STILL IN PROGRESS
1792-1794
There are seventeen (17) correspondences written by or that mention Delozier in this section of the online papers. For the benefit of those who have never read these papers in full, I have given a brief narrative (when possible) just before the actual text of the letter. I have also included, as part of this site, significant historical and political events that were happening around the time these letters were written. COMING SOON! List of all names mentioned in Part V. |
Section V of the transcribed letters begins in the Fall of the year 1792. Unfortunately, by the end of this section, it becomes clear that Otho Holland Williams dies (July 1794). Everything from this point on, and into the next three sections of the transcribed manuscripts reflects more family correspondence, specifically that of General Williams' son, William E[lie] WILLIAMS.
The first mention we see of Daniel Delozier in Section V of the Otho Holland Williams papers is in this letter dated November 15, 1792 from Mary Smith to General Williams. She mentions that a man who had planted some hedges had requested payment for his work. She states that neither she nor Delozier, "would give him any".
[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.
This next letter sent by Delozier to Williams dated November 18, 1792. In the last part of Section IV, we see General Williams and his family leaving for Barbados to help improve his health. This next letter mentions Major John Lynch leaving also to be by Williams' side and serve him in any capacity needed. Delozier mentions to Williams that he has found a replacement for Lynch while he is away. Section IV also explains more about the dynamics of the different positions held at Port Baltimore.
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.
This piece of correspondence was sent by Delozier to Sharp Dulany/Delany. It is a thirty dollar reimbursement for advances made to General Williams. I was able to find a brief story about Sharp Dulany. (see below)
"The General Green was one of the first ten cutters. She was named for the Revolutionary War hero Major General Nathaniel Greene and note that her name was misspelled, probably by the man who oversaw her construction, the Collector of Customs in Philadelphia, Sharp Delany. Apparently the cutter was to have been originally named for the Secretary of the Treasury, Alexander Hamilton, but Delany changed the name for reasons unknown.
There is little or no information on her original design and unfortunately her monthly journals have not survived but some correspondence regarding her has, particularly the exchange of letters between her master, James Montegomery, and Delany. Indeed, there is a letter dated 23 July 1791 from the collector at Boston, Benjamin Lincoln, to Hamilton that states the General Green left Adam Foulk's wharf in Philadelphia, completely outfitted, on 7 July of that year, making her one of the first of the cutters to actually enter into service. Isaac Roach was appointed as the first mate and Benjamin Rue was appointed as the second mate in March, 1791."
Source: U.S. Coast Guard Historian's Office
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.
This next paper is simply an exchange note from Daniel Delozier ot William Henery. No further information regarding it.
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.
This letter from Delozier to General Williams is dated December 22, 1792. In it, Delozier updates Williams on all the business he has handled for him in his absence. Basically, we can follow Delozier's account through the reading of the last few letters on this page. Delozier also makes mention of Williams' son, Elie in this letter stating he [Elie] is, " is attentive to his duties in the office and to his French." (later we find it is Elie who takes over his father's place after his [Otho's] death)
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.
Nathaniel Ramsey was the Naval Officer for Port Baltimore from 1794-1817. He accrued an impressive military career, eventually becomming a delegate from Maryland. He was the brother of David Ramsey, was born in Lancaster, PA., and graduated from the College of New Jersey (now Princeton University) in 1767. In addition, he
was a signer of the declaration of freemen of Maryland, a member of the Continental Congress in 1786 and 1787, and was appointed United States
marshal for Maryland by President Washington and served from 1790 to 1798.
Source: Biographical Directory of the United States Congress, 1771-Present
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
Alexander McCaskey writes to General Williams about an issue of McCaskey losing his job in Customs. McCaskey feels that Williams requested his removal and did so through Daniel Delozier. The letter was endorced by Williams, however no reply was recorded.
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.
More conversations of bonds in this next letter. Also, conversation of exercising a Hawk.
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.
This next letter gives us an insightful perspective into the chaos that broke out in the summer of 1793 at Port Baltimore. In this letter, Delozier writes Williams that more than forty ships or brigs are in the harbour and are considered vessels in distress. In distress because these ships fled a massacre that ensued when slaves revolted against their owners in the West Indies* (in the area around St. Domingue, "Haiti"). Delozier states that because of the situation surrounding their arrival, these ships will not be bound to pay taxes or fees. Generosity of the Baltimorians was displayed in the amount of nearly $15,000. * World History
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.
More details in this letter about the present state of affairs with regard to the arrival of the West Indies ships.
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.
General Williams responds to Delozier's letters about the "refugees". Instructs him to forward an enclosed letter to Alexander Hamilton with further word.
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.
Deputy Collector at Yorktown, Thomas Gibbons, applies for the position of Deputy Collector, Port Baltimore (Delozier's former position). Daniel Delozier has left this position to become Inspector.
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.
A note of thanks from Delozier to Williams. Delozier thanks Williams, " many friendly services he did him". Delozier goes on to say he is still very attached to Customs and offers his continued services to Williams and asks him [Williams] to, "srely on him for anything he can do not incompatible with his own duties."
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.
This letter mailed by Gen. Williams to Thomas Sim Lee. Thomas Lee was Govenor of Maryland at the time this letter was sent and is the same man that Daniel Delozier wrote back in June this same year (see handwritten letter of Daniel Delozier).
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.
The following is an estimate of imports and exports in the hand of Daniel Delozier.
[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 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.
End Note: On June 4, 1794, Otho Holland Williams writes a last will and testament. He died sometime in July this same year.
To read the complete Section V online transcribed manuscript 