Annapolis has assumed a very different Appearance since Your Excellency left it. They have formed a Battery from Mr Walter Dulany's Lot round the Water's Edge to the Granary adjoining Your Garden; The Cannon are mostly 18 Pounders, the Works appear strong, & I am told are so. From your Wharf to the Hill where Callihorne lived, they have thrown up a covered way to communicate with that part of the Town adjacent to the Dock. They have another Fortification on Hill's Point, & a Third on Mr Ker's Land, on the North Side of Severn, on a high Cliff called Beaumont's Point. Three Companies of Artillery are stationed at the respective Forts, and in spite of Experience they talk confidently of making a vigorous re­sistance in Case of an Attack.

At Baltimore they have fortified Whetstone's Point, of the Strength of which they boast much. They have sunk several Vessels in the Channel, and a Chain is placed across the Harbor. A Frigate, mounting 36 Guns, and called the Virginia, has been built at the said Place, the Command of which is given by Congress to Uames] Nicholson, and a Mr Cook, related to Mr [Thomas] Johnson, is promoted into the Defence, besides the above Ships, they have fitted out several Galleys which make a formidable Appearance, but, I am well assured, can be of little Service except in smooth Water at the Entrance of Rivers.