of the Council of Safety, 1775-76. 201

Tuesday 5 March 1776. C. S. J.

Council met Present Mr. Jenifer, M^r Carroll, M^r Hall,
M^r Tilghman and M^r Hands. M^r Smyth has Leave of
Absence. 7 O'Clock at Night.

The Council being informed by the Pilot Boats stationed to
gain and communicate Intelligence that a Ship of War was
making up the Bay. A Letter was immediately sent by Express
to the Committee of Observation for Baltimore County inform-
ing them thereof.

A Letter was also sent to Col. John Hall (vid N^o 29) And
Copies of the Letter N^o 30 to Colonels Thomas Dorsey and
John Weems respectively.

Adjourned till next Day 8 O'Clock.

[Council to Hall.] C. S. C.

No. 29.

To Colonel John Hall
Sir.

We hear that the 44 Gun Man of War and two Sloops are
on their Way up the Bay: the City is now weak and we
judge it necessary to have all the Men drawn to Town we can
for its Defence; we should be glad you will give Directions
to all the Companies and Men in your Battalion that can be
got ready to repair as soon as possible to Town. We shall be
glad to see you as early in the morning as you can.

Mar. 5: 1776.

[Council to Dorsey and Weems.] No. 30.

To Col^s Dorsey & Weems (respectively)
Sir:

The Council of Safety have this Moment received by Express
an Account that a large Ship of War and two Tenders were
this afternoon considerably above the Mouth of Patuxent, and
it is supposed they are now off Annapolis; whether they
entered into our River or to Baltimore is not known. But be
their Destination to either Place it is absolutely necessary to
have your Battalion in Readiness to march at an Hour's
warning.

5 March 8 o'Clock at Night 1776

[Council to Baltimore Committee.]

To the Committee of Observation of Balt. Town
Gentlemen.

We have just received intelligence that a large ship sup-
posed to be a 20 gun man of war and two sloops are on their