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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from William Skinner to Richard Caswell
Skinner, William, 1729-1798
March 05, 1778
Volume 13, Page 63

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GEN. WM. SKINNER TO GOV. CASWELL.
[Executive Letter Book.]

Perquimans, March 5th, 1778.

Hond. Sir:

Yours of the 5th last month, after 25 days past I duly received, and the contents noted. It is with real concern that I inform you, that since I left NewBern in December last, I have not recd one shilling into the Treasury, either by the collection of the State Taxes or the opening of the Land office nor have I recd £300, for old arrears.

The Land office in this part of the Country will bring in but a very small sum, and from the other parts of the State, I have no expectation of receiving any before the meeting of the Assembly.

The collectors of the present Taxes being allowed until the first of next month to make their collections, am doubtful little will be paid into the Treasury before. I shall use every method in my power to make a small collection, by the assembly, if possible and (if my health permits) immediately on my arrival there will wait on you. The price of coarse shoes in this part of the Country from the 1st of Nov. to the 1st Janry rose from 16 shillings to 26 shillings, occasioned by some Maryland Merchants engaging all that was to be had, and as the price was so much greater on my return home, than I had any reason to expect, declined engaging any until I had your orders, indeed the price is altering almost every day.

As the last Assembly thought proper to add Martin County to the District of Halifax, whereby the Edenton Brigade is some less, I thought it my duty to transmit to your Excellency a new return of the Militia in this District. I have had an additional return from Currituck County, which will occasion the enclosed and my former return not strictly to agree, indeed the whole returns from the different Counties is so irregular that it would require a person of greater abilities than I am master of to make a return fit for your inspection.

I have the honor to be with the greatest esteem your Mo. Ob. Servt.
WM. SKINNER.