To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 July 1802
From Robert Smith
Navy department 24 July 1802
Sir
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.
Rt Smith
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 31 July and “Wederstrand’s commn.” and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).
Philemon Charles WEDERSTRANDT of Maryland served as a midshipman and as a lieutenant during the Quasi-War with France. He was retained as a lieutenant under the Peace Establishment Act of 1801 and was eventually promoted to the rank of master commandant in 1807 (, Dec. 1800–Dec. 1801, 356; , Register, 58).