To Thomas Jefferson from William Tatham, 10 July 1807
Norfolk 10th. July 1807.
Dr. Sir.
This morning I recieved yours, inclosed to Mr. Bedinger—I obey your orders immediately, & am mounting for Lynhaven & Cape Henry. Last night, I rode to Lamberts Point: two of the British Ships lay in Hampton Road; &, today, I learn that two others are in Lynhaven Bay.
Our Small Vessels seemed to pass among them unmolested; & a Square ryged Vessel was standing up James Rivar, apparently unmolested. I shall distrust my own Party; & shall equip my Boat, three Horses, & a Boat at the Navy Yard, for active Service off hand. I have purchased (for Public Account) Two Tallercokes, a Compass, Note Books, Letter Book & Journal.—No expence shall be incurred which [. . . .] & necessary objects in view.
I have, at this moment, no time to Copy, &c: tomorrow I hope to commence regularly. The Troop is now beating; & all alert.
Yours
Wm Tatham
4. o Clock.
P.S. The ripair of Fort Norfolk is a Grave digging business—nothing coverd, nothing Correct; I offered to trace Mr. Rivardis Plan for them, to fix profiles for their work &c; but, in vain; we have in fire than [. . . .]. Every Man is an Engineer, & all the Mobility Commanders in Chief.
W. T.
DNA: RG 59—ML—Miscellaneous Letters.