The Writings of Thomas Jefferson, Vol. 5 (of 9) / Being His Autobiography, Correspondence, Reports, Messages, Addresses, and Other Writings, Official and Private

by Thomas Jefferson

TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR CABELL.

Monticello, August 9, 1807.

Dear Sir,—In my letter of the 7th I informed you that on consultation at Washington, it had been concluded best to commit the whole business of flags to Captain Decatur. I now find that I had not recollected our conclusion correctly, and that it had been understood that the commanding officers by land and water, should have equal authority to license the sending and receiving flags; which is not only proper, but the more satisfactory, as I learn by the papers that Mr. Newton, of Congress, is the commanding Major. Will you be so good as to have him furnished with a copy of my letter, (with a correction of the error,) that he and Captain Decatur may govern themselves by the same rules. I salute you with great esteem and respect.