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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to John Haywood
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
March 26, 1786
Volume 18, Pages 585-586

GOV. CASWELL TO JOHN HAYWOOD, ESQR.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Kingston, March 26th, 1786.

Dear Sir:

I have your favor of the 22nd Inst. covering an Extract of the Act of Assembly, under which Tobacco is purchased, and am much obliged, by the trouble you have taken in this business. I had a few days past, received from the Printer the sheet of his publication, which I wanted, was then engaged with the Council on business which was finished yesterday. And this day I intended writing you by Express, but luckily Mr. Bignal's arrival, who returns immediately, will save the expense of an Express.

The duty enjoined me, is pretty clearly pointed out. I conceive it will be necessary for the Commissioners to make me a return of No. of Hogsheads of Tobacco, quantity in weight and the port of delivery, as well as the time when it will be ready for shipping. I am then to give information to the Board of Treasury, and request their directions with respect to the same, on receipt of which I am to communicate their orders, or rather advice to the Commissioners whose duty it will be to make the shipments accordingly. This I confess is a round about way of doing business, but it is the mode pointed out by the wisdom of the Legislature. And we must pursue it.

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Under these circumstances, I am not a little surprised that Mr. Blount should be so earnest in his solicitations about the freighting of the Tobacco, as he must know I cannot give any orders about the shipment, nor advise them to be made, but conformable to the directions of the Honorable Body of which he is a Member.

You will be pleased to make me a report of the Tobacco you have purchased, similar to what I have mentioned or as nearly agreeable to it as practicable, when I will immediately give information to the Board of Treasury.

My son Winston joins me in our best respects to you and your Brother.

I am Dear Sir, Your most obedient Servt.,
R. CASWELL.