To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 March 1803
From Robert Smith
Nav: Dep:
4th. March 1803
Sir!
I have the honor to enclose Eight blank Commissions, & Twelve Warrants—to which I request your signature.
The Commissions are wanted for the Lieutenants lately appointed—& the Warrants will, it is presumed, be wanted during your absence—for Midshipmen & other Warrant Officers.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect & esteem, Sir, yr mo ob Sr
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 4 Mch. and “commissions & warrants” and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).
For the lieutenants lately appointed to the navy, see Smith to TJ, 28 Feb. and TJ to the Senate, 1 Mch.