Jane Phillips: 250 Years Ago, in Dobbs County
JANE’S MONTHLY NOTES FOR LENOIR COUNTY HISTORY - SEPTEMBER 1775
250 Years Ago, in Dobbs County,
(Today Lenoir, Greene, and parts of Wayne Counties)
Richard Caswell of Kinston was appointed Colonel and commander of the New Bern District Minutemen in September 1775, which included the Dobbs County militia. This made him a key military leader for the Dobbs County area at the beginning of the Revolutionary War.
His actions and influence in the region included:
Assuming command: After returning from the Second Continental Congress in Philadelphia in September 1775, Caswell was given command of the militiamen for the New Bern District. The Dobbs County militia fell under this district's command.
Preparing for conflict: While no major battles occurred in Dobbs County in September 1775, Caswell was responsible for organizing and preparing the militia in his district for armed conflict.
A major leader of the revolution: By late summer of 1775, North Carolina's royal governor, Josiah Martin, considered Caswell "the most active tool of sedition" in the colony, a testament to his influence.
Preparations for the coming war of the American Revolution are in the making for the years ahead of the war.
Compiled by Jane Phillips
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