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Numbered 776, the partly printed document bears the British royal arms and initials “G. R.” It grants approximately 600 acres in Carteret County to Salvenus Dickson. The land was situated on the west side of Core Sound in the Hunting Quarter, near Hall’s Point.
The grant is accompanied by its original manuscript survey, dated December 19, 1774. The survey contains a detailed metes-and-bounds description, hand-drawn plat and shaded compass rose and appears to bear the signatures of James Dickson and Gideon Brown.
The document bears the full signature of Josiah Martin, who served as North Carolina’s last royal governor from 1771 until the collapse of royal government in 1775. It also carries the official endorsement:
“By His Excellency’s command—Sam Strudwick, Secy.”
Samuel Strudwick served as secretary to Governor Martin.
An additional endorsement records the grant at New Bern on June 17, 1775. Its date places it at an extraordinary moment in North Carolina history. Martin had already withdrawn from New Bern amid the escalating Revolutionary crisis, making this one of the final land grants recorded under British royal authority in the colony.
The document survives in fragile, unrestored condition, with fold separation, holes, paper losses, staining, edge wear and old repairs. The original seal is no longer present. Despite these defects, the royal heading, property description, survey, compass rose, official endorsements and Josiah Martin’s full signature remain identifiable.
A remarkable survivor from the closing days of British North Carolina, connecting King George III, the colony’s final royal governor and the approaching American Revolution.
North Carolina, 1774–1775. Partly printed and manuscript document on laid paper, with attached survey and plat. Fully signed by Josiah Martin.
