Gentlemen

York Town. 10th March 1776

This moment we received Mr Alexr Donaldson's letter of the 9th Instant: At the time of writing our former letter to him, it was uncertain from the Intelligence what force might be sent against Baltimore, and judged it would be proper for this County to have in readiness detachments from the several Militia Battalions to the amount of 500 men.

We are glad to hear that 'tis only the Buccaneer [Matthew] Squire that payed you a visit, of whom we hope to hear Captn Nicholson will give a good Account ー But as a greater force may be sent to harrass you in revenge for Capt Squire's bad success; In pursuance of the desire of your Committee communicated to us by Mr. Donaldson, our Committee resolved instantly to raise a good Rifle Company to be ready to march on an hour's warning to your Province in case you should judge it necessary, and signify the same to our Committee.

The Officers chose are Joseph Donaldson Captn Wm Rankin 1 Lt John Bean 2d Liut Wm Daillie 3d Lieut and Jacob Holtzinger 4th Lieut - and none are to be admitted but expert Riffle-Menー

by order of the Comittee

Jas Smith Chairman