TO GOVERNOR CABELL.
Monticello, August 17, 1807.
Dear Sir,—Your favors of the 11th, 12th, and 14th were received yesterday, being the first day for some days past that the obstruction of the water-courses has permitted the post to come through. I now return you the letters of General Matthews and Captain Hardy; I enclose you also two offers of volunteers from Montgomery and Fauquier counties, because they are expressly made under the late act of Congress. I have received a great number of tenders of service at a moment's warning, which, appearing to me to have relation merely to the repelling invasion in the quarter lately violated, and not to intend an absolute engagement for twelve months, I have only accepted generally and vaguely, without relation to the Volunteer Act.
Your letter mentioning the calling into service near the Capes, a company of Infantry, I enclosed to the Secretary at War for his information and opinion, and received his answer yesterday. Your observations satisfy him that Infantry alone can be effectual in that station, and induce him to think that the company of Infantry should be a substitute for that of Cavalry, and that the latter should be discharged. To the weight of his opinion and advice, as the head of the department, is added the apparent fact that the British squadron means to be quiet till orders from England, an intention much strengthened by the complexion of Captain Hardy's letter now returned. The duty therefore of husbanding our resources for the moment of real want, requires that I should approve his opinion, and recommend the discharge of the troop of Cavalry. The company of Infantry will be as vigilant as they can to cut off supplies from the squadron, according to the proclamation; and it is proper that a daily express from the station of the company to the Norfolk Post Office should be established under your Excellency's direction. I salute you with great esteem and respect.