Edenton

7. Decr. 1758

Sir,

As I am informed that the Merchants in Britain design to petition the Parliament this ensuing Session to lay open the Hudson's Bay Trade, and get rid of that unjust Monopoly so prejudicial to the Merchants in general and the Trade of Britain and the American Colonies by preventing our settling the Countries beyond that Bay and extending our fur Trade and Fisheries; This being a proper time while we have a Ministry zealous to promote and extend the British Commerce and Improvement of our American Colonies.

Having been inform'd that upon the former Applications of the merchants against the Hudson's bay Company Monopoly that the Northern American Colonies if they had early Notice wou'd have given Orders to their Agents to join the merchants in their petition, I think it my Duty to promote a Measure so beneficial to Britain and the Colonies by acquainting you with it to have the Sense of your Colony upon it, that if they approve of it they may add their weight to the merchant's petition, in Case they find it proper to petition this Session.

I am with great Esteem

Sir,

Your Honours

most obedt. hble Servt.

Arthur Dobbs