To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 8 May 1802
From Robert Smith
Nav Dep 8th. May 1802
Sir!
I do myself the honor to enclose Warrants for
Jno. N. Canon—Boatswain &
David Loring—Gunner—
Should you approve their appointment these Warrants will require your signature—
These gentlemen have been in the frigate President, her last cruise—& are highly recommended by Commdre. Dale & Capt. Barron.
I have the honor to be, with the greatest respect Sir, your most obt servt.
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “President United States”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 17 May and so recorded in SJL with notation “nomns gunner. boatswain”; also endorsed by TJ: “nominations.” FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP).