170 Letters to the Governor and Council

April 7

who have enrolled in other Parts of the County will nearly if not alto-
gether, make up a full Company.
I know M^r Nicholls to be an active, spirited young Man, therefore
I could wish that he might obtain a Commission and the whole be
put under his Command, if it can with Propriety be done —
If it be possible to furnish us with any Arms and Accoutrements,
I request you to forward a number of them to George Town, as soon
as convenient: and the sooner the better.
We are likewise in Want of Gunpowder, even for the Militia; but
should the Enemy reach Alexandria, and the armed Vessels there
be sent up to George Town, (which I hear is intended) we should
not doubt of their paying us a Visit. Many situations near that Place
(Geo. Town) command the Harbour in such a Manner, that by
forming a Battery or two with the Guns from those Vessels, (for
there is not a single Cannon at George Town) we might probably
make a tolerable Defence — which shews the necessity of being pro-
vided with Ammunition.

April 6
Fryday

[Pet. Wagener Alexandria to Col^o William Deakins, George Town]

We have information here, that the Enemies vessels are proceed-
ing up the river, that they have got as high up as Port tobacco
plundered and burnt Priest Hunter's House — Wat Hanson's &
Pyes — It is generally believed they intend up to this place and that
General Washington's Houses — Belvoir & Col^o Masons will be de-
stroyed, we are putting ourselves here in the best posture of defence,
that the nature of our situation will admit and my Dear Col^o I hope
that in case of an Attact upon this Town that you will give us your
assistance from George Town our signal here (if the Enemy shou'd
approach) will be the firing of three distinct Cannon — we are badly
armed, but the Inhabitant of this Town and the Vessenage are deter-
mined not to give up the Town, without such a force comes up, that
we cannot oppose, I make no doubt if Col^o Murdock has notice of
this that he will order his Militia to hold themselves in readiness,
and give us his Assistance.

April 7

[Ann Tilley, Annapolis, To His Excellency the Governor & to all the
Worthy and well disposed Inhabitants of this City.]

This Petition and Address of Ann Tilley relict of Cap^t Tilley, with
due Submission Humbly sheweth — that Whereas the said Ann Tilley
whilst she was dedicating her time, Money, and Attention for the
recovery of her Negroes — (w^ch had eloped to the British Ships) had
the great and Additional Mortification to find on her return to her
dwelling, her House Plunder'd by a Party of Continental Soldiers,
and reduced by this unhappy event to a Wretched and dependant
state.