War Office 14th February 1775

Sir

I am to signify to you, it is His Majestv’s Pleasure that You do make a Draft of Twenty Seven private Men from the King's Regiment of Liqht Draoooris under your Command.

These drafts are intended to augment Major General Prestons Regiment of Liqht Dragoons, ordered from Ireland for North America, and must be sound and able bodied Men, and of a proper Size. And it is His Majesty's Intention that you should be answerable for their being in every Respect fit for Service.

They are to leave their present Cloathing [sic], Arms, Accoutrements, and Horse Furniture., and to march dismounted under the care of a Lieutenant and Sergeant accordinq to the enclosed Route to Steveraqe, where they will remain till further Orders. They are to disembark near London about the end of this month, in order to their joining Major General Preston’s Regiment in Ireland.

Before the Drafts leave their present Quarters, You will be pleased to make of them a Corporal, who is to be so continued in the 17^th Regiment.

They are to be subsisted and cleared bv your Regiment up to the day of their Embarking from Ireland. New Cloathing, Arms, Accoutrements, and Horse Furniture will be provided here. and the Men will receive them upon their Embarkation.

I am to add that Your Regiment will be indemnified for the Men thus drafted at the Rate of L [Pounds] 5 for each Man, Debts included, and that I shall send you the proper warrant for vouching the above Draft as soon as it can be signed by the King.

I have the Honour to be

My Lord, & c. Barrinqton

Lieutenant General Elliot

Officer Commanding the 15th (or King’s)

Reqiment of Liqht Dragoons

Lincoln

[Source: David Library, Microfilm of P.R.O. W.O. 4/93]

[As transcribed by Gilbert V. Riddle]