1To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 16 May 1798 (Adams Papers)
I am informed that the students of this College, seized with the general spirit that is pervading the country, have presumed to offer you their address on the present state of public affairs. As this measure has been entirely planned & executed without the privity, or participation of any of the Masters of the College, I fear it must be at least imperfectly, perhaps, imprudently executed—Most...
2To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 14 August 1798 (Adams Papers)
In consequence of the death of Colo. Innes it is probable that a variety of characters will receive recommendations to you to obtain an appointment so respectable & important as that which is now vacant by his decease. I have seen the name of Colo. William Davies mentioned with particular respect as being every way qualified to fill that office with advantage to his country; &, indeed, as...
3To John Adams from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 3 February 1801 (Adams Papers)
I have been requested by a very worthy friend to express to you my opinion of the character of Saml. Bayard Esqr of New-Rochelle in the state of New York—I am aware that you must be oppressed with introductory & recommendatory letters. And I have not an idea that the gentlemen who write them ought to expect more from them, than to furnish you with the materials of making a comparative estimate...
4Samuel Stanhope Smith to GW, 18 May 1797 [letter not found] (Washington Papers)
Letter not found: Samuel Stanhope Smith to GW, 18 May 1797. On 24 May GW wrote Smith : “Your favour of the 18th instt was received by the last Post.”
5From George Washington to Samuel Stanhope Smith, 24 May 1797 (Washington Papers)
Your favour of the 18th instt was received by the last Post —the contents of which, relatively to Mr Custis, filled my mind (as you naturally supposed it would) with extreme disquietude. From his infancy, I have discovered an almost unconquerable disposition to indolence in every thing that did not tend to his amusements: and have exhorted him in the most parental and friendly manner, often,...
6From George Washington to Samuel Stanhope Smith, 9 October 1797 (Washington Papers)
I have duly received your several letters of last month; but as an expression of my regret, at the conduct & behaviour of young Custis would avail nothing I shall not trouble you by the attempt. I am persuaded that your conduct towards him has been such as friendship inspired, and the duties of your important trust required. And as you have seen, in a degree, what my solicitude, advice &...
7From James Madison to Samuel Stanhope Smith, 25 August 1799 (Madison Papers)
Letter not found. 25 August 1799. Acknowledged in Smith to JM, 3 Sept. and 28 Nov. 1799 . Inquires on behalf of a friend about the expenses of a Princeton education.
8To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 3 September 1799 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your favour of the 25th Aug: permit me to address to you a copy of a circular letter which I have prepared to answer such inquiries as you have been good enough to make in the name of your friend. The young gentlemen from the Southward are chiefly culpable in the expences of clothing & horses. I am happy to hear of your health—but should be more pleased if the circumstances of our...
9To James Madison from Samuel Stanhope Smith, 28 November 1799 (Madison Papers)
In answer to your letter of the 25th. Aug: I immediately wrote to you; but I have reason to apprehend, from the fate of one or two other letters written about the same time, that it was lost by a robbery of the mail between Baltimore & Fredericksburg. I have just been informed of the loss of the others to which I refer; & lest that addressed to you should have been among them, permit me to...