His Honor the President produced His Majesty's Commission which being Read and His Excellency Arthur Dobbs Esquire Captain General and Governor of this Province being gone to South Carolina In pursuance of his Majestys Commands and the administration of the Government thereby devolving on the Honorable James Hasell Esquire the Eldest Councellor who is first placed in His Majestys Royal Instructions and Present in this Province. The said James Hasell in pursuance thereof took and subscribed the several Oaths by Law appointed for the qualification of Publick Officers made and subscribed the Test and took the Oath as Commander in Chief of this Province for the due Execution of His place and Trust and took the Oath required by an Act passed the seventh and eighth of King William the Third to be taken by Governors of Plantations, and then took his seat accordingly.

The Members of Council now present took the several Oaths by Law appointed for the qualification of Publick Officers Read and subscribed the Test then took the Oath of Office and their seats at the Board accordingly.