Sir,

Instantly upon the Receipt of your Excellency's Commands, signified by your Letter of Yesterday, I called the Magistrates and Assistants to a Common Council, upon its important Contents. The Members of the Corporation unanimously expressed themselves upon this Occasion in Terms of the strongest Affection and Confidence, respecting their Governor; and I am persuaded, Sir, that their Fellow Citizens (for I consulted as many Individuals without Doors, as the Time would permit) are utterly disinclined to your Removal from the Capital of your Province.

The City Committee, which is a very numerous Body of reputable Inhabitants, elected at a Convention of the whole Town, before your last Arrival, were immediately convened, upon my acquainting the Chairman with your Excellency's letter, and in a very little Time I had their Sentiments in Writing, under the Signature of their Chairman, which I now communicate, as a Confirmation of what it gives me the greatest Pleasure to declare, that the Citizens confiding in your friendship to a Colony which you have governed, with so much Reputation, earnestly desire you will still continue your Residence among us; and from the declaration and Temper of the People at large, I have not the least doubt of your enjoying the most ample Protection.

I have the Honour to be [&c.]