both nominated for Colonel in the flying Camp while Williams was prisoner, and Williams was appointed; when
Williams was released and came home, Johnson came to be considerably in Williams' debt, and still later, Williams was in debt to Johnson; then Johnson drew on Williams till the balance went against him [Johnson]; now Williams draws on Johnson and Johnson delays to honor the orders; wants only to be sure Thomas does not think him ungrateful; can [George] Adams pay Williams two or three hundred pounds in two or three months; Mr. G[abriel] Duvall is executing his [Williams'] little commission on my two or three poor farms which grow in my estimation... as my other resources decline; Congress are tardy; tired of asking Thomas to come to see him; Washington has been ill and still cannot hold his levees; chaos would onsue if Washington were to die; if he died now, all the good of the present system would be ascribed to him and all the ills to the loss of him.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.; 1 p. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. W. June 24, 1789.
1789 June 28
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[472]
In answer to Williams' letter of [June] 20th, he [Smith] thinks Mr. [?] Furnival was mistaken in his report on the impost bill; that bill and the tonnage bill went into a conference committee, and the house, by a vote of 26 to 25, accepted the report of the conference; this will cause the senate to stick to its amendments, and the house will give way; both bills will go into effect August first; vessels in port before the act of Congress goes into effect will probably pay only what the state laws provide; agrees with Williams that Congress will do well to prohibit vessels from taking on board goods produced in the several states until the laws of the states have been complied with; the revenue collection bill at present provides for three officers in each of the principal ports, a collector, a naval officer and a surveyor; the collector enters all ships, takes the bonds and collects the duties; the naval officer is to receive copies of manifests and invoices, to calculate the duties and, with the collector, to receive them; there are sure to be plenty of applicants for office; the secretary of the treasury is to decide upon the forms to be followed, and, in general, to superintend the collection of the revenue; he [Smith] tried in committee to get a comptroller appointed for each state, with the duty of prescribing forms and superintending the collections, but he was overruled; would not be amiss for Williams to spend a week or two in New York toward the end of next month, and Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall might come with him; The only objection I know to that plan, is, that your wives will want to attend you, under pretence of paying their respects to Mrs. President [Washington], and very likely Peggy [Mrs. Robert Smith] will want to attend them; the President has been dangerously ill in bed for many days.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 32 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: June 28th 1789 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1789 July 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[473]
Is glad Thomas did not notice the ill humor of his last letter; was all set to wage war on Thomas Johnson when Johnson sent him a dun so polite and civil that he answered it with politeness and sensibility; Joe may come on with his paper; if Thomas says anything to Aristides, let him be careful, for Williams is not sure Annapolis will try to censure him [Williams]; the Williamses are giving a dinner today for Gov. and Mrs. [John Eager] Howard, Mrs. Chew and two of her daughters; has finished his house and bought 60 guineas worth of table ware; has just heard that the Nantz, which is at Annapolis, has on board two pier glasses for him, like Thomas'; asks Thomas to tell Potts that he [Williams] will buy half of Salisbury, provided Potts buys the other half, if the proprietors will take his [Williams'] Frederick lands acre for acre, allow him a fair value for his Baltimore property, and take his bond for the balance; it is a good estate and will add to the distinction of Williamsport; the great monopolies near Williamsport have destroyed all agricultural enterprise, to Williams' regret; had no letters by the last post; a Four Years President... is not likely to do so much harm. -- as a Senate... are to prevent Good; compliments to [Alexander] Hanson, [John] Farrell and the young ones.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed: 1 July 1789.
[1789 before July 5]
A List of Applications for Appointments from the State of Maryland.
[474]
Names of Persons
Offices
Robt. Purveyance [Purviance]
An office in the Customs for himself and Nephew
Dr. [James] McHenry in behalf of Captn. [Joshua] Barney
A naval Command
Colo. Ballard
Clerk of the Federal Court
Mr. Jno. Caldwell
Attorney in the State Federal Court
Gustavus Scott Esqr.
Judiciary department
Mr. Philemon Downes
Nothing specified
Mr. Geo. Biscoe
Continuance as Naval Off[ic]er Patux[en]t
Mr. Jas. Kelso
Comptroller of the Customs a[t] Balto. or some other place
Captn. Jas. Lingum [Lingan]
Continuance in Naval Off[ic]e G[eorge] Town
Mr. Robt. Young
Naval Office on Patuxent
Jo[sias] Carvill Hall
Nothing specified
John Courts Jones
Naval officer or ----
Alexander Trueman
Capt. or in Army
A. C. H. [Alexander Contee Hanson]
L. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Candidates for Offices.
Enclosed in ontry 483.
On verso of cover of letter addressed to Otho Holland Williams, No. [torn out] Maido