The Lower House. 77

the publick Roads, having proved very ineffectual, let me also beg
your peculiar Regard to this Subject; Our Situation for Commerce
has many natural Advantages, which will be diminished, or improved,
in Proportion to our neglect, or Care, in shortening Distances, and
facilitating the Carriage of our Native Produce to Market.
Gentlemen of the Lower House
Nothing could be effected at the last Session, in Consequence of
his Excellency, the late Lord Botetourt's Letter, soliciting a Contri-
bution towards defraying the necessary Expence, that would attend
the Erection and Maintenance of a Light House on Cape Henry. I
have, pursuant to the Address of the late Assembly, directed the
Naval Officers to furnish me with an Account of the Tonnage,
which I shall order to be laid before you, as also a Letter from the
Speaker of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, to your Speaker,
containing, as I am informed, the like Account of the Tonnage of
that Province, and I must now request the Establishment of some
ffund, for a Service, in which the Trade of Maryland is so much
interested.
Gentlemen of both Houses
Be assured of my most chearful Concurrence in every Measure
tending to promote the real Interests of this Country; and that I
shall deem myself happy, in Proportion to the Prosperity the People
of this Province shall derive from my Administration.
M.^r Speaker (with the rest of the Members) returned to the
Lower House
M.^r Speaker resumed the Chair
The House proceeded to choose a Clerk, and unanimously made
Choice of M.^r John Duckett
Ordered That M.^r Beall and M.^r Tyler do acquaint his Excellency
that this House hath made Choice of M.^r John Duckett to be their
Clerk, and desire his Excellency's Approbation. They return and
acquaint M.^r Speaker they delivered the Message and that his Ex-
cellency signified his Approbation.
Ordered, That M.^r Contee and M.^r Wootton do go with M.^r Duck-
ett to the Upper House to see him qualified as Clerk of this House.
They return and acquaint M.^r Speaker that they saw him take the
several Oaths to the Government sign the Oath of Abjuration repeat
and sign the Test and take the following Oath of Office Viz^t "You
John Duckett do swear that as Clerk of the Lower House of As-
sembly you shall true Entries make of all such Matters and Things
as by the Honourable Speaker for the Time being and that House
shall be to you directed; the Secrets of the said House you shall not
divulge to the Prejudice of the House, or any Member thereof, but
shall in all Things, as Clerk to the said House, well and truly demean
yourself according to the best of your Knowledge
So help you God"

L. H. J.
Liber No. 54
Oct. 2
p. 193