Robert Carter writes to Sir Richard Everard, governor of the colony of North Carolina, July 24, 1727, in response to Everard's communication concerning persons accused of piracy apprehended in that colony. Carter informs Everard that he has set a trial date of August 15, 1727, in the vice admiralty court, and that he is sending the court's marshall to North Carolina to bring the prisoners to Williamsburg.

     Your packet Express of the 19th Instant came to me late last night
late upon perusal of the Examinations & Depositions you have been
pleased to Send me Think there can be no doubt but your prisoners have
been guilty of piracy and ought to be Tried as pirates by the Commission
for that purpose under the Great Seal that is lodged in this Government;
Accordingly I have Appointed a Court of Vice Admiralty to be held at the
Capitol in the [illegible] city of Williamsburg on the 15th day of August next
and have directed a precept to William Gordon Gentleman Marshal of the
Said Court forthwith to repair to your Province and to receive into
his Custody all such persons as the Governor for the time being shall
cause to be delivered to him charged with piracy, &C: Your Honor
will please to give the Assistance of your Authority to the Marshal
in directing a proper Guard for the Secure conveying the prisoners
into this Government and also that all the proper Evidence for the
proving the piracy may Appear at the Said Court, on the day of
Trial

      Your Honor: The Governor for the time being of your
Province the chief Justice and the Councillors are named Judges in the Commission
but I hope the method I have taken will give the least uneasiness to
your Honor as well as to Sir,