1From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 22 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
Eighty two years old, my memory gone, my mind close following it 5. months confined to the house by a painful complaint, which, permitting my neither to walk nor to sit, obliges me to be constantly reclined, and to write in that posture, when I write at all, you, as my friend would not propose or permit me to take up such a case as is the subject of mr Cau st en’s letter, commencing with the...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 12 October 1825 (Jefferson Papers)
The present will be forwarded by M r Caustin, the general Agent for the sufferers by depredation Committed by the French prior to the year 1800—He has Collected a Mass of testimony all going to Confirm the Opinion I had always had. That the Government had bartered the fair Claims of the Merchants against the Guarantee of the W. Indian Islands. and was bound in Common honesty to pay the losses...
3From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 3 May 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
I duly received your favor of the 24 th ult, but I am rendered a slow correspondent by the loss of the use, totally of the one, and almost totally of the other wrist, which renders writing scarcely and painfully practicable. I learn with great satisfaction that wholesome economies have been found, sufficient to relieve us from the ruinous necessity of adding annually to our debt by new loans....
4To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 April 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
All history tells us that the minister who attempted to reduce the public burthens, by the dismissal of useless Officers; by the reductions of pensions improperly granted; by the destruction of sinecure Offices; in time by Reform however salutary has been disgraced and a man with more liberal Ideas (as the Blood turned) is brought in. Your Administration is an exception to this general Rule....
5To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 1 February 1823 (Jefferson Papers)
you will have from the late mininstrations to South America and Spain—The opinion of the Senate was—that those to Buenos Ayres, Chili and Peru, ought to have been deferred until they had sent their ministers. that ample time has been given them, and their not having accepted the invitation given by our recognition was an indication that a diplomatic intercourse was not desired by them, but it...
6To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 29 November 1816 (Madison Papers)
I am requested by Mr. W. G. D. Worthington to join his other friends in Soliciting an appointment Suitable to his State of health, which has been injured by too great application to his duty as Clerk in the Comptroller’s Office. He wishes a Consulate. I have written him that there are none in Europe that will be useful to any except a Mercht. now Vacant, but that if Tunis or Tripoli be Vacant,...
7To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 September 1816 (Madison Papers)
Permit me to address you in behalf of my friend Mr. Beasly. He is Solicitous to receive the appointment of Consul for the port of Bordeaux. I know no Man who I should think more capable or more worthy of that office, and I beg leave to assure you that his appointment would gratify the Merchants of this City to whom he is known. I have had an Opportunity to enquire particularly into Mr....
8From John Adams to Samuel Smith, 13 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
I have received your letter of the first of this month, in answer to mine of the twenty fifth of November—It is not less frank and candid, than prompt and punctual. I have only to remark that you were certainly mistaken when you thought that I “was personlly hostile to you.” Your brother Robert I never saw in my life, nor had any communication with him of any kind while I had any share in...
9To John Adams from Samuel Smith, 1 December 1811 (Adams Papers)
I had the honor yesterday to receive your letter of the 25h. Ulto. in which you Say—“That Coll. Pickering in his letters to the people of the U.S has represented to the World, that a corrupt bargain was made between yourself and Brother on the One part and me on the other, that I Should dismiss the then Secy. of State from his office, as consideration of your Votes & influence for me at the...
10From John Adams to Samuel 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...
11To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 4 March 1811 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
4 March 1811, Washington. “My excellent young friend Mr. John Skinner of Annapolis, (who I believe was presented to you by Mr. Duvall) intends going to the Western Country. He wishes to commence his Career there in Some public Employ.” Skinner’s legal studies and service as a clerk in the state legislature qualify him for a secretary’s position, and his “connections & family are among the most...
12To James Madison from Samuel Smith, [ca. 5 February] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor to send you a Copy of the letter of the supercargo of the Schooner Friendship to his Owners & am your Obedt. servt. Apprehensive that the statement I hastily furnished you last evening, respecting the Schooner Friendship, Captn. Snow, might be incorrect in some particulars, I this day procured from Mr. Wilmott Mr. Wilmot is one of the owners of the Schr. Friendship. the...
13To James Madison from Samuel Smith, [ca. 4 February] 1811 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to send you herewith information recieved by the Schooner mentioned in Mr. Russell’s letter—which will Shew that Mr. R. has been misinformed. I have the honor to be your Obedt. servt. The Supercargo of the Schooner Friendship, Captn. Snow of Baltimore, writes his owners under date of the 13th. Decemr. of his arrival at Bordeaux on the and that the vessel was obliged to perform...
14To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 12 December 1810 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to Submit to your perusal Some Notes recieved from my son on the Commerce of Russia with the U. S —they may perhaps afford Some new information. I have the honor to be with the highest Respect—your Obedt. Servt. RC ( DLC ). Enclosure not found. John Spear Smith had traveled to Russia in 1809 as private secretary to John Quincy Adams. He later moved to London where he became...
15To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 22 October 1810 (Madison Papers)
The Note of Mr. P——y is pointedly Specific as to its Object —it required only a plain & Simple Answer—what reply did he recieve? An Jesuitical One, that may be made to mean anything or nothing . His Lordship referrs to a former promise made by his Govt. which (least we Should understand as it was generally understood at the time) he goes on to explain, “He repeats it, and assures you that...
16From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 29 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 8th. inst: came duly to hand & I have since been favored with that of the 17th. It seems that in the decreasing amounts of the Treasury deposits, any distributive transfer of them to the State Banks, would not be convenient to the public, and must soon become unimportant to them. Nothing better therefore is practicable in that mode, than a temporary relief to particular...
17To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 17 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor to Enclose, an Extract of a letter just recieved from the Havannah. I presume the Person is the same who dined with you last Winter and was introduced by Dr. Thornton to many Gentlemen. I have the honor [to] be sir, Your friend & Servt. RC and enclosure ( DLC ). Postmarked Baltimore, 16 Aug. Enclosure 1 p., in an unidentified hand (see n. 1). Smith enclosed an extract...
18To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 8 August 1810 (Madison Papers)
The Branch Bank has notified the Presidents of the Banks in this city, that on monday they had received orders from the Bank of the U. S. directing the Branch Bank to commence immediately the lessening their Discounts and to call in immediately the money that may now be due, or hereafter become due from the different Banks. The declared object is safety to themselves, and may be to create such...
19To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 7 June 1810 (Madison Papers)
I hope & believe that I am not interested in the late Surrender of the American property by the King of Holland to the Emperor of France. I therefore may be permitted to give my Opinion on the Course that the U. S. ought to pursue, being (as to Interest) unbiassed. Holland has by a Solemn treaty transferred all the American property in her Ports to the Emperor of France. Holland then has, by a...
20To James Madison from Samuel Smith, [24 May] 1810 (Madison Papers)
… The situation of our country is indeed very critical, but I cannot yet believe that Denmark will be coerced to receive french troops in Holstein. Sweden has the most friendly disposition towards us—indeed I would suppose American property to be perfectly safe in her Ports.… Printed extract (Robert C. Black Catalogue No. 104 [1965], item 133). Also mentioned as a one-page letter in the lists...
21To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 20 March 1809 (Madison Papers)
I have been in the habit of corresponding with Mr. Jefferson during his administration, on subject[s] that my information gave me an Opportunity to be particularly acquainted with—I ask that permission of you at present. In this City there are five Banks. One Bank alone has a Republican President “ The Bank of Baltimore .” In that Bank the Navy Agent did his public Business. He is now, under...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 18 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to Enclose a Postcript of a letter received last night from One from your friends.—Is it not easy to Counter Order this intention—I have the honor to be/ your Obedt. Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson. P.S. The Cotten Seed is the present federal Theme, however proper it might be for Mr Jefferson as Mr. Jefferson to comply with a Request from an Agricultural Society,...
23To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 19 January 1809 (Madison Papers)
Resolved, That from and after the 1 day of June next, the Act laying an Embargo in the Ports and Harbours of the U. S. as well as all Acts Supplementary thereto, or to Enforce the Same, be repealed. Resolved, That from and after the Same first day of June next, It Shall be lawful for the Owners of the Ships and Vessels of the U. S. to Arm the Same, and for the President of the U. S. to grant...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday the Chask Sent by your Servant, and now do myself the honor to Enclose the Bill, Kuhn on yourself for $200.68—and am Dr Sir/ Your friend & Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
25To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 31 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I ask a favor, I ask it as an Act of friendship, that you will give the Command of the vacant Company of Cavalry to Doctr. George E. Mitchel (of Cecil County)—he has been and Still is a Delegate to the State Legislature, a leading Member of the Republican party—a Gentleman of unblemished Reputation, young, active Brave and of a fine form—he resides at Elkton, and I have no doubt Could Soon...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to Inclose for your perusal—three letters just recieved.—I will only observe that—this will be another Charge of French Influence, and that if Turreau has recd Money—for those permits he ought instantly to be put out of the Country your Obed Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
27From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 27 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your letter of July 13. covering a petition on behalf of the Lowries did not get to my hand till the 4th. instant. I immediately took measures to obtain information of the case. the result of these came to my hands only by our last post, & I this day write to mr Dallas to obtain for me a copy of the judgment under which they are held in confinement and which is necessary to be recited in the...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 13 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the power to grant reprieves, and pardons for offences against the U. States, vested by the constitution in the President of the U States, and a full reliance, and confidence in your excellencies wisdom, justice, and humanity, I am induced to address you in behalf of Morrow Lowry, Andrew Lowry, and John Lowry, to request you to take their case, as stated in the accompanying...
29From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 15 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
A search has been made for the paper alluded to in your letter of the 13th. instant, which is just received, and it is not to be found in this Office. Indeed, it is not recollected that such a paper was left here by Genl. Smith. I am &c. DNA : RG 59—DL—Domestic Letters.
30To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 13 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
Among the papers shewn to you by our , relating to the capture, at Ma do , of the Schooner Sophy, was the copy of a Letter written by F J & Geo W Biddle of Canton to Bruce & Co Bombay; Which Biddle & Co Madras Egbert Bletterman Columbo. The other papers have been returned to us, but this Letter is missing, & we have supposed, that perhaps it remains in the department of State. If it c an be...
31To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 6 June 1808 (Madison Papers)
I Called this day on Genl. Turreau. He Said that he had already Signed the Passport for the Ship bound to Brazil, which is what your letter to me had asked. He added that he had no Objection to the Portugueze Gentleman going in the Ship, but declined giving a particular permission. I presume It Could not be necessary. A Ship has just arrived from Tonningen. A letter of 15 March says that all...
32To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 May 1808 (Madison Papers)
Inclosed I Send you a Copy of a letter from the Capt. of a Ship belonging to Balte. from which it would appear that the Dutch Govt. has relaxed So far as to permit the Vessel, (that from Circumstances Could not have been informed of the Milan Decree) to Entry. Under this permission British Cargoes have been Shipped from Londaon on board American Vessels, furnished with paper, forged for the...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 22 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
At the request of General Smith, we have purchased, & have the honor herewith to enclose, Wm. Patterson & Sons draft on Severyn & Hauebroeck Amsterdam for two thousand five hundred Guilders, equal, at the Exchange of 40 Cents ⅌ Guilder, to One thousand dollars, & which we have paid for, in a Check for that sum, remitted by General Smith. We are with the highest respect Sir Your Obedt Servts....
34From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 21 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Our friend Kosciuzko, and your antient fellow souldier, on leaving this country requested me to appoint & superintend his agent for remitting to him the proceeds of his property in our funds. mr Barnes whom I appointed, is too ill at present to do business, and we wish to avail ourselves of the public vessel going from Baltimore to remit the General 1000. D. as he is in want, presuming on the...
35To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 9 April 1808 (Madison Papers)
I do myself the honor to hand you a letter from Boston, inclosing a Copy of a detailed Account of the Voyage of the Schooner Topaze. The original will Come I expect in the Bingham to Baltimore. I send you this, that it may accompany the papers you are in possession of. Altho: not authenticated yet, It will enable Mr. Pinkney to understand the Case more compleatly than he Could without it. I am...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I believe it is more than a Year Since I took the liberty to Suggest to you that in Case of the death of Mr. Christie then expected, Mr. James. H. McCulloch. a native Citizen, was every way worthy of the Office of Collector for the port of Baltimore—I now take this liberty, (in Consequence of a letter recieved last night from Mr. McCulloch), again to Call your attention to my former letter,...
37From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 15 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Th: Jefferson requests the favor of Genl. Smith to dine with him on Saturday the 19th . at half after three, or at whatever later hour the house may rise. The favour of an answer is asked. Privately owned.
38To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 11 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Marine Militia Bill has had a fair & full discussion this Day & yesterday. And on a motion to postpone until the first Monday of December, all the Senate except Seven rose in favor of the Motion—So that the principle of the Bill may be Considered as virtually rejected— No Reliance ever Can be placed in a similar Bill ever obtaining —Our Reliance must in my Opinion be placed in a Land Army...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to send you an Extract of a letter recieved in Baltimore from our Navy Agent in London—The Idea of making all the Ports in G.B. Free is grand & may operate powerfully to support her sometime longer. I am your Obed Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 20 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment been informed that Colo. N. Ramsey (Naval Officer for the Port of Baltimore) is dead—I take an early Oppertunity of Saying, that Mr. James H. Culloh, late a senator of the State of Maryland, is a Gentleman of high respectability, and that his appointment to the Naval Office of Baltimore will give almost universal satisfaction to the Republicans of that City—I have the honor...
41From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 5 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Would it not be better to leave out of the Naval militia bill all the passage beginning ‘And in time of war either actual or imminent Etc. and ending ‘shall have the immediate command of them.’ it would be much more likely to pass if confined for the present to harbor defence, and if hereafter there should be a visible necessity of extending the duties of the Naval militia to our ships of war,...
42From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 27 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your favor of the 20th. has been forwarded to me from the office of State, whence an imperfect answer was given. The Amn. intercourse act was never recd. from London; nor did I ever get a sight of it. There is much confusion, and some contradiction in the accts. relating to our affairs as republished from British papers. Having for a long time been without official information, I am unable to...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
On the other Side I have taken leave to send you a Condemnation under a principle entirely novel—the same Judge has lately Condemned a Brigt. of mine the Eutaw from Batavia to Baltimore,—because that she did not go direct to Batavia from Balto.—but went first from thence to Smyrna and thence to Batavia—every Voyage being illegal between a Neutral & an Enemies Colony (agreeably to his Law) that...
44From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 22 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
Your letter of the 20th. inst. to the Secretary of State has just been received at this Office. I have carefully looked over the files of Messrs. Monroe & Pinkney’s Communications, both the joint & seperate ones, and have not been fortunate enough to meet with the American Intercourse bill, to which you allude; nor have I found in the letters of these Gentlemen any intimation of their sending....
45To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 20 August 1807 (Madison Papers)
The American Intercourse Law X appears by Debates in Parliament to have Some Consequence attached to it, as relative to the Commerce of the U. S. I take it for granted that our Ministers must have sent it to your Dept. If So, It would be highly important to give it publicity at this time thro: the National Intelligencer. A part of Lrd. Auckland’s Speech has astonished me. It Seems to Say,...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 15 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recd. your letter yesterday covering One for Capt. T. Chase—Do me the favor to send the inclosed to our friend It is doubted here, whether Louis has abdicated the Crown of Holland, but not that the Emperor has been very much incensed against him for permitting the Trade with England to be as free as it had been prior to his Decree—the Death of the Child has probably broke every Tie that...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 9 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved yesterday your favor of the 5th. and am truly sorry that my error in addressing the answer to the Master mariners of Baltimore was the cause of any uneasiness. I now inclose the correction you are so kind as to recommend, open for your perusal, & hope it will be satisfactory. will you be so good as to seal & deliver it? mr Nicholas and his family left this neighborhood on the day...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 5 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
An untoward Circumstance has greatly mortified the Master Mariners of this City, (who had lately made an Offer to you of their Services.) in your Answer you unfortunately directed to William Cowper & others instead of Thorndick Chase, (their Chairman), under whose letter their Address was sent—Copy whereof I now inclose—Capt. Cowper was formerly a Master Commandant in the Navy, his Conduct...
49From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 30 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I kept up your letter of the 23d. till the return of Genl. Dearborne enabled us to give to the question of lending arms a serious consideration. we find that both law and expediency draw a line for our guide. in general our magazines are open for troops, militia or others, when they take the field for actual service. besides this a law has expressly permitted loans for training volunteers who...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to you a letter just received from Genl. Dearborn—I do not admire either the Cost in Mariners or Mastters—I asked for the loan of two Brass field peices which I had brought back from the Western Insurrection and which I had Caused to be delivered in good order to the commanding Officers at the Fort—and am answered by reflections on the State of Maryland—I told...