To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 29 March 1802
From Robert Smith
Nav Dep 29 Mar 1802
Sir:
The enclosed Warrant is for a young Gentleman recommended by Col Burr.
If you approve his Appointment be pleased to give the enclosed Warrant your Signature
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your mo obt St.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President U:States.”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 29 Mch. and so recorded in SJL with notation “a midshipman.” FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP). Enclosure not found.
The ENCLOSED WARRANT appointed Richard Blackledge Jones of Pennsylvania a midshipman in the navy. Aaron Burr had forwarded his name to Smith at the behest of Charles Biddle, who had recommended Jones to Captain Alexander Murray of the frigate Constellation. Jones joined Murray’s crew in 1802 and remained in the navy until 1808. He was appointed the United States consul to Tripoli in 1812 ( , Register, 29; , 2:663–4, 687, 694; , 2:277; , Pres. Ser., 4:329–30).