In mine of the day before yesterday I informed you that to comply with a request of Govr. Cabell I had undertaken to lay down rules of intercourse with the British vessels, at first intended for Capt Decatur only, but afterwards extended with equal power to the officer commanding by land, so that each should have equal power to send & recieve flags. I now send you a copy of that letter. since that I have recieved from the Governor a letter pointing out difficulties occurring in the execution of the volunteer act, from the restriction of issuing commissions until the companies be actually raised, the brigades Etc organised. another difficulty not mentioned in the letter, embarrassed him, with respect to accepting more than the quota of each district. I learnt through a direct channel that he was so seriously impressed with these legal obstacles, that no commissions were likely to be issued, & then certainly that few volunteers would be raised. in answering his letter therefore I have dwelt more on these points than might otherwise have seemed necessary. I inclose the letter for your consideration, that if you find no error in it material enough to require a return of it for correction, you will be so good as to seal & forward it to him without delay. but if you think any thing material in it should be corrected before it is sent, I will pray you to suggest the alteration & return me the letter. I salute you affectionately.