Gentlemen:

Captn James Nicholson having returnd yesterday eveng with his Tender, We have dispatched her for Annaps under the Commd of Lieutt Nicholson & Captn Samuel Smith with a Number of picked Men well Armd to be at your & the Councils Command in Case the Govr should have escaped before you get down. As this Boat can both row & Sail, we Judge her much fitter for the Pursuit than any Vesl that coud be found at Annapolis. And we are of Opinion that it may still be possible to overtake the Govr before we may leave Coll Fitshugs [Fitzhugh] where it is probable he may call ー Captn Smith has directions to use every Precaution that no Allarm may be given by the Boats going down, & we confide in his Prudent Managemt of the matter; in Case theres no Occasion for his Service the Vesl can instantly return back. This Measure has been detmd on by General Buch[ana]n, Mr Lux, Wm Buch[ana]n Doctr Boyd Mr Harrison & myself, but they being now all gone to Dinr cant find them to Sign this ー I am Gentn [&c.] Sam I Purviance Junr