From Thomas Jefferson to Robert Smith, 18 June 1803
To Robert Smith
June 18. 9. P.M. [1803]
Th: Jefferson to
the Secretary of the navy.
I this moment recieve from mr Madison a communication of your letter of the 17th. proposing that Capt Morris shall come home in the Adams whose crew have served their time instead of the New York which has still some time to serve. the reasons are entirely good and I concur with you in the change. Affectionate salutations.
PrC (DLC); partially dated. Recorded in SJL with notation “Morris.”
recieve from mr madison: a letter from James Madison to TJ received 18 June has not been found, nor is one recorded in SJL. No communication from Smith to Madison of 17 June has been found, either.
In a letter to Richard V. morris dated 21 June, Smith informed him that, upon its receipt, he was to consider himself suspended as commander of the Mediterranean squadron and of the frigate New York. Smith added that it was also “the command of the President” that Morris take charge of the frigate Adams and return without delay to the United States. Command of the squadron and of the New York was transferred to John Rodgers (, 2:457–8).