The Board proceeded to hear a complaint of Coll Philemon Hawkins against Thomas Bell, William Tabb, and Henry Hill Esquires, Majistrates of Bute County for Malversation in their Office and have directed notice to be given to the parties and that an Order of Council should issue to either of the Associate Judges to take the deposition of the witnesses therein named and transmit the same to the Secretary's Office.
His Excellency acquainted the Board that the corporation of Campbelton had surrendered their Charter which was found by long experience detrimental to the interest of the Freeholders and had petitioned His Excellency to grant them one more conformable thereto, and that he was disposed with the concurrence of the Council to grant their Request. The Board were of Opinion that his Excellency should comply with the Prayer of their Petition.1
His Excellency represented to the Board that the Writs of Election for a new Assembly were returnable on the 11th day of May next, but not judging it expedient that it should meet so early required the opinion of the Council to what time it might be prorogued with most propriety and convenience. They were of opinion that it should be prorogued to the 10th day of December next, and that a Proclamation should issue for their meeting at that time for the dispatch of Business accordingly.
1 See page 79 ante.—Editor.