I have this moment recieved certain information that the British vessels have retired from Hampton road. whether they will only join their companions in the bay & remain there or go off is yet to be seen. it gives me real pain to believe that circumstances still require your presence here. I have had a consultation this day with our collegues on that subject, and we have all but one opinion on that point. indeed if I regarded yourself alone, I should deem it necessary, to satisfy public opinion, that you should not be out of place at such a moment. the arrangements for the militia now much called for, can be properly made only by yourself. several other details are also at a stand. I shall therefore hope to see you in a very few days. an important question will be to be decided on the arrival of Decatur here about this day sennight, whether, as the retirement of the British ships from Hampton road enables us to get our 16. gunboats together, we shall authorize them to use actual force against the British vessels? present to mrs Dearborne & accept yourself my affectionate & respectful salutations.