To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 January 1802
From Robert Smith
Nav Dep 19th. Jan 1802
Sir:
I do myself the honor to enclose a List of gentlemen, recommended for Surgeon’s Mates in the Navy.
The Chesapeak & Constellation are both in want of officers of this grade—
Mr. Rogers—of this city—has been recommended by judge Kilty—Mr. John A Smith—of Georgetown, by Doct. Worthington & others—Mr. Jos W New, by his father Colo New—& Mr Alexr. Mc.Williams has been appointed for a considerable time past, & acted on board the United States on her last cruise
If you should see fit to nominate these Gentlemen to the Senate, we have employment for them all—
I have the honor to be with great respect, Sir, your mo ob sr
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Th Jefferson Esq Pres U States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 19 Jan. and “Nominations” and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP). Enclosure: an undated, unsigned address to the “Gentlemen of the Senate,” nominating William Rogers of Maryland, Alexander McWilliams and John A. Smith of Columbia, and Joseph W. New of Virginia to be surgeon’s mates in the United States Navy (MS in DLC, in same clerk’s hand, endorsed by TJ; FC in Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).
On 1 Feb., TJ nominated William Rogers, John A. Smith, Joseph W. New, and Alexander McWilliams to be surgeon’s mates. The Senate approved the nominations on 4 Feb. (, 1:406, 407).