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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Archibald Maclaine to Richard Caswell
Maclaine, Archibald, 1728-1790
March 07, 1779
Volume 14, Page 34

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A. MACLAINE TO GOVERNOR CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

7th March, 1779.

Sir:

Mr. Hooper, within a very few days past, having wrote me what I had heard from common report, that the General Assembly had thought proper to nominate me to fill the vacant seat on the bench of Judges, I think it my duty to acquaint your Excellency with my resolution as early as possible. I have the highest sense of the honor done me by this appointment—an appointment not only unexpected but unsolicited—but, though I shall ever retain a grateful remembrance of this unsought-for and unmerited distinction, I cannot prevail upon myself to accept a trust so sacred and important in its nature, the faithful discharge of which requires the highest degree of legal knowledge, the utmost impartiality, and the greatest integrity. I candidly acknowledge, Sir, that, with respect to law acquirements, I do not think myself altogether qualified to execute so high a trust with justice to the public and reputation to myself. The community will not, I hope, suffer any inconvenience by conferring this honorable appointment upon one who would not discharge his duty to his fellow citizens and himself if he did not decline the acceptance of it. Mr. Williams, I have heard, is ready, if appointed, to enter upon the execution of the office.

I am, with great respect, Dr. Sir,
Your most obedient Servant,
A. MACLAINE.