No 52.

Gentn We are much hurried - the hostile Fleet are sailed down the Bay and we are confident they will return in two or three Days, therefore prepare for your Defence - We ordered Part of Colo [John] Weems's Battalion at 12 o'Clock last Night to guard West-River, and at 12 o'Clock to Day which was the Time the Otter was weighing Anchor, ordered the Remainder of that Battalion to hasten down along the Bay-Side toward the Mouth of Patuxent & to shew themselves ready to oppose any Attempts of Landing, and if they should Land without a Flag, to fight it out to the Last with them. The £ 1000 you mention, shall be sent by the first Opportunity ー we have a great Deal to say to you and shall be glad to see you to Morrow or next Day, ー we are all worn to the Stumps.

[Annapolis] 10th March 1776