The Answer of Arthur Dobbs Esqr. Govr. of No. Carolina to the Remonstrance of sundry Merchants and others on Accot. of the Spanish prisoners now at Wilmington.

Brunswick

11. Jany 1763

His Excelly. informs the Remonstrances that Application having been made to him by the Sheriff of New Hanover for Directions relative to the Spanish Prisoners, he had thereupon consulted His Majesty's Council, who unanimously advised him to send them in a flag of Truce to St. Augustine.

That in Consequence thereof an Advertisement was published for proposals to carry the prisoners thither; that he recd. some proposals, but found none admissible, except what were made by Capt. Ellis, and wch. he therefore approved of:

That His Excelly. assures the Remonstrancers that neither himself nor the Gent. of the Council had the Benefit of any Individual in View, but acted from a Motive of Humanity to the prisoners here, as also from an Intent to rebase any British Subjects that might be prisoners at Augustine, and from a Desire to case the publick of the Charge of keeping the Spaniards; notwithstanding which, to quit the fears of the Remonstrancers, His Excelly. is willing to withdraw his orders, if the Remonstrancers on their parts will enter into bonds for the safe keeping of the prisoners during the Remainder of the Spanish War, and will defray the Expences already incurred as well as hereafter, so that they may be of no danger or burden to the publick.

Arthur Dobbs

R. Ellis Relating to Flags of Truce