USA > Rhode Island > Records of the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, in New England. Printed by order of the General Assembly, Vol. V > Part 38
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Boston, February 17, 1755.
Sir :- This government has thought it necessary to take up and confine all the subjects of the French king, within this Province, apprehending that their only busi- ness here, is to purchase provisions and military stores, to furnish the French, the better to carry on the war against us, or to gain intelligence of the consultations of the English governments, and the preparations they may be making for their own se- curity, and by ways unknown to us, to convey the same to their own governments.
Therefore, at the desire of the Assembly of this Province, I would earnestly de- sire Your Honor to use your utmost endeavor that the like precaution be immedi- ately taken in your government, to prevent the mischief which probably will oth- erwise ensue. I enclose the copy of the vote referred to.
I am, with the greatest respect, &c. &c.,
W. SHIRLEY
To Governor Greene.
Governor Shirley to Governor Greenc.
Boston, New England, February 24th, 1755.
Sir :- It would be needless for me to observe to you, how His Majesty's colonies upon this continent, are surrounded with the encroachments of the French ; they have long since marked out for themselves a large empire upon the back of it, ex- tending from Cape Breton to the Gulf of Mexico, and comprehending the country between the Apalachian Mountains and Pacific Ocean, with the numerous power- ful tribes of Indians inhabiting it ; and they are now finishing the extreme parts by a communication between Louisbourg and Quebec, across the Isthmus of Nova Sco- tia and Bay of Funda, at one end, and a junction of Canada with the Mississippi, by a line of forts, upon the great lakes and rivers, at the other.
It is fallen to the lot of the most eastern colonies, to be hemmed in by that part of their eneroachments, which begin in Nova Scotia, and end at Crown Point, * * * among which, the fort of Beau Sejour, upon the isthmus of the peninsular, that on St. John's River, and Fort St. Frederic, near Crown Point, are the prin- cipal.
His Majesty, out of his paternal care for the welfare and security of his good sub- jects, of these colonies, in September, 1753, signified his royal pleasure, by the Right lIonorable Earl of Holdernesse's letter, dated the 21st of that month, to his Gov- ernors there, that they should, with the armed force of the militia under their re- pective commands (if need be), remove all encroachments upon his territories, within the limits of their several governments, and use their best endeavors for
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promoting a general union among them for their common defence against an invader.
In July last, by a letter from the Right Honorable Sir Thomas Robinson, dated the 5th of that month, His Majesty signified his orders to me and Colonel Law- rence, Lieutenant Governor, and commander in chief of Nova Scotia, that we should coneert measures for attacking the French forts in that Provinee.
And in December last, I had the honor to receive another letter from Sir Thomas Robinson, dated the 26th of October, wherein he acquainted me, that His Majesty, upon taking the state of his eolonies in North America, into his royal consideration, was graciously pleased, besides ordering two regiments of foot from Ireland, under the command of Sir Peter Halket and Col. Dunbar, to be sent to Virginia, to or- der me and Sir William Pepperell to raise each of us a regiment of foot, consisting of one thousand men, under our respective commands, for the defenee of his colonies here.
In obedience to the first mentioned orders, Colonel Lawrence and I have con- eerted measures for dislodging the French from their forts, in Nova Scotia, and driving them out of that Province ; and, among other preparations for that pur- pose, I am now raising a reinforcement of two thousand men, for His Majesty's regular troops there, to be embarked in time to be landed in the Bay of Funda by the first week of April ; which, I have reason to think, I ean depend upon accom- plishing.
In consequence of the latter, I have made a great progress in raising my regi- ment, and believe there is no great doubt of its being completed by the latter end of Mareh.
Mr. Dinwiddie, Governor of Virgina, in his letter to me, dated January the 14th, acquainted me that his government had great dependenee upon a strong diversion's being made by Sir William Pepperell's and my regiments this summer, at some part of Canada, in favor of the attempts of the western colonies, to repel the French upon the Ohio ; and such a diversion of the French forees, must likewise greatly facilitate the enterprise for driving the French from their encroachments in Nova Seotia.
It is most evident, that at the same time, the expedition in Nova Scotia, and the schemes which principally employ the attention of the French, and a great part of their forces upon the Ohio, afford a most favorable opportunity for the four colo- nies of New England, and those of New York and the New Jerseys, with their united strength to erect such a fort near Crown Point, as may command the French fort there, and eurb the city of Montreal itself.
These were the motives, which indueed me to make the proposal of such an at- tempt to the Assembly within my own government, which is particularly set forth in my speech to them upon this oeeasion ; a copy of which, together with a copy of the resolves of the Assembly consequent upon it, I enclose to Your Honor.
In these resolves, Your Honor will find what number of troops this government thinks it necessary to be raised in the whole for the execution of this attempt, with the quotas they propose for the consideration of the several colonies concerned ; and I hope it will not be thought that they have under rated their own quota, when it is considered that out of the twenty-two hundred men, which are raising for Sir William Pepperell's and my regiments, and two thousand now raising for the expe- dition to Nova Scotia, upwards of three thousand of them will be taken out of this Provinee; which, with the twelve hundred proposed to be raised in it for Crown
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Point, will amount to considerably more than one eighth part of its fighting men ; and that they were at an heavy charge last year, in carrying on an expedition upon the river Kennebec, and erecting Fort Halifax there ; which, as it is a great advance towards securing the principal pass into the heart of Canada, over against their me- tropolis of Quebec, and through which river, the French have the shortest passage into the Atlantic Ocean, of any river in North America, must be deemed an ad- vantage to all the eastern colonies in general.
Your Honor will observe, that the Assembly hath desired me to appoint an offi- cer for the chief command of the proposed expedition. It is essential to the service, that such an one should be appointed ; and as it seemed necessary that he should be proposed at the beginning, and this government is the first mover in this expe- dition (as it was likewise in that against Cape Breton, of which also I appointed the commander in chief ) it is hoped, the other colonies
* will have no objection to it.
The gentleman whom I shall nominate for this command, will, I am persuaded, show Your Honor that the only motive which will sway me in this appointment, is a strict regard to llis Majesty's service, and the interest of the common cause, without the least partiality to any one of the governments concerned.
The gentleman I have thought of, upon this important occasion, is Col. William Johnson, of Mount Johnson, in the Mohawk country, whose distinguished charac- ter for the great influence he hath for several years maintained over the Indians of the Six Nations, is the circumstance which determines me in my choice, preferably to any gentleman of my own government, though there are not wanting there, offi- cers of rank and experience, out of whom I could have nominated one.
Your lIonor is sensible that one of the principal things we have in view in this expedition, is to retain such of those castles as are not yet gone over to the French, in the English interest, and to reclaim those which are ; and it would be of un- speakable advantage to us at this conjuncture, if we could engage any of them in the proposed service.
Colonel Johnson raised and commanded a regiment of Indians in the late in- tended expedition against Canada ; and with regard to his power to engage them now, no gentleman can stand in competion with him ; besides, his military qualifi- cations for this particular service, and knowledge of the country and place, against which this expedition is destined, are very conspicuous.
The fort intended to be built in this expedition, is proposed to be so situated as to command Fort St. Frederic, at Crown Point, to be made defensible against the strength which the French can suddenly bring against it from Montreal ; to be erected by the army employed; and as to the support, garrisoning and command of it, that must depend upon Ilis Majesty's pleasure, which will be soon known concerning it.
It must be fresh in Your Honor's memory, that the reduction of the French fort, at Crown Point, was looked upon as a necessary step in the late intended expedi- tion against Canada, and how far advanced the preparations of the colonies con- cerned in that scheme were, till I know not by what fatal disunion of our counsels, a most unhappy stop was put to it.
One remarkable circumstance occurs to me upon this occasion; when the late Sir Peter Warren and myself were endeavoring to engage one Monsieur Vau- dreric, then at Boston, a very intelligent Frenchman, as a pilot to our forces up the river St. Lawrence, in the aforesaid late expedition, he smiled, and told us he
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should not be convinced that the English did in good earnest design an expedition against Canada, from these colonies, until he should hear that Fort St. Frederic was attacked.
But I am persuaded nothing more need be urged, to Your Honor, concerning the great importance of the proposed expedition, except that besides securing our- selves against future depredations of the French, from their fort at Crown Point, in a time of war; we shall wipe off the reproach of the colonies for suffering that dangerous encroachment upon His Majesty's territories, to be at first erected.
I should have mentioned to Your Honor, that the two houses of the Assem- bly in this Province, have bound themselves by oath to secresy, both with respect to the expedition now preparing against the French encroachments in Nova Sco- tia, and that proposed against those at Crown Point ; which I thought proper to observe, that Your Honor may use your discretion in that point, with regard to the Assembly within your own government.
The same union of sentiments, and like spirit with which the four sister colonies of New England acted in the late expeditions against Cape Breton and Canada, will, I hope, prevail in the colonies of all of them at this critical conjuncture ; and induce them to join in the proposed expedition.
Your Honor is sensible that in order to avail ourselves of this favorable opportu- nity for such an enterprise, a speedy determination upon it, and the greater de- spatch in our preparations for it is necessary.
I have commissioned the Honorable Thomas Hutchinson, Esq., to wait on Your Honor, upon this occasion, and to solicit your government to join with my own in this necessary piece of service for the protection of His Majesty's colonies under our care, against the dangerous encroachments of the French, and hope he will succeed in the execution of their commission.
I am, with the greatest regard, sir, Your Honor's most obedient servant,
W. SHIRLEY.
To the Honorable Governor William Greene.
P. S. I thought it might redeem time to send this by the post, in order to put it in Your Honor's power to convene the Assembly in your government as soon as possible, I made use of that opportunity. The commissioner will start from hence on Monday next, the 3d of March.
W. S.
Secretary Robinson to Governor Greene. .
Whitehall, January 23, 1755.
Sir :- The King, being determined that nothing shall be wanting towards the sup- port of his colonies and subjects in North America, has commanded me to signify to you His Majesty's intention to augment the regiments in British pay (viz. : not only Sir Peter Halket's and Col. Dunbar's, but likewise those which are now employed in Nova Scotia), to the number of one thousand men, each ; to which end, you will correspond with Major General Braddock, or the commander of the King's forces for the time being, from whom you will receive directions for the sending such con- tributions of men, as shall be wanting, and to such places where the same shall be quartered, or employed under his command.
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As there is probably a considerable number of persons, as well among the natives of America, as among such foreigners who may be arrived there from different parts, particularly from Germany, who will be capable and willing to bear arms upon this occasion, the King does not doubt but that you will be able by care and diligence, to affect this intended augmentation, and to defray the charge of levying the same from the common fund, to be established for the benefit of all the colonies, collectively, in North America, pursuant to His Majesty's directions, signified to you by my letter of the 26th of October last, for that purpose ; and as an encourage- ment to all such persons, who shall engage in this service, it is the King's intention (which you will assure them, in His Majesty's name) that they shall receive arms and clothing, at the King's expense ; and that they will not only be sent back (if desired.) to their respective habitations, when the serviee in America shall be com_ pleted and ended, but shall be entitled, in every respect, to the same advantages with those troops which may be already raised in consequence of your former order .*
I am, ettc., T. ROBINSON.
To His Excellency, Governor Greene.
Proceedings of the General Assembly, held for the Colony of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, at Providence, the 6th day of March, 1755.
The Hon. William Greene, Governor.
The Hon. John Gardner, Deputy Governor.
An Act for raising four companies in this colony, of one hun- dred men each, officers included, to be employed on a secret expedition, in case other governments shall join and carry on the proposed enterprise.
. Whereas, His Majesty's royal will and pleasure, that a speedy stop should be put to the encroachments made upon his just rights in North America, by the French, hath been re- peated unto this government ; who have always been hereto- fore, and still are desirous of exerting themselves to aid and assist unto the utmost of their ability in every purpose having a tendeney that way ; and inasmuch as there is a scheme pro- posed for the governments of New England, to attempt, in con- junction with other neighboring governments, to remove the
* New York Colonial Documents, Vol. VI. p. 934.
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encroachments which the French have made upon the lands and country of our sovereign, at or near Crown Point; and this it is supposed may be effected by building immediately a strong fort upon the rocky eminence, near the said Crown Point ;-
Be it therefore enacted by this General Assembly, and by the authority thereof it is enacted, that as soon as this govern- ment shall receive advice from His Excellency, Governor Shir- ley, that the other governments of New England have acceded to and concurred in carrying on the above mentioned enter- prise of building such a fort, there be forthwith raised in this colony, at the government's expense, four hundred good and able bodied men, including officers, to be by the Assembly ap- pointed, and commissioned by His Honor, the Governor; which troops, when raised, shall join and act in conjunction with those of the other governments in New England, under the command of the general of the whole army ; subject, nevertheless, to the control of the General Assembly of this colony.
And be it further enacted, that the gentlemen hereafter named, be, and are hereby appointed officers, for enlisting and commanding, according to the rules of military discipline, the aforesaid troops when raised, to wit :
Christopher Harris, colonel.
Edward Cole, captain ; Samuel Nichols, lieutenant; and Joshua Bill, ensign, of the first company.
Robert Sterry, captain ; David Dexter, lieutenant ; and Thomas Burket, ensign, of the second company.
Henry Babcock, captain ; Edward Gray, lieutenant ; and Ichabod Babcock, Jr., ensign, of the third company.
Abraham Francis, captain ; John Wardwell, lieutenant ; and Joseph Potter, of Warwick, ensign, of the fourth company.
And be it further enacted, that the following wages, in old tenor bills of public credit, shall be the pay and allowance per month, of the officers and troops to be raised :
The colonel, £150; every captain, £50; every lieutenant, £36; every ensign, £28.
The sergeants, £20 per month, and £20 bounty, at the time
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of enlisting, if provided with a good firelock ; and no more than £15 without ; that if the arms brought by such officers into service in the army, shall be damnified afterwards, or lost, the same shall be made good by the colony, according to the value thereof.
The drummers, £20 per month ; and £15 bounty, at the time of enlisting ; moreover, every sergeant and drummer shall receive of the government, and have gratis, one good blanket, as a further encouragement, or £8 in lieu thereof, if he furnish himself with one.
Every common soldier £16 per month, and £20 bounty, if furnished with a good firelock ; but no more than £15, with- out ; that if the arms brought by any soldier into the army, shall be damnified afterwards, or lost, the same shall be made good by the colony, according to the value thereof.
And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that no officer or soldier shall be liable to an arrest, or be im- prisoned, or stayed upon any execution, unless the same be for a debt or judgment for £200, old tenor, or upwards; that some one of the committee of war inquire into the truth of any demand upon mesne process, that every person in execu- tion, shall, upon his enlisting, be released ; provided, no one judgment exceeds the above mentioned sum of £200; and in all and every such case, the sheriff shall be indemnified, and the bail acquitted ; nevertheless, if one plaintiff have two or more demands or judgments against one person, the whole shall be deemed and taken to be but one debt.
And for a further encouragement, it is enacted, that all such officers and soldiers shall be exempted from any and every arrest or execution, for the space or term of one whole year after the expedition is ended, unless the same shall arise or accrue upon a new contract, made after the return of such officer or soldier ; or it be for a greater sum than £200, old tenor; and shall not, during said term of one year, be impressed for, or into any further military duty or service.
And be it further enacted, that as soon as His Honor, the Governor, shall receive advice from the Governor of the Massa
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chusetts, that the other governments of New England have ac- ceded to the scheme proposed, and not only taken proper mca- sures, but actually begun to carry the same into execution, he shall forthwith issue a proclamation pursuant and conformable to this act, and give commissions unto all the officers, that they may be authorized and enabled to raise the troops as soon as possible ; and that according to the regulation aforesaid.
And be it further enacted, that the committee of war, for the time being, be authorized, and are hereby fully empowered and directed to purchase or procure four hundred pounds weight of good gun powder, sixteen hundred pounds weight of lead, with a sufficient quantity of flints, and four hundred hatchets ; and also all such provisions, and warlike and other stores, as shall be necessary for the subsistence of the troops ; and to carry on the expedition, and render it effectual ; which ammunition and stores, when purchased or procured, they shall cause to be transported unto Albany, as the most proper place for a general rendezvous ; and as to the provisions, this Assembly give it as their opinion, that as much as will serve two months will be sufficient.
And be it further enacted, that the said committee of war be authorized and are hereby fully empowered to draw out of the general treasury all and every such sum and sums of money as shall be wanting from time to time, for the purpose aforcesaid, together with a sufficiency for paying the bounty, providing tents, and defraying the incident expense of enlist- ing, billeting, and marching the troops, and all other necessary charges, which their support and subsistence may require dur- ing the service.
And that the general treasurer may be speedily supplied with money sufficient for effecting the ends and purposes, aforesaid,-
Be it further enacted, that there be struck off and emitted, upon the credit of this colony, the sum of £60,000, old tenor, if said expedition shall be carried on, and that sum found necessary therefor ; and that the committee to be hereafter ap- pointed for signing said bills, do, upon the first intelligence
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from the Governor of the Massachusetts, that the intended expedition will be carried on, strike off, and sign and lodge in the general treasury, at the colony's expense, one half of the sum aforesaid; and the remainder as occasion shall require ; that the bills be struck off the large plates last used by the colony ; the same being first new dated, with an addition of the words, " Crown Point," upon the back ; and signed by three of the committee to be chosen.
And be it further enacted, that the bills so emitted, shall, pur- suant to act of Parliament, be called in and sunk within the space and term of two years, and that by a tax to be levied upon the government ; that is to say : one half within the space or term of a year ; and the other half, within the space or term of two years, from the time of making this act; which tax shall be made and levied in the same manner as that now to be levied, was assessed upon the inhabitants, but by a new proportion to the towns.
And be it further enacted, that Daniel Updike, Joshua Bab- cock, Jeremiah Lippitt and Benjamin Nichols, Esqs., be, and they are hereby appointed a committee for signing the bills so to be emitted ; and that any three of them shall be sufficient, as to number.
And be it further enacted, that a commissary shall be chos- en and appointed, to attend the troops during the intended ex- pedition ; and have &60 per month, for wages, without any allowance for commissions ; and Mr. Christopher Champlin, Jr., is hereby chosen and appointed to that office.
And be it further enacted, that in case the committee of war shall not be able to procure or purchase a sufficient number of good arms, that His Honor, the Governor, issue a warrant, for impressing as many as shall be found wanting and necessary.
And be it further enacted, that if any or either of the offi- cers now chosen, shall refuse the service, or die before it is over, that the committee of war, or the major part of them, ap- point another or others in the room of him or them, that shall so die or refuse.
And be it further enacted, that every person who shall lose
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a limb, or be otherwise disabled in the service, during this in- tended expedition, so as to be rendered incapable of procuring himself a livelihood, he shall be allowed and have a pension of £50 a year, during life, out of the general treasury.
And furthermore, this Assembly choose and appoint the same gentlemen as were chosen and appointed last month, to be the committee of war ; and they are hereby vested with all and every the power and authority granted them at that time ; with this addition, that any two shall make a quorum.
And lastly, it is enacted, that the act made and passed by this Assembly, at their session in January last, for raising one hundred men ; and another act made and passed at their ses- sion, last month, for making an addition of thirteen men more unto that hundred, be both, and each of them, is hereby re- pealed.
This Assembly do vote and resolve, and it is voted and re- solved, that Jer. Lippitt, Peter Bours, Dan'l Jenckes and Joshua Babcock, Esq., be, and they are hereby constituted a commit- tee, to prepare a bill, to restrain the sending provisions or war- like stores to Cape Breton or any other French port, or settlement upon the continent of North America, or islands near or adjacent thereunto ; and another, for the taking up and securing all the subjects of the French king, that shall be found within this colo- ny ; or any other person or persons, that shall be suspected of carrying or conveying, or of intending to carry or convey any intelligence from this colony, unto the French, of any proceed- ings of the English, in respect to the controversy now subsist- ing between the two nations.
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