[Annapolis, June 1, 1776]
No 8.
Gentn We send Mr [Stephen] Steward to Philadelphia to take a View of the Gondolas built at that city, we expect to contract with him for building most of those, that are ordered to be built for our province ー the difference of tide in our Bay from that in Delaware will, we apprehend, necessarily occasion some alteration in the manner of building and rigging our Gondolas from those of Pennsylvania ー we wish to have your sentiments on this subject after conferring with Mr Steward. ー
All is quiet at Annapolis, the Governor's boat is just returned from Virginia with Secretary Smith, and brings a letter from Commodore Hamond of the Roebuck to the Governor, which we have seen, he is to be sent for shortly. ー the letter is dated at Gwinn's Island, which we take to be near Pianketank between the mouth of Potowmack and Rhapahannock, the letter informs they came there to compleat their wood and water; private intelligence says the Island is of some miles extent and has stock of Cattle, Sheep &c thereon; and that they are casting up intrenchments to defend themselves against the militia; how long they will remain there, is uncertain, our Islands will probably be plundered next, and they will move, we conjecture, up the river Potowmack, or our Bay ー we should be exceedingly glad to have our military stores, particularly Cannon and small arms lent the Congress for fitting out the Wasp and Hornet ー inclosed we send you copy of the particulars, and wish you would apply, when there is probability of Succeeding. ー
Mr Smith informs that a vessel under Spanish colours was lately taken in Delaware Bay with 14000 Dollars on board, the boxes, that contained them are marked W M from whence he thinks they belong to Willing & Morris, and that there may be more money on board. ー he confirms the report of Stock on the Island and says a Commissary is appointed to see that the people are paid Mr Smith also says that Commodore Hamond and Lord Dunmore both assured him that they had certain intelligence Commissioners were coming over & that he inferred from their discourse they were to treat with the Congress, he also says they told him a very powerful fleet was expected with the troops from England that [Jonathan] Hudson's ship was with the fleet now at Gwin's Island, that she was not yet condemned, a witness being wanting that was on board the Liverpool Frigate, whom Dunmore told Mr Smith could prove, that the Congress had papers on board concealed in a log of wood, which probably would condemn her we wish to hear from you by every good opportunity, and are Gentn [&c.]