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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Minutes of the Provincial Congress of North Carolina
North Carolina. Provincial Congress
August 20, 1775 - September 10, 1775
Volume 10, Pages 164-220

THE JOURNAL OF THE PROCEEDINGS OF THE PROVINCIAL CONGRESS OF NORTH CAROLINA, HELD AT HILLSBOROUGH 20th AUGUST, A. D. 1775.

North Carolina,

Pursuant to a Resolve of the late Convention, Mr Samuel Johnston summoned a meeting of the delegates at Hillsborough on the 20th day of August, 1775, at which time the members from a majority of the Counties and Towns not appearing he adjourned the Congress till to-morrow morning 10 oClock


Monday August 21st 1775.

At a General meeting of Delegates of the Inhabitants of this Province, at Hillsborough the twenty first day of August A. Dom. 1775 aforesaid

For Anson County—Thomas Wade, Samuel Spencer, William Thomas, David Love, William Picket.

Beaufort—Roger Ormond, Thomas Respess, Jr., John Patten, John Cooper.

Bladen—William Salter, Walter Gibson, Thomas Owen, Thomas Robinson, Junr, Nathaniel Richardson.

Bertie—William Gray, Jonathan Jaycocks, Charles Jaycocks, William Brimage, William Bryan, Zedekiah Stone, Thomas Ballard, Peter Clifton, David Standley, John Campbell, John Johnston.

Brunswick—Robert Howe, Robert Ellis, Parker Quince, Thomas Allon, Roger Moore.

Bute—Green Hill, William Person, Thomas Eaton, Revd Henry Patillo, Jethro Sumner, Josiah Reddick.

Craven—James Coor, William Bryan, Richard Cogdell, Joseph Leech, Jacob Blount, Edmond Hatch.

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Carteret—John Easton, William Thomson, Brice Williams, Solomon Sheppard, Enoch Ward.

Currituck—Thomas Jarvis, Gidion Lamb. James Ryan, James White, Solomon Perkins.

Chowan—Samuel Johnston, Thomas Jones, Thomas Benbury, James Blount, Thomas Hunter, Josiah Granbery.

Cumberland—Farquard Campbell, Thomas Rutherford, Alexander McKay, Alexander McAlister, David Smith.

Chatham—Elisha Cain, Richard Kennon, Matthew Jones, Jeduthan Harper, John Birdsong, Ambrose Ramsey, Joshua Rosser, Robert Rutherford, John Thompson, William Clark.

Duplin—James Kenan, William Dickson, Thomas Gray, Richard Clinton, Thomas Hicks.

Dobbs—Richard Caswell, Simon Bright, James Glasgow, Abraham Sheppard, Spyers Singleton, George Miller, Andrew Bass.

Edgcombe—Robert Bignal, Henry Irwin, Duncan Lamon, Thomas Hunter, Thos Harminson Hall.

Granville—Thomas Person, John Penn, John Williams, John Taylor, Memucan Hunt.

Guilford—Alexander Martin, Ransom Southerland, James Park Farley, Thomas Henderson, William Dent, George Cortner, Nathaniel Williams.

Hyde—Joseph Hancock, John Jordan.

Hertford—William Murfree, Lawrence Baker, Matthias Brickle, Day Ridley, George Wynns.

Halifax—Nicholas Long, James Hogan, David Sumner, John Webb, John Geddy.

Johnston—Benjamin Williams, Samuel Smith, Needham Bryan, William Bryan, John Smith.

Mecklenburg—Thomas Polk, John Phifer, Waightstill Avery, Samuel Martin, James Houston, John McNitt Alexander.

Martin—Kenneth McKinzie, Whitmill Hill, John Everit, William Slade, John Stuart, William Williams.

New Hanover—George Moore, Alexander Lillington, Samuel Ashe, William Hooper, James Moore, John Ashe.

Northampton—Jeptha Atherton, Allen Jones, Howell Edmunds, Drewry Gee, Samuel Lockhart.

Onslow—Isaac Guion, Henry Rhodes, Edward Starkey, John Spicer, John King.

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Orange—Thomas Bourk, John Kinchen, Thomas Hart, John Atkinson, John Williams.

Perquimons—Benjamin Harvey, Andrew Knox, Miles Harvey, Thomas Harvey, William Skinner.

Pasquotank—Joseph Jones, Thomas Boyd, Devotion Davis, Edward Everigin, Demsey Burgess.

Pitt—John Simpson, Robert Salter, William Bryan, James Gorham, James Latham.

Rowan—Matthew Locke, James Smith, Moses Winslow, Samuel Young, William Kennon, William Sharpe, Robert Lanier.

Surry—Joseph Williams, William Hill, Martin Armstrong, Joseph Winston.

Tyrrell—Joseph Spruill, Jeremiah Frazier, Peter Wynne, Stevens Lee, Thomas Hoskins.

Tryon—John Walker, Robert Alexander, Joseph Hardin, William Graham, Frederick Hambright, William Kennon.

Wake—Joel Lane, John Hinton, Theophilus Hunter, Michael Rodgers, Tignal Jones, John Rand, Thomas Hines.

Bath Town—William Brown.

Edenton—Joseph Hewes, Jasper Charlton.

New Bern—Abner Nash, James Davis, William Tisdale, Richard Ellis

Wilmington—Cornelius Harnett, Archibald Maclaine.

Brunswick—Maurice Moore.

Halifax—Willie Jones, Francis Nash.

Hillsborough—William Armstrong, Nathaniel Rochester.

Salisbury—Hugh Montgomery, Robert Rowan.

Campbelton—James Hepburn.

The respective Counties and Towns having certified that the preceeding Persons were duly elected Delegates to represent the said Counties and Towns in General Congress, to be held at Hillsborough the 20th day of August instant, pursuant to which the following Persons appeared, to wit,

Thomas Respess
John Patten
William Gray
Charles Jaycocks
William Bryan
Zedekiah Stone
Roger Moore
Green Hill
William Persons
Robert Alexander
William Graham
Frederick Hambright
Jacob Blount
John Easton
Brice Williams
Solomon Shepherd
Enoch Ward
Samuel Johnston
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John Johnston
Robert Howe
John Jordan
Lawrence Baker
Matthias Brickle
Alexander Martin
Thomas Henderson
Nathaniel Williams
Joseph Hancock
William Sharp
Robert Lanier
Joseph Williams
Nicholas Long
James Hogan
Thomas Eaton
Henry Patillo
Jethro Sumner
Kenneth McKinzie
Whitmill Hill
William Williams
George Moore
Alexander Lillington
Samuel Ashe
William Hooper
James Moore
John Ashe
Allen Jones
Isaac Guion
James Gorham
James Latham
Matthew Locke
James Smith
Moses Winslow
Samuel Young
William Kennon
Robert Ellis
Parker Quince
Thomas Allon
Day Ridley
John Walker
William Kennon
Josiah Reddick
James Coor
William Bryan
Richard Cogdell
Richard Ellis
Cornelius Harnett
Archibald Maclaine
Thomas Benbury
James Blount
James Kenan
William Dickson
Thomas Gray
Richard Clinton
Thomas Hicks
Richard Caswell
Simon Bright
James Glasgow
Abraham Sheppard
Spyers Singleton
Robert Bignal
Duncan Lamon
William Bryan
Josiah Granberry
John Webb
John Geddy
John Atkinson
William Salter
Walter Gibson
Thomas Owen
Thomas Roberson Jr
Nathaniel Richardson
Thomas Wade
Samuel Spencer
David Love
William Picket
Elisha Cain
Richard Kennon
Matthew Jones
Ambrose Ramsey
Thomas Jones
Thomas Person
John Penn
John Taylor
Memucan Hunt
Thomas Hart
John Williams
Benjamin Harvey
Andrew Knox
Miles Harvey
Thomas Harvey
William Skinner
John Simpson
Robert Salter
Drewry Gee
Howell Edmunds
Samuel Lockhart
Jeremiah Frasier
Joseph Spruill
Peter Wynne
Robert Rowan
James Hepburn
Thomas Rutherford
Alexander McAlister
Farquard Campbell
Alexander McKay
Joseph Jones
Demsey Burgess
John Thompson
Samuel Martin
James Houston
James H. Hall
William Hill
Jasper Charlton
Joseph Leech
Maurice Moore
Willie Jones
Francis Nash
William Armstrong
Nathl Rochester
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Joseph Hardin
David Sumner
Benjamin Williams
William Bryan
John Smith
Joel Lane
John Hinton
John Rand
William Brown
Joseph Hewes
James Davis
William Tisdale
Michael Rogers
Tignal Jones
John Cooper
Needham Bryan
Robert Rutherford
William Clark
Theophilus Hunter
Thomas Polk
Thomas Boyd
Devotion Davis
Edward Everigin
Henry Rhodes
Edward Starkey
Thomas Burke
John King
John Kinchen
Gideon Lamb
Waightstill Avery
Martin Armstrong
Hugh Montgomery
David Smith
John Williams
Henry Irwin
Thomas Hines
John Phifer
Jno. McNitt Alexander
James White
Ransom Sutherland
Jas. Park Farley
William Dent
George Cortner
Joshua Rosser
Joseph Winston
John Birdsong

Colo Richard Caswell proposed for president Samuel Johnston, Esquire; who was unanimously chosen President, and Mr. Andrew Knox was appointed Secretary, and Mr. James Glasgow an assistant, Francis Lynaugh and Evan Swann, Doorkeepers, during the continuance of the Congress.

Resolved, That Coln Francis Nash wait on the Revd George Micklejohn, and request him to attend and perform divine service; pursuant to which he attended opened the Congress by reading prayers in the Church at Hillsborough.

The Congress having been informed that John Coulson, of Anson County, charged with dangerous practices against the Liberties of America, was now in Custody in this Town;

Resolved, that Messrs. Samuel Spencer, John Patten, John Johnston, Walter Gibson, Robert Ellis, Richard Cogdell, Solomon Sheppard, James White, Thomas Benbury, David Smith, Thomas Gray, Simon Bright, Henry Irwin, Memucan Hunt, Alexander Martin, John Jordan, Lawrence Baker, Nicholas Long, Benjamin Williams, William Williams, John McNitt Alexander, William Hooper, Allen Jones, Richard Kennon, Henry Rhodes, John Williams, Miles Harvey, Robert Salter, William Sharp, Robert Lanier, William Kennon, John Rand, Joseph Hewes, William Brown, William Tisdale, Cornelius Harnett, Maurice Moore, Willie Jones, Francis Nash, Hugh Montgomery, and Jethro Summer, be a Committee to enquire into

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the Conduct of the said John Coulson, and make report to this Congress to morrow morning.

Resolved, That Mr. Hooper, Mr. Howe, Mr. Burke, Mr. Willie Jones, Mr. Maurice Moore, Mr. Allen Jones and Mr. Penn, be a Committee to prepare a Test to be signed by the Members of this Congress.

Whereas it is Manifest that endeavours have been used by Enemies to the Liberties of America, to persuade several of the Inhabitants of this Province who were engaged in the late Insurrection, that they remained still liable to be punished, unless pardoned by his Majesty, and that pardons can only be obtained on Condition that they shall, when required, take Arms, and act offensively, against such persons as shall be devoted to destruction for having taken an Active Share in defence of American Liberty; And whereas it is well known that no punishment can now lawfully be inflicted on any persons concerned in the said Insurrection, whether mentioned in the Act of Outlawry on that Occasion or not.

Resolved, therefore that the late Insurgents and every of them ought to be protected from every attempt to punish them by any Means whatever, and that this Congress will to their utmost protect them from any injury to their persons or property which may be attempted on the pretence of punishing the said late Insurrection, or anything in consequence thereof.

Resolved, That Mr. Maurice Moore, Mr. Caswell, Mr Thomas Person, Mr William Kennon, Mr Knox, Mr Locke, The Revd Mr Patillo, Mr Burke, Mr Hunt, Mr Benjamin Harvey, Mr Thomas Jones, Mr Penn, and Mr George Moore be a Committee to confer with such of the Inhabitants of the Province, who entertain any religious or political Scruples, with respect to associating in the common Cause of America, to remove any ill impressions that have been made upon them by the artful devices of the enemies of America, and to induce them by Argument and Persuasion, heartily to unite with us for the protection of the Constitutional rights and privileges thereof.

Resolved, That The Revd Mr. Henry Patillo be desired to read prayers to the Congress every morning, and the Revd Mr Charles Edward Taylor every evening, during his stay here.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow Morning 10 O'Cclock.

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Tuesday August 22d 1775

The Congress met according to adjournment

The several proceedings of the Continental Congress, viz.

A Declaration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of North America, in General Congress at Philadelphia in July last, setting forth the Cause and necessity of taking up Arms.

The twelve United Colonies of North America, by their Representatives in Congress to the people of Ireland.

The Opinion of the Congress on the Resolution of the House of Commons of Great Britain of the 20th of Feby. 1775.

The address of the Congress to the Lord Mayor of London.

A Resolve of the Congress relative to the Culture of Salt Petre, and the several Methods of making Salt Petre, recommended to the Inhabitants of the United Colonies by their Representatives in Congress, and sundry Resolves of the Congress, were laid before this Congress, and ordered to be read; and were read accordingly.

Mr. Harnett from the Committee to enquire into the conduct of John Coulson, reported their proceedings thereon, which was concurred with by the Congress. At the same time the said John Coulson gave into Congress the following declaration, to wit,

“I, John Coulson do, from the fullest Conviction solemnly and sincerely declare, that I have been pursuing measures destructive of the Liberties of America in General, and highly injurious to the peace of this Colony; and truly Conscious of the heinousness of my Guilt, do now publickly confess the same; and do solemnly and sincerely promise, that I will for the future support and defend, to the utmost of my power, the Constitutional Rights and Liberties of America; and in order to make atonement for my past Guilt that I will make use of every effort in my power to reclaim those persons who I have seduced from their duty, and also to induce all other persons over whom I have influence, to aid, support, and defend, the just Rights of America. In Witness whereof I have hereto set my Hand, this 22d of August, 1775.

JOHN COULSON.”

Resolved, That the said John Coulson be discharged from his attendance on this Congress.

Whereas there are several offenders against the Continental Association now confined at Wilmington, it is resolved that an Express be immediately sent from this Town to Wilmington, requiring

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the Committee of Wilmington to deliver all such Delinquents as may be in Custody to a Guard directed to receive the same and safely to convey such delinquents from County to County in the most expeditious manner, that they may be brought before this Congress, in Order that their Demerits may be strictly enquired into, with such papers as were found in their Custody.

Resolved, That the Thanks of this Congress be given by Mr Spencer to the Gentlemen Volunteers of Anson County, who brought John Coulson in Custody to this Congress.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow morning 9 o'clock.


Wednesday August 23rd 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

The Association entered into by the General Congress at Philadelphia on the 20th day of October 1774 and signed by the members thereof was read.

Resolved that this Congress do highly approve of the said Association and do for themselves firmly agree and promise to adhere thereto, and do recommend it to their Constituents that they likewise adhere firmly thereto.

The Committee directed to prepare and bring in a Test for the Members of the Congress to sign, report that they had prepared a Test, which they begged leave to lay before the Congress for Approbation.

Ordered, the same be read; which was accordingly read, approved of, ordered to be entered on the Journal and signed.

We the Subscribers professing our Allegiance to the King, and Acknowledging the constitutional executive power of Government, do solemnly profess, testify and declare that we do absolutely believe that neither the Parliament of Great Britain, nor any Member or Constituent Branch thereof, have a right to impose Taxes upon these Colonies to regulate the internal police thereof; and that all attempts by fraud or force to establish and exercise such Claims and powers are Violations of the peace and Security of the people and ought to be resisted to the utmost. And that the people of this province, singly and collectively, are bound by the Acts and resolutions of the Continental and the Provincial Congresses, because in both they are freely represented by persons chosen by themselves; And we do solemnly and sincerely promise and engage, under the Sanction of virtue, honor, and the sacred Love of Liberty, and our

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Country, to maintain and support all and every the Acts, Resolutions and Regulations, of the said Continental and Provincial Congresses, to the utmost of our power and Abilities. In Testimony whereof, we have hereto set our Hands this 23d of August 1775.

NATHl RICHARDSON.
Nathaniel Richardson
William Gray
C. W. Jaycocks
William Bryan
Zedekiah Stone
John Johnston
Thomas Owen
Thos. Robeson, Jr.
Thomas Allon
Roger Moore
Green Hill
William Person
Henry Patillo
Thomas Eaton
Jethro Sumner
Josiah Riddick
James Coor
William Bryan
Richard Cogdell
Jacob Blount
John Easton
Brice Williams
Solomon Sheppard
Enoch Ward
James White
Thomas Jones
Thomas Benbury
James Blount
Josiah Granbury
Thomas Rutherford
Alexr McAlister
Farquard Campbell
David Smith
Alexander McKay
Robert Howe
Parker Quince
Robert Ellis
Samuel Johnston
Thomas Wade
Samuel Spencer
Thomas Person
John Williams
John Taylor
Memucan Hunt
Alex. Martin
Ransome Sutherland
James P. Farley
Thos. Henderson
William Dent
George Cortner
Nathaniel Williams
Joseph Hancock
John Jordan
Lawrence Baker
Mathias Brickle
Day Ridley
Nicholas Long
James Hogan
David Sumner
John Webb
John Geddy
Benjamin Williams
William Bryan
John Smith
Thomas Polk
John Phifer
Jno McNitt Alexander
Kenneth McKinzie
David Love
William Picket
Thos. Respess, Junr
John Pallen
William Salter
Walter Gibson
John Atkinson
John Williams
Benj. Harvey
Andrew Knox
Miles Harvey
Thos. Harvey
William Skinner
Thomas Boyd
Devotion Davis
Edward Everigin
John Simpson
Robert Salter
William Bryan
James Gorham
James Latham
Matthew Locke
James Smith
Moses Winslow
Samuel Young
William Kennon
William Sharp
Robert Lanier
Joseph Williams
Joseph Spruill
Jeremiah Fraser
Peter Wynne
John Walker
William Kennon
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Elisha Cain
Richard Kennon
Matthew Jones
Ambrose Ramsey
Robert Rutherford
William Clark
James Kenan
Thomas Gray
William Dickson
Richard Clinton
Thomas Hicks
Richard Caswell
Simon Bright
James Glasgow
Abraham Sheppard
Spyres Singleton
Robert Bignal
Henry Irwin
John Penn
Robert Rowan
James Hepburn
Willie Jones
Francis Nash
William Armstrong
Nathaniel Rochester
Hugh Montgomery
John Thompson
Joseph Leech
Whitmill Hill
William Williams
George Moore
Alexr Lillington
Samuel Ashe
William Hooper
James Moore
John Ashe
Allen Jones
Howell Edmunds
Drewry Gee
Samuel Lockhart
Isaac Guion
Henry Rhodes
Edward Starkey
John King
Thomas Burke
John Kinchen
Thomas Hart
Demsey Burgess
Samuel Martin
James Houston
Thos H. Hall
William Hill
Duncan Lamon
Joshua Rosser
Jasper Charlton
Robert Alexander
Joseph Hardin
William Graham
Fredk Hambright
Joel Lane
John Hinton
Theophilus Hunter
Michael Rogers
Tignal Jones
John Rand
Thomas Hines
William Brown
Joseph Hewes
James Davis
William Tisdale
Richard Ellis
Cornelius Harnett
Archibald Maclaine
Maurice Moore
John Cowper
Needham Bryan
Gideon Lamb
Waighstill Avery
Martin Armstrong
John Birdsong
Joseph Winston
Joseph Jones

Resolved, That his honor the President, Mr. Harnett, Mr. Caswell, Mr. Hewes, Mr. Nash, Mr. Willie Jones, and Mr. Young be a Committee of Secrecy, for the purpose of procuring Arms and Ammunition, and to report to this Congress what sums of money will be necessary for that purpose.

Resolved, That Mr. Maclaine, Mr. McAlister, Mr. Farquard Campbell, Mr. Rowan, Mr. Thomas Wade, Mr. Alexander McKay, Mr. John Ashe, Mr. Spencer, Mr. Gibson, Mr. Kennon and Mr. Hepburn be a Committee to confer with the Gentlemen who have lately arrived from the highlands in Scotland to settle in this Province, and to explain to them the Nature of our Unhappy Controversy

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with Great Britain, and to advise and urge them to unite with the other Inhabitants of America in defence of those rights which they derive from God and the Constitution.

Resolved, That Mr. Maurice Moore, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Howe, Mr. Caswell and Mr. Hewes be a Committee to prepare an Address to the Inhabitants of the Province of North Carolina, stating the present Controversy in an easy familiar stile and manner obvious to the very meanest Capacity, calling upon them to unite in defence of American Liberty, and vindicating, from a necessity to which Administration has reduced us, the taking up Arms, and assuming the Controul of the Militia, and ascribing the silence of the Legislative powers of Government to his Excellency the Governor refusing to exercise the Functions of the office by leaving the Province and retiring on Board a Man of War, without any threats or violence to compell him to such a measure.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow morning 9 o'Clock.


Thursday August 24th 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

Resolved, That Doctor Burke be added to the Committee to prepare an address to the Inhabitants of this Province &c.

Resolved, That such Gentlemen as have in their possession any Letters or other Papers respecting the Common cause of American Liberty, lay the same before the Congress, and several Letters and other Papers were accordingly brought up to the Table read and filed.

Whereas the Continental Congress hath thought it necessary for the preservation of American Liberty, that an Army should be embodied, and the sum of three Millions of Dollars be emitted for the purpose of supporting such Army, and hath pledged the faith of the United Colonies for the redemption of the same.

Resolved unanimously, That the Inhabitants of North Carolina will pay their full proportion of the expence so incurred, and will make provision for the redemption of such part of the sum so emitted as shall be alloted by the Continental Congress for this province to Redeem, in proportion to the number of its Inhabitants.

Resolved that his Honor the President Messrs William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, Richard Caswell, Samuel Spencer, Thomas Respess, Walter Gibson, William Gray, Robert Howe, Thomas Eaton, James Coor, John Easton, James White, Thomas Jones, Alexander McAlister, Richard Kennon, Thomas Gray, Henry Irwin, John Penn,

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Alexander Martin, Joseph Hancock, Matthias Brickle, John Webb, William Bryan, Thomas Polk, Whitmill Hill, Samuel Ashe, Allen Jones, Henry Rhodes, Thomas Burke, Benjamin Harvey, Demsey Burgess, Robert Salter, Matthew Locke, Joseph Williams, Peter Wynns, William Kennon, Joel Lane, William Brown, James Davis, Archibald Maclaine, Maurice Moore, James Hepburn, Willie Jones, Hugh Montgomery, and Francis Nash, be a Committee for the purpose of preparing a plan for the regulation of the Internal peace, order and safety of this Province, and making such an arrangement in the Civil police of this Province, as may tend to supply in some measure the defect of the executive powers of Government, arising from the absence of His Excellency Governor Martin, and that this Committee take into consideration the propriety of appointing a Committee of Safety, the members to compose it, the manner and time of choice, Qualification of Electors and Elected, The number of which these shall consist, the powers of these Committees, also the mode to be observed in calling provincial Conventions, the time of Election, place where to be held, Qualification of Electors and Elected, the number which every Town and County are to send as Delegates, to represent them in such Convention, the Powers which this Convention are to Exercise. And further to report the necessity, if any there be of forming other Committees than before mentioned and every civil power necessary to be formed in order to relieve this Province in the present unhappy state to which Administration has reduced it.

The Congress taking under consideration the State of the province and the expediency of employing a Military Force for its defence against foreign and domestic Invaders.

Resolved, That it lie over until Tomorrow.

A Draught of Articles of Confederacy, proposed for the Consideration of the several Colonies in North America was brought into Congress to-wit:

The provincial Congress of North Carolina are to View the following articles as a Subject which will be proposed to the Continental Congress at their next session; it therefore becomes the duty of the provincial Delegates now assembled, to instruct the Gentlemen whom they shall make choice of to Represent them in the next Continental Congress, what they are to express to be the sense of this province. Their former Delegates, beg that this plan may be considered not as having had the sanction of the Continental Congress,

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or Recommended by them, or as expressing the Sentiments of the Delegates who Represented this province in the last Continental Congress, but wish they may be dispassionately Debated and approved or Condemned upon their own Intrinsick merits.

Article 2d

The Said United Colonies hereby Severally enter into a firm League of Friendship with each other, binding on themselves and their posterity for their common defence against their Enemies, for the Security of their Liberties and properties, the Safety of their persons and Families and their mutual and general Welfare.

Article 3d

That each Colony shall enjoy and Retain as much as it may think fit of its own present Laws, Customs, Rights, privileges, and peculiar Jurisdictions, within its own limits, and may amend its own Constitution as shall seem best to its own assembly or Convention.

Article 4th

That for the more Convenient management of General Interests, Delegates shall be annually elected in each Colony to meet in general Congress, at such time and place as shall be agreed in the next preceding Congress only where particular circumstances do not make a deviation necessary. It is understood to be a Rule that each succeeding Congress is to be held in a different Colony till the whole number be gone through and so in perpetual Rotation and that accordingly the next Congress after the present shall be held at Annapolis in Maryland.

Article 5th

That the power and duty of the Congress shall extend to the determining on War and peace, the entering into Alliances, the Reconciliation with Great Britain, the settling all disputes between Colony and Colony (if such should arise), and the planting new Colony's where proper. The Congress shall also make such General ordinances, necessary to the general welfare, particular assemblies, cannot be competent to, Vizt: Those that may Relate to our general Commerce or general Currency, to the establishment of posts the Regulation of Common Forces. The Congress shall also have the appointment of all officers, Civil and military, appertaining to the general Confederacy, Such as general Treasurer, Secretary &c.

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Article 6th

All charges of War and other general expences to be incurred for the general Welfare, shall be defrayed out of a common Treasury, which is to be supplied by each Colony in proportion to its number of male Polls between 16 and 60 years of age, the taxes for paying that proportion are to be laid and levied by the laws of each Colony.

Article 7th

The number of Delegates to be elected and sent to the Congress by each Colony shall be regulated from time to time by the number of such polls returned, so as that one Delegate be allowed for every 5000 polls, and the Delegates are to bring with them to every Congress an authenticated return of the number of Polls in their respective Colonies which is to be taken for the purpose above mentioned.

Article 8th

At every meeting of the Congress one half of the Members returned, exclusive of proxies, shall be necessary to make a quorum, and each Delegate at the Congress shall have a vote in all Cases, and if necessarily absent shall be allowed to appoint any other Delegate from the same Colony to be his proxy, who may Vote for him.

Article 9th

An executive Council shall be appointed by the Congress out of their own Body, consisting of (12) persons, of whom in the first appointment one third vizt (4) shall be for one year; (4) for two years; (4) for three years, and as the said Term expires the vacancies shall be filled up by appointments for three years, whereby one third of the members will be changed annually, and each Person who has served the said Term of three years as a Councillor shall have a respite of three years before he can be elected again. This Council, of whom two thirds shall be a Quorum, in the recess of the Congress is to execute what shall have been enjoined thereby; to manage the general Continental business, and Interests; to receive applications from Foreign Countries; to prepare matters for the consideration of the Congress; to fill up (pro tem.) Continental Offices that fall vacant, and draw on the general Treasurer for such monies as may be necessary for the general Services and appropriated by the Congress to such Services.

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Article 10th

No Colony shall engage in an offensive War with any Nation of Indians without the consent of the Congress or general Council above mentioned, who are first to Consider the Justice and necessity of such a plan.

Article 11th

A perpetual alliance offensive and defensive is to be entered into as soon as may be with the Six Nations, their Limits ascertained and to be Secured to them, their Lands not to be encroached on, nor any private or Colony purchase made of them hereafter to be held good, or any Contract for Lands to be made but between the great Council of the Indians at Onondago and the general Congress; the boundaries and Lands of all the other Indians shall also be ascertained and secured to them, in the same manner; and persons appointed to reside among them in proper Districts, who shall take care to prevent injustice in the Trade with them and be enabled at our general expence by occasional small supplies to relieve their personal wants and distresses, and all purchases from them shall be by the Congress for the general advantage and benefits of the United Colonies.

Article 12th

As all new Institutions may have imperfections which only time and experience can discover, it is agreed that the general Congress from time to time shall propose such amendments of this Constitution as may be found necessary, which being approved by a majority of the Colony Assemblies, shall be equally beinding with the rest of the Articles of this Confederation.

Article 13th

Any and every Colony from Great Britain upon the Continent of North America, not at present engaged in our Association may upon application and joining the said Association, be received into the Confederation, Vizt: Quebec, St Johns, Nova Scotia, Bermudas and the East and West Floridas, and shall thereupon be intitled to all the advantages of our Union, mutual assistance and commerce.

These Articles shall be proposed to the several Provincial Conventions or Assemblies to be by them Considered, and if approved, they are advised to impower their Delegates to agree and ratify the same in the ensuing Congress, after which the Union thereby established,

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is to continue firm 'till the Terms of reconciliation proposed in the Petition of the Congress to the King are agreed to; 'till the acts since made restraining the American Commerce and Fisheries are repealed; 'till reparation is made for the injury done to Boston by shutting up its Ports, for burning Charles Town, and for the expences of this unjust War, and all the British Troops are withdrawn from America. On the arrival of these events the Colonies are to return to their former Connection and Friendship with Great Britain, but on failure thereof, this Confederacy to be perpetual.

Whereas it has pleased God to bless these Countries with a most plentiful Harvest, whereby much Corn and other provisions can be spared to Foreign Nations who may want the same—

Resolved, That after six months from the 20th July instant, being the day appointed by a late Act of Parliament of Great Britain for restraining the Trade of the Confederate Colonies, all the Customs Houses therein (if the said Acts be not first repealed) shall be shut up and all the Officers of the same be discharged from the execution of their several functions, and the Ports of the said Colonies are hereby declared to be thenceforth open to the Ships of every State in Europe that will admit our Commerce and protect it, who may bring in and expose to sale free of all duties, their respective produce and manufactories, and every kind of merchandize, excepting Teas and the merchandize of Great Britain, Ireland and the British West India Islands.

Resolved, That we will to the utmost of our power maintain and support this Freedom of Commerce for two years certain, after its Commencement, any reconciliation between us and Great Britain notwithstanding, and as much longer beyond that Term as the late Acts of Parliament for restraining the Commerce and Fisheries or disallowing the laws and matters of any of the Colonies shall continue unrepealed.

Ordered that the Secretary furnish the delegates for each County with a Copy thereof.

Mr Thomas Craike is appointed a Clerk to assist the Secretary, to Expedite the business of the Congress.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow Morning 9 oClock.

-------------------- page 180 --------------------


Friday, August 25th 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

A Paper purporting to be a Proclamation issued by his Excellency Josiah Martin dated on Board his Majestys Ship Cruizer, at Cape Fear River, the eighth of August instant, directed to the Moderator of the Provincial Convention of Hillsborough, being read;

Resolved unanimously, That the said Paper is a false Scandalous, Scurrilous, malicious, and sedicious Libel, tending to disunite the good people of this province, and to stir up Tumults and Insurrections, dangerous to the peace of His Majesty's Government, and the safety of the Inhabitants, and highly injurious to the Characters of several Gentlemen of acknowledged Virtue and Loyalty; and further that the said paper be burnt by the common Hangman.

The Order of the day being read, Resolved, the same lie for consideration till Monday next.

The Petition of Frances Dunn and Dorothy Boote being read, Resolved, that the same lie on the Table for Consideration.

Mr Joseph Williams a Delegate for the County of Surry has leave to absent himself from the Congress for ten days.

Resolved, That Mr Harnett, Mr Willie Jones, Mr Knox, Mr Locke, Mr Caswell, Mr Thomas Person and Mr John Ashe be a Committee to take into Consideration and report a state of the Public Fund.

Resolved, That Mr Cogdell, Mr Green Hill, Mr Martin, Mr Taylor, Mr Patillo, Mr Thomas Jones, Mr John Kinchen, Mr Thos. Hall, Mr Locke and Mr Skinner be a Committee of Intelligence, to receive all Petitions respecting the return of delegates and report thereon to this Congress.

Resolved, That all those Gentlemen possessed of any Intelligence respecting Indian Affairs, furnish Willie Jones Esquire, one of the Commissioners for the Southern Department, with the same in wirting.

Resolved that it be recommended to the Committees of the several Counties and Towns in this province, to obtain an exact List of the Inhabitants within their respective Counties and Towns, distinguishing in such List the Number of White Male Persons between the Age of Sixteen and fifty Years, the Number of Males above fifty and under Sixteen, the Number of White Women, the Number of Female Children, The number of Black male Slaves being Taxables, the number of Female Slaves who are Taxables, and the number of Slaves who are not taxables, and that such Lists be returned certified by the Chairman of the Committee

-------------------- page 181 --------------------
to the president of this Congress, on or before the first day of November next.

Mr Edward Everigin has leave to absent himself from the service of this Congress.

Mr James Green is appointed an Assistant Clerk to this Congress.

Adjourned till 5 oClock this Afternoon.


Friday 5 oClock p. m.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

Mr Robert Lanier is appointed to serve on the Committee to prepare a plan for the Internal peace of this province, in the room of Mr Joseph Williams, who has leave of absence.

Resolved, That the Commanding Officer of the Independent Company of the Town of Hillsborough, dispatch four of the said Company to proceed from this place towards Wilmington until they meet with a certain James Cotton, of the County of Anson, who it is said is in Custody of certain persons, in order to be brought before this Congress, and to assist in bringing the said James Cotton before the Congress.

The Congress adjourned till Monday Morning 9 oClock.


Monday August 28th 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

Resolved that on Friday next the Congress Resolve itself into a Committee, to take under Consideration the paper laid before the Congress purporting to be a Confederacy of the United Colonies.

The Committee appointed to receive Intelligence and Petitions, &c., Reported that they had taken into Consideration the several matters laid before them, which they begged leave to lay before the Congress.

Ordered the same be read. Read the same and is as follows:

Report of the Committee of Intelligence Elections &c.

The Petition of Frances Dunn (Wife of John Dunn) and Dorothy Boote (wife of Benjamin Boote) being referred to this Committee, and the Allegations therein contained examined into; it appeared to us, that from the notorious inimical Conduct of the said John Dunn and Benjamin Boote, mentioned in said Petition to the cause of America, the apprehending and sending the said Dunn and Boote to South Carolina was necessary and justifiable, in these times of

-------------------- page 182 --------------------
General danger, and as to the future disposal of said Dunn and Boote, we submit to the consideration of this Honorable Congress.

The Petition of a number of Inhabitants of the Town of Salisbury, respecting the Election of said Town, being also referred to this Committee: it is our opinion that the several matters contained in the said Petition, as objections to the Election of a Member for the said Town to sit in provincial Congress are groundless and that the said Election is good and valid.

The information of Thomas Wade, Thomas Polk and John Walker, relative to the hostile intentions of Governor Martin, Indians, and others laid before this Committee in writing; it is our Opinion that the matter therein contained is of so serious and important a Nature, that we beg leave to submit it to the Consideration of this honorable Congress.

RICHARD COGDELL, Chair.

Resolved that the same lie on the Table for Consideration.

James Cotton, Samuel Williams and Jacob Williams of Anson County who stood charged with acting in opposition to the Liberty of America, and of endeavouring, by Persuasion and otherwise, to induce others to Act against the Resolutions of the Continental and Provincial Congress, were brought to the Bar of this Congress by a party of the Hillsborough Independant Company, and after being severally examined,

Resolved, That the said James Cotton, Samuel Williams and Jacob Williams be discharged and set at Liberty and that Certificates issued from this Congress to intitle them to the protection of all persons espousing the cause of American Liberty, they having made a Solemn recantation of their former Principles.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow Morning 9 o'Clock.


Tuesday August 29th 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

Mr. President laid before the Congress a letter from the Committee of Intelligence of Charles Town South Carolina, inclosing Remonstrances or Petitions from John Dunn and Benjamin Boote, now under Confinement at Charlestown, which was read, and, on motion ordered to lie on the Table for Consideration.

Also Letters from Governor Martin to Benjamin Boote 10th July 1775.

-------------------- page 183 --------------------

From Governor Martin to Colo Cotton 21st July 1775.

Likewise an address from Rowan County to Governor Martin.

From the Committee of Mecklenburg to the Committee of Camden a Letter of Intelligence,

And Dunn and Bootes protest and advertisement, which were filed.

On motion ordered that the Election of delegates to attend the Continental Congress at Philadelphia in September next come on next Saturday.

The order of the day being read for taking under Consideration the State of the province, and the expediency of employing a Military force for its defence against Foreign and Domestic Invasion, Resolved, That the same be deferred till Thursday next.

Whereas some doubts may arise respecting the Construction of the fourth Article of the Continental Association relating to Exportation.

Resolved that it is the opinion of this Congress, that no ship or vessel shall clear out, or take on Board any part of their Cargoes after the tenth day of September 1775; but that vessels actually laden or their Cargoes on Board lighters, and cleared out before that day, may sail at any time after.

Mr. Caswell from the Committee appointed to take into Consideration and report a state of the public Funds reported as follows, viz.:

Whereas in order to make a proper and correct state of the public Funds, it would be necessary Your Committee should have recourse to the public Accounts which are in the hands of the Treasurers, and to the Estimates of Public Allowances and Journals of the Assembly, which cannot conveniently be had here; they have therefore proceeded on the best information they have been able to obtain, and find that there are divers large sums of money due from sundry sheriffs, and other Collectors, a great part of which in the opinion of your Committee will be lost to the public unless some method is immediately fallen upon to inforce the payment of the same, which your Committee earnestly recommend to the attention of the Congress.

That there are also divers sums of money due from the Public to Individuals, and no money in the hands of the Southern Treasurer on the Contingent Fund to discharge the same; what may lie in the Northern Treasury on that fund Your Committee have not been able to inform themselves.

-------------------- page 184 --------------------

That since the passing a resolution in the Assembly that the Rum Duties, and the one Shilling Tax for sinking the Old Bills, should cease, the law imposing the same having had its effect, sundry sums have been paid for such duties to the Collectors, and to the Sheriffs, for the said Tax. Your Committee are of Opinion that the money received on the former, should be returned to the persons from whom the same was received, and also that the latter be either returned to the persons from whom received or allowed them in the payment of any Future Tax. All which is submitted to the Consideration of the Congress.

Rd CASWELL, Chairman.

Ordered the same lie for Consideration until Saturday next.

The Congress taking into consideration the Letters from the Committee of Intelligence of Charlestown, the remonstrances of Benjamin Boote and John Dunn, and the Petitions of Frances Dunn and Dorothy Boote, and the several Papers relative thereto,

Resolved that the President of the Congress by Letters addressed to the Committees of Intelligence of South Carolina, thank them for their friendly interposition in behalf of this Province, by receiving and securing the Persons of John Dunn and Benjamin Boote, thereby disappointing the endeavours of those men to defeat the American Association, in support of their just rights and privileges and requesting of the said Committee to detain the persons of the said Dunn and Boote, within that Province till the Inhabitants of North Carolina by their delegates again meet in Convention, or till they make such recantations of their principles as shall be satisfactory to the Committee of Charlestown; that this province will on a similar occasion be ready to render a similar service to their worthy Neighbours of the fourth province; in the mean time that they pledge the Credit of this province to reimburse the Expences which they may be at by reason of such detention; and express at the same time that we have the fullest Confidence, that the same humanity which has distinguished the proceedings in that province, will actuate them in this Instance.

Resolved that no person whatsoever charged with being an Enemy to the American Cause shall be carried out of this province privately, or by any Act of Violence, except by the directions of a Committee duly impowered to take Cognizance of the Offence with which they are charged, and who shall, upon fair and candid hearing

-------------------- page 185 --------------------
thereupon think such measure prudent just and necessary; but as the particular Circumstances which attended the seizure of Boote and Dunn rendered a previous application altogether impracticable to any Committee appointed for the purposes of Examination, we acknowledge ourselves under the greatest obligations to the Persons who have rendered the signal service to this province, of removing from amongst them men who were exerting their utmost endeavours to defeat the attempts of the virtuous inhabitants of this province to preserve inviolate the rights of the British Constitution.

Ordered, That William Hill, William Gray and Zedekiah Stone, be added to the Committee of Conference.

The Congress adjourned till tomorrow morning 9 oClock.


Thursday August 31st 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

The Order of the Day being read for taking under consideration the state of the province, and the Expediency of employing a military Force for its defence against foreign and domestic Invasion,

Resolved, that His Majesty's faithful and loyal subjects in this Colony, are reduced to a dangerous and critical situation, by the attempts of a British Ministry to carry into execution, by force of Arms, several unconstitutional and oppressive Acts of the British Parliament, for laying Taxes, and for altering and changing the Constitution and internal police of the United Colonies, in violation of the natural rights of the Colonists.

Resolved, that hostilities being actually commenced in the Massachusetts Bay by the British Troops under the Command of General Gage, and a number of Inhabitants of that Colony actually destroyed, the Town of Boston having been long occupied as a Garrison Town, and as if in an Enemy's Country, the Inhabitants thereof treated with a severity not to be justified towards declared Enemies; Reinforcements being also threatened, and every day expected to add to the misery of that wretched people and to Execute the cruel determined measures of Administration against this and the rest of the United Colonies: And whereas His Excellency Governor Martin, hath taken a very active and instrumental share in opposition to the means which have been adopted by this and the other United Colonies for their common safety, as well to disunite this from the rest as to weaken the Efforts of the Inhabitants of North Carolina to protect

-------------------- page 186 --------------------
their Lives, Liberties and Properties against any force which may be exerted to injure them, or for the express purpose of compelling us to submit to the operation of the Acts; that therefore for the express and sole purpose of securing and defending this Colony, preserving it in safety against all attempts to carry the said Acts into Execution by force of Arms, this Colony be immediately put into a state of defence.

Resolved, That this Congress think it absolutely necessary for the support of the American Association and safety of the Colony, to raise a Body of Forces, consisting of one thousand men; and upon the Faith of the Resolve of the Continental Congress, this Congress do Resolve that one thousand men be immediately raised and embodied.

Whereas the Committees of Mecklenburg, Rowan, Bladen and Cumberland, have respectively purchased of sundry persons Gunpowder, and agreed to pay such price as should be ascertained by this Congress for the same.

Resolved, That the Committees of Mecklenburg and Rowan pay to the persons from whom they received powder, the sum of five shillings proclamation money per pound; and the Committees of Bladen and Cumberland four shillings per pound, for all the Gunpowder they have purchased as aforesaid.

Ordered that Mr John Walker, and Mr John Hardin, have leave to absent themselves from the service of the Congress.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow Morning 9 oClock.


Friday September 1st 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

The Order of the day for taking into Consideration the paper laid before the Congress purporting to be a Confederacy of the United Colonies, being called was ordered to lie over till Monday.

Mr John Birdsong, Mr Robert Alexander, Mr Samuel Spencer and Mr James White have leave to absent themselves from this Congress.

The Congress taking into Consideration the Arrangement of the Military Troops ordered to be raised in this Province as part of and on the same establishment with the Continental Army and the appointment of Officers to command the said Troops,

Resolved, That they be divided into two Regiments consisting of five hundred men each and that four hundred, part of the first Regiment, be stationed in the District of Wilmington, two hundred in

-------------------- page 187 --------------------
the District of Salisbury, two hundred in the district of New Bern, and two hundred in the district of Edenton, and that the whole number composing the said two regiments, and every of the above divisions, shall from time to time be disposed of as this Congress or Council of Safety shall direct

Resolved that the following officers be and they are hereby appointed to command the first Regiment, viz.

James Moore Esqr, Colonel
Francis Nash Esqr, Lt. Colonel
Thomas Clark Esqr, Major
Mr William Williams, Adjutant.
Captains in the First Regiment.
William Davis
Thomas Allon
Alfred Moore
Caleb Grainger
William Picket
Robert Rowan
John Walker
Henry Dickson
George Davidson
William Green
Lieutenants.
John Lillington
Joshua Bowman
Lawrence Thompson
Thomas Hogg
William Berryhill
Hector McNeill
Absalom Tatum
Hezekiah Rice
William Brandon
William Hill
Ensigns.
Neill McAlister
Maurice Moore, Jr.
John Taylor
Howell Tatum
James Childs
Henry Neill
Berryman Turner
George Graham
Robert Rolston
Henry Pope

For the Second Regiment.
Robert Howe Esqr, Colonel
Alexander Martin, Lt Colonel.
John Patten Esq., Major.
Dr. Jno. White, 1st Capt. and Adjt.
Captains in the Second Regiment.
James Blount
Michael Payne
Simon Bright
John Armstrong
Henry Irwin Toole
Hardy Murphree
Charles Crawford
Nathaniel Keais
John Walker
Lieutenants.
John Grainger
Clement Hall
William Fenner
Benjamin Williams
Robert Smith
Edward Vail, Jr.
John Williams
John Herritage
Joseph Tate
James Gee
-------------------- page 188 --------------------
Ensigns.
Henry Vipon
Whitmill Pugh
John Oliver
Philip Low
James Cook
John Woodhouse
William Gardner
William Caswell
Benjamin Cleveland
Joseph Clinch

The Captains to take rank from the time their respective Companies shall be completed, to be certified under the hand of one or more Magistrates of the County, where the men may be raised; and in case two or more Companies be completed in one day, or any disputes arise about rank, that it be determined by a Court Martial.

Doctor Isaac Guion is appointed Surgeon to the first Regiment and,

Doctor William Pastuer Surgeon to the Second Regiment.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow Morning 9 oClock.


Saturday September 2nd 1775

The Congress met according to adjournment.

The Southern Treasurer informed the Congress, that he had advanced, agreeable to the directions of the house of Assembly, about nine hundred pounds, to the delegates who attended the two former Congresses; that some Counties had not paid their first proportion of that sum, and that only one County had paid the last proportion.

Resolved, That such of the Counties from which the Treasurer had not received the said first proportion, immediately pay him the same; and that the Treasurer return the money he hath received for the last proportion directed to be paid him as aforesaid, to the County from which he received the same.

It is therefore Resolved, That the Treasurer be allowed so much of the money as he has advanced to the delegates aforesaid, as shall not be replaced by the sums paid, or to be paid him, of the first Twenty pounds directed to be raised in the several Counties in this province, and the same shall be allowed in his Accounts with the public.

Mr Boyd laid before the Congress two hundred pastoral Letters from the Synod of Philadelphia addressed to the Inhabitants of this province, which were dispersed among the members.

Resolved, that the said Adam Boyd be allowed the sum of — — — Proclamation money to be paid by the Public Treasurers or either of them, and be allowed in their accounts with the Public.

-------------------- page 189 --------------------

Resolved, That the Thanks of this Congress be given to William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Richard Caswell, Esquires, for their Patriotic and Faithful discharge of the important Trust reposed in them, as delegates on the part of this Province at the late Continental Congress.

In consequence whereof, the President returned them thanks in the following manner.

“Gentlemen,

The honourable and patriotic conduct you have pursued in Discharge of the high and important Trust unanimously committed to you, with the most unlimited Confidence, by the late Convention of this Province has justified and done honor to their choice, and now calls forth the grateful thanks of your fellow Citizens, which thanks, in order that the most honourable Testimony of your conduct may be Transmitted to Posterity the Congress have commanded me to deliver in this Place.

“I do accordingly, with the greatest pleasure, return you the thanks of this Congress in behalf of their Constituents, for the manly, spirited and patriotic discharge of your duty as Delegates in representing this Province in the Grand Continental Congress at Philadelphia.”

To which the delegates returned the following answer:

“We the delegates of this Province to Whom our Fellow Citizens thought fit to Consign with the most unlimited Confidence, the great and important charge of representing them in the late Continental Congress, beg leave to express our most sincere thanks for the honourable Testimony which thro' you, they have thought fit to render of our services in that Capacity.

“With hearts warmed with a Zealous love of Liberty, and desirous of a reconciliation with the parent State upon Terms just and Constitutional, we flattered ourselves that the Integrity of our motives would plead an excuse for our want of Abilities and that in the Candour and Charity of our Constitutents, our well meant, however feeble endeavors, would find their Apology. Our Expectations are more than answered, and this public approbation of our Conduct, the greatest reward a subject can receive or a people bestow, will stimulate us, whether in private or public life our Lot shall be cast, to imitate the virtues of our patriotic Fellow Citizens and to be distinguished by our usefulness in society, as we have this

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day been by the honors with which they have marked our former endeavors.

“While our hearts overflow with gratitude to this respectable Assembly, we cannot omit to offer our best Acknowledgements to you, honored Sir, for the polite manner in which you have been pleased to convey to us the Sense of this House; and to congratulate them that their Councils are Conducted under the Auspices of a Character so justly esteemed, and which adds Dignity to the Seat in which he presides.”

Resolved that William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, and Richard Caswell, Esquires, be, and are hereby, appointed delegates in behalf of this province for the Term of one Year to attend the General Congress held at Philadelphia on the fifth day of September instant, or at any other time and place that shall be appointed for that purpose. And that they are hereby invested with such powers as may make any Acts done by them, or any of them, or consent given, in behalf of this Province (not inconsistent with such instructions as may be given by this Congress) Obligatory upon every Inhabitant thereof; and that each of them be paid five hundred pounds proclamation money, on performing the services aforesaid, to be paid by either of the Treasurers out of any monies in their hands; and this Congress engage to indemnify such Treasurer or Treasurers for the money they may advance on that account.

Ordered that Devotion Davis, Michael Rogers and Joseph Spruill have leave of absence during this session.

The Order of the Day for considering the Report of the Committee relative to the State of the Public Funds being read, was ordered to lie over till Monday next.

The Congress adjourned till Monday Morning 8 oClock.


Monday September 4th 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

His honor the president laid before the Congress a letter from Mr Biggleston the Governor's Secretary asking the favour of this Congress to give Sanction and Safe Conduct to the removal of the most valuable Effects of Governor Martin on Board the Man of War and his Coach and Horses to Mr Farquard Campbell's.

Resolved, That if Mr Biggleston should think proper to remove on Board the Man of War all the Governor's Effects as well as His

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Excellency's Coach and Horses as every Article thereof, this Congress is ever ready to give them, as to all other private property every safeguard and Security in their power to prevent their receiving any Molestation or injury, however ideal the fears of Mr Biggleston in this instance may be of meeting any inter uption in carrying such designs into Execution; but as Mr Farquard Campbell a Member of this Congress has expressed a sincere desire that the Coach and Horses should not be sent to his House in Cumberland and is amazed that such a proposal should have been made without his approbation or privity, they conceive they can by no means suffer the Coach and Horses to be removed to Cumberland County. This house further take this opportunity to express their surprise at his Excellency the Governor having deserted the palace, as he might have enjoyed all the conveniences of the same in a state of perfect security without insult or injury to his person or property.

Resolved, That Farquard Campbell, Esquire, hath, in the opinion of this Congress, conducted himself as an honest member of Society and a friend to the American Cause; and that any Confidential Expressions that have been dropped by Governor Martin, or any of his Friends, with respect to any reliance they may have upon the Services of the said Farquard Campbell against the American cause have been without any encouragement from the said Farquard Campbell, but have been made use of in Order to bring his character into distrust, and lessen the esteem which for his faithful services he deserves from the Inhabitants of this Province.

Resolved that the Secretary give Certificates to such of the protestors as, from a Conviction of the evil of their past Conduct, have or shall hereafter sign the Association or Test entered into by the members of this Congress during this Session, seting forth that they are accepted as friends to American Liberty.

Ordered, Mr. Hambright have leave to absent himself from the services of this Congress.

The Order of the Day being read for taking into Consideration a paper, purporting a Confederation of the United Colonies; Resolved, The Congress Resolve itself into a Committee of the whole house.

The Congress resolved itself into a Committee of the whole house accordingly and unanimously chose the Reverend Mr. Patillo Chairman; and after some time spent therein, came to a Resolution thereon.

-------------------- page 192 --------------------

On Motion Mr. President resumed the Chair, and Mr. Chairman reported as follows, to wit:

That the Committee have taken into Consideration the Plan of General Confederation between the United Colonies and are of Opinion that the same is not at present Eligible. And it is also the Opinion of the Committee that the Delegates for this province ought to be instructed, not to consent to any plan of Confederation which may be offered in an ensuing Congress, until the same shall be laid before and approved by the Provincial Congress.

That the present Association ought to be further relied on for bringing about a reconciliation with the parent State, and a further Confederacy ought only to be adopted in Case of the last necessity.

Then on Motion, Resolved, The Congress do approve of the above Resolution.

The Congress Adjourned till Tomorrow Morning 9 o'Clock.


Tuesday September 5th 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

On Motion, Ordered, That the Revd Mr. Patillo, Mr. Baker, Mr. Thomas Harvey, Mr. Miles Harvey, Mr. Geddy, Mr. William Bryan, Mr. Jethro Sumner, and Mr. Matthias Brickle have leave to absent themselves from the Service of the Congress.

On Motion, Ordered, That Mr Willie Jones, Mr Nash and Mr John Ashe, be a Committee of this Congress to make an Arrangement of minute men for the Safety of the province, and report their proceedings to this Congress.

On motion, Ordered, That Mr Skinner, Mr Starkey, Mr Locke, Mr Caswell, Mr Thomas Person, Mr Burke and Mr Coor, be a Committee of Ways and Means and that they make Report of their proceedings.

Mr Caswell from the Committee of Ways and Means, reported as follows, viz:

That it is the Opinion of your Committee, that the Expences of the one thousand men to be raised and paid at the Expence of the Continent, ought to be defrayed out of the fund provided for that purpose by the Continental Congress, and that the provincial Congress or such Officers as they shall impower do draw for one hundred thousand dollars immediately, and for other sums as there may be occasion afterwards.

That it is the Opinion of your Committee Sixty thousand pounds be Emitted in paper Bills of Credit, to be applied towards defraying

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the Expence of the Militia and Minute Men, for purchasing Arms and Ammunition, and paying Bounties for the Encouragement of Manufactures, expresses and other contingencies; This Sum to be sunk by a Tax of two Shillings every year on each Taxable Person in this Province, to commence for the year 1777 and continue for seven years after its commencement.

RICHd CASWELL, Chairman.

Ordered, The said Report lie for further consideration.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow morning 9 o'clock.


Wednesday September 6th 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

Resolved, That Mr Penn, Mr Harnett, Mr Webb, Mr Blount, Mr Locke and Mr Coor be a Committee to recommend proper persons for Commissaries for the several Troops.

The aforesaid Committee returned, and reported that several Gentlemen had offered themselves as candidates, which they approved of, and recommended that the house should make choice of four of the said Gentlemen for that purpose.

Pursuant to which Mr William Kennon was appointed Commissary for the district of Wilmington, Mr Robert Salter Commissary for the district of New Bern, Mr Andrew Knox Commissary for the district of Edenton, and Mr Robert Lanier Commissary for the district of Salisbury.

Ordered, That Mr Needham Bryan, Mr Hinton, Mr Jacob Blount, Mr William Bryan and Mr Duncan Lamon have leave to absent themselves from the Services of this Congress.

Mr Archibald Maclaine, chairman from the Committee appointed for the purpose of preparing a plan for the regulation of the Internal Peace, order and Safety of the Province, and making such arrangements in the civil police of this Province, &c., laid the same before the Congress, which was read.

Ordered, the same be committed to a Committee of the whole house tomorrow morning.

The Congress adjourned till Tomorrow morning 9 o'Clock.


Thursday September 7th 1775
.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

-------------------- page 194 --------------------

The house taking into consideration the Report of the Committee of Ways and Means, came to the following Resolutions, to wit:

Resolved, That a Sum not exceeding one hundred and twenty five thousand Dollars, be emitted by this Congress in Bills of Credit, for the defence of this Colony.

Resolved, That this Province be pledged for the redemption of the Bills of Credit now directed to be emitted.

Resolved, That the number and denomination of the Bills be as follows, viz:

4000
of
¼ of a Dollar is
1000
Dollars.
4000
½ of a Dollar is
2000
4000
1 Dollar is
4000
4000
2 Dollars
8000
4000
3 Dollars
12000
4000
4 Dollars
16000
4000
5 Dollars
20000
4000
8 Dollars
32000
3000
10 Dollars
30000

Resolved, That the form of the Bills be as follows.

North Carolina Currency
No. — — — Dollars

This Bill entitles the Bearer to receive — — — Spanish milled dollars or the value thereof in Gold and Silver according to the Resolution of the provincial Congress held at Hillsboro the 21st day of August 1775.

Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Johnston, Mr Richard Caswell, Mr Richard Cogdell and Mr Andrew Knox or the survivors of them, be a Committee to get proper plates engraved, and to provide paper and to agree with an Engraver to stamp or print the said Bills and to Frame Devices for the same; and that they be and are hereby fully authorized to superintend the press, to have the oversight and care of Stamping or printing the Bills of Credit so to be struck, and to number and sign the same; and after numbering and signing them, shall deliver the same to the Treasurers or one of them, taking his or their Receipts for the Bills so delivered; and that they be allowed the sum of fifty pounds each for such services.

-------------------- page 195 --------------------

Resolved, That the said sum be sunk by a tax of two shillings every year on each taxable person within this province, to commence for the year 1777, and continue for nine years unless the money should be sooner sunk.

Resolved, That if any person shall refuse to receive the Public Bills of Credit by this Congress directed to be emitted, in payment of any debt or demand, or shall refuse to give them credit, or shall speak disrespectfully of the said Bills, or shall offer a greater sum of the said bills in exchange than at the rate of eight shillings for a dollar, such person shall be treated as an enemy to his country, and it is recommended to the inhabitants of this province to have no further connection or dealing with him.

Resolved that where any person shall be accused of counterfeiting, altering, or erasing any Bill or Bills of Credit of this Province emitted by virtue of the Resolves of this Congress, or shall knowingly pass or utter or with intent to pass or utter, shall offer the same to any Person or persons Oath being made thereof, or sufficient pregnant circumstances made appear, before any three members of the Committee of the County, where he shall be apprehended, or the nearest Town, such person shall by the said Members of Committees, be committed to the Gaol of the district, where the offence is supposed to be committed, there to remain until the next meeting of the Committee of Safety thereof. And the said Committee shall inquire into the Truth of the Accusation, and if it shall appear to Twelve of them that there is sufficient proof to convict him, he shall be remanded to prison, there to remain until a convenient power shall be established for hearing and determining the matter, agreeable to the Constitutional mode heretofore used in all capital cases. And if he shall be convicted on such future hearing, or shall stand mute, or challenge more than twenty of the Petit Jury, he shall suffer Death as a felon, without Benefit of Clergy. But if the said Committee shall be of Opinion that there is not sufficient proof to convict him, he shall be discharged; and the persons who shall first commit him, shall take necessary measures to compel the Witnesses, as well for as against him, to appear at the meeting of the said Committee of Safety and give Testimony.

Resolved, That Mr Samuel Johnston, Mr Richard Caswell, Mr Richard Cogdell, and Mr Andrew Knox shall previously to their taking upon them the trust reposed in them by the above Resolve, enter into Bond with good and sufficient Security, in the sum of

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Ten thousand pounds proclamation money, each, payable to the members of the provincial Council, for the use of this Province, with condition that he shall duly and faithfully execute and discharge the said Trust reposed in him according to the true intent and meaning of this Congress: Which bond shall be lodged with the provincial Council, and in case of a breach in the condition thereof, may be put in suit and recovered to the use of this province, and if any of the Commissioners appointed as aforesaid should die, remove out of the province, or refuse to act, the surviving Commissioners, or a majority of them, shall appoint others or another in the room of him or them so dying, refusing to act or removing, which Commissioner or Commissioners so appointed, shall enter into Bond as aforesaid. And such Commissioner shall, before his entering into Office, take the following Oath, to wit:

“I, A. B., do swear, upon the Holy Evangelists of Almighty God, that I will in consequence of the Trust reposed in me by the Provincial Congress of this Province faithfully execute the same, that I will not stamp, sign, or emit, or knowingly suffer to be stamped, signed or emitted more Bills than such as have been described by the said Congress, and as soon as such Bills are emitted, that the plates used in stamping the same shall be destroyed.”

Resolved, That the Treasurers be allowed, for receiving and paying away the said Bills one per cent.

The Report of the Committee appointed to bring in a plan for regulating Minute Men and Militia being taken into consideration,

Resolved, That the Province be divided into six districts, as they stood heretofore under the Superior Court Law, viz., Edenton, Halifax, Hillsborough, Wilmington, New Bern and Salisbury districts.

That a Battalion consisting of ten Companies, of Fifty men rank and file, each, be raised in each district; and a Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, Ten Captains, Ten Lieutenants, Ten Ensigns, Twenty Serjeants, Ten Drummers and Ten Fifers be allowed for every Battalion.

That the Field Officers for each and every Battalion be recommended by the several districts, and appointed by the Congress; and that the number of men to be enlisted in the several Counties in the different districts, be also recommended by the several districts, as nearly as may be to the number of effective Men in each County.

That the Field Officers in each district appoint a suitable person or persons in each County to enlist Minute Men, which said Minute

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Men, when their Companies are compleated, shall choose their Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns; and the said Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns of each Company shall appoint their respective noncommissioned Officers.

That the Field Officers and Captains of each district appoint an Adjutant.

That the persons appointed to enlist Minute Men in each County, may take Volunteers, coming of their own accord from other Counties; but shall not go into any other County to enlist, without permission of the Committee of such County in writing.

That when any Company is compleated, and the Officers chosen, the Captain shall give notice to the Chairman of the County Committee, who shall thereupon call the Committee together to review the said Company, at such place as the Chairman shall think proper. And the Committee, or a Majority of them, finding the Company compleat with able and proper men, shall grant a Certificate thereof to the Captain specifying the County and day, by which Certificates the Priority or Rank of the Captains in the different Battalions shall be determined, and that the precedence or Rank of the different Battalions be determined also as they are soonest embodied, which shall be ascertained and certified by the Members of the Provincial Council for the respective districts where such Battalions belong: Should two Captains' Certificates bear date the same day, the Members of the provincial Council for the district shall decide between them; should two Battalion or Colonels' Certificates bear the same date the provincial Council shall determine the rank.

That the Provincial Council enter the returns or Certificates of the County Committees and the Committees of safety in a Book for the purpose, and issue Commissions accordingly.

That the Captains, or persons appointed to enlist, in enlisting Men, give a preference to those who have guns of their own; but if it be found necessary to take such as have none,

That then the Captains certify the same to the Committees of the Countys to which they belong who shall thereupon borrow such guns as are fit for Service, giving receipts, describing such Guns, and the value thereof; to the owners, that they may hereafter get them again or the value of them. And the said Committees, shall take Receipts in the like manner of the Captains for Guns thus supplied, which receipts shall be transmitted to the provincial Council; and the Captains shall produce such Guns, when demanded,

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pay the value of them, or shew that they have been lost by unavoidable accident to the public.

That an allowance be made after the rate of ten Shillings per Annum for a good smooth bore or Musket, and twenty shillings for a Rifle, to the owners for the use of their Guns, in the Case above mentioned.

That the Minute Men as soon as they are enlisted and approved by Companies as above be embodied in Battalions at or near the Towns aforesaid, in the different districts, there to continue in training successively for fourteen days, Sundays inclusive, and that each and every Minute Man be allowed one days pay for every Twenty miles in travelling to and from the place of training by Battalions. After this, that the different Companies in their respective Counties muster at least once a fortnight, on such days, and at such places as their Captains shall direct.

That the Adjutant for each district be employed for six months and allowed the sum of fifteen pounds per month, and attend in the different Counties to his district belonging, by Rotation, and the Field Officers in each district, shall have power to remove such Adjutant for Misbehavior and appoint another in his stead.

That the Officers and men, while training by Battalions, and when called into actual Service have pay as follows, A Colonel per day fourteen Shillings three farthings, Lieutenant Colonel Eleven shillings and five pence, Major nine shillings and six pence, Captain five shillings and eight pence half penny, Lieutenant five shillings and nine pence three farthings, Ensign two shillings and ten pence farthing, Sergent two Shillings and three pence farthing, Corporal Drummer and Fifer two shillings half penny a private man one shilling and ten pence three farthings.

That the special Committee hereinbefore mentioned appoint a Commissary of Musters for every district and shall be allowed eight pence per day for victualing each and every man.

That a Bounty of twenty five Shillings be allowed for every private man, and non-commissioned Officer to buy a hunting Shirt, Leggins, or Splater dashes and Black Garters, which shall be the Uniform; and that the Manual exercise for the said Minute Men be that recommended by His Majesty in 1764. And if any Officer or Minute Man, shall refuse or neglect to attend Battalion duty, he shall forfeit two days pay for every day he is absent, giving to the delinquent the privilege of making excuse any time during Batalion

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Exercise or training, which Excuse shall be allowed or disallowed by a Court Martial consisting of the Field Officers and Captains to each Battalion belonging, the same to be levied on the Estate of the delinquent, by any person or persons by the said Court appointed, and applied according to Act of Assembly for regulating the Militia.

That each and every Company make such regulations as to them shall seem best, for non-attendance, disobedience, and misbehavior, at Musters by Companies; provided that the Commanding Officer or Captain may, if found necessary, give leave of absence to any Inferior Officer or private man, the first in Battalion duty, the last in Company Musters. That the Minute Men be enlisted for six Months, and whenever called into Actual Service, be Subject and bound by the Rules and Regulations for the Continental Army provided by the Continental Congress; And if any Officer or Minute Man during his attendance on training duty by Battalions shall refuse to obey the Commands of his Superior Officers, or behave refractorily or indecently, such offender shall and may be confined for any time not exceeding Twenty four hours, and fined in any sum not exceeding fourteen days pay, as shall be determined by the Judgment of a Court Martial to be held as aforesaid; the fines to be levied and applied as herein before directed.

That in Case of Insurrections Invasions or other Emergency such Captain or Captains, as may be nearest to the Scence of Action or first informed of the danger, shall have power to order all or part of his or their Men as may be necessary into immediate Service, and shall give notice to the Colonel or Commanding Officer of the Battalion to which he or they belong, and the Colonel or Commanding Officer shall upon such information from a Captain, or in the first instance, have power to order all or every part of the Battalion as he shall think proper into service, and March them to any part of his district; but he shall give notice to the Committee of Safety of his district, and shall be subject to their Orders when convened: But as soon as the provincial Council shall meet, the power of the Committees of Safety shall cease with respect to such Battalion, and the Colonel or Commanding Officer thereof, shall be subject to the controul of the said Council.

That the Regular Officers shall take rank of the Minute Officers of the same Rank, and the Minute Officers shall take Rank of the Militia Officers of the same Rank; but the Minute Men shall not be under the Command of the Militia Officers, nor the Militia under

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the Command of the Minute Officers unless when drawn in actual Service.

That a Colonel of the Minute Men shall take rank of a Lieutenant Colonel of the Regulars, a Colonel of the Militia take rank of a Lieutenant Colonel of the Minute Men. And that every Officer or Minute Man who shall refuse or unreasonably delay conforming to the above directions with respect to Insurrections &ca, shall for such refusal or delay suffer such punishment (death excepted) or pay such fine, as shall be adjudged by a Court Martial, consisting of the Field Officers and Captains to his Battalion belonging; provided, that if any Officer shall think himself aggrieved by the decision of such Court Martial, he may appeal to the provincial Council whose determination shall be final. The said Fines and Forfeitures to be levied and applied as hereinbefore directed.

And with respect to the Militia your Committee have further

Resolved, That the Field Officers be appointed by Congress, the Captains, Lieutenants and Ensigns, by the Committee of their respective Counties; and the Committees shall certify the Names of the Officers so elected to the Provincial Council that Commissions may issue accordingly.

That the Colonel or commanding Officer in each County have power to order two General Musters in every year and that the Captains shall muster their companies once a month; the Officers and Soldiers being subject to the same Fines and punishments for non attendance, &ca, at these Musters as are directed by Law for regulating the Militia.

That an Adjutant be appointed by the Field Officers of each County who shall attend every General and private muster of his said county, and shall be paid Eight Shillings per day for every day he attends, to be certified by the commanding officer of their respective regiments or companies.

That the Committees of Safety in their respective districts, upon any emergency, have power to order the Militia into service, their power to cease, however, in this respect as soon as the provincial Council shall meet and issue orders, and that in other respects the Militia be regulated by the Law for that purpose provided, except wherein it is or may be contradictory to the Resolutions of the Congress.

And provided also that every public ferry keeper shall set over ferry free every person who shall attend Musters as Militia or Minute

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Men, at all such times as they shall be called upon by their respective Officers.

The Order of the day that was referred to a Committee of the whole house was laid over till to-morrow.

Resolved, That Mr. John Ashe be allowed four pounds for so much advanced by him to Stephen Jackson, a messenger appointed by the Congress to take and bring in custody James Cotton and others before this Congress.

The Congress then adjourned till To-morrow Morning 9 oClock.


Friday, September 8th, 1775.

The Congress met according to adjournment.

Resolved that Mr. Willie Jones, Mr. Burke, Mr. Thomas Person and Mr. Long be a Committee to state and settle Mr. James Davis' Account for services done as printer to this province.

Mr. Hooper laid before the house an Address to the Inhabitants of the British Empire; and the same being read, was unanimously received, and is as follows, viz,

Friends and Fellow Citizens,

“The fate of the contest which at present subsists between these American Colonies and the British Ministers who now sit at the helm of public affairs, will be one of the most important Epochs which can mark the Annals of the British history. Foreign Nations with anxious expectation wait the result, and see with amazement the blind infatuated Policy which the present Administration pursues to subjugate these Colonies, and reduce them from being loyal and useful Subjects to an absolute dependance and abject Slavery, as if the descendants of those Ancestors, who have shed Rivers of Blood and expended Millions of Treasure, in fixing upon a lasting foundation the Liberties of the British Constitution, saw with envy the once happy state of this Western Region, and strove to exterminate the patterns of those Virtues which shone with a Lustre which bid fair to Rival and Eclipse their own.

“To enjoy the Fruits of our own honest Industry; to call that our own which we earn with the labour of our hands and the sweat of our Brows; to regulate that internal policy by which we and not they are to be affected; these are the mighty Boons we ask. And Traitors, Rebels, and every harsh appellation that Malice can dictate or the Virulence of language express, are the returns which we

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receive to the most humble Petitions and earnest supplications. We have been told that Independance is our object; that we seek to shake off all connection with the parent State. Cruel Suggestion! Do not all our professions, all our actions, uniformly contradict this?

“We again declare, and we invoke that Almighty Being who searches the Recesses of the human heart and knows our most secret Intentions, that it is our most earnest wish and prayer to be restored with the other United Colonies, to the State in which we and they were placed before the year 1763, disposed to glance over any Regulations which Britain had made previous to this, and which seem to be injurious and oppressive to these Colonies, hoping that at some future day she will benignly interpose and remove from us every cause of complaint.

“Whenever we have departed from the Forms of the Constitution, our own safety and self preservation have dictated the expedient; and if in any Instances we have assumed powers which the laws invest in the Sovereign or his representatives, it has been only in defence of our persons, properties and those rights which God and the Constitution have made Unalienably ours. As soon as the cause of our Fears and Apprehensions are removed, with joy will we return these powers to their regular channels; and such Institutions formed from mere necessity, shall end with that necessity that created them.

“These expressions flow from an affection bordering upon devotion to the succession of the house of Hanover as by law established, from Subjects who view it as a Monument that does honor to human nature; a Monument capable of teaching Kings how glorious it is to reign over a free People. These are the heart felt effusions of Men ever ready to spend their Blood and Treasure when constitutionally called upon, in support of the Succession of His Majesty King George the third, his Crown and dignity, and who fervently wish to Transmit his Reign to future ages as the Ord of common happiness to his people. Could these our Sentiments reach the Throne, surely our Sovereign would forbid the horrors of War and desolation to intrude into this once peaceful and happy Land, and would stop that deluge of human Blood which now threatens to overflow this Colony, Blood too precious to be shed but in a common cause against the common enemy of Great Britain and her sons.

“This declaration we hold forth as a Testimony of Loyalty to our Sovereign, and Affection to our parent State, and as a sincere earnest of our present and future intentions.

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“We hope hereby to remove those impressions which have been made by the representations of weak and wicked men to the prejudice of this Colony, who thereby intended that the rectitude of our designs might be brought into distrust; and sedition, Anarchy, and confusion, spread through this loyal province.

“We have discharged a duty which we owe to the world, to ourselves and posterity; and may the Almighty God give success to the means we make use of so far as they are aimed to produce just, lawful, and good purposes, and the Salvation and happiness of the whole British Empire.”

Resolved, That the Treasurers, or either of them, draw on the Continental Treasurer, out of the sum directed to be drawn out of the Continental Funds for the use of the Army five hundred pounds for each of the three delegates appointed to attend the Continental Congress in behalf of this province, instead of the like sum ordered to be paid them out of the Provincial Treasury.

Resolved, That the Continental Troops to be raised in this province be kept in pay three months, unless the provincial Council should judge it necessary to continue them longer; and the said Council are empowered to disband them at any time before or after the term of three months, when they shall judge that the r service is unnecessary.

Mr John Walker is appointed Captain of a company in the Hillsborough district, in the room of Mr John Williams who resigned.

Resolved, That the recruiting officers of the Continental Army, to be raised in this province advance to each non commissioned officer and soldier, who shall be enlisted forty shillings in part of his first Month's pay; That ten shillings be allowed to each Captain, Lieutenant or Ensign, for every man which they shall respectively enlist and enrol as a Soldier in the said Service, as a full compensation for their Expenses in recruiting their men.

Resolved, That Samuel Johnston, Esquire, be, and is hereby appointed Treasurer for the Northern district, and Richard Caswell, Esquire, be and is hereby appointed Treasurer for the Southern district; which said Treasurers respectively are invested with the same powers and Authorities, and intitled to the same Emoluments, and liable to the like Fines, Penalties, and Forfeitures, as Treasurers were by an Act of Assembly of this province, passed in the Year 1773, intituled An Act for appointing public Treasurers, and directing their duty in Office. And that each of them before

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they enter on the Execution of the said Office, shall give Bond and sufficient Security, in the Sum of Fifty thousand pounds proclamation money to the provincial Council.

Mr Farquard Campbell and Mr King have leave to absent themselves from the services of this Congress.

Mr Caswell informed the Congress that as they had done him the honor of appointing him Treasurer of the Southern district of this province, and one of the Signers of the Public Bills of Credit, his attending those duties would render it entirely out of his power, to attend the Continental Congress as one of the Delegates of this Province; he therefore requested this Congress would be pleased to appoint some other Gentleman in his stead.

Whereupon it is Resolved, That John Penn, Esquire, be and he is hereby appointed a Delegate in behalf of this Province, in Conjunction with William Hooper, and Joseph Hewes, Esquires, and that he be invested with the same powers, and entitled to the same Allowance, that the said Richard Caswell would have been vested with, and intitled to, under a former resolution of this Congress.

Resolved, that the Secretary, as soon as this Congress rises, deliver the Journals to Mr James Green, who is directed to Transcribe a fair Copy immediately, and deliver it to Mr. James Davis, who is desired to print the same and send a copy to each of the Members of this Congress as soon as possible.

Mr Wade laid before the Congress a Letter from John Coulson with a Recantation and Association entered into and signed by a number of the people called protestors with which the house is satisfied.

The Congress Adjourned till Tomorrow Morning 6 oClock.


Saturday September 9th 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

The house taking into Consideration the Appointment of the Field Officers of the Minute Men, came to the following Resolution:

Resolved, That the following persons be appointed, to wit,

Edenton District—Edward Vail, Colonel; Andrew Knox, Lieut. Colonel; Caleb Nash, Major.

Halifax District—Nicholas Long, Colonel; Henry Irwin, Lieut. Colonel; Jethro Sumner, Major.

Salisbury District—Thomas Wade, Colonel; Adlai Osburn, Lieut. Colonel; Joseph Hardin, Major.

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Hillsboro District—Jones Thackston, Colonel; John Williams, Lieut. Colonel; James Moore, Major.

New Bern District—Richard Caswell, Colonel; William Bryan, Lieut. Colonel; Jones Gorham, Major.

Wilmington District—Alexander Lillington, Colonel; Robert Ellis, Lieut. Colonel; Samuel Swann, Major.

And that the following persons be Field Officers of the Militia.

Currituck County—Samuel Jarvis, Colonel; Dennis Dauge, Lieut. Colo; Taylor Jones, first Major; John Nicholson, second Major.

Pasquotank County—John Lowery, Colonel; Isaac Gregory Lieut. Colonel; Demsey Burgess, Major; Joshua Campbell, second Major.

Perquimons County—Miles Harvey, Colonel; William Skinner, Lieut Colo; Thomas Harvey, first Major; Richard Clayton, second Major.

Chowan County—Thomas Bonner, Colonel; James Blount, Lieut Colo; Thomas Benbury, first Major; Jacob Hunter, second Major.

Bertie County—Thomas Whitmill, Colonel; Thomas Pugh, Lieut Colo; James Moore, first Major; Arthur Brown, second Major.

Hertford County—Benjamin Wynns, Colonel; Matthias Brickle, Lieut Colo; Lawrence Baker, first Major; George Lyttle, second Major.

Tyrrel County—Edward Buncombe, Colonel; Benjamin Blount, Lieut Colo; James Long first Major; Joseph Spruill, second Major.

Martin County—William Williams, Colonel; Whitmill Hill, Lieut Colo; Thomas Wiggins, first Major; Kenneth McKinzie, second Major.

Halifax County—John Bradford, Colonel; William Alston, Lieut Colo, David Sumner, first Major; Egbert Haywood, second Major.

Northampton County—Allen Jones, Colonel; William Eaton, Lieut Colo; Jeptha Atherton, first Major; Howell Edmunds, second Major.

Edgecombe County—William Haywood, Colonel; Sherwood Haywood, Lieut Colo; Joseph Moore, first Major; Henry Horne, second Major.

Bute County—William Person, Colonel; Phil. Hawkins, Lieut Colo; William Alston, first Major; Thomas Sherwood, second Major.

Anson County—Samuel Spencer, Colonel; Charles Medlock, Lieut Colo; James Auld, first Major, David Love, second Major.

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Mecklenburg County—Thomas Polk, Colonel; Adam Alexander, Lieut Colo; John Phifer, first Major; John Davidson, second Major.

Guilford County—Ransom Sutherland; Colonel; James Martin, Lieut Colo; John Paisley, first Major; John Tate, second Major.

Tryon County—William Graham, Colonel; Charles Maclaine, Lieut Colo; Thomas Beaty, first Major; Fred'k Hambright, second Major.

Surry County—Martin Armstrong, Colonel; Joseph Williams, Lieut Colo; William Hall, first Major; Joseph Winston, second Major.

Rowan County—Griffith Rutherford, Colonel; Francis Locke, Lieut. Colo; John Dobbin, first Major; James Brandon, second Major.

Craven County—Joseph Leech, Colonel; John Bryan, Lieut. Colo; John Benners, first Major; Fred'k Becton, second Major.

Carteret County—William Thomson, Colonel; Solomon Shepherd, Lieut. Colo; Thomas Chadwick, first Major; Malichi Bell, second Major.

Beaufort County—James Bomer, Colonel; Thomas Bomer, Lieut. Colo; Roger Ormond, first Major; William Brown, second Major.

Hyde County—Rotheas Latham, Colonel; Benja Parmerlin, Lieut. Colo; William Russell, first Major; Thomas Jones, second Major.

Johnston County—Needham Bryan, Colonel; William Bryan, Lieut. Colonel; John Smith, first Major; Samuel Smith, Junr, second Major.

Dobbs County—Abraham Sheppard, Colonel; Thomas Torrans, Lieut. Colonel; Martin Caswell, first Major; Wm McKinnie, second Major.

Pitt County—John Simpson, Colonel; Robert Salter, Lieut. Colonel; George Evans, first Major; James Armstrong, second Major.

Brunswick County—John Davis, Colonel; Thomas Davis, Lieut. Colonel; Richd Quince, Junr, first Major; Parker Quince second Major.

Onslow County—William Cray, Colonel; Henry Rhodes, Lieut. Colonel; Thomas Johnston, first Major; James Howard, second Major.

Duplin County—James Kenan, Colonel; Richard Clinton, Lieut. Colonel; Thomas Routledge, first Major; James Moore, second Major.

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Cumberland County—Thomas Rutherford, Colonel; Alexr McAllister, Lieut Colonel, Duncan McNeill, first Major; Alexr McDonald, second Major.

Newhanover County—William Purviance, Colonel; Sampson Moseley, Lieut Colonel; William Moseley, first Major; John Devane, second Major.

Bladen County—Thomas Robeson, Junr, Colonel; Thomas Brown, Lieut Colonel; Thomas Owens, first Major; James Richardson, second Major.

Orange County—John Hogan, Colonel; John Butler, Lieut Colonel; Willm Moore, first Major; Nathl Rochester, second Major.

Granville County—Joseph Taylor, Colonel; Charles R. Eaton, Lieut Colonel; Samuel Smith, first Major; William Williams, second Major.

Wake County—John Hinton, Colonel; Theophilus Hunter, Lieut Colonel; John Hinton, Junr, first Major; Thomas Hines, second Major.

Chatham County—Ambrose Ramsey, Colonel; Jeduthan Harper, Lieut Colonel; Mial Scurlock, first Major; Elisha Cain, Second Major.

And the Proportion of the Minute Men to be raised in each County is as follows, viz,

Currituck,
one Company.
Pasquotank,
one
Perquimans,
one
Chowan,
two
Bertie,
two
Hertford,
one
Tyrrell,
one
Martin,
one
Halifax,
three
Northampton,
two
Edgecombe,
three
Bute,
two
Anson,
two
Mecklenburg,
two
Tryon,
two
Guilford,
one
Surry,
one
Rowan,
two
Craven,
two Companies.
Carteret,
one
Beaufort,
one
Hyde,
one
Johnston,
one
Dobbs,
three
Pitt,
one
Brunswick,
one
Onslow,
two
Duplin,
two
Cumberland,
one
New Hanover
two
Bladen,
two
Orange,
three
Granville,
three
Wake,
two
Chatham,
two
-------------------- page 208 --------------------

Resolved, That on the death, Refusal to act or Removal out of the Province of any of the Officers appointed or hereafter to be appointed for the Minute Men, that the Committee of Safety for the district shall appoint some person or persons to supply the place of such Officer or Officers.

The Congress adjourned till 10 oClock.


Saturday 10 oClock.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

Agreeable to the Order of the day, the House Resolved itself into a Committee of the whole house to take into Consideration the report of the Committee appointed for the purpose of preparing a plan for the Internal Peace, Order and Safety of this Province, and made choice of Mr William Kenan, Chairman, and after some time spent therein, Mr. President resumed the Chair, and the Chairman reported as follows, vizt,

Resolved, That it be recommended to the Congress to appoint in each district of this Colony a Committee of Safety to consist of a president and twelve other Members, who shall sit every three Months at the principal Towns within their respective districts, vizt, Wilmington, New Bern, Edenton, Halifax, Hillsborough and Salisbury, and as often at other times within their respective districts as they may judge expedient and necessary; and shall under the Controul of the provincial Council hereinafter mentioned, direct the operations of the Militia and such other Forces as are and may be employed for the safety, protection and defence of this Colony, within their Respective Jurisdictions, and receive Informations and censure and punish delinquents either in the first Instance, or as a Superintending power over the Town and County Committees, such Committees of Safety to be Elected in Congress by Ballot by the Members of the respective districts.

That it be recommended as aforesaid to Elect by Ballot Thirteen persons, two to be named by the Members of each district and one by the Congress, who shall be stiled the Provincial Council; and they or a Majority of them shall certify the Appointment of Officers in the Army during the recess of Congress and fill up Vacancies, and grant Certificates which shall be in the following form Vizt:

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North Carolina,
In Provincial Council,

This is to Certify That — — — — was appointed (Captain Lieutenant or Ensign, as the case may be, of Capt — — — — — Company) in the — — Regiment of Foot of the American Army of this Province commanded by Colo — — — — this — — day of — — — 1775.

That the Qualification and Test to be taken by Members of the Congress shall also be taken by Members of the Provincial Council and Committees of Safety, before they be allowed to Act.

That the Provincial Council or a Majority of them, as aforesaid, shall be vested with full power to suspend any Officer in the Army or Militia when they shall deem it necessary for the public Service and shall within thirty days after such Suspensions order a Regimental Court Martial to sit for the trial of such Officer, the sentence of such Court Martial to be final, unless otherwise determined by the Congress.

That the Provincial Council, and the Committees of Safety, in Subordination thereto shall have the direction, Regulation, Maintenance and Ordering of the Army and of all Military establishments and Arrangements subject however to the Controul of the Congress.

That the Provincial Council shall have full power to call for the Militia as in cases of Alarms and to carry the Acts of Assembly now or lately in force with respect to the Militia into Execution; and shall have Authority to reject such Officers chosen by the people as they shall disapprove; to remove Officers upon Complaint, to fill up Vacancies, and to make out appointments for such as shall have their approbation.

That in general the provincial Council be empowered to do and Transact all such matters and things as they may judge expedient to strengthen, secure and defend the Colony, so as the same shall not extend to altering or suspending any Act or Resolution of the Congress.

That the said Council be empowered and authorized to draw on the Treasury for all sums of money necessary for the public service, specifying for what particular Service each sum of money shall be applied, for which they shall be accountable to this Congress.

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That the Provincial Council shall meet at Johnston Courthouse on the third Tuesday in October next and once every three months, or oftener if necessary, at that or such other places as they may think proper; and may adjourn from time to time as they may judge expedient.

That the members of the Provincial Council shall be allowed for their Expences in travelling to, from and attending at the Council on the Public Service ten shillings per day, and also for their Ferriages.

That in case of a Vacancy in the said Council, during the recess of the Congress, the members of the Committee of Safety of the district wherein such Vacancy shall happen, shall nominate some proper person to fill up such Vacancy to be chosen by Ballot.

That no person holding a Military Office, from which he receives or expects profit, or any person holding a lucrative Office under any of the Military Commanders in particular or the Army in general, shall be capable to act as a member of the Provincial Council, or of any of the Committees of Safety or a representative of the people in Congress (Officers and Commanders of the Militia only excepted).

That a Majority of the Members of each of the Committees of Safety be a Quorum.

That the Provincial Council and the Committees of Safety in their respective districts shall have full power and Authority to compell all debtors who are Suspected of an Intention to remove themselves out of this Colony (such Suspicion being first Sworn to before such Council or Committee) to give Security to their Creditors, and in default thereof, to cause the persons or Effects of such debtors at the Option of the Creditors to be seized and safely kept until such security be given, or the Creditors otherwise satisfied; and that the County Committees have the same power to grant remedies in like cases in all demands of Twenty pounds and under, and the Committees of Safety shall also have power and authority to call all persons liable for public Monies to Account and by distress of their Estates and Imprisonment of persons to compel payment thereof, to the end that the Treasury may be supplied with money for the present Exigencies of the Colony, without Burthening the people.

That the power of the different Committees of Safety and the Provincial Council shall continue during the recess of the Congress, and until it shall be otherwise determined therein; and that all the proceedings of the said Committees of Safety and Provincial Council shall be laid before the Congress for their Inspection.

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That on the third Tuesday in October in every year the Freeholders in each County throughout this province, shall meet at the Court house of such County, and in the presence of three inspectors, to be appointed by the County Committee or Candidates or any two of such inspectors shall proceed to choose any Number of Persons not exceeding five, to represent them in Congress for one year; in the same manner, and under the same regulations and restrictions as near as may be, as directed by an Act of Assembly of this Province, intituled an Act to Regulate Elections.

And at the same time the Freeholders in each town which hath usually been represented by a Member in the General Assembly, or such other Persons as are by Law intitled to vote for Members of Assembly shall also in like manner in presence of three Inspectors to be appointed by the Town Committee, elect a Member to represent them in Congress under the same rules and regulations, as near as may be, as have been usually observed in electing Members to sit and vote in General Assembly.

And the Person or Persons who shall appear to have the greatest Number of Votes shall by the Secretary of the Committee be returned duly Elected to serve in Congress.

Provided, That nothing in the above resolve shall be deemed to Alter the Mode of voting observed in this and the last Congress, by Counties and Towns. And provided likewise that no returning Officer shall be admitted to sit and Vote in Congress.

And whereas a great part of the Lands situate in that part of Lord Granville's Territories comprehended in the counties of Bute, Granville, Wake, Chatham, Orange, Guilford, Rowan, Surry and also Mecklenburg County, have been long settled by substantial Inhabitants who have not been able to acquire legal Titles of Freehold to their Land yet ought of right to have votes in all Elections,

Resolved, That all house holders in the said counties who have improved Lands in possession, except such as hold land by lease for years or at Will, from or under any Freeholder shall vote in all Elections for the said Counties in like manner as Freeholders in the other counties in this province, anything in the aforegoing resolution to the contrary notwithstanding.

That the Secretary or Clerk of each respective Committee shall give notice of each annual Election at the most public places within their respective County and town, at least twenty days before the time of such Election.

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That the Congress of this Colony shall be annually held, on the tenth day of November, at such place as the preceeding Congress shall agree, unless for special reasons otherwise directed by the provincial Council; and the said Council shall ascertain the time of holding the next Congress.

That the Delegates so elected and qualified when met in Congress shall before they enter upon any Public Business, in the presence of at least three Members of the Provincial Council, repeat and subscribe the following Test, to wit:

We the subscribers professing our Allegiance to the King and Acknowledging the Constitutional executive power of Government, do solemnly profess testify and declare, that we do absolutely believe that neither the Parliament of Great Britain, nor any Member or Constituent Branch thereof, hath a right to impose Taxes upon these Colonies or to regulate the internal police thereof, and that all attempts by fraud or force to establish and Exercise such claims and powers are violations of the peace and security of the people, and ought to be resisted to the Utmost and that the people of this province, singly and collectively, are bound by the Acts and Resolutions of the Continental and provincial Congresses because in both they are freely represented by persons chosen by themselves; And we do solemnly and sincerely promise and engage, under the sanction of Virtue, honor, and the sacred Love of Liberty and our country, to maintain and support all and every the Acts, Resolutions, and Regulations of the said Continental and provincial Congresses to the utmost of our power, and Abilities. In Testimony whereof We have hereunto set our hands this — — day of — — — 177—

That there be in each County a Committee of not less than twenty one persons who shall be Freeholders, a majority of whom shall be a Quorum.

That there be in each of the Towns of Edenton, New Bern and Wilmington a Committee to consist of fifteen persons, and in every other Town in this Colony having a right of representation a Committee consisting of seven members qualified as before mentioned; the majority of the said Town Committees respectively to be a Quorum.

That every person having a right to vote for delegates to sit in Congress, shall have a right to vote for Committeemen.

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That the Electors before they shall be suffered to vote, and the Elected before they shall sit and act, shall swear if required to their Qualification.

That there be a new Election of Committees yearly, on the day fixed for electing delegates to sit in Congress, and the same mode shall be pursued in electing Committee men as delegates.

That the Committee of every Town in this Colony may Act in conjunction and be consolidated with the Committee of the County in which it is situated.

That every County and Town Committee shall meet on the first day of their respective Courts, at their several Court houses, or such other place as they may think proper, and as much oftener as they may judge necessary.

That the different Committees within their respective Jurisdictions shall execute all such Orders as may be received by them from the Committees of Safety, and the Provincial Council; shall superintend the observance of the General Association, And the Resolves, Orders, and directions of the Continental and Provincial Congresses.

That each Town and County Committee may make such further Rules and Regulations, within their respective districts as to them shall appear necessary, so that they do not presume to inflict Corporal punishment on any Offender whatsoever, imprisonment only excepted.

That no person in this province shall presume to Commence any Action whatsoever, in any Court of Law or before any Magistrate in this province, from and after the tenth day of September Instant, without Application to and leave from the Committee of the County in which his Debtor resides, nor shall any Suit then depending be proceeded on without the Approbation of such Committee. But Execution shall not hereafter issue in any Case whatever, till the provincial Congress shall make further Order therein.

That all Sales by virtue of Mortgages and Letters of Attorney, are comprehended within the intent and meaning of the foregoing Resolve.

That the respective Town and County Committees shall immediately after their Nomination and Qualification, elect by Ballot out of their own Members seven Persons, to Act as a Committee of Secrecy, Intelligence and Observation, who shall correspond, with the Provincial Council, the Committees of Safety and the other Committees in this and the Neighbouring Colonies, and shall have

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power to take up and Examine all suspected Persons, and if necessary, send them to the provincial Council or the Committees of Safety for their respective districts.

Then, on Motion, Resolved, The foregoing Report be concurred with.

The Committee appointed to settle Mr. James Davis's Accounts, reported as follows, vizt:

Your Committee are of Opinion that the Charge of Seven hundred and fifty pounds Salary for three years if due, is a charge against a particular Fund, which the Treasurers appointed by Act of Assembly are Accountable for; that the other charges are for Services done for the public, which that Salary was originally intended to Compensate and for which your Committee think is sufficient Satisfaction, because the same Individuals constitute the public, whether represented in Assembly or Congress.

In Congress, Concurred with.

Resolved, That a Sum not exceeding one thousand pounds, be advanced by either of the Treasurers to Mr. Willie Jones, one of the Superintendants appointed for the Southern District by the General Congress, to be laid out in part or in the whole at his discretion in presents to the Indians and for his own Expences, and that he be accountable as aforesaid to this Congress.

Resolved, That the following Persons be a provincial Council, to-wit:

The Honble Samuel Johnston Esquire, Cornelius Harnett, and Samuel Ashe, Esquires, For the district of Wilmington.

Thomas Jones and Whitmill Hill Esquires, For the district of Edenton.

Abner Nash and James Coor Esquires, For the district of New Bern.

Thomas Person and John Kinchen Esquires, For the district of Hillsborough.

Willie Jones and Thomas Eaton Esquires, For the district of Halifax.

Samuel Spencer and Waightstill Avery Esquires, For the district of Salisbury.

Resolved, That the Committees of Safety for the several districts in this Province be composed of the following persons, to wit,

For the district of Wilmington—Frederick Jones, Sampson Mosely, Archibald Maclaine, Richard Quince, Thomas Davis, William Cray,

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Henry Rhodes, Thomas Routledge, James Kenan, Alexander McAlister, George Mylne, John Smith and Benjamin Stone.

For the district of Edenton—Luke Sumner, William Gray, John Johnston, Thomas Benbury, Gideon Lamb, Joseph Jones, Miles Harvey, Lawrence Baker, Kenneth McKinzie, Stevens Lee, Charles Blount, Isaac Gregory and Day Ridley.

For the district of Hillsborough—William Taylor, Joseph Taylor, Samuel Smith, John Atkinson, John Butler, William Johnston, John Hinton, Joel Lane, Michael Rogers, Ambrose Ramsey, Mial Scurlock, John Thompson and John Lark.

For the district of New Bern—John Easton, Major Croom, Roger Ormond, Edward Salter, George Barrow, William Thomson, William Tisdale, Benjamin Williams, Richard Ellis, Richard Cogdell, William Brown, James Glasgow and Alexander Gaston.

For the district of Salisbury—John Crawford, James Auld, Hezekiah Alexander, Benjamin Patten, John Brevard, Griffith Rutherford, William Hill, John Hamlin, Charles Galloway, William Dent, Robert Ewart and Maxwell Chambers.

And for the district of Halifax—James Leslie, John Bradford, David Sumner, Allen Jones, William Eaton, Drury Gee, John Norwood, the Revd Henry Pattillo, James Mills, William Bellamy, William Haywood, Duncan Lamon and John Webb.

The Congress adjourned till To-morrow Morning 6 oClock.


Sunday, September 10th, 1775.

The Congress met according to Adjournment.

Whereas, the Independent Companies now subsisting in this Province may probably interfere with the regulars and Minute Service,

Resolved, That the same be and they are hereby dissolved, but any Person or Persons, after the Regular and Minute Men are completed, may, with leave of the Committee of the County wherein he or they reside, form an Independent Company or Companies, subject to the regulations of such Committee.

Resolved, That it be recommended to such of the Inhabitants of this Province as may not be provided with Bayonets to their Guns to procure the same as soon as possible, and be otherwise provided to turn out at a minute's warning.

Whereas the Majestrates nominated in the last Commission of peace issued by his Excellency for the County of Pitt have refused to

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Qualify, for motives laudable in themselves, but since it is absolutely necessary that Courts should be held in every County for the Probate of Deeds, Wills, granting Administrations, Guardianships, &ca,

Resolved, That it be, and is hereby recommended to the Majestrates in the said Commission mentioned, to Qualify and hold Courts under the same.

The Congress taking into Consideration the Encouragement of Manufactures within this Province, entered into the following Resolutions vizt

Resolved, That the sum of twenty five pounds be paid for every hundred weight of good Merchantable Saltpetre, that shall be made and Manufactured in this province and delivered to the Provincial Council within the space of six months from this time, and that the sum of Twenty pounds be paid for every hundred weight of good Merchantable Saltpetre, that shall be made and manufactured in this province and delivered to the said Council within six months next following and so in proportion for any greater Quantity.

Resolved that the sum of two hundred pounds be paid for the first five hundred weight of good Merchantable Gunpowder, equal in goodness to Gunpowder imported from Great Britain at the price of Eighty five Shillings Sterling per hundred weight, that shall be made and manufactured within this Province, and delivered to the provincial Council within the space of six months from this time and that the Sum of one hundred and fifty pounds be paid for the second five hundred Weight of good Merchantable Gunpowder that shall be made and manufactured in this Province and delivered to the said Council within twelve months next following and so in proportion for any greater Quantity.

Resolved that a premium of two hundred and fifty pounds be given to the first person who shall erect and build a rolling and slitting mill for the purpose of preparing Iron to make Nails, and which Mill shall be actually set to work and five Tons of Iron Slit out within this Province, and approved of by the Provincial Council, within two Years from this time; and that the sum of two hundred pounds be given to the Person who shall erect and Build a second Rolling and Slitting Mill, for the purposes aforesaid, and which mill shall be actually set to work and five Tons of Iron Slit out within this Province, within two years from this time.

Resolved, That a Premium of Fifty pounds be given to the person who shall first make in a workmanlike manner fifty pair of

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Cotton Cards of Wire made and drawn in this Province equal in goodness to Cotton Cards imported from Great Britain of the price of two Shillings Sterling per pair; also the like premium to the person who shall first make in a workmanlike manner, one hundred pair of Woolen Cards equal in goodness to Woolen Cards imported from Great Britain of the price of fifteen pence Sterling per pair, the same to be delivered to and approved of by the provincial Council, within Twelve Months from this time.

Resolved, That a premium of fifty pounds be given to the first person who shall make in a workmanlike manner twenty five dozen pinns, each dozen to contain twelve thousand of Wire drawn in the province to be equal in goodness to pinns imported from Great Britain of the price of seven shillings and sixpence Sterling per dozen, the same to be delivered to and approved of by the provincial Council within twelve months from this time.

Resolved, That a premium of Fifty pounds be given to the first person who shall make in a workmanlike manner, twenty five thousand Needles, sorted, such as are had from Great Britain from Number one to Number twelve inclusive, to be equal in goodness to Needles imported from Great Britain of the price of two shillings and six pence Sterling per thousand; the same to be delivered to and approved of by the provincial Congress within twelve months from this time.

Resolved, That a premium of One hundred pounds be given to the first person who shall erect and build a Furnace for manufacturing of good Merchantable Steel equal in goodness to Bristol Steel, and which Furance shall be actually set to work, and one Ton of good Merchantable Steel as aforesaid, at least be produced to the provincial Council and approved of by the said provincial Council within eighteen months from this time; and that the sum of twenty five pounds be given to the person who shall erect and build a second Furnace for manufacturing good and Merchantable Steel equal in goodness to Bristol Steel, and which Furnace shall be actually set to work and one Ton of good Merchantable Steel as aforesaid, at least be produced to the provincial Council, and approved of by the said Council within the time aforesaid.

Resolved, That a premium of two hundred and fifty pounds be given to the first person who shall erect and build a mill for manufacturing of Brown, whited Brown, and good writing paper, and which mill shall be actually set to work, and thirty Reams of Brown,

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thirty Reams of whited Brown, and thirty reams of writing paper, at least be produced to the provincial Council, and approved of by the said Council within eighteen months from this time; the Brown paper to be of equal goodness to Brown paper imported from Great Britain of the price of two Shillings and six pence Sterling per Ream, the whited Brown equal in goodness to whited Brown paper imported of the price of three Shillings Sterling per Ream, and writing paper equal in goodness as aforesaid to Eight Shillings Sterling per Ream.

Resolved, That a premium of Fifty Pounds be given to the person, who shall produce to the provincial Council the finest piece of linen to contain twenty-five yards at least, no less than one yard wide, and not of less value than imported Linen of the price of three shillings sterling per yard, being the first cost in Great Britain, the same to be produced to the said Council and approved of within twelve months from this time; And that the sum of twenty five pounds be given to the person who shall produce to the said Council, the next best piece of Linen of the same length and width, and not of less value than imported Linen of the price of two shillings and six pence sterling per yard, being the first cost in Great Britain; the same to be produced to the said Council and approved of within the time aforesaid. And that the sum of twenty pounds be given to the person who shall produce to the Council the third best piece of Linen, of the same length and width, and not of less value than imported Linen of the price of two shillings sterling per yard being the first cost in Great Britain; the same to be produced to the said Council and approved of within the time aforesaid.

Resolved, That a premium of one hundred pounds, be given to the person who shall produce to the provincial Council six pieces of woolen cloth, well dressed, each piece to contain twenty five yards at least, not less than three quarters of a yard wide and not of less value than imported cloth of the price of four shillings and six pence sterling per yard, being the first cost in Great Britain the same to be produced to the said Council and approved of within twelve months from this time.

Resolved, That a premium of seven hundred and fifty pounds be given to any Person who shall erect and build proper works for Manufacturing common Salt on the sea shore for the purpose of supplying this province with that useful Article upon proper proof being made for the provincial Council that such Works are actually

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erected and proper for the purpose, and at the same time produce to the said Council fifty Tons of good Merchantable ground or blown Salt within eighteen months from this time.

Resolved, That a premium of one hundred pounds be given to the person, who shall refine the greatest quantity of Sulphur, in such manner so that the same may be used in the making and manufacturing of Gun Powder who shall produce the same to the provincial Council within eighteen months from this time; and that no person shall be entitled to the above premium unless he produces before the said Council one thousand Weight of the said Sulphur.

Resolved, That a Premium of five hundred pounds be given to any person who shall erect and build a Furnace for Manufacturing good Merchantable Pig Iron and hollow Iron ware, and other articles necessary for the use of the Inhabitants of this Province to be produced to the provincial Council within two years from this time; and also full proof must be made to the said Provincial Council that such furnace actually is erected and proper for the above mentioned purpose.

Resolved, That each and every person who shall entitle him or herself to any of the said Premiums and who shall have obtained a certificate of the same under the Hands and Seals of the Provincial Council or a Majority of them, and upon such certificate or certificates being produced to any one of the Treasurers of this Province, the sum expressed in such certificate or certificates shall be immediately paid by such Treasurer.

The Congress resumed the Consideration of the Report of the Committee to state the public funds.

Resolved, the Consideration of the said Report, lie over to the next Congress.

Resolved, That, Mr. Richard Caswell, Mr. James Davis, and Mr. James Green Junr revise and correct the Journal of this Congress.

Whereas many Persons in this province are doubtful whether they ought to pay their public Taxes now due, in order therefore to remove their doubts and to enable the Sheriffs of the several Counties within this province to collect the same,

Resolved, That this Congress recommend to the people to pay up all Taxes due before the present time, but no further until further Orders except County and parish Taxes.

Resolved, That Mr. Andrew Knox be allowed seventy five pounds as Secretary to this Congress; That the Treasurers or either of them

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pay him the same and be allowed in their Accounts with the Congress.

That Mr. James Green Junr be allowed the sum of Fifty pounds as an Assistant to this Congress, to be paid by the public Treasurers or either of them.

That Mr. Thomas Craike be allowed the sum of Fifty pounds, as an Assistant to this Congress; to be paid by the public Treasurers or either of them.

That Francis Lynaugh and Evan Swann doorkeepers to this Congress, be allowed the sum of Thirty pounds each, for their Attendance on this Congress, and that Francis Lynaugh be allowed a further sum of three pounds for extra Services to the Congress.

That Lewis Coffee be allowed the sum of three pounds for going Express on the services of this Congress and that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed in their Accounts with the public.

Ordered that the foregoing Orders and Resolutions be signed and Certified as the Acts of the Congress by

SAMUEL JOHNSTON, President.
By Order
Andrew Knox, Secretary.