Capt George Cooke

The Intelligence received this Morning from [Thomas] Timson, makes it necessary that we instantly prepare in the best manner we can, for Defence or to enable us to assist our Friends. If the Enemy should design to send any considerable Force up the Bay, there will, as it appears to me, be no Place of Security for your Ship, but at Baltimore where too, she may eventually assist in the Defence of that Town. The Callies at Baltimore we wish to be made as serviceable as may be. You are therefore to run the Defence within the Boom at Bait, put what of your Men you can in the Gallies. Shew this Instruction to the Officers on board them, which they are to consider as a particular Order to them to come down with their Gallies. You are to furnish what Guns or other Necessaries you can from the Defence, to the Gallies and Majr [Nathaniel] Smith is also requested to give them what Assistance he can, you will also come down in one of the Gallies yourself. We are &ca