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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Samuel Johnston to Elijah Robertson
Johnston, Samuel, 1733-1816
January 29, 1788
Volume 21, Page 442

GOV. SAML. JOHNSTON TO ELIJAH ROBERTSON, ESQ.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Edenton, 29th January, 1788.

Sir:

I have this day received your Letter of the 25th of November addressed to Mr. Caswell, the late Governor. It is with uncommon concern that I understand the distresses of your part of the Country, at the same time that I lament the apparent difficulty of affording you any immediate effectual relief, your distant situation, the exhausted state of the Treasury and the impracticability of raising and marching any considerable number of men at this inclement season are obstacles that at first view seem insurmountable.

I will however, lay your Letter and others relating to this business before the Council where the subject will be considered with that deliberation and attention which its importance demands. I could wish that this matter had been fully stated to the Assembly whose powers were more adequate to the purpose of affording you that protection and relief which your critical and alarming situation calls for.

I am with great Respect,
Your most Obedient Svt.,
SAML. JOHNSTON.