The Virginia Gazette

In a late English paper, by the August packet, the following is said to be the plan which will be put in execution for reducing America: Ten thousand Hanoverians are to be taken into British pay, the expenses to be defrayed out of duties to be laid by Parliament, and levied in America. This body of men are to be stationed in several parts of the continent, and to be kept on foot in peace as well as war. Fortresses are to be built in the provinces of New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, in which those foreign mercenaries are to be stationed, and accommodated with barracks, firing, &c. at the expense of the respective colonies in which they shall happen to be quartered. Besides this, a fleet of 5 ships of the line and 20 frigates are always to be stationed on that service, both to prevent smuggling, and in case of any disturbances, to be ready to co-operate in reducing the rebellious or disaffected to obedience. Every Hanoverian soldier who shall have served seven years, with the approbation of his superior officer or officers, shall have a portion of ground, not more than fifty, nor less than twenty acres, rent free, forever. The expense of raising a proper habitation, furnishing the same, purchasing implements of husbandry, &c. to be defrayed by the colony in which he be then resident. The whole expense of recruiting, to be provided for in like manner; that is to say, 50l. for every soldier, and 100l. for every trooper, rating his horse at 50l. and himself at as much more. This mercenary army is to consist of thirty battalions of infantry, of 500 men each, and four regiments of cavalry, twenty battalions and two regiments of which are always to be stationed in the New England provinces; and the remaining ten battalions and two regiments at New York, Philadelphia, and Williamsburg in Virginia, and their neighbourhoods. On the whole, as the Germans are known to be a very prolific people, it is supposed, that by the beginning of the year 1800 there will be no less than a million of that nation, including their offspring, within the four New England provinces alone.