Robert Carter writes to William Robertson, the clerk of the Council, July 24, 1727, concerning the governor of North Carolina's letter about prisoners accused of piracy held in that colony, and the necessary preparations for their trial which is to be held in Williamsburg on August 15, 1727. He notes that it may be necessary to hold a Council about that August date to prorogue the Assembly unless the governor has arrived.

     The packquett from the Governr. of North Carolina
and yours came to me last night a little before 10 of the Clock, Your guess
at the Contents is so right that I Almost beleive you had the per --
usal of the Examinations and Depositions if not of the Governors
Letter, I take it to be your Opinion by your proceeding that this is un
doutedley an Act of Piracy and must be Tryed as Such, and In
deed upon perusal ^{reading of} the evidences I cannot See how it can be In
terpreted to be a less Crime ^Otherwise Accordingly I have filled up and Signed
the Warrants I thought it proper to give time Enough, therefore have
Appointed the 15th of next month for holding the Court, As for
the Summons to the Judges I am in some doubt whether there is a
Necessity for my Signing them, if there be you must have them
writ and Sent to me by an Express for I would have notice go to all
that are Appointed Judges in this Country, to Summon the Governr
of Carolina or any residing there I can by no means think proper

     I write to the Governour desiring the Assistance
of his Authority to the Marshall for the Secure conveying the prisoners
into this Government also for obliging the Evidences to Attend at the
Tryal, The Latter is his own proposal and there is no doubt he will
take care of a proper Guard also which Seems to me a better way
then to Send our men thither

     A Small part of the Reason of Setting the Court to
so long a Day is that about that time twill be necessary to have a
Council for Prorouging the Assembly If the Governour does not
arrive before. I send you a Copy of Sr: Richards Letter and as Soon as
I can get ^the Depositions & Examinations writ out will Send them --
also pray take care that nothing is wanted that is proper for me
to do I am