Sir [Secretary Pitt]

I Had not the Honr of yrs of the 9th of December before the 9th Instant, wherein you communicate his Majesty's Resolution of prosecuting the War in America with the greatest vigour, and his orders to this and all the other Colonies to exert their whole Force upon this critical Emergency.

I have immediately upon it summon'd the Council to meet me at Wilmington on friday next the 13th, to consider of the shortest Day and most convinient place to Convene the Assembly to lose no time, which I shall do by Expresses.—I am greatly concerned that the orders were so long in coming, But I shall with the utmost Zeal press the Assembly to exert their utmost Force; They cant possibly assemble before the beginning of May and it will take time to raise and compleat any additional Troops which can be of no service Northward where the Campaign must be early.—But as Fort Du Quesne is ours a small force from the adjoining Provinces may take the detached Forts upon the Lakes—But if any attack is made at Mobile on the Mississippi from Georgia we may have them ready to join the South Carolinians where a late Campaign will answer to the Southward.

We have not any arms for our Troops there are not 200 left but what have been left by deserters or have been distributed to arm the Militia on the Sea Coast and northwestern Frontier.

I pray God to grant success to the vigourous measures you have inspired, and depend upon the Divine Assistance in support of the Protestant Christian Church and cause of Liberty; which I am enthusiast enough to believe will in this and next year be made manifest by a glorious peace and the Papist Interest and Hierarchy will be greatly depressed.

I wish you all happiness in your Administration and am with great Respect