41To 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...
42To 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...
43Robert 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...
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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 );...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To 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...