MESSAGE

.IN COUNCIL,

Annapolis, December 27th, 1826.

Gentlemen of the Senate and
Of the House of Delegates—

We avail ourselves, with great pleasure,
of the first occasion we have had to address
the general assembly, the immediate represen-
tatives of the people, to express our gratitude
for the distinguished proof of confidence, they
have been pleased to afford us. Diffident of
our abilities, and deeply impressed with the
magnitude of the trust confided to our care,
we should despair of a successful and satisfac-
tory administration of the concerns of the
state, were it not for the aid we derive from
your enlightened councils.

As "trustees of the public," accountible for
the performance of the high trusts and duties
committed to us by the constitution, or devolv-
ed upon us by the legislature, we proceed to lay
before you an account of such of our acts and
proceedings, since the adjournment of the last
general assembly, as may be interesting to you,
or the people, our com num constituents; and to
add such, suggestions upon the Important inter-