the Otter, though I confess I wish some other person had been pitched upon; on the contrary, I believe they think the delay occasioned by that step was advantageous to them; I am sure I think it was very much so. I really find my­self extremely fatigued with this constant hurry of business; indeed, I am almost ready to sink under it; however, I will push for Annapolis, if possible. The honest things are settled here.

I am, sincerely, dear Major, your affectionate, humble servant,

CHARLES CARROLL.

To the Honourable Daniel of St. Thomas Jenifer, Esq.

JOHN CHEW TO CAPTAIN RICHARD CHEW.

March 9, 1776.

DEAR BROTHER: I am at my mother’s now, moving her furniture. There is a man-of-war at the mouth of the river, and two tenders. I hope you will let me know by a line how the case is with you. My mother has sent a boy with six blankets.

To Captain Richard Chew.

SAMUEL BIRKHEAD TO CAPTAIN RICHARD CHEW.

March 9, 1776.

DEAR SIR: As we are informed by a man from Mr. Stewart, this morning, that the man-of-war is gone to Bal­timore, your friends here desire that you will return as soon as possible, if you can get off. We never have stood in so much danger as at this time, for we expect the man-of-war and her tenders that are below, to be on us every mi­nute, and nobody to stand by us. Mr. Stewart has got all his company along the swamp; so we see no reason why we should not have ours too; and we pray and beg that you will return with all speed.

By the request of all your neighbours, from your ready friend,

SAMUEL BIRKHEAD.

To Captain Richard Chew.

P. S. All the families on the bay are moving away. We expect to be cut off every hour.

S. B.

Signed per order:

SAMUEL HARRISON, Clerk.

To the Honourable the Council of Safety of Maryland.

March 9, 1776.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BALTIMORE COMMITTEE.

GENTLEMEN: We received your letter just now, and are glad to hear the Ship Defence has got her guns, and that some of the powder and arms we expected had arrived at the head of Elk, We doubt not your doing everything for the best, in ordering them down. Our Commissary is not in town. We request you will appoint one pro tempore, and take care that nothing may be wanted in the provision way that may be thought necessary; and to put you in cash, have sent you, by Captain Hyde,one thousand pounds, currency.

Our information, before your letter came to hand, was, that the ship anchored short of the mouth of Patapsco, but that the tenders went forward. We have some companies out to guard the shore on this side of Patapsco, and along the mouth of Magoty River. As yet we have received no intelligence this morning we can depend upon from that quarter. We doubt not your exerting yourselves, on this occasion, for the publick service and your own preservation. Mr. Carroll is on the spot, and will order powder and lead from Major Gaither’s, should any be wanted. We yesterday ordered Colonel Thomas Dorsey to march with the Elk-Ridge Battalion, and are making all necessary dispositions to prevent their landing, in case they should return to An­napolis.

We are, &c.

To the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO BRIGADIER-GENERAL CHAMBERLAINE.

SIR: A ship-of-war and two tenders went past this har­bour yesterday afternoon, on their way, we imagine, to Bal­timore Town. We apprize you of this, that you may im­mediately order your battalion to hold themselves in readi­ness to march at a moment’s warning. You will make the best preparation in your power; and as the communication may be cut off between the two shores, which may prevent our giving particular instructions, and as some efforts may be made to land among you, with a view of getting provi­sions, we desire you will order and direct them, as exigencies may require, and endeavour to repel any hostile attempts which may be made within your district. Mr. Thomas Smythe is now at Chestertown, and we request you will ad­vise with him occasionally.

We are, &c.

To Brigadier-General Chamberlaine.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO ALEXANDRIA COMMITTEE.

GENTLEMEN: A ship-of-war (which we take to be the Liverpool) and two tenders passed by the city up the bay yesterday afternoon, and came to anchor off the mouth of Patapsco, whence, we conclude, they are destined to Bal­timore Town. They took a New-England schooner out of Patuxent on Tuesday, as they came up, and two or three other small vessels yesterday. We expect every moment to be informed from Baltimore, by express, of their move­ments, which we will communicate to you; but as, pro­bably, they are gone there with a view to take what vessels they can meet with, and particularly our Ship Defence, and on their return may pay you a visit, we think proper to apprize you of their proceedings by this opportunity, that you may make the best preparation in your power for their reception, if they should venture up Potomack.

We are, &c.

To the Committee of Alexandria.

MARYLAND COUNCIL OF SAFETY TO VIRGINIA COMMITTEE OF SAFETY.

GENTLEMEN: At eight o’clock on Tuesday night our two Pilot-boats returned to this place with intelligence that a man-of-war and two tenders were pushing up the bay; that, in the mouth of Patuxent River, they made prize of a New-England vessel, and that we might hourly expect them off our harbour. We immediately despatched expresses to Bal­timore Town, and other parts of the Province, with orders for the militia to hold themselves in readiness to march. The high wind all day on Wednesday prevented these arm­ed vessels proceeding up the bay. Yesterday, half-past three, P. M., they hove in sight, and pushed fast up the bay, having taken several small vessels on their way. The ship, which we imagine to be the Liverpool, came to an anchor last night off the mouth of Patapsco River; the tenders kept under sail. Early this morning the ship weighed, and,