Sir.

We just now are informed that a Ship a Brig and seven Sloops and Schooners were yesterday beating up the Bay and, in the Evening, were as high as Patuxent; there may be therefore be Occasion here, for your Galley,¹ by the Time you can get down. We have long expected you nor can account for your Delay, and require you to push to this Place instantly on your Receipt of this. No Excuse will be admitted. We are &^ca.