The Correspondence of Thomas Jefferson
By Subject
FOREIGN RELATIONS / BRITAIN / WAR / THREAT OF
I enclose you copies of two letters sent by express from Cap tam
Decatur. By these you will perceive that the British commanders have
their foot on the threshold of war. They have begun the blockade of
Norfolk; have sounded the passage to the town, which appears
practicable for three of their vessels, and menace an attack on the
Chesapeake and Cybele. These, with four gun-boats, form the present
defence, and there are four more gun-boats in Norfolk nearly ready.
The four gun-boats at Hampton ate hauled up, and in danger, four in
Mopjack bay are on the stocks. Blows may be hourly possible.
to Henry Dearborn (Secretary of War), 7 July 1807
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