Since I wrote to you by my son, I Have received his Majestys orders by Mr Secretary Pitts Letter of [t]he 9th of December, which came to hand only the 9th at Night; and finding by it that there may be an attempt to the westward [a]gainst Mobile or Misssippi where Troops from hence may be of Service as a [fu]ll Campaign may answer to the Southward. I shall after meeting the Council [o]n friday the 13th, Issue a Proclamation for the Assemblys meeting at the most Central [p]lace in the Shortest time, which I shall forward by Expresses, and Shall with the [g]reatest zeal press the Assembly to Exert their utmost force at this Critical [j]uncture; and hope by the time we Meet we shall Know who commands in [t]he Southern District, and the Plan of operations whether any to the Southward [fu]ture we can be of Service, and where we shall be supplied with Arms Tents &c—[n]ot having 200 to Spare in the Province.

This I Inclose to my Son to deliver to yr. Excellency by a Sloop [w]hich Sails from hence this day for New York—I wish you and hope for great [s]uccess to your Operations by the divine Assistance and am with great Regard