Annapolis Thursd. Morng. 7 oClock 21 Aug. 1777.
Sir.
Three Ships of War hove in Sight of this place Yesterday about Sunset; a large Fleet is extended about 15 or 20 Miles below till this Morning, the largest of the three Ships has now got above Annapolis the whole Fleet is under Sail and in Sight they amount to more than one hundred SailĀ 2 there appears to be amongst them a good many heavy Ships this Fleet seems to be more than equal to any Design of plundering or to destroy this Town or Bait. it may possibly be intended to run to the Scheme which has been saidĀ to be entertained of cutting off the Eastern from the Western Shore by establishing a Line of Communication between the two Bays. I am Sir [&c.]
Th Johnson
1. Papers CC (Maryland and Delaware State Papers, 1775-89), 70, 277-30, NA.
2. Later the same day Johnson wrote Hancock increasing his estimate of the size of Howe's fleet to "at least two hundred & sixty Sail", Papers CC (Maryland and Delaware State Papers, 1775-89), 70, 215-18, NA.