Letter from Samuel Purviance, Jun˙, to the Baltimore Deputation at Annapolis: A vessel under the command of Lieutenant Nicholson with a body of picked men,to be at their and the Council' s command to secure the person of the Governour

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Baltimore, April 14, 1776.

GENTLEMEN: Captain James Nicholson having returned yesterday evening with his tender, we have despatched her to Annapolis, under the command of Lieutenant Nicholson and Captain Samuel Smith, with a number of picked men well armed, to be at your and the Council' s command, in case the Governour should have escaped before you get down. As this boat can both row and sail, we judged her much better fitted for the pursuit than any vessel that could be found at Annapolis; and we are of opinion that it may still be possible to overtake the Governour before he may leave Colonel Fitzhugh' s, where, it is possible, he may call. Captain Smith has directions to use every precaution that no alarm may be given by the boat' s going down, and we confide in his prudent management of the matter. In case there is no occasion for his service, the vessel can instantly return back. This measure has been determined on by General Buchanan, Mr˙ Lux, William Buchanan, Doctor Boyd, Mr˙ Harrison, and myself; but they being now all gone to dinner, cannot find them to sign this.

I am, gentlemen, your most humble servant,

SAMUEL PURVIANCE, JUN.