To George Washington from Christopher Richmond, 20 July 1794
From Christopher Richmond
Collectors Office Baltimore 20th July 1794
Sir
It is with concern and regret, that I announce to Your Excellency, the Death of General Otho H. Williams late Collector of this Port. He died on Tuesday Morning the 15th instant at a place about thirty miles beyond Winchester on his way to the Sweet Springs.
If, Sir, in the new Arrangement of the Custom House; which will of course follow from the demise of the late Collector; I may be found worthy or eligible to hold a place—I beg leave to assure you that no endeavors on my part shall be wanting, to do, and to procure to be done; every possible thing for the Interest of the Revenue of the United States.1 I have the Honor to be with very high respect Sr Your most obedient Servant
C. Richmond
Depy Collector Port of Baltimore
ALS, DLC:GW.
1. Richmond quoted this paragraph in letters to Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton (not identified) and to John Wright, Richmond’s assistant as agent to settle the accounts of Maryland with the United States. According to the letter to Wright, the letter to Hamilton solicited his "interest, and recommendation to such an Appointment; as you may think me capable of filling." The letter to Wright, of 22 July, informed him about Richmond’s initiative and his preferences in regard to office, so that Wright could "use them at discretion" and "be prepared with my sentiments, in case I should be thought of" (DLC:GW). Wright wrote GW on 25 July, enclosing for GW’s "perusal" Richmond’s letter without further comment (ALS, DLC:GW).