Newbern 19 May 1755

My Lord

I think it my Duty to Inform your Lordship that I have returned from the Circuit I have made thro' the northern part of this Province to find out a proper, Healthy and Convenient situation for the seat of Government, and to view all our sea Ports as far as Topsail Inlet to see whither we can mend our navigation into Ocacock to the 3 great rivers which run into it. and also to fix upon proper places to erect Forts or Batteries to secure our Trade, and have fully reported my observations, with what I have done to the Board of Trade which if approved of, will be laid before his Majesty in Council, or to his Cabinet, to which I refer; I therefore shall only acquaint your Lordship that the place I have chosen for the Capital, if approved of by his Majesty, is 50 miles by water from this Town up Neuse on the North Side within 15 miles at least of your Lordships line, which the Northern Gentlemen allow will be convenient for them, by avoiding all the great Ferries as also the Western Settlers and is also more convenient for the Southern Gentlemen being rather nearer to them than this Town. If this be agreable to your Lordship I hope you will expedite his Majestys Approbation, that we may be prepared against next assembly to acquaint them with it, in order to get a Supply to erect the Publick buildings which will take up some time, and it is absolutely necessary to have proper offices for our Records which have hitherto been greatly neglected and most of them Lost. As to the Building a Fort at Cape Lookout to secure that fine harbour your Lordship will judge of it, if the Board of Trade approve of it, to be laid before the Cabinet Council. I shall willingly undergo any fatigue or Trouble to Promote the Safety and Improvement of this Colony, and to defeat the French schemes upon this Continent, of such infinite consequence to Britain.

I Shall trouble Your Lordship no further but wishing you all Happyness am with Due Respect,

My Lord

your Lordships

Most Obedient &

Most Humbl. Servt.

Arthur Dobbs

No. Carolina
New Bern 19th. May 1755.
Govr. Dobbs
Rd. 22d. July.