281To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is submitted to the Consideration of the President by his Hmble Sert. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
282To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
This day I received your favour of the 9h. with the application of the Body Corporate for permission to erect a Bridge across the pond of our Navy Yard at New-York. With you I think it just & useful for the General Government to give all possible facilities to State accomodations. Indeed, I class that disposition among the distinguishing characteristicks of our System. The enclosed sketch is,...
283Abstract of Warrants from Robert Smith, 28 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Abstract of Warrants on the Treasurer by the Secretary of the navy for navy purposes, shewing also the Balance on hand for the Week ending the 26th. day of February 1803 Date no. In whose favor & for what purpose amot. of Warrants amot. of Deposits & Balance 1803 Balance from last Report 1758.47 Feby 22 2041 1078 Daniel Murray —Pay & Continge. 115.87
284To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
You will herewith receive the despatches lately received by me from the Medn. To gratify publick anxiety and to give publick opinion the proper direction I have conceived it expedient to publish certain parts of these despatches. Not having seen the communications from Col Lear I would not form an Opinion upon the Treaty. But I must say I had expected a Treaty of a different Character. And...
285To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I request your signature to the 2 Commissions for Surgeon’s Mates (for the J. Adams) herewith enclosed.— I am resptflly sir yr mo ob st DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
286III. Robert Smith’s Remarks on the Draft, 27 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
3d. line— thereof —whereof— 6h. line &c—until a Bond with sufficient sureties shall be given to the use of the U. States in a sum double &c &c with Condition that no assault &c—&c— 12h. & 13h. lines—As the Captains of these vessels may not distinctly know the distinction between a lawful & an unlawful search and between the lawful and unlawful use of the arms on board, would it not be proper...
287To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It would seem from the tenour of the Communications from our Ministers at Madrid that they were mortified not only from their failure in the negotiation, but from the manner of its being conducted on the part of Spain. Its unfortunate termination, be the motives of Spain what they may, has brought us to a Crisis that demands great consideration. That nation, throughout the whole of her recent...
288To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I deem it proper to inform you that, Congress having made no appropriation for the service of the Navy for the year 1806, I am not in possession of the means of sending the Brig Hornet to sea on the intended cruise— I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo o St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
289To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon receiving your favor of the 21st. I immediately desired the Navy Agent of this place to inform me whether a fast sailing small Vessel could be procured for Porto Rico—upon what terms and where she could be put to sea. As soon as this information shall be Obtained it shall be communicated to you. As you recommend the sending of a person, we shall, I fear, be obliged to send Capt. Tingey...
290To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Promotions in the Navy of the United States shall take place by Seniority or by appointment in the following proportions Viz: Captains, Masters Commandants, and Lieutenants shall be appointed one Half by Seniority and one half by the Choice of the President who in the exercise of such Choice will be altogether influenced by considerations of the respective professional merits of the several...
291To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of informing you that a good & suitable Vessel can be procured at this place to proceed to Porto-Rico and thence to any other port or ports that may be found to be necessary. One Thousand Dollars must be paid for going to Porto-Rico and if necessary to go to any other port or ports then as much additional as in the opinion of two Respectable merchants ought to be paid. We...
292To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Smith, 31 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, May 31, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of a letter from Hamilton enclosing “a Bond from Mrs. Hammond of Baltimore to Thomas & Richard Lee of Leeds bearing date the 20th. Sepr. 1788.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith was practicing law in Baltimore at the time this letter was written. In 1801, he was appointed Secretary of the Navy by Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found....
293To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The accompanying papers exhibit another melancholy instance of the remark of Erasmus—“Homo homini lupus”— As, however, these unhappy men, Hansen, Tingey and Cassin, in their mutual accusations, have asked for a Court of Enquiry they are, I presume, as is usual in such cases, to be indulged. Although many of the allegations, thus brought by these men against one another, may not be established,...
294To James Madison from Robert Smith, 17 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Blanks in the Commission, & in your letter to the Commercial Agent of the United S: at Batavia I have filled with the name of John W Clallan Esqr. and the following is a copy of a note by me signed and annexed to your letter. Resp DNA : RG 45—Letters to Secretary of States.
295To 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 );...
296Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very friendly letter of the 10 h I have had the pleasure to receive. A nd most sincerely do I thank you for this additional instance of your goodness and for the interest you so kindly take in whatever concerns me personally. I am happy in learning that your rural occupations afford you so much gratification. After having so usefully devoted to your Country so many years, you are...
297To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Wm. S Butler , the son of Genl Butler, is desirous of entering the Navy as Midpn.—There are now vacancies, & I think his appointment would be a good one. If you concur, your Signature will be necessary to the enclosed warrant. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, your most obt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Prest. U States”;...
298To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Com. Preble has caused a vacancy in the Corps of Captains in the Navy of the United States. To fill up this vacancy, I enclose a Commission for John Shaw Esquire, the Senior Officer in the Corps of Masters Commandant—and to fill up the vacancy in this latter Corps which will be made by the promotion of Capt. Shaw, I enclose a Commission of Master Commandant for Mr. P. C....
299To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Doct S. Robinson has been highly recommended to me for a Surgs. Mate in the Navy—& I think he would make a good appointment—His services are wanted— I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir your Mo: ob: sr: RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Prest. United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 2 Feb. and so recorded in SJL...
300To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the enclosed in order that you may perceive the movements of the Spanish troops from Pensacola to Baton Rouge in the extract marked +— RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 22 Nov. 1804 and “movement Span. troops to Baton rouge” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure not found, but see below. A widely reprinted extract of a letter from Baton Rouge,...
301To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The young gentleman for whom the enclosed is intended, has been recommended by Colo New for reinstatement in the Navy. With your approbation the enclosed letter shall be forwarded. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, your mo obt RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Prest. UStates”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 30 Mch. and...
302To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving from you the Communication of nathaniel Cutting Esq in which he has submitted to your consideration the expediency of appointing him to an Office similar to that of “Surveyor General of the Admiralty” in Great Britain—As no such Office has been created by the competent Department of the Government, however sensible we may be of the useful talents of Mr....
303To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrant. It is wanted for Mr. Ludlow one of the Midshipmen of the President who has been some time acting but of whose Christian name I am as yet ignorant. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Midshipman Augustus C. ludlow served on the frigates President , Essex , and Constitution in the Mediterranean from...
304To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Are the enclosed in conformity to your ideas? If not, will you be pleased to note the necessary alterations—It would be well to let the Secretary of the Treasury see them— Respectfy &c &c. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
305To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 March 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
You must know I have been waiting for an answer to my letter of respecting asking of you some aid having in the 1800 did the Deed that made you President of the United States, you must know it is 24 years this fourteenth of May that I left Philadelphia and travelled through (Delaware) Wilmington to Baltimore that I left Baltimore the 13th of June or thereabout to Chestertown and to Easton:...
306To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
There is too much reason to fear that it is our Store-ship that has been taken by the Spanish privateer. But when I consider the numerous documents on board of her all shewing the cargo to be the property of the U. States and destined for our Squadron in the Medn. I cannot allow myself to apprehend that she will be detained one moment after she is carried into port & her papers examined by any...
307To John Adams from Robert Smith, 15 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of herewith transmitting to you, for your acceptance, an impression of the medal, presented, to the late Commodore Edward Preble, in pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 3rd March 1805. I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir, yr. mo. ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
308To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
1st. page. 5th. line—Might not the word “ peaceable ” be omitted—To Congress it conveys only what they know—and to Europe it may convey too much—Some of the Nations of Europe have evidently been presuming too much upon our peaceful dispositions— 2nd. page √ 17th. line—harbours blockaded —Blockade is a technical term and has an appropriate meaning—In that sense it is not intended I trust, to...
309To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are respectfully submitted to your Consideration. I will have the honor of calling upon you tomorrow for the purpose of receiving your ideas on the Subject— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
310To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose warrants as midshipmen for the following Gentlemen, Thos. D. Chamberlayne— Designated by yourself, Alexr. Jas. Dallas. Recommended by Mr. Dallas his father. Ths. Ap C. Jones
311To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
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...
312To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress passed the 21st April 1806 it is provided, that the whole number of able seamen ordinary seamen & boys, to be employed in the Navy, shall not exceed 925 We have at this time in actual service about 700. The Chesapeake requires 292 The Wasp 120 1112 Exceeding the limited number 187 1112
313To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of acknowleging the receipt of your favor of the 9th in which you were pleased to propose to me the department of the Navy. Sincerely do I lament that you have been constrained to turn your attention to a person whose education and habits have not sufficiently prepared him for the various duties of this Office. Unqualified, however, as I may be at the beginning, I am disposed...
314To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have addressed you several letters to you and, sented to you of my going to Claibourne for you in the year 1800—It was me that put into the Annapolis paper Md a to bring forward G. D. Duwald who wrote essays that made you the President of the US. and I think you should assist me having laboured for you as you are on decline of Life I should think you should assist me with a few Dollars at...
315To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In addition to the Instructions to Commodore Morris copy of which had been transmitted to you by the last Mail , I have found it necessary to send to him further powers of which the enclosed is a Copy. From the best information I have been able to obtain through various channels these Gun Boats will be indispensibly necessary. Accept the assurances of my high respect— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by...
316To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The motion for abolishing the office of Lt. Colo. Commdt. of the Marine Corps having been rejected, I take the liberty to enclose a nomination for that office. The Gentleman proposed is now the senior officer of the Corps. FC in Lb ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); in a clerk’s hand. Enclosure: suggested message to Senate, “Gentlemen of the Senate, I nominate Franklin Wharton, now Senior Officer in the...
317To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that you have not received correct information as to the political character of Thomas Robertson, I deem it proper to state to you that he & his family are among the prominent opposers of the Republicans in the State of Maryland— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
318To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 February 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
have addressed you letter prior to this expecting you would notice me. I having taken an active part at the Election in the year 1800 Being a printer I had some advantage as I could get a line put into Mr Greens paper at Annapolis and this step that made you President of the United States of America—I am now indisposed & shall thank you much for a few Dollars and it will be remembered you must...
319To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for your signature 30 blank Warrants—they are wanted for midsn—boatswains, gunners, sailmakers & carpenters—When you shall have signed them, I beg the favor of you to have them returned to me. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, yr mo ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed...
320To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Jas Roach , the young gentleman for whom the enclosed Warrant is intended—has been mentioned to me in terms of approbation— Should you approve his appointment, the enclosed will require your signature— I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo ob: st. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President U: States”; endorsed by TJ as received from...
321To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There are six vacancies in the corps of navy Lieutenants. To fill these vacancies, I submit the Nomination herewith transmitted, to your consideration. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo ob. Servt I Nominate, Walter Winter—of Maryland,—a midshipman from 22 march 1799, George H Geddes—of Delaware—a midshipman from 14 Octr. 1799, George Merrill—of Connecticut—a midshipman from...
322To 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...
323To 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...
324Draft of Robert Smith to William Pinkney, [ca. 9 November] 1809 (Madison Papers)
By the frigate L’Africaine I transmitted to you copies of my letters to Mr Jackson bearing date the 9 & 19 of October and also a Copy of his letter to me bearing date the 11h. October. You will by this Conveyance receive duplicates of those letters and also the sequel of the Correspondence consisting of three letters from him of 23 & 27 Oct & of the 4 Nov and of two letters from me of the 1st...
325To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of Sending to you herewith, for your Consideration a Copy of a letter from me to Captain Tingey, and also a Copy of his report to me upon the Several objects therein Submitted to him. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obt Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy...
326Robert Smith to Francis James Jackson, 9 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 October 1809, Department of State. Expresses regret that British government has disavowed the agreement signed with David Erskine and then sent by the new British minister no explanation of this disappointing act. States terms understood to be the price Great Britain would exact prior to an official revocation of the orders in council now hampering American commerce. If there is any...
327To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to send, for your signature, a Commission for Stephen Decatur junior, to be a Captain in the Navy of the United States. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect sir, y mo ob servt. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 23 May and “Decatur” and so recorded in SJL with notation “post...
328To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The friends of Mr Town are, as has been privately intimated to me, so solicitous in his behalf that a disappointment will be to them no small mortification. We may from their solicitude and their assurances presume that he is qualified for the Station he wishes to occupy. Such an Officer is necessary. Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
329To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of a conversation with the Secr. of State, it has been deemed expedient to add the accompanying to the communication to Mr Blount this morning sent to you. I am with great respect sr y o st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
330To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the Senate I Nominate, Humphrey Magrath —at present a sailing master Charles C. B. Thompson } at present midshipmen James P. Wilmer