We his Majestys most dutifull & loyal Subjects the Members of the Assembly of North Carolina, now Met in [intentionally blank] Assembly, beg leave to return your Excellency our hearty thanks, for your Speech at the opening of this Session. 

The unexpected Defeat of General Braddock at the Battle of Monongahela, has given an Unfortunate turn to Affairs in the Neighbouring Province:  And effectually put it in the power of the French & Indian's in their Alliance to repeat their Cruelties & Depredations on the Inhabitants; And the remembrance of their Barbarities in Murdering and Massacring the People of Virginia Since that fatal Disaster, raises So Horrid an Idea of the bloody designs of those treacherous People, that it were as impossible, while we retain a due Sence of Gratitude for the invalueable Blessings we Enjoy under the Mild and beneficent Administration of the best of Kings, not to be Animated with a proper Resentment at their Unparallel'd Outrages; as inexcusable to Omit granting Such further Aid as the Indigent Circumstances of our Constituents will Admit; in defence of his Majestys incontestable property, and to Secure his Subjects from future Hostilities from those Merciless Intruders; We Shall therefore Chearfully endeavour to Enable your Excellency not only to protect our own Frontier, but also to Continue your Assistance to the other Governments against the Common Enemie. 

We are truely Sencible of the great Injury the Public has frequently Sustained from a Defect in our Laws, as well to Compell those Concerned in the Collection of Public Taxes to a Speedy payment; as those Intrusted with the laying out of the Public Monies, regularly to Apply and Account for the same, and shall do every thing in our Power to redress the Evil, by passing such Bills as may for the future Enforce the Observance of those Important Duties. 

We beg Leave to return your Excellency our gratefull Acknowledment for the great care you have been pleased to take, in viewing the Sea Coasts in order to discover the most proper places for Erecting Batteries; And for the progress to the Westward, which your regard for our Safety induced you to Make. 

Give us leave Sir at the same time to Assure you that your Constant Attention to every Matter wherein his Majestys Interest, or the prosperity of this Province is Concerned, has been so remarkably Conspicuous, that you have our most Ardent Wishes for a long and happy Administration in your Government. 

The Several Matters which thro' hurry and the Inclemency of the Season were left unfinished at the last Session we Shall resume the Consideration of, and pay a due regard to every Other thing that you have been pleased to recommend to us; And in All our proceedings Act with unanimity & dispatch And zealously pursue Such Measures as may Indicate our Duty and Loyalty to his Majesty, And an Unalterable purpose of Securing to the Inhabitants of this Province their most Valuable Religion Liberties and Possessions.