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The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
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In Winchester on August 17, 1756, Colonel Washington led the Virginia Regiment in a solemn proclamation of King George's declaration of war against France, attended by local gentlemen, with readings, toasts, artillery, and musketry at Fort Loudoun and around town, followed by an exhortation to the troops.
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On Sunday Colonel Washington having received his Majesty's Declaration of War against the French King, with the Governor's Commands to proclaim it in the most solemn Manner, he ordered the three Companies of the Virginia Regiment at this Place, to appear under Arms on the grand Parade at three o'Clock, on the Evening of the next Day; when attended by the principal Gentlemen of this Town, they marched in regular Order to Fort Loudoun, where the Soldiery being properly drawn up, the Declaration was read aloud His Majesty's, and many other loyal Healths were drank, Success to his Majesty's Arms, and a total Extirpation of the French out of America, under triple Discharge of the Artillery, and three Rounds of Musketry, with loud Acclamations of the People. After they marched in regular Order round the Town, proclaimed it. The Courts, Justices, and being returned to the grand Parade, it was again read, and the Men dismissed by Colonel Washington with the following Exhortation.
You see, Gentlemen Soldiers, that it hath pleased our most gracious Sovereign to declare War in Form against the French King, and for divers good Causes, but more particularly for their ambitious Usurpations and Encroachments on his American Dominions, to pronounce all the said French King's Subjects and Vassals, to be Enemies to his Crown and Dignity, and hath willed and required all his Subjects and People, and in a more especial Manner commanded his Captain General of his Forces, his Governors, and all other his Commanders and Officers, to do and execute all Acts of Hostility, in the Prosecution of this just and honorable War: And though our utmost Endeavours can contribute but little to the Advancement of his Majesty's Honor, and the Interest of his Governments, yet, let us shew our willing Obedience to the best of Kings, and by a strict Attachment to his royal Commands, demonstrate the Love and Loyalty we bear to his sacred Person and Government. Let us exert ourselves bravely now to merit his Favor, and a better Establishment as a Reward for our Services.
Expresses were immediately dispatched by the Colonel to Fort Cumberland, and all our other Garrisons, with Orders to proclaim it there at the Head of the Troops.
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Domestic News Details
Primary Location
Winchester
Event Date
August 17, 1756
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Event Details
Colonel Washington ordered the three companies of the Virginia Regiment to parade and march to Fort Loudoun where the Declaration of War against the French King was read aloud, followed by toasts, artillery discharges, musketry, and acclamations; they then marched around town proclaiming it, returned to the grand parade for another reading, and were dismissed with an exhortation; expresses were dispatched to other garrisons to proclaim it.