WHEREAS I have this Day received Information from the Right Honourable the Lords of His Majesty's Privy Council, bearing Date the 20th Day of April last past, That the French were making Preparations by Shipping, and otherwise, for an Attempt on some of His Majesties Plantations in America, and have put on board a considerable Quanity of Arms for that purpose. And whereas the said Right Honourable the Lords of His Majesties Privy Council have directed me, That all His Majesties Loving Subjects within this Province be put in a Readiness and Posture of Defence, and have given Assurance That all speedy Care shall be taken to send Shipping, and other Force to our Relief and Succour. These are therefore to Require all Officers, Civil and Military, and all Persons within this Province to be vigilant and careful in having their Arms well fited, and being well furnished with Ammunition, &c. And if any Person or Persons whatsoever shall discover any Number of Ships or other Vessels upon this Coast, upwards of Three at one Time they are hereby Required to bring the Intelligence thereof forth [...] to New-York to Me, or in my Absence to some of His Majesties Council for this Province, [...] will answer the contrary [...]t their highest Peril.

God Save the KING