HISTORY BY HAND

original historic handwritten manuscripts, documents and letters

a division of Jonathan Sheppard Books

Item Number: DM4008

The Deposition: Deposition dated 13 May 1791 and signed by James Ogleby, flour merchant, attesting to the work performance of Joseph Smith, a port of Baltimore inspector.  In the form of a question and answer, Ogleby is asked how Smith generally conducts himself at his job.  He responds that Smith always appeared “active and vigilant – I have heard many masters of vessels say that he was an industrious and careful inspector - ” and further states that he has seen Smith around the wharves from sunrise to sunset.

In addition to Ogleby’s signature, the deposition contains the signature of “O. H. Williams” as Collector of the Port of Baltimore. 

Size: 8 1/8" high x 7 1/4" wide. Some minor discoloration and a small separation at one of the folds. Otherwise, very good.

Background Information: Otho Holland Williams (1749 - 1794) was born in Prince Georges County, Maryland, the son of Joseph and Priscilla (Holland) Williams and served in the Revolutionary War during the siege of Boston. He was wounded and captured at Ft. Washington, New York and imprisoned by the British. He was released as part of a prisoner exchange, and returned to fight at Monmouth, Camden, Kings Mountain, Guilford Court House, and Eutaw Springs. A brigadier general, he was a member of the Society of the Cincinnati.

He became naval officer of Baltimore in late 1783, and was appointed customs collector for the port by President Washington. He planned, founded and gave his name to Williamsport Maryland. He died on July 15, 1794.  His life portrait was painted by Charles Willson Peale sometime between 1782 and 1784.

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