The Virginia Gazette

WILLIAMSBURG, November 26.

The Inhabitants of Norfolk Town, in this Colony, having for several Years past, flourish'd in Trade, by their sending Vessels to Sea, loaden with the Commodities of this Country, which returned with those of other Countries, by which several of the Merchants are become very considerable; and the Number of their Inhabitants increasing, they lately petitioned the Governor for a Charter, to incorporate them, which was accordingly granted; and an Act of Assembly pass'd the last Session, to confirm and strengthen the said Charter; by which they are incorporated by the Name of the Borough of Norfolk; and are to consist of a Mayor, Recorder, and 8 Aldermen; who have Power to hold a Court of Hustings, &c. and to choose 16 Common Council Men: with several Privileges, Immunities, &c. granted by the said Charter: in which the following Gentlemen are nominated, viz. Samuel Boush, Gent. Mayor, Sir John Randolph, Knt. Recorder, George Newton, Samuel Boush, Jun. John Hutchins, Robert Tucker, John Taylor, Samuel Smith, Tun. James Ivy, and Alexander Campbell, Gentlemen, Aldermen. The first Mayor dying soon after the Grant of the said Charter, he is succeeded by G. Newton, Gent. Sir John Randolph being so appointed Recorder of the said Borough, made a Visit to them, and was on Thursday the 18th Instant, sworn into that Office accordingly: And he being impowered to appoint a Deputy, to act in his Absence, did appoint David Okcall, Gent. Deputy-Recorder of the said Borough, who was accordingly qualified.

On this Occasion of Sir John's Visit, the Gentlemen of the said Town and Neighbourhood, shew'd him all imaginable Respect, by displaying the Colours, and firing the Guns of the Vessels lying there, and entertaining him at their Houses, in the most elegant Manner, for several Days; amply signalizing their great Respect, on this joyful Occasion.