676 | From Thomas Gage

    New York Sept 12th 1768

    Sir,

    I send you my publick letter1 by Express as you desired in your’s by Capt Shireff,2 who returned here with great Expedition. And doubt not that it will come to your Hands in due time. The officer Commanding the Troops, ordered into your Government, is informed that he is sent thither to strengthen the Hands of Government in the Province of Massachusett’s Bay, enforce a due obedience to the Laws, and protect and support the Civil Magistrates and the officers of the Crown, in the Execution of their Duty. And is directed to give every legal assistance to the Civil Magistrate in the Reservation of the publick Peace, and to the Officers of the Revenue in the Execution of the Laws of Trade and Revenue.

    The use that shall be made of the Troops to effect there Purpose I am to leave to the Direction and Management of the Civil Power and am with great Regard,

    Sir, Your most obedient humble Servant

    Thos Gage

    I send some Letters for Lt Colo Dalrymple, which I beg the dower of you to deliver him on his arrival.

    His Excy Govr Bernard

    ALS, RC     BP, 11: 297-300.

    Endorsed: Genl Gage. Sep 12 1768. There is a variant in MiU-C: Gage, vol. 80. Enclosed No. 675, which FB had requested Gage send him in order to expedite preparations for the arrival of the British regiments. FB presented No. 675 to the Council on 19 Sept. (CO 5/827, ff 59-60) and replied to Gage with No. 680.