The Massachusetts spy (Boston [Mass.]), 1770-10-02 00:00:00

The Massachusetts Spy.
VOL. I.] From SATURDAY, September 29, to T
October 2, 1770. [N o . 26.
M O N D A Y, October  June 19.
G R E N O B L E, [ a great and populous city of France ] T WO men, one a Swiss the other a Piedmontese, being suspected of having stole a gold watch from a merchant in this city during mass, were arrested some days ago, sent to prison, and interrogated by the lieutenant-general of the police; and as these men passed for merchants, letters were written to different parts in order to enquire into their characters, &c. in the mean while they were allowed the liberty usually given to such prisoners; but the answers to those letters not being the most favourable, the Sieur de Savoie, Lieutenant General of the police, attended by the Register, went the 15th inst. into the court of Justice again to interrogate these criminals, and he began with the Piedmontese whom he soon convinced that he had found him out to be an impostor. This fellow finding himself obliged to confess, and perceiving that he was detected, drew a knife and struck at the Judge, who endeavoured to parry the blow with his hand, when the fellow drove the knife into his hand just under the thumb, wounded him again in the arm, and cut an artery. The Judge then endeavouring to get on the other side of the bench in which he sat in order to defend himself, received a third stroke in the thigh. The Register who had not perceived what had passed till the second stroke was given, seized the criminal by the back, but the fellow having his hands at liberty, drove the knife up to the hilt in the Register's stomach, of which wound he soon died. The villain hearing help cried for, and finding he could not escape, stabbed himself four times; at the last stab he expired, before the door keepers could enter the room where this tragical scene had passed. The parliament assembled directly, and ordered that the body of the murderer should be dragged on a hurdle, hung up by the feet and then thrown into the road, which was executed next day.
L O N D O N, August 1. It is said, that Lord Camden has been offered the important post of Lord President of the privy council, but refused it on account of the conditions annexed to his acceptance.
There is not the least doubt but that the fire at Portsmouth was the contrivance of our enemies. Since the 10th of July an uncommon number of foreigners have been observed in the town; and on Thursday four of them, accompanied by one like an Englishman, applied for admittance into the dock-yard, but were refused. Upon the failure of this scheme, it is shrewdly suspected that they found means to bribe some person less liable to suspicion: but time only can bring this dark affair to light.
They write from Portsmouth, that fifteen persons are
missing, and that nine others have had their limbs so terribly bruised as to be entirely useless. And that a chamber of gunpowder, containing 25 lb. communicable by a secret train from the place where the fire began, had been discovered under a third rate man of war almost finished on the stocks; which, however, had not taken the intended effect.
August 3. It is said an express is arrived with an account of a general engagement between the Turkish and Russian armies, which lasted fourteen hours. For the first twelve hours the victory was doubtful; but at last the Turks gave way, after, as reported, having lost 100,000 men.
On Monday Colonel Barré and D. de Berdt, Esq; agents for the colony of Massachusetts-Bay, received a fresh packet of instructions from their constituents.
Several trains of gunpowder have been discovered in the dock-yard at Portsmouth, conveyed into different directions, so that the place where the fire began was intended to be the centre of conflagration.
It is certain that some vigorous measures have been resolved upon to bring the Bostonians to reason, and that Commodore Gambier, has orders to carry a naval force before Boston, to try what effect their appearance will produce before the next meeting of parliament, which will sit in November.
Three things make it more than probable, the fire at Portsmouth was a designed one, the first is, that it was exactly at low water.---A second, that more foreigners had been there of late, than ever was known before.---And a third that Colonel Faucett had a suspicion of the kind some weeks since, and wrote accordingly, when his intelligence was un-noticed.
B O S T O N.
Yesterday morning, about 6 o'clock died very suddenly at Newbury-port, of an asthmatic fit, lamented by thousands, that eminent servant of God, and faithful minister of Jesus Christ, the Rev. Mr. GEORGE WHITEFIELD, Chaplain to the right honourable the Countess of Huntingdon, &c. in the 56th year of his age.
"Great Whitefield's gone, and shot his shining way To the bright realms of everlasting day."
"Yesterday morning died at his house in Cambridge-street, after a lingering painful disease, which he bore with philosophic fortitude, LEONARD JARVIS, Esq; Colonel of the Company of Cadets, an eminent Merchant of this place.---This Gentleman sustained the several relations of life with honour and virtue:---He has left his friends, sincerely to regret his death.---His funeral will be attended on Wednesday afternoon."

T U E S
CHARLESTOWN, [South Y, October 2.
THE common cause of America has basely and traitorously deserted, been most merchants, traders, and others, of the city of New-York at a time when the eyes of all the colonies were particularly fixed upon them; when their virtue, to resist every temptation, and to defeat every attempt of a prevailing faction, was relied on; and when our affairs began to wear a more pleasing aspect, and promise success, from an inflexible perseverance in the measure of Non-Importation; it has had no other effect upon this province than to excite astonishment and indignation, and to attach us (if possible) more firmly to the cause than ever. In consequence whereof, there was yesterday, at Liberty Tree, the most respectable general meeting of the inhabitants we ever had, when John Huger, Esq; was unanimously chosen chairman: And the meeting being continued, by adjournment to this day, the following RESOLUTIONS were entered into, unanimously, except the IVth, to which there was only a single negative.
I. That the Resolutions entered into by the inhabitants of the colonies, against the importation of goods from Great-Britain, are safe, peaceable, and constitutional; and if persisted in, we have the strongest reason to believe would be productive of every salutary purpose, designed by them; and therefore ought to be considered, as an irresistible barrier against every assault upon our Liberties.
II. That the breach of the agreement for Non-Importation of goods from Great-Britain, by the merchants and traders of New-York, is a scandalous revolt from the common cause of freedom.---By which proceeding, they have attempted to weaken our union, and sully the character of America; vilified their own reputations, and given the strongest temptations in their power, to our unfeeling enemies, to prosecute their malicious design of enslaving our country!
III. That should the present ministerial plot, against our common Liberty, be accomplished, or should this bait, thrown out by New-York, give encouragement for a more extensive plan, to destroy every constitutional right; whatever fatality may happen, in consequence thereof, ought to be chargeable (principally) to this defection of a of a prevailing party in that city.
IV. That, in order to declare to the world our detestation of the late abominable measure, entered into by that prevailing party, we will break off all commercial intercourse and dealing with New-York, until they properly atone for their treacherous separation from their countrymen, by returning to their former agreement, and re-shipping the goods imported contrary thereto, to the places from whence they came. Provided that, except in cases where goods have been ordered, which cannot be countermanded, every inhabitant of this province who has effects at New-York, may have liberty to remove them from thence, in specie, or bills of exchange only.
V. That the resolutions entered into by this province,
against the colonies of Rhode-Island and Georgia, on the 27th of June last, shall not extend to vessels which were at least one half owned in this province at that time, so far as to prevent their entering our ports in ballast, to load with the commodities of this country, for any other ports not excepted to by our resolutions.
VI. That all European and East-India goods, heretofore brought into this province, contrary to the general but imports from any place whatever, shall not be stored, but immediately re-shipped to the places from whence they were imported.
The most material business being over, the warm thanks, with repeated claps of applause, were returned to the general committee, for their indefatigable zeal and attention, in the discharge of their important trust, and also to the Chairman of the present General Meeting. After which the Meeting was dissolved. No business was ever transacted by any numerous body, with greater regularity and solemnity.
PHILADELPHIA, September 20. We are desired to inform the public, that the trade between this city and Rhode-Island is opened, and a free intercourse admitted, as usual.
Extract of a letter from London, dated July 12.
“ As to public affairs, though America has been the subject of two or three late councils, nothing has transpired. The reports of the day are, that it is under consideration to bring a bill into parliament making all associations for Non-Importation, &c. very penal--- In short, to put the merchants on the same footing as the journey-men taylors, weavers, &c. whose combinations, as they stile our resolutions, are by act of parliament made highly criminal--- To change the constitution of Massachusetts Bay, as that province is considered to be the source and fountain of the present unhappy division. I do not give you these, other than reports; but this you may be assured of, that the return of the Boston vessels, and the declared adherence of New-York and Philadelphia to the Agreement, has given a most sensible alarm, and occasioned these meetings of council. But their feelings upon it are not those of conviction, so much as resentment, which there is no doubt they would give very sensible proofs of, if repeated disappointments in American affairs, had not made them extremely cautious and apprehensive. But even the enemies of America do justice to the public virtue and patriotism of its inhabitants, which they allow is unparalledled in modern times. I was much pleased with the applause given yesterday to the new member for the city of London, who spoke of America in very respectful terms.--- The Opposition carry every thing in the city by a great majority. Upon our own virtue and firmness, and upon their assistance to give them due efficacy, all our hopes depend.”
“ To William Fisher, and other members of the Merchants Committee. (Philadelphia)
“ MANY of the inhabitants of this city, who some time since entertained hopes of advantage from a continuation of our Non-Importation Agreement, being now fully convinced it cannot answer the end proposed, and that the trade of this city must severely feel the effects of

adhering to that measure, while the colonies around us are enjoying the advantages of our inactivity, are of opinion, it is a proper time to make an alteration in said agreement. We have conferred together, and conversed with many others on the subject, who are of opinion, with us, that the sentiments of the subscribers to the Non-Importation Agreement should be taken, whether said agreement should continue, or be dissolved, so far as to open the importation of Goods from Great-Britain as usual, tea, and such other articles as are or may be subject to duties, for the purpose of raising a revenue in America, excepted. In order to accomplish this, the following method is proposed, that two of the subscribers be joined with two of the committee, and these four, in conjunction with two or three other reputable citizens, not immediately concerned in the trade, to go round the city, and take the sentiments of the subscribers, in writing, without using any arguments to influence their judgment; those who are for opening the importation, to subscribe a paper, the copy of which is enclosed, and at the same time the names of those who dissent to be taken down in writing. With this reasonable, and, as we think, unexceptionable measure, we hope for your concurrence---Be pleased to take the foregoing proposal under consideration, and favour us with your sentiments thereon, as soon as possible. We are your friends,
“John Reynell, James & Drinker, Tench Francis, Hugh Donaldson, Walter & Bertles Shee, Philip Benezet, John Drinker, William West, Joseph Swift, Thomas Fisher, Randle Mitchell, John and Clement Biddle, Jeremiah Warder, Richard Parker. Philadelphia, Sept. 12, 1770.”
The COMMITTEE'S ANSWER.
“Gentlemen, WE are sorry to find the Non-Importation Agreement has not yet produced the desired effect. What measures can be entered into, whereby we may still assert our rights, and oppose the system of slavery formed for America, the subscribers to that agreement may determine. Considering the present situation of affairs, we agree with you, that it is very proper to take their sentiments on what is best to be done---But we do not think ourselves at liberty to adopt the method proposed by you, as the agreement itself has pointed out another. Every subscriber to our agreement has pledged his “Word and honour to adhere to it, until the act complained of is repealed, or until a general meeting of the subscribers, after three days public notice, shall determine otherwise.” We are ready to call a general meeting of the subscribers, whenever we are requested; but any other mode of taking their sentiments, we have no power to adopt---However, as you seem to think otherwise, we shall lay the article of our agreement, together with your proposal, and this our answer, before the public, and let them judge.
“We are, your assured Friends, William Fisher, Samuel Howell, Thomas Mifflin, George Roberts.
“Your humble Servants, John Gibson, Daniel Benezet, John Cox, Charles Thomson, Alexander Huston, J. M. Nesbit. Philadelphia, Sept. 14, 1770.”
Upon receipt of the above answer, the Gentlemen
to whom it was directed, have undertaken to call a meeting of the subscribers at a tavern.
PORTSMOUTH, September 28. Last Sunday morning came to town from Boston, the Rev. George Whitefield, and in the afternoon preached at the Rev. Dr. Haven's meeting house; Monday morning he preached again at the same place to a very large and crowded audience. Tuesday morning a most numerous assembly met at the Rev. Dr. Langdon's meeting house to hear him again, which it is said will hold near six thousand people, and was well filled, even the alleys, where he preached, to general acceptance - Wednesday he preached at the Rev. Mr. John Rogers's meeting house, in Kittery, and yesterday at the Rev. Mr. Lyman's in York, to which place a number of Ladies and Gentlemen from town accompanied him. This morning, at ten o'clock the Rev. Mr. Whitefield will preach at the Rev. Dr. Langdon's meeting-house.
Last week the Rev. Dr. Langdon, of this town, with the consent of his people, set out on a journey to Connecticut River, in order to preach the gospel to the inhabitants settling in the new townships there.
B O S T O N.
By a Letter from a Gentleman at Philadelphia, dated September 22d, we are informed that, At a very numerous meeting of the merchants on the 21st, it was determined to import Goods agreeable to the resolution of New-York, with the exception of tea; but that goods would not be permitted to be delivered if imported before the 15th of January 1771.
Sunday morning the ship Experiment, Capt. Camlin bound from Bristol to Virginia, having proved leaky on the passage put into this port to refit.
Early yesterday morning a number of Gentlemen set out from hence for Newbury-Port, which is forty miles from Boston, in order to make the necessary preparation for conveying the corps of the Rev. Mr. Whitefield to this town, where he is to be interred, agreeable to his own request.
To-morrow will be kept as a day of prayer by the Hon. Council, and House of Representatives, at Cambridge.
ARRIVALS at this PORT. Doane, Gross and Snow from Glasgow ; Doane, Deming and Higgins from New-London ; Gorham and Hinckley from Philadelphia ; Cole and Thayer from Newfoundland ; Lewis and Gracey from New-Haven ; Cook from Halifax ; Smith and Helppman from Nova-Scotia ; Howes from Jamaica and Cape Nichola ; Vincent from Cape Nichola ; Fletcher from St. Croix ; Somes from Martinico , Bray from Barbados ; Davis from St. Thomas's ; Skimmer from St. Ubes ; Callender from Newcastle , Cummings and Brace from Falmouth ; Fellows from London ; Camblin from Bristol .
OUTWARD BOUND. Symmes and Pearn for West-Indies ; Scott for London ; Lewis, Hubbel and Rice for New-Haven ; Clark for Nova-Scotia ; Berry for Newfoundland ; Fellows for Surinam ; Stocking for London ; Vincent for Jamaica ; Hooton for North-Carolina ; and Scott, for London .

An ADMONITION to those, who glory in seducing the Affections of the FAIR, and then deserting them.
N O Man ought certainly to make his Pretensions to a Lady, till he is fully convinced her Person, her Temper and her Fortune, are perfectly agreeable to his circumstances, and Way of Thinking; for, without such previous Knowledge, he undertakes at Random the most important Affair of Life; and then no Wonder if he involves himself in Difficulties and Uneasiness.
Love, whatever some may think of it, is not a Passion to be sported with: Nor is the Affection of a Lady to be attempted, till a Man is assured his own is fixed on a lasting Principle. All imaginable Caution is necessary and advisable beforehand; but after his Professions of Regard, his Services and Solicitations, have won the Heart, and made him dear to her, Reason, Honour, Justice, all oblige him to make good his Engagements, and to be careful of her Peace. Then there is no retreating; not can any Thing but her Loss of Virtue, justify his leaving her. And whether he has promised her Marriage, or not, makes very little Difference; for surely, if he has courted her Affections, and gained them, upon the reasonable Supposition, that he intended making her his Wife, the Contract, in the Sight of Heaven, is of equal Force. He, who basely imposes on the honest Heart of an unsuspecting Girl, and after winning her Affections and Esteem, by the soft and prevailing Rhetoric of Courtship, can ungenerously leave her to Sorrow and Complaining, is more detestable than a common Robber, in the same Proportion as private Treachery is more villainous than open Force, and Money, of less Concern than Happiness.
ALGERINE Avarice and Ingratitude exposed.
IT is customary for masters of vessels, who trade to Algiers with fresh or dried fruits, sweet-meats, and the like, to make presents of some to such Turks as can forward his business. Every voyage he makes thither afterwards, these Turks importune him for, and insist upon, the same quantity, though he has then no occasion for their interest. This they call asking the usage. To such a height do they exercise this ridiculous demand, that nothing should be given them, but with a salvo for the time to come.
In the reign of Haggi Chaban Dey, a Greek merchant, who resided at Algiers, used almost every year to make a voyage to Tunis or Egypt, retailing his cargo. A countryman of his dying left him his executor, and among other pious legacies, a certain sum for charitable uses. One day the merchant passing by a Moor, who was sitting in the street, upon a piece of matt, lame and almost blind, asked charity of the merchant. He was the more inclined to give because of his industry in making thread laces, being incapable of other work. He dropt him his handful of aspers, which unusual light so transported the beggar, that he followed the merchant upon his crutches, calling out upon Heaven to shower down its blessings upon him. He told all he met with how exceeding that Christian had been to him for the love of
God, at which they were so pleased, that they all joined in his commendations, saying, That is an excellent person indeed; his charity extends beyond his sect. The beggar did not leave following his benefactor till he discovered his house, and afterwards took post in a place where the merchant must daily pass by him. Next day the Moor begs his charity, and the Greek repeated it, which gained him great reputation and a crowd of customers. The Mahometan priests did not fail to cry up the reward which God had given to this charitable Greek, who finding the sweets of a charity, which cost him nothing continued his daily benevolence till the time of his departure for Egypt. The beggar still kept his post, but missing his benefactor, he made enquiry after him, and had the mortification to hear that he was out of the kingdom. When his clerk passed by he used to lift up his hands and pray for his master's happy return; which happened five or six months after. The beggar was overjoyed to see him, and when the merchant, in return for his compliments, was going to bestow, his charity on him, declined it, saying it was better to pay him all his arrears at once. The Greek told him he did not know what he meant by arrears. To which the other replied, that he had been absent near six months, and consequently that there was about eighty rials due. The Greek did not know whether the fellow's impudence deserved most to be laughed at or chastised. But the Moor laid his complaint before the dey and the Greek merchant was sent for to make his defence. The Moor alledged that the merchant had, for the continuance of a whole month, daily given him a rial; but that this charity had greatly increased his customers, and been a fund of riches. And that as to himself upon such a daily income, he was very glad to leave off working, which was very painful to him, having almost lost his sight; that the merchant went away without giving him the least notice that his pension was to cease; that he had still kept his post, praying to God for his return; besides, that relying on his accustomed liberality, he had contracted some debts for his support; but upon demanding his arrears, the merchant had laughed at him, and threatened him. The Greek did not disown the truth of the premises, but insisted that alms being a voluntary action, its continuance depended upon the will of the donor. After a discussion of the affair in council, the merchant was condemned to pay the beggar a rial for every day since his departure to the day of the decision, with a praster over and above, as a compensation for his reproaches. But withal empowering him to declare that very instant, that it was his intention never to give him any alms or gratuity for the time to come. This the merchant many times protested, adding, that such a sentence would not soon be forgot.
L ISBON LEMONS, very good and fresh, at sixteen shillings old tenor the Dozen, and six pounds five shillings the Hundred; to be sold at the Sign of the Basket of Lemons in Middle-street, near the New-Brick meeting-house.