Robert Charles to Pennsylvania Assembly Committee of Correspondence, February 16, 1756

[Golden Square, February 16, 1756]

The Earl of Loudon, 6 a Nobleman of amiable Qualifications, and of great Character as an Officer, is appointed to command in Chief in America: I hope, under his Lordship’s Direction, Matters will be put on a proper Footing for the Security of the Colonies; and your Province cannot do any thing more acceptable here, or pursue a wiser Measure for its own Interest, than by strengthening his Lordship’s Hands in carrying on the Service of the Crown.

The Parliament have likewise voted a Sum for raising an American Regiment of 4000 Men; and as it is proposed to get foreign Protestants from the great Numbers of Germans who are amongst you, to enlist and mix in this Corps, a Proposal has been made for the Employment of some foreign Officers; two Schemes on this Subject have been communicated to the Agents for North-America, whereof, and of my Observations thereon, I herewith send Copies. 7 The Ministry are determined to carry this Measure into Execution, and for this End a Bill is now before Parliament, to enable His Majesty to grant Commissions to the foreign Officers who shall be employed in this Regiment; to which, considering the present Situation of Affairs in America, and the exposed State of your Colony, and some of the Southern Ones, I did not think it prudent to give any farther Opposition.