Brunswick, 28th April 1766.
I had the honor to receive the duplicate only of your letter dated St James the 24th October 1765 which came by way of Virginia and was delivered to me the 25th of last month. I have shewn it to the gentlemen of his Majesty's Council in this part of the province, and to such other persons as I thought would make a proper and prudent use of the contents. The inhabitants of this colony have made no disturbances since their assembling themselves in Arms at Brunswick in February last the particulars of which I had the honor to send you by Capt Phipps.
Mr Hasell whom I appointed Chief Justice, during pleasure, in the room of the late Chief Justice Berry, has conducted himself with great prudence, in the Circuit of the three Superior Courts of Justice he has lately held, Vidt, at Halifax, Salisbury, and Wilmington. He informed me he has done no business but Crown cases, and that he declined entering upon the causes on the Civil Dockets. He assured me of his determination to pursue the same conduct at the Superior Courts to be held at Newbern and Edenton in next month. He also assured me of the continuance of his best endeavors to recommend and support peace and good order in this government. His moderate and steady behaviour greatly recommended him to my esteem. I know of no person in the province at this juncture, so capable to conduct that office, with the same dignity and decorum as himself. He found in his circuit the inhabitants in the back counties quiet, but not one advocate for the stamp duty and scarce any specie circulating among them.
The several ports in this province continue open, and all vessels cleared out without stampt papers. The Stamps were removed on board the Viper Sloop now lying off Fort Johnston, on the Diligence sailing last month for England. I have suspended Mr Maur ce
Moore from the Office of Assistant Judge for the district of Salisbury for his intemperate zeal and conduct in opposition to the Stamp Act. He is a leading man in this river, tho' he enjoys no great share of popularity in other parts of this province. The commission of Assistant Judge I have given to Mr Edmund Fanning during pleasure. He is an active spirited young man, of good character and abilities in the law. The sentiments of the generality of the inhabitants are that the Stamp Act will be repealed or suspended, and by what I can learn they seem inclined to be guided by the determination of the colonies to the northward and to adopt and pursue the same measures with them.I hope, Sir, in the delicacy of these times my conduct has not greatly erred from the spirit and humanity of his Majesty's instructions communicated to me in your letter. I shall pursue the measures I find most expedient as circumstances arise and shall esteem myself happy if I can persuade the inhabitants into a generous confidence in the justice of the mother country and of his Majesty's benevolent attention towards all his people.