Scope and arrangement
The collection consists of two letters dated 1778 March 20 and 1791 March 16, written by W. Smith at Philadelphia to "Dear Madam" (Elizabeth Graeme Fergusson). The recipient's identification is based on Smith's reference to "the papers of my dear Anny," her niece's nickname; the description of her financial affairs; and his greeting in both letters to her companion, Miss Stedman. His letter of 1778 March 20 apprises her of efforts being made by her friends in the Pennsylvania Assembly to restore her property rights, and shares news of mutual acquaintances and the progress of the war. His letter of 1791 March 16 concerns his plans to attend a sale she was holding. A later annotation mistakes the writer for William Smith (1727-1803), provost of the University of Pennsylvania, also known to Fergusson; his handwriting differs substantially from that of physician William Smith.