394 Letters to the Governor and Council

August 6
Brown Book
No. 3
Letter 21
[Copy]

for a more favorable moment. You are on the spot, and acquainted
with its strength, and of course know best what measures should be
taken, In all Cases you will take care of the public stores.

August 6
[Copy]

[James McHenry New Castle to His Exc^y Gov^r Lee]

Maryland is relieved by the Enemy's establishing themselves in
York river: But as this is a movement, not of choice there is no
saying how long you will be safe. The measure there is good reason
to believe is in consequence of advice of a superior naval power ex-
pected on this coast — So you see upon what you have to depend

Under these circumstances your military preparations are as neces-
sary as ever. You will either want them for your own defence or to
assist us. Believe one who is not apt to judge rashly; who has long
since told you of what has been so near taking place, that relaxation
may involve evils to the State of the most permanent nature. There
was a time when we could blunder with impunity; but a blunder now
may prove fatal. I need not be more explicit to your Excellency.
You must be aware of the very critical situation of affairs both in
America and Europe

You are filling up the Continental line; but something might also
be attempted for internal security. The enemy do not lose sight of
Baltimore; and this place may not be unworthy a little attention.
I will give you my sentiments in a few words — If the works for the
defence of the Harbour cannot be repaired, they should be levelled —
If, at least, one galley and a boom cannot be provided, nothing of
value should remain in the town. But if the works can be put in a
state of Defence; a galley completed, and a boom established with
a proper militia garrison, the place will be secure from any small
detachment; and with an equal army in their neighbourhood, the
enemy will not venture, to send a large one. At this moment mea-
sures of this nature would have the most happy effect —

With the sincerest regard & the most perfect respect and Attach-
ment —

August 6
[copy]

[James McHenry, New Castle, to His Excy Gov^r Lee]

I had not time in the morning to send you what I now * enclose.
As it is not a public letter I beg you will not suffer any Copies to be
made— (see page 395)
By authentic accounts from Europe England has refused the me-
diation of Russia for a seperate peace between her and Holland. A
restoration of what she had taken from the Dutch was the basis
which she did not chuse to comply with Her idea was, to take the
Dutch Islands, which were easy conquests, in the expectation that
the French in order to recover them for the Dutch, would give up,