for the big fire-places, and candles easily
moulded for the lighting of the rooms. No one in those days was used to
the modern luxury of a private room and bath; and the guests doubtless
shared in twos and threes and fours the rooms placed at their disposal.
So, Madam Hecklefield, with a mind at ease from domestic cares, was able
to greet her guests with unruffled brow.

The neighboring planters doubtless came to the rescue, and helped to
provide bed and board for the gentry whom Captain Hecklefield could not
accommodate; and the lesser fry found the humbler settlers on the "Neck"
no less hospitable in opening their doors to them, though very probably
good coin of the realm often settled the debt between guest and host.

After the meeting of the Assembly of 1708, various other public
gatherings took place at the Hecklefield home, until November 22, 1717.
On this occasion the colony was formally notified of the death of Queen
Anne, and George I was proclaimed the "Liege Lord of Carolina."

At this meeting Governor Charles Eden was present, and serving with him
were the Honorable Thomas Byrd, and Nathaniel Chevin, of Pasquotank, and
Christopher Gale and Francis Foster, all deputies of the Proprietors.

This being the first recorded occasion in North Carolina of a
proclamation announcing the death of one sovereign and ascension to the
throne of another, the quaint phraseology of the original document may
be of more interest than a modern version of its contents:

"Whereas we have received Certain Information from Virginia of the
death of our late Sovereign Lady, Queen Anne, of Blessed Memory by
whose death the Imperial Crownes of Greate Brittaine ffrance and
Ireland are Solely and Rightfully Come to the High and Mighty Prince
George Elector of Brunswick Luenburg--

"Wee therefore doe by this our proclamation with one full voice and
Consent of Heart and Tongue Publish and proclaim that the High and
Mighty Prince George Elector of Brunswick Luenburg is now by the
death of our late Sovereigne of happy memory become our Lawful and
rightful Leighe Lord George by the grace of God King of Greate
Brittaine ffrance and Ireland, Defender of the Faith etc., To whom
wee doe all hearty and humble affection. Beseeching Obedience with
long and happy Years to raigne over us. Given etc., the 16th Day of
November, 1714."

This proclamation having been duly read, the Governor and his Council