Gentn
Baltimore 12 March 1776.
We have just now reced your Acceptable favor of the 10th p Mr Donaldson and return you our warmest thanks for your ready offers of Succor in defending us from the incursions of Capt Squire, who after taking many Prizes at the Mouth of our River, was obliged to relinquish the most Valuable on the appearance of the Gallant Capt Nicolson Commander of the Ship Defence, who has first had the Honor of displaying the Continental Colors to a British Man of War, without a Return We believe it is the only instance recorded in History of an English Ship of War refusing to shew her Colours to an Enemy and plainly Indicates that the bravest Nation in the World are degeneratg to a want of Spirit unbecoming Freemen & unknown to those who [are] strugling in a Just & good Cause
The County of York have always stood in the foremost Rank for Zeal and Attachment in the Glorious Cause of Liberty, and the Committee woud do them an injury in refusing the Rifle Company to March at the first Notice, They cheerfully then Accept the generous Offer, and will on any appearance of danger inform them by Express
P ordr of the [Baltimore] Come
W Lux D Chn
