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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Minutes of the North Carolina Senate
North Carolina. General Assembly
April 18, 1783 - May 17, 1783
Volume 19, Pages 129-232

SENATE JOURNAL—1783.
SENATE JOURNAL FROM 18 APRIL, 1783, TO 17 MAY, 1783.


State of North Carolina.
In Senate, April, 1783.

At a General Assembly begun and held at Hillsborough on the 18th day of April, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-three and seventh year of the Independence of the said State, it being the first session of this Assembly:

The returning officers for several Counties within this State certified that the following persons were duly chosen to represent their respective Counties in Senate, to-wit:

For Anson,
Beaufort,
Bertie,
Brunswick,
Bladen,
Burke, Charles McDowell,
Craven, James Coor,
Carteret, John Easton,
Currituck, William Ferebee,
Chowan, Charles Johnson,
Camden, Isaac Gregory,
Caswell, William Moore,
Chatham, Ambrose Ramsey,
Cumberland, Ica Adkins,
Dobbs, Richard Caswell,
Duplin, James Kenan,
Edgecomb, Elisha Battle,
Franklin, Alixius M. Foster,
Guilford,
Gates, Jacob Hunter,
Granville, Robert Harris,
Halifax, Benjamin McCullock,
Hertford, John Brickell,
Hyde,
Johnston, Hardy Bryan,
Jones,
Lincoln, Robert Alexander,
Martin,
Mecklenburg,
Montgomery,
Nash, Hardy Griffin,
Northampton,
New Hanover,
Onslow,
Orange, William McCawley,
Pasquotank,
Perquimans,
Pitt, John Williams,
Rutherford, James Holland,
Rowan, Griffith Rutherford,
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For Randolph, Thomas Dougan,
Richmond,
Surry, Martin Armstrong,
Sullivan,
Tyrrell,
Washington,
Wayne, Burwell Mooring,
Wake, Joel Lane,
Wilkes,
Warren,

Whereupon the following persons, to-wit, Major General Richard Caswell, Robert Harris, William McCawley, Elisha Battle, Benjamin McCullock, John Brickell, Charles McDowell, James Coor, John Williams, Martin Armstrong, Ambrose Ramsey, Hardy Griffin, William Moore, Hardy Bryan, James Kenan, General Griffith Rutherford, Jacob Hunter, Joel Lane, Charles Johnson, General Isaac Gregory, Ica Adkins, Alixius M. Foster, Thomas Dougan, John Easton & Burwell Mooring, Esquires, appeared, produced their respective certificates, qualified agreeable to Law and took their seats.

Colonel Harris proposed for Speaker the Honorable Major General Richard Caswell, who was unanimously chosen and conducted to the chair accordingly.

John Haywood was appointed clerk and Sherwood Haywood assistant, who were thereupon qualified by repeating and subscribing the oath of State.

William Murphy, Door Keeper.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate being formed, are ready to proceed on the public business.

On motion, ordered that Colonel Moore, Colonel Harris, General McDowell, General Rutherford, Mr. Griffin, Colonel Easton and Mr. Coor be a Committee of Privileges and Elections.

Adjourned till 4 o’clock P. M.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House, in answer to the message of yours informing us that you are ready to proceed on the public business, inform you that we are formed and also ready to proceed on the dispatch of public business.

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On motion, ordered that the following address be presented His Excellency the Governor, first having the approbation of the House of Commons:

To His Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, Governor, Captain General, &c., &c.:

Sir:

The General Assembly acquaint your Excellency that they are now formed and ready to receive such dispatches and other public matters as you may have to lay before them.

Ordered likewise, that the following message be sent the House of Commons with the foregoing address:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the address which accompanies this be presented His Excellency the Governor, and appoint on the part of this House General Rutherford and Mr. Coor to attend him with the same.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Saturday, 19 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Thomas Wade, Esquire, the member for the County of Anson, appeared, produced his certificate, qualified agreeable to law and took his seat.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This accompanies two messages from His Excellency the Governor, addressed to the General Assembly, the one acquainting us with the resignation of Mr. Blount, late a delegate from this State in Congress, the other desiring the attendance of both Houses of the General Assembly in conference in order that he may communicate in person such matters and things as he may have to inform them of: in consequence thereof this House agree to receive his Excellency at the Church at 4 o’clock this evening and desire your concurrence therewith.

Mr. Person and Mr. Avery will wait on his Excellency the Governor with such of your body as you may appoint to acquaint him that we accede to his proposal. The message being read, &c.,

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Ordered, that General Rutherford and Mr. Coor on the part of this House inform his Excellency of their concurrence to his proposition.

Read the Memorial of John Jones of Halifax County, setting forth, &c.

Ordered that if be referred to a joint Committee to consider and report on, & for this purpose that Mr. Ramsey & Mr. Coor on the part of this House be a Committee & that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

With this you will receive the Memorial of Mr. John Jones, which we propose referring to a joint Committee, and for that purpose on our part appoint Mr. Ramsey and Mr. Coor.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of Mr. John Jones, by them likewise referred to a Committee.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for the appraisement of property taken by execution. Endorsed in the House of Commons 19 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Mr. Battle moved for leave and presented a bill to prevent Frauds being committed by private gifts, which was read the first time, passed and sent the Commons.

On motion, ordered that Mr. Johnson, Mr. Coor, Mr. Battle, General Rutherford, General Gregory, Mr. McCullock, Colonel Easton, Mr. Brickell and Colonel Harris on the part of this House be a Committee to prepare and bring in such bills of a general and public nature as are necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly and that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate appoint Mr. Johnson, Mr. Coor, Mr. Battle, General Rutherford, General Gregory, Mr. McCullock, Mr. Easton, Mr. Brickell and Colonel Harris a Committee, who will act jointly with such of your body as may be appointed to prepare and bring in such bills of a general and public nature as are necessary to be passed into laws by the present Assembly.

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Colonel Thomas Brown, the member for the County of Bladen, & Mr. Edward Moore, the member for the county of Montgomery, appeared, produced their respective certificates, qualified agreeable to Law and took their seats.

Recd. from the Commons a Bill for altering the mode of entering up Judgment on Judgment Bonds and making all bonds and other obligations for debt negotiable and assignable. Endorsed in the House of Commons 19 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. Read, passed the first time and returned to the Commons.

Mr. John Campbell, the member for the County of Bertie, appeared, produced his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Adjourned until Monday morning 9 o’clock.


Monday, 21 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Mr. John A. Campbell, the member for the County of New Hanover, appeared, produced his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

The Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Granville County in favour of Jacob Hoffman was read and ordered to lie on the Table.

Read the recommendation of the Court of Duplin County in favour of William Moore and Philip Thomas, wounded in the service of their Country, whereupon

Resolved, that the said William Moore be allowed thirty barrels of Corn & the said Philip Thomas fifteen barrels of Corn, to be paid each of them respectively by the Commissioner of said County out of the specific tax for the year 1782.

Read the claim of James Iredell, Esquire, late Attorney General of this State, whereupon

Resolved, that James Iredell, Esquire, be allowed the sum of one hundred and twenty pounds specie for his services in acting as Attorney for the State before his resignation as such at the Superior Courts of Law and Equity held for the Districts of Halifax, Edenton and New Bern in April and May, 1782; that the

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Treasurers or either of them pay him the same & be allowed in the settlement of public accounts.

Recd. from the Commons the bill to prevent Frauds being committed by private gifts. Endorsed in the House of Commons 19 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent the Commons.

Read the recommendation of Rowan County in favour of Mrs. Mary Murphy, Relict of James Murphy, who died in the service of his County, whereupon

Resolved, that Mrs. Mary Murphy, widow of James Murphy, late of Rowan County, in consideration of her present distress & the circumstance by which she hath been reduced thereto, be allowed an annuity of ten pounds specie, to be paid her or her order for the term of five years by any one of the Treasurers of this State, who shall be allowed therefor in the settlement of his accounts.

Colonel John Spicer, the member for the County of Onslow, appeared, produced his certificate, qualified agreeable to law and took his seat.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of James Iredell, Esquire; also the resolve in favour of William Moore & Philip Thomas. Endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act passed at Hillsborough the——day of May in the year 1782, entituled an act for the relief of persons who have suffered or may suffer by their deeds and mesne conveyances not being registered within the time heretofore appointed by law. Endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill to be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Read the Petition of Richard Cogdell, Esquire, of the town of New Bern, praying, &c. Ordered it be referred to a joing Committee, & for that purpose that Mr. Easton, Mr. Lane, General Rutherford, on the part of this House, be a Committee & that it be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for building a Court House &

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Prison for the District of Morgan & for laying out a town at the said Court House. Endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to incorporate Trustees for two academical schools in the district of Morgan. Endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered, &c. The same being read was passed the first time & sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for dividing Washington County into two distinct Counties and erecting a county by the name of ——— Endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill to enforce the attendance of Jurors of the Superior Courts of Law in this State to provide for their Subsistence when attending & also to ascertain the pay of Witnesses attending the said Court. Endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a message from His Excellency the Governor with a resolve of that body of this day recommending to His Excellency the Governor to grant pardons to sundry persons therein named now under sentence of death for crimes committed against the State, which is concurred with, whereupon ordered, &c.

Recd. from the Commons the resignation of John Spicer, Esquire, late Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Port Brunswick, which was read and accepted.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have on their part appointed Mr. Archd. Maclaine, Mr. Avery, Mr. Cummins, Mr. Lock, Mr. Spaight, Mr. W. Blount and Dr. Newnan to act jointly with such Gentlemen as you have appointed to prepare and bring in such bills of a general and public nature as are necessary to be passed into laws at the present session.

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Mr. Speaker, &c.:

We propose making election of a Governor of this State for the present year, of the Secretary of State and of the Continental Delegates for the present year on Friday next, and that the election shall begin at 3 o’clock in the evening. If this pro. should meet your approbation please to signify it to us by message. We put in nomination for Gov. R. Caswell, Alex. Martin, General Rutherford & Sam Johnston, Esquires. For Contl. Delegates, Hugh Williamson, A. Nash, R. D. Spaight, B. Hawkins, A. Martin, Ad. Osborne and R. Caswell, Esquires, and for Secretary of State James Glasgow, Esquire.

Read the Memorial of Captain W. Borritz, Agent for Messrs. ———, Merchants of Cadiz, respecting, &c.

Whereupon resolved, that Nathaniel Allen, Michael Payne and Alex. Black, Esquires, of the town of Edenton, do examine the claims and liquidate and adjust such accounts as the said Captain Borritz, Agent as aforesaid, may have against this State for and on account of Iron Cannon by him imported and delivered for the use thereof, having due respect to the contract in consequence of which such cannon were imported, and that they make such report of their proceedings herein to the next General Assembly, in order that payment be made. And in order to enable them fully to investigate this matter, resolved further, that they be impowered to call on all persons who have heretofore dealt with the said Borritz on this account for such information as they may deem necessary.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House agree to the proposal of yours for balloting for a Governor, &c., as to the time and nomination and propose that the balloting shall be conducted at the Church, and appoint on their part Mr. Coor & Mr. Ramsey to superintend the same.

Ordered, &c.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The resolve of your House of this day recommending to his Excellency the Governor to grant pardons to certain persons therein named, now under sentence of death, we have concurred with and caused the same to be handed the Governor.

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Recd. from the Commons sundry resolutions of Congress, Letters from the Delegates of this State in Congress & other State papers, which were read.

Read the Petition of James Ker of Rowan County, praying, &c., which was rejected.

Read the recommendation of the Court of Wake County in favour of John Benton, wounded in the service of his Country, whereupon

Resolved, that the said John Benton be allowed an annuity of ten pounds specie for the term of five years; that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same & be allowed therefor in the settlement of their public accounts.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of Mrs. Mary Murphy; also the resolve in consequence of the remonstrance of Capt. William Borritz, each endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for levying a tax of —— shillings specie on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Warren for the purpose of building a Court House, Prison and Stocks for the use of said County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 21 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of R. Cogdell, by them also referred to a Committee.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve of that House in favour of Mr. John Haywood, jun., which being read was rejected; then on motion

Resolved, that John Haywood, jun., be allowed the sum of sixteen pounds specie for attending at the Court of Oyer and Terminer held for the District of Hillsborough in the month of August in the year 1781 as clerk of the said Court; that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed in the settlement of their accounts with the public.

Ordered, &c.

On motion, resolved, that his Excellency the Governor be requested to direct the Journal and proceedings of the Council of State, as well in the time of the late Governor Burke as in the present administration, to be laid before the General Assembly.

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The resolve herewith sent allowing Mr. John Haywood, jun., a certain sum therein mentioned, we propose adopting instead of the one by your House entered into allowing him a like sum, which we have thought proper to reject. Adjourned.

Colonel Whitmill Hill, the member for the County of Martin, appeared, produced his certificate, qualified agreeable to law and took his seat.

The Petition of William Sharpe and John Dickey in favour of Mrs. Davidson, Relict of General W. Lee Davidson, was read. Ordered that it be referred to a joint Committee for this purpose, that General Rutherford, Mr. Hill and Mr. Coor be a Committee, and that the Petition be sent to the Commons for their concurrence in this measure.

Read the Memorial of Simon Jeffreys, setting forth, &c. Ordered that the same be referred to a joint Committee, & for that purpose Mr. Moore, Mr. Foster, Mr. Campbell & Mr. Brickell be a Committee, and that this Resolve be sent the Commons for their concurrence in this measure.

On motion, ordered that General Rutherford, Mr. Hill, Mr. Kenan and Mr. Battle be a Committee.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed General Rutherford, Mr. Hill, Mr. Kenan and Mr. Battle a Committee, who will act jointly with such Gentlemen of your body as may be appointed to examine and report on the accounts of the late Governors of this State, the accounts of the Delegates and such accounts of the State and District Auditors as shall be exhibited to them.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of John Benton of Wake County and the resolve requesting His Excellency the Governor to lay the proceedings of the Council of State before the General Assembly. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, read and concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Matthew Rabin, late Com. of specific supplies for the County of Halifax, also a resolve in favour of Mary Hudson, whose husband fell in

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the service of this Country, both of which being read were concursed with.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Josiah Bunn (Invalid) of Nash County, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve appointing a Committee to settle the accounts of Mr. Avery, formerly Attorney General for this State, which being read was rejected; whereupon ordered, that the following message be sent the Commons.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have received the resolve of yours appointing a joint Committee to settle the accounts of Mr. Avery, with which they do not concur, but propose that the settlement of his accounts be referred to the Committee appointed to examine and report on the accounts of the late Governors, &c.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of Mr. Sharpe & Mr. Dukey, by them also referred to a Committee, the members chosen Mr. Phifer, Mr. Avery, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Wilson & Mr. Herndon.

Recd. also the Petition of Simon Jeffreys, by that House also referred to Committee, the members by them chosen Mr. Maclaine, Mr. Cumming, Mr. Horn & Mr. Macon.

Recd. likewise the resolve of the House in favour of Mr. John Haywood, jun. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Bazel Smith, by them referred to a joint Committee, their members chosen Mr. Spaight, Mr. Person and Mr. Geddy.

Ordered that on the part of this House Mr. Lane, Mr. Spicer, Mr. Coor & Mr. Campbell act on this Committee.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to inforce the attendance of members of the General Assembly at the times which may hereafter be appointed for the meeting thereof. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that the said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to amend an act entituled an act concerning servants and slaves. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to enable Thomas Clark & other persons therein named to take possession of certain lands, Goods and Chattels late the property of James Murray & to vest in them an absolute indefeasable Title to the same. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a message from his Excellency the Governor of this day by them referred to the joint Committee already appointed to prepare and bring in such bills of a general and public nature as may be necessary to pass into Laws the present Assembly, which being read was referred also by this House to the same Committee.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act passed at New Bern the 15th day of Nov., 1777, for making provision for the poor and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to regulate and ascertain the Fees of Justices of the Peace in this State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and returned to the Commons.

Col. Edwd. Everagen, the member for the Pasquotank County, appeared, produced his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

The resignation of Henry Horn, Esquire, first Major of the Edgecomb Regiment of Militia & the resignation of William Wynns, Esquire, Justice of the Peace for Hertford County, were read and accepted, whereupon ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Herewith is sent the resignation of Henry Horn, Esquire, first Major of the Edgecomb Regiment & likewise the resignation of W. Wynns, Esquire, as Justice of the Peace for Hertford County,

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respectively, accepted by this House. We are of the opinion that Captain Ethd. Phillips be appointed first Major and Captain James Wilson second Major of said Regt. Should this be agreeable to you we will cause that their appointmemts be entered in the proper book.

A Letter of the 1 Nov., 1782, from Robert Bignall, Esquire, late Commissioner of Trade, addressed to the General Assembly, was read, with his acct. and sundry other papers, whereupon resolved that Robert Bignall, Esquire, be allowed to retain to his own use the balance said to be due the public in his settlement with the Comptroller and that the he be allowed the sum of two hundred and fifty-seven pounds seven shillings specie, which appears to be the balance of his account against the public, his Salary for acting as Com. aforesaid, included; that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed in the settlement of their public accounts.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Wednesday, 25 April, 1782.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of John Simpson, by them referred to a Committee, their members chosen, Mr. Brickell, Mr. Blount, Mr. J. Macon, which Petition being read, ordered that on the part of this House Mr. Wade, Mr. Williams and Mr. Armstrong act on this Committee.

Recd. also a message from his Excellency the Governor of yesterday relative to the accounts of the Marquis of Bretigney, by them referred to a joint Committee, their members chosen, Mr. Montfort, Mr. Person and Mr. Blount, the same being read was by this House also referred to Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Lane, Mr. Ramsey & Mr. Hill.

Recd. a bill for levying a tax of——shillings specie on every one hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Franklin for the purpose of building a Court House, Prison and Stocks. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for appointing Commissioners to fix on a place

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to build a Court House, Prison and Stocks in the County of Randolph and for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. Read, passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. likewise a Bill to abolish the Jurisdiction of the Court of Admiralty on the Port of Currituck. Endorsed in the House of Commons 22 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for regulating the town of Halifax. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the House of Commons.

Recd. by way of the House of Commons a message from his Excellency the Governor, together with sundry official Letters, &c., by them referred to the joint Committee appointed to prepare and bring in such Bills as are necessary to be passed into laws by the present Assembly, which being read were also by this House referred to said Com.

Recd. also the Petition of Robert Foster, referred by the House of Commons to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Simpson, the same being read was also by this House referred to the said Committee.

Recd. also the Deposition of Dr. Wagoner respecting a public claim by him lost, which was referred by the Commons to the Committee on J. Simpson’s Petition, which being read was referred in like manner by this House

Recd. from the Commons a resolve of that body of this day in favour of Robert Jermain, which being read was concurred with.

The Petition of Catharine Shaver, Widow of Michl. Shaver, was read and referred to the Committee on the Petition of John Simpson.

Read the Petition of Thomas Owen of Bladen County, praying, &c., which was referred to the Committee of Privileges and Elections.

Recd. from the Commons the following messages:

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Commons agree to refer the settlement of Mr. Avery’s Accounts as by you proposed.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed Mr. John Blount, Mr. Whitaker, Mr. Person, Mr. Gillispie, Mr. Lock, Mr. Skinner & Mr. Lenoir to act jointly with the Gentlemen by you appointed to examine and report on the accounts of the late Governors of this State.

Read a certificate of Andw. Fullwoods, having attended Anthony Mitford, a wounded soldier, furnished him with medicine, &c., whereupon

Resolved, that as a compensation for this service the said Andrew Fullwood be allowed the sum of 16 pounds specie, that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed in the settlement of their accounts with the public.

Recd. from the Commons a Resolve of that body of this date in favour of William Maclaine of Rowan County, wounded in the service of his Country, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act passed in the year of our Lord 1741, entituled an act concerning servants and slaves. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that the same be read, which being accordingly read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to incorporate Trustees for two academical schools in the district of Morgan. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill to encourage John and James Bonner, jun., of Beaufort County, to clear & make a road through the great swamp & marsh on the South side of Pamlico River, opposite the town of Washington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Col. Harris moved for leave and presented a bill to amend an act passed at Halifax in Nov., 1779, entituled an act to prevent

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persons from stopping the passage of Fish up Tar River and Dan River, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Charles Bruce, Esquire, the member for the County of Guilford, appeared, &c.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of John Fleetwood, by them referred to a joint Committee, their members chosen, Mr. Harget, Mr. Winston, Mr. McKinne and Mr. J. Macon, which being read was by this House also referred to Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Spicer, Mr. McCullock and Mr. Mooring.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to repeal part of an act passed at New Bern in the year 1778, entitled an act to regulate and ascertain the fees of the clerks of the Superior Courts, Justices of the Peace and Attorneys in this State and directing the method of paying the same & other purposes, which was read the first time and rejected.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of Dr. Andrew Fullwood. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Col. Harris, from the joint Committee appointed to prepare & bring in such Bills of a General & public nature as are necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly, brought in a report as follows:

The joint Committee appointed to report what bills of general & public nature are necessary to be passed into Laws this session report that it is necessary the following bills be passed:

Read the Representation and Deposition of Henry I. Toole, Executor of Joseph Moore, decd., formerly sheriff of Edgecomb County, setting forth, &c., Whereupon Resolved, that the General Assembly, convinced of the Equity of such measure, do direct that H. I. Toole, Exor. of Jo. Moore, late of Edgecomb County, decd., pay into the hands of G. Hill, Esq., Treas. for the District of Halifax, such sum in currency as may appear to have been recovd. against him, the said Moore, on acct. of the deficiency in his collection of public Taxes when sheriff of the County aforesaid, whose receipt shall be a discharge for the Estate of said Moore & a voucher for the Executor in the settlement of his accounts as such.

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Recd. from the Commons a bill for building a Court House & Prison for the District of Morgan & for laying out a town at the said Court House. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for levying a tax of——shillings on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Warren for the purpose of building a Court House, Prison and Stocks for the use of said County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended and passed.

Recd. from the Commons Endorsement on the message of this House of yesterday respecting the resignation of the first Major, &c., purporting their approbation of the Gentlemen recommended as first and second Majors of the Edgecomb Regiment of Militia. Ordered that they be entered on the book accordingly.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of Joel Lewis, together with a resolve of that body in consequence thereof that the Governor grant Commissions to the officers of the late State Legion, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve requesting the Comptroller General of this State to lay a State of his proceedings before the General Assembly, which was read and concurred with.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Thursday, 24 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. the resignation of Will McCullers as Justice of the Peace for Johnston County, which was accepted.

Recd. the resignation of Sam Smith, Col. of the Johnston Regt. of Militia, which was accepted.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of James Williams, Esquire, by them referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of J. Simpson, which being read was by the House referred to said Committee.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Benjamin Whitaker as Clerk of the Board of Auditors for New Bern District,

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which being read was rejected, & the following message ordered to be sent the Commons:

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of William Bryan, Esquire, of Craven County, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the Committee on bills of public nature. Endorsed, read and concurred with 23 April, 1783.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act passed at Halifax in Nov., 1779, entituled an act to prevent persons from stopping the passage of Fish up Tar River and Dan River. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also the bill for dividing Washington County1 into two distinct Counties and erecting a County by the name of Greene. Endorsed in the House of Commons 23 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read the second time was passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. an acct. of Sam Johnston, Esq., for his expenditures & Receipts when a delegate for this State in Congress, which was referred to the Committee appointed to report on the accts. of the late Governors, Delegates, &c.

The Petition of Genl. John Butler was read and ordered to be referred to the joint Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Simpson, Esq.

Read the Petition of David Dodd of Duplin County, praying, &c. Ordered it be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Simpson.

Colonel Easton, from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, reported as followeth, vizt.:

Your Committee of Privileges and Elections report

That they have examined the Petition of Thomas Owen of Bladen County respecting the election of a Senator for that County, with the Depositions and other papers thereto, and also the deposition of the sheriff and inspectors, and are of opinion that the said election was conducted agreeable to Law.

JOHN EASTON, Ch.
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The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith.

Recd. from the Commons a message from His Excellency the Governor accompanied by sundry Petitions relative to Jacob Greaves, under sentence of death in Hillsborough Jail, together with a resolve of that House recommending said Greaves to his Excellency the Governor for a pardon, which was read and concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of John Simpson. Endorsed in the House of Commons 24 April, 1783, Concurred with, which being read was rejected.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have received the resolve of yours allowing Mr. Benjamin Whitaker a certain sum therein mentioned for his services as Clerk of the Board of Auditors for the District of New Bern, with which they do not concur, but propose that Mr. Whitaker’s claim for this service be reported on by the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Simpson, Esquire.

The report of the joint Committee on the Petition of Mr. Simon Jeffreys of Franklin County was read & rejected, whereupon ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

With this you will receive the report of the joint Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Simon Jeffreys, Esq., with which we do not concur, but propose that his Petition be recommitted.

Col. Everagen moved for leave and presented a bill to vest the title of a piece or parcel of land lying in Camden County in Isaac Guilford & his Heirs in fee-simple, which was read the first time and passed.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to enable Thomas Clarke & other persons therein named to take possession of certain lands, Goods & Chattels late the property of James Murray & to vest in them an absolute indefeasible Title to the same. Endorsed in the House of Commons 24 April, 1783, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read the second time was rejected.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.

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Friday, 25 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Hubert Haynes, the member for the County of Warren, & William Brown, the member for the County of Beaufort, appeared, produced their certificates, qualified agreeable to Law and took their seats.

Read the proceedings of a Court called in the County of Chowan for the Tryal of Negro Andrew, the property of Miss Nancy Jones, whereupon

Resolved, that the Treasurers or either of them pay into the hands of Miss Nancy Jones of Edenton, Orphan, or into the hands of such person as may be fully authorized to receive the same, the sum of seventy-five pounds specie as a compensation for a negro slave named Andrew, the property of the said Miss Jones, executed by public authority, for which sum the Treasurer paying the same shall be allowed in the settlement of his public accounts.

Read the proceedings of a Court called in the County of Chowan for the tryal of negro Frank, the property of Henry O’Neal of Edenton, whereupon

Resolved, that the Treasurers or either of them pay into the hands of Henry O’Neal the sum of £75 specie in consideration of a negro slave named Frank, the property of the said O’Neal, executed by public authority, for which sum the Treasurer paying the same shall be allowed in the settlement of his public accounts.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for levying tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the District of Halifax for repairing the Court House and Gaol of said District. Endorsed in the House of Commons 24 April, 1783, read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Read the Petition of Ralph Miller of Bladen County, praying, &c. Ordered it be referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen on the part of this House, Mr. McCullock, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Kenan.

Read the representation of a number of the Inhabitants of the County of Rowan. Ordered it be referred to the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in such bills of a general and public

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nature as are necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve directing those concerned in the collection of public taxes to receive in payment thereof the certificates issued for clothing furnished the last raised 18 months’ men, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a message from His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by the Petition of Will Hu. Van Hasset & a resolve of that body in consequence thereof, which being read was concurred with.

On motion, ordered, that Mr. Hill be added to the Committee appointed to prepare & bring in such Bills of a general and public nature as are necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly.

Ordered, &c.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate have added Mr. Hill to the joint Committee appointed to prepare and bring in such bills of a general and public nature as are necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly & recommend to the Committee that they present such bills without delay.

Received from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Commons agree that the report on the Petition of Mr. Jeffreys be recommitted, and also agree to the proposition of the Senate relative to Mr. Whitaker’s claim. The Boards of Auditors in this State have lately been embarrassed with respect to the making allowances to Militia Officers for subsistence money & pay for extra rations returned, there being clauses in the militia Law which seem to countenance such allowances. To excuse these doubts we propose referring this subject to the decision of a joint Committee of both Houses, who are to report their opinions thereon. The Gentlemen appointed on behalf of this House are Messrs. Spaight, Avery, D. Wilson, W. Blount, Thomas, Lenoir and Horn.

Ordered that General Rutherford, Mr. Dougan, Mr. Harris and General McDowell act on this Committee, & that the following message be sent the Commons.

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

General Rutherford, Mr. Dougan, Mr. Harris and General McDowell will act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to bring in a report explanatory of the Militia Law as to the doubts by you alluded to.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for establishing a public school in the County of Onslow and for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 24 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for laying a tax of one shilling specie on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Franklin for the purpose of building a Court House, Prison and Stocks. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to incorporate Trustees for two academical schools in the District of Morgan. Endorsed in the House of Commons 24 April, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of John Butler, Esquire, & the Petition of David Dodd, by them also referred as by the House.

The Petition of John Archibald of Rowan County was read & referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Ralph Miller and ordered to be sent to the Commons for their concurrence in such measure.

Received from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House agree to the proposal of the Senate in balloting for the Governor, Secretary and Continental Delegates at the Church, & we appoint on the part of this House Mr. J. Macon and General Person to superintend the balloting, & that the number of Delegates to Congress for the ensuing year shall be four.

Ordered, &c.

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

It is likewise the sense of this House that the number of Delegates to represent this State in Congress the current year shall be four.

Recd. from the Commons a message from His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by sundry official Letters referred by that House to the Committee appointed to report what bills are necessary to be passed into laws this present session, which being read, ordered that they be referred as by the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for dividing Duplin County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of Miss Nancy Jones & the resolve in favour of Henry O’Neal, each endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Ralph Miller, by them also referred to committee, their members chosen, Mr. McGee, Mr. Montfort, Mr. Horn and Mr. Blount.

Recd. likewise the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Rowan County by that House referred as by the Senate.

Recd. from the Commons a message from his Excellency the Governor, of this day by that House referred to a joint Committee, their members chosen, Mr. Blount, Mr. Lock, Mr. Maclaine and Mr. Person, which being read was by this House also referred to Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Easton, General Rutherford, Mr. McCullock & Genl. McDowell.

General Gregory moved for leave and presented a bill to repeal an act entituled an act to vest the property of a bridge or causeway in G. Lamb, his Heirs and Assigns, by him already built thro’ the great dismal swamp from Lebanon to Camden County, for the term of 25 years, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Colonel R. Irwin, the member for the County of Mecklenburg, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

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Mr. Coor and Mr. Ramsey, appointed on the part of this House to superintend the balloting for a Governor of this State for the present year, Delegates to represent this State in Congress for the current year & for a Secretary of the State reported:

That having executed the trust reposed in them, on summing up the ballots it appeared that Alexander Martin, Esquire, was chosen Governor, Hugh Williamson, Benjamin Hawkins, Abner Nash and Richard Dobbs Spaight, Esquires, Delegates for the present year, and that James Glasgow, Esq., was appointed Secreretary for three years.

The House taking this report into consideration, concurred therewith.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for building a Court House and Prison for the District of Morgan & for laying out a town at the said Court House, also a bill for dividing Washington County into two distinct Counties & erecting a County by the name of Greene, both endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be laid over until tomorrow and then read for the last time.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Saturday, 26 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Agreeable to the order of the day the bill for dividing Washington County into two distinct Counties & erecting a County by the name of Greene was read for the third and last time, passed and ordered to be Engrossed.

Pursuant to the order of the day the bill for building a Court House & Prison for the District of Morgan & for laying out a town at the said Court House was read for the third and last time.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of John Archibald. Endorsed 25 April, 1783, by them referred as by this House.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petitions of James Williamson, Daniel Waggoner and Robert Foster. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, read and concurred with. The same being read was concurred with and returned to the Commons.

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Recd. from the Commons a Petition from Nash County, by them referred to the Committee appointed to report the bills necessary to be passed this session, which being read was ordered to be referred as by the House of Commons.

Mr. Lane moved for leave and presented a bill for the relief of Thomas Clark and other persons therein named & to vest in them an indefeasible title to certain Lands, Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits, formerly the Estate of Thomas Murray, & to enable them to take possession thereof, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Read the recommendation of the Court of Anson County in favour of Dd. Love, Duke Glenn, W. Thomas and Thomas Lacey, formerly Justices of the Peace for said County, but who have been paroled by the enemy, which was rejected.

Col. Easton moved for leave and presented a bill for cutting a Canal from Clubfoot’s Creek to Harloe’s Creek to open a Communication between Neuse River and old Topsail Inlet, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for levying a tax of 1/. specie on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Warren for the purpose of building a Court House, Prison & Stocks for the use of said County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time & ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to enforce the attendance of the members of the General Assembly at the times which may be hereafter appointed for the meetings thereof. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for appointing Commissioners to fix on a place to build a Court House, Prison & Stocks in the County of Randolph and for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent the Commons.

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Recd. also a bill to encourage John and James Bonner, jun., of Beaufort County to clear and make a road through the great swamp & Marsh on the south side of Pamlico River, opposite to the town of Washington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for regulating the town of Halifax. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill to amend an act entitled an act concerning servants & slaves. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for establishing a town on the land formerly belonging to Will Best at the place where the road leading from Salisbury to the Cheraws crosses the road leading from Mask’s Ferry to Camden in Anson County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Received also a bill for establishing the public buildings at Henry Monyer’s, Esquire, in the County of Montgomery. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for fixing on a place in the County of Anson for building a Court House, Prison and Stocks and for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for ascertaining what property in this State shall be deemed taxable property, the method of

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assessing property and of collecting the public taxes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for levying a tax of 1/. specie on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Franklin for the purpose of building a Court House, Prison & Stocks. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. also a bill to impower the Commissioners therein mentioned to erect and build a Gaol and Stocks on the land of John Yancey, whereon the Court House now stands, in Sullivan County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to vest the title of a piece or parcel of land lying in Camden County in Isaac Guilford & his Heirs in fee-simple. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for the preservation of Records. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act passed at Hillsborough the 12th day of May in the year 1782, entitled an act for the relief of persons who have suffered or may suffer by their deeds and mesne conveyance not being registered within the time heretofore appointed by Law. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time & ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

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Recd. also a bill for regulating the town of Halifax. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed and ordered to be Engrossed.

On motion, ordered, that Mr. Johnson and Mr. McCawley, on the part of this House, attend his Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, and inform him of the vote of the General Assembly of yesterday respecting the Chief Magistracy of this State.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House propose that Mr. Johnson and Mr. McCawley, with such gentlemen as may be appointed on the part of the House of Commons, attend his Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, & inform him of the vote of the General Assembly respecting the Chief Magistracy of this State, and that they request His Excellency to meet the General Assembly in the Church on Tuesday next at 11 o’clock in the forenoon, in order that he may be qualified and proceed on the duties of his office.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for repairing the Court House & Prison in the town of Salisbury. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to Inhibit and put an End to the Entering up Judgments on Bonds commonly called Judgment Bonds. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to encourage James Williams to repair and keep in good order the toll bridge over the lower Little river in Cumberland County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of James Spicer, by them referred to a joint Committee, their members chosen, Mr. Ward,

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Mr. J. Blount, Mr. Winston, Mr. Skinner and Mr. Brickell, which being read was referred to Mr. Coor, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Hill and Mr. Johnson on the part of this House.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for levying a tax on every hundred pounds taxable property in the district of Halifax for repairing the Court House and Gaol of said District. Endorsed in the House of Commons 25 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time, amended, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve directing the late State Auditors to reissue a certificate to William Tate, which was read and concurred with.

Col. Easton, from the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Richard Cogdell, Esquire, late Treasurer of the District of New Bern, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That it appears from the Comptroller’s certificate that he has settled and fully accounted for all the monies which came to his hand while in office, and it also appears that previous to Major Craig’s arrival at New Bern the papers belonging to his Office were removed to a place of security, & that the insinuation to the contrary at the last General Assembly (alluded to in his petition) was groundless. All which is humbly submitted.

JOHN EASTON, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, concurred therewith.

Adjourned until Monday morning 9 o’clock.


Monday, 28 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for cutting a Canal from Clubsfoot’s Creek to Harloe’s Creek & to open a communication between Neuse River and the Navigation of old Topsail Inlet. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time & sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. also a bill to encourage John and James Bonner, jun., of

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Beaufort County to clear and make a road through the great Swamp & Marsh on the south side of Pamlico River, opposite the Town of Washington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 26 April, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Colonel Joseph Martin, the member for the County of Sullivan, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Mr. Thomas Davis, public printer. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, read and referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Gillispie, Mr. Lock and Mr. Person, which being read was by this House likewise referred to Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Battle, Mr. Lane & Mr. Hill.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to enable Thomas Hill, Guardian of Elizabeth Henry Hill, to convey to Joseph Cocke and Winifred, his wife, the negro slaves therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time & returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve of that body relative to the Address delivered by his Excellency Governor Martin, together with the public despatches at the opening of the present session, which being read was rejected, whereupon resolved, &c.

Allen Jones, Esquire, the member for the County of Northampton, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to repeal two acts of the General Assembly and for suspending for a limited time the fifth section or clause of an act passed in the year 1715, entituled an act concerning old titles of lands & for avoiding suits in Law. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for establishing the public buildings at Henry

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Mounger’s, Esquire, in the County of Montgomery. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for appointing Commissioners to fix on a place to build a Court House, Prison & Stocks in the County of Randolph & for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. likewise a bill for opening the land office for the redemption of specie certificates and discharging the arrears due to the army. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. Which being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for the promotion of learning in the District of Wilmington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. Which being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for repairing the Court House and Prison in the Town of Salisbury. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for levying a tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the District of Halifax for repairing the Court House and Jail of said District. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the third time amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for levying a tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the district of New Bern for repairing the Court House and Gaol in the said district. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for establishing a new district Court by the name of the Superior Court of Law and Equity for the district of ———. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

A Petition from a number of the Inhabitants of Northampton County, praying that Joseph Wood, Esquire, suspended from acting as a Justice of the Peace by the last General Assembly, might be restored to his Commission, was read & ordered to be referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Irwin, Mr. McCullock.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act passed at Hillsborough the 12th day of May in the year 1782, entituled an act for the relief of persons who have suffered or may suffer by their deeds & mesne conveyances not being registered within the time heretofore appointed by Law. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to encourage James Williams to repair and keep in good order the toll bridge over the lower Little River in Cumberland County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the second time was rejected.

Recd. also a bill for establishing a town on the land formerly belonging to William Best at the place where the road leading from Salisbury to the Cheraws crosses the road leading from Mask’s Ferry to Camden in Anson County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for fixing on a place in the County of Anson for building a Court House, Prison and Stocks & for other

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purposes therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for altering the time of holding the County Courts of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in the Counties of Caswell and Warren in this State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, read the first time and passed.

Ordered said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to impower the Commissioners therein mentioned to erect and build a Gaol and Stocks on the land of John Yancy, whereon the Court House now stands in Sullivan County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time & sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a Bill to vest the title of a piece or parcel of land lying in Camden County in Isaac Guilford and his Heirs in fee-simple. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the House of Commons.

Received from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We send you herewith a resolve of this House for your Concurrence and hope the objection in your last message will be removed. If concurred with by your House you will please to appoint some of your body who, together with Mr. Avery and Mr. Person on the part of this House, may deliver the same to his Excellency, as the sense of the General Assembly.

The resolve referred to being read was concurred with and the following message ordered to be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate have concurred with the resolve of your House communicating to his Excellency the Governor the sense of the General Assembly as to the several important matters therein alluded to

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and have appointed Mr. Johnson and Mr. Moore to attend his Excellency with the Gentlemen by you nominated & present him with the same.

Recd. from the Commons a Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Northampton County in favour of Joseph Wood, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read and referred to Mr. Brickell, Mr. Horn, Mr. Caswell, Mr. Whitaker and Mr. Harget.

Received from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House has appointed Messrs. Macon, Hawkins and Mebane to act jointly with such Gentlemen as you may appoint to devise some method of paying up the arrears of pay due to the Continental Officers and Soldiers that have belonged to the Regiments raised in this State.

Ordered that General Jones, General McDowell, Mr. Everagen, Mr. Hill and Mr. Irwin act on this Committee & that the following message be sent to the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

General Jones, General McDowell, Mr. Everagen, Mr. Hill and Mr. Irwin will act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to devise a method of paying up the arrears of pay due to the Continental Officers and Soldiers that have belonged to the Regiments raised in this State.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Thomas and James Cotton. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read and referred to the Committee appointed to devise some method of paying up the arrears due Continental Officers and Soldiers, which being read was referred as by the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Henry Mounger, William Stewart and others, endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read and referred to the Committee appointed to prepare Bills of a public nature, which being read was referred as by the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for the relief of Thomas Clark and other persons therein named to vest in them an indefeasible title to certain Lands, Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits formerly the Estate of James Murray & to enable them to

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take possession thereof. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be laid over until tomorrow morning and then read.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Tuesday, 29 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Nathan Bryan, Esquire, the member for the County of Jones, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Colonel Harris moved for leave and presented a bill to amend an act entituled an act for the better observation & keeping of the Lord’s day, commonly called Sunday, & for the more effectual suppression of vice & immorality, passed at Edenton the fourth day of April, 1741, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Agreeable to the order of the day the bill for the relief of Thomas Clark and other persons therein named & to vest in them an indefeasible title to certain lands, Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, Rights and Credits formerly the estate of James Murray, & to enable them to take possession thereof, was read, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act passed at New Bern the 15th day of Nov., 1777, for making provision for the poor. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for cutting a canal from Clubfoot’s Creek to Harloe’s Creek to open a communication between Neuse River & the Navigation of old Topsail Inlet. Endorsed in the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for establishing the public buildings at Henry Mounger’s Esquire, in the County of Montgomery. Endorsed in

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the House of Commons 28 April, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. likewise a bill to enforce the attendance of Jurors on the Superior Courts of Law in this State, to provide for their subsistence in attending & also to ascertain the pay of witnesses attending the said Courts and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 29 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent the Commons.

Read the Memorial of James Hogg in behalf of himself, Richard Henderson, Esquire, and others, his partners in certain purchases of lands from the Cherokee Indians, which was ordered to be referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Col. Martin, Col. Irwin, Genl. Rutherford & Col. Armstrong.

On motion, ordered, that General Jones be added to the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in such Bills of a general and public nature as are necessary to be passed into laws by the present Assembly.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate have added General Jones to the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in such bills of a general and public nature as may be necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of James Hogg in behalf of Richard Henderson & Company. Endorsed in the House of Commons 29 April, 1783, read and referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. J. Blount, Mr. Cummings, Mr. Person, Mr. Martin, Mr. Maclaine, Mr. Avery and Mr. Galloway.

Read the Memorial of Arthur Campbell, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee appointed to report on the Petition of James Hogg & others and that it be sent to the Commons for their concurrence in this measure.

Read the claim of Timothy Bloodworth, Esquire, for extra services

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by him performed when Treasurer of the District of Wilmington, whereupon

Resolved, that Timothy Bloodworth, Esquire, be allowed the sum of eleven thousand one hundred and thirty-eight pounds currency for extra services by him performed as Treasurer of the District of Wilmington and in consideration of two claims by him paid, the one to Archibald Maclaine, Esquire, amounting to £1,260, the other to William Hooper, Esquire, the amount £588, the certificates for both of which appear to be lost; that the Treasurers of either of them pay him the same and be allowed.

On motion, resolved that Timothy Bloodworth, Esquire, be allowed the sum of six pounds thirteen shillings specie for attending the last General Assembly as Treasurer of the District of Wilmington; that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed.

Read the affidavit of———relative to the Destruction of sundry claims, whereupon resolved, that the board of Auditors for the district of Hillsborough be and they are hereby directed to issue to John Ledloe, Ezekial Dollarhide, Hudson Berry, Daniel Parker, Richard Owen and John Akin, respectively, a certificate for nine pounds four shillings specie, it appearing by affidavit to the General Assembly that such certificates have been heretofore issued and are destroyed, the said Auditors having respect to the dates and numbers of such certificates respectively.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for altering the name of Campbelton to —— and for appointing Commissioners to lay off streets for the regulation of the said town & for giving a further time for saving lots in the lower town. Endorsed in the House of Commons 29 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for ascertaining what property in this State shall be deemed taxable property, the method of assessing property and of collecting the public taxes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 29 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that the same be laid over until tomorrow morning and then read.

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Recd. from the Commons a bill to repeal an act entituled an act to suppress excessive gaming. Endorsed in the House of Commons 29 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the first time was rejected.

On motion, resolved, that the clerk of the House of Commons reissue to John Simpson, of Pitt County, a Certificate for such sum as may appear to have been allowed him for attendance as a member of that House in April and May, 1782. That the Board of Auditors for the District of New Bern reissue to Mr. Simpson the following certificates, vizt.: One for 17,563 pounds currency, also one for one pound fifteen shillings specie & one for about £27, having due respect to the dates and numbers of these certificates as heretofore issued. And resolved further, that they also reissue to the said Mr. Simpson a certificate for six pounds specie, being a balance due him for and on account of Coin overpaid in his specific tax for the year 1781, it appearing that this, together with the above mentioned certificates, are lost.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Wednesday, 30 April, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve for rescinding a resolve of the last General Assembly respecting the appointment of Justices of the Peace at Halifax and Wake in the year 1781, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. also a resolve of the House of Commons, together with an address to his Excellency the Governor, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve of this House in favour of Timothy Bloodworth, Esquire, and likewise the resolve directing the Auditors of the District of Hillsborough to reissue the certificates therein mentioned respectively. Endorsed in the House of Commons 29 April, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Mr. Battle, from the joint Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Thomas Davis, Esquire, public printer, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That it is the opinion of your Committee that said Davis has labored under many disadvantages and been at a considerable

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expense & trouble in procuring paper to print the acts of the last General Assembly. That he hath produced a vouched account of Paper to the amount of £158, which they are of opinion ought to be immediately paid, and recommend that a resolve be passed directing the treasurer to pay him the same, as your petitioner now stands liable to be sued for the same. Your Committee further report, that as the neglect of not having the Journal of the last session printed did not proceed from Mr. Davis, but merely from the want of Paper, which it was not in his power to procure, they are of opinion that the sum of sixty pounds be deducted from his salary, which your Committee think sufficient & proportionable for the business undone. All which is submitted.

ELISHA BATTLE, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, concurred therewith, whereupon resolved, that Thomas Davis, Esquire, be allowed the sum of one hundred and fifty-eight pounds specie on account of that sum by him to be paid for paper; that the Treasurer for the district of Edenton pay him the same out of the first monies which may come into his hands, for which he shall be allowed in the settlement of his accounts with the public.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for ascertaining what property in this State shall be deemed taxable property, the method of assessing property & of collecting the public taxes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 29 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons. On reading this bill a motion was made and seconded that this bill be amended by the addition of the following clause, vizt.: And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid that the Moravians, Quakers, Menonists and Dunkards shall pay a twofold tax, and all others who have refused to take an oath of allegiance as the law directs, or who have borne Arms against the State, shall also pay a twofold tax.

Provided, nevertheless, that no Quaker, Moravian, Menonist or Dunkard shall be subject on any pretence whatever to pay more than a twofold tax for exemption for Military duty and an additional single tax for refusing or neglecting to return his, her or

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their Inventory, & this together not to exceed threefold on the whole. This being objected to, the question was put and carried in the negative; then on motion of General Rutherford, ordered that the yeas and nays be taken on this question, which were as followeth, vizt. : Yeas, Mr. Harris, Mr. McDowell, Mr. Griffin, Mr. Moore, Mr. Hardy Bryan, Mr. Foster, General Rutherford, Mr. Dougan, Mr. Holland, Mr. Alexander and Mr. Irwin—11. Nays, Mr. McCawley, Mr. Battle, Mr. Nathan Bryan, Mr. McCullock, Mr. Brickell, General Jones, Mr. Coor, Mr. Thomas Brown, Mr. Williams, Mr. Armstrong, Mr. Haynes, Mr. Kenan, Mr. Hunter, Mr. Wade, Mr. Lane, Mr. Johnson, Mr. Gregory, Mr. Adkins, Mr. Easton, Mr. Mooring, Mr. Spicer, Mr. W. Brown, Mr. James Campbell, Mr. J. Campbell, Mr. Hill, Mr. Everagen & Mr. Bruce—27. So it was carried in the negative.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of Thomas Davis, Esquire, and the report of the joint Committee on the Memorial of the said Mr. Davis, both endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, read and concurred with.

Recd. also the Memorial of Arthur Campbell, endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, referred as by the Senate.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to keep open Roanoke River for the passage of fish up the same and for other purposes therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that said bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill to amend an act entituled an act for the better observation and keeping of the Lord’s day, commonly called Sunday, and for the more effectual suppression of vice and immorality, passed at Edenton the fourth day of April, 1741. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the second time was rejected.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We have added to the Committee to prepare bills of a public nature Col. Hawkins, Genl. Person, Genl. Bryan, Col. Geddy &

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Mr. Aulds, and propose that the two Houses adjourn from time to time until the Committee have finished the business of their appointment.

Ordered that Mr. Campbell be added to the Committee & that the following message be sent to the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate have added Mr. John A. Campbell, Mr. James Campbell & Mr. Irwin to the Committee to prepare and bring in bills of a public nature & accede to your proposition as to the adjournment of the two Houses.

On motion, ordered, that General McDowell & Col. Moore be added to the Committee appointed to report on the Memorial of James Hogg in behalf of himself and others.

Recd. from the Commons the bill for the relief of Thomas Clark and other persons therein named & to vest in them an indefeasible title to certain lands, Hereditaments, Goods, Chattels, Rights & Credits, formerly the Estate of James Murray, & to enable them to take possession thereof. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time & sent to the House of Commons.

Pursuant to resolve of the General Assembly, the two Houses met in conference, when Mr. Speaker of the Senate and Mr. Speaker of the House being seated, Mr. Johnson on the part of the Senate & Mr. Winslow on the part of the House of Commons were requested to attend and conduct his Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, into the presence of the General Assembly, which having done, after the usual ceremony Mr. Speaker of the Senate addressed His Excellency as followeth, to-wit:

To His Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, Governor, Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of North Carolina:

Sir:

The General Assembly, from a thorough conviction of the Justice, rectitude and moderation of your Excellency’s administration & of your attention to the Laws & Constitution of your Country, have, by a considerable majority of the members which constitute the two branches of the Legislature, elected you their chief magistrate.

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When we reflect that you have conducted your administration in a manner so honorable to yourself and so pleasing to the people at large during a destructive war, when a almost every part of the State was convulsed by intestine divisions, we entertain the most flattering hopes that as the blessings of peace are now happily restored & order and tranquility may be expected to take place of discord and confusion, we shall enjoy under the auspices of your Excellency every blessing for which a free people could wish.

To which his Excellency returned the following answer:

Gentlemen of the Honorable the General Assembly:

This public approbation of my conduct in the chief Magistracy of the State from the Honorable the Legislature is very acceptable and pleasing to me & impresses on my mind sensations of the most lively gratitude.

If I have been anyways instrumental in reducing the State to order during the time of and during the late intestine commotions it was pursuing the path of duty & discharging the high trust reposed in me by my country, from this full conviction that the happiness of my fellow-citizens consisted in the equal enjoyment of those constitutional blessings which peace restores and which our free and happy Government, now acknowledged by the world, is bound to bestow. Honoured again by your suffrage to this high and important station, I can only promise in return that my endeavours will be stimulated and my constant study and employment shall be to answer as far as in me lies the Expectations of my Country. Though my exertions be feeble, when supported with Legislative aid, they will become strong. Laws tempered with wisdom carry with them almost their own coercion, and require only the formal powers of the Executive. I beg leave to return you my hearty thanks for the Honorable testimonial of the people’s respect for the past, as well for the hopes you are pleased to entertain of my future administration. At the same time, Mr. Speaker of the Senate, accept my thanks for the polite and handsome manner in which you have consigned to me the sense of the honorable the General Assembly.

The Speakers of the two Houses now, with the usual ceremony, presented his Excellency with the Constitution and Bill of Rights. They then presented him with the sword of State, after which his

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Excellency was qualified by repeating the oath of State & by taking an oath of office, which was then proclaimed, whereupon each Branch of the Legislature repaired to their respective Houses.

Recd. the resignation of Robert Lindsay, Esquire, as a Justice of the Peace for Guilford County, which was accepted.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a bill for repealing an act entituled an act for appointing a place for the future meetings of the General Assembly, which was read the first time and passed.

Colonel Kenan, from the joint Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Ralph Miller of Bladen County, reported as followeth, vizt.:

The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Ralph Miller of Bladen County report that it is their opinion that an act be passed vesting the title of said lands mentioned in said Petition in the said Ralph Miller, his Heirs and assigns, agreeable to the prayer of the said Petition. All which is submitted.

JAMES KENAN, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, concurred therewith and ordered it be sent the Commons.

Colonel Kenan moved for leave and presented a bill for vesting the title of a certain piece of land in Ralph Miller of Bladen County, which was read the first time and sent the Commons.

Colonel Hunter, from the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Northampton County in favour of Joseph Wood, Esquire, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That we have examined the said Petition & papers relative thereto, & it is the opinion of your Committee that the prayer of the Petition be granted. All which is submitted.

JACOB HUNTER, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, concurred therewith & ordered that it be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. the Petition of Mr. John Wilcox. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. by way of the House of Commons a message from His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by a proclamation of the United States in Congress Assembled announcing and proclaiming a cessation of hostilities both by sea and land, which was read.

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General Rutherford moved for leave and presented a bill to endemnify such persons as have acted in defence of the State & for the preservation of the peace during the late war from vexatious suits and prosecutions, which was read the first time and passed.

Read the resignation of James Campbell, Esquire, as Colonel of the Bertie Regiment of Militia, which was accepted & ordered to be sent to the Commons.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Thursday, 1 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for assuring to the purchasers therein described the lands by them purchased. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for establishing two public schools in the County of Onslow and for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the affidavit of John Douglass respecting a number of claims which were burned. Referred as by the Commons to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of J. Simpson, which being read was referred as by the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the recommendation of the Court of Caswell County in favour of Tho. Smith, disabled in the service of his Country, endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Bloodworth, Mr. Montfort, Mr. Avery, Mr. McKinne & Mr. Martin, which being read was on the part of this House referred to Mr. Hunter, Mr. Williams & Mr. Moore.

Read the Petition of Roger Smith now in Hillsborough jail. Ordered that it be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the recommendation of Caswell County Court in favour of Thomas Smith & that it be sent to the Commons for their concurrence in this measure.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.

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Friday, 2 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for vesting the title of a certain piece of land in Ralph Miller of Bladen County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Received also a bill for indemnifying such persons as have acted in defence of the State, and for the preservation of the Peace, during the late war, from vexatious suits and prosecutions. Endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Received from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of Ralph Miller. Endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Received from the Commons a bill for establishing a town on the land formerly belonging to William Best at the place where the Road leading from Salisbury to the Cheraws crosses the road leading from Mark’s Ferry to Camden in Anson County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 31 April, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Received also a bill for fixing on a place in the County of Anson for building a Court House, Prison & Stocks & for other purposes therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Received also a bill to inhibit and put an end to the entering up Judgments on Bonds commonly called Judgment Bonds. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, Read the second time amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was, on motion of General Long, taken out and amended.

Recd. an address of the officers of the North Carolina Line,

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endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, read and referred to the Committee appointed to report what bills are necessary to be passed into Laws this session, which being read was referred as by the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a Petition of James Cole Mountflorence, which being read was rejected.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Archibald Kerr, endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, read and referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John and James Cotton, which being read was by this House referred as by the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the affidavit of Saml. Clark respecting the loss of a certificate or claim on the public, endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, referred to the Committee appointed on the Petition of John Simpson, which being read was referred as by the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee appointed to examine & report on the accounts of the late Governors, Delegates, &c., endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, read and concurred with, which being read was also concurred with by this House.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Whitmill Hill, Esquire, & a resolve in favour of Sam. Johnston, Esquire, late Delegates for this State in Congress, which being read were respectively concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of a number of the inhabitants of Northampton County in favour of Joseph Wood, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, concurred with.

Recd. also the resignation of James Campbell as Colonel of the Bertie Regiment of Militia. Endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, read and accepted.

Recd. also the Petition of Roger Smith. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, referred as by the Senate.

Recd. likewise the resignation of Robert Lindsay. Endorsed in the House of Commons 1 May, 1783, accepted.

Read the Petition of a number of the officers & others of Rutherford County, which was ordered to be referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, General Rutherford & Colonel Alexander.

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Read the Petition of William Branch of Halifax County, whereupon

Resolved, that William Branch, Esquire, of the County of Halifax be freed from the consequences of having taken a parole from the enemy & that he be restored to his commission as Justice of the Peace for the said County.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to inhibit & put an end to the entering up Judgments on Bonds commonly called Judgment Bonds. Endorsed in the House of Commons 30 April, 1783, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed and sent to the Commons.

Col. Spicer moved for leave and presented a bill for altering the name Jonathan Bronocks to that of Jonathan Briant, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Waightstill Avery, Esquire, endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, read and referred to the Committee to whom was referred his other claims. The same being read was by this House referred as by the Commons.

Colonel Brown moved for leave and presented a bill for building a Court House and Prison in Elizabeth town in the County of Bladen, which was read the first time and passed.

Colonel Harris, from the joint Committee to prepare such bills of a public nature as are necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly, brought in a report, part of which was as followeth, to-wit:

In Committee, 2 May, 1783, read the Petition from Nash County for the restoration of Duncan Lamon, Jesse Battle, James Cain and Joseph Williamson to their offices as Justices of the Peace. It is the opinion of the Committee that they be restored.

ROBERT HARRIS, Chairman.

This report being read was concurred with and ordered to be sent the Commons.

Received from the Commons a message from his Excellency the Governor, addressed to the General Assembly, accompanied by a general State of the Treasurer of this State, which was read.

On motion, ordered, that Col. Hill, Mr. Coor, Mr. Easton and Col. Wade be a Committee on the part of this House to ascertain what salaries shall be allowed the late Commissary General & his

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several assistants belonging to the said department and that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed Mr. Hill, Mr. Coor, Mr. Easton and Mr. Wade a Committee, who will act jointly with such Gentlemen of your Body as may be appointed, to fix and ascertain what salaries shall be allowed the late Commissary General and his several Assistants belonging to the said department.

Read the Petition of John Ramsey of Chatham County. Ordered that it be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the settlement of the claims of Waightstill Avery, Esquire.

Charles Johnson, Esquire, from the joint Committee to whom was referred the Petition of James Spicer, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That they have taken the same under consideration & also the accounts and vouchers by him produced, & after carefully examining the same find the sum of twelve hundred and sixty-two pounds fourteen shillings and four pence specie due to Mr. James Spicer for sundries impressed from him by William Good, D. Q. M. G., for the use of the public, in consequence of a resolve of the Council Extraordinary, and valued by Spyers Singleton and James Ellis, Esquires, and also one hundred and eighty-nine pounds eighteen shillings and four pence for sundry disbursements paid and his wages as Captain of the Schooner Endeavour from the ninth of April to the 30th of August; and further find the sum of two hundred pounds specie due to the said Mr. James Spicer for the hire of the Schooner Endeavour from the 9th of April the time she was impressed, to the tenth of August, the time when she was lost; amounting in the whole to £1,652 12/. 8″. and that Mr. James Spicer has received in part payment of the said account £350 14/. which being deducted, leaves a balance due Mr. James Spicer of thirteen hundred and thirty-six pounds 18/. specie; and your Committee are further of opinion that a resolve similar to that passed for the payment of Mr. Samuel Johnston’s & Mr. Hill’s accounts shall pass for the payment of the balance due Mr. Spicer.

CHARLES JOHNSON, Ch.
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The House taking this report into consideration, concurred therewith, whereupon

Resolved, that James Spicer be allowed the sum of £1,336 18/. Specie, with interest thereon from the date hereof until paid; that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed on a settlement of his public accounts.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for the establishing a scale of Depreciation, with a provision for suits commenced, for paper currency and for suspending the operation of the laws therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Read the Petition of Colonel Thomas Polk, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the settlement of the accounts of Waightstill Avery, Esquire.

On motion, ordered that General McDowell and Colonel James Irwin be added to the Committee appointed to report on the Petition of Mr. Avery and that the Commons have notice hereof.

Colonel Brickell introduced a report of the joint Committee to whom was recommitted the report on the Petition of Simon Jeffreys Esquire, which being read was rejected, whereupon

Resolved, that the Proceedings of Henry Hill, Benjamin Seawell, William Green and Seth Mabry, Esquires, in rejecting the assessment of the property of the Inhabitants of Franklin County on the south side of the said County in December last & the other assessors were erroneous & that the first assessment should have been received by the Court & the taxes collected accordingly.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning half after 6.


Saturday, 3 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act entituled an act to vest the property of a bridge or Causeway in Gideon Lamb and his Heirs, by him already built through the great dismal Swamp from Lebanon to Camden County, for the term of twenty-five years. Endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for appointing Commissioners to take into their possession sundry articles of public property and to secure them from embezzlement & further waste. Endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Received from the Commons a Petition from a number of the Inhabitants of Rutherford County, endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, read and referred to Mr. Gee, Mr. Herndon, Mr. Bond, Mr. Winslow & Mr. Whitaker.

Received from the Commons a resolve permitting Frederick Hambright, Jonathan Gillick, James Johnson and John Moore of Lincoln County and William Colvard of Wilkes County to resign their Commissions as Justices of the Peace for said Counties, and likewise permitting John Shelby of Sullivan County & Frederick Hambright, Lt. Col., of Lincoln County to resign their Commissions respectively, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of John Simpson, endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, read and concurred with (except as to Catharine Shaver), her case to be reconsidered in Committee, which being read was concurred with as by the Commons.

Read the Petition of Samuel Caswell, Esquire. Ordered that it be referred to the Committee appointed to prepare and bring in such bills of a general & public nature as are necessary to be passed into Laws by the present Assembly.

Read the Representation of Thomas Davis, Esquire, which was ordered to be referred to the joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Coor and Genl. Jones.

Read the Petition of Edward Tinker of New Bern. Ordered that the same be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Richard Henderson.

Read an account of Colonel Samuel Lockhart for forage, &c., furnished public Horses, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee appointed to report on the accounts of the late Governors, Delegates, &c.

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Col. Moore moved for leave and presented a bill concerning lands which have become the property of this State by the possessors of the same in fee or otherwise dying and leaving no legal representatives, but such, if any, are subjects of the King of Great Britain, & for collection of debts due by Bond, Mortgage or otherwise to such whose property have been confiscated to the use of this State and other purposes, which was read the first time and passed.

Colonel Alexander moved for leave and presented a bill for levying a Tax on every £100 value of taxable property in the County of Lincoln for building a Court House, Prison and Stocks for the use of said County, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Genl. Jones moved for leave and presented a bill for allowing salaries to the Governor, Secretary and other officers of State, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Read the Petition of Bazel Praiter of Rowan County, whereupon

Resolved, that the County Commissioner of Rowan be and he is hereby required & directed to restore to the said Bazel Praiter and again put him in possession of the lands and negro from him taken by the said Commissioner when acting under public authority.

General Jones moved for leave and presented an additional Bill to an act entituled an act to establish a department for adjusting and liquidating the public accounts of this State and for appointing a Comptroller and other purposes, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Read the Memorial of David Porter, which was referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Richard Henderson, Esquire, and Company & ordered to be sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of Thomas Bloodworth, endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, referred to Mr. Blount, Mr. Cumming, Mr. Macon, Mr. Avery, Mr. Spaight, Mr. Ward and Mr. J. Blount, which being read was by this House referred to Mr. John Campbell, Mr. James Campbell, Mr. Coor and Mr. Easton.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Edward Tinker, the accounts of Colonel Lockhart, the report of the joint Committee on

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the Memorial of Mr. James Spicer & the resolve of this House consequent thereon, the Memorial of John Ramsey, the Memorial of Colonel Thomas Polk, the Petition of Samuel Caswell, Esquire, and the report of the joint Committee appointed to report what Bills are necessary to be passed into Laws. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate, except the last and that endorsed. Concurred with except restoring the Nash Justices.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a Bill to amend an act entituled an act to prevent excessive gaming, passed at New Bern, 1780, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the message of this House appointing a Committee to fix and ascertain the salaries which shall be allowed the late Commissary General, &c. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, Read and referred on the part of this House to Mr. Person, Mr. Lock and Mr. Whitaker.

Recd. also the Representation and Request of Thomas Davis, Esquire, public Printer. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, Referred to Mr. Lock, Mr. Blount, Mr. Wilson and Mr. Bloodworth.

Recd. from the Commons the affidavit of David Waggoner respecting a claim on the public by him lost. Endorsed in the House of Commons 2 May, 1783, recommitted to the same Committee.

This affidavit being again read it was agreed that it be recommitted.

On motion, agreed that Mr. John Brickell have leave of absence during the remaining part of this session.

Adjourned until Monday morning 9 o’clock.


Monday, 4 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Read the Petition of James Camp, which was referred to the Committee appointed to report on the Petition of Roger Smith & ordered to be sent the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House on the Petition of Simon Jeffreys, Esquire, of Franklin County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, concurred with.

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Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Jos. Kerr, Invalid, of Rowan County, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of James Cole Mountflorence, endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, read and referred to the Committee appointed to ascertain what salary shall be allowed the late Commissary General, which being read was by this House referred as by the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House on the Petition of Bazel Praiter of Rowan. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, concurred with.

Recd. also the Memorial of David Porter. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a Bill to impower the Justices within the several Counties within this State to levy a tax for the building and repairing their respective Court Houses, Prisons and Stocks whenever it may be necessary, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for repealing an act entituled an act for appointing a place for the future meetings of the General Assembly. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for erecting commodious buildings in the town of———for public offices, keeping the public records & for the accommodation of the two Houses of the General Assembly. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons an additional bill to an act entituled an act to establish a Department for adjusting and liquidating the public accounts of this State & for appointing a Comptroller & other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for opening the land offices for

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the redemption of specie certificates and discharging the arrears due to the army. Endorsed in the House of Commons 3 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent the Commons.

Mr. Campbell moved for leave and presented a bill for purchasing a Lott or Lotts in the town of Wilmington for the purpose of building a Gaol and Gaoler’s House for the District of Wilmington & other purposes, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Received from the Commons a bill to enable the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity to review the Judgments had in the several County Courts against estates supposed to be confiscated and to confirm or invalidate the same agreeable to Law and to cause retribution to be made. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Received also an additional bill to an act entituled an act directing the method of electing members of the General Assembly and other purposes and for altering the times of holding the annual Assemblies and preserving the Constitution inviolate. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read the first time was rejected.

Recd. likewise a bill to repeal an act entituled an act for appointing naval officers at the different ports of this State and directing their duty in office and for other purposes, and to receive and amend an act entituled an act for appointing naval officers at the different ports of this State and directing their duty in office. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for facilitating the navigation and regulating the Pilotage of the several Ports of this State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for assuring to the purchasers therein described the Lands by them purchased. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for building a Court House and Prison in Elizabeth Town in the County of Bladen. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time & sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for levying a tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Lincoln for building a Court House, Prison and Stocks for the use of said County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Received also a bill to amend an act entituled an act to prevent excessive gaming, passed at New Bern, 1780. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for allowing salaries to the Governor, Secretary and other Officers of State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

On reading this bill a motion was made and seconded that the blank for ascertaining the Governor’s salary be filled up with the sum of Eight hundred pounds. This was objected to and a motion made that it be £700. The question was put and carried in favour of the first mentioned sum; then, on motion of Col. Harris, ordered that the yeas and nays be taken, which were as follows, vizt.: For the first motion, that is to say in favour of £800, Messrs. McCawley, McCullock, Coor, Ramsey, W. Moore, Kenan,

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Lane, Johnson, Gregory, Easton, Spicer, Tho. Brown, James Campbell, John A. Campbell, Hill, Everagen, W. Brown & Genl. Jones—18. Against it and for a less sum, Messrs. Harris, Battle, Williams, Griffin, H. Bryan, Rutherford, Hunter, Adkins, Foster, Mooring, Alexander, Ferebee, Brown, Irwin & N. Bryan—15. So the first motion was carried.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for repairing the Court House and Prison in the Town of Salisbury. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the third time was passed and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill to inhibit and put an end to the entering up Judgments on bonds commonly called Judgment Bonds. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read, was passed the third time & was ordered to be Engrossed.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.


Tuesday, 6 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a message from his Excellency the Governor, accompanied by a resolve of that body relative to the disposal of certain pairs of cannon, the property of this State, now lying at Edenton, which being read was concurred with and returned to the Commons.

Recd. also the Petition of James Camp, endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, referred as by the Senate. Read the proposal of James Davis, Esquire, for a revisal of the Laws of this State, endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, read and referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Avery, Mr. Maclaine and Mr. Cumming, which being read was on the part of this House referred to Mr. Coor, Mr. Hill, Mr. Lane & Mr. Johnson.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Rutherford County, endorsed 6 May, 1783, rejected. Recd. a resolve of that body consequent thereon, which being read was concurred with & returned to the Commons.

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Resolved, that Colonel Samuel Lockhart return a descriptive list of the Horses he purchased for the use of the Southern Army, agreeable to a resolution of the last Assembly, together with an account of whom purchased & to whom he has granted certificates, with the quantity of forage supplied to the district auditors, & that they settle his accounts & grant a specie certificate for the balance.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for altering the name of Jonathan Bronocks to that of Jonathan Bryan. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve respecting the proceedings of a Court Martial held in Chowan County for the tryal of Colonel James Blount, which being read was concurred with and ordered to be returned.

Recd. also a resolve in favour of John Macon, Esquire, and likewise a resolve in favour of Henry Montfort, Esquire, both of which being read was concurred with and returned to the Commons.

On motion, ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the General Assembly ballot on Friday next at 3 o’clock in the afternoon for a Council of State, Treasurers of the respective Districts, a place for the meeting of the next General Assembly & for Judges for the Courts of Admiralty for the Ports of Beaufort and Brunswick. We nominate for a Council of State Spruce McCay, William Hooper, John Penn, The Marquis of Britigney, William Sharpe, Eaton Haynes, Thomas Polk and Richard Henderson, Esquires; for Treasurers for the District of New Bern, Benjamin Exum and Richard Cogdell; Edenton, William Skinner; Halifax, Green Hill; Hillsborough, Robert Burton & Memucan Hunt; Salisbury, Robert Lanier; Morgan, John Brown; and for Wilmington, John Devane and Joseph Cain; for the place at which the next General Assembly shall be held the towns of New Bern, Hillsborough, Cross Creek, Halifax and Salem & the time when the next meeting shall be the first Monday in October next; for a Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Port Beaufort, Joseph Leech, Esquire; for a Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Port Brunswick,

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John Spicer, Esquire, and have appointed Mr. Coor and Mr. Ramsey to superintend the balloting, which we propose shall be conducted at the church.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for emitting———pounds in paper currency for the purposes of Government for 1783, for the redemption of paper currency now in circulation, and for advancing the continental officers and soldiers’ part of their pay and subsistence, & for levying a tax and appropriating the confiscated property for the redemption of the money now to be emitted. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for the establishing a scale of depreciation, with a provision for suits commenced for paper currency, & for suspending the operation of the Laws therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Mr. Landon Carter, endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, read and referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Richard Henderson, Esquire, which being read was referred to the said Committee.

Genl. Jones moved for leave and presented a bill to vest the fee-simple of certain lands therein mentioned in Thomas Eaton, his Heirs and Assigns, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Genl. Jones moved for leave and presented a bill to vest the title of certain lands and other property therein mentioned in Thomas Cotton, James Cotton and———Cotton, their sister, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the bill to empower the several Justices of the several Counties within this State to levy a tax for the building and repairing their respective Court Houses, Prisons and Stocks whenever it may be necessary and for defraying the contingent charges of their several Counties & other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to erect a County adjoining the line of Virginia, including a part of Cumberland River. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise the bill for repealing an act entituled an act for appointing a place for the future meetings of the General Assembly. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent the Commons.

Recd. a bill to amend an act entituled an act to vest the property of a bridge or causeway in Gideon Lamb and his Heirs, by him already built thro’ the great dismal swamp from Lebanon to Camden County, for the term of 25 years. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for establishing two public schools in the County of Onslow and for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House respecting the accounts of Col. Samuel Lockhart. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, concurred with.

Recd. also the report of the joint Committee on the Memorial of Tho. Polk, Esquire, endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, read and concurred with, which being read was concurred with by this House & returned to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a resolve of the Commons relative to the settlement of Col. Polk’s public accounts, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of the officers of the State Legionary Corps, together with an arrangement of those officers as recommended

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for Commissions of promotion, respectively. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, read and concurred with, which being read were concurred with by this House.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for vesting the title of a certain piece of Land in Ralph Miller of Bladen County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to enable Tho. Hill, Guardian of Elizabeth Henry Hill, to convey to Joseph Cocke and Winifred his Wife the negro slaves therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

On motion, ordered that Mr. Johnson and Mr. Coor on the part of this House examine and compare the engrossed copies of such bills as are or may be passed during this present session with the originals, and that the Commons have notice hereof.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a bill to repeal so much of the assessment Law passed last Assembly at Hillsborough as relates to the taxing Moravians, Quakers, Menonists & Dunkards, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Received from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We agree to your proposal to ballot for a Council of State, Treasurers of the respective Districts, a place for the meeting of the next General Assembly, for Judges of the Courts of Admiralty, mentioned in your message of this day on that subject, on Friday next at 3 o’clock in the evening. We put in nomination for Councilors of State Spruce McCay, William Hooper, John Penn, the Marquis of Britigney, Wm. Sharpe, Eaton Haynes, Thomas Polk, Nathl. Macon, General Butler, James Williams, Philemon Hawkins, Wm. Johnston (of Warren County), Samuel Studwicke, Trangott Bagge, Benjamin Shepperd, John Hay and Robert Burton, Esquires; for Treasurers for the District of New Bern, Benjamin Exum and Richard Cogdell; Edenton, William Skinner; Halifax, Green Hill & Thomas Eaton; Hillsborough, Robert Burton & Memucan Hunt; Salisbury, Robert Lanier & William Alexander; Morgan, John

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Brown; Wilmington, John Devane, Joseph Cain & William Purviane; for the place of holding the next Assembly the towns of New Bern, Hillsborough, Cross Creek, Halifax, Salem, Smithfield, Salisbury, Tarborough, Wilmington and Edenton; for the time of holding it the first Monday in October; for Judges of the Court of Admiralty for Port Beaufort, Joseph Leech and Richard Cogdell; for Port Brunswick, John Spicer and Thomas Craike, Esquires. Mr. John Macon and General Person are appointed on the behalf of this House to superintend the balloting. We also nominate for Judge of the Admiralty for Port Brunswick Frederick Jones, Esquire.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for purchasing a Lott or Lotts in the town of Wilmington for the purpose of building a Gaol & Gaoler’s House for the District of Wilmington & other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for levying a tax of——on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the District of New Bern for repairing the Court House and Gaol in the said District. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1883, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill to amend an act passed at New Bern the 15th day of Nov., 1777, for making provision for the poor and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for building a Court House and Prison in Elizabeth Town in the County of Bladen. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose referring the bill for dividing Duplin County & the Petition presented by the Inhabitants thereof praying a Division to a Committee from both Houses of the Assembly, who are to examine into the facts set forth in the Petition, and upon such examination to report whether the bill may with propriety be passed into a Law, and whether it is necessary and would relieve the Inhabitants from any considerable inconveniences arising to them from the present Form of the County; Mr. Bloodworth, Mr. Herndon, Mr. Cain, Mr. Winslow & Genl. Bryan on the part of this House will act as a Committee for the above purpose. This proposition being read was rejected.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for facilitating the navigation & regulating the Pilotage of the several Ports of this State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for altering the times of holding the County Courts of Pleas & Quarter Sessions in the Counties of Caswell, Edgecombe and Warren in this State and for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Col. Martin and Col. Caswell are appointed on the part of this House to examine the Engrossed bills.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to indemnify such persons as have acted in defence of the State and for the preservation of the Peace during the late war from vexatious suits and Prosecutions. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended & passed.

Ordered that this Bill lie over until tomorrow morning & that it be then read for the last time in this House.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.

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Wednesday, 7 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to vest the fee-simple of certain lands therein mentioned in Thomas Eaton, his Heirs and Assigns. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for appointing Commissioners for selling the Lot No.——in Warrenton, whereon the public granary now stands, & other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise the bill to vest the title of certain lands and other property therein mentioned in Thomas Cotton, James Cotton and their sister. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act entituled an act to vest the property of a bridge or causeway in Gideon Lamb and his Heirs, by him already built thro’ the great dismal Swamp from Lebanon to Camden County, for the term of 25 years. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for altering the name of Jonathan Bronocks to that of Jonathan Bryan. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise an additional bill to an act entituled an act to establish a Department for adjustring and liquidating the public accounts of this State and for appointing a Comptroller and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Colonel Hunter from the joint Committee to whom was referred the Petitions of Roger Smith, James Camp and Thomas Smith reported as followeth, vizt.:

That it is the opinion of your Committee that Roger Smith and James Camp be released from their present confinement and that Thomas Smith be allowed the sum of twenty-five pounds per annum for four years, as in defence of his country he lost an eye and a Leg. All of which is humbly submitted.

JACOB HUNTER, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration

Resolved, that they do concur therewith, and ordered that it be sent to the Commons.

Agreeable to the order of the day the bill to indemnify such persons as have acted in defence of the State and for the preservation of the Peace during the late war from vexatious suits and prosecutions was ordered to be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Genl. Rutherford from the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial in behalf of Richard Henderson & Company reported as followeth, vizt.:

That the Memorialists ought to have as a compensation for their expenses, Trouble and Risque in settling the lands in the said Memorial mentioned 400,000 Acres, to be laid off in Powel’s Valley, Beginning on the dividing line between No. Carolina and Virginia where the same is nearest to the old Indian Town, extending down Powel’s River on both sides and 4 miles wide to the mouth of the said River, then down Clinch River on both sides thereof 12 miles wide so far as to compleat the complement of 400,000 acres. All of which is submitted.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith, and ordered that the same be sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of John Auld, Stephen Miller, Thomas Chiles and Thomas Wade, jun., as Auditors and Clerk of the lower Board of Salisbury District, which being read was concurred with and returned.

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Received from the Commons a bill for appointing Commissioners to take into their possession sundry articles of public property and to secure the same from embezzlement and further waste. Endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

On motion, ordered that General Rutherford have leave to take out and amend this bill.

General Jones returned the bill to amend the assessment Law passed last Assembly at Hillsborough as by him amended, which was read with the amendments, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for appointing Commissioners for selling the Lott number 44 in Warrenton, whereon the public granary now stands, and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to vest the fee-simple of certain lands therein mentioned in Thomas Eaton, his Heirs and Assigns. Endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise the bill to vest the title of certain lands and other property therein mentioned in Thomas Cotton, James Cotton and their sister. Endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. a certificate of James Iredell, Esquire, having in consequence of an appointment from the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity acted as Attorney for the State at the late April term at Halifax, whereupon resolved, that James Iredell, Esquire, be allowed the sum of forty-two pounds specie for such service, that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed therefor in the settlement of their public accounts.

Received from the Commons a bill of Pardon, Oblivion and indemnity and for restoring tranquility to the State. Endorsed in

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the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill to amend an act entituled an act for the relief of the Officers and soldiers of the Continental line & for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve permitting Williams Lyles of Granville County to take into his possession a Horse formerly his property, strayed from the public service, which being read was concurred with & returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to enforce the attendance of Jurors in the Superior Courts of Law in this State, to provide for their subsistence in attending, and also to ascertain the pay of Witnesses attending Courts and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 6 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We have appointed Messrs. Wilson, Lock, Blount, Phifer and Winslow to act with such Gentlemen as you may appoint to consider of such parts of the accounts of Col. Polk, yesterday referred to the Comptroller, for which there are no vouchers to be produced, and report thereon.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Mr. Bryan, Mr. Ramsey, Mr. James Campbell and Mr. Everagen will act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to consider of and report on such charges as Col. Polk may have against the public for which he has no vouchers.

Genl. Rutherford, agreeable to order, presented the bill for appointing Commissioners to take into their possession sundry articles of public property and to secure them from embezzlement and further waste with the amendments, was read as by him amended,

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which being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Mr. John Ramsey of Chatham County, endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, concurred with, which being read was concurred with by this House & returned.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.


Thursday, 8 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee in favour of Roger Smith, James Camp and Thomas Smith, endorsed in the House of Commons 7 May, 1783, concurred with, except as to Roger Smith & James Camp.

Recd. also a bill to enable Thomas Hill, Guardian of Elizabeth Henry Hill, to convey to Joseph Cocke and Winifred, his wife, the negro slaves therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time & was ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. a recommendation from General Greene in favour of Sergeant Morrison of the North Carolina line, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the recommendation of the Court of Caswell County in favour of Thomas Smith.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for appointing Commissioners for selling the Lott No. 44 in Warrenton, whereon the public granary now stands, and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for dividing the County of Guilford & for other purposes therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was rejected.

Mr. Johnson moved for leave and presented a bill to amend an act entituled an act for the regulation of the town of Edenton, endorsed in the House of Commons, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

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Recd. from the Commons a written request from Alexander Mebane respecting the settlement of his accounts as late commissioner of specific supplies for the County of Orange, endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read and referred to the Committee to whom was referred the settlement of the late Governor’s and Delegates’ accounts, which being read was referred as by the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the accounts of the Honorable Richard Caswell, Esquire, formerly Governor of this State, endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, read and concurred with, which report is as followeth, vizt.:

The Committee appointed to examine the report of the late Governor of this State and others report that they have examined the accounts of Richard Caswell, Esquire, former Governor, together with the vouchers, and find them very just, fair and correct as they stand stated and settled with the auditors of the District of New Bern, and that there appears to be a balance due to the said Richard Caswell, Esquire, of thirteen shillings and one penny specie.

THOMAS PERSON, Chairman.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of Sam Clark, endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, concurred with, which being read was likewise concurred with by this House and returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of James Iredell, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, concurred with.

Mr. Johnson moved for leave and presented a bill for appointing an Inspector General and regulating the Finances of this State, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of James Brooks, executor of Samuel Wood, endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Richard Henderson & Co., which being read was referred as by the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for levying a tax on all the taxable property within this State for the redemption of paper currency and certificates

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of every denomination. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

On motion, resolved, that the District Auditors, respectively, in settling the accounts of County Commissioners, do make such allowances for loss and wastage in receiving and issuing the provision tax for the years 1780 and 1781 as to them shall appear reasonable, provided that the same does not exceed four per cent. on the amount of such tax. Ordered that this resolve be sent to the Commons for concurrence.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a bill to vest certain lands in Richard Henderson and others, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Whereas, the necessity for keeping Guards at the different Magazines of this State no longer exists,

Resolved, therefore, that the Corps raised for this purpose be disbanded, and the Captains or other Commanding Officers are hereby required to make an exact return of the men and officers under their command to the Auditors of their respective Districts, with an account on oath of the sums due to each and every individual in their several Corps, and the Auditors, after examining and settling the said accounts, are hereby required to give specie certificates agreeable to the balance due to each individual respectively. Ordered that this resolve be sent for concurrence.

Whereas, William Tisdale, Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Port Beaufort, was by order of the General Assembly suspended from exercising his said office for a limited time, therefore, resolved, that his Excellency the Governor be requested to grant a Commission to Joseph Leech, Esquire, appointing him Judge of the said Court until the said suspension shall expire or further proceedings be had thereon.

Ordered that the foregoing resolve, with the following message, be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This house are of opinion that the appointing a Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Port Beaufort by joint ballot of the General Assembly would be improper, as William Tisdale, Esquire, the

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present Judge of that Court hath not resigned his appointment, but is suspended for a limited time. A resolve on this subject we herewith send for your concurrence.

The Petition of James Miller, praying that a Committee be appointed to enquire into the Legality of the late Election for the County of Rutherford, was read and referred to the Committee of Privileges and Elections.

Colonel Everagen, from the joint Committee to whom was referred the accounts of General Polk, for which he has no vouchers, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That the following articles, General Polk, pursuant to his orders from the Board of War, had laid in for the use of the public, for which he has no vouchers, vizt.: nine barrels of flour, carried on by General Sumner on his retreat, to the amount of 2,250 lbs.; Four Hundred and Fifty Bushels of Wheat, left in his mill not ground, One Hundred and Fifty bushels ditto, ground and not bolted, amounting to 22,000 lbs.; Eighty Bushels of Rye, 2,600 lbs., left in Charlotte by the issuing Commissary; 500 lbs. Flour; Thirty Bushels corn, left in his mill, and Twenty-seven head of cattle, which fell in the hands of the enemy. It is therefore the opinion of your Committee that the Comptroller General be directed to make the said Polk an allowance for all such wheat, Flour, Rye, Corn or Beef as he shall make appear by his own oath or otherwise to have been taken for the use of the public or destroyed by the enemy, and that the Comptroller charge all such Beef, Wheat, Flour and Corn to the Continental account, as the same appears to have been laid in for the use of the Continental Army.

EDWARD EVERAGEN, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith.

Recd. from the Commons the bill concerning the lands which have become the property of this State by the possessors of the same, in fee or otherwise, dying and leaving no legal Representatives, but such, if any, are subjects of the King of Great Britain, and for collection of debts due by bond, Mortgage or otherwise to such whose property have been confiscated to the use of this State and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 5 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House relative to the appointing a Judge of the Court of Admiralty pro tempore for Port Beaufort, also the resolve for disbanding the Corps raised for the purpose of guarding the District Magazines of this State respectively. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. also the Recommendation from General Greene in favour of Sergeant Morrison. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for altering the name of Campbelton to Fayetteville and for appointing Commissioners to lay off streets for the regulation of the said town and for giving a further time for saving Lotts in the lower town. Endorsed in the House of Commons, 8 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for the promotion of learning in the District of Wilmington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Mr. Holland moved for leave and presented a bill to vest the Courts of the several Counties in this State with power to call to account, as therein mentioned, the Commissioners of confiscated property for their respective Counties, which was read, passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

On motion, agreed that Colonel Bryan, Colonel Brown and Mr. Hardy Bryan have leave to absent themselves from the sessions of this House after tomorrow.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.


Friday, 9 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to secure a title to the Citizens of this State to the negroes and other property, fairly purchased of the Governor and Council of the State of Georgia. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the first time was rejected.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of Thomas Bloodworth, Marshal of the Admiralty Court for Port Brunswick, endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, concurred with, which being read was concurred with by this House and returned to the Commons.

Recd. also the resolve of this House in favour of Thomas Smith of Caswell County and the resolve directing the District Auditors to make allowance for wastage in settling with the County Commissioners, both endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read & concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Richard Henderson and Company, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. likewise the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We have received the report of the Committee to whom was referred the accounts of Colonel Polk, with which we do not concur, but propose that the said report be recommitted.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We agree that the report of the joint Committee on the accounts of Col. Polk be recommitted.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for altering the name of Campbelton to Fayetteville and for appointing Commissioners to lay off streets for the regulation of the said town and for giving a further time for saving Lotts in the lower town. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the third time was rejected.

Ordered that Colonel James Saunders of Caswell County be added to the nomination for a Councillor of State.

On motion, ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate being of opinion that the necessary business of this

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session may be dispatched by Thursday next, have directed their Clerk to make up the estimate to that day inclusive, and wish your body to adopt a similar resolution. It is the sense of this House that the estimate be made out at the rates of sixteen shillings per day.

Recd. from the Commons the bill to vest certain lands in Richard Henderson and others. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the second time was amended, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also the bill for appointing an Inspector General and regulating the finances of this State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 8 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve allowing Sherwood Haywood a certain sum therein mentioned for services as Secretary to the late Board of Auditors for the District of Halifax, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also a resolve in favour of Benjamin Whitaker, formerly Secretary to the Board of Auditors for the District of New Bern, which being read was also concurred with and returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act entituled an act for regulating the town of Edenton. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

General Rutherford, from the joint Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of James Brooks, Executor of Samuel Wood, decd., reported as followeth, vizt.:

That we have taken under consideration the said Memorial, and it doth not appear to your Committee that any redress is in our power, as it plainly appears that the Cherokee Indians have not directly nor indirectly sold, ceded or conveyed the long Island of Holstein to any person or persons whatsoever, but have always reserved the same in all treaties with them held, to the intent and purpose of holding with the white people their beloved talk.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.
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The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith and ordered that it be sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for levying a tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the District of New Bern for repairing the Gaol in the said District. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill to amend the assessment Law passed last Assembly at Hillsborough. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Mr. Holland moved for leave and presented a bill for extending the Boundary line between the Counties of Burke and Rutherford, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Mr. Coor and Mr. Ramsey, appointed on the part of this House to superintend the balloting for a Council of State, Treasurers for the respective Districts, a Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Port Brunswick, the place where and time when the next General Assembly shall be held, reported:

That having attended the same, on casting up the ballots it appeared that James Saunders, Nathaniel Macon, Spruce McCay, Philemon Hawkins, sen., and Thomas Polk, Esquires, were elected members of the Council of State; that Green Hill was elected Treasurer for the District of Halifax, Memucan Hunt for the District of Hillsborough, William Skinner for the District of Edenton, Benjamin Exum for the District of New Bern, Robert Lanier for the District of Salisbury, John Brown for the District of Morgan and Joseph Cain for the District of Wilmington; that John Spicer, Esquire, was chosen Judge of the Court of Admiralty for Port Brunswick; that the next General Assembly shall be held at Hillsborough on the first Monday in October next, and that there yet remained two Councillors of State to be chosen.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.

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Saturday, 10 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Colonel Easton, from the Committee of Privileges and Elections, reported as followeth, vizt.:

Your Committee to whom was referred the Petition of James Miller, respecting the legality of the Rutherford Election, report that they have entered into full investigation of said election by examining the several depositions and evidences relative thereto, and are of opinion that it is illegal and ought to be set aside. All which is submitted.

JOHN EASTON, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith, whereupon

Ordered that a writ of election issue to the County of Rutherford for electing one person properly qualified to sit and vote in in Senate and that this election be held on the 15th and 16th days of September next.

Read the Petition of William Courtney, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Simpson, Esquire.

Read the proceedings of a Court called in the County of Johnston for the tryal of negro Jenny, late the property of Lewis Bryan, whereupon Resolved, that Hardy Bryan, Administrator on the estate of Lewis Bryan, deceased, be allowed the sum of fourteen pounds six shillings specie in consideration of the Execution of negro Jenny, late the property of the said deceased, by public authority; that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed on a settlement with the public.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to suspend the operation of Executions for the time therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of Matthew Ramsey, endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read and referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Blount, Mr. H. Macon & Mr. M. Bryan, which being read was on the part

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of this House referred to Genl. Rutherford, Mr. Campbell & Mr. Coor.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House of the 22d Ult. on the settlement of the accounts of Robert Bignal, Esquire, as late Commissioner of Trade. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. also the report of the joint Committee on the Memorial of James Brooks, Exor. of Samuel Wood, decd. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose balloting at six o’clock this evening for two Councillors of State, and nominate for Councillors William Johnston, Robert Burton, Benj. Sheppard, the Marquis of Bretigney, William Sharpe & James Williams, Esquires. Should this proposal be agreeable to you, please to signify it to us by message.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate agree to your proposition as to balloting for the two Councillors of State yet to be elected, and propose that this business be done at the Court House.

Genl. Rutherford moved for leave and presented a Bill to impower the Justices of the Superior Courts to appoint a County Attorney and Solicitor to prosecute for the State in the Inferior Courts, and for the purposes of appointing a Salary and the Fees of the Attorney and Solicitor, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for purchasing a Lott or Lotts in the town of Wilmington for the purpose of building a Gaol for the District of Wilmington and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time and sent to the House of Commons.

Read the resignation of William Grant as Justice of the Peace for Rutherford County, which was accepted and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to vest the title of certain lands

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in Duplin County in Joseph Herring. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of William Courtney. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. also the resolve of this House in favour of the Administrator on the estate of Lewis Bryan. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed Mr. Mebane, Mr. Martin, Mr. Phifer, Mr. Galloway & Mr. Herndon a Committee who will act jointly with such Gentlemen as the Senate may appoint to ascertain and prescribe some mode of pay to the officers of the late State Legionary Corps, &c.

This proposition being read was rejected.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for establishing a scale of depreciation, with a provision for suits commenced, for paper currency and for suspending the operation of the Laws therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for levying a tax in specie for the year 1783. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Read the Petition of Mrs. Eleanor Carothers. Ordered that it be referred to a joint Committee for this purpose; that Genl. Rutherford, Mr. Coor, Mr. Hill, Genl. Jones & Mr. Irwin be a Committee, and that it be sent to the Commons.

Colonel Everagen, from the joint Committee to whom was recommitted the accounts of General Polk, for which he had no vouchers, reported:

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That Genl. Polk, pursuant to orders from the Board of War, had laid in for the use of the public the following articles, viz.: Nine Barrels of Flour, carried on by General Sumner on his retreat, to the amount of 2,250 lbs.; 450 Bushels of Wheat, ground and not bolted, amounting to 22,000 lbs.; 80 Bushels of Rye, 2,600 lbs., left in Charlotte by the issuing Commissary; 500 lbs. Flour; 30 Bushels Corn, left in his Mill, and 27 Head of Cattle, for all which he does not appear to have any voucher. It is therefore the opinion of your Committee that the Comptroller General be directed to allow General Polk in the settlement of his accounts for all or such parts of the above mentioned articles as he shall make appear by his own oath or otherwise that he had actually laid in for the use of the public, and which unavoidably fell into the hands of the enemy and was destroyed, and that the same be a Continental charge, as it appears the above articles were laid in for the use of the Continental Troops. All which is submitted.

EDWARD EVERAGEN, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith and ordered that it be sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a letter from Richard Dobbs Spaight, Esquire, informing the General Assembly of his acceptance of the appointment for Delegate for this State in Congress, which was read & filed.

On motion, ordered that Mr. Forster have leave of absence after tomorrow.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to vest the Courts of the several Counties in this State with power to call to account, as therein mentioned, the Commissioners of confiscated property for their respective Counties. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a bill to prevent vexatious suits & to confirm the rights and titles of sundry citizens therein mentioned, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for the promotion of learning in

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the District of Wilmington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the House of Commons, passed and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also the last report of the joint Committee on the account of Colonel Polk for which he has no vouchers. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Concurred with.

Received from the Commons the Bill to suspend the operation of Executions for the time therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

On motion, agreed that the Petition of Samuel Clark be recommitted and that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

It is the opinion of this House that the Petition of Samuel Clark, already reported on, be recommitted, to which end we have appointed General Rutherford, Mr. Coor, Mr. McCawley and Mr. Armstrong a Committee.

Adjourned until Monday morning 6 o’clock.


Monday, 12 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Read the Memorial and affidavit of John Williams, Esquire, of Caswell County, respecting the loss of his certificate of having attended the last Session of Assembly as a member for the County aforesaid, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Simpson, Esquire.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We agree to recommit the Petition of Samuel Clark. The Gentlemen appointed by this House are Mr. Gillispie, Hawkins, Whitfield, Thomas & Whitaker.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Mrs. Eleanor Carothers, endorsed in that House 10 May, 1783, read and referred to

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Mr. Avery, Mr. Phifer, Dr. Newnan, Mr. Turner, Mr. Bond, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Chiles and Mr. Bryan.

Recd. from the Commons a Message from His Excellency the Governor, endorsed in that House 10 May, 1783, read and referred to the Committee appointed to ascertain and report what salaries shall be allowed to the Commissary General, &c., which being read was referred as by the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to keep open Roanoak River for the passage of fish up the same and for other purposes therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 9 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

This bill being taken out by Col. Haynes and amended, was returned, read the second time with the amendments, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a resolve allowing the Auditors and Clerk of the Hillsborough Beard certain sums therein specified for their services as such, which being read was concurred with and sent to the Commons.

Read the Memorial of the Honl. Richard Caswell, Esquire, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Richard Henderson and Company.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to revise and amend an act entituled an act for the regulation of the town of Wilmington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be laid over until the first day of October next and that it be then read.

Recd. also a bill to authorize Theophilus Evans to receive toll at Rock-Fish Bridge by him built in Bladen County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be laid over in like manner as the one last mentioned.

Recd. likewise a bill for appointing the several persons therein named to lay out streets in upper Campbelton in Cumberland County and for the future regulation of the said town, and for giving a further time for saving Lots in the lower town, and also for altering the name of Campbelton to Fayetteville. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be laid over until the first day of October next and that it be then read.

Recd. from the Commons the bill for facilitating the navigation & regulating the pilotage of the several ports of this State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of John Williams, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, referred as by the Senate.

Recd. also the Memorial of the Honl. Richard Caswell, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Referred as by the Senate.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for levying a tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the County of Lincoln for building a Court House, Prison and Stocks for the use of said County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve allowing James Coor, Esquire, a certain sum therein mentioned for his services as Auditor of the New Bern Board in April and May, 1781, which being read was concurred with and returned to the Commons.

Recd. also an account of disbursements of the Auditors of Wilmington District, endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, read and referred to the Committee to whom was referred the accounts of the late Governors, &c., which being read was referred as by the House of Commons.

Read the Memorial of Peter and Constantine Perkins, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee appointed to take under consideration the Petition of John Wilcox.

General Henry William Harrington, the member for the County of Richmond, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to law and took his seat.

Mr. Coor and Mr. Ramsey, from the joint Balloting for the two Councillors of State remaining yet to be chosen, reported that having

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executed that appointment, on summing up the ballots it appeared that Robert Burton and the Marquis of Bretigny were elected by a majority of both House.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith.

On motion, ordered that Mr. Johnson, Mr. Armstrong and Mr. Bruce be added to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of John Wilcox & that the Commons have notice hereof.

Read the Memorial of Charles Alexander, late a Lieutenant of the North Carolina line, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Petition of Matthew Ramsey.

Recd. from the Commons the bill for appointing Commissioners to take into their possession sundry articles of public property & to secure them from embezzlement and further waste. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time & ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of Peter and Constantine Perkins. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to repeal all acts and statutes and parts of acts and statutes that may operate against the intention of the fourth and sixth articles of the Treaty of Peace between Great Britain and the United States of America, so far as such acts and parts of acts tend to prevent the execution of the said Articles. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill lie over until the first day of October next & that it be then read.

Recd. also a bill for altering the time of holding the annual Assemblies and directing the manner of electing annual officers for the succeeding year. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill lie over in like manner as the one last mentioned.

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Mr. Coor moved for leave and presented a bill authorizing James Davis, Esquire, to revise, print and publish all the Laws now in force and use in this State, for appointing a public printer and other purposes, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the bill for opening the land office for the redemption of specie certificates and discharging the arrears due to the Army. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be laid over until tomorrow morning & that it be then read the third time.

Whereas, it hath been represented to this Assembly that a House or Houses belonging to Mrs. Elizabeth Rhodes of Onslow County, hath been impressed or used by the Commissioners of specific supplies in the said County for the years 1780, 1781 and 1782, and by the Collector of Specific articles for the forces of the last year as a public store, and no allowance or satisfaction has been made her for the same,

Resolved, that the value of the said House or Houses so used for the reception of public stores for the time aforesaid be ascertained on the oath of two credible freeholders, certified by a Justice of the Peace, and thereupon such value be paid by the said County Commissioner of specific supplies for the last year out of such supplies & that he be allowed for the same in the settlement of his Accounts with the public.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of His Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Matthew Ramsey, which being read was referred as by the Commons.

Recd. also a Petition from sundry of the Inhabitants of the Haw Fields, praying that the conduct of Mr. John Steel, as Justice of the Peace, be enquired into, endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, read and referred to a joint Committee, the Members chosen, Mr. Lock, Mr. Hawkins, Mr. Harget and Mr. Bloodworth, which being read was referred to Genl. McDowell, Mr. Hill, Gen. Harrington & Mr. Moore.

On motion, agreed that Mr. J. A. Campbell have leave of absence during the remainder of this session.

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Read the Petition of Abraham Rees. Ordered that the same be referred to the Court of Rowan County.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for altering the times of holding the County Courts of Pleas and Quarter Sessions in the Counties of Caswell, Warren and Edgecomb. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.


Tuesday, 13 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Mr. Coor moved for leave and presented a bill for appointing agents and holding Treaties with the Cherokee Indians, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Colonel Irwin moved for leave and presented a bill to prevent all persons who have withdrawn themselves from this or the United States, and all persons who have gone over to the Enemy or taken any active part with the Enemy, from holding any office of Trust or profit in this State, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the resignation of John Steel as Justice of the Peace for Orange County, accepted by that House, which being read was likewise accepted by this House.

On motion, resolved that the Commissioners for laying out the lands granted by the General Assembly to the Officers and Soldiers on the Western Waters be directed to make a report of their proceedings to the General Assembly, and at the same time to attend themselves in order to explain the same and give such further information as may be necessary.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the Commons for Concurrence.

Recd. from the Commons the Report of the joint Committee on the Petition of John Fleetwood, endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, read and concurred with, which being read was also concurred with by this House and returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act entituled an act for the regulation of the town of Edenton. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for extending the dividing line between the Counties of Burke & Rutherford. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time & sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to vest certain lands in Richard Henderson & others. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time & sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill authorizing James Davis, Esquire, to revise, print and publish all the laws now in force and use in this State, for appointing a public printer and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Read the Petition of William Field, which was ordered to be referred to the Court of Randolph County.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of Mrs. Elizabeth Rhodes of Onslow County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. also the Memorial of Charles Alexander. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Referred as by the Senate.

Recd. likewise the Petition of Abraham Rees. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Referred as by the Senate.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House requiring the Commissioners for laying out the lands granted by the General Assembly to the Officers and Soldiers to make report, &c. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. also the report of the Committee to whom was referred the settlement of the accounts of the Marquis of Bretigney, late agent for this State, endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, read and concurred with, which being read was concurred with by this House & returned to the Commons.

On motion, agreed that the determination of this House for deferring the reading the bills for appointing the several persons therein

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named to lay out streets in upper Campbelton, in Cumberland County, and for the future regulation of said town and for giving a further time for saving Lotts in the lower town, and also for altering the name of Campbelton to Milton be rescinded, whereupon ordered, that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to impower the justices of the Inferior Courts to appoint a County attorney and Solicitor to prosecute for the State in the Inferior Courts and for the purposes of appointing a salary & the Fees of the Attorney and Solicitor & for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also the bill to vest the title of certain lands in Duplin County in Jos. Herring. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Read the Memorial of Thomas Wade, Esquire, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial in behalf of Richard Henderson and Company.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to prevent vexatious suits & to confirm the rights and titles of sundry citizens therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for repealing two acts of the General Assembly. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

On motion, agreed that John Williams, Esquire, have leave of absence after this day during the remaining part of this session.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to amend an act entituled an act for the relief of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line & for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 10 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

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Ordered that this bill lie over until tomorrow and that it be then read the second time.

Read the Petition of William Murphy, which is ordered to be referred to the Committee appointed to report on the Petition of John Simpson, Esquire.

Recd. from the Commons the bill concerning lands which have become the property of this State by the possessors of the same, in fee or otherwise, dying and leaving no legal representative, but such, if any, are subjects of the King of Great Britain, and for collection of debts due by bond, Mortgage or otherwise to such whose property have been confiscated to the use of this State & other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

On passing this bill a motion was made and seconded that the bill be rejected. This being objected to the question was put and carried in the negative.

Then on motion of Mr. Coor, ordered that the yeas and nays be taken, which were as follows, vizt.: For the passage of the bill, Messrs. Harris, McDowell, Armstrong, Ramsey, Griffin, William Moore, Kenan, Rutherford, Dougan, Mooring, Edwd. Moore, Ferebee, Spicer, Brown, Bruce, Haynes, Irwin and Martin—18. Against the bill, Messrs. McCawley, Battle, McCullock, Coor, Hunter, Lane, Johnson, Gregory, Adkins, Easton, James Campbell, Hill, Everagen, Wade, Jones and Harrington—16. So the bill was passed.

Recd. from the Commons the Memorial of Thomas Wade, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. also the Memorial and Petition of Williams Fields. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.


Wednesday, 14 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons the bill for appointing the several persons therein named to lay out Streets in upper Campbelton in Cumberland County, and for the future regulation of said town

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and for giving a further time for saving Lots in the lower town, and also for altering the name of Campbelton to Milton. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also the Petition of Mr. William Murphy. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read and referred as by the Senate.

The order of the day, for reading for the second time the bill to amend an act entituled an act for the relief of the officers & Soldiers of the Continental line and for other purposes, being read was postponed until 4 o’clock this evening.

Recd. from the Commons the bill for emitting £100,000 in paper currency for the purposes of Government for 1783, for the redemption of paper currency now in circulation, and for advancing the Continental Officers & Soldiers part of their pay & subsistence, and for levying a tax and appropriating the confiscated property for the redemption of the money now to be emitted. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the following resolve, vizt.:

Resolved, that the thanks of the General Assembly be presented to the Honourable the Speakers, to the Honourable Hugh Williamson and William Blount, Esquires, for their having so timely and fully expressed the sense of the Citizens of this State in their address presented to His Excellency the Chevalier De la Luzerne, Minister of France, on the auspicious birth of the Dauphin. This resolve being read was unanimously concurred with and returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the representation of the Honourable Richard Caswell, Esquire, Comptroller General of this State, endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, read and referred to Mr. Person, Mr. Blount, Mr. Galloway & Mr. Bloodworth, which being read was on the part of this House referred to Col. Hill, Genl. Rutherford & Mr. McCullock.

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Read the Memorial of Daniel Wilson, Esquire, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee appointed to take under consideration His Excellency the Governor’s Memorial.

Recd. from the Commons the bill to repeal an act entituled an act for appointing naval Officers at the different ports of this State and directing their duty in office and for other purposes; and to revive and amend an act entituled an act for appointing naval officers at the different Ports of this State and directing their duty in office. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the second time was rejected.

Recd. also the bill authorizing James Davis, Esquire, to revise, print and publish all the Laws now in force and use in this State, for appointing a public printer and other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise the bill to prevent vexatious suits & to confirm the rights and titles of sundry Citizens therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time & sent to the Commons.

Recd. also a bill for extending the dividing line between the Counties of Burke & Rutherford. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time & sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill for repealing two acts of the General Assembly. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for appointing an agent and holding a Treaty with the Cherokee Indians. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

On motion, ordered that Genl. Jones, Col. Hill, Col. Everagen, Genl. Harrington and Col. Martin be a Committee on the part of this House to confer with the Commissioners appointed by Act of Assembly for laying off lands for the Continental Officers, &c.; that they make report of such Conference and that the Commons have notice thereof.

Recd. from the Commons the bill to vest the title of certain lands in Duplin County in Joseph Herring. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill to enable the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity to review the Judgments had in the several County Courts against estates supposed to be confiscated, and to confirm or invalidate the same agreeable to Law and to cause restitution to be made. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was rejected.

Recd. from the Commons the Petition of Archibald McKay, endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, read and referred to General Bryan, Mr. Geddy, Mr. Winslow and Mr. Hawkins, which being read was on the part of this House referred to General Harrington, Mr. Moore, Mr. Irwin, Mr. Wade and General McDowell.

On motion, agreed that the Honourable the Speaker of this House sign and ratify the bill for the establishing a scale of depreciation, with a provision for suits commenced, for paper currency & for suspending the operation of the Laws therein mentioned, which was accordingly done.

Recd. from the Commons two messages of this date from His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by letters from General Greene and the Delegates from this State in Congress, together with a return of confiscated property sold in this State, which were read and returned.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We have directed our Clerk to make out the estimate of allowances, including Saturday next, and propose 20/. per day for the members’ attendance and the same sum to those who attended in November and January last.

The House taking this proposition into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith, whereupon ordered, that the following message be sent the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We consent that the estimate be made up to Saturday next, inclusive, and agree to proposition as to the allowance of 20/. per day.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve for rescinding a resolution of the General Assembly of the 5th Inst., respecting the calling a Court Martial to determine on the facts stated in the proceedings of a Court Martial lately held for the tryal of Col. James Blount of Chowan County, which being read was concurred with and returned to the Commons.

Recd. also the Memorial of David Wilson, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Referred as by the Senate.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.


Thursday, 15 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

On reading the Memorial of Thomas Mulholland, Resolved, that His Excellency the Governor be requested to grant a warrant on the Treasurer in favour of Thomas Mulholland for such sum as may appear to be due him for the surveying of sundry public Lotts in the Town of Hillsborough.

Agreeable to order, the bill to amend an act entituled an act for the relief of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line and for other purposes was read the second time, amended, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. the bill for dividing Duplin County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill lie over until the first day of October next.

Recd. likewise the bill for appointing an agent and holding a

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Treaty with the Cherokee Indians. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve allowing Waightstill Avery, Esquire, a certain sum therein mentioned for services as Attorney General for this State, which being read was concurred with and returned.

General Rutherford, from the Committee to whom was referred the Memorials of His Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, & David Wilson, Esquire, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That it is the opinion of your Committee that they be allowed each Two thousand acres of land, as promised them for their services by his Britannic Majesty by Proclamation, and that they shall receive grants for the aforesaid quantities adjacent to the lands reserved for the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental Army, and that the same mode for obtaining titles for the same be observed as is pointed out for the Continental Army to obtain title to their lands. All of which is submitted.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, concurred therewith and ordered that it be sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a Bill for opening the land office, for the redemption of specie and other certificates & discharging the arrears due to the army. Endorsed in the House of Commons 12 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for appointing the several persons therein named to lay out Streets in upper Campbelton in Cumberland County, and for the future regulation of said town & for giving a further time for saving Lotts in the lower town, and also for altering the name of Campbelton to Fayetteville. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

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Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of Thomas Mulholland. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Read and concurred with.

Recd. also the bill of pardon and oblivion. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. likewise a bill to erect a County adjoining the line of Virginia, including a part of Cumberland River. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

On motion, ordered that Col. Irwin, Col. Brown, Major McCawley & Mr. Bruce be added to the Committe to whom was referred the Petition of Mr. William Courtney & that the Commons have notice hereof.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Memorials of His Excellency Alexander Martin, Esquire, and David Wilson, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Read and concurred with.

General Rutherford, from the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Peter and Constantine Perkins, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That they have had the same under consideration and it is the opinion of your Committee that the building and finishing of the Iron Works on Troublesome Creek, in Guilford-County, will be of great advantage to the public, and think it reasonable that twelve hundred and eighty acres of land, including the said works and oar banks and any number of hands not exceeding fifty, be exempt from taxes for the space and term of three years, to commence in the year 1784. All of which is submitted.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith and ordered that it be sent the Commons.

Recd. an account of Nicholas Long, Esquire, as deputy Quartermaster General, against the United States. Ordered that the same

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be referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Coor and Mr. Ramsey, & that the Commons have notice hereof.

On motion, resolved that Colonel Long, Major Doherty and Captain Read, Commissioners for the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line be requested to inform the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line that the General Assembly have adopted such modes for payment of part of what is due to them as the necessities of the State and the present deranged situation of our affairs would admit of, that the Assembly are highly sensible of the merit of the officers and Soldiers and intend faithfully to fulfil the engagements of the State, therefore hope they will rest satisfied until the situation of affairs and a proper arrangement of Finances shall enable them to discharge the arrears which may remain due, with interest of the balance at the end of each year from the commencement of their respective services.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the Commons for concurrence.

Recd. from the Commons the bill for emitting £100,000 in paper currency for the purposes of Government for 1783, for the redemption of paper currency now in circulation and for advancing the Continental Officers and Soldiers part of their pay and subsistence, and for levying a tax and appropriating the confiscated property for the redemption of the money now to be emitted. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill lie over until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock and that it be then read the third and last time.

Read a report of the Auditors of the District of Halifax respecting the accounts of Josias Crump, Commissioner of specific supplies for the County of Northampton, whereupon resolved, that the auditors for the District of Halifax settle and finally adjust the accounts of Mr. Josias Crump and make allowances for provision as shall appear to them to have been unavoidably taken or destroyed by the Enemy or other evil disposed persons.

Recd. from the Commons the accounts of Nicholas Long, Esquire, D. Q. M. G., against the United States. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Referred to a joint Committee.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 6 o’clock.

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Friday, 16 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve respecting the endorsement to be made on the certificates of allowance to be granted the members of this Assembly, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the Commons a message from His Excellency the Governor. Endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, read and referred to a joint Committee, the members chosen, Mr. Blount, Mr. Galloway, Genl. Bryan & Mr. Person, which being read was by this House referred to General Rutherford, Mr. Johnson, Genl. Harrington, Mr. McCullock, Genl. Jones & Mr. Ramsey.

Read the account current of Benjamin Shepperd, Superintendent Commissioner of confiscated property in the district of New Bern. Ordered that it be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Message from His Excellency the Governor, above alluded to.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the Petition of William Murphy, endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, concurred with, which being read was concurred with by this House and returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Peter and Constantine Perkins, Owners of the Iron Works in Guilford County, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also a resolve setting apart the 4th day of July next as a day of Thanksgiving, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. likewise the resolve of this House requesting Col. Long & others, Commissioners for the officers of the Continental line, to inform and make report to such officers as therein mentioned. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Concurred with.

Read the Memorial of Abishai Thomas, Esq., which was ordered to be sent the Commons with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

With this you will receive the Memorial of Mr. Abishai Thomas, which has induced this House to be of opinion that he be allowed a like quantity of land with a Lieut. Col. in the line.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House directing the Auditors of the District of Halifax as to the settlement of the accounts of Mr. Josias Crump of Northampton County. Endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, Concurred with.

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Recd. from the Commons a bill to erect a County adjoining the Line of Virginia, including a part of Cumberland River. Endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a resolve appointing an Auditor for the District of Wilmington in the stead of Mr. John King, who has removed; also a resolve directing Messrs. Mayhol and Shellebec, Merchants of New Bern, to deliver the powder therein mentioned to the Marquis of Bretigney, in part payment of his claim on the State as late agent to the Island of Martinique, and likewise a resolve impowering the Governor for the time being to grant a caveat to John Swink and on application to other Moravians, Quakers, Mennonists & non-jurors, which being severally read were concurred with and returned to the Commons.

General Rutherford from the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of the Executors of Colonel William Lee Davidson, deceased, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That on examining the several accounts of said deceased we find the sum of seven Hundred & thirty-six pounds seven shillings is justly due to the said deceased’s estate from the United States and a further sum of Two hundred and Ninety-seven pounds is due from this State,

Whereupon your Committee report as their opinion that His Excellency the Governor draw a warrant in favour of William Sharpe & John Dickey, Executors of Colonel William Davidson, for the payment of the sum of Two hundred and fifty-eight pounds seven shillings, being the one-fourth of the sum due the estate of said deceased, agreeable to act of Assembly directing the mode of paying the Officers of the Army and that His Excellency the Governor draw a further warrant on the Treasurers or either of them for the sum of seven Hundred & seventy-five pounds, payable to the said John Dickey and William Sharpe, Executors as aforesaid, bearing interest until paid.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.
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The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith and ordered that the same be sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of the Executors of Colonel William Lee Davidson, deceased. Endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, concurred with.

Recd. also a resolve in favour of Sergeant Morrison, also a resolve in favour of James Malloy, both of which being read were concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the joint Committee on the accounts of Col. Nicholas Long, endorsed in that House 14 May, 1783, rejected, accompanied by a resolve of that body in favour of Col. Long, which being read was concurred with and returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the report of the Committee on the accounts of General Harrington. Endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, Read and concurred with. The same being read was concurred with by this House and returned to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a bill for allowing salaries to the Governor, Secretary and other Officers of State & for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also the Memorial of Messrs. Absalom Tatom & Anthony Bledsoe, Commissioners, &c., endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, read and referred to the Committee appointed to confer with the Commissioners & to receive their report, which being read was by this House referred as by the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose balloting at six o’clock this evening for an Entry Taker for the Western Lands, & put in nomination Col. Armstrong, Doctor Burke, Col. William Shepperd, Col. Phil. Hawkins and Col. William Polk.

Ordered that the following message be sent the Commons:

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We agree to your proposition as to balloting at 6 o’clock this evening for an Entry taker, propose that this business be done at the Court House & have appointed Mr. Coor and Mr. Ramsey to superintend the same.

Recd. from the Commons a bill to vest the Courts of the several Counties in this State with the power to call to account, as therein mentioned, the Commissioners of confiscated property or other Officers for their respective Counties. Endorsed in the House of Commons 14 May, 1783, Read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was passed the third time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also the bill to prevent all persons who have withdrawn themselves from this or the United States, & all persons who have gone over to the Enemy or taken an active part with the Enemy, from holding any office of profit or Trust in this State. Endorsed in the House of Commons 13 May, 1783, Read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read the second time was rejected.

General Rutherford, from the Committee to whom was referred the Representation of the Honorable Richard Caswell, Esquire, Comp. Genl., reported as followeth, vizt.:

That it is the opinion of the Committee that the Comptroller be directed to allow Thomas Polk the prices allowed by Congress for all the articles by him furnished for the use of the Army, and on such purchases to make him an allowance of two per cent. (and nothing on issues), and that the charges for the services of Doctor Brevard appear to be such as are justified by the resolutions of Congress. All which is humbly submitted.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith & ordered that it be sent to the Commons.

On motion, ordered that the Comptroller be directed to settle & adjust the accounts of Samuel Caswell, who acted as a Commissary at Kingston, and allow him the sum of eight pence specie for each ration it may appear on oath he hath issued or furnished at the post for or on account of this or the United States.

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Recd. from the Commons the bill for remitting £100,000 in paper currency for the purposes of Government for 1783, for the redemption of paper currency now in circulation & for advancing the Continental Officers and Soldiers part of their pay and subsistence & for levying a tax & appropriating the confiscated property for the redemption of the money now to be emitted. Endorsed in the House of Commons 15 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Mr. Blount, Mr. Winslow and Mr. Galloway will act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to confer with the Commissioners for laying out lands for the Continental Officers, &c.

General Rutherford, from the Committee to whom was recommitted the Memorial of Samuel Clark, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That it appears to your Committee that the said Clark was possessed of an indebted certificate amounting to thirty-five dollars & three-fourths of a dollar, which said certificate it appears to your Committee was taken by the Enemy and we suppose destroyed. Therefore your Committee are of opinion that a new certificate may issue for the above sum to the said Clark.

All which is submitted.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith.

Mr. Coor and Col. Ramsey, from the joint balloting for an Entry Taker, reported that having executed the business of their appointment, on summing up the ballots it appeared that Hugh Armstrong, Esquire, was chosen for that purpose.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith.

Adjourned until tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.

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Saturday, 17 May, 1783.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the Commons the bill of pardon and oblivion. Endorsed in the House of Commons 16 May, 1783, Read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

General Rutherford, from the joint Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Charles Alexander, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That the Continental Officers shall be allowed the following prices for the whole or any part of the clothing promised by the State by a Resolution of General Assembly held at Halifax in February, 1779, at the following rates: For a hat £3, a Coat £7, two Jackoats £3 4/., Two pair of breeches £4, Four pair stockings £3 12/., One pair Boots £2, Four Shirts £6, Four Handkerchiefs £1 4/., Four stocks £1 1/. 4d., Two pair of shoes £1 4/., £33 9/. 4d., amounting in the whole to thirty-three pounds nine shillings & four pence specie, and as it appears to your Committee, that the Memorialist has not received any part of the clothing allowed by the said resolution, that he is now entitled to the sum we have ascertained. All of which is submitted.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith and ordered that it be sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of John Archibald, which was read, concurred with and returned.

Recd. also a resolve in favour of the Salisbury upper Board of Auditors, which being read was concurred with and returned.

General Rutherford, from the Committee appointed to take into consideration His Excellency the Governor’s message respecting confiscated property, reported as followeth, vizt.:

That they are of opinion that the act directing the sale of Samuel Cornell’s House is a special law for a particular purpose, and that the Superintendent Commissioner was obliged to sell for hard money, and is therefore accountable for the balance that appears to

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remain in his hands; the payment made to the Treasury in officers’ certificates by no means answered the intention of the Law. Your Committee further report that they are of opinion that a summary mode of procedure ought to be adopted against all delinquent Commissioners by giving ten days’ notice & the same proceedings as were formerly had & used against sheriffs who delayed or refused payment. All which is submitted.

GRIFFITH RUTHERFORD, Ch.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved that they do concur therewith and ordered that it be sent to the Commons.

Read an account of John Wilcox for sundries furnished for the use of the public,

Whereupon resolved, that John Wilcox be allowed the sum of three hundred & fifty-six pounds Eighteen shillings & six pence specie, that the Treasurers or either of them pay him the same and be allowed therefor in settlement with the public.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the Commons for concurrence.

Recd. from the Commons a message from His Excellency the Governor, with a resolve of that body directing the Clerks of the Assembly to lay before the Governor the Acts & Journals of this session, which being read was agreed to.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House in favour of John Wilcox, the report of the Committee to whom was referred the Governor’s Message on Confiscation, the report of the Committee on the Memorial of Charles Alexander and the report on the Memorial of Samuel Clark, respectively. Endorsed in the House of Commons 17 May, 1783, Concurred with.

Recd. also the bill to amend an act entituled an act for the relief of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental Line & for other purposes. Endorsed in the House of Commons 17 May, 1783, Read the third time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read. The same being read was amended by consent of the Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be Engrossed.

On motion, resolved that the Petition of Mrs. Eleanor Carothers be referred to the Consideration of the Court of Mecklenburg County,

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and that the said Court enquire if John Carothers, her husband, hath not absconded and departed this State, or does not come within the meaning of an act for the restraint of vagrants, and to proceed accordingly, and so to secure any property belonging to the said John Carothers, lying within the limits of the said county, that the same may be applied to the use and maintenance of the said Eleanor Carothers and her children until further provision be made by Law.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve in favour of Daniel Waggoner; a resolve in favour of John Madden; the Report of the joint Committee on the Memorial of John Jones, Guardian to Joseph John Alston, with a resolve of the Commons consequent thereon; a resolve in favour of Alexander Mebane, in consequence of the report of the Committee to whom was referred his Memorial, which being read were respectively concurred with & returned to the Commons.

Recd. the resignation of Thomas Hill, Justice of the Peace for Chatham County, which being read was accepted.

Whereas, the books and papers belonging to the land office within the late district of Earl Granville are scattered throughout the State, & many which are now in the town of Halifax are in a ruinous condition, & whereas the preservation and safe-keeping thereof may sooner or later prove highly beneficial to a great part of the Inhabitants of the Northern part of this State within the district aforesaid, therefore

Resolved, that the Secretary of the State be and he is hereby authorized & impowered to call for and take into his possession & safe-keeping in his office all such books and papers as aforesaid, ready for the inspection and information of any person or persons who have or may hereafter have any business therein or recourse thereto, until the further order of the General Assembly.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve freeing from the penalty inflicted by act of Assembly the Clerk of Beaufort County Court for having failed to make return as by Law required, which being read was concurred with.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of that body appointing Timothy Bloodworth, Esquire, Commissioner of confiscated property for the district of Wilmington, in the room of Richard Bradley, deceased, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also a resolve requesting His Excellency the Governor to

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communicate to His Excellency the Chevalier de la Luzerne the sense of the people of this Country on the birth of an Heir to the Crown of France, which being read was unanimously concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the Commons the resolve of this House respecting Mrs. Eleanor Carothers. Endorsed in the House of Commons 17 May, 1783, Concurred with.

Recd. also a resolve authorizing the Auditors for the district of Hillsborough to adjust and settle the claims of the Officers of the late State Legionary Corps, which being read was rejected.

Recd. by way of the House of Commons an address from the Commissioners on behalf of the Officers of the North Carolina Line, which being read was ordered to be entered on the Journal as follows:

Recd. from the Commons the report of the Committee to whom was referred the representation of the Comptroller-General on the accounts of Thomas Polk, Esquire. Endorsed in the House of Commons 17 May, 1783, Cond. with.

Recd. from the Commons a resolve of this House respecting the books and papers belonging to the land office within the late district of Earl Granville. Endorsed in the House of Commons 17 May, 1783, Concurred with.

Recd. also a resolve allowing John Hunt and John Haywood, as therein mentioned, for certain public services, which being read was concurred with and returned to the Commons.

On motion, ordered that writs of election issue to the Counties of Greene and Davidson, that the election for the first mentioned County be held on the first Monday and Tuesday in August and for the latter on the second Monday and Tuesday of the same month.

The several bills passed the Legislature by a final reading in each House, were now called for, ratified and sent to the Commons.

On motion, resolved that the thanks of this House be given to the Honorable Mr. Speaker for his great attention and unwearied application to the duties of his high station during the present session of Assembly.

The business of the session being ended, resolved, that the Honourable the Speaker sign the Journal of this House as the Acts of the Senate & that the Clerk attest the same.

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On motion, the House adjourned until the first Monday in October next, then to meet agreeable to the vote of the General Assembly at Hillsborough.

RD. CASWELL, Sp.
By order,
J. HAYWOOD, Ck.


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1 This was Washington county in what is now Tennessee.—Ed.