The northern half of the Carolina colony…

The northern half of the Carolina colony differs significantly from the southern half, and transportation and communication between the two settled regions is difficult.

Therefore, starting in 1691, a separate deputy governor is named to administer the northern section of the colony.

Carolina early in its history had provided for religious freedom, making it an attractive destination for Quakers who were persecuted in England and parts of the colonies.

Quakerism's founder, George Fox, had visited the Albemarle Settlements in the very northern part of Carolina in 1672.

Quakerism has grown in the area in the succeeding years and comes to dominate the government, including the appointment of Quaker John Archdale as Governor of Carolina in August 1694.

Archdale had appointed Thomas Harvey to act as deputy governor for North Carolina, and set out for Charles Towne.

Archdale replaces Joseph Blake as governor in August 1695.