On May 1, 1814, Joshua Barney wrote to William Jones with reports from the Patuxent. The Chesapeake Flotilla’s “look-out boat” had spotted British ships on the Potomac and the Chesapeake Flotilla struggled with their “Second rate Barges.”

Patuxent May 1st 1814

Sir,

This morning I left the Patapsco with the Vessels mentioned to you in mine of the 29th. Arrived here at 4 P M, I shall send over land in the morning to “point look-out,” for information respecting the Enemy; I am informed here, that a ship and two or three Schooners lay in the Potomac two days ago; my look-out boat is still below me, and I expect to hear from her tomorrow;

The information I shall receive from Point look out, will determine my movements; I shall be delayed here a day, to get a Mast for one of the Barges, which was carried away coming down, we had a fresh gale down, the Second rate Barges are unsafe, as they took in much water, and swim too deep, although I have lightened them very much since I was at Annapolis, by changing the 18 pounder for a 12, and having but a few days provision & water onboard,

I am Sir with respect your Obt. Servt.
Joshua Barney

This letter from Joshua Barney to Secretary of the Navy William Jones is cross-posted from the Blog of 1812 courtesy the Jefferson Patterson Park & Museum.