The Virginia Gazette

Thursday the Lord Mayor and Court of Aldermen met at Guildhall, from whence they went to St. Lawrence's Church, and heard an excellent Sermon preach'd by the Rev. Mr. Wheatly, from Deut. Chap. 1. Ver. 13. Take you wise Men, and Understanding, and known among your Tribes, and I will make them Rulers over you. After which they return'd to the Hall, and proceeded to the Election of a Lord Mayor for the Year ensuing, when Sir John Bernard, Alderman of Dowgate Ward, and Micajah Perry, Esq; Alderman of Aldgate Ward, both Representatives in Parliament for this City, were returned to the Court of Aldermen, and the Choice falling on the former, he was declared duly elected. After the Declaration was made, Sir John address'd himself to the Citizens and assured them. That he would take the utmost Care to execute that High Office with the greatest Impartiality. from the Highest to the Lowest of his Fellow Citizens. He acknowledged himself obliged to them in the highest Manner, as he could boast of greater Favours from them than any Man living; having (by their free Choice) the Honour to represent this great City in Three Parliaments; which Trust he hoped he had executed to their Satisfaction; that if at any time he had done, or would do what was contrary to it. he desired they would believe it was not owing to his ill Intentions, but to an Error in his Judgment, etc.

At the Conclusion of his Speech, there was a general Acclamation thro' the Hall, and the whole People approved the Choice of so worthy a Magistrate.