October 19, 1774

Dartmouth Orders Securing of Colonial Gunpowder

Lord Dartmouth, Secretary of State for the Colonies, sends a circular letter to all colonial governors informing them of an Order in Council (based on a law passed in George II's reign) prohibiting the importation of weapons, ammunition, and gunpowder into the colonies for the next six months and instructing governors to secure any that are suspected. Lord Dunmore of Virginia, being away from Williamsburg fighting his war, does not acknowledge receipt of the letter for four months.