To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Purviance, 21 August 1794
From Robert Purviance
Baltimore, August 21, 1794. “I am to Acknowled[g]e the receipt of your favor of the 14 Instant, covering a Letter to the Exec[u]tors of General Williams1 and another to Mr. Richmond2 his late Deputy.… The backward state in which the late Collectors Books stand at this moment, leaves me at a loss to Judge when I shall be enabled to pass a receipt for the Bonds and other property of the United States.… I must Observe, that ever since Mr. Delozier left the Collectors office,3 the Accts have gradually fallen behind, occasioned from a want of Clerks and a proper person to conduct so important a trust.…”
ADfS, RG 53, “Old Correspondence,” Baltimore Collector, National Archives.
1. Letter not found. In his will, dated June 5, 1794, Otho H. Williams had designated his wife, his brother Elie Williams, William Smith, and Dr. Philip Thomas as his executors (, 341).
2. Letter to Christopher Richmond not found.
3. Daniel Delozier had been deputy collector of customs at Baltimore.