James Hasell was the acting colonial governor of North Carolina in 1771 and again in 1774. When Governor William Tryon

William Tryon

William Tryon was a British soldier and colonial administrator who served as governor of the Province of North Carolina and the Province of New York .-Early life and career:...

 was reassigned to New York, Hasell as the senior member of the council was named to succeed him in July 1771. He resigned when newly appointed Governor Josiah Martin

Josiah Martin

Lieutenant-Colonel Josiah Martin was the last colonial governor of the Province of North Carolina .-Family and connections:...

 arrived in August. Hasell served the second time during the absence of Governor Martin.