Ship Defence off Annapolis June 1st 1776
Gentln I Received yours this Morning pr Middleton, and ordered him down on, the Lookout, I have not discovered any thing of the ships since I left them off Windmill point but apprehend should they intend up the Bay you will certainly hear of them this Evening; I am now proceeding with the ship up to Baltimore, where shall expect your further orders, I am Gentlemen [&c.]
James Nicholson
1. Correspondence of Council of Safety, Md. Arch.