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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Hugh Williamson to James Iredell
Williamson, Hugh, 1735-1819
May 01, 1782
Volume 16, Page 613

HON. HU. WILLIAMSON TO HON. JAMES IREDELL.

Hillsborough, 1st May, 1782.

Dear Sir:

Yours of the 17th Ult. was delivered me to-day. I am extremely obliged by your attention to the business referred to, which as usual has been unwearied & faithful.

Hitherto we have not passed one Law of Extensive public import; but the Committee on Ways and Means have Several Bills ready for the Assembly. The want of punctuality among the Members in attending committees has called for the exercise of more philosophy than I possess. The Chancery Bill, not mine but the one that I introduced, has been the subject of much debate. Genl. Parsons & Govr. Nash ran me hard, you see that I was unequally matched. On the third reading they prayed that I would withdraw it for amendment. I refused and they obtained leave. Tomorrow is fix’d for the return of the Bill & I think we shall carry it with considerable odds, nor shall we admit of the nominal amendments. Two Chancery Bills, brought in by other persons during this Session, have died a natural death. They were for District Courts. So much trouble have I had with my Academy Bill, which has not yet passed, that I have almost resolved not to attempt any other public measure. The generous, public, comprehensive spirit of Legislation is wanting among our other wants.

Last night we lost some sleep; a horseman, we suppose one of Fanning’s party, was fired on by one of our Pickets & attempted returning the fire, his gun flashed. We were called to arms & paraded; for you are to note that we are all Soldiers, at least Armigeres. Some of the Members horses that were billeted in the Neighborhood are missing this morning. You see we are not without employment of difft. kinds. Be pleased to present my Compliments to Friends in Town & be assured that I am with the utmost respect,

Dear Sir,
Your obdt. hble Servt.,
HU. WILLIAMSON.
James Iredell, Esq.,
Edenton.