You will receive, through the department of State, information of the critical situation in which we are with England. An outrage not to be borne has obliged us to fly to arms, and has produced such a state of exasperation, and that so unanimous, as never has been seen in this country since the battle of Lexington. We have between two and three thousand men on the shores of the Chesapeake, patrolling them for the protection of the country, and for preventing supplies of any kind being furnished to the British; and the moment our gun-boats are ready we shall endeavor by force to expel them from our waters. We now send a vessel to call upon the British government for reparation for the past outrage, and security for the future, nor will anything be deemed security but a renunciation of the practice of taking persons out of our vessels, under the pretence of their being English. Congress will be called some time in October, by which time we may have an answer from England. In the meantime we are preparing for a state of things which will take that course, which either the pride or the justice of England shall give it. This will occasion a modification of your instructions, as you will learn from the Secretary of State. England will immediately seize on the Floridas as a point d'appui to annoy us. What are we to do in that case? I think she will find that there is no nation on the globe which can gall her so much as we can. I salute you with great affection and respect. TO THE SECRETARY AT WAR. WASHINGTON, July 17, 1807. MY DEAR SIR,--I have this moment received certain information that the British vessels have retired from Hampton Road. Whether they will only join their companions in the bay, and remain there or go off, is yet to be seen. It gives me real pain to believe that circumstances still require your presence here. I have had a consultation this day with our colleagues on that subject, and we have all but one opinion on that point. Indeed, if I regarded yourself alone, I should deem it necessary to satisfy public opinion, that you should not be out of place at such a moment. The arrangements for the militia, now much called for, can be properly made only by yourself. Several other details are also at a stand. I shall therefore hope to see you in a very few days. An important question will be to be decided on the arrival of Decatur here, about this day se'nnight, whether, as the retirement of the British ships from Hampton Road enables us to get our sixteen gun-boats together, we shall authorize them to use actual force against the British vessels. Present to Mrs. Dearborne, and accept yourself, my affectionate and respectful salutations. TO JOHN PAGE. WASHINGTON, July 17, 1807.