To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 February 1802
From Robert Smith
Nav Dep 8th Feb 1802
Sir:
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed Commissions & Warrants—they are wanted for the Surgeon’s mate1 recently appointed—& for other Commd & Warrant2 long since appointed, who have lost their Commissions & Warrants—
I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your mo. ob. st.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 8 Feb. and “commissions” and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).
1. FC: “Surgeon’s mates.”
2. FC: “commd. & warrant officers.”