Capt. Decatur & Capt. Hull will be with me tomorrow, at Lynhaven, in order to examine that place touching the Gun boat service: My whale boat, which arrived here yesterday morning at two O’Clock, will therefore return to meet them in Lynhaven; without pursuing her intended destination to Cape Charles, & its neighbourhood, at present.

I regret that a severe rain, all this Forenoon, has so procrastinated business in this place that it is impossible for me, I fear, to be at Lynhaven in time to return you this days facts there, by my daily express, in time for the mail; & This more particularly because it is rumoured, (on accounts said to be from Lynhaven to day) that there were Seven British Ships at Anchor in that Bay this morning, & that they have sent several vessels to Hallifax.—I will endeavour to get the Post-Master to keep the Mail open to your dispatches till the hour of dispatching the Stage; & shall be off immediately, to observe & send to you the truth in their affair—I am &c