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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Minutes of a regimental court-martial
United States. Continental Army. Court-Martial
January 16, 1779
Volume 15, Pages 736-737

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AT A REGT. COURT MARTIAL BY ORDER OF COL. SUMNER.

Camp Purisburg, January 16th, 1779.
President, Capt. Griffy.
Members, Capt. Cowan & Capt. Hardon.

John Patterson being brought before the Court charged with desertion, he pleaded not guilty. No evidence appeared against him—it is the opinion that he be continued under guard till further orders.

Benjamin Hester being brought before the Court charged with absence without leave. He acknowledges the charge but saith that he had leave from Sergt. Major. It is the opinion of the Court that said Hester be reprimanded at the Head of the Regiment by Major Dixon. Approved of by Jeth. Sumner.

Francis Meedcalfe being Brought before the Court charged with Desertion denies the Crime but acknowledges that he have never taken the state Oath. No evidence appearing against him it is the opinion of this Court that he be continued under Guard till further Examination.

James Tucker brought before the Court charged with desertion acknowledges the crime, no evidence appeared against him. It is the opinion of the Court that he be returned to Guard as he saith that he was unjustly Enlisted into the service and it is the opinion of the Court that he be continued under Guard till further Examination.

Samuel Beesly being brought before the Court and charged with Desertion Denys the crime. He saith that he recd. fifteen Dollars from some officer at Pine Tree but he saith that he was Drunk, did not know the Officer, was willing to return the money he not being sworn yet into the service. No evidence appears against him. It is the opinion of the Court that he serve the same term of time as the Caswell Militia as he saith that he is a Substitute from that County.

Robert Tucker being brought before the Court charged with Harbouring Deserters Denys the crime. No evidence appeared against him but it is the opinion of the Court that he be continued under Guard till further examined into.

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William Tilson being brought before the Court and charged with absence from Roll Call. It being the first time of Disobedience, it is the opinion of the Court that he be reprimanded at the head of the Regt.

CAPT. D. COWAN.