251To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 March 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
You must know I have been waiting for an answer to my letter of respecting asking of you some aid having in the 1800 did the Deed that made you President of the United States, you must know it is 24 years this fourteenth of May that I left Philadelphia and travelled through (Delaware) Wilmington to Baltimore that I left Baltimore the 13th of June or thereabout to Chestertown and to Easton:...
252To 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...
253To 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...
254To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are respectfully submitted to your Consideration. I will have the honor of calling upon you tomorrow for the purpose of receiving your ideas on the Subject— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
255To 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
256To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 January 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose a List of gentlemen, recommended for Surgeon’s Mates in the Navy. The Chesapeak & Constellation are both in want of officers of this grade— Mr. Rogers —of this city—has been recommended by judge Kilty—Mr. John A Smith —of Georgetown, by Doct. Worthington & others—Mr. Jos W New , by his father Colo New—& Mr Alexr. Mc.Williams has been appointed for a...
257To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress passed the 21st April 1806 it is provided, that the whole number of able seamen ordinary seamen & boys, to be employed in the Navy, shall not exceed 925 We have at this time in actual service about 700. The Chesapeake requires 292 The Wasp 120 1112 Exceeding the limited number 187 1112
258To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of acknowleging the receipt of your favor of the 9th in which you were pleased to propose to me the department of the Navy. Sincerely do I lament that you have been constrained to turn your attention to a person whose education and habits have not sufficiently prepared him for the various duties of this Office. Unqualified, however, as I may be at the beginning, I am disposed...
259To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 January 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have addressed you several letters to you and, sented to you of my going to Claibourne for you in the year 1800—It was me that put into the Annapolis paper Md a to bring forward G. D. Duwald who wrote essays that made you the President of the US. and I think you should assist me having laboured for you as you are on decline of Life I should think you should assist me with a few Dollars at...
260To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
In addition to the Instructions to Commodore Morris copy of which had been transmitted to you by the last Mail , I have found it necessary to send to him further powers of which the enclosed is a Copy. From the best information I have been able to obtain through various channels these Gun Boats will be indispensibly necessary. Accept the assurances of my high respect— RC ( DLC ); endorsed by...
261To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The motion for abolishing the office of Lt. Colo. Commdt. of the Marine Corps having been rejected, I take the liberty to enclose a nomination for that office. The Gentleman proposed is now the senior officer of the Corps. FC in Lb ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); in a clerk’s hand. Enclosure: suggested message to Senate, “Gentlemen of the Senate, I nominate Franklin Wharton, now Senior Officer in the...
262To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that you have not received correct information as to the political character of Thomas Robertson, I deem it proper to state to you that he & his family are among the prominent opposers of the Republicans in the State of Maryland— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
263To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 February 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
have addressed you letter prior to this expecting you would notice me. I having taken an active part at the Election in the year 1800 Being a printer I had some advantage as I could get a line put into Mr Greens paper at Annapolis and this step that made you President of the United States of America—I am now indisposed & shall thank you much for a few Dollars and it will be remembered you must...
264To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for your signature 30 blank Warrants—they are wanted for midsn—boatswains, gunners, sailmakers & carpenters—When you shall have signed them, I beg the favor of you to have them returned to me. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, yr mo ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed...
265To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Jas Roach , the young gentleman for whom the enclosed Warrant is intended—has been mentioned to me in terms of approbation— Should you approve his appointment, the enclosed will require your signature— I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo ob: st. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President U: States”; endorsed by TJ as received from...
266To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There are six vacancies in the corps of navy Lieutenants. To fill these vacancies, I submit the Nomination herewith transmitted, to your consideration. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo ob. Servt I Nominate, Walter Winter—of Maryland,—a midshipman from 22 march 1799, George H Geddes—of Delaware—a midshipman from 14 Octr. 1799, George Merrill—of Connecticut—a midshipman from...
267To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
You will herewith receive Capt Truxton’s letter.—Of all the improprieties which folly & insolence have lately exhibited this letter is surely to be classed among the most exceptionable. But what must this man’s ideas of decorum be, when in this grossly disrespectful letter he can assert “that nothing like disrespect is intended” and what must be his ideas of the dignity of government in...
268To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 October 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of Sending to you herewith, for your Consideration a Copy of a letter from me to Captain Tingey, and also a Copy of his report to me upon the Several objects therein Submitted to him. With great respect I have the honor to be Sir Your most obt Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy...
269To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to send, for your signature, a Commission for Stephen Decatur junior, to be a Captain in the Navy of the United States. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect sir, y mo ob servt. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 23 May and “Decatur” and so recorded in SJL with notation “post...
270To 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.
271To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of a conversation with the Secr. of State, it has been deemed expedient to add the accompanying to the communication to Mr Blount this morning sent to you. I am with great respect sr y o st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
272To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the Senate I Nominate, Humphrey Magrath —at present a sailing master Charles C. B. Thompson } at present midshipmen James P. Wilmer
273To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There are eight gun boats now building for the maintenance of which no appropriation has as yet been required—If they should be put in commission with the number of officers & men necessary in time of war, we shall require for their maintenance during the year, 1805, the following appropriations, doll’s cts. 45,324 5665 For pay & subsistence of the officers & pay of the seamen 51528. For...
274To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed list of surgeons and Surgeons mates is sent to you for nomination to the Senate should it be approved by you.— The Surgeons are required for the vessels now in commission under the act of the 31 Jany; the surgeons mates are also required for these Vessels, and for the Norfolk and New Orleans station. It may be proper to state to you that of the 6 surgeons mates nominated to the...
275To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt Hull has this instant informed me that he omitted giving me the name of the Purser of his Brig vizt. Mr Goldsborough. He seems distressed at this oversight, as no Officer is more deserving of notice. The Nautilus, Captain Evans, has arrived this morning. In the course of the morning I will have the honor of presenting him to you— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
276To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed by Mr Nicholson that he will not accept the Office of Collector and understanding that you will receive addresses signed by many merchants in favor of Mr Brice & Mr Dolozier I owe it to you to inform you explicitly that these two gentlemen are by us justly classed among the Federalists and that the appointing of either of them would be very painful to your political friends of...
277To 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.
278To 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.
279To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I think with you that Morris ought to be recalled by the Nautilus. And I will send orders accordingly. The permitting him to return in his own frigate is a great indulgence. I have no expectation that any thing of importance will be effected by the Squadron now out. With great respect I am Sir Your Ob. Ser. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 18 June and so...
280To 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...
281To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 March 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
To send two additional frigates into the Mediterranean would require an appropriation of about 125000 Dol. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 19 Mch. and “approprn for Meditern.” and so recorded in SJL .
282To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Neilson the writer of the enclosed Letter is a Gentleman of respectability in the State of Maryland. And no person Contributed more than he did to the triumph of Republicanism in that State. Yours Respectfully RC ( DNA : RG 59 , LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 22 Apr. and “Doctr. Raphl. Smith to be Superintt. hospitl. N. Orleans” and so recorded in SJL ....
283To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of herewith sending to you the enclosed letter of Mr Mead Navy Agent at Cadiz with the accompanying publick papers just received by me and also a private letter from Bullus as to the state of parties in New-York, and also a letter addressed to yourself which was this moment delivered to me by Doctor Ridgly late acting consul at Tripoli. With real Esteem & Yours entirely DLC :...
284To 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...
285To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act intituled “An Act for procuring an additional number of Arms, and for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” passed 11 March 1808— appropriates “for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” 150,000 dollars— During the session of 1808, I received from genl Smith, chairman of a committee of the Senate, a letter asking information as to the additional quantity of salt petre & sulphur which it...
286To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Captain James Barron and some other Officers of the Navy who have been heretofore commissioned but whose Commissions for the want of proper blanks being then ready were filled up on such as were originally intended for Warrants, are solicitous for the sake of appearance, to have them exchanged; I have therefore the honor to request your signature to the 15 blank Commissions transmitted...
287To 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...
288To 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...
289To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, with Jefferson’s Note, 7 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I came over this morning to submit to you the propriety of procuring Carronades for the Small Vessels we are about building. All practical men prefer them to Cannon. But the Cost of them not being Comprehended in my Estimate they cannot be Obtained but under the appropriation in Brackenridge’s Bill .—I wish to have your Opinion upon this Subject Respectfully [ Note by TJ :] I should approve of...
290To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, with Jefferson’s Note, 7 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of informing you that with Mr Wm. Smith came Mrs. Hall the Sister of Mrs. Rt Smith and Mrs. Hughes our friend— Mr Williams is at Genl Wilkinsons with his two daughters Prudentia and Kitty— Y. H. S. [ Note by TJ :] Mr. Wm. Smith Mrs. Hall Mrs. Hughes Mr. Williams and the miss Williamses RC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ as received 7 Jan. the liberty of informing you
291To 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.
292To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
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. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed...
293VI. Robert Smith’s Remarks on the Draft, 31 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
“ will be properly regarded ”— Would it not be better to presume that your representations have been acted upon and therefore use the words— have been properly regarded . The language respecting the gun Boats is rather too strong—The truth is—two of the gun Boats have been built and equipped for service—Eight more are building and most of these will be launched in the Course of next Month/Novr...