Читать книгу The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9) - Томас Джефферсон, Thomas Jefferson - Страница 115

Washington, July 19, 1807.

Sir,—Your letter of the 15th was received yesterday, and the opinion you have given to General Matthews against allowing any intercourse between the British Consul and the ships of his nation remaining in our waters, in defiance of our authority, is entirely approved. Certainly while they are conducting themselves as enemies de facto, intercourse should be permitted only as between enemies, by flags under the permission of the commanding officers, and with their passports. My letter of the 16th mentioned a case in which a communication from the British officers should be received if offered. A day or two ago, we permitted a parent to go on board the Bellone with letters from the British minister, to demand a son impressed; and others equally necessary will occur, but they should be under the permission of some officer having command in the vicinity.

With respect to the disbanding some portion of the troops, although I consider Norfolk as rendered safe by the batteries, the two frigates, the eight gun-boats present, and nine others and a bomb-vessel which will be there immediately, and consequently that a considerable proportion of the militia may be spared, yet I will pray you to let that question lie a few days, as in the course of this week we shall be better able to decide it. I am anxious for their discharge the first moment it can be done with safety, because I know the dangers to which their health will be exposed in that quarter in the season now commencing. By a letter of the 14th from Col. Tatham, stationed at the vicinities of Lynhaven Bay to give us daily information of what passes, I learn that the British officers and men often go ashore there, that on the day preceding, 100 had been at the pleasure-house in quest of fresh provisions and water, that negroes had begun to go off to them. As long as they remain there, we shall find it necessary to keep patroles of militia in the neighborhood sufficiently strong to prevent them from taking or receiving supplies. I presume it would be thought best to assign the tour for the three months to come, to those particular corps who being habituated to the climate of that part of the country, will be least likely to suffer in their health; at the end of which time others from other parts of the country may relieve them, if still necessary. In the meantime our gun-boats may all be in readiness, and some preparations may be made on the shore, which may render their remaining with us not eligible to themselves. These things are suggested merely for consideration for the present, as by the close of the week I shall be able to advise you of the measures ultimately decided on. I salute you with friendship and respect.