New Bern 21. May 1759

Sir,

At the Request of several Gentlemen of Distinction in this Province, I beg leave to recommend to your Excellency Mr. James Ferguson, who is now a Volunteer in His Majesty's Service under your Command; He was a Merchant in this Province for several Years, and bore an upright and fair Character, but by Losses by Sea was reduced; In October last he was taken by Monsr. Chatelier going to New York, and lost both Vessel and Cargo, which were both his own; therefore as he is to be pitied, if he behave well I hope you will have him in your Thoughts along with other Gentlemen of equal Merit under your Command, and will be a favour shewn to me and the Gentlemen of this Province.

I sincerely and ardently pray for your Success in this Critical Determination of the Fate of the British Empire in America, and that you may add more glorious Trophies to the Laurels you reaped last Campaign.

I am with the highest Esteem and Regard

Sir

your Excellencys

most obedient

humble Servant

Arthur Dobbs

New Bern 21 May 1759