Fort at Whetstone Augt 23d 1777.
Sir
The last of the enemies Ships weighed Anchor yesterday morning at half after eight OClock & Stood Up the Bay: am informd this day by two Gentlemen from the head of the Bay that they have landed 200 men on Presuse [Spesutie] Island, Supos'd for Stock. Mr Garthes of this place cros'd Susquehannah at 5 OClock last evening, Says one Divission of the Fleet was Standing for the Head [of] Elk the Other for Susquehannah or Charles Town. its probable After landing their men, they may Attempt our Fort, if it Shoud be the Case will give them as warm a Reception as in my Power. — have been informd that its the General oppinion of the people at Annapolis that they [ca]nt hold that place, against So large a Fleet as is Above Us — if thats the case, woud it not be best, to try to save this — by Sending Some of the 181b guns by land here, We have much the Advantage as nothing Larger then a Frigate can git Up. if the Gallys had their guns they woud in my Oppinion be Able to Prevent the enemie landing in the Ferry Branch Above Us — & wou'd be in a Very Safe Place as the Water is Very Shoale, Up towards Elk Ridge & the Channel Crocked — youl See by my last Return I am Very Week as to guns having only 6.18 pounders — think if the Callies had their Guns, & I had Ten 18 pounders more With the Assistance of the Frigate & Defence We cou'd Prevent them from taking this place by Water, the men Under my Command are all in high Spirits — Shoud be glad to have your Oppinion & Instructions by Return of Express. I am Sir [&c.]
Nathl Smith
1. Brown Books, V, 50, Md.Arch.