331.] On the 20th of February, 1749, another petition in behalf of the Moravians was presented to the House of Commons; and was supported by a long and highly impressive speech by Oglethorpe concerning the origin of their church, their constitution, their pious and benevolent labors, and particularly, what he was most apprized of, their peaceable and useful settlements in America.

On the 18th of April, the engrossed bill was read the third time in the House, was passed, _nemine contradicente_, and ordered to be carried to the House of Lords.

On the 21st of April, the bill was carried by sixteen members of the House of Commons to the House of Lords; and, after a short address by Oglethorpe, their leader, to Lord Chancellor Hardwicke, was accepted with great solemnity, and laid on the table.

After due consideration, the act was passed, and on the 6th of June the Royal assent was given to it..