To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 9 June 1804
From Robert Smith
Balto. June 9. 1804
Sir,
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 about two Weeks perhaps longer—If however there should in the mean time be any kind of necessity for my being at Washington, I can attend at a moments Notice and will hold myself ready to proceed the next day.
Accept, I entreat you, my best wishes for your Health & happiness.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 10 June and “St. Clair” and so recorded in SJL; also endorsed by TJ: “St. Clair Arthur to obtain his rank.” Enclosure: possibly Bishop James Madison to TJ, received 8 June, not found, recorded in SJL with notation “N. St: Clair.”
young gentleman: Arthur Sinclair. After joining the navy in 1798 as a midshipman, Sinclair was discharged in October 1801. At the height of the conflict with Tripoli he reapplied for, and received, his commission. Sinclair served on the Essex, Siren, and Gunboat No. 3 in the Mediterranean before receiving command of Gunboat No. 10 in April 1806 (, Register, 50).
In a letter to Sinclair dated 9 June, Smith explained the steps taken regarding Sinclair’s rank. Despite his high regard for Sinclair’s abilities and the positive recommendations on his behalf, Smith could not backdate the commission to 1798. Instead, he included Sinclair’s name among those nominated for promotion to lieutenant (FC in Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSO; Smith to TJ, 18 May).