The Bearer of this is Mr. Milles a Gentleman employed by the State of North Carolina to make inquiry after and employ manufacturers in the various branches of an Iron Work to proceed to North Carolina and be employed there. He goes to the Jersies with the expectation of finding some there as he has been told that several Iron Works in your State are discontinued and the Workmen out of Employ. I will esteem it a very particular favor if you will render him any Assistance in your power to accomplish the purpose of his Errand which is very interesting to our State.(1) Yours with Esteem,
1 On August 2, James Milles had been commissioned by the North Carolina Council of Safety "to proceed to the Northern States there to Contract in behalf of this State with one or more persons well skilled in the Art of Casting Pig Iron, Cannon, Cannon Balls and hollow ware." N.C. Colonial Records, 10:693-94. For a report by Milles about iron manufacturing in North Carolina, dated July 3 and addressed to the council of safety, see ibid., pp. 647-50.