Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Minutes of the North Carolina House of Commons [Extract]
North Carolina. General Assembly
May 12, 1779 - May 15, 1779
Volume 18, Pages 803-825

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FRAGMENT OF HOUSE JOURNAL APRIL—MAY, 1779.

NOTE.—In Volume 13, page 823, the House Journal abruptly ends and a note is added that the remainder was lost. By the researches of Dr. Cyrus Thompson, the Secretary of State, the missing part has been found and is here printed.—Ed.

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Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

The resolve of your House empowering the Sheriff of Orange County to hold an election for Commissioners for the town of Hillsborough we herewith return you concurred with.

At the same time received the resolve of this House referred to in the above message concurred with.

The Bill to amend an Act entitled, “an Act for levying a tax for defraying the Contingencies of the several Counties in this State, and for other purposes,” was read the third time, amended by consent of both Houses, passed and ordered to be Engrossed.

The Bill to repeal an act entitled, “an Act to carry into effect an act passed at New Bern, in November in the year 1777, entitled, ‘an act for confiscating the property of all such persons as are inimical to the United States, and of such persons as shall not within a certain time therein mentioned appear & submit to the State whether they shall be received as Citizens thereof, and of such persons who shall so appear and shall not be admitted as Citizens, and for other purposes therein mentioned,’” was read the first time and rejected.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

This House propose, if agreeable to the Commons, to ballot at 4 o'clock this evening for a Brigadier General for the District of Edenton in the room of General Skinner, resigned; for Treasurers

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for the different Districts of this State, and put in nomination for a Brigadier General Isaac Gregory and John Pugh Williams, Esquires; for a Treasurer for Hillsborough District, William Johnston, Esquire; for Salisbury, William Cathay; for Halifax, Green Hill, Esquire; for Edenton, William Skinner, Esquire; for New Bern, Benjamin Exum, Esquire; and for Wilmington, John Ashe, Esquire. We have appointed Mr. Faulcon and Mr. Seawell to superinted the Balloting on the part of this House. Should your House accede to this measure you will signify the same by Message.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have received the Message of yours proposing to Ballot at 4 o'clock this evening for a Brigadier General for the District of Edenton and Treasurers for the different Districts of this State, to which we agree and have on our part put in nomination for a Brigadier General Isaac Gregory, John Pugh Williams and James Blount, Esquires; for a Treasurer for the District of Hillsborough, John Rand; for the District of Salisbury, David Nisbit and Matthew Lock; for the District of Halifax, Green Hill and Goodorum Davis; for the District of Edenton, William Skinner; for the District of New Bern, Richard Cogdell and William Ward; for the District of Wilmington, John Ashe and Henry Rhodes, Esquires. We have appointed Mr. Person and Mr. Samuel Williams to superinted the Balloting.

Resolved, That General Rutherford and Maxwell Chambers for the District of Salisbury, Thomas Person and John Hogun for the District of Hillsborough, Benjamin Seawell and Henry Montfort for the District of Halifax, Samuel Johnston and Robert Smith for the District of Edenton, James Coor and Abner Nash for the District of New Bern and Edward Starkey and William Hooper for the District of Wilmington, or a majority of them, be Commissioners to view the several places in the Counties of Johnston, Wake and Chatham, which may be proposed as proper for becoming the seat of Government, and that they recommend to the Assembly at their next session that place, which from its natural advantages and a respect to the general convenience and advantage of the inhabitants of this State, in the opinion of the majority of such Commissioners ought to have the preference.

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Resolved, That the said Commissioners be allowed five pounds per day each for their services. That they meet at Wake Court House on or about the 25th Day of September next, to proceed on the business enjoined them by their appointments.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

This House beg to call the attention of the Senate to the Resolve which accompanies this, it being intended as a substitute for a Resolve the same in substance which failed yesterday from clerical errors or accidental misapprehension.

Received from His Excellency the Governor the following Message:

To the Honorable the General Assembly,
Gentlemen:

I lay before you the petition of sundry Inhabitants of Currituck County with several depositions and other papers relative to the subject matter of the said petition which I recommend to your consideration.

RD. CASWELL.

At the same time received the several depositions and other papers therein referred to, and the same being read were ordered to be sent to the Senate together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send you a Message from His Excellency the Governor together with the sundry papers therein referred to.

Resolved, That Mr. William Bennett be appointed to sell the armed Brigantine, “Pennsylvania Farmer,” with her Guns, apparel and Rigging to the highest bidder for ready money, the said Bennett first giving forty days notice thereof in the Virginia and North Carolina Gazettes, and account with the General Assembly at their next session on account of such sale.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their Concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker & Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a Resolve of this House for selling the armed Brigantine, “Pennsylvania Farmer.”

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Mr. Person one of the Committee appointed on the part of this House to superintend the balloting for a Brigadier General for the District of Edenton & a Treasurer for each of the Superior Court Districts in this State reported that by a Majority of the votes of both Houses, John Pugh Williams, Esquire, was elected a Brigadier General for the District of Edenton; William Skinner, Esq., Treasurer for the District of Edenton; William Cathay, Esq., Treasurer for the District of Salisbury; William Johnston, Esq., Treasurer for the District of Hillsborough; Green Hill, Esq., Treasurer for the District of Halifax; Richard Cogdell, Esq., Treasurer for the District of New Bern; John Ashe, Esq., Treasurer for the District of Wilmington.

The House taking the said report into consideration concurred therewith.

Mr. Brown from the joint committee appointed to take into consideration the petition of John Cruden, Senr., reported as follows, vizt.:

Your Committee have had under consideration the petition of John Cruden, Senr., and have examined the facts and allegations therein contained, and are of opinion that they are true and recommend him as a person who might safely be admitted a citizen of this State.

The House taking the said report into consideration concurred therewith.

Ordered that the above report be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence the report of the committee appointed to take under consideration the petition of John Cruden, Senr., concurred with by this House.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House appointing William Skinner, Esquire, to settle and adjust the public accounts and allowing him a certain sum for that service. Also proposing to rescind the resolve adopted by the Assembly appointing three persons for that purpose.

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At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above Message and the same being read was concurred with.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

Herewith we return you the resolve of your House appointing General William Skinner to adjust the accounts of this State with the Continental Congress, &c., and allowing him a certain sum therein mentioned for those services, concurred with.

The House adjourned until To-morrow Morning 8 O'Clock.


Thursday 13th May, 1779.

Ordered. Mr. Thos. Sherrod have leave of absence after to-morrow.

Resolved, That Thomas Craik, Esquire, Commissary of Stores, be allowed the sum of two thousand one hundred and four pounds three shillings and four pence for his services making up clothing & selling Goods for the Continental Officers and Soldiers of this State from the 23rd of November, 1776, to this date. That the Treasurers, or either of them, pay him the same and be allowed.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House in favor of Thomas Craik, Esquire, Commissary of Stores.

Resolved, that Messrs. Luttrell, Person, Rowan, Smith and Phifer be a Committee on the part of this House to act jointly with such Gentlemen of the Senate as may be appointed to point out and ascertain the services to be performed by the commissary of stores, as also the allowance for such services.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

This House have appointed Messrs. Luttrell, Person, Rowan, Smith and Phifer a Committee on their part to act jointly with such Gentlemen of the Senate as may be appointed to point out and ascertain the services to be performed by the Commissary of Stores, as also the allowance for such services.

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Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker & Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

This House have appointed Mr. Relfe and Mr. Respess to act with such Gentlemen as the House of Commons may appoint to take into consideration the several letters, &c., relative to the Inhabitants of Currituck.

Resolved That Messrs. Brown, Smith, Campbell and P. Hawkins be a Committee on the part of this House for the purposes above mentioned.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

This House have appointed Messrs. Brown, Smith, Campbell and P. Hawkins to act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to take under consideration the several Letters, &c., relative to the Inhabitants of Currituck.

Read the petition of George Lamkin, late Sheriff of Tryon County. Ordered that the same be referred to a joint Committee. That for this purpose Messrs. Hawkins, Montfort, Tripp, Wilson, Phifer & Rowan be a Committee on the part of this House.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

This House have appointed Messrs. Hawkins, Montfort, Tripp, Wilson, Phifer and Rowan a Committeee to act jointly with such Gentlemen of the Senate as may be appointed to take under consideration the petition of George Lamkin, late Sheriff of Tryon County.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons.

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House relative to the Brigantine “Pennsylvania Farmer” concurred with.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House appointing commissioners to recommend to the next Assembly a suitable place for fixing the seat of Government concurred with.

At the same time received the resolves of this House referred to in the above Messages concurred with.

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Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith return the report of the Committee appointed to take under consideration the petition of John Cruden, Senr., concurred with.

At the same time received the report of the Committee referred to in the above message concurred with.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

The Resolve of your House in favor of Thomas Craike, Esquire, you will with this receive concurred with.

At the same time received the resolve of this House referred to in the above message concurred with.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

This House have received the message of yours appointing a Committee to point out and ascertain the services to be performed by the Commissary of Stores, and also the allowance for such services, and have on their part for that purpose appointed Messrs. Rutherford, Sanders and Hogun.

The order of the day for taking into consideration the amendments necessary to be made in the bill for raising regular forces for the defence of the United States being called for and read, Resolved, That the House resolve itself into a Committee of the whole to take the same into consideration. The House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole accordingly and chose Richard Cogdell, Esquire, Chairman, and after sometime spent therein Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr. Chairman reported that the Committee had come to several resolutions on the matter referred to them but not having time to reduce them to form desired leave to sit again in the afternoon.

Resolved, That the said Committee have leave to sit again in the afternoon.

The House adjourned 'til 4 O'clock P. M.

The House met according to adjournment.

The order of the afternoon for taking into further consideration the amendments necessary to be made in the bill for raising Regular Forces for the Defence of the United States being called for and

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read, the House resolved itself into a Committee of the whole to take the same into their further consideration, Richard Cogdell, Esquire, Chairman, and after sometime spent therein Mr. Speaker resumed the Chair and Mr. Chairman reported that the Committee had come to several resolutions on the matter referred to them which he was ready to report to the House, and the same being read was rejected.

Mr. I. Campbell moved for leave to withdraw and amend the said Bill. Ordered that he have leave accordingly.

Mr. Jones from the Committee appointed to draw up and make report of Instructions to His Excellency the Governor relative to the Letter from His Excellency Governor Henry and to consider several letters from Col. Jonas Johnston, reported as follows:

Your Committee having examined the letter addressed to Patrick Henry, Esquire, Governor of Virginia, by advice of the Council, to His Excellency Richard Caswell, Esquire, find that it contains a proposition to this State of a strange nature, founded in reasons which have no weight in themselves; a Reflection on which is as painful to your Committee, as a Repetition of them on the Journals of the Assembly is unnecessary and improper. But the amount of the Proposition is this: That this State shall furnish Troops to oppose the British forces to the Southward, as well for the Commonwealth of Virginia as for itself. This being the case, your Committee are of opinion it will suffice that his Excellency acknowledge the receipt of the letter, testifying our total disapprobation of the proposition, and appeal from the sense of the Council to the wisdom and virtue of the General Assembly of Virginia.

Your Committee having also examined Col. Johnston's Letter are of opinion that it is unnecessary for the Assembly to take any Resolution respecting the public pork left at his House because the disposal of it ought to be regulated by the contract made between Col. Johnston and William Wooten, Contractor of Halifax District. Your Committee observe that Col. Johnston in his said letters suggests that there are many delinquents among the men ordered out under his command, that those who appeared were extremely ill provided with arms and other necessaries, and complains that there is no provision made for paying the men their monthly bounty or daily pay. Your Committee feel themselves incapable of pointing

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out Remedies for all these evils; but as there is at present no Continental money in our own Treasury, and our Militia to the Southward must suffer exceedingly unless they are provided with money,

Your Committee would recommend that General Butler be empowered to draw on the Treasury of South Carolina for any sum not exceeding One Hundred Thousand Dollars to be applied to the payment of our Militia while in that State; and His Excellency Richard Caswell, Esquire, be desired to write to the Governor of South Carolina, pledging the faith of this State for all sums of money so advanced for the purposes aforesaid.

The House taking the said report into consideration concurred therewith, and resolved that General Butler lay an account of the monies received in virtue of this resolve before the next General Assembly at their next session.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence the report of the Committee appointed to draw up and make report of Instructions to His Excellency the Governor, relative to the Letter from His Excellency Governor Henry, &c., concurred with by this House.

The House adjourned 'til to-morrow morning 8 o'clock.


Friday 14 May, 1779.

The House met according to adjournment.

The Honorable the Speaker laid before the House a Letter from the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina addressed to His Excellency Richard Caswell, Esquire, purporting the movements of the enemy and the situation of our army to the southward, and the same being read was ordered to be referred to a joint Committee.

Resolved, That Messrs. Hooper, Jones and Person be a Committee on the part of this House for that purpose.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Me. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send you a letter from the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina addressed to His Excellency Richard Caswell, Esquire, which we propose referring to a joint Committee & have for that purpose on our part appointed Messrs. Hooper, Jones and Person a Committee.

Mr. Hawkins from the Committee appointed to take under consideration

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the petition of the Inhabitants of Currituck respecting the Militia of said County being exempt from Military draughts, reported as follows: That the said Militia in the opinion of your Committee cannot be exempt as set forth in the said petition. All which is submitted.

The House taking the said report into consideration concurred therewith.

Ordered that the above report be sent to the Senate for their conconcurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence the report of the Committee appointed to take under consideration the Petition of the Inhabitants of Currituck concurred with by this House.

Mr. Bloodworth from the Committee appointed to consider the Petition of Charles Medlock, Esq., Colonel of the Anson Regiment of Militia, reported as follows:

Your Committee having read the several depositions relative to the balloting of Capt. George Wilson's Company in said County, are of opinion that the same was irregular, illegal and nugatory, in as much as all the persons by the said Company balloted were either by law exempt or belonged to other Companies, except Judge Spencer, who was on the Circuit and was not produced by the said Company to the proper officers in due time.

Your Committee are therefore of opinion that the field officers of the said County of Anson were by law authorized to nominate other persons of the said George Wilson's Company to serve in lieu of those so balloted as aforesaid, and the persons so nominated having failed to attend and perform the service required are to be considered as delinquents and ought to be treated accordingly.

The House taking the said report into consideration concurred therewith.

Ordered that the above report be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence the report of the Committee appointed to consider the petition of Charles Medlock, Colonel of the Anson Regiment of Militia, concurred with by this House.

Resolved, That General Skinner in order to enable him to make

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the state of public accounts required by the General Assembly be authorized to demand and receive of the clerks thereof, or other persons any public papers in their possession relative to the said accounts and General Skinner's receipt shall be a sufficient voucher for the delivery.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a Resolve of this House authorizing General Skinner to demand and receive of the Clerks of the General Assembly, or other persons any public papers in their possession, &c.

Whereas, there is only one Commissioned Officer of the Magazine Guard at Halifax (to-wit.) a Captain. And the said Captain is frequently under a necessity of leaving the Town to go in pursuit of deserters, or on other public business, on which occasions the Guards are too inattentive to their duty.

Resolved therefore, That His Excellency the Governor be authorized and desired to appoint a Lieutenant to the said Guard.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a Resolve of this House desiring His Excellency the Governor to appoint a Lieutenant to the Guard of the Magazine at Halifax.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a Resolve of this House directing the commissioners appointed by last Assembly to purchase provisions to take care of the same until called for by proper officers.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above Message and the same being read was concurred with.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith return the Resolve of your House directing the Commissioners appointed by last Assembly to purchase provisions to take care of the same, &c., concurred with.

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Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith return you the report of the Committee appointed to draw up and make report of Instructions to His Excellency the Governor relative to the Letter from His Excellency Governor Henry, &c., concurred with by this House.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith return you the report of the Committee appointed to take under consideration the Petition of the Inhabitants of Currituck County concurred with by this House.

At the same time received the reports referred to in the above Messages concurred with.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a Resolve of this House relative to the Continental Money of the emissions of May 20th, 1777, and 11 April, 1778.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above message & the same being read was concurred with.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House relative to the Continental Money of the emissions of May 20, 1777, and 11th April, 1778, concurred with.

Received from the Senate the following Messages:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

This House have received your Message, together with a Letter from the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina to the Governor of this State, and have appointed Mr. Johnston & General Rutherford to act with the gentlemen by you appointed to take the said letter under consideration.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith return the Resolve of your House directing His Excellency to appoint a Lieutenant to the Guard of the Magazine at Halifax, concurred with.

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

Herewith you will receive the Resolve of your House authorizing Genl. Skinner to demand and receive from the Clerks of the Assembly, or other persons, certain papers therein mentioned, also the report of the Committee appointed to consider the Petition of Col. Medlock, concurred with.

At the same time received the resolves and report referred to in the above Messages concurred with.

Resolved, That the Treasurers of this State receive of the County Treasurers and Entry Takers certificates for money deposited in the Continental Loan Office in this State redeemable the first day of August next in discharge of their collections, &c., which said certificates the Treasurers are hereby authorized to draw the money for the use of this State.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your Concurrence a Resolve of this House empowering the Treasurers to receive Loan Office Certificates of the County Treasurers & Entry Takers in Discharge of Collections, &c.

Resolved, That His Excellency the Governor be requested to order Six of the Eighteen and Six of the Twenty-four pound Cannon Guns imported in the Ship “Holy Heart of Jesus,” from Edenton to Fort Johnston, for the defence of that place. That he also be requested to grant a warrant on the Treasury of this State in favor of the Commissioners of the said Fort for the sum of seven thousand five hundred pounds to enable them to complete the same.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House requesting His Excellency the Governor to order the Cannon Guns therein mentioned to Fort Johnston for the defence of that place, &c.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House directing the Treasurers to receive of the County Treasurers and Entry Takers

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Certificates for money deposited in the Loan office, &c. Concurred with.

At the same time received the resolve of this House referred to in the above message concurred with.

Mr. Jones from the Committee appointed to take under consideration the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina's Letter, Reported as follows:

That a most earnest and pressing requisition be made to Congress to order the return of the Troops of this State in the Continental service in order that they may march to the aid of South Carolina.

That Fifteen Hundred Regular Troops be raised as soon as possible to fill up the Continental Battalions in the service of this State to be marched under proper officers to the aid of South Carolina. That the Governor and Council be impowered to raise Fifteen hundred militia to supply the place of the militia now in the service of South Carolina if necessary, and that they receive the same bounty and their time of service be of the same continuance as those now in service.

That the Assembly call upon Congress for a sum not less than two and a half million of Dollars towards defraying the expense of recruiting, clothing and marching the above Troops.

The House taking the said report into consideration concurred therewith.

Ordered that the above report be sent to the Senate for their Concurrence together with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence the report of the Committee appointed to take under consideration the Letter from the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina to the Governor of this State. Concurred with by this House.

Mr. Campbell who had leave to withdraw and amend the Bill for raising Regular Forces for the defence of this and the Neighbouring States, brought in the same amended.

Ordered, that the said bill be read the third time, the same was read the third time, amended, passed & sent to the Senate.

The Bill to enable the Governor with the advice of the Council to embody and march to the aid of any of the neighbouring States

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any number of the Militia not exceeding Two Thousand men, was read the second time and rejected.

Received from the Senate the following Messages:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House requesting His Excellency, the Governor, to order certain pieces of Cannon to Fort Johnston, &c. Concurred with.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith return you the report of the Committee appointed to take under consideration the Letter from the Lieutenant Governor of South Carolina to Governor Caswell, &c. Concurred with by this House.

At the same time received the Report and Resolve referred to in the above Messages. Concurred with.

The House adjourned 'til to-morrow morning 8 o'clock.


Saturday 15th May, 1779.

The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. Benjamin Williams, one of the members for Craven County, and Mr. Thomas Tullock the member for the town of Hillsborough, appeared, were qualified, and took their seats.

Resolved that a writ of election issue to the County of Craven for the election of one member of this House for the town of New Bern in the room and stead of Richard Cogdell, Esquire, whose seat is vacated by his acceptance of the appointment of Treasurer for the District of New Bern.

Also to the County of Franklin for the election of one member of this House in the room of Green Hill, Esquire, whose seat is vacated by his acceptance of the appointment of Treasurer for the District of Halifax. That the said Elections be held on the 25th and 26th Days of June next.

Resolved, That the clerk of the Commons, as soon as possible after the expiration of every session of General Assembly make copies of such Resolutions as may pass therein and transmit them by some safe conveyance to the person or persons directed to carry them into execution without delay.

Mr. Haywood, from the Committee of Privileges and Elections,

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to whom was referred the Petition of Ethelred Ruffin, complaining of an undue election in Dobbs County Reported as follows:

That having examined into the allegations set forth in the said Petition find that the sheriff did not swear the electors altho' desired so to do by the petitioner several times, and that a considerable number of soldiers from several Counties were marched to the election, a part of whom voted.

Upon the whole your Committee are of opinion that the said election was illegal and unfair, all of which is submitted.

The House taking the said report into consideration; Resolved, That they do concur therewith, and that the seats of the members of the said County be vacated, and that a writ of election issue to the said County for the election of two members of this House in the room of Thomas Gray and Jesse Cobb, Esq'rs, the members thereof, That the said election be held on the 6th and 7th Days of September next.

Resolved, that Joseph Green, Esq., Deputy purchasing Commissary for the United States in this State be and he is hereby directed to remove the public Stores from Wilmington up Long Creek to some place of safety immediately.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their Concurrence, together with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a Resolve of this House directing Joseph Green, Esquire, purchasing Commissary, &c., to remove the public stores from Wilmington.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House vesting the Brigadier Generals of this State with certain powers, &c.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above message, and the same being read, was concurred with.

Ordered that the following message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith return the Resolve of your House vesting the Brigadier Generals of this State with certain powers concurred with by this House.

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Mr. Haywood, from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, reported as follows:

Your Committee of Privileges and Elections to whom Buckner Kimball applied setting forth that the election of Montgomery County was an undue one, after hearing the evidence on both sides report as our opinion that the said election is Legal.

The House taking the said report into cousideration concurred therewith.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House appointing Armourers to the Brigades of the Militia that shall be ordered on service hereafter, &c.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above message, and the same being read, was concurred with.

Ordered that the following message be sent to the Senate.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith return the Resolve of your House appointing Armourers to the Brigades of Militia that shall be ordered on service hereafter, &c., concurred with by this House.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House impowering Thomas Craike, Esquire, to make up tents, Clothing, &c., and to procure arms for the defence of this State.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above message & the same being read, was rejected.

Resolved, That John Hunt be allowed the sum of eight hundred pounds for settling and adjusting the accounts of one session at Halifax exclusive of two hundred pounds heretofore advanced him for that service, that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate.

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House allowing John Hunt a certain sum therein mentioned.

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Mr. Jones, from the Committee appointed to take under consideration the case of the Continental officers Reported as follows:

That to every officer of the North Carolina Continental Troops who by a Resolution of Congress of the—Day of—shall be entitled to receive half pay during seven years after the termination of the present War, the half pay shall be continued during the life of the said officer. That the articles hereafter enumerated shall be delivered to the officers and soldiers of the North Carolina line at the prices annexed, West India Rum at 8/ per gallon, Muscovado Sugar at 3/ per pound, Coffee at 4/ per pound, Tea at 20/ per pound, Chocolate at 4/ per pound, Hard Soap at 2/ per pound, Tobacco at 1/ per pound. That every officer of said Troops (except such as shall resign) shall be annually during the War furnished with a complete suit of Regimental Uniform at the price for which it might have been purchased at the Commencement of the War, that the lands which shall be granted within this State to the officers and soldiers serving the Troops of the State in consequence of a Resolution of Congress of September 16th, 1776, shall be exempted from taxation whilst they continue in the possession of such officers and soldiers and before any Alienation thereof made and not after.

That widows of the officers of the said State in the Continental service who have died in the service since the Commencement of the present War, or who may die during the continuance thereof, shall be entitled to half the pay which their husbands were respectively entitled to while in the service during their widowhood.

The House taking the said Report into consideration concurred therewith.

Ordered that the above report be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence the report of the Committee appointed to take under consideration the case of the Continental Officers, &c., Concurred with by this House.

The Bill for emitting money for defraying the expence of the War, and for other purposes was read the third time, amended by Consent of both Houses, passed and ordered to be Engrossed.

Resolved, That the Contractor for Wilmington District be directed to deliver to Henry Toomer, Deputy Quarter Master as much corn

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as may be absolutely necessary for furnishing the Waggon Horses under his care and the rations for the said Deputy Quarter Master, and the Wagon Master, on application, and that the said contractor take proper receipts for the same, and that the said Quarter Master receive the said Corn, &c., at the place or places where the same is or may be stored.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House, directing the Contractor for Wilmington District to deliver Corn to Henry Toomer, Quarter Master, &c.

Resolved, That John Ashe, Esquire, Treasurer for the District of Wilmington be directed to advance the sum of one thousand pounds to James Bloodworth, Contractor for said District to enable him to remove, overhaul and repack provisions purchased by him for the use of the public, he first giving bond and security for the faithful application thereof. That the said contractor lay an account of his expenditures before the General Assembly at their next session.

Orderd that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their Concurrence together with the following message.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

Herewith we send for your Concurrence a resolve of this House directing John Ashe, Esquire, Treasurer for the District of Wilmington to advance a certain sum therein mentioned to James Bloodworth, Contractor.

Resolved, That his Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Council, be impowered to call the General Assembly together at a shorter day than that to which the Assembly stands adjourned, if any extraordinary, or unforeseen important Event shall make it necessary.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House impowering His Excellency the Governor with the advice of the

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Council to call the Assembly together at a shorter day than that to which it stands adjourned if it should be deemed necessary.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House impowering His Excellency to draw on the Continental Treasury for a certain sum of money therein mentioned.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above message and the same being read was concurred with.

Ordered that the following Message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith return the resolve of your House impowering His Excellency to draw on the Continental Treasury for a certain sum of money therein mentioned concurred with by this House.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House stating the daily pay of Wagons and carts in the service of this State.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above message and the same being read was concurred with.

Ordered that the following message be sent to the Senate:

Mr. Speaker & Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith return the resolve of your House stating the daily pay of Wagons and Carts in the service of this State concurred with.

Resolved, that the Commercial agent appointed for this State be and is hereby directed, to contract with the French Consul Monsieur Plumbard or others within the United States for arms and other necessaries if practicable, if not, that then he purchase or charter a vessel or vessels as he may think proper to export the public tobacco, by him purchased to St. Eustatia or elsewhere, and to proceed with or without the Tobacco as he may judge most advisable with such advice as the Governor with the advice of the Council of State may think proper to give upon this important occasion and that the Governor furnish him with such draughts on the Treasury as he may judge necessary to carry this resolution into effect.

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Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a Resolve of this House impowering the commercial agent appointed for this State to contract for arms, &c., also impowering His Excellency the Governor to grant Warrants on the Treasury for such sums of money as may be necessary to carry into effect the purposes therein recommended.

Resolved, That when to the respective surveyors and their deputies within the several counties in this State upon running out any Lands upon a Warrant or order of survey being heretofore surveyed or bounded by lines all round there shall appear to be more land than is specified within the said warrant or order of survey, and where the quantity does not exceed ten per cent. the said surveyors may make a return thereof according to the quantity to the Secretary who is also authorized to prepare the grants agreeable thereto.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their Concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herein send for your concurrence a resolve of this House directing the Surveyors to make certain returns of surveys, &c., &c.

Resolved, That His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to grant a commission to James Moore as Colonel, Arthur Brown as Lieutenant Colonel, James Campbell as first Major and Thomas Pugh as Second Major of Bertie County.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their Concurrence together with the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House for directing His Excellency the Governor to grant Commissions to certain persons in Bertic county.

John Pugh Williams, Esquire came into the House and returned his most sincere thanks for the Honor done him by the General Assembly in appointing him Brigadier General of the District of Edenton, and begged leave to resign the said appointment.

Ordered that he have leave accordingly.

Resolved, that it be recommended to his Excellency the Governor

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to issue a Commission of Brigadier General to Isaac Gregory, Esquire, for the District of Edenton in the room of John Pugh Williams, Esq., Resigned.

Ordered that the above resolve be sent to the Senate for their Concurrence together with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Senate:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House requesting His Excellency the Governor to issue a Commission of Brigadier General to Isaac Gregory, Esq., of the District of Edenton.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith return the resolve of your House requesting His Excellency, the Governor to make out a Commission of Brigadier General for the District of Edenton to Isaac Gregory, Esquire in the stead of John Pugh Williams, Esq., resigned, concurred with by this House.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith return you the resolve of your House directing John Ashe, Esq., Treasurer for the District of Wilmington, to advance Mr. James Bloodworth a sum therein mentioned concurred with:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House directing the contractor of Wilmington District to deliver corn to Mr. Toomer, Concurred with by this House.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons.

We herein return you the report of the Committee appointed to take under consideration the case of the continental officers concurred with.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herein return the resolve of your House impowering His Excellency the Governor with the advice of the Council to call the Assembly together at a shorter day than that to which it stands adjourned Concurred with by this House.

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House impowering the Commercial Agent of this State to Contract for Arms, &c. also impowering His Excellency the Governor to grant warrants on the Treasury for the necessary sums of money to carry into effect the purposes therein mentioned concurred with by this House.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons.

We herewith return the resolve of your House requesting His Excellency the Governor to grant Commissions to certain persons in Bertie County concurred with.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

Herewith you will receive the resolve of your House in favour of Mr. John Hunt concurred with.

At the same time received the several resolves and reports referred to in the above messages concurred with.

Received from the Senate the following Message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Commons:

We herewith send for your concurrence a resolve of this House allowing a further sum to the superintendents and signers of the last Emission of money.

At the same time received the resolve of the Senate referred to in the above message and the same being read, was rejected.

The business of the session being over, Resolved, that the Speaker sign the several bills as the acts of the Assembly, and the Journals as the acts of this House.

The House adjourned til the first Monday in October next, then to meet in the town of Halifax.

By order,
JOHN HUNT, C. H. C.
THOS. BENBURY, S. C.