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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Minutes of the North Carolina Senate
North Carolina. General Assembly
October 25, 1784 - November 26, 1784
Volume 19, Pages 400-488

SENATE JOURNAL—1784.


State of North Carolina,
In Senate, 25 October, 1784.

At a General Assembly begun and held at New Bern on the twentyfifth day of October in the year of our Lord one thousand seven hundred and eighty-four, and of the Sovereignty and Independence of the United States of America the ninth, it being the first session of this Assembly.

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

For Anson,
Beaufort, John Smaw,
Bertie,
Brunswick,
Bladen, Thomas Owen,
Burke,
Craven, James Coor,
Carteret, Enoch Ward,
Currituck, James Phillips,
Chowan, William Boritz,
Chatham, Ambrose Ramsey,
Caswell,
Camden, Isaac Gregory,
Dobbs, Richard Caswell,
Duplin, James Gillispie,
Davidson,
Edgecombe, Isaac Sessoms,
Franklin,
Fayette,
Guilford, James Gallaway,
Granville,
Gates, William Baker,
Greene,
For Halifax, Nicholas Long,
Hertford, John Baker,
Hyde, Abram Jones,
Johnston, Benjamin Williams
For Jones, Frederick Harget,
Lincoln,
Mecklenburg,
Martin,
Montgomery, Saml Parsons,
Moore, Henry Lighfoot,
Northampton, Allen Jones,
New Hanover,
Nash,
Onslow, Thomas Johnston,
Orange, William McCawley,
Pasquotank, Thomas Relfe,
Perquimans, Jno. Skinner,
Pitt, John Williams,
Rowan,
Rutherford,
Randolph,
Richmond,
Surry, John Armstrong,
Sullivan,
Sampson, Richard Clinton,
Tyrrell, John Warington,
Wake,
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For Washington,
Wilkes,
Warren, Nathl. Macon,
Wayne, Burwell Mooring.

Pursuant to which the following members appeared, were qualified agreeable to Law & took their seats, to-wit.: Richard Caswell, James Coor, John Warrington, Abram Jones, James Phillips, John Armstrong, John Baker, William Baker, John Williams, Nicholas Long, Frederick Harget, Thomas Johnston, Thomas Relfe, John Skinner, Isaac Gregory, James Gillispie, Richard Clinton, William McCawley, Thomas Owen, Nathaniel Macon, Ambrose Ramsey, James Gallaway, Burwell Mooring, William Boritz, Henry Lightfoot, Allen Jones, Isaac Sessums, Benjamin Williams, Enoch Ward and Samuel Parsons, Esquires.

General Jones proposed for Speaker the Honourable Richard Caswell, Esquire, who was unanimouslay chosen and conducted to the Chair accordingly.

On motion John Haywood was appointed Clerk and Sherwood Haywood Assistant.

William Murphy and Nicholas Long, Doorkeepers.

On motion, ordered that the following message be sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate being now formed, acquaint you they are ready to proceed on the public business.

The House adjourned to 9 o’clock tomorrow morning.


Tuesday, October 26, 1784.

Met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The House of Commons are also formed and ready for the dispatch of public business.

On motion, ordered that the following message be sent to His Excellency the Governor, first having obtained the approbation of the House of Commons, vizt.:

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

Sir:—The General Assembly, being now met, beg leave to inform your Excellency that they are ready to receive such dispatches and other public matters as you may think proper to lay before them.

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

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the message herewith sent you be presented to His Excellency the Governor. Should it meet your approbation Mr. Macon and Mr. Gallaway will on the part of this House attend and present him with the same.

Mr. John Baker introduced the Petition of Mr. John Harrell, late Sheriff of Hertford County, which being read Mr. Baker moved for leave and presented a bill to authorize and impower John Harrell, Esquire, formerly Sheriff of Hertford County, to collect the arrears of taxes due him from the Inhabitants thereof, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Read the recommendation of the County Court of Warren in favour of Mary Hudson, Relict of James Hudson, and likewise the recommendation of the said Court in favour of Elizabeth Harris, Relict of Burwell Harris, indigent persons, whose husbands died when serving in the Militia of this State, whereupon

Resolved, that the said Mary and Elizabeth be, each of them respectively, allowed the sum of twelve pounds current money, to be paid them by any of the Treasurers of this State, who shall be allowed therefor in a settlement with the public.

Ordered that this resolution be sent to the House of Commons for concurrence.

Read likewise, the Petition of Mr. Morgan Murray, wounded in the service of his country, whereupon

Resolved, that the said Morgan Murray be allowed the sum of twelve pounds current money of the State. That the Treasurers or any of them pay him the same and be allowed.

Ordered, also, that this Resolve be sent to the House of Commons for concurrence.

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

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Mr. Coor and Mr. Skinner will, on the part of this House, act with such of your body as you may appoint a Committee to receive from the respective Treasurers all the Dollar Bills in their hands belonging to the public, and cause that the same be burnt and make report thereof.

On motion, resolved that General Jones, Mr. Coor, Mr. Wm. Baker, Mr. Long and Mr. Gallaway be a Committee to report what ways and means are most eligible to be adopted for the aid of the public taxes, and that the following message be sent to the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate appointed General Jones, Mr. Coor, Mr. Baker, Mr. Long and Mr. Gallaway a Committee, who will act jointly with such Gentlemen as you may appoint, to report what ways and means are most eligible to be adopted for the aid of the public taxes.

Whereas, Drury Gee, late Sheriff of Northampton County for the years 1774 and 1777, by reason of the troubles and disturbances arising in the first year of his office was not able to collect and compleat a settlement for the taxes due from said County till some time in the year 1779; and whereas, he then tendered a setlement to the Treasurer of Halifax District, who refused to settle with him, the account for the first year’s collection being among the papers of Col. Montfort, then Treasurer for the Northern District,

Resolved, that Mr. Gallaway, Mr. Coor and Mr. John Baker be a Committee jointly with Gentlemen to be appointed by the House of Commons to examine the accounts of Drury Gee, late Sheriff of the County of Northampton for the years 1774 and 1777, to liquidate and settle the same and report their proceedings to the General Assembly.

Ordered that the foregoing resolution be sent to the House of Commons for concurrence.

Recd. from the Commons the resolution of this House in favour of Mary Hudson and Elizabeth Harris. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Read the recommendation of the Court of Onslow County in favour of Sarah Weeks, Relict of Thomas Weeks, late of the County aforesaid, who fell when in the Militia service of this State, whereupon,

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Resolved, that Sarah Weeks of Onslow County be allowed the sum of twelve pounds current money of the State, in consideration of her present indigent circumstances. That any of the Treasurers pay her the same and be allowed on the settlement of his accounts with the public.

Ordered that this Resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Recd. from the Commons sundry resolutions ascertaining the mode hereafter to be observed by the General Assembly in reading and Engrossing Bills, which being read were rejected, whereupon

Resolved, that the following resolutions on that head be observed in lieu thereof, vizt.:

1stly. Resolved, that every bill, after having been read twice in the Senate and House of Commons, shall be Engrossed, and being so Engrossed shall be introduced for the third and last reading in the House where it was first presented.

2ndly. That all bills be first read for the information of the respective Houses and for debate paragraph by paragraph.

3rdly. That no bill in future be read for debate in either House as a second reading without one day’s previous notice to the House in which it is to be read.

4thly. That whenever the Senate or House of Commons shall have rejected a bill, which had previously passed three readings in the other House, the House rejecting such bill shall give the other House immediate notice thereof.

5thly. That every bill may be debated before it is put on its passage on the first reading in either House.

6thly. That no matter foreign to the title of a bill be inserted in any clause in such Bill.

Ordered that the foregoing be sent to the House of Commons with the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Resolution of your House regulating the mode in future to be observed in reading and Engrossing bills we do not concur with, but propose that those on that head herewith sent you be adopted in lieu of them.

Adjourned till tomorrow morning 10 o’clock.

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Wednesday, October 27, 1784.

The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. John Smaw, the member for the County of Beaufort, and Mr. Wm. Lenoir, the member for the County of Wilkes, appeared, presented their respective certificates, qualified agreeable to Law & took their seats.

Read the petition of Allen Jones, Esquire, Brigadier General of the District of Halifax, whereupon, ordered that it be referred to the Committee to whom was referred the settlement of the accounts of Drury Gee, late sheriff of Northampton County, and sent to the Commons for their concurrence in such measure.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We have recd. the Resolutions, which we propose to adopt with respect to the order to be observed by each House of the Genral Assembly in reading Bills, in preference to those introduced by this House, with which we do not concur, but wish the Senate to reconsider those sent for their concurrence.

The resolutions referred to being again read, ordered that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Agreeable to your message relative to the rules to be observed on the pasage of bills, this House have reconsidered thir resolutions on that head and find no cause to make any alteration therein, as they do not think proper to deprive themselves of the right of altering and amending any bill at any time before it is finally passed, and as to the alteration respecting private bills, we are of opinion a discrimination between public and private bills would be difficult and that the delay occasioned thereby would be more expensive than the payment of engrossing.

Recd. from the Commons the following messages:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed on their part Mr. Coor and Mr. William Hill to act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to receive and burn the old Dollar Bills.

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Commons have appointed Mr. Person, Mr. Martin and Mr. Montfort to act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to examine the accounts of Drury Gee, late sheriff of Northampton, &c.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed Mr. Bloodworth, Mr. Payne, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Maclaine, and Mr. Person to act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to report what ways and means are most eligible to be adopted for the aid of the public taxes.

Recd. by way of the House of Commons an address from His Excellency the Governor, directed to the General Assembly, accompanied by sundry public dispatches, which being read was ordered to lie on the table.

Mr. Macon moved for leave and presented a bill to prevent unjust appeals and to declare that the lands of deceased persons are liable to be sold in discharge of judgments given against them, their Executors or Administrators, and also to empower the County Courts in this State to provide for the safe-keeping of the estates of Idiots and Lunatics, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed Mr. Martin, Mr. Ashe, Mr. Hall, Mr. Mebane and Mr. Macon to act jointly with such Gentlemen as you may appoint as a Committee of Propositions and Grievances.

Ordered that Mr. McCawley, Mr. Ben Williams and Mr. Owen act on this Committee and that the following message be sent to the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Mr. McCawley, Mr. Ben Williams and Mr. Owen will act with the Gentlemen by you appointed a Committee of Propositions and Grievances.

Recd the Petition of Isles Simmons of the County of Currituck. Endorsed in the House of Commons, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner.

Recd. also a Petition from sundry Inhabitants of Montgomery

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County respecting certain lands late the property of Henry E. McCullock. Endorsed in the House of Commons, read and referred to Mr. Blount, Mr. Person and Mr. Macon, which being read was on the part of this House referred to Mr. Owen and Mr. McCawley and returned.

Read the Petition of Sundry of the Inhabitants of Warren County, addressed to the General Assembly, which was ordered to be referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances & sent to the Commons.

Read also the Petition of Hardy Willey, late in the Militia service of this State, which was on motion referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and ordered to be sent to the Commons. Read likewise the Petition of John Ackiss, which was on motion rejected.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Resolution yesterday entered into by this House relative to the mode in future to be observed in the two Houses in reading and engrossing Bills. Endorsed, Read and concurred with.

On motion, agreed that Mr. Coor, Mr. Macon, Mr. Long, Mr. Boritz and Mr. Armstrong be a Committee on the part of this House to consider of the address from His Excellency the Governor and the public Dispatches accompanying it, and that the following message be sent to the Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate appoint Mr. Coor, Mr. Macon, Mr. Long, Mr. Boritz and Mr. Armstrong a Committee who will act jointly with such of your body as you may appoint to consider of the address from his Excellency the Governor and the public dispatches accompanying it, and to report what measures it may be necessary to adopt in consequence of the Intelligence and subject matter they contain.

Recd from the House of Commons the Petition of Allen Jones, Esquire. Endorsed, read & referred as by the Senate.

Read the Representation of Mr. John Brown, Treasurer of Morgan District, which, on motion, was referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the address from His Excellency the Governor and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill for the Inspection of

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Tobacco in the town of Hillsborough. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this Bill be read, which being read was passed the first time and returned.

Recd. also the bill to authorize and impower John Harrell, Esquire, formerly sheriff of Hertford County, to collect the arrears of taxes due him from the Inhabitants of said County and that part of Gates County that formerly was Hertford for the year 1774. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this Bill lie on the table until tomorrow and that it be then read for the second time in this House.

Mr. James Harris, the member for the County of Mecklenburgh, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Recd. from the Commons the following messages:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We have appointed Mr. Maclaine, Mr. Bryan, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Bloodworth, Mr. Hay, Mr. Nash, Mr. Montfort and Mr. Butler to act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to consider of the message from His Excellency the Governor and the public dispatches accompanying it.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have added Mr. Blount and Mr. Ashe to the Committee appointed to consider of the Governor’s message and the dispatches accompanying it.

Recd. also the following Petitions, vizt.: The Petition of Hardy Willey; the Petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of Warren County and the representation and Petition of John Brown, respectively. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. likewise the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Salisbury District and of the Grand Jury of said District. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Governor’s message & which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Resolve of this House in favour of Sarah Weeks of Onslow County. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Adjourned till tomorrow morning 10 o’clock.

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Thursday, October 28, 1784.

The House met according to adjournment.

Read the Memorial and Petition of John Penn, Esquire, on the subject of his expenditures when serving as a delegate from this State in the Congress of the United States, which was on motion referred to the Committee appointed to consider of and report on the accounts of Mr. Drury Gee, late sheriff of Northampton, and sent to the House of Commons.

Read the Deposition of John Geddy, Esquire, of Halifax, relative to certain bills of exchange now his property, heretofore drawn on the Continental Treasury by John Ashe, Esquire, formerly Treasurer of the Southern District, and which have not yet been paid. Ordered that it be referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grivances & sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose balloting at ten o’clock in the morning of Saturday next for a Governor of this State for the ensuing year, and at four o’clock in the evening of the same day for a Council of State and for Treasurers of the several Districts. We put in nomination for Governor the Honourable Richard Caswell and Abner Nash, Esquires.

This message being read, was on motion of General Jones, ardered to lie on the table for consideration.

Pursuant to the order of the Day, the Bill to authorize and empower John Harrell, Esquire, formerly sheriff of Hertford County, to collect the arrears of taxes due him from the Inhabitants of said County and that part of Gates County that formerly was Hertford, for the year 1774, was read, whereupon on motion of Mr. Wm. Baker, ordered that he have leave to take out and amend the same.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a Bill to amend an act entitled “an act for laying a Tax on the County of Northampton for repairing the public buildings thereof, and to appoint and empower Commissioners for that purpose”, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Read the Memorial of Thomas Lloyd of Orange County relative to his Collection of the Public Taxes when sheriff of the County aforesaid, which was on motion rejected.

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Read likewise a warrant drawn by Governor Martin on the County Commissioners for the District of Edenton in favour of Messrs Baker and Blow, Merchants of Virginia, dated the 10th May, 1783. Whereupon Resolved, that the said warrant be endorsed with the following words, vizt.:

Resolved, that the Treasurer of Edenton District discharge and take up the within warrant drawn by His Excellency the Governor in favour of Messrs. Baker and Blow, Merchants of Virginia, for the sum of forty pounds four shillings & ten pence, for which the Treasurer shall be allowed in the settlement of his public accounts.

Ordered that this Resolution be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Adjourned till tomorrow morning 9 o’clock.


Friday, October 29th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Mr. William Walters, the member of the County of Brunswick, appeared presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Mr. McCawley moved for leave and presented a Bill to empower former sheriffs to collect the arrears of public taxes due from the Inhabitants of their respective Counties, and to oblige them to account for and pay the same, which being read by paragraphs was amended, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Read the Petition of Jane Reading of Bladen County, which was on motion rejected.

Read also, the Petition of Hopkins Wilder, whereupon

Resolved, that any of the Treasurers of this State pay to the said Wilder the sum of seven pounds current money, in consideration of two steers his property, taken and converted to public use in the year 1781, which sum the Treasurer paying the same shall be allowed in the settlement of his public accounts.

Ordered, that this resolution be sent to the House of Commons for their Concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Resolution of this House for endorsing as therein mentioned the warrant drawn by his Excellency the Governor in favour of Messrs. Baker and Blow, Merchants of Virginia. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

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Received also, the Memorial and Petition of John Penn, Esquire, and the Deposition and Bills of Exchange of John Geddy, Esquire, respectively. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. likewise the recommendation of the Court of Caswell County in favour of John Swayne. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, sundry Petitions from the Inhabitants of Salisbury District. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee to consider of the public dispatches; which being read were referred in like manner and returned.

On motion, agreed that General Gregory have leave to absent himself from the service of this House after tomorrow; and that Mr. John Baker likewise have leave of absence.

Mr. Johnston presented the recommendation of the Court of Onslow County in favor of John Cooke, an indigent person, which being read was rejected.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolve of that body of the 28th inst., in favour of Alexander Mebane, Esquire, one of the Board of Auditors for the District of Hillsborough, and in favour of Britain Saunders and others, Clerk to said Board, which being read was rejected.

Adjourned till Monday 4 o’clock P. M.


Monday, November 1, 1784.

The Senate met acording to adjournment.

Ambrose Ramsey, Esquire, the member for the County of Chatham, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a Bill for appointing a Treasurer and directing his duty in office, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill for levying a tax for the payment of the interest of the certificates granted to Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line of this State, pursuant to an act passed in 1783, entituled, an act to amend an act entituled an act for the relief of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line, and for other purposes. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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Ordered that this Bill be read for the information of the House, which being accordingly read, was on motion, ordered to lie over until tomorrow, and then to be read for the first reading in this House.

Recd. also, a message from His Excellency the Governor accompanied by sundry letters, Indian Talks, &c. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee to whom his other message and the State Papers were referred, which being read were referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. likewise the Memorial and Deposition of Elijah Moore; the Account of Thornton Yancey against the State, and an Inquisition taken by the Coroner of Warren County on the Body of Joseph Sanford, respectively. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read were referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen,

This House do not concur with the resolve of the Senate in favour of Morgan Murray, but propose that his Petition, with all others in similar circumstances, that is of soldiers disabled in the Continental line of this State, be referred to a joint and special Committee; for this purpose we have on our part appointed Mr. Nash, Mr. Maclaine and Mr. Lytle.

Ordered that Mr. Harget, Genl. Jones and Mr. Skinner act on this Committee & that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We consent that the Petition of Morgan Murray, together with the Petitions of others similarly circumstanced, vizt.: wounded in the Continental line of this State, be referred to a Special Committee, and appoint on our part Mr. Harget, General Jones and Mr. Skinner for that purpose.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Petition from a number of the Inhabitants of Wayne County relative to the fixing a Court House for the said County. Endorsed, read and referred, together with the Petition before exhibited on the same subject, to Mr. Bond, Mr. Person, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Dodd, Mr. Caswell and Mr. Dolvin, which being

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read was, on the part of this House referred to Mr. Coor, Mr. Long, Mr. McCawley and Mr. Lightfoot and returned.

Recd. also, the proceedings of a called Court for the tryal of a negro man slave, the property of Benjamin Hicks. Endorsed, read and referred to a joint Committee; the members chosen Mr. Macon, Mr. Montfort and Mr. Starkey, which being read was, on the part of this House, referred to Mr. Owen and Mr. McCawley and returned.

Recd. likewise the proceedings of a Court called for the Tryal of Sam, the Property of Thomas Garrett. Endorsed, Read & referred to the Committee to take under consideration the tryal and valuation of Mr. Hicks’ slave, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also the Petition of the Inhabitants of Pasquotank and Perquimans Counties relative to the making a Causeway. Endorsed, read and referred to Mr. Joseph Riddick, which being read was referred on the part of this House to Mr. Relfe, Mr. Phillips and Mr. Baker and returned.

Recd. likewise, the Petition of a part of the Inhabitants of Beaufort County for moving the Court House of the said County. Endorsed, read and referred to a joint Committee; the members chosen Mr. Macon, Mr. Blount, Mr. Stone and Mr. Jordan, which being read was referred on the part of this House to Mr. Abram Jones and Mr. Lenoir and returned.

Read the Acount of Samuel Searcey against the State for attending as a Witness against Robert Young, which was, on motion, referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolve directing the Comptroller General to lay before the Committee appointed to consider of the public dispatches, an abstract of the accounts of this State against the Continent, which being read, was on motion, rejected.

Recd. also, a Recommendation of sundry indigent persons of Wilkes County. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Governor’s message.

Recd. likewise the Recommendation of Wayne Court in favour of Ann Langston, Relict of John Langston; and of Mary Revell, widow of John Revell, respectively. Endorsed, In the House of Commons

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29th October, 1784; Countersigned by Wm. Blount, Sp., which being read were, together with the recommendation from Wilkes County above mentioned, ordered to lie for consideration until tomorrow.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Tuesday, November the 2nd, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a Bill making the real estate of deceased Debtors subject to the payment of debts where the personal is insufficient, which was read for information, was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Col. Long moved for leave and presented a bill for clearing and opening the navigation of Tar River and Fishing Creek in the Counties of Pitt, Edgecombe and Halifax, which being read for information was again read, passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Pursuant to the order of the day the bill for levying a tax for the payment of the Interest of the certificates granted to Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line of this State, pursuant to an act passed in 1783, entitled, “an act 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 for passage, passed the first time and was sent to the Commons.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a bill for raising a public Revenue for the support of Government which he read for the information of the House and delivered in at the Table where the same was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to prevent unjust appeals and to empower the County Courts in this State to provide for the safe keeping of the Estates of Idiots and Lunatics. Endorsed, read the first time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill lie on the table until tomorrow and that it be then read the second time in this House.

Mr. John Taylor, the member for the County of Granville, appeared, presented his Certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Mr. Macon moved for leave and presented a bill for levying a tax

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for the support of Government, and for the redemption of Continental money, old Paper Currency, Specie and other certificates, which he read for the information of the House and delivered in at the Table when the same was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Owen moved for leave and presented a bill for empowering the Commissioners of public Buildings in Bladen County to sell the public Lotts reserved for said Buildings, to purchase others and build the Court House on the Street, if more eligible in their opinion, which he read for the information of the House & delivered in at the table where the same was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the account of Samuel Searcey against the State for attendance as a witness, &c. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. likewise the bill for clearing and opening the navigation of Tar River, and Fishing Creek in the Counties of Pitt, Edgecombe and Halifax. Endorsed, read the first time and passed. Ordered that this Bill lie on the Table until tomorrow and that it be then read the second time in this House.

A State of the Treasury of Edenton District was presented by Mr. John Skinner, read and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Read likewise the account of William Skinner, Esquire, Treasurer of Edenton District for travelling expenses, attendance, &c., on the present Assembly, whereupon

Resolved, that William Skinner be allowed the sum of twentyseven pounds four shillings as a reimbursement for his expenditures in travelling to and from and attending at the present session of Assembly.

Recd. from the House of Commons a resolution of that body in favour of Hopkins Wilder proposed to be adopted instead of the one on that head entered into the 29th Ultimo by this House; which being read, was ordered to lie for consideration.

Recd. also the recommendation of Rowan County Court in favour of Joseph Wasson; Countersigned by the Speaker of the House of Commons; which being read was ordered to lie for consideration.

Recd. likewise the following message:

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that a joint Committee be appointed to examine and report their opinion of the civil list, and have for that purpose on our part appointed Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Bloodworth, Mr. Macon and Mr. Nash.

Ordered, that Genl. Jones and Mr. Taylor, act on this Committee and that the following message be sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen,

Mr. Allen Jones and Mr. Taylor will, on the part of this House, act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to report on the Civil List.

The House resuming the consideration of the Petition of Mr. Matthew McClure, ordered that it be referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Harget moved for leave and presented a bill to amend an act entituled “an act for establishing a Town in Jones County,” also, one other act entituled “an act for dividing Craven County into two distinct Counties, and for other purposes therein mentioned,” which was read for information and delivered in at the table where the same was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Adjourned until to morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Wednesday, November 3rd, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Mr. John A. Campbell, the member for the County of New Hanover, General Charles McDowell, the member for the County of Burke, and Mr. James Miller, the member for the County of Rutherford, appeared, presented their respective certificates, qualified agreeable to Law and took their seats.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of Richard Cogdell, Esquire. Endorsed, read & referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read, was by this House referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, the Resolution of this House of yesterday in favour of William Skinner, Esquire, Treasurer of the District of Edenton. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Pursuant to the order of the day the bill to prevent unjust appeals and to empower the County Courts in this State to provide for the

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safe keeping of the estates of Idiots and Lunatics, was read the second time, amended, passed and sent to the Commons.

Agreeable to the order of the day the bill for clearing and opening the navigation of Tar River and Fishing Creek in the Counties of Pitt, Edgecombe, and Halifax, was read the second time, passed & sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Memorial of Henry Guthrie. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee to consider of Drury Gee’s accounts, which being read, was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, the petition of Samuel Holliday, of Dobbs County, relative to a certain tract of land, together with a resolution of the House of Commons consequent thereon, which resolution being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. likewise the report of the committee to whom was referred the Petition of the Inhabitants of Pasquotank and Perquimans Counties. Endorsed, read and concurred with, which being read, was concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill to establish a road from Lemuel Forehand’s or Caleb Cooper’s, in Pasquotank County, to the widow White’s, in Perquimans County, and granting a toll on on the same. Endorsed, read the first time and passed, which being read, was passed the first time and returned.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a Bill for allowing salaries to the succeeding officers of this State, and repealing so much of an act for allowing salaries to the Governor, Secretary and other Officers of State, and other purposes, as comes within the province of this act, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill for empowering the County Court of Warren to lay a further tax on the Inhabitants of said County for defraying the expences of building the Court House, Prison and Stocks. Endorsed, read the first time and passed, which being read was passed the first time and returned.

Read the account of Thomas Morris against the State for guarding Prisons, &c. Ordered that the same be referred to the Committee

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of Propositions and Grievances and sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Whitmill Hill, the member for the County of Martin, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Mr. Phillips presented the accounts of Jonas Stark, Coroner of Currituck County, which being read, was referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Report of the joint Committee to whom was referred the address from His Excellency, the Governor, to the General Assembly at the opening of the present Session, accompanied by a proposed message in answer thereto, which being read, was concurred with; the former returned to the House of Commons and the latter sent to His Excellency the Governor, by Genl. Jones and Col. Hill on the part of this House, accompanied by the Gentlemen for that purpose appointed by the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to adopt and recognize a resolve of Congress of the 20th of February, 1782, respecting a Commissioner to be appointed for the settlement of the accounts of the United States with this State, among others. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Recd. also, the Memorial of the Executors of Robert Hogg, deceased. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the Petition from the Inhabitants of Beaufort County, which being read, was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. likewise the Petition of Mr. Matthew McClure. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

On motion, ordered that Mr. John Williams and Mr. Harget be added to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, and that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Senate add Mr. John Williams and Mr. Harget to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances.

Col. Long moved for leave and presented a bill declaring the currency certificates issued by the State Auditors, and the certificates

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issued by the Comptroller General, previous to the seventeenth day of May, 1783, and all other certificates granted under the sanction of any Law of this State, reduced by the scale of depreciation at the time they were granted, of the same value with specie certificates and to carry the same interest & to be received in the same payments, which being read for information, was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to enlarge the Jurisdiction of the Justices of the Peace within the several Counties in this State. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read for the information of the House; the same was accordingly read, and being then ordered to be read for passage was, on motion, rejected.

Recd. also a bill to release James Underwood and Job Ward from the forfeiture of a Recognizance entered into for the appearance of a certain Daniel Campbell before the Superior Court of Hillsborough District & from a Judgment given upon the said forfeiture. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that this Bill be read for the information of the House, which being done, it was then read for passage, passed the first time and was returned.

Recd. likewise the account of Thomas Morris. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a bill Substantiating the entries of lands that may be first made in the Entry Takers Offices of Hyde and Tyrrell, the location of which cannot be ascertained by reason of the Great Dismal lying in and between said Counties, thro’ which the dividing line of said Counties is not yet extended; which was read for information, was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills to-wit:

The Bill for the Inspection of Tobacco in the town of Hillsborough.

The Bill to amend an act entituled an act for laying a tax on the County of Northampton, for repairing the public buildings thereof, and to appoint and empower commissioners for that purpose.

The Bill to amend an act entituled an act for establishing a Town in Jones County, also one other act, entituled an act for dividing

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Craven County into two distinct Counties, and for other purposes therein mentioned.

The Bill for allowing Salaries to the succeding officers of State, and repealing so much of an act entituled an act for allowing salaries to the Governor, Secretary and other Officers of State, and other purposes, as comes within the purview of this act.

The Bill to suspend an act of the last General Assembly entitled an act ceding to the Congress of the United States certain Western lands therein described and authorizing the Delegates from this State in Congress to execute a deed or Deeds for the same, and a Bill to declare void and repeal such of the Laws of this State as from their Tenor appear inconsistant with the Treaty of Peace between the United States and His Britannic Majesty, and to relieve such of the Citizens of this State as might otherwise be injured by such declaration and appeal. All Endorsed, read the first time and passed, except the one first mentioned, which was endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered, that these Bills lie on the Table until Tomorrow, and that they be then read agreeably to their several Endorsements in this House.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Thursday, November 4th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Mr. Thomas Armstrong, the member for the County of Fayette, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

On motion the House resumed the consideration of the message from the House of Commons of the 27th, Ulto., relative to the balloting for a Governor of this State for the ensuing year, &c., whereupon,

Ordered, that the folowing message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the General Assembly ballot on Tuesday next, at 4 o’clock in the afternoon, for a Governor of this State for the ensuing year and nominate the Honourable Richard Caswell and Abner Nash, Esquires. It is the sense of this House that the place where the next Assembly shall be held be ballotted for at the same time, for which

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purpose we nominate the towns of New Bern, Hillsborough, Halifax and Fayetteville. Should you accede to this proposition Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Skinner will, on the part of this House, superintend the Balloting.

Recd. from the Commons the account of Josias Slack. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Mr. Taylor moved for leave and presented a Bill for repealing part of an act passed at Newbern in November, 1777, entituled “an act to ascertain and regulate the fees of the Clerks of the Superior and County Courts, Justices of the Peace and Attorneys of this State, and directing the method of paying the same.” Also, part of an act passed at Halifax in January, 1779, also entituled “an act to ascertain the Fees of the Clerks of the Superior and County Courts, Justices of the Peace and Attorneys in this State,” which being read for information, was again read, passed the first time & sent to the House of Commons.

Pursuant to the order of the day the following bills were read, to-wit:

The Bill to suspend an act of the last General Assembly entituled “an act ceding to the Congress of the United States certain Western Lands therein described and authorizing the Delegates from this State in Congress to execute a Deed or Deeds for the same,” which was passed the first time and returned.

The Bill to declare void and repeal such of the Laws of this State as from their tenor appear inconsistent with the Treaty of Peace between the United States and his Brittanic Majesty, and to relieve such of the citizens of this State as might otherwise be injured by such declaration and repeal; which was passed the first time and returned.

The Bill for allowing salaries to the succeding Officers of State, and repealing so much of an act entitled “an act for allowing Salaries to the Governor, Secretary and other Officers of State and other purposes,” as comes within the province of this Act; which was amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

The Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for establishing a Town in Jones County,” also another act entituled “an act for dividing Craven County into two distinct Counties & for other purposes therein

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mentioned;” which was passed the second time and returned to the House of Commons.

The bill for the Inspection of Tobacco in the Town of Hillsborough, which was amended, passed the second time and ordered to be Engrossed, and

The Bill to amend an act entituled “a act for laying a Tax on the County of Northampton for repairing the public buildings thereof, and to appoint and empower Commissioners for that purpose, which was read the second time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a message from His Excellency, the Governor, inclosing sundry papers in support of the Claim of Mr. Patrick Cleary to certain property sold by this State as confiscated. Endorsed, read and referred to Mr. Davie, Mr. Maclaine, Mr. Brickell, Mr. Hay, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Person, Mr. Bryan and Mr. Moore, which being read were on the part of this House, referred to Mr. Coor, Mr. Macon, Mr. Gillispie, General Jones and Mr. Hill and returned to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Commons agreee that the General Assembly ballot on Tuesday next, at the time by you mentioned, for a Governor of this State for the ensuing year, and nominate the same Gentlemen as nominated by the Senate. We agree to ballot at the same time for the place at which the next Assembly shall be held, and nominate in addition to the places nominated by you, the town of Tarborough. Mr. Payne and Mr. Macon will superintend the balloting on the part of this House.

On motion, agreed that Mr. Hill be added to the Committee to whom was referred the accounts of Drury Gee and that the House of Commons have notice thereof.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Memorial of the Honourable the Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee appointed to consider of the accounts of Drury Gee, which being read, was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, the Petition of John Taylor, Esquire, and the account of John Williams, Esquire, against the State for the depreciation of his Salary as one of the Delegates from this State in Congress, in

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the year 1778, respectively. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee appointed to examine and report on the accounts of Drury Gee, which being read, were referred in like manner and returned.

Received from the House of Commons the following bills to-wit:

The bill to alter and amend an act entituled “an act to amend an act entituled an act for ascertaining what property in this State shall be deemed taxable property, the method of assessing the same and collecting public taxes.”

A Bill to amend an act entituled an act for levying a tax on every £100 value of taxable property in the District of New Bern for repairing the Gaol of the District.

And also, a bill to supply the loss of a patent for a certain tract of land lying in Currituck County granted to Richard Commingforth; each endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that these bills be read; the same being read were passed the first time and returned.

Recd. also, the Petition of Jacob Sikes. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. likewise the Petition of George Alston. Endorsed, read and referred to the next Assembly, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have resolved to receive no bill of a private nature after Monday next and wish the Senate to enter into one of a similar nature.

The foregoing message being read, on motion, resolved, that no Bill whatever be introduced in this House after Monday next; whereupon,

Ordered, that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We do not concur in the Resolution of your House for admitting no bill of a private nature after Monday next, but have resolved that no bill whatever be introduced in this House after that day, and wish the House of Commons to adopt a similar resolution.

Recd. from the House of Commons the report of the joint Committee

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on the Petition from Wayne County. Endorsed, read and concurred with, which being read was concurred with by this House and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, to-wit:

A Bill for the encouragement of learning in the District of Salisbury, and

A Bill for establishing a Town on the lands of Andrew Bass, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that these bills be read, which being read were passed the first time and returned.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a bill to amend an act entituled “an act for altering the time of holding the annual Elections and annual Assemblies and directing the manner of electing annual Officers for the succeeding year,” which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Guilford and Randolph Counties in favour of Robert Fields. Endorsed, read and sent to the Senate, which being read was rejected.

Mr. Owen moved for leave and presented a bill to enable Richard Smith to rebuild and keep in repair a bridge over the Lake into the Great Swamp in Bladen County, which being read for information was again read, passed the first time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill for the more regular collecting, payment of and accounting for, the public taxes. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that this bill be read for information, the same being read was ordered to lie on the Table until Tomorrow, to be then read for passage.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Friday, November 5th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Mr. Boritz moved for leave and presented a bill to repeal an act entituled “an act for imposing a duty or tax in aid of the public revenue upon the different articles therein mentioned, sold at auction or public vendue, and for regulating auctioneers or Vendue Masters, which being read for information, was again read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

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Pursuant to the order of the day, the bill for the more regular collecting, payment of and accounting for the public Taxes, was read, passed the first time and returned to the House of Commons.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the Committee appointed to report what means are to be adopted in aid of the public taxes, shall make up the estimate for the year 1785, particularly specifying the Expences of the Civil List, incidental and federal charges, the quantity of Lands and number of polls in the State. We have added to this Committee Col. Davie.

Ordered, that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We consent that the Committee to report what means are to be adopted in aid of the public taxes be directed to perform the services by you proposed.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of Nathan Kevis. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee to whom was referred Col. Geddy’s Bills of Exchange; which being read, was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, Edward Williams’ account against the State for conveying Felons to Salisbury Gaol. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Bill to empower former sheriffs to collect the arrears of taxes due from the Inhabitants of their respective Counties and to oblige them to account for and pay the same. Endorsed, read the first time, amended and passed.

Ordered, that this bill be read, which being read was passed the second time and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of Richard Blackledge, Esquire, together with a Resolution of the House of Commons consequent thereon, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also, a bill for the dividing of the County of Guilford. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Mr. Macon moved for leave and presented a bill for ascertaining

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and fixing the time when Acts of the General Assembly of this State shall commence to be in force and have effect. Which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Colonel Owen, from the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Matthew McClure, delivered in a report, which being read and debated was, on motion, recommitted.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of sundry Inhabitants of the State of North Carolina. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee apppointed to examine and report on His Excellency the Governor’s message, &c., which being read, was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, a bill to establish a Town on the lands of Thomas Relfe in Pasquotank County, on the south side of Pasquotank River, and for repealing an act passed at the last General Assembly entituled “an act to alter the place of holding the County Courts of Pasquotank County, from Windfield to the town of Nixonton, in the said County. and to erect a new Court House, Prison and Stocks in the said County. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Recd. likewise the following messages:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House concur with the message of yours respecting the Introduction of Bills.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Commons taking into consideration the message of the Senate accompanied by their resolution not to receive any bills of a public or private nature to be introduced after Monday next, have concurred with the same; they beg leave to observe they have rather acquiesced in the Resolution of the Senate from a conviction of the propriety of the Order of both Houses relative to public business standing on the same rule, than from a sense that it is at any time fitting for the doors of the General Assembly to be closed against bills in which the body of the people are interested.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following resignations, to-wit:

The resignation of John Macon, Esquire, as one of the Commissioners

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for settling and adjusting the accounts of the Continental Officers & Soldiers of the line of this State.

The resignation of Nathan Bryan, Esquire, as one of the Justices of the Peace for Jones County.

The resignation of James Badgeon as one of the Justices of Surry County, and

The resignation of Thomas Hunter, Esquire, as one of the Justices of Nash County, respectively. Endorsed in the House of Commons, read and accepted, which being read were accepted and returned.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 10 o’clock.


Saturday, 6 November, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Matthew Lock, Esquire, the member for the County of Rowan, appeared, presented his certificate, qualified agreeable to Law and took his seat.

Mr. McCawley moved for leave and presented a bill for levying a tax in the Counties of Hillsborough District for the repairs of District buildings in the town of Hillsborough, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Received from the House of Commons the resignation of Benjamin May and George Moye, two of the Justices of the Peace for Pitt County, of their commissions as such. Endorsed, read and accepted. which being read were accepted and returned.

Recd. also, the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House propose that the two Houses shall adjourn ’til Monday, in order that the Committees may prepare their reports on the subjects submitted to their consideration, and also that the members who have bills to draw may be ready with them to present to the Assembly before the time limited for the introduction of bills may be elapsed. Should you approve of this measure we will adjourn accordingly.

The foregoing message being read, on motion, the House adjourned till Monday morning next 9 o’clock.

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Monday, 8 November, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Read the resignation of Francis Lock, Esquire, of his Commission as Colonel of the Militia of Rowan County, which was accepted and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolution of that Body for striking Wm. Gilbert from the list of Justices for the County of Rutherford, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also, the following bills, vizt:

A Bill to enable Benjamin Blount of Tyrrell County, Trustee to Thomas Bogg, to sue for and to recover for and to the use and uses of the Children of the said Thomas Bogg all debts due and owing to the said Thomas Bogg and all other things in action which the said Thomas Bogg might have lawfully sued for and recovered. And

A Bill to empower the Inhabitants of the Western Territory, by and with the consent of this State, to form themselves into a separate State known by the name of West Carolina, which is reserved to them by the cession act passed at Hillsborough in 1783, and to open a land office immediately to sink the North Carolina Specie Tickets, occasioned by the late War, and to explain how far that reservation extends, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that these bills be read, which being read, the first mentioned was passed and returned and the other rejected.

General Jones moved for leave and presented a Bill to prevent persons holding offices of profit from enjoying seats in the General Assembly, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Received from the House of Commons a Resolve in favour of John Gaylord, of Hyde County, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Mr. Clinton presented the recommendation of Sampson County Court in favour of Michael Murphy, Thomas Carrol and others, of said County, which being read was rejected.

Mr. Johnston moved for leave and presented a bill for opening the navigation of the North West of New River from the landing of James Howard, Esquire, to the lower bridge on said River, in Onslow

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County, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to appoint Commissioners to mark out a Road from Franklin County into the road leading from Peacock’s Bridge to New Bern. Endorsed, read the first time and passed, which being read, was passed the first time and returned.

Recd. also, a Resolution of the House of Commons in favour of John Mare, which being read was rejected.

Mr. Johnston presented the Petition of Jesse Croom, of Onslow County, which being read was, on motion referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances & sent to the House of Commons.

Colonel Long from the Committee to whom were referred the Governor’s Messages, &c., brought in the following report, vizt:

The Committee to whom were referred the Governor’s message and the public papers beg further to report:

A Bill for obtaining an accurate account of the Militia service during the late War.

A Bill to amend the impost and inspection laws, and the act for regulating the pilotage of the several ports of this State.

A Bill for the relief of such persons as have been disabled by wounds and providing for the widows and orphans of such as have died, &c.

A Bill for appointing Commissioners to extend the Boundary line between this State and South Carolina.

Your Committee taking into consideration the Indian Talks and the Letters accompanying them, recommend, that His Excellency, the Governor, be requested to send to the said Indians, friendly Letters in answer thereto; and also make presents to the said Chiefs not exceeding in the whole the sum of one hundred pounds and that His Excellency do forward to our delegates in Congress, copies of the Letters on Indian Affairs.

NICHOLAS LONG, Ch.

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

Colonel Long moved for leave and presented the following bills, vizt:

A Bill for obtaining an accurate account of the Militia service during

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the late war, in order that the claims of this State upon the United States may be ascertained.

A Bill to amend an act of Assembly passed at Hillsborough in April, 1784, entituled “an act for levying certain duties on all foreign Merchandize imported into this State, in aid of the public Finances and directing the mode of collecting the same;” and also, to amend one other all passed in the same year, entituled “an act to prevent the exportation of merchantable commodities;” and also, to amend another act of Assembly passed in May, 1783, entituled “an act for regulating the navigation and regulating the Pilotage of the several ports of this State.”

A Bill for appointing Commissioners to extend the Boundary line between this State and South Carolina, and

A Bill to amend an act passed at the last Session of the General Assembly, entituled “an act for the relief of such persons as have been disabled by wounds, or rendered incapable of procuring for themselves & Families subsistance, in the Militia service of this State and providing for the Widows and Orphans of such as have died;” which were respectively read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Lenoir moved for leave and presented a Bill to regulate and ascertain the several officer’s fees therein mentioned, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons:

A Bill for establishing a Militia in this State. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that this bill be read, the same being read was passed the first time and returned.

Recd. also, the Petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of Bladen County. Endorsed, read and referred to Mr. Singleton, Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Montfort, Mr. Bloodworth & Mr. Sherrod, which being read was, on the part of this House, referred to General McDowell and Mr. Gillispie and retured.

Mr. Gillispie moved for leave and presented a bill to amend an act for dividing Duplin County; which was read the first time, passed & sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Clinton moved for leave and presented a Bill to restore their privileges to persons therein described, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

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Mr. Gillispie moved for leave and presented a bill to authorize and empower the Governor, or Commander-in-Chief for the time being, to issue a Proclamation requiring certain Offenders therein mentioned to surrender themselves within a limited time; and in case of failure, offering a reward to any person or persons who shall apprehend and bring to justice such offenders; which was also read, passed the first time and sent to the House of Commons.

General Jones from the joint Committee of both Houses, reported as followeth, vizt:

The Committee appointed to consider and make an estimate of the necessary expenses of Government for the year 1785, and also the taxes for defraying and paying the same, report,

That it will be necessary for the year 1785 to raise the following sums for the support of the Civil List and discharging monies due for interest of the State on the Federal Debt, including the Interest due to the Continental Line of this State on the settlement of the late Commissioners:

Governor’s Salary £800; Ditto Private Secretary £150; Council of State £100; Secretary of State £100; Comptroller, including Stationery £550; His first Clerk £200; Two other clerks each £100; Judges of the Superior Courts £2,100; Attorney General £660; Delegates in Congress £3,360; One Treasurer, employing Clerks and every other charge incident to his office £800; Commissioners for settling Officers and Soldiers accounts £120; Members of the General Assembly, Clerks, Servants, Stationery, &c., £6,000; Public Printer £400; Interest due to the United States on the Federal Debt, the quota of North Carolina (including 30,000 Dollars Interest due to the Continental Line of this State on the settlement of the late Commissioners) being 109,000 Dollars, £43,600. Allowance granted by General Assembly on loan £10,000, amounting in the whole to £69,140. And for defraying the foregoing charges your Committee further report that it will be necessary to impose the following taxes and impositions, vizt: On every 100 acres of Land 3 shillings, Computing on 25,000,000 acres £37,500; on every poll computing on 80,000 at 9 shillings each £36,000; on Tavern Licenses supposed 250, each at £5, £1,250; on marriage Licenses supposed 1,000 each at 20 shillings, £1,000; Stud Horses supposed 250 at 4 shillings each, £500; Billiard Tables supposed ten at £10 each, £100; on Dice Boxes and Dice supposed 100 at

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40 shillings a sett, £200; on every leading process, either in Law or Equity in any Court of Record, supposed 5,000 at 20 shillings each, £5,000; on every wheel belonging to a carriage for pleasure supposing 250 at 10 shillings per wheel, £125, amounting to £81,675. Your Committee further report that it will be necessary to levy a further tax as a sinking fund, payable in State Dollar Bills, Soldiers bounty Certificates, Specie and Currency Certificates of every denomination as follows: on every hundred acres of land 3 shillings computing on 25,000,000 acres, £37,500; on every poll computing on 80,000 at 9 shillings each, £36,000. All which is submitted by your Committee.

ALLEN JONES, Chairman.
(In N. C. it was $2.50 and a shilling 12½ cents.—Ed.)

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

On motion, agreed that Colonel Long have leave of absence after Saturday next, and that Mr. Baker have leave of absence after tomorrow.

Mr. Gillispie moved for leave and presented a Bill to establish a public school in the County of Duplin, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

General McDowell moved for leave and presented a bill to ascertain the titles to certain lands therein mentioned, which was read the first time, passed and sent to the House of Commons.

Read the Account of the Board of Auditors of Edenton District for services in the year 1781; ordered, that it be referred to the Comptroller and sent to the House of Commons.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 10 o’clock.


Tuesday, November 9th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The report of the Committee to whom was referred the Governor’s message, &c., we herewith return you amended. Should the Senate agree to the report as amended we then concur with it.

Ordered, that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

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Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We consent that the report of the Committee to whom was referred the Governor’s messages be amended as by you proposed.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resignation of Thomas Lock, Esquire, as Col. of the Rowan Regiment of Militia. Endorsed, read and accepted.

Recd. also, a message from His Excellency the Governor, enclosing the proceedings of a Court Martial held for the tryal of Major Edward Gundy, together with a resolution of the House of Commons consequent thereon, appointing John Bonds, Esquire, second Major of Nash County, in the stead of said Gundy, which being read, was concurred with and returned.

Recd. likewise, the Petition of John Haley, of Guilford County. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read, was referred in like manner and returned.

Received from the House of Commons the resignation of James Sampson, as one of the Justices for the County of Sampson. Endorsed, read and accepted, which being read, was accepted by this House and returned.

Recd. also, a message from His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by Petitions, Letters, &c., from Messrs. Ralph and Ebenezer Macnair. Endorsed, read and laid over till the next Assembly, which being read, were laid over in like manner and returned.

Recd. likewise, sundry papers relative to the business of the department of the late Commissary General. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read, were referred in like manner and returned.

Mr. Long presented a certificate from the late Deputy Quarter Master General, certifying that Mr. Thomas Scurlock acted as Commissary of Issues at the Port of Halifax during the late War, which being read, was referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of Wm. King. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, a message from His Excellency the Governor, of the 8th

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Inst., addressed to the General Assembly, in answer to the message sent him by the two Houses on the subject of his address at the opening of the present session, which being read was ordered to be filed.

Recd. likewise the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose reducing the tax upon Lands and Polls mentioned in the report of the Committee appointed to make an estimate, &c., from three to two and from nine to six; should you approve of this proposal we will concur with it.

Ordered, that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

It is not the sense of this House that the report of the Committee appointed to make an estimate, &c., should be amended.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of Jesse Croom, and the account of the Auditors of the District of Edenton, respectively. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. also, the following bills, vizt.:

A Bill for altering the Oath of Allegiance and the Oath and Affirmation of Fidelity.

A Bill to extend the navigation of Cape Fear River.

A Bill to explain, amend and supply the deficiences of an act passed last Assembly at Hillsborough, entituled “an act to regulate the descent of real Estates, to do away with Entails, to make provision for Widows, and to prevent Frauds in the execution of last Wills and Testaments,” and for directing how deeds of gifts and Bills of sales of Slaves shall be executed, authenticated and perpetrated.

A Bill to empower the County Court of Wayne to lay a tax annually for the purpose of finishing and compleating the Court House, Prison and Stocks, and for defraying the contingent charges of said County.

A Bill for establishing the town of Morgan and to direct the building of a Court House & Prison for the District of Morgan.

A Bill for the better regulation for the town of Tarborough.

A Bill for extending the line between the Counties of Burke and Rutherford, and

A Bill to alter the time of holding the several County Courts of

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Pleas and Quarter Sessions therein mentioned, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that these bills be read, which being read were passed the first time and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill for the encouragement of the clerical order in this State. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Recd. likewise, the following bills, vizt.:

A Bill to ascertain the number of white and black Inhabitants and the citizens of every age, sex and condition in this State.

A Bill for erecting and establishing a twon in the County of Lincoln.

A Bill to direct sheriffs in levying Executions and the disposal of Lands, Goods and Chattels taken thereon.

A Bill for extending the dividing line between the Counties of Hyde, Beaufort and Tyrrell.

An additional Bill to amend an act, entituled “an act 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,” passed at Hillsborough in the year 1783; and an act entituled “an act to amend an act entituled an act 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 and for repairing the Court House of the said District,” passed at Hillsborough the last session of Assembly.

A Bill to secure the property of Elizabeth Bonner in the hands of a Trustee, and

A Bill for establishing a Town on the lands of Jacob Johnson, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, the same being read were passed the first time and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill to exempt Messrs. Bridgen and Waller, Merchants in London, from all Penalties and Forfeitures by means of the confiscation acts. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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Ordered, that this bill be read, which being read was, on motion, rejected.

Mr. Gillispie presented the Petition of John McKay, which being read was, on motion, referred to the Commitee of Propositions and Grievances, and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Adjourned till 4 o’clock p. m.

The House met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following messae:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Mr. Payne and Mr. Macon attend you to superintend the balloting, agreeable to the determination of the two Houses for a Governor, and the place at which the next Assembly shall be held.

The two Houses now proceeded to ballot, which being ended Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Skinner, appointed on the part of this House to conduct and superintend the same, reported as follows, to-wit:

That having executed the trust reposed in them, by superintending the balloting on summing up the scrolls or ballots, it appeared that the Honourable Richard Caswell, Esquire, was chosen Governor for the ensuing year by a large majority of the votes of both Houses of the General Assembly; but that there did not appear to be a majority in favour of any place for the holding of the next Assembly.

The House taking this report into consideration, resolved, that they do concur therewith; whereupon, ordered, that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the General Assembly ballot again immediately for the place where the next Assembly shall be held.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We agree to ballot immediately for the place where the next Assembly shall be held.

The two Houses now proceeded to ballot, which being ended Mr. Skinner and Mr. Gallaway reported, that having pursuant to the order of the Houses superintended the balloting for a place at which the next Assembly shall be held, on summing up the scrolls it appear

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ed that there was a majority of both Houses in favour of the town of New Bern.

The House taking this report into consideration concurred therewith.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Wednesday, 10 November, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Colonel Owen, from the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, reported as followeth, vizt:

The Committee having taken under consideration the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants of Warren County, are of opinion that the last General Assembly has made ample provision for the payment of all the tobacco borrowed by Governor Burke, under an act passed at Wake Court House, except interest for the said Tobacco, which your Committee conceive the owners thereof are justly entitled to by said act and recommend that His Excellency the Governor, be requested to issue his warrants including Interest, &c., agreeable to the resolve of the last General Assembly.

That having taken under consideration the petition of Isles Simmons, setting forth that he was a Continental Soldier and lost his discharge praying that an allowance be made him for his services; the Committee for want of sufficient proof have rejected this Petition.

That having considered the Petition of Hardy Willey, an eighteen months Soldier praying to be made an allowance for his quota of Clothes as directed by an act of Assembly; your Committee are of opinion that the said Hardy Willey has remedy against the class to which he belonged, for the said Clothes.

The Committee are of opinion that Mr. John Geddy be allowed the pay of his bills of exchange agreeable to the scale of depreciation, being one hundred and twenty-five dollars which was due in June, 1777.

The Committee having duly considered the claim of John Swayne, a soldier in the Military service of Caswell County, recommend that he be allowed the sum of ten pounds specie per annum, being recommended to the General Assembly by the Court of said County.

The Committee also having considered the Petition and Account of Richard Cogdell, Esquire, late Treasurer, report,

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That the quota of money which he was to have received from the Signers of the money made in 1780 was £1,283,700 and that instead of that sum he received and paid away £7,702,200 an overplus of £6,418,500 which we consider as Ex-Officio service, and for which he ought to have a moderate allowance.

The Committee having considered the accounts of Mr. Yancey are of opinion that they are just and that they be allowed as they stand stated.

The Committee having considered the accounts of Josias Slack, Coroner of Currituck County, for calling a Jury of Inquest on the Body of Reuben Wright, and Burial, are of opinion that he be allowed his account, amounting to three pounds twelve shillings.

Your Committee to whom was referred the account of Samuel Searcey, a witness for the State against Robert Young, are of opinion that the said Searcey be allowed the sum of nine pounds eleven shillings and eight pence, which we humbly conceive is agreeable to act of Assembly, for allowing witnesses and Jurors for their attendance at Superior Courts.

The Committee having taken under consideration the Petition of Nathan Kevis report that he be allowed the sum of two hundred & fifty Dollars for his Bills of Exchange agreeable to the scale of Depreciation.

That having considered the claim of Edward Williams we are of opinion that it be rejected for the want of proper vouchers.

Your Committee having examined the claim of Thomas Morris, of Jones County for his trouble and expense in conveying John Cail, a Horse Thief, to New Bern Jail, are of opinion it is just and ought to be allowed.

That having examined the claim of the coroner of Warren County for holding an inquest on the body of Joseph Sanford we are of opinion that it be rejected for the want of proper vouchers to support it.

That having likewise, examined the Petition and Claim of Captain Elijah Moore, we are of opinion it ought to be rejected; the said Moore having failed to make oath as by Law required, that the Certificates said to be lost were consumed either by fire or water.

That having considered the petition of sundry of the Inhabitants of Montgomery County, we are of opinion the prayer thereof is a

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judicial matter and doth not properly come before the General Assembly.

All which is humbly submitted.

THOMAS OWEN, Ch.

The House taking the foregoing reports into consideration, resolve, that they be amended by deling that part thereof which is relative to an allowance to Mr. Cogdell, and by deducting the sum of four pounds from the account allowed Mr. Thornton Yancey which will then be reduced to ten pounds five shillings; whereupon, ordered, that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Getlemen:

We send you herewith the report of the Committee of Propositions and Grievances which we concur with in every respect; except that part thereof which is relative to Colonel Cogdell, which we reject; and accept likewise the part which is relative to the claim of Mr. Yancey. We think his accounts too high and are of opinion that four pounds be deducted from it.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolution of that body, relative to property sold during the late war by Military orders, which being read was, on motion ordered to lie for consideration.

Recd. likewise, the report of the Committee to whom was referred the messages from His Excellency the Governor, and the public papers accompanying them. Endorsed, read, amended and concurred with as amended.

Recd. also, a bill for laying a tax in the town of Wilmington for the better Government thereof, and for the election of Commissioners for the succeding year.

A Bill for the more ready and effectual execution of process issuing from the several Courts of Law and Equity in cases where the Sheriff or Commissary may be resisted or threatened, and the power of the County should be found insufficient for the purpose.

An additional bill to an act entituled an act directing the Method of electing Members of the General Assembly and other purposes, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills being read, which being read were passed the

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first time and sent to the House of Commons, except the one last mentioned, which was, on motion, rejected.

Mr. Lock presented the Petition of David Miller, of Rutherford County, which being read was, on the part of this House, referred to Genl. McDowell, Mr. Lenoir and Mr. Mooring, and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to repeal an act of the last General Assembly, entituled “an act ceding to the Congress of the United States, certain western lands therein described and authorizing the delegates from this State in Congress to execute a Deed or Deeds for the same.” Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered, that this bill be read; the same being read and debated was passed the first time and returned.

Mr. Gillispie moved for leave and presented a bill to appoint Commissioners to value a Bridge built by William Hall over the North East of Cape Fear in Duplin County, and to impower the County Court to lay a tax to defray the expence of the same; which was read the first time, passed and sent to the Commons.

General Jones presented the representation of William Boritz, Esquire, relative to a negro man slave, late the property of Miss Worley, of Edenton, executed by public authority, which being read was referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Lightfoot presented the petition of Young Burt, which being read was referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and sent to the House of Commons.

General Jones presented the Representation of William Boritz, Esquire, relative to a number of cannon imported for the use of this State, which being read was, on motion, referred to a joint Committee; the members chosen on the part of this House are General Jones, Mr. Hill and Mr. Gallaway, and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Gillispie presented the Resolution of the General Assembly of April, 1783, in favour of William Moore and Phillip Thomas of Duplin County, which being read was, on motion, referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

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Read the resignation of John Warrington, Esquire, as Justice of the Peace for Tyrrell County, which was accepted and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolution of that Body allowing Isaac Reed, Moses Griffin and Benjamin Clash wounded in the battle of the Alamance as therein mentioned, which being read was ordered to lie for consideration.

Recd. also, the Certificate of Mr. Thomas Scurlock’s having acted as issuing Commissary at the Post at Halifax. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. likewise, the account of William Borden. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill to impower the County Court of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the several Counties in this State to order the laying out public roads, & to establish and settle ferries and to appoint where bridges shall be built and to clear inland Rivers and Creeks. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this Bill be read, which being read was amended, passed the first time and returned.

On motion, agreed that Mr. Gillispie have leave to absent himself from the service of this House after Saturday next.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Thursday, November 11th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We have received the reports of the Committee of Propositions and Grievances together with your message respecting the same. We propose that the words per annum in the report respecting John Swayne be erased. That the case of Mr. Cogdell be recommitted and that the Committee be directed to report specially what particular sum ought to be allowed, as we conceive it equitable that he ought at least to be allowed something. We propose also, that the report in favour of Mr. Yancey be concurred with without any deduction from his claim; and that Mr. McClure’s claims and the report upon

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them be laid over for consideration. Should you approve of these Propositions we will concur with the Reports, so far as these Propositions do not hold forth a non-concurrence, except also the report in favour of John Geddy, which we propose shall lie over for further Information.

Ordered that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

It is agreed by this House that the report of the Committee of Propositions and Grievances relative to John Swayne be amended as by you proposed. We likewise concur in your proposition relative to the re-commitment of the report on Mr. Cogdell’s Petition; but do not agree to your Proposition in regard to the report relative to the claim of Mr. Yancey but are of opinion that it be recommitted. We agree with you as to Mr. McClure’s accounts but think it unjust that a concurrence with the Report in favour of Mr. Geddy should be declined.

On motion, the House resumed the consideration of the Resolution of the House of Commons relative to the claim of Hopkins Wilder, whereupon, resolved, that the same be concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resignation of Henry Montfort, Esquire, a Commissioner for the purpose of purchasing Tobacco for and on account of the State, in discharge of a balance due Captain William Boritz. Endorsed, read and accepted, which being read was also, by this House accepted and returned.

On motion, resolved, that Joseph Singletary, a Soldier who lost an arm in the service of the State, be allowed the sum of twenty-four pounds in full of what is due to him by a resolution of the General Assembly made in November, 1777, and that the Treasurer pay him the same and be allowed therefor in the settlement of his accounts. Resolved, also, that for the future the said Joseph Singletary be provided for by his County as others in his situation are or may be.

Ordered that this resolution be sent to the House of Commons for concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of Major Thomas Harris. Endorsed, read and referred to a joint Committee; the members chosen are Mr. Sharpe, Mr. Macon and Mr. Bryan, which

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being read, was on the part of this House, referred to Mr. John Armstrong and Mr. Ramsey and returned.

Recd. also, the resignation of Robert King as Justice of the Peace for Rowan County. Endorsed, read and accepted, which being read was accepted and returned.

The Committee appointed on the part of this House (vizt: Mr. Coor and Mr. Skinner) to receive from the Treasurers the old Dollar Bills in their hands belonging to the public, and cause that the same should be burnt, brought in the following report, to-wit:

The Committee appointed for receiving and burning the old dollar Bills in the hands of the different Treasurers, report,

That they have received from William Skinner, Esquire, Treasurer of the District of Edenton, the sum of two hundred and eightythree thousand four hundred and forty-seven pounds sixteen shillings, £283,447 16.

From Joseph Cain, Esquire, Treasurer of Wilmington District, the sum of one hundred and ninety-five thousand five hundred and fifty-eight pounds nine shillings, £195,558 9 shillings.

And from Benjamin Exum, Esquire, Treasurer for the District of New Bern, Five hundred and twenty-eight thousand eight hundred and four pounds two shillings, £528,804 2 shillings.

Amounting in the whole to one million and seven thousand eight hundred and ten pounds eight shillings. All which money we have caused to be burned and destroyed.

JAMES COOR,
JOHN SKINNER,
PETER ROBESON.

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

Recd from the House of Commons Memorial of Capt. Wm. Boritz; the Petition of David Miller; the Resolution of a former Assembly in favour of William Moore and Phillip Thomas; The Petition of Young Burt; the Representation of Captain Boritz, and the Petition of John McKay, respectively. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate; except the petition of David Miller which was endorsed,

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read and referred to Mr. J. Paine, Mr. Phifer, Mr. Hay and Mr. McKissick.

Recd. also, the resignation of John Warrington, Esquire, as Justice of the Peace for the County of Tyrrell. Endorsed, read and accepted.

Whereas, it appears to the General Assembly that Robert Simms, Sheriff of Wayne County, was on the 15th day of April last assaulted and robbed by two ruffians of £225 2 shillings 7 pence public money and £532 14 shillings 6 pence specie certificates which he had just received from the Collectors of the public Tax for said County; and whereas, the Treasurer of New Bern District hath entered up Judgment against the said Sims and Execution been levied on chief part of his estate in consequence of the Misfortune above.

Resolved, that the Treasurer stay execution against the said Robert Sims on the Judgment aforesaid, with respect to £181 2 shillings 7 pence and the specie certificate above mentioned till the end of the next General Assembly.

Ordered that this resolution be sent together with Mr. Sim’s Petition and the affidavits accompanying it to the House of Commons for concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons the report of the Committee to whom was referred a message from His Excellency the Governor, accompanied by sundry papers, in support of the Claim of Mr. Patrick Cleary to certain property sold as confiscated by this State. Endorsed, read and concurred with, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, vizt:

A Bill to remove all disabilities from Simon Cleary and others therein named.

A Bill to establish the principal streets and squares of Fayetteville, as laid down in a plan of the said town by Commissioners appointed by an act passed at Hillsborough the 18 day of April, in the seventh year of the Independence of this State, entituled “an act for appointing the several persons therein named to lay out the Streets in upper Campbelton in Cumberland County, and for the future regulation of the said town and giving a further time for saving Lotts in the lower town, and for altering the name of Campbelton to Fayetteville.”

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A Bill to limit the time of the continuance of the several Boards of Auditors in this State, and of the Board for settling and liquidating the accounts of the Continental Officers and Soldiers to a certain period & to impower the Treasurers to pay out of the tax for the year 1784 the money which they were to have paid agreeable to act of Assembly passed in Hillsborough in June last.

A Bill to prevent the issuing of Grants for Lands on the Western Waters to such as have paid for the Entry thereof in Counterfeit Certificates and until the Surveyors fees shall be paid, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the first time and returnd.

Red. likewise the following bills, vizt:

A Bill to alter the place of holding the annual elections for members of the General Assembly in and for the County of New Hanover.

A Bill to vest the title of a certain lot therein mentioned in William Courtney, Esquire, his Heirs and Assigns.

A Bill directing the duty of Naval Officers and of all Masters of Vessels coming into any of the Ports or Inlets of this State.

A Bill for dividing the District of Morgan, and

A Bill for altering the name of Jesse Hay to Jesse Speight. Severally endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, the same being read were respectively ordered to be laid over until the next session of Assembly.

Mr. Long presented a certificate setting forth that a Ware House, the property of Mr. Osborne Jeffreys, in the town of Halifax, had been used as a Magazine or store by the public; which being read was referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and sent to the House of Commons.

On motion, resolved, that His Excellency the Governor, for the time being be requested to comply with and carry into effect the act of Assembly passed at Hillsborough in April, 1783, for appointing an agent and holding a treaty with the Cherokee Indians and for other purposes; and that he cause the goods purchased agreeable to the said act to be distributed among the Cherokee Chiefs for the use of their nation.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their Concurrence.

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Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill to alter the place of holding the County Court of Beaufort County from Bath to the Town of Washington, in said County, and to erect a new Court House, Prison, Pillory and Stocks in said County. Endorsed in the House of Commons, read the first time and passed. And

A Bill for levying a tax in the County of Beaufort for the purpose of repairing the public buildings thereof, and appointing Commissioners to contract and agree with workmen for that purpose. Likewise endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were respectively laid over until the next Assembly.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill for removing the public Buildings of Mecklenburg County from Charlotte to the center of said County, appointing Commissioners to find said center & to superintend the erecting a Court House, Prison and Stocks as near said centre as convenience will permit, and altering the mode of annual Elections in said County. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Recd. also, a bill to establish in the towns of Edenton, New Bern and Wilmington, Courts for the speedy decision of Mercantile Transactions with Foreigners and Transient persons and of maritime Affairs.

A Bill for appointing County Commissioners for taking Affidavits in Causes of Law and Equity. And

A Bill to amend an act passed at the last General Assembly entituled “an act for altering the time for holding annual elections and annual Assemblies and directing the manner of electing annual Officers for the succeding year. Each endorsed, read the first time & passed.

Ordered that these bill be read, which being read were respectively passed the first time and returned.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Friday, November 12th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Resolution of this House of yesterday in favour of Robert Simms, Sheriff of Wayne County,

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and likewise the resolve in favour of Joseph Singletary. Each endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. likewise the report of the joint Committee appointed to receive and burn the old Dollar Bills. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. also, the Petition of William Shaw. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances. Which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons a letter from Sampson Mosley, Esquire, and sundry accounts of Dr. Blythe’s against the State. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read, were referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, vizt:

A Bill for establishing a University in this State.

A Bill to impower the Commissioners of Ports Bath, Beaufort and Roanoke to remove Pilots who refuse to take Branches off the Public Ground on Ocracoke Island and to impower said Commissioners to employ other persons to act as Pilots at Ocracoke Inlet.

A Bill for ascertaining the time when Acts of the General Assembly of this State shall commence to be in force and have effect, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read, the first was ordered to lie over until the next session of Assembly, the second was passed the first time and sent to the Commons, & the third was passed the second time and returned to the House of Commons.

On motion, the House resumed the consideration of the Bill for dividing the District of Morgan, which was yesterday read and laid over until the next Assembly, whereupon, ordered that this Bill be read, the same being read was passed the first time and returned to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

The Commons agree to recommit this report of the Committee of Propositions and Grievances on the accounts of Mr. Yancey, as by you proposed, and concur with the report in favour of Mr. John Geddy.

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Recd. also, the Claim of Mr. Osborne Jeffreys. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill for levying a tax for the support of Government and for the redemption of Continental money, old Paper Currency, Specie and other certificates. Endorsed, 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 House of Commons.

Recd. also, a bill directing the mode of proceeding against the real Estates of Deceased Debtors, where the personal estate is insufficient for the payment of the debts. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Recd. likewise a bill to amend an act of Assembly passed at Hillsborough in April, 1784, entituled “an act for levying certain duties on all foreign merchandize imported into this State, in aid of the public finances and directing the mode of collecting the same.” And also to amend one other act passed in the same year entituled “an act to prevent the exportation of unmerchantable commodities.” And also to amend one other act of Assembly passed in May, 1783, entituled “an act for facilitating the navigation and regulating the Pilotage of the several Ports of this State.” Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Adjourned till to-morow morning 9 o’clock.


Saturday, November 13, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Resolution of that Body relative to the receiving from and burning such sums of money of the late Emission now in the hands of the several Treasurers of this State as may by being worn appear to them unfit for further Circulation, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd from the House of Commons a Bill for raising a public Revenue for the support of Government and to repeal “an act entituled

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an act to suppress excessive gaming.” Endorsed, 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 House of Commons.

Recd. also, a bill to establish a public school in the County of Duplin, and

A Bill for appointing Commissioners to extend the boundary line between this State and South Carolina. Each endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were, on motion, laid over until the next session of Assembly.

Recd. likewise the following bills, vizt:

A Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for altering the time of holding the annual elections and annnual Assemblies and directing the manner of electing annual Officers for the succeeding year.” Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

A Bill to regulate and ascertain the several Officers’ Fees therein mentioned. Endorsed in like manner.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were amended, passed the second time and sent to the Commons.

Recd. also, a bill to amend an act entituled “an act for dividing the County of Cumberland, passed at Hillsborough last General Assembly and to confirm the proceedings of the Justices of Moore County and to alter the time of holding the Courts in the said County.” Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, the same being read was passed the first time and returned.

Recd. likewise a bill to amend an act passed at the last Session of the General Assembly entituled “an act for the relief of such persons as have been disabled by wounds or rendered incapable of procuring for themselves and Families subsistance in the Militia Service of this State, and providing for the Widows and Orphans of such as have died,” and

A Bill for levying a tax in the Counties of Hillsborough District for the repairs of the District Buildings in the Town of Hillsborough, respectively. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the second time and returned.

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Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill to repeal an act entituled “an act for imposing a Duty or Tax in aid of the Public Revenue upon the different articles therein mentioned sold at auction or public vendue, and for regulating auctioneers or vendue masters,” and

A bill for regulating the Inspection of Tobacco and preventing Frauds. Each endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were laid over until the next session of Assembly.

Recd. also, a bill to amend an act entituled “an act to prevent the Exportation of unmerchantable Commodities,” passed at Hillsborough April, 1784.

A Bill for obtaining an annual account of the Militia service during the late war, in order that the claims of this State upon the United States may be ascertained; and

A Bill to prevent persons holding offices of profit from enjoying seats in the General Assembly. Endorsed, read the first time & passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed, the one mentioned the first time, & the other two the second time, and returned to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill to amend “an act for dividing Duplin County.” Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the second time with amendments and returned.

Recd. also a bill for the encouragement of learning in the District of Salisbury. Endorsed, read the second time and passed.

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

Recd. likewise a bill to ascertain the titles to certain lands therein mentioned. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was, on motion, rejected.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill for repealing part of an act passed at New Bern in November, 1777, entituled “an act to ascertain and regulate the Fees of the Clerks of the Superior and County Courts, Justices of the Peace and Attornies in this State, and directing the method of paying the same; also part of an act passed at

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Halifax in January, 1779, also entituled “an act to ascertain the Fees of the Clerks of the Superior and County Courts,Justices of the Peace and Attornies in this State.”

A Bill for impowering the Commissioners of public buildings in Bladen County to sell the public Lotts reserved for public buildings, to purchase others and build the Court House on the Street, if more eligible in their opinion.

A Bill to authorize and impower the Governor or Commander-in-Chief for the time being, to issue a Proclamation requiring certain offenders therein mentioned, to surrender themselves within a limited time and in case of failure, offering a reward to any person or persons who shall apprehend and bring to justice such Offenders. Severally endorsed, read the first time & passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were respectively passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Gillispie presented the Petition of Edward Pearsall, and likewise the Petition of William Moore, late soldiers in the service of this State, which being read were referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resignation of Thomas Johnston, Esquire, as one of the Justices of the County of Onslow. Endorsed, read and accepted, which being read, was accepted by this House and returned.

Recd. also a bill for erecting and establishing a Town in the County of Lincoln, and

A Bill for the better regulation of the town of Tarborough. Each endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bill be read, which being read were, on motion, postponed until the next session of Assembly.

On motion, agreed that Mr. Phillips have leave to absent himself from the service of this House during the remaining part of the session.

Recd. by way of the House of Commons, a message from His Excellency the Governor, addressed to the General Assembly accompanied by sundry Letters from our Delegates in Congress, &c., which being read were ordered to be filed.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill for impowering the County

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Courts of Warren and Franklin to levy a further tax on the Inhabitants of said Counties for defraying the expences of building the Court House, Prison and Stocks. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. also, a bill declaring the currency certificates issued by the State Auditors and the certificates issued by the Comptroller General, previous to the 20th day of May, 1783, and all other certificates granted under the sanction of any law of this State, reduced agreeable to an act directing the sale of Confiscated Property, passed at Hillsborough, 1782, to carry the same interest and to be recd. in the same payments of specie certificates. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read, on motion, it was ordered that Mr. Gallaway have leave to take out and amend the same.

Recd. likewise the following bills, to-wit:

A Bill to adopt and recognize a resolve of Congress of the 20th February, 1782, respecting a Commissioner to be appointed for the settlement of the accounts of the United States with this State, among others; and

A Bill to repeal an act of the last General Assembly entituled “an act ceding to the Congress of the United States certain Western Lands therein described and authorizing the delegates from this State in Congress to execute a deed or deeds for the same.” Each endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills lie on the table until Monday next and that they be then read the second time in this House.

Recd. from the House of Commons the report of the Committee to whom was referred the Memorial of Major Thomas Harris. Endorsed, read and concurred with; which being read was concurred with and returned.

Adjourned till Monday morning 9 o’clock.

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Monday, November 15th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Mr. Gallaway, according to order, presented the bill declaring the currency certificates issued by the State Auditors, and the certificates issued by the Comptroller General previous to the 20th day of May, 1783, and all other certificates granted under the sanction of any Law of this State, reduced agreeable to an act directing the sale of confiscated property passed at Hillsborough, 1782, to carry the same interest and to be received in the same payments of Specie certificates, which was read as by him amended, passed the second time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolution of that body for citing John Higgins Jones, one of the Justices of the Peace for Martin County, to appear before the next General Assembly to answer to sundry charges of Mal-conduct in office, exhibited against him by the representatives of Martin County, and in the mean time suspending him, the said Jones, from the execution of his office as Justice of the Peace. Which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also a bill to impower the County Courts of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the several Counties in this State to order the laying out public roads, and to establish and settle ferries, and to appoint where bridges shall be built, and to clear inland Rivers and Creeks. Endorsed, read the first time, amended and passed.

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

Pursuant to the order of the day the bill to repeal an act of the last General Assembly entituled “an act ceding to the Congress of the United States certain Western lands therein described and authorizing the delegates from this State in Congress to execute a Deed or Deeds for the same”; and

The bill to adopt and recognize a resolve of Congress of the 20th February, 1782, respecting a Commissioner to be appointed for the settlement of the accounts of the United States with this State, among others, were respectively read the second time, passed and ordered to be Engrossed.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to establish the principal streets & squares of Fayetteville as laid down in a plan of the said town by commissioners appointed by an act passed at Hillsborough

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the 18th day of April, in the seventh year of the Independence of this State, entituled “an act for appointing the several persons therein mentioned to lay out the streets in upper Campbelton in Cumberland County and for the future regulation of the said town and giving a further time for saving Lotts in the lower town and for altering the name of Campbelton to Fayetteville.”

A Bill to release James Underwood and Job Ward from the Forfeiture of a Recognizance entered into for the appearance of a certain Daniel Campbell before the Superior Court of Hillsborough District, and from a Judgment given upon the said forfeiture; and

A Bill to alter the time of holding the several County Courts of Pleas and Quarter Sessions therein mentioned. Respectively endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read, were severally passed the second time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a bill for establishing a town on the lands of Jacob Johnston, and

A Bill for establishing a town on the lands of Andrew Bass, respectively. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were, each of them, ordered to lie over until the next session of Assembly.

Recd. likewise a bill to ascertain the number of white and black Inhabitants and the citizens of every age, sex and condition in this State; and

A Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for purchasing a Lot or Lots in the town of Wilmington for the purpose of building a Gaol for the District of Wilmington and other purposes, passed at Hillsborough in the year 1783”; and an act entituled “an act for purchasing a Lot or Lots in the town of Wilmington for the purpose of building a Jail for the District of Wilmington, and other purposes, and for repairing the Court House of the said District,” passed at Hillsborough the last session of Assembly. Respectively endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were amended, passed the second time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petitions of William Moore and Edward Pearsall, respectively. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

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Recd. likewise a bill to describe and ascertain such persons who owed alllegiance to this State and who joined and continued with the Enemy during the late War, and who ought not to be admitted as Citizens thereof and to impose certain disqualifications on certain persons therein described. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Recd. also, a bill to prevent Horse Stealing. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill for the more regular collecting, payment of and accounting for the public taxes. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. likewise the Memorial of Andrew Bass. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. also, a bill for the payment of the Interest of the Certificates granted to Officers & Soldiers of the Continental Line of this State, pursuant to an act passed in 1783, entituled “an act to amend an act, entituled an act for the relief of the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental Line and for other purposes.” Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was, on motion, laid over until the next session of Assembly.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Tuesday, November 16th, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Bill for establishing a Militia in this State. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was, on motion, laid over until the next session of Assembly.

On motion, Resolved, that the Treasurer of this State be and he is

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hereby authorized and required to pay the holders of the Officers and soldiers certificates one year’s interest in the Month of November, or December, one thousand seven hundred and eighty-six, on application for the same, and so in like manner every succeeding year; and in order to prevent frauds the checks for the said certificates shall be put into the hands of the Treasurer who shall check and examine each certificate before he pays the interest, and on payment of the Interest shall make an endorsement across the said certificates, on the reverse thereof, vizt: “One year’s interest paid on the —— day of —— in the year one thousand seven hundred and ——, which endorsement the said Treasurer shall sign, & exclusive of his account of Receipts and payments, shall keep a proper bound book in which he shall annually state a regular list of the names of the original holders, the amount of each certificate and the interest paid thereon, which Book or Books said Treasurer shall lay before the General Assembly at their annual meeting, and oftener if thereto required.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons a resolution of that Body in favour of William Bailey Smith, Esquire, and likewise a resolution in favour of Dr. John Fergus, which being read, were resectively concurred with and returned.

Recd. also, a resolve for citing Robert Norris, a Justice of the Peace in the County of Franklin, to appear at the next Assembly and answer to sundry charges of misconduct in office exhibited against him, and in the meantime suspending him from the execution of his office as Justice of the Peace; which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. likewise, the account of William Graham against the public. Endorsed, read and referred to the Committeee of Propositions and Grievances, which being read was referred in like manner and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill directing the sale of confiscated property. Endorsed, read the first time and passed.

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

Whereas, the General Assembly on the second of May, 1783,

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passed a resolve in favour of James Spicer for the sum of one thousand, three hundred and thirty-six pounds, eighteen shillings and one penny, specie, with interest thereon until paid; which being endorsed by said Spicer to John A. Campbell and it being for a larger sum than can conveniently be paid by any one of the Collectors;

Therefore Resolved, that His Excellency the Governor, be requested to issue four warrants on the Treasury for the same sum, bearing interest from the date of the original resolve, in favour of the said John A. Campbell in discharge of the said resolve, and the Treasurer paying the same shall be allowed in his accounts with the public.

Ordered that this Resolution be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to amend an act entituled “an act for levying a tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the District of New Bern for repairing the Gaol of the District,” and

The Bill for establishing the town of Morgan and to direct the Building a Court House and Prison for the District of Morgan. Respectively endorsed, read the second time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being accordingly read, were passed the second time and ordered to be engrossed.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Wednesday, November 17, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill to establish in the Towns of Edenton, New Bern and Wilmington, Courts for the speedy decision of Mercantile Transactions with Foreigners and transient persons and of Maritime affairs. Endorsed, read the second time and passed.

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

Recd. also, the Resolution of this House of yesterday in favour of the holders of the Officers and Soldiers certificates. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Mr. Owen introduced the Petition of a number of the Inhabitants

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of Bladen County, praying, &c., which being read was, on motion, ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

General Jones presented the Petition of Thomas Davis, Esquire, Public Printer, which being read was, on motion, referred to Mr. Jones and Mr. Long and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

General Jones also introduced a letter from Mr. Charles Cist of Philadelphia, directed to Benjamin Hawkins, Esquire, which being read was, on motion, referred to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Thomas Davis, Esquire, and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House is now ready to move in procession in order to attend the funeral of Colonel Isaac Sessums, late a member of this General Assembly, in which we hope you will join this House.

The foregoing message being read, on motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning 9 o’clock, after which, being joined by the House of Commons, the two branches of the Legislature proceeded to the interment of the late Mr. Sessums.


Thursday, November 18, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the bill to amend an act entituled “an act to prevent the exportation of unmerchantable commodities,” passed at Hillsborough 1784. Endorsed, read the second time and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was, on motion, ordered to lie over until the next session of Assembly.

Recd. by way of the House of Commons, a mesage from His Excellency the Governor, of the 17th Inst., enclosing sundry papers of a general and public nature. Endorsed, read and referred to Mr. Davie, Mr. Person and Mr. Sharpe, which being read were referred to General Jones and Mr. Hill on the part of this House and returned.

Recd. also, the bill to prevent the issuing of grants for Lands on the Western Waters to such as have paid for the entry thereof in Counterfeit Certificates, and until the Surveyors Fees shall be paid,

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and making provision for those who have entered Lands previously located by others. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. likewise the Bill to explain, amend and supply the deficiencies of an act passed last Assembly at Hillsborough, entituled “an act to regulate the descent of real Estates, to do away Entails, to make provisions for Widows and to prevent frauds in the execution of last wills and testaments,” and directing how deeds of gifts and bills of sales of slaves shall be executed, authenticated and perpetuated. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. from the House of Commons the Petition of Thomas Davis. Endorsed, read and referred to Mr. Hay, Mr. Blount and Mr. Davie.

Recd. also the Letter from Mr. Cist. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Recd. likewise the bill for removing the public buildings of Mecklenburg County from Charlotte to the Centre of said County, appointing Commissioners to find said Center and to superintend the erecting of a Court House, Prison and Stocks as near said center as convenience will permit and altering the mode of annual elections in said County. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. from the House of Commons:

A Bill to repeal an act of the last General Assembly entituled “an act ceding to the Congress of the United States certain Western Lands therein described, and authorizing the Delegates from this State in Congress to execute a Deed or Deeds for the same. Endorsed, read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was amended, by consent of the House of Commons, and passed the third and last time by this House.

The passage of this Bill being objected to, on motion of Mr. Skinner, ordered that the yeas and nays be taken, which were as follows,

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to-wit: For the passage of the Bill, Messrs. John Armstrong, Relf, Clinton, McCawley, Owen, Macon, Ramsey, Gallaway, Boritz, Lightfoot, Ben. Williams, Hill, Taylor, Parsons, Lenoir, Harris, Gen. McDowell, Miller and Thomas Armstrong—19. Against this bill Messrs. Warrington, Abram Jones, Smaw, John Williams, Long, Harget, Johnston, Skinner, Gillispie, Gen. Jones and Walters—11. So the Bill was passed.

Whereupon, on motion of General Jones, ordered, that he have leave to enter his protest against the passage of this bill, which he did as followeth, to-wit:

Because, the repeal of a Law made by a former Assembly evidently vesting an optional right in Congress, before that body could determine whether they would or would not accede to the proposals, is lessening the dignity of the former Legislature, and highly derogating to the Honour of the present Assembly.

Because, political and moral honesty being invariable and immutably the same, we cannot agree in a political capacity, to do that which would, in our opinion, dishonor us in a private transaction.

And because, we cannot see any advantage that can arise from a procedure so dishonourable to ourselves and which so highly stigmatizes the late General Assembly of this State.

Allen Jones,
John Skinner,
James Gillispie,
Abram Jones,
John Warrington,
Thomas Johnston,
John Wiliams,
William Walters.

Whereas, the Honourable Richard Caswell, Esquire, hath been by this General Assembly elected to the Office of the Governor of this State,

Resolved, that the said Richard Caswell, Esquire, be requested to convene the Council and qualify in their presence as soon as the full time of the present Governor’s service shall expire, and enter upon the duties of that office.

And whereas, upon the qualification of the said Richard Caswell, Esquire, as Governor, the Office of Comptroller of public accounts of this State will become vacant, Therefore

Resolved, that this General Assembly will proceed to elect some proper person to supply such vacancy; that the person so to be appointed shall, before he enters upon the duties of his office, take the Oath directed by an act of Assembly passed in 1782, entituled “an act to establish a department for adjusting and liquidating the public

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accounts of this State, and for appointing a Comptroller and other purposes,” and shall be thereafter invested with all the powers, and subject to the same rule and directions as the present Comptroller under any of the Laws of this State is invested or subject to.

Ordered that these resolutions be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the General Assembly ballot at four of the clock in the afternoon of Saturday, for a Council of State, Delegates to represent this State in Congress, to take place after the time expires for which the present Delegates are elected to service, for a Comptroller and for a Treasurer, and have appointed Mr. Payne and Mr. Wilson to superintend and conduct the Balloting.

The foregoing message being read, on motion, agreed that Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Skinner superinted this proposed balloting on the part of this House and that the following message be sent to the House of Commons.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We consent that the General Assembly ballot on Saturday next, at the time by you proposed, for the several Officers of State mentioned in your message on that head, and appoint Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Skinner to superintend the balloting.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Friday, November 19, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill for extending the dividing line between the Counties of Hyde, Beaufort and Tyrrell. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. also, a bill for extending the line between the counties of Burke and Rutherford. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

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Recd. likewise the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed Mr. Davie, Mr. Payne, Mr. Mackay and Mr. Hay, with such of your body as you may appoint, to examine the engrossed bills.

Ordered that General Jones, Mr. Macon, Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Taylor be a Committee for the above mentioned purpose, and that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House have appointed General Jones, Mr. Macon, Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Taylor a Committee who will act with the Gentlemen by you appointed to examine the engrossed copies of such bills as may be passed by the present Assembly.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, to-wit:

The bill to limit the time of the continuance of the several boards of Auditors in this State, and of the Board for settling and liquidating the accounts of the Continental Officers and Soldiers to a certain period.

The Bill to compel the Commissioners of Ports Bath, Beaufort, and Roanoke to remove pilots who refuse to take branches off the public ground on Ocracoke Island, and to impower said Commissioners to employ other persons to act as pilots at Ocracoke Inlet. And

The Bill to supply the loss of a patent for a certain tract of land lying in Currituck County, granted to Richard Commingforth. Each endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were respectively passed the second time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also, the resolve of this House of yesterday requesting the Honourable Richard Caswell, Esquire, to convene his Council, qualify and proceed on the execution of his office as Governor of this State at the commencement of the period therein mentioned, &c. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. likewise the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill for appointing County Commissioners for taking affidavits in cases of Law and Equity. And

The Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for dividing the County of Cumberland passed at Hillsborough last General Assembly and to

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confirm the proceedings of the Justices of Moore County and to alter the time of holding the Courts in the said County.” Each endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read, were passed the second time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also, a Resolution of the House of Commons relative to the Collector of the imposts for Port Bath, having through misconstruction of the Law failed to receive the duties imposed on the articles of the growth or manufacture of the United States; which being read was, on motion, ordered to lie for consideration.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Bill for dividing the District of Morgan. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. likewise the bill for raising a public revenue for the support of Government and to repeal an act entituled “an act to prevent excessive Gaming.” Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

On reading this bill a motion was made & seconded, that a clause containing the following words, vizt: “And that all goods imported by Merchants into this State by land, for the sake of Trade and Commerce, shall pay the same duties as goods imported into this State by Water,” which had been deled by the House of Commons, should be restored and inserted as a part of the bill; this being objected to the question was put and carried in the affirmative; whereupon, on motion of Mr. McCawley, ordered that the yeas and nays be taken, which were as followeth, to-wit: For restoring and making this Clause a part of the Bill, Messrs. Warrington, Smaw, John Williams, Long, Harget, Johnston, Skinner, Gillispie, Clinton, Owen, Mooring, Boritz, Ben. Williams, General Jones, Hill, Parsons and Walters—17. Against inserting the clause in the Bill, Messrs. McCawley, Macon, Ramsey, Gallaway, Taylor, Lenoir, Harris, Genl. McDowell, Miller and Thomas Armstrong—10. So this clause was again made a part of the Bill.

On motion agreed, that General Jones and Mr. Taylor be added

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to the Committee to whom were referred the accounts of Drury Gee, late Sheriff of Northampton County, and that the House of Commons have notice hereof.

On motion agreed, that Mr. Thomas Armstrong have leave to absent himself from the service of this House after Saturday next, and that Mr. John A. Campbell have leave of absence during the remainder of the present session.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill for clearing and opening the navigation of Tar River and Fishing Creek in the Counties of Pitt, Edgecombe and Halifax.

The Bill to amend an act passed at the last session of the General Assembly entituled “an act for the relief of such persons as have been disabled by wounds or rendered incapable of procuring for themselves and families subsistence, in the Militia service of this State, and providing for the Widows and Orphans of such as have died.”

The Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for establishing a town in Jones County”; also one other act entituled “an act for dividing Craven County into two distinct Counties, and for other purposes therein mentioned.”

The Bill for impowering the Commissioners of public buildings in Bladen County to sell the public Lott reserved for said buildings, to purchase others and build the Court House on the Street, if more eligible in their opinion.

The Bill for levying a tax for the support of Government, and for the redemption of Continental money, old paper currency, specie and other Certificates.

The Bill to prevent persons holding offices of profit from enjoying Seats in the General Assembly. And

The Bill for allowing salaries to the succeeding Officers of State, and, repealing so much of an act entituled “an act for allowing Salaries to the Governor, Secretary and other Officers of State, and other purposes; as comes within the purview of this act. All and every of them endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the third time and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Resolution of this House

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of the 16th Instant, in favour of Mr. John A. Campbell. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Saturday, November 20, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

General Jones, from the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Mr. Thomas Davis and the letter from Mr. Cist of Philadelphia, brought in the following report, vizt:

The Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Thomas Davis, Public Printer of this State, report,

That they have taken into consideration an Estimate attending the Expence of printing the Acts and Journals of the late General Assembly laid before them by the aforesaid Thomas Davis; and the request of the said Printer that he may be paid according to his Expence and Labor as by him stated, and not agreeable to the late act of Assembly appointing him a salary of £500 per annum, and are of opinion that the proposals of Mr. Davis are inadmissable.

They further beg leave to report, that they have taken into consideration the proposals of Mr. Cist of Philadelphia, and are of opinion that should he be induced to come into this State, the public acts and proceedings would be printed with more Expedition and less Expence to this State than has heretofore been done.

ALLEN JONES, Ch.

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

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House nominate for a Treasurer William Skinner, Memucan Hunt, Benjamin Exum & John Macon, Esquires. For Delegates, John Sitgreaves, Alexander Martin, Timothy Bloodworth, Adlai Osborne, Whitmill Hill, Benjamin Smith and Charles Johnson, Esquires. For Comptroller, the Honourable William Blount and Francis Child, Esquires. For a Council of State, Thomas Leach, John Hawks, Jacob Blount, James Armstrong, James Kenan, James Gorham, Thomas Routledge, Abram Shepperd, Benjamin Shepperd,

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Robert Lanier, The Marquis De Britigney, Stephen Cobb, Edward Winslow, Thomas Eaton, Thomas Polk, Thomas Barker, John Simpson, Robert Burton, John W. Stanley, Robert Rowan, Robert Bignall and James Hogg, Esquires.

This message being read, ordered that the following be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We nominate for Delegates to represent this State in Congress the Honourable William Blount, Esquire, William Walters, John Sitgreaves, Alexander Martin, Adlai Osborne, Charles Johnson, Timothy Bloodworth and John Skinner, Esquires.

For a Comptroller of the public accounts of this State, Captain Francis Child.

For a Council of State, Joseph Leech, John Hawks, Jacob Blount, James Armstrong, Benjamin Hawkins, Robert Burton, James Kenan, Edward Starkey, Thomas Bonner, Thomas Routledge, Robert Bignall, James Gorham, Stephen Cobb and Thomas Eaton, Esquires; and

For a Treasurer of this State, William Skinner, Memucan Hunt and Benjamin Exum, Esquires.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolution of that body declaring that the warrants in favour of the members of the General Assembly for their attendance, shall be received by the collectors of Imposts at the several ports in this State in payment of all duties on Importation, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also the resignations of William Sharpe and Samuel Harris, Esquires, as Justices of the Peace for the County of Rowan. Endorsed, read and accepted, which being read, were accepted by this House and returned.

Recd. likewise, a message from His Excellency the Governor. Endorsed, in the House of Commons read and ordered to be sent to the Senate, which being read was ordered to be filed.

Recd. from the House of Commons a bill directing the sale of confiscated property. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed. Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was amended, passed the second time & ordered to be Engrossed.

On reading this bill a motion was made and seconded, that the

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Claim which particularizes the kind of payment which shall be made by the purchaser of confiscated property should be amended, by adding after the words, “For the current money of this State or the Certificates granted to the Officers and Soldiers of the Continental line of this State,” the words, “and all other certificates for Militia service.” This being objected to the question was put and carried in the negative; whereupon, on motion of Mr. Macon, ordered that the yeas and nays be taken on the question, which were as follows, vizt:

In favour of the motion, Messrs. Warrington, Clinton, McCawley, Macon, Ramsay, Gallaway, Taylor, Parsons, Lenoir, General McDowell, Miller and Thomas Armstrong.—12. Against the motion, Messrs. Smaw, John Armstrong, John Williams, Long, Hargett, Johnston, Skinner, Gillispie, Owen, Boritz, Ben Williams, General Jones, Hill, Harris and Walters—15. So the motion was negatived.

Recd. likewise the bill to remove all disabilities from Simon Cleary and others therein named. Endorsed, read the second time and passed.

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

Recd. also the report of the Committee on the Petition of Thomas Davis, Public Printer, and on the letter from Mr. Cist of Philadelphia. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resignation of Thomas Respress, Esquire, as Justice of the Peace for the County of Beaufort. Endorsed, read and accepted. Which being read was accepted by this House and returned.

Adjourned till 4 of the clock p. m.

Met according to adjournment.

Mr. Payne and Mr. Wilson, appointed on the part of the House of Commons to superinted the balloting for Delegates to represent this State in Congress; a Treasurer of the State, &c., appeared and informed the House they now attended them in order to receive from the members their ballots; whereupon the House proceeded to the Business of Balloting which being ended, Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Skinner, appointed on the part of this House to superintend the same, reported,

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That the Honourable William Blount, Esquire, Speaker of the House of Commons had ninety-three votes; The Honourable John Sitgreaves, Esquire, eighty-seven votes; Charles Johnson, Esquire, seventy-six votes; Timothy Bloodworth, Esquire, seventy votes, and the Honourable Adlai Osborne, Esquire, sixty-five votes; from whence it appeared that the Gentlemen above named had each of them a large majority of the votes of both Houses of the Legislature as Delegates to represent this State in Congress;

That Francis Child, Esquire, was elected Comptroller of the public Accounts of the State;

That Memucan Hunt, Esquire, was chosen Treasurer of this State;

That Joseph Leech, James Kenan, James Armstrong and John Hawks, Esquires, were elected members of the Council of State by a majority of the votes of both Houses; and

That there yet remained one Delegate and three Councillors to be elected.

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

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

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House being anxious to compleat the Business of the Session, propose that both Houses of the Legislature proceed on Business Tomorrow.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

This House agree to do business to-morrow.

Whereas, from the resignation of General Butler, late Brigadier of Hillsborough District, the said District remains without a General Officer:

Resolved, therefore, that Ambrose Ramsey, Esquire, be appointed a Brigadier General of the Militia of the District of Hillsborough and that His Excellency the Governor, be requested to commission him accordingly.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

On motion, resolved, that John Sevier, Esquire, be appointed a Brigadier General of the Militia of the District of Washington and

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that His Excellency the Governor, be requested to commission him accordingly.

Resolved also, that His Excellency the Governor be requested to issue his Proclamation requiring the subjects of this State on the Western Waters to be of good behaviour and to treat the neighbouring Indians in the most friendly manner agreeable to our Treaties with those people, and ordering the Intruders and Encroachers from this State to remove off the Indian Lands and Hunting Grounds, at the same time informing them that the General Assembly will not think themselves bound to support or pay any expence that may be incurred by a war brought on by the Injustice and Rapacity of Individuals.

Ordered that these resolutions be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Sunday, November 21, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose balloting at four of the Clock this Evening for one delegate and three Councillors.

This proposition being read, ordered that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We consent that the General Assembly ballot this evening as by you proposed.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

On considering the disorder that would naturally be occasioned by Balloting we propose to postpone balloting for the Officers yet to be elected until to-morrow 4 o’clock in the evening, and have determined to adjourn until to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.

This message being read, on motion, the House adjourned until to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Monday, November 22, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the bill to regulate and ascertain

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the several Officers’ Fees therein mentioned, and for altering the times of holding the Superior Courts of Law and Equity for the Districts of Halifax, Edenton, New Bern & Wilmington. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. also, the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill for the Inspection of Tobacco in the town of Hillsborough, and

The Bill to adopt and recognize a Resolve of Congress of the twentieth of February, 1782, respecting a Commissioner to be appointed for the settlement of the accounts of the United States with this State, among others. Each endorsed, read the third time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read, the one first mentioned was passed the third time by this House, and the other was rejected.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill to authorize and empower the Governor, or Commander in Chief for the time being, to issue a Proclamation requiring certain offenders therein mentioned to surrender themselves within a limited time, and in case of failure, offering a reward to any person or persons who shall apprehend and bring to Justice such offenders.

The Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for levying a tax on the County of Northampton for repairing the public buildings thereof, and to appoint and empower Commissioners for that purpose”; and

The Bill directing the mode of proceeding aginst the real Estates of deceased Debtors, where the personal estate is insufficient for the payment of debts. Respectively endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the third time and sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. also, the bill to amend an act entituled “an act for altering the time of holding the annual elections and annual assemblies and directing the manner of electing annual Officers for the succeeding year”; and

The Bill for obtaining an accurate account of the Militia service during the late war, in order that the claims of this State upon the

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United States may be ascertained. Each endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the third time and sent to the House of Commons.

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

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We consent that the General Assembly ballot this evening at 4 of the clock for one Delegate and three Councillors, as by you proposed. At the request of Mr. Walters his name is withdrawn from the nomination for Delegates. Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Skinner will, on the part of this House, superintend the Balloting.

Recd. from the House of Commons the bill for levying a tax in the Counties of Hillsborough and Salisbury Districts for the repairs of the District Buildings in the towns of Hillsborough and Salisbury and directing the method of calling to account all Commissioners of public buildings heretofore or hereafter to be appointed. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

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

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose that the estimate of allowance to the members of the present Assembly be made up to Thursday next, inclusive, at the rate of sixteen shillings per day.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

Mr. Payne and Mr. Wilson attend to receive the ballots from the members of the Senate, agreeable to the vote of both Houses this day agreed upon. The members being called delivered in the ballots accordingly.

Recd. also, the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill to empower the County Court of Wayne to lay a tax for two years for the purpose of finishing and compleating the Court House, Prison and Stocks and for defraying the Contingent charges of said County.

The Bill for the more ready and effectual execution of process issuing

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from the several Courts of Law and Equity, in cases where the sheriff or Coroner may be resisted and the power of the County should be found insufficient for the purpose.

The bill for laying a tax in the Town of Wilmington for the better Government thereof and for the Election of Commissioners for the succeeding year.

The Bill for altering the oath of allegiance and the Oaths and Affirmation of Fidelity.

The Bill to enable Benjamin Blount of Tyrrell County, Trustee to Thomas Bogg, to sue for and recover for and to the use and uses of the children of the said Thomas Bogg all debts due and owing to the said Thomas Bogg, and all other things in action which the said Thomas Bogg might have lawfully sued for and recovered.

The Bill to prevent Horse Stealing; and

The Bill to secure the property of Elizabeth Bonner, in the hands of Trustees. Respectively endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were each of them passed the second time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House agree to the proposition of the Senate relative to making out the estimate in every respect.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Bill to describe and ascertain such persons who owed allegiance to this State, and to impose certain disqualifications on certain persons therein described. Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passd the second time and ordered to be engrossed.

Recd. also a resolution of the House of Commons appointing Matthew O’Malley Vendue Master for the town Edenton, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill for empowering the County Courts of Warren and Franklin to levy a further tax on the Inhabitants of said Counties for defraying the expence of building the Court House, Prison and Stocks.

The Bill to establish the town of Morgan and to direct the building a Court House and Prison in the same for the District of Morgan.

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The Bill to relase James Underwood and Job Ward from the forfeiture of a Recognizance entered into for the appearance of a certain Daniel Campbell before the Superior Court of Hillsborough District and from a Judgment given upon the said Forfeiture. And The Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for laying a tax on every hundred pounds value of taxable property in the District of New Bern for repairing the Gaol of the District. Respectively endorsed, read the third time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the third time by this House.

Mr. Gallaway and Mr. Skinner, from the joint balloting for one of the delegation from this State to Congress, and for three members of the Council of State, reported as followeth, vizt:

That having closed the balloting on summing up the scrolls it appeared, that the Honourable Richard Dobbs Spaight, Esquire, was chosen one of the Delegates to represent this State in the Congress of the United States by a large majority of the votes of both Houses of the General Assembly. And that Abraham Shepperd, Robert Burton and Thomas Eaton, Esquires, were elected members of the Council of State.

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

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Tuesday, November 23, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill for extending the dividing line between the counties of Hyde and Tyrrell; and

The Bill to establish the principal streets and squares of Fayetteville as laid down in a plan of the said Town by Commissioners appointed by an act passed at Hillsborough the eighteenth day of April, in the seventh year of the Independence of this State, entituled “an act for appointing the several persons therein named to lay out the streets in upper Campbelton in Cumberland County and for the future regulation of the said town, and giving a further time for saving Lotts in the lower town, and for altering the name of Campbelton to Fayetteville. Each endorsed, read the third time, amended and passed.

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Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the third time by this House.

Recd. also, the report of the Committee to whom was referred the settlement of the accounts of Mr. Drury Gee, late sheriff of Northampton, on the accounts of the said Mr. Gee. Recd. at the same time the report of this Committee on the Petition of General Jones. Each endorsed, read and concurred with, which being read, were concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the House of Comons the Bill to compel the Commissioners of Ports Bath, Beaufort and Roanoke to remove Pilots who refuse to take Branches off the public ground on Ocracoke Island and to empower said Commissioners to employ other persons to act as Pilots at Ocracoke Inlet. Endorsed, read the third time and passed.

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

Recd. also, the additional Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for purchasing a Lot or Lots in the town of Wilmington for the purpose of building a Gaol for the District of Wilmington & other purposes,” passed at Hillsborough in the year 1783; and an act entituled “an act to amend an act entituled an act for purchasing a Lot or Lots in the town of Wilmington for the purpose of building a Jail for the District of Wilmington & other purposes, and for repairing the Court House of the said District, passed at Hillsborough last Assembly.

The Bill to alter the time of holding the several County Courts of Pleas and Quarter Sessions therein mentioned, and for appointing a Vendue Master in the town of Edenton; and

The Bill to empower the County Courts of Pleas and Quarter Sessions of the several Counties in this State, to order the laying out public Roads and to establish and settle ferries, and to appoint where Bridges shall be built and to clear inland rivers and creeks. The first endorsed, read the third time and passed, and the other two, read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read, the one first mentioned was passed the third time by this House, and the other two being amended, by consent of the House of Commons, were passed the third time and ordered to be again engrossed.

Recd. likewise the bill to limit the time of the continuance of the several Boards of Auditors in this State, and of the Board for settling and liquidating the accounts of the Continental Officers and Soldiers,

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to a certain period, and to empower the Treasurer to pay out of the tax for the year 1784 the money which was to have been paid agreeable to an act of Assembly passed at Hillsborough in June last. Endorsed, 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 again engrossed.

Recd. also, the bill to explain, amend and supply the deficiencies of an act passed last Assembly at Hillsborough, entituled “an act to regulate the descent of real estates, to do away Entails, to make provision for widows and to prevent Frauds in the Execution of last Wills and Testaments, & for directing how deeds of gifts and Bills of sales of Slaves shall be executed, authenticated and perpetuated.” Endorsed, read the third time, amended and passed.

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

Read the account of Benjamin Exum, Esquire, Treasurer of New Bern District for expenditures in attending the late Assemblies, &c.; whereupon,

Resolved, that Benjamin Exum, Esquire, be allowed the sum of one hundred and two pounds, sixteen shillings current money of the State in full for his attendance as Treasurer on the late Assemblies, and other services, as per his account rendered, that the Treasurer pay him the same and be allowed therefor in the settlement of his accounts with the public.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resolve of this House appointing a Brigadier General of the Militia for the District of Hillsborough, and the resolve appointing a Brigadier General for the District of Washington, and requesting his Excellency the Governor, to issue a Proclamation as therein mentioned. Respectively endorsed, read and concurred with.

Mr. Skinner from the Committee appointed to receive the old Dollar Bills belonging to the Public from the respective Treasurers, reported as follows, to-wit:

Agreeable to a resolve of both Houses directing the Committee appointed to receive the old Dollar Bills from the different Treasurers,

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to receive also from the Treasurer all the money of the present circulating currency which they may have in their hands that is so much worn as to render it unfit to remain in circulation. The Committee report:

That they have received from Memucan Hunt, Esquire, the sum of thirty-one pounds ten shillings, and from Benjamin Exum, Esquire, the sum of nine pounds, eleven shillings and six pence; amounting in the whole to forty-one pounds, one shilling and six pence, and have caused the same to be burned and destroyed.

B. McCULLOCK,
JOHN SKINNER.

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

Read the Petition of Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, which was, on motion, referred to the Committee to which was referred the Petition of Mr. Thomas Davis and ordered to be sent to the House of Commons.

On motion, agreed that Mr. Boritz be added to the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Mr. Thomas Davis and that the House of Commons have notice hereof.

Colonel Owen from the Committee of Propositions and Grievances, delivered in the following reports, vizt:

The Committee having considered the claim of Mr. Thomas Scurlock, Assistant Commissary, it appears there is a balance due him of two hundred and seventy-four pounds, seventeen shillings and four pence for his services for the term of eighteen months at 40 Dollars per month, after deducting the sum of 13 shillings 8 pence.

All which is submitted.

THOMAS OWEN, Ch.

The Committee considered the claim of Mr. William Borden and recommend that the Board of Auditors liquidate and grant a certificate for the same.

The Committee have reconsidered the claim of Mr. Yancey and are of opinion it is just and ought to be allowed.

The Committee having considered the claim of Young Burt who was wounded in the Militia service and only prays the allowance of

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his doctor’s bill, which amount as it stands stated to thirty-three pounds, six shillings and eight pence, which your Committee humbly concur is just and ought to be allowed.

The Committee have considered the claim of Jesse Croom and are of opinion that it be referred to a Board of Auditors to be adjusted and that a certificate issue for the same.

The Committee have considered the claim of Osborne Jeffreys and are of opinion that it be referred to a Board of Auditors to be liquidated & that they issue a certificate for the same.

The Committee having considered the Petition of John Haley are of opinion it be rejected, as your Committee conceive that Mr. Haley only executed his duty as a good citizen, as they know of no reward offered for apprehending said Bryant.

The Committee having considered the Petition of William King are of opinion that it be rejected, as they do not conceive his case to be considered in another light from those Gentlemen who have furnished the army with Provision. They are put off with a Certificate and we humbly conceive that Mr. King shall share the same fate.

The Committee have considered the claim of Joseph Boon and direct that it be referred to the Board of Auditors for New Bern District.

The Committee have duly enquired into the claims of William Moore & Philip Thomas who were wounded in the action of Eutaw, Wefind after deducting all just credits there remains a balance of nineteen Barrels of corn due to William Moore and fifteen barrels of Corn due to Philip Thomas, we are of opinion that each of the above mentioned soldiers be granted an order on the Treasurer for their respective amounts at the rate of Fifteen Shillings per Barrel.

Your Committee to whom the Petition of Richard Cogdell, Esquire, was referred are of opinion that he be allowed the sum of thirty pounds for his extra services done in the Treasurers Department and that the Treasurer be directed to pay the same.

The Committee have considered the Petition of William Boritz, relative to a negro slave who was executed, as was made appear to the Committee, and are of opinion that said Boritz be allowed eighty pounds for said negro.

The Committee reject the Petition of Jacob Sikes for the want of information.

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The Committee have considered the Petition of John McCoy and are of opinion that he be allowed the sum of twenty-eight pounds and that an order be granted on the Treasurer for the same.

The Committee have considered the Petition of Edward Pearsall and are of opinion such claims ought to be determined by the House.

Your Committee are of opinion that by the Checks of loan Office Certificates in the hands of Mr. John Green that Andrew Bass, Esq., has delivered into the office the sum of three thousand, six hundred Dollars, for which he recd. certificates from Mr. Green, and it appears by the testimony of sundry persons that the enemies of the United States took the whole of the certificates from the said Bass, except one for six hundred Dollars. Your Committee are further of opinion that Andrew Bass be allowed his account for furnishing beef Cattle for the public use and that the said Bass be directed to the Board of Auditors in the District of New Bern for certificates for the same.

The Committee have considered the account of William Graham and are of opinion that he be allowed as per vouchers, agreeable to the scale of depreciation.

The Committee are of opinion that the claim of Sampson Mosley be rejected, as he has a certificate for it already.

Your Committee are of opinion that William Schaw, of Wayne County, be allowed the sum of ten pounds for the year 1784, & that he be granted a warrant on the Treasury for the same.

The Committee are of opinion that William Moore, a wounded Soldier, be allowed for the years 1783 and 1784 the sum of twenty-four pounds; and that Philip Thomas, an invalid, be allowed the sum of Twelve pounds for the said years.

All which is submitted.

THO. OWEN, Ch.

The House taking the foregoing reports into consideration, resolved, that they do concur therewith, and ordered that they be sent to the House of Commons.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resolution of this House in favour of Benjamin Exum, Treasurer of New Bern District. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. also, the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill for removing the public Buildings of Mecklenburg County

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from Charlotte to the Center of said County, appointing Commissioners to find said Center and to superinted the erecting a Court House, Prison and Stocks as near said center as convenience will permit, & altering the mode of annual elections in said County.

The Bill to remove all disabilities from Simon Cleary and others therein mentioned.

The Bill for the encouragement of learning in the District of Salisbury.

The Bill to amend an act entituled “an act for dividing the County of Cumberland passed at Hillsborough last General Assembly, and to confirm the proceedings of the Justices of Moore County and to alter the times of holding the Courts of the said County.”

The Bill to supply the loss of a patent for a certain tract of land lying in Currituck County granted to Richard Cummingforth.

The Bill to prevent Horse Stealing.

The Bill to empower the County Court of Wayne to lay a tax annually for the purpose of finishing and compleating the Court House, Prison and Stocks and for defraying the contingent charges of said County; and

The Bill for appointing County Commissioners for taking affidavits in causes of Law and Equity. Each endorsed, read the third time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were respectively passed the third time by this House.

Recd. likewise the following bills, to-wit:

The Bill to describe and ascertain certain persons who owed allegiance to this State and to impose certain disqualifications on certain persons therein described; and

The Bill for the more regular collecting, payment of and accounting for the public taxes. Each endorsed, read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were amended, by consent of the House of Commons, passed the third time and ordered to be again engrossed.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following bills, vizt:

The Bill to prevent unjust appeals and to empower the County Courts in this State to provide for the safe keeping of the Estates of Idiots and Lunatics; and

-------------------- page 480 --------------------

The Bill for repealing part of an act passed at New Bern in November, 1777, entituled “an act to regulate and ascertain the Fees of Clerks in the Superior and County Courts, Justices of the Peace and Attornies in this State and directing the method of paying the same”; also part of an act passed at Halifax in January, 1779, also entituled “an act to ascertain the Fees of Clerks in the Superior and County Courts, Justices of the Peace and Attornies in this State.” Each endorsed, read the second time and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the third time and returned.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Wednesday, November 24, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House request the Senate to resume the consideration of the recommendations of certain County Courts in favour of Militia Soldiers wounded in the service of this State, which were made agreeable to an act of the last General Assembly, and concurred with by this House, and take order thereon.

On motion, the House resumed the consideration of the recommendation of Wayne County Court in favour of Mary Revell, relict of John Revell; in favour of Benjamin Boyt, an invalid; and in favour of Nancy Langston, widow; whereupon, agreed, that these recommendations be respectively concurred in and that the Speaker of the House sign them agreeable to Law.

The House also resumed the consideration of the recommendation of Rowan County Court in favour of Joseph Wasson; whereupon, ordered, that the same be signed agreeable to Law.

The House likewise resumed the consideration of the Resolution of the House of Commons of the 10th Inst., in favour of Isaac Reed, Moses Griffin and Benjamin Clash; whereupon, resolved, that it be concurred with and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resignation of Joseph Riddick, of Gates County, Zedekiah Stone, of Bertie County, and of Matthew William Wynns, of Bertie County, of their appointment of

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Justices of the Peace. Endorsed, read and accepted, which being read was accepted by this House.

Mr. Hill, from the Committee, delivered in the following report, to-wit:

Your Committee, to whom was referred the representation of William Boritz, Esquire, having taken under consideration the original Contract entered into between the Commissioners of the United States and Messrs. Rey and Brandenbourg, Merchants of Cadiz, report,

That by said original contract it appeared that Messrs. Rey and Brandenbourg were to have delivered 6,500 Quintals of Iron Cannon to the United States, and in payment for the same, were to have received within three Calendar Months, after the delivery thereof, the quantity of 9,750 Quintals of Tobacco; and on failure of such payment there should be paid to the said Rey & Brandenbourg at the rate of fifty Quintals of Tobacco for each month as the expences and damages arising from such delay.

And it further appears to your Committee that 2,300 Quintals of said Cannon have been delivered to this and the State of Virginia, and that the said Rey and Brandenbourg, by their agent, have received the quantity of 172,500 lbs of tobacco in payment of the one half of the said Cannon delivered the State of Virginia, and have likewise received the quantity of 84,915 lbs of Tobacco in part payment of this State’s quota of the Cannon delivered which leaves a balance of 87,585 lbs still due them.

And it further appears to your Committee that the quantity of 1,769 lbs of Tobacco per month is due for the expences and damages arising from the delay of payment, being the proportion of damage that the quantity delivered bears to the quantity contracted for, and that this State is subject to the payment of such monthly damages until the whole is discharged, as the Expences arising from such delay of payment is the ground of the damages, and as the failure is on the part of this State alone; It is the opinion of your Committee that the quantity of 87,585 lbs of Tobacco is due, as before states, as the principal sum and that the quantity of 106,144 lbs Tobacco is likewise due for damages to this time, making in the whole 193,725 lbs of Tobacco; which being estimated at six dollars per hundred weight will amount to £4,694 8 0, for which sum your Comittee

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recommend that His Excellency the Governor, be directed to issue Warrants on the Treasurer, with interest thereon till paid, in favour of said William Boritz as Agent of said Rey and Brandenbourg, which sum when received shall be considered as in full for the demand of said Messrs. Rey and Brandenbourg by virtue of the said contract.

WHITMILL HILL, Ch.

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

Received from the House of Commons the Petition of Henry Emanuel Lutterloh. Endorsed, read and referred as by the Senate.

Read the recommendation of Wilkes County Court in favour of the Orphans of Daniel Sisk, whereupon,

Resolved, that the orphans of Daniel Sisk, who was killed in the battle of King’s Mountain, be allowed the sum of fifteen pounds to be deposited in the hands of Gabriel Loving, their Guardian, and by him applied towards their support and maintenance.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Recomendations of Wayne County Court in favour of Benjamin Boyt, and the recommendation of Wilkes County in favour of Rachel Bicknell and Elizabeth Thrasher, all countersigned by the speaker of that House.

Recd. likewise, the bill for the more ready and effectual Execution of process issuing from the several Courts of Law and Equity in cases where the Sheriff or Coroner may be resisted and the Power of the County should be found insufficient for the purpose.

The Bill for altering the oath of allegiance and the oath and affirmation of Fidelity.

The Bill to enable Benjamin Blount, of Tyrrell County, Trustee to Thomas Bogg to sue for and recover to the use and uses of the children of the said Thomas Bogg, all debts due and owing to the said Thomas Bogg and all other things in action, which the said Thomas Bogg might have lawfully sued for and recovered.

The Bill to secure the property of Elizabeth Bonner in the hands of Trustees.

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The Bill for dividing the District of Morgan; and

The Bill to prevent issuing grants for lands on the Western Waters to such as have paid for the entry thereof in Counterfeit certificates, and until the Surveyor’s Fees shall be paid, and making provision for those who may have entered Lands previously located by others. Respectively endorsed, read the third time and passed, except the two last, which were endorsed, read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that these bills be read, which being read were passed the third time by this House, without amendment, except the two last mentioned, which were further amended by consent of the House of Commons & ordered to be again engrossed.

Received from the House of Comons the Resolution of this House in favour of the Orphans of Daniel Sisk. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Thursday, November 25, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons:

The report of the Committee appointed to receive and burn the old Dollar bills, &c. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

The Recommendation of Lincoln Court in favour of Rachel Mattox. Endorsed and signed by the Speaker of the Commons, which being read, was countersigned by the Speaker of this House and returned.

Recd. likewise, the report of the Committee on the accounts of Dr. Joseph Blyth. Endorsed, read and concurred with, which being read was concurred with by this House and returned.

Recd. from the House of Commons the following reports, vizt:

The report on the claim of Thomas Scurlock.
Ditto on the Claim of William Borden.
Ditto on the Claim of Thornton Yancey, Esquire.
Ditto on the Claim of Young Burt.
Ditto on the Claim of Jesse Croom.
Ditto on the Claim of Osborne Jeffreys.
Ditto on the Claim of John Haley.
Ditto on the Claim of Joseph Boon.
Ditto on the Claim of William Moore and Philip Thomas. Respectively endorsed, read and concurred with.
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Whereas, by the late division of Duplin County the old public buildings are become useless, being near the dividing line of said County; and whereas, sundry debts are due for supporting the poor of the County as the same stood undivided;

Resolved, therefore, that Robert Dickson, Thomas Routledge and Joseph Dixon be and they are hereby appointed Commissioners to sell one acre of public ground with the Court House and Prison at six months credit, first giving thirty days public notice; and to make a deed or conveyance to the Purchaser, and the monies arising to be appropriated to the discharge of the debts due for supporting the poor of said County, and to no other purpose whatsoever.

Ordered that this Resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

Col. Long from the Committee to whom was referred the Petition of Henry Emanuel Lutterloh, delivered in a report, which being read and debated was, on motion, rejected.

Recd. from the House of Commons a Resolution of that body relative to the Estimate of the Civil List, incidental and Continental charges of the expence of 1784, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. also, the Bill to establish in the towns of Edenton, Washington, New Bern and Wilmington, Courts for the speedy decision of Mercantile Transactions with Foreigners & transient persons and of Maritime Affairs. Endorsed, read the third time, amended and passed.

Ordered that this bill be read, which being read was passed the third time by this House.

Recd. likewise, the bill to amend an act of Assembly passed at Hillsborough in June, 1784, entituled “an act for levying certain duties & all foreign Merchandize imported into this State in aid of the public finances & directing the mode of collecting the same,” and also to amend one other act passed in the same year entituled “an act to prevent the Exportation of unmerchantable Commodities,” and also to amend one other act of Assembly passed in May, 1783, entituled “an act for facilitating the navigation and regulating the pilotage of the several ports in this State.” Endorsed, read the second time, amended and passed.

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

Recd. from the House of Commons the report of the Committee to whom was referred the Representation of William Boritz, Esquire. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. also, the reports of the Committee on the Petition of Richard Cogdell, on the Petition of William Boritz, on the Petition of Jacob Sikes, on the Petition of John McCoy, on the Petitions of William Moore and Philip Thomas, on the Petition of Edward Pearsall, on the Petition of Andrew Bass, on the Claim of Andrew Bass, on the account of William Graham, on the claim of Sampson Moseley and on the Petition of William Schaw. Respectively endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. from the House of Commons the resignation of William Tisdale, Esquire, as Justice of the Peace for Craven County. Endorsed, read and accepted, which being read was accepted by this House and returned.

On motion, of Mr. Gallaway, Resolved, that the Comptroller be directed to call on all persons who have acted as Clothiers for this State, to lay before him their accounts of all and every article by them recd. by virtue of their said offices with the expenditure and distribution of the same, and that the said Comptroller raise accounts against all persons who have received any article from the aforesaid clothiers, crediting the officers for so much as was allowed by this State as a Gratuity Suit, most of which they received in South Carolina; and resolved further, that Copies of the said accounts be lodged, as soon as may be, by the Comptroller in the Office of the Paymaster General, that the balance due the State on said accounts be deducted from the pay of the Officers so indebted, and that this State have credit for the same in their accounts with the United States.

Ordered that this resolve be sent to the House of Commons for their concurrence.

On motion of Mr. Gallaway, the House resumed the consideration of the Resolution of the House of Commons of the 18th Inst., relative to the Collector of the Imposts for Port Bath having declined to receive the Impost on articles of the growth or manufacture of the

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United States; which being again read was concurred with and returned.

On motion of Mr. Gallaway, Resolved, that the Comptroller be directed to pay to the Commissioner appointed to liquidate & settle the accounts of this State with the United States all sums of Continental money which he has or may receive in his Office, and that the amount be placed to the credit of this State in Settlement of our accounts. Ordered to be sent for concurrence.

Recd. from the House of Commons a message informing of their having rejected the bill impowering the Governor to issue a Proclamation requiring John Bass, and others therein named, to surrender themselves.

Recd. also, the bill to ascertain the number of White and Black Inhabitants and the Citizens of every age and condition in this State. Endorsed, 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 House of Commons the resolution of this House respecting the public buildings of Duplin County as it stood, undivided. Endorsed, read and concurred with.

Recd. also the following message:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

We propose to ballot immediately for an assistant Judge to the Court established over the Mountains and put in nomination Mr. David Campbell. Mr. Payne and Mr. Wilson are appointed to conduct the balloting on the part of this House.

Ordered that Mr. Skinner and Mr. Armstrong conduct this balloting on the part of this House and that the following message be sent to the House of Commons:

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen:

This House agree to ballot immediately for an assistant Judge of the Court established over the Mountains and nominate the same gentlemen as by you proposed. Mr. Skinner and Mr. Armstrong will, on the part of this House, superintend the balloting.

Recd. from the House of Commons the bill directing the sale of confiscated property. Endorsed, read the third time, amended and passed.

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

On reading this bill a motion was made by General Jones, that the following clause, which had been inserted therein by the House of Commons as an amendment and which respected the payment of confiscated debts should be deled, vizt: “And be it further enacted by the authority aforesaid, that in payment of the aforesaid Debts, Specie, Specie Certificates or Currency of the State shall be received.” This being objected to the question was put and carried in the affirmative, to-wit: that this clause should be deled; when, on motion of Mr. Macon, ordered that the yeas and nays be taken on this question, which were as follows, to-wit: for deleing this clause, Messrs. Warrington, Smaw, John Armstrong, John Williams, Skinner, Gillispie, Clinton, Owen, Ramsey, Gallaway, Boritz, Gen. Jones, Hill, Taylor, Parsons, Walters and General McDowell.—17. Against deleing this clause and for retaining it as part of the bill: Messrs. Abram Jones, Long, Harget, Johnston, Relf, McCawley, Macon, Moring, Ben Williams, Lenoir, Harris and Miller.—12. So the clause was deled.

Recd. from the House of Commons the Resolve of this House relative to such persons who have acted as Clothiers for this State; and the resolve respecting the Comptroller General’s paying to the Commissioner appointed to liquidate and settle the accounts of this State with the United States, all such sums of Continental money which he has or may receive in his office. Each endorsed, read and concurred with.

Mr. Skinner and Mr. Armstrong, from the Committee appointed to superintend the joint balloting for an assistant Judge of the Court established in the district of Washington, reported, that having, pursuant to the order of the House, attended the balloting for the purpose aforesaid, on summing up the ballot it appeared that David Campbell, Esquire, was elected assistant Judge of the said Court by a Majority of the votes of both Houses.

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

Recd. from the House of Commons the report of the Committee to whom was referred the settlement of the accounts of Mr. Drury

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Gee, late Sheriff of Northampton County; on the account of John Taylor, Esquire, late Auditor for this State; on the Memorial of Henry Guthrie; on the Petition and acounts of John Penn, Esquire; on the accounts of the Honourable John Williams, Esquire, late a delegate from this State in Congress, and on the accounts of the Honourable Samuel Ashe, Samuel Spencer and John Wiliams, Esquires, Judges of the Superior Court of Law and Equity. Respectively endorsed, read and concurred with.

Ordered that these reports be read, which being read, were respectively concurred with and returned.

Adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o’clock.


Friday, November 26, 1784.

The Senate met according to adjournment.

Recd. from the House of Commons a resolution of that body of the 25th Inst., respecting Rice Bass, John Bass, Thomas Bass and others, which being read was concurred with and returned.

Recd. likewise, the resolve of this House of the 11th Inst., respecting His Excellency the Governor’s carrying into effect the Act of Assembly passed in April, 1783, relative to the Cherokee Indians. Endorsed, November 26th, 1784, read and concurred with.

On motion, resolved unanimously, that the thanks of this House be given to the Honourable Richard Caswell, Esquire, for his upright and unremitting attention as Speaken, to the public business during the long session.

Resolved also, that this resolution be entered on the Journals of this House.

The several bills passed into Laws this session by a final reading in both Houses, were now called for and ratified; which being done, Resolved, that the Honourable the Speaker, sign the Journal of this House as the acts of the Senate and that the clerk attest the same.

On motion the House adjourned till the first Monday in November next, then to meet agreeable to the vote of the General Assembly at New Bern.

R. CASWELL, Speaker.
By order,
J. Haywood, Clerk.