Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 5/8)
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Otho Holland Williams Papers, 1744-1839(Part 5/8)
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 5/8)
Maryland Historical Society
Baltimore MD 21201-467
The Maryland Historical Records Survey Project
November 1940
*Note: This Collection has eight parts*
(Part 5/8)
1792 Nov. 9
Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Col. Edward CARRINGTON.
[761]
Received Carrington's letter of November 5, just as he is leaving for the Barbadoes [W.I.] for his health; agrees almost perfectly with Carrington's recollections about the Revolutionary campaigns in the South; must be a mistake in the abstract for July 26, 1781, for not all [Gen. Nathanael] Greene's troops were fit for duty; does not think they had any militia there at that time, and since he [Williams] was adjutant general of the Southern army then, he must have known of it; General Greene got no reinforcements till after Camden [S.C.]; Shame on the world that such a man [as Greene] should be traduced.
Df.S. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Edwd Carrington Esqr. 10 Novemr. 1792 Relative to Greene's force in South.
1792 Nov. 10
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To Alexander HAMILTON [Treasury Department].
[762]
Has decided to dispose now of the stock he owns; someone will surely move in Congress to change the law which would penalize him for selling his own property; thanks Hamilton for getting the permission of the President to leave the country; leaves for the Barbadoes [W.I.] tomorrow.
Df. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Coll. Hamilton Secy 10th Novemr. 1792.
1792 Nov. 11
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS.
[763]
Encloses a bond of Jacob Young's with a balance due of [UNK]12.11.1; wants Thomas to tell Young he must pay the money very soon; Mr. [Ashton] Alexander arrived unexpectedly from Frederick last night; all imported spirits are entered at the Custom House, and the duties on them secured; after that, they go through a routine of forms in the revenue department, for which that department's officers are paid; the collector of the customs receives all the duties and the consequent 1 p[er] cent; is leaving [his horse] Liberty with Mr. [William] Smith who will probably send him to Ceresville [Frederick County], and Thomas may use him or anything else there that he can use; will write to [David] Bryan [the overseer at Ceresville] and get Thomas to read it to him; Bryan will take instructions from Thomas, though he cannot bear advice from any one else; has advertised [for sale] 4½ gallons of rum and 368 acres, and Thomas may do as he likes about it; the packet in which he was to sail sank yesterday at her wharf; now he [Williams] will go in the revenue cutter to French town [Cecil County], thence by stage to New Castle [Del.], and somewhere in the Delaware [River] he will board the Martha, a fine ship bound at once to Barbadoes [W.I.]; feels so well that he inclines not to go at all, but he probably will go within an hour.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosure missing.
1792 Nov. 13
Sharp DELANY. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[764]
From what Mr. Massey says, Williams will be in time for the sailing of the Martha, which is set for next Thursday or Friday [November 19 or 20]; baggage and stores may be left at New Castle [Del.] to be picked up on the way down the river; bids him call on him [Delany] as soon as he arrives [in Philadelphia?].
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: S. Delany Esqe. 13 Novr. 1792.
[1792] Nov. 15
Mary [Smith, Mrs. [UNK]] WILLIAMS, Balt[imore]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[765]
Mr. [John] Lynch is sailing tomorrow for Barbadoes [W.I.], and expects to enjoy surprising him [Williams] there; I really envy him and cant help wishing it was possible for me to be so happy; everyone has been very attentive, but I feel that they cannot compensate for the loss of your company my dear Genl Williams; is moving tomorrow to her father's [William Smith] house; her father sent her his [Williams'] letter from French town [Cecil County]; the man who is planting hedges at Ceresville [Frederick County] called the other day for his money, but neither Mr. [Daniel] Delozier nor she would give him any.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
END VOL 7,
1792 Nov. 17
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Barbadoes [W.I.].
[766]
The sudden decision of Major [John] Lynch to visit Barbadoes gives Smith a chance to acknowledge the receipt of Williams' letter from French town [Cecil County]; Polly [Williams' wife and Smith's daughter] and the children will probably be settled down with him by this evening; is convinced that Major Lynch is going to Barbadoes solely to serve Williams.
A.L.S. 1 p. 32 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. William Smith 17 Novemr. 1792.
1792 Nov. 18
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[767]
Major [John] Lynch has just told him that Williams desired his [Lynch's] company during his trip, so he [Lynch] has engaged passage on the brigantine Prince William Henry, sailing today; he [Delozier] is going to appoint Capt. [Thomas B.] Hugou [or Hugon?] to act as measurer during Lynch's absence; Mr. Patterson has asked that the enclosed letters be forwarded, and he [Delozier] will send all the newspapers since Williams left.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: D. Delozier 18 Novr. 92.
Enclosures missing.
1792 Dec. 4
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To S[harp] DULANY [Delany].
[768]
Sends herewith thirty dollars to reimburse him for some advances he made to Gen. [Otho Holland] Williams while he was in Philadelphia.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: 4 Decr. 92 To Sharp Dulany.
1792 Dec. 18
Mary [Smith, Mrs. O.H.] WILLIAMS. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[769]
Is sending this letter by Mr. Bishop, and had had some thought of asking Mr. Bishop to take charge of her, too; thinks she would not mind the sea, and would endure any inconvenience for the pleasure of seeing him [Williams] so soon; thank God one of the months of separation is past, but can hardly bear the thought of the four or five more that are ahead; if he does not improve, he is to let her know at the first opportunity, and she will come to him; I am astonished at my ever parting with you; the children have all been sick; Robert [the oldest] was well enough to go back to school in a day or two, but William [the second] has not been back to school since Williams left; Edward [the third] has at last got rid of his chills and fevers; Henry [the youngest] was weaned a week or so ago; their friends in Frederick and in Washington [County] are all well; [David] Bryan says everything goes well at Ceresville [Frederick County].
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 Dec. 19
[John] BECKLES, Bay Plantation [Barbados]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[770]
Is sorry to hear that Williams is ill and tired from the voyage; Mr. Beckles will do himself the honor of calling on General Williams tomorrow.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Beckles 19 Decr. 1792.
1792 Dec. 20
Mr. [?] JONES. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[771]
Requests the honor of General Williams' company to dinner on Sunday next, when Col. [Thomas] Blackburn's family is also expected.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
On same sheet as entry 772.
[After Dec. 20 1792]
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[772]
Letters Introductory andc.
From
To
Mr. Wm. Potts
John Beckles Esqr
Barbadoes
Philip Lythcott Esqr
do
Mr. S. Wilson
George Crofts Esqr
do
Arthur Rainey Esq
do
Mr. [John] Hollins
William Barton Esqr
do
Mr. J. Buchanan
Sam[ue]l Le Gay Esqr
do
Mr. Wm. Robb
James Fraser Esqr
St. Christophers
Buchanan and Robb
Ulysses Le Burk Esqr
do
Mr. Van Wyck
Edmund Akers Esqr
do
William Somarsale Esqr
do
Mr. Wm. Patterson
Anthony Somersale Esqr
St. Christophers
Buchanan and Robb
John Pritchard Esqr
Dominica
Mr. J[ohn] Hollins
Neilson and Heathcote Esqr
do
Mr. Oliver
John Dunlop Esqr
St. Croix
Robert Tuite Esqr
St. Croix
Robert Thompson Esqr
St. Croix
Robert Campbell Esqr
St. Croix
James Buchanan
Robert Cumming Esqr
do
Buchanan and Robb
John Dunlop Capt
do
Adam Sobotker Esqr
do
Michael McEvoy Esqr
do
Unknown
David Beekman Esqr
do
Black seal S C [?]
William Bourke Esqr
do
Buchanan and Robb
John Proctor Esqr
Grenada
Alexander Fraser Esqr
do
David Clunie [?] Esqr
do
Mr. Wm. Van Wyck
Mr. William Stevenson
St. Eustatius
Mr. Wm. Patterson
William Stevenson Esqr
St. Eustatius
Messrs Avindell and Tait
St. Martins
Buchanan and Robb
William Salmond Esqr
Antigua
James Buchanan
Philip Hicks Esqr
do
Mr. Wm. Van Wyck
J[ohn] Hollins
Langford Lovell Esqr
do
[Cypher]
Messrs Governeur and
Rutgus
Curacoa
Telemon Cruger
Curacoa
James Buchanan
Michael McNamara Esqr
Tortola
Honble Wm. Turnbull
Esqr
Tortola
President of the Island
Somervill and Duguid
John Falconer Esqr
Nassau New
Providence
John Cunningham Esqr
Jamaica
Messrs Wm and Geo:
Cleland
do
Buch[anan] and Robb
Malcolm and Barton
Jamaica
Taylor Balentine and Fairlie
do
Fisher
do
Donald Malcolm Esqr Lucea
do
Memorandum in hand of O.H.W. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: List of Introductory letters andc.
On same sheet as entry 771.
1792 Dec. 21
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To William HENERY, Barbados.
[773]
Gen. [Otho Holland] Williams sent him [Delozier] the enclosed bill of exchange and asked him to send it to Henery,
Copy in hand of and signed by Delozier. 1 p. 20.5 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: 21 December 1792 To William Henry Esqr of Barbados p[er] Sloop Race Horse.
1792 Dec. 21-22
[Mary, Mrs. O.H., WILLIAMS]. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[774]
Mr. Bishop [by whom she sent her letter of Dec. 18] has been detained, so she takes the opportunity to add a line; the children are all well; she has had Otho [Williams, son of Elie] to send the latest papers; Mr. Bishop will tell you he saw your sons last night, and that they all looked very well and very handsome.
A.L. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams; Mrs. Williams 18 and 22 Decr. 92.
1792 Dec. 22
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[775]
Wrote by the brig Prince William Henry, which left Baltimore about the time Williams left the Delaware [Bay]; Major [John] Lynch left in her, but went only as far as Annapolis; received Williams' letter of [November] 25th containing a bill of exchange which he will send by the sloop Race Horse to Mr. William Henery of Barbados [W.I.]; sent the certificate of deferred stock to Mr. [Christopher] Richmond and received Richmond's receipt for it; also sent 30 dollars to Mr. [Sharp] Dulany [Delany]; stock is low and cash is therefore scarce and high; the prevailing opinion is that stock will rise, in the course of the next month; Mrs. Williams is in perfect health; Otho [Williams, son of Elie] is attentive to his duties in the office and to his French; Mr. [Robert] Purviance offers his respectful compliments.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
1792 Dec. 22
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Barbadoes [W.I.].
[776]
Encloses the latest Baltimore paper, with the latest news from France; Samuel Sterett, who arrived yesterday with the London news down to October 19, confirms the Duke of Brunswick's retreat, in the most deplorable situation, distressed by sickness, famine, andca and closely pursued by the french Army; hears that Sterett says the King of Great Britain
is insane again; Washington was unanimously reelected president, and the vice-presidency is between [John] Adams and [George] Clinton, 75 votes for Adams, 58 for Clinton; has had the ague and fever very violently for the past ten days; Williams' waggoner, Bob, was in town yesterday with flour, which is selling at a good price; everything well at Ceresville [Frederick County].
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 22 Dec. 92.
Enclosure missing.
1792 Dec. 23
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[777]
Wrote yesterday by Mr. [?] Bishop, a young gentleman on his way to Barbados [W.I.] who will be married on his return to their neighbor, Miss Becky Haslet; there is some faint hope of peace with the western Indians; a number of chiefs from the Wabash [River] and the Illinois are on their way from Pittsburg [Pa.] to Philadelphia, to see the President [Washington]; news from Philadelphia is that parties run very high betwixt the two great officers of government, which seems to be observable in every vote of consequence in Congress; R[ichard] Potts has been elected to the United States Senate, in place of Charles Carroll of Carrollton, who had resigned.
A.L.S. 1 p. 31.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Smith 23d. Decr. 92.
1793 Jan. 1
[Daniel DELOZIER, deputy collector] Baltimore. To Nath[anie]l RAMSEY.
[778]
Gen. Williams has asked him to ask Ramsey to pay the interest now due on Jeremiah Baker's bonds, in which you are security.
Df. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: 1 Jany 1793 To Coll. Ramsey.
1793 Jan. 8
D[aniel] DELOZIER, deputy collector, Balt[imor]e. To Richd. HENDERSON.
[779]
Before Williams left for the West Indies, he delivered to me your bond for [UNK]225 due the 22d of September last and informed me that he expected payment on or before the first of this month.
Df.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: 8 Jany 93 To R. Henderson Esqr.
1793 Feb. 14
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Barbado's, [W.I]. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[780]
When he wrote, January 22, he thought he was recovering very fast but he soon learned the truth of what Thomas and Dr. [George] Brown had both told him, that the better his spirits, the greater the danger of a hemorrhage; about ten days ago he had all his old symptoms and called in a
local doctor named Hendy; Hendy, after hesitating, had an apothecary bleed him, and added a few drops of a fever medicine to the nitre he was already taking; pulse is usually 80 to the minute; Hendy told him he must not take so much sugar-cane juice as he had been; is eating practically no meat; Miss [Polly] Blackburn is declining, and her parents may try another sea voyage for her; he [Williams] is thinking of going to St. Eustatius [West Indies], to get under American colors.
A.L. 4 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20 cm. End of letter missing.
[1793 Mar.]
T. BLACKBURN, Bermuda [W.I.]. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, at Mr. Richard Ridwar's B. Town [W.I.].
[781]
Is just recovering from an accident which prevented him from waiting on General Williams; hopes to be able to ride down to Mr. Richard Ridwar's on Monday next; Mrs. and Miss Blackburn offer their comp[limen]ts to the General and join him [Blackburn] in requesting the pleasure of his [Williams'] company at this place as soon as he can make it convenient; if General Williams has any American newspapers, pamphlets, etc., by him, [Blackburn] will thank him for the perusal of them.
A.L. 1 p. 20 cm. × 12 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Blackburn.
1793 [Apr.13]
Memorandum of visits received and made in Charleston [S.C.], March 28-April 13, 1793.
[782]
Mr. Calhoun
Mr. Presstman
Col. Read 124 East Bay
Dr. Read
Dr. [Matthew] Irvine
Mr. Judge [Aedanus] Burke
Mr. [R.B.] Gilchrist
Mr. [John?] Owen
Dr. [David] Ramsey [Ramsay]
Maj. [Paul?] Hamilton
Dr. Reed
Mr. Hazlehurst
Mr. Holmes Collector
Maj. Hamilton
Mr. John Huger
Mr. John Mitchell
Mr. T. Morris
Mr. Kennedy
Mr. Reid
Gen. [Isaac] Huger
John S. Dart
Dr. Keith
Gen. [Christopher] Gadsden
Gen. Huger
Mr. J[ohn] Blake
Mr. [Ralph] Izard
Mr. [William Loughton?] Smith
Maj. Hamilton
Dr. Ramsay
Dr. [Peter] Fasseaux [Fayssoux]
Col. Dayton
Gen. Huger
Col. [William Augustine] Washington
Maj. [Pierce?] Butler
Mr. Gadsden, Jr.
Dr. Irvine
Mr. Calhoun
Mr. Dassaseur [DeSaussure] Pres[iden]t Bank
Mr. Gilchrist
Note from Maj. [Thomas] Shubrick
Judge [John] Rutledge
Mr. John Rutledge, Jr.
Rev. Mr. Smith
Gen. [Charles Cotesworth] Pinckney
Mr. Izard
Col. Morris
Mr. [Gabriel?] Manigault
D. in hand of Williams. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed: South Carolina Charleston etc.
1793 May 11
Thomas PINCKNEY, American minister, London [Eng.]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[783]
Introduces to Williams Mr. [John] Harriott, an English magistrate who is going to America with his family, to settle; since Harriott is to land at Baltimore, Pinckney recommends him to Williams for information and attentions.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. T. Pinkney [sic] 11 May 93. Mr. Harriott.
Enclosed with entry 890.
1793 May 15
M. H. IRWINE, Beltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[784]
Congratulates Williams on his return and hopes that his health is restored; would have come to present his respects in person, but forebore to do so, since Williams must be engaged with his particular friends.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
On same sheet as entry 785.
1793 May 16
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS], Baltimore. To Citizen [Edmond] GENET, Minister Plenipotentiary from France, Philadelphia.
[785]
Hopes that Genet's reception by the President was in every respect agreeable to your wishes; if Genet is going to buy provisions, Baltimore is a cheaper market than Philadelphia; flour is 5 to 10 per cent lower than at Philadelphia; recommends Captain [John] Stricker, whom he introduced to Genet in Baltimore, as an agent; large quantities of flour now on hand, and on better terms now than later.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
On verso of entry 784.
1793 May 16
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[786]
Feels much better since his arrival, but still mourns loss of my dear little Boy [Robert]; Mrs. Williams, too, begins to be less oppressed; consulted Mr. Smith about the purchase Thomas proposed, and Smith said it was not convenient for him to be concerned now; Smith thinks stock in the Bank of Maryland, now selling at 15 or 20 per cent advance, is a better investment than U.S. Bank stock now at par, and a much better investment than the best land in large quantities at [UNK]10 p[er] acre; only reason for this is the foar that the war may affect the U.S., and, consequently the Bank of the U.S.; the Bank of Maryland is less likely to be affected; he [Williams] has not the money now for the purchase Thomas speaks of, but may have it soon; Clyde [manservant] has gone after the grey horses, and is bringing up also a pair of old mares which Mrs. Dulany wants to give him [Williams] as a present; [John] Stricker got him a horse yesterday for [UNK]40, to compleat my sett of Bays for Carriage;
they are to work at the farm until he knows what he is going to do this summer; hopes he will not have to go beyond Williamsport; sorry the house at Ceresville [Frederick County] is not better.
A.L. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm. End of letter missing.
1793 May 27
Alex[ande]r McCASKEY, Fells Point [Baltimore]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[787]
When Williams left for the West Indies, it appears that he ordered Mr. [Daniel] Delozier to expunge me out of the Customs; his friends in this town ask him the reason, as they think his reputation is impeached; Williams' Candid Reasons... will much oblige your Humble Servant.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From McCasky 27 May 93 No answer.
1793 May 28
C[ephas] BEALL, Millsborough. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[788]
Received Williams' letter of the 16th, and is overjoyed to hear of his safe return to his family; except for one or two items, the debts due to or from the estate of Col. [John] Stull are inconsiderable; Mr. [or Wm] Jenkins Hagar has obtd. Judgment for [UNK]67.4/ which with the costs will exceed [UNK]100. this Messrs. A. and B. Clagetts has got an assignment of, and will be settled out of the rent of the Mills; there is one other debt of about 100 Dollars which Beall has promised to pay by September; land is not yet sold; thinks a list of sales ought to be made out, for the register's office, but cannot do it himself; Williams' mares have arrived; Nebuchadnezzar... has already had 60 [?] mares and I expect he will at least have 20 or 30 more; Your niece and the children join me in affectionate Compts to you and family.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Cephas Beall 28 May 93.
1793 May 28
John T[hompson] MASON, Annapolis. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[789]
Does not know the amount of the judgment against Col. [John] Stull's executors, but Williams can find out in Hagerstown; encloses a full discharge of that debt; if it is convenient, Mason would like to have the money by July first; if, while Williams is in Hagerstown, he can make a draft on Baltimore in Mason's favor for the amount, and leave it with Capt. B [?] Davis it will be better than the money; sends also a statement of the debt and interest due from Adams; understands that Williams will pass quickly through our town on his way to the Sweet Springs [Va.].
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: J.T. Mason Esqr. 28 May 1793 No use to be made of the inclosed discharges until Mr. Mason is paid by bill or otherwise.
Enclosures missing.
1793 May 28
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Balt[imor]e. To J. WILLIAMS Merch[an]t.
[790]
Wants to have a man procured for him from one of the Eastern States who understands the management of oxen, is capable of driving six or eight pairs at a time, if required, either in the wagon, cart or plow; man is to live on a good farm and to be employed principally in the management of oxen and the care of stock; if married, it will be no objection, provided his wife can manage a dairy, etc.
A.Df. 1 p. 19 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Mr J Williams Mercht. 28 May 1793 Oxen.
1793 May 29
Doctor W[illiam] MATTHEWS, Bohemia [Cecil County?]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[791]
The horses arrived safely and he [Matthews] has given the directions about the Rev. Mr. Baston's [?] horse which Williams' messenger will ride back; glad Williams keeps his good spirits in his long illness.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Doctr. Mathews 29 May 1793.
1793 May 31
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[792]
Has heard that Gilmor sold some shares in the State Bank at an advance lately; he has not been out lately except on Monday forenoon to regulate, in the Custom House, the affairs of the Privatier, [sic] the Sans Culotte and her prize; wrote to Thomas this day week, enclosing a note for old Stedfast [David Bryan] bidding him send down the carriage horses and the two Bay riding mares; however, he [Williams] will not be able to leave as soon as he intended, and the horses need not be sent until Thursday; Robert Smith says that the Colonel [Samuel Smith?] has been at the jail door and was released by his creditors' accepting some compromise; bids Thomas hold on to his bank stock; had already sent the letter to the post office before he received Thomas' of the 29th; Primrose in fold [foal]! That's lucky again; Bryan's indiscretion may cost him [Williams] a good overseer, unless his inveterate rheumatism costs Bryan an employer; wants only the carriage Horses,... and [porhaps] little Moggy... and the Parsons mare and her foal; expects the Parson [James F. Armstrong] down from Trenton [N.J.], with a servant to take the mare home.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed: From G[enera]l Williams 31 May 1793.
1793 June 3
---------- VALCK. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[793]
Mr. Valck's Respects to General Williams; tells him that George, the negro the general engaged this morning, left Valck without sufficient notice; Mr. V[alck] cannot part with him [George], if it is possible to retain him, which he begs the General to consider.
A.L. 1 p. 19 cm. × 11.5 cm.
On same sheet as entry 794.
1793 June 3
Otho Holland WILLIAMS. To Mr. -------- VALCK.
[794]
Ill in bed when he received Mr. Valck's note about George, and writes to tell Valck what had happened; he [Williams] wanted a man to drive his carriage; 10 or 12 days ago George came and applied, and was told to get a discharge from the last person he served; George returned and said Mr. Valck could not spare him, and this morning came again and said he had left Valck; thereupon Williams hired him on trial at seven dollars; George will carry this note to Mr. Valck and if Valck can retain him, all right; if not, he [Williams] presumes Valck will not object to his hiring him.
A.Df. 2 pp. 19 cm. × 11.5 cm.
On verso of entry 793.
1793 June 4
-------- VALCK. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[795]
Valck is sure Williams would not have hired George, had he known how improperly the man had behaved; decides therefore not to try to hold George, and only hopes General Williams may be served by George, better than he was himself.
A.L. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Valk 1793 George!
1793 June 10
Dr. James F. ARMSTRONG, Trenton [N.J.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[796]
Expected, before this, to have had a visit at Williams', but the prolonged rain and some ecclesiastical duties forced him to postpone it; presumes upon Williams' friendship in asking him to care for an old, faithful and most serviceable, domestic animal, yclepd Kate; expects to leave home the 17th, and, two or three days later, to see Williams; sends his greetings to Mrs. Williams, and Mrs. Armstrong adds hers tho unknown.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Dr. Armstrong 10 June 93.
1793 June 12
John BEATTY, Alexand[ri]a [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[797]
Sends Williams a bond due April 1; thinks Williams said that he would discharge the bond whenever Beatty was ready to discount the interest; he [Beatty] would be glad if Williams could discharge the three last payments on discounting the interest; will give Williams a title to the land by that time, if it is not too short; Beatty's son, Zaccheus A., will present this letter, and will give Williams the bonds and a receipt for the money.
A.L.S. 1 p. 20.5 cm. × 16.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: John Beatty 12 June 1793.
1793 June 18
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Ceresville [Frederick County]. To Citizen ------ MOISSONNIER [Baltimore].
[798]
Sorry he was not in Baltimore when Moissonnier presented the letter from [Edmond] Genet; this letter will introduce him to Col. [Samuel] Smith and to Mr. Robert Smith, the Colonel's brother; Moissonnier is already acquainted with Williams' much respected friend, Mr. William Smith, who will be glad to introduce him to any gentlemen in town whom he wishes to know; Mr. Robert Smith's knowledge of the law may be holpful to Moissonnier's Consular Office.
Df. 1 p. 36 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Citizen Moissonnier 18 June 1793.
1793 June 20
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[799]
Clyde [Williams' manservant] was seen in Baltimore all during the day after he left Williams, but not since then; Otho thinks he saw him with Mr. Dulany's Sam, but Sam denies it; Clyde is probably still in town, for it is unlikely he has gone back to Williams, as Lydia says he has; the constables and watchmen are on the lookout for him and will get him, if he is still in town, but he is too artful to risk tarrying here; very hot in town for the last two days, in the Sun 110 yesterday; Robert Smith and his family went to the Park Monday; Betsy [?] is very sick.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 20 June 1793.
1793 June 21
A[lexander] HAMILTON, Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[800]
Learned with real pleasure that Williams had returned from the West Indies in better health; the Collector of Annapolis is resigning July 1st; does Williams know anyone there fit and probably willing to serve; salary is 200 Dollars plus percentage and fees; Williams must avoid commitments, for it is the President's practice to seek information through different channels and to decide for himself.
A.L.S. 1 p. 26 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Private Coll. Ha[milto]n 21 June 93.
1793 June 27
R[obert] SMITH, merchant, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[801]
Because the deed, from Carriar [?] and others, had in it a reservation to Mrs. Johnston, [John] O'Donnell has asked Smith not to draw the proposed deeds until they hear from him [Williams]; O'Donnell thinks Williams and Mr. Bowley had not noticed that clause, and therefore he would be willing to consider himself not bound by the award; O'Donnell sends Williams a letter herein; The loss of your
Carriage-top is an affair of some concern, but your friends think the loss of Clyde is... a topick of consolation; however, all possible exertions are being made to prevent Clyde's escape; it is believed that Clyde and David Plunket's servant [James] who went with him were both in Philadelphia; Mr. D. Stewart Junr. of Philadelphia has been requested to employ Constables, etc., to catch them; Mrs. Williams' sister [Peggy, Mrs. Robert Smith] is at the park... she does not suffer her little daughter to forget any of you.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 31.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: R. Smith June 27 1793.
Enclosure missing.
1793 June 28
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Ceresville near Frederick Town.
[802]
Glad Williams is no worse than when he left Baltimore; very severe weather here; went up to Harford [County] last week and stayed several days with Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall, whose family were all sick with flu, though they were out of danger before he [Smith] left; Clyde and David Plunket's man are in Philadelphia, supposed to be trying to ship for Bristol; believes Williams is well rid of Clyde, but will offer a reward of 40 dollars for him; received only a day or two ago a letter [from Williams] dated from Barbados the 26th and 27th of February.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 28 June 1793.
1793 June 29
Capt. John STRICKER, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[803]
Received Williams' letter of the 26th enclosing one for Citizen Moissonnier, Consul for France; Stricker had been advised not to have any thing to do with the French contract; therefore he declined to deliver Williams' letter, especially since the Consul does not speak English; is under obligations to Williams for the flattering way in which he spoke of him to the Consul.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Captn Stricker 29 June 93.
1793 July 5
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[804]
On [June] 14, he paid J[ohn] Beatty 666 67/100 dollars for Williams' bond to Beatty due in April; has enclosed a letter from Beatty to Williams, which he [Delozier] opened because Beatty's son asked him to do so; encloses also John Stull's bond to Mr. [?] Dulany; the balance is much over [UNK]100, so he will not discharge it without further instructions from Williams; Clyde [Williams' manservant] is said to have been seen in Philadelphia; Mr. [William] Smith advised him [Delozier] to send a constable up for Clyde, and he has done so; does not know Mr. John Galloway, and therefore asks Williams
for his address, since there may be more than one of his name; will pay 500 dollars to Otho [Williams, son of Elie]; Mr. Morton has not yet exercised the Hawk, but will do so within a week.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: D. Delozier 5 July 1793.
Enclosures missing.
1793 July 6
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Ceresville [Frederick County]. To A[lexander] HAMILTON [Secretary of the Treasury].
[805]
Did not receive Hamilton's letter of June 21 until July 4; would name Robert Denny to be Collector of Annapolis; Denny served as his [Williams'] deputy four or five years while he was Naval Officer under the state government; naval office included all the duties and all the powers, which are now distributed among collectors, naval officers, and surveyors; Denny is perfectly qualified; believes John Davidson, once major in the Maryland line, later in the State Council, would accept the position and thinks Davidson very well qualified; believes Hamilton is never indifferent about his [Williams'] welfare.
Df. 1 p. 36 cm. × 23.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: private to Coll. Hamilton 6 July 93.
1793 July 8
Col. T. BLACKBURN, Rippon Lodge [near Dumfries, Va.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore, near Frederick Town.
[806]
Received only two days ago Williams' letter of May 20, probably because it had been directed to near Fredericksburg instead of near Dumfries; sorry Williams had so fatiguing and disagreeable a journey through the Carolinas; Polly [Blackburn] has been taking the slippery elm bark since Williams' letter came, but that is too short a time to judge; Mrs. Blackburn and Polly were mortified a little at the loss of the bead purse, but were sure Williams would not blame them for it; regards to Mrs. Williams, Mr. William Smith, Mr. Robert Smith and his Lady.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Coll. Blackburn 8 July 93.
1793 July 8
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[807]
Captain Dennis came back July 7, and says that Clyde and [David] Plunket's man have gone on to New York; Dr. Ross, of Baltimore, who went to New York, will get somebody there to keep up the search; Jo Gale, captain of the packet that carried the two runaways to the head of Elk [Elkton], is afraid he will be blamed and is therefore taking part in the search; Williams has no doubt heard of the total destruction of Cape Francois [W.I.], and the massacre of most of the inhabitants; there is a rumor that two French war
vessels are now in the Chesapeake with several hundred fugitives on board.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 8 July 93.
1793 July 9
C[ephas] BEALL, Millsborough. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Ceres Ville [Frederick County].
[808]
Since the season for covering is quite over, he has sent Richard with Nebuchadnizzer [sic] and the mares to Ceres Ville; the balance on Newcomer's account was paid last fall and the bond was given up; has been trying to sell Baker's place, as Williams directed, but doubts that he will succeed in doing so; would like to see Williams some time before the second week in August, in order to get some papers ready for the Orphans' Court which sits that week.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 20 cm. × 16.5 cm.
Endorsed: Cephas Beall 9 July 93.
1793 July 12
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[809]
Did not present Williams' order to Mr. [John] O'Donnell, and, since Williams does not now want it presented, sends it back in this letter; more than forty ships or brigs are now in the harbor of Baltimore, having left Cape Francois [W.I.] to avoid the massacre; they are held to be vessels in distress, and are therefore not bound to pay taxes or fees; Baltimoreans have already subscribed almost fifteen thousand dollars to these refugees; has just received some small parcels from New York for Williams, and will send them on by the first private conveyance.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From D. Delozier 12 July 93.
Enclosure missing.
1793 July 19
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[810]
The fleet of merchantmen from Cape Francois [W.I.] consists of more than 40 vessels of 250 to 500 tons, loaded chiefly with coffee and sugar; the captains have reported to the Custom House and some have received permits to unload for repairs, or even to sell part of the cargo to pay expenses; some refugee passengers wish to sell what they salvaged from the massacre, and the captains, who fear such sales would subject them [the captains] to pay tonnage duties and fees, have refused to let the people sell their goods; law does not provide for such cases, and Delozier, though entirely sympathetic, wishes to be instructed.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: D. Delozier 19 July 93.
1793 July 19
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS [Ceresville, Frederick County].
[811]
Glad everyone is in good health; San Domingo uprising has ruined the territory; this morning the Brig Prince William Henry, the Lovely Lass and one other have been attached or arrested under a libel in the admiralty court; the captain of the privateer was on his high Ropes, and refused to admit American jurisdiction; later he calmed down and gave peaceable possession; report from Philadelphia is that [Edmond] Genet has declared that if the President does not permit him to arm and fit out the Petite Democrat, a French prize, once the Little Sarah, he [Genet] will appeal to the people; very imprudent of Genet, if true; party spirit is running high in Philadelphia, and the flattery bestowed on Genet by the Republican or Jacobin Society may have made him think people would not support the government against him; Smith has not yet subscribed for Williams to the fund for the French refugees, since there may be a fund in Frederick; will probably see Williams next week on his [Smith's] way to Bath [Va.]; concluded Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall's family is well, since he has not heard from them; wheat crop around Baltimore very indifferent, the spring crops of every kind abudant.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 24 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Wm. Smith 19th July 1793.
1793 July 22
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIAMS] Ceresville [Frederick County]. To [Daniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore.
[812]
Joins Delozier in lamenting the situation of the French refugees from Cape Francois [W.I.], and would like to relieve them; however, if their property is landed and sold, he does not see how the payment of tonnage duties can be dispensed with; bids Delozier forward to the Secretary of the Treasury a letter which he encloses, and suggests that the Vice-consul might well write to the Secretary also; assures Delozier of his esteem.
Df.S. 1 p. 36 cm. × 22.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Mr. Delozier 22d July 1793.
1793 July 27
Ferd[inand] FAIRFAX, Shannon-hill, Berkely County [Va.]. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[813]
Introduces to Williams, for his patronage, a portrait artist, Mr. William Williams; the painter received a good education, studied Divinity, and held a parish in the lower part of Virginia; gave up the ministry for lack of support, and turned back to his Pensil; has done well with his painting and Fairfax hopes he will continue to do so.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Fred [sic] Fairfax 27 July 1793 Mr. Wm. Williams andc.
1793 Aug. 7
D[avid] PLUNKET, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, near Frederick.
[814]
Col. [Robert] Ballard has just died and already several people are trying to get the vacancy; John Purviance has good principles and considerable mercantile knowledge, and his being a perfect master of the French language must be a particular advantage; the unfortunate fate of Purviance's father [Samuel?], and the dependence of his sisters make him an even more deserving candidate; he [Plunket] has just learned that Delozier means to offer Williams his views, and Williams will probably favor Delozier.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: D Plunkett fav[oring] J Purviance 7 August 93.
1793 Aug. 10
W[illiam] SMITH, Bath [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagers Town or Ceres Ville near Frederick Town.
[815]
Reached Bath the day after he left Williams; had a cough for a week after he arrived; bathes by five o'clock, rides, has breakfast, plays billiards, drinks the water, and plays whist the rest of the day; the company is numerous, genteel and agreeable; went to dinner at Mr. Mann Page's three or four days ago and nearly choked to death on a piece of steak; will stay at Bath as long as the good weather lasts.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 10 Augt 93.
1793 Aug. 11
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Eliz[abe]th town [now Hagerstown]. To Dr. [Philip] THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[816]
Thomas has heard of their safe arrival; he [Williams] was fatigued by the trip; Rebecca [Thomas] is happy and is behaving well, but Williams does not bother about her since she is under the eye of her Aunt; has been to Williamsport and thinks the place is growing; God only knows in how short a time I must leave that, and objects infinitely more dear... to the care of my surviving friends; not worse, but not better, and not likely to get better; is busy now settling the accounts of Col. [John] Stull's estate; expects to get to Frederick in a few days; asks Thomas to help him get his carriage from that disgusting little scoundrel the Coachman; if the man is ready for the cloth, will Thomas buy what he thinks best, and take it to him; has just had a letter from Elio [Williams] from Fort Washington.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 34 cm. × 19.5 cm.
[1793 before Aug. 22]
Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS. To the Justices of Frederick County Court, Frederick.
[817]
Your remonstrant represented to the Court that he... [owned] part of... Dulany's Lott through which... public roads passed... and prayed leave to alter and straighten them. Whereupon the Court commissioned... [a] report thereupon; but no report... hath ever been made
thereon.... since [then] another road hath been laid out... all... authorized... by acts of the Legislature or by orders of the Court, to the very great injury of your remonstrant, who therefore prayeth leave to straighten the Pennsylvania road, as represented in the platt hereto annexed; the plat shows the lands Williams owns, the old county roads, the Monocacy ferry, the site of Williams' dwelling and barn, the site of the mill on Israel's Creek, and the road Williams prays for.
A.D.S. 3 pp. 24.5 cm. × 21 cm.
On same sheet as entries 818 and 819.
1793 Aug. [22]
Certified copy of the minutes of the Frederick County Court appointing commissioners to view and report upon the land of Williams, and upon his petition to change the road.
[818]
In hand of and signed by William Ritchie, Clerk of the Court.
On verso of entry 817.
1793 Aug. [23]
William BEATTY and James BEATTY. To the JUSTICES of FREDERICK COUNTY COURT.
[819]
Commissioners appointed by the Frederick County Court upon petition of Williams report that his petition to change a road running through his land ought to be granted.
In hand of Otho Holland Williams. Signed by Wm. Beatty and James Beatty.
Endorsed by Wm. Ritchie: report filed 23d Augt and thereupon petition granted. See minute.
On verso of entry 817.
1793 Sep. 4
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[820]
Everything he takes increases his diarrhoea; his fever is not worse and not much better; his breast is less sore than usual; he is very weak and prefers his bod to his horse; Richard had the ague yesterday; the Dutch woman has escaped three days, but her son is very ill; [his son] William's eyes are still shut and are so sore that he cannot bear the light even on his closed lids; [sons] Edward's and Henry's eyes are more inflamed than yesterday; the children all seem in good spirits, and the others are recovering.
A.L.S. 1 p. 34.5 cm. × 21.5 cm.
Endorsed: 4 Sept. 1793 From G[enera]l Wms.
1793 Sep. 10
Gen. Dan. MORGAN. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, near Frederick Town.
[821]
Unhappy that he did not take leave of Williams when Williams left Winchester [Va.]; Mr. Tidball told him [Morgan] that Williams and [Will] Heth had gone on, on their horses, about an hour before he got up that morning; hopes Williams did not think it disrespectful in him; hopes Williams will recover his health and bids him fight hard before he dies.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Genl. Morgan 10 Sept 93.
1793 Sep. 13
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[822]
Recently they have had frequent alarms, respecting a malignant fever in Philadelphia; letters say more than one hundred were buried in that city last Sunday; physicians had directed that all interments should be made in the night, so as not to alarm the citizens; the city is abandoned by great numbers of inhabitants and a total stop is put to all business there; two men have died here said to have come lately from Philadelphia, one at the Poor House, for no other place was willing to receive him; the inhabitants of Baltimore are much alarmed; Williams had perhaps better stay a few days at Ceresville [Frederick County]; Dr. [George] Buchanan, who attended one of the men who died yesterday, was taken unwell shortly after, was much frightened, but was more scared than hurt; Dr. Hutchison of Philadelphia and two or three others of the faculty are dead, of this fever; the President, his lady, and family stayed in town last night, on their way to Mount Vernon [Va.]; Washington said Secretary Hamilton was ill with the epidemic fever, but that he was expected to recover.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 24.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Wm. Smith 13 Septemr 93.
1793 Sep. 14
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Fred[eric]k. To R[andolph] B[randt] LATTIMORE [Latimer].
[823]
Received Latimer's letter enclosing one to his brother [Elie], who will reply as soon as he gets back from Fort Washington, whence he is expected any day; thanks Latimer for his good wishes; a friend wishes to know if there can be any compromise of the State's claim against old Col. [Patrick] Sim before the sale advertised by the sheriff takes place; if there is any possibility of such a compromise, someone should be authorized to postpone the sale.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Wallace and to Lattimore 14 Septr. 1793.
On same shoot as entry 824.
1793 Sep. 14
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick. To Charles WALLACE [Annapolis].
[824]
He [Williams] and a friend have been negotiating for part of Col. [Patrick] Sims land on Monocacy, but have been hindored by a judgment which Wallace has against Colonel Sim; would Wallace transfer the judgment, and any collateral securities, if one half of the amount of his claim should be paid in cash on the first day of October next; most favorable terms will be expected p[er] the next post.
A.Df.S.
On verso of entry 823.
1793 Sep. 16
WALLACE and MUIR, Annapolis. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, at Frederick Town.
[825]
Williams' letter of September 14 is before them; they reject any proposition regarding the claim against Colonel [Patrick] Sim, which would only produce payment for one half the amount by the first of October next; if Williams can pay the whole, in cash or in United States six per cent stock at the cash price of stock in Philadelphia on that day [October 1], they will assign him the judgments and other securities.
Signed Wallace and Muir. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 20 cm.
1793 Sep. 19
Randolph B[randt] LATIMER, Annapolis. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick.
[826]
Glad to hear that Williams is well; would be glad to oblige Williams and his friend, but cannot make any compromise respecting the debt due from Colonel [Patrick] Sim, nor transfer the judgment, because Colonel Sim and others in his situation might say that through his agency they were made subject to individuals; if there is a sheriff's sale, he [Latimer] can't be censured; asked Governor [Thomas Sim] Lee to tell Williams that he [Latimer] would do anything he could to help Williams and Colonel Sim, but it would not be proper for him to do anything to delay the sale.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 21.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Lattimer 19th Septr. 93 respecting Coll. Sim.
1793 Sep. 23
Thos. GIBBONS, York Town, Virg[ini]a. To [William SMITH, Baltimore].
[827]
Has been Deputy Collector of Customs at Yorktown for three years, and now applies for Delozier's post as Deputy Collector, vacant since Delozier has been made Surveyor; will be obliged to Smith if he would use his influence with General Williams to appoint him [Gibbons]; Mr. Archor, the Collector at Yorktown, will speak for him; would accept any job in the Customs whose Emolum[ont]s were worth attention; I sail'd for your Son James.
A.L.S. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Enclosed with entry 829.
1793 Oct. 4
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[828]
Just received Williams' letter of yesterday; delayed answering a former letter because he has been out of town and because he was waiting for better tidings from Philadelphia, but news is worse; Mr. [Robert] Elliot left Philadelphia Tuesday, and had to come round by Peach Bottom ferry, not being permitted to travel the common route; Elliot has passed by Hanson's mill not attempting to enter the town, every avenue to which is guarded by fixed bayonets and the greatest precautions taken to prevent all intercourse with Philadelphia; safe for Williams to come to town; at present,
the mosquitoes are intolerable; Mr. Thompson cannot give up Williams' house till October 11, but Smith's house is always ready to receive Williams if he wants to come down before then.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 4 Octr. 93.
1793 Oct. 5
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville [Frederick County].
[829]
Hurried yesterday's letter to the post office before closing of the mail at 9 o'clock; Mr. [Robert] Elliot, the last person to come from Philadelphia, brings a very alarming account; if people know that he had seen and conversed with Elliot, he would be quarantined for eleven days; like precautions are being taken by all the small towns between Baltimore and Philadelphia, and also on the Eastern Shore of Mary[lan]d; the malignant fever is the most dreadful that ever before has visited America; 180 died last Wednesday week, many with twelve hours' sickness only; the doctors despond and are afraid to administer to the sick; is not certain that anyone attacked has recovered, but the disorder has not yet been taken by anyone who has not been in Philadelphia; encloses a letter from Mr. [Thomas] Gibbons of Virginia, which Williams will answer as he sees fit.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 5 Octr. 93.
For enclosure see entry 827.
1793 Oct. 10
Captain [later General] John STRICKER, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Frederick-town.
[830]
Received Williams' letter of the 8th [of October?] and is sorry he cannot get Williams the servants he wants; the Mentor brought in thirty Germans but they were disposed of at once; there was only one mason in the lot and he had a family, which was an insurmountable obstacle; a French privateer brought in a prize full of Irishmon, but discharged them all, from his [the Captain's] love of liberty; only chance of getting the man Williams wants is that there is a vessel now in the Delaware bound for Philadelphia, which, because of the epidemic, may have to come to Baltimore instead.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Captn. S[tri]cker 10 October 93.
1793 Oct. 11
D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Ceresville near Frederick.
[831]
Did not write before because he wanted to thank Williams in person for the many friendly services he did him; has engaged Mr. Dalrimple for the repairs on Williams' house; [UNK] S[mith] and Buchanan paid him [Delozier] 7,466 67/100 dollars for their acceptance in Williams' favor, of which Delozier paid Mr. J[ohn] Smith, Jr. 280 88/100 dollars for Williams' bond to Eichelberger; Maryland bank stock is selling at fifteen per cent advance, but no better than that; since he
[Delozier] was made inspector, Mr. Wilson has been doing, in Williams' name, the business of the Customs House, and he could probably do most of what Delozier used to do; did not want to put any new person into the Customs House in Williams' absence, but the business piled up so much that he had to; has put in a lad from Annapolis, a son of Rev. Mr. [Ralph] Higinbothom; he [Delozier] is so attached to the Customs, and since Williams' health will not admit of personal attention to any part of it, he wishes Williams to rely on him for anything he can do not incompatible with his own duties.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 34.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: D. Delozier 11 Octr. 93.
1793 Oct. 11
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Ceresville near Frederick Town.
[832]
Since Williams' letter of October 8th, he [Smith] finds that 15 per cent is given for Maryland Bank Stock, when the dividend of 10 per cent per annum has been paid, or 20 per cent when it has not; the stock is nearly equal to the nett profits of our best farms, Orange and Ceresville not excepted; Baltimore's fears about the Philadelphia epidemic are abating, for no one not in Philadelphia has taken the disease, although it continues to rage there with the greatest violence; the Dutch minister, Mr. Van Birkell, Mr. Jonathan D. Sergint, a leading lawyer, Mr. Baldwin, and Captain Chase, brother of Samuel Chase, are all dead; Williams may as well come to town whenever he likes, and can stay at Smith's house till his own is repaired; Smith is alone in the house, and usually dines at Evans' with the Mass; he and Williams can ride out to Eutaw when the weather is fine, and oversee the rebuilding of the mill-dam; mosquitoes are nearly gone; great run of business in Baltimore, from Lancaster [Pa.], Reading [Pa.], etc.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 11 Octr. 93.
1793 Oct. 12
W[illiam] SMITH, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[833]
Believes today that Bank stock will bring 17.5 or even 20 per cent, instead of the lower price he spoke of yesterday; thinks it worth while for Williams to have this information.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Smith 12 Octr. 93.
1793 Oct. 21
John DAVIDSON, Annapolis. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[834]
Hears that Mr. David Giddis, formerly of Annapolis, has been made a supernumery Inspector for Baltimore; if Williams finds there is a vacancy into which Giddis can be put permanently, Davidson recommends him for it and will esteem a favor done to Giddis as if it had been done to him, himself.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Maj[or Da]vidson 21 Octr. 93 Recommend[atio]n of Mr. Giddes.
1793 Oct. 24
John BECKLES, Barbados [W.I.]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[835]
This is the first opportunity there has been to write to America since Captain Hall brought him Williams' letters; the Family at the Bay were very glad to hear that Williams and Miss [Polly] Blackburn had arrived safely; sympathizes with Williams over the death of his son [Robert]; the Barbadians are anxious that the mob, in America, misled by the French, should not force the United States government into the war; hopes from the sentiments in Williams' letter that Williams will be able to keep under the Rabble; Great Britain has been lately much disgraced by a precipitate retreat from Martinico without facing an enemy; Barbadoes is expecting momently a large English force under Sir Charles Grey, and no doubt Martinico and Guadaloupe will soon surrender; in the last three months a dreadful fever has carried off many Barbadians; the Governor has had to go to England for his health, and he will probably not survive the voyage; Williams promised to introduce Mrs. Williams to Mrs. [John] Beckles.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: J. Beckles Esqr. Octr. 1793 Barbados.
1793 Oct. 28
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[836]
Defenderfer says the medicinal bark was called for by Mantz's brother and sent off on Friday; nevertheless, he [Williams] will not send Bob [manservant] off without at least one bottle of it, for Goldthwait [UNK] some more of it; John Stricker will send Mr. Potts' claret and the bill; got to Baltimore only today after a distressing dust storm, and a change of weather that ended with a snow storm and a gale of wind; is comfortably quartered in Mr. [William] Smith's hospitable mansion; one of Thomas' brown mares was stolen at Liberty, and two others were let out of Mr. Smith's stable last night; part of them are found again; Bob will get his master [Thomas] to advertise for the missing; Williams could not scold Bob for his carelessness; wishes his own man were as sensitive as Bob; much annoyed by the inattention, insensibility and stupidity of ---- But good night; Mathews and Goldthwait have no calomel.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams Octo 28, 1793.
1793 Oct.
Monthly Return of the Left Wing of the Legion of the United States, Composed of 2d and 3d Sub-Legions and Commanded by Brigadier General Thomas Posey for the Month of October 1793.
[837]
Tables of officers and men fit for duty, sick, present, absent; absentees accounted for (no names of individuals). Absent Officers Accounted for
2d. Sub-Legion
Capt. Bezaliel Howe recruiting at New York
[Capt.] Clyman Ditto Massachusetts
[Capt. Richard H] Greaton On command at Fort St. Clair
[Capt.] Miller Ditto Fort Hamilton
[Capt. Edward] Pierce Ditto Fort Washington
[Capt. John] Tillinghast in arrest Fo[r]t Washington
Lieutenant S[taats] Morris at New York
Ensign Dangerfield Sick at Fort Hamilton
Surgion [sic] Mate [Joseph] Strong at Fort Washington
[Surgeon's Mate George] Balfour Fort Franklin
[Surgeon's Mate] McCrasky [?] Carlisle [Pa.]
3d. Sub-Legion
Major Henry Garther [Gaither] on Command Georgia
Jonothan [sic] Cass on Furlough New Hampshire
Captain [Joseph] Kerr and Comp[an]y on Command in Carolina
[Capt. John] Cummins ---- Fort Washington
[Capt.] Flemming ----- Recruiting Virginia
[Capt. John] [sic] ---------
[Capt. Nicholas] Hannah ----------
[Capt. Richard] Sparks Recruiting in pennsylvania [sic]
Lieutenant Reed Recruiting in Jersey
[Lieut. John] Polhimus on Command Fort Franklin
Ensign [Archibald] Gray Sick in Virginia
[Ensign] Lightiser Recruiting in Pennsylvania
Surgion Mate [Joseph] Andrews on Command Fort St. Clair
[Surgeon's Mate Thomas] Farley in Georgia
Lieutennant Colo. Commandant [Campbell] Smith, Resigned 1st October
D. in hand of Campbell Smith. 2 pp. 39 cm. × 23.5 cm. Enclosed with entry 838.
1793 Nov. 16
Campbell SMITH, Headquarters S. W. Branch of Miami [Ohio?]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[838]
Has written to Williams several times since he arrived but communication is so precarious, that all letters both to and from him must have miscarried; an express has arrived here to-day from Fort Washington with the only dispatches that have been received from the Atlantic since August; is writing now to introduce to Williams Capt. Thomas Lewis of the Rifle Corps 3d Legion, special Messenger from the Commander in Chief to the War Office; Lewis can give Williams all the news, some of which Smith would not put on paper;
active operations have almost ceased for the winter, and each man not on active duty is building himself a hut for the bad season; the Indians are troublesome and bold; Colonel [David] Strong was fired at day before yesterday on his way to Fort Hamilton [Kentucky?], had to retreat to Fort Jefferson [Kentucky?]; Captain Tillinghast barely escaped; Williams' brother [Elie] left a few days ago for Fort Washington, and will, if he finds [Robert] Elliot there, go on at once to Philadelphia; if Williams sees his brother, he had better tell him that Quarter Master [James?] O'Hara is leaving for Philadelphia also, for O'Hara will spread misinformation about the contractors; the Commander-in-Chief [?] will try to avert censure of himself, by blaming the contractors; situation here is uncomfortable, idle and servile; great want of harmony and respect prevails; the Legion is only half complete and is getting less so; 900 Kentucky Militia at 1 Dol pr diem each have been discharged at the expiration of two months without doing anything more than assist in consuming provisions; Congress will undoubtedly order an investigation at its next session; encampment is on high ground on the S. W. Branch of Miami about six miles advanced of Fort Jefferson; the soldiers in their huts will form a town, an oblong square, 600 yds × 300 yds; is to be called Greene Ville in honor of the American hero; he [Smith] may go to Baltimore this winter; General [Thomas] Posey is determined to go to Philadelphia, and wishes Smith to go with him; Posey sends his compliments to Williams; Congress must provide for a Judge Advocate at its next session, and Smith would like Williams to write to the President in his favor; Smith has no hope [General Henry] Knox would appoint him; he [Smith] has been doing the work of an adjutant for General Posey's wing of the legion; will send Williams one of his wing reports; asks to be remembered to Mrs. Williams [his sister] and the children; has received alarming reports of the pestilence in Philadelphia; sends Williams a copy of the first Newspaper [Kentucke Gazette?] ever published in the North Western territory.
A.L.S. 6 pp. 39 cm. × 24 cm.
For enclosure of wing report see entry 837.
Enclosure of newspaper missing.
[1793] Nov. 21
Mary [Mrs. Otho Holland] WILLIAMS. To Catherine and Rebecca [THOMAS].
[839]
The habit-maker will not cut Catherine's habit by the measurements she sent, so she must now send a jacket or a habit coat with long sleeves, which must fit well in the length of the waist and arm; surtouts are not the thing at all but there is an elegant new fashion for riding habits; Rebecca's silk is in the hands of the dyer; sends her compliments to the girls' grandmother and a vast deal of love to their father; Genl Williams thinks himself much better; Henry talks every day of Uncle [John] Farrel; Mr. Morris is in town again and is half as fat again as he was in the summer; hopes
the hat and the other things arrived safely; the General sends love to everybody.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 20 cm.
1793 Nov. 29
Tho[ma]s GIBBONS, York Town [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[840]
Accepts the appointment as inspector which Williams offered on November 9; hopes later to win a better berth; wants only enough to support himself and his six children; asks Williams to convey his thanks to Mr. William Smith for speaking of him to Williams.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
[1793 Nov.]
An act for incorporating the Militia of this State.
[841]
Draft of law, setting age limits, providing for nomination of officers, prescribing uniforms, setting exemptions and fines for failure to join the militia, appointing for each county a lieutenant of the county and setting his duties and his perquisites, and prescribing the oath to be taken by those enrolling.
Df., with interlineations, in the hand of Otho Holland Williams. 8 pp. 33 cm. × 21 cm., 2 pp. 7.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Enclosed with entry 842.
1793 Nov.
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Col. [John Eager] HOWARD.
[842]
The establishment of a general militia in Maryland is as futile as the establishment of a perfect equality, and a select militia, though less objectionable, is extremely difficult to realize; thinks well of a Volunteer Militia, and thinks the law for that purpose not too difficult to draw; New Jersey has such a law; encloses a sketch of his idea for one; has not read the militia law of Congress; favors letting militia companies nominate their own officers; favors an age limit of 21 to 45 years; his [Williams'] health still too bad to let him exert himself.
A.Df.S. 4 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
For enclosure see entry 841.
1793 Dec. 3
Officers of the Volunteer Corps of Militia, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[843]
The officers thank him for reviewing the corps on Monday last, especially in his delicate state of health; sorry the corps is not better trained but they are not merely soldiers; they are citizens, occupied with civic duties; may Heaven restore him to health and give him long life.
2 pp. 33 cm. × 21 cm.
1793 Dec. 3
Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To the Officers of the Volunteer corps of Militia in Balt[imor]e.
[844]
Pleased and honored to receive through Captain [John] Stricker and Captain Thompson their invitation to review
the Corps on Monday; compliments them on their proficiency in arms; hopes the Assembly now in session will not adjourn without enacting a militia law; thanks them for their concern for his health.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21.5 cm; 1 p. 17.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1793 Dec. 5
Governor Thos. S[im] LEE, Annapolis. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[845]
Secretary of War [Knox] informs Lee that the French minister tells him that a vessel at Baltimore owned by Zachary, Coopman and Co. is about to sail for Jeremie [West Indies], or Cape St. Nicholas mole [West Indies], loaded with French refugees on a non-pacific enterprise; Lee thinks the purpose is lawful and pacific and the detention of the vessel as asked by the Minister therefore improper; asks Williams to make an immediate inquiry and inform him by return of the bearer.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Gov. T. S. Lee 5 Dec. 93.
1793 Dec. 6
Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Governor Thomas Sim LEE, Annapolis.
[846]
Received Lee's letter this morning but had to detain the messenger until he could gather the information; cannot trace any steps taken by the French refugees to fit out a vessel and sail for Jeremie [West Indies]; Zacharie, Coopman and Co. have no vessel which Williams could suspect; all the small French privateers have left the harbour; Custom house force will, of course, be vigilantly attentive.
L.S. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Governor T. S. Lee 6 Dec. 93.
1793 Dec. 7
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To David ROSS.
[847]
Just picked up an old letter of Ross' without date [sic] [entry 451] in which Ross offered him [Williams] some land near Col. [John] Beatty's; does not know what he answered or why he did not buy; wants a good well-timbered lot of 100 acres in that vicinity; he has one or two farms there for which he needs wood; perhaps it would suit Ross to discount the debt of Ross and Henderson on assignment of their bond to Chapline; if so, he may let Williams know the exact location of the lot, and his lowest price for it.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 30.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To David Ross 7 Dec 93.
On verso of entry 451.
1793 Dec. 14
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.
[848]
His friends all think for the past fortnight that he is better; he sleeps and eats well, and all his bodily functions are regular except his lungs; his doctors advise the strictest
circumspection; is taking no medicine save a little paregoric for his cough; for 10 days he has been taking each morning a teaspoonful of grated Indian turnip in a gill of new milk; it seems to help his lungs; smokes two segars a day and thinks they are of use to him; goes out when the weather is fine, and plays soldier with his sons when it is not; the British have arranged a peace between Portugal and the Dey [of Algiers] and between Holland and the Dey, and so let loose the Algerines upon American commerce; glad to see Congress approving the President's conduct; Mrs. Williams wants to know whether Miss Kitty [Thomas] received a letter from her, and whether she answered it.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl Williams Decr. 14 1793.
1793 Dec. 14
Otho Holland WILLIAMS. To the honorable the GENERAL ASSEMBLY of MARYLAND [Annapolis].
[849]
The petition of Otho Holland Williams most respectfully sheweth That he... bought three Lotts... on Monocasy Mannor, and paid for them in depreciation certificates, which he got for his personal services in lieu of specie; patents were issued; for one of the lots he had to buy up the lease over it, and the other lots were deficient in number of acres; he got a warrant of resurvey, and another patent according to the surveyor's return; finds that he got fewer acres than he had paid for, and therefore asks the legislature to reimburse him; still owes the State for another piece of land, and cannot think the State will coerce him about that without discounting what he overpaid.
A.D.S. 3 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: O. H. Williams pet. read Decr. 14 1793 Mr. Oneale Mr. Duvall Mr. Seney [?].
1793 Dec. 15
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To R[obert] SMITH.
[850]
[James] McHenry returned my papers without a word; he [Williams] should have told Smith he had sent another petition, and given it to the care of Mr. [Gabriel] Duvall, of the House of Delegates; the State has been unjust to him and others in another instance; an idiot Auditor in several cases gave a man more than one certificate for the same service; the next auditor saw the mistake and reported it to the legislature; the legislature which could easily have corrected the error, instead, ordered that no such service certificates should be received in payment for land; Smith's wife is here and murmurs.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1793 Dec. 18
S[amuel] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[851]
Returns... [illegible] paper, with one remark redinked, to show that nothing is to be expected from hence;
glad Williams suffered no ill effects from his field day; did not deserve the unfriendly expression at the bottom of Williams' letter of December 3, and laid the expression to returning high spirits; has had two letters lately from Williams' brother, but kept the contents from him [Williams] in order not to alarm him; the Secretary at War [Henry Knox] received [General Anthony] Wayne's communication and gave it to the President but will not give it to Congress; the Secretary thinks the contractors cannot possibly do the thing, and says he told Secretary [Alexander] Hamilton so; Smith is glad Wayne can go no further; Wayne is to resign in the spring; thinks the contractors need not worry; Elie Williams will find a letter from Smith when he [Elie Williams] get to Fort [Pitt, Pittsburgh, Pa.]; [Robert] Elliot must have been at [Fort] Washington since November 12; the general voice here is for fitting a fleet against the Algerines, and a powerful party in Congress are for cutting off all communications with G[reat] B[ritain], or even with all states not having a trade treaty; has with very great difficulty satisfied all the bills drawn by E[lie] W[illiams]; no money at [Fort] Pitt to buy flour, and he [Smith] cannot ask for more money until he has vouchers to show for what he already paid; sends enclosed [Thomas] Jefferson's letter and [Edmond] Genet's answer, also a publication relative to [John] Jay and [Rufus] King and [Alexander James] Dallas; unless Dallas gets [Thomas] Mifflin and Jefferson to certify in his favor, the lie is fixed on him; Dallas seems to have lived with Genet in N[ew] Y[ork]; Williams can see Hamilton's letter at J.A.B's.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23.5 cm. × 18.5 cm., 1 p. 18.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. S. Smith 18 Dec. 93.
Enclosures missing.
1793 Dec. 19
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS [Frederick?].
[852]
Send me some Indian turnips; if there are none at Ceresville [Frederick County], perhaps [David] Bryan can find some; continues to take the camomile tea, but does not like it as well as he does the Portugal grapes he eats; must take an emetic tomorrow, for his lungs are full of Phlegm; cannot endure the least exposure; fog and a thunderstorm yesterday; scarce even a dray was dragged along our street, one of the most public in town; My breast is evidently stronger than heretofore... Upon this I found my hopes.... Send me some Indian turnips.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams Dec. 19 1793.
1793 Dec. 20
[Gov.] Tho[ma]s S[im] LEE, Annapolis. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore].
[853]
Wrote October 5, calling Williams' attention to the British consul's warning about the French privateer Republic
which was said to have arrived in Baltimore with her ports concealed; thinks that either Williams or [Daniel] Delozier answered the letter, but cannot find the answer; will Williams send him a copy of that answer; if there was none, an answer now.
A.L.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
On same sheet as entry 855.
1793 Dec. 20
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[854]
Dr. [Miles] Lyttlejohn advised him to omit the emetic, and since he is better today, he obeyed; likes and respects Lyttlejohn; remembers gratefully Lyttlejohn's care and tenderness to his son Robert; [Dr. George] Brown sees him [Williams] as often, is as polite, but is more a man of the world; is as willing as Thomas is, that things between them shall jog along as they have always done, but insists that money matters shall be watched carefully; sends Thomas a paper he got last night from Col. Samuel Smith; Otho brought me your letter, by favor from Mr. [Benjamin] Ogle, and Williams is going to ask Mr. Ogle to carry back this answer; postage is no special concern, but he will not use any establishment that is not convenient to him, and the postman comes into town too late in the evening, and leaves too early in the morning; nobody is going to be in such a h-ll of a hurry; if Thomas or Farrol cannot escort one of the young ladies, he [Williams] will expect John [Hanson Thomas?] to do so, on his return this way, to Annapolis; Mrs. Williams has had Miss [Catherine] Thomas' letter about the riding habit.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. W. Dec 20, 1793.
Enclosure missing.
1793 Dec. 22
O[tho] H[olland] W[ILLIA]MS, Baltimore. To Gov[erno]r T[homas] S[im] LEE [Annapolis].
[855]
[Daniel] Delozier will present this answer to Lee's letter of December 20, and will explain why it [the letter] was so long getting to Williams; the French privateer Republic did not escape a very close scrutiny; Williams doubts she augmented her force in Baltimore; thinks that instead, the Republic got rid of some of the hands she had.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
On verso of entry 853.
1793 Dec. 23
C[ephas] BEALL, Hagars Town. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[856]
Received both of Williams' letters about Col. [John] Stull's unsold property and sends Williams herewith a list of such property; everybody is glad Williams' health is improved; Williams' brother has not yet come; has sent Williams some venison which he hopes he will like.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Endorsed: C Beall 23 Decr. 93.
For enclosure see entry 857.
[1793 Dec. 23]
A list of property belonging to the Estate of the late J[ohn] Stull which remains unsold.
[857]
138 acres of land in Stull's adition to Hagars Town; Part of lott in Bath Town Virginia. The personal property is not worth particularizing in an advertisement.
1 p. 21.5 cm. × 18.5 cm.
Enclosed with entry 856.
1793 Dec. 25-1794 Jan. 1
Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS.
[858]
Black Andrew Adams some years ago got Williams to discharge a bond for a piece of land; he has ungratefully obliged Williams to go to law to recover the money, which is still not paid; encloses a note to the sheriff for Thomas to read, seal, and deliver; Thomas or Farrell will please go, with [David] Bryan, to the sale of [Col. Patrick?] Sim's negroes and buy for him [Williams] two or three such as he (Old Stedfast) [Bryan] shall select; needs two or three very badly at Ceresville [Frederick County]; an enclosed note from Bryan will show how discontented he is; Bryan may stay where he is or take Shower's [?] or Young's place; he [Williams] is going to have managers instead of tenants for at least a year or two; January first, variable weather before Christmas caused him to catch a little cold, and next day he expected every moment a rupture of the old cycatrix; the Doctors were out, and he was about to bleed himself when [Dr. George] Brown arrived; he lost 6 or 8 ounces and was immediately relieved from pain; the cough has been very considerable and expectoration much increased; used no medicine, but took a little nitre with cold water before and after bleeding; has gone back to camomile tea, and thinks he is getting better; believes however that his disorder is inveterate and immovable; is happy at being with his family; has just heard of his brother's safe return to his home in Hagerstown; [Andrew?] Adams' son just called to say he is going to pay tomorrow, but Williams doesn't believe him.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Enclosures missing.
1793 Dec. 29
----- PARIA, Fells Point [Baltimore]. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[859]
Was an officer under General Count [Charles Hector] d'Estaing, and was wounded at Savannah [Ga.]; went back to Port au Prince [Hayti] and lived there until his property was destroyed; had to flee with his wife and child and has not even the necessities of life; wants to return to France where he has some property, but will not go until he has repaid his creditors forty-five dollars he owes; benevolent committee allows him three dollars a week; since this is not enough, he
must go at once to France and he asks Williams to get the committee to give him at once all that they would give him for the entire winter; if Williams would do something for him personally, he would accept it.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 32.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
On same sheet as entry 860.
1793 Dec. 30
Otho Holland WILLIAMS. To the COMMITTEE of the BENEVOLENT SOCIETY.
[860]
Has seen the scars of Paria's wounds and has seen that his clothing is insufficient; asks the Committee, if they can, to anticipate what they were to give him; promises to add to it, so that Paria can depart.
A.Df.S.
On verso of entry 859.
Memo added indicates that Williams and Dr. [Philip] Thomas gave 18.10.0, for Paria.
1793
W[illia]m BAYLY, Fred[eric]k Town. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Hagars Town.
[861]
Bayly found the following receipt for consumption, which was said never to have failed making a perfect cure; for the first day drink a strong tea of rattle weed root; the second day drink a tea of yarrow; the third, drink a strong tea of Ellicompain, and the fourth return to the rattle weed tea; eat no butter, sweet milk or salt; drink sour milk or buttermilk and eat all the rye mush desired; drink of liquors stronger than Port wine.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed: Wm. Bayly 1793.
[1793]
Estimate of Imports, Exports andc., Baltimore.
[862]
Imports... will average about 3,500,000 dollars, wine, molasses, sugar, salt, and European dry goods; exports about 2,500,000 dollars, broadstuffs, lumbor, naval stores, and re-exported imports.
In hand of Daniel Delozier [?]. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Pencil memo, Gordon of the Sloop? Bridgetown Norfolk [Va.] Tuesday 1 Jan 93, in hand of Otho Holland Williams.
1794 Jan. 3
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[863]
Received the old dry Indian turnip Thomas sent; has repeatedly and successfully used a styptic of which Thomas thought very litte, Ruspine's styptic; is very tired and discomposed; has only now and then intervals of pleasure not from absolute ease, but from a reconcilement to pain; lost some blood lately, and opportunely; is going to take 7 and 1 tomorrow morning, and hopes to get rid of this melancholy; hopes to see his brother [Elie] in a day or two; will be glad to receive Kitt [Catherine Hanson Thomas, Thomas' daughter] with the party; [P.S.] John [Hanson Thomas] came with the party.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 27.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed: From Genl. Williams Jany 3. 1794.
1794 Jan. 5
----- PARIA. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[864]
Thanks Williams sincerely for the small sum he received, and is sorry Williams went to the Committee of the benevolent society and that success did not answer his pains; hopes Williams will not forget him if the society gets more money, for he [Paria] wants very badly to pay the forty-five dollars to his creditors.
A.L.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1793 [i.e., 1794] Jan. 6
John BEATTY, Alexand[ri]a [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[865]
When he saw Williams at Frederick, Williams said he wanted a deed for the land he bought of Beatty, and Beatty said he would give it when the money still due was paid, and would discount the interest; Williams was to write to him about it and has not yet done so; asks Williams to let him know his mind by the next post; he [Beatty] called in April for the money then due, and did not get it; when he got it in June, Williams' deputy would not pay interest on it; thinks it would be only reasonable now if Williams pays this year as early as he paid late last year.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 21 cm. × 17.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From John Beatty 6 Jan 94.
Dated by Beatty 1793.
1794 Jan. 7
WALLACE and MUIR, Annapolis. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[866]
When Mr. [John] Davidson got back from Georgetown [D.C.], they searched his books and found out that the duty Williams still owed was for a pair of pier glasses imported in 1789; the reason the duty was expressed in sterling was that the people for whom I and M[uir] shipped goods were generally shippers of tobacco, who chose to have their Duties carried to account in London, and consequently got the officers to state them in English money.
Signed: Wallace and Muir. 1 p. 24 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Wallace and Muir 7 Jan 94.
1794 Jan. 10
C[hristopher] RICHMOND, Annapolis. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[867]
Has been confined to his room ever since Williams' letter of [January] 1st came; this morning he sent Williams' letter to B[enjamin] Harwood; Harwood answered that the receipt Williams wanted could not be given until it had, by legal process, been made to appear that the debtors were insolvent; about the interest on the 1000 dollars, Richmond thinks it was received by him, paid to Mr. [Samuel] Meredith on Williams' account, and his [Meredith's] receipt sent to Mr. [Daniel] Delozier; presumes there is another year's interest to Williams'
credit on the books of the Treasury of the United States now; presumes it is not important that [Luther] Martin's certificate and the power of attorney should be in Williams' hands immediately, so he will wait for a safe conveyance by whom to send them; That Ugly Dog Wister, is as cunning as the D---1 I wish he could be over-reached.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: C. Richmond Esqr. 10. Jany 94.
1794 Jan. 13
David PORTER, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[868]
Thinks himself entitled to an early [a high] number on the marine list of commanders, but must solicit friends to obtain it; asks Williams for a letter to the President, but since Williams does not know Porter very well, he cannot write to the President as warmly as probably he otherwise would do; it will be enough if he says Porter has a knowledge of ships-of-war such as few of his countrymen would claim to have; hopes that the charges Exhibited against me by William Thomas will not keep Williams from befriending him, for Thomas is unworthy of even the lowest commission from the President; Williams' recommendation is very essential, as he is the head of the department that Porter belongs to; is going to Philadelphia next week and will stop and see Williams before he goes.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From David Porter 13 Jan 94 No, Sir I know nothing so much in your favor as to authorize my recommend[atio]n.
1794 Jan. 19
James CALDER, Barrens. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[869]
Drew up a memorial for the relief of a [unnamed] gentleman and gave it to Mr. de la Serre [?] to give to Williams; now sends another drawn up in better form, and asks that it be substituted for the first; this Gentleman sends Williams his thanks for Williams' goodness to him; Calder sends his most respectfull compliments to those of your family I have the honour to be known to; would be glad to have Williams come up here and stay the summer.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From -----Calder 19 Jan 1794.
1794 Jan. 21
FRENCH PATRIOTS, Baltimore. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[870]
The favor of General Williams' company is requested, by the French Patriots of Baltimore to dine at Gray's Garden, tomorrow 22d Jany to commemorate the late success of the arms of the French Republic.
1 p. 6.5 cm. × 9 cm.
Pasted on entry 871.
1794 Jan. 22
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To Mr. [UNK], Baltimore.
[871]
Declines, on account of his poor health, the dinner invitation of the French patriots; felicitates them on the advantages gained by France; the rights of man has been his ruling social principle all his life.
A.Df.S. 1 p. 33 cm. × 22.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Invitation from the French patriots and answer 22 Jan. 94.
Entry 870 is pasted onto this sheet.
1794 Jan. 23
E[lie] WILLIAMS, Indian Queen [Philadelphia]. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[872]
Received [Otho H.'s] letter with the enclosure, and is glad to know he is better; urges him to eat and walk, preferring walking to riding; Mr. [Alexander] Hamilton talks kindly and will make up the contract as soon as Congress decides what the army ration is to be; no papers have been audited since he [Elie] was here in 1792, but the auditor is working on them now; [Gen. Anthony] Wayne's communications will not hurt them, but he [Elie] will have to make explanations to Hamilton; Wayne has indulged in a little unsupported rhetoric; bids Otho H. tell people he will be with them as soon as he can.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 18.5 cm.
1794 Jan. 25
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]o. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Frederick.
[873]
The Right Reverend [Thomas John Claggett?] called recently and, as he was leaving, Williams apologized for sending to him the order on Sewell; the Bishop [Claggett?] said the messenger had come to him, but that he had told him Sewell had gone on to Dr. Thomas'; Sewell did owe Ryan some money, but Williams does not know how much; Williams is sending thirty-five dollars for Sewell; his lungs are better, but the diarrhea is back again; the rascal Richard left his old wife here and married there without my consent, and then pleaded falsely that he thought I intended he should reside at Ceresville [Frederick County]; the ladies are all well, and he [Williams] and they have just come from evening tea at [John] Stricker's; love to Rebecca [Thomas] and Mr. [John] Farrell.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 25 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1794 Jan. 28
S[amuel] SMITH, Philad[elphia]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[874]
Busier than he has ever been in his life before, since he is engaged in a new business, and must work hard to get all its details; must write four or five long letters by every post; does not like [James] Madison's resolutions, but finds the discussion on them is clearing away some prejudices he [Smith] and all other merchants held; has come to see
that the United States merchants are not under permanent restriction from the English law, except that they cannot carry American products to the British West Indies; is going to send Williams a pamphlet of the correspondence between [Thomas] Jefferson and [George] Hammond [the British minister] which will do honor to Jefferson.
A.L.S. 3 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Smith 28 Jan. 94.
1794 Feb. 1
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To [Dr. Philip] THOMAS.
[875]
For a week past, he has been too ill to write; his lungs are more free from pain, and more at ease than formerly, yet weak and worried as I am, continually, it is hardly possible to cherish a hope of being restored... I am not yet able to go out altho' the Weather is very fine; will attend to Thomas' letters of [January] 21 and 22 when he is able.
A.L.S. 1 p. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
1794 Feb. 2
E[lie] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia. To Otho H[olland]
[876]
Has laid his defence before the Secretary of the Treasury [Hamilton] and his accounts before the Auditor; in the coming week he may be able to say when he will get to Baltimore; Col. [Samuel] Smith says he wrote to O. H. Williams; the Secretary [of the Treasury] has not yet given out the terms of the contract, since Congress has not yet determined what items are to go into the army ration.
A.L.S. 1 p. 35 cm. × 23 cm.
Endorsed by O. H. Williams: E. Williams 2d Feb. 94.
1794 Feb. 3
Le Chevalier [UNK], Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[877]
Wrote to Williams last week, to beg his assistance, as a former officer who had fought for Williams' country; has had no answer and is too miserable to come to see him; begs Williams to rescue him from the horrible misery in which he is plunged, and oblige a gallant man whose delicacy is wounded in having to confess his misfortune; his address is general delivery, Baltimore.
A.L.S. 1 p. 26 cm. × 20.5 cm. In French.
1794 Feb. 3
Le Ch[evalie]r DANTON [sic], Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[878]
Contemporary translation into English of entry 877.
1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
1794 Feb. 3
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To H[enry] KNOX, Sec[retary] of War.
[879]
Was asked by some of Mr. Barbier's friends to recommend him to Knox as a candidate for a commission in the United
States Army; did not know Barbier, but, having made investigation, is satisfied that he is a suitable person; Barbier's brother recently married into one of the most respectable families in the State and is now living here; among the French refugees here, some held commissions in the French army; suggests mildly that this is a good time to consider giving such men commissions in the United States army; a Mr. Paria came to the writer the other day half clad and half starved, with a wife and little daughter in the same situation, and he had been an Army officer; hard to keep such people from starving; they generally seem to have no qualifications, but for fighting and dancing.
Df. 2 pp. 33.5 cm. × 21 cm.
Enclosed with entry 880.
1794 Feb. 4
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To General [Henry] KNOX [Secretary of War].
[880]
Wrote yesterday a letter, to be enclosed herein, in favor of the policy of giving American commissions to former French officers; also solicits a commission for William Buchanan Smith, son of William Smith, brother to Campbell Smith and to Mrs. Williams; young Smith has lived all his life, too little restrained from the pursuit of his pleasures, and has no character but that of a Buck; he is about 27 years old, above six feet high, very stout, but well proportioned, handsome, and diffident; would accept a first lieutenancy in infantry or a second lieutenancy in cavalry; but if several new corps are to be raised, the number of recruits he could raise might entitle him to a company; does not write easily in his sick room.
Df. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To Genl Knox 3d and 4 February 94.
For enclosure see entry 879.
1794 Feb. 5
John BEATTY, Alexand[ri]a [Va.]. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[881]
Wrote to Williams some time ago about giving him a title to land he had bought, as soon as he paid the money down; has had no answer; owes some money to John and Robert Pleasants of Baltimore and has sont them a Note for three Hundred Dollars Negotiable in the Bank of Maryland which he asks Williams to endorse since his bond to Beatty will be due before that time; expects to be in Baltimore about April first.
A.L.S. 1 p. 21 cm. × 16.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: John Beatty 5 February 94.
1794 Feb. 10
_____ PARIA, Baltimore. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS.
[882]
Thanks Williams sincerely for his intervention with the Committee of Relief; presents his wife's respects along with his own.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Paria.
1794 Feb. 11
John O'DONNELL. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS.
[883]
Acknowledges Williams' letter of yesterday; Robert Smith's opinion, that there was a reserve of dower in the ground rent intended to be conveyed to him, led him to decline the proposed Exchange; wrote at once to Williams and concluded that both of them were disengaged; has since made improvements of his place so that it is now worth 900 pounds; had Mrs. Johnson offered, early in the business, to relinquish her dower right, O'Donnell would have had no possible objection; houses and lots have risen in value since he [O'Donnell] had reason to think himself disengaged; if, in all the circumstances, Williams thinks him still bound by the original contract, he will cheerfully submit.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From J. O'Donnell 11 Feb 94.
1794 Feb. 11
[Otho Holland WILLIAMS] Baltimore. To John O'DONNELL.
[884]
When he first treated with O'Donnell about the annuity on lot number 16, he thought he had a clear right to transfer it, without reserve to Mrs. Johnston or any one else; still thinks so, and refers O'Donnell to the more considered opinion of Mr. Smith, or to any other gentleman of the law; O'Donnoll did not propose to give up the arrangement, and Williams thought only that O'Donnell should be compensated for the risk, if any, or that he [Williams] should guarantee the annuity; since he [Williams] came home, he has been too ill and O'Donnell presumably too busy to revive the matter; had no reason to fear that any adventitious appreciation or depreciation of property could affect a contract resting upon the mutual confidence of Gentlemen; rests satisfied with O'Donnell's assurance that he will cheerfully comply; Mr. Smith has all the papers.
Df. 2 pp. 25 cm. × 21 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: To J. O'Donnell 11 Feby 94.
1794 Feb. 13
John LAMB [Collector of Customs], New York. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[885]
Has been informed that the Supervisor [of internal revenue] for this district is trying to get Congress to have the duties on spirits, wines and teas paid at the Supervisors' offices, instead of at the Custom House; tells this to Williams in order that he may write to his friends in Congress and try to defeat a law which would be highly injurious to the Collectors of the Customs, and of no benefit to the United States; has written to the Collectors at Boston [Mass.], New London [Conn.], Philadelphia, Norfolk [Va.] and Charleston [S.C.]; flatters himself that they can prevent its being passed; encloses Berry, Rogers, and Barry's account for Ruspine's [?] Styptic, and hopes Williams got it in good order and found it serviceable.
A.L.S. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. Lamb 13 February 1794 Answered the 20th Feb 23 Dollars transmitted.
1794 Feb. 14
Will[iam] ROBB, Balt[im]o[re]. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore].
[886]
Mr. Wilson, who is in Williams' office, is under Robb's protection and Robb is glad to learn that the merchants of the town are pleased with Wilson, especially since Mr. [Daniel] Delozier has been appointed to another office; wishes to remove Wilson and to put him into some other line of work, unless Williams will place him on the same footing as Mr. Delozier was, at the time he left the office; apologizes for not seeing Williams in person, and for not enquiring, at Williams' house, for the state of his health.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Mr. Wm. Robb Feb 94.
1794 Feb. 14
E[lie] WILLIAMS, Indian Queen, Philadelphia. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS.
[887]
Does not yet know when he can come down; all his papers are in the hands of the Auditor, and he must wait; advances to them, Elliot and Williams, have all been entered on the books, but the sums still owing to them are in bundles of papers not yet entered; [Alexander] Hamilton has not yet said what he thinks of the business between [Gen. Anthony] Wayne and the contractors, nor has he settled the contract for 1794; will be down just as soon as he can, for he knows Babby [Barbara Grosh Williams, Mrs. Elie W.] is by this time... impatient to see her household; Mr. John Hollins will give him [Otho H.] all the news; has just heard that the Indians are suing for peace, and that three different tribal flags were recently brought in to General Wayne; does not trust the Indians; if Anthony [Wayne] dont mind his eye they will play paoli upon him; the express [i.e., the messenger] says he left Elio Williams' letters in Hagerstown and Elie hopes they are in the mail, for he wants to hear what Elliot, his partner, has to say; P.S., he has just received his son's packet with the letters enclosed.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Otho Holland Williams: E. Williams, 14 Feby 1794 Phila.
1794 Feb. 15
O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore. To William ROBB [Baltimore].
[888]
Received Robb's letter about young Wilson yesterday, but was too ill to answer it; when [Daniel] Delozier left, Wilson asked Williams about his [Wilson's] future salary, and Williams told him that his salary had been fixed, that it was enough, and that if he wished to leave, he could do so; Wilson did not leave but he tried to find out who was to have Delozier's place; later, Williams gave him a raise of fifty dollars per annum; Wilson promised to keep on, and to give a notice of three months if he left; Williams allowed as much importunity from Wilson and his friends as he could, but Robb's demand that Williams put the young man on the same footing that
Delozier had is a direct insult to the understanding of any man who pretends to know men or business matters; if it has been conceived that Williams cannot execute his office without Mr. Wilson, there has been some mistake.
A.Df.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21 cm.
1794 Feb. 18
Henry [UNK], Manocasy [Monocacy]. To General [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[889]
Thanks Williams for giving him a subsistence on his [Williams'] plantation in Monocacy; asks Williams to let him come to Baltimore on business; wants to collect some money due him, to get his clothes from the tailor's; wants also to see those famous Gardens lately constructed by Messrs. Heisler and Willmann; after that, he will not soon again want to see Baltimore; asks Williams to let him know by the earliest suitable opportunity.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 20.5 cm. × 17 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: Henry Stegman 18 February 94.
1794 Feb. 19
John HARRIOTT, New Port in Rhode Island. To Otho [Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[890]
A New Port sloop is leaving for Baltimore, and Harriott seizes the chance to enquire if Williams got his letter of August 4, saying he had a letter of introduction to Williams from Mr. [Thomas] Pinckney; was so exceedingly uncomfortable in Baltimore that he had to leave at once; engaged a Rhode Island vessel which happened to be leaving to bring himself and his family to New Port; has not yet seated himself though he has traveled 2,000 miles, and though he has for the present bought a pleasant small farm within a mile of New Port; does not know when he will see Williams, so he sends Pinckney's letter with this; left with Mr. Robert Smith two remarkably fine wether sheep for Williams, and hopes he liked them; wanted to bring some ram lambs but was not willing to risk Confiscation Fine and Imprisonment for doing so; his [Harriott's] prime interest is large scale agriculture, but labor is discouragingly hard to get, and dear; would be grateful if General Williams would get for him some first-quality peach brandy, which he understands can best be got from some gentlemen in the country; had to pay duty at Baltimore on some goods which he brought in for his own use; has since been told that goods, even if new, brought in for one's own use is not subject to duty; hopes Williams will write to him.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 22.5 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. J. Harriott 19 March [sic] 1794.
For enclosure see entry 783.
1794 Feb. 20
E[lie] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[891]
Received Otho's letter of the 15th, with the big package of letters, etc., from Fort Washington; letters confirm the
rumor of an Indian embassy asking a treaty of peace with the United States; settling his accounts is going to take so long that he is going to come down for a visit to his brother and his own family, and then go back; will confirm the 1794 contract before he comes down, though it has not the change in it, on which he wished to insist; the young man who will hand Otho this letter is a young Englishman named William Francis, who wants a clerical employment; Elie knows of him only that he writes a fair hand, is reasonably accurate and is willing to work a small time on trial; has gone over more than half the town and can't find any Godbold's Vegetable Balsam, but will not believe there is no such thing here till the other half of the City says so; sends A Bandbox for Madam and a book for her sons.
A.L.S. 4 pp. 25.5 cm. × 20 cm.
Endorsed: E Williams 20th Febraury 1794.
1794 Feb. 24
Tench COXE, Philadelphia. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[892]
Sorry to hear that Williams' health is still bad; doubts that the legislature [Congress] is going to consider changing the way of doing business on wines, distilled spirits and tea.
L.S. 1 p. 25.5 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Tench Coxe Esqr 24th February 1794.
1794 Feb. 24
Arch[ibal]d MONCREIFF, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS [Baltimore].
[893]
Pleased that Williams found the port wine good and now sends him a dozen bottles; I never had any for sale, I got it in a present from a Friend in London about a year ago, there may perhaps be three or four dozen remaining which I shall retain for you.
A.L.S. 1 p. 24.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Mr. Montcrief 24 February 1794 1 Doz more good Port Acknowledged thankfully.
1794 Feb. 24
E[lie] WILLIAMS, Philadelphia. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[894]
How finds that he cannot leave on Tuesday, since the Secretary has not got the 1794 contract ready yet; is going to wait on Madam to Hagers Town and return here as soon as the papers are likely to be ready; he must see a proper statement on the Register H[o]urse books before he can believe that all things are right; does not know why there is so much delay.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 20.5 cm.
Endorsed by Otho Holland Williams: E Williams 24 February 1794.
1794 Feb. 25
_____ D'ANTIN, Baltimore. To Otho Holland WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[895]
Says he is a former French officer who fought in this country, that he had to flee France and was despoiled by the English on the journey here, that he has neither money nor clothing; begs Williams to get him some money, and says he will be everlastingly grateful; asks Williams to send him some pecuniary help addressed to the General Delivery.
A.L.S. 1 p. 26 cm. × 20.5 cm. In French.
Enclosed with entry 903 and on the same sheet.
1794 Feb. 25
S[amuel] SMITH, Philad[elphi]a. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[896]
Received Williams' letter and will attend particularly to the business communicated by Colonel Lamb although he [Smith] has no apprehension that such a plan would (if proposed) meet with success or even with much countenance; Williams' brother is going home and will come back in a month when Smith is sure things will be smooth; thinks there will not be much more to be paid; [Gen. Anthony] Wayne has not done so much, although a fort so near their towns may make the Indians think more seriously of peace; thinks the United States may not be able to avoid war with Great Britain; he [Smith] is on a committee to consider the need of amending the revenue laws and will mention the points Williams complains of.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
1794 Feb. 25
S[amuel] SMITH, Philadelphia. To O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.
[897]
Had already sealed a letter to Williams today when he was asked to help Captain Elie Dorsey whose Father has died lately and left him not one shilling; Dorsey claims that he applied frequently to be exchanged, while he was a prisoner during the Revolution, and that General [William] Smallwood told him he was not exchanged; however, it appears that he was exchanged, and that he was deranged and of course not Entitled to his claim; a certificate from Williams would help Dorsey, and Smith urges him to send one as soon as possible.
A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19.5 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From Coll. S. Smith 25 February 1794.
1794 Feb. 26
C[ephas] BEALL, Millsborough. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].
[898]
Received Williams' letter of the 19th, and has made the entries in the day book; is about to engage in business but Williams had said that his [Williams'] brother was thinking of going into business here and that he might take Beall as his partner; Beall would be very glad to do so; must be off or on, Monday next, and must therefore know
by the next post or sooner what Williams' brother intends to do; since his [Beall's] marriage, he has done nothing but support his family which seems to be growing at a rapid rate; must stop since Mr. Martin [who will carry the letter] is passing by.
A.L.S. 2 pp. 33 cm. × 19 cm.
Endorsed by Williams: From C. Beall 26 February 94 Recd. 3d March 94.