The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal (Boston [Mass.]), 1773-01-28 00:00:00

THE Massachusetts Spy
Or, Thomas's Boston Journal.
A Weekly, Political, and Commercial PAPER:--Open to ALL Parties, but Influenced by None.
'DO THOU Great LIBERTY INSPIRE our Souls,--And make our Lives in THY Possession happy,--Or, our Deaths glorious in THY JUST Defence.'
VOL. II.]
THURSDAY, JANUARY 28, 1773.
[NUMB. 103.
From the PROVIDENCE GAZETTE.
A meeting of the General Assembly of the English colony of Rhode-Island, and Providence plantations, at East-Greenwich, on the 25th of October, A. D. 1769, it was voted and resolved, "That all trials for treason, misprision of treason, or for any felony or crime whatsoever, committed and done in this colony, by any person or persons residing therein, ought of right to be held, and conducted in and before his Majesty's courts, held within said colony, according to the fixed and known course of proceeding; and that the seizing any person or persons residing in this colony, suspected of any crime whatsoever, committed therein, and sending such person or persons to places beyond the sea to be tried, is highly derogatory of the rights of British subjects, as thereby the inestimable privilege of being tried by a jury from the vicinage, as well as the liberty of summoning and producing witnesses on such trial, will be taken away from the party accused."
When the above resolve passed the House of Assembly, it was a time of coolness and much deliberation, and none had the most distant thought that this colony would be the first attacked in so tender a part. Perhaps it may be rather unfortunate for American liberty, that the small colony of Rhode-Island should be singled out, by ministerial mandates, to take the first dose of that celebrated antidote against treason; but we can assure our brethren of the other colonies, that we will, in no instance, give up the least tittle of our just and dear bought rights to any power on earth.
I shall give a short history of the behaviour of the Gaspée schooner, from her first arrival in this colony till her destruction on the 10th of June last, as introductory to the present alarming measures.
About the middle of March last an armed schooner appeared in our Bay, that boarded, searched, and maltreated every vessel she came up with, not shewing any commission or authority for so doing. This matter was represented to his honour the Governor of the colony, who sent the high sheriff of the county of Newport on board the schooner, to see who and what she was. Lieutenant Duddington who commanded her, did not think proper to wait on the Governor with his papers as he was required, and as it was his indispensable duty to have done; but sent the master of the schooner, with some papers from the commissioners of the customs at Boston, impowering them to make seizures of any vessels that should be found smuggling &c. Several messages passed between the Governor and Lieutenant Duddington, in which the impropriety of Mr. Duddington's conduct was pointed out; and he was even told, by one of his friends, what must be the consequence of such behaviour: But he blustered much, and swore the whole colony could not get on board his vessel.
A naval officer was made acquainted with the dispute, which he soon took a very improper part in, and treated the Governor with great indignity: After Mr. Duddington had yoked the Admiral in his cause, his behaviour became more haughty, insolent and intolerable, personally ill-treating every master and merchant of the vessels he boarded, fleecing sheep, hogs, poultry, &c. from the farmers round the Bay, and cutting down their fruit and other trees for firewood. In a word, his behaviour was so piratical and provoking that Englishmen could not patiently bear it. This gave rise to the unhappy scheme of destroying the Gaspée, which though it has been represented, by the King's officers, as an affair preconcerted by the inhabitants round the Narraganset Bay, and that almost the whole town of Providence were concerned in it, I say this action was done by about forty people, in five or six long boats, as the Gaspée's people declared on oath the day after she was destroyed. The enterprise was hastily concluded on, and very secretly executed, so that the authority of the town of Providence had not the least knowledge of it. The most effectual steps were immediately taken by the authority in this colony, to discover the perpetrators of this riotous affair. A proclamation was issued, offering a large reward to any that would give information, so that the offenders might be brought to justice; but no witness of validity appearing, the brave Captain
Linzee kidnapped a mulatto, and by fair promises and threats made the villain swear to a number of falsehoods, whereby he has impeached some of the best characters in the colony; and because the civil authority did not think the evidence sufficient to apprehend them for trial, the Admiral and other officers in their great wrath against the colony, have so represented this matter to the ministry, that his Majesty has been pleased to appoint special commissioners, for examining and sending to England as many of the offenders as can be apprehended.
I trust when the commissioners come to have a true account of the exertions of the authority of the colony, and that they now stand ready to give every one accused, on sufficient evidence, lawful trials, they will give his Majesty a favourable account. On the other hand, when they see the gross misrepresentations that have been made, and all from a lying servant, that has not spoke a word of truth it is expected the commissioners will do justice to the characters of those gentlemen that have been unjustly accused. PROVIDENTIA.
FRIDAY, January 22. BOSTON.
The following are the proceedings of the town of MARLBOROUGH, viz.
"To the committee of correspondence for the town of Boston."
"GENTLEMEN, BEING all engaged in one common cause, viz. that of asserting and maintaining our rights and privileges, shall contribute everything in our power towards the restoring the same to their pristine purity."
"We have here inclosed the resolves and proceedings of this town for your candid perusal; hoping that each town assisting and uniting like a band of brothers, may banish tyranny from our land."
"We remain your's, &c. By order of the committee,"
"HEZEKIAH MAYNARD, Chairman."
"Marlborough, January 7, 1773."
"AT A Meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of MARLBOROUGH, duly warned and legally assembled on Monday 21st of December, A. D. 1772, to bear the votes and proceedings of the town of Boston, &c. voted to choose a committee to prepare a draft to lay before the town, and instructions for the representative, and to correspond with the committee of the town of Boston, &c. The town then proceeded and made choice of Messrs. Hezekiah Maynard, Alpheus Wood, Edward Barnes, Jonas Morse, jun. and Daniel Harrington, and adjourned to January 1st, 1773, one o'clock afternoon--at which time the said committee reported as follows, viz."
"THAT slavery has something very shocking in its nature, and that death, perhaps is more eligible than such a state; and once the mournful tragedy is compleated, then to awake and have our eyes open, would be intolerable, that it once was in our power to have prevented it."
"We desire with the sincerest returns of gratitude to the head of influences, to acknowledge his goodness in inspiring to a part of our metropolis to endeavour the recovering and maintaining by all lawful means, our rights and privileges both civil and sacred, which he has (notwithstanding our sins) favoured us with, and do now return our thanks to you for the noble exertions lately made in the cause of liberty, and at the same time hope you will persevere in all constitutional ways for the full recovering and maintaining the same; with an entire dependance on the Lord of hosts, who has always supported his church and people against their tyrannical and barbarous enemies, and who we hope will now appear for us, and in his own righteous way grant the salvation needed for his people, for which we hope glory will be given to the name of him who is the Captain of our salvation. So with all respect we are, with you, true and loyal subjects in common with Great-Britain; the true constitution of which we desire in all lawful ways to maintain.--Therefore do"
"Resolve 1st. That the inhabitants of this earth are naturally free, and while in a state of nature, have a right to do themselves justice when their rights are invaded."
"Resolve 2dly. That mankind have a right and power to form themselves into societies, make compacts, covenants, and just laws, so as to form a good and equitable rule of government."
"Resolve 3dly. That it is the opinion of this town that the British Nation have enjoyed,"
perhaps, as complete a system of government as any nation whatever, agreeable to, and by which the King was as much bound as the people, and had no longer right by the constitution and his coronation oath to the throne, than during the time of ruling according to the same; and in extreme cases when a prince breaks through and treads down the fundamental laws of his country, and destroys the noble constitution thereof, and sets himself to destroy Liberty and Property, with the holy religion of God's covenanted people, and all that is near and dear to them, and instead of supporting virtue and holiness, doing justice and loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, he grows haughty, unjust, and a tyrant, using arbitrary power, introducing popery, and all manner of debauchery and wickedness; then that free-born people are not required by the religion of Jesus Christ, to submit themselves as slaves to such irreligious tyranny, but may make use of such power as God has given them, to preserve and defend themselves, and recover and support their laws and liberties civil and religious, and this must be admitted by all who approve that happy revolution bro't about by the hand of divine providence in 1688.
"Resolve 4thly. As the opinion of this town, that the whole British Empire is under very alarming circumstances, in that, the constitution of the nation being in part broken over; the rights of the people invaded, great inroads made upon their liberty in an arbitrary manner; their freedom, property and privileges, civil and religious, in danger of being wholly taken from them, notwithstanding all the constitutional remonstrances and petitions that have been made use of."
"Resolve 5thly. That the British Colonies in America, and this province in particular, have a right to all the immunities, privileges and liberties, granted to them by Royal Charter, and acts of parliament."
"Resolve 6thly. That the people of this province have ever been a loyal people, and never forfeited their charter-rights, &c. by any disloyalty whatsoever, and that they have good right to hold and enjoy their property and privileges, and no power on earth as any just right to alienate them from the owners without the consent of themselves or representatives."
"Resolve 7thly. That the many acts of parliament imposing in late years, duties on this, as well as the other colonies, and the tolerating a Romish priest, and appointing papists to high places of trust in the British dominions, and also in establishing the salaries of several of the first men in this province, and also of the Judge of the Superior Court, and making them independent of the people, the great extension of the Admiralty Office, the quartering soldiers upon us in time of peace, the arbitrarily demanding and treacherous giving up of Castle-William, our chief fortress, the shedding innocent blood, as in the horrid Massacre in Boston the fifth of March 1770, all which we look upon unconstitutional, and carries a bad aspect, &c."
"Resolve 8thly. That this province, and every individual town and person separate or together, have a right to petition his Majesty for a redress of grievances according to the bill of rights, and other acts of parliament, and that the assertion of a corrupt ministry, a Lord Hillsborough, the Baronet of Netelham, or any other tools of arbitrary power, proclaiming to the contrary, or their withholding petitions and remonstrances from King and parliament, is denying and withholding justice, and is unconstitutional, and deserves our resentment."
"Resolve 9thly. That when a people justly complain of illegal acts of parliament which are contrary to the constitution of the nation, and petition to the throne in a proper way for relief to be denied a hearing and called seditious and guilty of treason against his Majesty, as has been the case, is totally subversive of the constitution, and a sign of wicked rulers, and that the glory of such a people is departing or already gone, which calls aloud on such a people to exert themselves in the cause of their God and country; for the case is very dangerous, and there shall be no delay in this matter."
"Resolve 10thly. As the opinion of this town that the province is in the utmost danger of being ruined, and that it is time, yea, more than time to rouse out of security, and to consider of the danger we are in, of being stripped of the privilege of trials by juries, and of being deprived of
a counsel of our own choosing and support; which is now sought after by those mercenary wretches, who are so sordidly detached from all good, as that they are endeavouring to enslave this country in misery, by flipping the people of their religion, liberty, and property."
"Resolve 11thly and lastly. That every town not only in this province, but in all the English colonies, and elsewhere in the British dominions, ought to furnish themselves with every thing necessary, that is lawful and commendable in the sight of God, in order to save and defend themselves, and regain support and secure our lives, properties, liberties and privileges civil and sacred, and that without any further delay."
By order of the Committee,
"HEZEKIAH MAYNARD, Chairman."
"The above resolves being twice read, and a vote called for, passed in the affirmative, vis. con. "
"A motion then being made to add two others to the committee of correspondence above named; the town then proceeded to make choice of Doct. Samuel Curtis and Mr. William Boyd."
"Voted, the foregoing proceedings be recorded upon the town book."
"Attest. ABRAHAM WILLIAMS, Moderator."
"A true copy as on record."
"WINSLOW BRIGHAM, Town-Clerk."
REPRESENTATIVE'S INSTRUCTIONS.
"WE his Majesty's most obedient and loyal subjects, the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Marlborough, having taken into consideration on the one hand, the happy condition of ourselves and ancestors under the happy reign of two so glorious princes as ever filled the British throne; while on the other hand, we reflect on the sad and deplorable condition we seem to be in of having our rights and privileges, both civil and sacred, taken from us, and being alarmed with a new invasion of our rights, viz. The making our Superior Judges dependant on the crown for their support; we can no longer sit easy, and see our rights which are as dear to us as our lives, torn from us one after another: Therefore we think it our duty boldly and resolutely to resist the attempts of those, who seem by their conduct, determined to bring us into bondage, if it may be a means, under God, of our deliverance from slavery: And as we have so much of our privileges continued to us as the meeting of our General assembly twice a year for his Majesty's service; and likewise we have the privilege at present of a man to represent us in that august Assembly: And now Mr. Bent, as you are the man who is to represent us in that grand assembly, we give you our instructions in the following manner."
"1st. We would desire you to use your utmost in preserving the LIBERTY OF THE PRESS, that great bulwark of the English nation, inviolate to the latest posterity."
"2dly. We desire you to join with your brethren in all proper measures which shall be thought fit to come into, in order to obtain our violated rights, and to have our rights, both civil and sacred, continued to us according to our charter, till time shall be no more: And in particular, in petitioning our most gracious sovereign our political father, that he would hear us of his clemency, and give us an answer of peace; and treat us according to the account we have of earthly parents, that if a son ask a fish, will not give him a stone, or if he ask an egg would not give him a scorpion; and not treat us as Rehoboam did his subjects, to make his little finger thicker than his father's loins."
"3dly. We would recommend to you to take conduct of those three worthies for your pattern, the account whereof you have in the third chapter of Daniel, which that impious and arbitrary monarch Nebuchadnezzar had made his formidable image, whose height extended to threescore cubits, and commanded all his subjects to fall down and worship that dumb devil, contrary to the laws of God, and the reason which man's creator hath given him; yet they were so stupid as to obey that execrable edict: But behold there were three true sons of liberty, not sons by birth, but captives obtained by conquest of war, who refused to obey the King's command; when the King was informed that these men did not obey his command, then the King commanded them to be brought before him, and the King spake and said, is it true, O Shadrack, Meshach and Abednego, that you do not serve my gods, nor worship the golden image which I

have set up! Now if ye be ready that at what time ye hear the sound of the flute, &c. ye fall down and worship the image which I set up, well: But if you worship not, ye shall be cast the same hour into the midst of the burning fiery furnace; and who is that God that shall deliver you out of my hand? Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego answered and said, we are not careful to answer thee in this matter; if it be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us out of thine hand: But if not; be it known unto thee O King, that we will not serve thy Gods, nor worship the golden image which thou hast set up. And we shall leave it to every one to make application as they think proper.
"4th y. We should be glad there could be a day of fasting and prayer throughout the province, but we have no reason to think the governor will consent to such a proposal. Therefore we desire you to move to the house to recommend it to all the towns in the province in their private capacity, to set apart a day of fasting to humble ourselves before almighty God, and likewise to implore the assistance of the ruler above the sea, who has the hearts of all men in his hand, and can turn them which way he pleaseth, that he would make bare his arm, in defence of his church and people, as he did in the days of that proud and haughty monarch who insolently said, who is the Lord, that I should obey his voice, to let Israel go; and likewise to do for us, as he did for his servant of old, to turn the counsels of those ANTHROPELS into foolishness; and for our encouragement to conduct in this manner, has never failed to the seed of Jacob; seek ye my face in vain."
"By order of the committee, HENRIK MAYNARD, Chairman." "The above instructions being read, and a vote called for, passed in the affirmative." "Attest, ABRAHAM WILLIAMS, Moderator." "A true copy. WINSLOW BRIGHAM, Town Clerk."
The following are the PROCEEDINGS of the town of WESFORD, viz.
"To the Gentlemen the Committee of Correspondence at Boston. Wesford, January 15th, 1773."
"GENTLEMEN, We the committee of the town of Wesford, being desired by the inhabitants to return a respectful answer to the Boston committee, expressive of the great obligations we are under, &c. as appears by one of their votes, which with the rest of the proceedings are inclosed, would gladly have dispensed with the task, not from any disaffection to the cause, nor we hope want of gratitude in us, but from a thorough conviction of our inability to return an answer adequate to the obligations we are under to such distinguished merit, so conspicuous in the inhabitants of Boston; and especially in you, gentlemen, who have so clearly and candidly published to the world the rights of the colonists in general, and this province in particular, together with a list of the violations and infringements of those rights, whereby the eyes of many who have not the opportunity of informing themselves concerning those important matters, are opened to see the impending danger."
"We can, gentlemen, with pleasure inform you that the meeting was as full as is common for the choice of town officers, and that all the votes that passed at the meeting were unanimous; and further, that the people here are so far from being quiet and undisturbed at the late measures, that they are determined to coincide with the town of Boston in any measures which may be concluded upon as best for the removal of the burdens we at present labour under; this we think we can safely do, in confidence that the town of Boston will not adopt any plan that may lay us open to the censure of those who watch for our halting."
"We flatter ourselves that as the general court is now setting, something will be done respecting the premises; in which belief we subscribe ourselves with great respect and esteem. Gentlemen your much obliged humble servants, SAMUEL GARDNER, JONATHAN MINOT, JOHN ABBOT, ASAPH FLETCHER, NAT. BOYNTON."
"AT a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Wesford, legally assembled at the meeting house the 12th of January, 1773; the following votes were passed."
"WHEREAS we have received from the town of Boston, a pamphlet containing the proceedings of said town, in consequence of a rumour, which now, alas we find to be too true, viz. That the Judges of the Superior Court are made, not only independent of the people, but absolutely dependent on the crown for their support; this we apprehend to be a very dangerous innovation, and if continued, may be attended with the most direful consequences."
"Voted, That this town heartily join in sentiment with their Boston brethren, and are of opinion that our rights appear to be stated by them with great perspicuity and candor, are sorry that they are obliged to say that the infringements and violations of said rights are too notorious to be denied."
"Voted, That a committee be chosen to correspond with Boston or any other town, as occasion may require, that so there may be a free communication of sentiments throughout the province."
"Voted, That this committee consist of the five following gentlemen, viz. Mr. Samuel Gardner, Capt. Jonathan Minot, Deacon John Abbot, Dr. Asaph Fletcher, and Mr. Nathaniel Boynton."
"Voted, That this committee be desired to return a respectful answer to the Boston committee, expressive of the great obligations we are under to the town of Boston in general, and to them in particular, for their noble and generous exertions in the cause of their country, and of our readiness to coincide with them in any measures that may be concluded upon, as best for the redress of those grievances, so justly complained of."
"Voted, That as the general court is now sitting, our representative is hereby instructed to use his utmost endeavours for the removal of those grievances, which if persisted in threaten this country with entire ruin."
"Voted, That the thanks of this town be given to that disinterested patriot, the honourable John Hancock, Esq; for his care and zeal discovered upon this occasion, and for the many sacrifices he has made to the cause of liberty, and who, although a gentleman of independent fortune (perhaps not inferior to any of the Marblehead gentry,) can with the greatest pleasure and satisfaction see others live and enjoy the sweets of life as well as himself."
"Voted, That an attested copy of these our proceedings be transmitted to the Boston committee, and that the above gentlemen be desired to enclose them in their letter to said committee, and forward them as soon as may be."
"The above said votes were all unanimously passed in a very full meeting. A true copy from record, Attest, ZAC. WRIGHT, Town Clerk."
SATURDAY, January 23. BOSTON.
This week we had several falls of snow, by which persons may reap great advantage besides that of having good sledging, by following a direction contained in an extract from Dr. ROTHERAM, who in his philosophical enquiry into the nature and properties of WATER, lately published, says, "One effect of SNOW, which I can assure my readers of, is, that a certain quantity of it, taken up fresh from the ground, and mixed with a FLOUR PUDDING, will supply the place of EGGS, and make it equally light; the quantity allowed is two table spoonfuls instead of one EGG; and if this proportion be much exceeded, the pudding will not adhere together, but will fall to pieces in boiling. I assert this from the experience of my own family; and any one who chuses to try it, will find it to be fact."
On Thursday last the honourable Admiral Montagu returned here from Rhode-Island, and the blue flag is again hoisted on board his Majesty's ship Captain in this harbour.
We hear the commissioners for enquiring into the circumstances of burning the Gaspree Schooner, lately mentioned to have met at Newport, have adjourned that court to May next.
MONDAY, January 25. BOSTON.
A notification is inserted in the last New-Hampshire Gazette, cautioning persons to beware of counterfeit half johannes, as they are now currently passing there, finished in such a masterly manner as to deceive, at first view, the nicest eye; but upon a narrow inspection the deceit may be detected, the check of the image being jetted out on one side of them; the opposite a little hallowed; dated anno 1759, and 1768, and appear new as though they were just coined—By dropping them with one known to be good gold, on brick or stone, the difference of sound will prove them base metal.
Last week the honourable House of Representatives voted a salary of 300l. lawful money a year to the Chief Justice of the Superior Court of this province, and the sum of 250l. to each of the other justices of that Court.
Last Saturday Captain Lyde failed from
hence for London, with whom went passengers Timothy Penny, Esq; and Mr. Savage Lieutenant of the Fowey.
Yesterday the Rev. Samson Occom, Minister of the gospel and Missionary to his brother Indians, preached at the Presbyterian meeting house in Long Lane; and likewise again at the same place in the evening, to a very crowded auditory.
MARRIED. James Cunningham, Esq; to Mrs. Martha Chaloner, widow of the late Dr. Chaloner, of Newport, Rhode-Island.
DIED. Miss Catherine Elenshaw, youngest sister of the late Colonel Joshua Henshaw, deceased.—Mrs. Rachel Cole.—Mrs. Roberts, wife of Mr. Luke Roberts painter.—Mrs. Collins, wife of Mr. Collins, blacksmith.—Mr. Jonathan Mabbs, cooper.—Mr. Lemuel Blackmar.—Mrs. Sarah Attwood, wife of Capt. Nathaniel Attwood.—At Chelsea, Mrs. Elizabeth Tuttle, wife of Mr. Elisha Tuttle.—At Newbury-Port, Joseph Atkins, Esq.
TUESDAY, January 26. BOSTON.
We hear that Admiral Montagu has been pleased to appoint Dr. John Haliberton, of Newport, surgeon of the hospital to be established within that colony, for the reception of the sick and infirm seamen belonging to such of his Majesty's ships as may be stationed there.
We are informed that about a fortnight ago a vessel from St. Eustatia, was seized at Newport by the Captain of a man of war, for having six sets of cups and saucers on board—but upon application to the Hon. board of commissioners at Boston, they thought proper to release the vessel.
NEW-YORK, January 14. Sunday at 12 o'clock sailed from this harbour, the sloop Mississippi, Wait Goodrich master, bound up the River Mississippi, having on board (appointed by the company of military adventurers)—a committee, to explore, reconnoitre, and view all the lands, &c. &c. lately said to be granted by the King and Privy Council to Major General Lyman, and the company of military adventurers—bounding west on the Mississippi, North on the River Yasou, between the Latitudes of 32 and 34.
PROVIDENCE, January 23. Wednesday last Admiral M—— returned to Boston from Newport.—On the Road, we are told, he was met by two farmers, with loaded carts, who were ordered to give way for the Admiral's carriage: One of them complied, but the other refusing, his Excellency threatened him in high terms, and proceeded to brandish his cane. The honest farmer resolutely asserted his right, and raising the butt of his whip, stood on his defensive. This was accompanied with gestures that rendered any explanation of his intention unnecessary; when the Admiral thought proper not to contest the matter further, prudently lowered his cane, gave way to the cart, and pursued his Journey.—He was very particular in his enquiries, at the next Inn, after the farmer's name, perhaps with a design, agreeable to the modern mode; to indict him for high treason. Providence Gaz.
WEDNESDAY, January 27. BOSTON.
Extract of a letter from Philadelphia, dated December 28, 1772.
"We have nothing new of an interesting nature stirring among us: But your town meetings, resolves, &c. begin to excite the attention of the people in these parts."
"Friday the 22nd day of January. THIS day I went to clear out the sloop Lively for New-London, and the naval officer made me pay three shillings lawful money for a bond to clear out my square-sail yard, and square-sail boom, and topmast and topsail yard belonging to my vessel, because I carried them on my deck, if it had been summer time I should have had them rigged. HENRY BILLINGS, Master."
One hundred and forty thousand additional forces in Constantinople and its environs will not defend that city from a Russian bombardment; such numbers will only hurry on its distress and ruin, by consuming the provisions.
Extract of a letter from a gentleman of the law in a neighbouring Colony, to his friend in Providence.
"The very extraordinary stretch of power, in erecting a Court of Inquisition at Rhode-Island, arbitrarily to apprehend, and most cruelly and unconstitutionally to carry beyond Sea for trial, those persons concerned in burning the Gaspree, is justly alarming to every lover of his Country, and our once happy constitution."
"We ought to consider the measure as levelled not at Rhode-Island merely, but as
a flagrant attack upon American Liberty in general. The commission granted in 1664 to Maverick, Carr and others, tho' acknowledged by all to be destructive of the liberties of the people, and unsupported by the constitution, was not so fatal as the present commission. There our ancestors had the small consolation of having their causes heard and determined where they were able to procure their evidences, &c. but to be drawn three thousand miles from the jurisdiction where the supposed offences are committed, to be there tried by the minions of power, renders all hopes of acquittal vain, and a defence impossible. How soon this may be the fate of some in our colony, as well as in yours, I know not. This at least ought to be the desire of every honest man, that none of us may like slaves submit to the insults of the tools of administration, but like men shew, by every constitutional method we intend to hold our liberties free from invasion, and transmit them inviolate to unborn generations, for whom as well as ourselves, we hold them in trust."
The following came PROPERLY recommended to the Printer. Gloucester, January 20.
MR. THOMAS, Please to insert the following in your next. LAST week came to this town, a notorious deceiver, who seems to have the gift of the tongue; he went to a number of persons and said, "Gentlemen, you are sensible what Ipswich people have done, in depriving you of digging clams in that town, and that Mr. D-ge, who was one of the principal actors in that matter, is about to deprive you of the fish that are now to be had in great plenty; he is one of the principal owners of mills in that town, and has laid a plan wholly to stop up the fish-ways, and I have here a petition to the great and general court, with a great number of signers, to prevent said passage being stopped;" I hearing these words liked the scheme very well, and signed said petition, which then appeared to be my duty, but have since been informed that the account was false, and that this deceiver was about to deprive the poor of bread, and the farmer of his fencing so that his cornfields could not be secured. This person is about 5 feet 9 inches high, dark complexion, and dark hair, with a blue furtout, and large brass buckles in his shoes. It is said this man belongs in the town of Middletown, and hath caused great uneasiness with many persons there, raising disputes between ministers and people. I have since had opportunity of talking with Dr. H-le of Boxford, who was appointed by that town to agree with the several owners of mills in Ipswich, and he informed me, that he and several gentlemen from the several towns concerned, did meet and agree that the matters were fair, the agreement mutual, and that he thought the way would do very well, this gentleman is one that may be depended upon for truth. It appears the above described deceiver, did not let the people know of any agreement being made. It is said he is striving to disturb the peace of the towns of Ipswich, Topsfield, Boxford and several other towns; in short he has the character of the worst man that ever was in Middletown, if this be true, how bad must he be. The governor in his last speech says, that offenders have of late escaped punishment; and as his Majesty has been at great expence that a court may be held at Newport, to enquire into the offenders that burnt the Schooner Gaspree, and as I understand they have very little to do, I do hereby promise, that if any person will take up the deceiver and disturber of the peace of his Majesty's good subjects, and safely convey to his Majesty's court, now held at N——, so as that he may be brought to condign punishment, shall have an 100 Dollars reward, paid by A Friend to his Country.
To be LET, And entered upon the beginning of April next, A large FARM, lying in the Town of Brookfield, about a mile from the meeting-house, containing between 3 and 400 acres of good pasturing, plowing, mowing, and orcharding, now in the occupation of Mr. John Wait, innholder in said town: There are on said farm, a large double house, two large barns, &c. Any person inclining to hire it, or to take it on any other terms, may know further by applying to DUNCAN INGRAHAM, in Concord. Who has for sale,
A large assortment of English and West-India GOODS, wholesale and retail, as cheap as at any Store in Boston.
N. B. Good hoghead hoops, lumber, and grain of all sorts, will be received as payment for goods.

For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. Mr. THOMAS
If you think the following extract (from a late publication in French) worthy of a place in your paper, it is very much at your service. W. B.
HOW different are the manners of a Frenchman and a Spaniard. A Frenchman wears a little black hat, with a large white feather in it—a Spaniard wears a large white hat, with a little black feather in it. A Frenchman wears his hair long—a Spaniard wears his short. A Frenchman eats fast and a great deal—a Spaniard eats slow and very little. A Frenchman is served with the boiled meat first—a Spaniard with the roast. A Frenchman usually puts wine into his water—a Spaniard puts water into his wine. A Frenchman talks a great deal at table—a Spaniard says not a word. A Frenchman takes a walk after eating—a Spaniard takes a nap or sits still. A Frenchman walks fast—a Spaniard walks slow. A French servant walks behind his master—a Spanish servant before him. A Frenchman when he makes a sign for any one to come to him, raises his hand and waves it towards his face—a Spaniard for the same purpose lowers his hand towards his feet. A Frenchman, by way of compliment gives the upper part of the pavement—a Spaniard gives the lower. A Frenchman enters and goes out of his own house last—a Spaniard always the first. A Frenchman asks charity with humility—a Spaniard with a kind of gravity which has a great appearance of arrogance. A Frenchman reduced to poverty, sells every thing but his shirt—a shirt is the first thing a Spaniard rids himself of, retaining his ruff, his sword, and hiding his wants under his cloak, even to extremity. A Frenchman in the morning puts on his coat the last—a Spaniard begins to dress himself with it. A Frenchman, in buttoning himself, begins at the cape and ends at the waist—a Spaniard begins at the waist and ends at the cape.
To be SOLD, by Wholesale or Retail, by JOSEPH PALMER & SON, At their STORE opposite the Golden-Ball: PALMER'S common Chocolate, as cheap and good as any; excepting only some which they make of a superior quality, fit for any gentleman's table. Also cocoa, sugars, tea, flour, flax, table fish, hollow ware, glass ware, indigo, Raisins, &c. N. B. There are English Goods at said store, now selling off very cheap for cash, West-India goods, or any kind of Barter that may suit.
CHOICE DUMB FISH, to be sold cheap for Cash; apply to JEREMIAH WEBB, near the New North Church, or to PETER CLARK at Francis Trees, opposite Christ-Church.
TAKEN out of the house of the subscriber, at the time of the fire, the 6th inst. 2 boxes with the following articles viz. One plain ring marked Thomas Telfstone, one red cyphered stone ring, one white stone ring, one pair stone-earrings set in gold, one silver call, one fine lawn apron, six yards of lace, three ivory stick fans, a prospect glass rim'd with silver, one pair women's black silk glove, one pair white silk mitt, one fine lawn handkerchief double laced, one plain ditto, 2 small quantity of white beads, sundry odd stone buttons set in silver, and sundry other small articles. If any of the above should be offered for sale, it is desired they may be stopped, and notice given to the Printer, or JEREM. RUSSELL.
The SECOND EDITION. This Day was published, AN ORATION on the Beauties of Liberty or the essential rights of the Americans. Humbly dedicated to the right honorable the Earl of Dartmouth. Printed and sold by D. KNEELAND, and N. DAVIS.
To be SOLD, by NATHANIEL RUSSELL, In Common-street, a little to the northward of Dr. Byles's Meeting-House, BOSTON,
A Compleat assortment of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, consisting of Clocks, Tables, Chairs, Bedstead-dumb Waiters, &c. &c. Cheap for Cash.
To be SOLD cheap, Cooper's Shop, Warehouses and Wharf in Fish-street. Enquire of Abigail Marshall, of Boston, in Fish-street aforesaid, or Francis Marshall, of Newton.
LEE and JONES, Have for sale at their shop near the Swing-bridge, at the lowest advance, A Large assortment of Winter GOODS, Stationary, china Cups and Saucers, gold and silver Laces and Buttons; a great variety of LADIES SILKS, SILVER WATCHES, Gunpowder, Brimstone, Nails, Glass, &c. &c. A few pipes of Fyall Wine.
ALEXANDER STEELE, Nearly opposite the Governor's, in Marlborough-street. Has for sale a small assortment of BOOKS. Which he will sell as cheap as any Person in Boston.
Amongst which are the following: QUARTO Bibles, from six dollars to two, ditto Octavo, ditto common pocket ditto, Bailey's Dictionary, Coles's ditto, Salmon's Grammer, Confession of Faith, Ambrose's Looking unto Jesus, Flavel on the Soul, Boston's Sermons, Fordyce's ditto, Willson's Works complete, in Quarto, ditto separate, Harvey's Works complete, in Six Volumes, ditto Meditations, Preaching Bibles with Cain's Notes, a large 4vo. Bible with Arguments and moral and theological Observations, By the Reverend Mr. Osterwald, Professor of Divinity in Switzerland, and recommended by the Society for propagating christian Knowledge; Prayer Books of all sorts, with the Companion to the Altar, the Assembly's Shorter Catechism explained, by way of Question and Answer; Haly Burton's Great Concern of Salvation; do. s. Ten Sermons; Durham on the Song of Solomon; The Family Instructor; Young's Night Thoughts; Addison's Evidences of the Christian Religion; Sherlock on Death; Spiritual Logick; Boston's Four-fold State; Guthrie's Works; Doddridge's Rise and Progress; Ray's Wisdom of God. Owen on Sin; Ambrose's War with Devils. Owen on Communion; Henry on the Sacrament, do. on Prayer. Pilgrim's Progress. Gospe! Sonnets. Glimse of Glory. The New ready Reckoner. Memoirs of Mrs. Elizabeth West. Wife's Work, &c.
BINDING, Performed as neat and as cheap as in London.
IRISH LINEN. WILLIAM SCOTT, At the IRISH LINEN STORE in Ann-street, near the Draw-bridge, Boston, Has just imported from Ireland,
A Large quantity of 3-4, 7-8 and yard-wide Linens of all prices, Diapers, clouting ditto, Huckabuck, Dowlas, Table Cloths, 9-8ths wide Sheeting, white Ticken, brown Hollands, &c. A great variety of European and India Goods, amongst which are, broad Cloths, Lambkins, Coatings, Baizes, &c. silk and worsted Stuff, Poplins, Crapes, Denmark Lustres, Millinets, Dorsetteens, Camblets, worsted Damasks, &c. Satins and capuchin Silks of all colours, with lace and fur trimmings, Ducapes, striped and plain Lute strings, English Damasks, &c. a large assortment of Ribbons, Gauzes, striped and flowered Jaconet and 6 4 wide book Muslin of all prices; Jersey, Aberdeen knit, and patent ribbed men's worsted Hose, ditto plain of all colours, for men, women and children; with too great a multiplicity of goods, suitable for the season, to be enumerated in an advertisement, all which will be sold at the lowest reduced prices for ready money only.
Excellent Gloucester Cheese, French Indigo, Teas, Coffee, Spices, &c. patent Cakes for making the liquid shining blacking for shoes and leather bottomed chairs, &c. a number of low priced bound Books of divinity, Bibles, Testaments, &c.
New Book-Store. JOHN LANGDON, Opposite Mr. THOMAS LEVERETT's leading to the Market, Informs his friends, and the Public, that he has received in the several last ships from London and Scotland, A LARGE and Grand Assortment of BOOKS in all Arts and Sciences, which, with his former importations, make as large a collection as is to be found at any Store in America. As he intends for England in the Spring, every Gentleman who may please to favour him with their custom may depend on purchasing at a little more than the sterling cost and charges.
The least favours gratefully acknowledged. JACOB HEMET, DENTIST to her Majesty and the Princess Amelia.
BEGS Leave to recommend to the Public, his newly discovered Essence of Pearl, and Pearl Detrifrice, which he has found to be greatly superior not only in elegance, but also in efficacy, to any thing hitherto made use of for complaints of the Teeth and Gums: Particularly they will preserve the Teeth in a perfect sound state, even to old age; they render them white and beautiful, without in the least impairing the enamel; fasten such as are loose, keep such as are already decayed from becoming worse, prevent the Tooth-Ach, perfectly cure the Scurvy in the Gums, and make them grow firm and close to the teeth; they likewise render the breath delicate, sweet, and remedy almost all those disorders that are the consequence of scorbatic gums. Sold (by appointment of Mr. Hemet) wholesale and retail, by W. Bayley, Perfumer, in Cockspur-street, near the bottom of the Hay-market, London, and at William Scott's Irish Linen Store, near the Draw-bridge, Boston, New-England.
DANIEL SCOTT, At his Medicine Store the Sign of the Leopard, South End. TAKES this method of informing all Gentlemen, Ladies, and others, who have had the Misfortune to lose their Teeth, that he still continues the Business of making and fixing artificial Teeth as usual, in so elegant a manner as to be but little inferior to the natural, either in Use or Beauty, as many who have experienced them can testify: Where also any Person afflicted with painful Stumps or unsound Teeth, may have them removed with a peculiar Dexterity and Ease.—And all Persons who have the Scurvy in their Teeth, which threatens their removal though sound, may have them cleaned without hurting the Enamel, or in the least degree impairing them, and may be supplied with his DENTUM CONSERVATOR, which is an excellent Powder, the best adapted for preserving the Teeth and Gums, and preventing them from Aching, of any Preparation ever offered to the Public: It will cure the Scurvy in the Gums, bring the Teeth to their original Whiteness, and by a continuance of its Use, will Preserve both Teeth and Gums in a pure state during life.—It is not pretended that it will perform Impossibilities, that it will make rotten Teeth sound, or will ease them when they violently ach; but it will assuredly preserve those Teeth sound that are so, and cause the Gums to adhere to them and prevent those that are decayed in part, from becoming worse.
At the above Store may be had Morgan's useful Eye-Water, which has in so many cases been found serviceable that it must escape the censure of the most critical Oculist—Brigden's famous Bug Liquid, which effectually destroys those hateful Vermin,—be they ever so numerous.— An assortment of genuine patented and other Medicines of the best quality, and Medicine Boxes for Families or Shipping, with exact and particular directions for using them, and a variety of other articles cheap.
The above Powder may be had also of Cox and Berry in Boston, Doctor Kast in Salem, and Dummer Jewett, Esq; at Ipswich
This day were published, price 1s. 2d. SEVEN Sermons, viz. I. Of the Unpardonable Sin against the Holy Ghost: Or, the Sin unto death. II. The Saint's Duty and Exercise: In two Parts. Being an Exhortation to, and Direction for, Prayer. III. The Accepted Time and Day of Salvation. IV. The End of Time and Beginning of Eternity. V. Joshua's Resolution to serve the Lord. VI. The Way to Heaven made plain. VII. The future State of Man: Or, A Treatise on the Resurrection.
By ROBERT RUSSEL, At Wardour in Sussex. Boston: Printed and sold by I. THOMAS near the Mill-bridge.
This Day was published, The new Book of KNOWLEDGE, shewing the Effects of the Planets and other Astronomical Constellations; with the Strange Events that befal Men, Women and Children, born under them. Together with the Husbandman's Practice: Or, Prognostications for ever. With the Shepherds perpetual Prognostication for the Weather. Also, a brief Discourse on the Natural Causes of Meteors; with an account of several remarkable Earthquakes, Rains, Thunder, Lightnings, Comets, Blazing-Stars, &c. that have happened in several Countries. And Observations on the Weather, and Signs foretelling Rain. A brief Collection of all the Members of Man Physiognomized: The Signification of Moles on Men and Women: The interpretation of Dreams: And Pythagoras's Wheel of Fortune. With several other Secrets of Art and Nature, not to be found in any other Book of this Kind and Price. Boston, Printed and sold by I. THOMAS, near the Mill-bridge.
Also, this day was published, The Happiness and Pleasure of Unity in Christian Societies, considered; in a Sermon preached at a Lecture in Bolton, New-England, on Wednesday, August 26th, 1772. By ZABDIEL ADAMS, A. M. Pastor of a Church in Lunenburgh. Boston: Printed and sold by I. THOMAS, near the Mill Bridge.
At the same place may be had, Spelling-Books, Psalters, Primers, Accidences, &c. Likewise Psalm-Books, New-England's Memorial; Eschol, or a Cluster of the Fruit of Canaan brought to the Borders, by Dr. Owen; Wife, on the New-England Churches, &c. Small Books for Children, Slates, Sealing-Wax, Wafers, Quills, &c. &c.
NEW RICE, Indigo, and a few quintals of choice dumb Fish, brown and loaf Sugars, Tea, Coffee, Chocolate, Spices, Cheese, Indian and Rye Meal, Oatmeal, Spermaceti Oyl, &c. to be sold cheap for Cash, at
CHARLES LOWE's Shop in Marshall's Lane, facing the Boston-Store.
N. B. English Beer and London Porter, sold as usual. Cash given for Bottles.
To be sold by Samuel Sloane, At his Distil-House, opposite the Blue-ball and Mason's-Arms, formerly Green-Dragon, New-England RUM, and all sorts of SPIRITS, cheap for cash or Molasses; and as he makes those articles himself, he will warrant them fit for any market.
To be LET A Convenient Blacksmith's shop at the North-End. Enquire of the Printer.
To be sold for eight guineas, A SERVANT Girl, who has three years to serve. Enquire of the Printer.
ALL persons indebted to the estate of JOHN McGRATH, late of CHARLESTOWN, leather breeches maker, deceased, are desired to make immediate payment to DANIEL WHEALAN, sole executor to the last will and testament of the deceased: And all who have any demands on said estate are desired to bring them to said executor, in order to a speedy settlement. Boston, December 27. 1772

THURSDAY, January 28. BOSTON.
The following are the Proceedings of the large and respectable town of NEWBURY, viz.
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of NEWBURY legally assembled at the town house in said town on Tuesday the twenty ninth day of December, 1772. Joseph Gerrish, Esq; was chosen moderator for said meeting, who by a vote adjourned said meeting to the meeting house in the First parish in said town, where they immediately assembled and passed the following votes, viz.
1. That the violations of our rights and liberties (as they are very justly pointed out in a pamphlet lately received from Boston) are real matters of grievance to this town.
2. Voted to chuse a committee to consider of said grievances, and the infringements of our rights and liberties, as pointed out in said pamphlet and make report at the adjournment of this meeting. Then a committee of sixteen men were chosen accordingly. The meeting was adjourned to Monday the 4th of January next at two of the clock after noon.
To the inhabitants of the town of Newbury now assembled at the Town-House.
GENTLEMEN, Pursuant to a vote of the town, at their last meeting December 29, 1772. We being appointed a committee to consider our public grievances, and to make report thereon, do now offer what follows, expressive, as we presume, of the sentiments and resolutions of our brethren.
BORN in a land of freedom, and trained up from our infancy in the principles of civil, as well as religious liberty, the blessings of which, through the favour of divine providence, we have experienced, and firmly persuaded that as loyal subjects of the British empire, we are still fully entitled to all the privileges we have enjoyed, it is with strong and penetrating grief, we have seen these from time to time attacked, and in some measure wrested from us, through ministerial influence in the British court.
Alarmed therefore with the rest of our brethren throughout this province, and throughout these colonies, at the threatening aspect of several acts of parliament, and especially of some recent ones, all visibly tending to deprive us, not merely in part, but wholly to deprive us, of our natural and constitutional rights, and to subject us to all the miseries of an arbitrary and despotic government, we have deeply shared in the common distress.
Under these feelings and apprehensions, with breasts warmed with the love of liberty, a concern for ourselves, a concern for our brethren, and for posterity, strongly excites us to make use of every lawful measure, calculated to extricate us from present calamities, and to save us from impending ruin.
And having carefully perused the report of our brethren the honourable committee of the town of Boston, in which they attempt to state the rights of the colonists, and to give a list of the infringements and violations of these rights, which report has been accepted by the town, and published and sent abroad through the province, we think it needless to descend to particulars, respecting these points, in as much as we find in general, our own sense of things so well and so fully expressed therein.
RESOLVED therefore, I. That we heartily concur with the town of Boston, in their representation of the rights of the colonists, and of certain acts of parliament by them referred to; judging that these rights are fairly and justly stated, and that said parliamentary acts directly tend to their violation, and even to the utter ruin of our civil constitution; and as we judge it reasonable and of high importance, that having one common interest, and being sufferers together in one common cause, we should be united in our endeavours for relief.
Resolved II. That we will heartily join with our brethren throughout the province, and use our utmost exertions, in every lawful way for the redress of our grievances.
Accordingly, Resolved III. That it be, and is now given as a particular instruction to our Representative the hon. Joseph Gerrish, Esq; that he use his most zealous endeavours in our General Assembly, for the full restoration of our rights and privileges, so far as they have been infringed, and that they may be preserved and transmitted, in their full extent to the latest posterity.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. Mr. THOMAS, Please to insert the following in your paper, and oblige A CUSTOMER. To the MEMBERS of the GENERAL COURT, assembled at Boston, the 6th instant.
GENTLEMEN, HAVING seen a petition that is intended to be laid before you in the name of many slaves living in Boston and other towns in the province, praying that you would be pleased to take their unhappy state and condition under consideration, and give them such relief as is consistent with your wisdom, justice and goodness. I am led to make a few observations on the subject, which I hope may not be unuseful, previous to your taking of it up.
1st. I would beg leave to remark, that we have been for a number of years contending and struggling for the recovery of our charter rights, and yet never appeared to consider that we act in direct opposition to its spirit and original intent, for it is therein mentioned in words to this effect, "That all persons who shall go to, and inhabit within the province, and every of their children born there, or on the seas in going thither, shall have and enjoy all liberties and immunities of free and natural subjects of the realm of England," which at once throws down all pretensions of there being laws of the province allowing the keeping slaves; for I always understood (I hope I am not mistaken) that no laws could be enacted contrary to the charter, and it is plain that at the granting it, there was an intent, that all people who should ever inhabit within the province, should enjoy the same liberties and privileges as in England: And by a late memorable case determined at the highest court of common law at home, it was decreed, that no person can be held as a slave, otherwise than by an express law of the country he lives in, and that there is any such law in the province of the Massachusetts-Bay, I absolutely deny; therefore I conceive, you cannot in justice to the negroes, your own consciences, and the spirit and intention of the charter, find that they are justly and legally kept in bondage, and that they shall be so in future.
2d. I would observe, for the further clearing up the injustice of slavery here, and which has given so much real cause of complaint for years past, that it is expressly against the laws of God, which are of higher obligation than those of nations or provinces, as is mentioned in Exod. xxi. 16. Levit. &c. &c.
3d. It is incompatible with the laws which Christ delivered, concerning our duty one to another, and which is agreeable to the rules of nature and society, "to do unto others as we would they should do to us;" and if we could content ourselves to be placed in the same situation with those blacks, without murmuring or discontent, I am sure I would be the very last person who would wish them freed: But as the very idea of slavery is so detestable to every generous mind and British subject, and as we hear daily of town meetings and consulting upon the infringements that have lately been made upon our charter rights, and passing resolves to that effect, pray what can we think of ourselves, and more especially you who represent this people, and make laws for their government, when there is hardly a head of a family but has one, or more examples of slavery in his house, under his hourly observation, and who often disapproves of the thing which he helps to uphold? Than which nothing is more inconsistent with common sense.
When the petition comes before you, I hope, as I doubt not, you will think candidly of their dejected state; and beg you would bring into your minds, the ideas you entertain and protestations of liberty which you daily make, when at the same time these blacks are kept in the utmost slavery, and denied the greatest and most common comfort in life - freedom: I say, collect all these things before your eyes & thoroughly digest them in your minds, and if afterwards you will declare for their being continued in age, remembering that at the same time you are contending for your own liberties, it is as mysterious, as for any man to live, without taking the necessaries of life.
ere his words -void of delusive art, in; for he spoke them from his heart. HUME.
EXTRAORDINARY [No. 104, Massachusetts SPY, or Thomas's Journal, will be published To morrow.
And as deep penetration, mature judgment, and great prudence, as well as unshaken fortitude and resolution may be necessary to a proper and salutary conduct, in the present critical and alarming situation of affairs,
Resolved IV. That there be a committee chosen by this town annually, or till we shall obtain redress of our grievances, to correspond with the town of Boston, and with such others as said committee shall think proper, that by freely communicating their sentiments to one another, from time to time, the wisest and best measures may be pitched upon, united in, and prosecuted for the removal of our difficulties.
And having the highest sense of the importance of these rights and privileges, to which we think ourselves justly entitled, we cannot but look on those as our best friends who appear in their defence when threatened, or zealously endeavour their rescue when made a prey of by the enemies of our constitution. These justly merit our esteem and gratitude.
Resolved, therefore, V. That the thanks of this town be given to the inhabitants of the town of Boston; and to the honourable committee of said town in particular, for their care and vigilance, and for that patriotic zeal they have shown, for the preservation of our liberties and privileges, and for saving our invaluable constitution from utter destruction.
The above report being read, the town unanimously voted their acceptance of it; and that it be entered among the records of the town, there to stand as a lasting memorial of the sense they have of their invaluable privileges, and of their steady determination to defend them in every lawful way, as occasion may require.
JOSEPH HALE, In the name and in behalf of the committee.
Newbury, January 4. 1773. At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Newbury, held January 4, 1773, by adjournment from December 29, 1772.
The town after unanimously accepting the foregoing report, VOTED, to choose a committee of five men to correspond with the committee of the town of Boston and any others as they shall see fit from time to time, as occasion shall require. The following gentlemen were chosen a committee accordingly, viz. Capt. Joseph Hale, Major Samuel Gerrish, Major Joshua Coffin, Capt. Moses Little and Capt. Samuel Moody. Attest.
JOSHUA COFFIN, Clerk pro tempore.
At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the Town of SANDISFIELD, legally assembled by adjournment, on Tuesday January the 12th, A. D. 1773.
TAKING into consideration the state of the rights of the colonists, and this province in particular, a list of the infringements and violations of those rights; and a letter of correspondence, voted by the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Boston, on Friday the 20th of November, A. D. 1772, and by their committee of correspondence transmitted to this town: Having considered the same, are of opinion that the rights of this province, as men, as christians, and as subjects, are well stated in said list, as the same are well supported and warranted by the laws of God, of nature, of the realm of Great Britain and the charter of this province. That a list of those infringements, and violations of those rights and privileges, inherent to the inhabitants of this province, are well stated vindicated and supported by a great variety of uncontestable facts, whereby it appears to us by a list of the violations and infractions of our liberties and privileges, as British subjects, transmitted to us as aforesaid, that the time is rapidly hastening in which we shall be reduced to the most abject slavery, and having consulted our charter, we find that our liberties thereby derived, are sapped to the very foundation. There are two particular articles in the list transmitted as aforesaid, which are in a particular manner alarming to us, the one is an act passed the last session of the British parliament, intitled, An act for the better preservation of his Majesty's dockyards, magazines, ships, ammunition, and stores, for by this act an American may be taken and apprehended on the most groundless pretence, and carried to Great-Britain in irons, and there tried in an unconstitutional manner; the thought of which is enough to make any person, having the least sense of the freedom of an Englishman, tremble and shudder; and other grievance under which we labour and are now particularly concerned, is the frequent alteration of the bound-
of the colony, by decisions before the King and Council, is not only subject to grants and charters. The situation to which they have not consented, but under colour that the right of soil is affected by such declarations, some Governors or ministers, in consequence of mandamus from his Majesty, pretended to grant many thousand acres of vacant and unappropriated lands, which lands in fact were purchased of the natives near a cent per acre, and rendered valuable by the labours of the present cultivators and their ancestors. We therefore conceive, that should such proceedings be warranted, that the province of the Massachusetts-Bay lying on the west side of Connecticut River, would in consequence of a late act of the assembly of New-York, in which act it is declared that the county of Albany shall be and is extended to the western banks of Connecticut River and shall be ceded to said province; and the next thing that might happen would be that Governor Tryon or some other of his Majesty's Governors or ministers would, in consequence of a Mandamus, cause that all our towns and possessions the west side of said River should be laid out to us we know not who: For the fact is that the province of New-York have already exercised an actual Jurisdiction over said lands.
We hope therefore that our representatives will join and unite in such measures as may tend to support our invaluable rights and privileges in whatever way or manner derived.
Voted and Resolved, That the united thanks and greatful acknowledgement of every friend to the constitution of this province is due to the vigilance and spirit of the inhabitants of the town of Boston upon this and many other occasions.
The foregoing report was read distinctly in the meetings, and then the question was put, whether the same be accepted, and passed in the affirmative.
A true copy, Attest. DAVID DEMING, Town Clerk."
Besides the towns mentioned in our last, the committee of correspondence here, have received the proceedings of the following, viz. Abington, Stoneham, Scarborough, Acton, Templeton, Lenox, &c. All which, notwithstanding, "they are to be printed in a VOLUME," we shall publish as we are able.
The following paragraph is from a late London paper. "THE celebrated Choiseul, late Prime Minister of France, being a few weeks ago asked why he ceded so amazing a tract of country as all Canada to Great-Britain by the last peace, replied, "I ceded it on purpose to destroy the English nation: They were fond of American dominions, and I was resolved they should have enough; for I have given them not only a constant drain for their most valuable inhabitants, but a formidable rival, which in less than a century will find employment for the councils of that turbulent people." Choiseul's words are already prophetic: Our ministers begin to discover that America is a very problematick benefit to England, and Lord Shelburne actually resigned because we were opening on the Ohio fresh graves for the inhabitants of this kingdom."
DIED. Miss Polly Spear daughter to Mr. Nathan Spear, Cooper, the friends and relations of the deceased are requested to attend her funeral to-morrow, at four o'clock afternoon.
The address of his Majesty's COUNCIL to the Governor, could not be procured by the printer hereof, time enough for this day's paper, he begs leave, therefore, to refer them, for said address, to the Massachusetts Gazette of this day.
A piece signed MORE PATIENCE, and some other matters, must be deferred.
MARINE LIST.
PORT OF BOSTON, January 23. ARRIVED. Greely from Philadelphia; Gorham from Maryland. PORT OF RHODE-ISLAND, January 18. ARRIVED. Lippit, Rathbun, Tillinghast and Hazard from Hispaniola; Anthony from Philadelphia; Frazar from New-York, Temple and Davis from New-London; Field from Nantucket; Fry from Boston; Whiting from North-Carolina; Cox from New-York; Waterman from Nantucket. PORT OF PHILADELPHIA January 13. ARRIVED. Stephens from Virginia; Hunter from Honduras.
To be GIVEN AWAY. A VERY likely hearty female NEGRO CHILD, of as fine a breed as any in America. Enquire of the Printer.