THOMAS OLIVER’S COMMISSION as LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR OF THE PROVINCE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY

    28 May, 1774

    THOS OLIVER ESQR LT GOV. OF MASSA BAY

    George R

    (L. S.) George the Third by the Grace of God of Great Britain France and Ireland king Defender of the Faith &c To our trusty and well beloved Thomas Oliver Esqr of Cambridge in our Province of Massachusetts Bay 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 the Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England in America in the room of Andrew Oliver Esqr deceased, 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 our Captain General and Governor in Chief in and over our said Province of the Massachusetts Bay in New England now and for the time being; We do hereby authorize and impower 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 the Massachusetts Bay 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 give a ready obedience accordingly. Given at our Court at St James’s the twenty eighth day of May 1774 In the fourteenth year of our Reign.

    By his Majesty’s Command

    DARTMOUTH

    Thomas Oliver Esqr Lieut Govr of Massa Bay.

    Province of Massa Bay

    Sworn before me in Council this 8 day of August 1774

    THOS GAGE Governor.

    Crown Commissions, 1677–1774, pp. 155–156.