Sir, [Governor Dobbs]

I had the favour of yours of Decr 24th a few days ago.

I am sorry to find your Assembly have now in the middle of the War reduced their forces without waiting to see what occasion there wou'd be for them the ensuing Campaign, besides I think it was impolitick for themselves at present, in regard to the £50,000 the Crown has obtained from Parliament to be given to the two Carolinas and Virginia, for althō I have as yet no orders on that subject from the Ministers, I see by the publick Accounts that it is to be given according to the Services that have or shall be done by each respective Province, of which whoever has the Division of it must be a Judge, and will be complained of by the other Provinces if he divides it by any other Rule than that prescribed to him.

Notwithstanding the saving Measure of your Assembly, I can have no doubt that with your Influence, they will readily comply with what I am to ask of you now, as it's so material for the King's Service, and cannot be supplied in any other Shape but by you, and at the same time will be of material Service to yourselves, which is this,

As I have found it necessary to endeavour to engage a body of the Cherokee Indians to march to the Northward to assist in carrying on the War against the Enemy, and as they must march through your Province, I must desire that you will endeavour to get your Assembly to make Provision for supplying them wth Victuals as they pass thrō it, by driving live Cattle to the places thrō which they must pass, or what other Species of Provisions the Season can supply.

I expect they will march through your Province about the middle of April at farthest, and that their Numbers will be between 500 and 1000 Men.

I need not use Arguments with you to enforce this Measure, as from your Knowledge of the Country you will see the Necessity of it, and the usefulness of the Measure of engaging the Indians in the War against the French.