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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Alexander Martin to [Michael?] Payne [Extract]
Martin, Alexander, 1740-1807
June 18, 1782
Volume 16, Page 339

FROM GOV. MARTIN TO MR. PAYNE, ESQ.
[From Executive Letter Book.]
[Extract.]

Edenton, June 18th, 1782.

Sir:

I am sorry that you judge your powers not competent to seize vessels liable to condemnation; when I conceive every subject of this and the United States possess that Authority and may Libel them in a Court of Admiralty belongingto the port where the seizure is made, but as a Naval Officer you have no more than a common right in this business, however I wish with you that our ports in general were under better regulations.

Yours, &c.,
ALEX. MARTIN.