The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal (Boston [Mass.]), 1773-01-21 00:00:00

Or, Thomas's Boston Journal.
A Weekly, Political, and Commercial PAPER:—Open to ALL Parties, but Influenced by None.
'DO THOU Great LIBERTY INSPIRE our Souls,—And make our Lives in THY Possession happy,—Or, our Deaths glorious in THY JUST Defence.'
VOL. II.]
THURSDAY, JANUARY 21, 1773.
[NUMB. 102.
To the PUBLIC. IT is proposed, that all the proceedings of the towns in the Massachusetts province, for the preservation of the rights of America, be collected and published in a volume; that posterity may know what their ancestors have done in the cause of FREEDOM—It is expected that the inhabitants of every town, however small, will at this time publish their sentiments to the world, that their names with those who have already published, may be recorded in this catalogue of FAME, and handed down to future ages.
FRIDAY, January 15. BOSTON.
We hear that the signals at the castle will for the future be, by hoisting the Union-Flag for a Man of War—a blue flag for a merchant ship—a St. George's Jack for a Merchant Snow—and a pendant for a brigantine.
On the 31st ult. the Rev. Mr. Abraham Wood was separated to the pastoral office at Chesterfield, in the province of New Hampshire.
Extract of a letter from London.
"We have the pleasure to inform the public, that the Council of Huntington, has purchased of the heirs of the late Rev. Mr. Whitfield, their rights in the orphan house in Georgia, in order more effectually to secure to the British colonies the advantages of that Seminary, and render it a public blessing—She has, to establish and superintend it, engaged proper persons, who are to sail in the Georgia Packet for that place, and are expected to arrive there almost as soon as this account."
MARRIED At Fairfield in Scotland, William Campbell, jun. Esq; to Miss Sally Cunningham, second daughter of the late Nathaniel Cunningham, Esq; of Boston in New England.
DIED Mrs. Abigail Winter, Consort of Mr. William Winter, Notary Public, and eldest daughter of the late Mr. Francis Gatecombe, Merchant, deceased—Mrs. Ann Clemens, wife of Capt. James Clemens—Mrs. Hunnewell wife of Mr. Joseph Hunnewell Blacksmith.—At Andover, Mrs. Phillips, widow of the late Rev. Mr. Phillips, of that town, deceased.—Upon his passage from the West-Indies, Capt. Samuel Langdon, eldest son of the reverend Dr. Langdon of Portland.
SATURDAY, January 16. BOSTON.
Capt. Bulkley from Cadiz, informs, that the Moors were about to invest the town of Ceuta, on the Barbary coast, and it was expected they would be before that place in January inst. with 60,000 men.
Capt. Bulkley on the 3d of November, in lat. 36. long. 7. spoke with Capt. James Gridler, in a sloop from Boston to Gibraltar out 34 days.
NEWPORT, January 11. Last Thursday a considerable bunch of full-blown pansies was gathered in the garden of Mr. Caleb Earl, of this town; which flowers were produced merely by the mildness of the season, without any assistance of art more than is commonly used in all open gardens, and are still to be seen at the printing-office:—In the same garden have been gathered within these few days, fine cabbage sprouts, marigolds, and dandelions full blown; in another garden in town, we hear there are green-pease near four inches high; and in short, by accounts from every quarter of the town and country, the whole vegetable world seems just ready to start forth, dressed in all the charms of blooming May.
Last Tuesday between eleven and twelve o'clock, A. M. Capt. Robert Keeler, of his Majesty's ship Mercury, accompanied by a number of officers belonging to the navy, proceeded to the court-house in this town, in two ranks, carrying with them his Majesty's commission, appointing the hon. Joseph Wanton, the hon. Daniel Horsmanden, the hon. Frederick Smyth, the hon. Peter Oliver and the hon. Robert Auchmuty, commissioners to enquire into and report unto his Majesty, a full and true account of all the circumstances relative to the attacking, plundering and burning his Majesty's Schooner the Gaspée; and to the assembling, arming, training and leading on the people concerned therein; and to the concerting and preparing the said attack, and of all other insults or obstructions, which have been given to Lieutenant Duddingston, and to his Majesty's service in general in the colony of
Rhode Island, &c. and being in the council-chamber, waited until the arrival of the commissioners, when the commission was publickly delivered, and proclaimed in presence of a great number of persons; after which James Brenton and James Clarke, Esqrs; were appointed Secretaries; and the court have sat every day since for the despatch of business.
Last Saturday, about 1 o'clock an express arrived in town, with dispatches, as we hear, from Admiral Montagu to the Hon. commissioners for enquiring into the circumstances of burning the Gaspée, &c. and it is said that the Admiral is expected in town on Tuesday or Wednesday.
Last Wednesday, the General Assembly of the Massachusetts-Bay met at Boston, when his Excellency, Governor Hutchinson, made a very learned, sensible SPEECH! Estimated, by some, fully equal to a FIFTEEN HUNDRED-pounder.
MONDAY, January 18. BOSTON.
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of DORCHESTER, qualified as the law directs for voting in town affairs, on Tuesday December 29, An. Dom. 1772, is gaily warned.
Deacon SAMUEL TOLEFF, Moderator.
"THE Selectmen communicated to the town the votes and proceedings of the town of Boston, on the 20th of November last, containing a state of the rights of the colonists, and of this province in particular, and also a list of the infringements committed thereon, and after due consideration, the town unanimously chose a committee to consider and report at the adjournment of this meeting, what infringements have been made upon our rights and privileges, and to draft instructions for their representative accordingly."
A true copy from Dorchester Records.
Attest. NOAH CLAP, Town-Clerk.
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Dorchester, qualified as the law directs for voting in town affairs, on Monday January 4th, 1773, by adjournment from the 29th of December last.
"THE committee appointed the 29th of December last, reported, according to order, and the town then came into the following RESOLUTIONS unanimously, viz"
"1. RESOLVED. That all lawful government was instituted by, and intended for the preservation of the lives, liberties and properties of the people, and that the imposition of any law, ordinance or command, tending to controul the actions of freemen, being made without their consent, is a lawless usurpation."
"2. Resolved. That the several Acts of the British parliament tending to controul the internal commerce and manufactures of the colonists, and more especially to take their monies from them without their consent, are obnoxious to every principle of good and lawful government, and tend to the immediate destruction of what that was intended to preserve."
"3. Resolved. That the appropriating of any part of a revenue so raised, for the support of civil government and the administration of justice in this province, is contrary to the plain intention of the charter, and a great grievance, as it renders the governor and the judges dependent on the crown. This flagrant alteration of the constitution of this province, hath the strongest tendency to turn all its friends and servants into its enemies, and unduly to inflame them to the prejudice of the people, in all their administrations."
"4. Resolved. That the wresting out of our hands the principal fortresses of this province, wherein are deposited near all our stores of defence, and putting it into the hands of those over whom our governor has declared he has no controul, is a great grievance."
"5. Resolved. That the powers extended to the Courts of Admiralty, is another grievance which we have just cause to complain of."
"6. Resolved. That at a time when open attacks upon our happy constitution are multiplied, it is incumbent upon the people to be watchful, and especially at this time, when we are assailed with a new and unheard of grievance, in a late act passed by the British parliament, whereby the crown is impowered, so that persons supposed to be guilty of certain crimes, may be hurried away from any county in North America, where such crime may
have been supposed to have been committed, to be tried in any county in England, where his Majesty or his successors shall judge proper; which appears to us to come little short of any court of inquisition, and appears plainly to us destructive of the main pillar of the British constitution."
"7. Resolved. That the representative of this town be, and hereby is instructed, to join in any motion or motions, in a constitutional way, to obtain not only a redress of the aforementioned grievances, but of all others; and that you in no wise consent to give up any of our rights, whether derived from nature or by compact. So trusting you, Sir, with the conduct of all that is dear, we rest, wishing you success and that wisdom necessary to direct."
"8. Resolved. That the sincere and hearty thanks of this town be given to the town of Boston, for the care and attention with which so respectable a number of its worthy inhabitants have watched for the common good, and have communicated the dangerous machinations of our restless enemies, who might otherwise have finished their plan, and have involved us in the most remediless destruction before this day."
"9. Resolved. That Capt. Lemuel Robinson, Capt. John Homan, and Mr. Samuel How, be, and hereby are chosen a committee of this town, in order to watch over our liberties and correspond with committees of other towns appointed for that purpose; and also to report to this town such innovations and grievances as may happen, together with such measures as they may think proper and effectual for redress."
"Voted. That a copy of the foregoing resolves be attested by the Town-Clerk, and forwarded by the Selectmen, to the committee of correspondence in the town of Boston."
A true copy from Dorchester Records. Attest. NOAH CLAP, Town-Clerk.
At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of BROOKLYN, on Friday the 11th day of December, Anno Domini, 1772.
"THE Selectmen acquainted the town in their warrant for calling this meeting, That they had received a letter from the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Boston, together with their votes and proceedings, at a legal meeting on the 20th of November last, to be communicated to this town for consideration—The same was read and considered, and the following votes passed, and voted that a committee of seven gentlemen be appointed to consider thereof and report what should be proper to be done by the town, then the following gentlemen were chosen, viz. William Hyllop, Esq; Isaac Gardner, Esq; Deacon Ebenezer Davis, Capt. Benjamin White, Messrs. Isaac Child, John Goddard and John Harris, and then adjourned till the 28th of this inst. December."
"The town after receiving the report of the committee at the said adjournment, the following votes were passed by the town unanimously, at as full a meeting as usual, viz."
"1st Voted. That the rights of the colonists, and this province in particular, as men, as christians, and subjects, set forth in the said votes and proceedings of the town of Boston, are in the opinion of this town well stated, and appear to be founded on the laws of nature, divine revelation, the British constitution, and the charter of this province."
"2d. Voted. That the infringements and violation of those rights, as also set forth therein, are in the opinion of this town great grievances, which this people have for years past been burdened with, and for the redress of which petitions and remonstrances have been made, but hitherto in vain."
"3d. Voted. That the raising a revenue within this province by an assumed power in the British House of Commons to give and grant our money without our consent, and appropriating the monies so raised for the support of the government of the province, and the payment of the charges of the administration of justice therein, is repugnant to the first principles of a free constitution, and the obvious meaning and spirit of the royal charter of this province."
"4th. Voted. That an establishment for the support of the governor of the province, and the judges of the superior court, &c. (if the latter be already made as we have just reason to apprehend) to be paid out of the monies raised as aforesaid, independent of the free gifts and grants
of the commons of this province, are in the opinion of this town leading and alarming steps towards rendering the whole executive power independent of the people, and setting up an absolute despotic government in the province."
"4th. Voted. That the representative of this town be, and hereby is instructed to exert his utmost powers and abilities in the General Assembly, with constant perseverance in promoting such measures there as will tend speedily and effectually to remove those and other intolerable grievances enumerated in the aforesaid votes and proceedings of the town of Boston."
"4th. Voted. That the freeholders and inhabitants of the town of Boston in thus clearly stating our rights, and holding up so many of our grievances in one view, have done an acceptable service to this town and province, and that the sincere and hearty thanks of this town be hereby given to them therefor."
"7th. Voted. That there be a committee now chosen to write to the committee of correspondence in Boston, and communicate to them a true attested copy of the foregoing votes, and also further to correspond with said committee of Boston or any other towns if they shall think it needful."
"Then the town made choice of the following gentlemen for the purpose aforesaid, viz. William Hyllop, Esq; Isaac Gardner, Esq; Deacon Ebenezer Davis, Capt. Benjamin White, Messrs. Isaac Child, John Goddard, and John Harris."
A true copy, per order, Attest. ISAAC GARDNER, Town-Clerk." To the committee of communication and correspondence at Boston.
Brooklyn, January 4, 1773.
"GENTLEMEN, "THE freeholders and other inhabitants of this town, at a meeting legally assembled upon the 28th of December last, by adjournment, having duly considered a letter from the town of Boston, directed to the Selectmen of this town, accompanied with a state of the rights of the colonies, and of this province in particular, as also a list of the infringements of their rights, to be communicated to this town, take this opportunity to return you our hearty and unfeigned thanks, which were voted by said town; for the early care that you took in clearly and truly stating our rights and privileges, and making manifest the many and glaring violations and infringements thereof, which if not speedily prevented must inevitably ruin the constitution of this province as settled by the charter granted by King William and Queen Mary of glorious memory, and also that this town think themselves happy in being always ready to add their mite towards withstanding any arbitrary despotic measures that are or may be carried on to overthrow the constitution and deprive us of all our invaluable rights and privileges, which are and ought to be as dear, or dearer than life itself."
"We have inclosed you a copy of the votes and proceedings of the town so far as we have gone."
"May he that riseth in the kingdom of men direct all our counsels, and grant success to all our lawful endeavours, that are, or may be taken for the preservation of the civil and religious rights and privileges of the colonies, and of this province in particular. So as that we the children of so worthy progenitors, may be enabled to transmit to our children those invaluable rights and privileges, as we had them transmitted to us. They were many times in trouble on various accounts, and in their afflictions they cried to GOD and he delivered them; and if we their children follow their example, may depend upon the same success they had; which GOD grant may be the case with us in our present difficulties."
"We wish all prosperity to the town of Boston, and may uttering wisdom direct all her consultations and counsels."
"We are with great respect, gentlemen, Your friends and servants, In the common cause of our country, WILLIAM HYLOP, per order."
We learn from the county of Berkshire, that about five weeks since, one of his Majesty's justices of the peace for the county of Albany, issued his warrant against several persons of the town of Sheffield and Stockbridge, upon a suspicion that they had been concerned in counterfeiting the bills of credit of the province of New-York. The commissioners accompanied with Mr. Williams, sheriff of the county of Berk-

flire, applied to the hon. Timothy Woodbridge, Esq; of Stockbridge, for a warrant to apprehend said persons and transmit them to the authority of Albany county, to be examined touching the supposed offence. Mr. Woodbridge utterly refused to grant a warrant of such an extraordinary tenor; but consented to grant a warrant to apprehend and convene said persons before him or some other magistrate of the county of Berkshire, to be examined touching that matter; but the sheriff and others with him declined Mr. Woodbridge's offer, expressly declaring that such a procedure would not answer what they proposed to effect. And thereupon immediately and very abruptly left Mr. Woodbridge and proceeded through the town of Great-Barrington (wherein resided three justices for Berkshire county, two of whom, viz David Ingersol, jun. and Mark Hopkins, Esqrs were learned in the law) to the town of Sheffield, to John Ashley, Esq; who granted a warrant according to their wishes, by virtue of which the said sheriff apprehended those persons and hastily dragged them out of Berkshire county into the county of Albany, where they were very rigorously and partially treated, and directly hurried away to Albany goal, then greatly infected with the small pox. Some of them have since been seized with that contagious distemper and died, and there has been a special court appointed to try those who survive. The court has met and tried four of them, who are all convicted, and one is now under sentence of death. The court is adjourned until next June, and justice Livingston gave in charge to the grand jury, to enquire into all offences that should be committed any where west of the west banks of Connecticut river, which they accordingly did, and in the indictments expressly alledged that the crime was committed in the said Sheffield, &c. in the county of Albany, &c.
On what foundation they ground so extravagant a claim we would gladly be informed. Justice Woodbridge has forwarded a letter to his Excellency Governor Hutchinson, relative to this extraordinary proceeding, which was immediately laid before the Great and General Court now sitting here, and a Committee of both houses appointed to take it into consideration.
TUESDAY, January 19. BOSTON.
His Excellency the Governor, with the advice and consent of his Majesty's Council, has been pleased to nominate and appoint Obed Hussey, Esq; to be a Justice of the peace and of the Quorum for the County of Lincoln.—William Allen, Esq; to be a Justice of the peace for the County of Cumberland.—And Mr. Epes Sargeant, jun. to be a Coroner for the County of Essex. On Wednesday last the Rev. Mr. Thomas Barnard, jun. was ordained to the pastoral office over the church lately gathered in Salem.
We hear from Bridgewater that seven hundred and twenty one persons have had the measles in the North Parish in that town since the 20th of September last; more than six hundred of whom have had it since the 20th of November: Yet notwithstanding that distressing distemper raged so violently there, only four persons died of it in that Parish, one of them a person upwards of 80 years of age, the others were children under five. The measles are now very rare in the other Parishes in that town, and it is thought they will not be wholly clear of it before the spring.
Monday last the Hon. Admiral Montagu set out by land from hence for Rhode-Island, and on Wednesday he arrived there, when the blue flag was hoisted on board the Mercury, under the discharge of the cannon of that and the other ships of war lying there: —No salute was paid by the colony fort; at which neglect the Admiral signified his dislike to the Governor, who returned him a suitable answer.
A mulatto fellow and a person from Smithfield, who pretend to give evidence concerning the Gaspée Schooner, we hear are confined in irons on board one of his King's ships at Newport.
Extract of a letter from an Inland Town, to a Gentleman in Boston.
“THE tools of power, both sharp and dull, are now at work here, in order to hinder a union taking place throughout the province; that a former story may be confirmed, viz. that a factious few only in Boston, are uneasy, but the body of the people quite contented. They have several specious pretences which they urge as they think will best suit the gudgeons they intend to take with them; the one now playing off with much assiduity is, that the General Assembly who are the proper guardians of the people, are dear sitting, and that any exertion of the towns at this time would be a taking of the work out of the hands in which the law and constitution has placed it. Could the innocent people remember how little prospect there was of the Court's meeting, till perhaps nearly the latter end of April, had there been no meetings of the towns, and did they conceive that nothing in the power of the
assembly, nor any other body besides the body of the people, can give these usurpers any considerable concern, they would spurn at the knavery and hypocrisy of the traitors who thus endeavour to lull them into a fatal security. We rejoice that the principal towns have come into the Boston measure. It prevails in this county and promises to be general. The tories dread the union which prevailing in this province will undoubtedly run thro' the rest, none of which are contented, and only remain inactive for want of a feasible mode of exertion. I cannot bear the proposal of petitioning; particularly petitioning the British Parliament talked of by some. It appears to me we have already degraded ourselves by our fruitless petitions, and I am rather of opinion with the inhabitants of Bridgewater, who say they are for no more parley, but will be behind none of their neighbours in action, when matters come to a ripeness. I would not have you conclude from hence that I am not for a meeting. We should have had one long since, had not our principal Selectmen, who are high perogative gentry, too long detained the Boston letter and pamphlet.
DIED.] Mr. Isaac Nichols Collins, of the Island of Barbados, who lately came here for his health.—Mrs. Elizabeth McQuestion, Widow.—Sarah Pope, Widow of the late Samuel Pope, deceased, one of the Society of Friends.—Mrs. Wheeler, Widow.—Mrs. Farmer, Wife of Mr. Farmer, Shipwright.—Mrs. Barnard, Wife of Mr. James Barnard, Housewright.—Miss Lucy Calf, Daughter of Mr. Calf, late of this Town, Blacksmith, deceased.—At Hingham, Mr. Thomas Epton.—Mrs. Barker, Wife of Capt. Francis Barker.—At Sturbridge, Mr. Samuel Freeman.
WEDNESDAY, January 20. BOSTON.
The two following paragraphs are taken from a late London paper.
The following account is given of the seizure of the papers and person of the prince de Conti, which has made a great noise at Paris. The Prince de Conti having been suspected by the court, to have favoured several seditious papers lately published against the ministry, and to have caused them to be privately printed, at a press he had erected in the verge of the temple, where he holds his court at Paris; the chancellor Maupeou obtained a letter de cachet, which he caused to be issued October the 23d. In consequence of this arrest, the palace of the prince was environed at midnight by the Musketeers and other guards. They first secured the manuscripts and printed papers: These were instantly deposited in the hands of Monsr. de Sartine, the Lieutenant of the Police. The Abbe Quillet (the supposed author of the different publications) together with the Printers, were then seized and conducted to the Bastille. During the confusion, one of the Prince's porters found means to escape, and made the best of his way to L'Isle d'Adam, a country seat belonging to the Prince de Conti (where he then was) and acquainted him with what was transacting at his palace. The Prince, greatly astonished at the intelligence, immediately set off for Paris; but his highness found his person no more sacred than his house, his papers, or his secrets. The Minister, Maupeou, secured the Prince also; and the great and noble Affter and protector of the liberties of his country has been immured like a common felon. What will be the consequence of this atrocious stretch of power in the chancellor, time only can disclose; but the populace is so exasperated, that some dreadful effects are to be expected. The other princes of the blood were so alarmed at this daring attack of the minister, on so respectable a part of their body, that they went from their palaces in Paris to the country with the utmost precipitation, in the opinion of many, in a manner very unworthy their high births and stations.
Mr. Wilkes having been so unsuccessful in his endeavours to gain preferment by his writings, is now determined to make trial of his abilities as an orator; his intention is to turn travelling preacher, for which purpose he is now under the tuition of the Rev. Dr. W---, and a very costly and commodious pulpit is making for him by the company of joiners, which is to be ornamented with the Basso Relievo of Lord Halifax, in imitation of the Rostros of Rome, which were ornamented with the stems, or fore fronts, of the ships of the ancients whom they had overcome. He intends to deliver his first oration in St. George's Fields, when he will illustrate and make his observations on the tragedy that was acted there.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. MR. THOMAS, You are desired to publish the following. From the NEW-HAMPSHIRE GAZETTE. To the PRINTERS. Please to insert the following observations upon an extract from an "Essay on the English Constitution," lately published in your Gazette.
THE writer of the essay above mentioned asserts with great assurance that the parliament of Great-Britain has a just and constitutional right to impose taxes on the colonies without their consent, and that their claims to exemption from such taxation have neither "law, constitution, nor reason to support them."—As the rights of the colonies have been so thoroughly discussed by many masterly pens, and enlightened heads, and their right to an exemption from all taxes but such as they themselves consent to, has been shewn to a demonstration,—and as the reasoning and conclusions of this writer are too big with unconstitutional principles and absurdities, to escape the penetrating eyes of American understandings—it was generally thought unnecessary to answer it—But least some who have not attended to the American controversy should be deluded by this writer, I shall reply in few words to what he has said. It is allowed by all sensible writers upon the English constitution, that it has its foundation in freedom, and that no English subject can, agreeable to the fundamental principles of the constitution, be deprived of his property without his consent, or the consent of his Representative. Now the question is, whether the colonists are represented in the British Parliament? If they are not (than which nothing is more certain) their complaints are just, and taking away their money without their consent is tyranny and reduces them to slaves—for if Britons have a right to dispose of the property of Americans, the Americans can have no property at all—in that case it is all vested in the Britons, and nothing is left for the Americans but absolute slavery. This is so evident a truth that common sense cannot hesitate a moment to determine.
It is said by this ministerial casuist that the colonies are represented by the electors in Britain, as many of the towns of England are who have no representatives, and that representation is confined to the spot where the constitution was first formed. To which I answer, no parallel can be drawn between the large towns in England which have no representatives and the colonies, for they are represented in some degree by their neighbours and countrymen; [but they have a right to be equally represented] and no laws are made but such as affect every town and nearly alike; one town is not taxed while another is exempted, their interests are so connected that all have equal security from impositions. This is not the case with the colonies. The interest of the colonists is not so connected with the interest of the representatives in Britain as to be a sufficient security for the colonies; and if they find by taxing us they shall lighten their own burdens, and encrase their wealth, it must be the height of blind presumption to suppose they will have virtue enough to resist the powerful temptation of interest, which will ever urge them to injure us.
As to their grand hypothesis, that "representation is confined to the spot where the constitution was at first formed," it is repugnant to the essence of the English constitution which secures the liberty and property of every subject. Nothing can be a more glaring absurdity than the supposition that representation is confined to that part of the kingdom where it was first formed, for agreeable to this doctrine, if the colonists should become ten times as numerous as the Britons, (which in a few generations it is probable they will) they would all be represented by the Britons where the constitution was first formed, and would be liable to all the taxes and impositions which they pleased to lay upon them—and the colonists could be considered only as slaves to work for the Britons: In process of time the colonists may be so numerous as to maintain every subject in Britain, and the Britons have nothing to do but riot in luxury and live upon the labours of their American slaves! Glorious scheme for the sons of venality and corruption—but the grossest insult that can be offered to human understanding. With as much propriety might it be said that the owner of an hundred negro slaves, represents them and therefore they are free, as that the subjects in Britain represent those in America—in this case the negroes and Americans are equally slaves. These are the consequences that follow from the modern ministerial doctrines, and if such plans are pursued much longer
the destruction of the British empire will be inevitable: As mutual interest is the only cement of political bodies, and the Americans have long remonstrated against oppressions, and petitioned for redress of grievances in vain, may at last make use of an argument too convincing to be resisted—and their oppressors will too late be made sensible of their own inexcusable folly—but I hope the sons of freedom, who are the only real friends to government, will prevail against all those hypocrites who call themselves friends to government and boast of their loyalty, for a cloak to their sordid ambition and covetousness, while gold is their king and their God; and all their loyalty and friendship to government centres in the little despicable point self.
It is asked, what is the constitutional maxim which should be adopted by Great-Britain with regard to these colonies, and how shall the several provinces in the kingdom be united in one political body if there are different houses of commons? I answer, they are all united in the King, who is the head of the united body. When he wants supplies of men or money to promote the public welfare, he must apply to his houses of commons for assistance, either himself or by his representative. The objection, that some of the houses of commons would not grant necessary supplies to the crown, is without foundation, for self-interest, which is the grand cement and only bond of union in civil societies, will be a sufficient motive to stimulate them to grant every necessary support to government. Besides, that laudable ambition which ever prevails in a well constituted state where merit finds a reward, will effectually prevent an undue backwardness in any one branch of the Government to support the public interest.—The other objection, that it is incompatible with the safety of the nation to have the King dependant on any houses of Commons for assistance who are not within his call, is also without foundation, for the King has power enough lodged in his hands to provide for all exigencies of government, and a privy council to assist and advise him in all public matters. In all important national concerns the time taken up in sending to the remotest houses of commons would in many cases be a great advantage; it would prevent rash and precipitate measures, give opportunity to collect the wisdom of the whole nation whereby their operations would be powerful and decisive: The several branches of the political body would be a check upon each other to keep out corruption, and a stimulus to noble exertions for the public good. This is the only rational foundation for long life and lasting prosperity to the nation, and a source of most important blessings to mankind. But if the parliament of Great-Britain, uninstructed by the experience of past ages, regardless of the dictates of true policy, under the influence of contracted selfish views and deaf to the voice of reason, and the remonstrances of the injured Americans, continue to pursue their destructive plans to tax the colonies, and stretch the prerogatives of the crown, the fatal period, which we all deprecate, cannot be very far distant, when the political union between Great-Britain and these colonies will be dissolved,—and she forever lose the blessings she might have received from her affectionate children—and being weakened by such a loss, she may fall a prey to some of the most detestable tyrants of the earth: But if she will now listen to the voice of reason and take wisdom for her guide, allow the colonies, and every part of the kingdom, that freedom which the spirit of the constitution gives, every member of the great political body will conspire to promote the good of the whole.—This will invigorate and brace up all the nerves of the state, while every joint and member is held to its proper place by the indissoluble bond of interest.—In this way, the British nation may become the most glorious that ever existed since time began, and continue increasing in glory and triumphing in the arms of freedom until time shall end.
FORESIGHT.
To be SOLD, by Who'sale or Retail, by JOSEPH PALMER & SON, At their STORE opposite the Golden-Ball: PALMER'S common Chocolate, as cheap and good as any; excepting only some which they make of a superior quality, fit for any gentleman's table. Also cocoa, sugars, tea, flour, flax, table fish, hollow ware, glass ware, indigo, Raisins, &c. N. B. There are English Goods at said store, now selling off very cheap for cash, West-India goods, or any kind of Barter that may suit.
CHOICE DUMB FISH, to be had cheap for Cash; apply to JEREMIAH WEBB, near the New North Church, or to PETER CLARK at Francis Tree, opposite Christ-Church.

From the POLITICAL REGISTER, for Oct. 1772. To the EARL of DARTMOUTH.
My Lord, AN honest, independent Englishman who detests flattery and adulation, in sincerity of heart congratulates your Lordship on your appointment to the important charge of conducting the affairs of the British Colonies. The whole nation applauds the happy choice his Majesty has made of so able, so conscientious, so temperate a Minister. It is considered as a favourable presage of a change of sentiments at court. The public in general form the highest expectations, from your unspotted character, from your known attachment to the principles of religious and civil liberty, and from your generous concern for the welfare of your country, that you will exert the influence you cannot fail to acquire in the closet, to protect, to countenance, and support the just pretensions of all his Majesty's subjects to partake alike of his paternal care and affection.
In a future address I may have the honour to propose some conciliating measures to be taken at home to render every branch of administration equally popular, and to make the people almost adore their Sovereign: but for the present I shall confine myself to those objects which fall within your particular department.
There have been times, my Lord, when an arbitrary minister would not have been permitted to steal out of office with impunity, after having shamefully oppressed one part of the British empire, still groaning beneath the tyranny of his dictatorial power. But we have now been long used to see the worst services the best rewarded; and the last instance is, that of your predecessor, the scourge of America, who, if he had continued his notorious mal-administration of the colonies only a few months longer, would have found the weight of the just indignation of his American brethren too heavy for him to have borne. Apprehensive of this, he dexterously avoided the impending blow by stepping aside. In his native obscurity let us leave him, while I lay before your Lordship the actual state of one of the British settlements, which, instead of being made a most valuable acquisition to the mother country, by the commercial benefits to be derived from it, has been rendered the seat of internal discord and commotion through the violent measures of the abandoned tools of his power.
Your Lordship cannot be a stranger to the disputes which have subsisted in the ceded Island of GRANADA from the time that the form of government established and amicably settled by the first Governor, on the basis of the treaty of peace, and in conformity to the King's proclamation was altered, or rather subverted, by the mandates, private instructions, and other prerogative acts of the crown, impolitically obtained, and illegally issued from your predecessor's office. The repeated petitions and memorials of the King's natural born subjects on this head ought to be found in your office, for persuaded as the injured parties are that Lord Hillsborough never let them have access to the throne, they doubt not the preservation of them by the vigilance of the official Secretary. These papers will save me the trouble of recapitulating the progress of despotism in Grenada until it arrived at its full height by the last acts of your predecessor's administration. The manoeuvres of the Lieutenant Governor Fitzmaurice, (the Prototype of Sir Francis Bernard) of his jesuitical Secretary Staunton, and of all the abettors of the French party, Mr. Pownal has long since got my heart, and if your Lordship wants further information relative to the same subject, I can refer you to abler and better authorities. It shall therefore be my business to take up the matter (in this paper) where my brother-writers seem to have left it; and to convince your Lordship that it is highly expedient, from the present posture of affairs in Grenada, to reverse all the measures of your predecessor, respecting its government, without loss of time.
On the strength of a promise made by the Duke of Grafton to seat as many as he possibly could of his jockey and gaming companions in ministerial saddles, Gordon was sent to Brussels, and Leyborne to Grenada. The latter a young man, who had never had the least experience of public affairs, was appointed to a government of the most delicate nature, rendered still more so by the odious measures that had been taken to enforce obedience to unconstitutional mandates. Without countenance, without any persuasive influence, without any fixed principle within himself, but that of making his fortune, by an
implicit submission to his singular instructions he has dared to accomplish, to compleat, as far as in him lies, Lord Hillsborough's illegal, oppressive plan.
The House of Representatives of the British subjects of Grenada is at present composed of Members chosen by the united interest of the French and Irish Roman Catholic subjects; persons of low and mean situations in life, needy dependents on the French adopted subjects, with but one Englishman amongst them, and he a man of no consequence, are the respectable legislative body of this unfortunate Island. These men, under the direction of a raw Governor, and an overbearing attorney-general (who supplanted a modest, human, equitable man) have no objection to act in conjunction with the French Roman Catholic Members, who, contrary to the first constitution of the island, have been admitted to sit in the Assembly, and have been sworn into the King's Council by prerogative mandates.
But all the British subjects of property in the island, who are animated by a sense of their duty to their native country, are determined not to acknowledge the legality of any acts passed by such an Assembly. They positively refuse, and will persist, to the last extremity, in refusing to pay any taxes imposed upon them by disqualified Members of the Council and House of Representatives, and the universal disgust taken to the Governor increases the confusion; in short it has overpowered him and his master. Mr. Leyborne is in a languid state of health, and Lord Hillsborough has wisely retired to Ireland.
In this state of affairs no public business can proceed, for no act of the government will be deemed valid so long as Mr. Leyborne enforces his instructions, and commands British subjects to admit French Catholic subjects to privileges appertaining solely to Protestant natives. The necessity, therefore, of recalling the present Governor, of dissolving the present Assembly, and of restoring the first, the only legal form of government established in this island, shall be made apparent, and some other obnoxious steps of which I have just received advice, shall be laid before your Lordship in my next; the friends of the natural-born subjects in London being well assured that they shall find in you, my Lord, an impartial Judge, who will not add to their suffering by misrepresenting their conduct to his Majesty.
PROBUS.
THURSDAY, January 21. BOSTON.
By a gentleman lately arrived at Philadelphia from Antigua, we learn, that a vessel arrived there from St. Vincents two days before he sailed, with the following account, that on the 20th of November, in landing the troops, a Lieutenant and seventeen men, belonging to the 70th regiment, were drowned; that it was feared they would be obliged to run one of the transports ashore to supply the troops with provisions, being very scarce, and the surf running so high, that the boats could not venture off: And that the 6th regiment of foot was arrived there from England.
On the 11th of December sailed from Antigua for St. Vincents, four companies of the 68th regiment, under the command of Captain Stuart; they were relieved by the second battalion of the 60th regiment, from New-York.
The following is from a principal town in the county of Berkshire, the furthest county Westward.
"At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of STOCKBRIDGE, duly warned and legally assembled at the school-house in said town, on Thursday the 31st day of December, A. D. 1772, it was moved, that a pamphlet, intitled, "The Votes and Proceedings of the Town of Boston, in Town-Meeting assembled, according to Law," be read; after which the town made choice of the hon. Timothy Woodbridge, Esq; moderator for said meeting. It was then further moved, that a committee should be appointed to take the letter from the corresponding committee into consideration, and report an answer to the same as soon as may be: Whereupon the hon. Timothy Woodbridge, Esq; Elijah Williams, Timothy Edwards, Esqrs; Messrs. Samuel Brown, jun. and Thomas Williams, were nominated and chosen for that purpose, and then the meeting was adjourned to Monday the 4th day of January then next, at three o'clock, afternoon."
"At a meeting held by adjournment on said 4th day of January, the moderator, of the former meeting being absent, Mr. Joseph Woodbridge was nominated and chosen moderator in his room, then the major part of the committee aforesaid reported the following answer."
"GENTLEMEN, WE the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Stockbridge, agree with you in your state of the rights of the colonies, and this province in particular: And we cannot but be greatly alarmed at the amazing difference that is made between the subject in Great-Britain and in America. When we consider that the British parliament have in so many recent instances assumed the power of legislation for the colonies, and have in so doing broke in upon, and infringed our constitutional rights and privileges, engaged to us in a most solemn compact, by charter. We have the greatest reason to fear that our glorious sun of British liberty, the dearest of all natural or civil rights, is now setting; and the night of slavery, poverty and infamy is swiftly advancing upon us; the resplendent beams of which sun probably will never, never rise again to bless this once happy land! Unless we now vigorously and unanimously exert ourselves in the most firm and peaceable manner, for obtaining redress."
"The unconstitutional, (and we had almost said unbounded) power given to the commissioners of his Majesty's customs here in America, is, as we think, in direct opposition to the very idea of liberty. It starves, and makes us shudder, to think into what vile hands this destructive power may be delegated. We apprehend that the monies raised by virtue of this act, has such a direct tendency to destroy that equilibrium of government, so essentially necessary to the very being of the constitution, as to greatly endanger its final overthrow."
"If our Governor is so far restrained by ministerial instructions, as to become a mere engine in the hands of wicked men, to oppress the good people of this province, it must be truly alarming to every considerate mind. We agree with you in opinion, that this province, as well as some others, have already, in several instances, felt the disadvantages of ministerial controul in this way exerted upon us, and may perhaps feel them more severely in time to come."
"The extension of the powers of the Court of Vice-Admiralty, and the act passed the last session of parliament, for the better preserving his Majesty's Dock-Yards, &c. in direct violation of our natural rights, in the very face of our charter, and even of Magna Charta itself, is undoubtedly a part of that connected scheme of oppression which heretofore has been secretly laid by the enemies of our free and happy constitution, and which now very visibly appears in the large strides it takes toward the attainment of an absolute and despotic power."
"None of the court measures, however, appear to us of a more alarming nature than that lately adopted for making the judges of the superior court entirely dependent on the crown. The confidence that we have in the integrity of the gentlemen who at present fill the bench, inspire us with a hope that the designs of the enemies both to us and our constitution, may for this time be rendered abortive, by a sense of honour, and so noble a spirit of freedom in them, as will not suffer them to become the tools of power, or countenance so unrighteous a measure by taking salaries that court and flatter their easy submission to ministerial influence. However, should our good opinion of the present Judges be well or ill grounded; we think it our indispensable duty, to use our utmost endeavours, to prevent a measure pregnant with such fatal evils. For that end we do recommend, that ample and honourable stipends be annexed to the offices of Judges of the superior court for the time being, to commence as soon as they shall be commissioned during good behaviour. And that the happiness and peace of the province may be promoted, we would further advise, that those who are obliged by their stations, to be the unhappy instruments in the hands of ministers of state in enforcing their unconstitutional mandates and grievous acts of parliament, be the subjects of our religious deprecations, and not objects of noise, invective, railing, calumny, outrage, malice and every other irritating injury."
"After the foregoing report was distinctly read and amended in the meeting; the question was then put, whether the same be accepted; it passed in the affirmative."
A true copy Attest. JAH. WOODBRIDGE, Town Clerk."
"Voted that the Town Clerk be directed to sign the foregoing letter, and forward the same to the Select men of the town of Boston."
Attest. JAH. WOODBRIDGE Town Clerk."
It must assist great pleasure to the inhabitants of this town to find that their late proceedings give universal satisfaction and that there is a proper spirit in the country to recover our ravished rights and privileges; while our enemies are confounded by it, the hands of our patriots must be strengthened in their efforts to preserve, not a single province only, but a whole continent from impending ruin.
We shall publish, as we are able, the proceedings of the respectable towns of Concord, Kittry, Medway, Medfield, Newbury, Bradford, Marlborough, Sandwich, Chatham, Lexington, Leicester, Spencer, Paxton, Wellesborough, Newton, Townsend, Beverly, Rochester, Westford, &c. &c.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Stoughtonham to his friend in Boston.
"We are now about calling a meeting here. There are two petitions going about, the one I have seen is signed by fifteen of our principal men, and how many have signed the other I cannot say, but we shall without doubt have a meeting."
"Yesterday there was a lecture here, and Esquire Hewins was very careful to read the Governor's speech after lecture, and when he had made a great harangue about the rebellious town of Boston, he told the Selectmen if they did call a meeting he would sue them for the time that he spent in attending upon it. I should be glad if this base and absurd threat of his were published in the papers that himself and the world might see and abhor such a wretched degree of prostitution as this old man has subjected himself to, barely from a fondness to be noticed by the Governor. His boasts of that kind are continual and perfectly ridiculous."
"He makes use of Mr. Davis's arguments where he thinks they will answer, but his stuff is now despised, though he was lately the oracle of Stoughtonham."
"Colonel M-l-r, the Hewins of Milton, has strained every nerve to prevent a meeting of that town but in vain."
"I hope that lick spittle will be treated as he deserves. He is an indefatigable tool, but applying his edge too frequently to resisting matter he grows dull of late; but in conformity to the wise man's advice, puts too the most strength."
"DIED.] On Monday last, of an apoplectic fit, in the fortieth year of his age, much lamented by all his acquaintance, Mr. WILLIAM CAMPBELL an officer at the north-battery in this town. He was to all appearance in good health, having that day attended his duty, on the occasion of the anniversary of the Queen's birth. He sustained the character of an honest, humane man, and a good citizen and as such was greatly esteemed. His remains are to be interred this afternoon at four o'clock."
MARINE LIST.
PORT OF BOSTON, January 16.
ARRIVED here. Billings, Miller and Love-land from New-London; Foster and Freeman from Halifax; Kent from Virginia; Luce from Maryland; Hudson and Davis from Cape-Nicholas; Church from Lisbon; Jarvis from London.
PORT OF RHODE-ISLAND, January 11.
ARRIVED here. Ritto from Hispaniola; Arnold from Dominica and St. Eustatia; Harrison from Grenada and St. Martins; Ewell from Boston; Earnstey from Hispaniola; Tillinghast from New-York.
PORT OF NEW-YORK, January 11.
ARRIVED here. Workman from South-Carolina; Pym from Bilboa; Bagler from St. Croix; Thorn from St. Eustatia; Gilbert from St. Martins; Thompson from Grenada; Rock from Hispaniola; Robinson from St. Christopher.
TAKEN out of the house of the subscriber, at the time of the fire, the 6th inst. 2 boxes with the following articles, viz. One plain ring marked Thomas Tilton, one red cyphered stone ring, one white stone ring, one pair stone earrings set in gold, one silver call, one fine lawn apron, six yards of lace, three ivory stick fans, a prospect glass rim'd with silver, one pair women's black silk glove, one pair white silk mitt, one fine lawn handkerchief double laced, one plain ditto, a small quantity of white beads, sundry odd stone buttons set in silver, and sundry other small articles. If any of the above should be offered for sale, it is desired they may be stopped, and notice given to the Printer, or JEREM. RUSSELL.
The SECOND EDITION.
This Day was published,
AN ORATION on the Beauties of Liberty or the essential rights of the Americans.
Humbly dedicated to the right honourable the Earl of Dartmouth. Printed and sold by D. KNEELAND, and N. DAVIS.

This Day was published, price eight coppers, The BOSTON Sheet ALMANACK, For 1773. Very useful for Merchants, Shopkeepers and others, to paste or hang up in Compting-houses, Shops, &c. Printed and sold by I. THOMAS, near the Mill-Bridge.
To be SOLD, by NATHANIEL RUSSELL, In Common-street, a little to the northward of Dr. Byles's Meeting-House, BOSTON, A Compleat assortment of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, consisting of Clocks; Tables, Chairs, Bedsteads dumb Waiters, &c. &c. Cheap for Cash.
To be LET A Convenient Blacksmith's shop at the North-End. Enquire of the Printer.
LEE and JONES, Have for sale at their shop near the Swing-bridge, at the lowest advance, A Large assortment of Winter GOODS, Stationary, china Cups and Saucers, gold and silver Laces and Buttons; a great variety of LADIES SILKS, SILVER WATCHES, Gunpowder, Brimstone, Nails, Glass, &c. &c. A few pipes of Fyal Wine.
ALEXANDER STEELE, Nearly opposite the Governor's, in Marlborough-street. Has for sale a small assortment of BOOKS. Which he will sell as cheap as any Person in Boston.
Amongst which are the following: QUARTO Bibles, from six dollars to two, ditto Octavo, ditto common pocket ditto Bailey's Dictionary, Coles's ditto, Salmon's Grammar, Confession of Faith, Amb of's Looking unto Jesus, Flavel on the Soul, Boston's Sermons, Fordyce's ditto, Willson's Works complete, in Quarto, ditto separate, Hervey's Works complete, in Six Volumes, ditto Meditations, Preaching Bibles with Gain's Notes, a large 4to. Bible with Arguments and moral and theological Observations, By the Reverend Mr. Osterwald, Professor of Divinity in Switzerland, and recommended by the Society for propagating christian Knowledge; Prayer Books of all sorts, with the Companion to the Altar, the Assembly's Shorter Catechism explained, by way of Question and Answer; Haly Burton's Great Concern of Salvation; do's. Ten Sermons; Durham on the Song of Solomon; The Family Instructor; Young's Night Thoughts; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Sherlock on Death; Spiritual Logic; Boston's Four-fold State; Guthrie's Works; Doddridge's Rise and Progress; Ray's Wisdom of God. Owen on Sin; Ambrose's War with Devils. Owen on Communion; Henry on the Sacrament, do. on Prayer. Pilgrim's Progress. Gospel! Sonnets. Glance of Glory. The New ready Reckoner. Memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth West. Wife's Work, &c.
PRINTING, Performed as neat and as cheap as in London.
NEW RICE, Just imported and to be sold by JOHN WINTHROP, At his Store the south-side of Faneuil Hall, Market. ALSO, a few barrels of CHOICE BEEF and PORK.
There may be had at BICKER'S Auction-Room, Near the Conduit, Boston, At 10 per cent. lower than the Sterling cost, A Few pieces of red and blue Duffs, Duffil Blankets, Ratteens, Kerseys, Forest cloths, &c. N. B. He has for sale, a variety of Goods; none can be had cheaper.
IRISH LINEN. WILLIAM SCOTT, At the IRISH LINEN STORE in Ann-street, near the Draw-Bridge, Boston, Has just imported from Ireland, A Large quantity of 3-4, 7-8 and yard-wide Linens of all prices. Diapers, clouting ditto, Huckabuck, Dowlas, Table Cloths, 9-8ths wide Sheetings, white Ticken, brown Hollands, &c.
A great variety of European and India Goods, amongst which are, broad Cloths, Lambkins, Coatings, Baizes, &c. silk and worsted Stuffs, Poplins, Crapes, Denmark Lustres, Millinets, Dorsetteens, Cambiets, worsted Damasks, &c. Sattins and capuchin Silks of all colours, with lace and fur trimmings, Ducapes, striped and plain Lutestrings, English Damasks, &c. a large assortment of Ribbons, Gauzes, striped and flowered Jaconet and 6-4 wide book Muslin of all prices; Jersey, Aberdeen knit, and patent ribbed men's worsted Hose, ditto plain of all colours, for men, women and children; with too great a multiplicity of goods, suitable for the season, to be enumerated in an advertisement, all which will be sold at the lowest reduced prices for ready money only.
Excellent Gloucester Chees, French Indigo, Teas, Coffee, Spices, &c. patent Cakes for making the liquid shining blacking for shoes and leather bottomed chairs, &c. a number of low priced bound Books of divinity, Bibles, Testaments, &c.
New Book-Store. JOHN LANGDON, Opposite Mr. THOMAS LEVERETT's leading to the Market, Informs his friends, and the Public, that he has received in the several last ships from London and Scotland,
A LARGE and Grand Assortment of BOOKS in all Arts and Sciences, which, with his former importations, make as large a collection as is to be found at any Store in America. As he intends for England in the Spring, every Gentleman who may please to favour him with their custom may depend on purchasing at a little more than the sterling cost and charges.
The least favours gratefully acknowledged. 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; loosen 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.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of JOHN McGRATH, late of CHARLESTOWN, leather breeches maker, deceased, are desired to make immediate payment to DANIEL WHELAN, sole executor to the last will and testament of the deceased: And all who have any demands upon said estate are desired to bring them in to said executor, in order to a speedy settlement. Boston, December 27. 1772.
To be sold for eight guineas, A SERVANT Girl, who has three years to serve. Enquire of the Printer.
This day were published, price 1s. 2d. SEVEN Sermons, viz. I. Of the Unpardonable Sin against the Holy Ghost: Or, the Sin unto death. II. The Saint's Duty and Exercise: In two Parts. Being an Exhortation to, and Direction for, Prayer. III. The Accepted Time and Day of Salvation. IV. The End of Time and Beginning of Eternity. V. Joshua's Resolution to serve the Lord. VI. The Way to Heaven made plain. VII. The future State of Man: Or, A Treatise on the Resurrection.
By ROBERT RUSSEL, At Wardourst in SUSSEX. Boston: Printed and sold by I. THOMAS, near the Mill-Bridge.
This Day was published, The new Book of KNOWLEDGE, shewing the Effects of the Planets and other Astronomical Constellations; with the strange Events that befal Men, Women and Children, born under them. Together with the Husbandman's Practice: Or, Prognostications for ever. With the Shepherd's perpetual Prognostication for the Weather. Also, a brief Discourse on the Natural Causes of Meteors; with an account of several remarkable Earthquakes, Rains, Thunder, Lightnings, Comets, Blazing-Stars, &c. that have happened in several Countries. And Observations on the Weather, and Signs foretelling Rain. A brief Collection of all the Members of Man Physiognomized: The Signification of Moles on Men and Women: The interpretation of Dreams: And Pythagoras's Wheel of Fortune. With several other Secrets of Art and Nature, not to be found in any other Book of this Kind and Price. Boston, Printed and sold by I. THOMAS, near the Mill-Bridge.
Also, this day was published, The Happiness and Pleasure of Unity in Christian Societies, considered; in a Sermon preached at a Lecture in Boston, New-England, on Wednesday, August 26th, 1772. By ZABDIEL ADAMS, A. M. Pastor of a Church in Lunenburgh. Boston: Printed and sold by I. THOMAS, near the Mill Bridge.
At the same place may be had, Spelling-Books, Psalters, Primers, Accounts, &c. Likewise Psalm-Books, New-England's Memoria; Eschol, or a Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan brought to the Borders, by Dr. Owen; Wife, on the New-England Churches, &c. Small Books for Children, Slates, Sealing-Wax, Wafers, Quills, &c. &c.
Custom-House, Boston, 15th Decem. 1772. WHEREAS there has been great neglect on the part of the owners of sundry vessels in the plantations in not complying with the act of the 7th and 8th WILLIAM 3d. C. 22, and more particularly the 21st sect. wherein it is enacted, "That no ships name registered shall be afterwards changed without registering such ship de nova, which required to be done upon any transfer of Property to another port, and delivering up the former certificate to be cancelled, and in case there be any alteration of property in the same port, by the sale of one or more shares in any ship after registering thereof, such sale shall always be acknowledged by indorsement on the certificate of the register, before two witnesses, in order to prove that the entire property in such ship remains to some of the subjects of Great-Britain, if any dispute arises concerning the same."
And whereas all vessels trading at or belonging to any port in America, the owners or masters of which shall omit to comply with the directions given in the said act, will be liable to the same prosecutions and penalties as if such vessels were owned entirely by foreigners: The Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs therefore give this notice, that all persons concerned may govern themselves accordingly. By order of the Commissioners, SAM'L MATHER, pr. Sec'y.
DANIEL SCOTT, At his Medicine Store the Sign of the Leopard, South End. TAKES this method of informing all Gentlemen, Ladies, and others, who have had the Misfortune to lose their Teeth, that he still continues the Business of making and fixing artificial Teeth as usual, in so elegant a manner as to be but little inferior to the natural, either in Use or Beauty, as many who have experienced them can testify: Where also any Person afflicted with painful Stumps or unsound Teeth, may have them removed with a peculiar Dexterity and Ease.—And all Persons who have the Scurvy in their Teeth, which threatens their removal though sound, may have them cleaned without hurting the Enamel, or in the least degree impairing them, and may be supplied with his DENTUM CONSERVATOR, which is an excellent Powder, the best adapted for preserving the Teeth and Gums, and preventing them from Aching, of any Preparation ever offered to the Public: It will cure the Scurvy in the Gums, bring the Teeth to their original Whiteness, and by a continuance of its Use, will Preserve both Teeth and Gums in a pure state during life.—It is not pretended that it will perform Impossibilities, that it will make rotten Teeth sound, or will ease them when they violently ach; but it will assuredly preserve those Teeth sound that are so, and cause the Gums to adhere to them and prevent those that are decayed in part, from becoming worse.
At the above Store may be had Morgan's useful Eye-Water, which has in so many cases been found serviceable that it must escape the censure of the most critical Oculist—Brigsten's famous Bug Liquid, which effectually destroys those hateful Vermin,—be they ever so numerous.— An assortment of genuine patented and other Medicines of the best quality, and Medicine Boxes for Families or Shipping, with exact and particular directions for using them, and a variety of other articles cheap.
The above Powder may be had also of Cox and Berry in Boston, Doctor Kast in Salem, and Dummer Jewett, Esq; at Ipswich
To be SOLD cheap, A Cooper's shop, Warehouses and Wharf in Fish-street. Enquire of Abigail Marshall, of Boston, in Fifth-street aforesaid, or Francis Marshall, of Newton.
To be SOLD, A S genteel a chimney GLASS, as any in America. Also, a very large and elegant room GLASS that will do to match it. Enquire of the Printer.
LOST, between Back-street and the Market, a silver Nutmeg-grater CASE, engraved, with two letters marked thereon. Whoever has found the same is desired to leave it with the Printer, and they shall be rewarded for their trouble.
NEW RICE, Indigo, and a few quintals of choice dumb Fish, brown and loaf Sugars, Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Spices, Cheese, Indian and Rye Meal, Oatmeal, Spermaceti Oyl, &c. to be sold cheap for Cash, at
CHARLES LOWE's Shop in Marshall's-Lane, facing the Boston-Stone. N. B. English Beer and London Porter, sold as usual. Cash given for Bottles.
To be SOLD, by JONATHAN DAVIS, At his Store on Bull's wharf, TWO hundred barrels of Tar, Brimstone, West-India and New-England Rum, Jamaica Spirits, Salt, a few bales of Cotton-Wool, Long-Island Hay in bundles.
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 arrange them fit for any market.
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, unsealed, and Eight Shillings sealed and directed; 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, Watchmaker in Salem; Mr. B. Emerson, Bookbinder, in Newbury-Port; and Mr. M. Belcher, in Bridgewater.

Parnassian Packet.
the MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
Mr. THOMAS, be following words set be Ballad of the Vicar of Bray; as are the following in your paper, as it contains the same principles which have always actuated a Provincial General Officer, who in 5 winter last most shamefully deserted his colours. Your humble servant.
December 15th, 174. A GANTAB.
I. IN George the second's golden days, When moderate men look'd big Sir; My country's right I did maintain, (Of course I was a Whig Sir;) And so preferment I procur'd By our true faith's defender, And always ev'ry day abjur'd The Pope and the Pretender.
II. And this is law I will maintain Until my dying day Sir, That whatsoever King shall reign I will receive my pay Sir.
III. When his Successor mounts the throne, The R—h C—s glory, Another face of things is seen, And I'm become a Tory. New fangled Counsellors I praise, And love their moderation, Nor think the state in danger is From their administration.
IV. And this is law, &c. The illustrious Throne of Hanover, And C—k succession; To these I do allegiance swear, While they can keep possession: For by my faith and loyalty, I never more will falter; And George my lawful King shall be,— Until the time shall alter, And this is law, &c.
V. But if the Colonies revolt, And Liberty maintain Sir; I then will seek another course, And turn a Whig again Sir. And thus my house I will preserve Against a confiscation: For if I can outwit them all— Ne'er mind prevarication.
VI. And this is law I will maintain Until my dying day Sir, Which ever Part their point shall gain, I will receive my pay Sir.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. Mr. THOMAS,
Please to insert the following in your next.
A Comment on Luke 2d Chapter, 8th Verse and on.
T WAS e'er the trembling orient blush'd; While Shepherds watch'd their flocks by night; As each diurnal scene was rush'd; A seraph burst upon their sight. Six gorgeous wings his form display'd Each lineament for flight was dress'd: Twain were with gems of fire inlaid, Folding their glory o'er his breast.
VII. With twain his loins and feet were wrapt, In em'rald, gold and sapphire bright: With twain his awful speed he kept, Out-daring the career of light. Majestically meek his mien; Each more than sublunary grace Severe and vivid, yet serene Beam'd all seraphic in his face.
VIII. The landscape exquisitely bloom'd: So excellent a lustre shone, The ground each change of glow assum'd; A beauty, Oh, how not its own! The moon and stars in haste withdrew, Astounded at th' excess of light; Gilded with each transcendent hue, The clouds had charm'd the eye of night.
IX. But, shepherds, what was your surprize! What passions mix'd of joy and fear, What fluctuations of surprise, Did, in your upturn'd gaze, appear! But most, with dread, their soul was broke; All pale their face conceiv'd dismay; When lo! th' archangel ev'ry space, And savish'd all their fears away.
X. A joyous errand, he exclaim'd, 'To you and all mankind I bring: 'This day, the Saviour Christ is form'd; 'Both David's Son and David's King. 'In Bethle'm, David's town, is born; 'Meanly in swaddling bands array'd, 'Behold Immanuel's natal morn, 'Reveals him in a manger laid.
XI. The seraph thus—when lo! a throng Countless, magnificently shin'd; And warbled a celestial song, Of sweet melodious accents join'd. Their conficuous harps, dispens'd a strain, Nobler than when these sons of God, These morning stars, low earth and main And skies from nothing spoke abroad.
XII. Above these neither suns and spheres, To upper space, the triumph form'd: Despair might have inclin'd its ears, While jubilant their choirs ador'd. 'Glory to God, who reigns above, 'Let peace prevail with human kind, 'They sung, of their redeemer's love, 'Let man the full fruition find.
Post-Office, Boston, December 26, 1774.
THIS is to inform the Public, that by com-
mand of the Post Master General, the Post will be dis-
patched from this Office on THURSDAY next, at Nine
o'clock in the Morning, of which all concerned will please to
take notice.
STRAYED away from Dedham, last Au-
gust, a pair of two year old STEARS, one brown the o-
ther red, marked as follows, the end of the left ear cut off,
and the under side of the right ear; and one red Stear, one
year old. Whoever shall take up said Stears, and send word,
or bring them to me, shall be well rewarded by
JOHN BATTLE, of Dedham.
This Day was published, Price 1. 1. 6. M. And sold at the Printing-Office in School-street, MILLS and HICKS's British and American REGISTER, with an Almanack, for 1775. Calculated for the Use of all the New-England Provinces; containing, Eclipses, Vulgar Notes, Calendars, Sun's rising and setting, Moon's ditto, full and change, High-Water, sitting of the superior and inferior courts in the four New England governments, distance of the most remark- able towns from Boston, with the intermediate distances in computed miles, with the best houses of entertainment, Friends yearly meetings, a geographical description of the world, con- taining Europe, Asia, Africa and America; Table of the value of sterling money at Halifax, the different parts of New-Eng- land, New-York and Philadelphia, calculated to the 9th part of a farthing; Table of the weight and value of coins, as they pass in New-England; List of the post-offices in the Northern District in North-America; Names of his Majes- ty's packet-boats and commanders, that ply between Falmouth and New-York; Arrivals and departures of the southern and eastern posts.
BRITISH LISTS.
Births, marriages and issue of the Royal Family. Peers of the blood royal; Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts and Barons of England; Peers of their own right by creation; Archbishops and Bishops; Dukes, Marquises, Earls, Viscounts and Barons of Scotland; Peers in their own right by creation or descent; Archbishops and Bishops; Dukes, Earls, &c. for Ireland; summary of the Irish House of com- mons; summary of the British house of commons; Knights of the most noble order of the garter, bath and thistle; most hon. privy council; his Majesty's household; her Majesty's household; secretaries of state; officers of the treasury; court of common pleas; court of exchequer; high court of chan- cery; receipt of exchequer; court of King's bench; com- missioners of trade and plantations; commissioners and officers of the customs; post-office; rates of ship letters; consuls and agents abroad for the protection of trade; his Majesty's ministers in the southern and northern provinces; foreign ministers from the southern and northern provinces; admirals of the royal navy; rear-admirals, superannuated, upon half- pay; the pay of the officers of the royal navy; a complete list of his Majesty's land forces and stations, with the names of the field officers; civil branch of ordnance; military branch of ordnance; staff officers in Great-Britain; admiralty-office; navy-office; royal hospital at Greenwich; society for propa- gating the gospel in foreign parts.
Province of MASSACHUSETTS-BAY.
Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Councillors chosen agreeable to the charter in May, 1774. Councillors appointed by his Majesty; judges of the superior court of judicature; attorney and solicitor general; judges, sheriffs, &c. for all the inferior courts in the province; judges and registers of prob- ate; justices of the peace through the province; justices of the peace for every County in the province; list of the at- torneys and barristers at law; commissioners and officers of the customs for the ports of Boston, Salem and Falmouth; court of admiralty; post-office; notaries public; a list of the GRAND AMERICAN CONGRESS; AME- RICAN BILL OF RIGHTS; an estimate of the number of souls contained in all the provinces on the conti- nent; selectmen, town-clerk, treasurer, overseers of the poor, &c. for the several fire engines, &c. for the town of Boston; committee appointed by the town of Boston, for receiving donations and employing the poor; rank of the army and navy; general and staff-officers of the army in North-America; a list of his Majesty's ships of war, in America, under the command of Admiral Graves, with the names of the commanders, and the number of guns and the names of each ship carries; list of officers of the several regiments in this town; officers of the marines; fourth and ninth batteries; his Excellency's troop of horse guards; the ancient and ho- norable artillery company; officers of the Boston regiment; officers of the train; officers of the gunner's company; offi- cers of the train belonging to the several companies in the province.
HARVARD COLLEGE.
When founded; overseers, corporation, fellows, treasurer, proctors, tutors; ministers, churches and the religious as- semblies through the province.
Province of NEW HAMPSHIRE.
Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, council; Justices of the su- perior court of judicature; justices, sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of all the inferior courts in the province; justices of the peace through the province; justices of the peace for each county; barristers and attorneys at law; court of admiralty; custom- house; post-master; notaries public; field officers of the several regiments of militia; Dartmouth college; ministers, churches and religious assemblies.
Colony of CONNECTICUT.
Governor, Lieutenant-Governor, Assistants; judges of the superior and inferior courts; judges of probate, register, sher- iffs, &c. justices of the peace for every county; barristers at law; custom house New-London; custom house New- Haven; Yale-college; ministers, churches and religious assemblies of the province.
Colony of RHODE ISLAND.
Governor, Deputy-Governor, Assistants, Secretary, Treasurer, House of Assembly; Judges of the superior court, clerks of ditto; Attorney-General; Justices of all the inferior courts in the colony; clerks for ditto; Justices of the peace, Bar- risters and Attorneys at law; town council for each town in the colony; grand committee for the colony; court of vice- admiralty; custom house Rhode-Island; ministers, churches and religious assemblies, chartered companies of militia in Providence.
Province of NOVA-SCOTIA.
Governor, Lieutenant-Governor; clerk of the crown, secre- tary, treasurer, register, receiver of the quitrents, attorney and solicitor-general, land-surveyor, &c. court of vice-admiralty; supreme court for the province; commissioners for taking bail in the supreme court; inferior court for each county in the province; officers of his Majesty's customs & deputies at the out ports; collectors of the duties of import and excise.
This day was published,
And to be sold by EDES & GILL,
THE Misery and Duty of an oppressed
enslaved people, represented in a Sermon, delivered at Sudbury, July fourteenth, 1774, on a day set apart for Fast-
ing and Prayer, on account of approaching public calamities. By SAMUEL WEBSTER, A. M. Subscribers are desired to call or send for their Books.
To be SOLD,
CHOICE Newcastle COALS, on board
the brigantine Dolphin, James Scott, master, at the
Long-wharf, or at William Dennis's store in King-street.
To be SOLD, at MARBLEHEAD,
A QUANTITY OF BOTTLES, in
Hampers, some holding 9 jills. Apply there to Major
Gallison, or to William Dennis, at Boston.
To be SOLD,
A GOOD HORSE, fit for a Chaise or
saddle. Enquire of the Printer.
To be SOLD, agreeable to the American CONGRESS ASSOCIATION, On FRIDAY the 6th of January, At PUBLIC AUCTION, At the House of Mr. BENJAMIN BURDICK, Innholder, In MARBLEHEAD.
THE remaining part of the CARGO of the ship CHAMPION, Captain Nathaniel Fellows, as
follows, viz.
Invoice 8, a set of rigging for a large ship,
consisting of anchors, cables, iron hearth, 51 coils of cor-
dage, blocks, ship chandlers ware, &c. sterling cost about 430l.
Invoice 9, Mustard and spanish brown, cost about 6l.
Invoice 10, Cod lines, checks, chair brass nails, and hemp, cost about 720l.
Invoice 11, 4 casks of Porter in bottles, cost not known.
Invoice 12, 8 small casks of Ink-powder, and a few other packages; the invoices of which have not yet been sent to the committee of inspection, but may be then seen, unless the importers shall be so hardy as to refuse a compliance with the Association.
ALL Persons indebted to, or having De-
mands upon the Estate of the Rev. SETH STORER, late of Watertown, deceased, are desired to settle the same with BENEZER STORER, Executor. Boston, December 26, 1774.
JOSHUA BLANCHARD, senior,
Continues to sell at his
Old WINE CELLAR,
And shop, opposite the lower end of Royal-Exchange lane, on
Dock-square, Boston.
CHOICE old Sterling Madeira Wine, and
other wines as usual. West-India and New-England
Rum, Brandy, Jamaica spirits, vinegar.
Mr. Blanchard hopes for the continuance of
the favours of his friends and the Public, assures them he has
not the least intention of quitting a business which he has hi- therto solely depended on for the support of a large family.
ALL persons, who are indebted to, or
have any demands on THOMAS YOUNG
Physician, late removed from this Town, are
desired to bring in their Accounts, and pay their
respective Dues to PEREZ MORTON, Attor- ney to Thomas Young.
A WATCH found in the latter part of
November last, between Woburn and Springfield; the
Owner by describing the same and paying cost may have it gain, by applying to ANNER COOLEY, in Palmer.
SALMON TWINE.
JEREMIAH ALLEN, has for sale, at his
shop, in Anne-Street, a little north of the Draw-Bridge,
A quantity of the best three thread Salmon Twine.
NEW FLOUR.
A QUANTITY of new Flour to be sold,
Cheap. Enquire of JOHN CUSHING, at his Sugar-
House in Brattle-street, near Dr. Cooper's Meeting-house, Boston. Where also may be had as usual, Loaf and brown Sugars, Molasses, &c.
FRESH Raisins, Currants, and Spices of
Calcutta, to be sold exceeding cheap, by
JOSHUA BLANCHARD, jun.
At his shop opposite Mr. William Scott's, in Ann-street, and
on the north side of Faneuil-Hall Market. Also,
West-India and New-England Rum, old
Jamaica Spirit and Brandy;
Lisbon, Teneriffe, Fysh, Claret, Red Port, Malaga, and Calcevilla.
W I N E S,
by the Pipe, Quarter Cask, or less, or in Bottles, by the groce or dozen.
N. B. The above Wines will be warranted neat and ge- nuine, and delivered at any part of the town.
Constant attendance early and late.
** 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 skeletonizing wires,
broad black bone laces; a few blond laces and thread edgings,
fine chip hats, braid cord and frapping for flays; all wide In-
dia Persians, sorted colours, 1 safe silver handle knives and
forks very neat for 20l. O. T. the case; two pieces of white
calicoes; yellow and striped holland, Miffes court-heel Mor- roco pumps, infants red and green do. a variety of silk mitts and gloves; random, black, and white silk hose; children's cotton, thread 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, brollos, &c. &c.
They who design purchasing must apply immediately.
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 Fortification, and has for sale a large assortment of SEEDS, cheaper than usual.
To be SOLD, cheap for Cash in hand,
A Convenient and well-finished Dwelling
HOUSE, in Hanover-street. For further particulars in- quire at the store No. 5, fourth-side of Town-dock.
WHEREAS I the subscriber, of Char- lton, in the county of Worcester, did on the four- teenth 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 CON- VERS, 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 CON- VERS, 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 af- firmed. Therefore I forewarn all persons from purchasing the note I gave to CONVERS, as before described, being deter- mined not to pay said note, as it was obtained in a frau- dulent manner. SAMUEL ROBINSON. Charlton, November 28th, 1774.
To the PUBLIC.
A the Times are threatening, it
hoves one and all, to go into the most frugal
of encourage our own Manufactures, and as there is a great
Consumption of Gloves in this large Country, we can man-
ufacture enough here, to supply the demand.
will employ our own
hose, which is annu-
which are better and
England; it is hoped
encourage it.
These may certify, th
will supply Funerals, and M
Sorts following, viz. Blue
Purple, ditto Cloth-Colou
Mock-Beaver ditto, at th
Blue Gloves, in Union
Cornfields, near the Dock,
None.
Defence.
ENGLISH
WHOEVER
cies to which B. 103.
life, where a proper acqu-
wanting; and the great
who are designed to act,
though knowledge of
language, especially of
occasion to use—must
of English Grammar,
Writing the English
gance, is well worth
part of their education
Such parents, or
children instructed
tion, of Sciences, &
the English Grammar
LADIES who
home, may be waited on

BOSTON, THURSDAY, January 5.
A letter from Montreal, to a gentleman in this town, informs that a considerable sum was collected for our sufferers, in that place, and would be sent in a bill; that the Canadians laughed at the puff of an arm, thence, as it was not...
the happy choice his city adopted the reasonable, so conscientious, continental congress. It is considered proper steps to carry a change of the public in general. Philadelphia, December 20.
In a future address to propose some common measures, taken at home to re-ministration equ... the people almost for the present objects which failed, and are now in Bar-partment.
There have been an arbitrary mi-permitted to ft-after having ft-of the British e-the tyranny of-we have now last instance is, scourge of Amer-ed his notorious-colonies only a few-have found the weight of his American breth-to have borne. App-dexterously avoided-stepping aside. In the actual state of-ments, which, inf-valuable acquisi-from it, has bee-nal discord and cord lent measures of t-power.
Your Lordship of Boston, at Faneuil Friday late, MS, in the Chair. SAMUEL... a paper signed, T. GAGE, being an... a letter written to general Gage by... Peyton Randolph, Esq; President of continental Congress—Reported as fol-viz.
WE would not, unless urged by the clear-necessity, have taken up the consideration of GAGE's letter to the Hon. PEYTON RALPH, Esq; late President of the Hon. continental Congress; but we conceive that let-though it appears to be addressed to a gen-in his private capacity, has a strong ten-to impress the whole continent with senti-very unfavourable to this afflicted town. all not intentionally throw any disagreea-putations upon the General, but shall en-our only to defend ourselves against the in-tendency of his letter. The General, ary to the known sense of every man on-ten understanding, has been pleased to in-ate that the complaints of the town of Bos-were utterly groundless and unreasonable; would have the continent believe that not he people of this province, and especially habitants of the town of Boston, were the tors in all the differences which have ari-ve freely acknowledge that the arrival of army with a professed design of enforce-eties, gave a great and universal alarm, annot appear strange that we should be-ting of the measures necessary to preserve-ights and privileges: We hoped howe-peaceable and gentle methods would-ter our deliverance: We believed that-Excellency would have laid some proposa-er the general assembly which he had sum-to meet at Salem; but after treating both-cil and house of representatives in a manner-all not animadvert on, he was pleased-able assembly: The people were then-turn their thoughts and attention to-vents of preventing the impending de-though thus distressed, his Excel-gradly have prevented them from a-lves of the council of each other in-and actually ordered the marching-ped soldiers to disperse the inhabi-ntown of Salem, when peaceably ad-d to consult upon the most important in-of themselves and their posterity: This-owed by the seizing of the powder in the-e at Cambridge, and the cannon which-lent to the first regiment in Middlesex-ting a number of field-pieces on an-Boston common, stationing guards
in various parts of the town, and many other acts, which could not have any doubt in the minds of the people of the General's intention to employ military force against the province, at length roused the people to think of defending themselves and their property by arms, if nothing less could save them from violence and rapine. For the justification of the conduct of the people in that respect we may safely appeal to the continent—to the world and to the supreme omnipotent Governor of the Universe. All the transactions from the first arrival of the troops we hope will hereafter be critically and judiciously examined: And we trust that the time will come when we shall have a fair and impartial hearing. We mean not now to give particular answers except to such parts of the General's letter as seem to charge the continental Congress with having misconceived the facts stated in their letter to him.
"First his Excellency says, that from the letter (meaning the letter of the Hon. continental Congress) "People would be led to believe that works were raised against the town of Boston, private property invaded, the soldiers suffered to insult the inhabitants, and the communication between the town and country shut up and molested." How far his Excellency was governed by the consideration of what answer he should make when he gave this turn to the expression of the Congress, need not be enquired into. To this charge his Excellency replies, "there is not a single gun pointed against the town." His Excellency did not advert to the number of field-pieces which were, at the time that letter was written, and long before, pointed against the town from the common: but if the assertion had been literally true, it would not in the least affect the point under consideration.
Are not the works erected on the neck in reality, erected against the town? Are they not designed to intimidate the inhabitants, and to lead them to think that they were altogether in the power of the army? The continental Congress plainly express the sense in which they mean to be understood by his Excellency. They say "that the fortifications erecting within that town" (Boston) "the frequent invasions of private property, and the repeated insults they" (the inhabitants) "receive from the soldiery have given them great reason to suspect a plan is formed very destructive to them and tending to overthrow the liberties of America." The General therefore has in no way answered the charge brought against him, but only by varying the expression attempted to elude it. The next assertion is that "no man's property has been seized or hurt, except the King's." We need not enumerate all the instances of property seized, it is enough to say that a number of persons, the property of a respectable merchant in the town, were seized and carried off by force.
"That timber and lumber has been violently taken from the owners—that rightful proprietors have been driven from their lands.—It is impossible for us to mention one half of the instances in which property has been hurt; they are notorious to every inhabitant and have been made known to the public from time to time. "His Excellency is pleased to say, that "no troops have never given less cause for complaint, and greater care was never taken to prevent it." What care has been taken is not our part to determine; we are ready to admit the most candid opinion: But we beg leave to say, that the insults received from officers and soldiers, have been in many instances such as were shocking to a spirited people, and of which humanity in some instances, decency in others, and in all, a generous disposition to avoid placing even those who have injured us in an odious light, prevent us from giving a particular account.
"The General declares that "the communication between the town and country has been always free and unmolested, and is so still." We shall only give the facts. Guards were fixed at every entrance into the town.—No person was allowed to cross the ferry to Charlestown after eight o'clock in the evening, however urgent his business.—Passengers on the neck stopped for hours by the guard—their property injured or destroyed. One inhabitant shot in his chaise and his horse stabbed with a bayonet, others shamefully beaten, abused and confined, and many other instances very glaring to our friends in the country, whose free ingress to the town is essential to our subsistence.
"The General perhaps might not justify these enormities, but could he not have prevented them by removing the cause of those frequent abuses? Be that as it may, could he with justice assert that "the communication between the town and country has been always free and unmolested, and is so still." "We with the General had given us some particular instances concerning "the menaces of "blood and slaughter," which he intimates made it his duty to alarm and distress the people in the manner he has already done. We doubt not that we shall be able to answer his Excellency, whenever he is pleased to descend to particulars; we can only say at present that we conceive his Excellency to have been very ill advised in the measures he has pursued, and that we ardently wish for an opportunity to meet our accusers upon equal ground.
"The above report having been duly considered, it was voted nem. con. that the same be accepted; and that the moderator of this meeting be desired to transmit a copy of the report to the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Esq; by the first opportunity.
The following vote expressive of the gratitude of the town for the benevolent assistance received from the other colonies under our present calamities, and the kind recommendation of the late
respectable Continental Congress for future support.—Passed Nem. Con.
WHEREAS the town of Boston is unfortunately become the most striking monument of ministerial tyranny and barbarity, as is particularly exhibited in the sudden shutting up this port, thereby cruelly depriving the inhabitants of this Metropolis of the means they have hitherto used to support their families. And whereas our brethren in the other colonies, well knowing that we are suffering in the common cause of America, and of mankind, have from a generous and brotherly disposition contributed largely towards our support in this time of our general distress (without which many worthy and virtuous citizens must have been in imminent danger of perishing with cold and hunger. And whereas the honorable members of the Continental Congress have kindly recommended us to our sister colonies as worthy of further support from them, while the Iron hand of unremitted oppression lies heavy upon us: Therefore voted, that this town, truly sensible of the generous assistance they have received from their sympathizing Brethren, return them their warmest and most sincere thanks for the same, and pray that God, whose beneficence so gloriously vouchsafed, may bestow upon them the blessing he has promised to all those who feed the hungry and cloathe the naked: And the thanks of this town are accordingly hereby given to our benefactors aforementioned, and to the honorable members of the Congress for their benevolence towards us expressed as aforesaid, which support, if continued, cannot fail of animating us to remain steadfast in the defence of the rights of America."
The town then made choice of the following Gentlemen for their Delegates at the provincial Congress to be held at the town of Cambridge on or before the first of February next, viz. The honourable Thomas Cushing, Esq; Mr. Samuel Adams, the honourable John Hancock, Esq; Dr. Joseph Warren, Dr. Benjamin Church, Mr. Oliver Wendell, Mr. John Pitts.
The meeting was then adjourned to the 1st Wednesday of February next, at 11 o'clock.
Attest. WILLIAM COOPER, Town Clerk. MARRIED. Mr. Peter Boyer, merchant, to Miss Charlotte Johonnot, daughter of Zechariah Johonnot, Esq;—At Charlestown, Capt. Rogers, to Miss Nancy Barber.—At Providence, Mr. William Blodgett, to Miss Chase, daughter of Samuel Chase, Esq;—In Boston, Mr. Joshua Thornton, to Mrs. Mercy Weden.
DIED. Mr. John Barrett.—Mrs. Hannah Hiller, wife of Mr. Joseph Hiller, Jeweller.—Mrs. Silence Thwing.—Mr. Nicholas Butler. Mr. Johan Carter, sexton of the old brick, or New Church, in this town.
We hear from Sunderland, that on the 22nd Mr. Jeremiah Ballard, of that town, was found dead near a fence, in getting over which, it is supposed he, by some accident, discharged his gun, and the contents entered his breast.
Fresh Intelligence. L O N D O N.
November 3. The proclamation against sending guns and gun-powder out of this kingdom will be of very little use or effect, because the Americans will certainly procure whatever quantity of them they want from Holland, France, and Spain; and if orders were given to stop and seize such ships as were laden with the above commodities by those nations, it would bring on an immediate war with them: An event which the present ministry dare not hazard with any foreign power, though they assume courage sufficient to send fleets and armies to cut the throats of our American brethren.
No less than ten acts of parliament have been made to seize and persecute the Americans, since the accession of George III.
Orders are sent to the ports of several ships at Portsmouth and Plymouth, to take on board provisions for six months immediately. It is said they are destined for the West-Indies.
This morning the Lord Mayor elect went up in his new private coach, with a pair of cream-coloured horses, attended by Aldermen Crosby, Thomas, and Hasley, and the two sheriffs, and was presented to the Lord Chancellor, who expressed the usual approbation.
November 5. When the Lord Mayor Elect was presented by the Recorder to the Lord Chancellor for approbation, Mr. Recorder, in a short speech, acquainted his Lordship, that the Livery of London had proceeded to choose a chief Magistrate, and that their choice had fallen upon Mr. Alderman Wilkes; having upon several occasions distinguished himself as a sensible, upright, and active Magistrate, the Livery of London thought his fidelity and abilities had been sufficiently proved, and for that reason had called him to so great and important an office as first Magistrate of that great city. The Lord Chancellor then addressed himself to the Lord Mayor and the rest of the company; told them his Majesty had been acquainted with the proceedings of the citizens of London, relative to their having elected a chief Magistrate, and that he was commanded to signify his Majesty's approbation of the choice they had made.
Some advices were received on Thursday night at Lord Dartmouth's office from Liverpool, said to be brought by the Good-Will, Capt. Dickson, from Philadelphia, the contents of which are kept very secret. But by the said ship there is advice, (dated Sept. 22) that "the General Congress are still sitting. The business they are upon, remains a secret as yet. This great assembly have engaged not to communicate their proceedings till the whole business is entirely finished, which is expected to be in ten days.
There are 21 men of war and frigates now building at the different dock-yards of this kingdom: At Deptford, three seventy gun ships and two frigates; at Woolwich, 100 of sixty and one of fifty-four; at Sheerness, two frigates; at Chatham, five men of war and frigates; at Portsmouth, six ditto; in all, 21—besides two beginning at Plymouth.
From the NEW-YORK GAZETTE. To the Inhabitants of North-America in general, and to the Citizens of New-York in particular.
Brethren, Friends, and Fellow-Subjects.
FROM a true sense of the unhappy situation to which we are reduced, urges me to appear on the stage of this wide Theatre. My signature has often appeared, and while I am able to exercise those faculties, which have hitherto, thank God, been employed in the vindication of my country, no endeavours of mine shall be wanting to convince the ignorant and oppose the evil doers. My sentiments are free thoughts! not pampered with Heterodox principles, or composed of high-flown languages; but the plain simple style suits my purpose better: It may there convey a distinct idea to every class amongst us, at least I mean to those who have had the happiness of the least education.
The views that I have in thus addressing you at this time, is to beg in the name of Almighty God, that you may be on your guard. Let not the artifices of designing men, nor the prejudices of envious authors, be the Criterions of your conduct. Many will say unto you, "Fear not Brethren!" and by such and the like insinuations, endeavour to preclude you; but heed them not—consult your own feelings, and I pray God may endow you with resolution sufficient to withstand every attempt upon the sacred rights that you are justly entitled to enjoy.
O my Friends! that dark cloud which has been hovering over these serene regions, seems to look tremendous: The composition appears evidently more dark and dreadful, and daily threatens the most alarming consequences. What is more dreadful? Our lives are in a very precarious situation—no retreat can possibly extricate us, but our wise and prudent adherence to the only possible means laid down by our worthy Congress, whose members, being actuated by the most sacred ties of virtue, is our indisputable duty to make the association as binding as the most established laws that ever passed any legislative body on earth; and, notwithstanding many pamphlets have been published, reflecting on the proceedings of the Congress (as are ungenerous, and well deserving the contempt of every American) I hope we have public spirit sufficient to baffle such malignant performances, composed from the basest designs of creating a division amongst us: And as it appears from the nicest calculation, and the strictest examination, that we are entitled, as free-born subjects, to the privileges that are expressed in the Journal of the Congress, though some presume to urge many of them are ideal. But pray who are to be the judges? Are the opinion of two or three, or the conclusion of a body, unanimously chosen to state our grievances, to make due researches into all memorials, charters, &c?
To me it appears clear, and I may say, to common sense, that the latter must be given the preference; and to hear men pretend to urge, that the resolutions of the Congress were no precedent for them, argues the greatest absurdity, and indicates a want of good breeding. What did we appoint them for? Was it not with a design of abiding by their determinations, be they what it will; certainly we did. They were intended as mediators in our behalf, and for us now to deem their proceedings as unlawful—to censure their conduct publicly—even more, to call them a set of Rebels, breathe something of inhumanity. O shocking! what can more dishonour this country, than ocular demonstration of the blackest ingratitude towards their protectors? Those in whom they ought to confide their greatest dependance. O my Brethren! take care of these seducers, Scribes and Pharisees, to whom a woe is pronounced against. And now, my beloved friends let me intreat it of you to beware. Rouse up and look around you; see with your eyes, and hear with your ears, the approaching cries and lamentations which we shall shortly be too sensible of. If in case a vigorous opposition is not supported, time will shortly evince, whether we are to be Freemen or Slaves, and nothing but our own firmness will secure us to the former; but unhappy for us if we are bias'd by caprice or the opinions of a few, who would gladly rejoice in seeing this country groan under the heavy burdens of tyranny and oppression. May heaven inspire my deluded countrymen with noble views that are grounded on the sure basis of incontestible Liberty, and controvert every envious and malicious infringement thereof, is the ardent prayer of one who wilhes well to the cause of American freedom. MERCATOR.
To be SOLD, Agreeable to the
AMERICAN CONGRESS ASSOCIATION, On THURSDAY, the 12th of January inst.
At PUBLIC AUCTION, And at the House of Mr. BENJAMIN BURDICK, Innholder, In MARBLEHEAD;
THE whole Cargo of the Schooner Betsey, Capt. William Sinclair, arrived from Falmouth, in Great-Britain, since the first of December last, and delivered for Sale to the Committee of Inspection for Marblehead aforesaid, viz.
Invoice, No 1, containing 218 casks of Raisins, 30 Quarter Casks of Wine, 10 boxes Lemons, and one and an half hundred Chees. No. 2. 60 Casks of Raisins, 13 casks of Wine. No. 3. 21 casks of Raisins. No. 4. 33 casks of Raisins, 6 casks of Wine, 40 boxes of Lemons. No. 5. 23 casks Raisins, 1 of Wine, 3 boxes of Lemons. No. 6. 19 casks of Raisins. No. 7. 12 casks of Raisins, 2 boxes of Lemons. No. 8. 5 casks Raisins, 1 of Wine, 11 boxes Lemons. No. 9. 10 casks Wine, 14 boxes Lemons. No. 10. 2 casks of Wine. No. 11. 2 casks of Raisins. No. 12. 4 casks of Wine. N. B. The selling cost and charges of Raisins, is about 24s. 8d. per cask. Lemons the box, 25s. 2d. Each invoice will be put up at the sterling cost and charges, 1 per cent advance, and half per cent each bidder. The Sale to begin at 11 o'clock, A. M.
New Auction-room, Dock-Square.
TO-MORROW Morning, at Ten o'Clock, Will be sold by PUBLIC VENDUE,
At HUNTER'S Auction-Room, Dock-square,
A LARGE assortment of English GOODS, as usual. W. HUNTER, Auctioneer. ALSO,
A Number of Silver and pinchbeck Watches, a quantity of Indigo, fundries of Household Furniture, a parcel of new and second-hand BOOKS in History and Divinity. The sale to begin precisely at 10 o'clock.
THE Public are hereby informed that this Town is now entirely free from the infection of the SMALL-POX, and that this will be the last Advertisement on the occasion, unless that distemper should again make its appearance among us, in which case our Brethren in the Country, may be assured of receiving timely information.
By Order of the Selectmen, WILLIAM COOPER, Town-Clerk. Boston, January 4, 1775.
To be SOLD by JOHN SAVAGE,
At his Store, No. 13, on the Long-Wharf,
ONE Hundred Hogheads of Turks-Is- la SALT, West-India Rum, Brandy, Sugar, Flour,
Coffee, Casks of 12 and 15 Bottles, Cask Bottles, Quat do proof etc. Beans, Peas, Calavances, Corn, Hogs-Fat. Advertisements, &c. omitted will be in our next.