January 2, 1755: “Philadelphia, Jan. 2.  Five days ago we received certain intelligence, that a body of near 6000 of the best troops of France, selected and sent over upon this particular service, are just arrived at the lower fort upon the Ohio, and are employed, even in this rigorous season in fortifying that country.  In September last, the French men of war that brought them over, were seen not far from the entrance of the river St. Laurence, into which we are certain they went, and landed at Quebec.  After a short stay in that city, they were seen by our Indian traders passing the lakes Oswego and Erie, in prodigious number of bateaus; of which the several governors received notice, though we did not then conjecture that it was an armament from Old France.”

January 20, 1755: “Paris: We hear that M. Macnamara, Lieut. Gen. of the king’s naval forces, has been sent for to court, and is appointed to command the squadron actually equipped at Brest and Rochefort; that he is to hoist his flag on board the Formidable, of 80 guns, and is to have three chefs d’escadre under him, viz, Count Dubois de la Motte, M. Perrier de Salvett, and M. de Montlonet.  This squadron, ‘tis pretended, will consist of six ships of the line, five frigates, and ten transports of five, eight, and ten guns.  The number of troops to be embarked is set at 3000; but nothing can be positively asserted as to the numbers of men and ships.”

January 23, 1755: “A proclamation was issued to encourage seamen to enter themselves on board his majesty’s ships of war, by offering each able seaman, between twenty and fifty year of age, who shall enter voluntarily, 30s. bounty-money; and ordinary seaman, 20s. bounty-money.  The same night the press for seamen was very warm below bridge, and the next day there was a very warm press for landmen, to man the guardships in the room of those who will be removed on board ships lately commissioned, and ordered to be got ready with all expedition for service.”