The Massachusetts spy, or, Thomas's Boston journal (Boston [Mass.]), 1773-03-18 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. III.]
THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1773.
[NUMB. III.]
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. Mr. THOMAS,
Please to insert the following.
A PLAN to perpetuate the UNION between GREAT-BRITAIN and AMERICA, to the latest Period of time.
IT is a just observation, That the most simple propositions, are hard to be rendered more intelligible by any explanation; this remark is applicable to the present dispute between Britain and America; altho' the truth is obvious to common sense, yet there have been volumes written on the subject. A few words may make the matter clear to every mind. The Law of Nature, the Charter and the British parliament all declare that the Colonists are free men;--it is a self-evident truth, that their total subjection to a parliament independent of them, destroys every idea of freedom and property; and it is equally certain, that no line can be drawn between the supreme authority of parliament and the total subjection of the Colonies; the consequence is, the Colonies are independent of the British parliament.--This truth is so clear it must blaze upon every mind.--The great question now is, How shall the union between Britain and America be preserved? The answer is easy. Common interest is the band of union; the people of each country must treat the other in such a manner as to make it their interest to preserve the connection. The people of both countries are united in the King, who is the head of the empire, and interest (the only cement of political bodies) must preserve union between the members of the empire, and between them and their head.
When the King wants the assistance of his American subjects, he must apply to their Houses of Commons for grants, in the same way he now does to his parliament in Britain. The Colonies finding themselves treated like free men by their King, and fellow subjects in Britain, and their rights established upon a firm foundation, they will be animated to contribute the utmost in their power to promote the honour of the crown and the support of the kingdom. And as the Colonies increase in wealth and numbers, so will their assistance to the parent state increase until Britain flows with the riches of America--and by union and harmony between the two countries, founded on freedom and common interest, the British empire may continue firmly united and flourish to the latest ages.
For the MASSACHUSETTS SPY. Mr. THOMAS,
You are desired to publish the following from the Monthly Review, for September, 1772.
BOOK having lately been published in London, under the title of "Political Essays on the present state of the British Empire," the reviewers make the following remarks on that part which respects a settlement on the Ohio.
"So far as we are capable of forming a judgment upon this delicate subject, we must own this proposal of our author's seems to be founded in good policy; and, if properly executed capable of producing very beneficial consequences: And we should imagine, so far from being dangerous to government as it has been insinuated, that settlers, with plenty of land to cultivate, in situations so far from the sea, must, in all probability, be the most peaceable and most beneficial of all his Majesty's American subjects: PROVIDED a slavish policy does not at first corrupt the principles of the establishment, and prevent the people from enjoying the blessings of that constitution which has exalted Britons above the condition of most other nations, and which will preserve their dignity and exalt their natures, so long as they have spirit and virtue to preserve it; but if FEUDAL establishments
and MILITARY discipline are to be adopted in our future settlements, it is to be wished, for the happiness of mankind, that all attempts to extend our baleful influence may be frustrated."
"There is no doubt but his Majesty's subjects beyond the Atlantic would be as loyal, as peaceable and as happy, as his subjects on this side, provided the ridiculous fears and narrow apprehensions of MINUTES MEN were discarded, and they were both governed by the same principles. The King stands exactly in the same relation to his subjects in Britain, as to those in America; there is no difference but what is merely geographical; and therefore there ought to be none in policy or administration, but what that geographical difference requires; and the defect that arises from this circumstance is remedied in the best possible manner by the Governors, or King's representatives, through whom his Majesty hath as much constitutional power there as he has in England: And whoever aims at more than this, aims at the establishment, not of lawful government, but of tyranny."
They afterwards speak of "the absurdity of attempting to preserve an unconstitutional authority of one British parliament over other British parliaments."
Such are the sentiments of sensible, judicious and disinterested persons on the other side the water. How different the sentiments of placemen and pensioners!
FRIDAY, March 12. BOSTON. Proceedings of the Town of CONCORD.
At a meeting of the Freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Concord legally assembled and held at the Court-House in said town, on Wednesday the 31st day of December, 1772.
"At which meeting the town chose a committee to make a draught for instructions to the representative, at this critical season, which the town had previously voted they would (according to his desire) give him: Also to make a draught of the sentiments of this town respecting the rights of the colonists, and of this province in particular as stated by the town of Boston and communicated to this town, as also of the list of infringements on those rights and privileges. Said committee to make report at the time to which the meeting should be adjourned to."
"At a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Concord upon an adjournment on Monday the eleventh day of January A.D. 1773, the committee above mentioned reported to the town as follows, viz."
INSTRUCTION for the REPRESENTATIVE.
"To Capt. JAMES BARRETT, S I R,
"We his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects the inhabitants of the town of Concord in town meeting assembled, this eleventh day of January, 1773, after expressing our most firm attachment to and ardent love for our most gracious sovereign King George, in the support and defence of whose person and dignity we are always ready not only to spend our fortunes but lives (while we are in the enjoyment of our invaluable privileges granted us by royal charter.) But cannot in this time of general concern throughout the province, do otherwise than express our sentiments, that some of our invaluable privileges are infringed upon by those heavy burdens unconstitutionally as we think already laid upon us, that by some late laws and innovations other of our liberties and privileges equally dear are in danger of being effected and curtailed. For as a report has of late prevailed that the Justices of the Superior court of this province have salaries appointed them from the crown; thereby rendering them more dependent on the crown, then we think any judge ought to be, on the crown or people, whereby a foundation is laid for our courts of justice, which always should be uninfluenced by any force but that of law, being too immediately un-
der the influence of the crown: And whereas an act was passed during the last session of the British parliament, entitled an act for the better preserving his Majesty's Dock yards, magazines, ships, ammunitions and stores, by which act, we in this country are exposed to the rage of some malicious person who out of complacence to some court sycophant may accuse any person, and thereby cause him to be hurried out of his native country where he ought to be judged and carried to some distant place, thereby deprived of all his friends and acquaintance, and advantage of his common character, to be judged by strangers, and perhaps by foreigners, and whether innocent or guilty is in danger of being ruined in person and estate; which we look upon as a great infringement on our rights and privileges, and contrary to the true sense of Magna Charta, and spirit of law. We think it therefore proper at such a time as this, to instruct you our representative in general assembly of this province, that you in a constitutional manner endeavour to prevent those innovations we too sensibly feel and those we fear, by using your influence in the General Assembly in their present session, for an humble remonstrance to his Majesty, that all those violations of our rights and privileges which we are justly entitled to by the British constitution, and made over to us and our successors by the royal charter, might be redressed. And also we would further advise you, to use your best endeavours that an honourable and an adequate support be granted to the Justices of the Superior Court as a recompence for their important services in their exalted station."
"Relying on your loyalty and respect for his sacred Majesty, your love and affection for your country, we trust that you will in all matters that may come before you, conduct with that wisdom and prudence, that integrity and coolness, that circumspection and firmness which so well becomes the senator and patriot."
"The above report being read in town-meeting several times, then the vote was called for, to know whether the town would accept of the same, and it passed in the affirmative unanimously in a full town-meeting."
"A true copy, Attest. "Ephraim Wood, jun. Town Clerk."
"The committee chosen to make a draught of the sentiments of the town of Concord on the rights of the colonists, &c. reported in the words following, viz."
"The town of Concord taking into serious consideration the rights of the colonists, and of this province in particular, as men, as christians and as subjects as stated by the town of Boston; we would say, that they are well stated, and deserve the commendation of every individual inhabitant of this town, and will have of all who are friends to their country; for as men we have a right to life, liberty and property; and as christians we in this land (blessed be God for it) have a right to worship God according to the dictates of our own consciences, which is granted to us, and declared to be an original right, that there shall be liberty of conscience to all christians (papists excepted) by the royal charter of this province--and as subjects we have a right to personal security, personal liberty, and private property. These principal rights we have as subjects of Great-Britain, and have a right to enjoy them and no power on earth can, agreeable to our constitution, take them from us, or any part of them, without our consent either in person or representative. Let us therefore stand fast in the liberties in which the King of Kings has made us free."
"Also taking into consideration the list of infringements exhibited to us, we would say, that we believe they are truly stated. For by acts of parliament lately enacted, wherein they assume the power of legislation for the colonies without our consent--which we look upon as a great infringement on our charter rights--and by virtue of the above acts they have laid revenue taxes on us, whereby our money is exported from us, by a number of officers unknown in the royal charter, and the money so exported from us employed to very destructive purposes.--Fleets and armies have been introduced here to guard these unconstitutional officers to the detriment of this province--and by instructions from home, our only place of defence in this province, with the arms and am-
munition is given into the hands of those troops over whom our commander in chief de laes he has no controul, these and the like instances of oppression (and to mention no more) we have been groaning under for several years, we therefore in the town of Concord are so far from being easy under these heavy burdens which are laid upon us in this province that they are willing to take every constitutional method and way to obtain a redress."
"The above report being read several times in town-meeting and deliberately debated upon, then the vote was called for, whether the town would accept of the same and it passed in the affirmative by a great majority in a full town-meeting."
"A true copy, Attest. "Ephraim Wood, jun. Town Clerk. "Concord, January 18, 1773."
Proceedings of the Town of CHELMSFORD. To the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of BOSTON,
GENTLEMEN, "We send you enclosed the votes and proceedings of the town of Chelmsford in consequence of a letter sent up by you to said town. We take this opportunity of assuring you, that we entertain the sincerest affection for you as brethren embarked in one common cause, and heartily with the divine approbation on all your endeavours. Difference of sentiment in matters of less moment will unavoidably take place. It is impossible it should be otherwise, while human nature is thus framed. But we hope this will never cause an alienation, while we agree in the most essential points. In these gentlemen, as we think you are actuated by the purest motives, we with success to your undertakings. And while your plan of action is such as will evince a "true magnanimity of soul that can repeat injuries without falling into rage," we hope almighty God will bless and prosper you; And that all mankind will willingly acknowledge, SHE only ought to be the metropolis of a free state, who can so well understand the true nature of their rights, and who can so coolly, dispassionately, loyally and firmly, watch over, protect and defend them."
"By order of the committee. "DAVID SPAULDING, Chairman."
AT a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Chelmsford, duly convened and regularly assembled at the Meeting House on Monday the 11th day of January, A.D. 1773, in consequence of some papers sent up by the town of Boston, enumerating sundry grievances, and particularly the stipends annexed to the offices of the Judges of the Superior Court. After having appointed Mr. Jonathan Spaulding Moderator, they proceeded to choose a Committee of five Gentlemen to make report at the adjournment, viz. Mr. David Spaulding, Mr. Jonathan Williams Aultin, Capt. Oliver Barron, Mr. Samuel Perham, and Mr. Benjamin Walker. The meeting was then adjourned to Thursday the 21st instant: At which adjournment the Committee reported the following draught, which was unanimously agreed to.
"WE are fully of opinion that the inhabitants of this province are justly entitled to all the privileges of Englishmen, and to all those rights, inseparable from them as members of a free community. We are also sensible that some of these rights are at present endangered. In such unhappy circumstances, the only question that can be made is this, what method is most suitable to obtain a redress. Whatever doubts may arise about the particular mode, this we are clear in, that all rash unmeaning passionate proceedings are by no means justifiable in so delicate a crisis. When a community thinks any of its rights endangered, they should always weigh consequences, and be very cautious lest they run into a step, that may be attended with the most deplorable effects. "The cause of liberty, says a very fine writer, is a cause of too much dignity, to be sullied by turbulence and tumult." When the passions of a people are inflamed, reason is too often silenced, and they soon forget the cause they originally embarked in. Whereas the Patriot on true principles, always endeavours to keep those principles in view. Conscious that he is a member of a community, he will endeavour to come up to all the obligations, resulting there-

from, and to keep every part of it entire. Therefore while he coolly, but firmly pleads his own rights, he will never forget those of his Sovereign; but is always sensible, loyalty to the Prince and a regard to the liberties of the subject, are very consistent things.
"These are sentiments we are very full and clear in, and by them we hope to regulate our present conduct. Grievances we at present labour under: But we can by no means think, the Relaxation of a single town can be any removal. We heartily concur with our brethren of Boston, that it is high time, these grievances be redressed; but then we think the General Court is the only proper body to perform this task. The cause of liberty never more suffers, than when measures are pursued for its defence, that can never answer the end proposed. We are therefore of opinion that we can do nothing, consistent with that wisdom, which will ever govern a free people, but prepare the following resolutions to our Representative, which we heartily and unanimously concur in."
To Mr. SIMEON SPAULDING, Representative of the town of Chelmsford, in the General Court of this Province.
"SIR,
"As the present aspect of the times is dark and difficult, we do not doubt, but you will cheerfully know the sentiments, and receive the assistance of those you represent. The matters that may now come under your cognizance, are of great importance. The highest wisdom therefore, prudence and discretion, is evidently necessary. We would earnestly caution you, and your own good sense will easily see the propriety of it: by no means to consent to any partial, passionate plan of action , which will not only sully the dignity, but finally prove the utter destruction of the cause we pretend to support. Such behaviour, no private person can justify: STATES SHOULD DESPISE IT. The superiors annexed to the offices of the judges of the Superior Court, it complained of as a grievance. But will it not be proper at least to inquire, whether this is not in a great measure, owing to some defect in ourselves. Whether the provision formerly made by us, was not miserably deficient, and utterly unworthy the highest Court we boast of, and the dignity of the province itself. As to the removal of grievances, we do not doubt, your own wisdom, and the wisdom of your brethren, will invent some suitable mode of redress. We hope those little animosities , and those reflections that involve persons not things , and which have been too frequently used, may be utterly banished. We hope every determination will be founded in the nature of a free state: and that therefore every privilege, annexed to each part, may be religiously preserved. Of consequence, you will be careful, not to trample on Majesty , while you are firmly, but decently pleasing the liberties of the subject. In fine, Sir, we wish you that wisdom which is from above, and we pray God, that your conduct in this important crisis, may be such as the coolest reflection will ever after justify.
A true Copy. Attest. DAVID SPAULDING, Town Clerk."
SATURDAY, March 13. B O S T O N.
By several vessels from the West-Indies, we learn, that in consequence of some representations made to the Governor of Martinico, by the commanders in the present expedition against the Caribs of St. Vincent, he had published an ordinance, for preventing those people receiving any supplies from the French inhabitants under his government.
Since the first commencement of hostilities against the Caribs, in St. Vincents, there are, killed, wounded and drowned, one hundred rank and file, one officer of the 14th regiment killed by accident, one ditto of the 31st killed by the enemy, Ensign Mackay of the 68th, and one officer of the 70th drowned at Grand Sable.
His Excellency the Governor, with the advice and consent of his Majesty's Council, has been pleased to appoint Charles Stockbridge, Esq; to be a justice of the peace for the county of Plymouth.
Shearjashub Bourn, Esq; to be a justice of the peace for the county of Barnstable.
Mr. John Edwards, a Coroner for Essex.
Mr. William Dean, a Coroner for Bristol.
Saturday last his Excellency the Governor was pleased to sign his consent to the following engrossed bills, passed the last session of the General Court, viz.
An act to supply the treasury with a sum not exceeding two thousand eight hundred pounds.
An act for establishing and regulating the fees of the several officers within this province, hereafter mentioned.
An act for impowering the members of the church of England in the town of Great-Barrington to raise, assess, levy and collect monies for the support of their minister or missionary, and for other pious purposes.
An act in further addition to an act, intitled, "An act for the orderly consummating of marriages," made and passed in the fourth
year of their late Majesties King William and Queen Mary.
An act for granting two strips or pieces of the province land lying on the West Side of Governor's Alley, so called, in Boston, towards widening said Alley.
An act to impower the major part of the justices of the peace of the town of Boston and the major part of the Selectmen of the said town to lay out a Street from Middle-Street to Ann Street in said town; and also to repeal and set aside what was done by the major part of the justices of the said town with the Selectmen, relative to the laying out a street in the same place in April 1767.
An act for securing the seasonable payment of town, district, and precinct rates or assessments.
An act for establishing a line of jurisdiction between the County of Suffolk and the Counties of Plymouth and Bristol, so far as the line hereafter described shall extend.
An act in addition to an act intitled "an act to limit and direct in suing out executions upon Judgments of Courts."
An act to prevent and discourage the inhabitants of this and the neighbouring governments from giving large credit to the Indians inhabiting or who shall be hereafter inhabitants within the town of Stockbridge.
An act for erecting a township in the County of Berkshire at a plantation called Tyringam equivalent by the name of Loudon.
An act for dividing the town of Pownalborough into two distinct Precincts by the name of the West Precinct and East Precinct.
An act to make provision for the assessing the monies upon the lands of the proprietors in the township of Ashfield in the County of Hampshire, which are due from the said proprietors to defray the charges hereafter mentioned, and to provide a method for the collecting and levying of the same.
An act to enable and impower the inhabitants of new plantations within this province enjoined and subjected by law or that may hereafter be enjoined and subjected, to pay province and county taxes, to assess, levy and collect the same.
An act to regulate the sale of goods at public vendue, and to limit the number of auctioneers.
An act for continuing an act intitled "an act for granting unto his Majesty several rates and duties of import and tonnage of shipping."
An act for regulating the Alewife Fishery in the town of Halifax in the County of Plymouth.
An act to impower the inhabitants of the town of Rochester in the County of Plymouth to regulate the taking of fish within the harbours and coves of said township.
An act to prevent the destruction of salmon and other fish in Merimack River within this province.
An act to prevent the destruction of alewives and other fish in Ipswich River and to encourage the increase of the same.
An act for setting off certain lands belonging to the town of Princeton in the County of Worcester.
An act to enable the town of Westminster to collect certain taxes.
An act for reviving and continuing sundry laws that are expired, or near expiring.
MONDAY, March 15. B O S T O N.
Thursday the fifteenth of April next, is appointed by authority to be observed as a Day of Fasting and Prayer throughout this province.
We hear from Marshfield, That on the 21st ult. in the night, the inhabitants there were awaked with a very loud noise and considerable jar of the houses, which they took to be an earthquake; but it is since conjectured that it was occasioned by the severe frost, as it was heard several times, sometimes louder than at others, by many who rose immediately.—The ground is cracked in many places several yards in length, so wide that a man may put his whole arm into the chasms.
We hear from Providence, that the people there, who live on sandy land, with deep gravelly bottom, have, in the late severe weather, been alarmed by the extraordinary cracking of the ground, which has been represented by some as resembling an earthquake, by others, as the noise of cannon: The reason of this cracking of the earth, or why it is peculiar to such kind of land only, may be subject of inquiry for the curious.—Some of the cracks are large.
Extract of a Letter from Pennsylvania, Feb. 17, 1773.
"What will be the consequence of the renewed dispute concerning the American
claims?—Was Mr. Hutchinson under any necessity to extort from the Assembly their opinions, or was it rather indiscreet? They have great and universal honour from their firm, calm and very sensible Reply. Even those few among us, who are sometimes called Tories, do not hesitate to declare, that the Replies of the Council and Representatives are masterly and convincing.—In short, I do not know of any one circumstance which so generally gained the public attention as this debate, upon the appearance of the Governor's Speech; and the Replies greatly exceeded the hopes even of those who expected much."
Tuesday evening last the wife of Mr. Coffin, a labourer, being left alone in a tenement near Summer-street, was found at the side of the bed, with her cloaths on fire, and her body was so terrible burnt from her feet to her neck, that she died the next morning.
DIED. Mr. Wm. Empson, taylor, aged 24.—Mr. Ephraim Jackson, blacksmith, aged 28.—Mr. John Brutchell, a midshipman belonging to the Fowey man of war.—Mr. John Brown, glazier, at the North end, suddenly, by a stroke of the palsy, in the 43d year of his age.—At Concord, Lieut. Daniel Hoar, aged 93 years.—At Newbury-Port, Benja. Harris, Esq; an eminent merchant of that place.—At Salem, Miss Sarah Carwen, aged 30 years.—At Beverly, The Rev. Mr. Joseph Champney, aged 69, Senior Pastor of the first church there.—At New London, Mr. Wm. Prince, formerly of Salem, aged 56 years.—At Halifax, Nova Scotia, The Hon. Sebastian Zouberbulah, Esq; one of his Majesty's Council there.—At Barbados, Mr. Wm. Walker, Printer.—At Jamaica, Mr. John Nutting, of Salem, merchant, son of John Nutting, Esq;
TUESDAY March 16. B O S T O N.
Proceedings of the town of Kingston. "THE selectmen of this town having at a meeting of the inhabitants, assembled according to law, communicated a letter from the town of Boston, accompanied with a state of the rights of the colonists and a list of infringements, or violations of those rights, and requesting a communication of sentiments from this town on the subject—
"The town having duly considered the same, are clearly of opinion, that they are fully entitled to all those rights by you stated, and that any attempt to deprive us of them, or any of them, is an infringement of our just rights.
"It gives us the greatest concern to see, that notwithstanding the immense advantages accruing to Great-Britain from her trade with the colonies; advantages, vastly exceeding any expences incurred for their protection, that the parliament of Great-Britain should adopt a system with regard to the colonies which effectually divests them of their rights as Englishmen and subjects, and reduces them to a condition little better than that of slaves; a system, which if adhered to, we fear will eventually terminate in their own ruin. But notwithstanding such has been the unremitted invaried plan of administration, towards the colonists for years past, we cannot but hope, a due regard to their own safety, and real interest, will at length induce them to redress the grievances we so justly complain of.
"We shall always be ready to co-operate with our brethren in any legal and constitutional measures tending thereto.
"Slavery is ever preceded by sleep." May the colonists be ever watchful over their just rights, and may their liberties be fixed on such a basis, as that they may be transmitted inviolate to the latest posterity."
"At a legal meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Kingston, February the 4th, 1773, the foregoing letter being presented to the town for their concurrence, it was read, and the question being put, whether it should be accepted, it passed unanimously in the affirmative.
"Voted, That the Town-Clerk should transmit an authenticated copy thereof to the committee of correspondence of the town or Boston. A true copy."
"Attest. JOHN GRAY, Town-Clerk."
NEWPORT, March 8. Last Thursday arrived in town the Rev. Mr. — Page, chaplain to the Rt. Hon. Countess of Huntington: And yesterday he preached at Trinity Church.
A Captain of one of the transports at St. Vincent, writes his owner, February 2d. that the savages, who were thought to be so pent and cooped up, as to be obliged to surrender in a few days, had found means to escape from General Dalrymple and dis-
perse themselves over the whole island:—A party of them attacked and advanced post near the town of Kingston, which was occupied by the best part of the militia, and kept up an incessant fire for near two hours; set fire to a number of houses and barns, destroyed a great many horses and cattle, and acted with the greatest violence imaginable: That the transports were ordered to hold themselves in readiness, it is supposed to convey the troops to some other part of the island, and that it was conjectured all the operations must be begun anew.
WEDNESDAY, March 17. B O S T O N.
Proceedings of the town of Sandwich. "To the Selectmen of the town of Sandwich.
"GENTLEMEN, "BESIDES the frequent violation of our natural and constitutional rights, which have taken place from time to time, from the memorable era of the detestable Stamp-act to the present period, we are now alarmed with the astonishing report, that the judges of the Superior Court of this province are established in their salaries from home, entirely independent of our legislature; which in our opinion, is a more dangerous invasion of our rights and liberties than the late revenue acts, or even the oppressive stamp-act itself: And if submitted to must soon consummate the destruction of our invaluable constitution, and reduce to slavery once free and happy people.
We can no longer excuse ourselves if we remain silent under the oppressive measures, which are adopted by administration to deprive us of our property and charter rights, conveyed to us at the expence of the blood and treasure of our pious and brave ancestors. While our houses, our chests and even our pockets are liable to be ransacked at the pleasure of every dirty tool of a revenue officer, our money disposed of by unconstitutional acts without our consent; and we deprived of using what is left for our own support and defence, by being restrained, not only from paying our own Governor and Judges; but from choosing and paying our own Agent at the court of Great-Britain: By which means we must either submit to the inconvenience of having none at all; or, which is worse, of having the wretched tool of an arbitrary minister to manage our affairs. In the mean time the jurisdiction of Admiralty Courts surprisingly extended over our lives and properties, our Supreme Court of Judicature rendered dependent on those, who rob and murder us, and the blood of our fellow countrymen shed with impunity, threaten us with a total extinction of the impartial administration of justice.
"Whilst we thus behold with indignation one branch of our liberties lopped off after another by the enemies of our freedom; and hose of our fellow-countrymen who are base enough to treat with contempt and enmity our charter privileges, and to discourage a manly exertion in their defence, are rewarded and promoted. We think it high time for us to exert ourselves in some proper way to obtain a speedy redress of these unutterable grievances.
"That the repeated petitions of the guardians of our rights and the representatives of our country have been denied access to the royal ear, or treated with neglect, and the petitioners been frowned upon for exercising that constitutional right, are facts we have long beheld with regret. And this treatment we have reason to apprehend has been in consequence of reports from our own domestic enemies, which have deceived the King into a belief, that those petitions and complaints were only the rebellious murmurs of a factious party in our house of commons, and not the sense of the people in general. This evinces the necessity there is that we all unite as one man, and that every town in our country make their sentiments known, that the King may be undeceived, having yet confidence in his royal clemency that he will not refuse to hear the united petitions and complaints of more than five millions of his most loyal subjects.
"We therefore, the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Sandwich thinking it of some importance that we in this town unite with our brethren of the several towns in this province in publicly expressing our sense of our rights and of the grievances we labour under; and in taking such methods to obtain redress as may be found proper, and more especially as we perceive the town of Boston have solicited "a free communication of our sentiments," in a letter to you, gentlemen, enclosing their own; and being desirous of complying with so reasonable a proposal, we do hereby request you to call

Just IMPORTED in Capt. JARVIS, from LONDON, and to be sold by ANNA JOHNSON , At the head of Black horse-lane, near the Rev Dr. Pemberton's Meeting house: A large assortment of Garden Seeds, Peas, Beans, &c. among which are,
EARLY charlton, early golden hotspur, Ormand hotspur, Spanish morato, white roundoval, dwarf marrowfat and bush peas, large Windsor, true early Lisbon, early yellow six weeks white kidney and fineoker beans, early Yorkshire, Dutch, sugar loaf, battefca, savoy, red and broccoli cabbage seed, collyflower, cucumber, onion, carrot, turnip, radish and lettuce of all sorts, round spinach, endive, celery and asparagus, thyme, baum, sweet marjoram, broad clover, white Dutch clover, lucerne, rape, canary, and an assortment of flower seeds and herds grass seed: all a variety of other seeds not mentioned; all which were imported from the seeds men in London, and are warranted to be fresh and good and of the last years produce.
Imported in Capt. Jarvis from LONDON, and to be SOLD by
SUSANNA RENKEN , At her shop near the Draw-Bridge, in Fore-street, EARLY Charlton, early Hotspur, early golden Hotspur, large Marrowfat, dwarf ditto, Leadman's dwarf, crooked Sugar, blue and white Roundoval, split and boiling PEAS; large Windsor, Toker, early Lisbon, early yellow, and Pole BEANS, early Dutch, early Battersea, early Yorkshire, Red, and large Winter Cabbage, early and late Collyflower, green and yellow Savoy, marble, green, white, gos, cabbage and imperial Lettuce, dove ble and Homborough Parsley, winter and summer Spinage, early Yellow, Scarlet and Orange Carrots, Celery, Endive, early and late Turnip, white Spanish, Strasburgh and silver-skinned Onion, summer and winter Savoy, early, late, long, green and Turkey Cucumber, Thyme, Sweet Marjoram, Rosemary, Lavender, sage, summer and winter Squash, Muskmelon, Hemp, Rape and Canary Seed, red and white Clover, Fowl Meadow and Herd-grass, Burnet, Lucerne, &c. new, and warranted of the last Year's growth.—Durham's best flower of Mustard in pound, half pound and quarter pound Bottles, Kippen's Snuff, Figgs, a variety of China Bowls and Dishes.
Likewise, an Assortment of English and India GOODS.
ELIZABETH GREENLEAF , Informs her customers and others, that she has removed from her shop at the end of Union-street, to the second shop southward of the lane leading to Dr. Byles's meeting-house where she continues to sell as usual.
EARLY charlton, omorods hotspur and golden hotspur peas, dwarf, green and large marrowfat, Leadman's dwarf, roundoval and Spanish morato peas, early yellow, large Windsor, early Lisbon and toker beans, red, silver skin and white Spanish onion seeds, red, early golden and orange carrot ditto, early prickly cucumber, long prickly ditto, early and large colly flower, early Dutch, large winter sugar-loaf, battefca, green and yellow curled savoy, cabbage seeds, swelling parsley, early Dutch and common turnip seeds, short topped salmon, white and pink radish seed, lettuce of all sorts, scarlet beet, curled and common parsley, curled and common pepper grass, summer and winter spinach, sweet marjoram, thyme, baum, summer savory, endive, asparagus, celery, white mustard, white lavender, hemp, rape, and Canary birds seeds, &c. &c.
Just Imported by Capt. Jarvis from LONDON, And to be sold by
LYDIA DYAR , Near the North battery, Boston.
A FRESH Assortment of Garden SEEDS, which she will warrant to be new and good, and of the last Year's produce, early charlton Peas, early golden hotspur, early roundoval ditto, large marrowfat ditto, dwarf dolblue and green ditto, large roundoval and Spanish and Moratto Ledman dwarf ditto, large Windsor Beans, early Lisbon and early bush and pole Beans, early Yorkshire and Battersea Dutch and sugar loaf, large winter, red, green and yellow Savoy, early and late Collyflower, early and late Turnip, short top Scarlet and salmon Radish, Cucumber and Squash, double Parsley, double Pepper grass, round Spring, red Beets, Celery, Endive, white Spanish and silver skin Onions, red ditto, orange purple and yellow Carrot, Parsnip, Cabbage, Lettuce, green and white Guwes, brown Dutch and marble Thyme, Baum, sweet Marjoram, Summer Savory, Sage, Hemp, Canary and Rape, Bird Seed.
A TAYLOR that is a good workman, being at present out of employ, would be glad to work at low wages by the day or week, in any gentleman's family. Enquire of the Printer.
New England COD and MACKREL FISH HOOKS.
ABRAHAM CORNISH , At his Manufactory at the head of Hutchinson's wharf North End, Boston.
HAVING received a quantity of the best STEEL WIRE by Capt. Walthman, of which he has been long supplied by a mistake of the shipper, in sending it to Boston in Lincolnshire in Old England, and from thence returned to London.—As it is scarce possible such a mistake will again happen; he begs leave to acquaint his friends and the public, that they may now and in future depend upon being supplied with the best Cod and Mackerel Hooks, as cheap by wholesale for cash on delivery, as they are imported into America; and as the Fishermen who made trial of his Hooks last season, found them to correspond with his former advertisement, viz. their being much superior to those imported from England, and as much depends on the goodness of the hooks in catching fish, he flatters himself with the favours of all importers, and those concerned in the Fishery.
N. B. His Hooks are all marked A. C. on the flat of the stem of each hook.
In the House of REPRESENTATIVES, Feb 4 1773
WHEREAS doubts have arisen concerning the validity of the sales of the lands of such as were called delinquent proprietors of the township of Asfield , in the county of Hampshire , made by the assessors or committees of the proprietors of the said Asfield , for the years 1763, 1764, and 1765, and actions are now depending in the law for recovering the possession of parcel of said lands from the persons who purchased the same or from such as hold under them: And whereas it will tend to the great disquiet of the said township if such sales should be adjudged invalid and insufficient in law: THEREFORE,
RESOLVED , that George Leonard , jun. Esq; Isaac Dyer , Esq; and M. Thomas Denny , be a committee fully authorized and empowered to repair to the said town of Asfield , to hear the committee of the proprietors, and also each of the persons or their Representatives whose lands have been sold in the years & in manner as aforesaid, & to judge and determine what the lands thus sold were truly worth at the time of the sales over and above the sums for which they were sold, together with all the damage, which may have actually accrued to each of the proprietors of the said lands respectively by means of the sales aforesaid; and the Committee are to make report of their doings at the session of this Court in May next, that such order may be then taken for establishing and rendering valid the sales aforesaid, as to the Court shall then appear to be just and equitable; and all proceedings in the law grounded upon the invalidity of such sales are stayed in the mean time. And the committee of this Court shall give public notice in all the Boston news-papers of the time and place of meeting, that so all persons interested may attend if they shall see cause. Sent up for concurrence. T. CUSHING , Speaker.
In COUNCIL, Feb. 5. 1773.—Read and concurred, THO'S FLUCKER , Sec'y. Consented to, T. HUTCHINSON . A true copy. Atty.
Tho's FLUCKER , Sec'y: The above-named committee of the General Court hereby give notice to all concerned, that they purpose to meet at the dwelling house of Mr. Samuel Belaing, at Asfield aforesaid, inholder, on the 26th day of April next, at ten of the clock in the forenoon, for the purposes in the foregoing order mentioned. GEO. LEONARD , jun. per order. March 5, 1773.
LOST , supposed to be stolen at the late fire near the Mill-pond; a bag marked Daniel Rea , a pair of light single sole boots, with sundry other articles supposed to be in the bag; if offered for sale it is desired the person may be stopped and notice given to the printer, or to JOHN SYMMES living near the place where the fire was.
By ORDER of COURT, Will be sold by Public Vendue, on the 20th of April next at 4 o'clock, P.M.
THE real Estate of Mrs. DORCAS INGRAHAM , late of Boston, deceased, consisting of a commodious dwelling House, with yard and garden Land adjoining, situated in Auchmuty's-Lane, the house in repair.
American Ink-Powder , Experienced and found to be equal, it not superior to any imported.
THE excellent qualities of this Powder are, that it makes the best black writing-ink and is very convenient for gentlemen, merchants, attorneys and others that travel, it being not cumbersome and liable to those mishances that other ink is. The ink may be made in large or small quantities, as is most convenient. As freezing is prejudicial to ink, when the weather is cold this may be made with a little brandy or other spirits not liable to freeze. One quality peculiar to this ink is that though the writing be exposed to extreme wet, it alters not, but will remain as long as the paper endures. This powder decayeth not by keeping. Note, the above powder has an ingredient in it that prevents ink from becoming thick and mouldy.
Any person by applying to ANN NORTON , nearly opposite the Post-office in Boston, or SAMUEL NORTON , the maker in Hingham, may be supplied with any quantity of said powder, as low by the gross, as can be imported, and the smallest favour in this way will be most gratefully received.
To be SOLD at JOHN SAVAGE's Store, No. 13, on the Long-Wharf,
A Quantity of superfine and common FLOUR; Bran, Corn, Oats, Rice, Bar-Iron, Sole-Leather, Proof Glasses, Rum, Sugar, Melasses, Chocolate, and cases of Bottles.
ANDREW NEWMAN , WHITE SMITH.
BEGS leave to inform his friends and the public, that he makes and repair all kinds of scale beams, steel yards and lock as reasonable as can be done in Boston.
N. B. Said Newman served his apprenticeship to Mr. John McLench late of Boston, White-Smith. By enquiring of Mr. Blake, the Town-Scaler the public may be informed of the quality of his scale beams and steel yard.
Said Newman works in the shop now improved by Mr. William Japer, Cutler, from London, just below John Hancock, Esq's. new brick buildings near the Mill Creek, Boston.
TWENTY DOLLARS Reward. WHEREAS on the 20th inst.
one JOHN KETCHUM , came to the house of the subscriber and hired a black HORSE, about 14 hands and an half high of the following marks, viz. a very full eye, the hair cut under his throat, very remarkable switch mane and tail when he went from me, trots and paces, carries his fore feet low, his hind feet wide, and what is more remarkable is that on each side where the girt buckles are placed, the hair is worn off close to the skin, whoever will take up the said man and horse shall have for their trouble Twenty Dollars, and for either of them Ten Dollars each, and all necessary charges paid by WILLIAM ROGERS .
N. B. Said KETCHUM is a tall man near fifty years of age, something marked with the small pox, light eyes, had on a light coloured fustout coat; the same morning he took the horse he shipped himself on board the brig America, John Minot, master, for Surinam, and received a month's pay, and it is supposed he is gone to Connecticut or New-York, as he had a family in the former province.
To be SOLD at the Shop of CHARLES LOWE , In Marshall's-Lane, facing the BOSTON-STONE.
  Loaf and brown Sugars,  Melasses,    Rice,  Cotton Wool,    Flour,  Indigo,    Pepper,  Raisins,    Allspice,  Currants,    Nutmegs,  Figs,    Coffee,  Spermacei Oil,    Tea,  Dumb Fish,    Chocolate,  Indian and Rye Meal,     &c. &c. &c.    The above articles sold very cheap. Cash given for bottles.
Boston, February 13, 1773. TWO DOLLARS REWARD.
TAKEN out of the House of the subscriber, at the head of long-wharf last evening, a silver can, mark-M.
ed I. M. maker's name, Revere . If said can is returned to the owner again, two dollars reward will be given, and no questions asked.
N. B. If it should be offered for sale, it is desired it may be stopped, and notice given to MARY MAVERICKE .
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 found 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 patentee 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 Kass in Salem, and Dummer Jewett, Esq; at Ipswich.
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, 4-4 and yard-wide Linens of all prs. Diapers, clouting ditto, Huckabuck, Dlas, Table Cloths, 9 8ths wide Sheets, white Ticken, brown Hollands, &c.
A great variety of European and India Goods, amongst which are, bad Cloths, Lambkins, Coatings, Baizes, silk and worsted Stuffs, Poplins, Cra, Denmark Luftres, Muffinets, Dorsette Camblets, worsted Damasks, &c. Satin and capuchin Silks of all colours, with and fur trimmings, Ducapes, striped and Lute strings, English Damasks, &c. a large assortment of Ribbons, Gauzes, striped and flowered Jaconet and 6 4 wide book Mullin 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.
To be SOLD, by NATHANIEL RUSSELL , In Common-street, a little to the northward of Dr. Byles's Meeting-House, BOSTON,
A Compleat assortment of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, consisting of Clocks, Tables, Chairs, Bedsteads dumb Waiters, &c. &c. Cheap for Cash.
BOSTON: Printed by ISAIAH THOMAS,
At the South Corner of MARSHAL'S LANE, leading from the MILL-BRIDGE into UNION-STREET, where all Persons may be supplied with this Paper at Six Shillings and Eight Pence Lawful Money, per Annum, unsealed, and Eight Shillings sealed and directed; and where Articles of Intelligence, &c. are thankfully received;—ADVERTISEMENTS taken in.—PRINTING in its various Branches, performed in a neat Manner, with the greatest Care and Dispatch, on the most reasonable Terms. Small HAND-BILLS at an Hour's Notice. SUBSCRIPTIONS for the SPY are also taken in by J. Larkin, Chairmaker, and Mr. W. Calder, Painter, in Charles-town , Mr. J. Hiller, Watchmaker in Salem ; Mr. B. Emerson, Bookseller, in Newbury-Port ; and Mr. M. Belcher, in Bridgewater .

a town meeting for that purpose, as soon as may be, that they may consult and act thereon as they see fit."
To the Committee of correspondence of the town of Boston.
"GENTLEMEN,
"Being appointed by the town of Sandwich for that purpose, we herewith enclose you a copy of the proceedings of the town, in consequence of your letter of correspondence to our Select Men; And which we can with pleasure inform you were voted in a very full meeting and almost unanimous.
"In pursuance to the town's vote, we take the freedom, through the channel of you Gentlemen of the committee, to return the thanks of this town to the respectable inhabitants of the town of Boston, for their care and watchfulness over our common interest; especially for their reasonable and just statement of our rights and violations of those rights. And to assure them of our readiness at all times to join them and the other towns, in all legal measures for the public safety.
"To conclude, Gentlemen, we heartily wish you and your town prosperity, and every blessing, in return for your patriotic zeal, and unwearied endeavours to secure our invaluable rights, and with much respect, we subscribe ourselves. Your humble servants,
JOSEPH NYE, tertius, SETH FREEMAN, NATHANIEL FREEMAN.
Committee of the town of Sandwich."
Sandwich, January 26th 1773.
"AT a meeting of the freeholders and other inhabitants of the town of Sandwich, met on the twenty sixth day of January A.D. 1773. The letter from the town of Boston, to the Selectmen of this with their statement of rights and infringements on said rights, being read in said meeting, and a committee chosen to take the business of the meeting under consideration, reported as follows, viz.
"The committee appointed by the town of Sandwich, in legal meeting assembled this 26th day of January A.D. 1773, to take under consideration a letter from the town of Boston, together with their statement of "the rights of the colonists, and of this province in particular, as men, as Christians and as subjects;" with "a list of the infringements and violations of those rights," in a pamphlet accompanying said letter directed to the Selectmen of this town; beg leave to report,
"That, from a thorough conviction of the legality, expedience and utility of the measure; and the necessity of manifesting our sentiments in general, in a full and explicit manner: We do earnestly recommend it to the inhabitants of this town to pass the following Resolves, viz.
"I. Resolved, That it is the opinion of this town, that our rights as men, as Christians and as subjects, as stated by the respectable town of Boston in their pamphlet, are derived to the colonies in general, and to this province in particular from the laws of nature, the English constitution and the province charter; And that no power under heaven has a right to deprive us of them.
"II. That, the list of infringements and violations of said rights, contained in said pamphlet, are founded on certain facts; and are matter of just complaint, which ought to be owned and opposed in every lawful way, by the whole body of the people, as unconstitutional and illegal grievances.
"III. That after a long trial of our patience under repeated violations of our just rights and fruitless expectations of redress, we are disappointed with additional and aggravated grievances, year after year repeated; till at length we are forced to believe a plan is deliberately concerted and rapidly executing to annihilate our charter rights.
"IV. That, we think it a duty we owe to ourselves, our fellow-men and to posterity, to oppose in all lawful ways, every such violation of our rights. For which purpose we will readily join with our brethren of the other towns in this province, in any legal measures to obtain relief.
"V. That for this end we will and hereby do acquaint our representative, that we earnestly recommend it to him, to exert himself at the Great and General Court in all constitutional methods, to retrieve our injured rights; and to secure those which still remain, to us and to posterity: Particularly to use his endeavours that a dutiful, loyal, but most importunate petition be preferred to our most gracious sovereign, fully and plainly representing our grievance, and earnestly imploring his royal interposition in our favour, assuring him of our loyalty, and of the affection we bear to his royal person, crown and dignity: That we are willing to continue our allegiance to him; but what we claim is his protection of us in the enjoyment of our charter, and our rights as Englishmen, that our complaints are the general voice of the country, and not the murmurs of a factious party, as has been represented.
"VI. That a committee be chosen, to return the thanks of this town to the respectable town of Boston, for their care and watchfulness over our common interests especially for their reasonable and just statement of our rights and grievances; and to assure them that we shall be
always ready to join them, in any legal measures for the public safety; And to transmit the proceedings of this town, to their committee of correspondence.
"VII. That the Town-Clerk be, and here by is directed, to enter these resolves with the proceedings of this meeting, upon the town records; and to deliver an attested copy thereof, to the last mentioned committee of this town.
"The above report was then voted to be agreeable to the Town."
"BENJAMIN FESSENDEN, Town-Clerk."
DIED. Mrs. Margaret Steel, relict of Thomas Steel, Esq. At Medford, Mr. Daniel Hall, Printer, aged 21 years. At Dover, Mrs. Christian Baker: She was born there in March 1668-9, and when the town was taken and destroyed by the Indians in June following, she was carried captive with her mother to Canada, and there brought up in the Romish faith, married and had several children; but upon her husband's death a strong desire led her to return to the land of her nativity upon an exchange of prisoners in 1714. After her return she married Capt. Thomas Baker, then of North-Hampton, where she renounced the errors of the Romish religion, and joined with the church under the care of the Rev. Mr. Solomon Stoddard. An attempt was made to recover her by Mons. Sigouret, a Romish Priest, who sent a long and affectionate letter to her from Canada, which being laid before the late Governor Burnet, his Excellency wrote a solid and judicious confutation of the erroneous principles therein advanced. Both the letter and answer were printed in Boston. The number of her posterity of three generations is 72, of whom 57 are now living.
BOSTON.
THURSDAY, March 18.
We hear that the brigantine Charming Betsey, Daniel Jackson, master, belonging to Piscataqua and bound home from the West-Indies, was cast away on the 17th of February last, off Cape-Hatteras; most of her cargo lost, but the crew got safe ashore.
Yesterday an officer and a private of the 64th regiment run for a wager of twenty guineas from Dorchester point to the Town-house in Boston, almost five miles; which was won by the officer, who performed it in forty minutes.
Extract of a letter from St. Vincents, dated Feb. 2, 1773.
"This day all the transports from New-York received orders to get in readiness for sea, —but their destination is yet a secret. It is certain a few weeks ago the Caribs made an offer to the General, of surrendering, but we have heard no more of it; at that time our troops had them surrounded and in great distress, —they have since escap'd and dispersed, and about three days ago were so daring as to attack a guard of the militia composed of the principal men of the Island, not above two miles from Kingstown, and after a smart fire for upwards of two hours they retired, and when they will be reduced no man here knows."
MARRIED. Mr. James Foster, to Miss Betsey Hiler, of this town.
DIED. Mrs. Oliver, consort of the honourable Andrew Oliver, Esq; Lieutenant-Governor of this province.
MARINE LIST.
PORT OF BOSTON, March 13.
ARRIVED Summers from New-Haven; Willow and Doane from Virginia; Lewis from North-Carolina; Gardner and Clap from South Carolina; Barret and Morton from Cape-Nicholas; Pearson and Churchill from St. Martins; Viemp from Cape Nichola and Turks-Islands; West from Guadaloup.
PORT OF PISCATAQUA, March 12.
Arrived. Harmon, Greenough and Byerson from Virginia; White from Grenada; Mountford from St. Martins.
PORT OF PHILADELPHIA, February 24.
Arrived. Simmons from Barbadoes; White from St. Croix; Cox from Lisbon; Heffernan from London.
PORT OF NEW-LONDON, March 12.
Arrived. Champlin from Hispaniola; Tiyon and Barnard from St. Martins; Fitch from New-York.
PORT OF NEW-HAVEN March 11.
Arrived. Bartlett from Plimouth; Godfrey from Salem; Sheffield, from Halifax; Wheeler, Robinson and Ward from New-York.
PORT OF RHODE-ISLAND, March 8.
Arrived. Langley and Fuller from Hispaniola; Strange from Georgia; Godfrey from North-Carolina; Freebody, New-York; Sheffield from New-London; Hackman from Plymouth; Jackson from Grenada and St. Martins.
PORT OF NEW-YORK, March 11.
Arrived. Rogers from Madeira; Schermerhorn from South Carolina; Walter from Turks-Island; M'Nachtane from Liverpool; Bell from St. Martins; Cox from Rhode Island; Deyay from St. Eustatia; Abdeel from Virginia.
Dr. CHURCH's Oration, sold by Edes & Gill
This Day is PUBLISHED, And SOLD by EZEKIEL RUSSELL, next the Cornfield, Union-Street.
A Calm and Plain Answer to the Enquiry, Why are you a Dissenter from the Church of England? Containing some remarks on its doctrine, spirit, constitution, and some of offices and forms of devotion. Dedicated to sacred truth; to liberty; to the interest and cause of JESUS CHRIST, the only King in his kingdom the Church; to the conscience and consideration of every man, who expects to be judged, and who hopes to be saved by JESUS CHRIST. By a Lover of truth and peace.—Nothing more need be said to recommend the above performance, and to excite a desire in the lovers of truth and religious liberty to be the owners of it, than to assure them that it is the work of the learned and excellent Michael Towgood, author of the Dissenting Gentleman's Letter to White.
Also, this day published,
And sold at the same place,
The Case of the Dissenting Ministers; addressed to the Lords spiritual and temporal: By Israel Mauduit. To which is added, a copy of the bill proposed for their relief. The fourth edition. It is sufficient to say, that this publication went through eight editions in London in a few weeks, and is justly characterized one of the best and most spirited pieces of the kind.
To be SOLD at PUBLIC VENDUE, At Cambridge, on Thursday the 27th day of March inst. at TWO o'clock, P. M. if not sold before at private sale,
A Good FARM lying on Cambridge Neck, so called, containing one hundred and seven acres; consisting of mowing, both upland and marsh, with good pasturage and plowland, and a very valuable wood lot: Also good orcharding of choice fruit; with a good double house and barn thereon, and the whole well watered: The above said farm to be sold altogether or separate, as may best suit the purchaser: the sale to be on the premises: For further particulars enquire of Samuel Soden of Watertown; or of Seth Hastings of said Cambridge.
N. B. The above farm was to have been sold on Tuesday last, but for some reasons was obliged to be postponed to the above day.
Imported from LONDON, and to be sold by ELIZABETH CLARK, and NOWELL, At their shop, between the blue ball and the Mill Bridge, Boston, the following garden seeds, viz.
EARLY Charlton, early Hotspur, early golden Hotspur, large Marrowfat, bush sugar, large sugar, dwarf and green marrowfat, and earliest Nicholas Peas, large Windsor and early white and yellow kidney Beans, early Dutch, early Yorkshire, green curled Savoy, early Batte-sea, large Winter, sugar loaf, yellow Savoy and red Cabbage Seeds, early and late Colliflower, large long Orange Carrot seed, early yellow and purple ditto, Swelling Parsnip, red Beet Seed, marble Cabbage, brown Dutch, white and green Gols, and grand Admiral Lettuce Seeds, Thyme, sold Celery, Portugal Onion Seeds, early Salmon Radish Seed, fine red Clover Grass Seed, scarlet and Turnip ditto, early Dutch Turnip Seed, round Spinage, white Mustard, curled Creses, broad leaved ditto, Silver skinned Seed, choice boiling and plit Peas, &c. All warranted new and of the finest sort.
To be SOLD by JOSHUA BLANCHARD, jun. At his store on Dock-Square, BOSTON,
BOHEA, Hylon and Souchong Tea, Double and single refined Loaf Sugar, Brown Sugars of various sorts, Chocolate warranted pure, Cocos, Coffee, Pepper, Pimento, New Raisins, Currants, Pruants, Spices of all sorts, Florence Oil, a few quintals of choice Dumb Fish, Narragansett Cheese, best French Indigo, Redwood, Logwood, Brimstone, Allum, Copperas, Salt-Petre, Kippen's Snuff, and Tobacco, best Durham Mustard, Crates of Cream Coloured Ware, 15 and 18 Inch T. D. Pipes Playing Cards, Pins, Large and Small Slates, Velvet Corks, Sieve Bottoms, English Soles, Powder, Shot, Bar Lead, Split Pease, New Rice, Olives, Capers, Almonds, Turkey-Figs, and a neat assortment of Glass Ware.
N. B. The above articles will be sold in any quantities, and as cheap as at any store in town.
From the BOSTON GAZETTE. Messieurs PRINTERS, I must request you'll publish in your next paper, the following letters, &c. and you'll much oblige your humble servant,
JOHN FENTON.
To his Excellency Gov. Hutchinson, Esq.
"May it please your Excellency, Having heard from undoubted authority that your Excellency has fixed upon and mentioned me, as the author of a piece in Edes and Gill's paper of the 1st of March 1773, signed E. Ludlow I am bound in honour to myself to assure you, I never directly, or indirectly,
by, knew any thing of such a piece till I saw it in the public papers: I must the more leave to urge your Excellency's favouring me with your authority, that I may not be laid under the disagreeable necessity of publicly disowning the having known any thing of this heavy charge.
"Your Excellency must be fully sensible the times are such, as to lay me under an absolute necessity of calling on you in this manner for your authority, in order to vindicate myself and ward off any more private slabs, that may be given me, from my enemies, to the prejudice of my present, or future rank in the army, &c.
"I thought I gave your Excellency a very fair opportunity upon an interview had, little after last Commencement, to be at all times assured of meer facts respecting me, before you adopted any sentiments to my prejudice: But I am sorry to say that instead of your Excellency's availing yourself of that opening (as could be wished) you have continued to adopt the same uncertain mode of hearsay and conjecture, practised previous to our coming to an Explanation upon several heads, each of which you then found to be erroneous in every point.
"Whether this is using me with the candour, &c. I defer at your Excellency's hand, from the openness then shewed, I will submit to your better judgment, and am with due respect,
Your Excellency's most obedient, and most humble servant, JOHN FENTON. near Chaletown, 11th March, 1773.
"His Excellency Governor Hutchinson."
"Boston, 11th March, 1773. To JOHN FENTON, Esq;
"SIR,
"I have been so much used to abuses in news-papers, that when I saw the piece to which your refer. I gave myself no concern about the author of it. Some days after a Gentleman let me know that he had such reasons to suppose it to be wrote by you as amounted to a full assurance, but did not pretend he was capable of proving it. This was done in confidence.—I have never published this intelligence as a certain fact, and have only mentioned it in a private manner to three or four friends just as I received it, and have chose to do it to such Gentlemen as I thought were your friends, on purpose that you might hear of it. Your charge therefore of adopting meer hearsay is injurious to me. Your declaration that you know nothing of it, removes all credit from the insinuations which were given me; but I cannot bring myself to injure a person by exposing him to your resentment who gave me the intimation out of meer friendship and in confidence that I would not discover him. Whenever I have spoke of it I have always done it in all its circumstances and never pretended I had any other authority than this alone. And when gentlemen who are acquainted with you have expressed their opinion that it was not like your style and language I have acquiesced. The last time I remember to have spoke or thought of it was several weeks ago, to Mr. Sewall who gave me such satisfaction, that there was no room for a suggestion, that if I had not received your letter, I should probably never have thought any more about it.
"I am, Sir,
Your most humble servant, THO'S HUTCHINSON."
To his Excellency Gov. HUTCHINSON.
"SIR,
"WAS I to answer the contents of your Excellency's letter in reply to mine of the same day, I should be obliged to take such freedoms with you as would by no means comport with your Excellency's dignity as King's Representative: And as that is a point I shall at all times carefully avoid; from the respect I owe my Sovereign, and the dignity of Government, I shall only take the liberty to assure your Excellency that I cannot in justice to my much injured reputation, do less than publish the correspondence that has arisen between us on this head, and am with all due deference,
Your Excellency's most humble Servant, JOHN FENTON."
May Place, 12th March, 1773.
"WHEREAS some infamous scoundrel has made use of my name to his Excellency Governor Hutchinson, as author of a piece in Edes and Gill's News Paper of 1st March 1773, signed E. Ludlow, (his Excellency seeing cause to secrete him) I am obliged in vindication of my much injured reputation, to declare upon oath, that I never, directly or indirectly, knew any thing of such publication till I saw it in the public prints, nor do I know who is the author of it.
JOHN FENTON."
Middlesex, ss.
Charlestown, March 12, 1773.
"Captain John Fenton personally appeared, and made oath to the truth of the above deposition. Before me. ISAAC RAND, Just. Pacis."
Had I received the satisfactory answer I could have wished, and had a right to expect from his Excellency Governor Hutchinson, upon so delicate a point, I should not have been under the disagreeable necessity of publishing the above letters, &c. But I must assure the public that I hold my reputation as sacred as his Excellency does his FRIEND as he files him!
JOHN FENTON