We his Majestys most dutiful and Loyal Subjects, the Council of this Province beg leave to return your Excellency our Sincere and hearty thanks for your Speech at the begining of this Session.

It is with pleasure we embrace this opportunity of Congratulating your Excellency on your Safe and happy return from the Congress at Augusta; The Zeal your Excellency has Shewn in Obeying His Majestys Orders and your Attachment to the Public Welfare in Undergoing so fatiguing a Journey, at a time when your bad State of health rendered Such an Undertaking very dangerous, demands our most grateful Acknowledgments: And we hope that your Excellencys endeavours to conclude a perpetual peace with the Several Nations of Indians there Assembled, will be attended with the desired Success, and Considerably add to the Security of this extensive Continent, and the Tranquility of the Southern Colonies. Such a prospect fills us with great Joy, and we doubt not that your Excellency's Constant Attachment to the true Interest and happiness of this Province will give great Satisfaction to all those that have the good of their Country at heart.

We have long lamented the want of Churches and an Established Clergy in the different Parishes of this Province, and Shall readily joyn with the Other House in Such Laws as may be necessary for the encouragement of Pious and Learned Clergymen to come and reside here, and for the Other purposes Your Excellency has so wisely recommended; Assuring your Excellency that whatever may tend to Support, not only the Appearance, but the real existence and practice of true Religion in this Province, and contribute in any Shape to the prosperity and happiness of the people, and to the Honour of your Excellencys Administration, shall always meet with our hearty and Zealous Concurrence.