1To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 March 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Dr. Shaw who was nominated as a Surgeon in the navy has withdrawn his application. I beg leave to mention to you the name of Doctor Jasper Hand in his place. Doct. Hand was nominated a surgeon’s mate at the same time that Doct Shaw was nominated a Surgeon: tho’ by a mistake in his name made by the gentlemen who recommended him, his name was written Jesse instead of Jasper Hand his real name.—...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed list of surgeons and Surgeons mates is sent to you for nomination to the Senate should it be approved by you.— The Surgeons are required for the vessels now in commission under the act of the 31 Jany; the surgeons mates are also required for these Vessels, and for the Norfolk and New Orleans station. It may be proper to state to you that of the 6 surgeons mates nominated to the...
3To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The Act intituled “An Act for procuring an additional number of Arms, and for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” passed 11 March 1808— appropriates “for the purchase of salt petre & sulphur” 150,000 dollars— During the session of 1808, I received from genl Smith, chairman of a committee of the Senate, a letter asking information as to the additional quantity of salt petre & sulphur which it...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
As the order mentioned in the enclosed letter may eventually produce a state of War between the U. States and G. Britain, I have to request from you a special instruction as to the answer proper to be sent to Captain Porter— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
5To 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...
6To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 February 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Gentlemen of the Senate I Nominate, Humphrey Magrath —at present a sailing master Charles C. B. Thompson } at present midshipmen James P. Wilmer
7To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Presuming that you have not received correct information as to the political character of Thomas Robertson, I deem it proper to state to you that he & his family are among the prominent opposers of the Republicans in the State of Maryland— Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
8To 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.
9To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
The proceedings of the Court not having been yet transmitted to me by Mr Jones the Judge Advocate no notice can at present be taken of the Note of Mr. Hanson—Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
10To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 January 1809 (Jefferson Papers)
Gunboats. 21 Jany ’09 Portland 10 Connecticut 2 Rhode Island
11To 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...
12To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The extent of our Coast, the prevailing winds during the winter, the length of the nights and the inclemency of the winter, making it impossible for our publick vessels cruising on our Coast to repress the violations of the Embargo law, I would submit to your Consideration the propriety of stationing one or more of the gun boats in each of our principal ports and of ordering the Cheasapeak,...
13To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed are the only papers that have been sent to me in the Case of Neale. If there had been others, they would of course have been filed with the letter of the 30h. Sep. Respecty DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
14To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
If any papers had been sent to me in Neale’s case, they, according to the established forms of the Dept., must have been transmitted to Col Wharton.—To him I have made the necessary application. The result, when received, will be communicated to you without delay. With great Respect DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
15To 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.
16To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The accompanying papers exhibit another melancholy instance of the remark of Erasmus—“Homo homini lupus”— As, however, these unhappy men, Hansen, Tingey and Cassin, in their mutual accusations, have asked for a Court of Enquiry they are, I presume, as is usual in such cases, to be indulged. Although many of the allegations, thus brought by these men against one another, may not be established,...
17To 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...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
8th. Sect— The Blank to be filled up with 103 —of which three are for the lakes—The State as set forth in the enclosed paper— The words—“having the materials in readiness”—to be struck out—There were no instructions to have such materials in readiness. The materials that had been provided before the last session of Congress, have been noted in the building of the Gun Boats above mentioned. DLC...
19To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Before I had received your favor of the 16h., covering the papers in the case of the demand of Governor Grand Pre, I had forwarded to you, for your instructions, papers received by me upon the same subject. It would be proper that the War & Navy Departments should pursue precisely the same course, and that no step should be taken, that would not be perfectly consistent with the principles, we...
20To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 September 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From the nature of the service I have been under the necessity of giving the command of the gun Boats to young Officers. Many of the duties to be performed required more sense & discretion than some of them possessed. The News papers state the misconduct of two Officers commanding gun Boats—the one here—the other at New York. No complaints have been made to the Navy Dept. However, I lost no...
21To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 9h. I have had the honor of receiving. To Mr Gallatin I forwarded the enclosure immediately with the requisite instructions for Com: Rodgers and an explanatory letter for Mr Gallatin. The same arrangement had indeed been some time since made by me. No gun Boats could be put upon the proposed service but such as could be spared from New York and I have submitted to M Gallatin...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 August 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I forward to you merely because Mr Mitchell has sent them to me with a request to do so. My own Opinion is that the Office ought to be Offered to Capt Jones; Because the duties of the Office would by him be well & faithfully performed and because a respectable section of Republicans would thereby be happily conciliated. Affy. & Respectfy DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon receiving the enclosed I immediately made all the arrangements in my power to order the Cheesapeak, the Wasp & Argus to our Eastern Coast and upon that—taken to remain until otherwise instructed. I have particularly called the attention of the Commanders to the points requiring the greatest vigilance. This indeed I had previously done in a great degree. The enclosed I only received this...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 16h. I have had the honor of receiving. I had the satisfaction of seeing Mr Gallatin but for a moment. From New York he is to inform me of the several points at which gun Boats will be necessary. On my part every attention will be given to those calls, but I fear my limited means will not enable me to go far. An order has already been issued to Decatur to look well to the...
25To 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...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
This Subscriber begs leave humbly to Sojest to your Exelancy that on ain Excursion to the North & Westerly part of the State of New york, That he discovred large quantities of pot Perl ashes & provisions of all Kinds driving & Carying to the Head Waters & leading Streams to the Lakes Onterio & Champlain & all other posable pasages to the River St. Lawrance at the Shoars & Banks of places...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed I have just received from Capt Tingey. In my answer to Com. Truxtun I have meerly informed him that it would be submitted to you. Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
28To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 June 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed letters relate to capt Truxtun’s medal—I ask the favor of your determination upon that subject. I have the honor to be with great respect sir yr ob: Sr. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20 with the enclosed letter to Doctor Rush has been duly received. It is really distressing that medical “partyism” should, upon an occasion so unimportant, have excited such acrimonious broils in Boston. But, some how or other, the disciples of Esculapins, having to grope their way over a ground not sufficiently lighted by the torch of philosophy, are ever thus jostling...
30To 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...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honour of herewith sending to you the enclosed letter of Mr Mead Navy Agent at Cadiz with the accompanying publick papers just received by me and also a private letter from Bullus as to the state of parties in New-York, and also a letter addressed to yourself which was this moment delivered to me by Doctor Ridgly late acting consul at Tripoli. With real Esteem & Yours entirely DLC :...
32To 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.
33To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I think the Sentence of the Court herewith enclosed upon Midsh. Swearingen ought to carried into effect. If you are of this opinion be pleased to give your signature to it under the word approved. Very respectfully yr ob S DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
34To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Are the enclosed in conformity to your ideas? If not, will you be pleased to note the necessary alterations—It would be well to let the Secretary of the Treasury see them— Respectfy &c &c. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
35To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the blank Commissions herewith sent which are required for the six Lieutenants whose appointments have just been confirmed by the Senate. I am very respectfully Sir, yr mo ob St. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
There are six vacancies in the corps of navy Lieutenants. To fill these vacancies, I submit the Nomination herewith transmitted, to your consideration. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo ob. Servt I Nominate, Walter Winter—of Maryland,—a midshipman from 22 march 1799, George H Geddes—of Delaware—a midshipman from 14 Octr. 1799, George Merrill—of Connecticut—a midshipman from...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the resignation of George Cox, a vacancy has arisen in the corps of Masters Commandant—Mr. Tarbell is senior to all the Lieutenants excepting Lieut. Blake, who, it is thought, is not entitled to promotion. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo: ob: Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I forgot to ask you this morning whether the hint about returning in the Revenge was not in the private letter from Genl Armstrong to yourself—We cannot find it in any of the publick letters—This information Mr. Madison wants Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
39To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 10 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
From Mr. Tazewells letter it appears that the Evidence addresd in these trials will not soon be transmitted to us. When received it will be forwarded you. Then you will be enabled to judge of the propriety of the several Sentences of the Courts Martial—Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
By the XLIst art. of the “Act for the better government of the Navy of the U. States” it appears that all sentences of courts martial going to the dismission of a Commissioned or Warrant officer, must, before they can be carried into execution, be approved by the President of the United States. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir Yr ob svt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
41To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have had the honor of receiving your note in relation to Mr. Tarlton Webb—I will accordingly have his name placed on the roll of applicants—There are no vacancies at present in the corps of midshipmen; but when vacancies shall occur, the application of Mr. Webb shall be respectfully considered. I have the honor to be with great respect sir, yr. mo: ob: st DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
42To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed Commissions which are required for the Officers mentioned in the list accompanying my letter to you of the 7t ultimo & whose appointments have since been confirmed by the Senate.— I am very respectfully Sir, Your most ob Serv. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
43To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed communication from the Mayor of New York I have just received—And I have to state to you that consistently with the limitations of the Acts of Congress in relation to the number of seamen to be employed by the Executive the Navy Department cannot employ or allow pay however small that pay may be to more men than are now in service, and that therefore we are not authorized by Law...
44To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Some days since I had the honor of communicating to you verbally that there were employed in the service of the United States, six hundred & seventy seamen more than the number estimated for by the Navy Department for the present year. For the purpose of giving you a more distinct view of the subject, I herewith transmit to you the enclosed paper which exhibits the details as far as they can...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 January 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I will have the honor of calling upon you tomorrow for the purpose of obtaining your instructions in relation to the points suggested in your note of this morning. Respectfy. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
46To 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.
47To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 December 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose to you herewith a nomination to the Senate of Dr. Saml. D. Heap to be a Surgeon in the Navy of the United States. Dr. Heap acted in the capacity of a Surgeon’s mate from Apl. 1804 to Aug: 1805, and from the latter period to the present time as a Surgeon, and in both capacities he has acted with distinction for the periods above stated on the Mediterranean Station...
48To 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 :...
49To 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.
50To 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.