Documenting the American South Logo
Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Minutes of the Lower House of the North Carolina General Assembly
North Carolina. General Assembly
February 19, 1754 - March 09, 1754
Volume 05, Pages 191-212

North Carolina—ss.

At a General Assembly begun and held at New-Bern the Twelfth day of June in the Year of our Lord One Thousand seven Hundred and Forty Seven, and in the Nineteenth Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord George the Second by the Grace of God of Great Britain, France and Ireland King (and so forth) and from thence continued by several Prorogations and Adjournments to the third Tuesday in February next to be then held at Wilmington—being the thirteenth Session of this Present General Assembly.

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Tuesday the 19th Feb. 1754
Members Present
Samuel Swann Esq. Speaker
Mr. John Starkey
Mr. Francis Brice
Mr. John Ashe
Mr. Wm Houston
Mr. Joseph Clark
Mr. Josiah Dixson
Mr. James McLewean
Mr. Jere Vail

The House adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o'clock.


Wednesday the 20th of February 1754. The House met according to Adjournment.

Mr. William Bartram Mr. Caleb Howell and Mr. Charles Robinson appeared and took their seats in the House.

The writs for Electing Members for Wilmington and for the County of Rowan were Returned, Pursuant to which Mr. Cornelius Harnett, The Elected Member for Wilmington, Mr. James Carter, and Mr. John Brandon, Elected Members for Rowan County, appeared took the Oaths by Law appointed for their Qualification Subscribed the Test and took their seats in the House accordingly.

His Honor the President sent a Message to this House requiring the Immediate attendance thereof in the Council Chamber.

The House in a full body waited on His Honor the President in the Council Chamber where His Honor was pleased to deliver His Speech to This House.

The House Returned.

Mr. Speaker laid before This House the said Speech which is Ordered to be Read Read the said Speech.

Ordered the same be entered on the Journal of this House as follows:

Gentlemen of His Majesty's Council Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen of the Assembly

[For address of the Governor see Journal of the Upper House.]

The House adjourned till 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.


Thursday the 21st Feb. 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

The Writ for Electing a Member for Craven County in the room of Francis Stringer late Member for the said County, Deceased being Returned Pursuant to which Mr. Joseph Bryan The Elected Member for the said County, appeared took the Oaths by Law appointed for His Qualification Subscribed the Test and took his seat in the House accordingly.

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His Honor The President laid before this House Copies of the Earl of Holderness Governor Dinwiddie's and the French Commandants Letters pursuant to His Honors Speech to this House yesterday.

Ordered the said Letters be Read.

Read the Same.

Ordered, That Mr. Starkey, Mr. Vail and Mr. Ashe prepare and lay before this House an Address in answer to His Honors Speech.

Resolved, That this Province raise such a Number of Forces as the present Circumstances thereof will admitt to assist the Neighboring Colony of Virginia, in repelling the French who have Invaded the said Colony at Ohio, and

Resolved, That a Committee be appointed to consider of ways and means to raise and subsist such Forces. And Mr. Starkey, Mr. Vail Mr. Ashe Mr. Harnett and Mr. McLewean are accordingly appointed.

The House adjourned till to-morrow Morning 9 o'clock.


Friday the 22nd of February 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. Starkey from the Committee appointed to Prepare an address in answer to His Honor the President his Speech, Reported that the Committee had prepared the same, which he read in his place.

Ordered, The same be Engrossed.

Mr. Harris one of the Members for Granville County appeared and took his seat in the House.

Mr. Starkey moved a Committee be appointed to prepare and bring in a Bill for granting to his Majesty the sum of forty Thousand pounds and for stamping and Emitting the said Sum of Forty Thousand pounds (and so forth) And the following persons were accordingly Appointed (viz:) Mr. John Starkey, Mr. John Ashe Mr. Jeremiah Vail, Mr. Corn: Harnett and Mr. James Macklewean.

Mr. Caleb Howell moved for leave to bring in a Bill to Erect a Town in Anson County. Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

The House adjourned till 3 o'clock Afternoon.

P. M. The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. Clark laid before this House the Petition of Several of the Inhabitants of Bladen County, and moved the same be Read.

Ordered, The said Petition be Read.

Read the same which sets forth the many and Great Hardships the Inhabitants of the said County Endure by Reason of the great Distance many of them live from the Court House of the sd County. Praying

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a Bill may be brought in to Erect part of the said County of Bladen into a County.

Mr. Bartram moved for leave to bring in a Bill agreeable to the Prayer of the Petition.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same

Mr. Brice produced a certificate from the Court of Duplin County setting forth that Allan Ramsey is a poor man and recommending to this House that he be discharged from paying Publick Levies.

Ordered he be Exempt accordingly.

The House adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o'clock.


Saturday the 23rd of February 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Ordered the Engrossed Address of this House be read. Read the same.

Resolved the same be presented to his Honor the President.

Ordered that Mr. Ashe and Mr. Harnett wait on his Honor the President and acquaint him this House is ready to present the Address thereof to him and desire to know when His Honor will be pleased to receive the same.

Mr. Ashe and Mr. Harnett returned and acquainted this House that His Honor would receive the sd Address in half an hour. His Honor the President sent a message to this House Commanding the Immediate attendance thereof in the Council Chamber.

The House in a full Body waited on his Honor the President in the Council Chamber where Mr. Speaker Presented him with the following address, (Viz)

To the Honorable Mathew Rowan Esq, President and Commander in Chief in and over His Majesty's province of North Carolina.

The Humble Address of the General Assembly of the sd Province

May it please Your Honor,

The late behaviour of the French in our Neighbouring Colony of Virginia which your Honor in your Speech at the opening of this Session and the Papers laid before us inform us of must fire the Breast of every true Lover of his Country with the warmest Resentments, That this restless nation now in the time of a General Peace in Europe should dare to seize the Persons and Effects of his Majestys Subjects, And in an Hostile Manner Invade the Lands for many years past in actual Possession of British Subjects in Virginia, and there Erect a strong fort and place a Garrison not only to secure what they have so unjustly possessed

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themselves of but Perhaps in order to make further Encroachments on the undoubted rights of Britain certainly Calls for a speedy Remedy, and as we know not how soon our own frontier may be disturbed by this Formidable Neighbour or the Indians under their directions in which case we might reasonably expect the Friendly assistance of our Neighbouring Provinces.

We are therefore resolved according to His Honor the Governor of Virginia his Request and his Majestys Commands to furnish as many forces as we can conveniently spare towards this so necessary an Expedition, and as the Enlisting a number of Volunteers and Subsisting them while in this Province must necessarily cause a great Expence which we at present have no fund to defray we shall therefore consider of such ways and means Immediately to supply the Treasury as the Circumstances of our Constituants will admitt and wherewith we doubt not of meeting your Honors ready Concurrence.

We assure your Honor that tho' there are many other matters that merit our Serious attention, would the near approach of the General Court at New Bern where many of us must necessarily attend allow time, Yet we shall in our Deliberation on this Pressing occasion prefer this Important affair you have recom̄ended to us The speedy doing of which will be a fresh Instance of our Duty to his Majesty and Zeal for his Service as well as the care we have to preserve the peace happiness and safety of all his Majesty's subjects on the Continent, Especially our Constituents the free people of this Province

SAMUEL SWANN, Speaker.

Feb 23rd 1754.

The House adjourned till Monday morning 10 o'clock.


Monday the 25th of February 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. Starkey moved that a Committee be appointed to examine State and Settle the Publick Accounts of this Province and the following Persons were accordingly appointed (Viz:) Mr. Jer: Vail Mr. John Ashe & Mr. Cor: Harnett.

Mr. Starkey also moved that a Committee be appointed to settle and allow Public Claims and the following persons were accordingly appointed, (Viz:) Mr. Starkey, Mr. Brice, Mr. Howell, Mr. Clark and Mr. Houston.

Ordered a Message be sent to the Council

Sent the following message to the Council (Viz:)

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Gentlemen of His Majesty's Honorable Council

This House have appointed the following Members, Committees of Accounts and Claims, (Viz:)

Mr. Vail, Mr. Ashe, and Mr. Harnett on the Publick Accounts.

And Mr. Starkey, Mr. Brice, Mr. Howell, Mr. Clark and Mr. Houston on the Publick Claims, in conjunction with such of your Members as your Honors shall think fitt to appoint.

SAMUEL SWANN, Speaker.

Sent the above Message by Mr. Harnett & Mr. Ashe.

The House adjourned till 10 o'clock to-morrow Morning.


Tuesday the 26th of February 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. Starkey from the Committee appointed to bring in a Bill for Granting to His Majesty the Sum of Forty Thousand pounds and for Stamping and Emitting the said Sum of Forty Thousand pounds (and so forth) Reported that the Committee had prepared the said Bill which he laid before the House.

Ordered the same be Read.

Read the same.

Ordered the same pass and be sent to the Council.

Mr. Starkey moved for leave to bring in a Bill for continuing the several acts of Assembly therein mentioned.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Starkey brought in the above sd Bill which he read in his place.

Ordered the same pass and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above Bills to the Council by Mr. Dixson and Mr. Brandon.

Mr. Carter moved for leave to bring in a Bill to alter the times of holding the Courts of Orange, Rowan and Bladen Counties.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Carter brought in the above sd Bill which he Read in his place.

Ordered the same pass and be sent to the Council.

Mr. Howell moved for leave to bring in a Bill for appointing and laying out a Town on the Land of John Jenkins on the South side of Pee Dee River in Anson County and for other purposes therein mentioned.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Howell brought in the said Bill which he Read in his place.

Ordered the same pass and be sent to the Council.

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Mr. Dixson moved for leave to bring in a Bill to appoint a proper and Convenient place for holding the County Court of Orange and to Impower the Commissioners hereafter named to build a Court House prison and stocks in the said County.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Dixson brought in the said Bill which he Read in his place.

Ordered the same pass and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above three Bills to the Council by Mr. Dixson and Mr. Carter.

Received from the Council the following Message (viz:)

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen,

This House having taken under their consideration the message of this day relative to the appointment of Committees of Publick accounts and claims have thought fit to appoint the following Gentlemen to joyn those of your House (to wit)

The Honorable James Hasell and Lewis De Rossett Esqrs on the Publick accounts, and the Honorable James Innes and John Swann Esqrs on the Claims.

Received from the Council the following Bills (viz:)

The Bill for Granting to his Majesty the Sum of Forty Thousand pounds and for stamping and Emitting the said sum (and so forth)

And the Bill to continue the Several Acts therein mentioned. Endorsed February 26th 1754 In the Upper House read the first time and passed.

The House adjourned till to-morrow 9 o'clock.


Wednesday the 27th of February 1754 The House met according to adjournment.

Ordered the Bill for Granting to His Majesty the sum of Forty Thousand pounds and for stamping and Emitting the sd sum (and so forth) be Read.

Read the said Bill

Mr. Starkey moved that the House resolve into a Committee of the whole House to Debate on the Subject matter of the said Bill and was seconded.

The House Resolved into a Committee of the Whole House and appointed Mr. James McLewean Chairman who Ordered that the said Bill be read in the said Committee.

Read the said Bill in the sd Committee after some time spent, The Committee proposed several amendments to the said Bill.

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Then Mr. Ashe one of the Committee moved that Mr. Speaker resume the Chair and that Mr. Chairman report to the House the several amendments proposed by the Committee.

Mr. Speaker resumed the chair.

Mr. Chairman Reported that the Committee had proposed several amendments to the said Bill, which he produced to which the House agreed and Ordered the said Amendments to be Incerted in the said Bill—which are accordingly done.

The House adjourned till to-morrow 8 o'clock.

Thursday the 28th day of February 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the Bill for appointing and laying out a Town in Anson County.

The Bill to alter the time of holding the Courts of Orange, Rowan and Bladen Counties.

And the Bill to appoint and lay out a place for holding the County Court of Orange. Endorsed Feb: 27th 1754. In the Upper House read the first time. Passed with amendments.

Mr. McLewean moved that the Bill for granting to His Majesty the sum of Forty Thousand pounds, and for Stamping and Emitting the said sum (and so forth) be read the second time with the amendments, proposed by the Committee incerted by the House.

Read the said Bill with the amendments the second time and passed.

Ordered the same be sent to the Council.

Ordered the Bill for continuing the several Acts therein mentioned be Read the second time. Read the said Bill the second time and amended the same.

Ordered the same passed with amendments, and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above two Bills to the Council by Mr. McLewean and Mr. Harris.

Mr. Brice moved for leave to bring in a Bill to amend an Act Entituled an Act to appoint a place for holding the County Court of Duplin and to Impower the Commissioners therein named to build a Court House prison and Stocks in the said County and for enlarging the bounds thereof.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Brice brought in the abovesd Bill which he read in his place.

Ordered the same passed and be sent to the Council.

Sent the same to the Council by Mr. Bryan and Mr. Howell.

Mr. Harnett moved the following Bills be Read a second time (to wit)

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The Bill to appoint a convement place for holding the County Court of Orange, (and so forth)

The Bill to alter the time of holding the Courts of Orange, Rowan and Bladen Counties (and so forth)

The Bill for appointing and laying out a Town in Anson County &c.

Ordered the said Bills be read a second time.

Read the said Bills a second time and passed with amendments.

Ordered the said Bills be sent to the Council.

Sent the said Bills to the Council by Mr. Bryan and Mr. Howell.

Received from the Council the Bill for continuing the several Acts therein mentioned. Endorsed Feb: 28th 1754. In the Upper House, read the second time and passed with amendments.

Mr. Harris moved for leave to bring in a Bill for Erecting the Upper part of Johnston County and the lower part of Orange County into a County and parish by the Name of County and Parish &c.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Harris brought in the abovesd Bill which he read in his place.

Mr. Bartram brought in a Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County and Parish by the name of Cumberland County, and Saint David's Parish &c. Which he read in his place.

Mr. Vail moved for leave to bring in a Bill to Impower the Justices of Craven County to sell the lott whereon the Court House now stands in New Bern.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Vail brought in the abovesd Bill which he read in his place.

Mr. Harnett moved for leave to bring in a Bill for the further and better regulation of the Town of Wilmington and for Repealing the several Acts therein mentioned.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same

Mr. Ashe moved for leave to bring in a Bill to appoint and lay out a Town on the Plantation of Henry Skibbow on the East side of the North East Branch of Cape Fear River at a place called the Sand Hill and to appoint an Inspector in the said Town and other purposes therein mentioned.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Ashe brought in the said Bill which he read in his place.

Mr. Ashe moved for leave to bring in a Bill for appointing Commissioners of the Roads for the South West District of New Hanover County.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Ashe brought in the abovesd Bill which he read in his place.

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Mr. Ashe moved for leave to bring in a Bill for granting unto the Town of Brunswick, the Priviledge of Choosing and sending a representative to sit and vote in the General Assembly.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Ashe brought in the abovesd Bill which he read in his place.

Ordered the above Seven Bills pass and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above Seven Bills to the Council by Mr. Bryan and Mr. Howell.

The House adjourned till 3 o'clock afternoon

P. M. The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. Ashe moved for leave to bring in a Bill for an Additional Act to an Act Intituled an Act for Impowering the several Commissioners herein after named to make, mend and repair all Roads, Bridges cuts and water courses allready made &c.

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Ashe brought in the abovesd Bill which he read in his place.

Mr. Harnett moved for leave to bring in a Bill for appointing the several Ferrys therein mentioned and for obliging the Commissioners of the several Districts to make roads to the same

Ordered he have leave and that he prepare and bring in the same.

Mr. Harnett brought in the said Bill which he read in his place.

Ordered the above two Bills pass and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above two Bills to the Council by Mr. Ashe and Mr. Harnett.

Mr. Carter moved that the Petition (sent to this House from the Council) from the Inhabitants of the North side of the Yadkin River in Rowan County Praying the Removal of the Court House of the County may be Read.

Ordered the same be read.

Read the same.

Mr. Houston moved for leave to bring in a Bill pursuant to the prayer of the said Petition.

Mr. Carter objected thereto.

Mr. Houston moved that the Petitioners be heard by their Council tomorrow morning.

Resolved That the Petitioners be heard by their Council to-morrow morning at the Barr of this House.

Received from the Council the Bill for the further and better regulation of the Town of Wilmington and for Repealing the several acts therein mentioned.

Endorsed February the 28th 1754. In the Upper House read the first time and passed with amendments.

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The House adjourned till to-morrow morning 9 o'clock.

Friday the 1st of March 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the following Bills (viz:)

The Bill to amend an Act Intituled an Act to appoint a convenient place for holding the County Court of Duplin.

The Bill to Impower the Justices of Craven County to sell the Lott whereon the Court House now stands in New Bern &c.

The Bill to regulate the freight on Cape Fear River.

The Bill for appointing Commissioners of the Roads for the South West District of New Hanover County.

The Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County and Parish &c.

The Bill for Granting unto the Town of Brunswick the Priviledge of choosing and sending a Representative to sit and vote in the General Assembly.

And the Bill for appointing the several persons therein mentioned &c Endorsed Feb: 28th 1754 In the Upper House read the first time and passed

The Bill to alter the time of holding the Courts of Orange, Rowan and Bladen Counties. Endorsed Feb 28th 1754 In the Upper House read the second time and passed with amendments.

The Bill to appoint and lay out a Town on the Plantation of Henry Skibbow on the East side of the North East Branch of Cape Fear River &c.

And the Bill for an additional Act to an Act for Impowering the Several Commissioners herein after named to make, mend and repair all Roads, Bridges &c.

Endorsed Feb: 28th 1754 In the Upper House read the first time and passed with amendments.

Mr. Houston moved that the petitioners petitioning to have the Court House of the County of Rowan removed, have notice agreeable to the resolve of yesterday that this House is ready to hear them by their Council.

The Petitioners by their Council George Nicholas Esq. appeared and after having spoken in support of the said Petition withdrew.

After Several Arguments pro or Con the sd Petition

Mr. Starkey moved that the Consideration of the Petition be postponed untill the next Session of Assembly and that in the mean time the money allready collected, Except so much thereof as hath been allready expended be and remain in the hands of the Commissioners

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appointed by the Justices to receive the same untill they shall have the further order of this House directing the application thereof.

Resolved, That the money collected by the Inhabitants of Rowan County for building a Court House prison and Stocks in the said County be and remain in the hands of the Commissioners appointed by the Justices of the said County to receive the same except so much thereof as hath been already expended abt the said Court House prison and Stocks untill they shall have the further order of the General Assembly directing the application thereof.

Ordered, That a message be sent to the Council regarding the removal of the Court House in Rowan County, together with the petition of the Inhabitants of the North side the Yadkin River in Rowan County, and the resolve of this House thereon.

Sent the said Message, Petition, and Resolve to the Council by Mr. Dixon and Mr. Bartram.

Mr. Starkey moved that this House resolve that his Honor the President be paid the sum of One Thousand, Three Hundred and Thirty Three pounds, Six Shillings and Eight Pence Proclamation money for his Trouble and expences in attending the Several Assemblys and Charges of Expresses since his being President and Commander in Chief in and over this Province—which was put to the vote and carried in the affirmative.

Ordered The Bill for Continuing the several Acts therein mentioned, be read the third time.

Read the said Bill the third time and pass with amendments.

Ordered the same be sent to the Council.

Sent the said Bill to the Council by Mr. Harnett and Mr. Carter.

Ordered, That the Bill for the further and better Regulation of the Town of Wilmington, and for repealing the several Acts therein mentioned &c, be read the second time.

Read the said Bill a second time

Mr. Starkey moved that the House Resolve into a Committee of the Whole House to debate on the several matters in the said Bill contained.

Resolved, That the House resolve into a Committee of the Whole House for the Purposes aforesaid.

The House resolved into a Committee of the Whole House and Mr. Macklewean being sick, Mr. Starkey is appointed Chairman.

After some time spent therein several amendments to the said Bill were proposed by the Committee. Then Mr. Harnett moved that Mr. Speaker resume the Chair.

Mr. Speaker Resumed the Chair.

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Mr. Chairman Reported that the Committee had proceeded on the said Bill, and proposed several amendments thereto, which he layed before the House, and to which the House agreed, And ordered that the said amendments be Incerted and that the said Bill pass with such amendments, and be sent to the Council.

Incerted the said amendments, and sent the said Bill to the Council by Mr. Harnett and Mr. Carter.

The House adjourned till 3 o'clock afternoon

P. M. The House met according to adjournment.

Mr. Ashe moved that the following Bills be read a second time.

Read the following Bills a second time (viz:)

The Bill to amend an Act Intituled an Act to appoint a Convenient place for holding the County Court of Duplin, and amended the same.

The Bill to Impower the Justices of Craven County to sell the lott whereon the Court House stands in New Bern and amended the same.

The Bill for appointing Commissioners of the Roads for the South West District of New Hanover County, and amended the same.

The Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County and Parish by the name of Cumberland County and Saint David's Parish and amended the same.

The Bill for granting to the Town of Brunswick the priviledge of choosing and sending a Representative to sit and vote in the General Assembly and amended the same.

The Bill for appointing the several Ferrys therein mentioned and for obliging the Commissioners of the several Districts to make Roads to the same, and amended the same.

The Bill to appoint and lay out a Town on the Plantation of Henry Skibbow on the East side of the North East Branch of Cape Fear River &c, and amended the same.

The Bill for an Additional Act to an Act for In powering the several Commissioners herein after named to make, mend and repair all roads, Bridges &c, and amended the same.

Ordered, The said Eight Bills pass with the said amendments.

The House adjourned till to-morrow 8 o'clock.

Saturday the 2nd of March 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the Bill for the further and better regulating the Town of Wilmington (and so forth) Endorsed March the 1st 1754 In the Upper House read the second time and passed with amendments.

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And the Bill for Granting to His Majesty the sum of Forty Thousand Pounds, and for Stamping and Emitting the said Sum &c Endorsed March 1st 1754 In the Upper House, read the second time and passed with amendments.

Ordered the Bill to alter the time of holding the Courts of Orange, Rowan and Bladen Counties be read a second time

Read the said Bill a second time and passed with amendments.

Ordered the same be sent to the Council.

Sent the above Bill to the Council by Mr. Bartram and Mr. Dixon.

Mr. Houston produced a certificate from the County Court of Duplin thereby certifying that John George Burlee is a poor sickly and decriped man and therefore recommended by the said Court to be exempt from paying Levies and Taxes.

Ordered he be exempt accordingly.

Received from the Council the following Bills (viz:)

The Bill to Impower the Justices of Craven County to sell the lott whereon the Court House stands in New Bern.

The Bill for an additional Act to an Act Intituled an Act for Impowering the Several Commissioners herein after named to make, mend and repair all Roads, Bridges &c.

The Bill to appoint a Convenient place for holding the County Court of Orange &c.

Endorsed March the 2nd 1754 In the Upper House read the second time and passed.

The Bill for appointing the several Ferrys therein mentioned and for obliging the Commissioners of the Several Districts to make Roads to the same.

The Bill for Granting to the Town of Brunswick priviledge of choosing and sending a Representative &c.

The Bill for appointing Commissioners of the Roads for the South West District of New Hanover County.

The Bill to amend an Act Intituled an Act to appoint a Convenient place for holding the County Court of Duplin &c.

The Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County and Parish by the name of Cumberland County &c.

The Bill to appoint and lay out a Town on the Plantation of Henry Skibbow, on the East side of the North East Branch of Cape Fear River &c.

Endorsed March the 2nd 1754 In the Upper House, Read the second time and passed.

The House adjourned till Monday morning 10 o'clock.

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Monday the 4th of March 1754 The House met according to adjournment.

The House adjourned till to-morrow 9 o'clock.

Tuesday the 5th of March 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the Bill for appointing and laying out a Town in Anson County. Endorsed 4th March 1754. In the Upper House Read the second time and passed.

And the Bill to alter the time of Holding the Courts of Orange Rowan and Bladen Counties &c. Endorsed 4th March 1754. In the Upper House Read the third time and passed.

Ordered to be Engrossed.

Ordered the following Bills be read, (to wit)

The Bill for Granting unto His Majesty the sum of Forty Thousand Pounds and for Stamping and Emitting the said sum &c. and amended the same.

Ordered the same pass and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above Bill to the Council by Mr. Harnett and Mr. Brice.

The Bill to Impower the Justices of Craven County to sell the lott whereon the Court House now stands in New Bern and amended the same.

The Bill for the further and better Regulating the Town of Wilmington and for Repealing the Several Acts therein mentioned and amended the same

The Bill to amend an Act Intituled an Act to appoint a place for holding the County Court of Duplin &c.

The Bill for appointing Commissioners of the Roads for the South West District of New Hanover County and amended the same.

The Bill to appoint and lay out a Town on the Plantation of Henry Skibbow on the East side of the North East Branch of Cape Fear River &c. and amended the same.

The Bill for appointing the several ferrys therein mentioned and for obliging the Commissioners of the several Districts to make Roads to the same.

Read the above Bills a third time.

Ordered they pass as amended and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above six Bills to the Council by Mr. Harris and Mr. Brandon.

The House adjourned till 3 o'clock afternoon.

P. M. The House met according to adjournment.

Ordered the following Bills be read a third time.

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Read the following Bills a third time (viz:)

The Bill to appoint a convenient place for holding the County Court of Orange &c.

The Bill for Granting unto the Town of Brunswick the priviledge of choosing and sending a Representative to sit and vote in the General Assembly.

The Bill for appointing and laying out a Town in Anson County &c.

The Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County and Parish by the name of Cumberland County &c.

Ordered the said Bills pass and be sent to the Council.

Sent the above four Bills to the Council by Mr. Dixon and Mr. Carter.

Received from the Council the Bill to Impower the Justices of Craven County to sell the Lott whereon the Court House now stands in New Bern. Endorsed March the 5th 1754 In the Upper House read the third time and passed.

Ordered to be Engrossed.

The House adjourned till 8 o'clock to-morrow morning.

Wednesday the 6th of March 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the following Bills, (viz:)

The Bill for granting unto the Town of Brunswick the priviledge of choosing and sending a Representative to sit and vote in the General Assembly &c.

The Bill to appoint a Convenient place for holding the County Court of Orange.

The Bill for appointing Commissioners of the Roads for the South west District of New Hanover County.

The Bill for laying out a Town in Anson County &c.

The Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County and parish by the name of Cumberland County (and so forth.)

The Bill for the further and better regulating the Town of Wilmington &c.

The Bill to amend an Act Intituled an Act to appoint a place for holding the County Court of Duplin &c.

The Bill for appointing the Several Ferrys therein mentioned, and for obliging the Commissioners of the Several Districts to make roads to the same.

The Bill to appoint and lay out a town on the Plantation of Henry Skibbow on the East side of North East Branch of Cape Fear River.

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And, The Bill for an additional Act to an Act Intituled an Act for Impowering the several Commissioners hereafter named to make, mend and repair Roads, Bridges Cuts &c. Endorsed March the 5th 1754 In the Upper House read the third time and passed.

Ordered to be Engrossed.

The House adjourned till to-morrow 9 o'clock.

Thursday, the 7th of March 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the following message (viz:)


March 7th 1754.

Mr. Speaker and Gentlemen,

On reading a third time the Bill for Granting unto His Majesty the sum of Forty Thousand Pounds &c. We find it necessary to propose several amendments which we apprehend will be easiest considered in a Committee of both Houses, that such amendments as shall be agreed to by the Committee and afterwards consented to and approved by both Houses may be Incerted in the Bill, we propose the meeting to be in the Great room at Mr. Toomers if you concurr.

Sent the above message to the Council by Mr. Dixon and Mr. Harnett. Endorsed, Concurred with

By Order
SAM'L SWANN, Speaker
Wm Herritage Clk.

Mr. Starkey Chairman of the Committee of Claims, reported that the said Committee had settled and allowed Sundry claims which are ordered to be read.

Read the same and after several amendments, made therein by the House, Ordered the same be sent to the Council for Concurrence.

Sent the same to the Council for Concurrence by Mr. Houston and Mr. Bartram.

The House adjourned till 5 o'clock in the afternoon.

P. M. The House met according to adjournment

The House adjourned till to-morrow 9 o'clock.

Friday the 8th of March 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the Bill to encourage men to enlist for the assistance of Virginia against the French and Indians who have Invaded their Western Settlements.

-------------------- page 208 --------------------

Mr. Jeremiah Vail Chairman of the Committee of Publick accounts, reported that the said Committee had examined stated and settled the Publick accounts of this province which are ordered to be read.

Read the same.

Ordered the same be sent to the Council for Concurrence.

Sent the same to the Council by Mr. Clark and Mr. Carter.

The House adjourned till to-morrow morning 8 o'clock.

Saturday the 9th of March 1754. The House met according to adjournment.

Received from the Council the Bill for Continuing the several acts therein mentioned. Endorsed, In the Upper House, read the third time and passed.

Ordered to be Engrossed.

His Honor the President sent a message to this House desiring the attendance thereof in the Council Chamber with what Bills are Engrossed.

The House in a full body waited on His Honor the President When Mr. Speaker Presenting the following Bills (to wit)

The Bill for Granting unto his Majesty the Sum of Forty Thousand Pounds and for stamping and Emitting the same &c

The Bill for Continuing the several accounts therein mentioned.

The Bill for the further and better regulating the Town of Wilmington and for repealing the several Acts therein mentioned.

The Bill to appoint and lay out a Town on the plantation of Henry Skibbow on the East side of the North East branch of Cape Fear River &c

The Bill for an additional Act to an Act Intituled an Act for Impowering the Several Commissioners herein after named, to make, mend and repair all roads Bridges Cuts and Water Courses.

The Bill for appointing Commissioners of the Roads for the South West District of New Hanover County.

The Bill for Granting unto the Town of Brunswick the Priviledge of choosing and sending a Representative to sit and vote in the General Assembly.

The Bill to Impower the Justices of Craven County to sell the Lott whereon the Court House stands in New Bern.

The Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County and Parish by the name of Cumberland County and St David's Parish.

The Bill to amend an Act Intituled an Act to appoint a convenient place for Holding the County Court of Duplin &c.

-------------------- page 209 --------------------

The Bill to appoint a convenient place for Holding the County Court of Orange

The Bill for appointing and laying out a Town in Anson County.

The Bill to alter the time of holding the Courts of Orange, Rowan and Bladen Counties.

To which said thirteen Bills His Honor was pleased to assent.

Resolved the following messages be sent to His Honor the President (viz:)

May it please your Honor

The Bill to Divide Bladen County into a County by the name of Cumberland County—and

The Bill for Granting unto the Town of Brunswick the Priviledge of choosing and sending a representative to sit and vote in the General Assembly having this day passed into an Act,

This House therefore desires your Honor will be pleased to Direct the Clerk of the Crown to Issue Writs to elect representatives for the said County and Town duly qualified to sit and vote in this present General Assembly

By order.
SAM'L SWANN, Speaker
Wm Herritage, Clk.

March 9th 1754.

Pursuant to the motion of Mr. Starkey of the first Instant the House resolved

That the sum of One Thousand Three Hundred and Thirty Three Pounds Six Shillings and Eight Pence Proclamation money be paid by the Treasurer of the Southern District out of the money he shall receive from the Commissioners for Stamping and Emitting the sum of Forty Thousand Pounds to the Honorable Mathew Rowan Esq President and Commander in Chief in and over this Province as a Compensation for his Trouble and expences in attending several Assemblys and other Services for the Benefit of this Province.

SAM'L SWANN, Speaker
By order
William Herritage Clk

Sent the above resolve to His Majesty's Honorable Council for Concurrence by Mr. Harnett and Mr. Brice.

Received the above message from the Council. Endorsed March 9th 1754. In the Upper House Concurred with.

Jas. Murray President sent to the Council the Estimate of the allowances due and payable to the Members of this House Clerk and officers thereof this present Session for Concurrence.

-------------------- page 210 --------------------

Ordered the following message be sent to the Council (to wit:)

Gentlemen of His Majesty's Honorable Council

The Chairman of the Committee of Publick accounts having reported to this House that he hath received the sum of Three Hundred and Thirty Seven Pounds Seventeen Shillings and Three Pence Proclamation Bills—and also the Chairman of the Committee of Publick Claims, Reports that he hath received the sum of Seven Pounds, Sixteen Shillings and six Pence old Bills by way of Claims both which sums are to be applyed for sinking the Present Currency and by Law ought to be Burnt.

Therefore this House have appointed a Committee of the whole House in conjunction with such of your Honours as you shall think fitt to see the same Burnt this afternoon.

By order
Wm Herritage Clk
SAM'L SWANN, Speaker

9th March 1754.

Received from the Council the Reports of the Committees of Publick Accounts and Claims. Each Endorsed 9th March 1754.

The foregoing Reports of the Committees of Accounts and Claims was perused approved and concurred with.

JAS. MURRAY, President.

Resolved that the Publick Debts as well those now as those allowed by former Assemblys allready upon the Estimates and Claims as also the Sum of One Thousand Three Hundred Thirty Three Pounds, Six Shillings and Eight Pence now voted to His Honor the President by both Houses and a sum sufficient to pay the Salary and Extra Charges of the Agent to Solicit the affairs of the Province at the several Boards in England be paid and satisfied out of the sum of Four Thousand and Two Hundred Pounds part of the Bills to be Emitted and applyed for and towards paying the Publick Debts of this Province by an Act passed this Session of Assembly, Intituled an Act for Granting unto His Majesty the sum of Forty Thousand Pounds and for Stamping and Emitting the said sum, and that the remainder of the same shall be applyed towards payment of the Arrears of Salary due to His Majesty's Chief Justice and Attorney General of this Province, and the Sums so to be paid to the said Chief Justice and Attorney General shall be replaced in the Treasury out of the moneys to be paid in by the Circuit Tax.

By Order
SAM'L SWANN, Speaker
Wm Herritage Clk

9th March 1754.

-------------------- page 211 --------------------

Resolved, That the Publick Treasurers pay by Warrant from His Honor the President or Commander in Chief for the time being to the Commanding Officer (or his order) of the Forces to be raised in this Province for the Present Expedition against the French and Indians at Ohio, the money remaining in their hands for the use of the Several Forts respectively and that the same be replaced in the Treasury for the use of the said Forts out of the twelve Thousand Pounds to be stamped and Emitted in Virtue of an Act (passed this session of Assembly) Intituled an Act for Granting unto His Majesty the Sum of Forty Thousand Pounds &c and applyed for raising and subsisting the said Forces

SAM'L SWANN, Speaker
By Order
William Herritage, Clk
9th March 1754

Sent the above Resolve by Mr. Harris and Mr. Brandon to the Council for their Concurrence.

Received the above Resolves from the Council. Endorsed, Concurred with

JAS. MURRAY President

In Pursuance of the message of this day to the Council, regarding Burning the Bills, a Committee of both Houses met and burnt the same, that is to say the Sum of Three Hundred and Thirty Seven Pounds, Seventeen Shillings and Three Pence Proclamation Bills, and Seven Pounds Sixteen Shillings and six Pence old Bills.

His Honor the President sent a message to this House requiring the Immediate attendance thereof in the Council Chamber.

The House in a full body waited on his Honor the President in the Council Chamber, when His Honour was pleased to Prorogue this Assembly untill the Second Tuesday in June next to be then held at New Bern

The House returned and Mr. Speaker Pronounced the Prorogation accordingly.

Test.

Wm HERRITAGE, Clk. General Assembly.

North Carolina—ss.

An Estimate of the allowances due and payable to the several Members of the General Assembly held at Wilmington in February and March, in the Year of our Lord, One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fifty Four (N. S.) and to the Clerk and other Officers of the said Assembly.

-------------------- page 212 --------------------
Samuel Swann Esq. Speaker
4
19
23
0
4
0
8
16
Mr. John Starkey
4
19
23
0
2
0
8
14
Mr. John Ashe
2
19
21
0
4
0
8
1
Mr. Joseph Clark
4
19
23
0
5
4
8
17
Mr. James Macklewean
8
19
27
0
3
4
10
5
Mr. Francis Brice
4
19
23
0
2
0
8
14
Mr. William Houston
4
19
23
0
2
0
8
14
Mr. Josiah Dixon
14
19
33
0
6
0
12
13
Mr. Jeremiah Vail
8
19
27
0
2
0
10
4
Mr. William Bartram
4
19
23
0
5
4
8
17
Mr. Charles Robinson
12
19
31
0
6
0
11
18
Mr. Caleb Howell
12
19
31
0
6
8
11
19
Mr. Cornelius Harnett
2
19
21
Nil
7
17
Mr. James Carter
14
19
33
0
6
0
12
13
Mr. John Brandon
14
19
33
0
7
4
12
14
Mr. Robert Harris
12
17
31
0
2
8
11
15
Mr. Joseph Bryan
8
17
25
0
4
8
9
12
Wm Herritage clerk
8
19
27
0
4
0
14
12
Alex. McCoy Messenger
19
Nil
5
16
Henry Irby, door keeper
19
Nil
5
16
£198
16

Gentlemen of His Majesty's Honorable Council

The above is an Estimate of the allowance due and payable to the Members of the General Assembly agreed to by the said Assembly and Desire your Honours Concurrence thereto.

By Order
SAMUEL SWANN Speaker
Wm Herritage Clk.

Received the above Estimate from the Council. Endorsed March 9th 1754. In the Upper House Concurred with

JAS. MURRAY, President.
Test:
Wm Herritage Clk. General Assembly.