USA > North Carolina > Historical sketches of North Carolina : from 1584 to 1851, Vol. I > Part 63
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Be it remembered that the day before, a petition was presented by Doctor Newman, and others, against the seeming arbitrary conduct of Col. Kennon, and others, in the case of Dunn and Boote.
Resolved, That the petition presented by Doctor Newman, be considered. After a long debate, the questions were put :-
1. Whether the malice, &c., as charged in the petition, was proved ?
Answered in the negative. .
2. Whether there was a necessity for taking Dunn and Boote?
Answered in the affirmative.
3. When taken, whether to be removed ?
Answered in the affirmative.
4. And if removed, whether to South Carolina?
Answered in the affirmative.
5. Whether the conduct of Col. Martin, and others, be a precedent for the future in all cases of the like nature ?
Answered in the negative.
6. Whether the conduct of Col. Martin, and others, merited the thanks of this Committee, considering the alarming situation of the Province in general ? Answered in the affirmative.
Resolved, That John Olyphant, James Patterson, William Neal, and Gil- braith Falls, declare in open Committee, that the determination relative to their dispute falling in favor of either party, shall be no let or cause of divi- sion with them in support of right and liberty.
Whereas, From the late contradictory and equivocal behaviour of Captain Olyphant, it appears he cannot be entrusted to execute the late resolve of this Committee with respect to embodying volunteers. And, said captain refusing to act any longer in that capacity-
Resolved, That Captain Olyphant's company meet as soon as possible, elect proper officers, and that the captain so appointed, is hereby directed to exe- cute the resolve of this Committee relative to raising and embodying volun- teers.
Resolved, That the 8th day of this instant, a poll be opened for the election of the Town of Salisbury, and that they elect one or more delegates to sit in Provincial Congress.
Resolved, That the poll open immediately, and that the county choose their delegates.
Resolved, That the 14th of this instant, Jonathan Hunt and Samuel Bryans, meet this Committee, and make oath to the signers of the papers by them produced.
Resolved, That Sassinfield, and company, come before this Committee, the 14th instant, in the same manner and on the same terms that Jonathan Hunt, the Bryans, and others, came before this Committee on the 4th instant.
Ordered, That Mr. James Macay serve Sassinfield's company with a copy of the foregoing resolve.
Resolved, That Captain William Davidson take into his custody the pow- der, lead, and flints in the possession of John Work, and dispose of the same according to the order of the Committee.
Resolved, That Christopher Beekman take into his custody the powder, lead, and flints now in the possession of Conrad Heldebrand, and dispose of the same at the order of the committee, and for the security of payment to Con- rad Heldebrand, he deliver to him, at the receiving of it, an order on this Com- mittee, which shall be accepted by us.
Resolved, That for the time being, each militia company pay their quota of expense according to the number of taxables.
Resolved, That for the time being, each militia company shall send two members to Committee.
368
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
Resolved, That Robert King, William Sharpe, and James Wallace, be a Committee to make a register of the past resolves of this County Committee. JAMES MACAY, Clerk.
SALISBURY, September 20, 1775.
The Committee for the County of Rowan met according to adjournment. Present,
Sam'l Young, in the Chair, David Caldwell,
Robert Moore,
James Brandon, Clerk,
John Nisbett,
John Hardin,
Alexander Osborne,
James Smith,
Josias Black,
. John Brevard,
George Davidson,
· Jacob Nicholas,
Griffith Rutherford,
William Davidson,
Matthias Baringer,
William Alexander,
William Grant,
Peter Ayer,
Francis McKorkle,
Thomas Blacksheir,
James Wilson,
Samuel Harris, Peter Mull,
Isaac Wilcockson,
Joseph Dixon,
Joseph Lawrence, Hugh Brevard,
Ninian Steel,
Ephraim McLain,
John Lewis Beard,
John Montgomery,
John Davidson,
Christopher Beekman.
William Cowan, Jr.,
Josiah Black and John Hardin contending for the captain's commission of a vacancy on the Catawba River-
Resolved, That they return home and give public notice to the inhabitants of the district, to meet at William Walker's, on the 5th day of October next, to choose and elect their officers, and that Christopher Beekman is directed to see the election regularly and justly carried on; and that James Greenlee and Andrew Woods, be the clerks for said election, who are directed to de- liver the polls of said election to Christopher Beekman, who shall make due return thereof to the Committee, in Salisbury. And, that the bounds of the district shall be as follows, viz: To start upon the Catawba River, half a mile above Joseph Dobson's, running thence to John Kennedy's, on Silver Creek, thence up said creek to the Tryon line, thence down said line opposite to Whitnor's bottom on Jacobs River, thence to Silver Creek Road, thence to Jacob Terriberry's, upon the main Catawba River, thence up said river to the beginning.
Number of taxables given in by the following captains, viz :-
Captain McCrary's, Company, 91 Captain Robinson's Company, 113 Captain Archibald's . 144 Captain Matthias Baringer's, .88
Captain Berkley's 180 Captain Beekman's 66 . 114
Captain Wm. Davidson's " . 118
Captain Dixon's 116
Captain McCorcle's
64
Adjourned to the 21st, half past six o'clock in the morning.
The House met according to adjournment.
John Work complained that David Vance is indebted to him by note near fourteen pounds proc.
Resolved, That the said John Work demand his debt of the said David Vance, and upon the non-payment thereof, to demand security for the pay- ment of the same in three months from the date thereof, and upon refusal to apply to the Clerk of the Court for the ordinary process for the recovery of the same.
Whereas, Captain George Davidson hath been charged by some persons with supplying the Cherokee Indians with ammunition-
But, upon examination of the evidences, find that the accusation is false and groundless ; the said Capt. Davidson is by this house thought clear of' the above charge.
Whereas, Robert Latta complained to this Committee that sundry persons are indebted to him and will not pay their accounts-
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369
ROWAN COUNTY.
Resolved, That the said Robert Latta again make demand of each person his debt, and, upon non-payment, to demand security for the payment of the same on the first day of November next. Upon failure thereof, he is hereby authorized to sue for the same.
Resolved, That Capt. Brevard cite John Perkins to appear before the next Committee, in Salisbury, to give an account of his political sentiments relative to American freedom.
Resolved, That Capt. Dickson, John Brevard, Capt. Davidson, Col. Osborn, Col. Rutherford, James Kerr, William Alexander, and James Brandon, be a committee to attend at Adam Torrence's, on the 25th instant, before whom a certain James Garner shall be caused to appear by Capt. William Davidson, to render an account of his political sentiments relative to American liberty, and be subject to the determination of said committee.
Resolved, That Capt. William Davidson give notice to John Olyphant to appear before next Committee, in Salisbury, to render an account of some late conduct in opposition to American measures.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee address to the Committee of Safety in Charles Town, requesting them to send us as large a quantity of gunpowder as they can conveniently spare for the safety and defence of this county. And the credit of this Committee is hereby pledged for the pay- ment of the prime cost, and a reasonable advance, to Matthew Locke, Wm. Nisbett, or James Brandon, for purchasing and bringing up the same.
Resolved, That this Committee will pay John Work the sum of five shillings per pound for the gunpowder, and 10d. per lb. for the lead mentioned in last committee resolve, against the first of Feb. next.
SAMUEL YOUNG, Chairman.
JAMES BRANDON, Secretary.
Pursuant to order of last Committee, the following members met at Adam Torrence's, on the 25th of Sept., 1775, viz., John Brevard, chairman, Griffith Rutherford, Geo. Davidson, Joseph Dickson, Wm. Alexander, and James ·Kerr.
After maturely examining and hearing the culprit, James Garner,
Resolved, That although the. said James Garner has said some things disrespectfully of the measures pursuing for the preservation of American freedom, he has honestly professed his sorrow for the same, and has signed the test proposed by Provincial Congress.
Signed by
JOHN BREVARD, Chairman.
Pursuant to a resolve of Congress, held at Hillsboro', in the Province of North Carolina, on the 20th of Augt., 1775, the freeholders and householders in the county of Rowan appeared at the Court House, in Salisbury, on Tues- day, the 17th of October, in the same year, when the following gentlemen were duly elected members for the Committee in said county, viz., William Alexander, Josiah' Rouncifer, Samuel Young, John Archibald, John Purvi- ance, Christopher Beekman, Matthew Locke, Moses Winsley, John Hardin, Hugh Brevard, David Smith, Israel Cox, Jonathan Hunt, Charles McDowell, Mathias . Baringer, Robert Moore, John Brevard, John Dickey, Robert Holmes, Gilbraith Falls, Griffith Rutherford, Robt. Kings, Samuel Reed, John Lopp, William Sharpe, James Smith, Hugh Montgomery, John Lewis Beard, David Robison, Francis McCorcle, William Moore, William Davidson, Thomas Whitson, Geo. Henry Baringer, John Sloan, John Montgomery, Alexander Dobbins.
The said Committee met on Tuesday evening, the 17th of October, 1775, when the following members were present :-
Griffith Rutherford, Wm. Alexander, Robert King, Josiah Rouncifer, Samuel Reed, Samuel Young, William Sharpe, James Smith, John Archibald, John Purviance, Hugh Montgomery, John Lewis Beard, Christopher Beek- man, David Robison, John Hardin, John Sloan, Robert Moore, John Brevard, John Montgomery, John Dickey, Alexander Dobbins.
370
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
The Committee proceeded to choose a chairman and secretary, when Mr. Samuel Young was chosen chairman, and Mr. William Sharpe secretary.
Pursuant to a resolve of last Committee, John Perkins appeared.
Resolved, That the said John Perkins has given such an account of his political sentiments relative to American freedom as is satisfactory.
Resolved, That the principles upon which, and the measures Christopher Beekman pursued in obtaining the appearance of John Perkins before this Committee, was reasonable and justifiable.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning at seven o'clock.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
Pursuant to resolve of last Congress, the number of souls in Rowan County appears as followeth :-
Companies' Names.
Males 16
to 20.
Above 50
under 16.
Women,
white.
Female
children.
Male
slaves
taxable.
Female
slave's
taxable.
Slaves
not tax-
able. ›
Capt. Knox -
165
209
169
142
33
32
66
Capt. Dickson
76
104
77
81
15
16
29
Capt. Davidson, Up River
71
129
74
104
12
9'
5
Capt. McCrary's,
85
123
77
98
10
10
9
Snow and Rocky Creeks,
27
47
34
33
1
1
2
A letter from William McBride, Esq., directed to the Chairman and gen- tlemen of the Committee in Rowan County, being read, ordered that the letter lie on the table for consideration one hour. On motion,
Resolved, That when a creditor makes it appear on oath that he hath, by advertising or otherwise, given sufficient notice to his debtor or debtors for all sums under five pounds, to come in and make payment, or give sufficient security for the same ; and it appearing that the debtor or debtors refusing or neglecting to comply, it is the opinion of this Committee that it will be sufficient evidence to give leave to bring suits.
The order of the day being read for taking into consideration Mr. McBride's letter,
Resolved, That Mr. Locke, by letter addressed to him and the people up the river, inform them of the proceedings of last Provincial Congress.
Pursuant to order of last Committee, Samuel Lowrie appeared.
Resolved, That he have till the first Tuesday in next month to determine on his political sentiments relative to American freedom, and that he appear before the Committee at that time.
, Resolved, That it be recommended to the several militia companies who have not yet cordially embodied themselves and chosen officers, to adhere as near as may be to the districts prescribed by last court-martial.
Resolved, That the several militia companies in this county be sufficiently notified by their old officers when there has been no election, and by their new ones when they are appointed, to meet some day before the next Com- mittee to sign this test, appointed by Congress, and all persons neglecting or refusing to sign the test aforesaid shall be noticed by one of the officers to appear before the said Committee to show cause for such refusal or neglect, and return the test signed to committee.
A petition signed by twenty-two members of the South Division, of Captain Berkley's Company, praying a new election of officers, being proposed and read,
Resolved, That the prayer of said petition be granted.
On motion, Resolved, That the Secretary of this Committee provide paper, write certificates (leaving a blank for the date and bearer's name), for such friends of liberty who may apply for the same; affix the Committee's seal thereto and distribute a sufficient number amongst Samuel Young, John Bre- vard, John Purviance, Matthew Locke, Charles McDowell, James Smith, Christopher -Beekman, Hugh Montgomery, John Archibald, who shall be ac-
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371
ROWAN COUNTY.
countable to the Secretary for the sum of eight pence for each certificate, otherwise return the same, which is the sum allowed the Secretary for said service.
Resolved, That Messrs. Samuel Young, John Archibald, John Montgomery, Jonathan Hunt, Robert King, Matthew Locke, Samuel Reed, James Smith and William Sharpe, shall attend at Mr. Jonathan Hunt's, on Tuesday, the last instant, to confer with the inhabitants of the Forks of the Yadkin, on the subject of American freedom.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee, by letter addressed to the several Committees of Petersborough, Cambletown, Cheraw, Georgetown, Camden, and Charlestown, desiring them by no means to purchase any sort of produce, or other articles, nor sell any manner of article, or necessary to any person or persons, from the county of Rowan, unless they first produce a certificate signed by the Secretary, and impressed with the seal of the Com- mittee in said county.
Resolved, That Mr. Samuel Young have leave to bring suit against James Fitzpatrick, debt above five pounds.
The Committee adjourned till Tuesday, 7th of next month. Minutes read and signed by order of Committee.
SAMUEL YOUNG, Chairman.
WILLIAM SHARPE, Secretary.
The Committee of the County of Rowan met 7th of Nov., 1775, according to adjournment. Present,
Mr. Samuel Young, Ch'n, John Brevard,
John Archibald,
Griffith Rutherford, John Loss,
Robert King,
Jonathan Hunt,
Matthew Locke,
William Moore,
David Smith, John Lewis Beard,
Samuel Reed,
James Smith,
Hugh Montgomery,
John Purviance,
Josiah Rouncifer, William Sharpe,
Alexander Dobbins.
John Dickey,
Robert Moore,
Pursuant to resolve of last Committee, a number of Captain James Smith's Company being cited appeared, three of whom signed the test. Ordered that the remainder have till to-morrow morning to consider of the matter.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning, eight o'clock.
Wednesday, Nov. 8th, 1775.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
James Hemphill has leave to bring suit against Francis Bishop, debt under five pounds. James Hamilton has leave to bring suit against Thomas Bailie for assault and battery.
Resolved, That Mr. Joseph Hughes be admitted to the same privileges as those who sign the test, on account of some extraordinary circumstances attending him.
Resolved, That all suits now depending in the Inferior Court, in the County of Rowan, ought to be tried as soon as possible ; but no execution issue with- out leave.
Resolved, That any three members of this Committee may give leave to creditors to bring suits and issue orders, to detain the bodies or goods of such as are about to remove out of the county, in the same manner as this Com- mittee could do when constituted. And any three members proceeding as aforesaid, shall make due return in writing to the next ensuing Committee.
Robert Wilson has leave to bring suit against William Martin, for debt under five pounds. William Denham, agreeable to citation, appeared before the bar of this Committee, to render an account of his political sentiments relative to American freedom. Ordered that he have till to-morrow morning, at eight o'clock, to consider of the matter, and that he then appear before the Committee. Mr. James Smith, Chairman of the Committee appointed to set at Colonel Hunt's the last of last month,
Reports, That either through disaffection to American measures, or want
372
HISTORY OF NORTH CAROLINA.
0
of notice or neglect, the people failed to appear, whereby the design of your Committee is prostrated.
Resolved, That Mr. John Brevard, John Dickey, Moses Winsley and Hugh Brevard, or any three of them, attend at Captain William Davidson's, on the 20th instant, to see that the company of minute men, whom he has enlisted, are embodied, and able effective men, and make report to the next Committee.
Resolved, That Mr. Thomas McGuire raise a sufficient guard of men, and compel the appearance of Alexander Allison and John Hall, before this Com- mittee, at next session, to render an account of their political sentiments rela- tive to American freedom.
Whereas, William Spurgeon and Matthias Sassinfield continue incorrigible enemies to American measures for the defence of their freedom-
Therefore resolved, That Colonel Martin dispatch two officers, with a suffi- cient number of soldiers, and take the bodies of the said Spurgeon and Sassin- field, and them or either of them bring before this session of Committee, or otherwise have them confined in the common gaol in this county, until the next sitting of the same. Jacob Beck being brought to the bar of this Com- mittee to give an account of his political sentiments, ordered that he have till to-morrow morning to consider the matter, and Captain David Smith is security for his appearance.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock.
Tuesday, Nov. 9th, 1775.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
Dennis Burgin has leave to take possession of a sufficient quantity of the goods of Thomas Bidwell (who has absented himself from this county), as security for a debt under twenty pounds.
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that it was not the design of the Provincial Congress to restrain plaintiffs from bringing suits for tres- pass with force and arms, assaults, batteries, slanders, and such like torts and injuries, or compel the plaintiff, in such cases, to make previous application to the Committee. We do therefore allow such suits to be commenced and proceeded upon as far as judgment without such application.
Resolved, That John Bones be appointed door-keeper for this Committee, and that he be paid by the members thereof three shillings per day.
Ordered, that Colonel Adlai Osborne deliver to Colonel Martin, a quarter cask of gunpowder, and fifty pounds of lead, out of the public magazine of this county, and take a receipt for the same in behalf of this Committee.
Resolved, That Captain David Smith have leave to absent himself from this Committee, and take and bring back the body of Jacob Beck, who failed to appear agreeable to the order of the day.
Ordered, that Col. Adlai Osborne deliver Captain David Smith one pound of powder and two pounds of lead, out of the magazine, and take his receipt.
Resolved, That Captain Dickson's company choose proper officers, and return their names to next Committee for approbation, and the company be subjected to the officers so elected.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this committee, by letter addressed to Col. Andrew Hunt, James Bryans, Jr., and John Johnston, directing them to adver- tise all'the friends of American Liberty in the forks of Yadkin, to meet at John Johnston's on the last Friday of this month, to elect proper officers for one or more militia companies; and that it be recommended to Col. Ruther- ford to attend at the same time, to render all the friendly services in his power to obtain so desirable an end.
Resolved, That Mr. Moses Winsley take into his possession the gunpowder and other ammunition in the hands of John Work, and give him an obliga- tion in behalf of this Committee, for the payment of the same at the price. directed by Congress. And this Committee does obligate themselves to in- demnify Mr. Winsley for the same.
Resolved, That Colonel Rutherford, Matthew Locke, Maxwell Chambers, Matthew Troy, Samuel Young, James Smith, and William Nisbett, be a
373
ROWAN COUNTY.
Committee of Secrecy, Intelligence, and Observation for the County of Rowan and Town of Salisbury.
A letter from Benjamin Booth Boote, dated Charlestown, October 31, 1775, directed to this Committee, purporting that the General Committee of Charles- town has offered to release the said B. Booth Boote and John Dunn, Esq., on condition that the said Boote and Dunn would promise to observe a strict neutrality with respect to the common cause, and also indemnify the persons most active in sending the said Boote and Dunn into South Carolina ; and further purporting that said Boote and Dunn would not agree to the latter condition : Also, desiring this Committee to make provision for his family in case he is not released-
Resolved, That it is the opinion of this Committee, that the resolve of the Provincial Congress, communicated to the Committee of Intelligence of South Carolina, respecting said B. Booth Boote, should be observed. That the con- dition mentioned in said Boote's letter is unnecessary, since this Committee consider the honor not only of this county, but the Province engaged to in- demnify those who conveyed the said Boote out of the Province.
Resolved, That the said Boote's family be provided for at the discretion of the Town Committee of Salisbury.
Ordered, that the Secretary of this Committee certify a copy of the afore- . said letter and order thereon, and direct the same to the General Committee in Charlestown.
A letter from the Hon. Alexander McCulloh, Esq., dated Halifax County, September 28th, 1775, directed to the Chairman of this Committee, express- ing the most generous sentiments in support of American freedom, and defending himself against a charge of undue influence on the minds and conduct of Messrs. Frohock and Kerr, being read-
Resolved, That this Committee entertain the most grateful sense of the kindness of the author of so friendly and spirited a performance, and esteems Messrs. Frohock and Kerr nothing the less on account of the calumny of wicked and designing persons.
The Committee adjourned till to-morrow morning, nine o'clock. .
Friday, Nov. 10th, 1775.
The Committee met according to adjournment.
Ordered, that Charles Purviance have leave to bring suit against John Olyphant ; debt under £5.
Resolved, That this Committee will be accountable to Mr. Troy for twenty pounds of lead at 10d., bought by Mr. Osborne in behalf of this Committee.
Whereas, by virtue of sundry executions, the Sheriff has executed goods before the returns to November Term, and the same still remain unsold-
Resolved, That the Clerk have leave to issue orders of sale, that the Sheriff may sell such goods as were under execution before said term.
Ordered, that Nathaniel Tenpenny have leave to get execution against Henry Sibley, Hermon Butner, and Isaac Enocks.
Captain David Smith returned with the body of Jacob Beck before this Committee ; from his notorious contempt of this Committee and opposition to American measures-
Resolved, That he be immediately committed to gaol, and that the Secretary draw and sign his mittimus in the name of this Committee.
Resolved, That Samuel Wilson and Samuel Hoblis have leave to take into their possession a sufficient quantity of the effects of John Chambers, if to be found in this county, as security for a debt of £2 18s.
Ordered, that Joseph Irvin have leave to obtain a summons from a magis- trate, to cause German Baxter to appear and make oath what part of the estate of Joshua Todd (who is out of the county) is in his possession; and Joseph Irvin may take the same into his possession as security for a debt of ten pounds.
Ordered, that Joseph Irvin have leave to bring suit against the adminis- trators on the estate of Robert Luckie, deceased, for a debt of £5 6s. 3d.
Resolved, That the Chairman of this Committee, by letter addressed to the Committee of Brunswick, Wilmington, and Cross Creek, recommending to them to use every endeavor to prevent every person from this, or the neigh-
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