[The gentry and merchants of Strabane proposing William Maxwell as a candidate in the forthcoming parliamentary elections]
Strabane, March 2, 1768
To the Honourable the Earl of Abercorn,
My Lord,
Encouraged by your Lordship’s late Disinterested choice of Burgesses of this Corporation which seems to point out in a very particular manner the Welfare of their Town and Country: We, whose names are hereunto subscribed, do with all due submission Humbly beg leave to recommend to your Lordship one of that worthy number WILLIAM MAXWELL, Esqr., as a person proper to represent us in the next Parliament.
He and his ancestors have always lived amongst us and ever supported that Honest Dignity and Decency of Character which must endear him to a trading people.
During his late Ministration as Provost of this Town we have found him of Easy access on all Occasions and very attentive to our grievances of all kinds by which our Linnen Market in particular has been much improved.
This gives us a certain Confidence of his Integrity and attention upon all future Occasions should your Lordship think him Worthy of that station where an Honest Heart alone can be Security of the People, and in particular of,
Your Lordship’s Most Obedient and Humble servants,
[signatories]
One illegible
Principall Cloath Merchants attending the Market of Strabane: