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174 Voted, that the general treasurer get the colony house repaired, and refitted where needful ; and the charges to be paid out of the general treasury. Voted, that Mr. Daniel Updike, the attorney general, be, and he hereby is ordered, appointed and empowered to gather in the money due to this colony, for the importation of negroes, and to prosecute, sue and implead such person or persons as shall refuse to pay the same ; and that he be allowed five shillings per head, for every slave that shall be hereafter imported into this colony, out of the impost money ; and that he be also allowed ten per cent, more for all such money as he shall recover of the outstanding debts ; and in all respects to have the like power as was given to the naval officer by the former act.

This Assembly is adjourned to the second Tuesday of September next ensuing.

God save the King.



63. The Dissolution of an Assembly (1736/7) BY GOVERNOR GABRIEL JOHNSTON

WAS obliged to prorogue last Assembly at Edenton which at first promised very fair to settle this Country by enacting some good Laws. But an Emissary from the late Governour who arrived here during their sitting did amuse them with so many representations that it was impossible to do business with them, according to the last prorogation I met them here on the first current and recommended to their consideration the present miserable case of the Province. But instead of mending that the first thing they attempted was to take the Officers who distrained for his Majesty's Quit Rents during the time of Collection into Custody upon which I dissolved them by the enclosed proclamation. I hope Sir you will be so good as to say before their Lordships what I have now wrote to you in a very great hurry, But as the affair is pressing I hope you will excuse any oversight. I am Sir, yours, &c., GAB: JOHNSTON Newbern March 11th 173