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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Report by a committee of the Provincial Congress of North Carolina concerning British militia troops
North Carolina. Provincial Congress
April 20, 1776 - May 10, 1776
Volume 10, Pages 594-603

[From MS. Records in Office of Secretary of State.]
Report of Committee appointed to enquire into the conduct of insurgentsand suspected persons.

North Carolina,
Halifax. }

At a meeting of the Committee appointed by the Congress to inquire into the conduct of the Insurgents and other suspected Persons.

Present: Mr Allen Jones, Mr John Ashe, Mr Miles Harvey, Mr Thomas Benbury, Mr Nathaniel Rochester, Mr Griffith Rutherford, Mr Arthur Council, Mr Whitmill Hill, Mr Thomas Burke, Mr Thomas Person, Mr John Rand, Mr Thomas Jones and Mr Cornelius Harnett.

The Committee proceeded to the choice of a Chairman. Allen Jones, Esquire was accordingly chosen and James Glasgow was appointed Clerk.

Your Committee have proceeded to inquire into the several charges against the prisoners now in Halifax, and from the confession of the parties and the several witnesses examined on Oath, we find that the said prisoners are of four different Denominations which your Committee are of opinion should be classed as follows, to wit:

First. Prisoners who had served in Congress.

Secondly. Prisoners who had signed Tests or Associations.

Thirdly. Prisoners who had been in Arms without such circumstances.

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Fourth. Prisoners under suspicious circumstances, and respecting each prisoner in particular your Committee Report as follows:

Your Committee are of Opinion that Farquard Campbell disregarding the sacred Obligations he had voluntarily entered into to support the Liberty of America against all usurpations has Traitorously and insidiously endeavoured to excite the Inhabitants of this Colony to take arms and levy war in order to assist the avowed Enemies thereof. That when a prisoner on his parole of honor he gave intelligence of the force and intention of the American Army under Colo Caswell to the Enemy and advised them in what manner they might elude them—and that he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Thomas Rutherford regardless of the said Obligations did actually take up arms and lead forth to war as Colonel of a Regiment, a Division of men for the avowed purpose of assisting the Enemies of America, and that he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Alexander McKay, regardless of the said obligations did Actually take up arms and lead forth to war, a company of thirty eight men, for the purpose aforesaid, and that he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That James Hepburn regardless of the said obligations did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as Secretary to General McDonald for the purpose aforesaid, that he is a freeholder and lives in Cross Creek.

That Alexander Legate regardless of his having signed the Test and Association and his having acted as a member of the Committee of Bladen County, did actually take up arms and lead forth to war, as Captain, a company of eighty men, for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Bladen County.

That Alexander McDonald (Condrach) did actually take up arms and go forth to war, as Major of a Regiment, for the purpose aforesaid.

That Alexander Morrison did actually take up Arms, and lead forth to war, as Captain of a company, thirty five men, for the purpose aforesaid.

That Alexander MacDonald, son of Kingsborough, did actually take up arms and go forth to war, as a volunteer for the purpose aforesaid, and that he lives in Anson County.

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That James MacDonald did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, twenty-five Men for the purpose aforesaid.

That Alexander McLeod did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, thirty-two Men for the purpose aforesaid.

That John MacDonald did Actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, Forty Men for the purpose aforesaid.

That Alexander McLeod did Actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, sixteen Men for the purpose aforesaid.

That Murdoch McAskell did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, thirty-four Men for the purpose aforesaid.

That Alexander McLeod did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, sixteen men for the purpose aforesaid.

That Jacob Pope did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, forty-nine men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Bladen County.

That Angus MacDonald did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, thirty men for the purpose aforesaid.

That Neill McArthur did actually take up Arms, and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, fifty-five men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Cross Creek.

That Francis Frasier did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Adjutant to General MacDonald's Army, for the purpose aforesaid, and that he lives in New Hanover County.

That Samuel Snead did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Major of a Regiment, for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That Lewis Lowrey did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Captain, for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That James Mews did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company of Light horse, fifty-four men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

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That John McLeod did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, thirty-five men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Thomas Wier did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, thirty men for the purpose aforesaid.

That John McKinzie did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, forty-three men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder, and lives in Cumberland County.

That John Mulkeson did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Lieutenant of a Company, forty men for the purpose aforesaid. That he hath a Bond from a Person to make him a Title to the land whereon he lives in Cumberland County.

That Morris Nowland did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company, twenty men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder, and lives in Cross Creek.

That Nathaniel Stead did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company of Forty seven Men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That William Garner did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company seventy three men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Kennith Macdonald did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as aide de camp to General Macdonald for the purpose aforesaid.

That Aaron Verdie did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Waggon Master to General Macdonalds Army for the purpose aforesaid.

That Murdoch McLeod did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Surgeon to General Macdonalds Army for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That John Smith did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as adjutant to General Macdonalds Army for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That D'Arcy Fowler did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as a Volunteer for the purpose aforesaid.

That Donald McLeod did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as a Lieutenant in Capt Morrison's Company for the purpose aforesaid.

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That Norman McLeod did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Ensign in Capt James McDonalds Company for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That John McLeod did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Lieutenant in Capt James Macdonalds Company for the purpose aforesaid; that he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That Laughlin McKinnen did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Lieutenant in Colo Rutherfords Core, for the purpose aforesaid; that he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Thomas Bradford did actually take up Arms, and go forth to War, as a Volunteer for the purpose aforesaid.

That James Munroe did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Lieutenant in Capt Ray's Company fifty men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Donald Morrison did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Ensign to Captt Morrisons Company, for the purpose aforesaid.

That John McLeod did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Ensign to Capt Morrison's Company for the purpose aforesaid.

That Archibald McEachern did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Lieutenant to Capt McArthur's Company for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Bladen County.

That Rory McKinnen did actually take up Arms, and go forth to War, as Volunteer for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a freeholder and lives in Anson County

That Donald McLeod did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as Quarter Master to two Regiments in General McDonalds Army, for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Donald Stuart did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, as a Quarter Master to Colo Rutherford's Regiment for the purpose aforesaid.

That Seymore York did actually take up Arms, and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company thirty four Men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Guilford County.

That William Draper did actually take up Arms, and go forth to War, in Captain Reads Company for the purpose aforesaid.

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That Matthias Sapinfield did actually take up arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company seven men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Rowan County. That he signed the Test and Association & took the Oath prescribed by the committee of Rowan.

That Samuel Diviney did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid. That he was one of the Company that shot Capt Dent.

That Stephen Lisney did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid. That he was one of the Company that shot Capt Dent.

That William Shannon did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid.

That Frederick Craft did actually take up Arms, and go forth to War, for the purpose aforesaid. That he was one of the Company that shot Capt Dent.

That William Field regardless of the Solemn Assurances by him given to observe a strict neutrality did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Colonel a division of Men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Guilford County.

That Jeremiah Field did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid.

That Robert Field did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company sixty men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Guilford County.

That Joseph Field did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Lieutenant to Robert Fields for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Guilford County.

That Robert Turner did actually take up arms and lead forth to war as captain of a company of eighteen men, for the purpose aforesaid.

That William Armfield did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid. That he lives on Lords Land in Guilford County.

That Stephen Parker did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid.

That Allen Macdonald, of Kingsborough, did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Colonel of a Regiment a Division of Men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

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That John Bethune did actually take up Arms and march as Chaplain to General Macdonald's Army for the purpose aforesaid.

That John Piles did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company Fifty men for the purpose aforesaid; that he is a Freeholder and lives in Chatham County.

That John Piles junr did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid.

That William Bradford did actually take up Arms and go forth to War, for the purpose aforesaid.

That Thomas Bradford did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Ensign in Capt Garner's Company for the purpose aforesaid.

That David Jackson did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company forty four men for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a freeholder and lives in Guilford County.

That Enoch Bradley did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company of Light horse thirteen men for the purpose aforesaid; that he hath entered and surveyed a tract of Land in Orange & Chatham.

That John Downing did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Ensign to Capt. Seymore Yorke's Company for the purpose aforesaid; that he is a Freeholder in Guilford and Orange and lives in Guilford County.

That Duncan St Clair did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid.

That Robinson Yorke did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company twenty seven men for the purpose aforesaid.

That Daniel McDaniel did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Lieutenant in Seymore Yorke's Company for the purpose aforesaid.

That Alexander McRaw did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War as Captain of a Company forty seven men for the purpose aforesaid; that he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That John Simmons did actually take up Arms and go forth to War for the purpose aforesaid.

That Kenneth Stuart did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Lieutenant in Capt. Stuart's Company for the purpose aforesaid.

That Collin MoIver did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as Lieutenant in Capt. Leggate's Company for the purpose aforesaid.

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That John Doak did actually take up arms and go forth to War as Captain of a Company for the purpose aforesaid.

That Joseph Dobson did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as a Soldier in a Capt Field's Company for the purpose aforesaid.

That Michael Holt did actually take up Arms and lead forth to War, as Captain of a Company of thirty men for the purpose aforesaid; that he is a Freeholder and lives in Orange county.


In Congress, 20th April, 1776.

The foregoing reports were read and concurred with and ordered to be referred to the Committee of Secrecy, Intelligence and Observation.

By order

JAS. GREEN, Junr, Secy.

Your Committee further report

That James Low did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as a Common Soldier for the avowed purpose of assisting the Enemies of America and that he was one of the Company who shot Captain Dent.

That Robert Adams did actually take up Arms and go forth to War as a Common Soldier for the purpose aforesaid and that he was one of the Company that shot Captain Dent.

That George Blair, a Captain appointed by Lord Dunmore to command a Company in a Regiment of new Levies called the Queen's Royal Regiment, did by Order of his Lordship go on Board a Tender for the avowed Purpose of seizing as prizes of War all vessels coming to or going from America; that they came within Occacock Bar in search of Provisions and were there taken by pilots belonging to that place.

That Charles Robb, mate of the ship William belonging to Lewiston in Maryland and seized by Lord Dunmore, was ordered on Board said Tender by his Lordship for the purpose aforesaid and was taken in said Tender by the pilots at Occacock.

That Thomas Douglass, a Midshipman of said Tender, was on Board for the purpose aforesaid, and was taken in the said Tender by the pilots as aforesaid.

That Thomas Mander, a Soldier belonging to the 14th Regiment, was Ordered on Board the said Tender by Lord Dunmore for the purpose as aforesaid and was taken as aforesaid.

That John Goodrich, late of Portsmouth in Virginia, was in the Actual service of Lord Dunmore for the avowed purpose of annoying

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the Sea Coasts and seizing the Ships Bound to and from America; that in the said Service he Commanded a certain Tender called the Lilly under the Superior Conduct of a certain Lietenant John Wright of the British Navy, who commanded an armed Sloop called the Fincastle; that during his Command of the Lilly and under the conduct aforesaid he seized as prizes of War divers Vessels outward Bound from this Colony. It also appears to your Committee that the said John Goodrich was superintending Pilot on Board the Otter Man of War, when she sailed up Chesapeak Bay for the Purpose of Burning the vessels at Baltimore and if resisted, the Town of Baltimore; that from his knowledge of the Sea Coasts and various Inlets into the different maritime Colonies, he is capable of being made a dangerous Instrument in the hands of our Enemies, and He thinks himself bound to serve and obey them implicitly because he has some considerable property under their power.

That Alexander Maclaine did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as Commissary to Genl McDonald's Army for the avowed purpose of assisting the Enemies of America.

That Thomas Collins did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as a volunteer for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That George Mylne was intrusted with the gun powder which belonged to the Committee of Cumberland, which powder the said George Mylne supplied Genl McDonald's Army with.

That Conner Dowd did actually give an Order on Edward Winslow to deliver to Alexander Maclaine for the use of Brigadier General McDonald's Army 27 Barrels of Beef, and 25 Barrels of Pork. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That Peter Hay delivered to Wm Campbell for the use of Genl McDonald's Army, a barrel of powder. That he bore the Colours which was afterwards Erected as a standard in Cross Creek from Campbelton.

That Robert Gillies had about one hundred weight of gun powder which the Tories took from him. That he did not interfere on either side for fear of a large property in his hands belonging to his employers.

That Angus Campbell did actually take up Arms and lead forth to war, as Captain of a company, thirty men for the avowed purpose of assisting the Enemies of America.

That Alexander Stuart did actually take up Arms and lead forth

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to war, as Captain of a Company, thirty men for the purpose aforesaid.

That William Austin did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as a common soldier under John Piles for the avowed purpose of Assisting the Enemies of America.

That James Thomas did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as a common soldier for the purpose aforesaid.

That Hugh McDonald did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as a volunteer for the purpose aforesaid. That he is a Freeholder and lives in Anson County.

That John McDonald did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as a common soldier for the purpose aforesaid.

That Daniel Cameron did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as a common soldier for the purpose aforesaid.

That Daniel McLean did actually take up Arms and go forth to war as Lieutenant to Angus Campbell's company in the late Insurrection for the purpose aforesaid and that he is a Freeholder and lives in Cumberland County.

That John Hunter Lieutenant to a company commanded by Captain Hunter who was appointed by Lord Dunmore in a New Regiment of Levies did go on Board a Tender called the Lilly commanded by Capt Goodrich who went a cruize for the avowed purpose of seizing, as prizes of war vessels belongiug to America, that they came within Occacock Bar and seized a vessel belonging to Mr Jones of this Province on Board which the said Hunter was taken by the Pilots belonging to that place.

That Malcolm McNeill did actually excite encourage and endeavour to hire Daniel Treadaway to repair to the King's standard at Cross Creek and take up Arms against America under Genl McDonald. That he allured James McEahon into Genl McDonald's Company's Council, and then with a gun compelled the said McEahon to disclose intelligence which he was sworn to keep secret by Capt. Folesom. That he hath been active on the side of Government in the late Insurrection and your Committee are of opinion that the said McNeill's sentiments are truly inimical to the Liberties of America.

ALLEN JONES, Chairman.

Halifax, 10th May, 1776.

The foregoing reports of enquiry were read in Open Congress & concurred therewith.

By order.

Jas Green, Jun., Secy.