1To James Madison from Robert Smith, 13 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to request that you will be pleased to send me an order on the Director of the Mint, permitting Mr Harrison, or an artist under his direction, to use the Machine for striking Coins, for the Medal intended for Capt Truxtun. I have the Honor to be sir, very respectfully Your Mo ob servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State)....
2To James Madison from Robert Smith, 23 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have received from a friend intimations which induce me to think that the son of G. Christie is not qualified for the appointment of Consul. This may be a subject of some delicacy. But to such unpleasant situations we are frequently exposed. With great Esteem I am sir, Y st. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Christie”). Docketed by Jefferson. For Gabriel Christie’s efforts to...
3To James Madison from Robert Smith, 3 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1802, Navy Department. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 29 July and informs him that Lieutenant Chauncey will be instructed to deliver $30,000 to Algiers. “In the event of the money not being applied as intended, Commodore Morris will be instructed with respect to receiving it back.… Mr. Chauncey will also be instructed to receive and deliver the Gun carriages as you request.” RC ( DLC );...
4To James Madison from Robert Smith, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Navy Department. Encloses a letter “this day received” from Israel Whelen in reply to a 26 Mar. letter from Smith requesting information about the stores due to the dey of Algiers. “As the subject is new to us, I beg the favor of you to let Mr Wagner make out a list of the articles wanted.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary...
5To James Madison from Robert Smith, 11 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 May 1803, Navy Department. Encloses for JM’s information a copy of a letter to Mackenzie and Glennie, navy agents at London, “containing general instructions for the liquidation of claims against the U States, for supplies that may be furnished any of our Public ships by any of his Britannick Majesty’s Agents—also directions for the payment of an account enclosed to you in a letter from...
6To James Madison from Robert Smith, 13 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1804, Navy Department. “Immediately on receiving your letter of 30 ult —I called on Capn Morris for the information therein required—& yesterday received from him two letters of which the accompanying are true copies.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; docketed by Wagner....
7To James Madison from Robert Smith, 21 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1804, Navy Department. “I enclose a letter from John Tilden to me [not found]. “There was a John Tilden in the Navy service. He was appointed a Midsn. in January, ordered to the Brig Norfolk in April, and resigned in December 1800. He was the Son of Mr. Marmaduke Tilden, who has long been a Resident of Kent County Maryland. He was of respectable discent. I have no doubt the Writer of...
8To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1804, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose an estimate of the value of the articles comprehended in the ‘invoice given to the Consul of the United States at Algiers—to be furnished by the United States on account of the annuity which will be due on the 5h seper 1804.’” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). RC 1...
9To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1804, Navy Department. “We are in want of a Set of the Laws of the United States for Commodore Barron, and if you can furnish me with a Set I will be oblidged to you if you will do it.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to the Secretary of State). 1 p.
10To James Madison from Robert Smith, 3 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 3 July 1805, Navy Department. “Will you be pleased to send me an order on the director of the mint, to permit George Harrison esquire navy agent at Philadelphia, or an artist under his direction to use the machine for striking coins in the case of the medal for commre. Preble—& to furnish the necessary aid in preparing the steel to sink the die on.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML );...
11To James Madison from Robert Smith, 23 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 23 January 1806, Navy Department. “I have the honor herewith to conclose [ sic ] for your information a copy of my letter to Captain S Decatur jr and Doctr Go Davis, with their answers relatively to the Tunision Zebeque and prises captured in the spring of 05 by the fregate President.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). 1 p. For enclosures, see...
12To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 6 March 1806, Navy Department. “I enclose for your perusal a copy of a letter from the British Consul at New York to Captain Chauncey, & a copy of Capt Chauncey’s answer. “Capt. Chauncey commands the Brig Hornet now at New York.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). 1 p. Enclosures not found, but see n. 1. The letters presumably dealt with Thomas...
13To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 August 1806 (Madison Papers)
A man of fair character has this moment informed me that a Captain Cowper of Norfolk has lately been at St. Augustine and then became a Spanish Subject—that he engage to equip for the Spanish service three privateers—that he has been equipping one at Norfolk—that a person of the name of Robinson is to be one of her Lieutenants. Under the supposition that this may be the vessel mentioned to you...
14To James Madison from Robert Smith, [15 April] 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed sketch of my proposed answer to Mr Erskine I yesterday morning gave to Mr Gallatin for his consideration—And last Evening I gave him in a short note the intimation which Mr Erskine gave me yesterday at your house. Unexplained there is no understanding it. But I presume he means to say this morning, that he has authority to fix with us the day , when the orders in Council shall...
15To James Madison from Robert Smith, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed papers shew the temper of the B. Govt. with respect to our late arrangement with Mr Erskine and induce a strong presumption that no adjustment consistent with our interest or our honor can be made with that infatuated nation. It would seem that Erskine is to be superseded by Mr Jackson, who may every day be expected. You will be pleased to state to me what answer, as to time, I am...
16To James Madison from Robert Smith, 26 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The papers by the Northern Mail of this day just received I hasten to forward to you. They are interesting and further evince the necessity of our being all here. Mr Erskine, it is expected, will be here this Evening. For our satisfaction and for his own justification, it is probable, he will shew me his instructions. He and Mr Canning appear to be fairly at issue and, strange to imagine, upon...
17To James Madison from Robert Smith, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 27h. It would seem that Mr Erskine has taken great liberties with his instructions. Of this I had not the slightest suspicion when I was writing my two last letters. And a knowledge of this diminishes the necessity of your return or of the Call of Congress. One of his reasons for not Communicating in Extenso this instruction is now apparent. It was a...
18To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive that the enclosed papers from Gov. Claiborne state a Case, which has not been provided for by the Act of Congress. It is to be hoped that it will not occur. If it should, as is apprehended by the Governor, what instructions ought to be sent to him? Ought any to go in anticipation of such an event? I have acknowledged the receipt of the enclosed letter from Genl Turreau and...
19To James Madison from Robert Smith, 8 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is the only Original despatch which has been received by Mr Jackson. Not having time to have a Copy of it I send the Original. It indicates, as far as mere Conversation with Mr Canning can indicate, something like a change of temper on the part of the British Govt. To judge from the extent of his establishment it would seem that Mr Jackson was disposed to remain a long time among...
20To James Madison from Robert Smith, 11 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive copies of letters which I have received from Erskine & Jackson and my answers. I have deemed it proper to introduce into my Answer to Jackson some Civility. It may do good. It can’t do harm. Besides, the Comity of Nations, as well as good sense, requires, and especially in the beginning, a style of deportment which would not imply a latent hostility. I have informed...
21To James Madison from Robert Smith, [29 October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet sufficiently regained my health to give the necessary attention to Mr Jackson’s last letter. But it appears to me that we can’t consider it a satisfactory explanation, especially after having so solemnly declared that to be satisfactory it must shew not merely a violation of instructions but must moreover shew reasons strong & solid. What then are the reasons which we can admit...
22To James Madison from Robert Smith, 14 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 February 1810, Department of State. Relays to JM for transmittal to House of Representatives copies of various documents related to the House resolution of 5 Feb. requesting the orders and decrees of France and Great Britain “violating the lawful Commerce and Neutral Rights of the United States, except such parts, as may, in his Judgment, require secrecy.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233,...
23To James Madison from Robert Smith, [23 June?] 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr Lowry is a good Republican, of unblemished Character—understands the French & Spanish languages—a regular bred Merchant—about 30 years of age—his talents good. RC ( DLC ). In pencil. Addressed to “The President.” Dated 1809 in the Index to the James Madison Papers . Conjectural date assigned on the basis that Lowry probably traveled to Washington after 21 June and evidently had left the...
24To James Madison from [Robert Smith?], ca. 12 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 12 July 1810. Mentioned in JM to Smith, 17 July 1810 . Forwards letters from Gov. David Holmes and Robert K. Lowry and a copy of his reply to Lowry.
25To James Madison from Robert Smith, 5 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I came from Balt to the office on Monday to attend for a few days to its general affairs and arrived just in time to receive & to forward to you Mr Moriers letter. I have in a letter to him acknowledged the receipt of it and have intimated to him that you would probably be at Washn in the course of the first week of the next month. The papers, as prepared, in the case of the proposed return of...
26To James Madison from Robert Smith, 26 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 26 September 1810. Described as a two-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2). Also referred to in Smith to JM, 28 Sept. 1810 . Concerns the drafting of a proclamation to be issued upon the revocation of the French decrees. Smith probably enclosed as well a letter (not found) from William Harris Crawford of 27 July 1810 (Crawford to...
27To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
In my last letter I took the liberty of intimating to you that I would by the next Mail forward for your consideration a sketch of a proclamation to be issued upon the revocation of the Fr. Decrees. This was my first idea, formed, indeed, without having considered the subject and under the impression that the same Course would be pursued as was taken in the case of Erskine’s arrangement. Upon...
28To James Madison from Robert Smith, [14 October] 1810 (Madison Papers)
Would it not be well to annex to the despatch to Mr Pinkney that part of the first letter of Mr King which relates to Blockades marked with a pencil // // ? P. S. Owing to a very severe cold I will not be able to accompany to your house Mr Jarvis. But I will send him. RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers); enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain). Date of RC assigned on the basis...
29To James Madison from Robert Smith, 11 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
The funds, which had been provided by law for the relief and protection of destitute American Seamen in foreign Countries, have been rendered this year inadequate to their contemplated object by the extensive seizures of our vessels in Europe, and the effect thereof on the situation of the crews. The advances, which have been necessarily made by our Ministers and Consuls to supply the wants of...
30To James Madison from Robert Smith, [17 January] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment seen Col McKee. He says he will immediately proceed to the Country in question and will be happy in affording to his Country any services in his power but that he cannot go thither in the Character of a Secretary. I hasten to give you this information in order that arrangements may be made for fixing upon a proper person as Secretary to Matthews. Respctfy RC ( DLC ). In...