George Sims, author of the "Nutbush Address," was arrested for libel

George Sims' "Nutbush Address," delivered on June 6, 1765, became a widely read document that inspired colonists to assert their rights and speak out against tyranny and government corruption.

The author of the Address, George Sims, was a teacher who also experienced the same injustices as the farmers. This speech was a protest against the fees Granville County citizens were forced to pay by provincial and local governments. Later on, in North Carolina, this gave rise to the "Regulator Movement." Sims criticized Samuel Benton, the Clerk of the Court in his county, in the Address for tampering with the administration of justice. Sims remained faithful to the government, but Samuel Benton was still enraged by his behavior. Sims was taken into custody when Benton sued him and accused him of libel. Sims' words, however, were not in vain because "The Nutbush Address" gave the Regulators, who were greatly moved by the speech, a place to start.