31To James Madison from Robert Smith, [23 June?] 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr Lowry is a good Republican, of unblemished Character—understands the French & Spanish languages—a regular bred Merchant—about 30 years of age—his talents good. RC ( DLC ). In pencil. Addressed to “The President.” Dated 1809 in the Index to the James Madison Papers . Conjectural date assigned on the basis that Lowry probably traveled to Washington after 21 June and evidently had left the...
32Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor to forward to you by the last Mail, most of the Papers belonging to this Department, which relate to the Batture . I now send the residue and should add to them a copy of the Instructions under which the Marshal took possession of that Property, were they to be found on our Records. RC ( DLC ); in John Graham’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r...
33Enclosure: Robert Smith’s List of Batture-Related Papers Sent to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
List of Papers sent to M r Jefferson 6 th June 1810 —from the Dept of State. Three Letters from M r Livingston to the Sec y of State the one without date the others dated
34Draft of Robert Smith to John Armstrong, 5 June 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1810, Department of State. Acknowledges letters and enclosures from Armstrong received on 21 May. Protests strongly against France’s decision to seize American vessels as announced in the letter from the duc de Cadore to Armstrong [14 Feb. 1810]. Describes French policy as “an act of violence, which under existing circumstances is scarcely less than an act of war [and] necessarily...
35Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 30 th Ult. and in compliance with the request it contains I have now the pleasure to send you such of the Papers in this Office relative to the Batture , as can be prepared in time for the Mail of today. The residue shall be forwarded by the next Mail. RC ( DLC ); in John Graham’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r...
36Enclosure: Robert Smith’s List of Batture-Related Papers Sent to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
List of Papers sent to M r Jefferson 4 th June 1810— Gov r Claiborne’s Letter. 3 d Sep r
37To James Madison from Robert Smith, 14 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 February 1810, Department of State. Relays to JM for transmittal to House of Representatives copies of various documents related to the House resolution of 5 Feb. requesting the orders and decrees of France and Great Britain “violating the lawful Commerce and Neutral Rights of the United States, except such parts, as may, in his Judgment, require secrecy.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233,...
38Draft 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...
39Robert Smith to Francis James Jackson, 8 November 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
8 November 1809, Department of State. Jackson’s letter of 4 Nov. not only repeats the assertion that American negotiators with Erskine knew the British minister was exceeding his instructions but aggravates “the same gross insinuation.” Thus, to preclude future opportunities for such abuse, informs Jackson “that no further communications will be received from you” and the British government...
40Robert Smith to Francis James Jackson, 1 November 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 November 1809, Department of State. Jackson’s letter of 23 Oct. discloses that Erskine knew he lacked full authority to negotiate. “It necessarily follows, that the only credentials, yet presented by you, being the same with those presented by him, give you no authority” to make a binding agreement. In such circumstances, negotiations carried on by the U.S. “would not only be a departure...
41To James Madison from Robert Smith, [29 October] 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have not yet sufficiently regained my health to give the necessary attention to Mr Jackson’s last letter. But it appears to me that we can’t consider it a satisfactory explanation, especially after having so solemnly declared that to be satisfactory it must shew not merely a violation of instructions but must moreover shew reasons strong & solid. What then are the reasons which we can admit...
42Robert Smith to Francis James Jackson, 19 October 1809 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 October 1809, Department of State. Answers Jackson’s letter of 11 Oct. by explaining the purpose for requesting that communications be in written form. Jackson’s interpretation of the request has “converted an intimation of the expediency [of written exchanges] into a general prohibition of all verbal communications whatever.” The point was to avoid misunderstandings. Requests Jackson to...
43Robert 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...
44To James Madison from Robert Smith, 11 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will herewith receive copies of letters which I have received from Erskine & Jackson and my answers. I have deemed it proper to introduce into my Answer to Jackson some Civility. It may do good. It can’t do harm. Besides, the Comity of Nations, as well as good sense, requires, and especially in the beginning, a style of deportment which would not imply a latent hostility. I have informed...
45To James Madison from Robert Smith, 8 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed is the only Original despatch which has been received by Mr Jackson. Not having time to have a Copy of it I send the Original. It indicates, as far as mere Conversation with Mr Canning can indicate, something like a change of temper on the part of the British Govt. To judge from the extent of his establishment it would seem that Mr Jackson was disposed to remain a long time among...
46To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 September 1809 (Madison Papers)
You will perceive that the enclosed papers from Gov. Claiborne state a Case, which has not been provided for by the Act of Congress. It is to be hoped that it will not occur. If it should, as is apprehended by the Governor, what instructions ought to be sent to him? Ought any to go in anticipation of such an event? I have acknowledged the receipt of the enclosed letter from Genl Turreau and...
47To James Madison from Robert Smith, 31 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have received your favor of the 27h. It would seem that Mr Erskine has taken great liberties with his instructions. Of this I had not the slightest suspicion when I was writing my two last letters. And a knowledge of this diminishes the necessity of your return or of the Call of Congress. One of his reasons for not Communicating in Extenso this instruction is now apparent. It was a...
48To James Madison from Robert Smith, 26 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The papers by the Northern Mail of this day just received I hasten to forward to you. They are interesting and further evince the necessity of our being all here. Mr Erskine, it is expected, will be here this Evening. For our satisfaction and for his own justification, it is probable, he will shew me his instructions. He and Mr Canning appear to be fairly at issue and, strange to imagine, upon...
49To James Madison from Robert Smith, 24 July 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed papers shew the temper of the B. Govt. with respect to our late arrangement with Mr Erskine and induce a strong presumption that no adjustment consistent with our interest or our honor can be made with that infatuated nation. It would seem that Erskine is to be superseded by Mr Jackson, who may every day be expected. You will be pleased to state to me what answer, as to time, I am...
50Robert 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...
51To James Madison from Robert Smith, [15 April] 1809 (Madison Papers)
The enclosed sketch of my proposed answer to Mr Erskine I yesterday morning gave to Mr Gallatin for his consideration—And last Evening I gave him in a short note the intimation which Mr Erskine gave me yesterday at your house. Unexplained there is no understanding it. But I presume he means to say this morning, that he has authority to fix with us the day , when the orders in Council shall...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Shaw who was nominated as a Surgeon in the navy has withdrawn his application. I beg leave to mention to you the name of Doctor Jasper Hand in his place. Doct. Hand was nominated a surgeon’s mate at the same time that Doct Shaw was nominated a Surgeon: tho’ by a mistake in his name made by the gentlemen who recommended him, his name was written Jesse instead of Jasper Hand his real name.—...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed list of surgeons and Surgeons mates is sent to you for nomination to the Senate should it be approved by you.— The Surgeons are required for the vessels now in commission under the act of the 31 Jany; the surgeons mates are also required for these Vessels, and for the Norfolk and New Orleans station. It may be proper to state to you that of the 6 surgeons mates nominated to the...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act intituled “An Act for procuring an additional number of Arms, and for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” passed 11 March 1808— appropriates “for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” 150,000 dollars— During the session of 1808, I received from genl Smith, chairman of a committee of the Senate, a letter asking information as to the additional quantity of salt petre & sulphur which it...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As the order mentioned in the enclosed letter may eventually produce a state of War between the U. States and G. Britain, I have to request from you a special instruction as to the answer proper to be sent to Captain Porter— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
56To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
With respect to young Drayton the midshipman—it is proper to state to you, that there are now in the Navy upwards of sixty midshipmen, who are senior to him in appointment—many of whom rank with the first young men in the country—these would all feel themselves degraded if any junior officer should be placed over them—A reversion of the order of antecedent relations, especially among military...
57To 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
58To 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.
59To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I will wait on for you tomorrow to know your determination as to the service of the frigate Chesepeek—She is completely prepared for any service— Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
60To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The proceedings of the Court not having been yet transmitted to me by Mr Jones the Judge Advocate no notice can at present be taken of the Note of Mr. Hanson—Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.