Fox, Henry, Baron Holland (1705-1774) to Col. Daniel Webb
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Gilder Lehrman Collection #: GLC09054.09 Author/Creator: Fox, Henry, Baron Holland (1705-1774) Place Written: London, England Type: Manuscript letter Date: 27 March 1756 Pagination: 2 p. : docket ; 30.9 x 20 cm. Order a Copy
Discusses more secret intelligence from another intercepted note. "The most incredible thing, either in this, or in his(the spy) former Letter, was, the very great Force raising in Pensylvania, of which no Man here knew anything." News came from a private merchant in Pennsylvania. Writes "upon Consideration of the whole, the Matter is become extremely serious; And I am of Opinion, that you should shew my Letter, designed for Shirley, to Sir. Chal. Hardy; But that Sir Chal & you should not send it to Gen? Shirley till further Order." Identity of the spy is still unknown, but quite certain that it is not Ioncourt and states that "you are required to use your best Endeavours to discover, & to make use of all your Authority to secure, & confine whoever may be concerned in this Affair." Tells Webb in the postscript to keep an eye on William Alexander, Shirley's secretary. Noted as a copy and private in the upper left hand corner. Watermarked with a large nine cm. seal on the first leaf and a smaller seal on the second leaf bearing the letters GR with a crown.
Webb was the interim Commander-in-Chief, North America in command of British forces in North America after Shirley was relieved of his position.
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