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Documents on the Defense of Great Britain
A Plan for the Association of the Nobility, Gentry, and Yeomanry,
residing in the several Counties, to supply such a number of Waggons,
Carts, and Horses, in Aid of the Provisions made by the Mutiny Act as
may be necessary for carrying on his Majesty's Service; as also to contribute
to the Supply of his Majesty's Forces, with Flour, Wheat, Oats, Hay,
Straw, and Fuel, in case of an Invasion.
"The necessity of being prepared to repel an invasion, in the
present state of public affairs, is too obvious to require discussion.
The only question is, how to form all necessary arrangements at the
least possible expence. The county abounds in supplies of all kinds,
to a degree which renders the laying in of extensive magazines unnecessary.
Small depôts for a few days consumption are sufficient, provided means
can be found to bring forward the resources of the country at a short
notice. Depôts of this description have accordingly been formed at different
places, pursuant to orders given by his royal highness field-marshal
the duke of York. The means of transporting them, and of obtaining
and transporting such farther quantities, as may be necessary, in cases
of emergency, remain to be devised. The establishment of a waggon-train,
of sufficient force to supply an army, would entail a very heavy expence
upon the public, and take away a very considerable number of horses
and men from the ordinary pursuits of agriculture. Both may be avoided
by means equally simple and certain. The spirit of the country will
do it most effectually; nor need that spirit be wasted to the detriment
of individuals; it need only be rouzed at the moment of actual danger,
when all is at stake, when all must give way to the primary object of
self-preservation."
"Such of the nobility, gentry, and yeomanry of the country as
may approve of the measure, should be requested to subscribe a paper,
expressing, opposite to their names, the number of waggons and carts,
provided with tilts, and the number of horses, drivers, and conductors,
which they proposed to furnish respectively."
"The waggons, carts, &c. subscribed for, or such part as may
be required from time to time, ought to march as soon as possible, and,
at latest, on the next morning after notice received to that effect."
"The waggons, carts, &c. marching in conformity to such notice,
to continue at the disposal and under the orders of the king's officers,
as the service may require."
"The said waggons and carts to travel at the rate of five miles
in every two hours; twenty-five miles when loaded, and thirty miles
when empty, in every twenty-four hours."
"One or more discreet and intelligent persons, besides the drivers,
should accompany each detachment of ten waggons or carts, and upwards.
These persons should be styled waggon-conductors, and their duty should
consist in superintending the drivers, that there may be regularity
and dispatch upon the road."
"The commissary-general to pay to the persons who may be appointed
agreeable to this and the second article, for their trouble and expences
at the following rates, viz."
"For every empty waggon procured in consequence of notice given.
1s; for every empty cart, 9d.; for every sack of flour,
of 280lb. net, loaded agreeable to the twelfth article, 2d.;"
for every sack of oats, of four bushels, loaded as above, 1d.;
for every ton of hay, straw, or fuel, loaded as above, 20d.;
but no charge to be made for procuring the waggons and carts respectively,
unless they go empty."
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