No 25.
My Lord; On the 7. by express from the Commanding Officer on St John River the Rebels have appeared on the opposite side of some force, our Planters are greatly alarmed, but I hope the Indians I have sent along the West side of that River will soon compell them to move out of this Province.
The Sloop Captain Mowbray which I was obliged to take through necessity into His Majesty's Service will be of the greatest use in that River, I have also employed a scout Boat with swivels, and have directed that as many as are necessary to perform the service of scouts on the River be employed.
Give me leave to inform your Lordship, the expence of these services not only distress me, but shock me, the expence of employing Rangers is terrible, repairing and puting in order the Fort comes high, I hardly know which way to turn.
I have desired the Commanding Officer to apply to the General to discharge the expences of repairing the Lines by the Kings Troops, and for their allowance of Rum when on that duty, these charges will amount to a considerable Sum, but they are nevertheless absolutely necessary in our present situation
I have done every thing with the greatest frugality and Oeconomy, yet in these times I am startled at the expence.
It is confidently reported that a rebel General of note, with a considerable body of troops arrived at Savannah about a month ago.
The distresses of our frontier Inhabitants are great, they affect me very deeply, I endeavour to lessen them, as much as I can, but, it is not possible in our Situation to remove them.
That your Lordship may know the state of His Majestys Troops, I have the honour to enclose a return.
We are now actually threatened with an invasion. By all accounts from His Majesty's loyal Subjects preparations are making in Carolina and Georgia to besiege this Garrison. Part are to come by the inland water passage, with the Row Gallies, the Men the rebel General [Charles] Lee brought from the North, joined to what can be raised in those two Provinces. Lee has been as far South as Sunbury. I am informed the rebel Generals [John] Armstrong and How [Robert Howe] are to conduct this expedition. Lee I believe is either gone to the North, or is going there. We hear great boastings from Georgia, of what great things they are to do. If they come they may possibly ruin our Plantations. In former letters I have acquainted your Lordship of my suspicions of a part of the Inhabitants of this Province. But, my Lord, If the Plans I have set on foot, to bring the Indians to our assistance take place on this occasion, of whch I have not the least doubt, your Lordship, I flatter myself will hear in the end a good account froin me, of this vaunted expedition.
I have had the honour to convey to Lord Howe, and the General, an account of these matters. I have the honour to be with the greatest respect, My Lord, Your Lordships [&c.]
St Augustine 9 Septemr 76
[Endorsed] St Augustine, 9th Sepr 1776. Governor Tonyn (No 25)
R/ 19th Decemr (1 Inclosure)
