By His Excellency Thomas Chittenden, Esq; ... A proclamation : ... whereas the laws of this state are now promulgated in a full and legal manner amongst the inhabitants thereof ... I ... do here strictly require, charge, and command all persons, of what quality or denomination soever, residing within this state, to take notice thereof, and govern themselves accordingly, on pain of incurring the penalties therein contained ... Given under my hand ... this 23d day of February ... one thousand seven hundred and seventy-nine.