Font Size: AAA
Primary Documents
Showing results: 1 to 9 out of 9
An Address to the Freemen of North Carolina (Publicola) Encyclopedia
During the ratification debates, many Federalists and Antifederalists assumed pseudonyms when writing essays supporting or opposing the U.S. Constitution’s adoption. Under the penname
Publicola (meaning friend of the people), Archibald Maclaine of Wilmington, a Federalist, printed a reply to George Mason’s objections to the Constitution. It appeared in installments in the
New Bern State Gazette on March 20 and March 27, 1789.
read more »
Timothy Bloodworth to John Lamb (June 23, 1789) Encyclopedia
Antifederalist
Timothy Bloodworth's letters are scarce. Most of what we know is from what his contemporaries remarked and from his comments during the ratification debates. In this letter, Bloodworth expresses his concern regarding the Constitution, comments on politics in New York and Virginia, describes public opinion in North Carolina regarding the Constitution, and calls for a committee to explore amendments.
read more »
Timothy Bloodworth to John Lamb (July 1, 1789) Encyclopedia
Antifederalist
Timothy Bloodworth's letters are scarce. Most of what we know is from what his contemporaries remarked and from his comments during the ratification debates. In this letter, Bloodworth expresses a deep concern to preserve liberty, discusses what he considers to be dangers inherent in the U.S. Constitution, and suggests political strategy.
read more »
Fayetteville Observer Encyclopedia
The Fayetteville Observer is one of North Carolina’s oldest and largest independent newspapers.
read more »
Archibald Maclaine (1728-1790) Encyclopedia
An influential supporter of the ratification of the U.S. Constitution, Archibald Maclaine may have been even more influential if not for his defense of Tories within the state. One of the original trustees of the University of North Carolina, Maclaine was known for his belief in the law and order and for his willingness to stand in the minority for issues he supported.
read more »
NC Postal Censorship Law of 1924 (Grist Law) Encyclopedia
A state legislator named Frank Grist shepherded a law through the state legislature in 1924 which applied state-level penalties to anyone who sold literature in North Carolina which had been banned by the U.S. Post Office Department pursuant to federal law. A magazine published by the famous editor H. L. Mencken potentially ran afoul of this statute, which was on the books until 1971.
read more »
Thomas Person to John Lamb (August 6, 1789) Encyclopedia
Former Regulator, Thomas Person describes his love of Liberty, comments on North Carolina popular opinion regarding the Constitution, suggests political strategy to ensure that amendments are added to the Constitution, and criticizes what he considers to be
Hugh Williamson's aristrocratic ways.
read more »
Richard Caswell Encyclopedia
Richard Caswell was not only one of the first of delegates chosen to represent North Carolina at the first Continental Congress but he was also the first and fifth governor of the Tar Heel State.
read more »
The Great Seal of the State of North Carolina Encyclopedia
North Carolina developed four different state seals during the colonial period and there have been six state seals since North Carolina declared its independence. While the Great Seal changed many times throughout North Carolina history, some variations on symbols have remained and appear on the current Great Seal.
read more »
