210

fully, had fallen heir to the family estates, accord-
ing to the Virginia laws in force at that time.⁴⁵

At the beginning of its fourth year of existence,
the Republican Star was

Presented... in size equal to any paper on the
continent... the advance in size is not accom-
panied by an advance in the price of the paper
[$2.50].⁴⁶

The newspaper prospered for many years; Smith built
a handsome residence, presided over by his sister, Ann
Smith, on Washington Street, nearly opposite Golds-
borough Street.⁴⁷

There is a record of only three of Smith's ac-
tivities, aside from his polition as editor: for a
time he was a director of the Eastern Branch Bank at
Easton;⁴⁸ he is reported to have been a volunteer in
the company of his brother, Captain George Wishart

Smith, at the time of the alarm created by the attack

upon Fort Michael by the British in 1813;⁴⁹ and on

June 27, 1801, he was appointed postmaster, to succeed
James Cowan; he held tho office until October 30,
1825.⁶⁰

In appearance, Smith was of medium height and

weight, with large features and ruddy complexion; his

45 last on star, March 6, 1877.

46 Republican star. September 7, 1802.

47 Harrison, S. A. op. cit. Biographical annals.

48 Ibid. Biographical annals.

49 Ibid. Biographical annals.

50 Information from the Post-office department.