The Journal of the Commons House of Assembly

756 COMMONS JOURNAL, AUGUST 13, 1760–AUGUST 20, 1760however, that, upon my application a little time before, he had ordered MajorHamilton with 400 Batallion-Men of the Royal Scots to encamp at Congrees,for the better covering our Back-Settlers; and the Remainder of the Detachmentembarked last Monday.Altho’ the planning the Operations of War is the Business of the executiveBranch of the Government, yet, as the communicating to the Public suchas do not require secresy in their execution can do no prejudice to the Service,and may give Satisfaction to the People, I shall inform you of the MeasuresI have taken to cover the Back-Settlements. I have stationed one Troopof Rangers about 12 Miles above Major Hamilton’s Corps to patrol in an extentof about 40 Miles North-East & South-West. I have formed a Line fromthe Catawba to Savanna River, by stationing two Troops from Catawba toBroad River; two from Broad River to Ninety Six, and two from Ninety Sixto Savanna and Fort Moore; who are to visit and assist the Forts and Plantationslying within their respective Districts. I have placed 50 Men in FortNinety Six, and a Lieutenant and 25 Men to cover the Settlers near theCatawbas. The Remainder of the new Provincials, I shall post a little abovethe Congrees to serve as a ready Escort to keep open the Communicationto Ninety Six. To encourage the People in the Forts already built, and othersto return to their Plantations, I have distributed Ammunition andcloathing to them, and to two of the Forts I have sent 8 Swivel Guns. TheseMeasures I hope will suffice to prevent abandoning the Forts, and cover usfrom frequent Incursions, until the perseverance of hostilities in the Enemy,proper Seasons for acting, the compleating our own Troops and concertingevery thing with our Neighbours, shall call upon us to exert with the greatestenergy and propriety our Utmost Vigour in an offensive War.In order to render the Troops already on our Establishment of moreService, I wish you would make some Provision for a Major over the Rangers,whose inspection would keep them more alert in their duty; and that youwou’d provide some Pay for an Adjutant to the three hundred OldProvincials, which, tho’ of small Expence, would be of great Advantage tothe ready and regular performance of their Duty.August 13th 1760.William Bull.And then the Messenger withdrew.And Mr. Speaker read the Message to the House.Then the House (according to Order) read the “Bill granting to HisMajesty an Aid of ______ &c.” a Second time.And the Question being put that the blank, for the Sum to be grantedby the Bill be filled up with £150,000.