101To James Madison from Robert Smith, 21 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
21 April 1804, Navy Department. “I enclose a letter from John Tilden to me [not found]. “There was a John Tilden in the Navy service. He was appointed a Midsn. in January, ordered to the Brig Norfolk in April, and resigned in December 1800. He was the Son of Mr. Marmaduke Tilden, who has long been a Resident of Kent County Maryland. He was of respectable discent. I have no doubt the Writer of...
102To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 April 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to enclose for your signature 30 blank Warrants—they are wanted for midsn—boatswains, gunners, sailmakers & carpenters—When you shall have signed them, I beg the favor of you to have them returned to me. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, yr mo ob Sr. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed...
103To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 April 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 April 1804, Navy Department. “I have the honor to enclose an estimate of the value of the articles comprehended in the ‘invoice given to the Consul of the United States at Algiers—to be furnished by the United States on account of the annuity which will be due on the 5h seper 1804.’” RC and enclosure ( DNA : RG 59, ML ); letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to Secretary of State). RC 1...
104To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 16 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of sending to you the enclosed for Consideration—If you should be of the Opinion, as I am, that Capt Morris ought to be dismissed without the intervention of a Court Martial, you will be pleased to Correct the enclosed letter so as to please yourself— Respectfully Y H S RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 16 May and “Capt Morris’s case” and so...
105To 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
106To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor herewith to send, for your signature, a Commission for Stephen Decatur junior, to be a Captain in the Navy of the United States. I have the honor to be with the greatest respect sir, y mo ob servt. RC ( DLC ); at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 23 May and “Decatur” and so recorded in SJL with notation “post...
107To James Madison from Robert Smith, 28 May 1804 (Abstract) (Madison Papers)
28 May 1804, Navy Department. “We are in want of a Set of the Laws of the United States for Commodore Barron, and if you can furnish me with a Set I will be oblidged to you if you will do it.” Letterbook copy ( DNA : RG 45, Letters to the Secretary of State). 1 p.
108To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed Commission for Doctor Hunt as Surgeon’s mate in the Navy. He is intended for the frigate Congress. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” On this day, Smith sent to Dr. Joseph G. T. hunt a commission backdated to 19 Apr. From 1804 to 1806, Hunt served in the Mediterranean squadron on board the frigates...
109To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 May 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrant as Midshipman for Mr. Gamble . He belongs to one of the Frigates of the present Squadron and has been some time appointed but owing to his being employed in the recruiting service at New York, has not yet received his Warrant. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Midshipman Thomas gamble served on...
110To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 1 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrant for John Mason , Sailmaker. He is intended for the frigate Essex. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Sailmaker john mason served on the frigates Essex and Constellation in the Mediterranean in 1804 and 1805 ( NDBW Dudley W. Knox, ed.,
111To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 4 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrant. It is wanted for Mr. Ludlow one of the Midshipmen of the President who has been some time acting but of whose Christian name I am as yet ignorant. FC ( Lb in DNA : RG 45, LSP ); at head of text: “The President.” Midshipman Augustus C. ludlow served on the frigates President , Essex , and Constitution in the Mediterranean from...
112To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have received with great pleasure the enclosed as it has confirmed me in my favourable dispositions with respect to the young gentleman therein mentioned. I have made accordingly the necessary arrangements about his Rank so far as it could be done consistently with fixed principles. What I have done will, I am confident, be to him perfectly satisfactory. I may have Occasion to remain here...
113To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 17 June 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Your favor of the 15th. I have had the satisfaction of receiving. Before I had left Washington I made all the necessary arrangements for the constructing of the gun-boats. The forms of the letters of instructions have been prepared for the building at Charleston Savanna, Norfolk, Baltimore, Pittsburgh Philadelphia, New York & Boston. We only wait for the drawings which Mr Fox is preparing...
114To 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...
115To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have unfortunately been suffering since Saturday under the effects of the “ Ague and fever ”. This day I feel as if I was not again to be troubled with it. I shall however not be able to attend the proposed meeting of the Heads of Departments, nor to accept your polite invitation to Dinner. A recruiting Officer is now at Baltimore for the purpose of Obtaining men for the Gun-Boat No. 1. And...
116To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor to request your Signature to the enclosed Warrants for Lucas , Boatswain, and Taylor , Gunner. These officers are intended for the GunBoat No. 1 now equipping at this place. FC ( DNA : RG 45, LSP ); in a clerk’s hand; at head of text: “The President of the United States.” James Lucas and William Taylor served on board Gunboat No. 1 ( NDBW Dudley W. Knox, ed., Naval Documents...
117To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The appointment solicited in the enclosed can with propriety be made. His first employment will be in one of the gun Boats. To me as to you it appears really surprising that so many applications for appointments in the Navy are received from Virginia and Maryland. But the Eastern States have no cause of complaint. All applications from that quarter have been duly respected by us. And if they...
118To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The publication in Major Jackson’s paper to which the enclosed alludes I have not seen. I know not its Object nor the quarter whence the information proceeded. But the Statement of Com. Truxtun in its material parts is correct to my knowledge and to the knowledge of many of the inhabitants of Balt. My commentary upon his text is that he is anxious to be appointed at the Head of the Navy Yard...
119To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 20 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The death of Mr. Enoch S. Lane First Lieutenant of Marines has occasioned a vacancy in that corps. I beg leave to suggest the propriety of filling up the vacancy and at the same time to present for your consideration Mr. Love who has been recommended in such a manner as to induce a belief that he will do credit to the Appointment.— With high respect I am Sir yr. ob Servt. RC ( DLC ); in a...
120To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 21 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A Purser is required for Gunboat No 1, under Command of Lieut. Lovell. Mr. Carr for whom the enclosed warrant is intended has heretofore acted in the station of Purser with credit to himself and advantage to the public and is one of that grade of officers who retired under the peace establishment act. If you approve of this nomination I have the honor to request your signature to the enclosed...
121To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 23 July 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
From the enclosed letter you will perceive that the Conduct of young Cooper has been as was apprehended before his appointment . His attrocious Conduct has not been concealed from me, and I have had it in contemplation for some time to submit to you the propriety of revoking his Warrant. It has however taken a better Course, as it will now be less painful to the father. But by the bye I have...
122To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 3 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
You will herewith receive Capt Truxton’s letter.—Of all the improprieties which folly & insolence have lately exhibited this letter is surely to be classed among the most exceptionable. But what must this man’s ideas of decorum be, when in this grossly disrespectful letter he can assert “that nothing like disrespect is intended” and what must be his ideas of the dignity of government in...
123To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Not being able to decipher the name of the writer of the enclosed letter I have to ask the favor of you to fill up the Blank with the name of his son in the Warrant herewith sent and then to return it to me You will herewith receive dispatches from Preble. From them we may conclude that peace will not be with Tripoli, before the arrival of Barron’s squadron. But it is a problem not easily...
124To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 14 September 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
In answer to your favor of the 6th. I have to inform you that the Gun Boats are building at Boston, New-York, Philada, Balt. Washington Norfolk, Charleston & Savannah. I have found it would have been hazarding too much to attempt the building of them at any places excepting those where there were Navy agents, skilful superintendants & experienced Naval Constructors. After we shall have well...
125III. From Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
1st. Section The Offences enumerated in the first Section of the proposed Law are Treason, felony, misdemeanor, breach of the peace and breach of the Revenue Laws. Treason cannot be committed but by a person owing allegiance to the U. States and therefore the Commanding Officer of a foreign armed vessel cannot be guilty of it. A felony cognizable in the Courts of the U. States cannot be...
126To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mr Phipps is well known here. He is an inoffensive, well disposed man; but he is incapable of discharging the duties of a Lieutenant or of a Sailing Master on board a Man of War. From a principle of Charity in consideration of his age he has been retained in service. He may have claims for a pension but he certainly has no pretensions to promotion. And the letters produced by him only form...
127To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 25 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
When Mr Ludlow was Navy Agent I received a letter from the wife of Danl Baldwin exhibiting him to our view as an Object of Charity, and soliciting some employment for him at the Navy Yard of New-York. Not knowing his pretensions or qualifications I referred him to the Navy Agent and at the same time authorised mr Ludlow in his discretion to assign him some suitable station. Mr Ludlow in his...
128III. Robert Smith’s Remarks on the Draft, 27 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
3d. line— thereof —whereof— 6h. line &c—until a Bond with sufficient sureties shall be given to the use of the U. States in a sum double &c &c with Condition that no assault &c—&c— 12h. & 13h. lines—As the Captains of these vessels may not distinctly know the distinction between a lawful & an unlawful search and between the lawful and unlawful use of the arms on board, would it not be proper...
129VI. Robert Smith’s Remarks on the Draft, 31 October 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
“ will be properly regarded ”— Would it not be better to presume that your representations have been acted upon and therefore use the words— have been properly regarded . The language respecting the gun Boats is rather too strong—The truth is—two of the gun Boats have been built and equipped for service—Eight more are building and most of these will be launched in the Course of next Month/Novr...
130To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
The officers proposed on the accompanying paper for nomination to the Senate, have been provisionally appointed during the last recess of the Senate. I am, sir, with great respect yr. mo: ob: st RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 8 Nov. and “Naval nominns” and so recorded in...
131To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 13 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Agreeably to your letter of the 10th ins, & the resolution of the House of Representatives of the 9th ins, therewith sent to me, I have the honor to enclose a statement of the circumstances attending the destruction of the frigate Philadelphia, with the names of the officers & the number of men, employed on the occasion. I have the honor to be, with great respect, Sir, Yr. mo ob st. RC ( DNA :...
132Enclosure: Report on the Destruction of the Philadelphia, 13 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Statement of the Circumstances attending the destruction of the Frigate Philadelphia with the names of the Officers and the number of Men employed on the occasion as laid before the President by the Secretary of the navy, November 13—1804.— On the 31′ January 1804 Commodore Preble lying with his Squadron in the Harbour of Syracuse, gave orders to Lieut. Charles Stewart, commanding the Brig...
133To 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...
134To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 15 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I have the honor of informing you that a Commission of Captain in the Navy of the U. States has been sent to Mr Stephen Decatur Jun. Y. St. S. RC ( DLC ); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 15 Nov. and “Decatur” and so recorded in SJL . Smith here canceled “dated.”
135To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I send you the enclosed in order that you may perceive the movements of the Spanish troops from Pensacola to Baton Rouge in the extract marked +— RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 22 Nov. 1804 and “movement Span. troops to Baton rouge” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure not found, but see below. A widely reprinted extract of a letter from Baton Rouge,...
136To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 22 November 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
Mem— We possess already but two gun boats—and in the general Estimate provision is made for the expences of only these two The costs of the gun Boats cannot yet be accurately ascertained. I am rather inclined to think that each Boat will cost from 5000 to 6000 Dol—The Ship builder in Kentucky asked 9000 Dol— RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 22 Nov....
137To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
There are eight gun boats now building for the maintenance of which no appropriation has as yet been required—If they should be put in commission with the number of officers & men necessary in time of war, we shall require for their maintenance during the year, 1805, the following appropriations, doll’s cts. 45,324 5665 For pay & subsistence of the officers & pay of the seamen 51528. For...
138To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
A number of Commissions are required for the Navy Officers whose Appointments have been lately confirmed by the Senate. Herewith I enclose 20, (the number necessary) to which I have the honor to request your Signature. I am respectfully Sir, yr. ob servt. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President of the United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the...
139To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 December 1804 (Jefferson Papers)
I submit for your consideration the appointment of the undermentioned gentlemen, to the stations of midshipmen. John Wright . Maryland. recommended by his father col Wright—& Mr Wright of the Senate A. B. Lindsley . Connecticut. Mr Granger & others Abner Wickershaw . Pennsa. Mr Hanna. John Kerr .
140To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 2 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
From the Conversation I have this moment had with you, I find that you will experience serious difficulties in appointing an Atty. General. My wish is that either Mason or Breckinridge should have the Office. To neither of them can any reasonable Objections be made. The circumstance of their being Virginians by birth ought not to prevail over the important considerations that so powerfully...
141To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, with Jefferson’s Note, 7 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I take the liberty of informing you that with Mr Wm. Smith came Mrs. Hall the Sister of Mrs. Rt Smith and Mrs. Hughes our friend— Mr Williams is at Genl Wilkinsons with his two daughters Prudentia and Kitty— Y. H. S. [ Note by TJ :] Mr. Wm. Smith Mrs. Hall Mrs. Hughes Mr. Williams and the miss Williamses RC ( MHi ); endorsed by TJ as received 7 Jan. the liberty of informing you
142To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 January 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The subsistence of the seamen was not inserted in the last statement sent to you because we have provisions enough without any additional appropriation— Y H S RC ( DLC ); undated; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 29 Jan. and so recorded in SJL with notation “gunboats &c. defence harbours”; also endorsed by TJ: “communication examination of my lre to mr Nicholson on...
143To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 February 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed Dispatches I received late last Evening—Lieutenant Izard who brought them I will present to you this morning. Respectfully RC ( DLC ); partially dated; endorsed by TJ as received 18 Feb. from the Navy Department and “Preble’s lre from Tripoli” and so recorded in SJL . Enclosure: probably Edward Preble to Smith, 18 Sep. 1804 (printed in ASP American State Papers: Documents,...
144To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I enclose herewith 15 Commissions and 15 Warrants to which I have the honor to request your signature. They are required for Officers hertofore appointed but not yet Commissioned, and for some few Appointments which it may be necessary to make for the Expedition now preparing for the Mediterranean. I am with respect sir, yr. mo ob st. RC ( DLC ); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of...
145To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 27 March 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Commodore Preble has in the most importunate and impressive manner entreated me to recommend to you the promotion of Masters Commandant Charles Stewart and Isaac Hull to the rank of Captains in the Navy. mr. Stewart I personally know. His manners are those of a well bred Gentle man. He has had the advantage of a Classic liberal Education and is considered by all an elegant Officer—Mr. Hull I...
146To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 18 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
I have to request your signature to the commissions herewith sent for Lieuts. Haraden and Magrath. One of these officers is required for the J. Adams, the other for one of the gunboats now fitting for service. I am very respectfully, Sir, yr. ob st. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.
147To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 19 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
In the course of a few days the sailing instructions and other communications will be forwarded to the Commanding Officer of the John Adams. Having but your qualified approbation of the accompanying Commissions I deem it proper to return them to you for that reconsideration which you may be pleased to give them. I would only remark that I have not Considered the peace -establishment-Act the...
148To 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.
149To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 24 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
Promotions in the Navy of the United States shall take place by Seniority or by appointment in the following proportions Viz: Captains, Masters Commandants, and Lieutenants shall be appointed one Half by Seniority and one half by the Choice of the President who in the exercise of such Choice will be altogether influenced by considerations of the respective professional merits of the several...
150To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 26 April 1805 (Jefferson Papers)
The Enclosed is a Copy of the letter addressed to Mr John Randolph respecting the two Brigs— Respecty. DLC : Papers of Thomas Jefferson.