To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 February 1802
From Robert Smith
Nav Dep 2 Feb 1802
Sir:
Doct S. Robinson has been highly recommended to me for a Surgs. Mate in the Navy—& I think he would make a good appointment—His services are wanted—
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir your Mo: ob: sr:
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Prest. United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 2 Feb. and so recorded in SJL with notation “nominn”; also endorsed by TJ: “nominn Doctr. J. Roberson.” FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).
On 3 Feb., TJ nominated Samuel Robinson of Pennsylvania to be a surgeon’s mate in the navy (RC in DNA: RG 46, EPEN, 7th Cong., 1st sess.; PrC in DLC; recorded in SJL with notation “nomination Robinson surgeon’s mate”). The Senate received the nomination the following day and consented to Robinson’s appointment on 9 Feb. ( , 1:406–7).