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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Proclamation by Alexander Martin concerning the surrender of Rice Bass et al.
Martin, Alexander, 1740-1807
November 26, 1784
Volume 17, Pages 106-107

A PROCLAMATION BY THE GOVERNOR.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

State of North Carolina,
November 26, 1784.

By his Excellency, Alexander Martin, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief of the State aforesaid.

A PROCLAMATION.

Whereas it has been represented to the Honorable, the General Assembly, that Rice Bass, John Bass, Harrison Bass, William Roberts,

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Thomas Dean, jun., and Daniel Millor, stand indicted in the Superior Court of Law and Equity, for the district of New Bern for the murder of Martin Franks and James Blackshare, two of the citizens of this State, and although process of Law hath several times issued against them, yet by their continuing in arms, shifting from County to County, they have hitherto eluded the execution thereof, and still lie out in obscure places, committing thefts and other depredations on the property and some times violence on individuals. Therefore in compliance with the request of the Honbl. Legislature, by their resolution of the 25th inst, I hereby issue this my Proclamation, requiring the said Rice Bass, John Bass, Horman Bass, William Roberts, Thomas Dean, jun., and Daniel Millor, and each of them to surrender him or themselves to some one of the Judges of the Superior Courts, or Justices of the Peace in this State, within ninety days after the date hereof, to be dealt with according to the nature of his or their offence. And in case the said Rice Bass, John Bass, Horman Bass, William Roberts, Thomas Dean, jun., and Daniel Millor, do not surrender themselves agreeable to this the tenor of my Proclamation, I hereby offer a reward of fifty Pounds, current money, pursuant to the resolution aforesaid, to any person or persons, for each and every of the said offenders, whom he or they shall apprehend and bring to Justice. And that this service shall have full aid and assistance, I do further command all officers, civil and military together with others, the good citizens of this State, to use their utmost endeavours to apprehend the said persons for the purposes aforesaid, as they will answer the contrary at their peril.

Given under my Hand and the Great Seal of the said State, which I have caused to be hereunto affixed, at New Bern the twenty sixth day of November, in the year of our Lord 1784, and in the ninth year of the Independence of the said State.

ALEXANDER MARTIN.
By his Excellency's command.
James Glasgow, Sect'y.
God save the State.