State of Forth Carolina,
New-Bern District.
At a Superior Court of Law begun and held at New-Bern, in and for the District of New-Bern, on the 20th day of May, in the year of our Lord 1778, and in the second year of the Independence of said State.
Proclamation being made commanding all manner of Persons to keep silence, the Hon'ble Samuel Spencer, Esqr., produced a Commission directed to the Hon'ble Sam. Ashe, the said Samuel Spencer & the Hon'ble James Iredell, Esqrs., commissionating them Judges of the Superior Courts of Law in the State aforesaid, which was published by reading the same.
The Crier then opened the Court, and a Commission from his Excellency the Governor constituting John Cooke Clerk of the aforesaid Court was read.
The Court adjourned until to-morrow morning at 9 o'clock.
Thursday the 21st May. The Court met according to adjournment.
Present; The Hon'ble Samuel Spencer.
Proclamation was made for the Sheriffs, Justices & other officers belonging to the Counties of Craven, Carteret, Beaufort, Johnston, Hyde, Pitt and Dobbs to return the Recognizances & Precepts & other papers to them directed, or in their custody, and returnable here this day, that the Court may proceed thereon.
(Here follow lists of jurors by the Sheriffs.)
The Court adjourned 'till to-morrow 9 o'clock.
Friday 22nd May. The Court met according to adjournment. Present:
Ordered by the Court that the Sheriffs of the Counties of Carteret, Beaufort, Hyde and Pitt be amerced fifty pounds [each] for not attending this Court. Nisi.
Ordered by the Court that the Sheriffs of Dobbs and Johnston Counties be amerced seventy-five pounds [each] for not attending this Court, and making return of the Jurors by them summoned to attend the same. Nisi.
Saturday, the 23d day of May. The Court met according to adjournment.
Present: