81To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Considering it important to give our Constituents soon a view of the Special Message of yesterday and beleiving that it requires nothing but the reading of it to recommend the measure to the thinking part of the people, I would thank you to let me have a Copy of it. mr Madison also wishes to have an Opportunity of also taking a copy of it—Whatever you send to me the Original or a Copy will...
82To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that the Gunboats cannot be sent to New-orleans at this time consistently with the appropriations of the law of the last session of Congress— Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
83To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed by Mr Nicholson that he will not accept the Office of Collector and understanding that you will receive addresses signed by many merchants in favor of Mr Brice & Mr Dolozier I owe it to you to inform you explicitly that these two gentlemen are by us justly classed among the Federalists and that the appointing of either of them would be very painful to your political friends of...
84To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had made my arrangements to set out for Washington tomorrow, but the death this morning of a near & dear relation the eldest son of Genl Smith will detain me here a few days. I do not think I shall be able to leave my much afflicted relations until monday next. Respectfully & affecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
85To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your favor of yesterday. Being much engaged in some private affairs of moment that cannot be postponed I fear I shall not be able to set out for Washington before next Thursday. But surely I will be with you as soon as I possibly can Let me, however, entreat you not to postpone any measure on account of my absence. I am indeed extremely happy you have Offered the...
86To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Most sincerely do I regret that I had not known your opinion of Mr Meade some weeks since. I have myself no personal knowledge of him or of any of his family. But from the representations of Gentlemen of high respectability in whom I have great confidence I was induced to appoint him Navy Agent. Had I had the most distant idea of your impressions of him you will be fully sensible the...
87To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed blank warrants required for the purpose of filling up the vacancies which are frequently taking place in the different Corps of Warrant Officers. I am respectfully Sir, yr mo ob st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
88To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am extremely sorry that the Tunisian Minister should have given us additional difficulties. Not knowing what course in this delicate case would be to you the most agreeable I have deemed it adviseable to postpone issuing any orders until your determination be known— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
89To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt Hull has this instant informed me that he omitted giving me the name of the Purser of his Brig vizt. Mr Goldsborough. He seems distressed at this oversight, as no Officer is more deserving of notice. The Nautilus, Captain Evans, has arrived this morning. In the course of the morning I will have the honor of presenting him to you— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
90To 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....
91To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I some weeks since received the enclosed—I deem it proper to submit it to your eye altho it is not an Official letter—At your leisure you can look at it—Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
92To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Navy agent has been instructed to pay to mr. Reich to the full amount of the memm. which you furnished me. This he will not accept. Presuming upon your friendly interposition he treats with disdain every proposition made by us. And he has allowed himself to talk so much about what you would direct to be done, that with some in Philada it has become a question whether you will interfere in...
93To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Cuttings note accords with all the information I have received respecting Capt. Ingraham as Navy Agent. Beleiving him to be in all respects well qualified for the duties of the appointment I have given him the Office. Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
94To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your favour of the 19h ins. & agreeably thereto & to the opinion of the members of the Administration who are in Washington, I have not forwarded to Commre Rodgers the proposed letter countermanding the orders of the 12h Octr. 1805, as to sending home the Essex, the sloops of war & the gun boats. I have on the contrary recalled his attention to your orders of...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
From the enclosed letters you will perceive that Comre. Rodgers proposes to keep in the Mediterranean the Vessels that had been conditionally ordered home by letter dated Oct. 12. 1805 under the reasonable presumption that we did not then know the state of things with Tunis. My letter however by the Hornet of March 22. 1806 conveying to him the information that we have no reason to believe...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the enclosed papers for some time. Knowing your engagements I have not troubled you with them. When you are quite at leisure—you will look at them. They merit some attention—Yr H S MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
97To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your signature a number of Commissions which are wanted to commission the Lieutenants authorized by the Act of the 21 April 1806. I am with high respect Sir, yr ob st: DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
98To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Having obtained a sight of the bill now before the Senate entitled “an act in addition to an act entitled “an act supplementary to the Act providing for a naval Peace Establishment; & for other purposes”, I lose no time in informing you that under the restrictions of such an act of Congress The Chesapeake, as contemplated by you, cannot be sent to the Mediterranean—The proposed Act, among...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I consider it proper to submit to your consideration the proceedings of William Lyman Esq Consul at London in relation to the Ship Huntress, and her Cargo consisting of Provisions & Stores for our Squadron in the Mediterranean—I would however premise, that, Mr. Lyman not having made to me any kind of Communication upon the Subject the only information I possess is derived from papers that have...
100To 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.
101To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hornet to be commanded by Capt Dent is the vessel that is to take the despatches. To accomadate Mr Gallatin New-York is the port whence she is to sail. The enclosed Afflicting letter compells me to leave Washington abruptly—I have left at my office all necessary instructions. Yr St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
102To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you have the goodness to return to me the Statement sent to you a few days since in order that I may, as proposed by you, add to it the Cost of the timber & other articles used in the gun boats built here Y St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
103To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon finding that Capt Tingey had not, as was his duty, reported to the Dept the timber and the tr used in the building and equipping of the gun Boats of this place I without delay called upon him by an Official letter for the requisite information and I have this moment with a view to hasten the report to me sent to him your note. Capt Tingey having been under Orders to keep an exact account...
104To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed papers do not suggest one new idea. These are old plans upon which we have made important improvements as the British Officers at Gibralter and Malta have admitted. The writer of the letter must be as unprincipled as he is imprudent and is utterly unworthy of your notice. I trust I do not go too far in advising you not to answer such a letter at all—Respectfully DLC : Papers of...
105To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The information I possess respecting the harbour of Beaufort is—that on the bar at low water there are 22 feet & that the tide ebbs and flows from 6 to 10 feet. The ground seawards from the bar is very good holding ground and Ships may safely ride there during the summer months and in fact it may be considered an Outer Harbour. Hunting Island landlocks the harbour so much that there is very...
106To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of your recommendation I sent to Thomas D. Chamberlayne a Midshipman’s Warrant. To my surprise it was yesterday returned with my letter under a blank cover. I send the Cover to you in order that you may, in case you know the hand-writing, ascertain to whom this indecorum is to be attributed— Ys &c DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
107To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing can be more clear than that the manner of returning the Warrant &c is to be ascribed altogether to inexperience— Ys &c DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
108To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Is it not going too far to take upon yourself to assert positively that there is sufficient reason to believe what you have stated in the last page as Contemplated and intended by France and that you are without doubt as to her dispositions—Could not the idea be conveyed with equal advantage without your assuming so much responsibility. Is there any necessity for you to commit yourself by...
109To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officers that I will have the honour of presenting to you tomorrow morning about 10 OClock and that are the most proper to be noticed by you are Capt Decatur & Lieutt. Trippe Capt Stewart & Lieut Wetherstrandt Capt Shaw & Lieut Murdock Capt Chauncey & Lieut Leonard— After these gentlemen shall have waited on you, their invitations may be sent to my Office and my Messenger will deliver...
110To 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...
111To 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
112To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Gallatin has abandoned the idea of desiring the collectors to deposit in the hands of the Navy agents monies to be applied to the payment of the crews of the expected frigates—and has recommended the mode stated in the return letter addressed to him. This form has, I understand, been pursued in similar cases— It is necessary that the enclosed letter from me to mr Gallatin be sent to his...
113To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Bill drawn by Wm Higgins on me for $. 212 has been this moment presented to me for payment.— This bill is, I suspect, on your account: I have accordingly referred the holder to you. If it should not be on your account, you will be pleased to let the holder return to me. Respecty MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
114To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Proposed Bill for establishing a naval Militia provides that such Militia shall be formed into Companies each to be commanded by a Lieutt. Commandant & a 2nd. Lieutenant, and that every Company so Commanded shall be liable to perform duty on any of the publick armed vessels of the U.S. In every such case then the Militia Company would be under the Command of not only their own Officers but...
115To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the papers I left with you this morning you will find a Statement of the expenditures this year that had not been contemplated in the Estimate for the year 1805. Some of this you will perceive were imposed upon the Navy Department by Occurrences in the Mediterranian—Some by resolutions of Congress directing certain payments without making any appropriations—and some of them were incurred...
116To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It has probably not escaped your Observation that there has been some coolness between Com. Truxtun and myself. It proceeded from a misunderstanding on his part of my views in relation to him when he had last the Command of the Cheasapeak. This misunderstanding was occasioned by certain federal misrepresentations to him. Through the interposition, however, of several respectable republicans we...
117To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having this instant received the dispatches from the Medn by the frigate the president I hasten to forward them to you. I have not retained them long enough to give them a Careful reading. Many of the Officers late prisoners at Tripoli have called upon me. They all say positively that if Lear had persisted in not giving a Ransom for them, peace would not have been made at all and that the...
118To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 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...
119To 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...
120To 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...
121To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
No despatches came, as I had expected to the Navy Dept., in the Vessel that brought to Salem the pleasing account of peace with Tripoli, and I presume none came from Col. Lear to the State Dept.—A publick Vessel was no doubt immediately sent with despatches. And I fear some accident has prevented her arrival. It will I presume, be found that the peace has been accelerated by the movements of...
122To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Hand Bills are at this moment flying in all directions through this city announcing a peace with Tripoli upon terms advantageous and honourable to us. It is said that despatches to the Executive have come by the said Conveyance. I have not yet received mine. It is probable—nay I may say certain that our War with Tripoli is at an end but upon what terms and in what way it has been effected I...
123To 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.
124To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Should you approve of the appointment of Mr. Town to a 2nd. Lieutenancy of Marines, I request your signature to the commission herewith sent. The enclosed letters recommending him for the appointment, will explain to you his qualifications. I am with high respect Sir, yr. mo ob Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
125To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am extremely happy in informing you that the Transport Frigate the John Adams and all the Gun Boats excepting the one that put back into New York have safely arrived at Gibralter and that after mounting their guns there they proceeded thence to join the Squadron. Although the frigates passage was short vizt. 30 days yet the guns boats notwithstanding their having been in several very severe...
126To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be pleased to give your signature to the enclosed Blank Commisions & Warrants? They are required for gentlemen already appointed, & others that it may be found necessary to appoint— I have the honor to be with the highest respect sir, yr mo obt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
127To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Should you approve of the appointment of Mr. Jno Williams to a lieutenancy in the corps of Marines, I request your signature to the enclosed commission. The letters herewith transmitted will explain to you Mr William’s qualifications. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo ob s. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
128To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be pleased to give your signature to the enclosed blank commissions?—they are wanted for surgeon’s mates & other officers of the Adams & of the Hornet. I am with great respect sir, yr mo ob st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
129To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I request your signature to the enclosed warrants—They are wanted for midshipmen & other officers for the Ship Adams & the Brig Hornet. I have the honor to be with great respect, sir, yr mo ob servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
130To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 1st with its enclosure I have this moment received and be persuaded I well know how to appreciate such a Communication. As I shall leave this for Washington on the 7th (Sunday) I will bring the papers with me.—I would at this time only remark that as to the case of the lady there is not a Gentleman in the U. States of either party who does not hold in detestation the pitiful...