The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal (Boston [Mass.]), 1774-10-20 00:00:00

THE Massachusetts Spy
Or, Thomas's Boston Journal.
'Do THOU Great LIBERTY inspire our Souls—And make our Lives in THY Possession happy—Or, our Deaths glorious in THY just Defence.'
VOL. IV.) THURSDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1774. (NUMB. 194.
From the PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL. QUERIES proposed to AMERICA.
 First, WHETHER the restraint laid by the people of Virginia on their delegates, with respect to the article of non-exportation, does not tend to render the Congress totally ineffectual, as every other province must have an equal right to restrict their respective delegates in any particular article which they may suppose will effect them? for instance, Pennsylvania might restrain their delegates in the article of non-importation of cloth;—New-York of hats and tea;—New-England of Bannels and calicoes;—in short, each province making its particular exception, may leave a door open to the admittance of every article of commerce which Great-Britain or the India company has to export.  Second, Whether there is not the strongest reason to suppose, that the ministry have taken precautions to counteract, or at least to weaken the operation of simple non-importation; consequently that a non-importation resolve simply, will answer no purpose?  Third, Whether it is not almost universally allowed, and whether all accounts from England do not agree, that a non-exportation to the West-India Islands would be the most certain and rapid means of obtaining redress?  Fourth, Whether, (this being granted) there is any reason to believe, that the people are so wanting in public spirit as not to abide by this resolve, if the Congress enters into it? or whether this notion of the people's want of public spirit to abide by it, is not endeavoured to be propagated by merchants interested in the commerce, in order to divert the Congress from this most effectual resolve?  Fifth, Whether the manifest, and indeed avowed intention of the Quebec bill, is not to make use of the Canadians as instruments for the enslavement of the British colonies?  Sixth, Whether General Carlton will not embody and discipline a formidable number for this purpose, and immensity?  Seventh, Whether it is not necessary that some force should, without loss of time, be prepared to resist them?  Eighth, Whether the militia, on its present footing, can be depended upon?  Ninth, Whether if the militia (established as it is) cannot be depended upon, some other mode should not be adopted?  Tenth, Whether, from the apparent spirit prevalent in the commonality of this continent, there is not the strongest reason to believe, that they would submit themselves to a temporary mutiny, that is, that each man would, for a time, cede a portion of his individual liberty for the security of the rest?  Eleventh, Whether, if this spirit really exists in the people, it would not be wise to avail ourselves of it, and obtain their assent to laws necessary for the maintenance of that order and discipline, without which, no defence can be made?  Twelfth, Whether (as it is most certain the consent of the governors of the respective provinces will not be obtained to such laws) the people may not, by a law antecedent to all written statutes, that is, a law of God, nature, and self-defence, enact them by their own authority?  Thirteenth, Whether a fund necessary for the support of a body of troops, sufficient to repel an invasion from Canada, should not be immediately prepared?  Fourteenth, Whether the apprehension of farther irritating the ministry by such a measure, is not childish and absurd, as it is manifest, they cannot be more hostile to America than they are at present?  Fifteenth, Whether it is not more rational to work on the fears of such a ministry, than to dread an increase of their animosity?  Sixteenth, Whether a conduct so becoming men, struggling in the cause of liberty, would not make an impression advantageous to the Americans on the minds of the people of England, who (however they may be deluded for a time) are undoubtedly an honest, generous, brave people, and enthusiastic admirers of those who vigorously defend their rights and liberties?  Seventeenth, Whether the obtaining the good opinion of the people of England does not promise more solid advantages to the cause of America, that she can possibly flatter herself with from petition and address to the king and parliament—one of which is invariately obstinate in the pursuit of despotism, the other notoriously abandoned by corruption to all virtue, feeling, and shame?  Eighteenth, Whether therefore a sensible, manly, brave remonstrance from the people of America to the people of England, setting forth their rights as men and fellow subjects, and asserting their resolutions to defend them, would not be productive of better effects than any petition or address to such a king and such a parliament? 
BOSTON.
PROCEEDINGS of the town of SANDWICH. At a legal meeting of the town of Sandwich, September 30th 1774, Dr. Nathaniel Freeman, moderator. The report of the committee of correspondence, and sundry letters to and from them were read; on which the following votes were passed, viz.  1st. Voted, That the town do approve of the report of the committee, and that the letters communicated by them, contain matters truly interesting and alarming, upon which we ought seriously to deliberate, act and determine.  2d. Voted, That the act of parliament, commonly called the Boston Port-Bill, is not only a most outrageous violation of our charter rights, but an unparalleled instance of cruelty, tyranny and oppression, tending to alienate the affections, and annihilate the properties of his majesty's subjects; and therefore ought by all means to be opposed.  3d. Voted, That the two other acts of the British parliament, the one entitled, an act for the better administration of justice; and the other an act for regulating the government of the province of Massachusetts-Bay, &c. are a daring insult upon the constitution, and depriving them of the English constitution.
charter of this province; and appears calculated to prevent an impartial administration of justice, to encourage murder and bloodshed among the people; and therefore should we tamely submit to them, we could not answer it to God, our own consciences, or to our fellow men and posterity; therefore we are resolved we never will submit, but that we will oppose them, even although it may be at the risque of our lives and fortunes.  4th. Voted, That as a likely means of obtaining a redress of our great grievances without the carnage and desolation of a civil war, that we will not import any goods from Great-Britain contrary to the agreement of the country in general, nor suffer any among us to import, or purchase of any one who does import, till the said grievances are fully redressed, and the port of Boston be opened.  5th. Voted, That as our brethren of the town of Boston are suffering in a common cause, meriting for their standing foremost in support of it, that it is our duty to afford them relief, and therefore that subscripti papers for that purpose be opened, and handed about among the people, by the Select-men of this town, and by the committee of correspondence of the same; and that they recommend it to individuals to contribute to their relief as aforesaid, and that they remit whatever they collect to the overseers of the poor of the town of Boston.  6th. Voted, That whereas the capital of this province is actually besieged with a fleet and army, making continual hostile preparations and frequently seizing upon and robbing the country of their means of defence, that we esteem it necessary for the people to be well provided with arms and ammunition, and do recommend it to every male inhabitant of this town of sixteen years of age to be provided accordingly, and that they attend frequently to military exercises; that the committee of correspondence use their endeavours to persuade the people thereto by calling upon them to assemble for that purpose, and that the Select-men be directed to secure the powder of this town according to their best judgment and discretion, and to see that they have the full complement.  7th. Voted, That a congress of deputies from the several towns in this county be called as soon as may be at this time; that a committee for this town be therefore chosen to consist of seven persons (any three of whom to be a quorum) to meet at the time and place that shall be agreed upon by the major part of the committee that shall be chosen in the county. Dr. Nathaniel Freeman, Messrs. Simson Fiske, Joshua Tobey, Lot Nye, Seth Freeman, Thomas Nye, and Micah Blackwell to be the committee.  8th. Voted, That every person in this town use his endeavour to suppress common pedlars of English, Scotch or India goods, and that the several inholders in this town be desired to refuse to entertain them, and that the town clerk be desired to serve each inholder with a copy of this vote.  9th. Voted, That the town clerk be required to make a fair record of all letters which the Select-men may have received from the town of Boston, or which the committee of correspondence have received from that and other towns, and of the letters they have sent out, together with the report of said committee last March, and at the present meeting, after which to return the original papers to the committee, and that he give the committee an attested copy of the votes and proceedings of this meeting, who are desired to publish the same in the public papers, and that all future letters be recorded.  10th. Voted, That the Select-men be directed to purchase a chest of arms and deliver them out according to their discretion to the inhabitants of the town at the first cost, also to purchase four barrels of powder, with lead and flints answerable, to be kept as an addition to the town stock.  A true copy, Attest. BENJAMIN FESSENDEN, Town-Clerk.
AT a meeting of the town of Sandwich, September 30th, 1774, Doctor Nathaniel Freeman, moderator. Voted, That the thanks of this town be given to the gentlemen from the county of Plymouth and Bristol, who lately attended in this county, to use their endeavours to prevent the late oppressive acts of parliament from taking place; that a committee of three persons be chosen for that purpose, Messrs. Nathaniel Freeman, Seth Freeman and John Dillingham, junr. were accordingly chosen. Attest. B. FESSENDEN, Town-Clerk.
TRUTH TRIUMPHANT.
Or a Vindication of the Colonies, from a subjection to a foreign Legislation, as well as Taxation, shown in a Pamphlet lately published in London, entitled,  A DECLARATION  Of the people's natural Right to a Share in the Legislature, which is the fundamental Principle of the British Constitution, or State. By GRANVILLE SHARPE. Of the Old Jewry, LONDON.
AN accurate and critical knowledge of law (such as can only be acquired by much reading and long experience in the profession) is indeed a necessary qualification for those persons who undertake to deliver their opinions concerning the nicer and more difficult questions of jurisprudence; but when the natural rights of any of our fellow subjects are apparently at stake, every man has a right to judge for himself, and to declare his sentiments, as far as plain conclusions of reason and common sense will fairly warrant; and such only are referred to, in the following declaration of the natural right of popular representation in the legislature.  "Among all the rights and privileges appertaining unto us," (said that truly noble lawyer, Lord Sommers) "that of having a share in the legislation, and being to be governed by such laws as we ourselves shall choose, is the most fundamental and essential as well as the most advantageous and beneficial, &c."  And as all British subjects, whether in Great Britain, Ireland, or the colonies, are equally free by the law of nature, they certainly are equally entitled to the same natural rights that are essential for their own preservation; because this privilege of "having a share in the legislation" is not merely a British right peculiar to this island, but it is also a natural right, which cannot, without the most flagrant and titulating injustice be withdrawn from any part of the British empire by any worldly authority whatsoever: be-
cause, by the natural law, whereunto he, [ALMIGHTY GOD] hath made all subjects, (says the learned Hooker) "the lawful power of making laws, to command whole politic societies of men, belongeth so properly unto the same entire societies, that for any prince or potentate, of what kind soever upon earth, to exercise the same of himself," (or themselves) "and not either by express commission immediately and personally received from God, or else by authority derived at the first from their consent upon whose persons they impose laws, it is no better than mere tyranny! Laws they are not, therefore, which public approbation hath not made so." Agreeable to the same just principles of natural equity is that maxim of the English constitution, that, "law, to bind all, must be assented to by all;" (Principia Leg. et Equit. p. 56) and there can be no legal appearance of assent without some degree of representation.  It must indeed be acknowledged, that the representation of the people of England is not so perfect as equity may seem to require, since very many individuals have no vote in elections, and consequently cannot be said expressly to give their assent to the laws by which they are governed: Nevertheless, the whole country which they inhabit, and in which they earn their bread, and even the very houses in which they live (whether they are housekeepers or lodgers) are represented by the votes of the respective proprietors; since every freeholder has a right to vote; so that, in this one respect, the representation is general; and, though far from equal, would still be a sufficient check against arbitrary power, and afford sufficient security for the lives and property of those persons who have no vote, if the laws against parliamentary corruption (and especially that act of 7 and 8 Wil. III. c. 4.) were duly enforced; and also if all persons, who are entrusted with the disposal of public money, were required to render a strict account of it, and to be severely punished whenever convicted of exerting the influence of the public treasury against public liberty; which is the most baneful treachery and dishonesty that men in office who are the servants of the public as well as of the King can possibly commit. But, notwithstanding the inequality of the English representation, and the various means practised to corrupt it, yet it has been the principal instrument of preserving amongst us those remains of natural liberty which we still enjoy in a greater proportion than most other kingdoms, and has occasioned more examples of just retribution on tyrants, traitors, and court favourites, in the English annals, than the history of any other nation affords; so that M. Rapin is thereby led to conclude his account of K. Richard II. (that notorious corrupter of parliaments, and enemy to the privileges of London and other corporations) with the following reflection:—"That, in a government such as that of England, all the efforts that the foreigner makes, to usurp an absolute authority, are so many steps which lead him towards the precipice." It is manifest, therefore, that the constitutional government of England, even with all its defects, is infinitely better than any other form of government whereby the people are deprived of their just share in the legislature; so that the inequality of representation in this island affords no just argument for setting aside the representation of the people in other parts of the British empire; because experience teaches us, that even a defective representation is better than none at all; and therefore it is highly unreasonable and contrary to natural equity to pretend that our brethren and fellow subjects in the more distant parts of the British empire ought to be deprived of their natural rights and liberties, merely because our own liberties are not entirely perfect! or because our own representation in the legislature appears, in some few respects, to be defective! and it would be quite as unreasonable to allege, that the principle or reason of the maxim before quoted (viz. that law to bind all, must be assented to by all) is unjust and inconclusive, merely because it would be very difficult to accomplish it literally by the express assent of every individual! but it is clearly sufficient that the maxim be construed to signify that delegated assent of the people by a majority of their legal representatives, which is constitutionally necessary to make all laws binding; and such a legal representation of the people is therefore absolutely necessary to constitute an effectual legislature for any part of the British empire; for no tax can be levied without manifest robbery and injustice, where this legal and constitutional representation is wanting; because the English law abhors the idea of taking the least property from freemen without their free consent—"It is iniquitous" "iniquum est," (says the maxim) "that freemen should not have the free disposal of their own effects! and whatever is iniquitous can never be made lawful by any authority on earth; nor even by the united authority of Kings, Lords, and commons, for that would be contrary to the eternal laws of God, which are supreme."  In every point of view, the making laws for the subjects of any part of the British empire, without their participation and assent, is INQUITOUS, and therefore unlawful: For though the purport of any law, so made, be in itself perfectly just and equitable, yet it becomes otherwise; (that is unjust and iniquitous, and therefore unlawful) by the want of these necessary legal formalities of representation and assent: For if the inhabitants of one part of the empire might determine a question, or enact a law, for the peculiar advantage only of that one part, though to the manifest detriment and injury of another part, without the representation of the latter, the former part would be made judges in their own cause: a circumstance that would be literally partial! the very reverse of justice and natural equity, and which must, therefore, be esteemed iniquity, even to a fundamental maxim, viz. 'it is INQUITOUS for any one to be a judge in his own cause.' Partiality is, therefore, such an abomination in the eye of the law, that no power on earth can make it LAWFUL: For even an act of Parliament, (says the learned Judge Hobart, rep. 87) made against NATURAL EQUITY, as to make 'a man judge in his own case,' (the example, observe, is the very point in question) is void in itself; for "Natural right is immutable; it is the law of laws."  Every King of England (apparently for the same reason) is restrained by the law from changing or making new laws without the assent or consent of his whole kingdom in Parliament expressed. And the whole Kingdom even of Great-Britain itself, is only a part of the British empire; and therefore, by a parity of reasoning, cannot justly or equitably be permitted to make laws for the whole;
because 'where the same reason is, the same law (or right) must prevail:' For 'tunc est pars quae non venit cum suo foro' (Plowden 361) and 'nihil in lege iustitabilius est quam rem diversis iure censeri.' 4 Co. 83. The free representation of the people in the legislature is, therefore, to be esteemed, of all our rights, the most essential, (as Lord Sommers has declared) to maintain that excellent equilibrium of power, or mixed government, limited by law, which our ancestors have always most zealously asserted, and transmitted to us, as our best birth-right and inheritance; so that every attempt to set the same aside in any degree, or in any part of the Empire, or to corrupt it by undue influence of places and pensions, or bribes with public money, is treason against the constitution; the highest of treason! And therefore whatsoever is ordained, that can clearly be proved to be contrary to the constitution, must be allowed to be fundamentally wrong, and therefore null and void of itself; for 'sublato fundamento, cadit opus.' (Jenk. Cent. 106.)  But more particularly the parliament has no power to give up the ancient and established right of the people to be represented in the legislature; because an act for so base a purpose would entirely subvert the principles and constitution on which the very existence of the legislature itself, which ordained it, is formed! so that such an unnatural act of the state would be parallel to the crime of seis de se in a private person; and, being thus contrary to "the nature of things, can never be rendered valid by any authority whatsoever." And indeed it is laid down as a maxim, by the great Lord Sommers, that "no man or society of men have power to deliver up their preservation, or the means of it, to the absolute will of any man" (or men); "and they will always have a right to preserve what they have not power to part with." P. 26. And if a politic society has no just power to deliver up even its own preservation, it certainly has much less right to deliver up the necessary preservation of other societies of their brethren and friends (not represented among them) without their consent; and all such attempts must necessarily be deemed void and ineffectual, because "there is no necessity to obey, where there is no authority to ordain." For as it so clearly appears, from what has been said, that natural equity does not permit even the inferior property of lands, goods, chattels or money, to be alienated without the consent or fault of the proprietors, much less can it permit the alienation, annulling, or changing, of our most valuable inheritances, the laws, without the due assent and consent of the owners themselves, the people at large, or their lawful representatives in their respective assemblies or parliaments! This is a necessary conclusion of reason and common sense, drawn from the effect and force of natural equity, even in cases of much less consequence (viz. respecting goods and pecuniary property;) so that the distinction which some great and able politicians have lately made, between taxation and legislation (in the late disputes about taxing the colonies) was certainly erroneous, though well intended, since it plainly appears, that the right of legislation is not less inseparable, by natural equity, from the people of every part of the British empire, than the right of granting or withholding taxes; for, otherwise the free subjects of one part of the empire would be liable to be most materially injured in their greatest and most valuable inheritance, the laws, by the hasty decisions of men on the other side of the empire, with whom probably they would be totally unacquainted, and whose interest might perhaps be as widely different from theirs (for any thing they could know to the contrary) as their situation upon the face of the globe is distant; that is, is widely different as the East is from the West! would this be equitable? could such notorious injustice be ever made lawful? the true constitutional mode of connecting British dominions, that are otherwise separated by nature, is demonstrated by the established example of the union of Great-Britain and Ireland, which by long experience has proved to be sufficiently effectual. It must be acknowledged indeed, that an act of parliament was made in the 6th of King George I. chapter 5. wherein it is laid down that, "the king and parliament of Great-Britain may make laws to bind Ireland." But as it does not appear that the parliament of Ireland ever acknowledged or gave any formal assent to the said act, the same must necessarily be considered as a mere assertion on one part, at the making of which, the persons most materially concerned, on the other part were neither heard, nor represented! a defect the most notorious that can possibly be attributed to any proceeding, either in the enacting or execution of laws! and therefore it is to very little purpose to cite the said act as a precedent for taxing the American subjects without their consent; for the privileges which the parliament of Ireland has maintained and enjoyed, both before and since that time (clearly distinct and separate from the British parliament) afford a better and more authentic precedent on the other side of the question (viz. in behalf of the people's natural rights) than the act itself does against them; for as the king and the people (including the Lords and commons) of Great-Britain constitute the sovereign power, (under God) or legislature of Great-Britain, so the king and people of Ireland are the natural and constitutional legislature or state of that kingdom, and actually exercise (both in legislation and taxation) their distinct jurisdiction, to this day, which is the best proof of their right; and in like manner, according to the ancient and established legal precedent, the king, together with the people of every distinct province, subject to the imperial crown of Great-Britain, and detached (as Ireland is) from this island, ought to be, and have been esteemed, from the first establishment of our colonies, the only proper and constitutional legislature for each province respectively; because the representation of the people, in every part of the British empire, is absolutely necessary to constitute an effectual legislature, according to the fundamental principles of the English constitution; for none of them, separately can be esteemed a competent legislature to judge of the other's rights, without the highest injustice and iniquity; which is before demonstrated by some of the full maxims or principles of reason. And yet, however distinct these several parts or provinces may seem, in point of situation, as well as in the exercise of a separate legislative power for each, (which constitutional right they have enjoyed beyond the memory of man) they are nevertheless firmly united by the tie of the British diadem, so as to form one vast empire, which will never be divided, if the late and present policy be adopted;

of man, and the British Constitution includes in all parts of the empire; for it is a system of natural, of beneficial, and of necessary, to the generality of mankind, that by the same means we might hold the empire of the world were the laws of natural equity, justice, and humanity, to be stricty observed, and the administration of domestic, as well as political, affairs abolished!
On the other hand, it is not only treason against the constitution, to attempt to deprive any free British subjects of their natural right to a share in the legislature, but it is equally derogatory and injurious to the authority of the crown; because a King of England has no legal authority to govern, by any other mode than that limited government called the English constitution, which he is sworn to maintain; for such is the frailty of human nature, that no man, or body of men whatever, is to be entrusted with the administration of government, unless they are thus limited by law, and by a due representation of the people at large, subject to a frequent appeal, by election, to the whole body of constituents: For it is a maxim 'that he who is allowed more power, by law, than is fit (or equitable) the same will still desire more power than is already lawful.' So that no power on earth is tolerable without a just limitation; and laws, which ought to be supreme, cannot subsist, where will and pleasure are absolute, whether it be the will of one, or of many.
A King, therefore, who presumes to act without the constitutional limitation, destroys the foundation of his own authority; for the most respectable and most ancient writers on the English constitution assure us that 'there is no King where will rules, (or is absolute) and not law.' The same doctrine is expressed still more clearly in the old year books, 'that, if there was no law, there would be no King, and no inheritance.'
For these plain reasons, whenever the English government ceases to be limited, in any part of the British dominions, it ceases to be lawful!
And therefore the fatal consequences of proceeding to enforce the execution of any acts, or resolutions for the establishing such unlimited and unlawful government, is more easily conceived than expressed; because the condition of all subjects would be alike, whether under absolute or limited government, if it were not lawful to maintain and preserve those limitations, since will and pleasure, and not law, would be alike in both, the measure of obedience; for to have liberties and privileges, unless they may be defended, and to have none at all, is the same thing as to be governed by mere will and pleasure' (Lord Somers, p. 24); and 'misera est servitus ubi jus est vagum aut incertum.' That state of slavery in which laws are uncertain, is wretched indeed.
GRANVILLE SHARP.
OLD JEWRY, LONDON, June 25, 1774.
From the PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL, Oct. 5.
TO THE KING.
"HEAR ME! for I WILL speak." SHAKESPEAR.
WHEN the dignity and respect, which Royalty ought to command, are forfeited by the Prince, either in a supine inattention to a just discharge of the powers vested in him, or by a willful male-administration of that authority, the Prince then stands a culprit before the awful tribunal of the public: For as the Sovereign of the British empire is, in fact, elected by the people, he inevitably holds his power under their suffrage, and as such, the subject is as much at liberty to arraign his conduct, as he is to approve it. Happy would it be for your Majesty, were I your only accuser! But alas! I am but one of many millions of your loyal subjects in Europe and America, who impeach you of an undue—I wish I could not call it an unlawful execution of that duty which you are, by all the ties of nature, justice, and religion, bound to discharge with fidelity. When your illustrious predecessors, your ever to be lamented Royal Grand Father, reigned an earthly sceptre, to enjoy an heavenly residence, your Majesty acceded to the Throne of your realms in the midst of triumphs, encircled with glory, and rivetted in the hearts of your subjects: you then took a solemn oath, and called Heaven to witness it, that you would reign the Guardian of your people, and secure them in their just rights, privileges and religion, as obtained under the blessed reformation. Mildness and justice were then your shining characteristics; but alas! how at thou fallen! How hast thou apostatized! Instead of being hailed the happy Guardian of your People, you are become their Tyrant and Oppressor! Instead of being stiled the darling, and well-beloved of hundreds of thousands of your subjects, who are become the hated object of millions! You have violated the most solemn engagement with God and your Subjects, your Coronation Oath! That sacred deposit you have had for the trust reposed in you! And from the late diabolical Act, respecting the government of Canada, which has received your concurrence, one would imagine you had imbibed the doctrine of Infallibility, Purgatories, Bulls, Absolutions, &c. &c. And that you are beginning to introduce the religious, as well as political, principles of the wicked Superintendent of your puerile years. Time has been when this language would have been an insult to royalty—but the time now is when the Subject is degraded in prohibiting more respectful language to the KING OF GREAT-BRITAIN; I should, therefore, unawed, proceed to a detail of the cruel measures which have been prosecuted against your Subjects, under your countenance, and the wickedly unconstitutional Laws, which have been authorized under your Royal sanction, but this would be a voluminous work, and be but recapitulating what, though it hath not impressed your callous heart, has astonished the whole world!—If, however, Sir, your ambition is capable of being touched by a sense of your having had it in your power to be the happiest Monarch on the face of the globe, give me leave to point out, by way of memento, to you, some particular cases, wherein you seem to have been unfortunately regardless of this material consideration. Your connivance at, or rather your approbation of a bloody massacre of your own Subjects, for bravely and honestly asserting their privileges as Englishmen and Freemen! The Representatives of your people in Parliament corrupted and awed, under your countenance, by a venal administration! A left of Pensioners, of your own creation, supported at the expense and poverty of one half of your Subjects, to ruin the other half! Several different elections of a Member for Parliament set aside for no other reason, than that the people have been informed of, than because he had a majority of ten to one! A Stamp-Act in Ireland, where the inhabitants had long before been burdened with oppressions far beyond their ability to bear! Your appointment of men, the most obnoxious to your loyal Subjects, every where, and at all times, to offices in government, and particularly in America, to the establishment of odious Acts, some of which, your Ministers, blushing, condescended to induce you to repeal! The introduction of the Act for altering the government of Canada, replete with the most diabolical machinations to your Protestant Subjects throughout your realm,—openly countenancing Popish Conspiracies,—and a manifest dereliction of the Protestant Faith, in support of which our forefathers made so noble a stand, and thousands of whom, Martyrs, sealed with the testimony of their precious blood! These, Sir, and numberless other hideous calamities, have generally been attributed to your Ministers; but I am bold to say, they become chargeable on you, as responsible for the conduct of those men whom you, yourself, nominate to office. Were I to attempt to account for your Majesty's conduct, I should do it physically, and attribute it to a disorder by the faculty, called a Carlesis, in which the patient is void of sense, and continues so, and in the same posture in which the malady seized him, until it terminates.—To be plainer with your Majesty—the greater part of the world, particularly your own Subjects, concur in this opinion, and have always attributed every miscarriage in the face to the weakness of your understanding; and it is further insisted by the wise King Solomon, who says, "A weak Prince will always be an
obnoxious ruler."—A sentiment, which, I trust, will, in time, be exactly verified in your whole reign or near future years, unless what has been charged to the weakness of your head, may, with more truth, be imputed to the wickedness of your heart.—If, Sir, you expect, by a continued exercise of the oppressions complained of, to perplex our councils and disturb our unseemly, you are much mistaken.—The Colonies, from end to end, are under the government of a FIRMNESS, which all the machinations of a corrupt Administration will never be able to shake.—The efforts of a GAGE, though armed with tyrant authority, will be impotent against the virtuous and persevering zeal of men struggling for their religious rights and liberties—men incapable of feeling dejection of mind from threats,—eliminated from motives of liberty, justice, and conscience, and who owe no fear but to their GOD.—Look forward, then, Sir, to the sad catastrophe which the unwarrantable and unnatural measures now pursuing here, under your sanction, threaten!—Should the people of the Massachusetts government, now meekly suffering under the torturing hand of venal power, be further provoked, and 'tis suggested they will, force must repel force!—Your Majesty's conception will save me the pain of being particular here.—More regiments will be wanting, and where are they to come from?—Perhaps from Germany,—or perhaps, if they can be spared, from England,—or Ireland, and how readily the people of those distressed kingdoms will agree to pay troops for the purpose of maintaining their friends and kindred in the Colonies, I leave your Majesty to judge!—I am saved the trouble from well knowing the principles of your preceptor, of blushing for his remissness in your education; but I sincerely lament your Majesty's misfortune, in discovering so great an ignorance of the histories of your own nations, as well as those of France, Spain, Germany, and other countries; an intimacy with which, must have made you sensible of the fatal corruption and evils which have been produced in the world by an over-bearing Administration of Monarchy!—The breath of a tyrant blasts and poisons every thing, changes blessings and plenty into curses and misery, great cities into gloomy solitudes, and their rich citizens into beggars and vagabonds." Effects similarly dismal now threaten your dominions every where; your fun of glory is fast setting; your kingdoms at home depopulating; arts and manufactures, the support of states, rapidly decaying; and four millions of your American Subjects, whose prosperity and opulence would have been the pride and glory of a swift and good Sovereign, determine rather to yield their lives, than make a sacrifice of their Liberty at the shrine of Despotism.—Good God! Sir, awake from your lethargy, and recede from the measures you have taken!—Do not believe that your brave and free-born American Subjects possess the same poltroon principles of those base-minded wretches, those abject tools, who buy your fancies at the price of truth and their consciences.—They acknowledge you as their rightful Sovereign, and as such ever did, and now do profess, for your faced person, a decent and loyal obedience as SUBJECTS, but they dare tell you, they will never become your SLAVES.—The sword, great Sire, is a dreadful umpire! And much as the unhappy differences, which have fatally interrupted the peace and interest of Great-Britain and her Colonies, have been heightened by the wicked schemes of your Ministers, and your own too early concurrence in them; it is not yet too late to recur to a milder mode of determining the controversy.—Hear with your own ears, and behold with your own eyes, the humble and dutiful representations of your petitioning Subjects, let their complaints come before you, and discuss them impartially; but, previous thereto, reverse the severe decrees against them, which you too rashly confirmed; for even an atrocious criminal is not tried until he is loosed from his bonds.—Your Majesty will then be sensible how hardly and unjustly they have been treated; and remember! though Subjects have made concessions to Kings, Kings have also made concessions to their Subjects.—Your people throughout these extensive Colonies, are ready to stretch forth the hand of amity, and to convince you, that they are, upon all occasions, willing to render up their lives and fortunes in your just service.—'Tis yours, Sir, to maintain and support, equitably, the prerogative of your Crown: 'Tis your Subjects to oppose every encroachment of that authority, to prevent the smallest violation of their civil and religious Liberties, and to endeavour to be always before hand with the Pope, the Devil, and ALL their Emisaries, which, to avert the mischiefs of furious, unyielding and destructive Tyranny, it is beyond all doubt, they will incessantly and vigorously strive to effect.
SCIPIO.
From the PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL.
TO LORD NORTH.
YOU have been thought qualified, from the depth of your political genius, and the zealous rancour of your disposition towards America, to furnish expedients for reducing a brave, free, and loyal people, to the humiliating situation of suing for remission of their political transgressions at the feet of parliament.
If you have the justice to proportion the punishment to the offence, this of the Americans must, in your idea, be of no small magnitude, to sentence them to so base and ignominious a submission.
But, my lord, in a case of great consequence as this, in which two millions and a half of people are concerned, one would think your humanity, supposing you totally void of justice, would influence you to procure competent proof of the imputed crime.—Prove the fact to this amount, and I am ready to submit to the judgment you have pronounced, although it is of a nature rather suited to the tyranny of the East.
Under your auspices, ships of war and an army have been sent to Boston, to put in force certain acts of the British parliament, destructive of the trade of that town, the freedom of the province, and eventually of all America.
For my own part, I am willing to rest the liberties of my country on the issue of this business, and I make no doubt all America will readily subscribe to my opinion.—The cause of the town of Boston is looked upon every where in America, as a common cause, witness the resolves of the several colonies, and the generous donations sent thither, to relieve the distresses of the poor.
Are you not convinced you have been misled by false representations of interested men; your judgments of that numerous, brave, and injured people? If you deny the fact, I will only mention in support of it, the impotent handful of troops, you have sent against them, and the inefficacy of your laws, in respect to the internal government of that province.
Permit me to inform you, that in Massachusetts Bay only there are at least 36,000 men fit for action, 20,000 militia in New Hampshire, and 40,000 in Connecticut, which, with the number those Islands can furnish, will make at least 150,000 men, ready to appear at five days notice.—But these are not all.—I leave you to calculate the additional forces which may be supplied by the southern colonies.
The town of Boston, garrisoned by the troops now there, and going to be, may hold out a siege till the winter, from the present narrow strength of the place; but it is in that season accessible in every part over the ice, which forms a bridge strong enough to bear any number of men.—When this happens, which will not be achieved by a people determined to die or be free!
You may remember Cromwell's remark in the army of the parliament compared with that of the King,—says he, "we shall ever be beaten by the royal army 'till we make a reform in our own." Our troops are composed chiefly of tapsters and serving men; the king's of gentlemen and gentlemen's sons, and the better sort of people.—We must get farmer's sons, and reputable people to serve under us, before we can pretend to vie, with our adversaries.—His advice was followed and they conquered.
The troops of the colonies, in case you should prosecute your design against their liberties, will be composed altogether of the respectable class of yeomanry, who will fight upon principle, and maintain their point to the last, for I will venture to affirm, there is not, according to their rank, a more intelligent spirited people to be found in the world.
Proving that exhibited to you some of the difficulties which you will have to combat with: I have now turn our eyes towards Canada, and give a brief view of the nature and tendency of the late act of parliament regulating the internal government of that province.
You will have it thought to be the wish of the Canadians to be under arbitrary power, rather than enjoy the invaluable blessings of liberty. And can you, my Lord, think it right even upon this principle, though I am far from admitting the truth of it, to take advantage of the ignorance or folly of a deluded people, to deprive them by a solemn act of the British Parliament of the unalienable rights of nature?—Is it thus you make a pander of parliament to procure you arbitrary power?—Is it thus you sacrifice the honour and justice of that once revered body of men, to so base and vile purposes as ever disgraced the human heart.—But let us not lose sight of our main design, which was, to enquire into the motives and views upon which this act was founded.
You have instead of a bare toleration of the Roman Catholic religion, made it the established religion in Canada, though it is the most sanguinary of any among Christians, and one of its cardinal tenets, absolution, is totally inconsistent with all civil government.—You have not only done this, but, contrary to every maxim of sound policy you have also under the sanction of parliament, introduced the French laws. Consider, my Lord, this present generation in Canada are the very people who lived under the French government and laws.—Nothing but a better government, and more beneficial laws, can possibly alter the habits, passions, and maxims of the Canadians, in favour of Great-Britain, and secure their attachment and fidelity to her.—But their religion and polity being the same they were before, and their habits, passions, and maxims, of course continuing the same, that degree of attachment or affection can be expected from such a people, whose whole souls are devoted to the service of the Grand Monarque.
You have declared, in the House of commons, it is your intention to form a chain of forts in the new province of Quebec, along the rear of the old British colonies, and garrison them with Canadians, to keep the old colonies in order.—My Lord, your plan is weak and preposterous. Strengthen the hands of the Canadians, and you will do France an essential service; for it requires no great spirit of prophecy to foretel they will turn their arms against you, and put themselves again under the dominion of that country to which they are so remarkably attached.—What will then be the consequences of your ill-concerted schemes against the liberty and happiness of this included country? The certain loss to Britain, of Canada, and, if not of all the other Colonies, such an interruption of her trade with them, as will bring the deepest distress upon the finances of the kingdom.—The trade to this country is one of the chief props of that important system of taxes, the well being of which, is so essential to the security of Great-Britain. All the wisdom and resource of the able statesmen have not been equal to the task of lessening, in any considerable degree the enormous debt of the nation.—Their utmost efforts are now requisite, to stop the progress of this political cancer, and therefore every salutary ingredient in the medicine applied to this purpose, ought to be highly prized.
But suppose, my Lord, which is far worse than I have mentioned, the rigour and injustice of your measure should operate with such effect, as to deprive Great-Britain of these Colonies for ever. This is not improbable, should you continue to pursue your purpose, if an opinion may be formed from the present temper and spirit of America. In this case it is easy to foresee the event.—Britain must sink under the misfortune, and your name, like that of Erostratus, will be handed down to posterity for the eminent mischief you have done in the world.—Alike in insanity, humanity would not consider, if in the resemblance of punishment, the mild laws of your country should, for once, be infringed.
CAIUS.
QUEBEC, September 22, 1774.
Last Sunday afternoon, arrived in the Basin before this City the Ship Canadian, Capt. Abbott, in 60 days from Cowes, having on board his Excellency Maj. Gen. Carleton, Captain General and Commander in Chief of the province of Quebec, Lady Maria Carleton, with her two Children, and Lord Viscount Pitt, Son of the Earl of Chatham; they landed on the beach about 6 o'clock, under a discharge of cannon, where they were received by the Lieut. Governor, the Citizens, and a numerous concourse of people, who expressed their joy on the occasion, by repeated acclamations of long live the King; the regiment in garrison under arms lined the streets on both sides, from the landing place to the Castle of St. Lewis, and in the evening the religious houses and many of the houses of the principal inhabitants of the Upper Town were handsomely illuminated. His Excellency has since been complimented with addresses from the Bishop of Quebec, the superior of the Seminary, the superior General of the Jesuits, the superior of the Recollets, and the Canadian subjects in the City.
NEW-YORK, October 13.
This morning Major General Haldimand will embark on board the Countess of Darlington transport, attended by Major of Brigade Moncrieffe, Capt. Gamble, Assistant Quarter-master General, Capt. Brehm, Aid du Camp, and Capt. Hutchinson; with General Haldimand will also embark Colonel Prescott of the Royal Fusiliers, a company of Royal Artillery, with a large quantity of ordnance stores for Castle-William. The companies of the Royal Regiment of Ireland, under the command of Capt. Shee, and the 47th regiment commanded by Major Cairncross, are embarked on board the Empress of Russia, and other transports for the port of Boston.
On board the transports are a great number of artificers, how have engaged to work upon the barracks preparing for the accommodation of his Majesty's troops at Boston.
The following is the order in which his Majesty's troops are to be quartered at Boston, provided the intended barracks should not be completed before the winter sets in, The King's own Regt. At the Hill-house, at New-Boston, The 4th Regiment, From Liberty-Tree to the Neck, The Royal Welch, and 38th Regiment, Near Fort-Hill, The 43d Regiment, Near the Market, The 44th Regiment, To remain at the Castle, The Royals of Ireland, The 10th Regiment, The 47th Regiment, The 52d Regiment, Are on their Arrival to be quartered in Town.
At a meeting of the importers of goods from Great-Britain, to take into consideration the dissatisfaction that has already appeared, upon the advance of divers articles, some of them the real necessaries of life: And being determined as far as in us lies, to preserve the peace of the city, we think it necessary, in order to remove the cause for any future murmuring, to make the following declaration.
That we will not, from the apprehension of a non-importation agreement, put any unreasonable advance upon our goods; and when such an agreement shall have taken place, we will continue to sell them for a moderate profit, and no more.
That we will do our utmost to discourage all engrossers, and persons who buy up goods with a view of creating an artificial scarcity, thereby to obtain a more plausible pretext for enhancing the prices.
That if any retailer, or other person, should, by a contrary conduct, endeavour to defeat these our good intentions, we will, as one man, decline dealing with him; and shall consider him or them, as the author or authors of all the disturbances that shall be consequent thereupon.
Signed, by order of a large number of importers met at the Exchange.
HENRY REMSEN.
We hear that five thousand French regulars, have been lately landed at the island of Hispaniola, from Old-France. Yesterday morning between 12 and 1 o'clock, a fire broke out behind the upper barracks, in a house that had some time been occupied as a military hospital, which was consumed, but by the activity of the people who assembled, the flames were suppressed without doing further damage.—We have not heard that any person was burnt or hurt.
This morning his Majesty's 44th regiment, &c. &c. &c. the 4th Inf. Bn. will embark for Boston the complement, and the remainder of the regulars, the remainder of the regulars, we are informed, will be stationed here for the ensuing winter.
PHILADELPHIA, October 5. Extract of a letter from St. John's N. S., in Georgia, dated September 2, 1774.
The struggle in the cause of liberty, in the province of Georgia, has been very considerable.
At a general convention at Savannah, on the 10th day of August, a number of spirited resolutions were entered into and unanimously agreed upon, as you may see published in the Georgia Gazette. But a difference of opinion arising on this proposition, viz. Whether separate colonies be sent to join with the deputies of the other colonies at the general Congress? it was over-ruled in the negative; but this negative was obtained by a majority of members of the gentlemen of Savannah, who were not properly constituted and had no right to vote in the case: The other parishes immediately expressed their dissatisfaction, and made a second attempt, in which the parish of St. John took the lead and came to this further resolution—"That if the majority of the other parishes would join with them, and at they would send deputies to join the general congress, and faithfully and religiously abide by, and conform to such determinations and resolutions, as should be there entered into, and come from thence recommended." Their meeting was on the 30th of August, at which time there appeared representatives from two parishes St. George's and St. David's to join with the parish of St. John; and we since learn that the parish of St. Andrew have acceded to the same resolution and those parishes went so far as even to nominate one deputy, who will (if the other parishes agree finally) attend at the general congress.
The parish of St. John have been remarkably unanimous and spirited in this important affair; have opened a subscription for the relief of the unhappy sufferers at Boston; and in this single parish, have already subscribed to the amount of two hundred barrels of rice, which is to be forwarded by the committee of correspondence; and they, with the other parishes that join them, express the strongest desire to be united with the other colonies, in every constitutional measure, for the removal of public grievances, and are willing, in this noble struggle, to exert themselves to the utmost, to make every sacrifice that men, impetuous with the strongest sense of their rights and liberties, and warm with the most benevolent feelings for their oppressed brethren, can make, to stand firmly, or fall gloriously in the common cause.
Although we may have blankets enough to keep us warm for this winter, yet, in all probability, we may want next, a non-importation should take place, and we be drained of what few there are in this place; therefore, the venders of blankets are desired to be cautious to whom they sell, as the order for that article is renewed to a gentleman in this city, from General Gage, for the use of the soldiers, who are at the siege of Boston.
We are informed from good authority that the King sent a message to the Bishop of London the day after he refused to vote for the Popish Quebec Bill, discharging him from all future services, at the Pivy-Council.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman in Bristol to his friend in this city, dated July 20, 1774.
"Surrounded as I am by a thousand various business, till I cannot resist the strong inclination I feel to tell you that I am alive and well once more in Old England; formerly I loved the country and people, but now both appear odious to me; their conduct towards the Americans is horrid, cruel and detectable; they call you all thieves, pirates and rebels, for which in return I make no scruple to call them knaves, scoundrels, and spiritless slaves. Every day am I in the most furious quarrels in vindication of America, that ever you saw—I wish to God that you had a few more friends in this city—I shall, through my zealous attachment lose my pandering my election; but no matter; they already cry, no American—no bill of rights-man. My acquaintance say I am too warm; but do you tell me, my friend, who that is made up of American flesh and blood can sit calm and composed to hear his native country, with its dearest connexions calumniated, belied and reprobated. No, by Heaven and earth, I swear! I never will silently put up with such ill usage while I have breath to speak, or hands to fight.
"I am just returned from London: It is with a degree of pleasure, I can assure you, many of the great men are ashamed of what they have done, seriously dreading the association and resentment of the Virginians in particular: the revenue arising from the duties on tobacco is mortgaged and a stop to their exportation would make a glorious confusion among their high mightinesses.
"When I left America, I recommended moderation; but with concern I find, that conduct will not do—Resentment must shew itself, for our ministers with themselves well out of it. Firmness on the part of the Americans will insure them the victory, now is the crisis, the important crisis, of your whole lives—you can lose nothing by a patriotic stand—you may gain every thing.
"The people of this country are sunk in luxury, and with only to get their hands into the purses of Americans to support them in it—they are totally indifferent about liberty, and lost to every sense of honour or virtue: open corruption is connived at and approved; oppression, black as hell darkens the annals of the present times; and Britons seem happy in their supine folly and base vassalage.
"If once the Americans submit, I foresee a train of evils, ready to light upon them: Taxes, impositions and oppressions, without moderation or end. Now is the appointed time to struggle like men for your dear inheritance: and there can be no doubt but Providence, and a new parliament, will do you ample justice. I will weary Heaven with my prayers for your success.—My sincere good wishes attend you, and all the rest of my worthy countrymen in Philadelphia."
We are informed by a gentleman from Winchester in Virginia, that the inhabitants have entered into associations to discontinue all butchers or other persons who shall presume to kill or offer for sale a sheep of any sort after the 20th of last month.
JOSEPH PEARCE,
HEREBY informs his good Customers and others, that he has removed to a new Shop, making the Corner, northerly of the Old-Brick Meeting-House, and fronting the West End of the State-House, in Boston. Where he has for Sale,
A very large Assortment of ENGLISH and other GOODS; he hopes for a Continuance of their Favors, which he will endeavour to merit, by serving them on the best Terms.
On WEDNESDAY next, 26th Instant,
AT TEN in the Morning,
Will be sold by PUBLIC VENDUE,
At RUSSELL'S Auction Room in Queen-street,
A VARIETY of Hard Ware, belonging to the Estate of a Gentleman lately deceased, viz. Brass Kettles, Skillets, Warming Pans, Frying Pans, Saws, Chisels, Locks, Hinges, Gimblets, Awl-Blades, Cod Hooks, Pewter Bacons and Paringers, Iron Pots, Dishes, Kettles, Baking Pans, Skillets; also, a Variety of House Furniture, a Folio Bible, with Humphrey's Annotations, adorned with Cuts, Assortment of Glass Ware in Boxes, &c. J. RUSSELL, Auctioneer.
SUPPOSED to be left at some
House or Store in this Town, through Mistake, by the Providence Waggoner, the Week before last, a HAIR TRUNK, with a pair of Boots tied on it, directed for Mr. GIDEON R. HUBBARD, at Boston. Any Person giving Information to the Printer, of the same, will be taken very kindly. A Gentleman should have received it by Mistake. Baggage, the earliest Intelligence thereof is requested, given the Printer.

THURSDAY, October 20.
BOSTON.
Friday last the following message was presented to his Excellency the Governor, viz.
In PROVINCIAL CONGRESS.
THURSDAY, October 13, 1774.
ORDERED, That Col. Lee, Hon. Col. Ward, Col. Orne, Capt. Gardner, Henry Gardner, Esq; Mr. Dymens, Mr. Gorham, Capt. Browne, Col. Pomeroy, Hon. Col. Prescott, Col. Thayer, Mr. Williams, Capt. Heath, Capt. Upham, Mr. Barns, Capt. Doolittle, Mr. Lothrop, Major Thompson, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Pickering, and Capt. Thompson, be a committee to wait on his Excellency with the following message.
JOHN HANCOCK, PRESIDENT.
May it please your Excellency.
THE Delegates from the several towns in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay, having convened in General Congress, beg leave to address your Excellency: The distressed and miserable state of the province, occasioned by the intolerable grievances and oppressions to which this people are subjected, and the danger and destruction to which they are exposed, of which your Excellency must be sensible, and the want of a General Assembly have rendered it indispensably necessary to collect the wisdom of the province by their Delegates in Congress, to concert some adequate remedy for preventing impending ruin and providing for the public safety.
It is with the utmost concern we see your hostile preparations which have spread such an alarm throughout this province and the whole continent, as threatens to involve us in all the confusion and horrors of a civil war; and while we contemplate an Event so deeply to be regretted by every good man, it must occasion the surprise and astonishment of all mankind, that such measures are pursued against a people whose love of order, attachment to Britain, and loyalty to their prince, have ever been exemplary.
Your Excellency must be sensible that the sole end of government is the protection and security of the people; whenever therefore that power which was originally instituted to effect these important and valuable purposes, is employed to harass, distress or enslave the people, in this case it becomes a curse rather than a blessing. The most painful apprehensions are excited in our minds by the measures now pursuing, the vigorous execution of the port-bill with improved severity, must eventually reduce the capital and its numerous dependencies to a state of poverty and ruin: The acts for altering the charter and the administration of justice in the colony, are manifestly designed to abridge this people of their rights, and to licence murders; and if carried into execution, will reduce them to a state of slavery: The number of troops in the capital increasing by daily accessions drawn from the whole continent, together with the formidable and hostile preparations which you are now making on Boston Neck, in our opinion greatly endanger the lives, liberties and properties, not only of our brethren in the town of Boston, but of this province in general. Permit us to ask your Excellency! Whether an inattentive and unconcerned acquiescence to such alarming, such menacing measures, would not evidence a state of insanity; or whether the delaying to take every possible precaution for the security of the province, would not be the most criminal neglect in a people heretofore rigidly and justly tenacious of their constitutional rights.
Penetrated with the most poignant concern, and ardently solicitous to preserve union and harmony between Great-Britain and the colonies, so indispensably necessary to the well-being of both, we entreat your Excellency to remove that brand of contention, the fortress at the entrance of Boston: We are much concerned that you should have been induced to construct it, and thereby causelessly excite such a spirit of resentment and indignation as now generally prevails. We assure you, sir! that the good people of this colony never have had the least intention to do any injury to his Majesty's troops; but on the contrary most earnestly desire that every obstacle to treating them as fellow-subjects may be immediately removed; and are constrained to tell your Excellency that the minds of the people will never be relieved till those hostile works are demolished; and we request you, as you regard his Majesty's honor and interest, the dignity and happiness of the Empire, and the peace and welfare of this province, that you immediately shift from the fortress now constructing at the South entrance into the town of Boston, and restore the port to its natural state.
On Monday last his Excellency gave the following Answer to the Address of the Provincial Congress, viz.
HIS EXCELLENCY'S ANSWER.
To Col. Lee, Hon. Col. Ward, Col. Orne, Capt. Gardner, Henry Gardner, Esq; Mr. Dymens, Mr. Gorham, Capt. Browne, Col. Pomeroy, Hon. Col. Prescott, Col. Thayer, Mr. Williams, Capt. Heath, Captain Upham, Mr. Barns, Captain Doolittle, Mr. Lothrop, Major Thompson, Mr. Palmer, Mr. Pickering, and Captain Thompson, said to be ordered in provincial Congress, Thursday October 13th, 1774, a committee to wait on his Excellency with a message.
GENTLEMEN,
THE previous menaces daily thrown out and the unusual work-like preparations throughout the country, made it an act of duty in me to pursue the measures I have taken in construing what you call a fortress, which unless removed, will annoy nobody. It is surely highly exasperating, as well as ungenerous even to hint that the lives, liberties, or properties of any persons except avowed enemies are in danger from Boston; Britain can never harbour the black design of wantonly destroying or enslaving any people on earth; and withstanding the enmity shown the king's troops, by withholding from them almost every necessary for their preservation, they have not as yet discovered the resentment which might justly be expected to arise from such hostile treatment.
No person can be more solicitous than myself, to preserve union and harmony between Great-Britain and her colonies, and I ardently wish to contribute to the completion of a work so salutary to both countries: But an open and avowed disobedience to all her authority, is only bidding defiance to the mother country, and gives little hope of bringing a spirited nation to that favourable disposition, which a more decent and dutiful conduct might effect.
Whilst you complain of Acts of Parliament that make alterations in your Charter, and put you, in some degree, on the same footing with many other provinces, you will not forget that by your present assembling, you are yourselves subverting that charter, and now acting in direct violation of your own constitution. It is my duty therefore, however irregular your application is, to warn you of the rock you are upon, and to require you to desist from such illegal and unconstitutional proceedings.
THOS. GAGE.
Province-House, October 17th, 1774.
In Provincial Congress, at Concord, October 14, 1774.
RESOLVED, That the several constables and collectors of taxes throughout the province, who have or shall have any monies in their hands, collected on province assessments, be advised not to pay the same or any part thereof to the hon. Harrison Gray, Esq; but that such constables and collectors, as also such constables and collectors as have or shall have any county monies in their hands, take and observe such orders and directions touching the same, as shall be given them by the several towns and districts by whom they were chosen. And that the sheriffs and deputy sheriffs of the several counties in the province, who have in their hands any province monies, be also advised not to pay the same to the said Harrison Gray, Esq; but that they retain the same in their hands respectively, until further advice of a Provincial Congress or order from a constitutional assembly of this province. And that the present assessors of the several towns and districts in the province be advised to proceed to make assessments of the tax granted by the great and general court of the province, at their last May
session; and that such assessments, be duly paid by the persons assessed, to such person or persons as shall be ordered by the said towns and districts respectively. And the congress strongly recommend the payment of the tax accordingly.
A true extract from the minutes,
BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Sec'y.
[We learn that there were above 260 members present at the provincial congress when the above message passed, with only one dissentient.]
By the London papers, Letters, &c. we learn that administration have no thoughts of receding from their plan for subjugating the colonies, encouraged to perseverance, not only by the representations of Hutchinson and his coadjutors, but by the hitherto inattention and unconcern of the merchants in London, that set of men having been made to believe that such measures have been taken as will secure their interest in America, and render a Non-importation agreement abortive; that on the arrival of Admiral Montague, they were advised of the Non-Consumption Covenant, which was not more alarming to the ministry than it was unexpected, that even the merchants begin to be startled, but that great pains were taking to lead them to an apprehension, that methods would be pursued to prevent their being effected, by this last and most dangerous manoeuvre of the Bostonian Rebels, as they are pleased to term us; that a large body of Roman Catholic Canadians were to be raised on the arrival of Governor Carleton at Quebec, and that with them, more troops from England and Ireland were to be sent this way, and a reinforcement to the squadron in our harbour; that their chief dependance, however, for effecting their scheme, was upon the supposed improbability of a union in the colonies, and a spirit in this to oppose the late acts for vacating our charter, and new regulating the government: This intelligence with what is hourly taking place in this town, and what has lately been discovered by Letters, Plans, &c. clearly points out to these colonies the path of duty and of safety; if we suffer ourselves to be so amused and deceived as to neglect for a moment the carrying the Non-Consumption agreement quite through, and making all necessary provision for our defence against the evils we are threatened with, we shall not only be the ridicule of our intestine enemies, but fall into the gulf of slavery and political perdition, unaided by the friends of Liberty, civil and religious through our own nation and the world.
The provincial congress adjourned from Concord last Friday, to Cambridge, where they met on Monday last.
Upwards of five months have expired since this devoted town has experienced all the horrors of the port-bill, and as if these were not sufficient to satiate the malice of our enemies, severities which the act, vengeful as it is, did not know of, have been grafted upon it. Many instances might be mentioned, suffice it to say, that a Scow with boards and old iron has been seized in a mill pond, and libelled in an admiralty court; a boat owned by one Stewart, with sand for our floors, has been taken in the harbour and the sand thrown into the sea without the form of a trial; as was a lighter load of hay coming up from Braintree: the produce of Islands near the town have not been suffered to be taken off; and a boat carrying sheep to feed on one of those Islands, has been obliged to carry them back again: Bread, meal, and other provisions were not suffered to pass a little ferry to Charlestown, and their ferry-boats have been taken and detained for daring to attempt a passage after 9 o'clock at night: Our numerous poor are suffering by the rise of wood, butter, cheese, and other provisions, not permitted to be brought up as usual from the little rivers and bays in our harbour, and when our tyrants have been expostulated with for these illegal proceedings, they have insultingly replied, that, agreeable to the act of parliament, it was to distress us: and this their intention has been so effectually accomplished, that it may be affirmed, without exaggeration, the loss this town has sustained within only one month of our blockade, exceeds the amount of those generous donations received from our sympathizing friends through the continent. "Added to all this, our town is surrounded with ships of war; and it is said that a fleet at Newfoundland is to winter in this harbour: formidable fortifications are erected and others erecting at the only avenue to the town: Chains and chevrons already provided to stop up the entrance at pleasure: Four regiments encamped upon the common, with a large train of artillery and matrosses; one regiment on Fort-Hill, one on the new fortification on the neck, and another regiment at Castle-William; three companies just arrived in the rose man of war from Newfoundland, transports dispatched some time past to New-York for two regiments from thence and the Jerseys, and to Quebec for two regiments from that quarter; military stores and implements of all kinds are collecting in this town, which has now the appearance of a garrison. Reports are propagated here, and the English papers announce that six more regiments are coming from Europe. What may be the intention of all this, and what ought to be the conduct of this and the other provinces upon so alarming an occasion, we shall not pretend to say. This capital is a spectacle to them and to the whole world, a striking example of what it is to be expected from the uncontrollable power claimed by a British parliament over these colonies that have not a single representative in it; but under all these sufferings and terrors Boston has not as yet renounced the great and common cause for which it suffers.
Tuesday last about noon-day, one Samuel Dyer, a sailor, lately arrived from London, who appears disordered in senses, snapped a loaded pistol at Major Monafour, and then drew a hanger from the side of Col. Cleveland, with which he wounded him in the neck, happily not mortal: he was apprehended at Cambridge, and is now in Boston gaol. This man says, he was sent to England this summer in a man of war, in Irons, on suspicion of enticing men to desert from the troops here, but discharged by order of administration.
Capt. Brown arrived at Salem with a generous donation from our worthy sympathizing brethren of the county of Monmouth, in New-Jersey, consisting of twelve hundred bushels of Rye, and fifty barrels of Rye Flour.
A correspondent desires to be informed, whether Lord North has really got the French and Spanish ministry to sign a solemn League and Covenant, not to attack any part of North-America, as their knowledge of this whole continent, being almost alone of British troops, to assist in carrying on the siege of Boston, might otherwise encourage them to such an attempt.
At a legal town meeting held at Portsmouth on Monday last, it was voted that 200 l. be paid by the select men to the committee in Boston, for the use of the suffering poor in this town.
Last Week the Rev. Dr. Langdon, of Portsmouth, was installed president of Harvard-College in Cambridge; he having accepted the invitation of the corporation to discharge the duties of that important office.
We hear from Ashfield, in Connecticut, that on Thursday evening last, there was a shock of an earthquake at that place, which lasted about two minutes; the noise commonly attending this phenomenon was heard sometime before the shock was felt.
A correspondent desires us to insert the following, Last Saturday night, about nine o'clock, a bloody battle was fought in Cornhill, between a bald-pated, Tory officer of marines belonging to one of the ships in this Harbour, and a blind Whig sailor of this town; during the combat, the heroes displayed great courage and resolution on both sides, but victory at length declared in favour of the former. Last Saturday a pair or tub was taken up afloat at the North part of the town, which contained, upon examining the contents, the entire skin of a woman (except the face part) that seemed, by some circumstances, to have been but lately fled from the body: Various are the conjectures upon this very uncommon discovery, which perhaps time will unfold.
Capt. Boyd is arrived at Salem in a schooner from Hartford, in Connecticut, and has brought about nine hundred bushels of grain for the poor of this town.
Mr. Rivington informs the public in his New-York Gazetteer, "that the property of the King is destroyed here in every manner in which it can be effected;" an assertion
as false as the design of it is injurious: An account is also given of an interview Dr. Warren had with Governor Gage, we are assured he was prevented seeing him by the Governor's indisposition, and are certain any questions of his would have been proposed with less abruptness and more politeness than is there related.
MARRIED At Providence, Mr. Ebenezer Stevens, to Miss Rebecca Hodgson, both of this town.
DIED Mrs. Hannah Colman, relict of the late Mr. Benjamin Colman, merchant.—William White, Esq; aged 58, who was one of the overseers of the poor of this town for several years.—Mr. William Greenleaf, hatter.—At Charlestown, Mrs. Wier, wife of Mr. Wier, sail-maker.—At Haverhill, Mrs. Sargent, consort of Nathaniel Pease Sergeant.—At Ipswich, Mrs. Elizabeth Rogers, consort of Mr. Daniel Rogers.
COUNTRY NEWS.
Worcester, October 7th, 1774. On the third instant, the regiment formerly belonging to the hon. Artemas Ward, Esq; of Shrewsbury, in the county of Worcester, and who for his integrity was dismissed in a former administration, from being Colonel of said regiment, met, and taking into serious consideration the present oppressed and distressed condition of this province in general, and the poor garrisoned and blockaded town of Boston in particular, after proper solemnity, proceeded as follows. 1st. They cheerfully, yet with a degree of indignation, flung up their commissions, which they sustained under the late Governor Hutchinson; then they proceeded very regularly to the choice of their field and commission officers, and unanimously made choice of the following gentlemen, viz. the hon. Artemas Ward, Esq; Colonel; Saml. Maynard, Esq; Lieut. Colonel; Jonathan Ward, Esq; second Lieut. Colonel; Edward Banes, Esq; Major; and Mr. Luke Denny, Adjutant. N. B. At the desire of the famous town of Marlborough, in the county of Middlesex, they joined in the choice of the above officers, said town upon their application was most readily and cordially received by the other towns in the county of Worcester: the regiment consists of the inhabitants of the towns following, viz. of Marlborough, in the county of Middlesex, Westborough, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Northborough and Grafton, in the county of Worcester, we hear the other six regiments in said county of Worcester, are officered, but we have not yet with sufficient certainty the names of the said officers, with which to oblige the public, they have all voted cannon, powder and Ball, for each town, to be ready at a minute's warning, we hear that they have made great proficiency in the art of the Back-Sword, quarter-staff and flail, more especially the latter, at which they are very expert.
GRAND AMERICAN CONGRESS.
PHILADELPHIA, 1774.
In CONGRESS, Saturday, October 8, 1774.
RESOLVED, That the Congress approve of the opposition, by the inhabitants of the Massachusetts-Bay, to the execution of the late Acts of Parliament, and if the same shall be attempted to be carried into execution by force, that in such case all America ought to support them in their opposition.
In CONGRESS, Monday, October 10, 1774.
RESOLVED, unanimously, That it is the opinion of this body, that the Removal of the People of Boston into the Country, would be not only extremely difficult in the execution, but so important in its consequences as to require the utmost deliberation before it is adopted; but in case the Provincial Meeting of that Colony shall judge it absolutely necessary, it is the opinion of the Congress that all America ought to contribute towards recompensing them for the injury they may thereby sustain, and it will be recommended accordingly.
In CONGRESS, Monday, October 10, 1774.
RESOLVED, That every person, or persons, whatsoever, who shall take, accept, or act under, any commission, or authority, in any way derived from the Act of Parliament, passed last session, changing the form of Government, and violating the charter of the province of Massachusetts-Bay, ought to be held in detestation and abhorrence by all good men, and considered as the wicked tools of that Despotism, which is preparing to destroy those rights which God, Nature and Compact have given to America.
In CONGRESS, Tuesday, October 11, 1774.
AS the Congress has given General Gage an assurance of the peaceable disposition of the people of Boston, and the Massachusetts-Bay,
RESOLVED, unanimously, That they be advised still to conduct themselves peaceably towards his Excellency General Gage, and his Majesty's troops, now stationed in the town of Boston, as far as can possibly be consistent with their immediate safety, and the security of the town, avoiding and discountenancing every violation of his Majesty's property, or any insult on his troops, and that they peaceably and firmly persevere in the line they are now conducting themselves, on the defensive.
In CONGRESS, Tuesday, October 11, 1774.
RESOLVED, That the Congress recommend to the inhabitants of the colony of the Massachusetts-Bay, to submit to a suspension of the administration of justice, where it cannot be procured in a legal and peaceable manner, under the rules of the present charter and laws of the colony founded thereon, until the effect of their application for a repeal of the act by which their charter rights are injured, is known.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY.
To the PEOPLE OF ENGLAND.
IF you suffer your tyrannical Ministers to proceed much farther, in their execrable plan for enslaving America, they will plunge the nation into the gulph of political perdition, and that very soon—there is now but a step between them and death.—The Americans are unalterably determined to defend their rights—they will soon be well prepared for the last appeal; and you may be assured they will exhibit more than Roman virtue and magnanimity—they have the most to lose of any people on earth, and they will not part with their liberty but with their lives.—Weigh well the consequences of a civil war—be not hasty to take this last step, after which you can go neither forward nor backward without destruction.—The moment you commence war with America, you stab your own vitals, and will inevitably bleed to death at these three wounds: First, The increase of national expense: Second, The sources of your wealth will be cut off: Third, In this exhausted state, subtile your fleet and armies are in America, you will be an easy prey to France and Spain, and lie open to the attacks of your enemies in every part of the world.—THEREFORE you have nothing to expect in this situation, but TOTAL RUIN.
The Americans have such a vast country, with so many advantages for defending it, an extensive trade to give to their allies, LAND to give to all foreign soldiers, and others who will join in the cause of liberty, and half a million of hardy determined men, great part of which are now prepared for action—that no wise man can suppose they will ever be conquered. But were it possible for Britain to conquer them, it must be the work of many years, which would be such an expence of blood and treasure as totally to ruin her.
On the other hand, if Great-Britain will ask nothing of the colonies but a free trade, she may derive the most durable and extensive advantages from them, and secure their alliance and friendship forever—which in future must be her grand support. Then what madness must it be in Englishmen to suffer a despotic, infatuated Minister to plunge a whole nation of freemen into the pit of slavery.
SOLON.
Copies of two of the infamous PETERS'S LETTERS, which have been read in provincial Congress.
Rev. Sir,
Boston, October 1, 1774. THE riots and mobs that have attended me and my house set on by the Go— of Connecticut, have compelled me to take up my abode here; and the clergy of Connecticut,
must fall a sacrifice with the several churches, every man, to theorage of the puritan mobility, if the old serpent, that dragon, is not bound.—Yesterday I waited on his Excellency the General, &c. Dr. Cane, Mr. Root, Dr. Boyles, &c. I am soon to sail for England. I shall stand in need of your letters, and the letters of the clergy of New-York. Direct to Mr. Williams, Woollen Draper, in London, where I shall put up at: Judge Auchmuy, will do all that is reasonable for their neighbouring charter, necessary calls for such friendship, as the best is sick and heart faint, and spiritual inquiry rises in high places, halberts, pistols and swords, see the proclamation I sent you by my nephew, on their pious Sabbath days, the 20th of last month, when the preachers and magistrates left the pulpits, &c. for the gun and drum and set off for Boston, cursing the king and Lord North, general Gage, the bishops and their cursed curates, and the church of England; and for my telling the church-people not to take up arms, &c. it being high treason, &c. The sons of liberty have almost killed one of my church, tarred and feathered two, abused others, and on the 6th day destroyed my windows, and rent my clubs, even my gown, &c. Crying out down with the church, the rags of popery, &c. Their rebellion is obvious, and treason is common, and robbery is the daily devotion. The lord deliver us from anarchy. The bounds of New-York may directly extend to Connecticut river, Boston meet them and New-Hampshire, take the province of Main; Rhode-Island be swallowed up as Dathan. Pray lose no time, nor fear worst times than attend.
Rev. Sir,
Your very humble Servant
SAMUEL PETERS.
To Dr. Auchmuy, New-York.
N. B. I wrote the clergy of Connecticut, the letters may be intercepted; pray acquaint Mr. Dibble, &c.
Dear Mother,
Boston, Sept. 28, 1774.
I AM yet well and doing business for my intended route; I hear that a mob was gathered for me the day after I left Hebrew, what they have done I cannot yet find out. As Jonathan will be obliged to attend at New-Haven when the assembly sits, I desire him to let Mr. Jarvis, Andovers, Hubbard, &c. collect all facts touching riots and insults offered to the clergy of our Church or her ministers, likewise to send me a copy of the clergy's Petition to Governor Trumbull, and what be said in answer. If Jonathan is hurt or my house hurt or damage done, let that be transmitted to me within 14 days, or after that send those accounts to the care of Rice Williams, a Woollen Draper in London. I am in high spirits—I should be happy if my friends and relations at Hebrew were provided for at these bad times, when things are growing worse, six regiments are coming over from England and Ireland men of war; so soon as they come, hanging work will go on, and destruction will attend first the sea port towns, the linen spun on the false post will preserve the faithful. I wish Hannah to take some papers where she and I laid away and bring them to me, she knows where they be, or burn them if this letter appears to be opened before it is opened by you. Mr. Beloe and Mr. Daniel Jones, Mr. Warner and Gifford of Millington, must draw up a Narrative of their sufferings, and such words as Col. Spencer, &c. have spoke by way of encouragement to us, and let Dr. Beloe send the same to me, to the care of Mr. Thomas Brown, merchant in Boston. SAMUEL PETERS.
New Auction-Room, Dock-Square.
TO-MORROW Morning, at TEN o'Clock,
Will be sold by Public Vendue,
At HUNTER'S Auction-Room,
Lately improved as a Store, by Mr. THOMAS WALLEY,
LARGE and valuable Assortment of English Goods, taken by Execution; amongst which are, Broad-Cloths, Kerseys, Rattens, Duffles, Shalloons, Calamancoes, Durants, Tammies, Camblets, Cambleteens, Crapes, Denmark Lustres, Velvets, Cotton and Worsted Hose, Breeches Patterns, striped Crapes, Corderoys, Allapens, Poplins, figured and plain Ribbons, Satins, figured and plain Muscs, Pansians, coloured Taffeties, Women's Shoes, and Bath Clogs, Silk Gloves and Mitts; a Variety of 3-4ths, 7-8ths, and yard wide Irish Linens, Checks, striped, flowered and plain Lawns, Lawn Aprons flowered and plain Silk Gauzes, Chevaudechies, Lace and Gimps, Silk, Cotton and Linen Handkerchiefs; sundry Sorts of Hard Ware Goods, Kippen's Snuff, Roll Tobacco, and a Quantity of choice Indigo, &c. &c. Wm. HUNTER, Auctioneer. To-Morrow Morning the Sale to begin at Ten o'Clock.
In the Press, and speedily will be published,
[Embellished with a curious Engraving]
By MILLS and HICKS, in School-Street,
BICKERSTAFF'S Boston Almanack, for the Year of our Redemption, 1775. It will contain, besides what is usually in an Almanack, the first CHARTER, granted to the Province of Massachusetts-Bay, and a Variety of historical and entertaining Pieces.
PHILIP RUSSEL,
(Just arrived in Town)
BEGS Leave to acquaint the Public, likewise the Ladies and Gentlemen in general of this Town, of his excellent (following) Composition, viz.
No. 1. His surprising excellent TOOTH-DROPS, which will immediately cure the Tooth-Ach the first Time of using it; likewise cures the Scurvy in the Gums, and brings all Foulness from the Teeth, and preserves them from rotting. Price Half a Dollar a Bottle.
No. 2. The VENETIAN TOOTH-POWDER, which in a few Times using, it makes them white and beautiful, (although very foul and black before) preserves those that are rotten and decayed, from growing worse.
No. 3. The IMPERIAL LIP-SALVE (never made by any one before) which effectually takes away all Spots in the Face, makes the Skin beautiful, and cures the Lips when sore. Price Half a Dollar a Box.
No. 4. A most curious EYE-WATER, for cold Humours or Inflammations; will be an effectual Cure in a few Days. Price Two Shillings a Bottle.
No. 5. His famous IRON-MOULD DROPS, for taking Iron-Moulds and Ink-Spots out of Linen, Lawn, Mullin or Lace. Price One Shilling and Six Pence a Bottle.
No. 6. A curious Composition for taking all Sorts of Stains, Pitch or Tar, &c. out of Cloth, Silk, Stuff or Worsted, &c. Price One Shilling and Six Pence.
No. 7. A Tincture for taking any Stains out of Mahogany, or any other Wood. Price One Shilling and Six Pence a Bottle.
No. 8. A most excellent WORM-POWDER, which will be an effectual Cure in a Fortnight, by taking three Doses.
N. B. Any Ladies or Gentlemen may, if they please, see Experiments of the above.—No Cure, no Pay.—Good Allowance will be made to Shopkeepers who buy to sell again.
* * * Said RUSSEL may be treated with at his Lodgings, at Mr. DIAMOND MORTON'S, at the Sign of the Black and White Horse, South-End, Boston, where the above-mentioned Composition may be had, with full Directions for using them.
GREENLEAF'S Printing Office is Removed from Hanover-Street, to Union Street, near the Conduit, to the House lately improved by Mr. William Wingfield, now deceased, where the printing business is carried on in all its branches. N. B. The Magazine for September, will be out next week.
ALL Persons having any Demands on the Estate of Mr. ROBERT BALLS, late of Boston, Pilot, are desired to bring in their Accounts, and all Persons indebted to said Estate, are desired to settle the same with WILLIAM MINNS, Executor, or MARY BALLS EXECUTRIX, to the Deceased's last Will.

Parnassian Packet.
From the Essex Gazette.
Hark! Hark! your young Dogs, there's a Noise in the Nation, The Governor has issued a new Proclamation.
YOU , who can read, no doubt remember That on the first day of September,
'Twas in a hurry, I thought fit, To issue forth a proper Writ : To call the General Court together, And meet at SALEM , if good weather. I thought the clamours would be over By the fifth day of next October : But now disorders have increas'd From North to South , from West to East : Resolvers of an uncommon nature You all have paid in keenest satire: In towns and counties out of sight, Which prove you are resolv'd to fight: Th' instructions which Bostonians gave, With other towns my notice crave: Each noise and word that's out of season, E'en to a f—t I deem it treason: And the disorder'd hapless state Of this sad province is so great, That now to me it doth appear Too inexpedient; and I fear The court to Salem ne'er shall trot, While people are so curst hot, A session at some distant day, Perhaps may tend without delay, The King's good services to crown, The province may promote its own. I therefore have thought fit, and swear My true intention to declare, I will not meet the court at Salem , For their sworn loyalty doth fail e'm. My Bashards are afraid to travel, Excusing them, the truth unravel. And hereby I excuse at large All members chosen, and discharge, From giving their desir'd attendance, As I on them place no dependance. In spite of all my wits could say, These wits you must not now obey. Ye seriffs , round about the counties, Creatures, who live upon my bounties, Go tell your deputies around And constables of every town: To post this proclamation whole In towns that have a freedom pole . Given at Boston , now remember, The twenty-eighth day of September, The 14th year of George's reign, King of Great-Britain , France and Spain , Of Ireland , and the Cape good-Hope , Defender of the Faith and Pope.
To the PUBLIC.
THE Leather-Dressers, at their last meeting in this town, Vot'd not to ask more than one Pistareen per pound for the best Carding-Wool that may be taken off the Skins this year, which is a tenth part less than they have been sold for, for several years: - An example worthy of imitation, as it will tend greatly to encourage our own manufactures, which is so necessary at this day of cruelty and oppression. It is not doubted but that the worthy Farmers of this and the neighbouring provinces, who have sheep to dispose of, will make a small abatement in the price of Sheep; and as the Wool Business of almost the whole province is carried on in Boston and Charlestown , who are now greatly suffering in the common cause, we flatter ourselves that the gentlemen, Butchers, will be aiding and assisting in promoting any thing which may tend to the benefit of the distressed: - And we have two much charity for our brethren in other towns, to suppose they would take any advantage, or by any means whatever hinder the Wool and Skins coming to this Market.
JOSHUA GARDNER,
ACQUAINTS his Customers and the Public, that he has for Sale by Wholesale and Retail, at his Shop in Cornhill , Boston , two Doors South of the Post-Office, A general Assortment of English Goods, suitable for the approaching Season, among which are the following Articles, viz. Superfine barry, claret, drab, and light coloured Broad-Cloths, middling and low-priced ditto, scarlet and crimson ditto, German Se-ges, plain and nant Bath Beaver Coatings, Lambkin , scarlet Whitney , blue and cloth coloured Devonshire Kerseys , Yorkshire Plains , mixt  Fizes , Men's super fine Olive coloured Velvet , Velveteens , Royal Rib , Colchester and Drapey Baizes , superfine scarlet Colchester Baize , red and blue Duffsils , Shalloons , Taramees , Durants , baiz and other coloured Calamancoes , Carabateens , m ddling and superfine double Camblets , yard wide Crapes , Poplins , Dorseteens , Denmark Lufres , 3-4 and 7-8 and yard wide Irish Linnens , Irish Sheerings , 3-4 and 7-8 Dowlas , 7-8, yard wide and Apron width Manchester Check , striped Hollands , a great Variety of Men's ribbed and plain worsted Hose, black and white silk ditto, Women's worsted Hose, four-thread black and drab coloured Breeches Patterns , Men's worsted Caps, Women's and Children's silk and worsted Gloves and Mitts of various Colours, Women's blue and pompadore Gloves and Mitts, white Lamb ditto, plain plack Pebag and thick Sattins , black and white spriged ditto, black and coloured Taffeties , black all-wide Perfian , black, white, blue and pink, half-silk Persians and Sarsnet , black spriged Mode , black and scarlet Snail , Chevaux-de-fire , black and white Blond Lace , black Bone ditto, white thread Lace and Footings, black and white Cagut , black and white Gauzes , Patisinet , Ribbons , silk Feritas , Cambricks , plain and flowered Lawns , Lawn Aprons , silk Handkerchiefs , black Barcelona ditto, check and spotted linnen Handkerchiefs , black guaze ditto, white, grey and spotted Fer Trimmings , black and white Muffs and Tippets , best grey ditto, brown, white and half-fifteen Buckhams , scarf  Twist , worsted and silk Knee Garters , Death-Head and Basket Buttons , newest Fashion Gold and Silver Thread Buttons , sewing Silk , coloured Threads , Scotch ditto, a large Assortment of Crewels and Worsteds , Pins , Needles , Tapes , Shees , Coat and Quality Bindings , a good Assortment of Cutlery Ware , Writing and Bonnet Paper , Ink Powder ; Russia and Ravens Duck , Oznabrigs , 4d. 10d. and 20d. Nails by the Cask , &c. &c. All which Goods will be sold at so low a Rate, that the Purchaser shall have no Reason to complain.
WANTED,
A WET Nurse to go into a Family. Enquire of the Printer.
To be SOLD,
BEST Sperma-Ceti CANDLES. Apply to T. CARTWRIGHT, at Mrs. Fosdick's, near the State-House. If any Person would buy a Quantity to be delivered at the Out-Ports, it may be done.
LOTTERY.
THE Managers of Harvard College Lottery, once more present the Scheme of it to the Public, as they presume many Persons are unacquainted with the Number of valuable Prizes it contains. The laudable Purpose of promoting Literature being the sole Design of it, they earnestly desire those who have so good a Cause at Heart, and intend to be Adventurers, to apply for their Tickets immediately. The Managers intend to begin the necessary Preparations for drawing the first of November, hoping the present Embarrassment of our public Affairs will not oblige them to defer it any longer.
Harvard College Lottery consists of 10,000 Tickets at Six Dollars each, of which 3337 are Prizes of the following Value, viz.
   Prizes. Value. Dollars.     1 of 5000 is 5000   1 of 3000 is 3000   1 of 1000 is 1000   3 of 500 are 1500   10 of 200 are 2000   15 of 100 are 1500   30 of 50 are 1500   3276 of 10 are 32760   3337 Exclusive of the above Prizes, the first Ticket which shall be drawn on the first 6 Days will be intitled to 50 Dollars each. 399   The Ticket which shall be drawn last in said Lottery will be intitled to 200  
6663 Blanks 48660 Remain for the College, 21349
10,000 Tickets at 6 Dollars, are 60,000 Dollars. There are not two Blanks to a Prize.
Public and reasonable Notice will be given of the Time and Place of drawing; and when finished a List of Prizes will be published in Edes and Gill's Boston Gazette , and the Money will be paid to the Possessors of the Benefit Tickets, within twenty Days after a Publication of a List of Prizes.
Gold as well as Silver will be taken for the Tickets, and the Prizes will be paid off in like Manner. Prizes not demanded, within twelve Months after they are drawn, will not be paid, but will be deemed as generously given for the Purpose aforesaid, and will be applied accordingly.
Tickets may be had at the Stores and Houses of the Managers, and of the Printer hereof.
M. BERNARD ROMANS
BEGS Leave to inform the Public, that his Maps are now ready for Publication, the Copper Work being all done, and the Paper which he was obliged to get manufactured on Purpose, is likewise finished, but not yet received from Philadelphia , or else at least a great Part would have been delivered before now, the Subscribers may rest assured of receiving the Copies within the Time prescribed, which is the first of January next.
As his Edition is small, it is requested that such Gentlemen who incline to have Copies may subscribe, as after Publication none will be to be had for less than 16 Dollars.
JOSHUA BLANCHARD, jun.
BEGS Leave to inform his Friends, Customers and others, that he has removed from his Store on Dock-Square , to the Store lately improved by Mr. JOSEPH TYLER , opposite to Mr. SCOTT's Irish-Linen Store, in Ann-Street , and fronting the North Side of Faneuil-Hall Market, Boston : - Where is to be Sold, Loaf and Brown Sugars, Raisins, Currants, Chocolate, warranted pure, Coffee, Rice, Flour, Pepper, and common Starch, Ginger, Pepper, Allspice, Salt Pepper, Split Pease, Firkin Butter, Flank Oil very good, Lisbon Oil by the gallon or less, best Durham Mustard, Cinnamon, Mace, Nutmegs, Cl-ve, Brimstone , Alum, Coppers , Red-wood, Seives and Seive Bottoms, 18 Inch Pipes, Crown Soap, Playing Cards, Slates, Indigo of various sorts, choice Bacon, Cheese, Oatmeal, and GROCERIES of all kinds. Also, West-India and New-England Rum, Jamaica Spirit, Brandy, Dorchester Beer , Taunton Ale , Molasses , &c. N. B. The above articles will be sold by Wholesale or Retail, uncommonly cheap, and all Favourites gratefully acknowledged.
CALEB BLANCHARD,
In Union-Street , near the Market, Has for SALE, A LARGE Assortment of GOODS, suitable for the Season, consisting of W oollens, Linnens , Silks, Stationary, and all Kinds of Haberdashery Wares; which he sells at the very lowest Prices for ready Money. Merry Andrew, Highland and Harry VIIIth CARDS.
NATHAN FRAZIER,
BEGS Leave to inform the Public, that in Consequence of the Boston Port-Bill , and with a View of accommodating those of his Customers to whom it may be most convenient to have their Supplies conveyed by Water, he has opened a Store in Salem , (the one lately improved by Mr. JOHN JOHNSON , and next door to Mr. JOHN GOOL's ) where he has for sale, An Assortment of GOODS, suitable for the Season. Said FRAZIER still continues his Business at his Store in Boston , as usual: His Customers may be supplied at either of said Stores, Wholesale and Retail, on the most reasonable Terms for ready Money. He will give his personal Attendance, for the present, at his Salem Store.
SALEM , 4th October, 1774. WHEREAS a small Cask (said to contain Bohea Tea ) was brought from Boston , Yesterday, in a Wagon, under my Care, in order to justify my Conduct in the Affair, would beg leave to inform the Public that, on Sunday the 2d Instant, a Negro Man belonging to, or employed by Mr. SHEPHEARD of Boston , came to me and enquired whether I had a Wagon going to Salem the next Day? I answered, Yes; he said his Master wanted to send a small Cask, I told him the Wagon was loaded and could not carry it, he replied the Cask was small and light, and that Mrs. SHEPHEARD would take it kind of me to carry it, to oblige that Lady, I consented (not knowing the Contents) to bring it, I have likewise the greatest Reason to believe, that the Servants who drove the Carriage, committed to my Care, were ignorant of the Contents of said Cask. And furthermore, I most solemnly declare, I never saw the abovementioned Cask, until it was brought into School-Street , in this Town, to be committed to the Flames. BENJAMIN JACKSON . Essex , Oct. 4, 1774. THEN Mr. Benjamin Jackson made solemn Oath to the Truth of the above written Deposition by him subscribed. PETER FRYE , Justice Peace.
JOSIAH QUINCY, jun.
HAVING resigned his Business into the Hands of Mr. PETER MORTON , and embarked for England , desires all his Clients who want to know the State of their Affairs, to call on said MORTON , for Information: - All Persons who are indebted to said QUINCY , on Account, are desired to make Payment to said MORTON , and any who may have Demands on said QUINCY , are requested to apply to the same Gentleman for their Discharge. Those Persons who owe the said QUINCY , on Bond, or Note, are hereby notified to make their Payment to WILLIAM PHILLIPS , Esq; Attorney to JOSIAH QUINCY , jun.
Just imported in the last Ships from LONDON , Choice Cheshire and Gloucester CHEESE, (Which will suit the nicest taste,) And to be SOLD by
CHARLES LOWE, Opposite the Boston Stone, in Marshall's-Lane , near the Mill-Bridge . [This quantity of Cheese is equal in goodness, if not superior, to that imported and sold by him last spring.]
Also, excellent FLORENCE OYL , in Flasks, warranted good, and the best of English Mustard, by the bottle, single pound, or less. OATMEAL by the Bushel, or smaller quantity.
To be SOLD, by SIMON TUFTS , At the Store adjoining Mr. HENRY PRENTISS , near FANEUIL-HALL ,
CHOICE Jamaica Spirits, West-India and New-England Rum, Loaf and Brown Sugars, some cheap of an ordinary Quality, Raisins in fine Order, Lisbon and Malaga Wines per Quarter Cask, Frontineas ditto, in Casks; Flank Oil, Pepper, Spices, Green Coffee, Chocolate, &c. but no Tea. Cash for Flax-Seed, and No-feed, or the refuse Seed remaining after the cleansing of Flax Seed, for the Purpose of making Linseed Oil.
WILLIAM BANT,
Begs Leave to inform his Friends, Customers and others, that he has to sell, by Wholesale and Retail, at his STORE, fronting Dock-Square ,
A GENERAL Assortment of English and India Goods, suitable for the approaching Season, the whole of which was imported before the 31st of last August. Among which Goods is a prime Choice of superfine scarlet, pompadore, white, green, Pea-Green, Sea-Green, barry, black, blue, brown and cloth-coloured BROAD CLOTHS, middling and low priced ditto, with Shalloons and Trimmings to match the Cloths; also of SILKS, viz. Padufoys , Ducapes , Mantuas , Lutestrings , India and English DAMASK, a Piece of very elegant white figured LUTESTRING, single and double Sattins, black, white and crimson figured Sattins, black, blue, green and white half Yard Perfians , all-wide Perfians , half all and all-wide Alamodes , Brocades , black, blue and crimson thick Corduroys for Men's Waistcoats; and a Variety of other Articles that are commonly in Use at this Season of the Year.
The abovementioned Goods will be disposed of at the very lowest Rates, as said BANT is extremely desirous of exchanging all or any of them for an Article which is more convenient for him in these troublous Times, viz. CASH.
BOSTON GARDEN SEEDS.
UPPER Gold , as cheap as usual, by JOHN WHITE , Gardener and Seedsman, in Seven-Star Lane , Boston , GARDEN SEEDS, warranted to be of a superior Quality, saved this Summer; also a Quantity of Hay Seeds, and a large Quantity of Current Bushes, ready trained, Carnation Plants, and a Variety of other flowering Plants and Roots, now ready to plant out, &c.
WHEREAS the Co-partnership of
CURTIS and MAY , was mutually dissolved the 27th of September 1774, it is requested that all Persons who are indebted to said Company will make speedy Payment unto JOHN MAY , and all Persons, that have any Demands on said Company, are desired to bring in their Accounts and receive Payment from the said MAY , who still continues to sell all Sorts of West-India Goods at the Store lately occupied by CURTIS and MAY , extremely cheap for Cash.
SILKS
And Superfine BROAD CLOTHS.
PRIME assortment of Padufoys , Ducapes , Lutestrings ; plain and figured Sattins, Damasks , Sarsnets , &c. - superfine fashionable coloured Broad Cloths, with suitable Linings and Trimmings
To be Sold at an exceeding low rate, by JOHN BARRETT and SONS , At their Shop near the Mill-Bridge , Boston , Where may be had, all kinds of
English, Scotch, India, Hard-Ware and Cutlery GOODS, By Wholesale or Retail, Extremely cheap for Cash or short Credit.
JOHN MAUD, Tailor,
BEGS Leave to acquaint his Customers and others, that he carries on the Business as usual, North Side of the Town-House , King-Street ; where all the various Branches of the Tailor's Business are executed in the most elegant Manner, with Fidelity and Dispatch. He does not aim at being pompous in his Advertisement, nor to detract from any Man's Merit in his Profession; yet he flatters himself that no one can finish or cut Cloths with greater Elegance and Taste. Regimental Clothing, and Navy Uniforms, he is well used to, having been employed these many Years by the Gentlemen of the Army and Navy. Any Cloths which may happen not to fit, he will take back according to his former Advertisement: He sincerely thanks his Friends and Customers for the Encouragement they have shown him hitherto, and shall make it his Study to deserve their future Favour.
WRITING and Arithmetic, to
be taught in Evenings. The School to be opened the first Monday in October next, at the Writing School-House , in Queen-Street , and to be continued for the Season. Where due Care will be taken for Instruction in its various Branches, as usual, and it is hoped will meet with alike Acceptance, which shall be the Aim of the Subscriber - an Assistant in one of the public Schools. Sept. 19, 1774 . WILLIAM DALL , jun.
NEWHALL and HICHBORN, beg
Leave to acquaint their Customers and others, in this and the neighbouring Parts, that they propose carrying on the Cooper's Business in all its Branches, at Salem ; and have opened a Shop for that Purpose, near the Diffin-House of Mr. JONATHAN ROPES , in Salem .
N. B. As they also carry on the same business in Boston as usual, one of them may always be found in each Place.
FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS.
Lawful Money, to be Let. Enquire at the Intelligence-Office.
STOP THIEF!
WHEREAS the Shop of the Subscriber, was last Night broke open, and robbed of twelve Beaver, and six Beaver HATS. This is to promise a Reward of TEN DOLLARS, to any Person who shall discover the Thief or Thieves, so that he or they may be convicted thereof, and the Hats recovered, or in Proportion for any Part of them. JAMES CODNER .
TWO DOLLARS Reward.
STRAYED, or stolen out of the Pasture of Mr. JOSEPH HEATH , in Roxbury , a brown Mare, about eight Years old, 13 Hands high, her Mane and Tail out, Trotts all. Whoever will bring said Mare to Mr. HEATH , shall have the above Reward, and all necessary Charges, paid by JOSEPH HEATH .
To be SOLD, exceeding cheap,
(if applied for immediately) An excellent eight Day CLOCK, one Feather Bed , and one handsome Looking Glass. N. B. As the above Articles are the Property of a Gentleman who is going to remove out of Town, they will be sold at a very great Pennyworth. Enquire of the Printer. Boston , Sept. 23, 1774.
SUNDRY elegant Pieces of PLATE,
finished in the most modern Taste, to be sold as Cheap as at Vendue , viz. a Tankard , a Cann , Table Spoons , &c. Also, a good Clock. Enquire of the Printer.
NARAGANSET CHEESE.
A Quantity that is extraordinary good, to be sold at the Store of PENUEL BOWEN , opposite to the Golden-Ball .
JUST PUBLISHED,
(Price Nine Shillings, elegantly bound and lettered) And to be Sold by JOHN BOYLE , at his Shop, in Marborough-Street .
TWENTY SERMONS,
on the following Subjects, viz. - I. The Folly and Danger of Duplicity in Religion. - II. The Excellency of the Human Soul. - III. Jesus Christ the only Source of Rest and Happiness. - IV. The Dominion of an Omnipotent Deity a Reason for Joy and Praise. - V, VI, and VII. Charity more excellent than Faith or Hope. - VIII. Christ preaching to the Spirits in Prison. - IX. Redemption by the Blood of Christ. - X and XI. The Connection between the Duties and Comforts of Religion. - XII. The Obligations to Family-Religion. - XIII. The Usefulness and Importance of religious Education. - XIV, XV and XVI. The Table of the Lord rendered contemptible. - XVII and XVIII. Practical Observations on the History of Judas and his tragical End. - XIX. Man doomed to return to the Dust from whence he was taken. - XX. The Blessedness of those who have not seen and yet have believed. By ANDREW ELIOT , D. D. Pastor of a Church in Boston .
Also, just re-printed (price One Shilling)
And may be had at the above Shop.
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 the Heaven made plain. - VII. The future State of Man: Or, a Treatise of the Resurrection. By ROBERT RUSSELL , Of Wardour , in Suffex .
Likewise just published,
(On Purpose to be given at Funerals) And to be Sold at the above Place, [Price One Shilling single, and Ten Pence by the Dozen]
A REVIVING CORDIAL,
for a sick Sin-sick, despairing Soul, in the Time of Temptation. The same being an Extract of the worthy Author's Experience of the Particulars following, viz. - I. The miraculous Preservation of his bodily Life from the many Deaths and imminent Dangers which threatened it, while in a State of Nature. - II. The Method God took with him, in awakening him to look into and to mind Soul-Concerns, when about fourteen Years of Age. - III. How the Spirit of Bondage took him, and what fearful Work it made in his Soul. - IV. How the Spirit of Adoption succeeded the Spirit of Bondage, healing and binding up deep Wounds, caused in his Soul thereby.
ISAIAH THOMAS, the Printer
and Publisher of this Paper, has REMOVED his PRINTING-OFFICE, from the Bottom of Royal Exchange-Lane , to the South corner of Marshall's Lane , near the Mill-Bridge , where his Office was formerly kept.
THE respectable Public are hereby in-
formed, that the Subscriber, living in Sutton , intend to leave every other Branch of Business in my Way, and apply myself wholly to that of making HOES . And having prepared Matters, by providing a convenient Shop, necessary Help, and a large Stock, I purpose to begin the first Day of October next, and continue in that Branch only, not doubting but I shall meet with sufficient Encouragement from those whom my Ambition prompts me to serve; I mean those who are well Wishes to American Freedom. But those Jacobites that would inflame their Country, by giving their Suffrage for the Execution of any unconstitutional act, shall not through my Hands, nor by any Person for or under me, be supplied with a single one, unless Security be first given, that such Tool is to be employed in making a Grave six Feet deep, to hide one or more of the Heads of those obnoxious Wretches. The Gentlemen in the neighbouring Governments, may be supplied with what Numbers they may want, to carry on their Business, by giving reasonable Notice, whose Favors will be an additional Obligation on me, to acknowledge myself theirs, and the Public's most obedient and very humble servant, SAMUEL WATERS .
BOSTON: Printed by ISAIAH THOMAS,
in UNION-STREET , where all Persons may be supplied with this Paper at Six Shillings At the South Corner of MARSHAL's LANE , leading from the MILL-BRIDGE into UNION-STREET , where all Articles of Intelligence, &c. are thankfully received; and Eight Pence Lawful Money, per Annum, unfeigned, and Eight Shillings issued and directed; with the greatest Care and Dispatch, on the most reasonable Terms. Small 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 S P Y are also taken in by J. Larkin , Chairmaker, and Mr. W. Calder , Painter, in Charles-town ; Mr. J. Hiller Watch maker, in Salem ; Mr. B. Emerson , Bookseller, in Newbury-Port ; Mr. M. Belcher , in Bridgewater ; and by Dr. Elijah Hewins , in Stoughtonham .