The Petition of Donald McLeod, Esquire, late from Scotland, most humbly sheweth:

That yesterday your said petitioner presented a petition before this honourable body, and as to the contents of which he begs leave to give reference. That since, a ship arrived from Scotland with a number of Highlanders passengers. That your petitioner talked to them this morning, and after informing them of the present state of this as well as the neighboring Colonies, they all seemed to be very desirous to form themselves into companies with the proviso of having liberty to wear their own country dress, commonly called the Highland habit, and moreover to be under pay for the time they are in the service for the protection of the liberties of this once happy country, but by all means to be under the command of Highland Officers, as some of them cannot speak the English language. That the said Highlanders seem very desirous of being commanded by your petitioner, provided an answer shall be given them very soon, as their intention is not to stay here any considerable time. That the said Highlanders are already furnished with guns, swords, pistols and Highland dirks, which in case of occasion is very necessary, as all the above articles are at this time very difficult to be had. Therefore may it please your Honours to take all and singular the premises under your serious and immediate consideration; and as your petitioner wants an answer as soon as possible, he further prays that as soon as they think it meet, he may be advised. And your petitioner, as in duty bound, shall ever pray.