Whereas the public prisons in the Several Counties and districts in this State have been much Neglected to the great prejudice of the administration of Justice and encouragement of profligate and disorderly persons, and the Same appearing to me to be an Abuse which requires an Immediate remedy, I have thought fit to represent the same to the Council of State and the Said Council have thought it advisable that the Several County Courts be enjoined to repair the prisons of their respective Counties.

I do therefore by and with the advice of the said Council of State require the Sheriffs of the respective Counties to cause the condition of the respective public prisons thereof to be examined by Sufficient Judges and the same to be laid before their respective County Courts to the End that they may order that every repair be made thereto. And I do hereby charge and require the County Courts respectively to take the Same into Consideration and to take order thereon as the Laws of the State direct.

To be copied for the respective Counties.