At a Council held at the Council Chamber at New Bern 4th December 1770.
His Excellency laid before this Board a letter he received this morning from John Simpson Esquire, Colonel of the Pitt Regiment of Militia in the following words, Vizt,
Pitt Decr 3d 1770.Sir,
Yesterday Mr Robert Salter came here from Tarborough, and informed me of a number of Regulators coming down from Bute, Johnston &c, to New Bern, in order to prevent Col. Fanning's taking a seat in the House of the Assembly, &c, &c. I have on this information issued orders for the several Companys in the Pitt Regiment to meet me at the Court House in Pitt on Wednesday next in order to march to New Bern to protect the Legislative Body of this Province there assembled. I have sent William Moore Esqr express to acquaint you, of my proceedings and to receive your further orders.
I am,Your Excellency's humble servtJNo SIMPSON, Colo.His Excellency William Tryon, Esqr.
And desired the opinion and advice of the Council on the same. This Board taking the same into consideration recommended to His Excellency to give Orders to the Commanding Officers of the Craven Regiment of Malitia now under Arms in this Town at a General Muster; that part of the said Regiment remain in Town, for the protection of the Legislative Body and the peace of this Government till further orders.