Arthur Dobbs

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Dobbs, Arthur (1689–1765), economic writer and colonial governor. The heir to land round Carrickfergus, Co. Antrim, Dobbs was MP for Carrickfergus 1727–60. An Essay on the Trade and Improvement of Ireland (1729–31) has been taken as identifying him as one of the commonwealth school, concerned with social improvement and critical of English restrictions on Irish trade. However, he was dismissive of the Irish parliament, and wrote two unpublished pamphlets advocating a legislative union. The holder of an official post as surveyor‐general of Ireland from 1733, he supported government during the money bill crisis. He was an enthusiastic proponent of British colonial expansion in North America, and persuaded the government to send two expeditions (1741, 1746) in search of a north‐west passage to the Pacific. In 1745 he purchased land in North Carolina and energetically sponsored its settlement with immigrants from his own estates and elsewhere. He went to North Carolina himself as governor in 1754, and died there shortly before a planned return to Ireland. Francis Dobbs (1750–1811), a great nephew, wrote pamphlets for the Volunteers. As MP for Charlemont 1799–1800, he opposed the Act of Union and wrote extensively, in a millenarian vein, on scriptural prophecy.

Arthur Dobbs 1689–1765, British colonial governor of North Carolina (1753–65), b. Co. Antrim, Ireland. A member of the Irish House of Commons (1727–30) and surveyor general of Ireland (1730), he wrote An Essay on the Trade and Improvement of Ireland (1729), in which he advocated certain land reforms. He also became interested in the search for a Northwest Passage and was largely responsible for the expedition (1741–42) under Christopher Middleton. He was appointed governor of North Carolina in 1753, arriving at the colony a year and a half later. His administration was marked by conflicts with the assembly arising out of his frequent arbitrary assertions of power. A capable administrator, he attempted to serve the interests of both the crown and the colonists and consequently drew the heavy criticism of both.

Bibliography: See biography by D. Clarke (1958).