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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Commission to appoint William Smith as Chief Justice of North Carolina
George II, King of Great Britain, 1683-1760; Burrington, George, 1680-1759
April 01, 1731
Volume 03, Page 136

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[B. P. R. O. North Carolina. B. T. Vol. 9. A. 40.]
GEORGE THE SECOND BY THE GRACE OF GOD KING OF GREAT BRITAIN FRANCE AND IRELAND &c: DEFENDER OF THE FAITH &c:

To our Trusty and well beloved William Smith Esqre Greeting.

Wee reposing special Trust and Confidence in the care prudence fidelity loyalty and integrity of you the said William Smith and out of our meer motion, certain knowledge and special Grace have ordained constituted and appointed and by these presents do ordain constitute and appoint you the said William Smith by the name and style of Chief Justice or Judge of this our said Province of North Carolina To have and to hold and determine all Pleas as well as civil as criminal and all other Pleas whatsoever arising and happening within our said Province of North Carolina giving and hereby granting unto you the said William Smith full power and authority to do perform and execute all acts matters and things whatsoever which in our said Province to the Office of a Chief Justice in any wise belong or appertain and in as large and ample manner to all intents and purposes as any Justice of any of the Courts of Westminster or any of the English Plantations in America may or ought to perform and execute To have and to hold the said office of Chief Justice in this our Province of North Carolina (During our Royall Will and Pleasure) Together will all Fees perquisites Priviledges Liberties Immunities and Casualties belonging unto the said Office and we do hereby revoke and make null and void all former Commissions granted for the said Office In Testimony whereof we have caused these our letters to be made Patent. Witness our Trusty and well beloved George Burrington Esqre Captain General and Governour in Chief in and over this our said Province of North Carolina

GEO: BURRINGTON.

Given under my hand and Seal of the Colony the first day of April in the fourth year of his Majesties reign Anno Dom: 1731.

By order of the Governor and Council
Jos: Anderson
P. Secretary.