INFORMATION TO THE TOWN OF SAVANNAH, FROM GOVERNOUR WRIGHT.*

Thursday night, 10 o'clock, January 18, 1776.

The Governour sent for Doctor Jones and Joseph Clay, and acquainted them that he had sent for them as the only-remaining Representatives of the town of Savannah, and acquainted them that the following men-of-war, with the packet and one or two oilier vessels, were arrived at Cockspur, viz: the Syren, of 28 guns; the Tamar, of 18 or 20 guns; the Raven, of 18 guns; the Cherokee, of 16 guns.

That he was very certain their orders were to treat any of the Colonies who were in arms, had raised fortifications, seized any of the Crown officers, or King's stores, as in a state of rebellion, and would, if in their power, destroy their towns and property, wherever they would come at them; and, he apprehended, they would look on us as in that state, and, as far as in their power, treat us accordingly.

That the Raven, man-of-war, was stationed here. That they were all in want of provisions, particularly the Tartar, the Cherokee, and the packet, which vessels, as well as the Syren, he believed, would depart the Province as soon as they were supplied with provisions. That if he, the Governour, could be assured from the inhabitants of the town that they would supply them with provisions, and permit their boats to come to town unmolested, and purchase such provisions as they can get, that he would go down on board these ships and endeavour to settle every thing with the officers in such a manner as to prevent their doing any injury to this town, or the inhabitants of the Province, or their property.

That if they could not be supplied with provisions, they certainly would take it by force, where they can find it, and will, if in their power, attack this town and destroy it, which, as several of the vessels were of an easy draft of water, he presumed they could get up to town and effect.

Savannah, Monday, January 22, 1776.

Doctor Jones and Joseph Clay waited on the Governour in consequence of a written request from him, when he informed them, that as soon as he heard there was a man-of-war in the river, which was on Tuesday last, he sent orders to Captain Lightenstone to go on board them and to inquire who they were and what number, and endeavour to learn their intentions. And as the Governour was apprehensive, if any of the man-of-war boats came up to town, it might be the occasion of disputes between them and the inhabitants, and, perhaps, bloodshed, for which reason he directed Captain Lightenstone to acquaint them that the town was in much confusion, and to request that they would not send any of their boats up to town.

But his orders reached Captain Lightenstone at Skidaway, on Wednesday morning, who, immediately, went on board the men-of-war, and returned from them on Thursday afternoon, and to Savannah this morning; who acquainted him, the Governour, that in pursuance of his orders, he had been on board the ships-of-war—that they informed him, by Lightenstone, that the Syren and the packet would, probably, go to sea this day or to-morrow that the Tamar had sprung her main-yard and was in want of provisions, as was the Cherokee; that as soon as she (the Tamar) had got a new yard, which they expected to supply themselves with from Tybee, that she (the Cherokee) would, as soon as that was done, and they had supplied themselves with provisions, which they expected soon to procure, having already got five or seven beeves from Tybee, and expected to get some other provisions from Little Tybee, (which they were then about sending for,) go to sea also; and then there would be left in this harbour only the Raven, which is stationed here; and that he apprehended this town had nothing to fear from the men-of-war, unless they should attempt any thing in consequence of hearing of his, the Governour, being under arrest, which he assured us if they had, it was not from him or with his knowledge.

THOMAS JOHNSON, JUN. TO MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY.

Fredericktown, January 22, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Stricker has accepted his commission, and has had, and I expect will have, good success in inlisting. He proposes to be very particular in the men he takes, and much wishes his, the Light Infantry company, to be armed with rifles; both Mr. Price and he think rifles for a company may be soon got. Considering the difficulty of speedily arming our troops, I think with them, it will be advisable to lodge a sum of money in the hands of somebody here. Nobody will do more justice to the publick than C. Beatty, to purchase up what rifles can be got. My brother, this morning, let Stricker have one hundred of the two hundred which he brought op for building the town Jail, to assist him in recruiting. Mr. Ford will be a very proper hand to bring up what money you may think proper to send Stricker. I imagine the two hundred and fifty pounds he applies for, is not too much, as well as what you may think proper for Captain Barrett, many of whose company I expect will be very good riflemen, if collected in his neighbourhood, from where I think they may be best spared. Major Price tells me a good many publick arms, some of which have been repaired at the expense of those who have them, may be collected with industry. I should be glad you would send up an order for the Committee to collect all they can, and if you think as I do, to allow the people the reasonable expense of necessary repairs, where the muskets came to their hands out of order.

I understand that about one hundred gun-locks, fit for rifles, and that would do well enough to put to repaired muskets, are to be had in town. I wish you would send up about sixty pounds to purchase them. Mr. Beatty, my brother, or myself, will do it, if you please.

Price tells me he gained an acquaintance with one Royston, at the camp of the Artillery, who was a very clever young man, and desires to come to the South; and from Price's account of him, he would be very serviceable in our Second Artillery Company, and he would be well satisfied with a First Lieutenancy, I wish, if there is still room, that he may be preferred to it. A trifling circumstance prevented his coming with Price, and he even talked of following him. Major Price writes to him that troops are raising in this Province, and that it is likely he will be employed, which, he says, he dare say, will bring him, with a strong recommendation from General Gates, to whom he is well known.

I am, gentlemen, your most obedient,

TH. JOHNSON, JUN.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO STEPHEN STEWARD.

SIR The Council of Safety are informed that you have been at Philadelphia, and are acquainted with the method the Committee have taken there to prevent the approach of men-of-war and armed vessels to that city. As the Convention have resolved, that the sum of five thousand nine hundred pounds be appropriated to fortify Annapolis, and place obstructions in the channel of the river, the Council would be glad to see you, and take your opinion on any plans or designs, that may be thought necessary, in carrying this resolution of the Convention into execution. Mr. Wallace has been so kind as to lay before us your letter of the 20th instant, on which we shall be glad to confer with you. We are, with respect, sir, yours, &c.

To Mr. Stephen Steward, West-River.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO WILLIAM ROBERTS.

SIR: A Company of Artillery, or Matrosses, was ordered to be raised, particularly for the city of Annapolis. This is a matter of consequence to all the inhabitants; we, therefore, choose to consult the Corporation with regard to the officers, and should be obliged to you to call a Corporation some day this week, or the next, at farthest, and let us know who that respectable body would recommend to us as proper persons for Captain and three Lieutenants.

We are, &c.,

To Wm. Roberts, Esq., Mayor of the City of Annapolis.

* On the 18th of January, Joseph Habersham, Esq., who was then a member of the House, raised a party of volunteers, took Governour Wright prisoner, paroled him to his house, and placed a sentinel at his door; prohibiting all intercourse with the members of his Council, the King's officers, or other persons who were supposed to be inimical to the American cause. The Governour became tired of confinement, and with the assistance of John Mulryne, effected his escape from the back part of his house, on the night of the 11th of February.— M'Call.