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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Arthur Dobbs to [Henry Fox, Baron Holland of Foxley]
Dobbs, Arthur, 1689-1765
January 05, 1756
Volume 05, Page 560

-------------------- page 560 --------------------
[B. P. R. O. Am: & W. Ind: Vol. 70.]
Letter from Governor Dobbs.

Newbern 5th Jany 1756.

Sir [Secretary Pitt]

I have recd the favour of Your several Letters of the 19th of June, 26th of July, and 28th of August, since my last to you; the first relating to the Paymaster of the Troops in Virginia, the 2d relative to putting the Province in a proper state of Defence in Case of a War, and the 3d acquainting me with General Shirley's being appointed in the Room of General Braddock Commander in Chief of the forces on the Continent of America. The several Orders therein I have and shall follow, as often as they are necessary for the Safety of this Province, or to correspond with the General, and to dispose of the Companies that have been raised and are raising here, according as he shall acquaint me with his Plan of Operations, and where he would have them sent, in Case we can get Remittances, as our paper Bills won't pass in other Colonies, and we have no Cash; so must send Provisions to be sold abroad to procure Bills, which occasions Delays, and is a great Inconveniency. We are erecting Batteries, and finishing our fort at Cape Fear, where Cannon and stores will be wanted immediately in Case of a War. We are also erecting a small fort on our western Frontier, against the Indians, but Labour is so dear here, and Labourers scarce to be had at any Price, that all our Affairs here are retarded. We have had no Attacks or Insults yet upon our Frontier, owing principally to our frontier Company, and Neighbourhood of the Cataubas Indians our friends. I have appointed two Commissioners to join two sent by Governor Dinwiddie to the Cherokees and Cataubas with a present to confirm them in their friendship, and to endeavour to procure some hundreds of their Warriors next Summer to joyn our Virginia Troops; and long for Mr. Littleton's Arrival in South Carolina, to have his weight added to our Application, as Mr. Glenn acted a contrary part, and will still do so until he is removed. I shall endeavour to execute the trust his Majesty reposed in me and am with great Respect

Sir Your most obedient, &c.,
ARTHUR DOBBS.


Additional Notes for Electronic Version: This letter appears to have been written to Henry Fox, who was Britain's Secretary of State for the Southern Department at this date, rather than William Pitt, who would not become Secretary of State until December of 1756.