[Extract]
Gent.

It is truly affecting to behold the Distresses of the People here under an Apprehension that they are shortly to be visited by Lord Dunmore. From Reports formerly they have had much Uneasiness, but that Uneasiness is much increased by hearing that Colo Chew had sent Express to your Board informing that a Number of Ships and other Vessels were at the Mouth of Patuxent. If Dunmore has any Design on this Place (and from its Situation and the Quantity of Stock on it I don't think it improbable) I shou'd think it of the utmost Consequence to secure the Pass at the Narrows, as a few Men under Cover of a Breast-Work with a few Field Pieces wou'd effectually cut off all Communication between the Island & the Main, & shou'd Dunmore avail himself of this Advantage you may easily conceive what wou'd be the Situation of the Inhabitants.

The Stock of Ammunition here is very small and Numbers of their young Men have enrolled for the Flying Camp. Wou'd not a Supply of Powder and Lead be necessary, and wou'd it not be prudent to order about 200 of the Militia on this Service....

To James Tilghman & Joseph Nicholson Esqr Annapolis
Mr Rice is requested to order the Ferryman to carry this letter
immediately to one of the above Gentlemen