To Thomas Jefferson from Robert Smith, 30 March 1802
From Robert Smith
Nav Dep 30 Mar 1802
Sir/
The young gentleman for whom the enclosed is intended, has been recommended by Colo New for reinstatement in the Navy.
With your approbation the enclosed letter shall be forwarded.
I have the honor to be with the greatest respect Sir, your mo obt
Rt Smith
RC (DLC); in a clerk’s hand, signed by Smith; at foot of text: “Prest. UStates”; endorsed by TJ as received from the Navy Department on 30 Mch. and so recorded in SJL. FC (Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSP). Enclosure: Smith to George Dabney, dated 30 Mch. 1802 and sent to the care of Anthony New, informing Dabney that he has been reinstated as a midshipman in the navy and is immediately to join the frigate Chesapeake at Norfolk (FC in Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSO).
YOUNG GENTLEMAN: George Dabney served as a midshipman on the Chesapeake during the Quasi-War before being discharged under the Peace Establishment Act. Shortly after his reinstatement, however, he received a medical furlough and did not return to active service until 1804. He resigned from the navy the following year ( , Register, 14; Smith to Dabney, 5 Aug. 1802, FC in Lb in DNA: RG 45, LSO).