May it please your Excellency,

We his Majestys most dutifull and loyal Subjects the Members of his Majestys Council of North Carolina return your Excellency our hearty thanks for your speech to both houses at the opening of this Session. 

His Majestys Paternal Goodness, ever intent on promoting the happiness of all his subjects, has, at this time of our Imminint danger been conspicuously and tenderly exerted for the preservation and defense of his American Colonies against the Unjust Encroachments, and cruel outrages of a Perfidious and Barbarous Enemie while our hearts are Inspired, with the warmest sentiments of Gratitude to the best of Princes.  We behold with Horor, and becoming Indignation the designs and Attempts of the French unprovoked; to deprive us of the most Invaluable priviledges of Britons, our Religion Liberty and Property.  A Just sense of our duty and danger will cause us chearfully to Concur with the other House, in granting us such further supply, for the Support of the Common cause as the Circumstances of the province will permit. 

Amidst all the Calamities that threaten us, we think this Province singularly happy in being under the Conduct of your Excellency's prudent, mild and equitable Administration. 

Your Zeal Sir, for his Majestys Service, so long approved hath, since your arrival here, prompted you to such application and fatigue in the cares of Government, as few could be able for, and fewer still woud be willing to undergo. 

We shall take the several matters so affectionately recommended by your Excellency into our Serious Consideration, being truly desirous as far as In us lies, to Cultivate peace and Harmony, to preserve the publick faith; to establish Religion, Good order, and Discipline, throughout the Province; and to Improve and extend our Commerce, on which, our wealth and ease at Home and our Credit and usefullness abroad:  In a great measure depend.