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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from John Easton to Cornelius Harnett
Easton, John
August 06, 1776
Volume 10, Pages 724-725

[From MS. Records in Office of Secretary of State]
Letter from John Easton to the Council of Safety.

Beaufort, ye 6th Augst, 1776.

Sir,

Your Honble Board were pleased to order five hundred Pound to be deposited in my hands to be paid to Robert Williams occasionally for carrying into execution Publick Salt Works. I have now to inform you that it is expended, I could not prevail on Mr Williams to have the process fully demonstrated with that Money, have frequently told him it was the intention of the Council of Safety, but he being so confident of it himself extended his works to a second division. I am however in hopes it may still answer a public purpose, am confident Salt will make in Others, the first division has had water on the beds four days am in hopes in 4 more salt will begin to make, after which should it continue dry it will make fast, the second division is going on will be compleated in 15 or 16 days; the men at high wages are discharged, so that am in hopes it will be carryed on with less expence than the first. I have done every thing in my power to lengthening out the £500. I have advanced Money towards carrying on the works hopeing it may meet with your approbation as I think it may be of use to the publick as the works are so far gone on with to have it finished, it is clear to me that the place where they are fixed is equal to any in the Province for the purpose, it is well sheltered against storms and I think the works are proof against a Hurricane, as they are well

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executed and the water equally salt. As no provision has been made for furnishing the Independant Company's with fire Arms I have ventured to deliver out to Captn Ward's Company what Guns I have purchased for the Publick and take his Rect for the delivery of them when called for, I hope the Council of Safety will favr me with a Letter informing how far they may approve of my advanceing for finishing the second division of Salt works as likewise my letting out the fire Arms as mentioned above. I am with due regard,

Your Obedt Humble Servt
JOHN EASTON.