Present

His Excellency The Governor The Honorable Jonathan Belcher, Richard Bulkeley, Henry Newton, John Butler, James Burrow, Counsellors

The Governor laid before The Council a letter from Mr [Joseph] Winniett & Mr [Thomas] Williams Magistrates at Annapolis [Royal] giving account of a Sloop belonging to the Pirates of Machias, having landed a number of Men at St John's River where they burnt the Fort & Barracks & took a Brig of 120 Tons loaded with Sheep, Oxen &ca for the King's Forces at Boston, which Brig they took away threatning an attack on Annapolis & therefore requesting that The Governor wou'd take such Measures as may be necessary for their security. And        Sempill one of the Owners of the Brigantine & David Ross one of the Navigators, both of whom had been on board the Vessell when she was taken having been examin'd & having Asserted & corroborated the relation of the facts set forth in the foregoing letter; It was,

Resolv'd, that application be made to Capn [Edward] Le Cras Commander of His Majesty's Ships in this Harbour that he wou'd Order His Majesty's Ship Tartar to proceed as soon as may be to Annapolis & there give such Countenance & Protection to that place as may be consistent with his Orders. And further it was

Resolved that application be made to The Admiral requesting that for the safety of the Province he wou'd Order two Sloops of War to be kept Cruizing in the Bay of Fundy.

And it was further thought proper that the following Proclamation be publish'd Vizt

By His Excellency Francis Legge Esqr Captain General & Governor in Chief in & over His Majesty's Province of Nova Scotia & it's dependencies Vice Admiral of the same &c &c &c

A Proclamation

Whereas by certain and positive accounts; it appears that a descent has been made on St John's River by Rebells from Machias who have seized & carried away a Vessell laden with Cattle & committed other Hostilities there; & whereas other parts of this Province are threatned with the same depredations ー I have therefore thought fit with the Advice of His Majesty's Council to publish this Proclamation hereby declaring that from the date hereof the Militia of this Province will be deem'd subject to & be Govern'd by an Act of this Province entitled "an Act for the better regulating the Militia on actual Service in the time of War." Of which all Persons concern'd are to take due Notice. Given &c &c &c