1777 - The British Are Coming!

Express Mail, Thomas Johnson, Governor of Maryland, letter dated In Committee, Annapolis, August 18, 1777 addressed to Joseph Dashiel, Lieutenant of Worcester County, letter to be carried by express mentions report of British Fleet in the Bay just days before the Governor's proclamation to raise troops

Circular In Committee Anns 18th Augt 1777

Sir, Yesterday morning one Capt Thomas Timson came up from Virginia and informed … on Thursday Evening last he saw a Fleet of the Enemies Ships coming within the Capes that he Distinguished sixty Sail of them two or three miles within and a Number following which because of their Distance & the Night coming on he could not see distinctly.

We have an Express to Day from Virginia confirming the Information - Whether they have Land Troops on Board or what is their Destination or Design we are not informed But we think it advisable that you give orders to the Militia under your Command to prepare themselves as well as they can for Service and Hold themselves in readiness to march instantly on further orders. We are Sir Your mo: Obedt Servt Th Johnson

Addressed: On public Service / Joseph Dashiel Esq / Lieutenant of Worcester County Docket: Govr. T. Johnson / August 18th 1777 / Colo. J. Dashiel / (No 3)

By Richard Frajola