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Original 1784 Handwritten Letter from Brig. Gen. Samuel Smith & John Smith of Baltimore to Col. John Fitzgerald of Alexandria — Mentions Gen. Daniel Morgan & Possibly Dr. David Stuart (Washington’s Inner Circle)
Item Description:
Offered here is a remarkable original letter dated December 16, 1784, written by Brigadier General Samuel Smith and his cousin John Smith, prominent Baltimore merchants and early American patriots. The letter is addressed to Colonel John Fitzgerald in Alexandria, Virginia. This handwritten document is an exceptional example of post-Revolutionary War correspondence between some of the nation’s most influential military, political, and commercial figures.
The letter discusses a financial draft for £31.11.10 and includes mention of Gen. Daniel Morgan, and a Mr. Stuart—very likely Dr. David Stuart, the Alexandria physician and confidant of George Washington. Together, these names represent a tightly connected network of military, political, and mercantile elites shaping the new American republic.
Transcription (excerpt):
“Viz four £’s which you’ll receive of condition this with. Has Mr. Stuart & all the wheat or what quantity—Has Gen. Morgan yet’d any more flour…”
Signed:
\"Sam & John Smith\"
Baltimore, Dec 16th, 1784
Addressed to:
Col. John Fitzgerald, Alexandria
Historical Significance:
This letter provides a rare window into the postwar networks of Revolutionary War officers and merchants, just one year after the Treaty of Paris formally ended hostilities. It reflects not only the movement of goods and funds but also the enduring relationships among key players in early American governance, trade, and military leadership.
Biographies of Referenced Individuals:
Brigadier General Samuel Smith (1752–1839):
A decorated hero of the American Revolutionary War and War of 1812, Samuel Smith served as a Brigadier General (later promoted to Major General) in the Maryland militia. He commanded the successful defense of Baltimore during the British attack in 1814—a moment that inspired The Star-Spangled Banner. He was also a long-serving U.S. Congressman and Senator from Maryland, and later became Mayor of Baltimore. In commerce, he and his cousin John were instrumental in turning Baltimore into a premier shipping and export hub.
John Smith:
Samuel’s cousin and business partner, John Smith co-founded one of Baltimore’s most successful merchant firms. While he did not serve in the military, he played a key role in America’s early grain trade and maritime commerce. Together with Samuel, he helped position Baltimore as a vital commercial center during the 1780s and beyond.
Colonel John Fitzgerald (c. 1740–1799):
A Revolutionary War officer and aide-de-camp to General George Washington, Fitzgerald later became a major figure in Alexandria’s commercial and civic life. He was instrumental in founding the city’s first Catholic church and served as its mayor. A close associate of Washington, he moved in the highest political and military circles of the early Republic.
General Daniel Morgan (1736–1802):
An iconic Continental Army commander, Morgan is best remembered for his brilliant leadership at the Battle of Cowpens (1781), which helped turn the tide in the Southern campaign. He later served in Congress and remained a symbol of Revolutionary grit and leadership.
Mr. Stuart (likely Dr. David Stuart, 1753–1814):
Referred to in the letter simply as \"Mr. Stuart,\" this is likely Dr. David Stuart, a Virginia physician, political figure, and confidant of George Washington. Stuart married Eleanor Calvert Custis (Washington’s stepdaughter-in-law) and served as one of three commissioners appointed by Washington to help design the capital city of Washington, D.C. He was active in Alexandria and Virginia politics.
Condition:
Original ink on laid paper, handwritten on both sides
Fold lines with expected wear for age
Minor seal tear and some ledger-style annotations in margin
Beautifully signed and historically rich
A Rare Opportunity:
This letter connects multiple figures within George Washington’s circle—military leaders, political allies, and business partners—during a pivotal moment in early U.S. development. It is a significant collectible for historians, institutions, or anyone passionate about the founding generation.
Ships securely with archival-safe materials and insurance.
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