The royal gazette — [Charleston] S.C., 1782-06-26 00:00:00, page 4

For want of meant of better information, I then had reeourfe to
in expedient, which the reader may easily adopt if he inclines: It
was, to put some of the American refugees (who at present abound
in this country) upon recollecting the number of children in such fa
milies as they knew in America, whose parents were either dead, or
pad hopes of increasing their families; and comparing these with ah
equal number of families in Britain, in similar circumstances, taken
alio at random, from the recollection of persons who had never been
cut of the island. Upon this trial I could find no perceptible advan
tage on the fide of America over the country places and distant pro
vinces, (for it was to these places I confined my enquiry) in Great-
Britain. It is not contended that very great accuracy could be ob
tained by this mode of enquiry; but it is presumed that had the dis
parity in this refpe& been near so great as has been contended for, a
sensible difference muff have been pertefted even by this mode of
trial..
I then had recdurfe to historical record's. But although I met with
feattered notices of the numbers of the people in the different pro
vinces at different times, yet I was not able to conned these into a
regular progressive chain, or to afeertain what proportion of the in
habitants had emigrated from Britain, or had been reared in the co
lonies, nulefs in the tingle province of Virginia; with regard to which
the following fads fe'Cnh to be well authenticated.
Smith, theearlieft and the belt informed historian of American 1
affairs, observes, that before the year 1625 there had been conveyed
to Virginia upwards of nine thousand English fubjeds, at the enor
expellee of fifty thousand pounds Sterling. But of all this numerous
emigration there remained ho more alive at th#t period than about
eighteen hundred persons.
; Instead of increasing, therefore, it appears that during the firft
twenty years the people of that colony greatly decreased. The fame
causes induced a Similar waste of people (though not in the fame pro
portion) in all the other colonies at the beginning, and to this hour
Operate in a finaller degree on every body of emigrants who fettle in
the dillant uncultivated parts of the colonies.
" It was a long time, fays another historian, before Virginia saw
3 race of English born on the spot." —" But after rhe difficulties in
cident to the fe.ttlement of colonies were in some measure surmount
ed, and the voyage thither had been Shortened by the iniprovement
of navigation, and rendered familiar by life, whole families trans
ported themselves thither. When the inUrudtions of Charles I.
gave large tracts of land to individuals; men of consideration and
wealth, roused by religion, or ambition, or caprice, removed thither;
and the population of that colony had increased to about twenty thou
sand fouls at the commencement of the civil wats. The colonies
enjoying plenty of good land, and subsisting with eate, naturally en
creafed abundantly; and the cavaliers resorting thither during the
Iliftreffcs of those times, Virginia contained about thirty thousand
persons at the epoch of the relloration."
From these notices it appears, that the population of Virginia was
chiefly promoted by emigrations from Britain. But we have not here
any precise account either of the number of emigrants during,that
?>eriod, or of the proportional encreafe of the colonies. Ihe follpw
ng account is more diftin&.
“ We suppose, fays Sir William Berkeley, in his Answer to the
Enquiries of the Lords of the Committee of Colonies, anno 1671, and
lam very sure we do not much mifeount, that there are in V irginia
about 40,000 persons, men, women, and children, of which there
are 2000 black flaVes, 6000 chriftian servants for a Short time; and
the rest have been born in the country, or have come in to fettle or
serve in the hope of bettering theip condition in a growing country.
Yearly we suppose there comes in of Servants about 1500; of whicli
poll are English, few Scots, and fewer Irilh; and not above two or
three Ships of negroes in seven years."
Virginia thereof contained of inhabitants,
Anno 1625 — 1 — 1800
1640 —' ' 20,0C0
1666 —— 30,000
1671 ' — = 40,000
Efrem these accounts it appears, that between the year 1625 and
1640, a period of fifteen years, the number of inhabitants had en
creafed eighteen thousand two hundred, which must in all probability
have been wholly by emigrants; for it is not to be luppofcd that a
colony in which the diminution of inhabitants for the twenty years
proceeding had been so remarkable , could all at once have come to
De in a Rate of population so remarkably progressive. In cannot even
be supposed that if they had been left without any supply, their num
bers would not rathet have decreafe'd. So that it is probable the emi
grants from Europe during this period were considerably above
eighteen thousand two hundred, the total increase of the colonists;
which seems to be confirmed by what is obfcrvcable in the subse
quent period.
From the year 1640 to 1671, a period of thirty-one years, the to
tal increase of the colonies was twenty thousand. Towards the end
of that period, Sir William Berkeley informs us, that there were an
nually imported about 1500 Europeans, besides negroes. As Britain
had been in a Gate of tranquillity for some years before the timl at
which he wrote, a flop must have been put to the nuiherous emigra
tions of cavaliers which took place during the usurpation. We may
therefore reasonably suppose that the number of Europeans imported
at the time that Sir William wrote, must have been much Smaller
th^h formerly; so that instead of whole families of substantial people
that are mentioned at a former period as having gone thither, he only
mentions servants and others of inferior note. Hence i think we may
foe authorised to infer, that during the whole of this period there weie
imported annually, at Icaft fifteen hundred Europeans. '1 heft emi
grants alone, fuppofmg their numbers had been barely kept up by na
tural procreation witliout inercafing at all, would have amounted to
500 persons; to which if we add to the zooonegiuv,audthe 20,000
whites that were in Virginia in the year 1640, the whole will amount
to 63,500, the number of persons that Should have been in the colony
in the year 1671 if they had neither encreufed nor diminished. But
the whole of the inhabitants at this lull period only amounted to 40,000
so that instead of ehcreafmg in the rapid progression we have been
made to expect, there is the greater reason to presume, that during
this period they had decreased upwards of 28,0^0, which is nearly
two thirds of the then whole number of the colonies.
If we continue our enquiries downwards, I learn from Mr. Wynne,
that at the time he wrote (about the year 1765, as I think) there were
in the province of Virginia, about 1.70,000 louls, of whom 70,000
were whites, and 100,000 negroes. From hence it appears, that in
little less than a century, 38,000 whites (dedu& the 2000 negroes)
Lave only encreafed to 70,000, which instead of a rapid encreafe by
natural procreation, as we are taught to look for, indicates a very
flow one! This, I fay, would have been counted a flow encreafe
had there been no emigrants sent from Europe to that province du
/no- all the beforementioned period, But it is well known that
Lany were font annually, so many indeed, that I make no doubt,
ih,y alone would have amounted to more than all tac encreafe of tlic
inhabitants; 300 a year would have effe&ed this.
Hence we have little reason to think that the inhabitants of Vir
vinia have ever encreafed at all since they went to America by natural
Procreation. The climate however, in that province, is as Salutary
and the foil as fertile, as in any of the other provinces, nor are the
inhabitants in any refpe& less favourably circumstanced with regard
to the increase of their own people. But them mode of culture is
less favourable for attracting poor colonists than that of molt cl the
other provinces, which is the probable cause of the final! increase of
3hc people there in comparison of what is met with in some other
parts of America. . . .
I am far, however, from imagining that either in Virginia, or
any other of the American colonies, those inhabitants who are once
fully eftablilhed in the midst of acultivated diftri% do not enefeafe
as faft as in any part of Europe. But as poor emigrants have always
at the beginning numberlcfs difficulties to encounter, and as the un
cultivated spots on which thev are obliged to fettle, are always un
whokfome and exposed to danger, their numbers like thole of the
original fettles in Virginia, must fuffer a considerable diminution
before they can begin to encreafe. It is in this way we mull account
in part for the retardment of the population of that fertile province,
and in part by the indented servants sometimes leaving that country
after the termof their fcrviwde is expired, to go to some of the other
provinces where they could begin a feulemeut with a much Waller
flock than in Virginia. , . Q
I Shall not enter into any more minute detail on this tube#, %§
theft fafts arc ffetat to Shew, that the opinion in general cuto
tained of the rapid enefeafe of people in America, from natural pro
creation, is extremely problematical if not entirely groundless. In
deed the great difference that isobferved in the population of the
different [provinces, would alone be a Sufficient proof of the ground
leffiief» of that opinion. Where political causes induce emigrants to
fettle; the increase of the people indeed is extremely rapid. Where
it is otherwise the population is proportionals, flow. Just so London,
Manchester, and Birmingham encreafe hi numbers, while the popu
lation of York, Lincoln, and Canterbury is kt a ftartd.
But if the people db not encreafe fafter in the cultivated parts in
America than they do out of towns, arid in the diftaht provinces in
Britain, and if in the uncultivated parts of it they deercate conside
rably before they begin to encreafe, it mult necessarily follow, that
Britain has loft a greater number of people than America has gained
lipce the firft Fettlemerit of these colonies.
Some idea of the' total amount of that change of inhabitants and
the iofs of people that has been sustained thereby, may be obtained
alter the following manner.
it is in general computed that the natural encreafe of mankind in a
healthy country where they are well provided with the necessaries of
life and free from wars, pestilence, and uncommon misfortunes,
may be about two thirds of their original numbers in thirty years.
This proportion 1 am sensible is higher than is ever found to take
place in any modern European hate, because it is impohihle to keep
them free from wars and other inconveniencies that will be mention
ed by and by. But in favour of America we Will suppose that r,e
inhabitants there encreafe according to that ratio, without any de
duction.
We cannot afeertain the precise number of persons in America at
each of the periods after-mentioned, but there is reason to think that
the following numbers are not far from the truth. Perfect accuracy
is not here pretended, an approximation is all that is wanted.
I. During the firft period of thirty years, which for
the fake of round numbers, we shall fay ended at the '.
year 1630, there is good reason to believe that the
whole people fettled in British America did not ex
ceed , 2,000
11. Between anno 1630 and 1660, these we shall sup
pose, encreafed by natural procreation in the above
mentioned proportion, 1,000
And by emigrants from Europe during this period, 40,000
Therefore the total inhabitants anno 1660 would be 43,000
111. Between 1660 and 1690 the natural increase on
these, as above Ihould be, 28,8x4
And by emigrants front Europe during this period
about, . 106,000
Hence total inhabitants anno 1690, 171,814
IV. Between i6;o and 1720, the nature! encreafe on
these at the abovementioned proportion would be 114,690
And.by emigration during this period, suppose 220,00 c
lade. The total inhabitants anno 1720. 506,504
V. Between 17^0 and 1750, the natural encreafe on
these, at the above-mentioned proportiofi would be, 337&7
And byemigration during this period, about 300,000
Inde. The total inhabitants anno 1750, 1,144,321
IV. Between 1750 to 1780, the natural encreafe on
these at the abovementioned proportion w&uld be, 762,362
And by emigration during this period, 600,u00
In^. The total inhabitants anno 1780, , 2,506,683
The above, exclusive of the inhabitants of Canada, and net tak
° ing into the account the losses thafhave been sustained by the present
war, is probably a tolerably just account of the population of Ame
rica, and of tire manner in whichit has been ededfed. At least, if
any objection can be made to this computation it must be that the
natural encreafe is here placed considerably too high; no allowance
being made for wars and otherwise. But if this be to® high, the
number of emigrants must be in proportion too low, so that no room
is given to fay the scale is turned against America.
Let us now turn our attention to Britain, and trace the consequen
ces of these emigrations on her population.
It has been already said, thar there is reason to think that mankind
encreafe, as faft by natural procreation in the distant provinces in
Britain as they do in America. But many are the causes that retard
the encreafe of the number of her inhabitants, when compared with
those of America.
Among persons in high life, population confeffedly goes on more
slowly than in lower ftatious; and there are a greater number of
these to be met with in Britain than America. In towns also, the
inhabitants do not increase so faft as in the country, and Britain con
tains rather a greater proportion of these than our colonies; though
the disproportion in this refpe& is not very considerable. To obviate
however, all appearance of partiality on this head I shall suppose
that one half of the whole inhabitants in Britain either live in towns,
or are persons in exalted station, and that these never encreafe at all
but barely serve to keep up their original numbers. The other half
we will put on an equality with the Americans, and fay they encreafe
at the rate of two thirds their number in thirty years.
From these, however Bill great deductions are to be made, on ac
count of the emigrations to America, to Ireland, and other more
distant fettlcments, belonging to the Britiih Empire. And on ac
count of those loft in defence of ourfelvts and of our colonics, and in
carrying on our exteniive cormherce to all parts of the globe.
In estimating the waste of our people by our military and commer
cial tranfadions, it is neccifary that we take into the account, not
only the persons themselves who might be enrolled in either of these
classes were a census regularly taken, but those also who are connec
ted with and dependent upon them, who are always much more nu
meious than the persons themselves. This swells the account much
beyond what one who is not acquainted with these matters would
exi*a to find. Of this class of people it further deserves to be re
marked, that as they in general require to be renewed entirely once
in ten years at most, in the following account which is divided into
periods of thirty years, the whole number supposed to be employed at
one time mull be trebled.
With regard to the American emigrants, the account abdve given
constitute the basis of that which follows. But as it appears, that
at the early periods cf these fettlemeuts many more emigrants went
from Britain that were taken into the account in America, there is
a necessity of making a proper allowance on that account. We have
seen that not above one fifth part of the emigrants formed a perma
nent establishment in America. In proportion as the colonies became
more powerful this great mortality diminished, till it came to the
present standard of about one half. For under the most favourable
circumftanccs for emigration, I an? assured it never has been found
that more than one half of those who leave Europe have been able to?
survive the hardships of along voyage, change of climate and pover
ty, so as to lie able to form a permanent establishment on the conti
nent. I have made allowance for this change of circumftanccs and
have marked the proportion at each period.
It only needs to be further added, and at the time when the Bri
tilh settlements in America firft began to take place, I suppose the
whole inhabitants of Britain amounted to about five millions. These
particulars being premised, the following account will be fufficiently
intelligible.
I Shall only further remark, that instead of dividing the inhabitants
into two classes as abovementioned, one half increasing two thirds of
the whole number at each period, and the other half none at all. I
mark it all under one, making the increase on the whole at e^ch pe
riod one third, which comes exactly to the fame thing#
[To be Continued.]
AS Daniel O'Hara intends going for New-York by the
next opportunity, intreats every person indebted to him, im
mediately to pay the fame.
To b^ Sold for Crfb only, the remaining Stock on band:
Confining of Madeira and Port Wines, by the pipe, quarter cask,
dozen or gallon; with sundry other articles in the grocery way,
fu^arfiAG flour by the barrel; ihty buTcuit by the hundred, fl
Advertisement.
BY Order of his Excellency Lieut. General de Lofsberg,
notice is hereby given to the Publick, that the advertise
ment concerning detits contrasted by the Heffiau Officers, which,
in the month of September 1781, by particular diredio^of his
Excellency Lieut. General de Knyphaufen was inserted in the
New-York Gazette at three different times, is also to be ex
tended to all ftaff and non-commissioned Officers, Privates, Of?
fleers servants, and all persons whosoever are attached to their
refpeChve Regiments or Corps. Therefore any person or per--
sons, who fnould at their own risk credit any of the above men
tioned persons without the content of the Officercommanding
tile Regiment or Corps, must lay it to their own charge, if no
froppage of pay can be granted by the Courts Martiabfor the
discharge of their demands thus privately acquired.
New-York, Aiaj 16, 2782.
JOHN JACOB LOTHEISSEN,
Judge Advocate.
FRED. PLATTE, Major.
-(TOLLINS & HAYES;
No. 12, Broad-Street,
Have imported in the lafl Jbips from LONDON,-
The following ARTICLES,
ifbick they are felling on the n:tf reasonable terms;
RED Port, Madeira, Lisbon and Malmfey wines in pipes,
hogsheads and quarter-calks
Ljr>on Wine and London Porter in bottles
SduW; Starch and Hair-Powder
Longand short Tobacco Pipes
Paints, Oil, Roll Brimftonc
Lamp and Ivory Black and Blacking Balls
Military Shirts, ruffled and plain
Ditto worded, yarn and thread Hose, and
A general assortment of DRY GOODS.
B. A number of strong iron-bound CASKS.g
GEORGE THOMSON,
At his Store on Greenwood's Wharf, near the Lower-Market,
Has on Sale, very reasonable,
- UM,.Brandy, Wine 6nd Geneva
Queen's Ware Plates and Diflies
} urcens and all forts of Crockery neatly assorted
Mets Beef and Pork in Barrels
Exceeding good Lewis's Philadelphia Flour
Bed Pearl Barley of Scotland
Vehifon Tongues
Negro-Cloth, Ofiiaburgs, Sugar, Tea, &c.
ALS O,
A large assortment of TIN and GLASS WARE.
N. B. Storage for goods.|
HAMILTON STEVENSON, having returned to this
place, and intending to remain some time in it, begs leave to
acquaint the publick, that during his day, he will follow his bufmefs
of Fainting in Miniature, and executing designs in hair. Such
Ladies and Gentlemens may wilh to employ him, will be pleased
to enquire at-Mrs. Dawson's, No. 92, Meeting-street.
so be Let, and possession given immediately,
Several Back Stores and Dry Cellars.
For particulars enquire at No. 101, Broad-street. ||
To Run it in BALLASY-7RIM
To BRISTO L,
And to touch at COR K,
"To fail by the firft of July,
That faft failing Lugger
The ADVENTUR E,
John M'Carty Matter.
Is well armed and manned, and will have good accomoda
tions for passengers. For freight or passage, apply to said Mas
ter on board the veffell ying at Burn's Wharf, or to
EDWARD CORBET,
,No. 97, Broad-street.
a For L ONDO N,
The SHIP
HAPPY RETURN,
William Gickie, Mader,
Burthen about 300 tons, is a fine fliip, fails remarkably sass, and
will in two months proceed with or without convoy. For freight or
puffage apply to ||W. SMITH, No 33, Bay.
RUN away from the fubferiber the 23d of M^y lad, a ne
gro boy named TOM, about seventeen years of age, is very
artful, and having a pass signed by Col. Robert Ballingall no doubt
will attempt to hire himfelf out. This is to forewarn all persons
whatever from hiring or harbouring the said boy ; and all matters
of vessels from carrying him off the province. A reward of ONE
GUINEA will be paid to any person delivering him to the keeper
of the Sugar-House, or t® William Burt, at No. 1, South-Bay.
Cbarlcfown^ Istb, 1782.
LOST on Friday the aifl infant,
A final! Red HAIR TRUNK,
The property of an officer, supposed to be left by mistake in
a canoe near Roper's wharf; there were several letters, and anumber
of papers in it which can be of no consequence to any person but the
owner. Whoever has found it, by delivering it at either of the
Printers, shall receive FIVE GUINEAS reward, and no questions.
alktd, .
' ~ TO BE LE T,
T7OUR good ROOMS, No. 89, Church-street, ready fur
f nifhed; also, a Back Store at the said house, in the yard, end'
two good Cellars. Please to enquire at the London Coffee-houfe,
Where tlrere will be an ORDINARY opened; each Gentleman to
pay One Dollar for his dinner, which will be on table at 3 o'Clock.
A YOUNG MAN, of an unexceptionable chafa&er, well
qualified, either for a store or countina-hbufe, wishes for em
ployment on moderate terms. —A line directed for A. B. and left
at the Printers, will be immediately attended to, and the writer
waited on.
TO BE SOLD,
The Brigantines Friendship, ^ T ue-Brito",
The Shooners Polly, Balfour, Betfry, Aliyj'l,
Good-Intent, Refugee, & Earl of Liffotn :
All lately employed and some of t! err. now in tle fervicc 0! J* ,
vernment; For price and particulars apply to Capt. Harwood, - ;
50, King-street.
I GST, some time ago, a neat ^u : ^a^di f °]
u with Garnetts. Whoever has iocßa t and v £
Mr. Finlayson, Silversmith, No. >3, I^^^ —"- '"^; "
ONE GUINEA reward.{