1Samuel Smith to Thomas Jefferson, 9 July 1801 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
9 July 1801, Baltimore. Warns that Habersham’s changes in the mail route from Philadelphia to Pittsburgh greatly alarm and distress citizens of Carlisle and Shippensburg and appear to be a plot to make Jefferson’s administration unpopular there. Conveys political intelligence: “Mr. Montgomery says he has now little Doubt but Harford County will give himself & another Republican Elector.” RC (...
2To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, [before 12 March 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. William Buchanan has resided at the Isle of France for the last four or five years, [his] friends request me to solicit the Consulate of the Isles of France & Bourbon for him—An application for his appointment was presented by me lately to Mr. Marshall signed by the most [respec]table Merchants of both parties in this City—It was rejected because (as I understood) he was known to be my...
3To 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...
4To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 20 March 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to transmit to you an Address from the Republican Citizens of Alleghany County (Maryland), which they have thought proper to request me to present—Should you return an answer, they request It may be done thro: me & that the Address & Answer may be published in one of our Papers— Mr. Dawson will sail on sunday the ship being perfectly ready—. He mentions that I am wanted...
5To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 2 April 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
A Report prevails & is believed that a fracas took place between the sailors of the French ship at Norfolk & the English & American sailors. I presume no Lives were lost, as I have no Account from Norfolk on the subject— I progress with as much dispatch as possible in putting the Navy in the situation the Law has directed — My son Louis. Buchanan. Smith will go to Europe in two Weeks. permit...
6To 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...
7To 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...
8To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 4 April 1801 [i.e. May 1801] (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to enclose you the latest information in this Department relative to the force of the Barbary Powers, and am, with the greatest respect, Sir, your mo ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received 4 May and so recorded in SJL . Enclosures not found, but probably: (1) William Eaton to the secretary of state, 15 June...
9To 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...
10To 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...
11To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 June 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Secy of the Navy has the honor of submitting to the President, his letter in answer to Governor Drayton’s, on the subject of French Prisoners in custody in South Carolina— RC ( DLC ); addressed: “President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 10 June and “lre to Govr Drayton” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: Smith to John Drayton, 10 June, acknowledging the receipt...
12To 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...
13To 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...
14To 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...
15To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Heretofore the Route for the Mail from Philadelphia to Pittsburg has been thro: Carlisle & Shippensburg to Chambersburg—but by a late Regulation of Mr Habersham , the Route is thro: York & Berlin to Chambersburg—This change has alarmed & greatly distressd the Citizens of Carlisle & Shippensburg, who are to Recieve their Letters from Philada. indirectly thro: Reading & Harrisburg—the Change has...
16To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 18 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have been in such excessive Pain for a few Days from something like the Rheumatism in my Jaws, that I have not been able to attend to your Letter of 11 Inst. The Treaty with France was signed on the 4th. Octobr.; the Berceau was taken on the 12th. same Month, and arrived at Boston, in November, subsequent to well authenticated accounts being received that a Treaty was effected; but previous...
17To 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...
18To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 23 July 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inclosed letter from Mr. Iznardi is in Consequence of my letters recommending his resigning for his Son, to Avoid the necessity I Concieved you would be under from his late Conduct of removing him—The Old Gentleman will probably be here as Soon as he can—I should be glad to know what Can be done to Comfort him without agreeing to the Continuance of his Son—There is a young Gentleman here...
19To 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...
20To 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:...
21To 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...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 15 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I Congratulate you on the Compleat Success of the Republican Candidates for Electors of the senate of Maryland—this Secures us a Majority in the senate of the U.S.— I have a Letter from Mr. Dent mentioning that Mr. Merideth will resign the office of Treasurer, & requesting that I would mention to you his Wish to fill that office—from my knowledge of Mr. Dent, I believe no Man more worthy of an...
23To 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...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 21 October 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The Inclosed was sent to me by a Person now in Jail for Debt, He claims being introduced to me by Mr. Claiborne—I have no Recollections of that circumstance—nor have I any Knowledge of him or his character—He wishes me to release him from his present Confinement, but from his own Story I cannot See that he merits any Attention, if he has any claim on the Publick, his Father would Certainly not...
25To 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...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 14 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
Since writing my Letter of this Morning, Mr. John Donnell (one of our Republican & most wealthy Merchts.) put into my hand the Inclosed Letter from his Father in Law Mr. Isaac Smith on whose subject I have already written Mr. Gallatin . Mr. Smith was Collector under the King, is a man of Business highly respectable & Invariably a Whig—Mr. Bowdon is also his son in Law—Mr. Savage the New Member...
27To 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...
28To 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...
29To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 29 April 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to inclose you a letter I have recieved from J. H. Purviance. permit me to Say that I know no Gentleman who I think every way So Compleatly qualified to Succeed Mr. Sumpter or who Could be So useful to Mr. Livingston. I am sir/ with the highest Esteem your friend & servt. RC ( DNA : RG 59 , LAR ); endorsed by TJ as received 29 Apr. and “Purviance John H. to be Secy. legn...
30To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 21 June 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have recieved two letters from General Wilkinson . Since his Arrival in Georgia, he appears excessively mortified at the Conduct towards him of the Federal party & wounded at the Opposition of some of our friends to the Continuing of the Post of Brigadier—I pity him, he Knows no way of maintaining his family he wishes much to be appointed Surveyor General to the Missisippi territory, and...
31To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 July 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to introduce my young friend Mr. Abraham Ogden formerly of New York where he had his Commercial Education—Mr. Ogden has established a House of Commerce at Marseilles , & meant to have been an applicant for the Consulate at that Port, but on being informed that Mr. Cathalan would (if practicable) be Continued he expressed his approbation & Spoke in terms highly respectful of that...
32To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 9 June [i.e. August] 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Capt. Norman (a respectable Man of this City) has arrived here from Trieste, he has just informed me, that on his passage he Came thro: the Phare of Messina, & landed at the City, that he was informed that a Courier had passed thro: (the Day preceding) from Syracuse with an Account that a Neapolitan frigate was Chased by a Tunisian Squadron , that Capt. McNeill ran between and Cut off the...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 1 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this Moment left Mr. Carr, he is Something easier, the Blisters on his Back & Ankles have raised & are painful,—from appearances I Should expect he would recover,—but the Doctors do not believe it possible that he can.—The Mouth of the Bladder they Say is Stopped—my hope arises from a Small discharge of Urine this afternoon.—I need not Say that every possible attention has been given to...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 2 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
When I paid my respects yesterday I had no great expectation that I should now have the pleasure to say that Mr. Carr’s Illness had taken a favorable turn—He has had a free Discharge & I am in hopes is now out of Danger—The Doctors do not yet give very positive favorable Opinion but being relieved from the Suppression his Strong Constitution will Soon defeat his Fever—I think I never have Seen...
35To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 17 June 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the Liberty as one of thy wellwishers to address Thee thy Enemies assert that thou art a Deist and thy Friends that thou art a Christian, but thy conduct demonstrates to me that thou art suitable for the office that thou fillest, as I look not at Names but actions. our beloved Saviour says that a Tree is known by its Fruit which is truly Philosophical and consequently agreable to that...
36To 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...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 January 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I recieved a Letter last Night from Mr. Patterson requesting me to remind you of your polite Intention of giving him a Letter to Mr. Livingston on the Subject of his Daughter’s Marriage with Mr. Bonaparte—I believe an Oppertunity will offer in a few Days that he wishes to embrace. I am Sir with Respect Your friend & servt. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as a letter of 24 Jan. received on the 23d...
38To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 10 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to have the honor of presenting to you Mr. Peter Hoffman, a Merchant of this City, of the first respectability, Independence & political Rectitude—he Visits you in Company with Mr. J. G. Rapp— who has emigrated at the head of a large number of persons lately Subjects of the Duke of Wirtemberg, in whose behalf he will present a Memorial & State their Wishes—I have on looking at the...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 8 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The Writer of the inclosed letters Mr. Hatch Dent (a Native of Maryland) imigrated last Winter to N. Orleans.—he lived for seven years in this City & is highly estimated by those Citizens to whom he was known—He was highly recommended by Mr James Mc.Culloh (one of our Senators) for the place of Naval Officer or Surveyor—to either of which I knew him (myself) well qualified—But the application...
40To 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...
41To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 17 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I did myself the honor to recommend for your Attention Mr. James Lowrey Donaldson, a Gentleman of the Bar of this City for the Office of Commissioner to Ascertain the Titles to Land in Louisiana—I have taken some pains to ascertain the Character of Mr. Donaldson, and find it unblemished—his talents are highly estimated by Gentlemen well acquainted with him, & his Capacity to fill the Office...
42To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 31 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Permit me to return my Sincere thanks for the Appointment Conferred on Mr. Donaldson, I am persuaded that he will afford no Cause to regreat—His Father Coll. William Lowrey has been regularly bred & Accustomed to the Selling of Goods of all kinds, is a Man of Integrity and conversant in Accounts—I take leave to mention those qualifications that (Should Such a Character be wanted) he may be...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 16 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I do myself the honor to Send You the inclosed—Mr. Keene is a young Lawyer from this City, the Gentleman who married Mr. Martins Daughter. I have the honor to be, Your Obedt. Servt. DNA : RG 59—LAR—Letters of Application and Recommendation.
44To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 30 October 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
My Son Louis B. Smith has it in Contemplation to Spend the Winter at Madrid. will you do me the favor to give him an introduction to Mr. Bowdoin—he perhaps may not be at Madrid but It is possible he may, in any Case your letter will be of infinite importance,—I have not the least Acquaintance with Mr. Bowdoin.—If required Louis might be the Bearer of Dispatches he will land in Lisbon, and...
45To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 5 November 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
My Son is personally acquainted with Mr. Irving to whom you have been So polite as to give a letter of introduction. he prays me to return you his Sincere Thanks. Mr. Irving, being in a foreign Country will probably pay attention to Americans—In London he was too much occupied.—I am extremely Sorry that I have given you the trouble of writing, for Louis found it impossible to be prepared for...
46To 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...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 24 December 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to the request of Commodore Truxtun I do myself the honor of presenting his Sketch of the late Battle of Trafalgar, and have the Honor to be your Mo. Obedt Servt. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
48To 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...
49To 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...
50To Thomas Jefferson from Samuel Smith, 31 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
My Colleague Mr. Wright, informs me that he wishes the appointment (now Vacant) of the Associate Judge for the District of Columbia to be given to his Son Robert—I am not much acquainted with the Young Gentleman, I Can only Say that I have never heard any thing to his disadvantag he is about 26 or 27 years of Age, has taken a Degree in College & has Studied & practised Law for Seven years—of...