©2008 The Johns Hopkins University
The collection was purchased in 1939 from H.R. Hughs of Richmond, Virginia.
Access to the collection is unrestricted.
John McGill Papers, MS 43
Special Collections,
Milton S. Eisenhower Library,
The Johns Hopkins University
John McGill was a lawyer in Urbana, Virginia (in Middlesex County), and flourished between 1827 and 1848. He acted as a collection agent for Baltimore firms owed outstanding debts by Virginians residing in King and Queen, Gloucester, Middlesex, King William and Matthew counties (between Richmond and the Rappahannock River). His incoming letters indicate how closely knit the Baltimore community was: new clients almost always were referred by old. McGill's work took him frequently to Baltimore, as evidenced by receipts for stays at Barnum's Hotel and purchases at local merchants.
In addition to his collection duties, McGill had power of attorney for some firms, most notably that of J. Hopkins Brothers and Company, a large grocer. The business was located at Pratt Street Wharf (c. 1829-1938), and later at Lombard and Grant Streets (c. 1839-?). This give McGill the responsibility of both collecting debts owed to the firm and acting on accounts payable.
McGill administered the estate of fellow Virginian, Colonel William Shepherd, a resident of Churchville in Middlesex County. It is not clear if he was a relative or business associate. Receipts and daybook entries in the collection outline the disposition of the estate.
The bulk of the incoming letteres are from Baltimore merchants, and describe their claims--names, dates and terms. Often, this information was placed on a separate piece of papers. In some cases, the statement but not the letter has survived; these are filed with the incoming letters by merchant name.
The letters are arranged alphabetically by correspondent.