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Story
January 31, 1777
The Virginia Gazette
Richmond, Williamsburg, Richmond County, Virginia
What is this article about?
On January 14, Governor Richard Caswell arrives in Newbern, NC, greeted with a procession, military salute, cannon fire, and illuminations. Locals present an address congratulating his unanimous election, lauding his virtues; he responds with thanks and commitment to public good. (248 characters)
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NEWBERN, (North Carolina) Jan. 14.
On Friday last his Excellency RICHARD CASWELL, Esq. Governor of this State, arrived here. He was met about six miles from town by about thirty Gentlemen on horseback, who accompanied him to Newbern, the bells ringing as soon as he entered the town. Being conducted to Mr. Edward Wrenford's tavern, where a handsome collation was prepared, he received from the continental officers and soldiers (drawn up for the purpose) a salute with small arms; the fort, Pennsylvania Farmer, and other vessels in the harbour, fired many guns, under a display of the colours of the United States, and in the evening the town was handsomely illuminated.
On Monday the 13th instant the inhabitants of the town assembled, and waited upon his Excellency with the following congratulatory address.
To his Excellency RICHARD CASWELL, Esq; Governor or Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of NORTH CAROLINA.
The ADDRESS of the INHABITANTS of the town of NEWBERN.
May it please your Excellency,
On your unsolicited advancement, by the unanimous suffrages of the representatives of the freemen of this State, to the supreme command of the same, the highest honour a grateful people can bestow.
Uninfluenced by private ambition and sordid interest, you have ever pursued the good of your country. Mankind have been taught, by your example, that the love of liberty, and a steady perseverance in acts of private and public virtue, are the surest ways to preferment, and the best title to the honours of a free State. We have not a doubt, therefore, but that your Excellency's endeavours in your important station will give full satisfaction to the most sanguine expectations of the public.
In this pursuit we hope your Excellency will receive the support and assistance of every lover of liberty and friend to his country; and as the inhabitants of the town of Newbern wish to be distinguished as such, you may depend on our most hearty concurrence, and best endeavours, to make your administration easy to yourself, and happy to the people.
His EXCELLENCY's ANSWER.
To the inhabitants of the town of Newbern.
Gentlemen,
I thank you for the honour done me by the legislature of this State, and your favourable and kind sentiments of my principles and conduct, be pleased to accept my most cordial thanks.
My election to that important office, by the unanimous suffrages of the representatives of a free people, unsolicited by me, I consider as the highest honour I could receive, and shall ever think it my duty to pursue every measure in my power for the benefit and prosperity of this State, and to promote the happiness and safety of its inhabitants; in doing which, if I am so happy as to give satisfaction to the public, my utmost wishes will be answered.
In the course of my administration I shall hope for, and thankfully receive, the support and assistance of every lover of liberty and friend to his country; as such the inhabitants of the town of Newbern have ever distinguished themselves. The respect and civilities I have received from them on former occasions (of which I retain the most grateful sense) together, Gentlemen, with your present assurances, give me the strongest reliance on your concurrence and endeavours to make my administration easy to myself, and happy to the people.
On Friday last his Excellency RICHARD CASWELL, Esq. Governor of this State, arrived here. He was met about six miles from town by about thirty Gentlemen on horseback, who accompanied him to Newbern, the bells ringing as soon as he entered the town. Being conducted to Mr. Edward Wrenford's tavern, where a handsome collation was prepared, he received from the continental officers and soldiers (drawn up for the purpose) a salute with small arms; the fort, Pennsylvania Farmer, and other vessels in the harbour, fired many guns, under a display of the colours of the United States, and in the evening the town was handsomely illuminated.
On Monday the 13th instant the inhabitants of the town assembled, and waited upon his Excellency with the following congratulatory address.
To his Excellency RICHARD CASWELL, Esq; Governor or Captain General and Commander in Chief in and over the State of NORTH CAROLINA.
The ADDRESS of the INHABITANTS of the town of NEWBERN.
May it please your Excellency,
On your unsolicited advancement, by the unanimous suffrages of the representatives of the freemen of this State, to the supreme command of the same, the highest honour a grateful people can bestow.
Uninfluenced by private ambition and sordid interest, you have ever pursued the good of your country. Mankind have been taught, by your example, that the love of liberty, and a steady perseverance in acts of private and public virtue, are the surest ways to preferment, and the best title to the honours of a free State. We have not a doubt, therefore, but that your Excellency's endeavours in your important station will give full satisfaction to the most sanguine expectations of the public.
In this pursuit we hope your Excellency will receive the support and assistance of every lover of liberty and friend to his country; and as the inhabitants of the town of Newbern wish to be distinguished as such, you may depend on our most hearty concurrence, and best endeavours, to make your administration easy to yourself, and happy to the people.
His EXCELLENCY's ANSWER.
To the inhabitants of the town of Newbern.
Gentlemen,
I thank you for the honour done me by the legislature of this State, and your favourable and kind sentiments of my principles and conduct, be pleased to accept my most cordial thanks.
My election to that important office, by the unanimous suffrages of the representatives of a free people, unsolicited by me, I consider as the highest honour I could receive, and shall ever think it my duty to pursue every measure in my power for the benefit and prosperity of this State, and to promote the happiness and safety of its inhabitants; in doing which, if I am so happy as to give satisfaction to the public, my utmost wishes will be answered.
In the course of my administration I shall hope for, and thankfully receive, the support and assistance of every lover of liberty and friend to his country; as such the inhabitants of the town of Newbern have ever distinguished themselves. The respect and civilities I have received from them on former occasions (of which I retain the most grateful sense) together, Gentlemen, with your present assurances, give me the strongest reliance on your concurrence and endeavours to make my administration easy to myself, and happy to the people.
What sub-type of article is it?
Historical Event
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
Moral Virtue
What keywords are associated?
Governor Arrival
Richard Caswell
Newbern Welcome
Congratulatory Address
State Election
What entities or persons were involved?
Richard Caswell
Edward Wrenford
Where did it happen?
Newbern, North Carolina
Story Details
Key Persons
Richard Caswell
Edward Wrenford
Location
Newbern, North Carolina
Event Date
Jan. 14
Story Details
Governor Richard Caswell arrives in Newbern, welcomed by gentlemen on horseback, bells, salute from continental officers and soldiers, guns from vessels, and town illumination. Inhabitants present congratulatory address on his unsolicited election by unanimous suffrages, praising his virtue and commitment to liberty. Governor responds thanking them and pledging to promote the state's prosperity.