To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 May 1803
From Robert Smith
Navy depmt.
May 27. 1803
Sir,
I enclose six blank warrants which it is intended to fill up with the names of the following young Gentlemen for Midshipmen
| George W. Barker | recommended by | |
| Mr. Gregg | ||
| John Quynn | Mr. Duvall & others | |
| John R. Sherwood | Jacob Gibson & others— | |
| John Nevitt | R. Bowie & others— | |
| John Pettigrew | Docr. Bullus & others | |
| Thos. Baldwin jr. | Ben. Austin & others— |
Should you approve of these appointments, the enclosed warrants will require your Signature.—
I have the honor to be, with high respect, Sir, yr mo: ob: Servt.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department and “Midshipmen” and so recorded in SJL at 27 May. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).
On 30 May, Smith sent warrants for midshipmen to George W. barker of Pennsylvania; John quynn, John R. sherwood, and John nevitt of Maryland; John pettigrew of Washington, D.C.; and Thomas baldwin, Jr., of Massachusetts. Barker, however, refused to accept his warrant and returned it to the Navy Department (FC in Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSO).