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The British and Provincial Conquest of Cuba: Vernon

A requisition was made by George II., in the thirteenth year of his reign, upon all the colonies north of Carolina, to send four battalions to assist the expedition against Cartagena under Admiral Vernon.

At a general assembly held at Williamsburg, August 1, 1740, an act was passed directing the treasurer of the colony to pay Lieutenant-Governor William Gooch, Esq. . five thousand pounds, to be applied towards providing victuals, transports, and other necessaries for the soldiers raised in the colony for service in the Spanish war (5 Hening's "Statutes at Large," page 121). "The act recites that his most sacred Majesty (George II.), for vindicating the honor of his crown, for securing the trade and commerce of his subjects, and for revenging the cruelties, depredations and insults committed by the subjects of Spain upon those of Great Britain, thought it necessary to enter into a war with Spain."

The result was his majesty wanted help and "recommended and required of his good subjects" to provide certain expenses. The committee report: There is little doubt that at least three companies were formally enrolled from Virginia, for it appears in the Executive Journal under date of August 6, 1740, that the following were commissioned:

Captains: LAWRENCE WASHINGTON, CHARLES WALKER, RICHARD BUSHROD. Lieutenants: FRANCIS MOSS,--BELLONY, LEWIS BROWNE.