Edenton 31 July 1777

Sir,

The Bearer Mr. Alexander Gelatly I have been well acquainted with for a great number of years he has Acted here as Regiter and ^in^ several other Capacities in all of which he discharged his duty well and faithfully he is and ever since I knew him has been amost inoffencive character and very useful One, he carys Certificates from the Clerk of this county for John Weir, Alexander Clarke, William Knight, James McClain & John Boggs ^& James Henderson^ who were all cited last court to take the Oath, which that chose Reather to leave the Country than do so, they some of them did not come under the Act of Assembly I believe, and considered them selves pointed at they are All men who have Supported very fair Characters have ever been peacable and useful Citizens and borne there share of all publick duties assigned them but refused the Oath of Goverment—and therefore intered into a recognizance to leave the Country agreeable to Act of Assembly—the time’s near out & they wait on and they wait on your Excellency for your permission they may depart the Country—How ever differently Mr Gelatly’s political Opinions may be from mine I think I can Answer for the integrity of his heart and I do believe he Acts from Principle—any thing your Excellency can do Consistant with the line of your duty to facilitate the departure of him and the Others on whose behalf he appears would be conferring a favour on

Your Excelleny’s

Most Obedt. &

Very Hbl. Servt.

RobSmith

1777
Robt. Smith
31st July

[on envelope:] ⅌ favour-Mr. Gelatly Express