31To 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...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The young Gentleman to whom the enclosed letter is addressed, has been recommended by Mr. Page , for reinstatement in the navy. If you have no objection the enclosed letter shall be forwarded. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45 , LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Enclosure: Smith to Hugh Wallace Wormeley, 25 Mch. 1802, informing Wormeley that he has been reinstated as a midshipman in the navy and...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Warrant is for a young Gentleman recommended by Col Burr. If you approve his Appointment be pleased to give the enclosed Warrant your Signature I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your mo obt St. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President U:States.”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 29 Mch. and so recorded...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The young gentleman for whom the enclosed is intended, has been recommended by Colo New for reinstatement in the Navy. With your approbation the enclosed letter shall be forwarded. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, your mo obt RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Prest. UStates”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 30 Mch. and...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, [1 April 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I have received this morning . There are some incorrect statements in it with respect to me as well as yourself. His suggestions, in his opinion, ought to be regarded as Laws. I have prepared the dispatches for Capt Morris and have herewith sent them for your approbation— RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 1 Apr. 1802 and “Truxton’s...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Charles Ludlow for whom the accompanying nomination is intended, has been mentioned to me in terms of very high Approbation, by many respectable Nautical gentlemen—He is intended for the Adams. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo: ob: st: RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Neilson the writer of the enclosed Letter is a Gentleman of respectability in the State of Maryland. And no person Contributed more than he did to the triumph of Republicanism in that State. Yours Respectfully RC ( DNA : RG 59 , LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 22 Apr. and “Doctr. Raphl. Smith to be Superintt. hospitl. N. Orleans” and so recorded in SJL ....
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Jas Roach , the young gentleman for whom the enclosed Warrant is intended—has been mentioned to me in terms of approbation— Should you approve his appointment, the enclosed will require your signature— I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo ob: st. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President U: States”; endorsed by TJ as received from...
39To 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...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for Jno. N. Canon—Boatswain & David Loring—Gunner— Should you approve their appointment these Warrants will require your signature— These gentlemen have been in the frigate President, her last cruise—& are highly recommended by Commdre. Dale & Capt. Barron. I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your most obt servt. RC ( DLC ); in a...
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...
51To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Being apprehensive that the blank Commissions & Warrants mentioned in my Letter to you of the 17th instant, to have been transmitted to receive your signature, and which appear to have been Mis-sent, may not be recovered in time to accomodate Capt. Barron &. some other officers attached to the New York, I now do myself the honor to enclose twelve blanks of each, additional, & have to request...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On making out Capt. Barron’s orders I find that we are without your signature to any of the printed instructions to the commanders of our armed vessels, I have therefore the honor to enclose twelve copies, & to ask that you will be pleased to Sign & return them by the next Mail— Capt. Barron is hauling out of the Eastern Branch, & will have dropped down to Hampton Road before these...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In addition to the Instructions to Commodore Morris copy of which had been transmitted to you by the last Mail , I have found it necessary to send to him further powers of which the enclosed is a Copy. From the best information I have been able to obtain through various channels these Gun Boats will be indispensibly necessary. Accept the assurances of my high respect— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by...
54To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The instructions to Commodore Morris having been sealed and delivered to Capt Barron the day before I had the satisfaction of receiving your favor of the 30th Ult. and the Captain being at this time on board of his Ship proceeding down the River, I have not considered the alterations suggested of sufficient moment to justify the delaying of the Ship. If you should conceive it necessary to send...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received your favor of the 6th. containing your instructions to me not to send out the John Adams. As the crew of this Ship are all engaged and the usual two months pay advanced them and as of course there will be no additional expence incurred during these two months I have taken the liberty to suspend the execution of your orders until I shall have the satisfaction of being favored...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of Sending to you herewith, for your Consideration a Copy of a letter from me to Captain Tingey, and also a Copy of his report to me upon the Several objects therein Submitted to him. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obt 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...
57III. Robert Smith’s Opinion on the Common Law and Hardin’s Case [ca. 11 November 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
Mem. If in a Case of Criminal jurisdiction there be not a Statute of Congress, defining the offence and prescribing the punishment, the prosecution cannot be sustained in any Court of the United States. If the federal judge does not find such an act of Congress, he cannot resort to the common or Statute law of the State. An action, which Congress may constitutionally declare to be an Offence,...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Navy Estimates for the ensuing year, prepared in detail, but can not state the aggregate, until it shall be determined how many vessels are to be kept in actual service—on this point therefore I beg leave to request instructions from you. With the highest respect & esteem I have the Honor to be Sir, your mo ob St. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text:...
59VII. Robert Smith’s Remarks on the Draft, 25 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
If a more summary process be wanted to enforce a specific performance of the Contract of foreign Seamen, ought it not to be a subject of diplomatic adjustment? The Cession of Louisiana is expressed with an accurate attention to the delicacy of the Case. But ought it not to be a separate Confidential Communication? Will it not otherwise produce in France great sensibility and in G. Brittain too...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 December 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose two copies of a report made to me by B. H. Latrobe Esq on the subject of a Dry Dock, at this place, of a size sufficient to contain Twelve frigates of 44 guns—in which report he mentions the site that would, in his opinion, be the best—the works necessary to be erected, accompanied by Drawings—the means of supplying the Dock with Water—& the probable period it would...