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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Hugh Williamson and William Blount to Alexander Martin
Williamson, Hugh, 1735-1819; Blount, William, 1749-1800
August 18, 1782
Volume 16, Page 398

TO GOV. MARTIN FROM H. WILLIAMSON AND WILLIAM BLOUNT
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Philadelphia, 18th August, 1782.

Sir:

We took the liberty to inform you on the third inst., that with the desire of placing the State we represent in a fair and respectable light, we had thought it our duty to publish an abstract of the late Acts of the General Assembly in favour of Troops and Revenue. The publication was very well received here, and we hope it met with your approbation. On the 14th inst., for a similar reason, we presented an Apology or address to the Minister of France. It is enclosed, together with his answer, from the whole of which we apprehend you will conclude that the address, especially in the critical season of presenting it was by no means unpleasing to the Minister. In fact, the particular circumstances of Public Intelligence had much weight in our determinations.

Congress had just received the Letter which the British General seemed to circulate with avidity. It seemed to point at some desire to separate America from her Union with France. At this season we apprehend that we cannot be too attentive to obviate every probable cause of Jealousy in the breast of our Ally, who doubtless have served us faithfully. However, it is not enough that the public at large should approve our zeal to serve the State which we have the honor to represent, we are particularly solicitous to meet with the approbation of that State. With respect to the public we observe with pleasure that they seem to think we availed ourselves of a very critical season to present our address which our duty called for. With respect to the State we have taken the risque fully on ourselves. If they should be pleased to approve our Conduct, they may make the address their own.

We have the honor to be, &c.,
HU. WILLIAMSON,
WM. BLOUNT.