To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 December 1804
From Robert Smith
Navy Dept. 18 Decr. 1804
Sir,
A number of Commissions are required for the Navy Officers whose Appointments have been lately confirmed by the Senate. Herewith I enclose 20, (the number necessary) to which I have the honor to request your Signature.
I am respectfully Sir, yr. ob servt.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 18 Dec. and “Officers commns” and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).