The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal (Boston [Mass.]), 1774-12-08 00:00:00

THE Massachusetts Spy
Or Thomas's Boston Journal.
DO THOU GREAT LIBERTY inspire our Souls—And make our Lives in THY Possession happy—Or, our Deaths glorious in THY just Defence.
VOL. IV.) THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 1774. (NUMB. 201.
From the PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL.
To GENERAL GAGE.
SIR, THE whole of your proceedings are so replete with folly, that I have more than once thought that I have professed my time in exposing you to censure. You have refused me from the repetition of the task, and have by your late answer to the address of the provincial congress of Massachusetts-Bay, taught me that you are a more proper object for ridicule. In the first sentence of your answer, you have apologized for confounding what has been unjustly called a fortress, on the Boston Neck. The same factious spirit which leads the Bostonians to call submission to government slavery—Kings, tyrants—ministers, Rascals—and governors a compound of the whole, has led them to traduce, by a military name, a work which was executed only to amuse your officers, and to exercise your soldiers. You have commenced no hostile steps against the province of Massachusetts-Bay, you have only raised a creature like yourself, which "unless annoyed will annoy nobody."
Can it be deemed ungenerous to hint that the lives, liberties or properties of any person except avowed enemies, are in danger from Britain, after the massacre of the 5th of March, and the execution of the Boston port and Quebec bills?
You say that Britain never formed the black design of wantonly destroying or enslaving any people on earth. It will be sufficient to contradict this assertion, by only hinting at the depredations which have lately been committed upon human nature in the East-Indies under the sanction of the British name. Her attempt to enslave the colonies, hardly deserves the name of "a design," since it has been executed with a folly equal to its iniquity. It would be the blackest ingratitude to suppose that our mother country ever intended to enforce the acts for rapine and murder in Massachusetts-Bay, when she appointed Gen. Gage to carry them into execution.
Your illegal proclamations will not suffer us to believe that you even with "to preserve union and harmony between Great-Britain and her colonies."
There was a time, when Britain deserved the name of a "spirited" nation! But she has forfeited that character by her late shameful composition with the court of Spain. The armies and fleets of Britain were reserved for more important purposes than to humble the pride of a rival nation. A handful of Caribbs on the island of St. Vincent's were devoted to destruction, the power and vengeance of Britain were directed against them. Her troops were victorious—and lord North added to his other triumphs the sole glory of this successful expedition. Alas! Britain how art thou fallen! Thy victories are now only over humanity, and thy trophies are now nothing but the ensigns of liberty.
You charge the inhabitants of Massachusetts-Bay with subverting their charters, by assembling in an illegal and unconstitutional manner. In this step, sir they have been obliged to appeal from the tyranny of laws to the liberty of nature. Their violation of the British constitution, in suffering a standing army to come among them, is the only political crime a treason-born Britain can lay to their charge. In this act of submission to the crown, they have committed high treason against the liberties of America. The colonies have acquitted them of this crime, as they with only for an accommodation with Great-Britain. Should their pacific resolutions fail of this end, the sword of justice will not long sleep in its scabbard. British laws (which consider you as vagrants in America) will be executed upon you. You will then cease to complain of such trifles as "our withholding every necessary for your preservation."
You will be thankful for breathing the air of America. Having appealed to your justice—humanity and reason in vain, I shall cease to address you in this public manner. I began these letters by calling upon you, by your regard for the peace and happiness of Britain and the colonies, to renounce your commission. I shall conclude them by conjuring you, by the same motives, to continue to execute it. The liberties of America will be safe, while you are held up as an epitome of the military spirit and generosity of the British nation. Resentment begins to subside in our bosoms—for the whole of your operations scarcely entitle you to contempt.
JUNIUS AMERICANUS.
From a London Paper of September 15.
I HAVE hitherto, though strongly tempted, abstained from writing in the public papers upon the subject of English liberties, because I plainly see that the inhabitants of this country are ripe for slavery, and that even the pen of a JUNIUS is incapable of inciting them to a proper exertion of their legal powers in support of their invaluable rights. My present effort to rouse them is the effort of despair. A future age will certainly be astonished at the tamperness with which the dispirited people of England have suffered themselves to be deprived of those constitutional bulwarks, which were erected by their patriotic ancestors, as guards against the encroachments of arbitrary power.
The loss of these has already been deplored, and slender is our hope of their recovery.
It is my present purpose to hold forth an image of that further despotism which we are doomed to submit to, as it is delineated in that horrible act of the late session of parliament, intitled, an act for the better regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts-Bay.
According to this act, the governor may appoint the Judges of the inferior Courts of common pleas and of Oyer and Terminer, and remove them at his pleasure.
In England the King appoints the Judges of the court of common pleas, and at present they may not be removed, unless by address of both houses of parliament.
According to this act, the King, contrary to the late practice in the province, nominates all the members of the council.
The governor is also authorized to appoint the Sheriff, without the consent of council; and, with the consent of the said council, has a power of removing him when he pleases.
In England the Sheriff is nominated by the King, but at present is not removable at pleasure.
According to this act, the Governor may, without consent of council, appoint the chief Justice and Judges of the superior court of the province; and the King, under his sign Manual, may remove him at his pleasure.
In England, the King appoints the chief Justice and Judges of the court of King's Bench; but at present they may
not be removed, unless by address of both Houses of Parliament.
The act also provides that in all causes Jurers, contrary to the former usage, shall be nominated and returned only by the Sheriff.
Let us now state the case of an Englishman living under such a constitution as the preceding, and by his general deportment become obnoxious to the ruling powers.
After what we have seen attempted in the case of Mr. Wilkes, it is not incredible to suppose that a scheme should be laid for his destruction.
The persons who compose the administration of the day command the Sheriff to nominate and return such Jurers as may be depended upon in their work of blood.
The Sheriff refuses; but after a few changes a Sheriff is found who engages to be obsequious to their will.
An honest Judge, who, by some mistake, has been admitted into office, gives a proper caution to the Jury, and the Culprit is acquitted.
A more obsequious Judge is substituted in his place. The next attempt succeeds. A Jury, packed by a Sheriff removable at pleasure, and directed by a Judge under the same circumstances, finds any given Culprit guilty of any given crime. If this be a just representation of the case, and I defy any the most profligate of the "friends to contradict me, how precarious is the tenure by which every Englishman, residing in the province of Massachusetts-Bay, holds his liberty and life!
The inhabitants of this Island behold the unworthy scene without emotion!
This security for our liberties was effected at the revolution; before that auspicious era, all the Judges of England were removable at the pleasure of the Crown. Many have been raised to suppose that we are indebted to the present King for this alteration in favour of liberty, but they have been deceived; the act passed at his instance at the commencement of his reign, was only an act to enable the Judges to keep their places in case of a demise of the Crown, i. e. an act which prohibits their removal at that moment when the Prince became newly seated in the Throne, is most disposed to listen to the voice of his people.
From the PENNSYLVANIA PACKET. POLITICAL OBSERVATIONS, without order: Addressed to the people of America.
ALL power or government is derived from God through the instrumentality of Kings or the PEOPLE. Has the impartial Governor of the universe communicated his attributes of power, wisdom, justice, and mercy to Kings only, and denied the least portion of them to every other class of mankind? Let history decide this question. The history of Kings is nothing but the history of the folly and depravity of human nature.
2. To live (says Bishop Hoadly) by one man's will, became the cause of all men's misery; if the bible was silent, analogy would teach us, that the depravity and misery of one man, could contaminate and render miserable a whole race of men. Look up then, mortals, to Kings with humility. They are living histories of your first calamity. ONE MAN still continues to be the source of misery and depravity in all the Kingdoms of the world.—God deals with all mankind as he did with the Jews. He gives them Kings only in his anger. We read now and then it is true, of a good King, for we read likewise of a prophet escaping unhurt from a lion's den, and of three men walking in a fiery furnace without having even their garments singed. The order of nature is as much inverted in the first as it was in the two last cases. A good King is a miracle.
3. The American Congress derives all its power, wisdom and justice, not from scrolls of parchment signed by Kings, but from the PEOPLE. A more august, and a more equitable legislative body never existed in any quarter of the globe. It is founded upon the principles of the most perfect liberty. A freeman in honouring and obeying the Congress, honours and obeys himself. The man who refuses to do both is a slave. He knows nothing of the dignity of his nature. He cannot govern himself. Expose him for sale at a public vendue. Send him to plant sugar with his fellow slaves in Jamaica. Let not the air of America be contaminated with his breath.
4. The Congress like other legislative bodies, have annexed penalties to their laws. They do not consist of the gallows, the rack, and the fluke. These punishments belong to vindictive states, and are proper only for a corrupted people. They have held out no punishment but INFAMY, a species of infamy which sounds more dreadful to a freeman than the gallows, the rack, or the fluke. It is this, he shall be declared in the public papers to be an enemy to his country.
5. The wisdom and revenge of man have been exhausted to find out a suitable punishment for treason, or for those crimes which affect the liberty and happiness of a people. The least deviation from the resolves of the Congress will be treason.—Such treason as few villains ever had an opportunity of committing. It will be treason against the present inhabitants of the colonies: Against the millions of unborn generations who are to exist hereafter in America: Against the only liberty and happiness which remain to mankind: Against the last hopes of the wretched in every corner of the world. In a word it will be treason against God. It will be to take from HIM (with reverence be it spoken) the power of making his creatures happy.—I do not attempt to hint at a punishment of the foul. It can only affect a freeman. The body of the wretch who is capable of violating the resolves of the Congress, is the only part of him which can be punished. But here all ingenuity fails us. The tortures of Damocles and Ravalli would be rendered abortive for this purpose, by the longest possible duration of human life.
6. There is a strange veneration for antiquity, and disinclination for innovations in all civil as well as religious bodies. We are now laying the foundation of an American constitution. Let us therefore hold up every thing we do, to the eye of posterity. They will probably measure their liberties and happiness by the most careful of our footsteps. Let no unhallowed hand touch the precious seed of liberty. Let us form the glorious tree in such a manner, and propagate it with such principles of life, that it shall last for ever. Greece, Rome and Britain would still have been free, had not the principles of corruption been concealed in the elements of their
constitutions. Let us not only avail ourselves of the just spirit of the times, but bind up posterity to be freemen. Our Congress were actuated with this prophetic benevolence, when they dissolved themselves, and recommended a new choice of delegates in the spring.
7. There is some reason to fear that the steps we are obliged to take to defend our liberties, will render us too careless in abolishing them. Wise and good men in Britain, have listed up the curtain of futurity in America. Let us not be afraid to look through it. Ye intuitive spirits who see through the connection of cause and effect. Ye holy spirits who have been accustomed to trace the operations of divine providence. Ye decisive spirits who resolve and execute at once.—Ye know what I mean. "In eternitatem pingo" said a poet. Let us neither think, write, speak, nor act, without keeping our eyes fixed upon the period which shall dissolve our connection with Great-Britain! The delirium of the present ministry, may precipitate it; but the ordinary course of humane things, must accomplish it. Britain must relax from her present arbitrary measures, but political necessity, not justice, must hereafter be the measure of her actions. Freemen cannot bear a middle state between liberty and slavery. It is essential to the happiness of liberty, that it should be secure and perpetual.
8. A rotation of offices is one of the life-guards of liberty. The right as well as the obligations to legislation, are alike binding upon all men. To prevent pride and excessive popularity, and to diffuse knowledge and virtue, are the surest methods of securing and perpetuating public liberty. These are to be obtained only by a constant rotation of offices.
9. I almost wish to live to hear the triumphs of the Jubilee in the year 1874. To see the medals, pictures, fragments of writings, &c. that shall be displayed to revive the memory of the proceedings of the Congress in the year 1774. If an adventitious circumstance shall give precedence on that day to all who are to inherit the blood, or even profess the name of a member of that glorious assembly. I cannot after this, understand to mean the least reflection upon any one of that body whom I urge, that only one half, or at most two thirds of the members should be returned from each colony to attend the next Congress. The good dispositions in humane nature sometimes lead us astray in public affairs. Do not, illustrious friends, avail yourselves of the gratitude and veneration of your countrymen. You have, we trust, made them free: But a nobler task awaits you. Instruct them, instruct posterity in the great science of securing and perpetuating FREEDOM.
[To be continued.]
Proceedings of the town of WORCESTER.
HAVING taken under our consideration, the protestation of Messrs. William Elder, John Curtis and others, inhabitants of Worcester, published in the Massachusetts Gazette, of June 30th, 1774, beg leave to offer the following:
That whereas the publication aforesaid, was made as a protest of the signers of it against the proceedings of the town of Worcester, and contains in it a number of groundless reflections and aspersions against the inhabitants of the town, viz. It seems to be implied in the direction to the Printer, published at the front of the protest, that the Signers were the only persons in the town that were friends to truth, peace and order; and that they only were the persons that had any just apprehensions of the ill consequences arising by mobs and riots, &c. and that all the rest of the inhabitants acted irregularly and arbitrarily, (notwithstanding the matters in said meeting were fairly debated) and that they were so destitute of understanding as to be led astray by evil-minded persons, who were endeavouring to reduce all things to a state of disorder and confusion; hereby making themselves the sole judges of what is right and order, and what is not, proceed to dignify the inhabitants as holding to such bad opinions as to prevent the town acting prudently and for the general good.
And it is also implied in the publication aforesaid, that this town allows a number of persons in it to assume the character of a committee of correspondence for the town, and to act darkly and perniciously with impunity, contrary to rule and good order: And in violation of the truth (after unparallelled arguments representing themselves as the only friends to it: ) Assert that the town has refused to dismiss the persons filing themselves a committee of correspondence for the town, when setting aside the inconsistency of the town dismissing persons who had arrested the character of a committee and consequently not chose by the town) they well know that the town has not been requested either to dismiss persons filing themselves a committee or those gentlemen so denominated by the town, neither was there an article in the warrant for calling said meeting to dismiss any persons whatever, from office, nor so much as proposed in the meeting.
There is also a malignity cast upon committees of correspondence in general, through the continent, and in particular against the committee chosen by this town, without any reason being assigned for the same, but the opinion of the protesters, who slender foundation to asperse the character of the town officers upon, and have endeavoured to insinuate into the minds of the public, that the men of which committees of correspondence are composed, through the province, are a parcel of unprincipled knaves, who are endeavouring to destroy the lives, and properties, of the peaceable and well disposed.
And also alleging that it is by these committees, that papers have been lately published, and wickedly tempting all persons to sign them, which they call an unlawful combination, tending directly to civil war and rebellion. This town knows of no such paper: If it be the non-consumption agreement entered and entering into through this and the neighbouring provinces, that is hereby pointed at; we take it upon us to say, that we much approve of the same, that if strictly adhered to, will save our money, promote industry, frugality and our own manufactures, and tend directly to prevent civil war and rebellion.
And after offering their opinion of mobs, riots, tumults, disorders and the proceedings of this town, so cruelly, and with such temerity, as shows them to be destitute of that humanity and christian charity which we all in duty owe one to the other. Branded all that do not join with them with the character of enemies, of our King and country, violators of all law and civil liberty, the mischievous disturbers of the society, subverters of the established constitution and enemies to mankind.
And as it appears by the said publication, that it is recorded upon the town book, notwithstanding the many assertions and falsehoods therein contained, against the people of this town without the liberty, or knowledge of the town.—Therefore
Voted, That the Town-Clerk, do in presence of the town, obliterate, erase, or otherwise deface the said recorded protest and all the names thereto subscribed, so that it may become utterly illegible and unintelligible.
Voted, That the method taken by the leaders in protesting or of procuring, a very considerable number to sign to the protest, that was not voters in the town, we think was a piece of low cunning, to deceive the public, and made their party appear more numerous and formidable than it was in reality.
Voted, That the signers of said protest, on some of whom the town has conferred many favours, and consequently may expect their kindest and best services, be deemed unworthy of holding any town office of profit, or honour, until they have made satisfaction for their offence, to the acceptance of the town, which ought to be made as public as their protest was.
Voted, That it is highly needful that those of the signers, who have not made satisfaction as aforesaid, should be known in future, it is therefore necessary that their names should be here inserted as follows, viz.
JAMES PUTNAM, WILLIAM PAINE, ISAAC MOORE, JOHN WALKER, JOSHUA JOHNSON.
Voted, The following admonition be given to the Town-Clerk, viz. Mr. Clark Chandler, whereas this town at their annual town-meeting, in March last, as well as for several years before, honoured you, with choosing you for their Clerk, relying upon your fidelity, that you would act for the honour of the town, and themselves much disappointed by your conduct, in recording on the town book, the scandalous protest of Williams Elder, John Curtis and others, filed with falsehood and reflections against this town: We have just reason to fear you was actuated in the matter by unjustifiable motives, and at this time, exhort you to be more circumspect in the execution of your office, and never give this town the like trouble of calling a town-meeting again, on such occasion.
The town wishes to see your behaviour such as may restore you to their former good opinion of you.
Whereas the committee of correspondence for this town, willingly laid all their proceedings before the town, when requested, and it thereby appears, notwithstanding the ungenerous abuse heaped on them by the protesters, that they have acted with diligence, care and caution. Therefore
Voted, That the thanks of this town, be and hereby given to the committee of correspondence, for their circumspection, and that they are desired to go on with their vigilance in corresponding with the other committees in the several towns in this province.
Also Voted, That the foregoing transactions and proceedings, be recorded in the town-book of records, and that an attested copy be given to the committee of correspondence, for them to transmit to the committee of correspondence for the town at Boston, to be published in the Massachusetts-Spy, and also in Massachusetts-Gazette. All which is humbly submitted by
JOSHUA BIGLOW, DAVID BANCRAFT, JONATHAN STONE, BENJAMIN FLAGG, JOSHUA PEIRCE, SAMUEL CURTIS, JONAS HUBBARD.
At a town meeting held in Worcester, on the 22nd day of August, 1774, and continued by adjournment to the 17th of October, the foregoing being read, paragraph by paragraph, was accepted by the town.
Attest, CLARK CHANDLER, Town-Clerk.
To the Committee of Correspondence for the County of Worcester, in the Province of Massachusetts-Bay.
GENTLEMEN,
IMPREST with a sense of the duty and obligation we owe to the world as well as our constituents, we take this opportunity to acquaint you with the most dangerous and alarming infringement on the rights and privileges of Englishmen, which has been translated since these infant plantations have been inhabited, the particular circumstances are as follows, viz.
On October the 29th last past, one of the assistant judges of the county, and two of the other justices, with the high sheriff and King's attorney, and four deputy sheriffs, and one assistant, took one Leonard Spaulding of this town, and committed him to Goal, under pretence that he had been guilty of high treason, where he is by their determination to lay till the next superior court to be tried for his life, no other evidence appeared against him than that one of the deputy sheriffs swore that he heard Mr. Spaulding say, that if the King had given his assent to the Quebec Bill, he had broke his coronation oath; which persons, together with a number of the county officers, have ever since the passing of the said bill, and the bill for regulating the province of the Massachusetts, been very strenuous in vindicating both said bills, renders it highly suspicious to us that the introduction of the latter among us, is not far off; the consequence of this affair is not as yet known, though we imagine it will be attended with great tumult and disorder, we desire you would, with freedom give your opinion on the matter. We are gentlemen, your most affectionate friends, the committee of correspondence for the town of Fullam or Dumferlin, in the county of Cumberland, and province of New-York.
November 3, 1774. SOLOMON HARVEY, JONATHAN KNIGHT, JOHN BUTLER, JOSIAH BOYDEN, DANIEL GATES.
PUBLIC VENDUE.
DAM KERR, hereby informs his Friends and the Public, that he has
Opened a Vendue Room,
North-side of the Town-Dock, (the same which Mr. Archibald Bowman formerly occupied in that business) and is now ready for the Reception of Household Furniture and Merchandise. All those who are pleased to favour him with their employment, either at public or private Sale, shall find that he will act in that station with integrity, fidelity and dispatch.

BOSTON. By Capt. Brown, arrived at Salem, from London, who brings the following intelligence, viz.
LONDON, October 7. BESIDES the regular trained militia in New-England, all the planters sons and servants are taught to use the fowling piece from their youth, and generally fire single balls with great exactness at fowl or beast. A gentleman well acquainted with that country is confident the four provinces can muster upwards of 12,000 of these marksmen in forty-eight hours. It is a more galling circumstance to a British subject (says a correspondent) to be enslaved by their countrymen than by foreigners; the very idea is more irksome and unsupportable. What shall they be deprived of an opportunity of thinking and complaining, after an arbitrary manner have embarrassed them, deprived them of the common benefit, denied them representatives, and even rejected their petitions; shall they not meet to consult on the most immediate and effectual mode of obtaining redress? How cruel! how unjust! how absolute! If so, farewell to the liberties of New England now, perhaps soon to those of old England.
The clerks in the Post-office are employed day and night in dispatching expresses to every part of the kingdom, in consequence of the dissolution of parliament.
According to the opinion of some leading men among the ministry, the election for Middlesex will be a very hard struggle; and a nobleman, very busy in this matter, was heard the other day to declare, that if the ministry could depend on the two candidates now in their eye, it would cost the bill of rights gentry above 10,000. to contest it with them.
A correspondent wishes to be informed of the propriety of the big sounding words—Honour Dignity, and Privilege of P——, when at the same time the P—— itself, by the very breath of a——, can, at pleasure, as Shakespeare says, be dissolved, "And, like [an] insubstantial pageant faded, Leave not a track behind."
A correspondent says, that the Premier has declared within these few days to an intimate friend, that if he continues to have the sanction of a great personage, he will go through with affairs, and bring them right at last or lose his head.
A few days ago Lord Shelburne set out for Paris.
General Gage (says a writer) seems to be a fit instrument to promote the designs of the court in their fullest extent. It seems he perfectly understands the spirit, as well as the letter, of an act of Parliament; by not suffering the Bostonians to meet without his leave, he will cut up the Bostonians liberty by the roots.
October 8. The dissolving a parliament and calling a new one is all a farce, it is only a breaking up of school; the same petulant Westminster-boys come back again, and the same men will meet at Westminster, and go on in enclosing, taving, and starving the people.
By letters lately received from Vienna, we are informed that a report prevailed there that the Grand Signior had refused to ratify the late peace, till some points were adjusted to which he objects; in consequence of which the Russian General, Count Romanzow, is making preparations with his army, at Foczany, to oblige him to fulfil them.
October 15. Yesterday there was a great levee at St. James's but no council; there were present Lord North, Lord Dartmouth, Lord Rochford, Lord Townshend, and several others of the nobility.
It was yesterday currently reported, that the town of Boston was destroyed by the military, who had been provoked to lay the capital of Massachusetts Bay in ashes.
We are authorized to assure the public, that a squadron of men of war is ordered to be fitted out with the utmost expedition, in order to proceed to Boston; and that the said squadron is to take a battalion of marines on board, from the Chatham division. Those marines are intended to act as emergencies may require, either on board ship or on shore.
We have been informed, that the first business the new parliament will go upon, will be to make such necessary laws as may seem likely to enforce the execution of those already passed against America; there is not the least thoughts entertained of repealing them, as some were apt to imagine.
CONSTANTINOPLE, Sept. 3. The Porte has sent orders to the fleet, in the Black Sea, to return: An order was sent from the late Visir to the Magistrates of Smyrna to proclaim the peace, which was accordingly done.
Lisbon, Sept. 13. Capt. Montrey, commander of the English Frigate the Thames, arrived here last week, hath declared that the differences between the English and the Algerines are come to such a point, that the English merchants who were at Algiers had left it by the advice of Admiral Dennis; and that all the English merchant ships in the Mediterranean were conveyed by the said Admiral's squadron to the Cape of St. Vincent.
LONDON, Oct. 16. A letter from Chatham, dated the 12th instant says, "A detachment of Marines, consisting of 150 men, exclusive of officers, among whom is major Pircian, is ordered to march from hence to Portsmouth, to be embarked in the ships now fitting out at that port for Boston."
A letter from Rome, dated Sept. 22, mentions that his Holiness the Pope, died there a few days before. It is said he was poisoned.
Oct. 17. The soldiery have received greater
power, unimpaired and undiminished, the just, wise and necessary constitutional superiority of Great-Britain. This is necessary for America, as well as for us, I never mean to depart from it: Whatever may be lost by it, I avow it.—The forfeiture even of your favour, if by such a declaration I could forfeit it, though the first object of ambition, never will make me disguise my sentiments on this subject.
"But, I have ever had a clear opinion, and have ever held a constant correspondent conduct, that this superiority is consistent with all the liberties a sober and spirited American ought to desire. I never mean to put any colonist, or any human creature, in a situation, not becoming a free man. To reconcile British superiority with American liberty shall be my great object, as far as my little faculties extend. I am far from thinking that both, even yet, may not be preserved."
"When I first devoted myself to the public service, I considered how I should render myself fit for it; and this I did by endeavouring to discover what it was, that gave this country the rank it holds in the world; I found that our prosperity and dignity arose principally, if not solely, from two sources: our constitution and commerce. Both these I have spared no study to understand, and no endeavour to support."
"The distinguishing part of our constitution is its liberty. To preserve that liberty inviolate seems the particular duty and proper trust of a member of the house of commons. But the liberty, the only liberty I mean, is a liberty connected with order; that not only exists along with order and virtue, but which cannot exist at all without them. It inheres in good and steady government, as in its substance and vital principle."
"The other source of our power is commerce, of which you are so large a part, and which cannot exist, no more than your liberty, without a connection with many virtues. It has ever been a very peculiar and a very favourite object of my study in its principles and its details. I think many here are acquainted with the truth of what I say. This I know, that I have ever had my house open, and my poor services ready for traders and manufacturers of every denomination. My favourite ambition is to have those services acknowledged. I now appear before you to make trial, whether my earnest endeavours have been so wholly oppressed by the weakness of my abilities, as to be rendered insignificant in the eyes of a great trading city; or whether you choose to give a weight to humble abilities, for the sake of the honest exertions with which they are accompanied. This is my trial to day. My industry is not on trial; of my industry I am sure, as far as my constitution of mind and body admitted."
"When I was invited by many respectable merchants, freeholders, and freemen of this city, to offer them my services, I had just received the honour of an election at another place, at a very great distance from this. Immediately opened the matter to those of my worthy constituents, who were with me, and they unanimously advised me not to decline it; that they had elected me with a view to the public service; and that at great questions relative to our commerce and colonies were imminent, that in such matters I might derive authority and support from the representation of this great commercial city; they desired me therefore to set off without delay, very well persuaded that I never could forget my obligations to them, or to my friends for the choice they had made of me. From that time to this instant I have not slept, and if I should have the honour of being freely chosen by you, I hope I shall be as far from slumbering or sleeping when your service requires me to be awake, as I have been in coming to offer myself a candidate for your favour."
A correspondent says he has been informed by a gentleman lately arrived from Philadelphia, that when Mr. John Malcomb, an officer of the customs at Boston, was leading, tarred and feathered, to the gallows, with a rope about his neck, he was asked by one of the mob whether he was not thirsty, which was natural to a man expecting to be hanged. The unfortunate officer of the customs, as well as he could speak, answered yes; and immediately a large bowl of strong tea was put in his hands, with orders to drink the King's health. Whether it was owing to loyalty or thirst is not material; poor Malcomb half emptied the bowl. He was then told he must mend his draught, and drink the Queen's health. Though he had done his utmost for the King, he found he must do something for the Queen; and having taken off half the remainder of the bowl, he presented it back to the persons from whom he had received it. Hold! hold! cries his friend, you are not to forget the rest of the royal family; come, drink to the Prince of Wales. Replenish, replenish, cries the loyal American; and instantly poor Malcomb saw two quarts more of what he was heartily sick of. Make haste, cries another loyal American; you have nine more healths to drink before you arrive at the gallows. For God's sake, gentlemen, be merciful, I am ready to burst; if I drink a drop more, I shall die—Suppose you do, cries one of the mob you die in a good cause, and it is as well to be drowned as hanged, and immediately the drenching horn was put to his mouth, to the health of the Bishop of Osnaburg; and having gone through the other eight, he turned pale, shook his head, and instantly filled the bowl which he had just emptied. What, says the American, are you sick of the royal family; No, replies Malcomb, my stomach nauseates the tea; it rises at it like poison. And yet, you rascals, returns the American, your whole fraternity at the Custom-house would drench us with this poison, and we are to have our throats cut if it will not stay upon our stomachs. The merciful Americans desisted, and the procession was continued towards the gallows.
The state of the Poll last Saturday at Bristol was as follows: For Mr. Cruger, 1160, Mr. Burke, 993; Mr. Brickdale, 690; and Lord Clare, 79.
Mr. BURKS'S SPEECH, from the Hufings as Bristol.
"Gentlemen, "I AM come hither to solicit in person, that favour which my friends have hitherto endeavoured to procure for me, by the most obliging, and to me the most honourable exertions."
"I have so high an opinion of the great trust which you have to confer on this occasion, and by long experience, so just a diffidence in my abilities, to fill it in a manner adequate even to my own ideas, that I should never have ventured of myself to intrude into that awful situation. But since I am called upon by the desire of several respectable fellow-subjects, as I have done at other times. I give up my fears to their wishes. Whatever my other deficiencies may be I do not know what it is to be wanting to my friends."
"I am not fond of attempting to raise public expectation by great promises. At this time there is much cause to consider, and very little to presume. We seem to be approaching to a great crisis in our affairs, which calls for the whole wisdom of the wisest among us, without being able to assure ourselves, that any wisdom can preserve us from many and great inconveniences. You know I speak of our unhappy contest with America. I confess it is a matter on which I look down as from a precipice. It is difficult in itself, and it is rendered more intricate by a great variety of plans of conduct. I do not mean to enter into them. I will not suspect a want of good intention in framing them. But however pure the intentions of their authors may have been, we all know that the event has been unfortunate."
"The means of recovering our affairs are not obvious. So many great questions of commerce, of finances, of constitution, and of policy, are involved in this American deliberation, that I dare engage for nothing, but that I shall give it, without any predilection to former opinions, or any sinister bias whatsoever, the honest and impartial consideration of which I am capable. The public has a full right to it; and this great city, a main pillar in the commercial interest of Great-Britain, must tower on its basis by the slightest mistake, with regard to our American measures. Thus much, however, I think it not amiss to lay before you, that I am not, I hope, apt to take up or lay down my opinions lightly. I have held, and ever shall maintain, to the best of my
power, unimpaired and undiminished, the just, wise and necessary constitutional superiority of Great-Britain. This is necessary for America, as well as for us, I never mean to depart from it: Whatever may be lost by it, I avow it.—The forfeiture even of your favour, if by such a declaration I could forfeit it, though the first object of ambition, never will make me disguise my sentiments on this subject."
"But, I have ever had a clear opinion, and have ever held a constant correspondent conduct, that this superiority is consistent with all the liberties a sober and spirited American ought to desire. I never mean to put any colonist, or any human creature, in a situation, not becoming a free man. To reconcile British superiority with American liberty shall be my great object, as far as my little faculties extend. I am far from thinking that both, even yet, may not be preserved."
"When I first devoted myself to the public service, I considered how I should render myself fit for it; and this I did by endeavouring to discover what it was, that gave this country the rank it holds in the world; I found that our prosperity and dignity arose principally, if not solely, from two sources: our constitution and commerce. Both these I have spared no study to understand, and no endeavour to support."
"The distinguishing part of our constitution is its liberty. To preserve that liberty inviolate seems the particular duty and proper trust of a member of the house of commons. But the liberty, the only liberty I mean, is a liberty connected with order; that not only exists along with order and virtue, but which cannot exist at all without them. It inheres in good and steady government, as in its substance and vital principle."
"The other source of our power is commerce, of which you are so large a part, and which cannot exist, no more than your liberty, without a connection with many virtues. It has ever been a very peculiar and a very favourite object of my study in its principles and its details. I think many here are acquainted with the truth of what I say. This I know, that I have ever had my house open, and my poor services ready for traders and manufacturers of every denomination. My favourite ambition is to have those services acknowledged. I now appear before you to make trial, whether my earnest endeavours have been so wholly oppressed by the weakness of my abilities, as to be rendered insignificant in the eyes of a great trading city; or whether you choose to give a weight to humble abilities, for the sake of the honest exertions with which they are accompanied. This is my trial to day. My industry is not on trial; of my industry I am sure, as far as my constitution of mind and body admitted."
"When I was invited by many respectable merchants, freeholders, and freemen of this city, to offer them my services, I had just received the honour of an election at another place, at a very great distance from this. Immediately opened the matter to those of my worthy constituents, who were with me, and they unanimously advised me not to decline it; that they had elected me with a view to the public service; and that at great questions relative to our commerce and colonies were imminent, that in such matters I might derive authority and support from the representation of this great commercial city; they desired me therefore to set off without delay, very well persuaded that I never could forget my obligations to them, or to my friends for the choice they had made of me. From that time to this instant I have not slept, and if I should have the honour of being freely chosen by you, I hope I shall be as far from slumbering or sleeping when your service requires me to be awake, as I have been in coming to offer myself a candidate for your favour."
WILLIAMSBURG, [Virginia, Nov. 11. By the Northern Post, just arrived, the Hon. Peyton RANDOLPH, Esq; has received the following letter from General Gage, in answer to that wrote to him by the General Congress, on the 10th of October last.
To the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; SIR, Byron, Oct. 20, 1774. REPRESENTATIONS should be made with candour, and matters stated exactly, as they stand. People would be led to believe, from your letter to me of the 10th instant, that works were raised against the town of Boston, private property invaded, the soldiers suffered insult by the inhabitants, and the communication between the town and country shut up and molested.
Nothing can be farther from the true situation of this place than the above states.
There is not a single gun pointed against the town, no man's property has been seized or hurt, except the King's, by the people's destroying straw, bricks, &c. bought for his service. No troops have given less cause for complaint, and greater care was never taken to prevent it; and such care and attention was never more necessary, from the insults and provocations daily giving to both officers and soldiers. The communication between the town and country has been always free and unobstructed, and is so still.
Two works of earth have been raised at some distance from the town, wide of the roads, and guns put in them. The remains of old works, going out of the town, have been strengthened, and guns placed there likewise. People will think differently, whether the hostile preparations throughout the country, and the menaces of blood and slaughter, made this necessary. But I am to do my duty.
It gives me pleasure that you are endeavouring at a cordial reconciliation with the mother country; which from what has transpired, I have despaired of. Nobody wishes better success to such measures than myself. I have endeavoured to be a mediator, if I could establish a foundation to work upon; and have strongly urged it to people here to pay for the Tea, and send a proper memorial to the King, which would be a good beginning on their side, and give their friends the opportunity they seek, to move in their support.
I do not believe that menaces and unfriendly proceedings will have the effect which many conceive. The spirit of the British nation was high when I left England, and such measures will not abate it. But I should hope that decency and moderation here would create the same disposition at home; and I ardently with that the common enemies to both countries may see to their disappointment, that their disputes between the mother country and the colonies have terminated like the quarrels of lovers, and increased the affection which they ought to bear to each other.
I am, Sir, Your most obedient humble servant, THOMAS GAGE.
WHEREAS I the subscriber, of Charlton, in the county of Worcester, did on the fourteenth instant give DANIEL CONVERS of said Charlton a note of hand of the following tenor and date, viz.
"For value received, I promise to pay to DANIEL CONVERS, or his order, the sum of three pounds twelve shillings, in three months, with interest until paid, witness my hand. SAMUEL ROBINSON. Charlton, November 14th, 1774."
Which note was in lieu of one received from said CONVERS, given by ISAAC MOORE, (of Worcester, as said CONVERS declared) payable to EDWARD BOND, or order, which was negotiated until said CONVERS became the proprietor thereof. And as upon application to said MOORE for payment, I perceived that said note was never given by said MOORE, as CONVERS affirmed. Therefore I forewarn all persons from purchasing the note I gave to CONVERS, as before described, being determined not to pay said note, as it was obtained in a fraudulent manner. SAMUEL ROBINSON. Charlton, November 28th, 1774.
JOHN WHITE, GARDENER and SEEDS-MAN, ACQUAINTS his customers, that he is removed from Seven-Star Lane, to the house on the north side Mr. LUCAS's, near the Farrier-shop, and has for sale a large assortment of SEEDS, cheaper than usual.
This day was published, (price Half a Piastre) and sold at JOHN BOYLE's Printing-Office, next door to the Three Dogs in Marlborough-street.
THE WONDER OF WONDERS! Or the WONDERFUL APPEARANCE of an Angel, Devil and Ghost, to a Gentleman in the town of Boston, in the nights of the 14th, 15th, and 16th of October last; to whom in some measure may be attributed the Delirium that have of late fallen upon that unhappy Metropolis. Related to one of his neighbours the morning after the last visitation, who wrote down the narrative from the Gentleman's own mouth; and it is now made public at his desire, as a solemn warning to all those, who for the sake of aggrandizing themselves and their families, would entail the most abject wretchedness upon MILLIONS of their fellow-creatures. Adorned with four plates, viz. 1. The Devil. 2. An Angel, with a sword in one hand, a pair of scales in the other. 3. Belzebub, holding in his right hand a false book, and in his left a bullet. 4. A ghost, floating on a white gown, his hair much dishevelled.
To be SOLD, A Convenient DWELLING-HOUSE, situated near St. Peter's Church, three stories high, with a good garden, well of water and outhouses, fit to accommodate any gentleman. Enquire of THOMAS FRYE, living in the Long-wharf-lane, in Salem.
WANTED TO HIRE, ONE HUNDRED POUNDS, Lawful Money, for which good security will be given. Enquire of the Printer.
WANTED, a pair of live wild TURKIES, a few pair of wild BLACK DUCKS, and a few dozen of live QUAILS. Apply to the Printer.
To be SOLD, for want of employ. A LIKELY healthy strong NEGRO BOY, between 14 and 15 years of age. Enquire of the Printer.
To be LET, A STORE, opposite the east end of Faneuil Hall, well situated for business. Enquire at Mr. Daniel Bell's store, near the above.
Post-Office, Boston, December 5th, 1774. THIS is to inform the Public, that it is the Post Master General's positive orders, that the Post-Rider leaves this Office on Monday Mornings, precisely at 9 o'Clock, and proceed immediately out of town with the Mail, of which all concerned will please to take notice.
A QUANTITY of Felt Hats, Hatters Trimmings, striped Swandowns, striped Damascus, Silk and Woolled Breches Pieces, Silk, Woolled, and Thread Hosiery, Silk Hankerchiefs, Silk and Hair, Scarf T with Mohair Buttons and Sundries other articles, to be sold very cheap for Cash. Enquire at Store No. 4 opposite the East End of Faneuil Hall.
To-Morrow will be published, by J. GREENLEAF, THE ROYAL AMERICAN MAGAZINE, No. XI. for NOVEMBER, 1774.

IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, Cambridge, December 1, 1774.
WHEREAS the rigorous operation of the Boston Port-bill, the metropolis of this province and the neighbouring town of Charlestown have been brought into a most distressful state; many of the inhabitants being deprived of the means of their subsistence, and reduced to the cruel alternative of quitting their habitations, or perishing in them by famine, if they had not been supported by the free and generous contributions of our sister colonies, even from the remotest parts of this continent.
Resolved, That the grateful acknowledgments of this Congress be returned to the several colonies for having so deeply interested themselves in behalf of said towns under their present sufferings in the common cause; and that the Congress consider their donations not only as unexampled acts of benevolence to this province in general, which has also greatly suffered, and of charity to those towns in particular, but as convincing proofs of the firm attachment of all the colonies to the glorious cause of liberty, and of their fixed determination to support them in the noble stand they are now making for the liberties of themselves and of all America.
Signed by order of the Provincial Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President.
In Provincial Congress, Cambridge, Dec. 5, 1774. RESOLVED,
THAT the proceedings of the American Continental Congress, held at Philadelphia on the fifth of September last, and reported by the honourable delegates from this colony, have with the deliberation due to their high importance been considered by us, and the American bill of rights therein contained, appears to be formed with the greatest ability and judgment; to be founded on the immutable laws of nature and reason, the principles of the English constitution, and respective charters and constitutions of the colonies; and to be worthy of their most vigorous support, as essentially necessary to liberty—Likewise the ruinous and iniquitous measures, which in violation of these RIGHTS at present convulse and threaten destruction to America, appear to be clearly pointed out, and judicious plans adopted for defeating them.
RESOLVED. That the most grateful acknowledgments are due to the truly honourable and patriotic members of the Continental Congress, for their wise and able exertions in the cause of American liberty: and this Congress in their own names, and in behalf of this colony, do hereby with the utmost sincerity express the same.
RESOLVED. That the hon. John Hancock, hon. Thomas Cushing, Esqrs. Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, Esqrs. or any three of them be, and they hereby are, appointed and authorized to represent this colony, on the tenth of May next, or sooner if necessary, at the American Congress to be held at Philadelphia; with full power with the delegates from the other American colonies, to concert, agree upon, direct and order such farther measures, as shall to them appear to be best calculated for the recovery and establishment of American rights and liberties, and for the restoring harmony between Great-Britain and the colonies.
And whereas it is of the utmost importance that the salutary association of the Continental Congress be effectually executed; and the plans of foes to America defeated, who, aided by tyrannical power, intend to import goods, wares and merchandise prohibited by the association, which may clandestinely be vendes as goods imported before the first of December instant, by assistance of such merchants and traders as to this intent shall basely prostitute themselves; and it will be extremely difficult to distinguish between goods imported before the said first of December and such as after said day shall, in violation of the association, be imported and secretly dispersed throughout the colony;
And whereas it is expressly recommended by the Continental Congress "to the provincial conventions, and to the committees in the respective colonies, to establish such farther regulations as they may think proper, for carrying into execution their association."
RESOLVED. That from and after the tenth day of October next, it will be indispensably necessary that all goods, wares and merchandise, directly or indirectly imported from Great-Britain or Ireland, molasses, syrups, paneles, coffee or piemento from the British plantations or from Dominica; wines from Madeira or the western islands; and foreign indigo, should cease to be sold or purchased in this colony, notwithstanding they shall have been imported before the first day of December aforesaid; unless the acts and parts of acts of the British Parliament (particularly enumerated in a paragraph of the American congress association subsequent to the fourteenth article) shall be then repealed. And it is hereby strongly recommended to the inhabitants of the towns and districts in the colony, that from and after the said tenth of October, they cease to sell or purchase, and prevent from being exposed to sale, within their respective limits, any goods, wares, merchandise, &c. above enumerated, which shall at any time have been imported into America, whether before or after the first of December aforesaid; unless said acts of Parliament shall be then repealed.
And it is likewise strongly recommended to the committees of inspection (which ought immediately to be chosen agreeably to the said association by each town and district in the colony, not having already appointed such committees) that they exert themselves in causing the association as thereby directed, to be strictly executed. And that after the said tenth day of October (unless
the acts of parliament aforesaid are repealed) they apply to all the merchants and traders in their respective towns and districts, and take a full inventory of all the goods, wares and merchandise aforesaid in their possession, whether they shall have been imported before or after the first of December aforesaid; requiring them to offer no more for sale, until said acts shall be repealed, and if any merchant, trader or others, shall refuse to have an inventory taken, or shall offer for sale after the said tenth of October, any such goods, wares or merchandise: It is expressly recommended to the committees aforesaid, that they take the goods into their possession to be stored at the risk of the proper owners until the repeal of the acts aforesaid, and publish the names of such refractory merchants, raders or purchasers, that they may meet with the merits of enemies to their country. And the towns and districts throughout the province are also advised, that they by no means fail vigorously to assist and support their committees, in discharging this as well as the other duties of their offices, and to cause this resolution to be executed by every measure which they shall think necessary.
Signed by order of the Provincial Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President. A true extract from the minutes, BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Secretary.
HURSDAY, December 8. BOSTON.
Last Saturday afternoon the Scarborough man of war, which went express from hence to England the beginning of September last, returned hither again, with dispatches for General Gage, the contents of which have not transpired. The Scarborough failed from Plymouth the 24th of October, and, it was said, three ships of the line, viz. the Asia, Boyne and Somerset, with the Hind frigate, and Falcon sloop of war, with 500 marines on board each of the large ships, were to sail soon after for this place. The public papers contain little else than accounts of preparations and solicitations from the many candidates to the electors in the different burroughs towns, &c. for their votes and interest to be elected their members in the ensuing new parliament.
Monday last arrived here the Asia, a sixty four gun ship, having on board a large number of marines, from England.
We hear the Tartar man of war, sails this day for London.
The recantation of Mr. Philip Dumaresq, an address to the late Governor Hutchinson, is published in the Connecticut papers.
The Earl of Halifax Packet, Capt. Boulderston, is arrived at New-York, from Falmouth.
Last Thursday the ship Hayley, Capt. Scott, failed from Salem for South Carolina and Europe, in whom went passengers Messrs. Cox and Berry, and Mr. William Palfrey, of this town, merchants.
Letter from a gentleman in Dublin, to his friend in Baltimore, 1774.
"I am sorry to hear some with you speak so coldly of the Bostonians, I hoped there was not a colonist who would not with his fortune and life, defend that liberty and property, which a vile administration wishes, yearly wishes to destroy; an attention to traffick, will be of little value, while the means of protecting your wealth are neglected, suppose you possessed all the riches of Maryland, subject to the uncontrolled demands of a hungry rapacious ministry, can you say that such a precarious wealth, is to be counted only like the bee, you will be imsoaked with Scotch brimstone, and robbed of the honey of your own earnings; sympathy is a poor tribute to those within reach of your relief, such an offering (if we can do no more) becomes us who are at this distance, but though Boston is far from our country, they are near, very near our hearts, and I am bold to say there is not one man in the kingdom (placemen and pensioners excepted) who would not succour them with his purse and person if possible. The important crisis of your country is ever uppermost in our thoughts, as the fate of liberty is suspended on your courage and unanimity; if you stand together as one man, the gates of hell, cannot prevail against you: If you are crumbled into fractions you will be undone, you will fall a disjointed prey to the more than savage beasts of despotism, and be left to bewail in sackcloth and ashes the false idea of balancing present profit—against future vassalage. A no-importation scheme firmly adhered to, would soon make Great-Britain sick of their most perfidious system, and would carry swarms of choice independent spirits into your hive, and though your traffic might languish for a time, and be barren for a season, yet like the fallowed ground it would yield a fruitful harvest, amply to recompence the loss of delay.—The prospect of liberty is one powerful inducement to emigration from this country. And as slavery advances here, your attraction grows stronger—but if the door of that asylum shall be shut against us, we will remain where we are, and not take the trouble of shifting the scene without changing the situation, (the present administration is a stink in the nostrils of all God's rational creation.) On our account then as well as your own, stand fast in the liberty wherewith you—ancestors have made you free, and suffer not yourselves to be intangled in ministerial bondage; were I one of you, which it is possible I soon shall, I should think the little power I possess, with my life into the bargain, well devoted to a cause, when the happiness of millions yet unborn, is so dreadfully involved."
Friday last the Provincial Congress made choice of the Hon. JOHN HANCOCK, Esq; the Hon. THOMAS CUSHING, Esq; Mr. SAMUEL ADAMS, JOHN ADAMS, Esq; and ROBERT TREAT PAINE, Esq; as delegates to represent this province at the Continental Congress to be held at Philadelphia the 10th of May next.
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, at Faneuil-Hall, on Wednesday the 7th inst. by adjournment;
The following committee of six persons were appointed to carry into execution in the town of Boston the agreement and association of the late respectable Continental Congress. Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esq; Hon. John Hancock, Esq; Mr. Samuel Adams, William Phillips, Esq; Col. Marshall, Messrs. John Pitts, Oliver Wendell, and Samuel Austin, Benjamin Austin, Esq; Caleb Davis, Esqrs. Messrs. William Davis and William Whitwell, Samuel Barrett, and Jonathan Mason, Esq; Capt. John Bradford, Capt. John Brown, Mr. William Powell, Major Boynton, Ezekiel Cheever, Esq; Capt. Edward Procter, Messrs. James Ivers, Ebenezer Hancock, William Greenleaf, Samuel Whitwell, Herman Brimmer, Martin Brimmer, and Peter Boyer, Dr. Benjamin Church, Dr. Joseph Warren, Joseph Greenleaf, Esq; Capt. Benjamin Waldo, Capt. John Pulling, Messrs. Paul Revere, John Winthrop, and Sam. Pitts, Capt. Ruddock, Dr. Char. Jarvis, Thomas Chase, Major Nathaniel Barber, Capt. Fortieque Vernon, Capt. Job Prince, Capt. Hopkins, Mr. Moses Gill, Mr. Thomas Boylston, Capt. John Marston, Major Newman Greenough, Messrs. Mose Grant, and Foster Condy, Henry Bromfield, Esq; Messrs. Cyrus Baldwin, Bosinger Foster, Isaac Pierce, Enoch Brown, Joseph Ames and Henry Bais, Capt. Samuel Patridge, Mr. Joshua Bracket, Jonathan Williams, Esq; Mr. Edward Davis, Capt. Eleazer Johnson, Messrs. Elias Packman and John Avery, Dr. Nathaniel Noyes. Seven are to be a Quorum.
At the above meeting the following gentlemen viz. Jonathan Williams, Esq; moderator pro tem. the hon. James Otis, Esq; Dr. Benjamin Church, Dr. Joseph Warren, Mr. John Pitts, Joseph Greenleaf, Esq; and Mr. William Cooper, were appointed a committee to draught a vote of thanks of the town of Boston expressive of their gratitude for the benevolent assistance which they have received from the other Colonies, during their present calamities and particularly for the generous recommendation of the respectable Continental Congress for further support from their colonies during their unhappy struggle under the arbitrary and oppressive measures of the present British administration.
It is humbly recommended to the several towns through this province, as a matter well worthy their attention, that each town publish and distribute as many of the association papers, as will serve every master of a family in each town, who will then have his duty plainly before him, and enable him to assist the several committees that may be appointed for executing the noble resolutions adopted by the Grand American Congress for the salvation of our country. The town of Weymouth have ordered a number of these papers to be published and every man to be supplied therewith. This laudable example it is to be hoped, will be followed by every town thro' this province and continent.
The town of Rehoboth being legally warned and assembled on the 21st ult. made choice of Mr. Ephraim Stockweathers, Mr. Samuel Pickering, Esq; Mr. Ezekiel Root, Capt. Phillips, a committee for executing the plans of the continental and provincial congress; and also gave orders to the constables and collectors, to pay Henry Gardner of Stow, Esq; monies which they then had or in future might have in their hands, belonging to the Province, agreeable to a resolve of the provincial congress, who have considered the late Treasurer Gray, unworthy of any further confidence, and an avowed enemy to the rights of America.
We hear from Cohasset (the only free port in the county of Suffolk) that on the 17th inst. the militia company in that place, appeared in the field, lodged their arms, and marched to the meeting-house. Their officers then voluntarily resigned their commissions, a moderator and clerk were chosen; after which the Rev. Mr. Browne by desire of the moderator, made a prayer and delivered an animated speech on the exigencies of the times. They then sang the former part of the 44th Psalm, and proceeded to the choice of officers, when the three worthy gentlemen, who had lately borne commissions, were unanimously chosen to be their leaders. They cheerfully accepted the trust, being fully sensible that all authority under GOD, is derived constitutionally from the people.
We hear from the Electors of the Cities of London and Westminster, Borough of Southwark, the County of Middlesex and some other places, have exacted of their Candidates Engagements under their Hands that they will among other Things endeavour a Repeal of the late Acts against America, and it is supposed the Example of the Metropolis will be followed in other Places, some late Pieces that have been published in England have had an extraordinary Effect, in altering the Sentiments of Multitudes with Regard to America.
Last Thursday an inquisition was taken on the body of John McDonald, a soldier in the fourth regiment, who was found dead on Boston neck, and the Jurors returned a verdict in the following words, viz. That the said John McDonald, being intoxicated with liquor, did some time in the evening of the 30th day of November last, fall down upon the beach, on the West side of Boston neck, and there expired, by reason of the inclemency of the weather, and by that means came to his death.
MARRIED. The Rev. Moses Everett, of Dorchester, to the amiable Miss Lucy Balch, daughter of the late Rev. Mr. Balch, of Dedham.—Mr. William Bell, to Miss Elizabeth Ames.—At Salem, Dr. Peter Oliver, to Miss Love Frye.—At Providence, Mr. William Tyler, to Miss Lydia Jackson.
DIED. Mrs. Cotton, widow of the late Mr. Cotton, a noted cook.—Mr. Holmes Simpson.—Mrs. Allman.—Miss Sally Adams.—Mr. Francis Minott, merchant.—At Bridgewater, Mr. Thomas Ames.—At Charlton, Mrs. Tucker.—At Andover, Eunice Holt.—At New-York, the Rev. John O. Ilive, D. D.
On the 5th inst. died, at Roxbury, Mr. Benjamin Mana, he, in great consternation, and in view of death, gave it in charge to his family strictly to comply with the advice of the general congress, as to his funeral.
SALEM, December 6. At a town-meeting last Friday, a committee of fifteen very respectable inhabitants were chosen for carrying into execution in this town the measures of the Congress.
WILLIAMSBURG, (Virginia) Nov. 10. This afternoon the whole body of merchants at present in this city, supposed to be between four and five hundred, waited upon the honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; and the rest of the delegates of this colony assembled at the capitol, and presented the following ADDRESS:
To the Honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; Moderator, and the other Delegates of the people of Virginia, who assembled at the Capitol, in Williamsburg, on Wednesday the 9th of November 1774.
The address of the MERCHANTS, TRADERS, and others at a general meeting in Williamsburg.
"GENTLEMEN, "YOUR generous and voluntary interposition, at a time when we were under apprehensions that some measures would be adopted derogatory to the importance of the cause we wish to support with propriety, and contrary to the intention of the General Congress, and by your wisdom and prudence pointing out such methods of proceeding as have removed our fears, and given universal satisfaction, demands our grateful acknowledgments.
"Truly sensible of the necessity of preserving peace and harmony, not only between the different colonies, but also among all ranks and classes in each colony, and to show our readiness to concur in such prudent measures as are most likely to procure a redress of our grievances, we now present the association, voluntarily and generally signed; and as we, on our part, resolve to adhere strictly thereto, we hope to be favoured with your advice and assistance on every future emergency."
To which they received the following ANSWER.
"GENTLEMEN, "It gives us great satisfaction to find that our conduct has received the approbation of your respectable body, and you may be assured we shall on all occasions endeavour to move on the firm principles of justice and the constitution. The delegates are very sensible of the great advantage this country will receive from your union with them, and they consider it as very meritorious that you, disregarding the influence of your commercial interest, have generously concurred with them in the great struggle for liberty. Such unanimity, we trust, will convince an inimical administration of the imprudence of their measures, and produce effects so salutary as to make us reflect with pleasure on the part we have taken in support of American freedom."
THE Public are hereby informed that the Soldier and five children, sent to the hospital at New-Bedford, under the care of Dr. Jarvis, as mentioned in a former advertisement, are all recovered; that yesterday two children, from the house the former children were taken from, and a soldier of the 5th regiment at the barracks near the bunch of grapes, who took the advertisement from the same family, were taken to said hospital. After said enquiry there are all the persons who have the Small Pox in this town.
By Order of the Select-Men, WILLIAM COOPER, Town-Clk. Boston, November 7, 1774.
FOUR Hundred Thousand Bricks, manufactured by the different industrial Poor of the town of Boston, assisted by the generous donations of our benevolent and sympathetic brethren of this and the other colonies, and to be sold for the further relief and employment by us to be sold near Liberty-Tree.
THE Subscriber begs leave through the Channel of your paper, to rectify a mistake in the list of addressers. Thinks it a sufficient proof of the entirely unacquainted with the matter, when he assured Public, that he was at Charlestown, South-Carolina, when the address was signed. JOHN GRAY.
The last Chance. A few ENGLISH GOODS, now remaining in the Store of DUNCAN INGRAHAM, jun.
In Union-Street, Boston, may be purchased, on terms wholly to the advantage of the purchaser, they are as follows, viz. PINT and half pint China Bowls, Cups and Saucers; 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 12 bow skating whips, broad black bone knives; a few blond laces and thread edgings, fine chip hats, broad cloth and stripping for dogs; all wide India Persians, forced colours, 1 cash silver handle knives and forks very neat for 201. O. T. the cash; two pieces of white calicoes; yellow and striped holland, Misses court-heel Morocco pumps, infants red and green do. a variety of silk mitts and gloves; random, black, and white silk hose; children's cotton, dacard and worsted hose, table cloths from 6-4 to 10-4 some very elegant; half yard and half ell carpeting, scarlet and crimson plushes, worsted caps, broils, &c. &c. They who design purchasing must apply immediately.
TO-MORROW MORNING, At ELEVEN o'clock, Will be sold by PUBLIC VENDUE, At RUSSELL's Auction-Room, In Queen-Street.
A FEW Casks of RAISINS, and a few Casks of Currants. J. RUSSELL, Auctioneer.
New-Auction Room Cornhill. On TUESDAY next, at Ten o'Clock, Will be sold by PUBLIC VENDUE, At GREENLEAF's Auction-Room, In Cornhill.
A GREAT variety of valuable GOODS. The Particulars in Monday's Papers. W. GREENLEAF, Auctioneer.
FRESH Raisins, Currants, and Spices of all sorts, to be sold exceeding cheap, by JOSHUA BLANCHARD, jun.
At his store opposite Mr. William Scott's in Ann-Street, and fronting the north-side of Faneuil-Hall Market. Also, West-India and New-England Rum, old Jamaica Spirit and Brandy; Lithon, Tansille, Fysl, Claret, Red Port, Malaga, and Calavilla.
W I N E S, by the Pipe, Quart, Cask, or bottle, or in Bottles, by the gross or dozen. N. B. The above Wines will be warranted neat and genuine, and delivered at any part of the town. Constant attendance early and late.
To be SOLD, cheap—Cash in hand, A Convenient and well-finished Dwelling HOUSE, in Hanover-Street. For further particulars inquire at the House No. 5, South-side of Town-Street.