Gentlemen. This Committee on the first alarm of Capt Squires being coming up to this town, met and took into the[ir] serious consideration the unprepared state thereof to repel an attack, and therefore thought it necessary to throw up two Breast Works at Fells Point, as well to preserve the town, as to cover the ship defence, who was then without the chief part of her guns; the accot of the expence, as soon as it can be liquidated, will be laid before you, and as the necessity was urgent, we hope you will readily support us. We also undertook to fit out a schooner as a Tender, and to support the operations of Capt Nicholson & have proceeded some lengths in equipping her, and we beg to know from you, whether it is your intention, that we shall proceed to finish & compleat her for the service of the province, or whether you would desist from prosecuting the matter any farther. We judge, the purchase of the vessell and her out fit may amount to £2000, and we are of opinion, she will be very useful in scouring the coast from the incursion of the Tenders, as she will mount 10 guns, and carry 70 to 100 men; she is in such forwardness, as to sail immediately on geting her men One of the brest Works, which was mostly calculated to cover the ship, mounts 6 guns, and the other 10, and they were particularly requested to be done by Capt Nicholson. Our Fort at Whetstone is ready to mount 8 guns, and we shall use every exertion to expedite it. We are with due Respect [&c.]
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Willm Lux depy Chn |
John Boyd
Jno Merryman Junr
Jno Sterett. |
Thomas Harrison
Jno Smith
Wm Buchanan |