No 158.
Sir We have received Information that there are no Vessels of War below, except the Otter and Eilbeck, and that most of the Tenders are gone to the Carolina Coast to protect the Transports on their Arrival there; in Consequence of which we have ordered down the Briggs Fortune and Rogers and the schooner Ninety Two with valuable Cargoes of Bread, Flour, &c and require you will give them what Assistance you can in getting out, if you see a Probability of their running thro', but if from any certain Intelligence, which you may receive, you should think it most likely they may fall into the Hands of the Enemy, if they proceed we would have you immediately order them to return to Baltimore. ー it is a Matter of great Consequence to the Province to have these Vessels get safe out, if possible, and we would have them conveyed down as low as you think you can venture with Safety to yourself. We are [&c.]
P.S. Order the Boat, which will deliver you this to speak the Vessels on their Way down the Bay & let them know where to join you
[Annapolis] May 20th 1776.
