---

Sir:—

I have, agreeably to your request, sent you by Mr. Jesse Newby, twenty-four marriage licenses, and as many letters Testamentary,

and taken his rec't on your acc't. You are to receive the usual fees on them, and acc't with me for the same. Whatever might have been the intention of your late Representatives, I do not know; but the Congress in the Constitution have directed a salary to be paid the Governor for his public services; that granting marriage licenses and testamentary letters is of utility to private persons only, every man knows; and these Gentlemen know they passed an ordinance enforcing the acts of Assembly till the next session. Under these I issue those papers, and under them I expect to receive fees, unless otherwise directed by the next General Assembly. I also expect you will acc't with me for the fees on ordinary Licences, which you have issued during my cont'e in office, without the General Assembly shall think proper to direct the contrary. Col. Southerland is a Gent'n with whom I have the pleasure to be acquainted, and would gladly serve; but the late Congress seemed to incline to consolidate the offices of Clerks and Registers in each County; for which reason I have not issued a register's commission in any one instance, nor do I intend doing it till the meeting of Assembly. Whatever they determine in this or any other matter if I continue in office, 'twill be my duty to pursue. The printer has been so busy about the Ordinances and Journals of the late Congress, that I have not been able to get him to strike off my blanks for me; and the last time I was in New Bern (about a week past) he had not quite finished the Journal, so that I have it not in my power to supply you with a copy. I have no dispatches for your neighboring counties, but am greatly obliged to you for your friendly offers of conveying such as I might have.

---