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 this to be the most effectual means of applying the resources of the country to the protection of the whole, while the improbability of danger from foreign enemies under the late exertion of those means renders the military establishments supported by you according to engagement an heavy burthen on your resources, without contributing in an adequate degree to the military strength of the state. It is not my intention by stating these observations to depreciate your zeal to discharge the obligations of your duty, or the merits of the service occasionally rendered by your troops in the field, but it is my wish that you should be apprized of the grounds on which the British Government is proceeding to reform the condition of your military service.

5. I have accordingly resolved that you shall be released from that obligation of your existing engagements by which you are bound to furnish troops and military stores