New York March 2^d 1757.
Sir
A I have received His Majestys Orders to make prepara-
tions, for vigorous & Offensive Operations, in the ensueing
Critical & important Campaign,
This obliges me, to recommend it to you, to lay an Embargo,
on the Port or Ports of your Government, least I should not be
able, to carry that Plan to the extent, that the importance of it
requires.
As you must be sensible of the necessity of secrecy, in
operations of this nature, I cannot doubt, that you will Excuse,
my not laying the Plan before you.
This measure I see necessary to recommend to Virginia,
and all the Governments northward of it, that His Majestys
Services may not be disappointed, of a Supply of such Ships or
Vessels, as may be necessary for carrying this important Ser-
vice into Execution, so essential to the welbeing of His
Majestys Colonies.
From the present situation of Affairs, and the advanced
Season, there has not been time, to concert this measure with
the different Governments; but I have the Satisfaction to
Acquaint you, that in Consequence of this recommendation, an
Embargo has this day taken place in the port and Ports of this
Province; and I can have no doubt, from your Zeal, that in
support of the common Cause, your Province will follow so
good an Example. I must therefore desire you will send me
by the return of this Express, an account of the Ships and
Vessels in your Ports, and their Tonnage, fitt for Transporting
Troops; that I may give you the earliest notice, of what part
of them, will be necessary to take into His Majestys Service.
And I must further desire, that this may not be made Publick
till the Embargo is actually laid on.
I am with great regard,
Sir
Your most Obedient
Humble Servant
Loudoun —

Phila^a the 23^d of March 1757 & transmitted by M^r Franklin in
the Packctt.
My Lord
In a Letter which I sent by the N York Packett the 23^d of
Feb^y I desired M^r Calvert to advise your Ldp of my being