Official communications will have been made to You, from this place, touching proceedings respecting a Flag of Truce which arrived here last Friday, & was immediately ordered off. As I had just carted my boat from the North Landing (of which I gave you a descrip in my last) & arrived here at the very Moment the Flag vessel was sent away, I determined on following her down, to observe her motions, with three other persons with me; and I saw her safe in Lynhaven Bay that Evening, at dark, when signals were passed by means of Sky Rockets; & the next Morning, I found her at anchor near the three double Deckers, which you will find described in the sketch annexed. I returned from Lynhaven Bay last Evening, but have nothing to report that indicates an inclination (in these Ships) to disturb the quiet of this Country; unless landing for water (on some similar occasion) on Cape Henry, which I thought they inclined to do yesterday Morning, should be deemed such.

I have been near them every day since friday last, & have seen numbers of our vessels pass near them without molestation: their tenders have generally weighed Anchor, early every Morning, by signal; and, on Sunday Morning One of them looked into the little Inlet where I ran into a safe port through breakers, with the help of throwing out my ballast. I was out of their reach before they came close in Shore; & have, therefore, no means of ascertaining whether they expected to catch me at Anchor in the Inlet (for I out sail their Hampton boat); or whether they casually visited that spot, in their daily practice of Coasting along the Shore.

I have sketched My idea (herewith) of Gun-Boat Cuts from London Bridge to Doziers Bridge &c; having examined the premises sufficiently to confirm me in my former opinion of the Advantage & utility of this operation.

I cannot now touch the subject of fortifying the Whole Entrance of the Chesapeake, & thereby covering the interior from New York to Georgia, in a great degree. All I can hint of it is that it contemplates a combination of Fortification, Gun-boats, Booms, & Floating Batteries, Large Ships of War, Chevaux de Frize &c. &c.—and has for its object the keeping a maritime enemy entirely out of our ports, by a concentration of force at our principal Inlet. I will not undertake to assent that I may not be mistaken; both as to the Period for such an effort, & the expediency of such great expense. Certainly, however, the Gun boat System may be greatly aided by the communications I have proposed; and, I have not a doubt that, a Survey of this part of the Country would be fully justified.

I write in great haste: Capt. Decaturs appointment to the Command of the Chesapeake, which was announced last night, has silenced the Din of Arms; & the people are quiet till your orders shall set them loose again.

I have the honor to be, Dr Sir, with great respect Your obt. H Servt