War Department May. 9, 1794 Sir, Your Excellency's letter of the 14^th Ultimo, has been received and submitted to the President of the United States. Any indulgences which the S^t Domingo fleet mentioned by your [undecipherable: probable reading Excellency] may have received contrary to the spirit of the resolve laying the embargo, are unknown to, and were unauthorised by the executive of the United States. Any information therefore which you may possess upon this subject, and which you can with propriety transmit in order to be submitted to the President of the United States will be thankfully received. Letters of Marque being comprehended by the embargo, cannot be permitted to depart, because some unauthorised irregularities have taken place, with respect to other Vessels. The conduct of the Officers who have permitted such irregularities will be enquired into and made responsible for any breach of the embargo, which they may have committed. An informal, and unauthenticated information has been received that Sir John Jervis's fleet from the West Indies, said to consist of seven sail of the line and four frigates may be shortly expected in the Chesapeak, and perhaps at Norfolk — altho' this report may be without foundation, yet it is thought proper that it should be transmitted to your Excellency in confidence, in order that you may take such prudent precautions for the prevention of misunderstanding, as the delicate state of public Affairs strongly requires. And if your convenience would permit you to reside principally at Norfolk during the continuance of the fleet at that place (provided it should arrive) it would be highly satisfactory to the President of the United States. As hopes are entertained that an amicable accommodation may be effected with Great Britain by the mission of M^r Jay, and satisfaction obtained for the damages on our commerce; it would be extremely unfortunate they should be frustrated by any untoward event which might arise from individual irritations of temper on either side. By a vessel which will sail in a few days from this place, ammunition will be forwarded for the cannon which are at Norfolk, and also a number of carriages and implements for nine eighteen pounders which are at the head of Elk, and which will also be forwarded. Major Rivardi will see that these pieces are put in perfect order, and prepare a reverberatory furnace or two for hot shot: and as Norfolk from its situation appears to be pre-eminently important compared with the other places in the Chesapeake, it may be proper for M^r Rivardi to continue there as long as possible consistently with the other objects. A M^r Vermonet may therefore be employed at Alexandria and Annapolis which is probably to be fortified. Some appointments in the Artillery will be shortly made, and Recruits endeavoured to be obtained, some of which will repair as soon as possible to Norfolk. In the mean time Captain Hannah will be ordered to Norfolk with twenty Recruits, which he has at Alexandria. I have the honor to be Sir, with great respect Your obedient Servant [signature] His Excellency Governor Lee [signature]