The Virginia Gazette

Bath, Nov. 25. Last Thursday Robert Henley, Esq: was re-elected Member of Parliament for this City, Without Opposition: After which, he address'd the Corporation as follows: Mr. Mayor, and Gentlemen: The Unanimity of the Voices of my Fellow Citizens, in Re-electing me to an Office of so great Trust and Importance, I esteem the highest Honour I can receive, because it is conferr'd by a Body of Men, acting on Principle, and entertaining the noblest Disdain for all little or selfish Views and Considerations. When I determin'd to vacate my Seat, I had a total Confidence in the Friendship of my Electors: I therefore did it without Reserve, and in full Assurance, that whatever was the Event, you would act suitable to the Dignity of so respectable a Body; the Return I have receiv'd from you, is a Circumstance, which I deem, of all others, the greatest to my Credit and Reputation.

You are a Body of Men, placed in the Eye of the World; and when
Mankind look round and see in other Places, Meanness, Uproar, and Riot,
to say no worse, accompanying the serious Business of Elections; and when
they turn their Eyes hither and see so different a Face of Things, however
they may judge of your Opinion, they must and do note the Uprightness
of your Manners, and the Purity of your Conduct, with Approbation and
Applause.

A Trust so conferred, ought to be as seriously executed; by me it shall,
with a particular Regard to the Interest of this City, and the strictest At-
tention to that fair Plan of Liberty, establish'd at the Revolution, and
which we have the Happiness to see so religiously maintain'd by His
Majesty, in every Branch of His Government.