21To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 November 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
8th. Sect— The Blank to be filled up with 103 —of which three are for the lakes—The State as set forth in the enclosed paper— The words—“having the materials in readiness”—to be struck out—There were no instructions to have such materials in readiness. The materials that had been provided before the last session of Congress, have been noted in the building of the Gun Boats above mentioned. DLC...
22To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 November 1802 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the Navy Estimates for the ensuing year, prepared in detail, but can not state the aggregate, until it shall be determined how many vessels are to be kept in actual service—on this point therefore I beg leave to request instructions from you. With the highest respect & esteem I have the Honor to be Sir, your mo ob St. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text:...
23To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 12 December 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
From an Officer of the Navy residing at Charleston S.C. who had my permission to make a voyage in a Merchant Vessel, I have just received a letter dated Charleston Nov. 29. 1806 which states that “the only situations to be had here at present are in the African Trade”— I give you this intimation as an indication of the present dispositions of S. Carolina— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas...
24To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 28 December 1803 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to present for your consideration the following Gentlemen to be Midshipmen in the Navy. Jacquelin Harvie Virga. Recomdd. by Mr. Harvie John Lyon Md. Colo. Stricker. Richard Wilson Md. Rt. Brent Esqre. Charles Blake Md. Mr. Nicholson Henry Thomas Md. J. Gibson Esqre. B. F. Rittenhouse Ca. Genl. Smith. of Va.
25To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
Most sincerely do I regret that I had not known your opinion of Mr Meade some weeks since. I have myself no personal knowledge of him or of any of his family. But from the representations of Gentlemen of high respectability in whom I have great confidence I was induced to appoint him Navy Agent. Had I had the most distant idea of your impressions of him you will be fully sensible the...
26To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 July 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Upon receiving the enclosed I immediately made all the arrangements in my power to order the Cheesapeak, the Wasp & Argus to our Eastern Coast and upon that—taken to remain until otherwise instructed. I have particularly called the attention of the Commanders to the points requiring the greatest vigilance. This indeed I had previously done in a great degree. The enclosed I only received this...
27To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 May 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 20 with the enclosed letter to Doctor Rush has been duly received. It is really distressing that medical “partyism” should, upon an occasion so unimportant, have excited such acrimonious broils in Boston. But, some how or other, the disciples of Esculapins, having to grope their way over a ground not sufficiently lighted by the torch of philosophy, are ever thus jostling...
28To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 August 1806 (Jefferson Papers)
I am extremely sorry that the Tunisian Minister should have given us additional difficulties. Not knowing what course in this delicate case would be to you the most agreeable I have deemed it adviseable to postpone issuing any orders until your determination be known— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
29To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 April 1808 (Jefferson Papers)
In consequence of the resignation of George Cox, a vacancy has arisen in the corps of Masters Commandant—Mr. Tarbell is senior to all the Lieutenants excepting Lieut. Blake, who, it is thought, is not entitled to promotion. I have the honor to be with great respect Sir, yr mo: ob: Servt DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
30To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 February 1807 (Jefferson Papers)
I have marked one Section that I think ought to be struck out thus}— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
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....