DEAR SIR,--In mine of the day before yesterday, I informed you that to comply with a request of Governor Cabell, I had undertaken to lay down rules of intercourse with the British vessels, at first intended for Captain Decatur only, but afterwards extended with equal power to the officer commanding by land, so that each should have equal power to send and receive flags. I now send you a copy of that letter. Since that I have received from the Governor a letter, pointing out difficulties occurring in the execution of the Volunteer act, from the restriction of issuing commissions until the companies be actually raised, the brigades, &c., organized. Another difficulty, not mentioned in the letter, embarrassed him, with respect to accepting more than the quota of each district. I learnt, through a direct channel, that he was so seriously impressed with these legal obstacles, that no commissions were likely to be issued, and then, certainly, that few volunteers would be raised. In answering his letter, therefore, I have dwelt more on these points than might otherwise have seemed necessary. I enclose the letter for your consideration, that if you find no error in it material enough to require a return of it for correction, you will be so good as to seal and forward it to him without delay. But if you think anything material in it should be corrected before it is sent, I will pray you to suggest the alteration, and return me the letter. I salute you affectionately. P. S. Be pleased to return the Governor's letter to me. TO HIS EXCELLENCY GOVERNOR CABELL. MONTICELLO, August 11, 1807. DEAR SIR,--Your favor of the 7th is received. It asks my opinion on several points of law arising out of the act of Congress for accepting thirty thousand volunteers. Although your own opinion, and those of some of your counsellors, more recent in the habit of legal investigation, would be a safer guide for you than mine, unassisted by my ordinary and able associates, yet I shall frankly venture my individual thoughts on the subject, and participate with you in any risks of disapprobation to which an honest desire of furthering the public good may expose us.