1To 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.
2To 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...
3To 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....
4To 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...
5Samuel 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 (...
6To 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.
7To 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....
8To 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...
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To 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...
12To 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,...
13To 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...
14To 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,...
15To 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...
16To 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...
17To 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...
18To James Madison from Samuel Smith (Abstract), 2 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
2 March 1805 . “The inclosed proposition of a law was shewn by me to a number of our friends, who highly approved, And were disposed to Support the measure, provided in Its Operation the finances would not materially be injured—my own Opinion was that It would not—however I addressed a Letter to Mr. Gallatin for his Opinion as to the injury the finances might Sustain, and as to its policy—his...
19To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 29 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to address you on a subject highly interesting to the Commerce and Agriculture of the U. S. It appears that a very general Alarm has taken place in Germany in consequence of the destruction committed by the Yellow Fever in Spain & Italy—and that the King of Prussia was taking strong measures to prevent its introduction into his Neighbourhood. He had addressed Letters,...
20To James Madison from Samuel Smith (Abstract), 25 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 May 1805, Baltimore. “My friends Mr. Barclay & Mr. Davis will perhaps Spend a Day or two at Washington on their Way to Richmond. Will you do me the favor to present them to the President as Gentlemen I respect. Mr Barclay is a son of Mr. George Barclay, Member for the City of London. Mr. Davis [is] a very intimate friend of my Son.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. This was, presumably, London merchant...
21To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 28 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed extract of a Letter (also from Mackenzie & Glennie) differs from that to Mr Taylor by the Words “Scored” which were interlined in the letter to Mesrs. Gilmor & Sons & not in that to Mr. Taylor—those words give a quite different turn to the whole Case. But there is in this extract a New Principle not before known—to wit—all Vessels & their Cargoes bound from an Enemies Port direct...
22To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Samuel Smith. 21 July 1806, Baltimore. “Permit me the honor of introducing to you Mr. William Duer, just arrived from New Orleans, he has delivered me a letter from Mr James Brown highly favorable to him. I have found Mr. Duer a well informed Gentleman, he Can give you information respecting Orleans, if any is wanted. Your presenting him to the President will Conferr an Obligation on...
23To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Samuel Smith. 21 July 1806, Baltimore. “I do myself the honor to present to you Doctr. Davizeau, a Native of France who married & has resided the last 8 Years in Accomack County—you will find him well informed, he has arrived with Mr Duer from Orleans, where he means to Reside. Both Gentlemen speak of the temper of the People being highly favorable to our Govermt. & Constitution. Your...
24To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 14 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
From the British papers and a Philada. federal paper (emanating I presume from Mr. C.) we are at liberty to guess, at what are the principal features of the Treaty. I will take leave to offer my opinion thereon. If my guess should be right my observations will apply. If not, then you will lose your time in reading, and I shall have only amused myself in writing on that which had no existence...
25To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with your letter covering copies of the 3d: 4th: 5: & 6 articles of the treaty lately concluded between the American & British commissioners in London, on which you wish such information as my acquaintance with the subject may enable me to give. It will afford me infinite pleasure if my practical knowledge shall enable me to throw any new light on a subject, with the theory of...
26To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 18 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of 12th. Inst. I take leave to submit the following observations on the article which you did me the honor to enclose for my consideration. Article 11. This article is intended to adjust the difference that exists between the parties relative to the neutral trade. It appears to me completely to admit the British claims, for it emphatically says "all articles &c &c...
27To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 23 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters I take leave to Submit to your View from Mr. Isaac. M. Heiligger with whom I am personally acquaint ed I have great Confidence in his honor, and am confident that he would not Recommend a person who was not worthy of the trust. Mr. Dewhurst, is highly recommended also, I See, by the inclosed letter from the late Consul of St. Croix. I therefore ask leave to recommend Mr....
28To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 20 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
The American Intercourse Law X appears by Debates in Parliament to have Some Consequence attached to it, as relative to the Commerce of the U. S. I take it for granted that our Ministers must have sent it to your Dept. If So, It would be highly important to give it publicity at this time thro: the National Intelligencer. A part of Lrd. Auckland’s Speech has astonished me. It Seems to Say,...
29To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 9 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor to hand you a letter from Boston, inclosing a Copy of a detailed Account of the Voyage of the Schooner Topaze. The original will Come I expect in the Bingham to Baltimore. I send you this, that it may accompany the papers you are in possession of. Altho: not authenticated yet, It will enable Mr. Pinkney to understand the Case more compleatly than he Could without it. I am...
30To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I Send you a Copy of a letter from the Capt. of a Ship belonging to Balte. from which it would appear that the Dutch Govt. has relaxed So far as to permit the Vessel, (that from Circumstances Could not have been informed of the Milan Decree) to Entry. Under this permission British Cargoes have been Shipped from Londaon on board American Vessels, furnished with paper, forged for the...
31To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 6 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I Called this day on Genl. Turreau. He Said that he had already Signed the Passport for the Ship bound to Brazil, which is what your letter to me had asked. He added that he had no Objection to the Portugueze Gentleman going in the Ship, but declined giving a particular permission. I presume It Could not be necessary. A Ship has just arrived from Tonningen. A letter of 15 March says that all...
32To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 13 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Among the papers shewn to you by our , relating to the capture, at Ma do , of the Schooner Sophy, was the copy of a Letter written by F J & Geo W Biddle of Canton to Bruce & Co Bombay; Which Biddle & Co Madras Egbert Bletterman Columbo. The other papers have been returned to us, but this Letter is missing, & we have supposed, that perhaps it remains in the department of State. If it c an be...
33To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 19 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
Resolved, That from and after the 1 day of June next, the Act laying an Embargo in the Ports and Harbours of the U. S. as well as all Acts Supplementary thereto, or to Enforce the Same, be repealed. Resolved, That from and after the Same first day of June next, It Shall be lawful for the Owners of the Ships and Vessels of the U. S. to Arm the Same, and for the President of the U. S. to grant...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, [before 12 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. William Buchanan has resided at the Isle of France for the last four or five years, [his] friends request me to solicit the Consulate of the Isles of France & Bourbon for him—An application for his appointment was presented by me lately to Mr. Marshall signed by the most [respec]table Merchants of both parties in this City—It was rejected because (as I understood) he was known to be my...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 17 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am afraid I have Acted improperly by delaying to answer your letter so long.—I hope however It will be attributed to the real Cause,—to my anxiety & desire (if possible) to Comply with your wishes by accepting a Post that would have been at all times highly honorable, but during your Administration would have been to me particularly pleasing & gratifying—The Conflict with myself has been...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 20 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to you an Address from the Republican Citizens of Alleghany County (Maryland), which they have thought proper to request me to present—Should you return an answer, they request It may be done thro: me & that the Address & Answer may be published in one of our Papers— Mr. Dawson will sail on sunday the ship being perfectly ready—. He mentions that I am wanted...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A Report prevails & is believed that a fracas took place between the sailors of the French ship at Norfolk & the English & American sailors. I presume no Lives were lost, as I have no Account from Norfolk on the subject— I progress with as much dispatch as possible in putting the Navy in the situation the Law has directed — My son Louis. Buchanan. Smith will go to Europe in two Weeks. permit...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 6 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inclosed from Mr Dawson I have this Instant received—The fracas at Norfolk commenced with some English & French Sailors & terminated with some very severe broken heads but no lives lost— Previous to my leaving this City (on Sunday) I had ordered all the ships (for sale) that were in Port to be Sold without delay—I directed two 44 gun ships one of 32 guns & a Schooner to be got ready for...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43To 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...
44To 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...
45To 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...
46To 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...
47To 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...
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To 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...