No 32.

Gentn The Man of War of what particular Force we know not, and her Sloop or Schooner Tenders are now, we are certainly informed, up as high as South River. We are not certain that they may put into this. River; they have in Tow a Provision Vessel they seized in the Bay, If there be any Vessels loaded in your River, we would have you fall on the best Expedients you can, to secure them ー apprize Captain [James] Nicholson or the commanding Officer of the Ship Defence of the Intelligence directly; you will acquaint us as soon as you can with any Measures you may think necessary for your Defence, that may be in our Power, and we will forward them with all Expedition.

[Annapolis] 7th March 1776.