Gentn

In conformity to the appointment of George Plater Esqr and myself, by your Honors, to cooperate with the Commissioners from Virginia in erecting Beacons on the River Potomack; we have fixed the different Stations for the same, to the Number of twenty, whereof thirteen are in Maryland Viz: one in Prince Georges, Nine in Charles and three in St Mary's averaging about five Miles from each other. To accomplish which we have advanced. the sum of thirteen pounds & four Pence half Penny, a Moiety of the Charge for a Boat and Hands, together with a [blurred] man exclusive of our own Expences which I flatter myself will be allowed. We have likewise agreed upon the Form of the Alarm-Post, which, is to be a kind of Iron Grate suspended by a Chain on the End of a Sweep fixed with a Swivel so as to be turned agreable to the Wind. And as a further sum of Money will be wanting to have them erected (which with Submission to your Honors I think may be done with greater Convenience of Despatch by the Committees of Observation under our Direction) hope you'll order the same into their Hands or otherwise as you may think proper. I am Gentn [&c.]