I have duly recieved your favor tendering the service of fifty citizens of Tenissee as a company of volunteer riflemen. there are two acts of Congress which regulate the acceptance of these tenders: that of the last year (1808) is for a service of six months, & authorises the Governor to accept; and that of 1807. for a service of twelve months authorising the President to accept, who has delegated that power to the Governors of the several states. under whichever of these therefore your tender was meant to be made, I must pray you to repeat it to the Governor of the State; expressing at the same time my great satisfaction at the readiness & patriotism with which I see my fellow citizens resort to the standard of their country when danger threatens it. Accept for your company my thanks on the public behalf, & for yourself the assurances of my respect.