Proceedings of the Council of Maryland, 1761-1769. 33

the same time made by the Spanish Minister, that they con-
sidered the War, as then actually declared, proved to a Demon-
stration, that their Resolution to Act offensively, was so abso-
lutely and irrevocably taken, that it could not be any longer
dissembled or denied.
The King of Spain, therefore, having been induced, without
any Provocation on our Part, to consider the War, as already
commenced against Us, which has in Effect been declared at
Madrid; We trust, that by the Blessing of Almighty God on
the Justice of our Cause, and by the Assistance of our Loving
Subjects, we shall be able to defeat the Ambitious Designs,
which have formed this Union between the two Branches of
the House of Bourbon; have now begun a new War; and
portend the most Dangerous Consequences to all Europe.
Therefore, We have thought fit to declare, and do hereby
declare War against the said King of Spain; and we will in
pursuance of such Declaration, vigorously prosecute the said
War, wherein the honour of our Crown, the welfare of our
Subjects, and the Prosperity of this Nation, which we are
determined at all times with our utmost power to preserve and
support, are so greatly concerned, and we do hereby will and

Lib. J. R.

& U. S.

require Our Generals and Commanders of our Forces Our
Commissioners for Executing the Office of Our High Ad-
miralty of Great Britain, Our Lieutenants of our Counties,
Governors of Our Forts and Garrisons, and all other Officers
and Soldiers under them, by Sea and Land, to do and execute

all Acts of Hostility, in the Prosecution of this War, against

the said King of Spain, his Vassals and Subjects, and to
oppose their Attempts; Willing and requiring all our Subjects
to take notice of the same; whom we henceforth Strictly forbid
to hold any Correspondence or Communication with the said
King of Spain or his Subjects: and we do hereby command
our own Subjects, and Advertise all other persons, of What
Nation soever, not to transport, or carry, any Soldiers, Arms,
Powder, Ammunition or other contraband Goods to any of the
Territories, Lands, Plantations or Countries of the said King
of Spain, declaring, that Whatsoever Ship or Vessel shall be
met withall transporting, or carrying any Soldiers, Arms,
Powder, Ammunition, or other contraband Goods, to any of
the Territories, Lands, Plantations, or Countries of the said
King of Spain, the same being taken, shall be condemned as
good and Lawfull Prize. And whereas there may be remain-
ing in our Kingdoms divers of the Subjects of the King of
Spain, We do hereby declare our Royal Intention to be, that all
the Spanish Subjects, who shall demean themselves dutifully
towards us, shall be Safe in their Persons and Effects.

p. 330