222 Assembly Proceedings, Sept. 28-Dec. 16, 1757.

L.H.J.
Liber No. 49

Oct. 7

being of the greatest consequence that the Squadron under my
command in these Seas should be kept in a proper condition in Regard
to being manned so as always to enable them to Meet the Enemy
(who are very strong at present here) I must pray your Assistance
in procuring men for the Ships which are very deficient occasioned
by sickness, and if not Compleated may be of the greatest Prejudice
to the whole Nation. I shall not doubt of your Assistance in this
as I have his Majesty's Directions for applying to you, and if men
can be supplied for the Fleet without impressing, you may be assured
the Vessels of your Government shall pass unmolested, only in case
any Vessel is found carrying off Seamen belonging to the Men of
War or Transports Clandestinely (as I my self know they have
frequently done) the consequences will be greatly to their prejudice
and they must Submit to what will follow. I must pray your en-
forcing this in the strongest manner and am

Sir Your most Obedient Hum.^ble Serv.^t

The Deputy Governor
of His Majesty's Province - Fra : Holburne
of Maryland ...........

Copv Whitehall 10.^th February 1757 -^ J f tj f

p. 27

Sir
Having in my Letter of the 4.^th Instant informed you that it was
the King's intention to send a strong Squadron of Ships of War to
North America, I am now to acquaint you that his Majesty has
been pleased to appoint Rear Admiral Holburne to command the
said Squadron and it is the King's pleasure that in case any Naval
Assistance shall be wanted for the Protection of your Government
you should apply for the same to the said Rear Admiral or to the
Commander in Chief for the time being of his Majesty's Ships in
those Seas who will send you such Assistance as he may be able
to do consistently with the Service with which he is charged by
His Majesty's Instructions and you will regularly communicate to
the said Commander all such Intelligence as shall come to your
knowledge concerning the Arrival of any Ships of War or Vessels
having Warlike Stores on Board and likewise all such Advices as
may concern their Motions and Destination or may in any manner
relate to that part of his Majesty's Service with which the Com-
mander of the King's Ships should be acquainted, and for the
better execution of the Orders sent you in this Letter you will be
diligent in employing proper Persons and Vessels not only to procure
you the earliest intelligence but likewise to be dispatched from
time to time to the said Commander of his Majesty's Ships with
such Accounts as you shall have occasion to communicate to him.
It is also his Majesty's further pleasure that you should use all
legal methods whenever the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's