Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 4/8)
(Text converted and initial EAD tagging provided by Apex Data
Services, March 1999.)
Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 4/8)
Contact Information:
Manuscripts Department
Maryland Historical Society Library
201 West Monument Street
Baltimore MD 21201-4674
410.685.3750
Descriptive Summary
Calendar of the General Otho Holland Williams Papers at the Maryland Historical Society, 1744-1839
MS.908 (Part 4/8)
Maryland Historical Society
Baltimore MD 21201-467
The Maryland Historical Records Survey Project
November 1940
*Note: This Collection has eight parts*
(Part 4/8)
1790 Feb. 9
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Genl Otho HOLLAND WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[548]
Received several letters from Williams and delivered to the Secretary of the Treasury the enclosures in them; nothing reported yet about the Collection and Impost laws andc.... it might be well for you to spend a fortnight here when that business is taken up - - The inclosed paper will give you the State of public business, this day will probably decide the fate of Public credit; thinks the House will be decidedly in favor of funding the public debt, without discrimination; Williams had better send [Capt. William] Campbell for Mr. Baker who lives next door to T. Constable old Town near Moores Mill, and inquire what he has done on the land business; Smith will at some other time talk about the State funding law, but does not like what little he knows of it.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 9 February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Feb. 12
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[549]
You are out of debt! -- And how came you so?; all Thomas did was to put people in mind that doctors, like other people, must eat and drink, and pay their debts; bids Thomas examine the enclosed account which contains all that Thomas ever owed him, and all he owed Thomas, and see where the balance stands; is sure Thomas is not ironically dunning him, for this lump of Gold, by [Richard?] Potts, assures me not; does not charge Thomas with the price of a horse, since Thomas may give him a mare next spring; he [Williams] has the finest Stud in America; the funding system is too extensive and complicated for a familiar letter; thinks [Alexander] Hamilton's abilities are greater than the perfection of this plan; governments must sometimes make a departure from the established maxims of justice, and morality; hard to tell exactly what strict honesty demands; did not intend to enter on this subject of debts; his physicians have advised him to take a tour, with a temporary change of climate; next May, with his wife and all his family, he is going off through Anne Arundel, Montgomery, Frederick, Washington counties, to the Sweet Springs [Va.] for six weeks; will not keep his office [Collector of the port of Baltimore] unless there is a change in the impost laws.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Feb. 14
W[illiam] SMITH. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore.
[550]
Had been expecting the death of Dr. [John] Boyd, but Williams' letter announcing it [Feb. 4, 1790] gave him all those gloomy sensations which naturally occur, on those solem occasions... [Dr. Boyd] retained his senses to the
last moment, without excruciating pain, or much regret; maintaining the rational hope, and faith, of a sincere Christian; has thought, with Williams, that Billy Mathews' circumstances have preyd upon his mind; for that reason has cautiously avoided saying anything; Mathews came into Smith's office, twice, the day before Smith left home and attempted to say something; perceived from the fulness of his heart, and the tears trickling down from his eyes, that he was unable to proceed; have had ten days of severe, steady, cold weather; hopes, from Williams' last letter, that Williams will be perfectly restored in health; My letter book which contains the coppy of that referred to in yours, is in a trunk, the key of which is in my Desk, of which Peggy has the key, but I don't apprehend it will be necessary before my return; Williams has not acknowledged $2,000 which Smith sent him some time past; Continental paper remains in statu quo,... Congress has not hitherto made much progress in the funding business the last two days being lost by the consideration of a petition from the Quakers on... slavery which was finally referred to a special committee; we have only resolved that adequate provision ought to be made for paying the foreign debt; about the domestic debt, [James] Madison proposed that original holders of certificates shall be paid at the Rate of 6 p[er] cent on the full nominal value, that, the present holders by purchase, shall be allowed at the rate of the present market price, and the difference paid to the original owners; he introduced this motion by a very masterly speech; but Smith thinks that idea, while just and equitable, is impracticable; expects the public debt to be funded, but at what interest he cannot say; expects public securities to settle down at 10/ or 12/6 in the pound, but not till after some time; about the state installment law, he [Smith] fears that the interest of the whole debt is to be paid in specie, before a debtor is entitled to install; if this is true, he will have to pay off before August if possible; expects to be home in time to take care of that.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 14 February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Feb. 16
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].
[551]
Sent Williams yesterday the latest New York papers with European news, telling of the horrible situation the inhabitants of Flanders, Brabant, etc. are in; although the Emperor seems at last disposed to yield to their first demand, the people now want more, like America at the commencement of our revolution; no action, but much debate of [James] Madison's proposal to pay the original holders of Continental paper part of its present value; the house will be more divided on this question than he at first
apprehended... although he does not think a single member has altered or will alter his opinion; Senate attending debates, in the House, and galleries crowded; eager to get the sentiments of some of his friends at Baltimore on this subject,... but hitherto disappointed; not, even in the Baltimore papers, does he see a single politician step forth for or against.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 February 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Feb. 17
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].
[552]
Writes only to say that the vote on the question of discrimination is not yet taken; he does not expect it will be determined in all this week; many speeches made; many more will yet be made; Mr. [James] Madison lays by, to sum up the whole... and refute the arguments if he can... [Smith]... still of opinion the majority is on the other side... perhaps a still more difficult question, will be the... interest to be allowed on the funded paper; on this question there are a variety of sentiments.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 February 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Feb. 18
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[553]
No decision yet on... discrimination; this day Mr. [James] Madison... [spoke] in a masterly manner; thinks Madison's proposal will lose, abt. thirty to twenty four; failed to say that he had answered Mr. McCubbin's letter, respecting the purchase of Long's land; was thinking of buying only because Long owed him [Smith] a debt; he discovered very earlin in business that, if he purchased, he must pay the money or Certificates to the State, or he could not obtain a title; wants about twenty acres... adjoining Orange even on their terms; asks Williams to get him a good tenant for Riley's lot by March; would take a low rent in order to get someone who would take care of the garden and fruit trees; if no one offers, perhaps Mr. Edwards who owns and works a lot adjoining would, for the use of the garden, take care of the whole lot.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 18 February 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Feb. 21
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]o. To [General Benjamin LINCOLN, Collector of the Port of Boston, Mass.].
[554]
Lincoln's second certificate respecting Mr. Wells' Schooner came; the delay... was attended by no inconvenience that he knows of, to Mr. Wells, whose character he respects; Lamb, who had written to Lincoln, wrote to Williams also, and proposed that he [Williams] make it convenient to be in New York; his [Williams'] services are at the command of
Congress, for a reasonable compensation; work required of collectors and the pay given them are unreasonable, and he [Williams] told the Secretary of the Treasury so; if equitable amendments are made in respect to the emoluments and the laws are made intelligible, and practicable, he is still the public's humble servant; if not, he does not have to submit to the mortification of petitioning for employment or support; I agree with you that it is humiliating.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 3d. February 1790 General Lincoln and answer.
On verso of entry 546.
END Book 5
Book 6
1790 Feb. 22
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[555]
The House in Committee of the Whole resolved That adequate provisions ought to be made for fulfilling the engagements of the U[nited] S[tates] in respect to their foreign debt; House resolved also that the payment of interest on the domestic debt and its gradual discharge ought to be provided for; thus far have Congress gone and no further; [James Madison's] motion for a discrimination was rejected by a great majority, not more than twelve, or thirteen in favor; tomorrow comes the question, `That the debts of the Respective States ought with the consent of the creditors to be assumed and provided for by the United States [']; Smith has heard nothing from Maryland Assembly about assumption; those Politicians who prevented the Maryland Assembly from complying with the requisitions of Congress, made in 1787, whereby Indents were made receivable for the respective quotas of each States interest due the U. S. have done an irreparable injury to us; finally will be obliged to make good that deficiency in specie; British sloop of war came into New York a few days ago with dispatches for Sir John Temple and for the President; some suppose that the dispatches are for the governor of Canada, and that they are sent in this way because the St. Lawrence is not accessible at this time; others think it is to announce to the United States, that the British ports are now open for Am[erica]n wheat; Smith inclines to suppose, that... the dispatches are to order the British ports within the limits of the U[nited] S[tates] to be evacuated and to offer an advantageous commercial treaty.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 22d. February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Feb. 23
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To John RANDALL [Annapolis?].
[556]
Invalids in, and near Annapolis (where... there are many) cannot well get to Baltimore at this time of year, so he [Williams] asks Randall to spread the information that he
[Williams] proposes to pay them in Annapolis and will do it as soon as the Executive gives him the necessary returns.
Df. 2 pp. 29.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23d February 1790 To John Randall, respecting Invalids.
1790 Feb. 23
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Doctr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[557]
A great flourishing superscription --- and a good lump of heavy metal would ensure the welcome reception of a letter from almost any man; but from a friend, it comes with a double grace; Thomas had put into the Account Current [between them] some items which Williams never minded, possibly because he was away from home when he contracted the debt; present stage of the funding system... renders a speculation in certificates, at this time, very precarious; four per cent interest on the certificates, with arrears of interest, will average the price of funded paper at about 10/ in the pound; it may rise to 12/6 in the pound; he [Williams] regrets he did not sell his certificates when the price was 9/6d. for the Prinl. and 6/6d. for the interest; may reserve Thomas' hundred pounds,... for expenses to bath [Bath, Va.]; is going to take wife, children, and servants --- bag and baggage,... to saunter away the summer; urges Thomas to fix up his Phaeton and go with them; consider the advantage it will be to Thomas' health; thick fog has overwhelmed the town five days of six past; it is now (10 o'Clk) almost too dark to see;... Polly cannot go shopping today -- and... the Misses Thomas must wait the next best opportunity for fine things; is going to write to [Alexander] Hanson today.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by [Thomas]; Feby 29 [sic] 1790.
1790 Feb. 25
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].
[558]
assuming the State Debts, by the United States... has been the subject of debate for many days.... I now perceive the resolution will be carried, I think, by a considerable majority,... no provision is to be made for payment of... Interest before 1792; does not know what his constituents think about it, but believes the Maryland delegation will be unanimous in the negative; Virginia will concur with them; South Carol[in]a and several other States have instructed their members to vote for the measure; is convinced the business is premature and is fearful it will be attended with injurious consequences.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; 25 February 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Mar. 7
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[559]
Received Williams' letter of the 28th ult[im]o [February 28, 1790] yesterday and this morning sent the enclosure to the printer for publication; he finds Williams has not touched on the... assumption of the State debts, by the United States; resolution was postponed, two or three days ago, until the Secr[etar]y [of the Treasury] should report the ways and means, to provide for the payment thereof, if they should be assumed; the report Williams has in one of the enclosed papers; the House is much divided; the eastern members (except New Hampshire) for, the Southern (except South Carolina) against the measure, the middle states divided; Smith believes a great majority in the Senate are in favor of assumption; the members from North Carolina, who are daily expected, will be opposed to the assumption.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 7 March 1790 Mr. Wm. [Smi]th.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Mar. 9
W[illiam] SMITH. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[560]
The question was just now decided in a Committee of the whole house by a vote of 31 to 26 that the United States assume the debts of the individual states; we have now proceeded to the Ratio of Interest, where we may probably, stop a day or Two.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 30 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 9 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Mar. 11
HART and ROCHESTER, Hagerstown merchants, Hagers Town. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[561]
Enclose Williams' acct. amounting to [UNK]11.12.20, which he told the merchants to come for; if Williams will pay it to Mr. Jno Saters[?] or Mr. Walter Roe when convenient, they will be obliged.
Signed Hart and Rochester. 4 pp. 20 cm. × 16 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th March 1790. Hart and Rochester Letter.
Enclosure missing, or possibly entry 399.
On same sheet with entry 564.
1790 Mar. 11
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[562]
First part of Williams' letter had already been published, and Smith sent to the press this morning the conclusion thereof; House agreed that two thirds of the principal shall be funded at six per cent, and the other third paid in [Western] lands at twenty cents per acre; debating now a motion to strike out all other alternatives, except six per cent on 66 2/3 doll[ar]s, and to have 26 doll[ar]s and 88 Cents funded at the same rate at the end of ten years; this motion will probably succeed; he [UNK] the impost law will
be taken up and revised; owns land adjoining that advertised by Mr. Bow [or Bowen?], but expects to be at home before his com[mission]s can be executed; believes the line betwixt Bow and him [Smith] is well ascertained; observes that Mrs. Cox is dead; will write to her executors respecting his claim against her estate.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th March 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Mar. 14
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[563]
Received Williams' letters of the 6th and 7th instant [March]; [thinks] Calder's description of that survey was calculated to favor Mr. Plowman, whose particular friend he was, as that land lay in... the Propri[etar]y's reserved land; would wish to have it secured if to be done; at any rate it will be worth the expense of taking up; had already told Williams that the House had assumed the State debts, and it has since agreed to fund two thirds of the debt at six per cent and to pay the other third in lands in the western territory at 20 cents per acre; doubts this business is finally settled, for the majority in favor of assumption was small; if the No[rth] Carolina members arrive before the bill passes and are against the assumption, as is expected, the bill will be lost; many members would give up the whole of the funding system if thwarted in their favorite scheme; nothing has transpired, relative to the dispatches brot by the British sloop of war; is inclined to think she had dispatches for Lord Dorchester, and could not get up the St. Lawrence with them; has been ill for two days past; is better and hopes to be able to go out soon; thinks the assumption of the State debts at this time premature; foresees great frauds will be committed; in the end it [assumption] would be just and right; because Maryland earlier would not comply with the requisition of Congress, she may now have to pay specie for some paper, and this will bear very hard on Maryland; sends the paper containing the conclusion of the Mary[lan]d letter, because he sent the original to the printer; Williams can send the paper to [Dr. Philip] Thomas.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 14 March 1790 Mr. Will[ia]m Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Mar. 16
Walter ROE, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[564]
Received of Otho H. Williams Eleven pounds twelve shillings and ten pence Current money for Messrs. Hart and Rochester.
In hand of Otho Holland Williams; signed by Walter Roe.
On same sheet as entry 561.
1790 Mar. 17
O[tho] H[ollan]d WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [George] WASHINGTON, President of the United States.
[565]
Has had for more than two years an order in London, to procure one of the first [best?] stud horses, of the dray breed, that could be procured; the order was executed last summer and the horse arrived in perfect health and excellent order in September last; the enclosed advertisement describes him, and he assures Washington that his merits are not exaggerated; if Washington thinks that his blood will be any advantage to his present stock, Williams will give particular directions respecting any mares he may direct to be sent the stallion; probably a greater number will offer than can be servod, as, being his first season, Williams does not intend that the number shall much exceed fifty.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 22 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 March 1790 The President U States.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Mar. 17
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[566]
Knew that Thomas was planning some sort of production, and is not agreeably disappointed upon reading it; Thomas had determined in his own mind that the plan of the Secretary [of the Treasury] was not consistent with his professed principles, and he [Williams] inclines, though cautiously, to agree with him; Mr. [William] Smith in Congress had to say something, and wanted to use Williams'opinion, so that he [Williams] had to be most careful; likes groatly the manner of Thomas' communication; Thomas knows his [Williams'] contract with [?] Adams and knows Adams too well to be surprised that Williams is suing Adams for payment; wants to send Thomas some writs and declarations against Adams for Thomas to serve at once; has been trying for three months past to get up [to Frederick], and now is so much better that he is determined to set out as soon as the roads permit; is also anxious about another heavy affair, with which you are allready acquainted; John [Hanson Thomas] is [UNK] to set off this afternoon.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.
1790 Mar. 18
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[567]
When he wrote last, he was much indisposed; is pretty well recovered, but a little weakened; assumption is yet doubtfull; the house has been employed, foolishly, all the week on the Quaker memorial; certificates have fallen to 7/; if they will bring 8/6 certain and cash, it might be worth while to speculate.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 18 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Mar. 21
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To O[tho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[568]
The inclosed papers lead him [Smith] to believe that the ensuing summer will probably produce a general war in Europe and that the King of Prussia and Poland have entered into an alliance with Wien [Vienna] to operate against the Emperor; the whole of last week has been spent in foolish debates on the Quakers' memorials; the southern members were apprehensive, that Congress would interfere in the importation and manumission of slaves, a jealousy without the smallest foundation; nothing new on funding the dobts; the assumption of the State debts is far from being reduced to a certainty; will have four No[rth] Carolina members in all this week, and if they vote against the assumption as is expected, the house will be nearly divided; believes a majority in the Senate are in favor; yesterday a ship from Amsterdam arrived in this harbour which it is said has brought specie; the crew, fifteen or seventeen in number, the mate at their head, rose on the Captain fourteen days ago with a design to murder him, and carry off the Ship; he received information of the plot a few minutes before the time to carry it out; by a firm resolute conduct with the assistance of four others he overpowered the revolters; they are in the gaol of New York.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Mar. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[569]
Encloses the morning's papers which contain some European politics; the crew of the Dutch ship have dwindlod down to two; believes the cash is also melted down in proportion; the Quaker business still occupies the time of the House, to their disgrace; while he writes, that business is debating with as much warmth, as if it had not been under consideration before this morning.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23 March 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Mar. 28
W[illiam] SMITH, New York, To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[570]
Says in answer to Williams' letters of the 18th and 19th [March], that the impost law has not yet come up in the House; it will probably not come up until the funding system is adopted or dismissed; about the assumption of the state debts, neither side is certain of its ground; agrees with Williams that a direct tax, on real property, is the most equitable and just of any that can be devised, and almost the only one that can reach many of the wealthiest citizens in this country; a very small tax, not more than a quit rent, say half a dollar or 5/ per hundred acres, would raise a very large
revenue; owns no part of the Principio company's lands but ninety odd acres which lie directly above his mill dam, on both sides of the creek, which probably lie foul of his original tract at Eutaw; Williams can get the certificate and plat from Mr. Duval; the State, in Mr. Presbury's time, ordered a resurvey and a new granting of certificates, but Smith has tried vainly to get his lot surveyed, the executive refusing to admit any other than the County surveyer to execute the business; expects to be home before the lines adjoining him are run; Pennsylvania holders of Continental paper prayed Congress for its repayment in specie, but the committee advised paying it off at 100 to 1; Smith thinks 75 to 1 as likely as any other value, when the matter is finally settled; when he [Smith] left Baltimore, Continental paper was selling at 500 to 1, and it would perhaps be a better Speculation than Finals.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 12 [sic] March 1790.
1790 Apr. 1
Ae[danue] B[URKE, Member of the House, New York]. To A[lexander] H[AMILTON].
[571]
Tells Hamilton that he [Hamilton] proclaimed aloud in the face of... thousands that the militia were the mere mimicry of soldiery; the torture which the insult inflicted upon Burke he [Burke] had to bear;... had he called Hamilton to account and hurt a hair of his head, he should have been thrown into East river; believes men of sensibility and honor will approve him.
Copy in hand of Otho Holland Williams. 6 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Copy Correspondence Coll. H. and AE. B. Esqr.
1790 Apr. 1
A[lexander] H[AMILTON], N[ew] York. To Ae[danus] B[URKE, Member of the House, New York].
[572]
Is informed that in the House yesterday, Burke used some very harsh expressions about him; lays them to misapprehension or misrepresentation; sends Burke an extract of his [Hamilton's] speech, containing the only things Burke could have been referring to; `Knyphauson at the head of a veteran army baffled and almost beaten by a General [Nathanael Greene]... aided or rather embarrassed by small fugitive bodies of volunteer militia the mimicry of Soldiership' ; tells Burke that it now remains for him [Burke] to judge what conduct... will be proper.
Copy in hand of Otho Holland Williams. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 8
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[573]
the quarrell mentioned... in my last is accommodated, by arbitration of six members... [from] both houses. The
Sec[retar]y [Hamilton] has explained that he did not mean any reflection on the militia in general or that of Carolina in particular. Mr. Burke satisfied... is sorry for having made use of any expression that should wound the feelings of the Sec[retar]y or the house, whether there will be any statement or publication of this transaction I know not.... Dr. Williamson, has not said anything to me on the subject mentioned respecting Dr. [James] McHenry.
A.L.S. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 8
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[574]
Busy in the Criminal Court since his return, and therefore has had but little leisure to attend to private affairs; Judge [Robert Hanson] Harrison is no more an inhabitant of this planet; to what other he is removed Heaven knows; his exit a public loss; funding system is in a precarious situation, for some who favor the adoption of State debts by the United States, have said that if the adoption does not occur, they will not support any funding system at all; finals are fallon in New York to 7/ and 7/6d.; Mr. [Aedanus] Burk of S. Carolina said that the great services of the militia of S. Carolina was one argument why their debts ought to be paid out of the general fund; Secretary Hamilton [on July 4th] dropped some words which were considered derogatory to the militia; Mr. Burke said he gladly gave the gentleman the lie;... he was called to order, stopped, and sat down; after some time he [Burke] rose, supposing Coll. Hamilton in the gallory which was filled with Ladies, He faced about and said aloud `I throw the lie in Colonel Hamilton's face.' He was silenced; the Secretary [Hamilton] a man of firmness; Mr. Burke very obdurate in his temper; it is the opinion of Williams that Burke ought most certainly to make an apology to the House; a most scandalous piece of behavior; there is neither black money here [Baltimore] nor the demand for it; going to Annapolis Tuesday, and hopes to know more about several things next week; It murders me to write and Crim Court is called; sends some New York papers and wants them returned because they belong to Mr. W[illiam] Smith's file; asks Thomas to write if he hears of his [Williams'] brother's return.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.
Endorsed; 18 April 1790.
Enclosures missing.
1790 Apr. 11
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[575]
Glad to hear from Williams' letter of the 6th, that his western trip was successful and that Williams and everybody at Baltimore are well; value of his military certificates may depend on the assumption or non-assumption of the State debts; if that takes place, it must be by some compromise; if assumption occurs, State paper and Continental will be of
nearly equal value; for some time past the assumption business has been postponed from day to day; South Carolina, Massachusetts and Connecticut say they must inevitably become bankrupt if not relieved; hopes this question will be decided tomorrow; thanks Williams for the news of his tour and for his good wishes; is as well as he can expect in a very inactive situation, and an excessive moist damp climate.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th April 1790 Wm. Smith Esqr.
1790 Apr. 12
W[illiam] SMITH, New York City Hall. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[576]
The committee of the whole house has this morning decided against the assumption of the State debts 31 to 29; sure to be brought up again, for the house were so evenly divided that one vote more in favor would have carried it, for the chairman was on that side.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 12th April 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Apr. 18
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[577]
Acknowledges letters of 10th and 11th [April?]; the quarrel between [Alexander] Hamilton and [Aedanus] Burke was finally settled; the Sec[retar]y wrote a letter to Mr. B[urke] declaring that he did not mean any reflection on the militia; Mr. B[urke] was satisfied and declared himself sorry for the expressions made use of in the house (which were certainly very indecent and unbecoming); the B[urke] speech has since appeared at full length in Greenleaff's paper, which Smith enclosed to Williams some days ago; if this publication was by Burke's consent, perhaps the last offence is as great as the first; it is believed that Mr. Oswald, now in New York from Philadelphia, is active in blowing the coal; does not expect Mr. Secret[ar]y [Hamilton] will take any further notice; if the man who applied for his [Smith's] brick tenement is trustworthy he may have it at the rent Williams mentioned; Williams to make him take good care of the trees and garden; he must give it up by [March 1, 1791], because the garden must be made for the next year; before he [Smith] left Baltimore, Captain [Clemont] Skerrett asked him to help him [Skerrett] get a place in Williams' department; since then, Skerrett has written several letters; if Williams thinks Skerrett worth a place, he will appoint him on his application; a vessel from London yesterday brought news that the Prince of Wales is to be married to the Princess Royal of Prussia; Mrs. [Maria] Fitzherbert to retire on a pension of [UNK]5,000 per annum; this day a very severe snow storm and high wind; afraid the fruit is gone in Maryland; it is not in danger in New York; the peaches not yet in bloom; should tell Robert
he has some fears for his apples by Capt. White[?], who was out in last night's storm; nothing more done on the funding business, since assumption of state debts was rejected again; believes a great majority will do everything possible to support public credit.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams on p. 1: 18 April 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
[UNK] paper is [UNK] the New-York Journal, and Patriotic Register - Editor's note.
1790 Apr. 18
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS]. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS?].
[578]
Discovers that one paper he wanted to send was left out; would like to see L.X. in the Frederick paper; encloses C.C.'s letter; does not see that Thomas is to be offended with it; is not now going to argue the thing with Thomas.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18 cm.
Endorsed by Thomas: From Genl. Williams Apl. 1790.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Apr. 21
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS [Frederick].
[579]
No good bed ticking in town until just now when three or four vessols came in from Europe; the feathers are spoke for, but not yet received, the other little articles for the young ladies I intend to bring with me; not alarmed by Thomas' account of 50 head of stock being seen in one field at Ceresville; when he bought that desirable spot he bargained for double that number of accidents at least; hopes to see his brother returned safe; my anxiety has become painful; may hope to find [David] Bryan and the miller busy if they are doing what Thomas told them to do; sorry Thomas is, like himself, a Valetudinarian; could not Thomas go to the Springs [Va.] with him; sends Thomas the latest papers; got back from Annapolis last friday afternoon; [Alexander Contee] Hanson was well, and Madam; the Dutchess mentioned Thomas with esteem and affection; Mrs. Governor [Howard] told him that she loved to steal his [[UNK]] letters and read them; Hanson is sincere in his liberal enccmiums on the merits of R.C.; candidly has not heard above three men of sense mention R.C.; not one disapproves; the old luminary [Benjamin] FRANKLIN is dead; everybody running after the new fashions just arrived in the London ships; a lady did actually read your Sprightly scrip to Lyd who was in town, and who, after breaking a dry seal, read it herself an hour afterwards.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 22
John Ross KEY, Fred[eric]k Town. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[580]
Has been told that there was recently in Frederick a Mr. Randle from Baltimore who wanted to buy a mill and some lands in this county; asks Williams to tell Randle that he has for sale a large and convenient mill situated on Pipe Creek that he will dispose of on reasonable terms and with the mill any
quantity of good farming land not exceeding two thousand acres; does not know where Randle is to be found; will be in Baltimore on thursday next; would like to hear from Randle by then.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1790 Apr. 27
W[illiam] SMITH, New York, To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[581]
Omitted to mention last time that the Secy. [Hamilton] has at last reported on the defects, and objections, to the Impost and Tonnage Laws; report contains forty-seven pages; the House has appointed a committee to consider it; [Benjamin] Goodhue, [Jeremiah] Wadsworth, [John] Lawrence [Laurance], [Thomas] Fitzsimmons and [Richard Bland] Lee; understands that Williams is planning to visit New York and suggests that he come while the report is being considered; assumption of the State debts has been again rejected and a committee appointed to bring in a bill for funding the debt of the United States; assumption will be again bro[ugh]t forward, modified under restrictions and limitations; is convinced a very considerable part of the debts contracted by the several states are proper charges against the United States; doubts they will be assumed under any shape this session.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27 April 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 Apr. 28
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[582]
The inclosed paper will show you the state of the funding System; resolutions therein contained passed very quickly through the House; Notwithstanding this rapid progross, and the small opposition, the assumptionists will come forward when the bill in conformity to the resolutions is brought in; New York is having a very heavy snow with rain at intervals.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 28 April 1790 Mr. W. Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Apr. 30
EXTRACT from an Act for regulating the MILITARY ESTABLISHMENT of the UNITED STATES, passed April 30, 1790.
[583]
Rations, clothing, disability pay, form of oath to be taken by every commissioned officer, non-commissioned officer, private, and musician in the army of the United States.
1 printed page. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1790 May 16
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, New York.
[584]
Heard only accidentally of his illness in New York, and, until she saw a letter from her father [William Smith] to Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall, she was much alarmed; she is sending this letter by David Sterret, who, with his niece Harriet
[Sterret, dau. of John], is going to his brother's wedding; Sterret can tell him how well the boys are, for he saw them all late this evening exercising themselves about the door; her father gives a dismal account of the weather and the climate.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Polly 16 May 179[0].
1790 May 21
R[obert] DENNY, Annapolis. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[585]
Has just heard of the death of Mr. White, Deputy Post Master at Baltimore, and as Miss [Mary Katherine] Goddard will probably not be appointed to hold the office, applies for the place; does not know personally Mr. Burrell through whose influence that department is filled, and therefore asks Williams to help him; Williams is pretty well acquainted with him [Denny]; the Auditors office will probably be abolished soon.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 May 1790 R. Denny.
1790 May 24
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, New York.
[586]
Glad to hear that he has some idea when he will be able to leave New York; she had even thought of packing up the children and coming to New York on a vessel Mr. [?] Cam[p]bell is sending; she had heard that he had got an appointment that would make it necessary for him to live there; will now make herself happy in the expectation of seeing him the last of the week; she is as happy as she can be in his absence, since her sister [Peggy?] is with her; last Saturday they all made up an expedition and went as far as Orange [Baltimore County] to meet him; Robert has been complaining and feverish all day, and William and Edward are well.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Polly May 24th 1790.
1790 May 27
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[587]
Hopes that this finds Williams at Baltimore, restored to health; encloses the papers of the day, though they have little news in them; the funding bill will probably be engrossed to-day, the assumption has had another trial and failed once more; A motion was made in the Senate two days ago by R[obert] M[orris] that when Congress do adjourn it shall be to Philada.; this motion was postponed till next week; the Baltimore company land sold by the intendant is called Pimlico, lies on the road to Lexington [Baltimore County], about four miles from town, and is 800 or more acres of Land; the title is in C. Carroll of Carrolton [sic], who claims exceeding [UNK]3000 Sterling with interest; Carroll has filed a bill in chancery and will recover from the present possessors of the
land; Carroll is determined to hold the legal, but not the equitable, title until he is paid; the State will probably not object to letting at least so much of my bond to remain unpaid, until this suit is determined, as will be equal to my proportion of the claim.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27th May 1790 Mr. W. Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1790 May 29
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[588]
Thomas has been giving himself too much trouble about Williams' interests; [George] Adams is a bad fellow; encloses a letter for Adams which Thomas may give him or not as he sees fit; leaves for Ceresville with his family between June 6th and 10th; while he is there, he will assuredly settle Adams; asks Thomas to let [overseer David] Bryan know he [Williams] is coming, and thinks if Bryan is steadfast, he [Williams] will be able to make satisfactory arrangements at Ceresville; will take the first opportunity to send this letter and will also write to his [Williams'] brother to send down his wagon to carry all the baggago up; his health is better than when he was in New York; The President was really dangerously ill and by some of his Physicians, despaired of. But was out of danger when I loft the Capital; says good night and is going to take a warm bath; [P.S.] Sunday morning, he feels more cheerful; turns his back on politics or business for six or eight weeks.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Thomas: From Genl. May 29. 1790.
Enclosure missing.
1790 May 31
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[589]
Received last Saturday some papers from Williams' brother relative to the contract; gave them to the auditor, who promised to settle the accounts; auditor said something had been paid in advance and thought there would not be any money due; Mr. [Robert] Elliot must send him [Smith] a power of attorney before the paymaster will deal with him [Smith] about the soldiers' pay; The question was taken this afternoon on the adjournment of Congress from this City to meet for their next session at Philada. I offered Baltimore as a substitute..., but unfortunately for Poor Baltimore, the Representatives from Maryland were divided, [George] Gale, [Daniel] Carroll, and [Benjamin] Contee for Philada. the other three [Joshua Seney, William Smith, Michael Jenifer Stone] for Balt[im]o[ro] and so the question was lost; next session to be held in Philadelphia for which he [Smith] finally voted; a bill was brought into Senate this morning for fixing the Permanont Soat leaving a blank to be filled up, and Congress to sit here until a certain time; encloses
Williams' brother's letter wh. S[amuel] Smith directed me to open, if you were gone.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 31 May 1790 Mr. William Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 June 2
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS.
[590]
Was indeed very much indisposed in New York; the influenza attacked his breast, his weakest part, and he has returned home more reduced than at any time since his release by the British provost; [?] Adams is a provoking scoundrel and he [Williams] will be glad when he is gone, But off he must, and shall go; bids Thomas pay Adams no more money; hopes [David] Bryan will not be defeated [by Adams] before he [Williams] can reinforce him; wrote to Thomas two days ago enclosing a letter calling on Adams to surrender; is not afraid of [Adams'] secret villainy, for he fears hanging too much to burn a House; despairs of getting the horses and wagon here in time to get to Coresville [Frederick County] by [June] 10th; his brother [Elie] will hear from him by this post, and, even if he has been obliged to go to Fort Pitt [Pa.] he will send him [Williams] a team; asks Thomas to send my old favorite; will probably not have an opportunity to make the offer to Aristides [Alexander Contee Hanson] of which Thomas spoke, but would be happy to serve Hanson; saw [?] Poe today, and Poe told him that a good friend of his [Williams'] in Frederick had tried to get him to sell his [Poe's] place after Williams had received his terms and had paid an advance; Envy and folly do your damndest.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
1790 June 4
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[591]
Glad Williams is back in Baltimore, health restored, and all his family well; sorry not to be able to see them before they go to the Springs [Va.], especially the Boys who I ardently long to see; has ordered Lindenberger Smith and Co. to pay Williams the cash he advanced on his [Smith's] account; asks Williams to leave with them a memorandum of the steps he [Smith] must take to complete his titles in the land surveys; asks whether he has done anything about my bond due to State; if he has not paid his [Smith's] certificates in to the Treasury, will he please leave them with Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall; Williams will please try to have a newspaper delivered at the Springs; the house have agreed to hold their next sessions at Philada.; the day that resolution went to the Senate, a bill was introduced there to fix, the permanent residence, with a view... to secure the temporary residence in this City for some time, and perhaps to defeat Philada.... some good may come from it to us,... Potomack Baltimore, and Susquehanah are all spoken of in the Senate for the
Permanent Seat; hopes that something may turn up in our favor.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 4 June 1790 Mr. William Smith.
1790 June 26
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Saratoga (G[eneral] Morgans) [Va.]. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[592]
Has been detained three days by foul weather, and fair hospitality... [but did not] find time to write... We persuade ourselves that you will follow us... Set out early and lodge with Genl [Horatio] Gates the first night (about 40 miles). He will conduct you the next day to Saratoga [Va.] 28 miles, and from hence follow us to Newton [Va.] 9 miles -- Stoverstown [?] 10 -- Snaps tav. 8 Widow McMechans 11 -- Staunton [Va.] (100 from Saratoga) -- and there enquire further On horse back, and alone, I would think nothing of it; everybody is well, and sends compliments to Thomas, to Mrs. [Jane] Hanson and the Girls -- and John; Send the letter to May Beall if you can. It is to give her pleasure; comfort at least.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed [by Thomas]: From G[en]l Williams June 26, 1790.
1790 July 2
Dan[ie]l DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs, Va.
[593]
The suit in the General Court [of Maryland] about the duties secured during the inter[r]egnum is decided in favor of the State, though the merchants affected have taken an appeal; thinks the merchants should at once take up their bonds, and the Attorney General agrees with him; has received more than [UNK]2600, and has promises of more in the next week or so; presumes he will be able to forward the quarterly accounts by the middle of the month; nothing important has occurred in the office since Williams left.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 2d. July 1790 Mr. Danl. Delozier.
1790 July 8[?]
G[eorge] NICHOLAS, Spring House near Danville [Kg.]. To ----------?
[594]
Mr. [Robert] Elliot has given him the enclosed paper to begin suit against Col. [Thomas] Bullit; the executive of Virginia was applied to, for payment of the claim and the answer was that Colonel Bullit had no right to order the troops into service and that therefore the only thing to do was to make a claim against Colonel Bullit; people here seem to favor Colonel Bullit since his mistake or breach of duty worked in their favor; best way to do is to turn the claim into a protested bill of exchange, and to do this, it is necessary to get the Treasurer's protest certified by a notary in Richmond [Va.]; would be a good thing to get a copy of Bullit's order or instructions, if that can be had;
has no intelligence worth sending,... Indian affairs you have too little concern in, to want a long letter about them; the greater part of this settlement is as safe as you are in Baltimore except for some fools who recklessly expose themselves to the savages; if any part of the sea coast had been as frequently ravaged by an enemy, would not some means have been taken to protect them. A people who do not receive protection from the government they live under have a right to change it and will exercise that right; has made improvements on his farm, though nothing worth mentioning except a spring house, sixty feet long and twenty four feet wide; spring is eleven feet deep and has a pump; next to the compartment where the spring is, is a bathing pool where the water is from seven feet deep to two feet, and very cold; a third compartment is a dairy 30 feet by 24; Polly wishes her friends could see her playing dairy maid; My wife [Polly?] mentioned that it was the wish of some of Campbell Smith's friends that he should come out here; would be glad to have Smith come, provided he will submit to rigid discipline, I must always be absolute over every person within my house.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed [by Williams?]: 8[?]th July 1790 George Nicholas.
Enclosure missing.
No addressee given.
1790 July 15
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To [Otho H]olland WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs, Virginia.
[595]
Not sure this will reach Williams; the permanent seat of the government, for the United States of America, is fixed by Law, on the Banks of Potomac, at the mouth of Canogocheague [sic], after halting ten years, on its passage from hence, at the City of Phil[adelphi]a, from whence, some think it will be extremely dificult, if not impossible to remove it after so long possession.... the President has the power of Locating the spot, anywhere from that place [Conococheague] to the Eastern branch, or Carrollsburg but... [many] think it impossible, he should give a preference to any other place when that is in his option; Congress has spent near three weeks past on this question; the Senate today passed a Bill 14 to 12, for assuming the State debts, but he [Smith] does not know what the House will do with it; the House has set a limit of 4% on the interest on the funding bill; glad to get Williams' letter written at General [Daniel] Morgan's; had a letter from Jenny Hall in which she said everyone at Baltimore and at Eutaw is well, but that the mill dam was carried away by the last fresh, and that Capt. C[harles] Ridgely died suddenly of an appoplectic fit; encloses a coppy of the Residence bill as passed, for, the President is sure to sign it.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 15 July 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
Enclosure missing.
1790 July 20
[Edward CARRINGTON] Staunton [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, at the Sweet Springs [Va.].
[596]
Went by the wagon route by the natural bridge, from the sweet springs to this place, a distance of 124 miles; all the fords are good save two and they are passable; the whole way is thickly settled, the people are however until you get to Andersons Ferry the most filthy I ever saw, you will get plenty of oats and hay... [but] you must depend on your own baggage for both lodging and food, and these will be but badly enjoyed within doors; yet the bridge is so great and singular a curiosity, that the discomforts may be ondured, in order to see it; good fare and attention at Capt. Barclays; Williams must be careful not to set out while the water is high; present me to... Mrs. Williams,... Miss Smith,... Mr. and Mrs. Potts,... Mrs. Dall [or [UNK]],... and Miss Bickles.
A.L. Signature cut out. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 20th July 1790 Coll. Carrington.
1790 Aug. 1
W[illiam] SMITH, New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, at the Warm or Sweet Springs, Virginia.
[597]
Glad to get Williams' letters saying everyone is well; since the passage of the law for the permanent seat of Congress, a law has passed both houses for funding the Public debt, in which is included 20,500,000 D[olla]rs of what is commonly called the State debts; this assumption is said to be part of a bargain for the temporary and permanent residence; a new collection law raises the collectors' commissions to one per cent; great alarm caused here by a rumor by way of Baltimore that American flour, shipped last spring, was rejected in Europe and consequently bills drawn against it have been protested; this rumor, if true, will probably carry destruction to many respectable houses; no dofinite information about a European war between Great Britain and Spain.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 1 August 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Aug. 29
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.]. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[598]
Hates to write, for it [writing] keeps me in mind of the defect in my Breast, which... [is] almost imperceptible in any other situation; must go home on account of business; having had a tasto of the country, will quit, though only with the utmost reluctance.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 30 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed: Letters from Gen'l Otho H. Williams to his friend Dr. P. Thomas of Frederick Town were presented Wm. E. Williams by Dr. [Ashton] Alexander.
1790 Sep. 23
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Frederick. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS.
[599]
Thanks Thomas for the errangements for their comfort in Frederick, but after being away for four months everyone is eager to get home; would quit his office of Collector if he could do so gracefully; will be ready to confirm the terms of the contract which Thomas made in his [Williams'] name with two men whose names he forgets; Bryan [the overseer] will give possession of the house, stable, boat and pasture field, and Williams hopes that will be enough for the men until he [Williams] gets home; has made an agreement with Stover about the ferry over the Monocacy; has agreed with Goodebeyer [?] about the grist mill; has agreed to discharge Mr. Pierpoint on October first, and to have Bryan [the overseer] pass upon Pierpoint's accounts before they are paid; Dutch John has leave to take away his worthless Boy, on condition that I never hear of him, his wife or son any more; William Thomas promises fair... [but] he is so very [UNK] and clever that I suspect he will slip me if he can; tomorrow the ladies and the children are going, in the care of Mr. Pratt with whom they have been travelling, to Waymans, and Williams will go by another route and join them in the evening; hinted to Mother that since Becky [Rebecca Thomas] was away, he [Williams] had better not press Kitty [Catherine Thomas] to fulfill her promise, and Mother replied that she could not be left alone; hopes nevertheless that they will have a visit from Kitty this winter.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams, Sept. 1790.
1790 Sep. 24
J[ohn] DAWSON, Fr[e]d[eric]ksb[ur]g [Va.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[600]
Hopes Williams got safely from Staunton [Va.] to Baltimore; he [Dawson] and Dr. McConnel[?] got to Charlottesville [Va.] the first day; there, if our rest was disturbed by the rattle of dice and the oaths of drunken men, we were compensated by... the magnificent views from the top of Monticello [home of Thomas Jefferson]; is enclosing an exact copy of Mr. [John] H[enr]y's letter to me as he had promised; when he [Dawson] solicited Henry to accept the appointment as senator, he told him of [William] Grayson's death, and of this Henry speaks in the first part of his letter; is also going to forward to Williams a set of the debates of Virginia; in them Williams can read the speech of Col. [James] I[nne]s and see whether it deserves the praise that Mr. M[onroe?] gave it; eight of the members of Congress from the state of Virginia were re-elected; [Isaac] Coles did not offer, and [Theodoric] Bland is [UNK] to that country, where... his opposition to the present government, and his other good acts will be amply rewarded [Bland had died, June 1, 1790]; dined yesterday with A[rthur] Lee, and condoled with him on the loss of his election [as member of the Board of the Treasury?]; tell Mrs. W[illiams]
that I hope the skillet is on the fire and the peaches pared. Tell my anti-foederal friend that I trust she will remain firm in her principles -- and my an[a]tomical one, that the recovery of health will procure a change in his determination; wishes Williams health and happiness and the ten miles square.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 24 Septr. 1790 J Dawson Esqr to O H Williams Ltre.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Sep. 28
Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To John DAWSON, Richmond, Virginia.
[601]
Arrived home with his party on the 26th, and all send their compliments; requests a very particular favor for his brother, Mr. Elie Williams; the enclosed muster roll and the order endorsed thereon speak for themselves; it is said that Mr. Bullet [Col. Thomas Bullit] went beyond the orders which the governor of Virginia gave him, and that therefore the Treasurer of the State refuses to honor the order for money expended at Bullet's direction; his brother's attorney wishes to be possessed of the negative testimony [that Bullit was not ordered to do what he did and that therefore Williams' remedy is an action against Bullit, and not against the State]; if [John] Dawson will send all the papers by a safe conveyance, under cover, to Messrs. Elliot and Williams, merchants, at Pittsburgh [Pa.], he will confer a great favor.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 30 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 28 September 1790 to John Dawson, Esqr. Copy.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Oct. 9
Maj. John STAGG, [UNK]., New York. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[602]
Has handed to Williams' brother the diplomas requested, signed by the President [of the Cincinnati, George Washingon] and [UNK] by the Secretary [Henry Knox]; would have filled in the names, but lost the memorandum which Williams sent; expense amounts to four dollars, which Williams' brother paid; the diplomas are to be dated -- `City of New York' -- State of `New York' -- `Seventh' -- `August' -- `Ninety.'
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Majr. Jno Stagg 9th October 1790 Diplomas.
1790 Oct. 11
Thos. [UNK], Petersburg, Virginia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[603]
Congratulates Williams on his safe return to Baltimore, and asks him to present his [Shore's] respects to all his traveling companions; has very unfortunately had some transactions with a Mr. John Bondfield of Bordezux and am
likely to be a considerable sufferer unless I can secure my self in America; asks Williams to make all possible inquiries and to attach any property he can find belonging to Bondfield; Bondfield formerly had some connections with Messrs. Price and Haywood, but whether of Baltimore, Philadelphia or New York, Shore does not know; Excuse this freedom.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11th Octr. 1790 Thos. Shore. answered 20 Oct. 90.
1790 Oct. 14
ELLIOT and WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen[era]l [Henry] KNOX.
[604]
In consequence of General [Josiah] Harmar's orders of July 15, they have furnished for the use of the army in the intended [UNK] against the Savages, 180,000 rations of flour, 26,000 rations of meat, 868 pack horses and artillery horses... and one horse master general, 18 horse masters, 130 Drivers, with many other Articles of considerable amount before the 18th of Septr.; had to employ all their funds and pledge their credit, to the people of the Western Country, where the supplies were principally obtained; the business of supplying rations for the troops of the United States is taken out of their hands by proposals to furnish supplies at lower rates than they could afford; moreover, now would be an especially bad time to have to close out their business; they wish to be [UNK] in the business and assure Knox of its being performed with the [UNK] punctuality, and to the entire satisfaction of the public, the army, and himself.
Df. In hand of Otho Holland Williams. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho Holland Williams: Elliot and Williams to General Knox. To be continued Quarter Masters.
1790 Oct. 14
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To General Henry KNOX.
[605]
His [Williams'] brother is writing to Gen. Knox, in the hope that the employment of Elliot and Williams in the Quartermaster's department will be continued, although their contract expires September 30; Notwithstanding certain misrepresentations, the contractors did all that could have been done by anyone; they were stimulated by General [Arthur] St. Clair to [UNK] not only the expected advances from the Treasury but their fortunes and their credit to the extent that unless they have an opportunity of continuing the business, Williams fears the consequences will be very disadvantageous; he [Williams] would not hesitate to [UNK] himself for the satisfactory performance of Elliot and Williams' contract if it is renewed; excuses himself for giving the General the trouble of this private letter.
A.Df. 2 pp. 27.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho Holland Williams: O.H. Williams to Genl. Knox Secy. for Depart. of War. 14 October 1790.
1790 Oct. 16
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[606]
Hates popular contests and has engaged in two only, one to defeat the advocates of paper money, the other to advance the friends of the new Constitution, which has all his wishes for its success; his conduct in the late elections for representatives has been misconstrued by both parties; Col. Sam Smith heard it asserted that General Washington had sent off to Frederick a letter giving the state of the Poll for Balt[imore] Town and County, and that those who did not want the letter to get to Frederick had sont off after the postman a good fellow who will make him drunk enough before he gets there; still believes the Gauntlet was thrown by the junto at Georgetown... The letter signed U.S. Pros[iden]t I saw in Frederick; when he got back to Baltimore, there were still some men in town from Harford and Cecil [counties] who had tried to get the Baltimoreans to agree on measures opposite to those proposed at Annapolis; the Chesapeak ticket... was assuredly not heard of here at the time you mention nor for a long time after. You admit the leaders of Montgomery [county] were blamable; thinks [Thomas'] motives for accepting the appointment to the convention were proper and his conduct there was honest; will attend to Mr. Potts' demands on him [Williams] on Thomas' account, at a moment's warning; Ceresville [Frederick County] will not do much until the second year; expects this winter only to have the stock taken care of; wants bryan [the overseer] to spare no expense to have the horses in good condition and fat; will try to please the young ladies both about the music; The Piano and the other case shall come by the first opport[unit]y, and when Miss Kitt comes to town we will endeavour to... [get her] an instrument if to be had; thinks the two parties in Maryland counteracted each other and played into the hands of the Pennsylvanians; Two days ago I put two Dollars as a Charity into a hand that signed the Declaration of Independence 4 July 1776, Providence has chastened a fellow creature of curs.
A.L. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm. Second sheet missing.
1790 Oct. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To William JACKSON [personal secretary to Washington].
[607]
Asks Jackson to present Dr. [Philip] Thomas, who will give him this, to the President.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. Williams to Major Jackson Asking him to introduce me his friend P.T. to Presidt. Washington 20 Octo. 1790.
Enclosed in entry 608.
1790 Oct. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip THOMAS].
[608]
Received Thomas' letter this evening and has only time to acknowledge it; The great man, I hear, is out upon his tour up Potomac and as I presume that he will pass through Frederick, I will enclose a note to [William] Jackson that you may not be obliged to anybody else for an introduction; will Thomas please forward the letter to Williams' brother [Elie] without delay... so as to be delivered before the Pres[iden]t arrives at W[illia]msport.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 22 cm.
For enclosure see entry 607.
1790 Nov. 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagars town. To G[eorge] WASHINGTON.
[609]
Elie Williams tells him [Otho Holland Williams] that President Washington intimated to him [Elie Williams] the propriety of propositions being made for grants of Lands, to aid the execution of the law of Congress respecting the permanent residence; writes to the President because he [Otho Holland Williams] owns some lands which may be included in the federal district; equitable that the proprietors of lands should make a grant, but there are so many proprietors in any square of ten miles, that a satisfactory arrangement would take a great deal of time; proposes that therefore the legislature of Maryland pass an act to appropriate to Congress a district of ten miles square within either of the Counties bounding on the river potowmack, and between the Eastern branch thereof and Conococheague Creek and to condemn and grant to Congress --- acres [sic] of land anywhere within the district... [for] public edifices, and building a city; proposes to have the cost of the land actually taken borne by an equitable apportionment of all the lands within the said district, as determined by the commissioners for the district; is going to send the President maps of his own land and of the town of Williamsport; is willing to give, without compensation, whatever land may be needed for public buildings; Williamsport, altho[ugh] small, is upon a large scale, the streets and alleys being much wider than common; and it... may be extended... to a great distance; asks to retain one acre of land, where are buried his parents and very dear friends, recently lost; he [Williams] has been trying to raise contributions for the building of the federal district along the lines recommended in the printed paper enclosed herewith.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 31 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To the President G. Washington.
Enclosure missing.
1790 Nov. 11
Ed[ward] CARRINGTON, Richmond [Va.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[610]
Sold Williams' certificates [for] [UNK]170: 19: O, at 7/4 the pound, proceeds Sixty Two pounds 13/8d.; wrote to Williams
telling him that the money was in the hands of their friend [Captain Anthony] Singleton who would pay it upon Williams' order; since the money has not yet been drawn, he [Carrington] presumes the letter never got to Williams; hopes Williams got quite recovered at the Springs [Va.].
A.L.S. 4 pp. 20 cm. × 16.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11 Novr. 1790 Ed Carrington 62.13.8 Va. Curr.
1790 Nov. 13
R[obert] ELLIOT. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[611]
Received Williams' power of attorney about the soldiers' discharges and will execute them and return them by next post; Well the Devils to pay and more. S and J [Samuel and John Smith] has... protested E[lliot] and W[illiams'] Bills... I have stated a few plain facts to them... I am shure you are convinst that your Brother nor my Self would attemt to draw a Bill without it being Calcolated for the Benefit of the Consarn... it hurts our Privit Carictures [characters] to sopose that we would... draw a Bill without having the wright to do so. Perhaps Saml and J Smith may show you the Letter I have Rot them.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 13 Novomr. 1790 Mr. R[obor]t Elliot protost.
1790 Nov. 13
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To [John Eager] HOWARD, Governor of Maryland.
[612]
Has just received Howard's letter of November 9; does not know how the misunderstanding arose over paying the invalid officers; never thought he was authorized to pay those who had already been paid; the Secretary of War instructed him [Williams] that men who wanted to be paid must produce certificates from the clerks of the Orphans' Courts, and oaths taken before a magistrate; and if his deputy, Mr. [Daniel] Delozier refused to pay any gentleman, the refusal must have been based on lack of proper papers.
Df. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed [by Williams?]: 13 November 1790 Govr. Howard.
1790 Nov. 30
Rob[er]t ELLIOT, Ridston [?] Fort. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[613]
Has just met a number of the Militia Returning from the Late Expedition against the Indians... Our Troops Prassed [pressed] near to the Mommee towns wher the Indians Cam forward to Defend thir Towns and Property and of Corse a very Hevy Inguagment insued.... the Indains ware obligd to giv way when our Troops Prosued Burnt five of thir Towns and Corn with a Large quantity of goods that Belongd to Traders that ware in the Towns. Several of the Continantle officers fell... amongst the Number Majr. Williss... [who] Behaved with Great Corage; Americans had 180 killed
and 27 wounded, the Indians 160 killed, and certainly some wounded; the Indians hadd a Number Mounted with swords to encounter our Horse and Met them... [with] A very Stuberent [stubborn] Resistance; Indians followed the Americans back and stole 400 of their horses; Williams' brother set out for headquarters a few days ago.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 30 November 1790 Robert Elliot. first militia account of Genl. Harmars expedition.
1790 Dec. 16
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[614]
Nothing has happened since he got to Philadelphia, except the rise of Public Stock, funded 6 p[er] cent certificates, now sell at 15/ p[er] Pound, final settlements 13/4; unlikely that they will go lower, therefore he [Smith] will not dispose of his Mary[lan]d depreciation certificates, since Sam Smith tells him that the Maryland legislature will make good to their creditors the 6 p[er] cent fully; Williams will have seen the account of General [Josiah] Harmar's expedition; Harmar's account of the action is the most absurd, that ever appeared.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 33 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 Decr. 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Dec. 20
Major John [?] DOUGHTY, Fort Lyttleton. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[615]
Left Fort Pitt [Pa.] recently intending to go at once to Philadelphia, but finds he must go first to his home in Jersey; will not be in Philadelphia until about January 10; our friend Bob Elliott asked him to see Williams before that time; on the 10th of Jan[uar]y will be at the Conastoga Waggon in Markett Street, and will do any service he can for Williams or for Elliot and Williams.
A.L.S. 1 p. 32 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 December 1790 From Majr. Doughty, Fort Lyttleton.
1790 Dec. 21
Mary [Mrs. O.H.] WILLIAMS. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[616]
Exceedingly glad to get his letter, since he had been gone so long that she was afraid he was ill; all are well and as happy as they can be without him; has such a bad sore finger that she can write no more.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 Decr. 1790 Mr[s. Wi]lliams.
1790 Dec. 23
W[illiam SMITH], Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[617]
Continental securitios are now high and going higher; this species of paper is higher than Maryland, so he will not sell his at any price; nothing taken up in Congress yet except the militia bill, which may not get anywhere this session because
the members are so divided on it; The weather is excessive cold and has been so for three days; wood is eight dollars a cord; Smith refused to pay this price and therefore has no fire.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Rec'd 23 Decemr. 1790 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1790 Dec. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[618]
Has not heard from Williams since he [Smith] loft homo and concludes that Williams is not yet back from the Westward; Congress spent the whole week on the militia bill without passing it; hears from indubitable authority that 6 per cents have been sold for 20/ in the pound at six months and twelve months credit; has heard nothing from the Maryland Assembly; sent Robert Smith the report of the Secretary of the Treasury on the national bank.
A.L.S. 1 p. 37.5 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23d December 1790 Wm Smith Esqr.
1790 Dec. 27
Otho Holland WILLIAMS. To the merchants of Baltimore.
[619]
Respectfully requests that Gentlemen whose bonds for duties are become payable will discharge them without further delay; the unfavorable season would be a reasonable apology for his postponing the collection if his official duty would admit; but his instructions are explicit.
A.Df. 1 p. 16.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27 Decemr. 1790 Note to the Merchts from the Collector.
1790 Dec. 29
Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Gen[eral] Henry KNOX.
[620]
Benjamin Foup [Phap] formerly in the 6th Maryland regiment has had him [Williams] oxamine a number of certificates signed by him [Williams] and to them he adds his own recolloctions; Phap onlisted before the battle of Monmouth, thence he marched south with the regiment and served until September 30, 1780; Phap was then ordered to join the Corps of Invalids in Philadelphia, but instead he joined a Corps of Invalids in Virginia, and remained with them until 1781; Phap is still an invalid and the time for settling such accounts as his is long since passed; his only hope is to be put into the Corps of Invalids, and Williams hopes that General Knox will do this.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 29 Decemr. 1790 To the Secretary for War respecting Benjn. Foup [Phap]. Copy to be sent with the list of the Invalids andc.
[1791] Jan. 4
Mr. [John] HOLLINS. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[621]
Mr. Hollins requests the pleasure of Genl. Williams' Company to dine on Thursday next 3 oClock. Tuesday 4th Jany. An answer is requested.
1 p. 12 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams, at right angles to the superscription and across it: Letters andc. The Secretary for the War Department and others on acct Elliot Williams and Co.
1791 Jan. 7
W[illiam] COOKE. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e Town.
[622]
Can say only that he will attend to the matter about which Williams wrote and will conclude it as soon as possible; But it rests pretty much with the Atty Genl to hasten the Division.
A.L.S. 1 p. 17 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 7 January 1791 Wm. Cook Esqr. letter.
1791 Jan. 8
Will[iam] HETH, Bermuda Hundred [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[623]
Has just finished listing some bank notes; Secretary [Alexander] Hamilton admits that the collectors would, by law, be justified in refusing to receive such bank notes; does Williams continue to receive them, and does he object to doing so; understands that some collectors charge 20 cents for giving the oath to merchants entering goods, and asks Williams whether he charges it; asks Williams to send his [Heth's] paper containing his [Heth's] unanswerable essay on Discounts, by Gold; writes in great haste, for he is Just sitting out to pay my Saturday nights visit to Shillelah.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsod by Williams: 8 January 1791 frm. Coll. W Heth answered 4 Feb.
1791 Jan. 11
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[624]
Has just opened a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury, saying that he [the Secretary] was sending Williams a Thermometer and a Hydrometer for the purpose of ascertaining the degree of proof of distilled spirits; there was a tin case accompanied the letter very carefully seal up, but it was empty; sends Williams the tin by Major [Christopher] Richmond, so that Williams can have the mistake corrected.
A.L.S. 1 p. 30 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 11 January 1791 D. Delozier Thermr. and Hydrometer.
1791 Jan. 17
List of Warrants drawn 17th Jany 1791 from the Auditor for Genl. Otho WILLIAMS Baltimore.
[625]
Mark Thomas 9. 5.
William Drennan 25.
do. 9.5.
Peter Smith 34.
Jacob Huts [or Herts] 11. 5.
Vincent Robins 11. 15.
Preserved Wilson 32. 5.
Tho[ma]s Neal 14.
William Elme 9. 5.
Aaron Van elwes 11. 15.
Henry Smith 22.
Jacob Huts [or Herts] 8. 10.
John Shesely 6. 5.
Total [UNK]204.10.
In the hand of Anthony Singleton. 1 p. 11 cm. × 7 cm.
Enclosed with entry 626.
1791 Jan. 17
Captain Anthony SINGLETON, Richmond [Va.]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[626]
Has just drawn from the Auditor Williams' warrants for Scouts and Rangers Amounting to [UNK]204.10, two of the claims which he returns to Williams being rejected for want of form; price of the warrants is now from 14/ to 14/6; if Williams wishes to sell, he may then draw on Singleton at sight for the amount at 14/ and if they sell for more, it can be adjusted; Col. [Edward]Carrington lodged with him [Singleton] [UNK]62.13.8, to be paid to Williams' order; uncertain whether to advise Williams to sell his warrants or to hold them three or four months; Mrs. Singleton joins me in best compliments to you and Mrs. Williams.... my Daughters brother I expect will [soon] come to town, this will make a pair and I intend to bespeak no more.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 17 January 1791 Captn. Anthony Singleton.
For enclosure see entry 625.
1791 Jan. 24
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[627]
The President has this day announced to both houses of Congress, the district for the Federal Town, designated as follows, beginning, or runing from the Court House of Alexandria in Virginia S.W. half a mile... [otc., etc.] This district, will include Geo[rge] Town, but the President has not yet fixed upon the spot nor has he mentioned to Congress the Commissioners, who are to execute the business.... the President... [thinks it may] be expedient... to enable him to extend the limits of the district, southward of the Eastern Branch so far as to take in the whole Town of Alexandria... the Federal buildings it is true must be on the Maryland Side of Potowmac... but... they will be so situated as to give Virginia all the advantages; will send a copy of the proclamation and message, by this post or by the next.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1791 Jan. 24
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[628]
Since he wrote this morning, he has got the enclosed copy of the President's Proclamation, and seos that the lines he [Smith] gave were incorrect; Mr. [James] Madison told me
this afternoon, that T[homas] Johnson, Danl. Carroll, and Doctr. [David] Stewart, of Alexandria [Va.], are appointed the commissioners to execute the Presidents instructions, relative to this business; understands that it is proposed to take all the surplus from the Excise and Import law to defray the cost of the Federal buildings; encloses a sketch giving his [Smith's] idea of the survey of the district.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 24 January 1791 Wm. Smith Esqr.
Enclosures missing.
1791 Jan. 27
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[629]
The President has just sent to the House letters from Marietta [Ohio] and Fort Harmar, advising that the Indians, on 2d January, attacked a settlement about 12 miles from Marietta, that they killed and took 19, that four only escaped, and that they must abandon their settlements, unless speedy aid is afforded from the general government; the commanding officer at Fort Harmar says they have heard nothing of a new commissary, and consequently have received no provisions.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 27 January 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Jan. 31
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[630]
Suggests that Williams exchange his State paper money for that of the United States as often as it is profitable to do so, but bids him use his own judgment; glad his [Smith's] three daughters, and their three husbands are all well; wishes Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall would remain at Eutaw, because his daughter Jenny [Mrs. Hall] enjoys being with her sisters; why did his [Smith's] letter of the 13th not get to Williams until the 25th?
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 31 January 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Jan.
Estimates of Issues, Supplies andc andc furnished by E[LLIOT] and W[ILLIAMS] and Co.
[631]
Statement of the value of the quartermaster's stores furnished by Elliot and Williams, to a total of $108,370; with a deduction of $58,506.21, on account of advances received; [UNK] and disallowed by the Secretary [of War, General Henry Knox], but supported by facts and ultimately paid.
In the hand of Otho H. Williams. 1 p. 39 cm. × 23 cm.
1791 Feb. 2
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[632]
Sympathizes with the father and the friends of young Farrell, but does not believe Farrell was unnecessarily exposed to any danger; the Gale was mentioned not so much on
account of its being the cause of his falling overboard, as the reason why it was not practicable to recover him; Colonel [Sam.?] Smith offered to write to Thomas immediately, but Williams said he would apologize for him by saying that he was preparing to set out for Philadelphia the next day, as he did with him [Williams]; hopes the elder [John] Farrell will believe that his feelings as a father were respected; [Alexander Contee] Hanson has lately given another proof of his esteem by a private letter about his health; Hanson has been advising Williams what Mr. Grosh might do about his [Grosh's] claim to the lott, but Williams does not agree with Hanson; writing has again given him a Rheumatic pain on my breast, but otherwise he is better than he has been for several years; asks Thomas to insert the inclosed in the Frederick paper; Mrs. Williams... ordered a Coat like my own Sunday coat of Sup[er]fine bottle green and gilt button. It has been made some time and was omitted when Miller was down last, thro[ugh] neglect. It will come next week.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From G[eneral] Williams 2d Feby 91 Containing the unhappy acct. of the loss of my brother Farrells son at sea.
Enclosure missing.
1791 Feb. 3
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[633]
Glad Williams took the location of the Federal seat like a philosopher and a Christian; the arguments most used by those who wanted it on the Potomac were based on the supposed advantage of placing it as high up the river as possible and so of keeping the connection with the western settlements; the private views of individuals were very different; does not know what the Senate will do to the excise bill or what the salary of inspectors will be; the only thing W[illiam] Mathews can do is to submit a memorial, and if he does so, Smith will present it for him.
A.L.S. 1 p. 37 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 3d February 91 recd. 6th Wm. Smith Esqr.
1791 Feb. 5
W[illiam] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[634]
Is glad to help Mr. [Daniel] Delozier partly on Williams' account, and partly because he is a very deserving man; does not, however, expect to be in Baltimore before the choice of the directors for the bank takes place, and thinks that is to be March first; wants Williams to vote his [Smith's] five shares for him; many applications already received for the office Delozier wants; moreover, the law to incorporate the National Bank will probably pass the House today, and that National Bank will probably swallow
up all the State Banks; Smith saw yesterday a letter from S[amuel] Sterett to some member of Congress, recommending A. W. Davey to some appointment, probably that of inspector of the revenue; Davey is not so deserving as [William] Mathews, and Williams must help Mathews in drawing up his memorial; sent S[amuel] Smith's money by Andrew Ellicott.
A.L.S. 1 p. 37 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 5 February 91 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Feb. 13
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[635]
Both of Williams' tickets in the New York lottery were blanks; may be useful for Williams to know what Congress contemplates doing about the Western country, so he encloses a note giving the substance of a bill which passed the House Saturday and is now in the Senate; Williams is to tell no one about it, for Congress wants to keep it secret as long as the nature of the transaction will permit; four mails due from Baltimore now, on account of the bad roads; six per cents are up again and going higher in consequence of the National Bank.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Enclosure missing.
1791 Feb. 16
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[636]
Glad Williams and his son, William, are well again; saw Captain [William?] Campbell only yesterday, for the bad roads delayed him on his way up; will bring home with him deferred 6 p[er] cents, sufficient to discharge 1/3 my debt to the State; thinks that The law for establishing a land office in the Western territory will pass our house this day; the excise bill came back from the Senate yesterday with several amendments, which divide the U[nited] S[tates] into 13 districts and appoint a Supervisor for each State... [with] Inspectors and deputies; the president starts about March 10 on a tour of the South as far as Georgia; Mrs. President remains at Philad[ophi]a during the recess having determined not to visit her home during the present reign.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 38 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 February 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Feb. 16
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[637]
Passes over the unpleasant matters in Thomas' recent letter, and thanks him for the remainder; pleased at The improvem[en]t of affairs at Ceresville [Frederick County]; will write to Mr. [Cephas] Beall about a miller; The mill House will probably be substantially repaired next Summer... But I think most seriously of the cultivation of the farm, and, for that purpose, shall buy three, or four, stout hands from among the first that arrive; agrees with Thomas' favorable opinion of Mr. Beall and has no troublesome
anticipations about him notwithstanding my very unpleasant experience; is not destitute of ready money; if he were, Thomas' paper should not be sacrificed to his convenience; bought for Thomas a Certificate final for 360 Dols. and int.; advises Thomas to leave all your paper in the public funds; will certainly call [Alexander Contee?] Hanson's particular attention to John's health; Thomas' children are very dutiful, and promising, and perhaps you do not love them too much. But Polly and myself are both apprehensive that your great liberality... to Kitty, may spoil her, though now all her conduct is marked with modesty, and discretion. We are fond of her; expectorated a little blood about ten days ago; [Dr. George] Brown made incision in his arm to let out more; is now better; relapse due to necessary application to the desk for almost a week, and living with more freedom than common; two letters for Kitty and a little paper marked `3 Guineas' will be presented to her on her return from school.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams 16 Feby 91 in which mention is made of 360 Dols.....
1791 Feb. 21
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[638]
Has just received Williams' letter of the 17th, and is really sorry for the misfortune that befell their acquaintance from Petersburg [Va.]; amongst all her failings, never expected to hear the charge brought against her alluded to in Williams' letter; rather than lay under so infamous a charge, perhaps she may... produce testimony to invalidate what has been said to her disadvantage; a bill has been introduced into the Senate to enable the President to add Alexandria [Va.] to the district, and a motion to postpone this [enabling] act was carried, 15 to 12; the excise bill will probably pass into law, The Pres[iden]t to make the appointments, fix the Salarys andc.; expects to see them [Williams and family] ab[ou]t Sunday week.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 February 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
1791 Feb. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia, To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[639]
Encloses a letter for Elliot and Williams from the Comptroller, to be forwarded as soon as soon as possible; will ask the Comptroller if the late contractors are to be employed again; has seen C. Campbell only once and presumes he is having no difficulty; a district supervisor under the new excise law will undoubtedly be an appointment of trust and Consequence. The salary is entirely at the discretion of the President; the only present difference
between the two houses is that the House wanted seven per cent of the duties to be the maximum salary to be paid the collectors for two years; the Senate wants this limit to continue until altered by law; This is the 9th day the Bank Bill has been with the President; even bets are offered that ho will veto it, but he [Smith] does not think so; fear of a veto has caused a fall in the price of stock; Pennsylvania Assembly are considering bringing into the market ab[ou]t 600,000 continental securities to pay off their State debt; enclosed United States Gazette will give Williams the main points in Mr. [James] Madison's speech; will probably not write again.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 23d February 1791 Mr. Wm. Smith.
Enclosures missing.
1791 Feb. 28
W[illiam] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[640]
Supposes that Williams is agreed now that the President's message does not augur well for a commercial treaty betwixt the U.S. and Great Britain; the supplement, to the residence bill, has been unexpectedly resumed in the Senato, and passed on Saturday, 14 to 12; the bill authorizes the inclusion of the town of Alexandria [Va.] in the district, and the extension of the line around it; has had another conference with Mr. Campbell about Williams' certificate; the Comptroller now says that he cannot pass it; Campbell is going to enter the certificates with the Auditor, who makes no difficulty; that being done, the other office will probably not raise objections; Williams will have heard that the excise bill has passed both houses and that the land office bill is in the Senate; several other bills unfinished and only four days left of this Congress; the next Congress will meet the fourth Monday in November unless called sooner by the President.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 28 Feb 1791 Mr. [Wm.] Smith.
1791 Mar. 6
S[amuel] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philad[elphia] City Tavern [Pa.].
[641]
Williams' late arrival will lose us 3 votes for Director [of the Bank of Maryland]; advanced R[obert] E[lliot] [UNK]750 on Tuesday last when he departed; Mr. I. Holmes says that Duver [?] was sent for by General [Henry] Knox and told that if he [Duver] cannot be certain of furnishing the supplies, Knox will buy his Provisions elsewhere; finds that Wilkie states only 4,000 barrels flour are to be raised in that region, of which 2,000 are ongaged for [New] Orleans [La.], so that with such quantity the campaign could not be carried on; the Millstones are gone, so that we shall soon be able to grind for the Orleans Market. If you do anything try for another advance.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 1 and 6th March 1791 Col. S. Smith, and, at another place on the same page, Mr. Ludlow 13/9 Mr. Plunkett 10/.
1791 Mar. 8
A[lexander] HAMILTON, Treasury Department. To the Honorable W. Brown.
[642]
In response to inquiry, the contract for the supply of articles in the Quarter Master Department was made with Messrs. Elliot and Williams, who are to provide everything, except horses and means of transportation, and they are themselves answerable to the individuals; accordingly very liberal advances of money have been made to them; no accounts have been yet rendered in relation to the expenditures for the late expedition; is ready to pay any balance the moment it is proved to him to be due.
Copy. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed: 8 March 1791 Hamilton to Brown Official.
1791 Mar. 11
S[amuel] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Philad[elphi]a.
[643]
Since Williams left Baltimore, he [Samuel Smith] finds malicious rumors floating around, about Mr. William Smith, so that he doubts that William Smith will be elected [director in the Bank]; therefore sends Williams a Power under hand and seal to vote, -- and remind Uncle to do the same; Mr. [Robert] Elliot would now like to supply the army clothing and asks that Williams find out the manner of supplying it; Elliot warns Williams not to say anything directly to the Secretary of War; he [Samuel Smith] thinks that before Williams leaves Philadelphia, the Presid[en]t ought to know that means must be taken to forward the provisions of E[lliot] and W[illiams] to [New] Orleans [La.], unless we can be assured that Government will require then for their use.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
1791 Apr. 2
W[illiam] COOKE. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imore].
[644]
By order of the Chancellor, a warrant of resurvey has issued in Williams' suit against the State, to see whether the terms by which Williams purchased the land can be complied with; asks Williams to give directions to the surveyor of the county in which the lands lie; cannot remember whether they are in Harford or Cecil County.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21.5 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 2d April 17[91] From W. Cook[e].
1791 Apr. 7
G[eorge] WASHINGTON, Mount Vernon [Va.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[645]
the enclosed letter should be received by General [Richard?] Butler as soon as possible.... I... request, if General Butler has left Baltimore that it may be forwarded immediately by a careful and diligent express.... if the General has left Baltimore,... he is [probably] gone to Annapolis to Governor [John Eager]
Howard --- But I must... rely on your care to dispatch the letter.
L.S. 1 p. 31.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mount Vernon 7 April 1791.
Washington seal in red wax.
Enclosure missing.
1791 Apr.
The Kentucky Gazetto, Number XXXI, Vol. IV.
[646]
Lexington [Ky.]: Printed by JOHN BRADFORD, 1791.
Contains a letter from Alexander Hamilton to John Brown, March 8, 1791, and an open letter of Elliot and Williams, April 9, 1791, about their accounts with the Quartermaster's department.
1 p. 33.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
1791 May 3
Elie WILLIAMS, Fort Washington. To Robert ELLIOT, Fort Pitt [Pa.].
[647]
all the pack horse papers are now signed the way he [Williams] wanted them; he is going to Lexington [Ky.] on the 5th and send the papers out, by John Elliot who wants to get back home; he [Williams] will not need to stay here any longer, since Elliot is sending on more goods under the old firm and since there is to be a campaign against Blue Jackett and his sons; does not know what arrangements have been made for the campaign, and does not think he will know until he sees Majr. Genl. Govr. [Arthur] St. Clair who is to be in Lexington on the fifth; thinks that he and Capt. Pratt will leave the Crab Orchard by June 10th or earlier; expects to spend the entire month in Hagorstown; if Elliot has not already done it, he is immediately on receipt of this to send Williams' bay horse in good order to Hagars Town; Garvin delivered the 201 barrells of flour, etc., but neither Garvin nor Blain brought any letters; Garvin returns in a perogue which I purchased here with the Canoe he brought and four dollars; Garvin is to get from several persons who go up, a dollar each for the liberty of working their passage so he will nearly clear the price of the perogue; You see I begin to calculate on small things since we have lost the appointment of Quarter Master.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho H. Williams: 3d. May 1791 E. Williams to R. Elliot Fort Washington.
1791 May 25
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[648]
The post[man] just gave him a letter from Thomas to Cat[herine Thomas, his daughter], which he delivered to her at dinner; after dinner, a dozen or so people went on a strawberry party into the country and fared sumptuously; Cate has been dancing all afternoon and has not yet come back, though it is now nine o'clock; he [Williams] is much better, and is hoping to get to Coresville [Frederick County] next week to stay a week or two; has no other news to tell.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Gl. W. 25 May 1791.
1791 June 4
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Alexander HAMILTON.
[649]
Will forward as soon as possible a letter from Hamilton for Elliot and Williams which came just today; also received a letter today from Mr. Elie Williams, dated Fort Washington May 3d 1791 -- saying that he was preparing to leave that Country, and expected to be in Hagarstown in all this month, June; he [Elie Williams] will bring with him the vouchers necessary for closing the accounts of Elliot and Williams in the Treasury.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 4 June 1791 to Secy. of Treasury on ac[coun]t E. Williams and Co.
1791 June 8
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Deputy Collector, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS [Frederick].
[650]
Forwards a letter and papers which came yesterday from the Secretary of the Treasury; asks Williams what he [Delozier] is to do about the examination of Mr. Fraser; the Secretary has given orders that the money received for duty is to be deposited in the Bank of Maryland, and that the collectors are to get duplicate receipts for it; one receipt is to be forwarded to the Treasury department; and those receipts are to exonerate the Collectors.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosures missing.
1791 June 9
S[amuel] and J[ohn] SMITH [merchants], Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[651]
Encloses a letter and some other things which came for Williams by post; the vouchers which Williams left will amount to [UNK]3038.13.8, but the Smiths cannot form an accurate estimate for want of documents; the newspapers from Kentucky [see entry 646] gave a statement of the estimate which was submitted by Williams in Philadelphia; it would serve for a guide; Williams will please send it and a new estimate which he can do better than they [S. and J. Smith] can possibly do to serve as a guide; I Intend for Philadelphia... as soon as I shall hear from you; Elie Williams says there is not much hope of selling the provisions, and Mr. [I.] Holmes says provisions are more plentiful in the region than was expected; necessary to have the next contract to enable S. and J. Smith to dispose of them; S[amuel] S[mith] will try to find out all he can; memorandum about the account of Elliot and Williams.
Signed by John Smith, in the name of Samuel and John Smith. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosures missing.
1791 June 9
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[652]
Dr. [John] Coulter, at whose request Smith writes, will present this; Mr. McCauslin, Coulter's father-in-law, was removed as Inspector, because of imprisonment for debt; that objection being removed, the Doctor wishes the old gentleman restored to his employment; Williams will determine as he judges right.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 9 June 1791 Mr. W[illiam] Smith.
1791 June 14
S[amuel] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Frederick Town.
[653]
Received Williams' letters by last post and immediately got to work on the papers; has now a competent knowledge of them; they will amount to 65 or 66 thousand dollars and will all pass; On your Brothers arrival I shall be able to have a thorough knowledge of the Acc[oun]t so that he will have only to balance the Books. It will rather be riding Post for me to be at Hagars Town by the 28th Inst.... Tomorrow I go to Philad[elphia] for a few days.
A.L.S. 1 p. 35 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 14 June 1791 Saml. Smith.
[1791 Before June 15]
John WOODWARD.
[654]
Affidavit, sworn before Geo[rge] Salmon, J. P. for Baltimore County, Md., that he had heard Mrs. Kitty Dixon of Fells Point say repeatedly that Clement Skerrett had offered her a hundred dollars to testify against Capt. John Wardrobe, charged with smuggling.
Contemporary copy, certified as true by Daniel Delozier. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosed with entry 655.
1791 June 15
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[im]o[re]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[655]
Encloses a copy of an affidavit, now in the possession of Mr. Robert Smith, which will be brought before the court to refute the testimony of Mrs. Kitty Dixon; Mr. [Capt. Clement] Skerot was hardly so imprudent as to offer her abuse in direct terms, and it is remarkable that a man of respectability, as Woodard [John Woodward] is represented to be, should frequently have opportunities of conversing with a woman of Mrs. Dickson's character; testimony in court will reflect on the integrity of the Inspectors, so Delozier has asked Mr. Skerett to collect all the testimony he can on the matter; has received Williams' letter and the papers about the goods sent to Virginia by Mr. Fraser, whose shipment was undoubtedly legal.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; 15 June 1791 D. Delozier.
For enclosure see entry 654.
1791 June 16
S[amuel] SMITH, Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[656]
I arrivd at 12 O'Clock, have been with Genl. [Henry] Knox; have deposited the Papers with Mr. [Oliver] Woolcot [Wolcott] and paid my Respects to the Secy. of the Treasury -- from him I learn that Mr. Brown... has sent to Genl. Irwin the Kentucky Paper and insinuated that Elie Williams was saying that the Secy. of the Treasury had an accurate Statement of the Expenditures laid before him which he refused to advance upon and therefore had rendered it Impossible for E[lloit] and W[illiams] to pay the people; I found the Secy. very much hurt -- he said he had done everything that was proper in making us advances, that Mr. Williams' letter seemed to reflect on the Treasury; Smith thinks a statement should be sent into Kentucky saying that the balance will be paid just as soon as the papers are in order, and saying also that Elliott and Williams did not intend to reflect on the Secretary of the Treasury; Hamilton told him [Samuel Smith] that it was hardly worth while to wait until the 20th when Mr. Duver [?] was expected; the enemies of E[lliot] and W[illiams] are numerous and... take uncommon pains; must get some flour to New Orleans [La.] and must keep the Course flour from souring. The probable rise of whiskey will be some little help.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 16 June 1791 From S. Smith Phil[adelphi]a.
1791 June 22
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Hagars Town.
[657]
Has just received Williams' letter of the 20th; if Mr. McCaskey's [Mr. McCauslin, father of Mrs. John Coulter] distress is such as represented by Dr. [John] Coulter, Smith is sorry he could not once more be given the office he used to hold, but Williams is the proper judge of that; happy to hear Williams' health is once more good, but hopes he does not intend to give up his visit to the Sweet Springs [Va.]; you ought for 6 or 8 weeks to forget you have a Wife, and children, family or friends and divest yourself entirely of all Worldly concerns, for this would do more to restore Williams' health than anything else could do; our parched up farms in this neighborhood look very different from those at Ceresville [Frederick County]; but one small shower at Orange in three months; clover and timethy almost perished by the drought; the wheat has not suffered so much; duel is pending betwixt Lawson Alexander and Laming[?]; Laming horsewhipped Alexander who applied to a magistrate and had him bound over, after which he sent him a challenge; this is thought by some to opperate against Alexander, both as a warrior and lawyer.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Wm. Smith 22 June 1791.
1791 June 26
S[amuel] SMITH, Balt[imor]e. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagars Town.
[658]
Has given Mr. [Robert] Elliot copies of the paper he gave the Auditor and of the statement to the Secretary of the Treasury; thinks there is no doubt of receiving 5,000 dollars more from the Treasury; Mr. E[lliot] will give Williams further particulars until Smith sees him next Wednesday.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 26 June 1791 frm. S. Smith Balto.
1791 June 26
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick. To S[amuel] SMITH.
[659]
Thinks from Smith's letter of June 16 that the enemies of Elliot and Williams have been really industrious, certainly uncandid; Elliot and Williams did not say they had given the Secretary of the Treasury an accurate statement, but they did give him an estimate, and he [the Secretary] refused to advance to them an amount which appeared to be due them; it is then true that Elliot and Williams could not pay the people of Kentucky because the Secretary would not advance them the money; sorry the Secretary feels hurt but does not see the necessity of another letter to the paper to soothe him; differs from Smith in sentiment upon the disagreeable subject of whether [Alexander] Hamilton was or was not fair to Elliott and Williams; hopes Smith met with no unexpected difficulty or delay in settling the accounts -- and that he has received Whatever may have appeared to be due on the statement; unlikely that Smith made an advantageous sale to Mr. D[uver]; the chance of low water in the Ohio is the only one which affords a prospect of selling their flour for the use of the army; health is much repaired since he has been at Ceresville [Frederick County], where he has been almost all the time since he left Baltimore; goes to Hagers Town, where, in the course of the week, he hopes to embrace his brother.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 30.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 26 June 1791 to S. Smith.
End Box 6
1791 June 29
D[aniel] DELOZIER [Deputy Collector], Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
Start Vol. 7
[660]
How shall he answer a letter from the Commissioner of Loans; the gold was received from the Bank of Maryland in consequence of a check which he gave Captain Marbury after Marbury had signed duplicate receipts to the Collector; since January first the Collector has had in charge from 15 to 20 thousand dollars cash belonging to the United States, much of it gold; Collection law authorized the Collector to accept foreign gold coins at 89 conts the penny weight; previous to the operation of the Bank of Maryland the custom of the merchants in Baltimore fixed the value of gold indiscriminately
to be worth 6/8 the penny weight; residents of Baltimore who presented Treasury warrants for payment usually preferred silver or bank notes to gold on account of the loss they would sustain by receiving gold at 89 cents the penny weight, so the gold remained on hand; before he got the letter from the Commissioner of Loans, he had settled the Collector's Cash account at the Bank and taken duplicate receipts from the Cashier; hopes Williams has benefited by the change of air and that the intended visit to the Springs [Va.] will produce the wished for relief; duties in April and May amount to one hundred and ten thousand dollars; encloses a copy of a letter from the Secretary of the Treasury respecting the revenue cutter.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: 29 June 1791 From D. Delozier.
Enclosure missing.
1791 July 25
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[661]
Having this moment heard of the present conveyance, has only time to say that all are well but Peggy, and that she is getting better; heard from Polly and the Children a few days ago, all well, she says nothing of coming home, although Coll. [Samuel] Smith says he expects your Brother every day; has just turned down an appointment as auditor of the Treasury; this has been the warnest and dryest season ever known in this place.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Smith 25 July 1791.
1791 July 25
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.].
[662]
A gentleman going to Staunton [Va.] will carry her letter so far, and she hopes it will find a conveyance from there on; all are well, and it would give her real pleasure... to receive the same account from your dear hand; his son William, who was not well when he left, is now quite recovered, and the three boys are fat and hearty; they please her very much by talking of him with affection and asking when he will be home; has just heard from her [father's] home that her sister Peggy [Smith] is in bad health, and she thinks they will all return there some time this week; her father [William Smith] has put Eutaw [Baltimore County] in shape, so the three boys will not have to ondure the heat of summer in town; her sister [Jane, Mrs. Josias Carvel] Hall has just sent her a letter; his brother [Elie] has just sent to hurry her letter.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 26.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; Fm Mrs. Wms 25 July 91.
1791 Aug. 2
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.].
[663]
Another week, and she has not heard from him; she [and the children] reached home last Sunday [July] and went next
day to Eutaw [her father, William Smith's, place in Baltimore County]; is going soon to Harford [County] to visit her Sister [Jenny, Mrs. Josias Carvel] Hall; Sister Hall insists that, if she [Mrs. O. H. Williams] spent so much time in Hagers Town she can spend some in Harford; when he comes home, they must go together for a visit to the Halls.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; Mrs. Wms. 2 August 91.
1791 Aug. 15
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Sweet Springs [Va.].
[664]
Has at least had very agreeable accounts of him, from a young gentleman who brought a message from Mr. [?] Nicholson; is glad to hear that he is in such fine spirits that he is ranked with the youngest and gayest people there; has just seen a letter from him to her father [William Smith] that confirms the good news; the sons are in very good health and are as wild as any mountain Boys you ever saw. I left them at Eutaw [Baltimore County] and came in to go to church today.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mrs. Wms. 15 Augt. 91.
1791 Sep. 19
Mary [Mrs. O. H.] WILLIAMS. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagarstown.
[665]
Has just met Mr. [?] Lee on his way to Washington [County]; glad to hear that he [OHW] is so near home, and thinks herself very unfortunate that she cannot come up to Hagerstown to meet him; her sister Peggy [Mrs. Robert Smith] is at length thank God blest with the birth of a daughter; she might come as far as Frederick if his brother [Elie] were here, to come with her, but he is not yet come from Philadelphia; is in a hurry, but must take time to send very affectionate Compliments to Dr. [Philip] Thomas... for his many kindnesses and attentions to me.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Polly 19 Septr. 91.
1791 Sep. 19
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Millsborough. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS [Frederick?].
[666]
Very busy making the necessary arrangements of Col. [John] Stull's property for the sale tomorrow; a passer-by affords an opportunity to request Thomas to take the trouble to send to Mr. [David] Bryan and tell him that Will, a black fellow, may have a Horse to come up here tomorrow; Williams intends to buy Will himself but will not pay too much for him; sale will last two or three days, so he cannot be in Frederick until towards the last of this week; Rebecca is to be ready to accompany Matilda to Baltimore; will probably not see his wife till he gets home; Her sister is in the straw.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21.5 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed: G[enera]l W. 19 Sept. 1791.
1791 Sep. 26
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[667]
Thro thick fogs, and dirty roads, we got all safe to Baltimore last night. All my family in the Country, except Polly, who was at her father's... my house locked up -- Kitchen and Stables empty... Lodged Harvey at an Inn -- took the three girls with me to Mr. [William] Smith's,... Polly, who stood at the door, [did not see Williams] until I almost took her in my arms... I expect my little follows in town any minute and can do no business till I see them. Kit came trembling with gladness -- embraced us with much affection -- took Becks to sleep with her, and has not appeared yet this morning. Harvey will wait on the Girls for their commands and then depart.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Genl. W. 26 Sept. 1791.
1791 Oct. 7
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[668]
Accepts Thomas' rebuke humbly; expects soon to be more at liberty than heretofore both in body and mind; not yet in his own house, which is being painted and whitewashed; Polly and he and his brother are at Mr. [William] Smith's; Matilda and Sophia are with the Children at Eutaw -- and Thomas' two Girls are still at Mrs. Smiths; will soon see Thomas and have a long talk; is confident he wrote to Thomas and told him to whom he [Williams] had sent his state certificates, but he has a record of numbers and amounts so they cannot be lost; may go to the Annapolis races and will then search for the certificates; Mr. Potts says he has done all Thomas asked him to do about the Bank stock; election for sheriff has been turbulent and Williams was necessarily more engaged yesterday in keeping the peace; many of the respectable part of the citizens encouraged him in this duty; excepts to be censured, nonetheless, and must despise those who blame him.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1791 Oct. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[669]
Hard to say whether Thomas should accept the office of Inspector of the Revenue; the emolument is... in favor of the Office. Its respectability must depend upon the appointments... throughout the department; the President usually chooses a Collector or a Surveyor of the Customs department to be collector of revenue; the departments of the Customs and of the Revenue are connected; inspectorship in Thomas' district will be either a sinecure or a drudgery; Mr. [George] Gale told Williams that he had written to the Secretary for explanations of some things in the excise law; must be as much as possible divested of care; has lately given up his most advantageous business, and may give up all public employment; however, his health is improving and he
hopes his mind will be renovated; extracts, which Thomas had