Robert Smith to Thomas Jefferson, [18 November 1805]
From Robert Smith
Monday Morning—[18 Nov. 1805]
Sir,
Mr Gallatin has abandoned the idea of desiring the collectors to deposit in the hands of the Navy agents monies to be applied to the payment of the crews of the expected frigates—and has recommended the mode stated in the return letter addressed to him. This form has, I understand, been pursued in similar cases—
It is necessary that the enclosed letter from me to mr Gallatin be sent to his Office early this morning—
Respectfully
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); partially dated; at foot of text: “The President”; endorsed by TJ as a letter written and received 18 Nov. 1805 and “deficit for Navy” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosure: Smith to Gallatin, 18 Nov., stating that the Navy Department has expenses over its current budget that total $312,370 while only $82,000 remains of the navy’s appropriation; that he requires an additional $170,000 to cover the salaries of the officers and crews of the Congress, the Constellation, and the John Adams; and that “I am charged by the President to request” a $100,000 loan from the Bank of the United States (RC in , 11:750).