Gentn
We have just received intelligence that a large ship supposed to be a 20 gun man of war and two sloops are on their way up the Bay their destination is not known but as they may intend for your Town, we send off this express that you may be on your guard and make all the preparations in your power for your defence. 2
[Annapolis] Tuesday 5th March 1776
To the Commee of Observation of Balt Town
1. Executive Papers, Box 2, Md. Arch.
2. Similar alerts were sent to Colonels John Hall, Thomas Dorsey, and John Weems, area military commanders. In the letter to Colonel Hall the reported 20 gun enemy ship became "a 44 Gun Man of War." Council of Safety Letter Book, No. 1, 1776, Md. Arch.
