1To John Adams from Samuel Smith, 24 July 1799 (Adams Papers)
I Do myself the honor to Inclose you a publication of the Committee of this City, whether it will have the desired effect contemplated I cannot yet determine. The following Expression Induced me to address you. We are informed by the Sect. of War that the Finances of the U. S. did not admit of a larger appropriation than twenty thousand Dollars towards the fortifications to be erected near our...
2To 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...
3To John Adams from Samuel Smith, 2 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
I take the liberty to enclose you the copy of a letter which I shall address to the Publick tomorrow—I think it my duty to apologize to you for repeating a conversation which passed at your table & for thus infringing on the rules of hospitality & society—The necessity of defending myself against what I conceived to be a misrepresentation will I flatter myself plead my apology— I have no right...
4To Benjamin Franklin from Samuel Smith, 2 September 1779 (Franklin Papers)
ALS : American Philosophical Society I take the Liberty to trouble you with a few Lines, which hope you’ll excuse, on seeing the immediate Necessity of my writing— I embark’d from Philada: for France & was unfortunately taken, haveing at the same Time with me a Sum, in Loan Interest Bills drawn on the Commissioners for the Thirteen United States of America at Paris, which was oblidg’d to...
5Summons to Benjamin Franklin, with Memorandum by Him, 6–7 February 1772 (Franklin Papers)
ALS and ADS : American Philosophical Society Benjamin Franklin Esqr. without Deduction being on Account of the purchase and Transportation of Forage for the Use of the forces Commanded by Genl. Braddock by Warrant dated 21st. June 1755 ——£1000 The Sheriffs of London and Middlesex have process come into their hands against you for not passing your Accounts of the above Sum, to which they are to...
6To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Smith, 16 June 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Before I receivd your Letter of the 8 Inst. I had Convers’d with Mr. Randolph who had nearly Satisfied my Mind. I had his permission to mention Such points of our Conversation as tended to Allay the fears of the people relative to a War & I have taken the Liberty to use some parts of your Letter to serve the same desireable purpose. These are those parts that prove the Imprudence of a...
7To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Smith, 27 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Since my last I have inquird most particularly & find that there was not the Smallest Ground for the Report of Rendezvous houses being open’d for an Expedition to Providence. The Aristocratic French said that the Intention of the Volunteers being askd from the French Mercht Ships to man the Ships of War was to go agt. Providence & People generally wishing the Destruction of that Nest of...
8To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Smith, 16 September 1794 (Hamilton Papers)
[ Baltimore, September 16, 1794. On September 19, 1794, Hamilton wrote to Smith : “I have had the pleasure of receiving your two letters of the 16th: instant.” Neither letter has been found. ] Smith referred to one of these letters when he wrote to William Pinkney, president of the Maryland Council, on September 21, 1794, as follows: “… In Consequence of a Letter I wrote to the Secretary of...
9To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Smith, 14 January 1800 (Hamilton Papers)
Some Years past I had the pleasure to recommend Mr. W. Wilson to the secy. of War & he Obtained a Commission in the Artillery, in which he Conducted himself with honor & propriety. A Bad State of Health Compelled him reluctantly to resign. With A restoration of health his desire to a Military Life has again returned, permit me to recommend him to your Attention & to flatter myself that he may...
10To Alexander Hamilton from Samuel Smith, 20 August 1793 (Hamilton Papers)
Yours of 17 Inst. I have recd. The late proceedings of the Executive give satisfaction to every Body. It is only Askd—why was not this done sooner to which I have answerd—that the President had promised lenient Measures & depended on the promise of Mr Genet respectg. the Vessells Commissiond in America being orderd off not to return & that he had pledgd his Honor to grant no New Commissions....
11To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My Brother has gone this Morning to Baltimore, he has taken with him his Eldest Son, not quite recovered from a Violent Cold, and Swelling in his throat. he will find his youngest Son dead, (he died on Saturday night.) and his only Daughter, extremely Ill, without a hope left of her Recovery. a Dropsy in the Brain is Suspected. her head has been Shaved & Blisters were applied—His Distress &...
12To 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,...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 October 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Iznardi Consul of the U:S—has arrived in Baltimore from Cadix, the Old Gentle[man] on his arrival wrote you, to which having no Answer [he] Concludes his Letter has miscarried either in the us [ ual ] Way, or for want of proper direction—He informs me from Philadelphia, that he brought with him from Cadix some particular Wine for his friends among Others two Casks for your Use which he...
14To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Heretofore the Route for the Mail from Philadelphia to Pittsburg has been thro: Carlisle & Shippensburg to Chambersburg—but by a late Regulation of Mr Habersham , the Route is thro: York & Berlin to Chambersburg—This change has alarmed & greatly distressd the Citizens of Carlisle & Shippensburg, who are to Recieve their Letters from Philada. indirectly thro: Reading & Harrisburg—the Change has...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 22 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the honor to inclose you a letter from Major Lenox recommending to the vacant Consulate of Glasgow Mr. George Johnston—I have this moment recieved the inclosed from my very worthy & particular friend Mr. [Arsto] Gracie, in whose recommendations I would place great Reliance. I take it for granted that Mr. Johnston must be a Federalist, for I presume no Democrat would ask a place in...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 29 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you a letter I have recieved from J. H. Purviance. permit me to Say that I know no Gentleman who I think every way So Compleatly qualified to Succeed Mr. Sumpter or who Could be So useful to Mr. Livingston. I am sir/ with the highest Esteem your friend & servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59 , LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Apr. and “Purviance John H. to be Secy. legn...
17To 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.
18To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 15 April 1792 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed publication has appear’d in the Philadelphia Papers. From its Nature (If fully Insisted on) It seems to Exclude all American Exports in our Own Bottoms going to England.—You will confer a very particular favor by informing me What your Opinion is on this Subject and whether the Clause of the Navigation Act will go to the prevention of American Ships Carrying American produce to...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 20 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to you an Address from the Republican Citizens of Alleghany County (Maryland), which they have thought proper to request me to present—Should you return an answer, they request It may be done thro: me & that the Address & Answer may be published in one of our Papers— Mr. Dawson will sail on sunday the ship being perfectly ready—. He mentions that I am wanted...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 April 1801 [i.e. May 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you the latest information in this Department relative to the force of the Barbary Powers, and am, with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 May and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures not found, but probably: (1) William Eaton to the secretary of state, 15 June...
21To 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...
22To 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...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 16 June 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The present will be handed you by Mr. Edward Fell Bond. Mr. B has resided during the last three years at St. Genevieve he Speaks the French & Spanish languages appears Sensible & well informed—he has purchased land in the territory of Orleans where he means to Settle.—he was born in Harford County, of respectable connexions, his politicks republican.—I am (personally) not Sufficiently well...
24To 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...
25To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 13 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The Writer of the inclosed letter to me, Coll. William Lowry, is an excellent Tactition, has devoted much of his time to his Regiment—He has for Some time Acted as Deputy Naval Officer for the Port of Balto. in which place he has rendered Satisfaction, he has been regularly bred to Commerce—is a Man of Strict Intigrity—he has resided some time at New Orleans, & is Acquainted with the Manners &...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 16 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Letters Such as the inclosed Shew with more truth the State of things at St. Louis than any Official Communication that will be Sent. I Still Continue to be of opinion that It will be for the General Quiet to appoint Some New Man, not known to any of the Parties to the Government of Louisiana & am Dr. Sir/ your friend & Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
27To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 18 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in such excessive Pain for a few Days from something like the Rheumatism in my Jaws, that I have not been able to attend to your Letter of 11 Inst. The Treaty with France was signed on the 4th. Octobr.; the Berceau was taken on the 12th. same Month, and arrived at Boston, in November, subsequent to well authenticated accounts being received that a Treaty was effected; but previous...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 31 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My Colleague Mr. Wright, informs me that he wishes the appointment (now Vacant) of the Associate Judge for the District of Columbia to be given to his Son Robert—I am not much acquainted with the Young Gentleman, I Can only Say that I have never heard any thing to his disadvantag he is about 26 or 27 years of Age, has taken a Degree in College & has Studied & practised Law for Seven years—of...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Writer of the inclosed letters Mr. Hatch Dent (a Native of Maryland) imigrated last Winter to N. Orleans.—he lived for seven years in this City & is highly estimated by those Citizens to whom he was known—He was highly recommended by Mr James Mc.Culloh (one of our Senators) for the place of Naval Officer or Surveyor—to either of which I knew him (myself) well qualified—But the application...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 5 May 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am honored with your letter & I perfectly correspond in opinion with you as to the Appointments in Louisiana, I have always thought & still do think that Genl. W. was precisely the man best fitted for the appointment in every point of view. I take leave to observe that I do not agree with the construction given, at the Navy Department, relative to the law fixing the navy peace Establishment....
31To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 14 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my Letter of this Morning, Mr. John Donnell (one of our Republican & most wealthy Merchts.) put into my hand the Inclosed Letter from his Father in Law Mr. Isaac Smith on whose subject I have already written Mr. Gallatin . Mr. Smith was Collector under the King, is a man of Business highly respectable & Invariably a Whig—Mr. Bowdon is also his son in Law—Mr. Savage the New Member...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 December 1800 (Jefferson Papers)
In Consequence of the Conversation we had on the subject of Banks I made application (without saying for what cause) to the President & Directers of the Bank of Maryland & they directed their Cashier to make out A Statement from the Book every day in Use.—Indeed I did not want it farther back as It would only have shown a similar Result-I would only Add that I do not believe any Bank has it...
33To 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...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 June [i.e. August] 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. Norman (a respectable Man of this City) has arrived here from Trieste, he has just informed me, that on his passage he Came thro: the Phare of Messina, & landed at the City, that he was informed that a Courier had passed thro: (the Day preceding) from Syracuse with an Account that a Neapolitan frigate was Chased by a Tunisian Squadron , that Capt. McNeill ran between and Cut off the...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved a Letter last Night from Mr. Patterson requesting me to remind you of your polite Intention of giving him a Letter to Mr. Livingston on the Subject of his Daughter’s Marriage with Mr. Bonaparte—I believe an Oppertunity will offer in a few Days that he wishes to embrace. I am Sir with Respect Your friend & servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as a letter of 24 Jan. received on the 23d...
36To 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...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secy of the Navy has the honor of submitting to the President, his letter in answer to Governor Drayton’s, on the subject of French Prisoners in custody in South Carolina— RC ( DLC ); addressed: “President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 10 June and “lre to Govr Drayton” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Smith to John Drayton, 10 June, acknowledging the receipt...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to have the honor of presenting to you Mr. Peter Hoffman, a Merchant of this City, of the first respectability, Independence & political Rectitude—he Visits you in Company with Mr. J. G. Rapp— who has emigrated at the head of a large number of persons lately Subjects of the Duke of Wirtemberg, in whose behalf he will present a Memorial & State their Wishes—I have on looking at the...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 18 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
The public papers will have informed you of the afflicting loss I have sustained by the Sudden Death of my Eldest Son.—I return’d to my Seat to Seek consolation in Retirement—as yet I find it not.—I find that I want that kind of Philosophy which forbids feeling—Here I received your letter—and Sent Capt. Peckman’s Receipt to Mr Buchanan.—I desired him to give you the Information required—from...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 15 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I Congratulate you on the Compleat Success of the Republican Candidates for Electors of the senate of Maryland—this Secures us a Majority in the senate of the U.S.— I have a Letter from Mr. Dent mentioning that Mr. Merideth will resign the office of Treasurer, & requesting that I would mention to you his Wish to fill that office—from my knowledge of Mr. Dent, I believe no Man more worthy of an...
41Samuel Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 9 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1801, Baltimore. Warns that Habersham’s changes in the mail route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh greatly alarm and distress citizens of Carlisle and Shippensburg and appear to be a plot to make Jefferson’s administration unpopular there. Conveys political intelligence: “Mr. Montgomery says he has now little Doubt but Harford County will give himself & another Republican Elector.” RC (...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 13 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Extract of a letter from Genl. Wilkinson dated Natchitoches, 23 Octr 1806 “Say to the President that Mr. Mead the Secy. of the Missisippi Territory, has wished “ the Spanish Country might intercept me on my Route to this place because if this did not happen, we should have no War .” the same Man before I reached Natchez actually talked of attacking Baton Rouge. he has condemned my Orders to...
43To 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....
44To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 5 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
My Son is personally acquainted with Mr. Irving to whom you have been So polite as to give a letter of introduction. he prays me to return you his Sincere Thanks. Mr. Irving, being in a foreign Country will probably pay attention to Americans—In London he was too much occupied.—I am extremely Sorry that I have given you the trouble of writing, for Louis found it impossible to be prepared for...
45To 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...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce my young friend Mr. Abraham Ogden formerly of New York where he had his Commercial Education—Mr. Ogden has established a House of Commerce at Marseilles , & meant to have been an applicant for the Consulate at that Port, but on being informed that Mr. Cathalan would (if practicable) be Continued he expressed his approbation & Spoke in terms highly respectful of that...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 30 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
My Son Louis B. Smith has it in Contemplation to Spend the Winter at Madrid. will you do me the favor to give him an introduction to Mr. Bowdoin—he perhaps may not be at Madrid but It is possible he may, in any Case your letter will be of infinite importance,—I have not the least Acquaintance with Mr. Bowdoin.—If required Louis might be the Bearer of Dispatches he will land in Lisbon, and...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 1 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this Moment left Mr. Carr, he is Something easier, the Blisters on his Back & Ankles have raised & are painful,—from appearances I Should expect he would recover,—but the Doctors do not believe it possible that he can.—The Mouth of the Bladder they Say is Stopped—my hope arises from a Small discharge of Urine this afternoon.—I need not Say that every possible attention has been given to...
49To 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....
50To 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,...