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Colonial and State Records of North Carolina
Letter from Richard Caswell to John Sevier
Caswell, Richard, 1729-1789
April 24, 1787
Volume 20, Pages 681-682

GOV. CASWELL TO JOHN SEVIER, ESQUIRE.
(From Executive Letter Book.)

Kinston, April 24th, 1787.

Dear Sir:

I had the honor to receive your Letters by Mr. Meek. I cannot accot. for the Conduct of our Assembly in their last Session. I know some of the Gentns. sentiments did not coincide with my own, but still think if the people on your side the mountains had then have been more unanimous the measures of separation on just and honorable principles would have been pursued & if it were possible for the people to prevail upon themselves to apply by a sufficient number to give convincing proofs of far the greater part of the whole being desirous of establishing a new Government upon such principles, the same may yet be effected if the violences of the passions of some men among you are restrained; if they are suffered to break out, it will be putting the day further off and perhaps the separation may not be effected without bloodshed; this I am sure neither you nor any other man capable of reflection would wish to see brot. about but avoided by justifiable means. You may rely upon it that my sentiments are clearly in favor of a separation wherever the people to be separated think themselves of sufficient strength and Abilities to support a Government; this separation to be established upon reasonable, Honorable, equitable and just principles, reciprocally so to

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those who will still continue the old Government as well as those who are to form the new. My Ideas are that nature in the formation of the Hills between us & directing the courses of waters so differently had not in view the Inhabitants on either side being longer subject to the same Laws & Government, that it might be convenient for them as she has liberally bestowed on the minds of thinking men who wish to enjoy and obtain for themselves and others in their circumstances equal benefits, privileges & immunities with the rest of Mankind. I conclude by recommending unanimity among you as the only means by which your Government ever can obtain energy even when the separation is affected by consent of North Carolina.

I have the honor to be, with sentiments of esteem and much respect, Sir,
Your most obedt. Servt.,
R. CASWELL.