101To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The publication in Major Jackson’s paper to which the enclosed alludes I have not seen. I know not its Object nor the quarter whence the information proceeded. But the Statement of Com. Truxtun in its material parts is correct to my knowledge and to the knowledge of many of the inhabitants of Balt. My commentary upon his text is that he is anxious to be appointed at the Head of the Navy Yard...
102To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Mr. Enoch S. Lane First Lieutenant of Marines has occasioned a vacancy in that corps. I beg leave to suggest the propriety of filling up the vacancy and at the same time to present for your consideration Mr. Love who has been recommended in such a manner as to induce a belief that he will do credit to the Appointment.— With high respect I am Sir yr. ob Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a...
103To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A Purser is required for Gunboat No 1, under Command of Lieut. Lovell. Mr. Carr for whom the enclosed warrant is intended has heretofore acted in the station of Purser with credit to himself and advantage to the public and is one of that grade of officers who retired under the peace establishment act. If you approve of this nomination I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed...
104To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
From the enclosed letter you will perceive that the Conduct of young Cooper has been as was apprehended before his appointment . His attrocious Conduct has not been concealed from me, and I have had it in contemplation for some time to submit to you the propriety of revoking his Warrant. It has however taken a better Course, as it will now be less painful to the father. But by the bye I have...
105To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
You will herewith receive Capt Truxton’s letter.—Of all the improprieties which folly & insolence have lately exhibited this letter is surely to be classed among the most exceptionable. But what must this man’s ideas of decorum be, when in this grossly disrespectful letter he can assert “that nothing like disrespect is intended” and what must be his ideas of the dignity of government in...
106To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Not being able to decipher the name of the writer of the enclosed letter I have to ask the favor of you to fill up the Blank with the name of his son in the Warrant herewith sent and then to return it to me You will herewith receive dispatches from Preble. From them we may conclude that peace will not be with Tripoli, before the arrival of Barron’s squadron. But it is a problem not easily...
107To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 6th. I have to inform you that the Gun Boats are building at Boston, New-York, Philada, Balt. Washington Norfolk, Charleston & Savannah. I have found it would have been hazarding too much to attempt the building of them at any places excepting those where there were Navy agents, skilful superintendants & experienced Naval Constructors. After we shall have well...
108III. From Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
1st. Section The Offences enumerated in the first Section of the proposed Law are Treason, felony, misdemeanor, breach of the peace and breach of the Revenue Laws. Treason cannot be committed but by a person owing allegiance to the U. States and therefore the Commanding Officer of a foreign armed vessel cannot be guilty of it. A felony cognizable in the Courts of the U. States cannot be...
109To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Phipps is well known here. He is an inoffensive, well disposed man; but he is incapable of discharging the duties of a Lieutenant or of a Sailing Master on board a Man of War. From a principle of Charity in consideration of his age he has been retained in service. He may have claims for a pension but he certainly has no pretensions to promotion. And the letters produced by him only form...
110To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
When Mr Ludlow was Navy Agent I received a letter from the wife of Danl Baldwin exhibiting him to our view as an Object of Charity, and soliciting some employment for him at the Navy Yard of New-York. Not knowing his pretensions or qualifications I referred him to the Navy Agent and at the same time authorised mr Ludlow in his discretion to assign him some suitable station. Mr Ludlow in his...