To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1802
From Robert Smith
Navy department 31 Augt. 1802
Sir
On making out Capt. Barron’s orders I find that we are without your signature to any of the printed instructions to the commanders of our armed vessels, I have therefore the honor to enclose twelve copies, & to ask that you will be pleased to Sign & return them by the next Mail—
Capt. Barron is hauling out of the Eastern Branch, & will have dropped down to Hampton Road before these instructions can return, but as he will have to recruit some men & take in some stores at Norfolk they may probably overtake him there—If not, they must be sent by the John Adams which will follow in a few days, and in the mean time Capt. Barron will not be without authority for acting under the general instructions of the Department and the orders of Commodore Morris
I have the honor to be with the utmost respect Sir Your most obt Servt.
Rt Smith
The Commissions & Warrants have been receive’d.
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 2 Sep. and “printed instrns to officers of Navy” and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP, dated 30 Aug. 1802). Enclosures: twelve printed copies of TJ’s Circular to Naval Commanders, 18 Feb. 1802 (, 2:260; Vol. 36:605).