The Massachusetts spy (Boston [Mass.]), 1772-02-13 00:00:00

THE Massachusetts Spy
A Weekly, Political, and Commercial PAPER:--Open to ALL Parties, but Influenced by None.
Published by I. THOMAS, near the Mill-Bridge, BOSTON.
DO THOU Great LIBERTY INSPIRE our Souls,--And make our Lives in THY Possession happy,--Or, our Deaths glorious in THY JUST Defence!!
VOL. I.]
THURSDAY, February 13, 1772.
[NUMB. 50.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. The CENTINEL. No. XXXIV.
Ah! hapless state of every human mind, Wrapt in the present, to the future blind: Ne'er sees how swift the tides of fortune flow, The swelling happiness, or ebbing woe; So close, so sudden, each reverse succeeds, And mischief treads, where'er success proceeds.
MR. BROOKS.
Y countrymen will excuse me, if I again put them in mind of a maxim that I have often repeated, and which is the ground of these numbers, frequently recur to first principles. This appears to me to be equally true and important, and the whole series of arguments that have been offered the public fully confirm it. We look on the present political system as the ancient model of our government, and therefore sit easy and secure. Whereas two things in nature cannot be more opposite: The first plan of our constitution was founded professedly on principles of virtue, freedom and generosity; the present fabric must be amazingly different, as I affirm, and think have proved, that it carries in it the seeds of despotism and slavery; the mutation is not clearly perceived therefore makes but little impression, but the reasoning from analogy is conclusive. If a system of government in its infancy is submitted to, while it is not alarming, it can never be shook off in manhood, though the exhibition may be dreadful. Few people are acquainted with the force of custom and habit: Any condition may become familiar, and long use will make that agreeable which at first might have excited horror. Thus the natives of the East sit very easy and fondly hug the chains that bind them. Much sense is contained in that observation of Cardinal Bentivoglio. Furono veramente tutti i Re principio Capi, e non Re de Repubbliche, e non di Regni. Ma poi il lungo uso hà fatto che i popoli li siano disposti et enuezati all' habito dell' intiera ubbidienza come apunto suole assuefarsi una pianta, et un corpo humano a viuere, in terreno, e sotto clime diverso dal suo naturale. Card. Bent. Relat. dell. prov. unite de Fiandra. Lib. 3. The purport of which is, that Kings at first were no more than first magistrates in republics. The origin of power in absolute sovereigns was from an abuse of this first trust, to which (though repugnant to human nature) by gradual steps and long use mankind were insensibly accustomed. As this truth is necessary and eternal, founded in the constitution of man, I tremble lest it should be verified in this people. There is scarce a nation in the world but exhibits fatal marks of it, and England itself, had it not followed the advice I would inculcate, and by a revolution recured to original principles which I shall presently consider, would have made no better figure than her neighbours. It is a moral truth, all things tend naturally to dissolution; and it is no less a political one, that constitutions, governments and politics are frail and mortal. The wheels of the system frequently needs repair, and must be carefully attended to, or all regular motion determines. By this maxim the constitution may be kept alive, and though brought to a low ebb, may recover, and like the phoenix spring out of its own ashes.
English history gives us a remarkable instance in support of this observation. At the time when the Stewart family were on the throne, the nation was in a melanco-
ly situation; a long course of years had defaced the itamina of the constitution, and their original principles in which it consisted, seemed buried amid the rubbish of ages. Not only so, but the municipal laws were changed, and while they were encumbered with alterations, taken from foreign institutions, exhibited a quite different appearance. It is true at one period, the spirit revived, and Cromwell with his sword paved a way for the restoration of freedom; but this was merely temporary, and served only to show the little remains of the old English spirit. The gloom increased tenfold at the restoration, and the people fastened with thicker chains, could only remember that Cromwell once existed. Charles the second, gay and dissolute, sacrificed every thing to his pleasures. His successor the Duke of York, steady and bigotted, prosecuted the destruction of the liberties of the people, in a more fatal manner. From one step he proceeded to another until finally all the barriers of the constitution were broken down. Dispensing powers, new ecclesiastical courts and grievances too many to be enumerated, threatened a total ruin. And had the nation submitted untill these were firmly rooted, the tragedy of English freedom must have been complete. But happily for England the people chose to recur to first principles. By examining the original maxims of their government, these innovations were better seen, and the mode of action better understood. Many and glorious are the consequences resulting from this reduction; liberty and the constitution are not only secured but explained and understood. The nature of the English government before this period, was very little known: Its origin and the compact, so frequently mentioned, lay hid in the darkness of antiquity. But now the several properties of it are properly ascertained. It is the VOICE OF THE PEOPLE EXPRESSED IN PARLIAMENT, that gives the sovereign his title. This is clearly the foundation of it, and not these chimerical notions that puzzled the people in the reigns of princes preceding the revolution. The rules are settled which serve as the criterion of his actions, and the measure of obligation. It is now absurd to plague mankind with these doctrines when the people can remember what brought in the present family, and while they are sensible, that they alone furnished those gems that glitter in the crowns of their monarchs, and give them their pre-eminence. The act of settlement, too well known to be expatiated on, confirms and indisputably establishes all those rights a free people can desire, and while it prevents a monarch from tyrannizing and enslaving, gives him every prerogative that can make him venerable and illustrious.
There is a striking instance also of this truth in the provinces of the Netherlands; their privileges were great, and in 1530 they were constituted one of the ten circles of the empire. But it is a truth founded on observation, a state that makes any pretensions to freedom is looked on with jealousy. Charles the fifth invaded and very severely attacked many of their rights; his son Philip the second, King of Spain, followed the same plan, and very materially altered their constitution. The people of the provinces saw this, and were of opinion it was high time there should be a reduction and that these excrescencies should be stopped off. This they dared undertake under the most embarrassing circumstances imaginable; saved by a soldiery quartered among them and commanded by Alva an
officer of great experience, and terrified with the acts of the inquisition which had drove all their leaders of enterprise out of the nation. All these difficulties they dared combat, and reinstate their old constitution. Watered in blood the plant grew, has spread illustriously, and the happy effects have well compensated for the intermediate dangers.
On the other hand many examples may be produced of the consequences of a people's little attention to innovations, and suffering their constitution to be changed without a struggle. I observed that long habits and custom will make men familiar with their condition, and take away not only the power but the inclination to help themselves. This is remarkably evident in the history of Spain; every state of which it consisted was a kingdom, and had many and great privileges. The Aragonese in particular had higher notions and acted more like freemen than perhaps any nation in the world. Their union was a privilege of a very high nature, their vicos bombes, and other magistrates thus connected, could make the most powerful of their monarchs tremble at an injury offered them. Their allegiance was expressed, and on the least infraction ceased; nay such contempt had they of the pageantry of a King, that they would stand covered in his presence. What are they now? The most contemptible people in Europe, unless we should except one that I could mention, who have suffered themselves to be repeatedly and grossly insulted by them. Slow and silent were the attacks made on them. Under Ferdinand and Isabella, Spain became one monarchy. This artful monarch by many curious methods sapped the foundation of their freedom: Had they recurred to their original data when the constitution first began to change, they might have checked the disease. This was unhappily neglected, in proportion to the increase of these measures, their power decreased. Being thus habituated, with the power they lost their magnanimity, and Charles the fifth by putting the finishing stroke to the procedure in abridging all the influence of their Cortes, made the crown of Spain absolutely despotic.
These instances my countrymen are powerful lessons to warn posterity. It is an happiness we in these latter days enjoy, to profit by the foibles or virtues of past periods: and for our instruction, mankind may live again in history. Let them have this good effect, and their end, their design is secured. Many are the grievances we labour under, and visible to all mankind unless we except idiots or madmen, men either distempered in the brain or cankered at the heart. For God's sake let not ours be the fate of Aragon, and let not that behaviour which makes Spain contemptible, be exhibited in this country. Should the constitution be attended to, it may be repaired. Should this be omitted, we not only lose the power in some future day, but even the will. A little knowledge of history will inform us, that there may be extremes in a state; that a people in one age may be amazingly determined and zealous for their rights, in another as amazingly weak, base and servile. Such was ROME, such SPAIN; let not future history produce another instance in the PROVINCE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
AMES's, Low's, Bickerstaff's, Massachusetts Calendars and SHEET ALMANACKS, to be sold by I. Thomas, near the Mill-Bridge.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. Mr THOMAS, Feb. 11, 1772. The following is an extract from the celebrated Mr. Hutcheson's moral Philosophy Vol 2d please to publish it for the perusal of his Excellency THOMAS HUTCHINSON, Esq; Captain General and Governor in Chief, in and over his Majesty's Province of the Massachusetts-Bay, and Vice-Admiral of the same.
WHILE Governors seem to have honest intentions, and their administration tolerably promotes the publick interest, tho' they are not eminent in virtue, or free from all faults in their public conduct, we should have much indulgence to their weaknesses, considering the difficulties and the great temptations in that high state. They are still persons of great importance to the public interest. Nay as to very worthless Governors; though nothing may be due to them on their own account, yet much may be due on account of the publick. Violent changes are attended with many dangers and some considerable evils. They must not be attempted, except when necessary to avoid or prevent some greater evils felt or justly to be apprehended from the present plan or the administration of it. While these mischiefs do not surpass the evils to be dreaded from a violent change, and while there is not a prospect of such superior good from the change as outweighs these evils, it is the sacred duty of subjects toward their country to continue in obedience, and to avoid the evils of civil war. But where it is otherwise, and no gentler methods can relieve or secure a state from misery, it is a duty incumbent on all toward their country to make all efforts to change the plan, or divest such perfidious governors of their powers: all imaginable sacredness of characters is then gone; they cease to be blessings, and are become plagues to mankind.
The right of resisting a limited monarch or senate, usurping powers not vested in him by the constitution, or invading the rights vested in some political council or assembly, which has some share in the parts of the supreme power, is very manifest. But we must not imagine that resistance is only lawful in limited governments, where some fundamental laws, or contract, or oath taken at the admission of the governors to their office, expressly reserve certain rights to the people, and exempt them from their power. In these cases the right of resistance may be less disputable, and all mankind as well as the subjects, will more readily agree about the justice of it, and the proper times to use it. But in all governments, even the most absolute, the natural end of the trust is acknowledged on all sides to be the prosperity and safety of the whole body. When therefore the power is perverted from this end to the ruin of a people, either by a monstrous tyrannical intention, or any such folly or wickedness of the rulers as must have the same effect, the subjects must have a right of resistance, as the trust is broken; beside the manifest plea of necessity. Not to mention again, that all conveyance of absolute power, whether to a prince or senate, with a preclusion of all rights of resistance, must be a deed originally invalid, as founded in an error about what is most essential in such transactions, the tendency of such power to the general good.
This supposes no court or assembly superior to the king in monarchies, or to the senate in aristocracies, or to the popular assemblies in democracies. It only supposes

that the supreme civil magistrates or rulers are subject to the laws of God and Nature, and are bound by some contract, express or tacit, which they entered into upon their admission to the power; and that they have no more power than the constitution gave them: and that, since all civil power is granted and received avowedly only for the publick good he who employs it for a contrary purpose, by this perfidy on his part, frees the other party from all obligation, and consequently the subjects have the natural right of defending themselves against wrongs. A right of resistance against injuries imports no civil superiority, nay it is consistent with the lowest subjection. The perfidy of a superior may set his subjects free from all obligation to him: and a slave may have a right of violently resisting a savage and barbarous master, though he had been subjected to slavery for the justest reasons.
As in all constitutions civil power is acknowledged to be a trust for the public good, questions may arise whether it be abused or not, by such perfidy as forfeits it. We do not here speak of such imprudences or mistakes of rulers as subjects must have expected in any fallible mortals. To bear these patiently, while their great interests are safe, they have tacitly consented, and they are sacredly bound to do so, both out of duty to a ruler in the main good, and to their country. But if the question be, whether the abuses of power are such as are inconsistent with a faithful intention, or so great that they must be ruinous to a people if they are persisted in? one might think that neither of the contending parties will be the most impartial judges in their own cause; but the ruler can have the worse pretensions to judge, as the point questioned is whether he has forfeited his power or not? and to be sure he never will give judgment against himself. To be sure the arbitration of some men of wisdom of some remote nation, which could gain nothing by either side, would not be useless on such occasions. But the people, or such a council of wise deputies as they can trust, and elected by themselves, have the best pretensions to a right of deciding this question, as it is for their interest and that of their constituents, that all civil power is constituted, and not for that of their rulers; and who can so justly claim to judge of any trustee, or any person empowered to manage business for others, as these persons themselves who have intrusted him, and supported him for that purpose.
Nay, if upon trial the people find that the plan of power they constituted avowedly for their own good is really dangerous to them, they have a right to alter it. It must be strange effrontery in any governor, from any views of his own interest, or that of his family, to hinder them to change it; or to hold them to a contract which he knows they entered into upon this expectation and express design that it should tend to the general good, for which also he expressly undertook, when it is found to have a contrary tendency. The governor acts as a Mandatarious , who, after he had been once employed by others to manage some important business of theirs by a general commission, should refuse afterwards to receive any special instructions or limitations from those who employed him, or to quit his first commission. If he cannot by reasoning, and explaining the views of his conduct, satisfy the people; he may justly resign the troublesome office, and may insist on compensation of any damage he sustained, and that his family be settled in as good a condition as they were before he was raised to this power; and the people are bound to do so when it is consistent with their safety. But to force a people or a great majority of them to continue a form they are dissatisfied with, or to be his subjects whether they will or not, must be strangely absurd; as if millions of men, among whom are thousands of equal knowledge, virtues, abilities, and capacities of happiness or misery, with the ruler, were destined as a property to be managed for his advantage, or pleasure, or vanity, contrary to the avowed end of all civil policy.
If a prejudiced people become suspicious of their rulers, or of the plan of power, without sufficient cause; and withdraw their obedience contrary to the laws of a good constitution, they no doubt commit a great crime, often attended with horrid consequences. As does also the ruler who will retain a power
that is truly dangerous to a people, however it has been conveyed. But when the cause of the suspicion is just, they do a necessary duty to themselves and posterity by making all the violent efforts which are necessary to accomplish a change. And of the justice of this cause there is no common judge upon earth.
But suppose a prince or senate persuaded that there is no just cause of distrusting either the plan of power or their administration; and yet neither any explications or remonstrances of theirs, nor any arbitration can satisfy a people, or a great majority of them, and remove their fears: as a people in continual suspicion and fear cannot be happy, and the public happiness is the sole end of all civil power, the rulers cannot have a right to retain their power unless they find some means to remove these fears. No doubt men in power may justly and prudently take some steps contrary to the present general inclination or approbation of the people, when they cannot safely communicate the reasons of their conduct to all. They may justly establish a plan which a stupid people shall not at first approve; provided they have all moral assurance that upon the discovery of the reasons of these steps, and upon a full trial of the plan and its advantages, there shall be a general satisfaction with both. A friend may, in some singular cases, take this power of counteracting the special instructions he has received from a friend who commissioned him in his business; nay, may venture justly upon some useful services without any commission at all, or contrary to what he knows his prejudiced friend would allow, not seeing the necessity of what is done, or the eminent advantages to ensue upon it. But all these must be some transitory matters: nothing can justify what will occasion a general permanent suspicion and distrust: as this must destroy all publick happiness in any people, who are not already ruined in their minds by their slavery, and have not lost all rational forethought or regard to the future interests of their country. Such suspicion and constant distrust must always remain at least in some degree under absolute hereditary Monarchies and Aristocracies, as there is no appearance of security for the valuable interests of a people under them.
These forms of polity alone are just which have a natural tendency to promote the general good. If a form is constituted which is equally applicable to evil and good purposes, without any rational security about its application to good, such as are all the simple absolute Monarchies, and Aristocracies, or other Oligarchies: the persons entrusted with the power have a right to use it for the public good while no other plan of power occurs to the society. But they can no longer retain this plan when the majority will consent to a change, and any part of the people is dissatisfied with the old plan, and insists upon some better security for the general safety. Nay as common sense must easily shew that in such plans no proper precautions are taken against the greatest mischiefs; as soon as any one sees this, he is bound to consent to any necessary limitations and precautions. That a people have rashly contracted upon an error in what is most essential in the nature of the contract, gives no manner of right. It is the most direct perfidy, and a breach of the general sacred trust of all civil power, in any ruler to oppose such limitations and precautions as are necessary to prevent the most extensive mischief. No absolute hereditary rulers can bind their subjects by any oaths against all resistance of them and their successors; or prevent their right of constituting, when they can, some proper methods of controul, in case of the succession of any monstrous tyrants. They should always remember the sole end of their power, and that it is the business and interests of the subjects, that they are intrusted to manage.
It is true, when an imprudent plan is settled and there is no hope of success in any efforts to alter it, but they must probably strengthen the chains; or when the evils apprehended from the continuance of it, and the advantages hoped from the change, are not great enough to over-balance some terrible mischiefs to be feared in a civil war, the subjects may be sacredly bound, in duty to their country, to defer their designs to some more convenient opportunity; and in the mean time to continue in obedience. Even as a good man, in duty to himself and his
family, is bound to yield his purse to a robber rather than hazard his life in defending it. The ruler's title to the subjection of the people, in those oppressive and absurd plans, is no better than that of a robber's to any money he had by force compelled one to promise him. Error is as just an exception against a contract as force. And in these absurd plans there is always this exception, not to mention this strong plea of necessity. Where the form indeed is in the main good and the people safe under it, though there be some smaller grievances arising from some of its parts of which the rulers are tenacious, we may judge that they have such external rights to retain these parts as a selfish man has to hold another to an unequal bargain. The people may be obliged to acquiesce for a distant utility, or out of duty to the public; and to prevent greater evils which might ensue upon any violent efforts for a redress. But the ruler has no proper right on his side which he can use with a good conscience.
When any rulers justly constituted, and exercising their powers well, incur the odium of a great part of a dissolute people, and rebellions are raised against them, it is no doubt the duty of the other subjects to support them with all fidelity. They are in like manner bound to assist and defend them against any unjust competitor, or any foreign invader without a just cause. This is due not only to the very best of civil governors, but even to all who have in the main good intentions and fidelity, though attended with many weaknesses, such however as are not averse of the great interests of society for preserving of which men united. The subjects are the more sacredly bound to such fidelity as the unjust competitor or invader gives the very worst presumptions of his intentions, and of his future administration, by his attempts to obtain it.
But if after all, such a one is successful, dethrones the former Governor, assumes the supreme power to himself, and is so established in it, that there is little hope of restoring the former possessor without the greatest bloodshed and mischief: If the conqueror settles such a plan of power as secures the important interests of the state as well as they were before, so that a restoration could do no publick good; it becomes the duty of the former prince to relinquish his title, as it was solely granted to him for the good of a people, which is now become inconsistent with it. And the people, conscious of their present safe and easy state, and that they cannot accomplish a restoration without the greatest mischiefs, may justly, nay are obliged to acquiesce in the present change, and continue the public happiness by ratifying it. In all these mutual obligations, it is absurd to speak of one side as continuing bound, when it is made impossible for the other to perform the duties in consideration of which the obligation was constituted. Such events are exceptions, understood in all contracts.
There is a popular outcry often raised against these tenets of the rights of resistance, as if they must cause continual seditions and rebellions, the contrary is abundantly known: Such mischiefs are more frequently occasioned by the opposite doctrines, giving unbounded licence to vicious rulers, and making them expect and trust to the conscientious submission of a people, contrary to nature and common sense; when they are giving loose reigns to all tyranny and oppression.
AMERICAN INTELLIGENCE.
PHILADELPHIA, January 23.
To the honourable RICHARD PENN, Esq; Lieutenant-Governor and Commander in Chief of the Province of Pennsylvania, &c. The Address of the Roman Catholicks of the city of Philadelphia.
May it please your honour,
THE Roman Catholics of this city beg leave to offer their sincere congratulations, on your safe arrival to the government of this province.
Truly sensible and grateful to your honourable family, for the many privileges, religious and civil, we have hitherto enjoyed; we hope for a continuance of the same under your administration.
Our actions and behaviour shall be the best proof of the sentiments we express on the occasion, and on them we rely for a share in your protection and regard.
In the name and behalf of the congregation. ROBERT HARDING.
His HONOUR'S ANSWER.
Gentlemen,
I am much obliged to you for these compliments of congratulation on my safe arrival and appointment to the government of this province.
The grateful sense which you express of the behaviour of the proprietors towards you, gives me great satisfaction; and you may depend on a continuation of the same religious and civil privileges under my administration, as you have hitherto enjoyed; not in the least doubting but that your conduct and actions will prove you deserving of my regard and protection.
PORTSMOUTH, February 7. From Derbyfield we hear, that on Friday last, one Mac-Cauy of that place, standing in the entry of a house, carelessly fired a gun, loaded with a ball across the high way; about that instant two persons rode by the house, the ball passed within a few inches of the forepost, but by good providence did no damage. The man who fired stood so far back in the house as to be out of the view of travellers, till they came directly opposite to the door. The above is published as a caution to all persons against firing guns in or near the publick roads, without necessity, lest his Majesty's subjects, passing the same, without suspicion of danger, run the same hazard of life, as if they should face an enemy in the field of battle.
NEW YORK, January 27. Saturday last the Supreme Court ended here, during which the following criminals were tried, viz. The noted Adam Smith for stealing wearing apparel from Zebulon Waterman, was found guilty, and sentenced to be executed on the 1st of February next.—Catherine Logworth, of felony, also found guilty, and to be executed the same day.—John Smith for petty larceny, sentenced to receive 39 lashes at the whipping post this day.—Edward Smith, for forging a bill of exchange, and offering to pass it, was ordered to find surety for thirty pounds, or be committed till next term.
SAVANNAH, [Georgia] January 1. By a vessel from Jamaica we learn, that Admiral Rodney was returned from the Spanish Main, without having the British prisoners delivered to him by the Spaniards.—It was expected that the Admiral would be appointed governor of that island.
KINGSTON, [Jamaica] November 2. The following is an extract of a letter from Montego Bay. "There is very bad news arrived from the coast of Cuba. Two Spanish guarda costas have taken all the vessels on the coast belonging to this place and St. Ann's, none of which made any resistance against them, except Captain Baird belonging to this place, who fought with them near two hours. The Spaniards delivered the wounded men a long boat they had taken which is arrived here."
CHARLESTOWN, [South Carolina] December 31. This day put here in distress, a Spanish transport ship named the Dianna, from the Havana for Cadiz between three and four hundred tons burthen, having on board three companies of infantry of the Royal Irish regiments, in the Spanish service, under the command of Don Hugo O Reilly.
January 14. The commissioners of the silk manufacture, have shipped on board the ship Beaufain, Daniel Curling, master, for London, 455 lb. of exceeding fine raw silk, and 36 of an ordinary quality, all of the growth and culture of Purrysburgh in this province.
Price of Rice, 80s. per 100lb.
NEW-YORK, February 6. The general assembly have ordered, that a bill be brought in for granting unto his Majesty the Sum of two thousand pounds, for furnishing the troops quartered in this Colony, with necessaries for one year.
NEWPORT, February 10. A new General having lately arrived at Hispaniola, some Regulations have taken place, in consequence of which several northern vessels have been seized; and it is thought likely the trade will be broke up, or laid under severe restrictions.
We hear that the Swanzy Packet, was seized last week by a man of war's tender on her passage to Boston, for having some contraband goods on board.
We are this moment informed that the

February 13.
Above tender and packet put into the Vineyard, where, in the night, a number of Indians boarded the packet and carried her off, the tender endeavoured to retake her, but could not come up with her.
By Captain Tibbitts, from Hispaniola, we have a confirmation of several English vessels having been lately seized at that island, but we do not learn their names, nor where they belonged.
THURSDAY, February 13. BOSTON.
IT is said, that the fortifications of the city of Quebeck are dismantled, or at least are in a defenceless state, most of the cannon, &c. having been transported to England some time last fall.
The reigning toast is, Lasting honour and renown to the five suspended counsellors, and a Halter for the infamous governor of Grenada.
The general Assembly of North-Carolina, have passed a bill for emitting 60000 l . Proclamation money, in paper bills of credit, to discharge the expences of the late expedition under governor Tryon, and other services.
We learn, that a person who has for many years past been a master in several large manufactories for Linen, Cotton and Calico printing, likewise cutting and stamping of the copper-plates for the same, intended some time last month to leave England for America, with six journey-men, and all materials for carrying on the said business.
We hear, that on Tuesday last, at a very full meeting of Dr. Cooper's church and congregation, it was determined by a unanimous vote, that it was expedient to erect a new house of worship; a committee was chosen to make an estimate, procure plans, and obtain a subscription for that purpose.—In one half day the money subscribed amounted to 1900 l . Lawful money, as we are informed.
We hear that James Pitts, Jun. Son of the Hon. James Pitts, Esq; of this town who went to New-Providence for his health, lately died there.
On Wednesday the Rev. Mr. Lemuel Le Baron was ordained pastor in the second church and congregation in Rochester, in the county of Plymouth.
By a vessel arrived at Salem from the West-Indies, we have advice, that Captain Isaac Phillips in a brig from Newfoundland for this place, who has been long expected, having met with very bad weather soon after he came out, was obliged to put away, and is got safe into St. Eustatia.
We also learn, that nine sail of other vessels, that were blown off the coast had arrived at Antigua, but no account of the Masters names; only that one Captain Robinson, who was a passenger on board one of them lately died there.
A letter from St. Eustatia mentions, that the greatest part of the principal town, on the island of Grenada, was lately consumed by fire.
DIED.] Mrs. Sarah Fletcher, confort of Thomas Fletcher, Esq; and eldest daughter of John Barrett, Esq.—Miss Mary Withered.—Mrs. Mary Cuff.—Mrs. Sarah Jennings, widow.—Mrs. Glover, widow.—Mr. John Wendall.—At Charlestown, Mr. Thomas Call.
ARRIVED here. Gorham from Maryland; Church from Philadelphia; Hewitt from North Carolina; Cromwell from New-London; Allen from Grenada; Fellows from Suranam; Blake from St. Lucia, St. Eustatia and Turks-Islands.
OUTWARD bound. Gray to Maryland Vincents to Jamaica; Brace to Europe; Bray to Portugal; Rogers to Philadelphia; and Snow to Halifax.
WANTED Immediately a Wet Nurse, with a good breast of Milk, to go into a Family. Enquire of the Printer.
A FEW of Faneuil-Hall Lottery TICKETS, which is to be drawn To-morrow, may be had at EDES & GILL'S Printing office, in Queen-Street.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. To the PRINTER. I HAVE been informed that a person at the horn maker's office in St. David's chapel-yard, is now drawing up proposals for printing by subscription, the life of old St. David the horner, from his youth to the present day; but I should be glad if it might be postponed for the present, as I have something to publish before and previous to that publication, and I doubt not will inform the historian of many facts which he never heard of. Amongst the many the following are the most material; I have taken the minutes from his journal, wrote with his own hand, of his travels from hence to Rhode-Island, Connecticut, New-York, Philadelphia, and the Jerseys, which I have reason to think he never intended should be made public; and by this I have been able to ascertain the number of ladies he debauched, as also the number of horns which he made during his long and unparallelled journey, which was the greatest part of one year, attended with a vast expence to his father. As to his behaviour towards many persons, the fair sex in particular, in and near this town; more especially his pretended friendship to Mrs. Dingley, who came from Albany, and afterwards his unkindness, and I had almost said his infamous usage to this woman during her husband's absence; these last mentioned horrid crimes were committed in the horn office in St. David's chapel yard, though not of a very late date, were all penned down at the time when committed. But bad as they are, I have something so much worse that it shocks me even to think of it, and nothing short of a speedy reformation, a more constant attendance at the public worship on the day set a part for that purpose, and a total dismission of the German and friend Stephen from his service, whose families often suffer while they are drinking and carousing with him: I say nothing short of the strictest compliance with these things will prevent my publishing the last mentioned and blackest crime. As the whole is nearly completed for the press, it will soon be published; the book will be the same for size as the history of the PRODIGAL SON and given gratis to those who subscribe for the history.
The MASSACHUSETTS SPY,
for 1772.
199
friends to their princes who have advised severity in offences against the state. An excess even of clemency was never prejudicial to glory; the wisest and bravest men appeared so when they most forgave. Augustus Cæsar having discovered the conspiracy formed against him by Cinna, who, for conviction of his crime, had his own letters produced at the tribunal, not only pardoned what he had done, but to testify that his power of forgiving was greater than the other's of offending, took him into his arms, swore an eternal friendship with him, and gave him many great employments, all which, Cinna afterwards discharged himself in with the utmost integrity. It is not to be disputed but that severity sometimes has its effects, but then it must be allowed on all hands, that the extremity of right is the extremity of wrong.
Oppression, undoubtedly is the parent of hatred in the minds of the generality of those that suffer, and hatred is most certainly the mother of rebellion; for where hatred is in the heart, satire and virulence are quickly in the mouth, and weapons in the hand. I cannot better, I think, conclude than with the story of Francis Marcio, an eminent statesman of Genoa, and ambassador from that Republic to the Duke of Milan. When Marcio could neither procure audience of leave from that prince, nor yet prevail with him to ratify his promises made to the Genoese, taking a fit opportunity he presented a handful of dust to the Duke, who somewhat surprised, asked what he meant? "Sir," replied Marcio, "this dust is of that nature, that if you handle it gently, without squeezing, it will emit a pleasant and grateful scent; but if you squeeze and gripe it, 'twill not only lose its odour, but it will become productive of scorpions in a little time."
W I N E S. To be sold at BLANCHARD'S Wine-Cellar, Dock-Square, Boston, CHOICE old sterling Madeira, Fine generous Old Red Port, Teneriffe, Malaga, and All other W I N E as usual. London Porter, Brandy, West-India and New-England Rum, Old JAMAICA SPIRIT , Ringslas. Brams and Iron Wire, properly prepared for wireing bottles; Brads Cocks. N. B. A few choice Narraganset Cheesee, Flask Oyl.
By his Excellency the Hon. JOHN BYRON , Esq; Governor and Commander in chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland the coast of Labrador, &c. &c. &c. WHEREAS it hath been represented to the King, that great disorders have been committed at the Magdalen Islands, within my Government by crews of vessels fitted out from New-England, and other parts of North America, to the great annoyance and prejudice of the Sea-Cow fishery of those islands, and which if not prevented will totally destroy the same: And his Majesty having been pleased to direct me to take the most effectual measures for preventing such abuses in future; I therefore, in obedience to his Majesty's commands, hereby order and direct, that all his Majesty's subjects arriving with vessels on the coast of the aforemen- tioned islands, do not in any wise disturb and destroy the said sea cows without licence from me, as they will answer the contrary at their Peril. Given under my hand at St. John's, this 29th of August, 1771. J. BYRON. By his Excellency's command JOHN WILLIAMS.
IRISH LINENS. Just imported from the manufacturers at BELFAST, in the north of Ireland, by WILLIAM BEATTY, Linen-draper from that place, A PARCEL of Irish Linens of all widths and prices, of an excellent fabrick, well manufactured and carefully bleached, and will be sold by said Beatty at his store on Green's wharf, on as low terms as they can be imported from any part of Great Britain, which his prices will prove.
JOSEPH MORTON, At the sign of the White Horse, in Boston, HEREBY informs all those Gentlemen in town and country, that chuse to favour him with their custom, that he is determined to accom- modate them with Board and Lodging at the cheapest rate, and will keep their HORSES at the reasonable price of ONE SHILLING lawful money per night.
To be SOLD , And may be entered upon immediately, (Lying in the town of Har- vard and county of Worcest- er, pleasantly situated, adjoin- ing to the line between Harvard and Groton)
A FARM , containing One Hundred and Seventy Acres, about ninety Acres of which being now under im- provement, consisting of Meadow, Pasture and Village Land, the remainder Wood Land, on the premises there is a fine young Orchard, a large double Dwelling-House in very good repair, a Barn and Corn house, a Pot-Ash House with Utensils for carrying on that Business, for which the situation is well calculated, the whole very well watered, a- bout one mile from a Saw and Grist-Mill, and two and a half miles from the Meeting- House, with other conveniencies. For fur- ther particulars enquire of Col. Prescott, or Mr. John Conn, of Groton, or Mr. Richard Smith of Boston.
MATHEMATICAL INSTRUMENTS. WILLIAM WILLIAMS, Mathematical Instrument Maker, Has to sell At his SHOP , formerly known by the name of The Crown Coffee-house, At the Head of the Long-Wharf, King-street, BOSTON, A Large Assortment of
HADLEY'S and Davis's QUAD- RANTS, hanging and standing Com- passes in Brass and Wood, Gauging and Sur- veying Instruments, Cases for Instruments, large and small Perspective Glasses in Ivory, Wood and Fish Skin; plotted Scales, Gun- ter Scales and Dividers, Surveyors Chains, Artificial Magnets with Cases, Sand-Glasses, from two Hours to a Quarter of a Minute, Instruments of a new Construction to mea- sure Boards, Quarter Waggoner's, Atkinson's Epitomes, Wilson's ditto, Pattoun's Naviga- tion, Seamen's assistants, Calendars, Mari- ner's Compasses rectified, Young Man's Com- panion, Journal Books, Ink-Powder, Quills and Paper, Paper-Hangings. An Assortment of Brass Pocket-Compasses with and without Cards, Box Rules, Slates and Pencils, Jack- Knives, plated Shoe and Knee Buckles, Pinch- beck, Block-Tin, and Brass ditto, Compass Seals, and Watch Keys, &c. &c.
N. B. All sorts of Mathematical Instru- ments are made and repaired by the above WILLIAMS . Those who will favour him with their Custom may depend upon being well used, and have their work done with fidelity and dispatch.
WANTED to charter, a SLOOP or SCHOONER , from 70 to 90 tons. Enquire of ALEXANDER CHAM- BERLAIN , jun. in Anne- street, or Capt. JOHN DESILEME , in Long-Lane.
TO BE LET, A Commodious STORE in Butler's-Row. En- quire of the Printer.
TO BE SOLD, Cheap as can be purchased in the province, A FARM about ten Miles from Boston, con- taining about Fifty Acres of Good Land, suitable for the Gentleman, the Tradesman, or the Farmer. Enquire of John Waldo, Esq; near Liberty Tree, Boston.

To be sold by Samuel Sloane, at his Distil. House, opposite the Blue-ball and Mason's Arms, formerly Green-Dragon, New-England RUM, and all sorts of SPIRITS, cheap for cash or Molasses; and as he makes those articles himself, he will warrant them fit for any market. Imported in the last Ships from LONDON, And to be SOLD by SAMUEL PARTRIDGE, At his shop nearly opposite to Dr. Sylvester Gardiner's, in Marlborough-street, CLOTHS.
AN assortment of superfine and low priced Broad-Cloths, down to 40s. O.T. per yard, blueblack and cloth-coloured Forrest Cloth, red and blue Duffsels, red and blue Half Thicks, superfine red, blue, green, and Cloth coloured German Serges, Ratteens, blue and Drab coloured Kerseys, Shallons, and Trimmings for the above. HOSIERY.
Best 4 thread Breeches Patterns, low priced ditto, best 4-thread worsted Hose, and low priced ditto, a general assortment of mens, womens, and childrens, cotton and thread ditto, an assortment of womens and childrens black Cloth coloured and crimson worsted Gloves and Mitts, a good assortment of mens, womens, girls and childrens black and white silk Gloves and Mitts, mens superfine cotton, worsted and mock velvet Caps.
MANCHESTER GOODS. Black cloth and claret coloured cotton, velvet, an assortment of 3/4, 7/8 and yard wide linnen, cotton and linnen Check, dyed and white jeans, pillow ditto, 1/2 ell furniture check, large printed cotton Handkerchiefs, checked linnen ditto, Bedticks, very fine white dimity, striped cotton Hollands, black and light coloured Thicketts. SILKS.
Black, English and China Taffity, black and Cloth coloured Persian ditto, rose coloured blue and white Satin, black blue white and rose coloured pelong ditto, white figured ditto, white, striped, changeable and Cloth coloured 3/4, 1/2 ell mantua Silk, black and blue figured mode, striped tobines, brown and yellow padusoy, black alamode, pink, blue and white 1/2 ell Sarfenet, striped, blue, green and Cloth coloured Broglos, a compleat assortment of fashionable Ribbons, Silk Ferrrets, stay and shoe Galloons. INDIA GOODS.
Nankeens, Bandanno Handkerchiefs, black Barcelona ditto, book Muslin, Cambricks, Lawns, long Lawns, Bengalls. STUFFS.
Rich Mecklins cross barred and figured yard wide Stuff, sundry sorts of Crape, Dorsetteens, Venetian Poplins, Silveretts, Grisetts, fine Durants, wide and narrow Tammies, double Camblets, plain and cross barred Camblets, stuffs, worsted Gramograms of divers colours, Calamancoes of all colours, black Russels, green and crimson worsted D. mask, Bombazeens and Alapeens. ALS O,
A fashionable assortment of Calicoes, rich blue and white copper-plate Bed furniture, Colchester and Diapery Baize, Qualities and Shoe Bindings, sewing Silks of all colours, mens, womens, and boys black rough kid Gloves, mens, womens and childrens black lamb Gloves and Mitts, white kid ditto womens and childrens best double glazed Bath lamb do. Pompadore and cloth coloured ditto, womens grained ditto, black, white, plain and figured Gauze, black cypress Gauze, widows Crape, black and white Catgut, waxed thread of all colours, Pins, fine ell wide Irish Sheeting, Damask table Cloths, and Napkins, white Blond laces, black Bone ditto, white Stray, and brown Buckram, yellow Holland, womens English Stays, Lynn made Shoes, 3/4, 7/8 Dowlas, a large and beautiful assortment of leather and paper mounted Fans, writing Paper, Paper Hangings, Pels, Paper, Oznabrigs, Ticklingburgs, Russia and Ravens Duck, superfine 7/4 and 11/4 Bankets, Holland and Diaper Tapes. N. B. To be sold at the sterling cost, a piece of Pompadore ground brocaded Satin.
JUST IMPORTED, and To be sold cheap for CASH, by JOSEPH PALMER, At his store in King-street, Boston, A GOOD assortment of Scots Handkerchiefs, Irish Linens, brown and white Sheeting, Housewife Linen, Dowlas, Russia Linen, Osnaburgs, Ticklingburgs, Broad Cloths, Shallons, German Serges, Colchester Baize, Lambkins, a few fashionable Silks, a few hogheads of Bristol Beer, and some other articles. Also, Spermacet Candles, as usual.
ALL Persons that are indebted to, or have any demands upon the estate of ONESIPHORUS TILESTON, late of Boston, Esq; deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to THOMAS TILESTON, sole administrator on said estate, in order for a speedy settlement.
N. B. Lumber of all Kinds sold as usual; also a large Quantity of Window Frames and Sashes for 8 by 10 and 7 by 9 Glass; a Number of choice Doors, 8 and 6 Panels, wrought on both sides, from Inch and a Quarter to two Inch and a Quarter thick, made of good Stuff and well seasoned, having been put together two Years. Also to be Let, a Gundloo and Tackle-Falls of sundry sorts by THOMAS TILESTON.
ALL Persons, who have any demands on the estate of MARY STORER, late of Boston, deceased, are desired to bring in their accounts to EBENEZER STORER, Administrator on said estate, in order to a settlement.
Said STORER has for sale, an excellent pair of Horses, and a Curricule with Harnesses, &c. compleat. Also, choice Narraganset Chees, and Dorchester Ale, with a general Assortment of ENGLISH GOODS, cheap for cash.
ALL Persons having any Demands on the Estate of JOHN PAYSON, late of Roxbury, deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts in order for a Settlement; and those who are indebted to said Estate are desired to pay immediately.
STEPHEN PAYSON, Administrator. Roxbury, January 18th, 1772.
ALL Persons having any demands on the estate of Dr. SAMUEL WHEAT, late of Boston, deceased, are hereby desired to bring in their accounts to Hannah Wheat, of Newton, Executrix, Alexander Sheppard, of said Newton, or to William Wheat, of Boston, her attorneys, in order for an immediate settlement. And all persons indebted to said estate are, ONCE MORE! desired to pay their balances to either the above, as they may expect otherwise to be sued at the inferior Court to be holden in Charlestown in March next, without any further notice.
** Said HANNAH WHEAT, having suitable accommodations, would be glad to take Boarders, either Gentlemen or Ladies, who are sick and like to retire into the country for the benefit of their health.
A WOMAN, about thirty years of age, that can be well recommended, and is willing to go into the country and live in a family, to do any kind of work, may hear of a place by enquiring of the Printer.
General Post Office New-York, Nov. 1, 1771. NOTICE is hereby given, that on account of the new Regulation of the Post to Canada, which is to arrive every Tuesday evening at this Office; and the weekly post from the Eastward and Southward, arriving every Wednesday; the mail going from hence by the packet, will for the future, be closed at twelve o'clock at night, on the first Wednesday in every month, (being the same time it closes at the general post-office in London for America) and a packet dispatched therewith the next day for Falmouth. By command of the Deputy Post-Master-General.
HYSON TEA, JUST OPENED, equal to any imported to this Market, to be sold at a remarkable low price by JOSEPH PEARCE, At his shop the north side of the Town-house, Boston, where may be had, The very best SOUCHONG and BOHEA TEA, with a general assortment of ENGLISH GOODS, Suitable to any Season, And as cheap as can be bought in Town.
GOODS extremely CHEAP, SOLD by JOHN NAZRO, At his shop the corner of Queen-street, opposite the Town-House, for CASH only, Where constant attendance will be given. BROAD Cloaths, ratteens, kerseys, half-thicks, lambkins, coatings, beavers, forest cloths, striped duffsels, milled flannels, baizes, velveretts and velvets, breeches pieces, shallons, tammies, durants, caliamancoes, camblets, furniture checks, cambricks, lawns, figured stuffs, brilliants, poplins, dorsetteens, durys, drawboys, checks, Irish linens, men's and women's leather gloves, and mitts, glazed linens, buckrams, silks and muslin gauze, figured and plain sattins, rich black plain ditto, alamodes, figured modes, Persians, sarfnetts. Scotch lawns figured and plain. Kenting handkerchiefs with and without borders, figured lawns, (apron width) striped cottons, bed ticks, bed bunts, men's and women's hose; linen handkerchiefs very handsome patterns; women's silk gloves and mitts, sewing silks, ribbons, silk ferrits, quilts, shoe and coat binding, tapes, milliner's needles, &c. &c. &c.
N. B. Garnet necklaces, French beads, pearl necklaces, French bead and purple earrings; Souchong and Hyson tea; common garnet beads, &c. &c.
BOOKS. JOHN LANGDON, At the New Book and Stationary Store, opposite the Post-Office in Cornhill, Boston, Has just received from LONDON, A Large and fine Assortment of the most Modern BOOKS, In all branches of Literature, Arts and Sciences, which will be sold Remarkably Cheap for the cash;
Among which are the following, viz. HENRY on the Bible, 5 Vol. folio. Ditto on Prayer. Ditto on the Sacrament.
Mrs. Macaulay's History of England, 4 Vol. Montesquieu Spirit of Law, 2 Vol. Universal History, 20 Vol. SCHOOL BOOKS of every kind.
With a variety of the newest and best Books in LAW, PHYSICK, HISTORY, and the CLASSICKS.
BIBLES of all sorts, viz. Large Church Bibles, Folio, Family, Quarto, Octavo, Minion and Pocket di. to, by the Dozen, or single.
Likewise, a large and compleat assortment of STATIONARY, Accompt-Books of all sorts, Paper of all sorts and sizes, Ink-Powder, Quills, Sealing-Wax and Wafers, Press-Paper, some of a superior sort to any ever imported, &c. &c. &c.
Imported in the last Ships from LONDON, by CYRUS BALDWIN, And sold at the lowest rates by Wholesale and Retail, at his Store near the Town-House, in Cornhill, Boston;
SCARLET, crimson, and other coloured Broad-Cloaths of all prices, Forest Cloths, German Serges, Kerseys, Beaver-Coatings, Lambkins, Ratteens, Baizes, Flannel. A fine Assortment of Shoe, Coat and Quality Bindings; English Soles. Irish Linens of all widths and prices. A good Assortment of Hosiery, Men's and Women's Pompadore and other coloured Leather Gloves; Scotch Carpets and Carpeting, with other articles too many to be enumerated in an advertisement of this kind. At the same place may be had, Choice Narraganset Chees, Furkin But- &c. &c.
THOMAS LEE, At his Store near the Swing-Bridge, Has imported in the ROCKINGHAM, just arrived from LONDON;
SERGES of all colours, Kerseys and Flannels, which will be sold unusually cheap.
SILKS. A beautiful variety of LADIES SILKS, of almost every kind. Brussels and Mecklin Laces; Gold and Silver Laces; Gold and Silver rich basket Buttons.
A large Assortment of ENGLISH GOODS, suitable for all seasons, at the lowest rates.
IRISH LINENS of all widths and prices from 7s. 6d. old tenor the yard, very cheap. Also, Paper Hangings, Powder, Shot, Bar-Lead, Russia, Ravens and Eng. ish Duck, Osnaburgs, Salt-petre, Verdigrise.
CASH given for BEES-WAX.
To be SOLD by JOSEPH ROTCH & Sons, At their store in King-street.
BEST Petersburg Hemp, Russia and Ravens Duck, Cables and Cordage of all sizes; Allum, and Copperas, in barrels; also, a small quantity of Gloucester Chees.
For the TEETH and GUMS. JACOB HEMET, DENTIST to her Majesty and the Princess Amelia.
BEGS Leave to recommend to the Public, his newly discovered Essence of Pearl, and Pearl Dentifrice, which he has found to be greatly superior not only in elegance, but also in efficacy, to any thing hitherto made use of for complaints of the Teeth and Gums: Particularly they will preserve the Teeth in a perfect sound state, even to old age; they render them white and beautiful, without in the least impairing the enamel; fasten such as are loose, keep such as are already decayed from becoming worse, prevent the Tooth-Ach, perfectly cure the Scurvy in the Gums, and make them grow firm and close to the teeth; they likewise render the breath delicate, sweet, and remedy almost all those disorders that are the consequence of scorbutic gums.
Sold (by appointment of Mr. Hemet) wholesale and retail, by W. Bayley, Perfumer, in Cockspur-street, near the bottom of the Hay-market, London, and at William Scott's Irish Linen Store, near the Draw-Bridge, Boston, New-England.
THIS is to give Notice to the Public, that there is a large Tract of good Land to be given off in Lots, from one Hundred to a Thousand Acres per Family; upon the Estates or Lordships of Berthier, and New-York, the property of the Honourable Captain James Cuthbert, Esq; lying on the North-West side of the River St. Lawrence, Province of Quebec, distant from that City forty-six Leagues, from three Rivers fifteen, from Montreal fifteen, and about the same distance from Lake Champlain, where the River from said Lake, empties itself into St. Lawrence, opposite to said Estates.
The Conditions are, viz. The Lands to be given off forever: The Quit-rents at the rate of two Bushels and a half of Wheat, and one Spanish Dollar, per hundred Acres, per Annum, with the customary alienation Fines upon a Sale, and the first two years free of rents.
Any Person, or Persons, that inclines to take up any of said Lands, may apply to Mr. Stephen Tuttle, Land Surveyor at Fort Miller, in the County of Albany; or to the Proprietor at his Manor of Berthier, who will inform them of the quality and situation of the said Tracts: They are esteemed among the best Lands in the Province, for raising all sorts of Grain, and hath already, settled on them, above six hundred Families, (there is also good Fishing and Hunting) and the Lands now proposed to be given off, lies about two Leagues back from the River St. Lawrence.
BOSTON: Printed by ISAIAH THOMAS,
At the South Corner of MARSHAL'S LANE, leading from the MILL-BRIDGE into UNION-STREET.
Where all Persons may be supplied with this Paper at Six Shillings and Eight Pence, Lawful Money, per Annum; and where Articles of Intelligence, &c. are thankfully received, ADVERTISEMENTS taken in---PRINTING, in its various Branches, performed in a neat Manner with the greatest Care and Dispatch, on the most reasonable Terms. Small HAND-BILLS at an Hour's Notice. SUBSCRIPTIONS for the SPY are also taken in by J. Larkin, chairmaker, and Mr. W. Calder, painter, in Charlestown; Mr. J. Hiller, Watch-maker in Salem; Mr. B. Emerson, Bookseller, in Newbury-Port; and Mr. M. Belcher, in Bridgewater.