1To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 12 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The present will be forwarded by M r Caustin, the general Agent for the sufferers by depredation Committed by the French prior to the year 1800—He has Collected a Mass of testimony all going to Confirm the Opinion I had always had. That the Government had bartered the fair Claims of the Merchants against the Guarantee of the W. Indian Islands. and was bound in Common honesty to pay the losses...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
All history tells us that the minister who attempted to reduce the public burthens, by the dismissal of useless Officers; by the reductions of pensions improperly granted; by the destruction of sinecure Offices; in time by Reform however salutary has been disgraced and a man with more liberal Ideas (as the Blood turned) is brought in. Your Administration is an exception to this general Rule....
3To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 1 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
you will have from the late mininstrations to South America and Spain—The opinion of the Senate was—that those to Buenos Ayres, Chili and Peru, ought to have been deferred until they had sent their ministers. that ample time has been given them, and their not having accepted the invitation given by our recognition was an indication that a diplomatic intercourse was not desired by them, but it...
4To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 29 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
I am requested by Mr. W. G. D. Worthington to join his other friends in Soliciting an appointment Suitable to his State of health, which has been injured by too great application to his duty as Clerk in the Comptroller’s Office. He wishes a Consulate. I have written him that there are none in Europe that will be useful to any except a Mercht. now Vacant, but that if Tunis or Tripoli be Vacant,...
5To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to address you in behalf of my friend Mr. Beasly. He is Solicitous to receive the appointment of Consul for the port of Bordeaux. I know no Man who I should think more capable or more worthy of that office, and I beg leave to assure you that his appointment would gratify the Merchants of this City to whom he is known. I have had an Opportunity to enquire particularly into Mr....
6To John Adams from Samuel Smith, 1 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor yesterday to receive your letter of the 25h. Ulto. in which you Say—“That Coll. Pickering in his letters to the people of the U.S has represented to the World, that a corrupt bargain was made between yourself and Brother on the One part and me on the other, that I Should dismiss the then Secy. of State from his office, as consideration of your Votes & influence for me at the...
7To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Washington. “My excellent young friend Mr. John Skinner of Annapolis, (who I believe was presented to you by Mr. Duvall) intends going to the Western Country. He wishes to commence his Career there in Some public Employ.” Skinner’s legal studies and service as a clerk in the state legislature qualify him for a secretary’s position, and his “connections & family are among the most...
8To James Madison from Samuel Smith, [ca. 5 February] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor to send you a Copy of the letter of the supercargo of the Schooner Friendship to his Owners & am your Obedt. servt. Apprehensive that the statement I hastily furnished you last evening, respecting the Schooner Friendship, Captn. Snow, might be incorrect in some particulars, I this day procured from Mr. Wilmott Mr. Wilmot is one of the owners of the Schr. Friendship. the...
9To James Madison from Samuel Smith, [ca. 4 February] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to send you herewith information recieved by the Schooner mentioned in Mr. Russell’s letter—which will Shew that Mr. R. has been misinformed. I have the honor to be your Obedt. servt. The Supercargo of the Schooner Friendship, Captn. Snow of Baltimore, writes his owners under date of the 13th. Decemr. of his arrival at Bordeaux on the and that the vessel was obliged to perform...
10To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 12 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to Submit to your perusal Some Notes recieved from my son on the Commerce of Russia with the U. S —they may perhaps afford Some new information. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect—your Obedt. Servt. RC ( DLC ). Enclosure not found. John Spear Smith had traveled to Russia in 1809 as private secretary to John Quincy Adams. He later moved to London where he became...