1To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 23 May 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 May 1801, Navy Department. Responds to JM’s order for certain naval stores—drawn on supplies in Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Georgetown, and Washington—to be included in the shipment on the George Washington . RC ( DNA : RG 59, ML ). 1 p.; docketed by Wagner as received 24 May.
2To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 26 May 1801 (Madison Papers)
I think It was determined to displace the present Marshall of Maryland Mr. Hopkins & Appoint Reuben Etting in his Place. I wish much that the Commission should be sent Immy. Permit me to report that this Change will give general satisfaction. My Brother thinks that It will be prudent not to displace Doctr. Thomas Immediately. Let him stay in som⟨e⟩ time longer. I am sir, With great Esteem your...
3To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 30 June 1801 (Madison Papers)
Capt. Harding delivered me your letter. I fear I Can render him little service. The Inclosed letter was recd. by my house within those few days. The Writer has been some Years in Paris, is a Gentleman of Intelligence & respectability—he has dipped in Politicks. He doubts the treaty being Confirmed in any other Way than—in toto. The News this Day from Egypt gives Compleat Victory to the French....
4To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. John Dumeste, born in France was in this Country previous to the Revolution, married in this City, to a Native about the Year 1781 or 1782. He is about to go to the Isle of France & wishes a Passport for himself & family Consisting of—himself— Elizabeth Dumeste his Wife John-Paul Dumeste " son George Kaporte Dumeste " Do. Jacob Adrian Dumeste " Do. Ann Elizabeth " Daughter...
5Samuel 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 (...
6To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 12 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
12 July 1801, Baltimore. Presents Mr. O’Mealy, whom Smith has mentioned as possible commercial agent at Le Havre and whom JM believed a likely appointment at Hamburg [see M. O’Mealy to JM, 29 May 1801 (DNA: RG 59, LAR, 1801–9)]. RC ( DLC ). 1 p.
7To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 17 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Patterson, who applies for the Consulat⟨e⟩ at Nantz, is the son of the former Collector (under the King) of Philada. He Adhered to the Brittish. The son is much of an Englishman & Connected by Marriage & Commerce with the English House of Nicklin & Griffith of Philada. He is a Clever Young Man, but Certainly ought not to have an Appointment. He & all his Connexions are Anglo Federal . Mr....
8To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 July 1801 (Madison Papers)
I had observed that Pichon meant to be a little troublesome, Genl. Dearborne tells me he has given you some Uneasiness about the French Vessells sent into Brittish Ports & there Condemned. I should be very glad that he would Agree to the principal he pretends to assume—for there Can be no doubt relative to Privateers—they might be Condemned anywhere—& very, very few of their Merchant Vessells...
9To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
I have recieved your two letters. I wish It Could be managed So as to Stop whatever may be due, to satisfy So much of the Order given me. This might be done if I could produce the Order but I have mislaid it. Nor Can I form a Conjecture of what I have done with it—unless It should have been deposited in your Department. I am Dr sir, your Obedt. servt. RC ( DLC ). Letters not found. See Smith...
10To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 29 December 1801 (Madison Papers)
In looking Over some Old Papers I have luckily found Mr. Dawson’s Order (which I now inclose) for the Balance that may be due to him from the United States —you will please file the same & of Course Consider me entitled to whatever may become due from your Dept. to Mr. Dawson. I find the following facts on Enquiry. The Average weight of the H.hd Tobacco may be Called 1200 lb Nt. wt. The Peace...
11To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 1 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
1 April 1803, Baltimore. A State Department packet directed to Bird, Savage, and Bird came to the collector “yesterday.” It will not be forwarded until further directions arrive from JM. “An Oppy. for England will offer on Wednesday next. It will Occur to you that a power of Atty. will be necessary from you to whomsoever you may appoint to Succeed those Gentlemen as your Agent in London—again...
12To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 6 April 1803 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
6 April 1803, Baltimore. Informs JM that the packet for Erving will be forwarded on Sunday in the George in care of Smith’s nephew Robert Patterson. Recommends Mackenzie and Glennie. “They do our Business on their own Account, are Men of great prudence & Sufficient Capital. Should you Select them, and you want to send a power of Attorney—their Names are James Mackenzie, and Alexander Glennie,...
13To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 23 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
23 April 1804, Baltimore. “The Marshal (Reuben Etting) for the District of Maryland having resigned his Commission, Permit me in the warmest Manner to Solicit the Appointment for Mr. Thomas Rutter. Mr. Rutter’s Connections in Baltimore County & City are numerous & very respectable they have thro: his Means been Invariably with the Republican party—his pursuits particularly Capacitated for the...
14To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 4 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
Mr. Venable & myself had determined to wait on you, During the last Session to Call to your recollection Doctr. John Morton, now of Bordeaux, a Native of Virga. but Resident of Baltimore for years. You will recollect that Mr. Giles, Mr. Venable & myself had recommended Dr. Morton for a Consulate in France—for Bordeaux first, then for Havre & afterwards for Antwerp. Confident in the Integrity,...
15From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 7 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
The list of the vessels detained by embargo at Bourdeaux to which you allude was originally received from Mr. Skipwith, who of course has access to the materials from which it was drawn up, and being the public Agent will doubtless make every use of it, which may be necessary: but it seems proper to suggest that the documents which might have been sufficient for the purpose to which the list...
16To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 17 May 1804 (Madison Papers)
From Capt. Rogers I have understood that It is the Intention of Government to send, Armed Vessells to the Neighbourhood of Hispaniola, for the protection of our Commerce against uncommission[ed] French Vessels. This information has not a little alarmed our Republican Merchants, they Say, when we trade to Hispaniola, we know our Risque & take it at our peril, we know we have no right to trade...
17To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 May 1804, Baltimore. “The extreme Distress of Mind felt by the President has I presume prevented Attention to the Vacancy of the Office of Marshal for the District of Maryland. I am just now informed that Mr. Etting declines to Serve any New Process & that Application has this Day been made. Mr. Thomas Rutter It is expected by all will be appointed. He is by all Republicans Considered the...
18To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 27 October 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
27 October 1804, Baltimore. “I do myself the Honor to inclose you a letter received by me from Capt. Barney & Copy of my Answer. I send them to you lest you should be surprized by improper representations. I have never kept Copies of my letters to you. Do me the favor to send me that inclosing the Documents —and to return Capt Barneys letter.” RC ( DLC ). Written at the foot of copies of Smith...
19From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 30 October 1804 (Madison Papers)
I have recd. your favor of the 27th. and inclose the letters as you request. My conversation with Captn: Barney was intentionally as general as I could make it. It had in view to satisfy him that requests such as his could not, according to a general & necessary rule, be complied with, to divert his conjectures from any particular source of the information recd. and to leave him under an...
20To James Madison from Samuel Smith (Abstract), 2 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
2 March 1805 . “The inclosed proposition of a law was shewn by me to a number of our friends, who highly approved, And were disposed to Support the measure, provided in Its Operation the finances would not materially be injured—my own Opinion was that It would not—however I addressed a Letter to Mr. Gallatin for his Opinion as to the injury the finances might Sustain, and as to its policy—his...
21From James Madison to Samuel Smith (Abstract), 25 March 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 March 1805, Department of State . “As the name of Genl. W. Stewart does not appear in the list of decisions by the Commissioners at Paris, it is probable that the claims on his behalf appear in that of some Agent, who cannot be ascertained here.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 59, DL , vol. 14). 2 pp. Gen. Walter Stewart (ca. 1756–1796), known as the “Irish Beauty,” fought throughout the...
22To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 29 April 1805 (Madison Papers)
I have the honor to address you on a subject highly interesting to the Commerce and Agriculture of the U. S. It appears that a very general Alarm has taken place in Germany in consequence of the destruction committed by the Yellow Fever in Spain & Italy—and that the King of Prussia was taking strong measures to prevent its introduction into his Neighbourhood. He had addressed Letters,...
23To James Madison from Samuel Smith (Abstract), 25 May 1805 (Madison Papers)
25 May 1805, Baltimore. “My friends Mr. Barclay & Mr. Davis will perhaps Spend a Day or two at Washington on their Way to Richmond. Will you do me the favor to present them to the President as Gentlemen I respect. Mr Barclay is a son of Mr. George Barclay, Member for the City of London. Mr. Davis [is] a very intimate friend of my Son.” RC ( DLC ). 1 p. This was, presumably, London merchant...
24To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 28 September 1805 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed extract of a Letter (also from Mackenzie & Glennie) differs from that to Mr Taylor by the Words “Scored” which were interlined in the letter to Mesrs. Gilmor & Sons & not in that to Mr. Taylor—those words give a quite different turn to the whole Case. But there is in this extract a New Principle not before known—to wit—all Vessels & their Cargoes bound from an Enemies Port direct...
25To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Samuel Smith. 21 July 1806, Baltimore. “Permit me the honor of introducing to you Mr. William Duer, just arrived from New Orleans, he has delivered me a letter from Mr James Brown highly favorable to him. I have found Mr. Duer a well informed Gentleman, he Can give you information respecting Orleans, if any is wanted. Your presenting him to the President will Conferr an Obligation on...
26To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 21 July 1806 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
§ From Samuel Smith. 21 July 1806, Baltimore. “I do myself the honor to present to you Doctr. Davizeau, a Native of France who married & has resided the last 8 Years in Accomack County—you will find him well informed, he has arrived with Mr Duer from Orleans, where he means to Reside. Both Gentlemen speak of the temper of the People being highly favorable to our Govermt. & Constitution. Your...
27From James Madison to Samuel Smith, February 1807 to March 1807 (Madison Papers)
...The Treaty lately concluded between the American and British Commissioners being in a situation to admit of deliberation on its several articles, it is thought highly advisable to avail the Executive of such observations on those relating to commerce and navigation as your intelligence and experience...will enable you to afford...particularly: 1st to the actual operation of the...
28From James Madison to Samuel Smith, March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The treaty lately concluded between the American and British Commissioners being in a situation to admit of deliberation on its several articles, it is thought highly advisable to avail the Executive of such observations on those relating to commerce and navigation as your intelligence and experience on those subjects will enable you to afford. You will render an acceptable service therefore...
29To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 14 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
From the British papers and a Philada. federal paper (emanating I presume from Mr. C.) we are at liberty to guess, at what are the principal features of the Treaty. I will take leave to offer my opinion thereon. If my guess should be right my observations will apply. If not, then you will lose your time in reading, and I shall have only amused myself in writing on that which had no existence...
30From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 25 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
I duly recd. your favor of the 14. and thank you for the candor of your remarks. The enclosed will inform you that it has been thought proper to ask your ideas as to the Commercial articles of the Treaty. The Contents of the Instrument are not precisely such as you suppose; as to the E. Inda. trade particularly. As to impressments also, the question here is understood to turn not on form, but...
31From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 25 March 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Treaty lately concluded between the American and British Commissioners being in a situation to admit of deliberation on its several articles, it is thought highly advisable to avail the Executive of such observations on those relating to commerce and navigation as your intelligence and experience on those subjects will enable you to afford. You will render an acceptable service therefore...
32To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 3 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I am honored with your letter covering copies of the 3d: 4th: 5: & 6 articles of the treaty lately concluded between the American & British commissioners in London, on which you wish such information as my acquaintance with the subject may enable me to give. It will afford me infinite pleasure if my practical knowledge shall enable me to throw any new light on a subject, with the theory of...
33From James Madison to Samuel Smith, 12 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I have received & thank you for your very valuable observations on the commercial articles of the depending treaty inclosed my letter of . On a close attention to the Article relating to the trade with enemy Colonies, so many points affecting the commerce of the U. S. appear to be involved, that I take the liberty of enclosing a copy of that article also, and of asking your ideas with respect...
34To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 18 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of 12th. Inst. I take leave to submit the following observations on the article which you did me the honor to enclose for my consideration. Article 11. This article is intended to adjust the difference that exists between the parties relative to the neutral trade. It appears to me completely to admit the British claims, for it emphatically says "all articles &c &c...
35To James Madison from Samuel Smith, 23 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
The inclosed letters I take leave to Submit to your View from Mr. Isaac. M. Heiligger with whom I am personally acquaint ed I have great Confidence in his honor, and am confident that he would not Recommend a person who was not worthy of the trust. Mr. Dewhurst, is highly recommended also, I See, by the inclosed letter from the late Consul of St. Croix. I therefore ask leave to recommend Mr....
36To 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,...
37From 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....
38From 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...
39To 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...
40To 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...
41To 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...
42To 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...
43From 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.
44To 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...
45From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 9 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
By the time you recieve this, you will have been at home long enough I hope to take a view of the possibilities, & of the arrangements, which may enable you so to dispose of your private affairs, as to take a share in those of the public, & give us your aid as Secretary of the navy. if you can be added to the administration I am forming, it will constitute a mass so entirely possessed of the...
46To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, [before 12 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. William Buchanan has resided at the Isle of France for the last four or five years, [his] friends request me to solicit the Consulate of the Isles of France & Bourbon for him—An application for his appointment was presented by me lately to Mr. Marshall signed by the most [respec]table Merchants of both parties in this City—It was rejected because (as I understood) he was known to be my...
47From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 13 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved last night your favor on the subject of capt Wm. Buchanan. mr Madison not being to join us for some time & mr Gallatin gone, I have concluded only to dispatch such subjects as are of absolute necessity & to go home to make some necessary arrangements there preparatory to a final removal to this place. I count on leaving this on the 21st. and of our being all assembled here within 4....
48To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 17 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I am afraid I have Acted improperly by delaying to answer your letter so long.—I hope however It will be attributed to the real Cause,—to my anxiety & desire (if possible) to Comply with your wishes by accepting a Post that would have been at all times highly honorable, but during your Administration would have been to me particularly pleasing & gratifying—The Conflict with myself has been...
49To 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...
50From Thomas Jefferson to Samuel Smith, 24 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to acknowlege the reciept of your favor of the 20th. the appointment of Secy. of the navy, was immediately on receipt of your letter declining it, proposed to mr Jones of Philadelphia. I cannot have an answer from him till the night of the 26th. but I have great reason to expect a negative. in that case I will gladly for the public accept your offer to undertake it for a time. besides...