New Bern

July 18th. 1756.

My Lord

The Bearer of this Mr. William Harrison having been extreamly well recommended to me as a person of Character and learning who has taught a publick school with great approbation and is desirous to take orders in the Church and to Officiate and reside in this Province; and as we are at a loss for Clergymen having not above 6 or 7 in 22 Counties, and upon fixing the seat of Governmt. propose, to Erect a publick School as Religion among the youth here is at a very low ebb for want of early Education.

I therefore Recommend him to your Lordship to be put Into orders and dont doubt his having an Immediate Settlement upon having your Lordships License. So that it will not be necessary for him to have a nomination from a Vestry as they Cannot so well do it by our present constitution until he is In orders And has preached before the Vestry. And as we want to Incourage an Academy which he proposes to Conduct along with his living, it may be proper to Reserve him for the Capitol seat of Government; and I shall, take the first opportunity of fixing him, I cou'd wish that several others were ordained who were willing to Settle here who have Good Characters for they are much wanted, and for want of having them the Vestrys have no Opportunity of Getting any now when our Law is passed for providing them with Houses and Glebes and 80£ ⅌ An. this Currency.

I am hoping for your Lordships Blessing to my endeavours, with great Respect.

My Lord

your Lordships

most Obedt. and

most Humb. Servt.

Arthur Dobbs