RC (DNA: RG 59, MLR); in a clerk’s hand, with complimentary close and signature by Lee; endorsed by TJ as received 14 May 1793 and so recorded in SJL. FC (Vi: Executive Letterbook). Enclosure: Thomas Newton, Jr., to Lee, Norfolk, 29 Apr. 1793, stating that Norfolk had no guns mounted nor militia formed and could be taken by a very small armed force; that a few of the twenty six-pound cannon belonging to Virginia and the larger cannon belonging to the United States in his care could be readied quickly if shot were supplied; that instructions were needed because the treaties with France and Holland apparently gave those countries the right to arm vessels and sell prizes in America; and that companies of artillery and light infantry could be immediately raised if commissions were sent (Tr in DNA: RG 59, LGS).

On 15 May 1793 TJ submitted this letter and its enclosure to the President, who returned them without comment the next day. On 21 May he showed the letter to the President again while obtaining his approval for the reply to Lee (Washington, Journal description begins Dorothy Twohig, ed., The Journal of the Proceedings of the President, 1793–1797, Charlottesville, 1981 description ends , 140, 146; TJ to Lee, 21 May 1793). Governor Lee’s letter asking for advice from Washington on the defenceless situation of norfolk was dated 2 May 1793 (vi: Executive Letterbook; see also Washington, Journal description begins Dorothy Twohig, ed., The Journal of the Proceedings of the President, 1793–1797, Charlottesville, 1981 description ends , 132).