James Madison Papers
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https://founders.archives.gov/documents/Madison/03-06-02-0414

To James Madison from William Jones, 15 July 1813

From William Jones

Navy Yard July 15. 1813

Sir

At 4 AM I received the enclosed from Captain Morris1 and immediately came to this place to order the three scows armed with 32 & 24 pounders to take a position at Greenleaf Point and to order some heavy Cannon from the Yard to that place with every other means of defence in preparation. My opinion is that though the force is formidable the real object is to menace this place and to get Water which they can do at Maryland Point and no more. Nevetheless [sic] all the means under the controul of the Department will be prepared for vigorous defence.

I have written fully to Captain Morris but as more can be done by viewing and conversing than by writing I Shall set out this Instant for fort Warburton in my sulkey to confer with Capta Morris upon the best means of defending that Post and pass. If no regular Artillerists are at hand would it not be well to order instantly some volunteer artillery (Capt Peters I believe has a Company) to Fort Warburton. If the Enemy shall attempt this place circumstances may favor their annoyance or destruction on their return if a few heavy pieces on travelling Carriages were to cross the Country to Maryland point and other favorable positions particularly if a portable furnace could be procured at Baltimore or elsewhere. The Enemy had anchored at Ragged point and it is yet doubtful whether they will attempt to pass the Narrows at Cedar point. Lieut Read thinks they have pilots onboard but several of the passes are difficult for heavy ships and create delay.

* at foot you have the distances from the principal points in the River. I am very respectfully you[r] Obedt Servt

W Jones

Smiths Point to Ragged point 33
thence to Cedar point 33
thence to Maryland point 20
thence to Mattawan Shoal 3½ fathoms at high water 21
thence to Crane Island difficult 6
thence to Fort Warburton 15
thence to Washington  12
Miles 140

I shall return this evening. I shall endeavour to place part of the seamen in the Fort say as many as can be spared from the Vessels with Safety.

RC and enclosures (DLC). Docketed by JM. For enclosures, see n. 1.

1Charles Morris’s letter to Jones of 15 July 1813 (1 p.) forwarded a copy of a letter to Morris from Lt. George C. Read, 14 July 1813 (2 pp.) reporting the presence of the British squadron, including an admiral’s flagship, at the mouth of the Potomac. Morris added that the movements of the British ships had convinced Read that they were “provided with good pilots.”

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