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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Tryon to Edmund Fanning
Tryon, William, 1729-1788
April 27, 1768
Volume 07, Pages 719-720

[B. P. R. O. Am. & W. I. N. C. No. 216.]
Letter from Governor Tryon to Colonel Edmund Fanning

Council Chamber Wilmington
27th April 1768.

It was with a truly sensible concern, I perused last night your letter of the 23rd of April and the several letters transmitted therewith All of which I laid before His Majy's Council this morning, who after mature deliberation on their contents were unanimously of opinion that, I should issue the Proclamation enclosed, [see p. 721.—Editor] and also take all such other lawful measures, that may be requisite to suppress the insurrections, broke out among the inhabitants of Orange County—I confess few events in the course of my life, have given me more real concern, than the intelligence sent me of the general disaffection of your People. Is it possible that the same men, who I received with so much pride and happiness last year, and whose good behaviour, order & appearance has been the frequent subject of my reflection and conversation since, should now be loaded with opprobious Titles of Insurgents and Violators of the Public Peace, that common right of Mankind in Society—This surely can only be an infatuation, instigated by a few Persons, whose characters are as desperate as their fortunes, and who having nothing themselves to loose, scruple not to involve men of a far different character and

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stamp, into all the Calamities and Miseries of civil discord, and who out of the general confusion, assuredly hope that the increase of their fortunes, may keep pace, with the weight, & measure of their Crimes.

I am confident when that mist is dispersed, the honest, industrious and considerate men, will not only seperate themselves, from such dangerous associations, but be zealous in seeing justice dispensed, on the Principals which deluded them. If any Grievance subsists in your County, the People have a proper Tribunal, by the Constitution of their Country to appeal to The Legislative Body—Every matter contained in their Petition which is stampt with Equity and Justice shall meet with my support, conditionally that I am informed that the people have dispersed to their several Habitations, and that Order and Tranquility is again restored to the County. But should they still be regardless of the measures (I think I may stile them of great indulgence) now pointed out to them, and commit further outrages, you may rest assured the most vigorous efforts of Administration, shall be exerted in the support of the Honour & Dignity of His Majesty's Government, and the due execution of the Laws of this Country.

I am &c.
WILLIAM TRYON.