The Massachusetts spy (Boston [Mass.]), 1771-08-29 00:00:00

THE MASSACHUSETTS SPY
A Weekly, Political, and Commercial PAPER:--Open to ALL Parties, but Influenced by None.
Published by I. THOMAS, in Union-Street, BOSTON.
VOL. I.]
THURSDAY, August 29, 1771.
[NUMB. 26.
ROBT. GARLAND CRANCH, Sadler & Jockey-cap-maker, from London, At the Bay Horse, in the Exchange, in King-Street, Boston;
Takes this method to inform his friends, and the Public, that he has imported from the makers, by Captain Rotch from Bristol,
A compleat Assortment of SADLERY GOODS, To be sold at the lowest advance for cash;
  CHECK Swan-skin flirrups, for saddle-cloths. White ditto. Woolen girth, and furscingle webb, Mohair fringes, Straining webb, Diaper ditto, Girth webb of all sorts, Kidderminster cloths, Saddle rugs, Boot strapping, Dog collars, with brass plates, Steel heads and throats. Tinned ditto, Whips of all kinds, Whip thongs, Silk lashes, Best Nottingham whip cord, Fine horse nets, Body Roule webb, Best Whitechapel nee- dles, Tinned 3d nails, Ditto small tacks, 2d and 3d clout nails, 4, 6, 8, and 14 oz. tacks, Fine polished flirrups irons, Best tinned ditto, Swivel ditto, Fine polished Wey- mouth bits, Snaffles ditto, Pelham bits, Castle-Howard ditto, Hollow trenches, for colts, Solid ditto, Best iron caverns, Bredoons, Fine Ladies chain bits, Diamond jointed Pel- ham bits, Twisted snaffles, Wheel ditto, Double ditto, Snaffles of all sorts, Hunting bits, Weymouth snaffles, Fine polished jointed  Chaise bitts, Watering bitts, Chains for watering- bitts, Black girth buckles, Silvered staples, and plates, Globe nails, Yellow staples, and plates, Sadlers tools, as strain- ers, hammers, shears, creasing-irons, awls, punches, pricking- irons, rivetting ham- mers, &c. &c. Red bazils, Curry combs and brushes, Mane combs, Fine plated spurs, Steel spring ditto, Heel ditto, Polished swivels for martingales, Polished rings for ditto Brass rings for ditto, Tinned ditto for ditto, Brass charges for shot belts, Steel garter buckles, Women's flirrups, Curbs and hooks, Shoemakers awls, Flat sets, No. 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5, Rippon ditto, Inlet girth and fursin- gle buckles, Ladies silk reins, for bridles, Worsted ditto, Brass fastenings for saddle-bags, Saddle trees, Portmanteau chains, with staples and ri- vetts, Seat serge, Spur rowells, Square staples, With sundry other articles.  
N. B. He likewise makes all sorts of gen- tlemen's and ladies hunting-saddles, with fur- niture of all kinds, on the lowest terms; plain saddles, from 6 to 8 dollars; welded, from 8 to 10 dollars, with every article in proportion; all favours received will be gratefully acknowledged.
Boston, August 21, 1771.
THERE is arrived in town this day, and to be seen at the house of the widow Bignall, the next door to the King's Head Tavern, a little above Mr. Hancock's wharf, a MAIDEN DWARF, who is fifty- three years old, and of but twenty-two inches in stature. It was by the counsel of some Gentlemen, that she came to pay a visit to this place; and she is willing to exhibit her- self as a shew to such Gentlemen and Ladies as are desirous to gratify their curiosity, for on spilling lawful money from each person.
JOHN CUSHING, Acquaints his friends, and all who please to favour him with their custom;
THAT he has removed from the Sugar-house in Back-Street, lately improved by him and company, to the Sugar- house (formerly improved by Mr. James Smith, deceased,) in Brattle Street, near Dr. Cooper's meeting house, just above Dock- Square, where he will carry on the Sugar- Refining Business, as usual, and hopes he has given such satisfaction to those he has traded with, as to induce them to continue their cus- tom, and they may still depend on his best en- deavours to serve them. He has now ready for Sale, Double and Single Refined Loaf, Lump and Brown refined Sugars and Molof- ses---Also new Flour, at the lowest rates for Cash.
A CORRECT LIST of the BLANKS and PRIZES which came up in Fageuil Hall Lottery Letter I, may be seen at EDES and GILL's Printing Office.
A VERY large genteel CHEST almost new, to be sold reasonably Equire of ISAIAH THOMAS.
To be SOLD by DEAN & PENNY, At their Store on John Hancock, Esq's. Wharf.
A FEW iron bound 40 gallon casks of best old JAMAICA SPI- RITS, warranted genuine. Likewise, a few hogheads and barrels of best JAMAICA SUGARS.
To be SOLD ABOUT two gross of very good beech CARD BOARDS for which either Cards or English goods will be taken as pay. Enquire of ISAIAH THOMAS.
WANTED immediately, as an Apprentice to the Book-Binding Business, an honest sober lad, between twelve and fifteen years of age. Enquire of ISAIAH THOMAS.
ALL persons having any de- mands on the estate of Dr. SAMUEL WHEAT, late of Boston, deceased, are here- by desired to bring in their accounts to Han- nah Wheat, of Newton, Executrix, Alexan- der Sheppard, of said Newton, or to William Wheat, of Boston, her attorneys, in order for an immediate settlement. And all persons indebted to said estate are, once more! desired to pay their balances to either the above, as they may expect otherwise to be sued at October court, without any further notice.
** Said HANNAH WHEAT, having suitable accommodations, would be glad to take Boarders, either Gentlemen or Ladies, who are sick and like to retire into the coun- try for the benefit of their health.
This day was published, price 4s. 6d. old tenor.
BRIEF REMARKS on the sa- tyrical drollery at Cambridge, last Com- mencement Day; with special reference to the character of STEPHEN, THE PREA- CHER, which raised such extravagant mirth. By A. CROSWELL, V. D. M. in Boston.
Printed and sold by EZEKIEL RUSSELL, near Dr. Gardiner's, and opposite the Founder's Arms, in Marlborough-Street.
** They may likewise be had at KNOC's London Book-Store, in Cornhill, who will make as good allowance to travelling traders, &c. as if purchased of the printer. Sold also by B. EMERSON, in Newbury-Port.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. The CENTINEL. No. X.
-----I'll use the vantage of my power, And lay the summer's dust with showers of blood,
Rain'd from the wounds of slaughter'd Eng- lishmen. SHAKESPEARE.
To the Honourable SAMUEL CORNELL, Esq; Chairman, of an assembly of people convened at NEWBERN in NORTH CAROLINA, last July.
AS it is most probable this paper may reach you, I have taken liberty to address you on a subject that perhaps may be disagreeable to you. But, Sir, I have the happi- ness to live in a clime where the upright ci- tizen may speak his sentiments with that freedom which will ever warm, and that honest effusion which will ever flush the cheek of an Englishman, when he sees his rights betrayed. Actuated by such principles I must intrude on your retirement, and engage your attention for a few moments on a subject you may think impertinent for me to meddle with. The din of arms, and tumult of war have drowned the still voice of reason, among that poor people whose posterity perhaps will curse your memory, and for ages detest you as traitors. As it is from hence only truth can reach you, truth you shall hear, whatever sentiments it may excite.
BOSTON, Sir, to live at this great dis- tance from you, which God grant may never be renewed, you cannot suppose any secret prejudice now influences me. Your person, and the miserable crew with you, I never knew, and never desire to know. Even your names or characters would perhaps have excited no attention from mankind while you lived, and your me- mories would have rotted in the same tomb with your carcasses, had not the part you acted at Alamance rendered you infamous, and murder, bloodshed, and wanton cruelty, made you horribly conspicuous.
It seems a certain number of this Paper has safely reached Newbern. Leonidas has not only attacked some of the kidney here, but has presumptuously dared interrogate the Carolina Warrior , TRYON himself! has dared interrogate him too, at a time when he was surrounded with guards, and with brutal violence plundering the country he was commissioned to protect. Such in- solence was insufferable, and as you could not massacre, you took another method of revenge on the poor Printer. You thought proper to call the metropolis of a state to- gether, and there to arraign, correct and condemn, but unhappy! could not scaffold him. However, in humble imitation of your betters at home, you gave the poor harmless paper the same fate as the famed North-Bri- ton, to be burnt by the common hangman. Posterity will perhaps think the whole a farce, or suspect the historian to be only sneering, should they be told their ancestors were solemnly convened at a town-meeting, with all the legal formalities, with every countenance expressing importance, and every member in high debate---about what? punishing a poor Printer of a distant province, several hundred miles off, for suspecting the goodness of their governor.
Parturiunt montes, nascitur ridiculus mus.
Had not this come properly authenticated, we ourselves should have suspected the truth of it. Had the Romans in the days of their Republic been told, that, in that state a horse should be deified, and divine honour ordered to be paid him, they would have laughed at the improbability; this however happened. The present felix farce would have ap-
peared to our ancestors equally ridiculous. It however evidences the truth of a known maxim, "when a person is sold to do mischief he will stick at nothing either ridiculous or wicked." This seems to be the case with you, Sir, and your Junto, and you approach very nigh the situation of him who in the sacred text is said, to harden his heart, and sin yet more and more.
But to come to the matter in hand, this present transaction can tend only to make you ridiculous. The Printer must equally despise the action and the authors of it. Per- haps instead of injuring, you are only doing him a real service. To take the words of Junius, "the rays of indignation collected on him serve only to illuminate, and cannot consume." Such public notice of him will undoubtedly draw the attention of mankind towards him. The consequence must be, he must by the bulk of his fellow citizens be respected or despised; it is impossible for him now to be obscure. Your known character, Sir, and those with you, added to an inspec- tion of the interrogatories themselves, and the cause evidently supported there, must ef- fectually preserve him from the latter, while his firmness in this same cause, while at- tacked by paltry individuals here, and the whole force of a metropolis there, must en- title him to the former.
I will now look into the resolves you passed on this important occasion, and pay perhaps a greater attention to them, than some may think they demand. You begin with ex- pressing an high regard for your late hero, and a resentment at the Printer for suspecting him to be one. You also declare the people were a set of rebellious, ungrateful wretches, not to revere his character, and adore his go- vernment. That they are now sensible of their mistake, and heartily sorry for it. It is not from you, Sir, we shall form our notions of this said Tryon. Embarked in the same cause you ought in justice to be true to him. And I must in duty say this of you, that you have supported the plan of action you formed, and stood by one another with greater firm- ness, than we see wretches generally do who are embarked in so diabolical an enter- prise. Actions speak louder, and convince me more fully than all your representations. Let us then, Sir, coolly and impartially ex- amine these actions, and see whether they entitle him to the amiable, and almost di- vine character you have exhibited him in. These actions were, as you will not pretend to deny, in the first place raising an armed force, putting them under military law, marching with them as through an enemy's country, confiscating estates, and to com- plete the tragedy, firing on a body of men with cannon, by which numbers were de- stroyed, and those that remained, under the sanction of a court of justice, executed as traitors. These are actions which the com- mon feelings of humanity tell us ought never to be prosecuted, but under inevitable neces- sity. If there was this necessity here, the Governor appears in the light of an amiable just supporter of the laws. But on the contrary, if it appears, this Governor himself plun- dered and harassed this poor people, support- ed and encouraged attorneys, pettifoggers, and other scoundrels, to ruin the fortunes of the citizens, and imprison, and vex at pleasure: If instead of enjoying the rights of English- men, they had the first principles of justice denied them, till at length they were drove to desperation: If to close the melancholy tale, on their nobly asserting their rights, these actions of butchering and scaffolding ensued, we must, and the impartial world will look on this man as a traitor and a mur- derer. Whether this was the truth, we

will now enquire. As you, Sir, was always resident in that province, and must know the whole matter, I appeal to you, and ask you the following questions, to which I demand a serious just solution, as you would answer it at that tribunal where all distinctions are levelled, and where the poor man in the cottage will be as equally regarded as the monarch on the throne.
Was there not for several years past through one or two counties a general cry of oppression? Was not this cry founded on acts too notoriously illegal to be disputed? Did not attorneys, and other officers of the court, extort fees from the poor people, directly contrary to law, by which means many were ruined? Did not some to obtain a debt, pay near treble in costs taxed at arbitrary pleasure, yea some for a debt of 43s. have paid 56l. and executions out for 148l. more? Thus oppressed were not bills of indictment found against the offenders, thirty particularly against one man? Were not these generally dismissed, or if regarded, was not the fine so low, that it appeared plainly an insult? Why was so much earnestness shewed to prosecute the rioters as they were called, and yet though Fanning and Hart, two capital traitors were indicted, no trial suffered to be had? If some were tried were not the juries packed--composed of under-officers to these wretches? Yea so high were these gentry grown, that when one lent an horse to an attorney, he was imprisoned and ruined for asking him again. Was Husband's treatment agreeable to the law of England, or the climate of Constantinople? "He, it is said in the public prints, and it has not been contradicted, was first taken without a warrant, not by a sheriff or civil officer, but by a banditti of lawyers, clerks, tavern-keepers, &c. sent to gaol without a mittimus, then taken out at midnight, put under guard--a gallows fixed in the gaol, and his trial under the mouths of cannon--yea, could not walk within the limits, but bayonets were thrust at him, and after all, nothing proved." For a more particular account of these matters, the Chief Justice will shew you a letter wrote to him by James Hunter. To these questions, Sir, I demand a solution, if the facts are untrue, the Regulators must be condemned; but if they are true, must not the poor people be pitied, and the wretch who to their other misfortunes added bloodshed and murder, be detested and forever execrated? A few more questions as to the Governor's conduct after he engaged in this tragedy. Why had that gentleman military punishment, who expressed some dissatisfaction at going? You say in one of your resolves, a court-martial was called by his Colonel, and he suffered by the order of this court-martial. But pray what right had this court-martial to inflict this punishment? It is uncontested, that this was the militia, and not that body of men under pay, which was afterwards raised; there he might have proceeded with him in this manner. But I assert, they had no more right agreeable to the constitution of these kingdoms to proceed in their manner, than they had to have annihilated the state itself. These executions we meet with in troops under pay, and the reason is they are governed by a different law, read to them when they first enter that state, and under which they continue distinct from other men. It is not so with the militia. As to the House passing a law to justify this, it only shews how distempered government is. The passing this illegal act, is a reason in itself to make that unhappy people despair of living quietly under such rule. But to proceed. When the Governor marched in so hostile a manner, it alarmed the people, who ran as in amaze. Did not the Governor, in this situation propose terms? Did not the regulators obtain a certain space of time to consider them, and were they not actually considering them? This shews not the desperate rabble who would hearken to no terms. It shews they wished every thing rather than proceed to this fatal extremity. Though oppressed they were willing if possible to live in some agreement even now. What must the world then think when they are told, that long before the time elapsed, even when they were consulting about peace, the harmless compassionate Tryon, (Gods! how words are sometimes profaned) contrary to solemn agreement, perhaps thinking he
should not have so charming an opportunity of massacring his hundreds, commanded his cannon to play. It is not the Printer, Sir, only--thousands here curse the villain, and you and your junto with him, and pray God, exemplary punishment may reach such high handed murderers. Live Sir, in that country where you may always exercise fury without fear, and never dare more civilized climes, lest you be hunted down as a savage, and be reduced to the condition of Cain, that every one who findeth you may slay you.
There is one circumstance which makes me suspect that poor people have been ill-treated, and that it was from principle they rose; that is, the noble manner in which some of them went out of the world. The execution of Capt. Merrill is a lively instance of this. Sometimes we see wretches at an execution go carelessly out of the world; but it is evident this carelessness arose from an hardened remorseless heart. This was not the case with Capt. Merrill, he died with those sentiments which honour the man and the christian. Sentiments which can only arise from a consciousness of having done right, and sentiments which give a lustre in those awful moments. He died with pious reflections, not wishing to exchange the scaffold for the situation of his dignified murderers, well knowing a few moments would make him happy, while a more dreadfully aggravated doom awaits those wretches after "life's poor dream is over." His children and family round him encouraging him, and praying that the uprightness of the cause might be apparent from his manner of dying. It is impossible to overthrow the common notions of mankind. When I see such instances as these, I never can believe the cause they embarked in was horrid.
As to the resolve, which says they are all sensible of their mistake, and have returned to their duty, it is very curious. This is not the first time we read of peace being established by depopulating a country. Many have fled their habitations and some have been obliged, while the horrors of the gibbet were full in view to submit. It is possible where you have made a desert, there may be no more cries of oppression, nor the voice of misery be heard in a depopulated country.
After these things, Sir, the Printer, and thousands with him in this part of the world, think they have justice on their side, when they say they can look on Tryon, you, and those with you, as a set of abandoned miscreants, and infamous murderers. Your chidish manner of resentment can only make you ridiculous, not alter your characters. Perhaps this public action has only confirmed the opinions of mankind, and has more widely extended your infamy.
On the whole I cannot but pity the miserable situation of the country you live in. A few unhappy people to be the sport of a set of wretches whom no principles can bind, or sense of honour or humanity actuate. But, Sir, it is a common sentiment, scenes are perpetually shifting. The time may come when justice even in this world may take place, and you be obliged to make as public, though not so happy an exit as those you have butchered. However this may be, should you even go out of the world in the common way, reflections of past conduct must be terrible. Instead of sitting in the mockery of justice to judge and condemn the innocent, you yourselves may soon appear before a more august and important tribunal.
This day published, price 7 coppers, And to be sold by EZEKIEL RUSSELL, next to Dabney's English Goods store, opposite the Founder's Arms, in Marlborough-street. Sold also by HENRY KNOX, bookseller and stationer, in Cornhill.
SOME Thoughts on the Names of the Days of the Week; proposed to the consideration of such as regard the Word of the Lord. In a Letter to a friend.
A YOUNG Man, well experienced in Book-Keeping, and who writes a good hand, would be glad of going into a store for a short time. He will agree on very easy terms. Enquire of the Printer.
LEONIDAS is received, but must be omitted till next week for want of room. Several articles of intelligence, some Advertisements, &c. must be omitted.
THURSDAY, August 29. BOSTON.
IT was reported a few days since, that the MURDERER Richardson's pardon came with Capt. Jarvis: But some people think that it arrived some months ago, and could not be applied, because he was not condemned, and that some other means will be found out, whereby he may escape justice, and the laws of God, nature, and the land be eluded.
We hear that John Malcom, Esq; was next to Governor Tryon in command in the Alamance expedition.
We have authority to assure the public that the celebrated Justice M---y, and the infamous MacM---rs, both of whom are now in England, have been introduced by the Nettleham Baronet to Lord North, as men who have suffered for their steadiness in the support of government, and therefore worthy of his Lordship's notice in the pecuniary way who has promised the Justice a reward of 1000l. and Mac 300l. Judas had but thirty pieces of silver, How much more encouragement have men now to be traitors than seventeen hundred years ago!
Last Friday se'night Samuel Fellows received the discipline of the post at Falmouth Casco Bay for stealing--This same Fellows was the person who not long since fired upon a sheriff when in the execution of his office, was indicted, tried, found guilty, and fined for the same, and had half his fine remitted by his Excellency; for what? because-----!
Captain Hammond, who sailed from hence the 3d instant, for Halifax, (in a thick fog, and the current setting very strong up the bay) ran ashore on Syle Islands, near Cape Sable, in the night of the 7th instant. The people were all saved, with the sails, rigging, cables, and anchors, &c.
Colonel Fanning is arrived at New-York. The Hon. Admiral Montague has appointed the Rev. Mather Byles, D. D. Rector of Christ's Church in this town, Chaplain of his Majesty's ship Lively, during her station at this place.
With Captain Freeman from Halifax, came passengers Mr. John Fillis, merchant, and son; Mrs. Gerrish and Mrs. MacCluer.
The following is an exact copy of an extract of a letter from North-Carolina.
At Ocracoke Bare Inn North-Carolina Juley 29 Day 1771--- Sir. I now Acquaint you that I ame well and Inn Good Helthe Evn. since I Leste you at Boston Thanks Bee tow the Grate Grate Gode For It. Asf I hope Thos Lines will Fhinde You and Yourse Sir the Truthe Isf that I ame Tow Enforms you Isf thatt Eversince IHave Beenn Inn North Carolinay I Haveve meette Wethe Grate Luck and Good Sucksess Asf Ever: I Have Meette Weth Inn all my Travells A Brode Naye and I thinke the Uerey Beste Inn all my Travells Inn the Fhirst Plasf Itt Isf all Under God tow Bee A Scribeded two Gouner And Jenrall Wm. Tryon thatt my Fhirst Ariuell Inn Tow North Carolinay tuck Gratt Notes off me Inn A Uerey Portickler manner them Cared Itt inn A Cardingley Fhrom Steep tow Steepe Untill I wasf the Uerrey Naxte Mann Tow Him Selfe one the Latte Expedshon A Ganste the Bodey of Reglaters Inn the Back Partse of theesf Provnc. I Wasf Up with Hime Att Fhirst Asf the Oldeste Capt. of the Fhirst Company and After Words A duanced Tow A Cornells Ranke & Pay And Hisf Fhirst Edacampe one the Latte Expedshon a Gense the Ensurgence Inn the Back: Cuntreyf Sir Donte For Gett Tow putt Jtt Inn Tow the Boston Nerves Papers soon Afere You Refeve. Those Linesse From Mee thatt I Have Beenn Weth3 Defrante Brigde and Major Janralls of Hisf Majestys Forcess Inn the Late Warse thatt Hasf Beenn Paste and thatt I Cann saye Honstley and Justley thatt Gouner; and Janrall: Will: Tryon Battell Wethe the Rebels orr Reglaters one the 16th Day of may Laste Paste Beetts all the Conducke thatt Ever I saw Foughte Inn my Life Time For Grate Conduct an Good Manegmente And For the Gratest Reslushone and Grateste Shoger Shipe by Gouner. and Janrall Tryon. thatt Ever I Saw Youfeded orr Ex Pranced Inn all my Ware Like Campans the Gratesf I Have Seenn Inn Gouner and Janrall: Willm. Tryon one theesf Latte Expedshon I Could Nott Have thoughte ther Wase Suche a Good Seulder Ever Berne Inn Ours Kings Relcme Asf Gouner Tryone Isf Him Selfe and Whatt I Have Seen Him Dew one the Latte Expedshon Inn North Carolinay
Latte Here Sir Enarte the same Jun'a shall manner Fhrom Your Unbell Saruent Sir. I Meen thatt Gouner And Janrall Willm. Tryon Isf the Gratest and Beste Gentel Adann and the Mosfe Humarane Adann thatt Ever I Dide See Inn all My Travells. th.efe You may Dpend one For Truthe And A Sarts the Same Inn the Befion Papers From Your Umbell Saruent
Capt. and Firste Edcamp Tow Hisf Excellency Janrall Will Tryon
Notwithstanding the Duke of Grafton is appointed privy seal, he is not admitted to the Cabinet, Lord North has so far prevailed, though he could not keep the Duke out of office, yet to keep him out of council, so that his holding the high office of Lord Privy Seal may be considered as a pension; a great nominal employment without any duty. From the London Gazette of June 12th, 1771.
His Majesty having been pleased to deliver the custody of the Privy Seal to his grace Augustus Henry Duke of Grafton, the oath of keeper of the Privy Seal was this day delivered to him, and his Grace took his place at the board accordingly.
His Majesty having been pleased to appoint the Right Hon. Henry Earl of Suffolk and Berkshire, to be one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, his Lordship was this day by his Majesty's command sworn one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State accordingly.
Last Monday arrived here, the Halifax armed schooner from England. Also arrived the Canse storeship, likewise from England.
JOSHUA GARDNER, Has just imported in the Lydia, Capt. Collyer, from LONDON; and in Capt. Roteh, from BRISTOL;
A fine Assortment of Fall and Winter GOODS, Which he is determined to sell at his usual remarkable low prices, at his shop in Cornhill, the second shop above the Post-Office.
Among which are the following articles, viz, BATH beavers, frizes, half-thicks, coatings, duffles, Drapery and Colchester baize of all colours, German serges; a fine assortment of low priced, middling and superfine broad cloths with trimmings, London and Bristol shalloons, calamancoes of most colours, tammies and durants, plain brown cambleteens, green ditto, stripped and mixed cambleteens, best double camblets, dorseteens, garnets, Irish camblets, Venetian poplins, superfine plain black ruffel for shoes or quilts, black plain everlasting, Yorkshire plains; mixed green and scarlet whitnies; claret, drab and black cotton velvets; 3-4ths. 7-8ths. and yard wide Irish Linens; 3-4ths. and 7-8ths. dowlas; 3-4ths. 7-8ths. yard wide and apron Manchester checks; 7-8ths. and yard wide cambricks and lawns, plain and flowered Scotch lawns for Aprons and Handkerchiefs, clouting diapers, striped Hollands, white figured gauze, white gauze handkerchiefs, white thread and blond lace, black bone lace, capuchine silks, plain black sattins, taffaties, Persians, pink and white half-cil ditto, black lutestring; plain, scarlet and crimson sattins, rich crimson spriged sattins, gimp and garland trimmings, blue and white, red and white spotted linen handkerchiefs, silk handkerchiefs, children's red Morocco shoes, Lynn shoes of the best quality, men's, women's and children's stockings of several sorts, 3 and 4 thread breeches patterns, women's plain and flowered satin gloves and mitts, black, white and coloured silk mitts, white and coloured glazed gloves and mitts, black and white silk gloves, worsted mitts and gloves, tapes, qualities, shoe bindings, pins, needles, sewing silks, silk twill, wax and Scotch threads, lettered garters, striped tapes, silk knee garters, crewels, slay cord and braid; white, brown and half stiffened buckrams, ribbons, silk ferrets, twill and metal buttons, horn and ivory combs, shoe and knee buckles, pen-knives, cuttoes, scissars, horn buttons, sleeve buttons, thimbles, table and tea spoons, tea tongs, snuff boxes, ink pots, wax and glass necklaces, chip hats, &c. Also,
Shot, 6 by 8 and 7 by 9 window Glass, London wool-cards, Ravens Duck, writing and bonnet paper, press paper, ink-power, pewter, &c. &c. &c.
Those persons who please to favour him with their custom may depend upon having their penny worth for their penny.

NEW BERN, July 29. ON Saturday evening it was mentioned in a company of Gentlemen, at the King's Arms tavern, that the Massachusetts weekly, political and commercial paper, called the SPY, of the 27th of June, was then just received by a person in town, containing sundry particulars relative to the measures pursued by government against that faction of people, who long before under the title of regulators, had insolently insulted the dignity of his Majesty's courts, daringly torn down justice from her tribunal, openly sat at defiance the laws of their country, and with circumstances the most brutal, broke through and violated every sacred tie of human society. The paper being sent for and read, it was the unanimous opinion of every one present, that they were compelled, in point of justice to his Excellency Governor Tryon, to themselves, and to the public, to have a meeting of the inhabitants on the Monday following, to collect their sentiments respecting the contents of the said paper: A meeting was accordingly had, and the Hon. Samuel Cornell, Esq; being elected chairman, the paper called the Spy, No. 17, was again read; when the inhabitants came to the following RESOLUTIONS:
Resolved, That it is the opinion of the members of this meeting, that the character of his Excellency Governor Tryon, by the integrity and propriety of his conduct, both in public and private life, is so well established, that it can receive but little support from any resolutions entered into by us; yet we hope to be pardoned, when we say we cannot see the baneful epithets of Tyrant, Traitor, and Villain, with the complicated charges of Avarice, Ambition, Injustice, Perjury, Perfidy and Murder, applied to a Gentleman of so amiable and exalted a character, without resolving that the same is most wantonly cruel, and unjust; unless it be thought tyranny to be courteous, humane, and benevolent, on all occasions; treason, to make the law a rule of his conduct, villainy, to be generous and just in all his dealings; avarice to expend many thousand pounds of private property, with every emolument of office, in executing the trust reposed in him; ambition to be affable to the great, and condescending to the lower part of mankind; injustice, to do as we would wish to be done by; perjury, strictly to adhere to every sacred injunction; perfidy, to be faithful and scrupulously punctual in the observance of every engagement; murder, to permit the execution of the sentence of the law; which if it be, this censure is just; otherwise, Leonidas, thou art a Lyar, and the basest of Calumniators.
Resolved, That we think it a duty which we owe to ourselves, and the public, to assert that we ever considered the presses of North Carolina as intirely free, and as being open to all parties, but influenced by none; neither awed by menaces of the mighty, nor restrained by the murmurings of the multitude.
Resolved, That the suggestions of the contrary, contained in the said Massachusetts Spy, we consider as an high insult and indignity offered to that spirit of constitutional freedom and independance, which the inhabitants of North Carolina have ever discovered.
Resolved, That the blessings derived to the British nation from the liberty of the press, arises, as we apprehend, from the privilege of a discreet and unreserved discovery or communication of real facts and opinions, whereby the public may be benefited, or an individual made the wiser, better, or happier; and in not being the infamous vehicle of private scandal or public abuse.
Resolved, That the paragraphs in the said Massachusetts Spy, which has reference to the measures of government taken by Governor Tryon against the Regulators, are replete with the basest misrepresentations, the most palpable falsities, abusive epithets, and scandalous invectives, and that therefore it is a shameful perversion of the liberty of the press, and that the authors and publishers thereof deserve to be publicly stigmatized, and loaded with the heaviest contempt and reproach.
Resolved, That the Chairman be requested to direct the sheriff of the county to give orders, that the paper called the Massachusetts Spy, No. 17, be publicly burnt under the gallows by the common hangman, on Wednesday next, as an open testimony of the utter abhorrence and detestation in which that infamous production, and its still more infamous authors, are held by the people of this government.
mous authors, are held by the people of this government.
Lastly, Resolved, That a copy of the foregoing resolves be sent to James Davis and Adam Boyd, Esqrs. to be published in their next Gazette, as a proof to the Massachusetts Spy, of the freedom of the press in North Carolina.
To the PRINTER of the Massachusetts Spy.
SIR, WE observe you have in your Spy (No. 17) inserted a piece subscribed Leonidas, replete with abusive epithets, scandalous invectives and daring falsehoods, against our late excellent Governor, whose numberless virtues, and amiable qualities, justly endeared him to all the good people of this province.
It certainly is difficult to conceive to what a degree of iniquity a man may arrive, who like Leonidas, has the effrontery to set truth and decency at defiance; and you, Mr. Printer, in undertaking to be the publisher of such vile calumnies, fall little short of him in point of guilt.
Be it known to him, and you, Sir, that the beloved memory of Governor TRYON, is, and will continue to be deeply impressed on our grateful hearts, and we trust will be transmitted by us to our latest posterity; while the stigmatized name of Leonidas, and yours, Mr. Printer, will be consigned to that infamy justly attendant on such egregious calumniators.
Whether we consider his Excellency Governor TRYON, in a public or private capacity, several years experience of his conduct, a grateful remembrance of his many services to this province, and an incumbent regard to truth, oblige us publicly to declare, that the strictest justice, probity, honour, humanity, munificence, and affability, are his distinguishing characteristics.
With respect to the six queries of Leonidas, we admit the first, viz. his late Majesty's gracious intentions towards this province; but as to the facts which Leonidas basely suggests in the other queries, as they are asserted without proof, so they are sufficiently answered by denying them, except that paragraph relative to whipping a man whom he calls an able and generous planter; the person he alludes to was deservedly punished by the sentence of a court marshal, called by his Colonel, while in the ranks, and under the immediate command of his militia officers, in virtue of a necessary law of this province entitled "the militia act."
We cannot however pass over the 5th query, without taking some particular notice of it for he therein says, the Governor ordered a discharge of his artillery on the people while under the sacred bond of a treaty, the contrary of which is well known, not only to the forces there under his Excellency's command, but to the rebels themselves, and never was ever suggested by any one of them to have been otherwise.
His Excellency tried every expedient that human prudence could suggest to prevail on the miscreants to lay down their arms, take the oaths to government, and surrender up to public justice their out-lawed chief, promising them upon such easy terms his Majesty's most gracious pardon for all their past numerous transgressions; but they rejected his offers with contempt and abusive language: Nay, some of the audacious wretches cried out to his troops, "fire and be damned;" and others exclaimed, "Here's death in one hand, and no mercy in the other! battle! battle!" He then directed the sheriff to order them to disperse, agreeable to the riot act; which the sheriff did but to no purpose. Yet still he forbore attacking them, until the hour allowed in such cases by the said act was expired; and even then he sent an express messenger, to inform them that the hour was elapsed, requiring them once more to lay down their arms, and submit to government: Declaring, that in case of their refusal, he would without further delay fire upon them; but they spurned at his threats, and contemned his admonitions, still crying out battle! battle! In such situation, what could or ought his Excellency to do, but perform his duty (which he most gallantly did) as a brave and experienced officer, by reducing to reason and proper submission a parcel of abandoned profligates, who seemed to set all laws, divine and humane, at defiance, and were over-running the country with every species of rapine and violence. Yet these are the men, for whom Leonidas, Mucius
Scævola, and their partizans, are advocates; and dare, in their behalf, to attack and traduce one of the brightest characters on this continent.
There are laws, says Mucius Scævola, sufficient to quell the most outrageous riots; the law, and not the sword, should restrain them.
Were the laws sufficient to quell the rebellion in Scotland, in the memorable year forty five? We all know the military force found some difficulty in performing that important service. But, says Scævola, the Attorney General should keep a watchful eye on the people. Grand Juries indict, courts issue warrants, and other officers are to execute them, &c. True, Sir; but the people in question set at nought courts of Justice, despised indictments, opposed all legal process, and the authority of sheriffs, and other officers.
The Passe-Comitatys, cries Scævola, is more than sufficient to bring them to justice; ridiculous, absurd. The men who should form the Passe-Comitatys, were themselves in rebellion. What then could be done, but what was and ought to be done?
However, notwithstanding their accumulated crimes, our good Governor still remembered mercy (though, all circumstances considered, few mortals less deserved it) extending it so far as to order their wounds to be dressed. Of twelve who were capitally convicted by their country, six only were executed.
Mr. Printer, unless your heart is too callous to feel either shame or remorse, the light of these lines must shock your guilty soul, and force you to curse the day you unhappily undertook to make your paper the infamous vehicle of such detestable slander.
You, Leonidas and Scævola, should publicly ask pardon of God and the world, and of his Excellency Governor Tryon in particular, for your enormous crime, and endeavour, by an unfeigned repentance, to pacify the divine vengeance; lest the Almighty, in wrath, should denounce the same fate to you as he did to the perverse Israelites; Aspexi dico vobis, moriemini in peccatis vestris; though it is said you, Leonidas, (Gallio like) care not for those things.
A CARD. THE Printer of the Massachusetts Spy presents his compliments to the Hon. Samuel Cornell, Esq; and acknowledges the receipt of his letter, via New-York Gazette, but is surprised to receive so indelicate a piece from a person with his additions, though it may be accounted for when we consider by what means men now obtain promotion.
You suppose it criminal in me that I have published Leonidas's letter and queries to Governor Tryon, in the Spy; you bring your Governor to my tribunal, and deny the truth of Leonidas's charges against him, and assure me he is a man of the "strictest justice, probity, honour, humanity, munificence and affability."
You also plead in his behalf, that he "tried every expedient that human prudence could suggest, to prevail on the miscreants to lay down their arms, &c. promising them upon such easy terms, his Majesty's most gracious pardon." But, Sir, as I have not time now to put on my robes, and ascend the judgment seat, I must adjourn the consideration of his case to some future time, and now consider myself as a mere Printer: As such, Sir, I published Leonidas, and Mucius Scævola's performances in Spy, No. 17, and as such I shall this day publish the proceedings of the town of Newbern, in North-Carolina, your letter to me, the narration of facts relating to the Regulators conduct under their grievances, and the treatment they received from Governor Tryon as published in the Pennsylvania Journal, August 16, 1771, also a piece from the Centinel, and to shew you that my press is impartial I shall add an extract of a letter from North-Carolina, from a person who was (as he informs us) next in command to Governor Tryon in the Alamance expedition (where the murder was committed) and perhaps one of his ablest defenders, as he appears to be a man of great erudition. Thus as a Printer I shall do his Excellency justice, leaving the world to form a judgment. Those parts of your letter that I have not noticed, I am content should stand as they are, having no concern with them, shall only ask you one question, viz. Is not the mischief as great to a community which arises from deifying, as from vilifying, a ruler?
From the PENNSYLVANIA JOURNAL. To the PUBLIC.
WE have in the public prints an account of a battle fought between the militia of North-Carolina, commanded by William Tryon, Esq; on one part, and a party of men who style themselves Regulators. The accounts we have of this very unhappy disturbance, or as the government of this province calls it, of this rebellion, are not sufficiently particular to enable us at this distance to form a just opinion of it. We must suppose the Governor judges it expedient to act the part he has taken on the one hand, even to his sitting upon these people, before the expiration of the time he had allowed them for repentance; nor can we imagine any body of men composed of individuals, varying from each other in principles, civil and religious, as well as in interest, could enter into so dangerous an opposition to government, unless they found themselves aggrieved, and had reason to despair of relief from any other quarter. How far subjects have a right to complain of public oppression, and insist on having grievances redressed, is at this day well understood. The design of government is acknowledged to be the good of the people. Its strength and happiness depends more on the mildness and equity of the administration, than on any particular form: Nay, we have many instances in which bad rulers have availed themselves of such establishments as seemed to insure happiness to the people and stability, to perpetuate impositions and cruelties which would not have been borne but for a confidence in the laws, and an attachment to the form. As to the affair in Carolina, it is understood but by few. As humanity interests every tender heart in the distress of fellow creatures; and a field of battle covered over with the garments of fellow citizens rolled in blood is an unusual scene to us, the following extracts from some of the public papers may not be unacceptable; they may at least serve to give us some idea of what those unhappy people felt.
The disturbances appear to have originated in the county of Granville; to have extended some time after to Halifax, &c. and at last to Orange. In Granville they say, "It is not our form of government or body of laws we quarrel with, but the mal-practices of the officers of our county courts, and the abuses we suffer by those who are impowered to manage our public affairs--and the notorious and intolerable abuses that have crept into the practice of the law, &c." And with regard to their measures they proceed thus. "Let us be careful to keep sober, do nothing rashly, but act with deliberation: Let us do nothing against the known laws of the land, that we appear not in a faction endeavouring to subvert the laws and overturn the system of government; but let us take care to appear what really we are, free subjects by birth, endeavouring to recover our lost native rights, by reducing the mal-practices of the officers of our courts down to the standard of law." Thus they spoke. The measure they appear to have taken was by petition to the legislature. The unfortunate signers of the petition were sued by the officers for a libel. The writer of the paper from which the above extracts are made was imprisoned. And though the petition seems to have been published in June 1768, yet the voracious suits remained undetermined in 1770.--From Granville these disccontents occasioned by these mal-practices, spread into Brunswick, Cumberland, and other counties; and so general had the abuses and disccontents become, that in several counties they refused to pay the taxes in 1766 (the complaints and measures of one county being unknown
* They say of themselves, "The Governor represented us a faction of Quakers and Baptists, who aimed to overset the church of England, &c. This put us upon viewing ourselves, and we found our body to consist promiscuously of all sects, and the men we put most confidence in, were of the church of England communion." This is the more extraordinary, that the men they put most confidence in, or the principals of the Regulators, should be members of the church of England, as a very great majority of the people are dissenters; and as the establishment of episcopacy is said to have been one of their causes of complaint. It proves however, that the laity of the church of England in that province, are determinately opposed to the establishment of a spiritual as well as civil tyranny in the colonies.

in another) before Orange county, the present scene of blood, began to move. As to the transactions of this county, we find them expressing themselves thus in a paper read at one of the public courts of the county. After speaking of officers carrying on unjust oppressions, &c. "As there are many evils of this nature complained of in this county of Orange in private among the inhabitants, therefore let us remove them: Or if there is no cause, let us remove the jealousies out of our minds. Honest rulers in power will be glad to see us examine this matter freely." Their proposed procedure for enquiry is, "Let each neighbourhood throughout the county meet together, and appoint one or more men to meet together at a suitable place where there is no strong liquor, at which meeting let it be judiciously enquired into whether the free men of this county labour under any abuses of power or not, and let the same be notified in writing." In consequence of this notification at a joint meeting of deputies from several neighbourhoods, they issued the following. "At a general meeting, &c. August 20, 1766, to examine if the free men of this county labour under any abuses of power, and to examine into the public tax, by what laws, and for what use they are laid; and in order to remove jealousies out of our minds, the Representatives, Vestrymen, and other officers, are requested to give the members of said meeting what information they can, so far as they value the good will of every freeholder, and the execution of public office pleasant and delightful." They met again for this purpose, but were not favoured with the company of any one officer. On this they drew up a paper, proposing a yearly conference of the freeholders from the different parts of this extensive county, to consider the matters aforesaid, and agree in the choice of representatives. In this paper we find the following paragraph referring to the officers, Lawyers, &c. "If they hereafter are inclinable to answer our request (of a general conference and enquiry) we will attend them at some other time and place on their giving us proper notice." April 4, 1768, they say, "We will attend our meeting of conference as often as is necessary and convenient, to consult our Representatives on the amendment of such laws as shall be found grievous; to choose more suitable men than we have heretofore for Burgess and Vestrymen; and to petition the House of Assembly, Governor and Council, King and Parliament, for the redress of grievances; and to inform one another, learn, know and enjoy all the privileges, &c. that were settled on us by our worthy ancestors, the founders of our present constitution, to preserve it on its ancient foundation."
At length, it appears, these unhappy distressed men were flattered with a prospect of conference between their oppressors and some of their own body, chosen to manage the affair in their behalf. They were notified that the officers had fixed on May 11th to meet them for that purpose, in consequence of the following paper, "April 4th, at a general meeting of the Regulators, it was agreed to send P. C. and J. L. to request the two late sheriffs and our Vestrymen to meet twelve men that we should chuse on Tuesday after next court, to produce to them a copy of the list of taxables, and of the names of inventors returned, &c. and to request our Representatives to confer with them in our behalf, and shew us law for the customary fees that had been taken, &c." Before these men had time to perform this message, the officers, by way of distress, took a mare, saddle and bridle, for one levie, viz. seven shillings at the rate of eight shillings to a dollar. The mare was rescued and a few guns fired at the roof of Col. Fanning's house, to signify they blamed him for this abuse. However pleading their hopes might be from the promised conference they were of but short continuance, the Governor issued a proclamation, ordering all rioters to disperse, and two persons were apprehended. However grievous as it was to be denied the privilege of canvassing public grievances and meeting in conference with their oppressors: And although upwards of 700 armed men were assembled at this time from a circuit of 40 miles to prevent these two
from being carried to Newbern (200 miles) one of whom had not been concerned in the Regulation; yet upon the Secretary's joining to the proclamation, a verbal message from the Governor, "That if they would petition the Governor, he would protect and redress them against any unlawful extortions and oppressions of any officer in the county; provided they would disperse and go home." No sooner was the joyful message received, than with one voice they all cried out, Agreed! That is all we want; liberty to make our grievances known. They accordingly returned home; advertised their agreement with the Governor, and called a general meeting to be on the 21st May; at which meeting they came to the following conclusion.
"It was unanimously agreed to continue our petition, agreed on last meeting, to the Governor, Council and Assembly, for redressing every grievous, cruel, iniquitous and oppressive practices of our officers; which, we generally conceive, we have laboured under, for these many years, contrary to law."
"And, in pursuance of a verbal message from the Governor sent expressly by his secretary, delivered us on the third of this instant we agree to renew our said petition. And as sundry forms have been read here this day, and signed by sundry neighbourhoods, we appoint W. M., W. C., H. C., J. L., J. M., J. H., R. H., and G. H., to form one out of the whole, referring to the several complaints for information of grievances. And being conscious of our loyalty to King George the third on the present throne, and our firm attachment to the present establishment and form of government; which we sincerely believe, all our grievances are quite opposite and contrary to, by downright roguish practices of men, who have crept into posts of office, and have practiced upon our ignorance and new settled situation."
"We, therefore, order the above committee to implore the Governor's pardon and forgiveness, in the most submissive manner, for any errors that we may have committed, that is, or may be construed to derogate from the honour of his Majesty's crown and dignity, or tending to obstruct the peace and good order of government."
"And for the governor's better information, we order the committee to prepare copies of all our proceedings, which were agreed on by our body, even from the first beginning, to go with our said petition, and a suitable number of the said committee to wait on the Governor with them, as soon as possible."
"And as we have received a letter from Anson County, informing us of an association there on the same account and requesting information of our manner of proceeding, we order a copy of this to be sent to them immediately, to prevent speedily their running into any errors. We believe their scruples to be well grounded and their intentions honest."
To this the Governor replied, that "their steps carried but a little further, would have been called and must have been treated as High Treason." He commended to them Col. Fanning and his Officers conduct as discreet; and taxed them -- "as actuated by cowardice and as having, from a sense of that public justice due to their crimes, absconded themselves from public view;" and made it a term "of any further clemency" on his part, "that they desist from any further meeting, and that all titles of Regulators or Associators cease from among them." Notwithstanding the Governor ordered them to desist from future meetings, yet as the Sheriff was up to collect the taxes, and they had referred this very matter of the taxes and settlements of the public accounts to the Legislature, and were hoping for relief; they ventured again to hold another meeting to consider of an answer to the Governor's letter. This they forwarded to him with two of their
* Among the papers shown to the Governor, was the following resolution, viz. "If the Governor is yet against us, and we can get no redress no way, we will, rather than rise in riots, agree not to go to law at all, but leave our differences to arbitration." At this paper the Governor flew in a passion, and ordered the bearer to burn it.
number, who found him raising the militia with 3 days provisions, and 9 charges.--- However, on the 17th of August, they ventured to meet again, in consequence of an appointment from his Excellency, that on that day the Sheriffs should attend with their accounts, and render public satisfaction; Instead of which, they were once again surprised with another letter from him, "requiring peremptorily at least twelve of their principals, and those of the first property" to wait on him, and give bond, 1000l. each, that no rescue should be made of the two persons under recognizance, to appear at next court. This they declined and for these reasons, that the report of the Governor's intention to cut off the people had taken such entire possession of the minds of the generality, that the few more deliberate and sensible had been obliged to exert all their influence, in any measure to moderate their passions and keep them to a rational and legal mode of prosecuting a redress of public grievances. That these of course might be deemed principals; and that should such a number of principal considerate men give in to said measure, it would tend to lessen their weight with the enraged multitude, and throw all into confusion. The Governor having told these people in the same message, that he thought it his duty to provide for the safety of government and having put himself at the head of the military force, &c. On the day of the court, about 3700 Regulators appeared within a mile of the town, armed and unarmed, determined not to act unless a massacre, as they termed it, should be attempted; and if their terms were not accepted by the Governor and Council, to return home, and leave the Governor to fight the air. From this place they proposed to the Governor, that if he would let them come peaceably into town to complain of their Officers and pardon all past breaches of the peace, except the two under bail, they would pay their levies. But he insisted they should all deliver up their guns; on which they returned home, except a few who were arrested by the Officers and presented to the Grand Jury for riots, who returned the bill Ignoramus. However, at this Court, there were four presentments against Herman Husband, (one of the two under recognizance.) Three of the bills were thrown out by the Grand Jury; the other being a presentment for a riot was returned a true bill; but by the Petit Jury he was acquitted; (this indictment was as the instance of Col. Fanning, who, during Husband's imprisonment and before he was admitted to bail, exacted the following promises viz. "You promise never to give your opinion of the laws, nor frequent assembling yourself amongst people, nor shew any jealousies of the Officers taking extraordinary fees: And if you hear any others speaking disrespectfully, or hinting any jealousies, of that nature, of Officers; that you will reprove and caution them, and that you will tell the people, you are satisfied, all the taxes are agreeable to law,") not, however, without having suffered grievously; being confined in a small goal with a new erected gallows over his head, which he was told was erected for him; insulted in the streets, dragged into a public-house, set upon a table, surrounded by the soldiers, and bayonets thrust at his breast; his neighbours and evidences frightened, nay ordered out of town; and none of his fellow-complainants suffered to come in. One Lawyer indeed he could procure, to whom he gave all the money he had, and bonds and notes for 150l. more, to appear for him in the action of a riot. But being threatened with a more capital prosecution, he applies again to the Lawyers, and gave them what bonds and notes they pleased to write, as a retaining fee. At the next Superior Court they demand payment of these obligations, and have since put them in suit. Not such was the case of Col. Edmund Fanning, the Governor's discreet officer, who was brought on his trial upon seven different indictments for extortion: To one he pleads guilty, and was found guilty by the Juries in the other six, and for each fined by the Court One penny. Notwithstanding this discouragement they carried on their prosecutions at the next Superior Court in 1769,
but were less successful; though upon the matter of taxes being laid before the assembly it was resolved that 3s. per taxable of the public tax was wrong, as it had been levied by the Officers. At the next Court, however, no troops being raised by government, and all the Officers continuing to take the same extortionary fees as before, except Fanning, the people flocked in to make information; and notwithstanding the difficulty of attending Courts 60 miles from home, and the threats of the Officers to sue for malicious prosecutions, &c. and though the attorney did not attend the two or three first days, so that many were discouraged, and went home, yet some trials were brought on, and the Officers convicted in every case but one, in which he immediately sued the complainant.
Being thus harassed, and discouraged even by their success at law, their only hopes were from the assembly, but the house was dissolved before they could compleat much business of consequence; and things were left in confusion and disorder. Had the Governor given his assent to a bill, the house had prepared for a single justice of the peace to try 5l. cases, and for laying greater penalties on lawyers, &c. for extortion (instead of leaving it in the breast of a court to fine only one penny for reiterated extortions) and for explaining the fee bill, &c. it might have set aside the plea those unhappy people now avail themselves of.
From the foregoing, which is the substance of their publications, some idea may be formed of the situation, temper, and intentions of those people. They must appear to have been an illiterate, injured multitude, struggling against all the weight, influence, and artifices of their oppressors; without any one advantage, except what they derive from the justness of their cause. Their situation, at a distance from the seat of government and justice; the jurisdiction of the County Courts being, beyond any precedent, very limited; appeals to the Superior Courts for small crimes encouraged; law proceedings insupportable, because of undue practices, and heavy extortion; Juries chosen by the court; a Grand Jury composed of five old Sheriffs, the rest except three being, as they say, limbs of the law, against whom their complaints lay; a Governor who had denied them any hopes of future clemency; and their last resource, the Assembly hastily dissolved; 30,000l. raised by taxes more than proposed by law, while 60,000l. was still current among them, and yet to be sunk: I say such a situation is truly melancholy, and must justify every legal and rational mode of prosecuting an enquiry and redress. Whether they were happy in the expedient they used; whether they could have been expected to do better; whether they were not objects of tender compassion, rather than of unrelenting vengeance, must be determined by every man for himself. Blood has now been shed on both sides. Government ever has it in its power to give plausible pretences, and cloath impositions and cruelties under the mantle of law and clemency: Reason and law are inclined to support the strongest party. These people may also be unfair in their representation, and unreasonable in their complaints; but it must be remembered they knew they were contending against the halter, forfeitures, and every thing that man can dread. What is here offered must be submitted. It was thought hard that the government accounts only should be in the view of an impartial public, which has been anxious to hear what have been the complaints and conduct of this unhappy people. If there are any untruths or misrepresentations the least misfortune arising from it is to us; they have deceived themselves to their own ruin. However like many other causes which cannot be decided by venal and corrupt administration of law, or the fulsome adulation of court sycophants on one hand, nor by insurrection and opposition on the other, this must be referred for a final decision to a superior tribunal;---to the self condemning consciences of the guilty and to an avenging God.
* Col. Fanning in particular acquitted himself, by pleading ignorance of the fees established by law, which the judge gave in charge to the jury, as a ground on which they might acquit.