in the Years 1689-90. 123

(Endorsed)
20. Sepf 89.
From M^r Hill to Lord Baltemore
Rec^d the 29^th Sept^r 1689.

Coll: Coode to the Earl of Shrewsbury

From His Majesty's Garrison at Mattapany in Maryland.
Sept^r 22^d 1689.
May it please your Lordshipe,
Having had the happynes to serve His Majesty in the
quality of Commander in Chiefe of His Majesty's forces in
this Province by the order and appointment of the repre-
sentative body of the whole Province in a generall Assembly,
have received His Majesty's commands from your Lordships
& Cap: Gillam, intimateinge warrs with the French Kinge,
and to put the Province in a posture of defence, against the
French, and that ships from hence sayle hereafter in fleets.
As to what relates to the French attempts against His Majesty's
Province and subjects here, make bold to informe your Lord-
ship, that all possible and convenient care hasbeen taken (before
the arrivall of your Lordshipps letter and the said Gillam) by
takeinge up armes against our late popish Gov^rs here in
defence of their Majestyes soveraigne right and title to this
Province the protestant religion and the lives and libertyes of
His Majestyes Subjects here, which we had sufficient reason to
thinke in danger of being undermined and betrayed by the
hopes and encouragement the papists here, as well as else-
where, His Majestyes knowne enemies have from the French;
concerninge which, the Officers souldiers and gentlemen then
in armes have sent their declaration, and most humble and
dutyfull addresses to their Majestyes; which are the generall
heads of our complainte and caus of flyeinge to armes: which
have been likewise seconded by another address from the
whole Province in a generall Assembly, to which with all
humility referr. In order to our further security we have an
Agent at Albanye under His Majestyes Government of New
Yorke; to remit us what information he can of the French pro-
ceedings or attempts from Canady, who hath sent us account
of some Indian spies sent from thence into this Province to
make observation of the preparation and strength of the same,
I have therefore and in obedience to His Majestyes commands
by Captain Gillam, sent orders to all the military Officers in
each County in this Province to make all necessary prepara-
tion of defence, which will be complyed with upon account of
our allegiance, self preservation and the great encouragement
His Majesty has been pleased to give us (in your Lordship's

P. R. O.

Colonial
Papers.