1To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 5 June 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
A desperate state of ill health has for a considerable time detached me from the duties of my Office as Collector, but it fortunately happened, upon the receipt of the law laying the Embargo on the 28th of March, that I was able to attend to its immediate execution; I can therefore the more fully of my own knowledge answer your letter of the 26th Ultimo. All the Vessels belonging to the French...
2To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 20 March 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, March 20, 1794. “Your letter of the 5th Instant respecting the suits against Mr. Vochez & Co. was duly received. But, owing to the confinement of the Collector, was not communicated to the Attorney of the District until about a Week past.… I have also the honor of your letter respecting arrangements to be made with the British Consul relative to French prizes &c —and that business...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 27 February 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, February 27, 1794. “Mr. Hollingsworth Attorney for this district intimated to me yesterday, that the suits commenced on the Bonds of John Vochez, acting Partner of the House of Zacharie Coopman & Co.; and his securities were about to end in Judgment the ensuing Court; That from the circumstances of the House and some of the Securities … He is apprehensive that to precipitate the...
4To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 30 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, November 30, 1793. On January 22, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have before me your letter of the 30th of November last.” Letter not found. ]
5To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 November 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, November 26, 1793. “… Inclosed is a copy of a letter received from the Captain of the Revenue Cutter respecting the Lieutinant. I wait your instructions how to proceed or what proceeding there are to be in that most disagreeable business.…” Copy, RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives. This letter from David Porter, captain of the Maryland revenue cutter...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 6 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Your letter of the 21st. of June did not come to hand before the fourth Instant—sometime after the heat of the season, and habitual indisposition had obliged me to quit Baltimore. If it is not too late to mention a successor to the Collector of Annapolis, I would name Robert Denny, formerly an Officer in the Maryland line, and who served me four or five years as deputy in the Office which I...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 2 July 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, July 2, 1793. “The number of Sea-letters received at this Office have been insufficient to supply the demand, and an additional supply is at present requisite.…” Copy, RG 45, Unbound Records, Area 7 Files, National Archives. See “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” May 13–16, 1793 .
8To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 28 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed are, A , a copy of my letter to the Surveyor of the port respecting a French Privatier and her prize lately arrived; B , a Copy of the Surveyors report and, C , a translation of the French Commission in possession of the commander of the Privateer. As the laws of Congress, which govern the conduct of the Officers of the customs have no reference to the present case, and as we have...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 24 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, May 24, 1793. On June 12, 1793, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “Your letter of the 24th Ultimo was received some time ago.” Letter not found. ]
10To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 16 May 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, May 16, 1793. “This is to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 14th Instant.… The instructions contained in your letter relative to this important business shall be attentively observed.” Copy, RG 45, Unbound Records, Area 7 Files, National Archives. “Treasury Department Circular to the Collectors of the Customs,” May 13–16, 1793 .
11To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 10 November 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
In consequence of your communication of the 3d Instant I have resolved for the present to postpone the disposal of my Stock in the funds. I would not offend against the most rigid construction of the most unjust Law while it is in force. It cannot be doubted that some sensible and liberal Member of the Legislature will take to himself the merit of repealing an act replete with injustice,...
12To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 30 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have too much reason to expect that a decree in the Court of Chancery for this state will very soon make it necessary for me to provide for the payment of a considerable sum of Money, for which I became security, but which I cannot do, in due time, without disposing of the inconsiderable share I have in the public funds. To my astonishment I have been told that I cannot dispose of my own...
13To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 29 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I took occasion to mention to you while I was absent from my Office, that a necessary attention to my health required my leaving Baltimore for a time. My stay in the Country was attended with so many indications of returning health that I thought the time well spent; and was returning home full of confidence that business would again be a pleasure to me when a very unexpected and violent...
14To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 13 October 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, October 13, 1792. “Agreeable to your request, of the 8th of last month, I now enclose to you a list of the average freight usually paid from this port. The several rates of the respective articles usually exported from hence, have been ascertained by the Merchants who compose the insurance company, and whose information I deem the most to be relied on.…” Df , RG 53, “Old...
15To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 15 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, August 15, 1792. States “There not being a vessel at this port bound for Amsterdam, I have this day forwarded your letter … ⅌ the Brigantine Batavia for Bremen” for forwarding “by the first safe convenance.” Copy, Columbia University Libraries. See H to Williams, August 4, 1792 .
16To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 4 August 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Elizabeth Town [ Maryland ] August 4, 1792 . “The in-closed papers will inform you that a considerable difference is discovered between the instruments used at Philada. and those used at Baltimore, for the ascertaining the quality, or proof, of distilled Spirits.…” ALS , Maryland Historical Society, Baltimore; ADf , Columbia University Libraries.
17To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 27 July 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Ceresville [ Maryland ] July 27, 1792 . “I this day received your letter of the 19 Instant. That my disposition has ever been correspondent to your Wish, for the maintanance of harmony and cordiality, in the department over which you superintend, the whole tenor of my conduct will uniformly evince. I do not even except the instance which has occasioned you the trouble of expostulating; for,...
18To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 28 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
A necessary attention to my health required my leaving Baltimore, for a time, and occasions my writing to you from the vicinity of Frederick town. I have just received your letter, dated the 18th Inst: relative to certain communications by the Commissioner of the Revenue, comprehending a letter from me of the 3d. of May last, to the Surveyor of the district of Baltimore. It is matter of very...
19To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 20 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your favor of the 9th relieved me from some degree of anxiety. I confess that, although I should not have any great objection to its being known that I had presumed to write in defence of the Character of a deceased friend, I would not that my private letter to you on the subject should fall into hands that might magnify my strictures on the conduct of some of the Members of Congress into a...
20To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 4 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, June 4, 1792. On June 8, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “In answer to your letter of the 4th instant, concerning the Cutter, Active.” Letter not found. ]
21To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 4 June 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
By The Act making further provision for the payment of the debts of the United States, it is, by the second section “enacted that an addition of ten ⅌ Centum shall be made to the several rates of duties above specified and imposed, in respect to all goods, wares, and Merchandize which, after the said last day of December next, shall be imported in ships or Vessels not of the United States,...
22To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 27 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, May 27, 1792. On June 5, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have before me your letters of the 18th of March, 18th of April, 8th & 27th of May.” Letter of May 27 not found. ]
23To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 8 May 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, May 8, 1792 . On June 5, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have before me your letters of the 18th of March, 18th of April, 8th & 27th of May.” Letter of May 8 not found. ]
24To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 18 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, April 18, 1792. On June 5, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have before me your letters of the 18th of March, 18th of April, 8th & 27th of May.” Letter of April 18 not found. ]
25To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 5 April 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Your official letter respecting the punctual collecting of duties shall have my particular attention. The advantages expected from your eventual agreement with the bank of Maryland have not been realized by the merchants, owing I understand, to some want of concert among the directors; But I have reason to expect that all will be settled this Week. I am much gratified by your intimation that...
26To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 22 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[Baltimore, March 22, 1792. On March 29, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have received your letter of the 22d instant.” Letter not found .]
27To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 18 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, March 18, 1792 . On June 5, 1792, Hamilton wrote to Williams : “I have before me your letters of the 18th of March, 18th of April, 8th & 27th of May.” Letter of March 18 not found .]
28To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 5 March 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, March 5, 1792. “The misfortunes which have attended the arms of the U States against the Savages very naturally engage attention.… there are perhaps a few who, instead of sympathising, as they ought, in the public concern, find for themselves, consolation in the opportunity of censuring the measures of the Executive.… The Secretary of War, whose friendship I have no reason to doubt,...
29To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 20 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
Inclosed is a list of bonds taken for duties on Merchze pts. of the payments whereof have been postponed, according to law, upon the Merchandize being exported for drawbacks. The certificates of the landing of these goods in foreign ports are not yet returned, and the bonds ought to be put in suit; but as the ⟨–⟩ Sales of part of them at foreign markets have come to hand and I have good...
30To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 8 February 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your letter of the 2d Instant commiting to me the direction of the future movements of the Revenue Cutter; But you have not yet informed me how the hands ⟨are to⟩ be subsisted. I think that it would be cheapest and best to supply them as on board merchantmen. Any bargain with the Captain might be the cause of discontent among the crew, and to draw rations on shore would be...
31To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 23 January 1792 (Hamilton Papers)
The only Brig Hope that I know “which frequents this port” belongs to Stephen Zacharie of Baltimore, a Citizen of the United States, see No. 52, 1790. Mr. Stephen Zacharie is of the House of Zacharie, Coopman & Company. The partners are, Stephen Zacharie , resident in Baltimore, who became a Citizen of the State of Maryland, according to an Act of the Legislature for the Naturalization of...
32To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, [3 January 1792] (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, January 3, 1792 ] Sends “a small account of expences incidental to the receipt and delivery of twelve Bolts of Canvass, which by your order were sent from Boston to this place, and from hence to Norfolk.” Suggests that official papers be sent by water rather than by the post. ADf , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
33To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 16 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I cannot discover by the acts of the Legislature that Collectors have any legal jurisdiction, or controul, over the Officers of the revenue cutters; or that they have, necessarily, any agency in that establishment further than to receive the reports of the Officers and to respect them as authentic documents whereby to ascertain the Cargoes of inwardbound vessels. I therefore conclude that the...
34To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 14 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have received your instructions respecting the Brige. Trimmer and she shall be dispatched accordingly. What you say of disbursements of money actually made may make it necessary to inform you that in the case of the Brig Trimmer, and in others similar thereto (where the matter of illegality was duly reported without reserve, and manifestly without any intention of evading the law) the custom...
35To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 12 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, December 12, 1791. “I have no reason to doubt the probability of receiving a sufficient sum before the first of January next to pay 10,000 Dollars as you desire to Messrs. Elliot & Williams.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. See H to Williams, December 7, 1791 .
36To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 12 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have very lately received a letter which has a reference to your circular of the 5th. of August; and upon reperusing the latter I discover that I have been very remiss, but I hope not censurable, for not replying to some parts of it sooner. My attention to the previous parts, and a supposition that I was not immediately concerned in the latter, produced in my mind, a temperory suspension of...
37To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 12 December 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, December 12, 1791. According to its catalogue description, this letter relates to the “Registry of the Brig Dove, Josiah Parsons, master.” Letter not found. ] Sold by Harvard Trust Company, Cambridge, Massachusetts, 1962. See H to Williams, December 6, 1791 .
38To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 3 October 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
There have lately been two importations of Horses from England into this port—two in each. It was customary, under the laws of this state, which were silent on the subject, to consider live Stock as neither goods, wares nor merchandize; and they were consequently admitted duty free. The Laws of Congress are silent also, and the custom is continued. But I am not confident enough to rely upon...
39To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 13 August 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
The Brigantine Hawke, Robert Hathaway, Master, arrived at this Port the 28th February last from Havre de Grace, having on board sundry articles of Merchandize, the duties on which amounted to sixty one dollars and eighty four Cents agreeable to the enclosed abstract. The Brigantine Hawke was registered ninety eight tons, but some circumstance induced the Surveyor of this Port to remeasure her,...
40To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 10 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
According to the advice of Physicians, and the importunity of some of my friends, I left Baltimore and business with an intention of going to the Sweet Springs for the recovery of my health, which is much impaired and am thus far on my Journey. I have here the honor of recieving your letter of the 4th instant with the papers relating to the seizure of Messrs. McRea and Morrisons goods. I...
41To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 4 June 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have, this day, received, under cover, a letter from you to Messrs. Elliot & Williams, which I shall forward by the first opportunity. This day, also, I have received a letter from Mr. E. Williams, dated “Fort Washington May 3d. 1791.” informing that he was preparing to leave that Country, and expected to be in Hagarstown in all this month, June. He also informs that he will forward in the...
42To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Your circular letter came to hand last evening. I do not apprehend, Sir, that you allude to any illegal, or improper receiving of duties in this office. The laws of Congress, according to my comprehension of their meaning, have always been adhered to here, with the utmost possible exactness; But as my conception of some parts of the “act to provide more effectually for the Collection of the...
43To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 23 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
I have the honor, now, to enclose you an acct. of the emoluments and disbursements of my office for the year 1790. The compensation of the Collector, you will observe, is small; and, when compared to the multifarious duties required of him, disproportioned to his services. A general view of the laws respecting duties will show that the Collector is, in his district, principally responsible for...
44Enclosure: Account Statement, [23 May 1791] (Hamilton Papers)
Fees from the 1 January to the 31 March inclusive 274.18 Commission as allowed in a/c at the Treasury 90.30 364.48 Fees from 1st April to the 30 June inclusive 427.62 Commission allowed in a/c at the Treasury 294.36 721.98 Fees from 1st July to the 30 Septr. inclusive 298.30 Commission—in a/c at Treasury 62.15 360.45 Fees from 1st October to 31 Decemr. inclusive 337.14 Commission—in a/c at...
45To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 9 May 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, May 9, 1791. “I transmit you a copy of a report of the Surveyor of this district respecting a compari[s] on of Dycas’s Hydrometer with the Substitute. This is the first report which I have received upon the subject, and in consequence have directed the Surveyor to discontinue the use of the Substitute.” ADfS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives. This...
46To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 14 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
In answer to remarks of the Comptroller, on my account Current, ending the 30th September last, I have had occasion to reply at some length. There will not probably be any essential difference between the final Opinion of the Comptroller and my own, on the subjects of his remarks, unless it may be on a charge for the rent of a publick warehouse. On that subject I had the honour to address you...
47To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 8 February 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, February 8, 1791. Explains apparent discrepancy in “last Weekly return of monies received and paid … from the 29th January to the 4. February 1791.” States that the “credit for Forfeitures” in “the preceeding return, to wit from the 22nd. to the 28 January … arises upon the Sales of two parcels of condemned Merchandize which ought to have been credited last year.” ADfS , RG 53, “Old...
48To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, January 26, 1791. Acknowledges receipt of Hamilton’s circular letter of December 18, 1790 . Returns a “broken thermometer with the expectation of being furnished with one that may be more safely conveyed.” ADfS , RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
49To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 26 January 1791 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, January 26, 1791. “… there is an expedient (which I have some reason to suspect has been practised in this District) to elude the necessity of navigating ships by Masters Citizens of the United States , in order to entitle them to the privileges of American Bottoms, against which I do not discover any provision. It is thus. A Citizen, Owner of a ship, has her registered in due form,...
50To Alexander Hamilton from Otho H. Williams, 29 December [1790] (Hamilton Papers)
The Brigantine Hope, No. 52, was registered in this district on the eleventh day of October last, at the instance of Mr. Stephen Zacharie the Owner. The Vessel was purchased for him at a foreign Port, where the laws of Congress was not sufficiently attended to and the form prescibed by the eleventh section of the law for Registering & clearing of Vessels &c was not observed. The Master...