George the third by the Grace of God King of Great Britain, France and Ireland Defender of the Faith &c: To our Trusty and Welbeloved George Mercer Esqre Greeting: We reposing especial Trust and Confidence in your Loyalty courage and Prudence do by these Presents constitute and appoint you to be our Lieutenant Governor of our Province of North Carolina in America to have hold exercise and enjoy the said Place and Office during our Pleasure with all Rights Privileges Profits Perquisites and advantages to the same belonging or appertaining and further in case of the death or absence of the Captain-General and Governor in Chief in and over our said Province of North Carolina now and for the time being. We do hereby authorize and empower you to execute and perform all and singular the Powers and authorities
contained in our commission to our said Captain General and Governor in Chief according to such Instructions as are already sent or hereafter shall from time to time be sent unto him or as you shall receive from us and from our said Captain General and Governor in Chief of our said Province of North Carolina now and for the time being and all and singular our Officers Ministers and loving subjects of our said Province and all others whom it may concern are hereby commanded to take due notice hereof and to give a ready obedience accordingly. Given at our Court at St James's the 14th day of September 1768 in the eighth year of our reign.