101To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just a moment to state to you a Report brought from Halifax by a Capt Sherman—namely—that the British June Packet had arrived at Halifax and had brought intelligance that the British had again taken Copenhagen—that Mr Rose was preparing to sail for the U. States in the Latore frigate with full powers to adjust all matters in dispute &c— Capt Sherman, who is considered a man of good...
102To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This Subscriber begs leave humbly to Sojest to your Exelancy that on ain Excursion to the North & Westerly part of the State of New york, That he discovred large quantities of pot Perl ashes & provisions of all Kinds driving & Carying to the Head Waters & leading Streams to the Lakes Onterio & Champlain & all other posable pasages to the River St. Lawrance at the Shoars & Banks of places...
103To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I have just received from Capt Tingey. In my answer to Com. Truxtun I have meerly informed him that it would be submitted to you. Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
104From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 15 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have considered the letter of the Director of the Mint stating the ease with which the errors of Commodore Truxton’s medal may be corrected on the medal itself, and the impracticability of doing it on the die. in my former letter to you on this subject I observed that to make a new die would be a serious thing, requiring consideration. in fact, the first die having been made by authority of...
105To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letters relate to capt Truxtun’s medal—I ask the favor of your determination upon that subject. I have the honor to be with great respect sir yr ob: Sr. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
106From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 31 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Capt. Truxton’s letter. the only difficulty in the case is to concieve how such anachronisms could have taken place as to dates so recent and easily to be ascertained. if you will be so good as to address a letter either directly to mr Patterson, or through the Secretary of state, the errors will be rectified. it will not I suppose be necessary to make a new die. that would be...
107To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20 with the enclosed letter to Doctor Rush has been duly received. It is really distressing that medical “partyism” should, upon an occasion so unimportant, have excited such acrimonious broils in Boston. But, some how or other, the disciples of Esculapins, having to grope their way over a ground not sufficiently lighted by the torch of philosophy, are ever thus jostling...
108To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You will herewith receive a copy of a letter just received from Commodore Truxtun. It is to be regretted that the errors therein stated should have been committed by our predecessors in the execution of his medal. However, as the Legislative Department of the Government have authorised and directed that a medal be presented to him emblematical of a Certain military achievement, it is the duty...
109From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 20 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I thank you for the information contained in your’s of the 17th. and as it has not yet got into the papers I take the liberty of inclosing the papers to mr Madison with a request to return them to you. I inclose to yourself a letter from Dr. Waterhouse to Dr. Rush, sent me by the latter with a request that you also would read it and see to what lengths respecting him medical par alogism ,...
110To 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 :...
111To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If you approve the sentence upon William Hook, gunner of the Chesapeak, will you be pleased to place your signature under the word “confirmed”. I think it ought to be confirmed. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir y ob S DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
112From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 3 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a petition from a woman (Mary Barnett) who complains that her son of 13. years of age, is detained against her will in the Naval military service. having never before received an application of the kind in that department, I know not what are the rules there. but in the land service we have had many cases of enlistment of infants, and there the law is considered to be, and our...
113To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think the Sentence of the Court herewith enclosed upon Midsh. Swearingen ought to carried into effect. If you are of this opinion be pleased to give your signature to it under the word approved. Very respectfully yr ob S DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
114To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Are the enclosed in conformity to your ideas? If not, will you be pleased to note the necessary alterations—It would be well to let the Secretary of the Treasury see them— Respectfy &c &c. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
115To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the blank Commissions herewith sent which are required for the six Lieutenants whose appointments have just been confirmed by the Senate. I am very respectfully Sir, yr mo ob St. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
116To 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...
117From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 20 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I nominate Joseph Tarbell—now a Lieutenant in the Navy—to be a Master Commandant in the Navy—to fill the vacancy occasioned by the resignation of George Cox late a Master Commandant . Words in italics in Robert Smith’s hand [ Postscript in TJ’s hand: ] Will mr Smith be so good as to say what is the appointment vacated by Cox & to which Tarbell is to be promoted, as that must be specifically...
118To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the resignation of George Cox, a vacancy has arisen in the corps of Masters Commandant—Mr. Tarbell is senior to all the Lieutenants excepting Lieut. Blake, who, it is thought, is not entitled to promotion. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo: ob: Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
119From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 1 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I approve of your letter to Commodore Murray entirely, and in order to settle what shall be our course for the summer (now that we see tolerably clearly that no rupture with England is likely to take place during the summer) I propose, the first day that I can be well enough for a couple of hours, to ask a meeting of our colleagues to determine these questions Shall the Proclamation, be...
120To James Madison from Robert Smith, 24 March 1808 (Madison Papers)
By a letter addressed to me by Col. Wharton, I perceive that the services of all the officers in the Marine Corps are now necessary. He wishes to be informed how he is to consider Mr. Coxe one of the Lieutenants of Marines, now consul at Tunis, and that I may be enabled to give to Col. Wharton the necessary information upon this subject, I ask the favor of you to inform me of your intentions...
121To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I forgot to ask you this morning whether the hint about returning in the Revenge was not in the private letter from Genl Armstrong to yourself—We cannot find it in any of the publick letters—This information Mr. Madison wants Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
122To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Tazewells letter it appears that the Evidence addresd in these trials will not soon be transmitted to us. When received it will be forwarded you. Then you will be enabled to judge of the propriety of the several Sentences of the Courts Martial—Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
123From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 3 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Can a gunboat be spared from Charleston? DLC : Harwood Family Papers.
124To James Madison from Robert Smith, 29 February 1808 (Madison Papers)
I enclose you a copy of a letter from Messrs. Carl & Allston with their Signatures for your information. DNA : RG 45—Letters to Secretary of States.
125To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
By the XLIst art. of the “Act for the better government of the Navy of the U. States” it appears that all sentences of courts martial going to the dismission of a Commissioned or Warrant officer, must, before they can be carried into execution, be approved by the President of the United States. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Yr ob svt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
126From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 14 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I believe we must employ some of our gunboats to aid in the execution of the embargo law. some British ships in the Delaware, one of them loaded with 1500. barrels of flour for Jamaica, another armed as a letter of marque, openly mean to go out by force. the last is too strong for the revenue cutter. mr Brice also of Baltimore asks armed assistance. I see nothing at present to prevent our...
127To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your note in relation to Mr. Tarlton Webb—I will accordingly have his name placed on the roll of applicants—There are no vacancies at present in the corps of midshipmen; but when vacancies shall occur, the application of Mr. Webb shall be respectfully considered. I have the honor to be with great respect sir, yr. mo: ob: st DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
128From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 27 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think the answer to the Mayor of N. York must be that the law fixes the number of men we may subsist & pay, that having already that number employed, no authority but the legislature can give subsistence or pay to any additional number. Affectte. salutns. DNA : RG 45--Miscellaneous Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy.
129To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed Commissions which are required for the Officers mentioned in the list accompanying my letter to you of the 7t ultimo & whose appointments have since been confirmed by the Senate.— I am very respectfully Sir, Your most ob Serv. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
130To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed communication from the Mayor of New York I have just received—And I have to state to you that consistently with the limitations of the Acts of Congress in relation to the number of seamen to be employed by the Executive the Navy Department cannot employ or allow pay however small that pay may be to more men than are now in service, and that therefore we are not authorized by Law...
131From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 15 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
To the letter from mr Davy of the Committee of the Chamber of commerce of Philadelphia (which I now return you) I think you may say in answer that you had communicated it to the President & were authorised to say, that the government of the US. have no present views of forming new harbours for the reception of their vessels of war: that under the authority, & with the means, lately given by...
132From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 14 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you Chancey’s letter. I am sorry to see the seamen working for rations only, & that we cannot allow even them, and further indeed that we shall be under the necessity of discharging a number of those we have. this is so serious a question that I propose to call a consultation on it a day or two hence. our 64. gunboats & ketches may certainly be reduced to 10. seamen each; at least I...
133To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days since I had the honor of communicating to you verbally that there were employed in the service of the United States, six hundred & seventy seamen more than the number estimated for by the Navy Department for the present year. For the purpose of giving you a more distinct view of the subject, I herewith transmit to you the enclosed paper which exhibits the details as far as they can...
134From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 7 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Proceeding as we are to an extensive construction of gun-boats, there are many circumstances to be considered & agreed on. viz. 1. how many shall we build? for the debate lately published proves clearly it was not expected we should build the whole number proposed. 2. of what sizes, and how many of each size? 3. what weight of metal shall each size carry? shall carronades be added? 4. is it...
135To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I will have the honor of calling upon you tomorrow for the purpose of obtaining your instructions in relation to the points suggested in your note of this morning. Respectfy. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
136To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed blank warrants to which I have the honor to request your signature, are wanted to fill up the vacancies now existing in the Corps of Midshipmen. I am very respectfully Sir yr mo ob Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
137From John Adams to Robert Smith, 28 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have received with pleasure, the letter you did me the honor to write me, on the fifteenth of this month: and pray you to accept my thanks for the impression of a medal, presented to the late Commodore Edward Preble in pursuance of the resolution of Congress of the third of March, one thousand eight hundred and five. This medal, in honor of the Commodore and in commemoration of a Splendid...
138To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you herewith a nomination to the Senate of Dr. Saml. D. Heap to be a Surgeon in the Navy of the United States. Dr. Heap acted in the capacity of a Surgeon’s mate from Apl. 1804 to Aug: 1805, and from the latter period to the present time as a Surgeon, and in both capacities he has acted with distinction for the periods above stated on the Mediterranean Station...
139To John Adams from Robert Smith, 15 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of herewith transmitting to you, for your acceptance, an impression of the medal, presented, to the late Commodore Edward Preble, in pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 3rd March 1805. I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir, yr. mo. ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
140To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to enclose to you a paper which contains the names of all the Officers of the Navy who have been appointed during the recess of the Senate, with the exception of Mr. Edgar & Mr. Rankin whose appointments have not yet issued. The paper is now sent to you with a view to a nomination to the Senate should it meet your approbation. Respectfully yr mo ob Servant, DLC :...
141To 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.
142To 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.
143To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that the frigate the U. States cannot be prepared to sail for either New York or Boston within the time mentioned yesterday. The proposed arrangement with respect to her will of course not be made. Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
144To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As peace is our favorite object, as it is not intended to excite Congress to a declaration of war, or to present to them a ground upon which to found any war measures and especially as there is at this moment a pending negotiation for the adjustment of all our differences with G Britain upon every point, I could wish the Message had less of the air of a Manifesto against the British...
145To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Com. Preble has caused a vacancy in the Corps of Captains in the Navy of the United States. To fill up this vacancy, I enclose a Commission for John Shaw Esquire, the Senior Officer in the Corps of Masters Commandant—and to fill up the vacancy in this latter Corps which will be made by the promotion of Capt. Shaw, I enclose a Commission of Master Commandant for Mr. P. C....
146To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
For ordnance & military stores, comprehending cannon, ball, small arms, powder, salt petre, sulphur, &c. For Canvas, cordage, timber, Copper &c. For the employment of seamen not estimated or appropriated for—& For the extra expence incurred in consequence of the order to fill up the Marine Corps— The expence is estimated at abt. 800,000$ The sum of 800,000$ is conjectural—The returns of...
147To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As we are to assemble so soon at Washington I have declined instituting any judicial proceeding in the Case of Capt. Porter. The Officers necessary to form a Court are at this time so dispersed and so occupied that it would be not only very difficult but very inconvenient to convene them for such a purpose. The veiw which you Mr. Madison & indeed all of us have of the proper Course of...
148From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 18 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
On my return yesterday I found yours of the 10th. and now re-inclose you Com. Rogers’s letter. you remember that the orders to Decatur were to leave the British ships unmolested so long as they laid quiet in the bay: but if they should attempt to enter Eliz. river to attack them with all his force. the spirit of these orders should, I think, be applied to New York. so long as the British...
149To James Madison from Robert Smith, 17 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Blanks in the Commission, & in your letter to the Commercial Agent of the United S: at Batavia I have filled with the name of John W Clallan Esqr. and the following is a copy of a note by me signed and annexed to your letter. Resp DNA : RG 45—Letters to Secretary of States.
150To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed just receivd I consider it proper to submit to you, and am with great respect & affection Your Ob. servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.