Ship Virginia off Point Comfort Jany 21st 1778
Sir,
I am sorry my necessity had obliged me to detain the Defences Tender,1 which your Excellency was oblidging enough to lend my officer. I beg leave to assure your Excellency that Armed Boat2 I brought from Baltimore for this purpose, I am obliged to send over to Sharpes Island after some Deserters with my Master, Mate, and four men. it is nine days since and have not yet heard from them. This accident and the Continental Ship under my Command being so liable to suffer, I flatter myself, will be sufficient apology for the detention of the Boat. I have directed the Agents to forward the Boat imediately from Baltimore. I am [&c.]
James Nicholson
L, MdAA, Maryland State Papers (Red Books), S 989, 4587-27.
1. Maryland Navy ship Defence's tender Amelia, Capt. Henry Massey, commander.
2. Probably Maryland Navy schooner Dolphin, Capt. Daniel Bryan, commander.
