51To 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.
52To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is a private letter in answer to one of the same kind from me. In calling it private I mean that it is not to be filed among the publick letters. It is submitted to your Consideration. If it should hereafter be deemed expedient to send to Europe Com. Preble, it would not be proper to accede to any proposition so vague and indefinite as that made by him in relation to his expences....
53To 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.
54To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This Subscriber begs leave humbly to Sojest to your Exelancy that on ain Excursion to the North & Westerly part of the State of New york, That he discovred large quantities of pot Perl ashes & provisions of all Kinds driving & Carying to the Head Waters & leading Streams to the Lakes Onterio & Champlain & all other posable pasages to the River St. Lawrance at the Shoars & Banks of places...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter of W.C.N., which you submitted to my consideration, I have read. His ideas have my unqualified approbation. He concurs, I perceive, with me in two points upon which I, in Cabinet, stood alone—namely, the expediency of an immediate call of Congress & a demand of the punishment of the offending British Officer. Most fervently & sincerely do I wish that the result may shew the...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are the only papers that have been sent to me in the Case of Neale. If there had been others, they would of course have been filed with the letter of the 30h. Sep. Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
57To 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.
58To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mem. Sloops of War } Siren } at Washington. } could all be prepared for sea by the time their officers would join them.
59To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you herewith a nomination to the Senate of Dr. Saml. D. Heap to be a Surgeon in the Navy of the United States. Dr. Heap acted in the capacity of a Surgeon’s mate from Apl. 1804 to Aug: 1805, and from the latter period to the present time as a Surgeon, and in both capacities he has acted with distinction for the periods above stated on the Mediterranean Station...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your note in relation to Mr. Tarlton Webb—I will accordingly have his name placed on the roll of applicants—There are no vacancies at present in the corps of midshipmen; but when vacancies shall occur, the application of Mr. Webb shall be respectfully considered. I have the honor to be with great respect sir, yr. mo: ob: st DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
61To 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...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your letter of the 10th ins, & the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th ins, therewith sent to me, I have the honor to enclose a statement of the circumstances attending the destruction of the frigate Philadelphia, with the names of the officers & the number of men, employed on the occasion. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Yr. mo ob st. RC ( DNA :...
63To 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...
64To 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.
65Proposed 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...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose herewith 15 Commissions and 15 Warrants to which I have the honor to request your signature. They are required for Officers hertofore appointed but not yet Commissioned, and for some few Appointments which it may be necessary to make for the Expedition now preparing for the Mediterranean. I am with respect sir, yr. mo ob st. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of...
67To 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...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In the course of a few days the sailing instructions and other communications will be forwarded to the Commanding Officer of the John Adams. Having but your qualified approbation of the accompanying Commissions I deem it proper to return them to you for that reconsideration which you may be pleased to give them. I would only remark that I have not Considered the peace -establishment-Act the...
69To 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.,
70To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is submitted to your Consideration—I will have some Conversation with you upon the Subject in the Course of a few days— Your Humbl Ser RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 4 Mch. 1803 and so recorded in SJL with notation “Tingey”; also endorsed by TJ: “Tingey’s applicn for advancd allowance.” Enclosure: probably Thomas Tingey to Smith, 1 Mch....
71To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed just received I hasten to transmit to you. Mr Crowninshield, it seems, is of the opinion that the requisite notice could not be given by one vessel. He perceives great danger in sending a publick vessel to any port where the British are, as suspicions of war might be thus excited among the British—Would there not be the same hazard in sending a publick vessel to the Straits of...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I have just received from Capt Tingey. In my answer to Com. Truxtun I have meerly informed him that it would be submitted to you. Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
73To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith Abstracts of the Warrants on the Treasury issued by me for the use of the Departments of War and Navy, and the balances remaining on hand, for the Week ending the 15th Inst. I have the honor to be Sir with the highest Consideration & respect your most obt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); in clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ...
74To 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...
75To 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.
76To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of informing you that a Commission of Captain in the Navy of the U. States has been sent to Mr Stephen Decatur Jun. Y. St. S. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 15 Nov. and “Decatur” and so recorded in SJL . Smith here canceled “dated.”
77To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16h. I have had the honor of receiving. I had the satisfaction of seeing Mr Gallatin but for a moment. From New York he is to inform me of the several points at which gun Boats will be necessary. On my part every attention will be given to those calls, but I fear my limited means will not enable me to go far. An order has already been issued to Decatur to look well to the...
78To 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...
79To 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.
80Abstracts 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 "
81To 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...
82To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9h. I have had the honor of receiving. To Mr Gallatin I forwarded the enclosure immediately with the requisite instructions for Com: Rodgers and an explanatory letter for Mr Gallatin. The same arrangement had indeed been some time since made by me. No gun Boats could be put upon the proposed service but such as could be spared from New York and I have submitted to M Gallatin...
83To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Instead of proceeding to Washington immediately and of returning, as suggested by you, in the Course of a few days for the purpose of adjusting my private affairs, I have determined to postpone my removal until Saturday next. The state of the health of one of my sons irresistiby demands my immediate attention. Under the advice of the Physicians I will tomorrow take him and Mrs. Smith to a...
84To 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”;...
85To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
There are eight vacancies in the Navy, of Lieutenants—The Gentlemen mentioned in the accompanying List , are the eldest in rank of the Midshipmen— I have the honor to be respectfully, Sir, your mo ob: st: RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 28 Feb. and “Nominns” and so recorded...
86To 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...
87To 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...
88To 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...
89To 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.
90To 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...
91To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A number of Commissions are required for the Navy Officers whose Appointments have been lately confirmed by the Senate. Herewith I enclose 20, (the number necessary) to which I have the honor to request your Signature. I am respectfully Sir, yr. ob servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the...
92To 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...
93To 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...
94To 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...
95To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mem— We possess already but two gun boats—and in the general Estimate provision is made for the expences of only these two The costs of the gun Boats cannot yet be accurately ascertained. I am rather inclined to think that each Boat will cost from 5000 to 6000 Dol—The Ship builder in Kentucky asked 9000 Dol— RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 22 Nov....
96To 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...
97To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The subsistence of the seamen was not inserted in the last statement sent to you because we have provisions enough without any additional appropriation— Y H S RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 29 Jan. and so recorded in SJL with notation “gunboats &c. defence harbours”; also endorsed by TJ: “communication examination of my lre to mr Nicholson on...
98To 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...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your request founded on the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 26th. ulto. I have the honor to state to you, that the number of the Frigates of the United States, is the same as was represented in my Report of the 28th. January 1806 to the Honorable the House of Representatives, and that, there has not been since any material change in the state of any of them...
100To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Commodore Preble has in the most importunate and impressive manner entreated me to recommend to you the promotion of Masters Commandant Charles Stewart and Isaac Hull to the rank of Captains in the Navy. mr. Stewart I personally know. His manners are those of a well bred Gentle man. He has had the advantage of a Classic liberal Education and is considered by all an elegant Officer—Mr. Hull I...