The ten Regiments of Marines, by order of the Secretary at War, were directed to recruit with expedition, and in order to render them speedily effective, a number of impressed men were allotted to each. This expedient was also adopted with regard to many Regiments of Infantry.
In the Bill for the more easily recruiting his Majesty's Land Forces and Marines, a clause was inserted, that every one who should enter voluntarily would be entitled to a bounty of four pounds, and might require his discharge from the service at the expiration of three years.
The Parliament met upon the 27th of November, and granted a vote of £206,253 15 0 to support an establishment of eleven thousand five hundred and fifty Marines during the ensuing twelve months.
[CHAP. XIV.]
Some inferior attacks having been made, during the last year, by the Governor of Cape Breton upon Canso and Annapolis, in Nova Scotia, the former of which places was burnt by the French, the Northern Colonies of British America became alarmed for their safety. Roused by the representations and the united patriotism of Mr. Achmuty, Judge of the Admiralty Court, in New England, and Mr. Vaughan, an individual of great fortune and public spirit, they commenced preparations for an expedition against Louisburg. Accordingly considerable levies were begun, and a co-operating naval force was requested by Governor Shirley, of Massachusetts Bay, from his Majesty's Ministers.
At this time Commodore Warren commanded upon the West India station, who was ordered to repair to Canso with that view. A meritorious secrecy prevailed throughout, which half secured the success of an attempt that, considering the strong means of defence possessed by the enemy, and the inexperienced troops employed against them, was extremely doubtful. The activity of the Americans upon this occasion, was fully equal to the important interests they had at stake.
Upon the 4th of April the levies from New England reached Canso, and were encamped there, where they were improved in their discipline until the arrival of the other troops from the different Provinces, while the ships of war upon the coast, and some stout privateers, continued off the harbour of Louisburg, in order to cut off all supplies, as well as intelligence of the projected enterprize.