101To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Navy agent has been instructed to pay to mr. Reich to the full amount of the memm. which you furnished me. This he will not accept. Presuming upon your friendly interposition he treats with disdain every proposition made by us. And he has allowed himself to talk so much about what you would direct to be done, that with some in Philada it has become a question whether you will interfere in...
102To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Cuttings note accords with all the information I have received respecting Capt. Ingraham as Navy Agent. Beleiving him to be in all respects well qualified for the duties of the appointment I have given him the Office. Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
103To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your favour of the 19h ins. & agreeably thereto & to the opinion of the members of the Administration who are in Washington, I have not forwarded to Commre Rodgers the proposed letter countermanding the orders of the 12h Octr. 1805, as to sending home the Essex, the sloops of war & the gun boats. I have on the contrary recalled his attention to your orders of...
104To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
From the enclosed letters you will perceive that Comre. Rodgers proposes to keep in the Mediterranean the Vessels that had been conditionally ordered home by letter dated Oct. 12. 1805 under the reasonable presumption that we did not then know the state of things with Tunis. My letter however by the Hornet of March 22. 1806 conveying to him the information that we have no reason to believe...
105To 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.
106To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your signature a number of Commissions which are wanted to commission the Lieutenants authorized by the Act of the 21 April 1806. I am with high respect Sir, yr ob st: DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
107To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Having obtained a sight of the bill now before the Senate entitled “an act in addition to an act entitled “an act supplementary to the Act providing for a naval Peace Establishment; & for other purposes”, I lose no time in informing you that under the restrictions of such an act of Congress The Chesapeake, as contemplated by you, cannot be sent to the Mediterranean—The proposed Act, among...
108To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I consider it proper to submit to your consideration the proceedings of William Lyman Esq Consul at London in relation to the Ship Huntress, and her Cargo consisting of Provisions & Stores for our Squadron in the Mediterranean—I would however premise, that, Mr. Lyman not having made to me any kind of Communication upon the Subject the only information I possess is derived from papers that have...
109To 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.
110To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 March 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 6 March 1806, Navy Department. “I enclose for your perusal a copy of a letter from the British Consul at New York to Captain Chauncey, & a copy of Capt Chauncey’s answer. “Capt. Chauncey commands the Brig Hornet now at New York.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). 1 p. Enclosures not found, but see n. 1. The letters presumably dealt with Thomas...
111To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Hornet to be commanded by Capt Dent is the vessel that is to take the despatches. To accomadate Mr Gallatin New-York is the port whence she is to sail. The enclosed Afflicting letter compells me to leave Washington abruptly—I have left at my office all necessary instructions. Yr St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
112To 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.
113To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon finding that Capt Tingey had not, as was his duty, reported to the Dept the timber and the tr used in the building and equipping of the gun Boats of this place I without delay called upon him by an Official letter for the requisite information and I have this moment with a view to hasten the report to me sent to him your note. Capt Tingey having been under Orders to keep an exact account...
114To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed papers do not suggest one new idea. These are old plans upon which we have made important improvements as the British Officers at Gibralter and Malta have admitted. The writer of the letter must be as unprincipled as he is imprudent and is utterly unworthy of your notice. I trust I do not go too far in advising you not to answer such a letter at all—Respectfully DLC : Papers of...
115To James Madison from Robert Smith, 23 January 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 23 January 1806, Navy Department. “I have the honor herewith to conclose [ sic ] for your information a copy of my letter to Captain S Decatur jr and Doctr Go Davis, with their answers relatively to the Tunision Zebeque and prises captured in the spring of 05 by the fregate President.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). 1 p. For enclosures, see...
116To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The information I possess respecting the harbour of Beaufort is—that on the bar at low water there are 22 feet & that the tide ebbs and flows from 6 to 10 feet. The ground seawards from the bar is very good holding ground and Ships may safely ride there during the summer months and in fact it may be considered an Outer Harbour. Hunting Island landlocks the harbour so much that there is very...
117To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of your recommendation I sent to Thomas D. Chamberlayne a Midshipman’s Warrant. To my surprise it was yesterday returned with my letter under a blank cover. I send the Cover to you in order that you may, in case you know the hand-writing, ascertain to whom this indecorum is to be attributed— Ys &c DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
118To 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.
119To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Is it not going too far to take upon yourself to assert positively that there is sufficient reason to believe what you have stated in the last page as Contemplated and intended by France and that you are without doubt as to her dispositions—Could not the idea be conveyed with equal advantage without your assuming so much responsibility. Is there any necessity for you to commit yourself by...
120To 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...
121To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
1st. page. 5th. line—Might not the word “ peaceable ” be omitted—To Congress it conveys only what they know—and to Europe it may convey too much—Some of the Nations of Europe have evidently been presuming too much upon our peaceful dispositions— 2nd. page √ 17th. line—harbours blockaded —Blockade is a technical term and has an appropriate meaning—In that sense it is not intended I trust, to...
122To 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
123To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Gallatin has abandoned the idea of desiring the collectors to deposit in the hands of the Navy agents monies to be applied to the payment of the crews of the expected frigates—and has recommended the mode stated in the return letter addressed to him. This form has, I understand, been pursued in similar cases— It is necessary that the enclosed letter from me to mr Gallatin be sent to his...
124To 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.
125To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Proposed Bill for establishing a naval Militia provides that such Militia shall be formed into Companies each to be commanded by a Lieutt. Commandant & a 2nd. Lieutenant, and that every Company so Commanded shall be liable to perform duty on any of the publick armed vessels of the U.S. In every such case then the Militia Company would be under the Command of not only their own Officers but...
126To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Among the papers I left with you this morning you will find a Statement of the expenditures this year that had not been contemplated in the Estimate for the year 1805. Some of this you will perceive were imposed upon the Navy Department by Occurrences in the Mediterranian—Some by resolutions of Congress directing certain payments without making any appropriations—and some of them were incurred...
127To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It has probably not escaped your Observation that there has been some coolness between Com. Truxtun and myself. It proceeded from a misunderstanding on his part of my views in relation to him when he had last the Command of the Cheasapeak. This misunderstanding was occasioned by certain federal misrepresentations to him. Through the interposition, however, of several respectable republicans we...
128To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Having this instant received the dispatches from the Medn by the frigate the president I hasten to forward them to you. I have not retained them long enough to give them a Careful reading. Many of the Officers late prisoners at Tripoli have called upon me. They all say positively that if Lear had persisted in not giving a Ransom for them, peace would not have been made at all and that the...
129To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It would seem from the tenour of the Communications from our Ministers at Madrid that they were mortified not only from their failure in the negotiation, but from the manner of its being conducted on the part of Spain. Its unfortunate termination, be the motives of Spain what they may, has brought us to a crisis that demands great consideration. That Nation, throughout the whole of her recent...
130To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It would seem from the tenour of the Communications from our Ministers at Madrid that they were mortified not only from their failure in the negotiation, but from the manner of its being conducted on the part of Spain. Its unfortunate termination, be the motives of Spain what they may, has brought us to a Crisis that demands great consideration. That nation, throughout the whole of her recent...
131To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
You will herewith receive the despatches lately received by me from the Medn. To gratify publick anxiety and to give publick opinion the proper direction I have conceived it expedient to publish certain parts of these despatches. Not having seen the communications from Col Lear I would not form an Opinion upon the Treaty. But I must say I had expected a Treaty of a different Character. And...
132To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
No despatches came, as I had expected to the Navy Dept., in the Vessel that brought to Salem the pleasing account of peace with Tripoli, and I presume none came from Col. Lear to the State Dept.—A publick Vessel was no doubt immediately sent with despatches. And I fear some accident has prevented her arrival. It will I presume, be found that the peace has been accelerated by the movements of...
133To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Hand Bills are at this moment flying in all directions through this city announcing a peace with Tripoli upon terms advantageous and honourable to us. It is said that despatches to the Executive have come by the said Conveyance. I have not yet received mine. It is probable—nay I may say certain that our War with Tripoli is at an end but upon what terms and in what way it has been effected I...
134To 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.
135To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Should you approve of the appointment of Mr. Town to a 2nd. Lieutenancy of Marines, I request your signature to the commission herewith sent. The enclosed letters recommending him for the appointment, will explain to you his qualifications. I am with high respect Sir, yr. mo ob Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
136To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I am extremely happy in informing you that the Transport Frigate the John Adams and all the Gun Boats excepting the one that put back into New York have safely arrived at Gibralter and that after mounting their guns there they proceeded thence to join the Squadron. Although the frigates passage was short vizt. 30 days yet the guns boats notwithstanding their having been in several very severe...
137To 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.
138To 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.
139To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be pleased to give your signature to the enclosed blank commissions?—they are wanted for surgeon’s mates & other officers of the Adams & of the Hornet. I am with great respect sir, yr mo ob st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
140To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I request your signature to the enclosed warrants—They are wanted for midshipmen & other officers for the Ship Adams & the Brig Hornet. I have the honor to be with great respect, sir, yr mo ob servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
141To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favour of the 1st with its enclosure I have this moment received and be persuaded I well know how to appreciate such a Communication. As I shall leave this for Washington on the 7th (Sunday) I will bring the papers with me.—I would at this time only remark that as to the case of the lady there is not a Gentleman in the U. States of either party who does not hold in detestation the pitiful...
142To James Madison from Robert Smith, 3 July 1805 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Robert Smith. 3 July 1805, Navy Department. “Will you be pleased to send me an order on the director of the mint, to permit George Harrison esquire navy agent at Philadelphia, or an artist under his direction to use the machine for striking coins in the case of the medal for commre. Preble—& to furnish the necessary aid in preparing the steel to sink the die on.” RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML );...
143To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed I received this moment. It is an Extract from the Coffee House Book of this place. It would thence seem that the Store Ship the Huntress has been recaptured by the English. Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Extract frm. the Coffee House Book. June 29th. Arrived the Schooner Baltimore 12 Days fm. Bermudas, The Cambrian & Driver have sent into Bermuda’s the Spanish...
144To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The reasons you have assigned for abanding the measure of sending out the Express-Boat are very satisfactory and I am greatly pleased with the determination. Be assured the Squadron shall not suffer on account of the Detention or the loss of the Huntress. As in relation to economy on the general arrangements of the Navy Department it is unimportant whether the people of the Yard be employed...
145To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of informing you that a good & suitable Vessel can be procured at this place to proceed to Porto-Rico and thence to any other port or ports that may be found to be necessary. One Thousand Dollars must be paid for going to Porto-Rico and if necessary to go to any other port or ports then as much additional as in the opinion of two Respectable merchants ought to be paid. We...
146To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon receiving your favor of the 21st. I immediately desired the Navy Agent of this place to inform me whether a fast sailing small Vessel could be procured for Porto Rico—upon what terms and where she could be put to sea. As soon as this information shall be Obtained it shall be communicated to you. As you recommend the sending of a person, we shall, I fear, be obliged to send Capt. Tingey...
147To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter of Mr Smith alluded to in your favour of the 19th I have not yet received. There is however some mistake in this—The Commanding Officer of Gun Boat No. 1 at Charleston is Mr Fanning a gentleman lately appointed by you in consequence of strong letters of recommendation from our friends in New York. The Navy Agent at Charleston is Mr. Smith and the letter is probably from him. I have...
148To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
There is too much reason to fear that it is our Store-ship that has been taken by the Spanish privateer. But when I consider the numerous documents on board of her all shewing the cargo to be the property of the U. States and destined for our Squadron in the Medn. I cannot allow myself to apprehend that she will be detained one moment after she is carried into port & her papers examined by any...
149To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
This day I received your favour of the 9h. with the application of the Body Corporate for permission to erect a Bridge across the pond of our Navy Yard at New-York. With you I think it just & useful for the General Government to give all possible facilities to State accomodations. Indeed, I class that disposition among the distinguishing characteristicks of our System. The enclosed sketch is,...
150To 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.