To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 7 March 1805
From Robert Smith
Navy. Dept. 7 March 1805.
Sir,
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.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “The President of the U. States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 7 Mch. and “Commns. &c” and so recorded in SJL. Enclosures not found.
Expedition now preparing: writing to Commodore Samuel Barron on 7 Mch., Smith informed him that orders had been given to prepare reinforcements and supplies for the Mediterranean squadron, which would include 10 gunboats, 500 men, provisions, and “a supply of Powder and Shot.” Smith hoped they would arrive before “operations against Tripoli” recommenced in July (, 5:395).