41To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is a Copy of the letter addressed to Mr John Randolph respecting the two Brigs— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
42To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officers that I will have the honour of presenting to you tomorrow morning about 10 OClock and that are the most proper to be noticed by you are Capt Decatur & Lieutt. Trippe Capt Stewart & Lieut Wetherstrandt Capt Shaw & Lieut Murdock Capt Chauncey & Lieut Leonard— After these gentlemen shall have waited on you, their invitations may be sent to my Office and my Messenger will deliver...
43To James Madison from Robert Smith, 29 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter from Messrs. Carl & Allston with their Signatures for your information. DNA : RG 45—Letters to Secretary of States.
44To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed blank warrants to which I have the honor to request your signature, are wanted to fill up the vacancies now existing in the Corps of Midshipmen. I am very respectfully Sir yr mo ob Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
45To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith for your nomination to the Senate a list of officers for the Marine Corps and of Surgeons mates for the Navy. The marine Officers are indispensable for that Corps under its present regulations, & the surgeons mates are wanted immediately for actual service, that Corps being reduced by deaths & resignations. I send also a few blank warrants to fill up...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Gunboats. 21 Jany ’09 Portland 10 Connecticut 2 Rhode Island
47To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Bill drawn by Wm Higgins on me for $. 212 has been this moment presented to me for payment.— This bill is, I suspect, on your account: I have accordingly referred the holder to you. If it should not be on your account, you will be pleased to let the holder return to me. Respecty MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
48To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be pleased to give your signature to the enclosed Blank Commisions & Warrants? They are required for gentlemen already appointed, & others that it may be found necessary to appoint— I have the honor to be with the highest respect sir, yr mo obt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
49To 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.
50To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is the report of the Accountant of the Navy upon the case of mr Geo Blount— I have only to remark that I myself saw the sample of the Phila or Cartouch box, & the one made by mr Blount—& that that made by mr. Blount was greatly inferior to the other. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir yr ob St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
51To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to inform me the number with which it would be agreeable to you to fill the Blank in the enclosed answer to Mr Neelsens letter of enquiry. Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
52To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Last advice Gun Boats. 4 in Matthewes co. on the Stocks 4 at Hampton hauled up. 4 at Norfolk — afloat & ready for service 4—do. nearly ready— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
53To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If you approve the sentence upon William Hook, gunner of the Chesapeak, will you be pleased to place your signature under the word “confirmed”. I think it ought to be confirmed. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir y ob S DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
54To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
By the XLIst art. of the “Act for the better government of the Navy of the U. States” it appears that all sentences of courts martial going to the dismission of a Commissioned or Warrant officer, must, before they can be carried into execution, be approved by the President of the United States. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Yr ob svt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
55To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officer complained of by Mr Taber is Hull the Nephew & protege of Genl Hull and has been therefore considered by me correct in his political principles. However He & all others act in such cases under instructions to employ those who work upon the most reasonable terms & who at the same time are capable of the work—I will have the necessary enquiries made in the particular case & will...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of informing you that a letter to Norfolk will reach the Chesapeake in time & that Mr Higgins can draw on me as before for the amount of your purchase Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
57To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Shaw who was nominated as a Surgeon in the navy has withdrawn his application. I beg leave to mention to you the name of Doctor Jasper Hand in his place. Doct. Hand was nominated a surgeon’s mate at the same time that Doct Shaw was nominated a Surgeon: tho’ by a mistake in his name made by the gentlemen who recommended him, his name was written Jesse instead of Jasper Hand his real name.—...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I forgot to ask you this morning whether the hint about returning in the Revenge was not in the private letter from Genl Armstrong to yourself—We cannot find it in any of the publick letters—This information Mr. Madison wants Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
59To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of sending to you the enclosed letter. It explains itself. Respectfully Your Hmble Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
60To James Madison from Robert Smith, 17 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I deem it proper to intimate to you that the lowest Sum to be paid for the passage of Mr Purviance in the West is fifty Guineas. Respectfully DLC : Papers of James Madison.
61To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Should you approve of the appointment of Mr. Jno Williams to a lieutenancy in the corps of Marines, I request your signature to the enclosed commission. The letters herewith transmitted will explain to you Mr William’s qualifications. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo ob s. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
62To 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...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Tazewells letter it appears that the Evidence addresd in these trials will not soon be transmitted to us. When received it will be forwarded you. Then you will be enabled to judge of the propriety of the several Sentences of the Courts Martial—Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
64To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Brig Dolly not belonging to the Navy Dept I return to you Mr Brooks note—I presume she is a Revenue Cutter. The Case of Vail will be duly attended to. His letter of Application I will answer. Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
65To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed just received I submit to you—I have pleasure in informing you that the Carpenters sent from our Navy Yard have returned and that they have completed all the Carpenters work necessary for the repair of the Chesapeake— From the enclosed printed & manuscript extract it would seem that the Schooner had been sent for the Leopard & that the Leopard has gone to Halifax— Affy. & Respy....
66To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
For ordnance & military stores, comprehending cannon, ball, small arms, powder, salt petre, sulphur, &c. For Canvas, cordage, timber, Copper &c. For the employment of seamen not estimated or appropriated for—& For the extra expence incurred in consequence of the order to fill up the Marine Corps— The expence is estimated at abt. 800,000$ The sum of 800,000$ is conjectural—The returns of...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letters relate to capt Truxtun’s medal—I ask the favor of your determination upon that subject. I have the honor to be with great respect sir yr ob: Sr. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
68To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I forward to you merely because Mr Mitchell has sent them to me with a request to do so. My own Opinion is that the Office ought to be Offered to Capt Jones; Because the duties of the Office would by him be well & faithfully performed and because a respectable section of Republicans would thereby be happily conciliated. Affy. & Respectfy DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and...
69To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had made my arrangements to set out for Washington tomorrow, but the death this morning of a near & dear relation the eldest son of Genl Smith will detain me here a few days. I do not think I shall be able to leave my much afflicted relations until monday next. Respectfully & affecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
70To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the enclosed papers for some time. Knowing your engagements I have not troubled you with them. When you are quite at leisure—you will look at them. They merit some attention—Yr H S MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
71To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the blank Commissions herewith sent which are required for the six Lieutenants whose appointments have just been confirmed by the Senate. I am very respectfully Sir, yr mo ob St. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
72To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If any papers had been sent to me in Neale’s case, they, according to the established forms of the Dept., must have been transmitted to Col Wharton.—To him I have made the necessary application. The result, when received, will be communicated to you without delay. With great Respect DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
73To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you have the goodness to return to me the Statement sent to you a few days since in order that I may, as proposed by you, add to it the Cost of the timber & other articles used in the gun boats built here Y St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
74To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think the Sentence of the Court herewith enclosed upon Midsh. Swearingen ought to carried into effect. If you are of this opinion be pleased to give your signature to it under the word approved. Very respectfully yr ob S DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
75To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is submitted to the Consideration of the President by his Hmble Sert. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
76To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I request your signature to the 2 Commissions for Surgeon’s Mates (for the J. Adams) herewith enclosed.— I am resptflly sir yr mo ob st DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
77To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I deem it proper to inform you that, Congress having made no appropriation for the service of the Navy for the year 1806, I am not in possession of the means of sending the Brig Hornet to sea on the intended cruise— I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo o St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
78To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Promotions in the Navy of the United States shall take place by Seniority or by appointment in the following proportions Viz: Captains, Masters Commandants, and Lieutenants shall be appointed one Half by Seniority and one half by the Choice of the President who in the exercise of such Choice will be altogether influenced by considerations of the respective professional merits of the several...
79To 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....
80To James Madison from Robert Smith, 17 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Blanks in the Commission, & in your letter to the Commercial Agent of the United S: at Batavia I have filled with the name of John W Clallan Esqr. and the following is a copy of a note by me signed and annexed to your letter. Resp DNA : RG 45—Letters to Secretary of States.
81To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Are the enclosed in conformity to your ideas? If not, will you be pleased to note the necessary alterations—It would be well to let the Secretary of the Treasury see them— Respectfy &c &c. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
82To 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.
83To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are respectfully submitted to your Consideration. I will have the honor of calling upon you tomorrow for the purpose of receiving your ideas on the Subject— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
84To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose warrants as midshipmen for the following Gentlemen, Thos. D. Chamberlayne— Designated by yourself, Alexr. Jas. Dallas. Recommended by Mr. Dallas his father. Ths. Ap C. Jones
85To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that you have not received correct information as to the political character of Thomas Robertson, I deem it proper to state to you that he & his family are among the prominent opposers of the Republicans in the State of Maryland— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
86To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The friends of Mr Town are, as has been privately intimated to me, so solicitous in his behalf that a disappointment will be to them no small mortification. We may from their solicitude and their assurances presume that he is qualified for the Station he wishes to occupy. Such an Officer is necessary. Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
87To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of a conversation with the Secr. of State, it has been deemed expedient to add the accompanying to the communication to Mr Blount this morning sent to you. I am with great respect sr y o st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
88To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed list of surgeons and Surgeons mates is sent to you for nomination to the Senate should it be approved by you.— The Surgeons are required for the vessels now in commission under the act of the 31 Jany; the surgeons mates are also required for these Vessels, and for the Norfolk and New Orleans station. It may be proper to state to you that of the 6 surgeons mates nominated to the...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt Hull has this instant informed me that he omitted giving me the name of the Purser of his Brig vizt. Mr Goldsborough. He seems distressed at this oversight, as no Officer is more deserving of notice. The Nautilus, Captain Evans, has arrived this morning. In the course of the morning I will have the honor of presenting him to you— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
90To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Nothing can be more clear than that the manner of returning the Warrant &c is to be ascribed altogether to inexperience— Ys &c DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.