No 4.
Brunswick 7th July 1767
In the sketch of the Polity of this province, the court of Exchequer is mentioned as a court that has never been recognized in the country, though there is a Baron of the Exchequer under his Majesty's appointment: on this head I must desire leave to observe, that the Court of Exchequer has been often opened, yet no business has I am told been ever done there, nor is such a court, in the opinion of the Chief Justice, under the present circumstances of the country necessary, though he allows it may be so hereafter, I should therefore humbly submit the expediency of keeping up the office of the Baron on the annual salary of £40 sterling per annum and to take off the £30 a year allowed him for the expence of opening the court untill the crown should think it necessary to recommend to the General Assembly the establishment of the court. By supporting this officer the executive power would have an additional stay, and possibly it might be found easier to get the court established while the officer exists, than if he was now to drop and a recreation
made when the establishment of the court shall be found to be wanting.The establishment of Comptrollers for Brunswick and Roanoke ports in this province have been found by experience to be useful, and as there is no such officer established for port Beaufort where the district is very wide and extensive, I must with deference recommend the expediency of establishing a Comptroller for that port, as the trade and town of Newbern are increasing very fast.
I beg leave my Lord to recommend Mr John Hawks to be Comptroller of that port. He is the person that superintends and directs the construction of the governors house at Newbern, and I am persuaded would execute the office of Comptroller with ability, diligence and integrity; an office that would be not very incompatible with his present undertaking, as the vessels coming into Port Beaufort make their entries to the Collector at Newbern.