I had been in expectation of leaving this for Monticello this day sennight: but the present posture of things at Norfolk seems to forbid our separation until that is changed. should the British squadron leave their station in Hampton road, we might then retire from this place, which will soon begin to experience the diseases of the season. the retirement of the squadron from James river would enable us to join to the eight gunboats now at Norfolk, 4. which are at Hampton, & 4. in Mockjack bay. these once brought together might pick up all the tenders and small vessels, oblige the squadron to keep together, and effectually protect the Chesapeake & Sibylle frigates. in New York we shall have in the course of the month 32. gunboats, & probably effectual batteries along the beach of the city. I inclose you a Norfolk paper of the 8th. we do not know how Douglass has recieved the Proclamation. Erskine is of opinion they are unauthorised in their proceedings. if so, their government cannot hesitate about that ample satisfaction which the case demands. but be this ever so ample, my opinion is that we ought never to suffer another armed vessel of any nation to enter our waters. they are now in the constant habit of bringing vessels to as freely in our waters as out of them & of firing at them, so that our citizens can no longer pass with safety to their lives. this is a state of things never again to be borne. but as it is possible their pride may be stronger than their justice, we are making every preparation for war which the interval between us & that will permit. I suppose our fate will depend on the successes or reverses of Buonaparte. it is hard to be obliged to wish successes so little consonant with our principles. present my tenderest love to my dearest Martha & the children, & be assured yourself of my constant affection.