To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1802
From Robert Smith
Nav Dep 26 April 1802
Sir:
Mr Jas Roach, the young gentleman for whom the enclosed Warrant is intended—has been mentioned to me in terms of approbation—
Should you approve his appointment, the enclosed will require your signature—
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo ob: st.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President U: States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 26 Apr. and “Midshipman” and so recorded in SJL. FC (DNA: RG 45, LSP). Enclosure not found.
Commissioned a midshipman on 26 Apr. 1802, James Roach was not called into active service until 1805. Accused of neglect of duty off Cadiz in June 1805, he was suspended from service and sent home ( , Register, 46; 2:500–1; 6:113–14, 179, 243).