His Majesty's dutifull Subjects, the Members of His Council of North Carolina, return your Excellency their thanks for Your Speech at the Opening of this Session of Assembly—

They are highly Sensible of the dangerous & Critical Situation of our Publick affairs, both in Europe & America. And of His Majesty's great & very paternal care & regard In his American Collonies, in fitting out & sending such large Armaments to their Assistance & relief. It wou'd therefore be an ill return to our Gracious King & mother Country did not the several provinces assist according to their Power & ability upon this great emergency to repel our Cruel & dangerous Ennemy's & Free us from the dismal Consequences, which their Success wou'd inevitably bring upon us. We therefore assure your Excellency, that we shall readily & Chearfully join, in all such Salutary measures as may be thought Neccessary at this juncture, & hope that through God's great goodness our Army’s & fleets will meet with Prosperous Success. 

His Majesty's Royal Bounty, in directing a large Supply of Ordnance & Stores for the use of Fort Johnston, & of Amunition for the general use of the province, Claims our gratefullest thanks & Acknowledgements. We embrace this Opportunity to Congratulate your Excellency on your safe return to your Government from Philadelphia, & hope that that Gracious Providence that has Protected you, in so tedious a Journey, will Still Continue to enable you, long to Pursue those endeavours, which your Zeal animates you to, To the Publick good—