61To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, with Jefferson’s Note, 7 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I came over this morning to submit to you the propriety of procuring Carronades for the Small Vessels we are about building. All practical men prefer them to Cannon. But the Cost of them not being Comprehended in my Estimate they cannot be Obtained but under the appropriation in Brackenridge’s Bill .—I wish to have your Opinion upon this Subject Respectfully [ Note by TJ :] I should approve of...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the Conversation I had with you some days since respecting the Compensation to be allowed to Capt Tingey I have Offered to him the same pay & emoluments which he would have been entitled to receive, if he had remained a Captain of the Navy. This he does not consider sufficient. Herewith you will receive Copies of my Letter & his answer. I find that in the hurry of your...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Constellation Capt Murray is arrived and is now in the Eastern Branch. Her crew will be discharged immediately. As nothing but a formidable force will effect an honorable peace with Tripoli and repress the dispositions of the other Barbary powers to hostility, would it not be adviseable to send immediately to the Medn either the Constitution now lying at Boston or the Philad now lying at...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 April 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
As the Governor of Massachussetts has in a letter to the Secretary at War renewed his application respecting the Cannon and other Stores Obtained from that State in the year 1798, I consider it proper to send to you the enclosed Copies of letters, which will give you a view of the part of the Case for which this Department has been responsible. The Books and papers of this Department have been...
65Abstracts of Warrants from Robert Smith, 2 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Abstract of Warrants drawn on the Treasurer by the Secretary of the navy for navy purposes, shewing also the balance on hand for the week ending the 30th. day of april 1803— Date no. In whose favor & for what purpose amot. of Warrants amot of Deposits & Balance 1803 Balance from last report 121,982.95 apl. 26 2120 Alexr. Kerr assignee of Keith Spence— } Pay &c. m.c. 145 00 "
66To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present for your approbation, Pascal Paoli Peck , of Rhode Island, James Marshall of Virginia, & Robert Gamble of Pensya. to be Midshipmen in the Navy.— Mr. Peck is highly recommended by Governor Fenner and others; Mr. Marshall, by Colonels Taylor & New, and Mr. Gamble, by Capt. Jones, Mr. Muhlenburgh, Mr. Beckley and other Gentlemen of Phila.— Should you approve of these...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The accompanying statement No 2—exhibits a view of the exact state of the Navy appropriations on this day. Presuming that it will be agreeable to you, I shall in future lay before you, similar statements weekly . I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, yr mo ob st RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President United States”; endorsed by TJ...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
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.
69To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
A number of Boatswains, Gunners, Carpenters and Sailmakers are wanting for the Squadron now preparing for the Mediterranean . I therefore enclose 20 blank warrants to which I have the honor to request your Signature.— with high respect, I am Sir yr. 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...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I think with you that Morris ought to be recalled by the Nautilus. And I will send orders accordingly. The permitting him to return in his own frigate is a great indulgence. I have no expectation that any thing of importance will be effected by the Squadron now out. With great respect I am Sir Your Ob. Ser. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 18 June and so...
71To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose 12 blank commissions to which your Signature is requested.— They are wanted for Officers who have been heretofore appointed but not properly commissioned, their appointments having been made out on blank warrants.— With high respect, I am Sir, yr mo: ob: Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President of the U. States”;...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present for your approbation as Midshipmen in the Navy, Gilbert H. Smith recommended by Judge Kilty & others— Francis B. Whiting .— John Smith Esqr. Va. Dl. P. Ramsey — Mr. Strode— Chs. Jones — Mr. Merriweather Jones thro’ Mr. Madison.— If you approve the above nominations, the enclosed warrants will require your signature.— With high respect, I am Sir, yr mo: ob Servt.
73To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I am greatly pleased with the ideas suggested in the proposed amendment of the Constitution and I sincerely hope that they will be adopted by the legislature of the Union. But I am rather inclined to think that they ought not all to be ingrafted upon the Constitution. Your great Object is to prevent Emigrations excepting to a certain portion of the ceded territory. This would be effectually...
74Proposed Amendment to the Constitution, 9 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
An Amendment proposed to the Constitution to be added to S. 3. Art. 4. Louisiana being in virtue of the Treaty &c incorporated with the U. States and being thereby a part of the Territory thereof, Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the same as fully and effectually as if the same had been at the time of the establishment of the...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a blank warrant for your signature to be filled with the name of Joseph Nicholson as midshipman should you approve it—He is son of Capn. S. Nicholson of Boston, and is recommended by Commodore Preble— I have the honor to be with much respect Sir yr. obt. Serv. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy...
76To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon my return to Balt. last Evening I found your favor of the 8th. and hence it is that I have not had the honor of answering it sooner. The two schooners equipped at this place have sailed some days since. The frigate Philadelphia left the Capes of Delaware on the 27h. of last month. The other frigate the Constitution, according to the information that has been conveyed to me, ought to have...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d enclosing Mr. Simpsons letter to Mr Madison I have received. I am extremely sorry to find that the plan of having made in Europe the gun Carriages for the Emperor of Moracco cannot take effect. I am yet satisfied that the plan was at the time proper. Subsequent events, it seems, have rendered it impracticable. I am also much distressed that Mr Simpson did not deem it...
78To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
From Genl Dearborns answer to my letter respecting the gun carriages I find that the War department cannot supply them, and that there are not, as I had imagined, any artificers belonging to that department. I also perceive that the Secretary at War cannot possibly by any means have them built. I have however since the receiving of this answer been making such arrangements that I am enabled to...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d Ult informed me that the disposition manifested by the French Government had rendered it necessary that we have a public armed ship ready to sail on the 31st. Oct to carry the ratification and if possible the Stock to France and at the same time suggesting the expediency of employing the last of the small vessels in this service. At the time of my receiving these...
80To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 October 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The sickness of my Children continues and appearances are at this moment very afflicting. Mrs. Smiths extreme anxiety has for several days made her consider it necessary to watch over them day & night. It was my intention to have been at Washn. last Sunday. The painful fear of never again seeing my youngest Daughter has prevented me. I have brought my family to the House of Mrs. Smiths good...
81To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 November 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The names of the Officers I introduced to you are Mr Jenks Lieut Mr Ludlow Lieut, Nephew of Mr Ludlow of New-York Navy Agent— Mr Perry Midshipman who served as acting Lieut— Mr Ellery is his friend— I am sorry to see such an account of the Midshipman . He was strongly recommended by Mr Thompson of Virginia Member of Congress and from the great interest he took in procuring him the Station on...
82To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
*The temperate and Correct Course pursued by our Consul Mr Simpson, the promptitude of Commodore Preble, the effecacious Co-Operation of Commodore Rodgers of the returning Squadron, the judicious conduct of Capt Bainbridge and the general zeal of the other Officers and Men are It is proper to state to you that Rodgers being the Oldest Officer was the person that formed the plan of attack and...
83To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present for your consideration the following Gentlemen to be Midshipmen in the Navy. Jacquelin Harvie Virga. Recomdd. by Mr. Harvie John Lyon Md. Colo. Stricker. Richard Wilson Md. Rt. Brent Esqre. Charles Blake Md. Mr. Nicholson Henry Thomas Md. J. Gibson Esqre. B. F. Rittenhouse Ca. Genl. Smith. of Va.
84To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
To send two additional frigates into the Mediterranean would require an appropriation of about 125000 Dol. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 19 Mch. and “approprn for Meditern.” and so recorded in SJL .
85To 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...
86To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to transmit to you, for your consideration, a copy of the opinion on the conduct of Capt. Richd. V. Morris, formed & pronounced by the Court of Enquiry instituted agreeably to your directions for that special purpose I have the honor to be with the greatest respect sir, yr mo: ob: st RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the...
87To 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...
88To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of sending to you the enclosed for Consideration—If you should be of the Opinion, as I am, that Capt Morris ought to be dismissed without the intervention of a Court Martial, you will be pleased to Correct the enclosed letter so as to please yourself— Respectfully Y H S RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 16 May and “Capt Morris’s case” and so...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for your signature Commissions for the following gentlemen, now Lieutenants { Charles Stewart— Captain in the Navy. Isaac Hull } to be Masters Commandants Andrew Sterett John Shaw Isaac Chauncey John Smith Richard Somers Stephen Decatur & George Cox now Midshipmen { Arthur St. Clair
90To 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...
91To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed Commission for Doctor Hunt as Surgeon’s mate in the Navy. He is intended for the frigate Congress. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” On this day, Smith sent to Dr. Joseph G. T. hunt a commission backdated to 19 Apr. From 1804 to 1806, Hunt served in the Mediterranean squadron on board the frigates...
92To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrant as Midshipman for Mr. Gamble . He belongs to one of the Frigates of the present Squadron and has been some time appointed but owing to his being employed in the recruiting service at New York, has not yet received his Warrant. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Midshipman Thomas gamble served on...
93To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrant for John Mason , Sailmaker. He is intended for the frigate Essex. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Sailmaker john mason served on the frigates Essex and Constellation in the Mediterranean in 1804 and 1805 ( NDBW Dudley W. Knox, ed.,
94To 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...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received with great pleasure the enclosed as it has confirmed me in my favourable dispositions with respect to the young gentleman therein mentioned. I have made accordingly the necessary arrangements about his Rank so far as it could be done consistently with fixed principles. What I have done will, I am confident, be to him perfectly satisfactory. I may have Occasion to remain here...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. I have had the satisfaction of receiving. Before I had left Washington I made all the necessary arrangements for the constructing of the gun-boats. The forms of the letters of instructions have been prepared for the building at Charleston Savanna, Norfolk, Baltimore, Pittsburgh Philadelphia, New York & Boston. We only wait for the drawings which Mr Fox is preparing...
97To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall this day have the honor of sending to you Warrants for the two young gentlemen recommended by judge Tyler. You will however be pleased to inform him that the Frigates intended for the Medn. have their full Complement of Midshipmen and that the first services to be performed by these young men will probably be on board of Gun Boats— Y.H.S. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the...
98To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have unfortunately been suffering since Saturday under the effects of the “ Ague and fever ”. This day I feel as if I was not again to be troubled with it. I shall however not be able to attend the proposed meeting of the Heads of Departments, nor to accept your polite invitation to Dinner. A recruiting Officer is now at Baltimore for the purpose of Obtaining men for the Gun-Boat No. 1. And...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrants for Lucas , Boatswain, and Taylor , Gunner. These officers are intended for the GunBoat No. 1 now equipping at this place. FC ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); in a clerk’s hand; at head of text: “The President of the United States.” James Lucas and William Taylor served on board Gunboat No. 1 ( NDBW Dudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents...
100To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment solicited in the enclosed can with propriety be made. His first employment will be in one of the gun Boats. To me as to you it appears really surprising that so many applications for appointments in the Navy are received from Virginia and Maryland. But the Eastern States have no cause of complaint. All applications from that quarter have been duly respected by us. And if they...
101To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The publication in Major Jackson’s paper to which the enclosed alludes I have not seen. I know not its Object nor the quarter whence the information proceeded. But the Statement of Com. Truxtun in its material parts is correct to my knowledge and to the knowledge of many of the inhabitants of Balt. My commentary upon his text is that he is anxious to be appointed at the Head of the Navy Yard...
102To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Mr. Enoch S. Lane First Lieutenant of Marines has occasioned a vacancy in that corps. I beg leave to suggest the propriety of filling up the vacancy and at the same time to present for your consideration Mr. Love who has been recommended in such a manner as to induce a belief that he will do credit to the Appointment.— With high respect I am Sir yr. ob Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a...
103To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A Purser is required for Gunboat No 1, under Command of Lieut. Lovell. Mr. Carr for whom the enclosed warrant is intended has heretofore acted in the station of Purser with credit to himself and advantage to the public and is one of that grade of officers who retired under the peace establishment act. If you approve of this nomination I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed...
104To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
From the enclosed letter you will perceive that the Conduct of young Cooper has been as was apprehended before his appointment . His attrocious Conduct has not been concealed from me, and I have had it in contemplation for some time to submit to you the propriety of revoking his Warrant. It has however taken a better Course, as it will now be less painful to the father. But by the bye I have...
105To 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...
106To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Not being able to decipher the name of the writer of the enclosed letter I have to ask the favor of you to fill up the Blank with the name of his son in the Warrant herewith sent and then to return it to me You will herewith receive dispatches from Preble. From them we may conclude that peace will not be with Tripoli, before the arrival of Barron’s squadron. But it is a problem not easily...
107To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 6th. I have to inform you that the Gun Boats are building at Boston, New-York, Philada, Balt. Washington Norfolk, Charleston & Savannah. I have found it would have been hazarding too much to attempt the building of them at any places excepting those where there were Navy agents, skilful superintendants & experienced Naval Constructors. After we shall have well...
108III. From Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
1st. Section The Offences enumerated in the first Section of the proposed Law are Treason, felony, misdemeanor, breach of the peace and breach of the Revenue Laws. Treason cannot be committed but by a person owing allegiance to the U. States and therefore the Commanding Officer of a foreign armed vessel cannot be guilty of it. A felony cognizable in the Courts of the U. States cannot be...
109III. 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...
110To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Phipps is well known here. He is an inoffensive, well disposed man; but he is incapable of discharging the duties of a Lieutenant or of a Sailing Master on board a Man of War. From a principle of Charity in consideration of his age he has been retained in service. He may have claims for a pension but he certainly has no pretensions to promotion. And the letters produced by him only form...