51To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 6 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the pleasure to Inform you that the squadron under Commodore Dale sail’d on the 1: Inst. & Cleared Cape Henry on that Day—The Inclosed letter from Capt Truxtun I send for your perusal I rather suppose the Semillante had not gone to Sea with Commodore Dale, as no Mention thereof is made in my letter of the 2nd. from Norfolk. I have the honor to be your Obedt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed...
52To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 13 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since my last respects of the 5th. May I have endeavoured as much as the pressure of business would permit me to inform myself respecting the Navy yards purchased for the use of the Public. Not being able to find that there was any Law authorising the purchase of Ground for Navy yards—I enquired and am informed that the purchase was understood to be authorised by the following Laws—1st a Law...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 December 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to Inclose for your perusal—three letters just recieved.—I will only observe that—this will be another Charge of French Influence, and that if Turreau has recd Money—for those permits he ought instantly to be put out of the Country your Obed Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
54To 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...
55To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 May 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreably to your request, I will endeavour to give as correct an idea of the Navy of the United States, as my short acquaintance with this Department will enable me to do. On the 4th. March last, the Navy of the United States consisted of 5 frigates of 44 guns 3 " " 36 — 5 " " 32 — say thirteen frigates, those by the Law “Providing for the Naval Establishment of the United States” are...
56To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 28 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this day recieved the inclosed letter from Genl. Wilkinson. I presume from the Postscript that he has made an offer to relieve you from the Situation in which he Supposes you to be placed by his appointment,—I cannot think that this would be the proper time to make any Change,—nor am I of the opinion that any Change ought to be made, at any Rate, not until he has had full time to shew...
57To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 6 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inclosed from Mr Dawson I have this Instant received—The fracas at Norfolk commenced with some English & French Sailors & terminated with some very severe broken heads but no lives lost— Previous to my leaving this City (on Sunday) I had ordered all the ships (for sale) that were in Port to be Sold without delay—I directed two 44 gun ships one of 32 guns & a Schooner to be got ready for...
58To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 22 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Tracy’s motion for a Call for the Letter of Mr. Munroe has been under discussion & has been adjourned until tomorrow—Many Gentlemen have declared that they were absent when the letter was Read—others that they had not attended (all our friends)—I therefore take leave to Submit the propriety of Sending the Letter tomorrow early—It may be requested that (after reading) the Same shall be...
59To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 7 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have shewn your letter recommending a clergyman to some of my particular friends, they laugh at the Idea of my being written to on that Subject, however your Recommendation will have great Weight—There is no positive Vacancy here yet, but there must be, for Doctr. Allison’s situation is little short of Lunacy, Nor is there any Appearance of his recovery—There has been a young Gentleman of...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 14 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I Congratulate you on the success & good Fortune of the Squadron under Commodore Dale—Lieut Sterett’s success will Convince the Tripolitan & other Barbary Powers of the Truth of Mr. Cathcarts remark —(that they would not find the Americans like the Neopolitan Castratti) & I hope will tend to keep the other Powers in Peace with us—War having now Actually Commenced, It becomes a Duty to have a...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am about to ask of you a particular favor. Not an Office for any of my friends, but that you will not Nominate Col Hammond to be the Successor of Genl Wilkenson. I ask it as well on your Account as because that I verily believe his appointment will greatly Estrange the affections of the ancient inhabitants of Louisiana from you and from the Govt of the U.S. General Wilkenson has made himself...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 15 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I was led (by the Secretarys Report to the last Session of Congress) to believe that there was no more Salt Petre than what was Contained in that Report—I find the Report is only for that at the Arsenal in Philadelphia. I had no Recollection of any at any other place—If that is the whole that we have, It will produce little more than a Million of Gunpowder,—which I Should Consider not a...
63To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 20 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
When in Balte. a few Days past, I mentioned to Capt. McLellan (of the Artillery) that Genl. Wilkinson had been Charged with having induced the Sheriff of St. Louis to pack a Jury. He said he did not beleive the Charge. The next day he met the Sheriff by Accident in a Store a Copy of whose Deposition I took the liberty to send you least any impression should be made unfavorable to the General...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 25 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the Honor to forward y[our] Box of Books by a Schooner bound to the Navy Yard—and by the same Opportunity I directed Peters & Johnson to send you one half Barrel of their best Beer—If it Should please you will know where you Can with Convenience supply yourself in future—I have this Day recieved from Malaga a Hhd of Wine sent to you from thence by order of Mr. Yznardi—Will you be...
65To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 20 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. Pitcairn the Consul at Hamburg is a Merchant of Considerable Credit & well supported in New York. the Merchants who do Business with him from this City Speak highly of him, as a Man of Understanding & one who has their entire Confidence,—and in this point of View he is Considerd by those who do not know his Transactions at Paris & a part of his Commercial Conduct, known to few—I do not...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 11 March 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
The Marine Militia Bill has had a fair & full discussion this Day & yesterday. And on a motion to postpone until the first Monday of December, all the Senate except Seven rose in favor of the Motion—So that the principle of the Bill may be Considered as virtually rejected— No Reliance ever Can be placed in a similar Bill ever obtaining —Our Reliance must in my Opinion be placed in a Land Army...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 2 February 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to Inclose you a letter recieved from Judge Davis.—The Territorial Governors have their Enemies. I am Sir/ your Obedt. Servt DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
68To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 14 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
You will do me the honor to recollect that Sometime in last Winter, I handed you an application from Coll. Lowry, requesting a place in the Customs in Orleans,—he Still appears anxious to have an appointment there, and has requested me to forward the inclosed Certificate from the Collector, Naval Officer & Surveyor of this Port, respecting his Capacity for the Duties of the Office,—Coll. Lowry...
69To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 April 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I am applied to by Mrs Rivardi to apply for an appointment for her husband Major Rivardi. her letter inclosed will Shew better her Wishes & expectations than I Should be able—Major Rivardi is an excellent Mathematician, a Man of Science & a compleat Draftsman—I believe him from personal knowledg to be a Gentleman of Integrity & honor, he was deranged by the new Organization of the Army.—if the...
70To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the accompanying Commissions & Warrants— They are all old appointments excepting George Grey Grubb , who has been particularly recommended by Mr Leiper of Philaa. & has been sometime an acting Midsm. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, your mo: ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President U: States”; endorsed by TJ as...
71To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Yznardi, the Elder is thus far on his Way to Washington to pay you his Respects, his State of Health will not permit him to go further—I shewed him your letter he will Accept with pleasure the Consulate &c its Duties untill there shall be a general Peace, again which time he expects he Can settle all American Claims for French Capt[ures] now under his Management—He no longer supports his...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 26 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I return you my sincere thanks for your favorable Intention respectg. Mr. Buchanan—I am pleased with it, because I am confident Mr. Lewis would have been a very improper Character— I am happy to find that the sending the squadron to the Mediterranean & your very early determination to that Object has met the entire satisfaction of the Commercial people—All seem to think that more ships will be...
73To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 February 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to send you an Extract of a letter recieved in Baltimore from our Navy Agent in London—The Idea of making all the Ports in G.B. Free is grand & may operate powerfully to support her sometime longer. I am your Obed Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
74To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 11 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to send you a Copy of a letter I have this instant recieved from my friends in Liverpool—and am sir/ your friend & Servt. Gent Liverpool 26 July 1806. We have only time to accompany the enclosed Price Current with information that the British Parliament is prorogued, & that it is officially announced, in the Speech on that occasion, that our Government is engaged in...
75To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. James Lowrey Donaldson, a young Gentleman of the Bar, of very handsome talents, has a disposition to reside in the Western Country. he has been 4 Years a practising Lawyer—and Studied four years prior thereto.—his Character is unblemished his Connexions respectable—his Politicks, has been proved by Some handsome pieces in the public Papers they are Republican, his Age about 25—Permit me to...
76To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 22 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you inclosed two letters I have recieved in behalf of Mr Forbes appointed to Havre by Mr Adams. I know Nothing of that Gentleman, but presume he Cannot be otherwise than Federal, in the late Acceptation of the Term,—From his letters he appears sensible—but It may perhaps be proper not to Appoint all the Consuls from one part of the Union.—Understanding from Mr Maddison that Mr. Doble...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, [9 March 1802] (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the Honor to return you Mr. Coxe’s Opinions —there are some Ideas, that I think useful which I have Communicated to Mr. Randolph as Chairman of the Ways & Means.—I have the honor be your friend & servt. RC ( DLC ); partially dated; address clipped: “The Preside”; endorsed by TJ as a letter of 9 Mch. Enclosures: see below. COXE’S OPINIONS : although they were marked private, TJ may...
78To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 5 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
My Brother has Come up to Attend to his Business in Court. I first to meet him with the distressing Account of the Death of his Eldest son (a Charming Boy) his Distress is great, that of his family will be greater, he will of course be detained some time at home— Our squadron had arrived —The Essex had gone to Tunis having under Convoy the ship for that Regency—The Philadelphia was seen...
79To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose to you a letter just received from Genl. Dearborn—I do not admire either the Cost in Mariners or Mastters—I asked for the loan of two Brass field peices which I had brought back from the Western Insurrection and which I had Caused to be delivered in good order to the commanding Officers at the Fort—and am answered by reflections on the State of Maryland—I told...
80To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
During the late War between England & France—England levied a Convoy Duty of ½ ⅌C: on Goods exported from G.B. to any Port in Europe & One ⅌C: to all other Countries—for which difference there was some pretext—Neutrals as well as National Ships were Charged therewith—On the Peace this Convoy Duty was Changed to a Duty on Export, and the U.S. were thus subjected to double the Duty paid by other...
81To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 29 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Maryland arrived last Night & this Morning, Mr. Purviance the Bearer of her Dispatches proceeded to Washington—The inclosed Letter from Capt. Barney will Aid in explaining the Causes why no Exchange of Ratification had taken effect—and will shew, that Federalists Can not be trusted with the Objects of Government. I Confess that I highly approved of the Delicacy of your Conduct towards Mr:...
82To 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...
83To 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...
84To 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....
85To 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...
86To 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...
87To 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...
88To 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...
89To 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...
90To 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...
91To 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...
92To 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....
93To 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,...
94To 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.
95To 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...
96To 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...
97To 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...
98To 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...
99To 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...
100To 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...