1From William Steuben Smith to John Quincy Adams, 6 April 1806 (Adams Papers)
my son John graduates at this College the next Commencement—I am so occupied and shall continue so for some time to come, in the final arrangement of my affairs, that I shall not be able, and sufficiently composed, to give him the aid that he may require, in composing an English oration for him to deliver on that day— Will you do me the favour to write one on such a subject, as will instruct,...
2From William Steuben Smith to John Quincy Adams, 1 July 1809 (Adams Papers)
I have this day heard of your appointment, as minister to the Court of St. Petersburg, by an almost unanimous vote of the Senate; I embrace the earliest opportunity of congratulating you upon this fresh instance of the high consideration in which our country holds you.— My situation here induces me to state to you, that I have been greatly disappointed in my endevours to procure some...
I received your very complimentary letter of the 6th of September, I rejoice with you at the splendid victory obtained by Capt. Hull fighting under the brilliant Colours of the Constitution and I mourn with you, for my Country at large, on the fatal Capture of the Northwestern Army under General Hull, there is no calculating the immensity of the horrid scenes, which must inevitably follow,...
4From William Steuben Smith to Abigail Smith Adams, 12 June 1813 (Adams Papers)
On the 24. May I had the very great satisfaction of receiving your kind letter of 23d. February. I felt doubly obligated to you for it as I conscious it must have been written under the impression, arising from the existing relations between the U. States and Britain, that the probabilities were very much against my ever receiving it; and I regret to say that the political appearances are not...
5From William Steuben Smith to James Monroe, 4 May 1815 (Adams Papers)
I have the honour to state my arrival at this place on the 2nd. instant, returning from St. Petersburg in Russia, where I have been performing the duties of Secretary of Legation, during the residence of Mr. Adams at that Court; and who, upon the receipt of the orders of his Government to repair to Gothenburg, for the purpose of becoming a Member of a Commission to negotiate a Treaty of Peace...
Mr Smith had the honour of waiting on Mr Hamilton this morning, for the purpose of requesting the favour of an order to the Custom House at Dover, to admit a small box from France; addressed to —John Quincy Adams Esqr. American Minister at London, containing articles of dress for Mrs Adams. Mr Hamilton will much oblige by permitting such order to be given. UK-KeNA : Foreign Office.
7To James Madison from William Steuben Smith, 28 June 1816 (Madison Papers)
A vacancy having occurred in the Office of Marshal of this District, by the decease of the late Marshal, if a disposition of that Office has not been made by Your Excellency, I would sollicit the exercise of your prerogative in my favour. The Zeal which would be exercised might be all that could counterbalance any deficiency of talent, but with that every occasion should be seized to manifest...
8From William Steuben Smith to John Quincy Adams, 19 August 1826 (Adams Papers)
I had yesterday the honor of receiving the communication you did me that of addressing to me from Quincy dated the 14th inst. in relation to the last Will & Testament of my venerable, lately deceased, Grandfather. In offering to you the expression of a sincere grief at the bereavment we have had thus dispensed to us, by his death, I beg leave to tender you also the assurance of my conviction...