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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Resolution by the Continental Congress concerning the Cape Fear River
United States. Continental Congress
October 29, 1776
Volume 10, Pages 872-873

Resolve of the Continental Congress about fortifying the Cape Fear.

In Congress, Octr 29th, 1776.

Whereas the fortifying the entrance of the river Cape Fear in the State of North Carolina will tend greatly to the advantage and security of that State by furnishing a safe harbour for foreigners & excluding the enemies ships,

Resolved, therefore, That it be recommended to the Convention of the State of North Carolina, that they do immediately fortify & secure at the expence of their State the entrance of the said river by erecting batteries and other works of defence by placing obstructions in proper parts of the said river and pursuing such other measures as in their opinion will best conduce to prevent the introduction of the enemies ships and protect the trade of the said State; and in case heavy cannon cannot be procured in the State of North Carolina it is further recommended to the said Convention that they apply to the State of South Carolina requesting the loan of such cannon as they can spare from their own necessities, who it is

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not doubted will contribute as far as it may be in their power to accomplish a purpose which will be of general utility to the Southern States.

CHAs THOMSON, Sec'y.

Extract from the minutes.