2. "Narrative of the Alarm over the Sloop Otter" reads: On tuesday the 5th of March about 7 in the Evening our Pilot Boats came in and gave informa that a Man of War and two tenders were coming up the Bay, that they first saw them between the Mouth of Potowmack and Patuxent; the Tender Run into the Mouth of Patuxent to take out a New England Man lyeing there bound to Casco Bay-the Man of War was lyeing to for them to come up: ー the Wind blew hard at S [by] SW that Evening, and the general [conjecture] was that the Man of War and Tenders would be up near Annapolis some time that same Night ー this occasioned no small Alarm & furniture of all sorts was moveing out very fast however in the meantime all necessary [preparations] were made in case of an immediate Attack, Expresses were also dispatched to Baltimore by the Council of Safety then sitting to Communicate Intelligence between twelve and one OClock that night the Wind shifted and blew a Stiff Gale at N.W. and so continued all day on Wednesday, during which time there was no certain Informa Where the War Vessels had stopt they were not to be seen with the best Glasses from Thomas's point ー On thursday Morning a light Breeze up the Bay, about 12 or one o Clock the Vessells began to appear, and about half past three came opposite this City a Sloop of War and two Tenders with some prizes, and stood up the Bay. ー between Annapolis and Kent Island off the Mouth of the Harbour they sett fire to and burnt a small Vessell loaded with Oats. ー In the Evening they were quite out of sight and Anchored we hear near the Mouth of Patapsco. ー on friday night [we received] Intelligence that the Vessell was the Otter Sloop of War and two Tenders and the general Opinion was confirmed that they were going to Balt(imor]e to take or destroy the Ship Defence. ー On Saturday Morning and great part of the day We expected to hear of an Engagemt, when behold at half past three or thereabouts the Otter Sloop with her Tenders and four or five small Vessells she had made prizes off appeared again and soon came to Anchor off our harbour. ー the Ship Defence was towed out of the Harbour at Bait. and had got under Way and had retaken Hudsons Ship loaded with Wheat & Flower by order of Congress, and three or four lesser Vessells ー to the Immortal Honour of Capt Nicholson and the brave Men that attended him ー The Regulars and Militia behaved with Spirit and Alacrity and all preparations were made to give them a Warm Reception in case they had attempted to Land. ー on Saturday Evening a. Boat came in with a flagg to buy fresh provisions for the Kings Ships ー the Message was sent to the Governor who communicated the same to the Council of Safety, they got time to answer till 9 Next moming-wh[en] they received a Civil Denial On Sunday Morning another Boat with flagg landed some prisoners amongst others Capt Wort [Wirt] who owned a packett Boat t!iat passed between Old River & Bait Town. ー On Sunday Morning the Otter and her Tenders & prizes weighd Anchor and took their departure about 12 o Clock down the Bay, whether they intend to Visit us again or not is uncertain; the prevailing Opinion is that they will Return again soon We must lay [our plans] to prepare accordingly On Monday Morning they were got off Fishing Creek about 50 Miles down the Bay and we believe are going to Virginia for Reinforcements.

Revolutionary Pape:s, Box 10, Md. Arch.