The Virginia Gazette

The following being the genuine Answer of our victorious Heroe to those noble Testimonies of grateful Plause from the most illustrious Assembly in the Nation, lately transmitted to him, we think ourselves obliged to communicate them to the Public, that the Modesty of this young accomplished Prince may be as conspicuous as his Martial Vertues.

My Lord Chancellor,

I Could not possibly have received a more welcome and affecting Proof of that distinguished Zeal and Loyalty which the House of Lords have constantly shewn to his Majesty's Person and Government, than by their favourable Acceptance of my Endeavours for the Publick Service, and I desire you will lay before the House my Acknowledgments for the Regard they have shewn me on this Occasion.

The Resolution and Firmness expressed by each of the Officers and Soldiers in his Majesty's Army under my Command, deserve the highest Commendations; but the Guilt and Terror of that unhappy infatuated Multitude, who vainly hoped by unprovoked tumultuous Arms, and a contemptible foreign Assistance to shake an Establishment founded in the Hearts of his Majesty's Subjects, afforded us so easy a Victory, that I can only express my Gratitude for the favourable Impressions with which the News of it was received by the House of Lords, whose good Opinion and Thanks I shall always esteem as one of the most honourable Testimonies and Rewards that any Actions of mine could receive.

I return you Thanks for the affectionate and obliging Manner in which you have executed the Command of the House of Lords and for all the good Wishes with which you have accompanied them, of the Reality of which I am firmly persuaded.

WILLIAM.