(seq. 10)

I flatter myself with hopes that you will have anticipated the wishes of the
Council, that the Fort is now in the Hands of their Officers nevertheless I have
it in charge to signify their commands that if it shall be necessary You immediately
attempt to surmount every difficulty by the united effort of your whole Regiment,
& You at their Heads together with such assistance as our Friends & associates in
that neighborhood may think proper to lend upon this momentous affair.
The Council entertain hopes that {Captain} Whitefield will associate in the Interest
of America, in such case he will correspond with the Council, by transmitting
to them a return of all the Stores at the time of his surrending to their officer
which must be countersigned by that officer or yourself if you shall find it
necessary to go there.

The earnestness of the Council upon this important service impels
re in conclusion of the subject again to repeat, it is their order, you take possession
of the Fort and Stores without delay & also that without delay you transmit a
return of your proceedings including a complete Inventory.

I must also on this occasion particularly refer you to the Councils
ders which I delivered you Yesterday for directions in case of opposition by any
rson either openly or otherwise were presumptive evidence is strong.

And this moment when I cannot receive the Instruction of the Council &
when I dare not delay the messenger, it occurs to me that {Captain} Whitfield
however chearfully he may shew an inclination to serve the Colony by
resignation, may not be content with a sub command (if he is a man of
spirit he will not) in such case I recommend that you advise him to come
Charles Town & apply to the Council which I add from a Zeal for the Public
rvices as well (as) from a feeling for a Gentleman, in the circumstances which
will be reduced to therefore if he follows my advice & does not suceed in This
plication to the Council, I shall hold myself answerable to reimburse if he
res it / the expence of his extra journey in consequence of my recommendation.

[loss at edge of page] in Council, by orders

[loss at edge of page] the Letter which comes
inclosed

I have the Honour to be president to the
Council & Sir
Your most {obedient} {Servant}

Henry Lawrens