2. As to the residue of the British nation, with whom we are as yet in peace, their persons and vessels, unarmed, are free to come into our country without question or molestation. And even armed vessels, in distress, or charged, under due authority, with despatches addressed to the government of the United States, or its authorized agents, are, by a proviso in the proclamation, to be received. This exception was meant to cover the British packets coming to New York, which are generally armed, as well as to keep open, through other channels, the communication between the governments. Such a vessel as the Columbine needs no flag, because she is not included in the interdict. Her repairs and supplies are to be regulated by the collector of the port, who may permit them liberally (if no abuse be justly suspected) so far as wanted to carry her back to the port from whence she came. The articles of intercourse, stay and departure, are to be specially superintended by such person as the government shall authorize and instruct. I have thus far, in compliance with your request, stated the practice of nations so generally as to meet the cases which may arise in the neighborhood of Norfolk. In doing this, I may, in some cases, have mistaken the practice. Where I have done so, I mean that my opinion shall be subject to correction from that practice. On determining that the militia should be disbanded, except so small a portion as would require only a major to command, we concluded that so long as Captain Decatur should remain in his present station, he should be the officer to receive, authorize and regulate intercourse by flag, with the British squadron in the Chesapeake. He has accordingly, I expect, received instructions to that effect, from the Secretary of the Navy, and I shall communicate to him a copy of this letter to assist him in that duty. The Secretary at War, I presume, has written to you on the appointment of a Major to command the militia retained. In your selection of the officer, I have no doubt you will be sensible of the importance of naming one of intelligence and activity, as on him we are to rely for daily information from that interesting quarter. I salute you with friendship and respect. TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR LEWIS. MONTICELLO, August 8, 1807.