[Extract]
In Committee Baltimore March 13th 1776.
Gentlemen. I am directed to inform you that Messrs Jno Smith Benjamin Nicholson, Captns [James] Nicholson [John Thomas] Boucher & myself having this day examined the state of the Batteries alr'eady made & making at Whetstone & Fells Point, & reported the same to the Committee, They are induced to believe & hope that there is every rational prospect of securing the town of Baltimore in Case of the Otter returning with any other Frigate that can come up this River. And as the ship defence may be so stationed as to support the Batteries & Boom at Whetstone it will be of the greatest importance for the preservation of both the Town & ship, that she should not be ordered out of this harbour, ー The attention of our workmen being entirely engaged since last week on the Batteries at Fells Point, the Boom is of consequence less forward than it otherwise would have been. But to avoid every possible hazard of its being too late, It is agreed (with the advice of Captn Nicholson) to sink all the vessels now collected at Whetstone Point, which will serve the purpose untill the Boom now executing is compleated. We have got the vessels all valued & ballasted, and Persons are appointed to begin sinking them tomorrow. ー The Battery at Whetstone will be ready to mount several guns in a few days; even now it can be used on emergency. At Fells Point the Breast Works fit for 19 or 20 cannon will be nearly compleated tomorrow ... I am [&c.]
p order Saml Purviance Junr Chairman