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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Abraham Livingston to Richard Caswell
Livingston, Abraham
September 24, 1778
Volume 13, Page 229

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ABRAHAM LIVINGSTON TO GOV. CASWELL.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

Charles Town, So. Carolina, Sept. 24th, 1778.

Sir:

By order of the Commercial Committee of the Honorable Continental Congress, I equipt' the Continental schooner Lewis, as a despatch Boat. In January last Mr. Wm. Pickles arrived here charged with despatches from Congress and with instructions to me to get him forwarded to the Island of New Orleans in the most safe and expeditious manner, he accordingly embarked on board the said vessel, being then a Letter of Marque and under command of Capt. Mathew Roan. On their passage thither the Crew rose on Capts. Roan & Pickles, and after a bloody scuffle they landed those two Captains on the Matanzas, and run away with the schooner, which they carried to New Providence. I am informed that one Dicmond, who was their ring leader is taken and carried into the port of New Bern, within your State. He is a tall fellow, about six feet high and was Mate of Captain, when taken. The Laws of the Continent have made this death, and as I have particular instructions to be watchful for any or all of the Crew of the Lewis, should they be taken and brought within this Government, I am to request that your Excellency will please to give orders to enquire for this fellow, and should he be in any Port within your Government, that you will please have him sent thither for trial. There are many evidences, inhabitants of this State, who were at Providence when the Lewis arrived at that place. Congress are very solicitous for the apprehending of these accomplished villains. Therefore flatter myself that your Excellency will give the necessary directions on this head. I have the pleasure to be with much esteem

Your obt. huml. Servt.
ABRAHAM LIVINGSTON.