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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Robert Smith to Richard Caswell
Smith, Robert
July 31, 1777
Volume 11, Pages 552-553

ROB. SMITH TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]


Edenton, 31st July 1777.

Sir:—

This letter you will receive by the hands of Mr. Millan a merchant of this place, he is a Gent'n for whom I have ever entertained a friendship and who has ever supported a good character; but from the alteration of times wants to depart the country. He was cited under the Act of Assembly to appear next Court to take the oath, and came before me and engaged he would make his appearance—he has now a vessel almost ready to sail in which he

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wants to take his passage, and would be glad, were it consistent with the line of your Excellency's duty, to have your permission so to do. His Capt. one James Ferguson who has sailed and served, in Mr. Hewes' employ and mine these ten years and behaved well, has been out and brought in salt since these disputes began and was intended to go on the same errand again, hath been cited and stands in the same predicament with Mr. Millan. I do not know how far their case may differ from the others, or whether their departure might not satisfy the law—this I submit to your Excellency—could they with propriety have liberty to depart I should be exceedingly happy. I now once for the whole beg your pardon for the freedoms of this morning, and have the Honor to be

Your Excellency's most obed.
& very Hble Ser'vt.,
ROB. SMITH.

P. S.

Should you have any papers from Council to forward Mr. Millan will be a safe hand. The Court's Laws are exceedingly wanted.

R. S.
To His Excellency Richard Caswell.