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Artilery Companies who shall safely convey & keep them at
Queen Anne in Prince Georges County or the Head of South
River till further order, the Guard not to consist of more than
five persons
It is intended that Servants and Slaves under the immediate
directions of their Masters be permitted to stay as long as
their Masters in Assisting to remove their Effects
Mr Robert Smith not having signed the Association was
informed of the general order of the Governor and Council of
this Day but he being in a weak and sick State he was
excused from departing the City of Annapolis on his Parol
which he willingly gives and hereby promises on his word of
Honour that in Case he falls into the Enemies Hands he will
use the utmost of his Endeavours to return and surrender
himself up to the Governor and Council and in all Events
that he will not convey any Intelligence in any way or Manner
to the Enemy. In Witness whereof he has hereto set his
Hand this 20th Day of August 1777.
Witness Wm Hyde. Robert Smith
Thursday 21 August 1777.
P. as on yesty
The British Fleet having this morning passed Annapolis
and consisting of upwards of two hundred and 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 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 Fulford was consulted on this Question
whilst the same was under Consideration and was of the same
opinion as the Governor and Council
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