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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Circular letter from Charles Thomson to the state governors
Thomson, Charles, 1729-1824
October 25, 1788
Volume 21, Pages 503-504

HON. CHAS. THOMSON TO THE GOVERNOR OF NORTH CAROLINA.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

(Circular).


Office of Secretary of Congress,
Oct. 25, 1788.

Sir:

I have the honor to transmit to your Excellency herewith enclosed, a representation of the United States in Congress Assembled, to the States of North Carolina & Georgia, on the subject of their surrendering up a portion of their Territorial Claims for the General benefit.

In order to give your Excellency a more comprehensive view of

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the subject, I have thought it not improper to accompany the present Act of Congress, with a Copy of their first recommendation, and the declarations and instructions of Maryland which gave rise to it, and beg leave to inform you that when Maryland impowered her Delegates to subscribe the Articles of Confedaration, the Legislature did it, with a reliance on the Justice of the several States, thereafter touching the Claim Stated in their declaration.

I have only to add that in complyance with the Recommendation of Congress the States of Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Virgina & South Carolina have made Cessions of Territorial Claims in the Western Country. which are now selling for public Securities, & that Congress have such faith in the Justice & Magnanimity of the States of North Carolina & Georgia, that they only think it necessary again to call their attention to the subject, not doubting but upon consideration of it, and the Circumstances attending it, they will feel these obligations which will induce them to make similar Cessions, & justify the Confidence which has been placed in them.

With the greatest Respect I have the honor to be
Your Excellency’s Most obedt. Hbl. Servt.,
CHAS. THOMSON.