9001To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d enclosing Mr. Simpsons letter to Mr Madison I have received. I am extremely sorry to find that the plan of having made in Europe the gun Carriages for the Emperor of Moracco cannot take effect. I am yet satisfied that the plan was at the time proper. Subsequent events, it seems, have rendered it impracticable. I am also much distressed that Mr Simpson did not deem it...
9002To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 March 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I consider it proper to submit to your consideration the proceedings of William Lyman Esq Consul at London in relation to the Ship Huntress, and her Cargo consisting of Provisions & Stores for our Squadron in the Mediterranean—I would however premise, that, Mr. Lyman not having made to me any kind of Communication upon the Subject the only information I possess is derived from papers that have...
9003To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Should you approve of the appointment of Mr. Town to a 2nd. Lieutenancy of Marines, I request your signature to the commission herewith sent. The enclosed letters recommending him for the appointment, will explain to you his qualifications. I am with high respect Sir, yr. mo ob Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9004To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I will wait on for you tomorrow to know your determination as to the service of the frigate Chesepeek—She is completely prepared for any service— Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9005To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The young Gentleman to whom the enclosed letter is addressed, has been recommended by Mr. Page , for reinstatement in the navy. If you have no objection the enclosed letter shall be forwarded. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45 , LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Enclosure: Smith to Hugh Wallace Wormeley, 25 Mch. 1802, informing Wormeley that he has been reinstated as a midshipman in the navy and...
9006To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed warrants for— Daniel Eldridge Sailing Master. James Watson Boatswain. Robert Myers Carpenter. With much respect yr mo: ob: servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “the President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 10 Mch. and “Nominations” and so recorded in SJL . FC ( Lb in DNA :
9007To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In pursuance of your recommendation I sent to Thomas D. Chamberlayne a Midshipman’s Warrant. To my surprise it was yesterday returned with my letter under a blank cover. I send the Cover to you in order that you may, in case you know the hand-writing, ascertain to whom this indecorum is to be attributed— Ys &c DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9008To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I submit for your consideration the appointment of the undermentioned gentlemen, to the stations of midshipmen. John Wright . Maryland. recommended by his father col Wright—& Mr Wright of the Senate A. B. Lindsley . Connecticut. Mr Granger & others Abner Wickershaw . Pennsa. Mr Hanna. John Kerr .
9009To 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...
9010To 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...
9011To 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.
9012To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
On making out Capt. Barron’s orders I find that we are without your signature to any of the printed instructions to the commanders of our armed vessels, I have therefore the honor to enclose twelve copies, & to ask that you will be pleased to Sign & return them by the next Mail— Capt. Barron is hauling out of the Eastern Branch, & will have dropped down to Hampton Road before these...
9013To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is a Copy of the letter addressed to Mr John Randolph respecting the two Brigs— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9014To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have just a moment to state to you a Report brought from Halifax by a Capt Sherman—namely—that the British June Packet had arrived at Halifax and had brought intelligance that the British had again taken Copenhagen—that Mr Rose was preparing to sail for the U. States in the Latore frigate with full powers to adjust all matters in dispute &c— Capt Sherman, who is considered a man of good...
9015To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Officers that I will have the honour of presenting to you tomorrow morning about 10 OClock and that are the most proper to be noticed by you are Capt Decatur & Lieutt. Trippe Capt Stewart & Lieut Wetherstrandt Capt Shaw & Lieut Murdock Capt Chauncey & Lieut Leonard— After these gentlemen shall have waited on you, their invitations may be sent to my Office and my Messenger will deliver...
9016To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. I have had the satisfaction of receiving. Before I had left Washington I made all the necessary arrangements for the constructing of the gun-boats. The forms of the letters of instructions have been prepared for the building at Charleston Savanna, Norfolk, Baltimore, Pittsburgh Philadelphia, New York & Boston. We only wait for the drawings which Mr Fox is preparing...
9017To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
From the Conversation I have this moment had with you, I find that you will experience serious difficulties in appointing an Atty. General. My wish is that either Mason or Breckinridge should have the Office. To neither of them can any reasonable Objections be made. The circumstance of their being Virginians by birth ought not to prevail over the important considerations that so powerfully...
9018To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
From the enclosed letter you will perceive that the Conduct of young Cooper has been as was apprehended before his appointment . His attrocious Conduct has not been concealed from me, and I have had it in contemplation for some time to submit to you the propriety of revoking his Warrant. It has however taken a better Course, as it will now be less painful to the father. But by the bye I have...
9019To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Constellation Capt Murray is arrived and is now in the Eastern Branch. Her crew will be discharged immediately. As nothing but a formidable force will effect an honorable peace with Tripoli and repress the dispositions of the other Barbary powers to hostility, would it not be adviseable to send immediately to the Medn either the Constitution now lying at Boston or the Philad now lying at...
9020To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed Dispatches I received late last Evening—Lieutenant Izard who brought them I will present to you this morning. Respectfully RC ( DLC ); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Feb. from the Navy Department and “Preble’s lre from Tripoli” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: probably Edward Preble to Smith, 18 Sep. 1804 (printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents,...
9021Robert Smith’s Observations on the Charges Against Arthur St. Clair, 15 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Observations upon the charges against Governor St. Clair— 1st. Charge is not established. It was not an usurpation, but an exercise of a legitimate power. The Ordinance of Congress has expressly given to the Governor the power of laying out the Territory into Counties and Townships subject only to this qualification—that the Legislature may thereafter make any alterations therein. The division...
9022To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed blank warrants to which I have the honor to request your signature, are wanted to fill up the vacancies now existing in the Corps of Midshipmen. I am very respectfully Sir yr mo ob Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9023To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose herewith for your nomination to the Senate a list of officers for the Marine Corps and of Surgeons mates for the Navy. The marine Officers are indispensable for that Corps under its present regulations, & the surgeons mates are wanted immediately for actual service, that Corps being reduced by deaths & resignations. I send also a few blank warrants to fill up...
9024To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 September 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
The instructions to Commodore Morris having been sealed and delivered to Capt Barron the day before I had the satisfaction of receiving your favor of the 30th Ult. and the Captain being at this time on board of his Ship proceeding down the River, I have not considered the alterations suggested of sufficient moment to justify the delaying of the Ship. If you should conceive it necessary to send...
9025To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, with Jefferson’s Note, 19 January 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed Letter, to Mr Eustis is proposed in answer to a Letter received from him some time since. I have mentioned four small vessels instead of three —that if it shall be deemed proper to purchase a Zebec, the purchase may be made out of the money that may be appropriated, in pursuance of my Recommendation to Mr. Eustis— I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir,...
9026To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Gunboats. 21 Jany ’09 Portland 10 Connecticut 2 Rhode Island
9027To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 6th. I have to inform you that the Gun Boats are building at Boston, New-York, Philada, Balt. Washington Norfolk, Charleston & Savannah. I have found it would have been hazarding too much to attempt the building of them at any places excepting those where there were Navy agents, skilful superintendants & experienced Naval Constructors. After we shall have well...
9028To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The publication in Major Jackson’s paper to which the enclosed alludes I have not seen. I know not its Object nor the quarter whence the information proceeded. But the Statement of Com. Truxtun in its material parts is correct to my knowledge and to the knowledge of many of the inhabitants of Balt. My commentary upon his text is that he is anxious to be appointed at the Head of the Navy Yard...
9029To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
A Bill drawn by Wm Higgins on me for $. 212 has been this moment presented to me for payment.— This bill is, I suspect, on your account: I have accordingly referred the holder to you. If it should not be on your account, you will be pleased to let the holder return to me. Respecty MoSHi : Bixby Collection.
9030To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
You will herewith receive a copy of a letter just received from Commodore Truxtun. It is to be regretted that the errors therein stated should have been committed by our predecessors in the execution of his medal. However, as the Legislative Department of the Government have authorised and directed that a medal be presented to him emblematical of a Certain military achievement, it is the duty...
9031To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of sending to you the enclosed for Consideration—If you should be of the Opinion, as I am, that Capt Morris ought to be dismissed without the intervention of a Court Martial, you will be pleased to Correct the enclosed letter so as to please yourself— Respectfully Y H S RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 16 May and “Capt Morris’s case” and so...
9032To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 August 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be pleased to give your signature to the enclosed Blank Commisions & Warrants? They are required for gentlemen already appointed, & others that it may be found necessary to appoint— I have the honor to be with the highest respect sir, yr mo obt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9033To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 February 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Nicholson’s letter respecting the Marine Corps I have well considered and since I had the pleasure of conversing with you upon the Subject I have had some Communication with Mr Nicholson. The result is the letter herewith sent to you for your Consideration. It is little more than a Statement of facts for the Committee to form their own Opinion. As to the insufficiency of a Captain to be the...
9034To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 March 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
For some weeks I have been much importuned by Mr Brown respecting the Marine Barracks . I have invariably referred him to the propositions prescribed by you, which were some months since sent to him as your ultimate determination. I have, however, in consequence of his pressing solicitation this day taken the liberty of sending the enclosed to you. It is proper, Sir, to inform you, that under...
9035To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
With respect to young Drayton the midshipman—it is proper to state to you, that there are now in the Navy upwards of sixty midshipmen, who are senior to him in appointment—many of whom rank with the first young men in the country—these would all feel themselves degraded if any junior officer should be placed over them—A reversion of the order of antecedent relations, especially among military...
9036To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is the report of the Accountant of the Navy upon the case of mr Geo Blount— I have only to remark that I myself saw the sample of the Phila or Cartouch box, & the one made by mr Blount—& that that made by mr. Blount was greatly inferior to the other. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir yr ob St DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9037To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Hand Bills are at this moment flying in all directions through this city announcing a peace with Tripoli upon terms advantageous and honourable to us. It is said that despatches to the Executive have come by the said Conveyance. I have not yet received mine. It is probable—nay I may say certain that our War with Tripoli is at an end but upon what terms and in what way it has been effected I...
9038To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Phipps is well known here. He is an inoffensive, well disposed man; but he is incapable of discharging the duties of a Lieutenant or of a Sailing Master on board a Man of War. From a principle of Charity in consideration of his age he has been retained in service. He may have claims for a pension but he certainly has no pretensions to promotion. And the letters produced by him only form...
9039To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This Government cannot, in honor or in respect to the permanent interests of the U. States, retreat one inch from the Ground it has so solemnly taken in relation to France & England in the view of all the World and with a show of persevering fortitude. On the Contrary, the substance & tone of the last despatches incline me to think, that the honorable and manly feelings of the American people...
9040To 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.
9041To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 September 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 23d Ult informed me that the disposition manifested by the French Government had rendered it necessary that we have a public armed ship ready to sail on the 31st. Oct to carry the ratification and if possible the Stock to France and at the same time suggesting the expediency of employing the last of the small vessels in this service. At the time of my receiving these...
9042To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose Warrants for Laurence Keene Francis Hall Lewis Hunt Walter G Anderson Francis Mitchell Wm. Ballard & Wm. R Nicholson. to be Midshipmen in the Navy. These young gentleman have all been well recommended —and should you approve their appointment, the enclosed Warrants will require your Signature. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir yr ob st RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s...
9043To 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.
9044To 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...
9045To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 June 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The reasons you have assigned for abanding the measure of sending out the Express-Boat are very satisfactory and I am greatly pleased with the determination. Be assured the Squadron shall not suffer on account of the Detention or the loss of the Huntress. As in relation to economy on the general arrangements of the Navy Department it is unimportant whether the people of the Yard be employed...
9046To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to transmit to you, for your consideration, a copy of the opinion on the conduct of Capt. Richd. V. Morris, formed & pronounced by the Court of Enquiry instituted agreeably to your directions for that special purpose I have the honor to be with the greatest respect sir, yr mo: ob: st RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the...
9047To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If you approve the sentence upon William Hook, gunner of the Chesapeak, will you be pleased to place your signature under the word “confirmed”. I think it ought to be confirmed. I have the honor to be very respectfully Sir y ob S DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
9048To 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...
9049To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrants for Lucas , Boatswain, and Taylor , Gunner. These officers are intended for the GunBoat No. 1 now equipping at this place. FC ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); in a clerk’s hand; at head of text: “The President of the United States.” James Lucas and William Taylor served on board Gunboat No. 1 ( NDBW Dudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents...
9050To 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...