directed, and an oath truly, honestly and diligently, to execute his
office, and true entries make of all such matters and things as he
shall be directed by the auditor general, and not to divulge any
matter or thing which he shall be enjoined by the house of delegates,
or said auditor general, to keep secret.  That the said
principal clerk have power, in the necessary absence or sickness
of the auditor general, to audit, examine, state and pass, any public
account, not exceeding three hundred pounds, and that the auditor
general be accountable for the conduct of such principal clerk,
and may displace him at his discretion.  That he have power to
appoint other clerks as occasion may require, who shall qualify themselves
in such manner as is above directed, and shall pay and be
accountable for the conduct of such clerks, so employed.  That before
he enters on the execution of his office, he shall give bond
in the penalty of five thousand pounds, with one or more good securities,
to be approved of by the governor and the council, for the
faithful performance of his duty, and that the said bond and certificates
of the qualification of the auditor general, and his clerks,
be lodged with the governor and council.  That the said auditor
general attend constantly and diligently at some place in the city
of Annapolis, or at such other place as the governor and the council
may order and direct, to execute his office, and take into his possession
and care the books, papers and accounts, of the late board
of auditors, and continue the same in a plain and methodical manner,
carefully examining, stating and correcting, any errors which may
be found in the said books, papers and accounts; or if he shall think
proper he may close the said books, and transfer the balances into
a new set to be opened for the purpose aforesaid.  That he call on all
persons who have had or hereafter shall have any public monies, to
render an account of the expenditure thereof, and shall keep true and
perfect accounts of all his proceedings ready for the inspection of
the house of delegates, when required; and that he divulge no matter
or thing which he shall be enjoined to keep secret by the house of
delegates, or the governor and the council.  That in the stating
and settling of all accounts brought before him, to be guided by
the laws and regulations heretofore made, or which shall hereafter
be made, so far as they provide; in other respects he shall be governed
by the general principles of justice, equity and impartiality.
He shall suffer no exorbitant charges to pass, nor any account
without proper probates and vouchers; and if he refuse to pass any
account in the gross, he shall take a list of such accounts in a
book for the purpose.  That he call upon the treasurers, when occasion
may require, for a list of payments made by them, and
compare the same with his books; upon the commissaries, quarter
masters, store keepers, and others, who have heretofore had, now
have, or hereafter shall have, any ammunition, arms, military accoutrements,
and stores of every kind, artillery, horses and carriages,
belonging to this state, for exact inventories thereof; that he
call upon the commanding officers of the navy, and the masters of
the trading vessels belonging to this state, for a state of their several
vessels, with exact accounts of their tonnage, guns, men,
tackle, apparel and furniture, that such accounts may be lodged in
his office for the inspection of the general assembly.  That he be
authorised and empowered to call upon the late board of auditors,