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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to John Ashe
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
March 07, 1778
Volume 13, Pages 64-65

GOV. CASWELL TO GEN. JOHN ASHE.
[From Executive Letter Book.]

New Bern 7th March 1778.

Sir:

I had your favor of the 23rd Ulto with the papers sent therewith. The paper signed by Comr. Hotham is considered as a proper Flag, and they have recommended to me to grant leave to Major McCleod to carry out with his wife and son, and Mrs. McDonald and her four children with their Indented Female Servants. That he (Mr. McCleod) have leave to send an express to Mrs. McCleod and Mrs. McDonald to inform them of his arrival, and of their having leave to depart the State, and that the Governor direct the Guard to be continued while the vessel continues

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in this State, and also that the persons on board the Flag be not suffered to come on shore or have any communication with the people on shore.

In consequence of which advice I am to request that you give Major McCleod notice of the permission granted him and Mrs. McDonald, at the same time you will be pleased to inform him, that he will not be suffered to carry any other persons or effects with him than what are above mentioned, and that the more expeditious he is getting away, the greater satisfaction he will give the State. The letters he sends you will be pleased to examine or in your absence require the magistrates to peruse and see that they contain no more in substance than what is intended to be granted him by resolve of Council. The other part of the Resolve respecting the Guards, you will also be pleased to attend to and see that the officer from time to time who takes charge of the Guard is trustworthy.

I am with great esteem and regard Sir, your mo. ob. Servt.
R. CASWELL.