[Extract]

Sir, I think it proper to represent to your Excellency in Council that the present State of the Colonies in open Rebellion and their late Attack on Canada makes it a probable Conjecture that some attempt may be made on this Colony not only to gain over all. the Southern Indians to their Interest to effect which it will no doubt be thought Necessary to prevent any Person in this Colony Supplying them with Amunition and Goods the only place they can now with Safety be sent from ー Besides there are other Capital Reasons that might be Assigned was it Necessary ー I am of Opinion the small Number of Troops in this Province ought to be kept together in a Body either at this Place and the Harbours Mouth or at Mobileー

I humbly Submit to your Excellency in Council Whether it be more for the Benefit of His Majesty's Service That the Fort at Mobile be Repaired and put into a proper State of Defence ahd Troops sent there with Guns, Amunition &c to oppose any Attack from the Northern Colonies or Whether the Detachment at Mobile be Withdrawnー

Pensacola February 26th 1776

Alexander Dickson Major & Commanding The Troops in West Florida

To His Excellency Peter Chester Esqr

Captain General Governor and Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Province of West Florida.
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