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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Joseph Hewes to Richard Caswell
Hewes, Joseph, 1730-1779
May 16, 1777
Volume 11, Page 473

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JOSEPH HEWES TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Edenton, 16th May, 1777.

Dr Sir:—

There are several persons now here who wish to get Commissions for armed vessels that they are fitting out. They can get good security here, but, being strangers at New Bern might meet with some difficulty there. They also complain of it as a grievance that they should be obliged to go to New Bern at the expence of ten or fifteen pounds to get Commissions. If your Excellency could send half a dozen Commissions with the instructions to Mr. Payne, with orders to him to take the proper securities, and fill up the blanks, it would save much trouble and expence to those who want them. How far this may be consistent with the mode of issuing those Commisions, I know not: but, if it can be done, it will much oblige the mercantile interest here. I have not had any late accounts from the Northward; as I have been expected there for some time past, my friends do not write to me.

I am with much respect & esteem,
Dr Sir, Your Excellency's
most obed. & very hum. serv.
JOSEPH HEWES.
His Excellency Richard Caswell.