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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to William Skinner
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
November 19, 1778
Volume 13, Page 290

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GOV. CASWELL TO GENL. WM SKINNER.
[From Executive Letter Book.]


Kingston 19th November 1778.

Dear Sir:

Your favor of the 13th Current was handed me last evening by Mr. Newby. The Quakers by Militia Laws are exempt from personal services on an alarm, or expedition, upon payment of a fine of twenty-five pounds. 'Tis true the law under which this aid is to be marched takes no notice of such an exemption but directs the Drafts to be made agreeable to the Militia Act, I therefore think those people ought to be discharged on the payment of Twenty-five pounds each. If their certificates are considered as such as the law points out, the propriety of them you and Col. Harvey will be able to judge of by being in the neighborhood of them and acquainted with their customs in such cases. I am much concerned to find the Militia in general is so tardy in marching. None of them are arrived except from the Hillsboro district. These with the Continental Troops must march from hence on Monday next.

Let me entreat you Sir, to forward your Drafts to this place with all expedition.

I am Sir, your most obedient servant,
R. CASWELL.

P. S. I have laid your letter before the Council who concur with me in opinion and advised that Mr. Newby have the same indulgence that is granted to the other Quakers. I have written to Col. Harvey nearly similar on the subject of Quakers.

Yours &c.
R. C.