51To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreably to your request, I will endeavour to give as correct an idea of the Navy of the United States, as my short acquaintance with this Department will enable me to do. On the 4th. March last, the Navy of the United States consisted of 5 frigates of 44 guns 3 " " 36 — 5 " " 32 — say thirteen frigates, those by the Law “Providing for the Naval Establishment of the United States” are...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 April 1801 [i.e. May 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you the latest information in this Department relative to the force of the Barbary Powers, and am, with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 May and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures not found, but probably: (1) William Eaton to the secretary of state, 15 June...
53To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 23 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 May 1801, Navy Department. Responds to JM’s order for certain naval stores—drawn on supplies in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Georgetown, and Washington—to be included in the shipment on the George Washington . RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 24 May.
54To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 26 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I think It was determined to displace the present Marshall of Maryland Mr. Hopkins & Appoint Reuben Etting in his Place. I wish much that the Commission should be sent Immy. Permit me to report that this Change will give general satisfaction. My Brother thinks that It will be prudent not to displace Doctr. Thomas Immediately. Let him stay in som⟨e⟩ time longer. I am sir, With great Esteem your...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the accompanying Commissions & Warrants— They are all old appointments excepting George Grey Grubb , who has been particularly recommended by Mr Leiper of Philaa. & has been sometime an acting Midsm. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, your mo: ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President U: States”; endorsed by TJ as...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 6 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to Inform you that the squadron under Commodore Dale sail’d on the 1: Inst. & Cleared Cape Henry on that Day—The Inclosed letter from Capt Truxtun I send for your perusal I rather suppose the Semillante had not gone to Sea with Commodore Dale, as no Mention thereof is made in my letter of the 2nd. from Norfolk. I have the honor to be your Obedt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secy of the Navy has the honor of submitting to the President, his letter in answer to Governor Drayton’s, on the subject of French Prisoners in custody in South Carolina— RC ( DLC ); addressed: “President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 10 June and “lre to Govr Drayton” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Smith to John Drayton, 10 June, acknowledging the receipt...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 13 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last respects of the 5th. May I have endeavoured as much as the pressure of business would permit me to inform myself respecting the Navy yards purchased for the use of the Public. Not being able to find that there was any Law authorising the purchase of Ground for Navy yards—I enquired and am informed that the purchase was understood to be authorised by the following Laws—1st a Law...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 22 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you inclosed two letters I have recieved in behalf of Mr Forbes appointed to Havre by Mr Adams. I know Nothing of that Gentleman, but presume he Cannot be otherwise than Federal, in the late Acceptation of the Term,—From his letters he appears sensible—but It may perhaps be proper not to Appoint all the Consuls from one part of the Union.—Understanding from Mr Maddison that Mr. Doble...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 26 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks for your favorable Intention respectg. Mr. Buchanan—I am pleased with it, because I am confident Mr. Lewis would have been a very improper Character— I am happy to find that the sending the squadron to the Mediterranean & your very early determination to that Object has met the entire satisfaction of the Commercial people—All seem to think that more ships will be...
61To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 30 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Harding delivered me your letter. I fear I Can render him little service. The Inclosed letter was recd. by my house within those few days. The Writer has been some Years in Paris, is a Gentleman of Intelligence & respectability—he has dipped in Politicks. He doubts the treaty being Confirmed in any other Way than—in toto. The News this Day from Egypt gives Compleat Victory to the French....
62To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. John Dumeste, born in France was in this Country previous to the Revolution, married in this City, to a Native about the Year 1781 or 1782. He is about to go to the Isle of France & wishes a Passport for himself & family Consisting of—himself— Elizabeth Dumeste his Wife John-Paul Dumeste " son George Kaporte Dumeste " Do. Jacob Adrian Dumeste " Do. Ann Elizabeth " Daughter...
63Samuel Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 9 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1801, Baltimore. Warns that Habersham’s changes in the mail route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh greatly alarm and distress citizens of Carlisle and Shippensburg and appear to be a plot to make Jefferson’s administration unpopular there. Conveys political intelligence: “Mr. Montgomery says he has now little Doubt but Harford County will give himself & another Republican Elector.” RC (...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Heretofore the Route for the Mail from Philadelphia to Pittsburg has been thro: Carlisle & Shippensburg to Chambersburg—but by a late Regulation of Mr Habersham , the Route is thro: York & Berlin to Chambersburg—This change has alarmed & greatly distressd the Citizens of Carlisle & Shippensburg, who are to Recieve their Letters from Philada. indirectly thro: Reading & Harrisburg—the Change has...
65To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 12 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1801, Baltimore. Presents Mr. O’Mealy, whom Smith has mentioned as possible commercial agent at Le Havre and whom JM believed a likely appointment at Hamburg [see M. O’Mealy to JM, 29 May 1801 (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9)]. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
66To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Patterson, who applies for the Consulat⟨e⟩ at Nantz, is the son of the former Collector (under the King) of Philada. He Adhered to the Brittish. The son is much of an Englishman & Connected by Marriage & Commerce with the English House of Nicklin & Griffith of Philada. He is a Clever Young Man, but Certainly ought not to have an Appointment. He & all his Connexions are Anglo Federal . Mr....
67To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 18 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in such excessive Pain for a few Days from something like the Rheumatism in my Jaws, that I have not been able to attend to your Letter of 11 Inst. The Treaty with France was signed on the 4th. Octobr.; the Berceau was taken on the 12th. same Month, and arrived at Boston, in November, subsequent to well authenticated accounts being received that a Treaty was effected; but previous...
68To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 20 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Pitcairn the Consul at Hamburg is a Merchant of Considerable Credit & well supported in New York. the Merchants who do Business with him from this City Speak highly of him, as a Man of Understanding & one who has their entire Confidence,—and in this point of View he is Considerd by those who do not know his Transactions at Paris & a part of his Commercial Conduct, known to few—I do not...
69To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had observed that Pichon meant to be a little troublesome, Genl. Dearborne tells me he has given you some Uneasiness about the French Vessells sent into Brittish Ports & there Condemned. I should be very glad that he would Agree to the principal he pretends to assume—for there Can be no doubt relative to Privateers—they might be Condemned anywhere—& very, very few of their Merchant Vessells...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inclosed letter from Mr. Iznardi is in Consequence of my letters recommending his resigning for his Son, to Avoid the necessity I Concieved you would be under from his late Conduct of removing him—The Old Gentleman will probably be here as Soon as he can—I should be glad to know what Can be done to Comfort him without agreeing to the Continuance of his Son—There is a young Gentleman here...
71To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Yznardi, the Elder is thus far on his Way to Washington to pay you his Respects, his State of Health will not permit him to go further—I shewed him your letter he will Accept with pleasure the Consulate &c its Duties untill there shall be a general Peace, again which time he expects he Can settle all American Claims for French Capt[ures] now under his Management—He no longer supports his...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 29 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Maryland arrived last Night & this Morning, Mr. Purviance the Bearer of her Dispatches proceeded to Washington—The inclosed Letter from Capt. Barney will Aid in explaining the Causes why no Exchange of Ratification had taken effect—and will shew, that Federalists Can not be trusted with the Objects of Government. I Confess that I highly approved of the Delicacy of your Conduct towards Mr:...
73To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 5 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
My Brother has Come up to Attend to his Business in Court. I first to meet him with the distressing Account of the Death of his Eldest son (a Charming Boy) his Distress is great, that of his family will be greater, he will of course be detained some time at home— Our squadron had arrived —The Essex had gone to Tunis having under Convoy the ship for that Regency—The Philadelphia was seen...
74To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 15 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I Congratulate you on the Compleat Success of the Republican Candidates for Electors of the senate of Maryland—this Secures us a Majority in the senate of the U.S.— I have a Letter from Mr. Dent mentioning that Mr. Merideth will resign the office of Treasurer, & requesting that I would mention to you his Wish to fill that office—from my knowledge of Mr. Dent, I believe no Man more worthy of an...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 7 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have shewn your letter recommending a clergyman to some of my particular friends, they laugh at the Idea of my being written to on that Subject, however your Recommendation will have great Weight—There is no positive Vacancy here yet, but there must be, for Doctr. Allison’s situation is little short of Lunacy, Nor is there any Appearance of his recovery—There has been a young Gentleman of...
76To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 21 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inclosed was sent to me by a Person now in Jail for Debt, He claims being introduced to me by Mr. Claiborne—I have no Recollections of that circumstance—nor have I any Knowledge of him or his character—He wishes me to release him from his present Confinement, but from his own Story I cannot See that he merits any Attention, if he has any claim on the Publick, his Father would Certainly not...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 14 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I Congratulate you on the success & good Fortune of the Squadron under Commodore Dale—Lieut Sterett’s success will Convince the Tripolitan & other Barbary Powers of the Truth of Mr. Cathcarts remark —(that they would not find the Americans like the Neopolitan Castratti) & I hope will tend to keep the other Powers in Peace with us—War having now Actually Commenced, It becomes a Duty to have a...
78To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 14 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my Letter of this Morning, Mr. John Donnell (one of our Republican & most wealthy Merchts.) put into my hand the Inclosed Letter from his Father in Law Mr. Isaac Smith on whose subject I have already written Mr. Gallatin . Mr. Smith was Collector under the King, is a man of Business highly respectable & Invariably a Whig—Mr. Bowdon is also his son in Law—Mr. Savage the New Member...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 25 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the Honor to forward y[our] Box of Books by a Schooner bound to the Navy Yard—and by the same Opportunity I directed Peters & Johnson to send you one half Barrel of their best Beer—If it Should please you will know where you Can with Convenience supply yourself in future—I have this Day recieved from Malaga a Hhd of Wine sent to you from thence by order of Mr. Yznardi—Will you be...
80To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recieved your two letters. I wish It Could be managed So as to Stop whatever may be due, to satisfy So much of the Order given me. This might be done if I could produce the Order but I have mislaid it. Nor Can I form a Conjecture of what I have done with it—unless It should have been deposited in your Department. I am Dr sir, your Obedt. servt. RC ( DLC ). Letters not found. See Smith...
81To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 29 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
In looking Over some Old Papers I have luckily found Mr. Dawson’s Order (which I now inclose) for the Balance that may be due to him from the United States —you will please file the same & of Course Consider me entitled to whatever may become due from your Dept. to Mr. Dawson. I find the following facts on Enquiry. The Average weight of the H.hd Tobacco may be Called 1200 lb Nt. wt. The Peace...
82To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, [9 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor to return you Mr. Coxe’s Opinions —there are some Ideas, that I think useful which I have Communicated to Mr. Randolph as Chairman of the Ways & Means.—I have the honor be your friend & servt. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; address clipped: “The Preside”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 9 Mch. Enclosures: see below. COXE’S OPINIONS : although they were marked private, TJ may...
83To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 29 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you a letter I have recieved from J. H. Purviance. permit me to Say that I know no Gentleman who I think every way So Compleatly qualified to Succeed Mr. Sumpter or who Could be So useful to Mr. Livingston. I am sir/ with the highest Esteem your friend & servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59 , LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Apr. and “Purviance John H. to be Secy. legn...
84To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 21 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved two letters from General Wilkinson . Since his Arrival in Georgia, he appears excessively mortified at the Conduct towards him of the Federal party & wounded at the Opposition of some of our friends to the Continuing of the Post of Brigadier—I pity him, he Knows no way of maintaining his family he wishes much to be appointed Surveyor General to the Missisippi territory, and...
85To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce my young friend Mr. Abraham Ogden formerly of New York where he had his Commercial Education—Mr. Ogden has established a House of Commerce at Marseilles , & meant to have been an applicant for the Consulate at that Port, but on being informed that Mr. Cathalan would (if practicable) be Continued he expressed his approbation & Spoke in terms highly respectful of that...
86To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 June [i.e. August] 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. Norman (a respectable Man of this City) has arrived here from Trieste, he has just informed me, that on his passage he Came thro: the Phare of Messina, & landed at the City, that he was informed that a Courier had passed thro: (the Day preceding) from Syracuse with an Account that a Neapolitan frigate was Chased by a Tunisian Squadron , that Capt. McNeill ran between and Cut off the...
87To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Baltimore. A State Department packet directed to Bird, Savage, and Bird came to the collector “yesterday.” It will not be forwarded until further directions arrive from JM. “An Oppy. for England will offer on Wednesday next. It will Occur to you that a power of Atty. will be necessary from you to whomsoever you may appoint to Succeed those Gentlemen as your Agent in London—again...
88To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 6 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1803, Baltimore. Informs JM that the packet for Erving will be forwarded on Sunday in the George in care of Smith’s nephew Robert Patterson. Recommends Mackenzie and Glennie. “They do our Business on their own Account, are Men of great prudence & Sufficient Capital. Should you Select them, and you want to send a power of Attorney—their Names are James Mackenzie, and Alexander Glennie,...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 1 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this Moment left Mr. Carr, he is Something easier, the Blisters on his Back & Ankles have raised & are painful,—from appearances I Should expect he would recover,—but the Doctors do not believe it possible that he can.—The Mouth of the Bladder they Say is Stopped—my hope arises from a Small discharge of Urine this afternoon.—I need not Say that every possible attention has been given to...
90To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 2 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
When I paid my respects yesterday I had no great expectation that I should now have the pleasure to say that Mr. Carr’s Illness had taken a favorable turn—He has had a free Discharge & I am in hopes is now out of Danger—The Doctors do not yet give very positive favorable Opinion but being relieved from the Suppression his Strong Constitution will Soon defeat his Fever—I think I never have Seen...
91To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 17 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty as one of thy wellwishers to address Thee thy Enemies assert that thou art a Deist and thy Friends that thou art a Christian, but thy conduct demonstrates to me that thou art suitable for the office that thou fillest, as I look not at Names but actions. our beloved Saviour says that a Tree is known by its Fruit which is truly Philosophical and consequently agreable to that...
92To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
During the late War between England & France—England levied a Convoy Duty of ½ ⅌C: on Goods exported from G.B. to any Port in Europe & One ⅌C: to all other Countries—for which difference there was some pretext—Neutrals as well as National Ships were Charged therewith—On the Peace this Convoy Duty was Changed to a Duty on Export, and the U.S. were thus subjected to double the Duty paid by other...
93To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved a Letter last Night from Mr. Patterson requesting me to remind you of your polite Intention of giving him a Letter to Mr. Livingston on the Subject of his Daughter’s Marriage with Mr. Bonaparte—I believe an Oppertunity will offer in a few Days that he wishes to embrace. I am Sir with Respect Your friend & servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as a letter of 24 Jan. received on the 23d...
94To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 23 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 April 1804, Baltimore. “The Marshal (Reuben Etting) for the District of Maryland having resigned his Commission, Permit me in the warmest Manner to Solicit the Appointment for Mr. Thomas Rutter. Mr. Rutter’s Connections in Baltimore County & City are numerous & very respectable they have thro: his Means been Invariably with the Republican party—his pursuits particularly Capacitated for the...
95To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 4 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Venable & myself had determined to wait on you, During the last Session to Call to your recollection Doctr. John Morton, now of Bordeaux, a Native of Virga. but Resident of Baltimore for years. You will recollect that Mr. Giles, Mr. Venable & myself had recommended Dr. Morton for a Consulate in France—for Bordeaux first, then for Havre & afterwards for Antwerp. Confident in the Integrity,...
96To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 17 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
From Capt. Rogers I have understood that It is the Intention of Government to send, Armed Vessells to the Neighbourhood of Hispaniola, for the protection of our Commerce against uncommission[ed] French Vessels. This information has not a little alarmed our Republican Merchants, they Say, when we trade to Hispaniola, we know our Risque & take it at our peril, we know we have no right to trade...
97To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1804, Baltimore. “The extreme Distress of Mind felt by the President has I presume prevented Attention to the Vacancy of the Office of Marshal for the District of Maryland. I am just now informed that Mr. Etting declines to Serve any New Process & that Application has this Day been made. Mr. Thomas Rutter It is expected by all will be appointed. He is by all Republicans Considered the...
98To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to have the honor of presenting to you Mr. Peter Hoffman, a Merchant of this City, of the first respectability, Independence & political Rectitude—he Visits you in Company with Mr. J. G. Rapp— who has emigrated at the head of a large number of persons lately Subjects of the Duke of Wirtemberg, in whose behalf he will present a Memorial & State their Wishes—I have on looking at the...
99To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Writer of the inclosed letters Mr. Hatch Dent (a Native of Maryland) imigrated last Winter to N. Orleans.—he lived for seven years in this City & is highly estimated by those Citizens to whom he was known—He was highly recommended by Mr James Mc.Culloh (one of our Senators) for the place of Naval Officer or Surveyor—to either of which I knew him (myself) well qualified—But the application...
100To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 27 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1804, Baltimore. “I do myself the Honor to inclose you a letter received by me from Capt. Barney & Copy of my Answer. I send them to you lest you should be surprized by improper representations. I have never kept Copies of my letters to you. Do me the favor to send me that inclosing the Documents —and to return Capt Barneys letter.” RC ( DLC ). Written at the foot of copies of Smith...