The fines and amerciaments that shall happen to be maid and the forfeitures that shall be incurred I will cause to be duly entered without Concealment. I will not wittingly or willingly take by myself or any Other Person, for me, any fee, Gift, Gratuity, or reward whatsoever for any matter or thing by me to be done, By virtue of my office except such fees as are or may be directed or Limited by statue, but well and truly I will do my office, of a Justice of the peace as well within the County Court of pleas, and Quarter Sessions as without. I will not delay person of common Right, By reason of any Letter, or order from any person or persons in authority to me directed, or per any other Cause whatever, and if any Letter or Order Come to me, contrary to Law I will proceed to Inforce the Law, such letter or Order notwithstanding. I will not direct or cause to be directed any warrent by me to be maid to the parties. But will direct all such Warrants to the Sheriff or Constable of, the County or Other the Officers, Of the State or Other Indiferant person to do execution Thereof, and finally, in all things belonging to my office, during Continuation therein will faithfully, Truly and Justly according to the best of my (Jud) skill and Judgment do equal and Impartial Justice to the Public and to Individuals, So help me God. Jas, Robertson, Valentine Sevier, John Carter, John Sevier, Jacob Womack, Robert Lucas, Andr, Greer, John Shelby Jr, George Russill, William Been, Zacr. Isbell, Jno McNabb, Tho, Houghton, William Clark, Jno McMaihen, Benjamin Gist, J. Chisholm, Joseph Wilson, William Cobb, James Stuart, Michl, Woods, Richd. White, Benjamin Wilson, Charles Roberson, William McNabb, Thos Price, Jesse Walton. This oath has a deep and significant meaning, in view of the practices which had characterized the administration of justice by British officials. It is worthy of note that this oath, so full and specific in detail, did not bind those who took it to allegiance either to the state or the colony of North Carolina, or to the United States of America. It did bind them, however, to be honest, just and faithful to the people; it did bind them to “do equal right to the poor and to the rich”; it did bind them not to make suggestions or give counsel in any quarrel or suit pending before them, not to delay any person in obtaining justice, not to allow outside influence to dictate or control their actions, not to accept any fee, gift, gratuity or reward whatsoever for any matter or thing by them to be done, except the compensation allowed by law; to keep an account of fines and to enter them without concealment; and, finally, to “do equal and impartial justice to the public and to individuals.” This oath was not merely administered to them in the modern, perfunctory way, as “You do solemnly swear,” etc. They _took_ it, repeated it after the officer, and signed it.