![PITT, William, The Elder (1708-1778). Letter signed ("W Pitt") as Prime Minister, to Governor Thomas Fitch of Connecticut, Whitehall [London], 17 December 1760. 4½ pages, 2o (320 x 215 mm), marked "Triplicate," one fold reinforced from verso, otherwise in very fine condition.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/NYR/2005_NYR_01614_0055_000(102404).jpg?w=1)
细节
PITT, William, The Elder (1708-1778). Letter signed ("W Pitt") as Prime Minister, to Governor Thomas Fitch of Connecticut, Whitehall [London], 17 December 1760. 4½ pages, 2o (320 x 215 mm), marked "Triplicate," one fold reinforced from verso , otherwise in very fine condition.
PITT REQUISITIONS COLONIAL MILITIA FOR SERVICE AGAINST THE FRENCH. An important and lengthy letter, written four years after the start of the French and Indian War. After a series of disastrous defeats, Pitt orchestrated an escalation of Britain's military effort, calling on the colonies to furnish troops for service in the conflict. Here, Pitt forcefully argues that in order to achieve victory "by the most vigorous Prosecution of the War" and "to provide for the full and entire Security of His Majesty's Dominions in North America, and particularly...during the Absence of such Part of the Regular Forces," the governor is directed to recruit militia...to march to such Place or Places in North America, as His Majesty's Commander in Chief there shall appoint." The governor is authorized to commission as many officers as necessary and is assured that the King will "furnish all the Men so raised as above, with Arms, Ammunition and Tents, as well as to order Provisions to be issued to the Same, by His Majesty's Commissaries in the same Proportion & Manner as is done to the rest of the King's Forces." In payment for their military services, Pitt claims that "strong Recommendations will be made to Parliament...to grant a proper Compensation for such Expences..."
Pitt's efforts--and the appointment of better field commanders--eventually brought victory to Britain, but the huge expenditures that were required led to the levying of new taxes on the American colonies, provoking protest and in the end, armed conflict. In this context, see lot 57).
PITT REQUISITIONS COLONIAL MILITIA FOR SERVICE AGAINST THE FRENCH. An important and lengthy letter, written four years after the start of the French and Indian War. After a series of disastrous defeats, Pitt orchestrated an escalation of Britain's military effort, calling on the colonies to furnish troops for service in the conflict. Here, Pitt forcefully argues that in order to achieve victory "by the most vigorous Prosecution of the War" and "to provide for the full and entire Security of His Majesty's Dominions in North America, and particularly...during the Absence of such Part of the Regular Forces," the governor is directed to recruit militia...to march to such Place or Places in North America, as His Majesty's Commander in Chief there shall appoint." The governor is authorized to commission as many officers as necessary and is assured that the King will "furnish all the Men so raised as above, with Arms, Ammunition and Tents, as well as to order Provisions to be issued to the Same, by His Majesty's Commissaries in the same Proportion & Manner as is done to the rest of the King's Forces." In payment for their military services, Pitt claims that "strong Recommendations will be made to Parliament...to grant a proper Compensation for such Expences..."
Pitt's efforts--and the appointment of better field commanders--eventually brought victory to Britain, but the huge expenditures that were required led to the levying of new taxes on the American colonies, provoking protest and in the end, armed conflict. In this context, see lot 57).