To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 6 July 1803
From Robert Smith
Navy dept.
July 6. 1803
Sir,
I have the honor to enclose 12 blank commissions to which your Signature is requested.—
They are wanted for Officers who have been heretofore appointed but not properly commissioned, their appointments having been made out on blank warrants.—
With high respect, I am Sir, yr mo: ob: Servt.
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 6 July and “blank commns.” and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).