The Virginia Gazette

LONDON.

HIS MAJESTY's most gracious SPEECH to both HOUSES of PARLIAMENT on Wednesday June 1778.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

After so long and laborious an application to the publick business, I think it proper, at this season, to give you some recess. I come, at the same time, to return you my particular thanks for the support you have shewn in supporting the honour of my crown, and for your attention to the real interest of all my subjects, in the wise, just, and humane laws which have been the result of your deliberations, and which, I trust, will be attended with the most salutary effects, every part of the British empire.

My desire to preserve the tranquillity of Europe has been uniform and sincere. I reflect, with great satisfaction, that I have made the faith of treaties and the rights of nations the rule of my conduct, and that it has been my constant care to give no just cause of offence to any foreign power. Let that power by whom this tranquillity shall be disturbed answer to their subjects, the world, for all the fatal consequences of war.

The vigour and firmness of my Parliament have enabled me to be prepared for such events and emergencies as may happen; and I trust that the experience, valour and discipline of my fleets and armies, and the zeal and united ardour of the nation, armed and animated in the defence of every thing that is dear to them, will be able, under the protection of Divine Providence, to defeat all the enterprises which the enemies of my crown may presume to undertake, and to shew them how dangerous it is to provoke the spirit and strength of Great Britain.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

I thank you for the cheerfulness with which you have granted the large and ample supplies for the current year, and for your care in raising them in a manner the most effectual and the least burdensome; and my warmest acknowledgments are due to you for the provision you have enabled me to make for the more honourable support of my family.

Lords and Gentlemen,

Your assiduity in your respective counties may at some be of great publick advantage. It is unnecessary for me to recommend to you to do your utmost in your several stations. On my part, I have no wish or object but to deserve the confidence of my Parliament, and the affections of my people.

Lord Chancellor, by his Majesty's command,

said:

My Lords and Gentlemen,

His Majesty's royal will and pleasure that this Parliament be prorogued to Tuesday the 14th of July next, to be then here holden; and this Parliament is accordingly prorogued to Tuesday the 14th day.