War Office 31st May 1776

Sir,

I am to signify to you His Majesty's Pleasure that you do report to this Office, and likewise to Lieut. Colonel Ainslie at Portsmouth, the State of the Detachment of the dismounted Men of the 17th Regiment of Light Dragoons under your Command, and that you cause the said Detach— m[en]t to march from their present Quarters, when you shall receive, directions from the said Lieut. Colonel Ainslie, by the shortest and most convenient Route and in such Divisions, as he shall think proper to Portsmouth, in order to their embarking on board the Transport destined to carry them to No. America.

Enclosed I send you an Order for that purpose .

I am Sir &c

   Barrington

Capt. Needham,

Or Officer Commanding the

dismounted Men of the 17th

Reg[imen]t [of] Light Dragoons

ChiChester

 

Source: P.P.O., W.0.4/97, #275.  Microfilm Collection of the David Library of the American Revolution.  Transcribed by Gilbert Riddle.