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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Decree by George II, King of Great Britain concerning the rank of military officers serving in North America
George II, King of Great Britain, 1683-1760
November 21, 1754
Volume 05, Page 152

-------------------- page 152 --------------------
[B. P. R. O. Am: & W. Ind: Vol. 74.]
George R.

Whereas some doubts have arisen with regard to the Rank and Command, which Officers and Troops raised by the Governors of our Provinces in North America, should have, when joined, or serving together with Our Independent Companies of Foot, doing Duty in Our said Provinces. In order to fix the same, and to prevent for the future all Disputes on that Account, We are hereby pleased to declare, that it is Our Will & Pleasure that all Troops serving by Commission signed by Us, or by Our General commanding in chief in North America, shall take Rank before all Troops, which may serve by Commission from any of the Governors, Lieutenant or Deputy Governors, or President, for the time being, of Our Provinces in North America: And it is Our farther Pleasure that the General and field Officers of the Provincial Troops, shall have no Rank with the General and Field Officers, who serve by Commission from Us; But that all Captains, and other inferior Officers of Our Forces, who are, or may be employed, in North America, are on all Detachments, Courts Martial, or other Duty, wherein they may be joined with officers, serving by Commission from the Governors, Lieutenant or Deputy Governors, or President for the time being of the said Provinces, to command & take Post of the said provincial Officers of the like Rank, tho' the Commissions of the said Provincial officers of the like Rank, should be of elder Date.

Given at Our Court of St James's this 21st Day of November 1754, in the Twenty Eighth Year of Our Reign.

By His Majesty's Command
T: ROBINSON.