[Secretary of War. Aug. 25. 94 On the Subject of the Vessel belonging to the British Consul taken into possession by Genl. Matthews. X X X] War department July 25. 1794 Sir Your Excellency's letter of the 2 instant was duly received; in which you say "I wrote " to you or to the Secretary of State from Nor folk " on the subject of a vessel belonging to the British " Consul, and taken possession of Gen. Matthews " for reasons assigned by that officer to me and " transmitted to you. " This vessel will be ruined unless owned by " some one soon" It does not appear upon the most thorough examination that either the Secretary of State or myself have received the letter to which the above extract alludes. I pray therefore that you would have the goodness to state the circumstances to the Secretary of State, as I shall be absent for some time, and he will attend thereto. The British Minister indeed complained to the Secretary of State, that a vessel had been stripped of her sails upon some idea of her sailing contrary to the embargo which then existed. In case that circumstances unfortunately should more strongly than at present vindicate the idea of our being involved in a war, the armed vessels will be resorted to for the protection of our bays. But at present the President does not conceive himself warranted in going to any expence upon that subject — I have the honor to be Sir with respect Your most obedient humble Servant H Knox His Excellency Governor Lee