The following reproduction of the gov ernor's speech to the general assembly of his majesty's colony of New York is of interest. It is for the first time reproduced from the only known copy, in possession of the New York Historical Society, and bears upon this period of martial activity, giving an idea of the style of appeal from king to colonists.
Gentlemen: His Majesty having been called upon, by repeated Provocations, to declare War against Spain, and being determined, by God's Assistance in so just a Cause to Vindicate the Honor of His Imperial Crown, to Revenge the Injuries done to His Subjects, to Assert their undoubted Rights of Navigation, and by all possible Means, to Attack, Annoy, and Distress a Nation that has treated His People with such Insolence and Barbarity, has given Orders for the Equipping and setting forth an Expedition against the Territories of the Catholic King in the West-Indies, which will consist of a large Squadron of Ships of War, and of a considerable Body of Land Forces, with a suitable Train of Artillery, Store-ships, and all Things requisite: and has likewise given Orders to raise the Body of Troops in His Majesty's Colonies on the Continent of North America, to join those to be sent from England, at a particular Rendezvous. I have, in Obedience to His Majesty's Com mands, taken the best Measures in my power, to invite and encourage in His Majesty's faithful Subjects in this Province, chearfully to enlist in His Majesty's Service for this Expedition: But it is in your Power to do much more, by giving a Bounty to every Man who enlists in this Service. And I am perswaded it will be such as will spew the World, that you will not be behind the most Zealous of His Majesty's Subjects, in promoting this Glorious Enterprise. Now,
although by the Success of this Expedition, the Commerce and Navigation of this Province, to and from the West Indies, will not only be secured, but greatly increased by the large Possessions which, by the blessing of God on His Majesty's Arms, will fall into his Majesty's hands; And although by such acquisitions a Door will be opened for a larger Consumption of Provisions (the Staple of this Province) whereby the Farmer, as well as the Merchant, may be greatly enriched. Yet, it is but little that His Majesty expects from his Dutiful and Loyal Subjects of this Province, towards the Expense of this Expedition. And I am com manded by His Majesty, to Recommend it to you, in His Name, as I do most earnestly, That you provide Victuals, Transports, and all other Necessanea for the Troops to be raised in this Province, except Cloathes, Tents, Arms, Ammunition and Pay till their arrival at the general Rendezvous in the West-Indies from which Time the Said Transports are to enter into His Majesty s Pay. In the doing whereof. I hope you will loose no Time, that the Expedition may not be retarded His Majesty's Expectations are so just and reasonable, and the Prospect of Advantage to the Province so clear, that I perswade myself, you will cheerfully and immediately provide for the Expence of what is recommended to you. These Things being Matter of the highest Importance, I will not now take off your Attention, by anything else to your Consideration, hoping you will give this Business the utmost Dispatch, wherein you will, in a very particular manner, Recommend yourselves and your Country to His Majesty, Whom God long Preserve.