51To John Adams from Robert Smith, 15 December 1807 (Adams Papers)
I have the honor of herewith transmitting to you, for your acceptance, an impression of the medal, presented, to the late Commodore Edward Preble, in pursuance of the resolution of Congress, of the 3rd March 1805. I have the honor to be, / with great respect, / sir, yr. mo. ob. st. MHi : Adams Papers.
52To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to enclose to you a paper which contains the names of all the Officers of the Navy who have been appointed during the recess of the Senate, with the exception of Mr. Edgar & Mr. Rankin whose appointments have not yet issued. The paper is now sent to you with a view to a nomination to the Senate should it meet your approbation. Respectfully yr mo ob Servant, DLC :...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are respectfully submitted to your Consideration. I will have the honor of calling upon you tomorrow for the purpose of receiving your ideas on the Subject— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
54To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 November 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of a conversation with the Secr. of State, it has been deemed expedient to add the accompanying to the communication to Mr Blount this morning sent to you. I am with great respect sr y o st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
55To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that the frigate the U. States cannot be prepared to sail for either New York or Boston within the time mentioned yesterday. The proposed arrangement with respect to her will of course not be made. Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
56To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As peace is our favorite object, as it is not intended to excite Congress to a declaration of war, or to present to them a ground upon which to found any war measures and especially as there is at this moment a pending negotiation for the adjustment of all our differences with G Britain upon every point, I could wish the Message had less of the air of a Manifesto against the British...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Com. Preble has caused a vacancy in the Corps of Captains in the Navy of the United States. To fill up this vacancy, I enclose a Commission for John Shaw Esquire, the Senior Officer in the Corps of Masters Commandant—and to fill up the vacancy in this latter Corps which will be made by the promotion of Capt. Shaw, I enclose a Commission of Master Commandant for Mr. P. C....
58To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 October 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
For ordnance & military stores, comprehending cannon, ball, small arms, powder, salt petre, sulphur, &c. For Canvas, cordage, timber, Copper &c. For the employment of seamen not estimated or appropriated for—& For the extra expence incurred in consequence of the order to fill up the Marine Corps— The expence is estimated at abt. 800,000$ The sum of 800,000$ is conjectural—The returns of...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As we are to assemble so soon at Washington I have declined instituting any judicial proceeding in the Case of Capt. Porter. The Officers necessary to form a Court are at this time so dispersed and so occupied that it would be not only very difficult but very inconvenient to convene them for such a purpose. The veiw which you Mr. Madison & indeed all of us have of the proper Course of...
60To James Madison from Robert Smith, 17 September 1807 (Madison Papers)
The Blanks in the Commission, & in your letter to the Commercial Agent of the United S: at Batavia I have filled with the name of John W Clallan Esqr. and the following is a copy of a note by me signed and annexed to your letter. Resp DNA : RG 45—Letters to Secretary of States.
61To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed just receivd I consider it proper to submit to you, and am with great respect & affection Your Ob. servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
62To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed just received I hasten to transmit to you. Mr Crowninshield, it seems, is of the opinion that the requisite notice could not be given by one vessel. He perceives great danger in sending a publick vessel to any port where the British are, as suspicions of war might be thus excited among the British—Would there not be the same hazard in sending a publick vessel to the Straits of...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of informing you that the party of Militia that we[nt] here a few days since in pursuit of the pirates that have been infesting our Bay have accomplished their Object and have thes day returned with the Vessel to this port. It seams that upon the approach of the Militia all the pirates excepting four abandoned their vessel. & took refuge in the woods A detachment of the...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The accompanying papers will shew to you the ideas of Mr Gallatin & of the presidents of certain Insurance Companies in relation to the project of giving notice to our trade east of the Cape of good hope of the state of our affairs with G. Britain. My communications with the merchants of this place have produced on my mind different impressions. Here they all say that the appearance in those...
65To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
A large ship the Othello direct from Liverpool with goods to the value of between three & four Hundred Thousand Dollars has a few days since captured in the Chesapeake Bay near the mouth of Patuxant by an armed Schooner manned, it is said, with people of different nations but principally French. This event naturally produced a strong sensation. To regain their property the owners of the vessel...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20h. I have just received. A few days since I made the appointment of Navy Agent at Boston. I gave it to Mr Francis Johonnet Merchant—a gentleman of very fair character, of correct habits in business and withal a uniformly chaste Republican. He is heartily with the administration in politicks & has ever been uniformly so at all times. He is a Native of Massachussetts, has...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose for your consideration the Proceedings of a Court Martial held at New Orleans upon Doct William Rogers of the Navy—Their sentence cannot be carried into effect until approved by you. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo ob sr. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
68To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed just received I submit to you—I have pleasure in informing you that the Carpenters sent from our Navy Yard have returned and that they have completed all the Carpenters work necessary for the repair of the Chesapeake— From the enclosed printed & manuscript extract it would seem that the Schooner had been sent for the Leopard & that the Leopard has gone to Halifax— Affy. & Respy....
69To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter of W.C.N., which you submitted to my consideration, I have read. His ideas have my unqualified approbation. He concurs, I perceive, with me in two points upon which I, in Cabinet, stood alone—namely, the expediency of an immediate call of Congress & a demand of the punishment of the offending British Officer. Most fervently & sincerely do I wish that the result may shew the...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Last advice Gun Boats. 4 in Matthewes co. on the Stocks 4 at Hampton hauled up. 4 at Norfolk — afloat & ready for service 4—do. nearly ready— DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
71To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 May 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure of informing you that a letter to Norfolk will reach the Chesapeake in time & that Mr Higgins can draw on me as before for the amount of your purchase Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
72To James Madison from Robert Smith, 17 April 1807 (Madison Papers)
I deem it proper to intimate to you that the lowest Sum to be paid for the passage of Mr Purviance in the West is fifty Guineas. Respectfully DLC : Papers of James Madison.
73To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Brig Dolly not belonging to the Navy Dept I return to you Mr Brooks note—I presume she is a Revenue Cutter. The Case of Vail will be duly attended to. His letter of Application I will answer. Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
74To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As I could not consistently apply to Capt Hull by letter either official or private for explanations in relation to the suggestions of the letter of Mr Taber of Rhode Island, I caused my chief Clerk to write, as of his own accord, a proper letter and the enclosed is the reply of Capt Hull. Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
75To James Madison from Robert Smith, 17 February 1807 (Madison Papers)
By direction of the President of the United, Commre. Saml. Barron was on the 6th. Octr 1806, directed to proceed to the place where the Impeteux was destroyed for the purpose of ascertaining whether she had been destroyed within the jurisdictional limits of the United States. This Service was performed by him & I believe you are in possession of the result of his enquiries. The commre. now...
76To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officer complained of by Mr Taber is Hull the Nephew & protege of Genl Hull and has been therefore considered by me correct in his political principles. However He & all others act in such cases under instructions to employ those who work upon the most reasonable terms & who at the same time are capable of the work—I will have the necessary enquiries made in the particular case & will...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have marked one Section that I think ought to be struck out thus}— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
78To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the Commissions herewith sent. They are required for the purpose of commissioning the navy officers whose appointments were confirmed by Senate on the 8t inst.— I have &c.—& DNA : RG 45--LSP--Letters Sent to the President.
79To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
By the Act of Congress passed the 21st April 1806 it is provided, that the whole number of able seamen ordinary seamen & boys, to be employed in the Navy, shall not exceed 925 We have at this time in actual service about 700. The Chesapeake requires 292 The Wasp 120 1112 Exceeding the limited number 187 1112
80To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is submitted to the Consideration of the President by his Hmble Sert. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
81To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 January 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your request founded on the Resolution of the House of Representatives of the 26th. ulto. I have the honor to state to you, that the number of the Frigates of the United States, is the same as was represented in my Report of the 28th. January 1806 to the Honorable the House of Representatives, and that, there has not been since any material change in the state of any of them...
82To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request you to nominate to the Senate the officers mentioned in the enclosed paper and for the Commissions therein respectively proposed.— Those I have proposed to be nominated as Captains & Masters Commandant have been acting as such under Commissions issued during the Recess of the Senate and since their lass session. Those proposed to be nominated as Lieutenants have...
83To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
In the Course of our various Communications in relation to the movements of Col Burr in the Western Country I have from time to time expressed two Opinions, which, as they were not at all countenanced by any of the other gentlemen, I did not deem it expedient to press upon your attention. The more, however, I revolve in my mind those opinions the more are they confirmed. And I cannot longer...
84To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your request I have the honor of herewith transmitting to you the statement of the Accountant of the Navy, shewing the sums of money that have been expended on the Navy Yard & Marine Barracks at the city of Washington. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir yr ob S A Statement of the amount expended on the Navy Yard, and on the Marine Barracks, at Washington. Navy Yard....
85To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mem. Sloops of War } Siren } at Washington. } could all be prepared for sea by the time their officers would join them.
86To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
You will be pleased to inform me the number with which it would be agreeable to you to fill the Blank in the enclosed answer to Mr Neelsens letter of enquiry. Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
87To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
From an Officer of the Navy residing at Charleston S.C. who had my permission to make a voyage in a Merchant Vessel, I have just received a letter dated Charleston Nov. 29. 1806 which states that “the only situations to be had here at present are in the African Trade”— I give you this intimation as an indication of the present dispositions of S. Carolina— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas...
88To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Considering it important to give our Constituents soon a view of the Special Message of yesterday and beleiving that it requires nothing but the reading of it to recommend the measure to the thinking part of the people, I would thank you to let me have a Copy of it. mr Madison also wishes to have an Opportunity of also taking a copy of it—Whatever you send to me the Original or a Copy will...
89To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that the Gunboats cannot be sent to New-orleans at this time consistently with the appropriations of the law of the last session of Congress— Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
90To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Being informed by Mr Nicholson that he will not accept the Office of Collector and understanding that you will receive addresses signed by many merchants in favor of Mr Brice & Mr Dolozier I owe it to you to inform you explicitly that these two gentlemen are by us justly classed among the Federalists and that the appointing of either of them would be very painful to your political friends of...
91To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I had made my arrangements to set out for Washington tomorrow, but the death this morning of a near & dear relation the eldest son of Genl Smith will detain me here a few days. I do not think I shall be able to leave my much afflicted relations until monday next. Respectfully & affecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
92To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your favor of yesterday. Being much engaged in some private affairs of moment that cannot be postponed I fear I shall not be able to set out for Washington before next Thursday. But surely I will be with you as soon as I possibly can Let me, however, entreat you not to postpone any measure on account of my absence. I am indeed extremely happy you have Offered the...
93To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Most sincerely do I regret that I had not known your opinion of Mr Meade some weeks since. I have myself no personal knowledge of him or of any of his family. But from the representations of Gentlemen of high respectability in whom I have great confidence I was induced to appoint him Navy Agent. Had I had the most distant idea of your impressions of him you will be fully sensible the...
94To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed blank warrants required for the purpose of filling up the vacancies which are frequently taking place in the different Corps of Warrant Officers. I am respectfully Sir, yr mo ob st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
95To James Madison from Robert Smith, 6 August 1806 (Madison Papers)
A man of fair character has this moment informed me that a Captain Cowper of Norfolk has lately been at St. Augustine and then became a Spanish Subject—that he engage to equip for the Spanish service three privateers—that he has been equipping one at Norfolk—that a person of the name of Robinson is to be one of her Lieutenants. Under the supposition that this may be the vessel mentioned to you...
96To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am extremely sorry that the Tunisian Minister should have given us additional difficulties. Not knowing what course in this delicate case would be to you the most agreeable I have deemed it adviseable to postpone issuing any orders until your determination be known— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
97To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt Hull has this instant informed me that he omitted giving me the name of the Purser of his Brig vizt. Mr Goldsborough. He seems distressed at this oversight, as no Officer is more deserving of notice. The Nautilus, Captain Evans, has arrived this morning. In the course of the morning I will have the honor of presenting him to you— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
98To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving from you the Communication of nathaniel Cutting Esq in which he has submitted to your consideration the expediency of appointing him to an Office similar to that of “Surveyor General of the Admiralty” in Great Britain—As no such Office has been created by the competent Department of the Government, however sensible we may be of the useful talents of Mr....
99James Madison, Henry Dearborn, and Robert Smith to the Judges of the Circuit Court of New York, 8 July 1806 (Madison Papers)
We have been summoned to appear on the 14th day of this month, before a special Circuit court of the U. S. for the district of New-York, to testify on the part of William S. Smith, and Samuel G. Ogden, severally, in certain issues of traverse between the U. S. and the said William S. Smith, and Samuel G Ogden. Sensible of all the attention due to the writs of subpoena issued in these cases, it...
100To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I some weeks since received the enclosed—I deem it proper to submit it to your eye altho it is not an Official letter—At your leisure you can look at it—Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.