IREDELL, James (1751-1799). Autograph manuscript signed ("James Iredell") twice within text, [Edenton, North Carolina, c. June 1778]. "We may be thankful to divine Providence, that we were called into this contest, at a time when the principles of liberty were generally understood. The divine right of kings was exploded with indignation, in the last century. Men came at length to be persuaded that they were crated for a nobler purpose than to the be the slaves of a single tyrant." A rare autograph fair copy of an address by James Iredell as Judge of the North Carolina Superior Court, outlining (or "charging") the grand jury sitting in Edenton, vindicating "the conduct of the American States, in the establishment of Independency by arguments drawn from unreliable rights…" as published (in parts) in the North Carolina Gazette of 6, 13, 20 June 1778. As was customary as a new grand jury was seated, the judge would offer some guidance (known as a "charge") to the jurors. Iredell, who had been appointed one of the judges of the state's superior court after drafting the legislation establishing the state's new court system, following nearly two years of being "deprived of such from a variety of causes," rejoiced int the replacement of "anarchy… for that of law and order, and the powers of government established capable of restraining or punishing dishonesty and vice." He continued by observing that "Such powers have been established under circumstances which should induce to them peculiar reverence and regard. They have not been the effect of usurpation; they have not proceeded from a wanton desire of change; they have not been imposed upon you by the successful arms of a tyrant; they have been peaceably established by the public at large, for the general happiness of the people, when they were reduced to the cruel necessity (a necessity they abhorred, and did all in their power to avoid) of renouncing a government which ceased to protect, and endeavored to enslave them, for one which enabled them with a proper share of courage and virtue to protect and defend themselves." He also writes that "Our ancestors came here to enjoy the blessings of liberty. They purchased it at an immense price. Their greatest glory was, that they had obtained it for themselves, and transmitted it to their posterity. God forbid that their posterity should be base or weak enough to resign it, or to let it appear, that the true British spirit, which has done such wonders in England, has been lost, or weakened by being transplanted to America. The very people who are now embruing their hands in the blood of the Americans, in support of the most arbitrary principles, have a thousand times bled in opposition to them themselves. Will you entertain so wretched an idea, that you are not as worthy of liberty as they are, and that merely because your ancestors quitted England, though with the public sanction, and guaranteed for the secure enjoyment of freedom, you are less deserving of human blessings than those who happen to reside in it, and not even entitled to the common benefits of what the worst of men have a right to claim, the sacred observance of public faith? But in this contest, I will dare to affirm, the people of Britain sacrifice to their pride and ambition, not only the immense advantages I have already spoken of, but the first principles of liberty, which are the common right of all mankind, and the sacred ties of honor which even the worst people cannot violate without infamy."Provenance : James Iredell - the descendants of Thomas Iredell (1720-1796).