[FRENCH AND INDIAN WAR]. CHRISTIE, W. Captain, British Army. Autograph letter signed to Governor Thomas Pownall, Albany, 4 August 1757. 2½ pages, 4to. THE FRENCH ATTACK FORT WILLIAM HENRY. A vivid letter in which Captain Christie of the 48th Regiment describes military operations on the New York frontier and quotes General Webb's description of the attack on Fort William Henry. Christie describes the growing intensity of military activity on the frontier: "On Sunday last by Express from General Webb, he apprehended the design of the Enemy, against Fort William Henry, Accordingly wrote and I sent...Expresses everywhere, to raise the Militia." Responses, he notes, were mixed: "But the Militia here about...have been very Delatory, but they are now beginning to come in." He reports that Webb, at Fort Edward, has sent several messages demanding men, he quotes the most recent, describing how the fort had been surrounded by "a large Body of Indians and Canadians" joined by "Troops and Artillery." A Canadian prisoner, stated that the enemy force consisted of "Eleven thousand Men with Thirty Six Pieces of Cannon, and five Morters [sic], at least." Webb is desperate for aid: "All Communication is Cutt off at Present...We are in no situation to assist them, not having fifteen hundred Men" and reinforcements must be sent as "the fate of this Colony depends on it." -- SHIRLEY, John. son of General William Shirley (1694-1771). Autograph letter signed to Robert Hunter, Boston, 29 May 1755. 2 pages, 4to. PREPARATIONS FOR WAR. John Shirley, attached to his father's military command, describes British preparations for campaigns against the French in New England: "The Nova Scotia Troops sail'd not 'till four days after our Return hither...my father seems to think that if he had not been absent they would have gone w[i]th such Arms as might have been had here 3 Weeks before they did: Rous, Shirley & Proby in 20 Gun Ships sail'd as their Convoy...the French at Louisbourg had but one thirty six Gun ship there a month ago &...were almost starving for want of Provisions." Shirley describes preparations for the expedition against Crown Point: "Our Regiment will begin to move in Companies from hence to Providence...& they are to proceed directly to Albany..." He notes that master craftsmen are preparing ships for their transport. Shirley writes that "my father takes up every Moment of [my time] ...& I imagine, if I was not his son, as he is now a Major General, he would declare me his Aid de Camp." Shirley, in fact, later died during his father's unsuccessful attempt to take Fort Niagara. Together two items. (2)