GENTLEMEN —

His Majesty haveing been frequently informed of the regard which severall of the colonies concerned have had, to the Quota appointed by her late Majestie of blessed memory, in the year 1694, to be observed dureing this warr, for the defence of the frontiers of the territories of the province of New York, in the following proportions, viz : —

Connecticutt 120
Rhoad Island and Providence 48
Massachusets 350
Maryland 160
Virginia 240
New York 200
Pensilvania 80
And any part of the Militia of
East and West Newjerseys not exceeding 700
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1898

And his Majesty being at the same time sensible of the necessity of that contribution, either in men or money for the general security of his colonys on the continent of America; hath commanded us to signifie unto all those above named, that it is his pleasure they should each of them contribute and pay their respective proportions to the Government of New York, according to her late Majesties foresaid regulation. We therefore recommend it to your care, that in relation of the colony of Connecticutt, his Majesties pleasure therein be for the future punctually observed and executed.

His Majesty haveing also been informed by complaints from severall hands, of the undue methods practised in some of his colonies for seducing the inhabitants from others, and being sensible how much that practice is contrary to the common interest of the whole, hath commanded us to write unto the severall Governours or Government of each colony, that they take care that effectuall laws be made in each of their respective Governments against the receiving and harbouring not only of deserters, but also of such fugitives as leave any of his plantations contrary to the laws provided for the purpose in each plantation respectively; which therefore we also now accordingly recommend to your observation.

And whereas his Majestie hath also received complaints, that the entertainment given the pyrates in some of his colonies, and more particularly those under distinct proprieties, had occasioned ill minded persons, seamen and others, to desert their habitations and apply themselves to such wicked and destructive courses, to the great weakening and dispeopleing of the colonies so abandoned by them, and to the great dishonnour of the English nation, whereupon he hath also required us to write to the severall proprietors and Governours of all his plantations, that due care be taken for the future, that no pyrates or sea robbers be any where sheltered or entertained, under the severest penalties, we are obliged therefore to require your strict care, as we do others, that all manner of discouragement be given in the colony of Connecticut, both to the rise and progress of such undertakings, and that upon the discovery thereof the offenders be punished according to the utmost severity of the law--We are your very affectionate friends.

J. BRIDGEWATER,

PH. MEADOWS,

JOHN POLLEXFEN,

JOHN LOCKE,

ABR. HILL.

For his Majesties especial service. To the Honnourable the Governour and Company of his Majesties Colony of Connecticutt, in America.