Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to Patrick Henry
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
October 23, 1777
Volume 11, Page 663

-------------------- page 663 --------------------
GOV. CASWELL TO GOV. HENRY.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

North Carolina, 23d Oct. 1777.

Sir:—

Application having been made me in the behalf of a certain Benjamin Clifton who is said to be drafted into the Continental service, in the State of Virginia, when in truth he is an inhabitant of this State, I beg leave to recommend his case to your Excellency's consideration. He produced to me a deposition of sundry Certificates by which it appears he has been some years an inhabitant of this State, that he hath been regularly enlisted as a taxable and Militia man, and that in consequence of a late Act of Assembly of this State, he, with another, has procured a man to enlist into the Continental Service thereby to exempt himself and the other person, from Military duty during the time the man has engaged to serve. I have furnished him with a Testimonial authenticating these papers, in order that he may lay them before you, when I have not a doubt but you will order his discharge from the Draft in the State under your Government. I can not refrain informing your Excellency that this is not the only instance in which Drafts have been made in Virginia of the Inhabitants of this State. I do it Sir, with no other view than to make you acquainted with the circumstance, which I assure myself, you are a Stranger to, and that on this Information the persons alluded to, will have justice done them.

I have the honor to be
with regard and esteem, Sir,
your most obedt, Humle Servt.,
R. CASWELL.