Paca, William (1740-1799) to Jacques Renee de la Villebrune
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC04830 Author/Creator: Paca, William (1740-1799) Place Written: Annapolis, Maryland Type: Autograph letter signed Date: 3 December 1782 Pagination: 2 p. ; 33.3 x 21 cm. Order a Copy
Seeking assistance in ridding Chesapeake bay of British barges. Written after the last battle of the American revolution has taken place, after hostilities have ceased, and after the British have already signed a preliminary peace treaty.
William Paca was the Governor of Maryland.
Jacques-Aime Chevalier de La Villebrune was a French captain involved in naval operations in the Chesapeake Bay.
"…This Requisition is occasioned by Infn rd yesterday that six of the Enemys Barges have entered our Bay and proceeded as far up as the Tangier Islands… The Barges equipt by this State advanced to attack them but on their Approach within [struck: illegible] [inserted: the] Distance of One hundred yards [struck: illegible] [inserted: the principal One] commanded by Capt Waley took Fire & blew up: our other three Barges made their Escape, One of which [struck: has] arrived here last Evening the other two we expect [struck: illegible] to Day. It is Sir of the [struck: best Importance] [inserted: greatest Consequence] to this State that these Barges be repelled & drove out of the [inserted: Bay] [struck: States]: if suffered to remain, not only [inserted: the Commerce][struck: illegible] of our Bay will be totally depressed, but our Farms & plants exposed to Plunder [and] Desolation. We have every thing [inserted: to hope] from your polite & obliging Disposition [inserted: & the Spirit & Valour of your Officers & Men]: and [inserted: when] we consider what an Oppty now offers of displaying to the Citizens of this State the important Advantages of their Alliance with your illustrious Monarch we flatter ourselves that the Genl Assembly will [struck: illegible] be rendered happy by your Concurrence with their Requisition. Our Barges will be [struck: illegible] got ready at this place to accompany your naval force & will be under the Command & Direction of your Officers: as the Enemy are now in the Bay every Flour they are suffered to remain must be [struck: illegible] [inserted: productive of some] Calamity & Distress to our Citizens…"
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