7 December 1803, Fort Adams. “Yesterday evening and until about noon this day we had so heavy a fall of rain as greatly to retard our embarkation. The General however expects that we shall be able to proceed in the course of tomorrow.

“I understand that there is a small corps of rifle men on their way hither from Jefferson County. But I should Suppose that the volunteers already here together with the regular troops now at this Garrison (amounting in the whole to between 450 and 500) would be a sufficient force to proceed with to New Orleans, under existing circumstances; and therfore am not solicitous of further reinforcements.”