Wilmington, N. C., August 7th, 1844.
Dear Sir:
In looking over some old papers belonging to my father I found the following which I take the liberty of communicating to you. They may be of interest. The first is a Commission to my great grandfather John Fergus. The tradition of the family is that the company with which he acted participated in the sufferings & defeat of Gen. Braddock, but Braddock’s defeat occurred July 9th, 1755. In ’58 or ’59 the French were dispossessed of Canada. Did any Troops from N. C. participate in the conflict?
[Enclosed in above.]
North Carolina.
His Excellency Arthur Dobbs, Esq., Captain General & commander-in-Chief in and over the said Province.
To John Fergus, Gentleman:—Greeting:
Out of the assurance I have of your Loyalty, Skill & ability, I do hereby constitute, Nominate & Appoint you, the said John Fergus, Surgeon of a Company of Fort Commanded by John Paine Esqr. You are to take care of all Sick and wounded in the said Company that Shall be Committed to your Charge and you are to —— assist —— Skill
and Judgment and in all respects taking the said Company you are to Act & do as a Careful & diligent Surgeon ought to do and Act, & for your so doing this shall be your Warrant.Given under my hand and Seal this Twentieth day of January in the year of our Lord 1758.
The line is nearly illegible; eaten by moths. There is a large piece of red sealing wax, but no impression perceptible on it. I have followed the Commission in the use of Capitals, &c.