No 59.

To Capt James Nicholson Commander of the Ship Defence.

Sir The spirited and prudent Conduct, which you manifested in repelling the late hostile Attack on the Persons and Properties of your Fellow-Citizens, and defeating the Designs and Attempts of our Invaders, give us real Satisfaction and entitle you to our Thanks; We therefore with Pleasure return them to you, and , desire you will also communicate them to the Volunteers, that accompanied you, and the Officers and Men under your Command, as our acknowledgments are likewise due to their Gallantry.

[Annapolis] 15th March 1776.