The North Carolina General Assembly of 1778 met in three sessions in three locations in the years 1778 and 1779. The first session was held in New Bern from April 14 to May 2, 1778; the second session in Hillsborough, from August 8 to August 19, 1778; the third and final session in Halifax, from January 19 to February 13, 1779.[1][2][3][4]
Each of the 39 North Carolina counties and Washington District/County were authorized by the North Carolina Constitution of 1776 to elect one Senator to the Senate and two representatives to the House of Commons. In addition, six districts (also called boroughs) were authorized to elect one House representative each. Richard Caswell was elected governor by the legislature.[1][2][5]
^Abner Nash was elected to replace John Tillman. He took office on August 14, 1778.
^Holowell Williams was elected, but there is no evidence that he took office.
^Jonas Johnston was named county entry taker. His seat was declared vacant on April 27, 1778. A new election was held. Johnston was re-elected and he took office on August 8, 1778
^Thomas Person was elected to replace John Williams. He took office on August 8, 1778.
^John Butler was named county record taker. His seat was declared vacant on April 27, 1778.
^Thomas Burke was elected to replace John Butler. He took office on August 8 and resigned on August 18 when elected to the Continental Congress.
^Mark Patterson was elected to replace Thomas Burke. He took office on January 20, 1779.
^There is some question about sources that say it died earlier than this date.
^William Robeson was named county entry taker. His seat was declared vacant on April 27, 1778.
^John Simposon was elected to replace William Robeson. He took office on August 8 and was then elected to Council of State, so he resigned on August 18.
^James Gorham was elected to replace John Simpson. He took office on January 21, 1779.
^William Gilbert was expelled from office on February 8, 1779 for fraud.
Notes: Prior to the Constitution of 1868: the lower house of the North Carolina Legislature was known as the House of Commons and the leader of the Senate was called the Speaker of the Senate.
