Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, I rise today In recognition of North Carolina's first Governor, Richard Caswell.

As a sign of honor and respect for his service to North Carolina in many significant and progressive leadership roles, I join in strong support of the State of North Carolina's designation of the month of August 2007 as Gov. Richard Caswell Month to honor this important patriot and the first Governor of North Carolina.

Richard Caswell was born on August 3, 1729, in Harford County, MD. At the age of 16, Richard and his brother, William, came to North Carolina on horseback with letters of introduction and recommendation from the Governor of Maryland to North Carolina's royal governor, Gabriel Johnston.

Richard Caswell was an early and effective leader of the patriot cause in the American Revolution. He represented North Carolina at both Continental Congresses and served in all five Provincial Congresses.

He commanded the patriot forces in the important early victory over the loyalists at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in February 1776, thus becoming one of North Carolina's first heroes. He served throughout the Revolution as commander of the North Carolina Cavalry, and ultimately served as major general of the North Carolina Militia during the Revolution.

He chaired the committee that drafted the first North Carolina Constitution.

Richard Caswell served as the first Governor of North Carolina and still holds the distinction of having served more terms than any other Governor of our State.

He passed away on November 10, 1789, in Fayetteville, NC.

In recognition of the outstanding statesmanship Richard Caswell provided for North Carolina, and the leadership he exhibited in his military and public career as well as family life, a celebration will take place in his honor the week of August 12 through August 19, 2007. Included in the celebration will be a grand re-opening of the Richard Caswell Memorial State Historic Site in Kinston, NC, as well as concerts, lectures and living histories.

I am pleased to join the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources, the Lenoir County Colonial Commission and the people of North Carolina in honoring Richard Caswell--patriot, soldier and statesman.