John Avery, Secretary to the Commonwealth of Massashusetts, informs Shepard that, "Your Honor being elected a Counsellor to advise the Governor in the executive part of Government...you are requested by his Excellency the Governor to give your attendance at the Council Chamber at 11 o'Clock this day..." On the last page, beneath Shepard's name, is written "Commission and resolves of Court relative to Indian affairs," in an unidentified hand, possibly Shepard's.