362 Proceedings and Correspondence

March 24
Liber No. 78
p. 97

[Council to Capt. John Pitt]

We think it proper that a fast sailing Vessel be immediately dis-
patched down the Bay to reconnoitre and watch the Movements of the
British Ships late of this Harbour, and as your Vessel answers that
Description better than any other in the Fleet, we request of you to
remove the Provisions from on Board your schooner to some place of
Safety first, advising the Commandant of our Directions, and if you

P 08

want an additional Number of Men, we have no Doubt you Will be

furnished upon your Application to Col Vose. You are to communi-
cate to us with the utmost Dispatch whatever occurs of Importance
during your Cruise.

Ibid.

[Council to Capt. Gilbert Middleton.]

The Departure of the British Ships from before this Harbour and
as we apprehend they are gone down the Bay gives an opportunity of
reconnoitering the Bay and Rivers between this place and Elk, to see
if there are any of their Cruisers remaining. You will therefore pro-
ceed the Boat Plater from hence to Baltimore Town and keep a
careful look out on your Passage, when you arrive at Baltimore Town
apply to Commodore Nicholson for further Instructions. If he
desires you to proceed up the Bay to Elk or perform any other Service
you are to follow his Directions. Should any Thing material occur
in your passage you will give us as speedy Notice of it as you pos-
sibly can.

Ibid.

[Council to Mr. Thomas Donnellan.]

We wrote you the 22^d Instant to send down six Waggons with
Flour or Bread, which were to be furnished by M^r Poe, if you have
not already sent off these waggons, you will apply to Commodore
Nicholson to be acquainted with the Situation of the Bay and if it
can be done with Safety, to send the Bread and Flour down by water
and discharge the waggons, this Post is entirely without Bread you
will therefore send a Supply without Delay.

Ibid.

[Council to Commodore Nicholson.]

We have just received the enclosed from Governor Jefferson. We
are informed by M^r Green who has been at the Mouth of South
River that the two Ships that lay off this Harbour are now lying at
the Mouth of Choptank River and that the two Schooners are up
that River.

March 25
Liber No. 78
p. 99

[Council to Mr. Donallson Yeates.]

One of the British Ships of war has just returned and come to an
Anchor off this Harbour but far over on the Eastern Shore. We give
you this Notice that the People may be put on their Guard and pre-
vent any that may be prepared to come down by water