1From Thomas Jefferson to William Lewis, 11 March 1781 (Jefferson Papers)
I cannot certainly say that any Vessels which may have gone down will not get out, but I hope they will not. The Dispatches which I sent to the French Commodore were by Capt. Maxwell. The Commodore having gone to cruize out of the Capes, the British had ventured out of Elizabeth river and were near taking Capt. Maxwell, which prevented my letter being conveyed to the Commodore at that time. I...