French & Indian War Document

This document is a British military financial warrant from the Seven Years' War, issued and signed by Major General Studholme Hodgson. It is dated June 30, 1761, and was written at his headquarters in Le Palais, shortly after the successful British Capture of Belle Île off the coast of Brittany, France.The warrant orders the Deputy Paymaster General, Charles Bembridge, to advance the sum of £200 (Two Hundred Pounds Sterling) to Captain Thomas Dawson of the 3rd Regiment of Foot for the subsistence of the troops.

Full Document TranscriptionHis Excellency Studholme Hodgson, Colo. of the fifth Regiment ofFoot, Major General and Commander in Chief of his Majesty'sForces employed on an Expedition &c. &c. &c.By Virtue of the Power and authority to me given and grantedby His Majesty in this behalf, I do hereby require anddirect that out of the Treasure in your hands for the Use ofthe Forces under my Command you do advance without de-duction unto Captn. Tho. Dawson of His Majesty's Third Regimt.of Foot Commanded by Major General George Howard, theSum of Two Hundred Pounds Sterling, Value upon account ofSubsistence for the Said Regiment, and for so doing this withthe Acquittance of the said Captn. Thomas Dawson shall be yourWarrant and discharge.Given at Head Quarters Palais the 30th.day of June 1761. In the first Year of HisMajesty's Reign.S. HodgsonBy His Excellency's CommandTho. A. PinckeTo Charles Bembridge Esqr.Deputy Paymaster Generalto the Forces employed on thepresent Expedition.

Key Historical Context & FiguresMajor General Studholme Hodgson: A prominent British Army officer who previously served as an aide-de-camp to the Duke of Cumberland at the historic battles of Fontenoy and Culloden. In 1761, William Pitt chose him to lead the amphibious assault against the French island of Belle Île.The Location ("Palais"): This refers to Le Palais, the capital and main citadel of Belle Île. The British captured the citadel on June 7, 1761, following a rigorous six-week siege. This warrant was signed at the captured fort exactly 23 days later."In the first Year of His Majesty's Reign": This marks the beginning of the reign of King George III, who ascended the British throne in October 1760.Charles Bembridge: Serving as the Deputy Paymaster General for this specific expeditionary force, Bembridge handled the substantial cash "treasure" transported by the fleet to fund daily operations, supplies, and soldier pay.