Original.
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Gordon the Engenier is here and desires his Compliments
to you. I wish you all the Success you can desire and more
satisfaction than I ever can hope for in America. I am with
the greatest Regard
Your Excellencys
Most obedient and most
humble Servant
John St Clair
To His Excellency Govr Sharpe.
[Dinwiddie to Sharpe.]
Williamsburg May [24] 1756
Sir
Yours of the 10th I received. The Enemy that invaded our
Frontiers & did so much Mischief are returned over the
Allegany Mountains, whether to reinforce to return to plunder
& murder our People is uncertain; but I am much of Opinion
with you that without assistance from Home we shall cut but a
bad Figure against the Enemy.
I am sorry the Pensylvanians are not more resolute in granting
Supplies, and the Dillatoriness of your Assembly is surprizing,
when the Time for Action will be greatly over before they
grant Supplies.
We have a Volunteer Association of the Gentn in this
Province they have marched to the number of 200 to our
Frontiers, it will be of Service in annimating the lower Class
of our People, tho' I think they will meet with no Enemy.
By Vote of Assembly we are making Draughts from the
Militia to augment our Regiment to 1500 Private Men, but
unless the neighbouring Colonies join them with a proper
Number, what can be done ? Indeed for want of Artillery &
Ingineers no Attempt can be made against their Fort on the
Ohio; so that I think they can only remain to protect our
Frontiers
By Colo Ludwell we have represented our present situation
to the Earl of Loudon (who we think may be at New York by
this Time) and desire his Advice & Assistance. Our Assembly
has voted 35000 more for the Service, but this is only keeping
the Expedition alive, while our Neighbours appear to be wrapt
up in supine Inactivity I am sorry you cannot order Your
Militia out on any Extremity; & I shall be glad to know what
your Assembly has done after so long a Session.
The same News we have here in regard to Lord Loudon &
the Forces he is to bring with him, & that he is appointed
Chief Governor of this Dominion in the room of Lord Albemarle.
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