University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library

Thomas Gage Papers

• September 18, 1775

[1758]

To his Excelency the Commander in chief

Richard WILSON a Native of Ireland, Now Recommended for a Lieuts. Commission in Capt. COLLETs Company, begs leave to Represent that he served Eight Years in the capacity of Serjeant, in his Majesty’s 22d Regimt. of foot and was with them at the Reduction of Louisbourg, Canada, Dominica, Martinico, and the Havanna, after the peace he obtained his discharge, and Setled in North Carolina.

In 1771 he was made Lieutenant of a Compy. of Artillary by Governor TRYON and Served as such in his Expedition in Reducing of the Regulators at the Affair of Allamance.

Governor MARTIN gave him afterwards a Commission of Lieutenant of his Majesty’s Garrison of Fort Johnston, where he has served till the 18th of July last.

His Excelency, General GAGE, has been informed by Governor MARTIN (in a letter wherein he Recommends him warmly to the General) of the losses he sustained by the Rebels, at the evacuating of Fort Johnston, which at the most moderate Estimate amounts to 700. besides a Valuable plantation, two houses, two lots in the town of Brunswick, and one house in the town of Crosscreek, which they have Seized, and did Order all the tennants Six months before he left the place to pay him no more Rent unless he would leave the fort, and Join them with a Commission which he Refused with horror and Contempt.

He hopes his Excelency will in Consideration of His services, his losses, and misfortunes, and the Recommendations the General Received in his favour, Grant him the Rank of Lieutenant in Captain COLLETs Company.

[Rec’d September 18th 1775]

[Source: University of Michigan, William L. Clements Library, Thomas Gage Papers, Volume 135]