The British Fleet having this morning passed Annapolis and consisting of upwards of two hundred & Sixty Sail as said to have been counted by some and as estimated generally. The Governor proposed to the Council as a Question for their opinion whether the small number of Militia already in Town should be kept and others called in and preparation made with a view to defend this place or the Town and Forts evacuated and the Guns and Stores endeavoured to be removed and secured. The Governor and Council were unanimously of opinion that Annapolis cannot be defended by any force which may probably be collected against the force the Enemy may at any Time bring against it and that therefore the Town and Forts ought to be evacuated and the Guns and Stores removed and Secured — Major [John] Fulford was consulted on this question whilst the same was under Consideration and was of the same Opinion as the Governor and Council.