In Command of the Guard

I verily believe our Governor Calvert understood what was in my heart at that time, and because of it did he send orders that I was to be given command of the guard that would be stationed on the northern-most point of the harbor, across the creek, where, later, we were to build a fort.

There, night and day until peace was come to us once more, would a watch be kept, that we might have timely notice, if so be William Claiborne succeeded in slipping past Captain Cornwallis's fleet to do an injury to our town of St. Mary's.

We had no more entered upon our duties, when came the opportunity for me to decide whether John was in the right when he called me faint-hearted.

We had taken station on the point, the four men assigned as guards and myself, and I had but just announced that two only should remain on duty at a time, to the end that those who were to serve in the night might be able to get some sleep, when we saw coming straight for the harbor a pinnace, which to me had much the appearance of one of those I had seen under the command of Captain Fleet. Because he had joined his fortunes to those of William Claiborne, doing us whatsoever of harm he might by telling false stories to the Indians, he surely was to be counted as an enemy.

The first thought in my mind was to leap into the canoe which lay on the shore, and myself carry word of what we had seen to the governor; but luckily I lingered long enough, while trying to make out more clearly the coming pinnace, to give myself time to remember that such act would look much as if I took advantage of the first opportunity to run from the place of danger.

Therefore it was I sent one of the guards with all speed, and the pinnace was not yet within musket-shot of the shore, when Governor Calvert, with four or five serving men, came across the harbor.