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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Tryon to John Frohock and Alexander Martin
Tryon, William, 1729-1788
April 05, 1771
Volume 08, Page 545

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[B. P. R. O. America & W. Ind. N. C. Vol. 218.]
Letter from Governor Tryon to Messrs John Frohock and Alexander Martin.

Newbern the 5th April 1771.

I have received your Letter of the 18th of last month respecting your negotiation and agreement with the Insurgents.

If you have abused Your Public Trust it is Your Duty to give satisfaction and make restitution to the injured, As for my own part I entertain a just Abhorrence of the Conduct of that Man who is guilty of Extortion in the execution of his public Character. The mode however of Your Agreement with the insurgents, by including Officers who are amenable only for their public conduct to the Tribunal of their Country is unconstitutional, Dishonorable to government and introductive of a practice the most dangerous to the peace and happiness of society. On the 18th of last month it was determined by consent of his Majesty's Council to raise Forces to march into the settlements of the Insurgents in order to restore peace to the country upon honorable Terms and constitutional principles. This measure is not intended to impede nor has it the least Reference to the Agreement between you gentlemen and the Regulators tho' it is expected in the execution of it more stability will be added to our government, than by the issue of Convention ratified at Salisbury.

I am, gentlemen &c
Wm. TRYON.