To Thomas Jefferson from William H. Cabell, 10 March 1808

Sir	Richmond. March 10. 1808

When Major Newton commanded the Militia in Norfolk, some letters were sent to him by Sir Robert Laurie, for the purpose of being delivered to the British Consul who, I presume, was charged with the distribution of those addressed to different persons in the United States. These letters, being all under seal, could not be delivered; and Major Newton did not think it proper to send a flag for the sole purpose of returning them, the British Commanders having previously known our determination not to permit such intercourse. No opportunity to return them presented itself before the British Squadron unexpectedly left our waters; and when the Militia companies were all discharged, the letters were sent to me. Subjoined, you have a list of them; and I have to request that you will be pleased to inform me what course you now wish to be pursued with respect to them.

I thank you for the forms of swords which you had the goodness to send me as models of those most approved in practice. We have introduced them into our Manufactory, and shall comform to them in future.

I have the honor to be with the highest respect Sir yr. mo: ob: Servt.

Wm H: Cabell

Enclosure

A List of letters sent by Sir Robt. Laurie to major newton.

Rowland Esqr.			Norfolk
John Hamilton. British Consul			do
Miss Maxwell			do
Miss Louisa Maxwell			do
Wm. Gray Esqr			do
Messrs John Patrick & Co.		Merchts.	New York
Mr.	C. J. Graeser	Mercht.	Charleston
	N. G. Maxwell	do	do
	John King	do	do
	John Haslet	do	do
Messrs Rhodes & Otis		Merchants	do

DLC: Papers of Thomas Jefferson.

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