Sir.
You are immediately to proceed with the Defence's Tender off the Harbour of Annapolis and there to Land Captn [Samuel] Smyth; while he is ashore, you are to stand off and on the Harbour and examine every Boat, that comes out Annapolis or thereabouts (taking Care to distress no Boat unnecessarily) and if you find Governor Eden and Secretary Smyth, or either of them, you are to. make them Prisoners ー if Captain Smith has Orders to deliver them to the Council of Safety, you'll in that Case deliver them to him for that Purpose; if not, bring them on Board the Defence ー If upon Captn Smith's Return you find they are not at Annapolis, you are then to proceed down to Colonel Fitschew's and assist Captain Smith if necessary, in examining the Colonels House in making them Prisoners; Provided they are not to be found in either Place, and you have Reason to think you can overtake them in standing further down the Bay, in that Case you'll proceed as far as Prudence will direct you ー You must be particularly careful in your Watch while off Annapolis ー take Care to consult Captn Smyth in all Cases ー Given from under my Hand this 14th April 1776 at Fell's Point Baltimore.
James Nicholson To Mr John Nicholson Lientt of the Ship Defence
N.B. If you find Mr [Alexander] Ross, you'll likewise make him Prisoner.
