His Excellency was pleased to lay before this Board two Petitions signed by the Speaker, several members of the Assembly, and other principal Inhabitants of this Province in behalf of Samuel Robert Hall, and James Mansfield, two Criminals under sentence of death for counterfeiting the Bills of Credit of this province, and informed the Board that the Chief Justice had recommended them to him as objects of mercy, and therefore required the Opinion of the Board.
The Board taking the same into consideration are unanimously of opinion that it appears the unhappy criminals were seduced and instigated by one John Butcher who appears to be a principal and has made his escape, that they are but young men and of a former good character, His Excellency would be pleased to extend his Majestys most Gracious Pardon to the said Samuel Robert Hall, and James Mansfield—To which His Excellency was pleased to Assent, and Ordered a proclamation issue for the apprehending the said John Butcher, and that ten pounds be offered as a reward.
North CarolinaBy His Excellency William Tryon Esqr &c
A Proclamation.
Whereas, I have received information that Samuel Robert Hall and James Mansfield two criminals now under sentence of death and confined in the publick Jail of Craven County for the Counterfeiting the paper Bills of Credit of this province appear to have been seduced and instigated to the Commission of the crime by one John Butcher a Blacksmith who has since made his escape
I have thought proper by and with the advice and consent of His Majestys Council to issue this my Proclamation offering a reward of ten pounds proclamation money to any person or persons that shall apprehend the said John Butcher so that he may be brought to Justice.
Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the said province at New Bern the 28th November 1768 &c
(Signed)Wm. TRYON.
His Excellency was pleased to qualify the Honble John Sampson one of the Members of His Majestys Council, and Thomas McGwire Esqr Attorney General to the General Commission of the peace.
His Excellency was pleased to renew the Commissions of Peace for the several Countys of this Province, and Ordered the Secretary issue the same the 30th day of this month.