To Thomas Jefferson from Albert Gallatin, 7 July 1807

I was in the act of writing you a note when I received your’s together with the enclosures. Being at this moment under the operation of medicine I cannot wait on you this morning. If I am able I will go to you this evening.   It appears to me that the only thing which can be done to day is to send orders for making the best defence in case of attack. But it is probable that the information of Dr. Butler is correct & that the intention of the British is rather to blockade than to attack. Has the order been sent to Decatur to offer water to the squadron if they will depart? Would it be possible to send from some other port Phila. or New York one or more pilot boats to cruize off the Chesapeak in order to give notice to inward bound vessels to sail to another port?

Your’s respectfully