11To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed has some relation to the Case of the Officer of the Marine Corps some days since submitted to your Consideration. His proposed bargain is an additional evidence of his meanness. With great respect Your Mo. Obed Servt RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received 26 Oct. and “Lt. Church” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures: (1) Jonathan Church to William...
12XII. Robert Smith’s Remarks on the Draft Message, [on or before 21 November 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
page 1st . I sent a small squadron of frigates into the Mediterranean with overtures of conciliation and with instructions to assure the Bey of Tripoli of my cordial disposition to preserve with him a State of peace; but with orders at the same time, in case of a declaration of war by that Regency, to protect our Commerce against depradation and our Citizens against Captivity. The Measure was...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
As it is probable that the frigate Boston may remain on the Mediterranean Station, and as Capt McNeill would in such case be improperly continued in service contrary to the determination of the Executive , I have conceived that some arrangement ought to be made to prevent such an impropriety. The enclosed letters have been prepared with that view and are submitted to your Consideration. Be...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 December 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Under the impression that the President will be obliged to send to the Medn. Squadron new orders in consequence of measures, which, there is reason to believe, will be adopted by Congress and that such orders will be conveyed in the Enterprize, it is believed that the proper Officers ought to be ordered immediately to that vessel. For this purpose it is proposed to send the accompanying...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed Warrants— The persons for whom they are intended have been recommended by Capt. Murray —those stations being vacant on board the Constellation. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, Your mo ob hb sr. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Honble Th Jefferson Prest U States”; endorsed by TJ...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed Commissions & Warrants—they are wanted for the Surgeon’s mate recently appointed—& for other Commd & Warrant long since appointed, who have lost their Commissions & Warrants— I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Your mo. ob. st. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President United States”;...
19To 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”;...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 February 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for Charles Benson —of Fredericksburg William Holmes . of Columbia To be Midshipmen in the Navy. Mr Benson is the Gentleman recommended to you by Mr. Mercer—Mr Page & others—Mr. Holmes is a smart young man of this place—There are Vacancies enough to admit their appt.—& if you concur, the enclosed warrants will require your Signature. I have the honor...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
For some weeks I have been much importuned by Mr Brown respecting the Marine Barracks . I have invariably referred him to the propositions prescribed by you, which were some months since sent to him as your ultimate determination. I have, however, in consequence of his pressing solicitation this day taken the liberty of sending the enclosed to you. It is proper, Sir, to inform you, that under...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed warrants for— Daniel Eldridge Sailing Master. James Watson Boatswain. Robert Myers Carpenter. With much respect yr mo: ob: 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 Department on 10 Mch. and “Nominations” and so recorded in SJL . FC ( Lb in DNA :
23To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the Warrant herewith enclosed for Samuel Johnson as a Gunner in the Navy, he is now acting on board the Adams, & is well recommended by Capn. Preble. With great respect, I have the honor to be Sir Your mo. obt Sert. 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...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The young Gentleman to whom the enclosed letter is addressed, has been recommended by Mr. Page , for reinstatement in the navy. If you have no objection the enclosed letter shall be forwarded. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45 , LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Enclosure: Smith to Hugh Wallace Wormeley, 25 Mch. 1802, informing Wormeley that he has been reinstated as a midshipman in the navy and...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Warrant is for a young Gentleman recommended by Col Burr. If you approve his Appointment be pleased to give the enclosed Warrant your Signature I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your mo obt St. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President U:States.”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 29 Mch. and so recorded...
26To 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...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, [1 April 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I have received this morning . There are some incorrect statements in it with respect to me as well as yourself. His suggestions, in his opinion, ought to be regarded as Laws. I have prepared the dispatches for Capt Morris and have herewith sent them for your approbation— RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 1 Apr. 1802 and “Truxton’s...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Charles Ludlow for whom the accompanying nomination is intended, has been mentioned to me in terms of very high Approbation, by many respectable Nautical gentlemen—He is intended for the Adams. 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 United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Neilson the writer of the enclosed Letter is a Gentleman of respectability in the State of Maryland. And no person Contributed more than he did to the triumph of Republicanism in that State. Yours Respectfully RC ( DNA : RG 59 , LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 22 Apr. and “Doctr. Raphl. Smith to be Superintt. hospitl. N. Orleans” and so recorded in SJL ....
30To 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...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John R Leaycraft of New York, & Mr. Drury M. Allen of Buckingham County, Virginia, have been strongly recommended for Midshipmen in the Navy— I therefore do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for them, wc. require your signature, should you concur in their appointment— I have the honor to be, most respectfully, Sir, Your ob servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for Jno. N. Canon—Boatswain & David Loring—Gunner— Should you approve their appointment these Warrants will require your signature— These gentlemen have been in the frigate President, her last cruise—& are highly recommended by Commdre. Dale & Capt. Barron. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your most obt servt. RC ( DLC ); in a...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you Warrants for Mr J Downes & Mr. L. Alexis , which will require your signature should you approve their appointment—also a Commission for Doct Smith — The two first mentioned of these gentlemen have been serving in the capacity of acting Midshipmen for several years—They are mentioned in very handsome terms by their Commanding officers. Doct. Smith was out in...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith a Warrant of Midshipman for William Sim . He is the son of a very meritorious officer in our revolutionary War.— With much respect, I have the honor to be, Sir, Yr mo: ob: 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 Department on 12 June and “Midshipman” and so recorded in...
35Robert Smith’s Observations on the Charges Against Arthur St. Clair, 15 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Observations upon the charges against Governor St. Clair— 1st. Charge is not established. It was not an usurpation, but an exercise of a legitimate power. The Ordinance of Congress has expressly given to the Governor the power of laying out the Territory into Counties and Townships subject only to this qualification—that the Legislature may thereafter make any alterations therein. The division...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the Commission herewith enclosed for Lieut Philomon C: Wederstrandt : This Gentleman has been heretofore Commissioned, but as his Commission was filled up on a blank, originally intended for a Warrant, he is desirous to have it exchanged. With the utmost respect I have the honor to be Sir Your mo. obt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9h. I had the pleasure of receiving yesterday. The disposition manifested by the Emperor of Morocco is evidently hostile and evinces a determination to go to War with us unless we abanden the expedition against Tripoli. And the unhappy affair of Capt McNeill with the squadron of Tunis cannot but have involved us with that power. This state of things demanding immediate...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain James Barron and some other Officers of the Navy who have been heretofore commissioned but whose Commissions for the want of proper blanks being then ready were filled up on such as were originally intended for Warrants, are solicitous for the sake of appearance, to have them exchanged; I have therefore the honor to request your signature to the 15 blank Commissions transmitted...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
From the dispatches herewith sent you will perceive the state of our affairs in the Mediterranean. I am seriously apprehensive that Commodore Morris may not have considered himself authorised to retain the Boston and that, if he has retained her, he will not, with the addition of the New York, be able to protect our Citizens. The Enemys Coast is so extended that the dangers are great. And the...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your letter of instructions of the 23d I have put in Commission the additional frigate. I have selected the John Adams because she is the smallest and of course the Cheapest and she will, besides, answer all the purposes of the largest frigate. Dispatch is of the Utmost importance. Notwithstanding the oppressively hot weather we have been progressing with the New York with an...