1786-1790

The following letter dated May 26 is from DANIEL DELOZIER to General Williams. It happens to be the first entry in Part III. The letter was mailed to a non-specific Baltimore location. In this letter Delozier applies for the position of Deputy Collector. I would add that as one reads the manuscript in full, it becomes evident from the conversations of congratulations to Williams, that by July 25 of this same year (1786), Williams has born to him, a son, named Robert.

Historical Fact: On October 20, 1786 (5 months after this first letter we see from DELOZIER) the Resolution of the Continental Congress Expanding the Peace Establishment was decided after the following committee members’ endorsement: Mr. [Charles] Pettit, Mr. [Henry] Lee, Mr. [Charles] Pinckney, Mr. [John] Henry and Mr. [Melancton] Smith. This resolution proclaimed that an additional 1340 troops be raised from the states of NH, RI, MA, CT, MD, and VA for the term of three years. These troops were raised in order to protect and preserve the new frontiers and their borders from certain threatening Indian tribes.

1786 May 26

Dan[ie]l DELEZIER, Annapolis. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[349] 

Understands that Capt. [Robert] Denny, who will carry this letter to Williams, is leaving for Europe; Williams will therefore need a deputy, and Delezier applies for the place.

A.L.S. 1 p. 19.5 cm. × 15.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Danl. Deleziere May 26th, 1786.

• Happenened in 1787 In May, 1787, delegates begin to convene a Constitutional Convention, in order to eventually amend the Articles of Confederation. In September that same year, the U.S. Constitution was indeed ratified. In addition to this, one month later, the Resolution of the Continental Congress Renewing the Peace Establishment was affirmed. Some other important dates of this year: July 13- The U.S. Congress enacts the Northwest Ordinance establishing governing rules for the Northwest Territory. It also establishes procedures for the admission of new states and limits the expansion of slavery. August 27- Launching a forty-five-foot craft on the Delaware River, John Fitch demonstrates the first US patent for his design. December 7-Delaware ratifies the Constitution and becomes the first U.S. state. December 12-Pennsylvania becomes the second state. December 18- New Jersey becomes the third state. -Wikipedia

In April, 1787, just prior to this next letter and included in the Williams papers’ is a letter from a William Jackson. In it, Jackson asks for Williams “influence” toward the efforts of him (Jackson) getting the secretaryship of the federal convention (which, by the way, he went on to receive). Interestingly, in the very next correspondence received from Jackson (dated April 26, 1787), he reveals to Williams the unfavorable opinions of others: “[Robert] Morris and [Benjamin] Franklin are against Jackson [for secretary of the federal convention] and in favor of Franklin's grandson [William Temple Franklin]; Morris would have favored Jackson, had he not made a promise to Franklin; [John] Armstrong's influence has got him [Jackson] some votes; hopes Williams will help get him the votes of Maryland and of Virginia; is writing in an extreme hurry.”

In this next letter, Delozier sends to Williams (now in Hagerstown, MD), all the mail that arrived in the office. This letter mentions a Benjamin Harwood. I was able to find a bio on him from the Maryland State Archives and have included it below. Also found, was information regarding Captain John Gassaway. Gassaway was a representative for the Lower House Assembly for St. Mary's County and again for Anne Arundel County. Also found was mention of Gassaway on a list of military lots given to soldiers that served in the Revolutionary War. (NOTE: "The General Assembly of Maryland in 1777 passed an act giving each soldier, in a call for 2000 men, 50 acres of land, who had served three years. In 1781 another act was passed, reserving all the vacant lands in the State westward of "Fort Cumberland" for the soldiers." -USGenWeb Archives of Allegany County)

Benjamin Harwood Bio

Benjamin Harwood was born on December 3, 1751, the ninth and last son of Capt. Richard and Ann (Watkins) Harwood. He resided on Northeast Street (now Maryland Avenue) in Annapolis, and was partner in his brother's store on the Dock selling imported goods from 1773 to about 1788. During the Revolution Harwood served as first lieutenant of an independent militia company in Annapolis, commissioned on July 18, 1776 and February 15, 1777, and later as captain of that company, commissioned on October 6, 1777. He was also a commissioner of the loan office, appointed in 1777, and the Continental Receiver of Taxes in Maryland during the 1780s.

Harwood was serving as Treasurer of St. John's College by 1786, a position he held until at least 1789, and was a manager of the lottery to raise money for the completion of St. Anne's Church, 1790.

During his long public career as treasurer or tax collector, Harwood also loaned money privately. Probably the greatest beneficiary of Benjamin Harwood's resources was his oldest brother, Richard, who owed Benjamin over $46,500 in 1826.

In addition to his house in Annapolis, Harwood owned land in Allegany County and about 500 acres in Anne Arundel County. His personal property at his death was appraised at over $57,000, including an extensive library, plus he was owed almost $88,000 in money loaned out at interest.

Benjamin Harwood died on January 27, 1826, and was interred in St. Anne's Cemetery, Annapolis. He had never married, and when his estate was settled over $130,000 was distributed among the heirs of his siblings. His obituary in the Maryland Gazette lamented "to say he had no enemy would leave half unsaid, for every man who knew him, loved and admired him."

Above Source: Maryland State Archives

1787 June 20

D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Hagers Town.

[388] 

The enclosed letters arrived since the last mail; the one from B[enjamin] Harwood was a certificate for Col. [John] Stull's journal allowance; has given provisions to the two Dutch families, who will set out tonight for Hagers Town; the brig Active was condemned and sold last Saturday to Mr. William Buchanan for [UNK]160; the Williamsport leases will go with this letter by post; glad the business there goes on well; nothing has happened since Williams left; Capt. [John] Gassaway sends regards.

A.L.S. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Danl. Delozier 20th June 1787.

Enclosures missing.

This next entry seems to indicate a discrepancy in the quality of a shipment of tobacco that was received. Delozier is writing to Williams to ask how the issue should be handled which was referred to by Delozier as an “unprecedented case”.

1787 July 4

D[aniel] DELOZIER, Balt[imor]e. To [Otho Holland] WILLIAMS, Hagers Town.

[392] 

Mr. [William] Goddard will send Williams 200 copies of the leases, embodying the interlineations sent to him [Delozier]; at William Taylor's request Delozier sends Williams an affidavit of Peter Gart about goods shipped last October 11 on the schooner Lively, Thomas Hall master, for Petersburg [Va.]; the gentlemen who claim the drawbacks of [UNK]28. 11. want to know Williams' opinion before the time limit expires; he [Delozier] has copied at the foot of the affidavit a section of the law; Taylor never reshipped any of the goods, but Zacharie Coopman and Co. did reship some, to be delivered to Taylor in Virginia; if the drawback is allowed, Coopman and Co. will apply it to Taylor's credit; the brig Active, purchased by William Buchanan, has become the property of Samuel and John Smith; the Smiths expect, because of her condemnation, that a register for her will be granted without more expense; this Delozier doubts, but, since the case is unprecedented, he asks Williams for instructions; has about [UNK]3750 on hand, part of it in Continental State and black paper; Robert Morris of Philadelphia and the French agents are disputing about the quality of the tobacco shipped; the funds that had been sent to London to meet Morris' draft are stopped, and Morris' agent, who had returned to America, has had his bills protested; the merchants [in Baltimore], alarmed at this, have sent all Morris' bills circulating here to Philadelphia for payment.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 23 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: Danl. Delozier July 4th 1787.

Enclosure missing.

As part of the George Washington papers, I was able to find a letter to Washington from Andrew Skinner Ennals (mentioned in the letter below). In the letter sent to Washington, dated February 18, 1791, Ennals solicits Washington for appointment as "Supervisor for the District of Maryland". Unsure of other capacities Ennals served prior or anymore more about his life.

1787 July 18

D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[393] Williams' letters of July 7 and 13 were received today; the one for Dr. [William?] Baker he put in the post office, the other he forwarded to Mr. George Fitzhugh by one of Fitzhugh's own servants; last winter he [Delozier] heard Andrew Skinner Ennals ask Capt. [Robert] Denny [Williams' deputy] if it was necessary to particularise the owners when registering a vessel, and heard Denny answer that the law required a sworn statement of owners' names; last week the schooner Maria arrived from Boston with a cargo of rum; she was registered at Vienna [?] in January 1787 as the property of Ennals and Joseph Haskins of Baltimore; on the ground that she was built, owned and navigated by citizens of this state, they claimed a deduction of 1/3 of the duties; he [Delozier] apprehended some fraud, and asked Haskins to swear to the ownership; Haskins refused, and later Ennals gave an account that showed 1/3 of the ownership was Philadelphian; he [Delozier] applied to Chase and Chase filed a libel against the vessel, which is now in charge of the marshal; she is a new handsome schooner of 39 tons; the judge of the Court of Admiralty is at the Springs [Va.] and will not return till September; any mistakes he [Delozier] makes are due to lack of judgment, and not to want of attention; Mr. [?] Smith's family are leaving tomorrow for Hagers Town.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 33 cm. × 21.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: D. Delozier 18th July 1787.

Nearly two years after this last letter, we see Delozier next mentioned in a letter from Williams to his loyal physician, Dr. Philip Thomas of Frederick. Williams, who is still in New York for the Presidential vote and count, refers to Delozier in the letter as, “his friend and deputy.” While Williams was not in New York for the April date presidential election, (for reasons that he has born another child), dated letters from him indicate he did make a trip to New York probably sometime in May. A transcribed letter dated April 6, from William Smith assures Williams that he, “ need not come up before May first and perhaps not so soon.” It is later followed by this letter to his physician dated June 7, 1789.

NOTE: Col. David Humphreys is mentioned in this letter with the description that he, " came in to say a gentleman was waiting in the Drawing room". David Humphreys, a Yale graduate, was appointed in 1784 as the Secretary for the Congressional committee in charge of negotiating commercial European treaties. His military career is no less impressive as he had served as an aide to General Putnam (in 1778), General Nathaniel Greene (in 1780), and General George Washington (from June of 1780 to the end of the hostilities).

1789 June 7

O[tho] H[olland] WILLIAMS, Balt[imor]e. To Dr. Philip THOMAS, Fred[eric]k.

[465] 

Trip to New York gave him [Williams] more to write about than can be put into a letter; the Governor and Council are asking him for certain returns, not required by law which being excentric from my method will occasion me an infinity of trouble; thinks they are trying to find out the truth of rumors spread by Capt. [William] Campbell, Mr. [Randolph Brandt] Latimore and others, that he [Williams] has in his office a considerable sum of money which he should long since have paid into the treasury; Governor's letter intimates he thinks Williams a defaultor and implies what is not true; Shoaff, a foolish Gentleman from New York spread a rumor that Williams is to be Comptroller General, and this made some men envious; [Daniel] Dolozier, Williams' friend and deputy, heard some rumors while Williams was away, went to Annapolis to investigate, and told Col. [Josias Carvel] Hall about it; Hall wrote to Robert Smith, and Smith made what enquiry he could; found it only a rumor; The American court... is as gay as any... and for all I know as virtuous - - -; the Good old Fabius [Washington] when the ship is fairly under way will hail the Crew and bid them change the watch -- He is anxious for repose and speaks to his private friends of his home and a quiet life in very moving terms; finds but few [men] divested of state Politics, though Congress may in time prove to be wise; no laws passed yet, and only three departments agreed on, finance, foreign affairs, war; Mrs. Washington arrived in New York... [May 27, 1789] and on Thursday morning I went to take my Leave. Breakfast was on the table. I was seated; and the family being retired, conversed two hours with the greatest man on Earth... Coll. [David] Humphreys came in to say a gentleman was waiting in the Drawing room -- the Gentleman waited -- and the conversation continued... I was sensible of this honor; bids Thomas tell no one about it; Thomas may tell that a Committee of Congress had agreed on salaries to be recommended, President to have $20,000 and secretaries, house rent, furniture, 2 carriages, 12 horses; Williams is now happy at home, with a wife and children... in such good health that they compensate for his misfortunes.

A.L.S. 6 pp. 24 cm. × 20 cm.

Endorsed: From Gl. Williams 7 June 1789.

NOTE: On August 4, 1789, Williams is commissioned by President Washington to be the Collector of Port Baltimore. He would continue to hold this office until his death in 1794.

The following letter was sent by Randall and Delozier (from Annapolis) to Williams (in Baltimore). I would project this “Randall” to be “John Randall”, Delozier’s father-in-law and former incumbent who recommended Delozier for the position of Deputy Collector. I have been unable to find much further on John Randall and his duties to the state. I have found however, that the Wilson Peale portrait of Delozier (as pictures on homepage to this site) to still be owned by the Randall family.

1789 Aug. 17

RANDALL and DELOZIER, Annapolis. To Otho H[olland] WILLIAMS, Baltimore.

[509]

Enclose a treasurer's receipt for [UNK]188.12.6; they [R. and D.] drew on Williams in favor of Somervell and Duguid for that amount and we will thank you to honor the draft.

L. Signed Randall and Delozier. 1 p. 23.5 cm. × 19 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: 17th August 89 Randall and Delozier.

Enclosure missing.

The following 1790 letter was written by Delozier and sent to Williams. This is the last correspondence transcribed as part of Section III of the Maryland Historical Society's, Otho Holland Williams Papers collection. In the letter, Delozier asks a question in reference to port entry dates in relation to the current “rate of duty”.

1790 Jan. 11

D[aniel] DELOZIER, Baltimore. To [Otho Holland WILLIAMS].

[538]

Sends Williams an account of liquidated bonds, pensions paid, etc.; puts to Williams a question that will probably be asked; a vessel arrives within [the territorial waters of] the United States before December 31, but arrives at her port and makes her entry after January 1st, 1790; does her cargo pay the late or the present rate of duty; a schooner belonging to Mr. [John] Hollins, now in the [Chesapeake] bay, is in that situation; asks Williams to mention to Mr. W[illiam] Smith his [Delozier's] application to the Bank of Maryland; Smith is probably going to be president of the Bank and in any case his influence would be important; very few blank Registers in the office.

A.L.S. 2 pp. 34 cm. × 21.5 cm.

Endorsed by Williams: 11 January 1791 [i.e., 1790] D. Delozier Returns andc.

NOTE: The letters on this site were copied and pasted directly from the online transcriptions of the Maryland Historical Society. No parts were altered or spellings changed. What you read is how it was transcribed.

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