SIR: I have received your communication of the 25th, in answer to mine
of the 17th, and, as you have expressed yourself doubtfully, as to your
correct understanding of my letter of the aforesaid date, I have now to
state, and I request you to understand distinctly, that I meant _no
more_ than to disclaim the _specific_ and _particular_ expression to
which your inquiry was directed, to wit: that I had said that _I_ could
insult you with impunity. As to the motives of the "several gentlemen in
Norfolk," your informants, or the rumors which "cannot be traced to
their origin," on which their information was founded, or who they are,
is a matter of perfect indifference to me, as is also your motives in
making such an inquiry upon such information.
Your obedient servant,
STEPHEN DECATUR.
To Commodore JAMES BARRON,
_Hampton, Virginia_.
* * * * *
No. 5.