§ The House of Commons having been summoned by the Black Rod, the Speaker elect, Mr. Abbot, addressed the Lords Commissioners:
§ "My lords; His Majesty's faithful Commons (in obedience to the commands of his royal highness the Prince Regent, acting in the name and behalf of his Majesty) have proceeded to exercise their antient and unquestionable right of electing a Speaker; and it is now my duty to acquaint your lordships that their Choice has fallen upon me.
§ "Whatever considerations may have weighed with the House of Commons in forming this determination, they well know, that their choice must nevertheless await the royal pleasure:—And I now, with all humbleness, do on their behalf present myself in this place, in order that his Majesty's faithful Commons may learn, whether it be his Majesty's royal will that they shall proceed to a reconsideration of the Choice which they have thus made."
The Lord Chancellorthen said:
"Mr. Abbot; we have it in command from his royal highness the Prince Regent, acting on behalf of his Majesty, to inform you, that after the eminent proofs which you have given of your ability and integrity in the execution of this important office of Speaker of the House of Commons, to which you have been so repeatedly called, his Royal Highness in the name of his Majesty doth fully approve the Choice which the Commons have made, and that his Royal Highness therefore, in the name and on the behalf of his Majesty, doth approve and confirm you to be their Speaker."
The Speakerthen said:
"My lords; since his Royal Highness has been graciously pleased to approve the Choice made by his Majesty's faithful Commons, I most humbly submit myself to his royal will and pleasure:
"And I do now in the name and behalf of the Commons of the United Kingdom in Parliament assembled, lay claim (by humble petition) to all their antient and undoubted rights and privileges; more especially, Freedom of Speech in debate; freedom from arrest and molestation for themselves, their servants, and estates; free 10 access to the royal presence as occasion may require; and the most favourable construction of all their proceedings.
"For myself, I have also to crave his Majesty's gracious indulgence, and that no imperfections of mine in the discharge of my duties, may be laid to the account of his Majesty's faithful Commons."
The Lord Chancellorreplied:
"Mr. Speaker; his royal highness the Prince Regent hath commanded us to assure you, that acting in the name, and on the behalf of his Majesty, he doth most willingly grant to the. House of Commons all the privileges which have ever been granted or allowed to the House of Commons by his Majesty or any of his royal predecessors.
"With respect to what regards yourself, Mr. Speaker, we are required to assure you that the most favourable construction will always be put upon your words and actions, if it can be necessary that such an assurance should be given to a person, so eminently distinguished for his knowledge of the rules and usages of parliament."
The Commons then withdrew, and the Lords Commissioners retired to unrobe. After which the Clerk proceeded to swear in the Peers.