1To John Adams from Robert Smith, 15 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of herewith transmitting to you, for your acceptance, an impression of the medal, presented, to the late Commodore Edward Preble, in pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 3rd March 1805. I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir, yr. mo. ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
2To John Adams from Robert Smith, 30 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
In reply to your letter of the 25th of this month, just received, I have no hesitation in stating to you, that, at no period, of your administration, did I consider or understand, that any kind of bargain or arrangement had, directly or indirectly, in any manner or form, been proposed or made between yourself on the one part and my brother & myself or either of us on the other part, in...
3To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Smith, 31 May 1789 (Hamilton Papers)
Baltimore, May 31, 1789. Acknowledges receipt of a letter from Hamilton enclosing “a Bond from Mrs. Hammond of Baltimore to Thomas & Richard Lee of Leeds bearing date the 20th. Sepr. 1788.” ALS , Hamilton Papers, Library of Congress. Smith was practicing law in Baltimore at the time this letter was written. In 1801, he was appointed Secretary of the Navy by Thomas Jefferson. Letter not found....
4To Alexander Hamilton from Robert Smith, 20 November 1801 (Hamilton Papers)
Your application to me in favor of Capt Du Buisson was highly acceptable and required no kind of apology. His case has had all the attention which under existing Circumstances could consistently be given to it. I have given him a sum of Money which will accomodate him for the present. Be persuaded, sir, I shall at all times be happy in receiving from you any Communications with which you may...
5To George Washington from Captain Robert Smith, 18 November 1777 (Washington Papers)
The Bearer is kind enough to take Charge of a Packet of Letters brot out by a Flag, all private. Not a Syllable new ’till just now, Some People say a Body of their Troops Horse & Foot march’d last Night. they do not say their Destination. The Flag deliver’d a Message for the Comy of Prisoners desiring in future all Bundles may be directed to the Persons for whom they are intended, & that all...
6To George Washington from Captain Robert Smith, 2 December 1777 (Washington Papers)
Hardly any thing has come out to Day. No Passes have been granted from Town. Some Ladies who got out by special Favor say as far as the Accots from the british Officers are to be attended to a Movement will take Place early tomorrow Morning. Some of them say to this Town, others that they do not know the Route. At such a Time I think it my Duty to send your Exy the most minute Circumstances....
7To George Washington from Captain Robert Smith, 4 October 1778 (Washington Papers)
I have been so unfortunate as to have a Relapse of a Fever, with which I was confin’d some Time before I set out. This has detain’d me here two Days, however I hope I shall be able to proceed Tomorrow. I am exceedingly concernd to hear of poor Baylor’s Misfortune, as so many of the Men are kill’d & taken, your Excellency may perhaps wish to give some other Directions as to the Cloathing for...
8To George Washington from Robert Smith, 3 March 1780 (Washington Papers)
I am honoured with yours of the 4th ulto to Our House, now desolved by the death of my worthy friend & partner Mr Hewes—I observe you want to know what freight & charges are on your pipe of wine—I am happy you approve of the manner I sent it & I hope it went to hand Safe, without waste or adulteration—the Owners of the Hancock in which the wine came (one of which I am, and at this time...
9To George Washington from Robert Smith, 5 September 1789 (Washington Papers)
Permit me to inform you, that I shall be happy in Obtaining an appointment in the Judicial Department. I am, Sir, with Respect Your Obedient Humble Servt ALS , DLC:GW . Robert Smith (1757–1842) graduated from Princeton in 1781, studied law, and after the war began a successful practice in Baltimore. For GW’s views on appointing Smith to the judiciary, see his letter to Otho H. Williams, 22...
10To James Madison from Robert Smith, 13 November 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have the Honor to request that you will be pleased to send me an order on the Director of the Mint, permitting Mr Harrison, or an artist under his direction, to use the Machine for striking Coins, for the Medal intended for Capt Truxtun. I have the Honor to be sir, very respectfully Your Mo ob servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State)....
11To James Madison from Robert Smith, 23 July 1802 (Madison Papers)
I have received from a friend intimations which induce me to think that the son of G. Christie is not qualified for the appointment of Consul. This may be a subject of some delicacy. But to such unpleasant situations we are frequently exposed. With great Esteem I am sir, Y st. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR , 1801–9, filed under “Christie”). Docketed by Jefferson. For Gabriel Christie’s efforts to...
12To James Madison from Robert Smith, 3 August 1802 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
3 August 1802, Navy Department. Acknowledges JM’s letter of 29 July and informs him that Lieutenant Chauncey will be instructed to deliver $30,000 to Algiers. “In the event of the money not being applied as intended, Commodore Morris will be instructed with respect to receiving it back.… Mr. Chauncey will also be instructed to receive and deliver the Gun carriages as you request.” RC ( DLC );...
13To James Madison from Robert Smith, 5 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 April 1803, Navy Department. Encloses a letter “this day received” from Israel Whelen in reply to a 26 Mar. letter from Smith requesting information about the stores due to the dey of Algiers. “As the subject is new to us, I beg the favor of you to let Mr Wagner make out a list of the articles wanted.” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary...
14To James Madison from Robert Smith, 11 May 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
11 May 1803, Navy Department. Encloses for JM’s information a copy of a letter to Mackenzie and Glennie, navy agents at London, “containing general instructions for the liquidation of claims against the U States, for supplies that may be furnished any of our Public ships by any of his Britannick Majesty’s Agents—also directions for the payment of an account enclosed to you in a letter from...
15To James Madison from Robert Smith, 13 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
13 April 1804, Navy Department. “Immediately on receiving your letter of 30 ult —I called on Capn Morris for the information therein required—& yesterday received from him two letters of which the accompanying are true copies.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). RC 1 p.; in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; docketed by Wagner....
16To James Madison from Robert Smith, 21 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1804, Navy Department. “I enclose a letter from John Tilden to me [not found]. “There was a John Tilden in the Navy service. He was appointed a Midsn. in January, ordered to the Brig Norfolk in April, and resigned in December 1800. He was the Son of Mr. Marmaduke Tilden, who has long been a Resident of Kent County Maryland. He was of respectable discent. I have no doubt the Writer of...
17To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1804, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose an estimate of the value of the articles comprehended in the ‘invoice given to the Consul of the United States at Algiers—to be furnished by the United States on account of the annuity which will be due on the 5h seper 1804.’” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). RC 1...
18To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1804, Navy Department. “We are in want of a Set of the Laws of the United States for Commodore Barron, and if you can furnish me with a Set I will be oblidged to you if you will do it.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to the Secretary of State). 1 p.
19To James Madison from Robert Smith, 3 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 3 July 1805, Navy Department. “Will you be pleased to send me an order on the director of the mint, to permit George Harrison esquire navy agent at Philadelphia, or an artist under his direction to use the machine for striking coins in the case of the medal for commre. Preble—& to furnish the necessary aid in preparing the steel to sink the die on.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML );...
20To James Madison from Robert Smith, 23 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 23 January 1806, Navy Department. “I have the honor herewith to conclose [ sic ] for your information a copy of my letter to Captain S Decatur jr and Doctr Go Davis, with their answers relatively to the Tunision Zebeque and prises captured in the spring of 05 by the fregate President.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). 1 p. For enclosures, see...
21To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 6 March 1806, Navy Department. “I enclose for your perusal a copy of a letter from the British Consul at New York to Captain Chauncey, & a copy of Capt Chauncey’s answer. “Capt. Chauncey commands the Brig Hornet now at New York.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). 1 p. Enclosures not found, but see n. 1. The letters presumably dealt with Thomas...
22James Madison, Henry Dearborn, and Robert Smith to the Judges of the Circuit Court of New York, 8 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
We have been summoned to appear on the 14th day of this month, before a special Circuit court of the U. S. for the district of New-York, to testify on the part of William S. Smith, and Samuel G. Ogden, severally, in certain issues of traverse between the U. S. and the said William S. Smith, and Samuel G Ogden. Sensible of all the attention due to the writs of subpoena issued in these cases, it...
23To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 August 1806 (Madison Papers)
A man of fair character has this moment informed me that a Captain Cowper of Norfolk has lately been at St. Augustine and then became a Spanish Subject—that he engage to equip for the Spanish service three privateers—that he has been equipping one at Norfolk—that a person of the name of Robinson is to be one of her Lieutenants. Under the supposition that this may be the vessel mentioned to you...
24To 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...
25To 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...
26To 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...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To 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...
30To 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...