USA > North Carolina > The state records of North Carolina, Vol XV > Part 52
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Now sir, to let you see I would not act upon any affair of impor- tance without reason and some good authority, I will in the first place make it appear that I have lately got acquainted with your family and its arms, and secondly that I understand something of heraldry.
As to your Family you know in the year 1066 two brothers, viz. Serlo and John de Burgo or Burke sons of one Eustice, a Norman attended the conqueror into Britain who for their services in the Conquest, gave them several Manores in the County of York, where Serlo built the Castle of Knaresborough, which stands to this day ; he dies without Issue, and is Succeeded by John his brother, who for the loss of one eye, was called Monoculus. John Marries a Norman Lady Nam'd Beatrice de Vessey of a very extensive fortune, being sole heiress to her father Pvo : they had Issue two sons, James Lord of Knaresborough-the other Nam'd Richard the Red. Richd has Issue Walter, who had Issue three sons, Namely, Haburt, Jeffrey, and William ; Hoburt (whose transactions are mention's in Smollett's History of Eng. 2 Vol.) was Earl of Kent and Chi. J. of Eng. Jeffrey was Bishop of Ely, and Willm, Sirnam'd de Adelmel, was sent into Ireland by Henry 2, who confer'd upon him the greatest part of the province of Connaught. We have no account of the descendants of that part of the family Which remain's in Britain, and not one Notable or even obscure family of that Name Appears now adays to Exist as natives of the Island. We must now conclude that these died without Issue ; for having vast Estates in Britain, we can't Suppose that they left them, and transported themselves to Ireland to share the Acquisitions of William, and consequently the Various branches of the name in various condi- tions of fortune in Ireland must be the descendants of the Said William.
However this may be, their Arms were always the same, Until the third year of Charles first 1627, when a branch of the house of Clanrichard was Creat'd Viscount Mayo, and the Arms to be Wore, by his branch, were somewhat alterd, to establish a difference be- tween those of the Earl and Viscount. In our conversation at
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Onancock you told me that your father's Estate descended lineally from the time Henry the Second, which proves beyond Contradic- tion that in a proximate degree you are related to that house. Admitting you were an utter Stranger & lost among the Multipli- city of branches in such a manner as you Could not run down your own particular branch to the common Stock, which is not your Case, (but whether it is not mine is more than I know, for from the want of the Spirit of enquiry into my Original in my youth, which seems natural to a more advanced age, all I know is this, that My grand- father came from Connaught, & being an officer under James the Secnd. & the Army breaking up after the treaty of Limerick, he in 1693 Settled in the County of Kilkenny by taking a Long lease from Wandeford Ld. Castlecomber, which determind in my rem'brance in the possession of my father's elder brother.) If you know nothing, I say, of your regular descent, yet your Arms are the same * with the Earl of Clanrichard, except those differences peculiar to him as a Nobleman, which none but his heir apparent (not even his second son) can wear. You will perhaps ask how comes it to pass that the arms of a nobleman can be said to be the same with those of a private gentleman? I answer, that to establish a distinction between · private gentleman, persons enobled and Royal Families of the same family, the Arms of Gentlemen, Esquires, Knights and Barronetts, are blazon'd with tinctures, Viz. Metals, Coulours & furs &c. those of Barons, Viscounts, Earls, marquesses, and dukes, by precious Stones, as Topas, pearl &c. & Emperors and Kings by planets, as Sol, Luna &c. In ranging their armies in the field of war, when Armorial Standards were first introduced by their ancestors, these differences being observ'd, in depicting the Standard of each family on each man's Shield, or embroidering it on their banners or pen- nons, the better to be known at a distance from each other, in order to inspire them with martial bravery and courage to distinguish themselves thro' all their respective tribes and clans. This, I say being observ'd was a material & sufficient difference.
As I know your great aversion to any thing that savours of dul- ness or prolixity, I must think, that by this time you are tired
*According to this maxim in Heraldry; "it is Lawful for any person, of any house or Family, to wear his Arms with Proper distinctions &c." McKensey on Heraldry, which would be a good plea in Bar in Trespass.
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enough of all this Stuff. You will, I hope excuse me sir when I assure you I greet you to all this trouble as a Satisfaction that you may use these as your Arms, and also to Manifest (tho', except I tell you so, it is out of my power) my warm affections and love for you. I am sensible, Mr. Burke, of the great improvement I had from my commerce with you : and knowing how much I would be a gainer by receiving your instructive letters, I desire nothing more ardently than to be honor'd by them when your time permits, and alway merit your esteem and notice. You mentiond in your letter to me that you receiv'd only one letter. I sent you two, whether they arriv'd I cannot tell; and for the future I shall be more troublesome by my letters. Since I saw you, I have Enjoy'd health of body & of mind. I Read with the greatest application, but the common Law takes up the most of my time ; besides the History of England, several treatises on government, Trade &c., I have lately read Dr. Keating's History of Ireland, which is very entertaining, and pleases me much in his accounts of the Antiquity, invincible bravery, benevolence and humanity which distinguish'd the Native Irish, whilst, that unhappy Country was govern'd by her own Laws, and enjoy'd freedom ; tho' from the Scandelous partiality of the English, they are unjustly characterized for Savageness, Cruelty and barbarism, a character void of every foundation except that Instance of the rebellion in Car. I. Reign, which was dictated by a Spirit of freedom and independence that inspired the unfortunate old nobility to reinstate themselves in their Anscient privileges & Liberty ; and as to the circumstances of Cruelty that appear'd, when we reflect on the resolution of the puritans, to give all the Papists to the Sword ; just before the Rebeln., the tide of fanaticism and bigotry that overflow'd the three kingdoms at that time, with many other reasons, laying aside Religion, the impartial will cease to wonder. Having heated my Imagination with the achievements of this once brave people from some unaccountable vanity, I was mortified to think myself originally of foreign descent, until I found that both my father and mother ex materna parte, were of the old Milesian race. Reading the public paper yesterday, I to my great satisfaction, found you were qualified as a notary Public. I with pleasure congratulate you on it, and assure you I cant express my joy.
You will excuse Sir I hope the Enormous Size of my letter, &
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be Assur'd that I am with the greatest respect and Esteem your affectionate.
EDANUS BURKE.
It may be observ'd that the Strokes drawn from top to bottom in the Cross in the Arms, denote a red colour or in Heraldry, Gules, accordingly the Cross must be red when you paint your Arms on your Chariott or Chair. The little points, in the field or charge, denote a yellow colour which must be also obsery'd as aforesaid. The Lion must be black and the Car on the Crest, must be white. Pray send me word whether you like the Arms,or are satisfied they are yours, as I don't pretend to infallibility, yet I am as convinced of these being your's as if I really knew so. If you are pleas'd with 'em, and are willing to have your Arms pasted on the front of all your books, which is usual with most Gentlemen that have or know their Armour, And you will, as soon as this arrives, send me word & proof, I will have your Arms engrav'd on Copper-plate by an engraver living in Fredericksburgh who serv'd his time in London, a man of genius and design, in his business ; After it is finished, I will send it to you by a Sure hand, or rather to Mr. Bind, where you can have it ; Mr. Bind has no Rolling press for copper-plate- work but you may send the piece by a Vessel from Town, to Phila- delphia where in Third street, you can have any number of pieces struck off for one Shilling a hundred. Several gentlemen in this Neighborhood have done so; the expence in Philadelphia for the number you may want (which will be perhaps 2000) is 20s. and as for the Copper plate done here, I will make you a present of it. I shall conclude with telling you that My letter being so fraught with impertinence, inaccuracies, and digressions, I don't expect any Answer to this particular letter, except that I above mention'd.
1769.
THE DESCRIPTION OF THE ARMS.
The field. Or. Cross-Gules, in the dexter canton, a Lion Ram - pant, Sable.
Crest. A wreath, a cat & mountain. Proper.
Motto. Un Proy, Une foy, Une Loy.
.
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STATE RECORDS.
WM. HILL TO MR. SAML. JOHNSON.
PORT BRUNSWICK, Nov. 28th, 1773.
DEAR SIR :
The want of a proper opportunity prevented me from sending you the half yearly amount of the emoluments of the Naval Office of this Port, at the usual time ; but I hope the increase of fees, in an annual return herewith inclosed, will prove satisfactory, and in- duce you to overlook my tardiness. I have the pleasure to inclose to you Mr. Quince's bill on Lane, Son & Frazer, of London, for one hundred and thirty pounds Sterling (properly indorsed) which at 80 pr. ct. exchange exceeds your proportion of fees 24/6 prvc. money, & this will be to your debit in our next account.
WM. HILL.
Sent by Mr. Dry to Mr. Johnson at Newbern.
N. B. Mr. Johnson was Naval Officer of N. C. vid Lett. B.
J. HEWES TO
January 7th, 1775.
POSTSCRIPT :
Since writing the foregoing several Vessels have arrived from the foreign Islands and brought in Seven Tons of powder. The master of one of them informs me that he left a Number of Vessels all waiting for the same Article. That they were assured one hundred & Fifty Tons were hourly expected at those Islands which had been sent for to Supply the injured Americans. Another Vessel is Just arrived in the River from Old France with near Sixty Tons of Salt Petre on board. A letter from Genl. Montgomery of the 6th of Decem., informs us he had sat down before Quebec and was in hopes he should be in possession of it in a few days.
I am Sir, &c .. J. H.
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STATE RECORDS.
WM. HILL TO SAML. JOHNSON, ESQ.
PORT BRUNSWICK, Nov. 16th, 1775.
DR. SIR :
You will herewith receive an acct. of the fees taken in the Naval Office here from the 8th of Nov. '74, to 3rd Nov. 1775, amounting in the whole to three hundred and twenty one pounds & twelve shillings prve. ; & after deducting my com. at 25 pr. ct. there is a ballance due you of two hundred & forty one pounds 4/ which I now enclose you with Mr. F. Nash's receipt for the same.
I wrote you a few days ago by Col. Howe acquainting you with your suspension from the Naval Office & of Mr. Neilson's appoint- ment to it, which in the present stagnation of commerce must be advantageous if not agreeable to you.
I am Sir with esteem, your most humble servant, W. HILL.
Dec. 15th. The above letter with its accompaniment (the cash) was intended to have been sent a month ago, as you may perceive by its date ; but no good conveyance has offered since except by Mr. Harnett yesterday. I hope it will now be acceptable to Col. Nash. I am Sir yours as above. WM. HILL.
(From W. Hill Letter Book in my possession .- G. McRee.)
HALIFAX, IN COMMITTEE OF SAF'TY, NOV'r 28th, 1775. Ordered that Major Jethro Sumner raise what minute men and volunteers he can and follow Col. Long with the utmost despatch. A. Copy. By order,
OROOND'S DAVIS, Clk.
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STATE RECORDS.
STATE OF NORTH CAROLINA,
AT A COURT HELD AT KINGSTON, 1ST DEC., 1776.
President.
The Honorable Joseph Leach, Robert Bignall, John Simpson, William Bryan
Esqrs. Members.
The Gov. informed the Board that heretofore a considerable num- ber of the soldiers who were sent to the aid of South Carolina against the common enemy, had been by the Continental officers suffered to leave their respective regiments and enlist in the States of South Carolina and Georgia, whereby this State has been much damaged not only in the bounty advanced to such soldiers, but also in mak- ing up her quota of men in the Continental service.
The Board taking the same into consideration,
Resolved, That the Governor be advised to direct the com- manding officer of the troops, now marching from this State to the aid of South Carolina and Georgia, not to suffer any militia soldier, under his command, to enlist whilst on the present expedition, in any Continental Battalion not in this State, nor in such as were raised here, so as to leave the militia service until the present expe- dition is over, without the express leave of the legislative or execu- tive power of this State:
Resolved, That the Governor be advised to direct the command- ing officer now going to the aid of South Carolina and Georgia to continne his militia in the service of said States, agreeable to a re- solve of Congress, from five months from the tenth day of Novem- ber last, the time they were directed to assemble, unless they shall be sooner discharged by the officer commanding in the department. And that it be understood the said militia shall be continued in actual service unless discharged as aforesaid, until the tenth day of April next when they shall be allowed to return, and obtain pay for a reasonable time, to march to their respective homes.
A true copy.
JOHN LOWRY, Dep't Secr'y.
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STATE RECORDS.
) TO COL. RICHARD RICHARDSON. (
SALISBURY, 3d Dec, 1775.
SIR :
Various flying Reports and imperfect Accts. from your Province informs us that your Affairs wear a very Serious Aspect. I pro- cured to be dispatched an Express from this Place to you last Tues- day in Order to gain Intelligence And to inform you of our Chear- fulness in the American Cause, and our Readiness to assist you, from this District of N. Carolina. Somewhere about 500 of our Men were then on their March towards 96. My Express was stopt by Col. Polk & Col. Martin & sent back with a Request to Col. Ruther- ford, of Rowan to raise new Recruits and follow them.
Col. Rutherford has Since exerted himself and expects that on Monday next he will be on his March at the Head of 2 or 300 Men.
The Provincial Council chosen by the Congress of this Province will meet at Johnston Court House on the 17th Instant. Being a Member of that Board, I have tho't it expedient and have prevailed upon Mr. Thomas Craig to wait upon you, and to bring whatever Intelligence you shall think proper to communicate to us. Mr. Craig will return before the 17th and lay the same before us in Council.
Mr. Craig has exerted himself as a Warm Friend to the Liberties of America. He hath been employed as a Sub-Clerk of the Con- gress and of the Council and I am well assured of his Fidelity.
Wishing you Success in your Measures to support the Liberties of America & inforce, establish Peace & good Order in your Province,
I am most Sincerely, your Friend & Obt. Servt.,
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STATE RECORDS.
GOV. R. CASWELL TO WILLIAM CASWELL.
-
DOBBS, NEWINGTON, 8th February, 1776.
MY DEAR SON :
Your letter of the 24th of January, I this moment received and rejoice to hear of yours and Mr. Herritage's health, tho' Lowly. Men in your Situation are often so & when you Consider the great Cause you are engaged in, You will, I flatter myself. think your Sufferings from those small Vermin not worth Notice. However, if it is in my power to send you Shirts I will most Chearfully do it or any thing else within the Compass of my power. I did not doubt but you had Carried all the Clothes you had at Newbern with you or I would have prevailed on Capt. Bright to have Carried you two or three Shirts. He set out from hence about the Middle of Janu- ary. What was gone with him when you wrote, God knows. I am sure he had Time to have been with you. I had mentioned my in- tention of going with him to Virginia, but my Leg was, when he set out, in such a State Occasioned by the Kick of a Horse that I could not Venture to Travel so far. It is not quite well yet, but I hope soon will be. I am persuaded the Troops will soon return to this province, as I understand the Committee have requested it. But if that should not be the case, you no doubt will be able to Ob- tain leave to come home if it is but for a few days, but lest neither of these things should happen, I will, the first Opportunity I have, send your Horse to the Camp. When you get to Suffolk you will have frequent Opportunities of Writing to me, and if I find you are like to make any Stay there I will procure some Letters from Mr. Miller to his Friends there in your Favor. If other Officers are dis- satisfied with the Service it is no rule you should. I hope my Dear Child, the Virtuous cause you are engaged in and the hope you have of giving the little Assistance in your power to the relief of your Country, and as far as your power extends, will Stimulate you to put up with Hardships, Fatigues & inconveniences which others may shudder at, to ward off that Slavery which is Attempted to put the present, as well as the future, generation under in this once happy Land. Don't mistake me when I say the dissatisfaction of others ought not to be a rule for you, nor think that I would wish you to be one Moment in a Service your own Conscience does Not
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STATE RECORDS.
tell you it is your duty to Attend and even Sacrifice that life which I have been an instrument in the Hands of your Maker of giving you. You know I would not wish you to remain a day longer from me or those of your Family to whom you are very dear if I did not think your own, mine & Our Country's Honor & Welfare required it.
Let Virtue, Honor & Prudence conduct you. If I never have the Pleasure of Seeing you again in this World, my prayers shall be daily made to the Almighty disposer of all things to Bless you in the next. I am here (without any of the White people of my Fam- ily except your little Brother Jack) preparing the Houses to Ac- commodate your Mother & Children, who I hope will be all here before the end of this Month. They all Express a great desire to see you & were well three days ago, as was your Grand Mother, Aunt & Couzen & all Friends.
I wrote Mr. Herritage by Capt. Bright, or at least mentioned in your Letter the Complaint, both of Mr. Kellow & his people. I yet think He ought to give directions to some person what to do at Harrow.
We have nothing scarce worth mentioning to you as News here. Three privateers are Fiting out ; one at Wilmington, one at New- bern & the other at Edenton. That at Edenton will soon be fit for the Seas. The Troops on the Continental establishment are to be augmented to 1,500 ; each Company is to have 75 privates, 4 Ser- geants, 4 Corporals & 2 Lieuts, so that 'tis probable that you may be a Lieut. Cloths are to be Purchased for the Soldiers & the price deducted out of their pay. I am to Purchase for the Newbern De- tachment & to procure Cartridge Boxes, but without a return of such as want them, 'twill not be in my power. I reced. a Letter a few days ago from Mr. Robert Smith of Edenton ; it had been long on its passage, informing me that he was going to Norfolk to pay - off the Edenton men and said he expected.the Newbern Men would apply to him for Money as they and the officers had all Complained they had received no Pay. Surely those Gentlemen would not be- have in that manner. They were all paid up to the latter end of October, and had £200 beside when they went away from Newbern for each Company which was as much as they Chose to take, and ev- ery Capt. received some Money from Mr. Johnston at Edenton. This being the case, if they expressed themselves as above it was by no
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STATE RECORDS.
means treating me in the manner I should have expected. I have made this letter longer than I intended, and yet do not know how it is to go to you, but send it to Col. Salter. Remember me to John Herritage and all Friends.
With hopes of seeing you Mon, I Conclude, Your ever affectionate Father, R. CASWELL.
TRYON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, 29th March, 1776.
Personally appeared Before me the Subscriber one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for Said County, James. Henderson. and Made Oath that about the End of November he happened to be at a Meet- ing at the House of Robt. Alexander when the Said Alexander as a Captn. desired of his men to go out into South Carolina to the As- sistance of Coln. Richardson against the Insurgents against Ameri- can Liberty there, When Wm. Moore, Esqr., Came in Company & did all he Could to Dissuade the People from Going and told then that they had no Surety for their Pay, and when he was told that Coln. Graham would be Obliged to be Surety for their pay, he Re- plyed that Coln. Graham was no Coln. and that they had no right to Give Commissions that Gave him his Commission ; and that there was no Regular Congress held at Hillsborough, but that they were a Pack of Rogues and Ruining the Country, and likewise told the People who would have Enlisted as minute men that he Could not See how they would Come at their Pay as there was no Regular Com- mittee of Congress, and thereby prevented the People from Enlist- ing and also in talking Said that Coln. Martin was a Rogue and a Fool and Ruining the County by Virtue of his present Proceedings as a Coln, for Liberty and told the People that if they took none of the Publick Money they would have none of it to pay.
JAMES HENDERSON.
Sworn and Subscribed before Me this 29th of March, 1776.
DAVID JENKINS, J. P.
At the Same time Came James Coburn and made Oath according
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to Law that he was Present when Wm. Moore Expressed himself as is Within Mentioned and Saith upon his Oath that he heard him Express himself in the Same Manner as he is Charged Within in Every Particular Except that wherein it Mentions that the People Said that Coln. Graham would be Surety for men's Pay.
JAMES COBURN.
Sworn and Subscribed by said Coburn Before me at the Same time of the Other Oath was taken Within.
DAVID JENKINS, J. P.
.
TRYON COUNTY, NORTH CAROLINA, March 30th, 1776.
Personally appeared before me the subscribers one of his Maj- esty's Justices of the Peace for said County, Arthur Graham, & made Oath that in November Last Col. Wade appointed him to Recruit or inlist a Company of Minute Men in the County aforesaid and that he applyed to James Coburn to assist him as the said Coburn Appeared to be a true friend to the Cause and well acquainted with the people and that Coburn informed Graham that if William Moore had not Discouraged the People it appeared as they Could have made out a full Company. As the Company Could not be made out said Graham the first Opportunity writ to Col. Waide and Os- burn that they might apply for the Company Else where, also that Moore might be taken Care of some time. After said Graham fell in Discourse with Capt. Alexander and he informed .Graham that Col. Osburn & Col. Martin had examined about Moore's Crimes and that Moore had no need to blame him for making a Discovery on him for he had favored Moore, but he knew worse on him than they enquired of him. Graham begun to upbraid Alexander for not telling the truth. He told Graham he was not oblidged, as he was not on his Oath. Graham Doubted as he had writ Alexander could be an evidence, he had put them past taking Care of Moore by keep-
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ing secret on him. Said Graham also Did apply to Alexander to take Care of Moore but could not prevail. Next he sent to the Com- mittee of the County, as Graham was informed they sent him word to meet a few Days after at Capt Hamright's with the evidences, as they had appointed seven of the Committee to enquire into the truth of the Charges as Graham let them know in his petition they need not Dispute the Truth of his Crimes if they brought Alexander and some others to their Oath, Graham and they Evidence waited on them, but as it appeared to Graham no evidence was troubled ; after the Committeemen met they went up to the Loft, and also Moore, said Graham was informed that as Coln. Graham and Alex- ander was with them as they appeared to take Moore's part they would smother Moore's Crimes and for Graham to go up. Graham went up and Moore was setting with them. They appointed Wil- liam Alston for Commissary ; after having their Resolved made and signed, they Read it, Moore being sitting with them, one of them moved he was an older Settler and might as well have the Commis- sary place. Graham hearing Moore proposed for Commissary, came forward towards Col. Graham as he sat as Chairman and enquired if Moore had acknowledged to the Charges laid in against him and satisfyed the Committee. He Give him little or no satisfaction but Signifyed they was in two much hurry to mind about Moore's Charges, and after a little put him in Commissary. Maiger Mc- Clain would not agree to let him go in Commissary until he would signe a few lines which was produced ; said Graham supposed the lines might be the test.
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