Letter – Thomas Dawson to John Erasmus Blackett – 9 Jun 1775

      Kinsale.   Ireland  9th June 1775

Sir

         I take the Liberty to enquire about a Recruit of mine one James Miller who on 13th of March last was brought before You & some other Gentlemen, by a Serjeant of the 31st Reg., on account of his declaring himself a Deserter from Gen. Elliott's Light Horse & that he gave so lame an account of the Matter, that my Serjeant wrote me You would not credit him & consequently not credit him, & consequently not grant the usual Reward of Twenty Shillings to the Serj. of the 31st. But that you were pleased to say he should be committed Prisoner & that when an answer was got from Elliott's Regt. or the War Office concerning him that you would acquaint Governor Blackett at Plymouth.

      The Day of our Embarkation from that Port, 25th April, the Governor (who had arrived at that Citadel only three days before ) had not as then heard from You.

      In case he proves no Deserter from that or any other Corps I should be glad to have him over here, as he has been an expensive Recruit to me and our late Agents Ross & Gray in Conduit Street London would pay the necessary Subsistence and charges attending him. 

      I hope you will excuse this Freedom & I have the hnor to be, Sir Your most obedient & very humble Servant

                          Tho Dawson

                 Captain in The Buffs or 3rd Regiment



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Copy

      War Office 20th March 1775

Sir,

I am directed by the Secretary of War to acknowledge the receipt of your Letter of the 14th Inst. relative to the Commitm.t to the Gaol at Newcastle, of James Mellar a deserter from Lieut Genl Elliott’s Regiment of Light Dragoons, & to acquaint you that an order is sent for his removal

	I am Sr your mo.t Hble Servy

		Ant Chamier



Mr Wm Gibson/ Town Clk of Newcastle



[annotated in JEB’s hand:] Capt Dawson of the 3d Regiment of Foot at Kinsale Ireland

Answd June 27 1775