31To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 March 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As I could not consistently apply to Capt Hull by letter either official or private for explanations in relation to the suggestions of the letter of Mr Taber of Rhode Island, I caused my chief Clerk to write, as of his own accord, a proper letter and the enclosed is the reply of Capt Hull. Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
32To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 September 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
As we are to assemble so soon at Washington I have declined instituting any judicial proceeding in the Case of Capt. Porter. The Officers necessary to form a Court are at this time so dispersed and so occupied that it would be not only very difficult but very inconvenient to convene them for such a purpose. The veiw which you Mr. Madison & indeed all of us have of the proper Course of...
33To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I shall this day have the honor of sending to you Warrants for the two young gentlemen recommended by judge Tyler. You will however be pleased to inform him that the Frigates intended for the Medn. have their full Complement of Midshipmen and that the first services to be performed by these young men will probably be on board of Gun Boats— Y.H.S. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the...
34To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 November 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I find that the Gunboats cannot be sent to New-orleans at this time consistently with the appropriations of the law of the last session of Congress— Respectfy DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
35To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this morning received a letter from Balt stating that Mr. Pinkney is determined to remain at Balt and to prosecute the practice of the Law. He is poor with a large family and he must make some provision for them. He means, it is said, to devote himself to his profession and to keep aloof from politicks. & from Publick employment— Respectfully Y. H. S. RC ( DNA : RG 59, LAR ); endorsed...
36To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The accompanying statement No 2—exhibits a view of the exact state of the Navy appropriations on this day. Presuming that it will be agreeable to you, I shall in future lay before you, similar statements weekly . I have the honor to be with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, yr mo ob st RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President United States”; endorsed by TJ...
37To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I request your signature to the enclosed commissions. I am with great respect sir, yr mo ob s DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
38To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 January 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon finding that Capt Tingey had not, as was his duty, reported to the Dept the timber and the tr used in the building and equipping of the gun Boats of this place I without delay called upon him by an Official letter for the requisite information and I have this moment with a view to hasten the report to me sent to him your note. Capt Tingey having been under Orders to keep an exact account...
39To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 September 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
It would seem from the tenour of the Communications from our Ministers at Madrid that they were mortified not only from their failure in the negotiation, but from the manner of its being conducted on the part of Spain. Its unfortunate termination, be the motives of Spain what they may, has brought us to a crisis that demands great consideration. That Nation, throughout the whole of her recent...
40To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for your signature Commissions for the following gentlemen, now Lieutenants { Charles Stewart— Captain in the Navy. Isaac Hull } to be Masters Commandants Andrew Sterett John Shaw Isaac Chauncey John Smith Richard Somers Stephen Decatur & George Cox now Midshipmen { Arthur St. Clair
41To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 April 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith, for your signature a number of Commissions which are wanted to commission the Lieutenants authorized by the Act of the 21 April 1806. I am with high respect Sir, yr ob st: DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
42To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Being apprehensive that the blank Commissions & Warrants mentioned in my Letter to you of the 17th instant, to have been transmitted to receive your signature, and which appear to have been Mis-sent, may not be recovered in time to accomodate Capt. Barron &. some other officers attached to the New York, I now do myself the honor to enclose twelve blanks of each, additional, & have to request...
43To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
*The temperate and Correct Course pursued by our Consul Mr Simpson, the promptitude of Commodore Preble, the effecacious Co-Operation of Commodore Rodgers of the returning Squadron, the judicious conduct of Capt Bainbridge and the general zeal of the other Officers and Men are It is proper to state to you that Rodgers being the Oldest Officer was the person that formed the plan of attack and...
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, 27 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose six blank warrants which it is intended to fill up with the names of the following young Gentlemen for Midshipmen George W. Barker recommended by Mr. Gregg John Quynn Mr. Duvall & others John R. Sherwood Jacob Gibson & others— John Nevitt R. Bowie & others— John Pettigrew Docr. Bullus & others Thos.
46To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 November 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
As it is probable that the frigate Boston may remain on the Mediterranean Station, and as Capt McNeill would in such case be improperly continued in service contrary to the determination of the Executive , I have conceived that some arrangement ought to be made to prevent such an impropriety. The enclosed letters have been prepared with that view and are submitted to your Consideration. Be...
47To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 September 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
The case of Doctor Barraud brought to your attention by Judge Tucker was acted upon before I came into Office. To enable you to give to Judge Tucker a view of the proceedings that lead to the removal of this Gentleman, I herewith send to you enclosed copies of the Letters upon the subject. The high pretensions of Doctor Barraud were probably not known to either Mr Gallatin or Genl Dearborne—...
48To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 October 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have this moment received your favor of yesterday. Being much engaged in some private affairs of moment that cannot be postponed I fear I shall not be able to set out for Washington before next Thursday. But surely I will be with you as soon as I possibly can Let me, however, entreat you not to postpone any measure on account of my absence. I am indeed extremely happy you have Offered the...
49To 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.
50To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 May 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The enclosed is a private letter in answer to one of the same kind from me. In calling it private I mean that it is not to be filed among the publick letters. It is submitted to your Consideration. If it should hereafter be deemed expedient to send to Europe Com. Preble, it would not be proper to accede to any proposition so vague and indefinite as that made by him in relation to his expences....
51To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 July 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I some weeks since received the enclosed—I deem it proper to submit it to your eye altho it is not an Official letter—At your leisure you can look at it—Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
52To 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...
53To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 July 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The letter of W.C.N., which you submitted to my consideration, I have read. His ideas have my unqualified approbation. He concurs, I perceive, with me in two points upon which I, in Cabinet, stood alone—namely, the expediency of an immediate call of Congress & a demand of the punishment of the offending British Officer. Most fervently & sincerely do I wish that the result may shew the...
54To 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.
55To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present for your approbation as Midshipmen in the Navy, Gilbert H. Smith recommended by Judge Kilty & others— Francis B. Whiting .— John Smith Esqr. Va. Dl. P. Ramsey — Mr. Strode— Chs. Jones — Mr. Merriweather Jones thro’ Mr. Madison.— If you approve the above nominations, the enclosed warrants will require your signature.— With high respect, I am Sir, yr mo: ob Servt.
56To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mem. Sloops of War } Siren } at Washington. } could all be prepared for sea by the time their officers would join them.
57To 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...
58To 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.
59To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment solicited in the enclosed can with propriety be made. His first employment will be in one of the gun Boats. To me as to you it appears really surprising that so many applications for appointments in the Navy are received from Virginia and Maryland. But the Eastern States have no cause of complaint. All applications from that quarter have been duly respected by us. And if they...
60To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your letter of the 10th ins, & the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th ins, therewith sent to me, I have the honor to enclose a statement of the circumstances attending the destruction of the frigate Philadelphia, with the names of the officers & the number of men, employed on the occasion. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Yr. mo ob st. RC ( DNA :...
61To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose a blank warrant for your signature to be filled with the name of Joseph Nicholson as midshipman should you approve it—He is son of Capn. S. Nicholson of Boston, and is recommended by Commodore Preble— I have the honor to be with much respect Sir yr. obt. Serv. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy...
62To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 June 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Cuttings note accords with all the information I have received respecting Capt. Ingraham as Navy Agent. Beleiving him to be in all respects well qualified for the duties of the appointment I have given him the Office. Respectfully DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
63Proposed Amendment to the Constitution, 9 July 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
An Amendment proposed to the Constitution to be added to S. 3. Art. 4. Louisiana being in virtue of the Treaty &c incorporated with the U. States and being thereby a part of the Territory thereof, Congress shall have power to dispose of and make all needful rules and regulations respecting the same as fully and effectually as if the same had been at the time of the establishment of the...
64To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose herewith 15 Commissions and 15 Warrants to which I have the honor to request your signature. They are required for Officers hertofore appointed but not yet Commissioned, and for some few Appointments which it may be necessary to make for the Expedition now preparing for the Mediterranean. I am with respect sir, yr. mo ob st. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of...
65To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 August 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon my return to Balt. last Evening I found your favor of the 8th. and hence it is that I have not had the honor of answering it sooner. The two schooners equipped at this place have sailed some days since. The frigate Philadelphia left the Capes of Delaware on the 27h. of last month. The other frigate the Constitution, according to the information that has been conveyed to me, ought to have...
66To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In the course of a few days the sailing instructions and other communications will be forwarded to the Commanding Officer of the John Adams. Having but your qualified approbation of the accompanying Commissions I deem it proper to return them to you for that reconsideration which you may be pleased to give them. I would only remark that I have not Considered the peace -establishment-Act the...
67To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrant for John Mason , Sailmaker. He is intended for the frigate Essex. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Sailmaker john mason served on the frigates Essex and Constellation in the Mediterranean in 1804 and 1805 ( NDBW Dudley W. Knox, ed.,
68To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 March 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is submitted to your Consideration—I will have some Conversation with you upon the Subject in the Course of a few days— Your Humbl Ser RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 4 Mch. 1803 and so recorded in SJL with notation “Tingey”; also endorsed by TJ: “Tingey’s applicn for advancd allowance.” Enclosure: probably Thomas Tingey to Smith, 1 Mch....
69To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 31 August 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
The inclosed just received I hasten to transmit to you. Mr Crowninshield, it seems, is of the opinion that the requisite notice could not be given by one vessel. He perceives great danger in sending a publick vessel to any port where the British are, as suspicions of war might be thus excited among the British—Would there not be the same hazard in sending a publick vessel to the Straits of...
70To 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.
71To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 August 1801 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to transmit herewith Abstracts of the Warrants on the Treasury issued by me for the use of the Departments of War and Navy, and the balances remaining on hand, for the Week ending the 15th Inst. I have the honor to be Sir with the highest Consideration & respect your most obt. Servt. RC ( DLC ); in clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ...
72To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 August 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
From the dispatches herewith sent you will perceive the state of our affairs in the Mediterranean. I am seriously apprehensive that Commodore Morris may not have considered himself authorised to retain the Boston and that, if he has retained her, he will not, with the addition of the New York, be able to protect our Citizens. The Enemys Coast is so extended that the dangers are great. And the...
73To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed blank warrants required for the purpose of filling up the vacancies which are frequently taking place in the different Corps of Warrant Officers. I am respectfully Sir, yr mo ob st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
74To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of informing you that a Commission of Captain in the Navy of the U. States has been sent to Mr Stephen Decatur Jun. Y. St. S. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 15 Nov. and “Decatur” and so recorded in SJL . Smith here canceled “dated.”
75To 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...
76To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 May 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr. John R Leaycraft of New York, & Mr. Drury M. Allen of Buckingham County, Virginia, have been strongly recommended for Midshipmen in the Navy— I therefore do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for them, wc. require your signature, should you concur in their appointment— I have the honor to be, most respectfully, Sir, Your ob servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot...
77To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 11 July 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Will you be pleased to give your signature to the enclosed blank commissions?—they are wanted for surgeon’s mates & other officers of the Adams & of the Hornet. I am with great respect sir, yr mo ob st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
78Abstracts of Warrants from Robert Smith, 2 May 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
Abstract of Warrants drawn on the Treasurer by the Secretary of the navy for navy purposes, shewing also the balance on hand for the week ending the 30th. day of april 1803— Date no. In whose favor & for what purpose amot. of Warrants amot of Deposits & Balance 1803 Balance from last report 121,982.95 apl. 26 2120 Alexr. Kerr assignee of Keith Spence— } Pay &c. m.c. 145 00 "
79To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Not being able to decipher the name of the writer of the enclosed letter I have to ask the favor of you to fill up the Blank with the name of his son in the Warrant herewith sent and then to return it to me You will herewith receive dispatches from Preble. From them we may conclude that peace will not be with Tripoli, before the arrival of Barron’s squadron. But it is a problem not easily...
80To 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...