Circular
Sir. As by Advice of Council it had been judg'd necessary to form a body of Troops for the defence of this Province, and particularly His Majesty's Naval Yard, & the Town of Halifax, which was threatned, and a number of Vessels fitted out by the Americans (now in Arms against his Majesty & Government) for its Destruction, The small number of Troops at the time in Garrison here, seem'd to require such a measure as necessary for its defence, but since so large an addition of his Majesty's Troops and Ships of War have arrivd here, as to put this place in safety, and it having been represented to me, that many untrue Suggestions have been entertain'd; That the Militia was design'd to be called together, In order to make Soldiers of them, & send them on Commands out of the Country. You may assure all the Officers & Soldiers under you Command, that no such measure was ever propos'd, or intended, or that the Militia should ever be put on any other duty, than merely for the defence of the Province, under their own proper Officers, in such parts of the Province, where necessity should require their attendance for the defence of themselves in Case of an Invasion.
And having confidence in the Loyalty to his Majesty & Government, & their Readiness to take up Arms in defence thereof and of themselves, and their property, you may inform them, that in no other Case, they woud be call'd upon; but that I shall be ready at all times to contribute all in my power for their defence and Security.
That being sufficiently appriz'd of their inability to defend themselves, or to contribute to the expences of maintaining a body of Troops (both which I fail'd not timely to represent to his Majesty). You may inform them that his Majesty has been pleas'd to empower me to raise a Regiment, purely for the defence of this Province, and to support and Maintain them on British pay, which I hope will enable me as soon as Compleated to afford Protection to them and their Families, from any Annoyance or evil designs of their Enemies.
That I have a Sollicitous Care to procure them Peace and Safety, and every Temporal Blessing ー all which I desire you will faithfully represent to them. I am Sir [&c.]
