1To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 December 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I have addressed you letters respecting of going electioneering for you in the year 1800. having left Philadelphia for Richmond virginia arrived at Baltimore the last week of May proceeded from there to Charlestown on to Easton to Hadler Cove and crossed Chesepeake Bay ; for Annapolis arrived there about the last of June left there the 5th of July for Washington city got on to and to...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 September 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
I wrote to you some time previous to the 4th of July and desired and expressed that you would give me answer to my leter I stated to you that it was me that put the card in both Greens paper Annapolis paper in 1800 that it is now a quarter of a century since I went electioneering for you—I stated to a customer of this place yesterday that I had given you a letter requesting you to assist me...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 June 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
it is now a quarter of a s entuary since I left Philadelphia to Endeaver to bring you in as President of the United States—I had expected that when I got in years I should most assuredly be noticed by you and assisted I find that I have been ill treated by James Maddison as well as James Monroe—I took my station at Pittsburgh in the year 1810 I saw there would be a war between England and the...
4To 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...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 September 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
You must know that in the year 1800 I took an active part in your election and left Philadelphia the 17 day of May for Baltimore at Annapolis I put into M r Greens paper a card that brought out G G Duwald to write essays that w hent through a great many papers in the U States and I consider that it was those essays of G.G Duwald made you the President of the US as I am growing in years I thin...
6To 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:...
7To 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...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 January 1824 (Jefferson Papers)
You must know that I am not in as good state of health as I good wish—you must know as I took an active part in your election in the year 1800 and it was on that card putt into the Greens chapter paper that brought out G G Duvall to write those essays that was the Lever that made you President of the United States—I could ask of you some few Dollars at the Pressent time—I was in Washington...
9To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I have made known to you of going on to Annapolis in the year 1800—and put a card into the Newspaper printerd at this city that brought out Judge Dewala to write essays which was inserted in all the Newspapers through the Unit States that was not in the federal interest as I am getting in years I think you should notiece me—and shall expect it at your death when it shall please the allmighty...
10To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 5 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
You must know that it was Robert Smith who electioneered for you in the year 1800—he at Annapolis in Maryland put into Mr Greens papers a card which brought out G Duwald Esq to write those essays which had the effect to put you into station of President of the United States I make known to you that I am getting in years am now about sixty—I therefore think that you might settle a life annuity...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 January 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
You must know that in the year 1800 the 17th day of May I left Philadelphia; to go on election for you—at Annapolis. I put a card in Mr G ses paper at Annapolis which brought Judge Dumal to address a member essay which was inserted in all the papers through the United States—I have got in years and wish it on you to transmit by Mail to me at Harrisburgh Pa ten or twenty dollars to Robert Smith...
12Robert Smith (printer) to Thomas Jefferson, 27 March 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
I addressed you a letter some days ago and stated th that it was me that went to Annopolis in the year 1800 and put a card in Mr Greens paper which brought out Judge Duval to write those Essays that put you in as President of the United States and that at your close of years you should not forget me P.S Indeed I Should like somethng at the Present time for I am in reducd circumstancs and...
13Robert Smith (printer) to Thomas Jefferson, 24 February 1822 (Jefferson Papers)
You must know that me the Undersigned election for you in year 1800 on my own expencee I went to Annopolis and published a card that broaght out Judge Düwald to write those essays which was the opinion of M r Leiper of Philadelphia put you in as President of the U States You must know I am now in distress and am under the nes necessity of asking of you for a Dollars you will see that I have...
14From John Adams to Robert Smith, 6 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
Yesterday I received from the Post Office in this Town, your favour of the thirtieth of November in answer to mine my Letter to you of the twenty fifth of that month I thank you Sir, for the Promptitude, Punctuallity and Accuracy of your Reply, which is fully Satisfactory. It is Such indeed as I know, it must be, from the immutability of Truth. With much respect, I have the Honor to / be Sir,...
15To John Adams from Robert Smith, 30 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
In reply to your letter of the 25th of this month, just received, I have no hesitation in stating to you, that, at no period, of your administration, did I consider or understand, that any kind of bargain or arrangement had, directly or indirectly, in any manner or form, been proposed or made between yourself on the one part and my brother & myself or either of us on the other part, in...
16From John Adams to Robert Smith, 25 November 1811 (Adams Papers)
Colonel Pickering in his Letters or Addresses to the People of The United States has represented to the world and supported by Certificates or Testimonies which some persons think plausible, that a corrupt Bargain was made between yourself and your Brother on one part, and me on the other; that I should dismiss the then Secretary of State from his office, in consideration of your votes and...
17Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 5 May 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just received with great satisfaction your very friendly letter of the 30 Ult. Of the occurrence at Washington I had as little suspicion as you had. And I, at this moment, know not to what infatuation to attribute it. From one of your old & uniform friends I some days since received a letter requesting information as to the ground there was for the Opinion, that you had been privy to...
18Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 30 April 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
I have learnt, with sincere concern, the circumstances which have taken place at Washington . some intimations had been quoted from federal papers, which I had supposed false, as usual. their first confirmation to me was from the National Intelligencer. still my hopes and confidence were that your retirement was purely a matter of choice on your part. a letter I have recieved from mr Hollins...
19Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 20 March 1811 (Jefferson Papers)
Having just now made up my packet of documents to be sent to Mess rs Hay & Wirt , my counsel in the case of the Batture , I think it my duty to furnish you with a particular list of those sent me from your office, which list you will accordingly find on the next page. those marked as now returned, you will find in the packet which accompanies this letter. the rest are sowed together that they...
20Enclosure: Thomas Jefferson’s List of Batture-Related State Department Documents, [ca. 20 March 1811] (Jefferson Papers)
Papers recieved from the Secretary of State’s office and now returned Derbigny’s Opinion on the case of the Batture MS. his Memoire. printed copy Livingston’s
21To James Madison from Robert Smith, 27 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
The Secretary of State respectfully represents to the President, that agreeably to the several Acts of Congress authorizing the third Census or enumeration of the Inhabitants of the United States and the Territories thereof, instructions were issued to the several Marshals and Secretaries, conformably to the provisions of the Law; in consequence of which, regular returns of the population of...
22Draft of Robert Smith to Louis-Barbé-Charles Sérurier, 20 February 1811 (Madison Papers)
Desirous of laying before the President, with the utmost precision, the substance of our conference of this day, and knowing that verbal communications are not unfrequently misunderstood, I consider it proper to propose to you in a written form the questions, which I have had the honor of submitting to you in conversation, namely; 1st Were the Berlin and Milan Decrees revoked in whole or in...
23To James Madison from Robert Smith, 19 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
19 February 1811, State Department. Transmits in accordance with the House of Representatives resolution of 18 Feb. 1811 the papers marked A and B, which contain all the information, not heretofore communicated, concerning the “repeal or modification as well as the practical operation of the orders and decrees affecting our neutral commerce” since 1 Nov. 1810. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233,...
24Louis-Barbé-Charles Sérurier to Robert Smith, 17 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
17 February 1811, Washington. The effort of being presented yesterday to the president and at the State Department has worsened his indisposition to the extent that he cannot pay his respects to Mmes Madison and Smith and to others as he had proposed. Offers his apologies; will make the visits his first duty and he is eager to fulfill it. Still hopes to be able to come to the State Department...
25To James Madison from Robert Smith, 4 February 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 February 1811, Department of State. Forwards copies of the latest census and militia returns from the Orleans Territory in compliance with a Senate resolution of 1 Feb. 1811. RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 46, TP , Orleans); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL ). RC 1 p. In a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith. Enclosures are copies of the census return for the Orleans Territory, 31 Dec. 1806 (1 p.),...
26To James Madison from Robert Smith, [17 January] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have this moment seen Col McKee. He says he will immediately proceed to the Country in question and will be happy in affording to his Country any services in his power but that he cannot go thither in the Character of a Secretary. I hasten to give you this information in order that arrangements may be made for fixing upon a proper person as Secretary to Matthews. Respctfy RC ( DLC ). In...
27Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 19 December 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
Knowing the interest, you take in the state of our foreign relations and the solicitude, you feel for your old and sincere friends, I hasten to transmit to you a copy of the documents, which accompanied the late message of the President . They shew the Course, we have been steering in a sea of difficulties. As the principles, which I have feebly endeavoured to maintain, are, in truth, but a...
28Robert Smith to Louis-Marie Turreau, 18 December 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
18 December 1810, Department of State. Acknowledges Turreau’s letter of 12 Dec. in answer to his inquiries about certificates of origin and the admission to France of American agricultural products. Concludes from the letter that the importation of American cotton and tobacco is “specially and absolutely prohibited.” Also notes that the decree of 15 July effectively prohibits the importation...
29To James Madison from Robert Smith, 11 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
The funds, which had been provided by law for the relief and protection of destitute American Seamen in foreign Countries, have been rendered this year inadequate to their contemplated object by the extensive seizures of our vessels in Europe, and the effect thereof on the situation of the crews. The advances, which have been necessarily made by our Ministers and Consuls to supply the wants of...
30To James Madison from Robert Smith, [14 October] 1810 (Madison Papers)
Would it not be well to annex to the despatch to Mr Pinkney that part of the first letter of Mr King which relates to Blockades marked with a pencil // // ? P. S. Owing to a very severe cold I will not be able to accompany to your house Mr Jarvis. But I will send him. RC ( DLC : Rives Collection, Madison Papers); enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, DD , Great Britain). Date of RC assigned on the basis...
31Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 1 October 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I yesterday had the honor of receiving your letter of the 23 Ult and I have this day forwarded its enclosure to mr Rodney . Well knowing how necessary it is that this very interesting statement should be promptly laid before your Counsul and not imagining that I could suggest any improvements, much less, such as would make amends for the injuries that might result from the delay, I could not...
32From James Madison to Robert Smith, ca. 30 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 30 September 1810. Mentioned in Robert Smith to William Harris Crawford, 2 Oct. 1810 (DNA: RG 59, DL), where Smith informed Crawford that his letter of 27 July (not found) had been sent to the president, who was “perfectly satisfied with the arrangement made by you in the execution of the delicate trust which we took the liberty of committing to your management.”
33To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
In my last letter I took the liberty of intimating to you that I would by the next Mail forward for your consideration a sketch of a proclamation to be issued upon the revocation of the Fr. Decrees. This was my first idea, formed, indeed, without having considered the subject and under the impression that the same Course would be pursued as was taken in the case of Erskine’s arrangement. Upon...
34To James Madison from Robert Smith, 26 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 26 September 1810. Described as a two-page letter in the lists probably made by Peter Force (DLC, series 7, container 2). Also referred to in Smith to JM, 28 Sept. 1810 . Concerns the drafting of a proclamation to be issued upon the revocation of the French decrees. Smith probably enclosed as well a letter (not found) from William Harris Crawford of 27 July 1810 (Crawford to...
35Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 23 September 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have waited the occasion of the present inclosure to perform the duty of my thanks for the kind communication of papers from your office in the question between Livingston & myself. these have mainly enabled me to give a correct statement of facts. I deferred proceeding to a particular consideration of the case in hopes of the aid of Moreau’s memoir, which I have understood to be the ablest...
36From James Madison to Robert Smith, 12 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have recd yours of the 5th. instant from Washington. The speedy return which it appears is wished by Mr. ⟨Adams⟩, is to be regretted; but if his anxiety be as great and the cause as powerful & unforeseen, as is stated, it is scarc[e]ly just to oppose his escape from ruin. I hope however that the extreme anxiety is rather that of the parent, than of Mr. ⟨A.⟩ himself; nor is it unprobable that...
37To James Madison from Robert Smith, 5 September 1810 (Madison Papers)
I came from Balt to the office on Monday to attend for a few days to its general affairs and arrived just in time to receive & to forward to you Mr Moriers letter. I have in a letter to him acknowledged the receipt of it and have intimated to him that you would probably be at Washn in the course of the first week of the next month. The papers, as prepared, in the case of the proposed return of...
38From James Madison to Robert Smith, 26 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I return herewith the letters from Vanderhorst, & Bernabeu. It would have been better if Lowry had more carefully concealed his destination. The case of the Spanish Goods landed from the French privateer, must be decided by the result of the judicial enquiry into the character of the latter. If equipped from our jurisdiction, the capture gives a claim to restitution. If not so equipped, the...
39From James Madison to Robert Smith, 17 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
The letter from Govr. Holmes, with that from Mr. Lowry & copy of the answer, which were inclosed to me, are now returned. I think Govr. Holmes should be encouraged in keeping a wakeful eye to occurrences & appearances in W. Florida, and in transmitting information concerning them. It will be well for him also to be attentive to the means of having his Militia in a state for any service that...
40To James Madison from [Robert Smith?], ca. 12 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. Ca. 12 July 1810. Mentioned in JM to Smith, 17 July 1810 . Forwards letters from Gov. David Holmes and Robert K. Lowry and a copy of his reply to Lowry.
41Madison’s Draft of Robert Smith to John Armstrong, 5 July 1810 (Madison Papers)
I avail myself of the oppy. by Mr. to forward copies of my several letters lately written to you; & to add the present. The arrival of the J. Adams brought your letters of the following dates . From that of the 16th. April, it appears that the seizures of Amn. property lately made, had been followed up by its actual sale, & that the proceeds had been deposited in the Emperors Caisse prive. You...
42To James Madison from Robert Smith, [23 June?] 1810 (Madison Papers)
Mr Lowry is a good Republican, of unblemished Character—understands the French & Spanish languages—a regular bred Merchant—about 30 years of age—his talents good. RC ( DLC ). In pencil. Addressed to “The President.” Dated 1809 in the Index to the James Madison Papers . Conjectural date assigned on the basis that Lowry probably traveled to Washington after 21 June and evidently had left the...
43Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I had the Honor to forward to you by the last Mail, most of the Papers belonging to this Department, which relate to the Batture . I now send the residue and should add to them a copy of the Instructions under which the Marshal took possession of that Property, were they to be found on our Records. RC ( DLC ); in John Graham’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r...
44Enclosure: Robert Smith’s List of Batture-Related Papers Sent to Thomas Jefferson, 6 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
List of Papers sent to M r Jefferson 6 th June 1810 —from the Dept of State. Three Letters from M r Livingston to the Sec y of State the one without date the others dated
45Draft of Robert Smith to John Armstrong, 5 June 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
5 June 1810, Department of State. Acknowledges letters and enclosures from Armstrong received on 21 May. Protests strongly against France’s decision to seize American vessels as announced in the letter from the duc de Cadore to Armstrong [14 Feb. 1810]. Describes French policy as “an act of violence, which under existing circumstances is scarcely less than an act of war [and] necessarily...
46Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the Honor to receive your Letter of the 30 th Ult. and in compliance with the request it contains I have now the pleasure to send you such of the Papers in this Office relative to the Batture , as can be prepared in time for the Mail of today. The residue shall be forwarded by the next Mail. RC ( DLC ); in John Graham’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Thomas Jefferson Esq r...
47Enclosure: Robert Smith’s List of Batture-Related Papers Sent to Thomas Jefferson, 4 June 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
List of Papers sent to M r Jefferson 4 th June 1810— Gov r Claiborne’s Letter. 3 d Sep r
48Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 30 May 1810 (Jefferson Papers)
In the action brought against me by E. Livingston on the subject of the Batture , the counsel employed desire me, without delay, to furnish them with the grounds of defence, that they may be enabled to put in proper pleas. towards this it is indispensable that I should have a communication of such papers in the public offices as are material for either information or evidence of material...
49John D. Lewis and Others to Robert Smith, 1 April 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1810. The petitioners, Americans residing in Malta, urge that John Hudden Lander, “an Englishman by birth,” be appointed to replace the present consul, who is “negligent & inattentive in his Office” and who “neither speaks, writes, or understands the English language.” As Malta is a rendezvous for the Royal Navy, the interests of American seamen there “require consular interference.” Ms...
50To James Madison from Robert Smith, 14 February 1810 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
14 February 1810, Department of State. Relays to JM for transmittal to House of Representatives copies of various documents related to the House resolution of 5 Feb. requesting the orders and decrees of France and Great Britain “violating the lawful Commerce and Neutral Rights of the United States, except such parts, as may, in his Judgment, require secrecy.” RC and enclosures ( DNA : RG 233,...