The New Hampshire Gazette And Historical Chronicle

LONDON.

Feb. 30. The unanimous resolution of the Mayor, Aldermen, and Common Council of the City of Exeter, to present to the Right Hon. Sir Charles Pratt, Lord Chief Justice of his Majesty's Court of Common Pleas, the Freedom of their City (as an expression of their profound veneration for his consummate abilities, and as a testimony of that gratitude which he hath merited at the hands of every Englishman, by the unshaken courage, and inflexible integrity, which he hath so signally displayed in the public administration of justice, and in maintaining and vindicating the private liberty and property of the subject, which make so essential a part of the legal and constitutional rights of this Free People") having been (according to order) transmitted to him by the Town Clerk, the following letter was sent by his Lordship to that Gentleman.

SIR,

Received the favour of yours this post, importing the unanimous resolution of the Chamber of Exeter, to present me with the freedom of that ancient and respectable city: for which I beg you will be pleased to return my most respectful thanks, and to inform the Chamber, that I feel an uncommon pleasure in this testimony of good-will from the city of Exeter, as it is the capital of that county where my father, and all his ancestors, took their birth, and where I myself heretofore received an encouragement in my practice far beyond my merits.

If I have deserved in any part of my conduct the approbation of my countrymen, as an honest and impartial Judge, I shall not be ashamed to confess, that I take a pride in that applause that flows from an opinion of my integrity, leaving the praise of capacity to others whom God has endowed with more shining parts and superior abilities.

I can make no other return (and I know the Chamber of Exeter expects no other) for this valuable compliment, than a promise to persevere in an upright and impartial execution of my office: and I hope this promise will obtain some degree of credit, when it is considered, that by deviating from this path, I shall not only forfeit the esteem of your city, which I am now so honourably possessed of: but shall likewise disgrace my royal master's nomination, and break my oath. I am Sir, with all due respect to yourself, as well as the Chamber, your most obedient faithful Servant,

C. PRATT.