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...
14Robert 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...
15Thomas 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...
16Thomas 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...
17Enclosure: 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
18Robert 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...
19Robert 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...
20Thomas 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...
21Robert 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...
22Robert 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...
23Thomas 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...
24Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 15 July 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Your very friendly letter of the 10 h I have had the pleasure to receive. A nd most sincerely do I thank you for this additional instance of your goodness and for the interest you so kindly take in whatever concerns me personally. I am happy in learning that your rural occupations afford you so much gratification. After having so usefully devoted to your Country so many years, you are...
25Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 10 [July] 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a letter from mr Smith of Erie , one of the members of Pensylvania , which you will readily percieve ought to have been addressed to you by himself; as it is official, & not personal opinion which can answer his views. I am however gratified by his mis take take in sending it to me, inasmuch as it gives me an opportunity of abstracting myself from my rural occupations, & of...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Shaw who was nominated as a Surgeon in the navy has withdrawn his application. I beg leave to mention to you the name of Doctor Jasper Hand in his place. Doct. Hand was nominated a surgeon’s mate at the same time that Doct Shaw was nominated a Surgeon: tho’ by a mistake in his name made by the gentlemen who recommended him, his name was written Jesse instead of Jasper Hand his real name.—...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As the order mentioned in the enclosed letter may eventually produce a state of War between the U. States and G. Britain, I have to request from you a special instruction as to the answer proper to be sent to Captain Porter— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
30To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
With respect to young Drayton the midshipman—it is proper to state to you, that there are now in the Navy upwards of sixty midshipmen, who are senior to him in appointment—many of whom rank with the first young men in the country—these would all feel themselves degraded if any junior officer should be placed over them—A reversion of the order of antecedent relations, especially among military...
31To 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
32To 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.
33To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I will wait on for you tomorrow to know your determination as to the service of the frigate Chesepeek—She is completely prepared for any service— Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
34To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The proceedings of the Court not having been yet transmitted to me by Mr Jones the Judge Advocate no notice can at present be taken of the Note of Mr. Hanson—Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
35To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Gunboats. 21 Jany ’09 Portland 10 Connecticut 2 Rhode Island
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith for your nomination to the Senate a list of officers for the Marine Corps and of Surgeons mates for the Navy. The marine Officers are indispensable for that Corps under its present regulations, & the surgeons mates are wanted immediately for actual service, that Corps being reduced by deaths & resignations. I send also a few blank warrants to fill up...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 9 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
being quite a stranger to the service in which the vessel at Charleston is engaged, as well as to her situation & condition, I must request you to do in it what the service or her condition admits. Affectte. salutations. DNA : RG 45--Miscellaneous Letters Received by the Secretary of the Navy.
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The extent of our Coast, the prevailing winds during the winter, the length of the nights and the inclemency of the winter, making it impossible for our publick vessels cruising on our Coast to repress the violations of the Embargo law, I would submit to your Consideration the propriety of stationing one or more of the gun boats in each of our principal ports and of ordering the Cheasapeak,...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are the only papers that have been sent to me in the Case of Neale. If there had been others, they would of course have been filed with the letter of the 30h. Sep. Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If any papers had been sent to me in Neale’s case, they, according to the established forms of the Dept., must have been transmitted to Col Wharton.—To him I have made the necessary application. The result, when received, will be communicated to you without delay. With great Respect DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
41To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is the report of the Accountant of the Navy upon the case of mr Geo Blount— I have only to remark that I myself saw the sample of the Phila or Cartouch box, & the one made by mr Blount—& that that made by mr. Blount was greatly inferior to the other. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir yr ob St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
42To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The accompanying papers exhibit another melancholy instance of the remark of Erasmus—“Homo homini lupus”— As, however, these unhappy men, Hansen, Tingey and Cassin, in their mutual accusations, have asked for a Court of Enquiry they are, I presume, as is usual in such cases, to be indulged. Although many of the allegations, thus brought by these men against one another, may not be established,...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This Government cannot, in honor or in respect to the permanent interests of the U. States, retreat one inch from the Ground it has so solemnly taken in relation to France & England in the view of all the World and with a show of persevering fortitude. On the Contrary, the substance & tone of the last despatches incline me to think, that the honorable and manly feelings of the American people...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
8th. Sect— The Blank to be filled up with 103 —of which three are for the lakes—The State as set forth in the enclosed paper— The words—“having the materials in readiness”—to be struck out—There were no instructions to have such materials in readiness. The materials that had been provided before the last session of Congress, have been noted in the building of the Gun Boats above mentioned. DLC...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 19 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I inclose you a petition of the widow Bennet for the liberation of her son at Boston, a Minor, or for a moiety of 3. months pay to enable her to go to another son. I think when her case was formerly before us, she was said to be a woman of ill fame, & that her son did not wish to return to her. still however the mother, if there be no father, is the natural guardian, & is legally entitled to...
46From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 10 October 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
you will percieve by the inclosed letter, that the young man who writes it (enlisted among the marines is far above that condn. Genl Dearborn can state to you particular facts & considerations which would recommend a discharge, or I will do it vivâ voce as may be most to your convenience Affectte salutns MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
47To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Before I had received your favor of the 16h., covering the papers in the case of the demand of Governor Grand Pre, I had forwarded to you, for your instructions, papers received by me upon the same subject. It would be proper that the War & Navy Departments should pursue precisely the same course, and that no step should be taken, that would not be perfectly consistent with the principles, we...
48From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 16 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You will percieve by the inclosed papers that an aggression has been committed on the Spanish territory by (if I understand the case) both our land & sea officers. I inclose the papers to you that the necessary orders may be given in your department & the papers handed on to the War department that the same may be done there. I suppose it will suffice for the present to order the men to be...
49To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From the nature of the service I have been under the necessity of giving the command of the gun Boats to young Officers. Many of the duties to be performed required more sense & discretion than some of them possessed. The News papers state the misconduct of two Officers commanding gun Boats—the one here—the other at New York. No complaints have been made to the Navy Dept. However, I lost no...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 19 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Yours of the 13th. has been recieved, and mr Goldsboro has forwarded to me the state of the gunboats in building, & the stations of those in commission. the discretionary power given to mr Gallatin as to those at New York was I think the best step to be taken. under the appearances of present peace no great number need be in the harbour of New York. presuming that the inclosed application...