The Virginia Gazette

His Majesty's Most Gracious Speech to both Houses of Parliament, at the Close of the Session, June 25, 1751.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

The advanced Season of the Year makes it necessary for me to put an End to this Session of Parliament; and I do it with the greater Satisfaction, as your diligent Application to the public Business has brought it to so happy a Conclusion. On this Occasion I cannot but return you my hearty Thanks for the many Proofs you have given me, of your Zeal and Affection for me and my Government, and the Care and Attention which you have exerted for the Interests of my People.

As Europe now enjoys a happy Tranquility, very little Alteration has been made in the State of Foreign Affairs since your Meeting. My Resolution to preserve the general Peace is the same; and I have the greatest Reason to rely on the like good Disposition in the Powers in Alliance with me, not only being continued, but confirmed and improved.

Gentlemen of the House of Commons,

The Readiness with which you have granted me the Supplies for the Service of the current Year, demands my particular Acknowledgments; and the Prudence and Firmness you have shewn in compleating the Reduction of the Interest of the national Debt, is as agreeable to me, as that Measure is essential to the Strength and Welfare of my Kingdom.

My Lords and Gentlemen,

I have nothing to desire of you, but effectually to consult your own true Happiness and Interest. Let it be your Care to maintain, in your several Counties, the public Peace and good Order; to encourage and promote a just Reverence for Government and Law; and not to suffer those good Laws, which are enacted here, to lose their Effect, for want of a due Execution.

After this the Parliament was prorogued to August 13.