[18] Hale and Merritt, II, 294.

[19] Iredell, James, Laws of State of North Carolina, p. 85.

[20] Acts of G. A. of N. C., 1729, Ch. 5, Sec. 7.

[21] Acts of 1741, Ch. 24, Sec. 40.

[22] Acts of 1753, Ch. VI, Secs. 2-3.

[23] This oath read: “I, A. B., do swear that I will, as searcher for guns, swords, and other weapons among the slaves of my district, faithfully, and as privately as I can, discharge the trust reposed in me, as the law directs, to the best of my power. So help me God.” Acts of 1753, Ch. VI, Sec. 4.

[24] Acts of 1753, Ch. VI, Sec. 6.

[25] Acts of 1738, Ch. X, Secs. 1-3.

[26] Acts of 1745, Ch. 3, Sec. 3; Acts of 1768, Ch. 13, Sec. 2; Acts of 1784, Ch. 33, Sec. 2.

[27] Acts of 1729, Ch. 5, Sec. 8.