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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from James Hasell to Wills Hill, Marquis of Downshire
Hasell, James, d. 1785
July 04, 1771
Volume 09, Page 9

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[B. P. R. O. Am. & W. Ind: No. Carolina. Vol. 218.]
Letter from President Hasell to Earl Hillsborough

Newbern the 4th July 1771.

My Lord,

I do myself the honor to acquaint your Lordship, that Governor Tryon, embarked with his Lady and Family, for New York, four days passed and delivered up to me, as first named and eldest Councillor His Majesty's Commission and Instructions—He continued with us but a few days, after his return from the Forces—No Governor ever departed from a people more loyal and affectionately attached to him or his Administration nor more justly lamented. Your Lordship may be assured that I shall use my utmost endeavors and think myself exceedingly happy, should I discharge the important trust reposed in me, in such manner as to merit his majesty's approbation, nothing in my power to do or attempt shall be wanting on my part.

The first instant I summoned a Council and qualified as Commander in chief, conformable to the Instructions.

The Troops that marched from hence with the Governor against the Insurgents returned here, the second instant in high Spirits bringing with them, part of the arms taken at the Battle of Alamance from those detestable Rebels, who are now by His Excellency's wise and prudent conduct reduced to reason and thoroughly convinced of their folly and madness. Above six thousand of them have submitted to government and taken the Oaths prescribed, so that at this time the province remains in perfect tranquility and I am under no manner of apprehension of any future attempts, to disturb the quiet of the country.

Mr Martin the present Governor continues indisposed at New York.

All commands which I may have the honor to receive from your Lordship, you may rest assured, shall be by me most punctually obeyed.

I am with the highest regard, &c
JAs. HASELL.