N.H. Const. pt. 2, art. 69
The Secretary of the State shall, at all times, have a Deputy, to be by him appointed; for whose conduct in office he shall be responsible: And, in case of the death, removal, or inability of the Secretary, his Deputy shall exercise all the duties of the office of Secretary of this State, until another shall be appointed.
June 2, 1784
Amended 1792 describing duties of the deputy secretary.