British Stamps in Brunswick
Early in the year 1766 the sloop-of-war Diligence arrived in the Cape Fear River, having on board stamp paper for the use of the province. The first appearance and approach of the vessel had been closely observed on the Cape Fear River and when it anchored in front of the town of Brunswick, Colonel John Ashe, of the county of New Hanover and Col. Hugh Waddell of the county of Brunswick, marched at the head of a march to resist the landing of the stamps. They seized one of the boats of the sloop, hoisted it on a cart, fixed a mast in her, mounted a flag, and afterwards marched triumphly to Wilmington. The inhabitants all joined in the procession, and at night the town was illuminated. On the next day, Colonel Ashe and his great concourse of people proceeded to the home of the Governor and demanded for him to desist all attempts to execute the Stamp Act. Also, they demanded that he produce James Houston, a member of the Council, who had been appointed Stamp Master for the Province. At first, the Governor refused to comply with the demand. But as the crowd of people began making preparations to set fire to his house, the haughty representative of kingly power yielded. The Governor then reluctantly produced Houston, who was seized by the people, carried to the market house, and there compelled to take a solemn oath never to perform the duties of his office. After this he was released and escorted to the Palace of the Governor. The people gave three cheers and quietly dispersed.Index to North Carolina Wills and Estates
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