Recording documents is one of the oldest functions of government in the world. The practice of stamping an official seal on documents was common in Babylon many centuries before the birth of Christ. Shortly after 1587, the first English settlers mysteriously disappeared and left the intriguing word "CROATAN" carved on a tree. This may not be the first recording act in the new world, but it does demonstrate that North Carolina has very deep roots in the recording functions. The earliest mention of a deed recorded in the new world was found in the Plymouth Colony records of 1627. As far as can be determined, the Once of Register of Deeds was first Bled in North Carolina on November 14, 1665, when the Lords appointed Robert Samford as "Secretary as Cheife Register" for the county of Clarendon. The earliest statute dealing with the Office of Register of Deeds was enacted by the Colonial Assembly in 1715. This law provided that the voters of each county should elect three freeholders as nominees, and from these one would be appointed by the Governor. The North Carolina Constitution of 1971 does not mention the Office of Register of Deeds, but Article VII-Sec. 1 states that the General Assembly shall provide for the organization and government of counties; therefore, this leaves all matters regarding the office and duties of the Register of Deeds to the General Assembly. The main purpose for establishing the Office of Register of Deeds was for convenience of a place locally where people could come and register important documents and also to obtain a copy of their vital records. The once was established not as a money making office, but as a service.