The Oathe of abjuration as altered by the 6th of George 3d not being to be found in this province at the time of His Excellencys Qualification, the same being now produced His Excellency and the Hon. James Hasell and Samuel Cornell Esqr took the same and the Honbles John Rutherford, Lewis DeRosset, John Sampson Alex: McCulloch and William Dry Esqr now took all the Oathes to Government.
In consequence of a letter from His Majesty's Secretary of State to His Excellency signifying that Sir Nathaniel Dukenfield Bart was appointed one of His Majesty's Council of this Province, he was admitted to qualify and was sworn in and took his seat accordingly.
Marmaduke Jones Esqr produced His Majesty's Mandamus dated 4th May 1771 appointing him a Member of the said Council and was accordingly sworn in and took his seat
It being prescribed by His Majesty's instructions that all Officers whatsoever should take the Oathe of Abjuration as altered by an Act of the 6th of His present Majesty His Excellency took the opinion of the Council as to the expediency of issuing a Proclamation directing the Administration of the said Oathe throughout the province, It is the sense of this Board that a Proclamation issue accordingly
North Carolina,By His Excellency Josiah Martin Esqr &c
A Proclamation.
Whereas it appears that notwithstanding the Act of Parliament passed in the 6th year of the reign of His present Majesty for altering
the Oath of Abjuration the usual Oath as directed before that Act hath continued to be taken in this Province I have therefore by and with the advice and consent of His Majestys Council thought fit to issue this proclamation requiring all majestrates, officers and others whom it may concern, to take the said Oath of Abjuration as altered by the above mentioned act of ParliamentGiven under my hand &c at New Bern the 18th November 1771
JO. MARTIN.