Correspondence of Governor Sharpe. 107

Whitehall Oct^r 26^th 1754.
Sir
Having informed you in my Letter of July 5^th That the King
had under His Royal Consideration the State of Affairs in
North America; I am now to acquaint you, That amongst
other Measures, that are thought proper, for the Defence of
His Majesty's just Rights and Dominions, in those Parts, The
King has not only been pleased to order two Regiments of
Foot, consist^g of 500 Men each, besides commissioned and
non Commissioned Officers, commanded by Sir Peter Halkett
& Col: Dunbar, to repair to Virginia, & to be there augmented
to the Number of 700 Each; but likewise, to send Orders to
Gov^r Shirley, and Sir W^m Pepperell, to raise Two Regiments,
whereof they are, respectively, appointed Colonels of 1000 Men
each; and also, to sign Commissions for a Number of Officers
to serve in the said Two Regiments, & who will forthwith
repair to North America, for that purpose.
Whereas there will be wanting a considerable Number of
Men to make up the designed Complements of the said Four
Regiments; It is His Majesty's Pleasure, that you should be
taking the previous Steps towards contributing, as far as you
can, to have about Three Thousand Men, in readiness to be
enlisted; And it is His Majesty's Intention, That a General
Officer of Rank & Capacity to be appointed to command
in Chief all the Kings Forces in North America, a Deputy
Quarter Master General, and a Commissary of the Musters
shall set out, as soon as conveniently may be, in order to
prepare every Thing for the Arrival of the Forces above-
mentioned from Europe, & for the Raising of the others in
America.
You will receive from that General and the other Officers
just mentioned, a full & exact account of the Arms, Cloathing
& other necessaries to be sent upon this important Occasion,
as likewise of the Ordnance Stores, & of the Officers and
attendants belonging thereto All which being ordered for this
Service, are such Proofs of His Majesty's Regard for the
Security & Welfare of His Subjects in those Parts, as cannot
fail to excite you to exert yourself, and those under your Care,
to take the most vigorous Steps to repell your common
Danger; & to shew that the King's Orders, which were sent
you last year by the Earl of Holdernesse, & were renewed to
you in my Letter of the 5^th July, have at last rouzed that
Emulation and Spirit, which every man owes, at this Time, to
His Majesty, the Publick & himself: The King will not there-
fore imagine, that either you, or the rest of His Governors,