The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-02-25 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
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FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
WARSAW (capital of Poland) Nov. 12.
THE inhabitants of Valachia are under great concern for the Russians leaving that country, being apprehensive that the Turks will take that opportunity to revenge themselves upon them for their sufferings in the late war; several families are therefore going to put themselves under the protection of the Russians. The last letters from Petersburg mention, that upwards of three thousand families are come from Valachia, to seek an asylum in the dominions of the Empress of Russia.
CADIZ (in Spain) Oct. 26. Three Algerine xebecs took three of our ships the 11th instant, bound for Barcelona, one of which came from the Havana richly laden.
In consequence of orders received yesterday from Court, the St. Januarius man of war of 70 guns, and two frigates of 36 guns each, which lay in our road, and were going to Ferrol, are ordered to sail as soon as possible for Ceuta, with troops and military stores.
According to the last letters from Ceuta, dated the 18th, the Moors had not committed any hostilities since the 14th. We have, however, received advice from Mogador, dated the 11th, that a division of cannoniers and bombardiers, with two more from Safy, and St. Croix, in Barbary, were to join an army of 30,000 men, which the Emperor of Morocco had assembled at Mequinez, at the head of which he was to march the 20th, in all probability to lay siege to Ceuta.
LISBON (capital of Portugal) Nov. 1. We have received certain advice, that the Moors have laid siege to the town of Ceuta.
TURIN (capital of Piedmont) Nov. 9. The King of Sardinia has prohibited the gazette of Nice from being any longer printed.
Nov. 19. On Tuesday last, being the birth day of her Sardinian Majesty, the Court was in Grand Gaia; in the evening there were fireworks at Montcalier, and the Opera House in the city was illuminated. His Sardinian Majesty the same day appointed Count Franco Governor of Alexandria, which post was vacant by the death of the Count d'Entremont.
NAPLES, Nov. 8. Accounts from Palermo bring advice of the arrival of the Viceroy Prince Alimo, and of his Excellency's having been received in that city with the most respectful demonstrations of satisfaction by all the inhabitants.
PETERSBURG (capital of Russia) Nov. 8. The public tranquility is perfectly re-established throughout this empire, since General Panin's arrival in the environs of Yaik, when the Cossacks desired to submit to the Empress, and the other different nations submitted also to her dominion.
The Court has received advice, that the Turkish commandant, Dewlet Gueraï, had abandoned all his conquests, and that, by order of the Porte, he had retired with his troops towards Oczakow. We also learn that a great number of Russian Cossacks, who had joined the rebel Tartars, had taken the benefit of the general pardon, and returned to their colours at Bachischiserai.
Nov. 11. The Kirgi Tartars, notwithstanding General Panin's army is so near them, have lately made several incursions into the neighbouring provinces; in one of which they have entirely destroyed a colony of Moravians.
MADRID (capital of Spain) Nov. 8. The places menaced by the Emperor of Morocco, on the coast of Africa, are sufficiently provided with artillery and warlike stores for a vigorous defence; besides which, orders have been despatched to Cadiz and Alicante, and several other of our seaports, to send succours to Oran, Ceuta, and Melilla.
HESSE DARMSTADT (in Germany) Nov. 22. The Hereditary Prince of Holstein Eutin is daily expected here to marry the youngest daughter of the Landgrave our Sovereign. This Prince is closely allied to the Empress of Russia, who, it is said, in consequence of his marriage, will settle upon his bride an annuity of 50,000 rubles per annum.
CARTHAGENA (in Spain) Oct. 29. The Algerine corsairs have taken a Catalan vessel, on board of which were twenty passengers, men, women, and children, who were going from Barcelona to Oran.
MALAGA (in Spain) Oct. 29. Our Captain General hath sent orders to all the Governors of the ports, castles, and towers, established on the coast of Grenada, and also to those of the three Minor Presidencies in Africa (Melilla, Penon de Velez, and Aluzema) to take the most speedy and effectual measures to secure those places from any surprise on the part of the Saletine corsairs, who will join the Algerines, and make a common cause with them.
HAGUE (in Holland) Nov. 30. Prince Gallitzin, Envoy Extraordinary from the Empress of Russia, has received the following letter from Petersburg, dated Nov. 9.
The Porte has hitherto executed their part of the late treaty with the greatest good faith. The Turks have not only regulated matters in Crimea, according to the tenor of the treaty, but the Grand Seigneur hath given orders to the commandant of Oczakow to deliver the fortress of Kinburn into our hands, and has named the Beglier Bey of Romelia, Abdul Kerim, to repair to our Court in character of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary. This is the officer who conferred formerly with M. Simolin, at Giurgewo, where he shewed himself a civilized and tractable man. The Grand Vizier having informed Count Romanzow of the above nomination, the Count returned for answer, that the Empress had appointed Prince Repnin for her Ambassa-
dor to the Porte. These particulars may serve to destroy the reports raised by several ill-intentioned persons, as if the Porte had refused to fulfil their engagements, than which nothing is more false.
Dec. 2. They write from Madrid, that the Ministry there had received advice, that the Emperor of Morocco met with so warm a reception at Ceuta, that great numbers of his people were killed by the fire from the Garrison; in consequence of which, he had drawn off his troops from before that place.
LONDON, December 3.
YESTERDAY Messrs. Sawbridge, Oliver, and Hayley, took their seats in the House of Commons, as members for the city of London. Mr. Bull's name was called over, but he was not present.
A bill will be brought into Parliament to allow a bounty to the two ships in the Greenland trade which shall, in future, sail nearest to the north pole.
By a letter from an English Gentleman at Constantinople, to his friend in London, there is advice that two bakers of that city were lately sentenced by the Cadi, or Magistrate, in the quarter they lived, to lose their right hands by the executioner, and afterwards be hung in the market place, for adulterating bread, and selling it short of the legal standard.
A scheme for making a navigable communication between the north and west seas is said to be under the consideration of the Lords of Police in Scotland.
Dec. 5. The Ministry are said to have received some accounts, by the way of Holland, that a large body of people was assembled in the inland parts of the province of Massachusetts Bay, all armed, and determined to act on the defensive, should the troops proceed to any acts of force.
A memorial has, within these few days, been transmitted to Lisbon, containing an enumeration of several oppressive articles of trade which the English commerce now labours under.
There have been committed, since the last session, and now in Newgate, for trial at the ensuing Old Bailey session, which begins on Wednesday, upwards of 150 prisoners for felony.
Extract of a letter from PARIS, Nov. 18.
There is great talk of an ordinance of discipline of the Parliament which has been registered by the express command of the King. It contains about sixty articles, all very severe. Among the rest the members are forbidden to look upon themselves as making one body with the other Parliaments of the kingdom, or to take upon them the name of class, unity, indivisibility, or any other synonymous terms: They are likewise forbidden to send any remonstrances or arrests, relating to the affairs they may be employed about to any other Parliaments, except in such cases as are permitted by the ordinances.
They are also forbidden to quit the service, either by virtue of a deliberation, or any thing else, except through absolute necessity recognized by the first President, who is to answer to the King. They are forbidden to give combined dismissions on pain of forfeiture, or being guilty of petty treason: The said forfeiture to be adjudged by the King, Peers, and Council; and the Grand Council, can replace the Parliament without a new edict.
They are permitted before registering to make edicts, declarations, or letters patent, and such remonstrances or representations as they shall judge necessary for the good of the people, provided they do not deviate from the respect due to the King, and on condition that they shall be registered in a month at farthest from the day of the publication of such edicts, except upon a repetition of remonstrances, if the King receives them; notwithstanding which they are forbidden to make any arrests which may tend to hinder, trouble, or retard the execution of the above-mentioned edicts.
Dec. 7. From Paris the most recent advices relate, that the verbal proceedings of the Bed of Justice would not be delivered for publication until after the celebration of the solemnity of the Red Mass, which began on the 21st of last month. According to all accounts relative to what passed in this Bed of Justice, as soon as the keeper of the seals had received, on his knees, his Majesty's orders, he thus addressed himself to the Grand Master of the ceremonies:
"SIR, It is his Majesty's express command that you forthwith repair to the Hall of St. Lewis, and acquaint the magistrates, who are there assembled, that his Majesty orders them to come and resume the seats which they occupied in the year 1770."
They attended immediately, and the King pronounced the following speech. The French King's Speech.
"The King, my most honoured Lord and grandfather, was compelled, by your resistance to his repeated commands, to adopt such a measure as his wisdom suggested, for maintaining his own authority, and fulfilling the obligations he lay under of rendering justice to his subjects. I have thought proper this day to recal you to the exercise of those functions which you ought never to have quitted. Learn to prize my favours, and never lose remembrance of their extent."
"You will hear the reading of an ordinance, the several parts of which are conceived exactly in the letter and spirit of my royal predecessors. I will not suffer the smallest infringement to be made on it. My own authority, the preservation of justice, the happiness and tranquillity of my people, all equally require that it be observed inviolate."
"It is my will that all past grievances be buried in oblivion. I shall ever behold with extreme disapprobation whatever may tend to create divisions, or disturb the good order and tranquillity which I wish always to subsist in my Parliament. Be you solely occupied in the faithful discharge of your respective duties; co-
operate with my wishes, which are solely directed to promote the welfare and happiness of my subjects."
"I decree, that from this moment the Sieur Hue de Miromesnil shall take upon him the office, and execute the functions of Chancellor."
Last night the Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth had a levee at his house in Charles street, St. James's square, as Secretary of State for the American department.
A private letter from Paris says, that the King of Spain has solicited for the assistance of some men of war to join the Spanish fleet in the Mediterranean, that he may be able to strike an important blow against the Barbarians, and at once put a stop to their depredations, and entirely drive them out of those seas. The same letter says, that orders are sent to Toulon for a fleet of twelve ships of the line and several frigates, to sail from thence and join the Spaniards immediately.
They write from Gibraltar that the Emperor of Morocco has stopped all provisions being sent to that garrison for the present, on account of his being engaged in a war with Spain, as it caused a great consumption in victualling a vast number of armed corsairs.
A correspondent compares a certain speech to a salad made of the common weeds of the field, with bad vinegar, rank oil, and without a grain of salt.
Dec. 8. They write from Gibraltar that an armed Spanish bark, with a few resolute men on board, ran into the harbour of Tetuan, and set fire to two large galliots and a half galley, belonging to the Moors, which were burnt to the water's edge, and upwards of 100 of the crew perished.
It is reported the French King has sent a memorial here, concerning some claims in America; and that, till it is answered, no Ambassador will appear at the British Court from that power.
They write from the island of St. Thome, on the coast of Africa, that the King Herod, Capt. Steel, belonging to America, is lost going over the bar of Benin; and that before this disaster happened, her Negroes had mutinied, and terribly wounded the chief mate and several of the crew.
Dec. 9. Lord North has not attended the House of Commons since Monday; his Lordship unfortunately hurt his knee-pan as he was stepping out of his carriage on Tuesday morning, and has not been able to go out since.
The Parliament, we are informed, will adjourn on Friday the 23d instant, and meet again, for the dispatch of business, on Wednesday the 18th of January.
They write from Gibraltar, that a Spanish frigate, of 28 guns, had been boarded in the Mediterranean by three Moorish cruisers, who, after inhumanly murdering all the crew, sunk the vessel.
Yesterday the Right Rev. Bronlow North kissed the King's hand at St. James's, on his promotion to the see of Worcester; as did the Rev Dr. Hurd, preacher to the Hon. Society of Lincoln's Inn, on his appointment to the see of Litchfield and Coventry.
A letter from Brest mentions, that on the 16th of last month two ships of the line, and three frigates, all with troops on board, sailed out of that harbour for the East Indies.
The people of Ireland are so extremely sanguine for a dissolution of their Parliament, that several corporations in that kingdom are preparing instructions for their members to obtain such a measure.
The last letters from Rome advise, that there is a great disagreement among the Cardinals in the Conclave, each being desirous to favour his own party.
A Danish East India ship, called the Matilda, from Bengal, after beating about five weeks in the channel, is at last safe arrived at Cork, but with only 32 hands on board, including the officers.
Orders are absolutely sent for the recall of General Gage, it having been advanced in the cabinet that his American connexions, by marriage, &c. might, in a great measure, prevent the full exercise of that authority with which he is entrusted.
The room lately occupied by the foreign Ambassadors, at the Thatch'd House tavern, in St. James's street, is taken by the Lords of the minority, where they are to have meetings twice a week during the sitting of Parliament.
Dec. 10. Mr. Dunning pledged himself, the other night, in a certain Assembly, that although the power of the late House of Commons was now happily at an end, he was determined very shortly to bring some of its flagitious acts under a full discussion, so as to receive that censure and detestation they so justly merited.
A Reverend Divine in Charlesstown, South Carolina, has been lately dismissed from his congregation, for his audacity in standing up in his pulpit, and impudently saying, that mechanicks and country clowns had no right to dispute about politics, or what Kings, Lords, and Commons had done, or might do!
Extracts of a letter from LECHORN, Nov. 11.
About a month ago a skirmish happened in the mountains near Ajaccio, between the French and the malecontents, wholly in favour of the latter. Col. Dubourg being detached with a body of 400 men in pursuit of the rebels (one hundred and fifty) who had done a great deal of mischief, besides carrying off 800 head of cattle, had the misfortune to fall into an ambush, when he was put to the flight, with the loss of 70 men. The malecontents then retired into one of their strong holds, where, in a few days, they were blocked up by the Colonel, who had received a considerable reinforcement. They held out several days with great bravery, till, being very much distressed for provisions, they agreed to endeavour to force a passage through the French troops in the night, which they effected with the loss of only fourteen of their number, and made their way to a place of safety, which is inaccessible, in the Pieve of Ca Sinoia. The amazing intrepidity, courage, and perseverance, these people have always shewn, must make every free heart bleed to think that they have no prospect of independence."

Letters lately received bring an account of the death of Colonel Tonym, Governor of West Florida.
A letter from Paris, of the 22d ult. says, "among other gifts, his Most Christian Majesty has just ordered a grant of 300,000 acres of waste lands, free of all taxes for 20 years to come, to 120 families in the province of Bourdeaux, and an allowance for five years, till the lands are thoroughly cultivated. The above lands have lain waste near 200 years."
"What do you think now of the new Parliament's treatment of America?" says a Gentleman to his friend, who was in the Lobby on Monday night last, after the division. "Why, faith," says the other, "I think it pretty much about an even bet ." "How the devil can that be," says the other, "when it is near four to one at starting ."
A Gentleman, who has been lately in France, assures us, that there are boats in readiness to transport 20,000 men into this kingdom, which will probably be attempted the moment we involve ourselves in a war with our colonies.
Dec. 13. A Gentleman, who is a member of a certain assembly, asked the Lord Mayor, a few days ago, how he liked the King's speech. What speech? answers the Lord Mayor. Why, that printed speech in your hand, replies the member. You mistake, cries my Lord, this is no speech, it is the American death warrant. You are merry, cries the member. Yes, returns the Lord Mayor, I thank God it is not my death warrant. But, to be serious, says the member, don't you think the speech is a good one? Yes, returns the Lord Mayor, it is a bloody good one.
It is said that orders are given for all his Majesty's military stations in North America to be immediately reinforced by several detachments of land forces from Great Britain and Ireland.
Dec. 12. This day the House of Commons will resolve itself into a committee of the whole House, to consider of the supply granted to his Majesty.
It is said Lord North will, for the future, have a levee at his house in Downing street, every Saturday during the sitting of Parliament.
It is said that the province of Massachusetts Bay has formed itself into an independent government. The late Council, late Judges, &c. with the House of Representatives, are to act; and are to execute the laws in all civil and criminal cases, in like manner as before the late acts of Parliament altering the government. And this form, it is said, is to continue till the late acts are repealed.
It is said a military academy will shortly be established under the patronage of a great personage.
We hear that upwards of one hundred copies of his Majesty's speech have been sent in the foreign packets for France and Spain.
We learn from Versailles, that a grand deputation of the Parliament and the Court of Aides were introduced to his Majesty on the 27th of November; they were presented by the Duke de la Vrilliere, Minister and Secretary of State. After the usual ceremonies, the Sieur d'Aligre, first President of the Parliament, thus addressed the Sovereign:
"SIRE,
"The commencement of your reign has been rendered sacred by acts of beneficence; scarcely had you ascended the Throne of Royalty before your wisdom shone forth with such conspicuous lustre as to dazzle the eyes, and captivate the hearts of all your subjects.
"The suppressed body of your magistrates, Sire, groaned in their dispersion, like the Israelites in captivity; they pined, not so much at the severity of their fate, as that they were precluded from being the first of all your subjects to make a tender of that homage, due to those princely virtues, for which fame had proclaimed you eminent to the utmost boundaries of the empire.
"Your Parliament, Sire, have now seized, with an avidity of respect, the first moment wherein access is allowed to your royal presence, to prostrate, at the foot of your throne, every testimony of their love, their submission, their zeal, and their fidelity.
"You have declared, Royal Sir (and we glory in the declaration) that you mean to make the laws the only rules of your government. To your subjects what can be more acceptable! To your Parliament what more flattering! The justice and benignity which the magistrates have, on your part, experienced, excite in their bosoms the most lively sentiments of gratitude. It is to testify these sentiments that your magistrates, ever devoted by a principle of allegiance to your service, have humbly solicited permission to appear in a body at the foot of your throne.
"Each individual member of this body, Sire, begs leave to protest that he will not for length of days, unless to consecrate them to your service, and, after your example, to employ them in promoting the welfare of his fellow citizens. There is not a single magistrate, Sire, whose breast glows not with ardent zeal for the prosperity of your reign. Your truly royal virtues will be proclaimed to the world by the wisdom of your Councils. Truth will ever find access to your royal presence. In you, Sire, we shall repose the most unlimited confidence; we shall entrust you with all our fears, with all our anxieties, secure that they will ever find relief in the bosom of that Prince, who intends to act as a father to his people."
To this address the King replied in the following manner: "It is with infinite pleasure I have attended to the sentiments you express. I entertain not the smallest doubt of your zeal and alacrity to render me service. Administer impartially distributive justice to all my subjects; rigidly conform yourselves to those sentiments of which I have made a solemn declaration, and then may you securely rely on my affectionate regard, on my confidence and protection."
The first President then requested permission, in behalf of the Parliament, to tender their respectful homage to the Queen, which being granted, they were presented to her Majesty, and the Sieur d'Aligre thus addressed her:
"M A D A M,
"The Parliament present you their most respectful homage. We have tendered to the King an offering of those unfeigned sentiments of gratitude with which all his magistrates are penetrated for the signal instances of kindness and of justice he hath rendered to their fidelity. Your affectionate attachment to his Majesty affords us reason to hope that you will not be displeased with this testimony of our allegiance.
"Permit us, gracious Queen, thus to lay at your royal feet a nation's wishes for the permanency and prosperity of your reign. We join in the kingdom's admiration of those splendid virtues with which Heaven has embellished your royal heart; and we shall never cease to claim that protection you will deign to extend to subjects whose only aim shall be devoted to aggrandize the glory of the most just of sovereigns."
Her Majesty, with great affability, replied thus: "My sentiments shall ever coincide with those of the King. Merit his esteem by gratitude and submission, and you may assure yourselves of my regard."
The members of the Court of Aides were afterwards introduced into the King's apartment, and the usual ceremonies being adjusted, the Sieur Maleherbes, first President of that Court, pronounced the subsequent address:
"SIRE,
"The very first instant of your reign has been signalized by the loud acclamations of your people's love, and the joy attending the accomplishment of their longing expectations. Those magistrates, Sire, who have hitherto been debarred from prostrating themselves at the foot of your throne, are this day highly honoured, by being admitted to express the gratitude of an happy people for princely favours daily accumulated on their loyal heads.
"We petitioned Heaven for a legislator; Heaven lent a favourable ear to our petitions, and the first act of your government convinced us that you, Sire, was the legislator whom Providence destined to make us happy."
"Salutary laws will ever be productive of purity of manners; salutary laws render a state vigorous and flourishing, by rendering the individuals thereof happy. It is salutary laws only which can add solidity and durableness to a people's happiness, for the effects of beneficence are merely momentaneous."
"Your reign, Royal Sir, promises to be the reign of justice. The first throne in the universe has for eight hundred years been occupied with permanency by your illustrious progenitors. After such a period, spent alternately in combat and in glory, it is high time we should enjoy national tranquillity and domestic happiness. That time, Sire, is arrived; men now, better versed in the science of public weal, are taught to expect felicity only from a cultivation of the pacific virtues, of mutual beneficence, and, above all, of that justice wherein consists the excellence of Monarchs."
"As administrators of the law, we shall offer to your Majesty the fruits both of our labours and our experience. Happy if we can contribute to those great reformations which your wisdom shall point out. If, Sire, our existence can be used to a Monarch, who (after your Majesty we speak) has recalled us in conformity to the nation's wishes, we shall be superlatively happy, but still more so if we can be serviceable to our country, to whom we owe every possible return of favour in our power. These, Sire, are the only wishes we have formed to ourselves, these the only objects we shall ever have in view."
This address was received with every mark of approbation. The members of the Court of Aides were then introduced to the Queen, and the Sieur de Maleherbes thus addressed her:
"M A D A M,
"Justice is the cardinal virtue of Kings; benignity seems to be the distinguished characteristic of a Queen, who is so much the object of a people's veneration."
"We have seen, Madame, your susceptible soul sympathising with the feelings of the wretched, your bounty extended for their relief. The exclamations of their gratitude resounded even throughout those solitary deserts to which we were exiled."
"Recalled to the capital by the will of our Sovereign, we found the people prostrated at the feet of their royal master. On the one hand they were sensibly touched with the King's benignity, as on the other they were captivated by his consort's affability."
"At your Majesty's feet we are at last permitted to tender our homage, and to Heaven our gratitude is due for giving France a Queen so well calculated to promote the felicity of a Monarch whose supreme delight consists in the welfare of his people."
This address met with a most cordial reception; the Advocates General of the two Courts had the honour of addressing their Majesties, and the deputies of the Parliament of Rouen also waited on the King the same day, to return him thanks for their recall.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS.
HOUSE OF COMMONS, December 8.
Mr. Gray moved for the order of the day for the House to go into a committee to consider of so much of an act passed in the last session of the late Parliament, as related to utensils made use of in the woollen manufacture. The Speaker accordingly left the chair, and Mr. Bootle being seated as chairman, he read the motion, which was "that so much of the act as made it felony to export the said utensils should be repealed." Mr. Fuller proposed an amendment, which being made, and the motion again read, Mr. Van arose, and opposed the repealing it; he said we ought to be cautious, particularly at this time, how we allowed any thing to be sent to the colonies which respected our trade. He was very fully answered by Mr. Sawbridge, who observed that it was the greatest absurdity imaginable to hinder the exportation of any utensils made use of in trade, for if the utensils were not suffered to be exported, and the trade abroad could not be carried on without them, the next step the manufacturer would go abroad himself, that if we prevented them from exporting wool cards, they would export wire, and make the cards abroad; if we hindered the exportation of wire, they would export iron, and make the wire abroad: Therefore, he was sorry to say that the legislature of this country had been, for several sessions past, making laws to drive the manufacturers from home.
Mr. Van attempted to answer Mr. Sawbridge, but it was in so feeble a manner that he was taken no notice of.
The question was then put "that it is the opinion of this committee that so much of an act passed in the last session, as far as it relates to the exportation of utensils made use of in the woollen manufactures, be repealed; which passed in the affirmative."
Dec. 13. On a motion that the committee do agree that 16,000 seamen should be employed in the sea service for the year 1775, including 2,400 marines, several questions were asked Mr. Buller concerning the state of our marine forces at home, and the increase of it in North America, since last year, the Gentlemen in opposition seeming to think we were left in a defenceless state at home; but Mr. Buller, in his reply, endeavoured to prove the very contrary, and that every fort, as well as the guard ships, had their full complement of men. The committee agreed to the supply, and then the House broke up at five o'clock.
Dec. 14. In a committee of the whole House, upon the supply, they came to the following resolutions.
That 16,000 men be employed for the sea service for 1775, including 4282 marines, that 41. per month be allowed each man, including the ordnance for sea service.
The House also came to a resolution for allowing the importation of Indian corn, and ordered the report this day.
The order of the day was now called for, for the House to resolve itself into a committee of supply to his Majesty; the Speaker accordingly left the chair, and Sir Charles Whitworth being seated, Mr. Buller moved "that it is the opinion of this committee that 16,000 seamen, including 4282 marines, be granted for the year 1775."
He prefaced his motion by setting forth that Admiral Harland was daily expected home from the East Indies with three sail of the line, and by that means 16,000 would be sufficient, which was 4000 less than last year.
Mr. T. Townshend desired to know why 20,000 was necessary last year, and 16,000 would do this, and what quantity were necessary to be sent to America, and what proportion left us at home. Mr. Buller attempted to solve Mr. Townshend's questions, but could not; he therefore read an extract of a letter from Admiral Amherst, commander at Plymouth, informing them that they had several supernumerary seamen, and that their guard ships were full, that the number of ships in America were three third rates, one fourth rate, six sixth rates, seven Schooners, and two armed vessels, the number of seamen 2835.
Mr. Lutterel arose, and said he was much surprised to hear the honourable Gentleman mention the state of our seamen in such a manner; that, had he been apprised of business coming on that day, he would have prepared himself to have answered him more fully, yet he was so much a judge of maritime affairs as to know it was impossible that the ships or seamen the honourable Gentleman had mentioned to be in America could be there for some months; for ships that were out this season were prevented by winds and weather, so that they were obliged to go to the West Indies, or put back, and could not arrive in America till the Spring; that he should be glad to be informed whether or not the seamen sent in a fleet to America were taken out of the guard ships here, which consequently weakened our strength at home, and left us almost defenceless; and whether the Admiral's account of the full complement of men did not include those draughted off to other ships, and sent to America, which might be set down as sent, but were absolutely lost as a defence to this country.
Col. Barre said he had been informed, that unless Admiral Harland arrived in ten days, it would be impossible for him to arrive in less than four months, therefore the number of seamen expected from his coming home was very precarious, and not to be determined on.
Mr. Hartley next desired to know the number of ships that were on the American station before the present disturbances.
Mr. Buller answered, one fourth rate, six sixth rates, seven Schooners, and two armed vessels, and about 1900 men.
Col. Barre then desired to know what force we have at home to defend us against an attack of an enemy.
Mr. Buller replied, after hesitating, 5900 men in the guard ships, and 1158 men in the other ships on the British and Irish coasts.
Dec. 15. Yesterday the House of Commons broke up at four o'clock, having come to a resolution on ways and means for continuing the duties on malt, rum, cyder, and perry, which is to be reported this day.
The bill for allowing the free importation of Indian corn was presented, and read the first time.
Resolved, that this House will, as this day, resolve itself into a committee, to consider of the act to prevent the exportation, to foreign parts, of utensils made use of in the woollen manufacture; after which they adjourned to this day.
Dec. 16. The House of Commons broke up yesterday, at four o'clock, having come to a resolution to order in a bill to amend the act to prevent the exportation, to foreign parts, of utensils made use of in the woollen manufacture; which resolution is to be reported as this day.
The bill for allowing the free importation of Indian corn was read a second time, and ordered to be committed for this day. The resolution of yesterday, on the malt, was also agreed to, and a bill ordered in.
The order of the day was now called for the House to go into a committee of supply, and Sir Charles Whitworth having taken the chair of the committee, Lord Barrington moved that 17,544 effective men be employed for the land service for the year 1775.
Mr. R. Fuller rose, and said he had no motion to make, but he would be glad to know, from the noble Lord at the head of the Treasury, if he had any information to lay before the House, or any measures to propose respecting America; because, if he had not, he thought it the duty of Parliament to interpose and call for papers, and proceed on such information, however defective, as well as they could. He added, that he looked upon the measures adopted by the last Parliament impolitic and impracticable, and that they could never have been prudently or effectually put into execution.
Lord North confessed the very great consequence and importance of the subject the honourable member now mentioned, and said it would require the utmost diligence and attention, as a matter of the greatest magnitude ever debated within those walls. He could not, he said, entirely acquiesce in the condemnation of measures hastily, which had been taken up and adopted on such weighty motives; that at the time it was impossible to foresee precisely how they might answer, but the shortness of the time, and other circumstances considered, they should have a fair trial before they were reprobated; and that the wisdom and policy of them could be only finally known in the event. He concluded by assuring the House, that he had information to lay before it shortly after the holidays; and that he would so far adopt his honourable friend's ideas behind him (Mr. Fuller) as to propose to appoint a committee for taking the affairs of America into consideration.
Mr. Cruger, as a young member, gave his opinion on the state of the colonies with great becoming diffidence, and was heard with a considerable deal of attention. He recommended conciliatory measures, but rather went a little out of his way to compliment the Minister.
Lord North, on the whole, was plausible, sententious, and affected great moderation. Governor Johnstone having alluded to something his Lordship had said on a former occasion, relative to Great Britain never receding or relaxing, till America was at her feet; his Lordship observed that it was hardly fair to quote what a man had said seven years before, and what he had explained on the spot before he left the House. This explanation then, and now was, he said, that by being at the feet of Great Britain, he meant obedience to the mother country; such as, if they thought themselves aggrieved, to apply, by petitions and dutiful remonstrances, to the Parliament or the Throne. He said he thought it the duty of every member, as well in the House as out of it, to interpret what might fall in the heat of debate, or warm discussion, in the manner it was explained by the Speaker; that if it had been thus candidly dealt with, the author of a law pamphlet, written in America, could never have asserted, that he insisted that Britain should never recede till the laws and liberties of America were at her feet; for, as he never meant the one, so he never said the other. And he wished, that on the present occasion, he should be understood according to his present explanation, and no other.
Mr. Haley was for making the Americans contribute to the general defence of the empire, by way of requisition, and read in his place one or two of the resolutions entered into by the Continental Congress, to shew their willingness to comply with such a measure.
The question was at length put, on Lord Barrington's motion, and agreed to; as were the others in course, providing for the whole of the military establishment.
NEW YORK, February 9.
ON Thursday last the Hon. James Jauncey, jun. Master of the Rolls, took the oaths and seat as one of his Majesty's Council for this province, in the room of Sir William Johnson, Baronet, deceased.
Feb. 13. The Ship James, Capt. Watson, arrived at Sandy Hook the 2d instant, from Glasgow, with coals, and a few dry goods on board; but as she came into port after the time limited by the Congress for us to continue our trade with Great Britain, she has received some necessaries, and yesterday proceeded for the island of Jamaica, with all her cargo.
We have certain intelligence, by the last vessel from Scotland, that if the present non-importation is strictly adhered to, the merchants and manufacturers of that country will exert their utmost influence in our favour; as they are under the most alarming apprehensions for the consequences of a declension of trade. This comes from a person whose interest, at this time, it cannot be to impose on the public.
PHILADELPHIA, February 10.
Extracts of three letters from Boston.
Jan. 8. "FOR several weeks past the yellow fever, putrid sore throat, and smallpox, have raged in this town, and proved very mortal, especially amongst the soldiers. The officers have determined to inoculate their children, which will occasion the smallpox to spread amongst the inhabitants, great numbers of whom have not had it. It is, however, not so sickly as it has been; yet it is reported that one regiment has seventy soldiers sick, and incapable of duty."
Jan. 18. "It is very sickly in town, especially amongst the soldiers. The 10th regiment mutinied lately, and had their arms taken from them one night, in consequence of their refusing to execute three of their comrades under sentence of death for desertion. This affair has been carefully hushed up by the friends to the present administration."
Jan. 31. "The fortitude of the colonies, added to their union, is sufficient to confound our enemies. How soon the mad career of the Ministry will be stopped is uncertain. Our duty is to prepare for the worst. The people of this colony are united, and firm as the mountains; they are preparing to defend themselves against an attack, but are wisely determined not to be the aggressors. The number of soldiers in this town daily diminishes by death and desertion; many of them are sick, and it is reported, with much appearance of truth, that there are not, in the 11 regiments, 3000 effective men."

Committee Chamber, NORFOLK, Feb. 7. 1775.
WE the subscribers, balloted for, and duly elected by the freeholders and freemen of the borough of NORFOLK, to act as a COMMITTEE of observation under the Continental Association, in obedience to the same, and in discharge of the trust reposed in us by our constituents, do find ourselves unhappily compelled to hold up for public censure Dr. ALEXANDER GORDON, of this borough. Upon what facts the justice of our censure is founded will appear from the following detail:—On Monday the 23d of January Dr. Gordon informed this committee, who were then sitting, that he had just imported, in the Active , Captain Hunsley, two crates, four hogheads, one chest, one barrel, two casks, and one case of medicines, of more than 2001. sterling value, and desired the opinion of this committee, whether they might not be delivered up to him, agreeable to the exception in favour of medicine in the provincial association. This committee informed him, that our decisions were regulated by the directions of the continental association, which had superseded the provincial one, in as much as it was subscribed and acceded to by the Delegates from this colony; and that therefore, agreeable to the tenth article of our own provincial association, it was our duty to submit to this further restriction imposed by the Congress. It was also observed to him, that if a freedom from provincial restrictions would exempt any from the continental regulations made in Congress, all goods imported into most of the northern colonies might, for the same reason, be delivered up to the proprietors, as the importation of them was not subject to any provincial restrictions. Instances were pointed out to him of medicines being sold in this town agreeable to the tenth article of the continental association, that were ordered some time before our provincial convention of the 1st of August; and indeed one Gentleman of this committee, to convince the Doctor how unjust any notions of partiality would be, mentioned his own case, as much harder than the Doctor's; for, as the Gentleman observed, trusting that the Congress would make the same exception in favour of medicine as the convention had done, he had neglected to give his orders for his medicines till some time in October, so that they probably would not arrive till after the first of February, but that yet he did not conceive a doubt with respect to the conduct he should observe on the occasion, and was satisfied they must go back. All arguments, however, availed nothing with the Doctor; but, upon a final declaration from this committee, that we had no authority to dispense with the association, but requested him to make his election what should be done with his medicines, as directed by the tenth article of the association, the Doctor, to the surprise of this committee, chose to have them stored. Pains were taken to convince him of the loss he himself might sustain by this election, and to point out to him the injury that might be done to the public at large, by thus storing such a quantity of medicines, at a time when we have reason to apprehend a general scarcity. He was also informed, that where there did not appear in the importers any design to contravene the provincial or continental associations, there had never been an instance, in this place, of the inhabitants bidding against the proprietors; that as he had the sanction of the convention for the importation of medicines, there could be no suspicion in this case of any such sinister motive in him; and that, were we to judge from the sale of the other medicines imported under the like circumstances, in all probability he might purchase them in at the very trifling expense of only the vendue-master's charge. The Doctor, however, remained inflexible, and with much warmth insisted upon the immediate appointment of persons to receive the packages, and a storehouse to put them in; as, he said, "they might be landed in the rain, and damaged for want of knowing where to carry them." Two Gentlemen of this committee were accordingly appointed, in his hearing, to receive them, and the storehouse, which was a very safe one, was also mentioned to him. Thus matters rested till the 30th of January, when the sub-committee, appointed to receive and store the medicines, reported, that having waited two or three days, expecting to be sent for by Dr. Gordon for that purpose, and finding he did not pay any regard to the appointment of the committee, one of them at length applied to him, to know where they were, and what he had done with them; to which the Doctor replied, "he had taken charge of them himself, and as some of them were damaged, he had obtained an order from the Mayor for a survey, and had broke open the packages and examined the contents, and had stored them in a store he had rented solely for that purpose, where he should keep them till he should receive an order to a letter he had written on the subject to the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Esq.; by which answer he said he would be governed." In consequence of this report, the Doctor was summoned to appear the next day before the committee, which he did accordingly, and delivered in a writing, purporting to be a vindication of his conduct, which confirmed the truth of the report of the sub-committee, and desired we would not remove the medicines from the store they then were in, before he should hear from Mr. Randolph. Willing to give him every indulgence, although the committee were sensible of the impropriety of his application, or appeal, as he called it, if it was intended to influence our deliberations, as we conceive the association to be the only rule of our conduct, yet we granted his request, and put off the further hearing of the matter till the 6th of February; at which time one of this committee, at the request of the Doctor, laid before us the letter from Mr. Randolph, which being read, and the Doctor's former defence re-considered, and the committee being desirous that the Doctor should entitle himself to his ensurance by selling the medicines, it was agreed that he should be sent for to make a new election, if he thought proper. The Doctor, however, still adhering to his former opinion, with great warmth rejected all the mild proposals of this committee, refused to make any election as required, and might neither deliver them up to be stored or sold, nor even show his invoice. For all which reasons we, the committee for Norfolk borough, think ourselves bound, in obedience to the eleventh article of the association, "to publish the truth of the case," and give it as our unanimous opinion, that Dr. Alexander Gordon has violated the continental association.
SIGNED
MATTHEW PHIPPS, Chairman. JAMES TAYLOR. JOHN BOUSH. JOHN HUTCHINGS. JAMES HOLT. JOHN LAWRENCE. NIEL JAMIESON. JOSEPH HUTCHINGS. ROBERT TAYLOR. THOMAS NEWTON, jun. THOMAS CLAIBORNE. THOMAS RITSON. SAMUEL INGLIS.
Extract from the minutes. WILLIAM DAVIES, Sec'y.
WILLIAMSBURG, February 25.
THE following Gentlemen are elected Delegates to attend the convention to be held at Richmond on the 20th of next month: DUDLEY DIGGES and THOMAS NELSON, jun. Esquires, to represent the county of York, and JOHN BOWDOIN and JOHN BURTON, Esquires, to represent the county of Northampton.
The London, Capt. Robertson, is arrived at London. Married,—Mr. JOHN EDLOE, to Miss BAILEY, of Charles City. Died,—Mr. JOHN BICKERTON, of Hanover.
Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER,
I HAVE, since the beginning of the present contest between the Treasurer and Mr. Henley, attended to every thing which has been said on each side, with as much impartiality as the nature of the dispute would admit of. I was sorry when I saw the Queries which first occasioned it, and, if I could not then acquit the Treasurer of every thing alledged against him, part I knew to be false, and the whole malicious. That Gentleman's defence has, however, fully satisfied me of his integrity; it was manly
and candid, and sufficient to remove, from every unprejudiced mind, every suspicion to his disadvantage. No mean evasions were made use of, but the whole bespoke a consciousness of innocence and rectitude. If, in some instances, his language seemed to breathe too much of passion, let the sensibility of a guileless injured man plead his excuse. But what can be said in behalf of his antagonist? He does not pretend to deny that he carried the Queries to the printer; and, when we recollect what formerly passed between the Treasurer and him, it is impossible to acquit him, either of indelicacy or a bad design. Though I have been, from the first, highly provoked with his dexterity, his low quibbling, and labour to misrepresent the Treasurer's arguments, yet I could not prevail upon myself, thus publicly, to testify my disapprobation of his conduct, till the unparalleled insolence of his last, in a manner, compelled me to it. I could no longer sit quiet, and see an honest man borne down by the unremitting petulance of a foul-mouthed slanderer. Perhaps this may reach Mr. Henley; if it does, let him know that his malice has failed of its wished for effect. He is viewed as the impotent tool of a designing party, whose intentions all good men regard with detestation, and will endeavour to frustrate. And if any thing can give additional pleasure to a mind conscious of its own uprightness, the Treasurer may be assured that he has the approbation, and will have the support, if ever he should need it, of every man whose esteem he can covet, or whom he would wish to appear in his favour. Virginia is not yet so lost to virtue and gratitude as to give up a man, who, through the whole of his life, has exerted no common abilities (whatever his enemies may pretend to think of them) in defence of his religion and his country, for the base insinuations of one scarcely known, but for his vanity, his disappointments, and antipathy to all virtuous characters. I have given you, Gentlemen, in the above, the sentiments of my neighbours, as well as those of your very humble servant,
DOWNRIGHT.
To the PRINTERS.
GENTLEMEN,
WERE I not afraid that it might be a means of discouraging the liberty of the press, I would immediately withdraw my subscription from your paper, for publishing what you yourselves must know to be false: I conceive this to be an high abuse of the liberty of the press. If this is the practice of printers, what character is safe? The fairest may be blasted whenever a revengeful disappointed dirty scribbler has the impudence to send his name with his piece! and may be irretrievably so, unless in the present case the public may be fully acquainted with the character of the person, and motives and views of the malicious libeller.
These, I can assure you, Gentlemen, are the sentiments of many of your respectable subscribers, whose good opinion and patronage you would wish to preserve.
Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER. GENTLEMEN,
AN advertisement of Mr. William Watson's in your paper of the 11th instant, evidently intended to injure my character, obliges me (however averse to appear in this manner in a public paper) to trouble you and the public with a short account of my transactions with him. Every fact that I shall relate can be supported by evidences.
Mr. Watson owes the company for which I act a large sum of money; it has been long due, and he has been much indulged: Some years experience having convinced him that his crops would not pay off this debt, he agreed to a sale of some of his Negroes in January 1774, and which he made public in his neighbourhood, but when the day of sale came he would not consent to their being sold. A short time afterwards, to prevent my selling part of his Negroes by virtue of a deed of trust, he promised a payment of £. 200 the April following, and only part of this sum was paid. In July, or August, he again advertised, in Purdie and Dixon's Gazette, a sale of Negroes, to be at Amelia courthouse on the 10th of last month, when neither he nor his Negroes appeared. I then went to his house to know his reasons for this third disappointment, and he gave no other than that he was afraid his Negroes would not sell for their value. From such behaviour, and from being informed that some of the Negroes were entailed, which he had made over in trust as security for this debt, and that some more of them, with other effects made over in the said deed, had been sold to answer other purposes than the discharge of this debt, I pressed him for security on his lands; and this he positively refused, although I offered to indemnify him for any prejudice it might be to him in the sale of his Lands, that being the only reason he offered for not giving the security wanted. At the same time (the 10th of January) he told me he had not sold any of his lands, but was only on terms for them; nor have I ever heard since that he had sold any of them, till his late extraordinary advertisement. Often amused in the same manner, I depended little for payment from the sale of his lands, and offered to take even part payment in any Negroes he could best spare, at what they should be valued by disinterested people; but, still acting in character, he refused this also. The payments he has made, either by his crops or otherwise, have been extremely trifling, when compared with the amount of his debt. The greatest part of his Negroes, I am told, have been hired out for some time past, and the month of January was appointed by himself as the proper time for both sales, the year's service of the Negroes hired out being then at an end. Judging, from the whole of his conduct, particularly from the circumstances here related, that he had little intention of either paying or giving proper security for this debt, I advertised, in his neighbourhood, a sale of the effects in our deed, on the 10th of next month.—Hence the trouble you and the public have had with this matter, and hence Mr. Watson's torrent of abuse, so unjust, so ungenerous, and so ungrateful. Unfortunate indeed must that man be whose reputation or property is at this time in the power of Mr. Watson, or his vicious retainers. Conscious what little effect his advertisement would have in his own neighbourhood, where his conduct in this affair is well known, by publishing it in your paper, he endeavours to interest the public (who are unacquainted with both) and to prejudice them against me; but, however much my property may be in his power, I trust my reputation is on a better footing than to be injured by such wanton abuse. The Views he suspects I have in advertising a sale of the effects in trust, after the indulgence I have given, and the offers I have made, could arise only in a mind basely malignant; and these, with the interposition of some Volunteer in the cause of detraction, are the only reasons I can find for so undeserved an attack.
WARWICK, Feb. 20, 1775. ROBERT DONALD.
MECKLENBURG, Feb. 25, 1775.
A PERSON who understands teaching English and Latin, and comes well recommended, will meet with good Encouragement, by applying to HENRY DELONY.
RICHMOND, Feb. 24, 1775.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Public that he has just opened Tavern in the House formerly occupied by Mr. James Vaughan. Those Gentlemen who choose to favour him with their Custom may depend upon the best Usage, from their humble Servant, GABRIEL GALT.
THREE young likely VIRGINIA born NEGROES (one Man and two Women) to be sold for ready Money, on Monday the 13th of March, before Mr. Maupin's Door, in Williamsburg. (2||) JOHN HARRISON.
IT is now become indispensably necessary that the Claimants in the Patent to Mr. John Savage and others, who were with Col. Washington at the Battle of the Niagara , for 28,627 Acres of Land on the River Ohio and the Sandy Creek, should come to a speedy Division of the said Land: They, and every of them, or their Representatives, are therefore desired to attend at the Confluence of the Great Kanawha, on Monday the 8th of May next, in Order to proceed to a Division. It will also be expected that the Costs attending the original Survey be by each Claimant then paid.
VAN SWERENGEN, ROBERT RUTHERFORD, ISAAC LAREW, JAMES M'CORMACK.
Just come to Hand, and to be sold at my Store in Williamsburg, for Cash only,
A large and well chosen ASSORTMENT of IRISH Linens, Ladies' black and other coloured Silk quilted Petticoats; Didbury's neat black Calamanco Pumps; some white figured and striped Lustrings; Ladies' and Gentlemen's Silk, Thread, and Cotton Stockings; Men's spun Silk, gray Thread, and Worsted Ditto; some Pieces of beautiful coloured Irish Mullins; fine Buff coloured Dimity, suitable for Ladies' Riding Dresses; with many other Articles not enumerated.
C. RATHBELL.
N. B. At the same Place may be had a Parcel of LOAF SUGAR.
PILGRIM,
A FINE black Horse, 5 Feet 2 Inches high, high blooded, and only 7 Years old, now stands in the upper End of Spotsylvania , in the highest Order, and will cover Mares this Spring at 6s. the single Leap, 20s. the Season, or 30s. to ensure. The greatest Care shall be taken of the Mares, but will not pay for any that may get away. (2||) W. & FRANCIS COLEMAN.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Halifax County, North Carolina, the 22d of last month, two Negro Fellows, one named GUINEA, about 5 Feet 2 Inches high, 27 years of Age, stout made, has a down Look, a Nick in one of his Nostrils, and has a Defect in some of his Teeth; he had on a Fearnought Jacket and a Pair of Leather Breeches. The other is named GRIFFIN, about the same Size, with a Mark on his Nose, blacker near his Eyes than the rest of his Skin, had on a Bearskin Coat and a Pair of Leather Breeches. They both speak good English. Whoever will apprehend the said Slaves, and bring them to me, or secure them in some Gaol, so that I get them again, shall have FIVE POUNDS Proclamation Money for each, by JOHN HOBGOOD.
N. B. The above Slaves have been outlawed in Halifax County, North Carolina.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in October , and from Time to Time since, a Negro Man by Name ISHAM, to which he adds sometimes RANDOLPH, at others ALLEN, about 21 or 22 Years old. As he has worn out his Clothes, and I have supplied himself out of his Fellow Servants Stock, I know not how he is dressed. He is not very dark complexioned, and has a white Spot rather behind the right Check Bone; as near as I can guess, he would measure 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches in Height, and is slender. As I have Reason to expect he is in Stafford or King George , my Reward, over what the Law allows, is twenty Shillings, though the Trouble being increased by the Distance, I would willingly satisfy the full Inconvenience of delivering him to me at Norman's Ford , in Fauquier County . All Persons giving Countenance to said Slave will be prudent enough to take necessary Warning from this, as I will level the utmost Rigour of the Law against such Offenders. LANDON CARTER.
SURRY BEGINS to cover the 1st of April next, at 40s. the Season, or 15s. the single Leap. Either Cash, or Corn at 10s. a Barrel, must be brought with the Mares, or they will not be received. Pasturage gratis, but I will not be answerable for Accidents. LANDON CARTER.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from Mr. John Dorsing's, in Warwick County , last Christmas Eve , two Mares, viz. one a sorrel, 4 Years old, about 4 Feet 9 or ten Inches high, trots, gallops, and paces slowly, branded on the near Buttock I PR (the PR in a Piece, and the P inverted) but hardly perceivable, has a small Ulcer on her right on her right Check, caused by a Kick from a Horse some time ago, and appeared to be forward with Foal. The other is a light Iron gray, 5 Years old, about 4 Feet 5 Inches high, trots and gallops, and branded on the near Buttock 3. They had both hanging Manes and Switch Tails. Forty Shillings Reward will be given on their being delivered to Mr. Dorsing, or the Subscriber, in King William , and if stolen, 10l. on Conviction of the Thief. JAMES RUSSELL.
STRAYED from Mr. Robert P. Warren's, in Essex , on the 3d of January last, two HORSES, one of them a dark bay, about 4 Feet ten Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, a Star in his Forehead, and a Snip on his Nose; the other is a bright bay, about 4 Feet 7 Inches high, with a Star, hanging Mane, and a short Switch Tail, and branded on the near Buttock LG. Whoever brings the said Horses to Mr. Robert P. Warren in Essex , Mr. Bernard Todd in King and Queen , or to the Subscriber, in Hanover , shall have 30s. Reward. WILLIAM O. WINSTON.
TAKEN up, on Owen's Creek , in Pittsylvania , a dark bay HORSE, with a Blaze in his Face, about 4 Years old, 4 Feet 5 Inches high, paces naturally, and branded on the off Shoulder I. Also a black MARE COLT, about a Year old, 4 Feet 3 Inches high, with a Star in her Forehead, and branded on the near Shoulder NF. Also a black MARE and COLT, the Mare about 4 Feet 4 Inches high, with a Star in her Forehead, about 16 Years old, and branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock M; the Colt is a dark gray Mare, a Year old, neither docked nor branded, and about 4 Feet 3 Inches high.—The said Strays are appraised to 16l. JOHN DAVIS.
At a Meeting of the Committee of JAMES CITY County, on MONDAY the 13th of FEBRUARY, 1775, it was resolved,
THAT, as an Encouragement for making Cotton and Wool Cards, a Premium of forty Pounds Sterling be offered, and paid by the Chairman, to any Person who shall first settle in this Colony, and who shall, within eighteen Months from the Date hereof, make in this Colony, or cause to be made therein, under his Direction, five Hundred Pair of good Cotton, and five Hundred Pair of good Wool Cards, to be delivered to the Chairman for the Use of the Inhabitants of this County; and the Committee oblige themselves to pay for the same at the Rate of 75 per Cent. Advance on what such Cards have usually been imported at from Great Britain, within twelve Months past, over and above the said Premium. The Quality and Price to be judged of, and settled by reputable Merchants in the Neighbourhood.
By Order of the Committee, BENJAMIN CARTER WALLER, CLk.

POETS CORNER.  TO HOPE.  H OPE! to me thine aid extend, Sweet companion, welcome friend! Whether thro' the dungeon's gloom, Darting kind thy piercing ray, Or glitt'ring proudly on the warrior's plume, Thou point'st to glorious victory the way; Or, all within the lonely grove, Cheer'st the wild complaint of love; Bright sun of life, before thee fly The clouds of doubt and misery, And pleasure dawns when thou art nigh. To me, to me, thine aid extend, Sweet companion, welcome friend!
WILLIAMSBURG, January 20, 1775.  THE several Counties and Corporations in this Colony are requested to elect Delegates to represent them in Convention, who are desired to meet at the Town of RICHMOND, in the County of HENRICO, on Monday the 20th of March next.  PEYTON RANDOLPH, MODERATOR.
A CASE marked M. D. in a Diamond, imported in the Elizabeth , Capt. Leitch, containing a Lady's HUNTING SADDLE , with a Velvet Housing and Saddle Cloth, other genteel Furniture, a Bridle, &c. not being come to Hand, the Owner will be much obliged to any Gentleman who informs the Printers where the said Case is to be found. 2
TO BE SOLD,  On MONDAY the 6th of MARCH , if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at the late Dwelling-House of Mr. JOHN SHERMER , deceased, in JAMES CITY County , agreeable to his Will,  A VALUABLE Tract of LAND in the said County, containing 1114 Acres, whereon are a very good Dwelling, and all other convenient Houses, a good Orchard of Hughes's Crab Apples , together with upwards of FIFTY VALUABLE SLAVES , among which are several fine HOUSE SERVANTS , and two CARPENTERS ; likewise all the STOCK OF CATTLE , with three Yoke of OXEN , HOGS , SHEEP , and several fine HORSES , a CHARIOT , almost new, with HARNESS for four Horses, a RIDING CHAIR , all the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE , among which are many valuable BEDS , CHAIRS , TABLES , DESKS , and BOOK CASES , with Glass Doors, and some valuable PLATE , a GOLD and SILVER WATCH , and a Number of other Things too tedious to mention. And on Wednesday the 15th of March , if fair, otherwise next fair Day, will be exposed to Sale, all his LAND in King William County , one Tract containing upwards of 1000 Acres, lying about six Miles from Page's , and near the Rev. Mr. White's ; the other Tract lying near the Piping Tree , containing 495 Acres, known by the Name of Broad Neck ; as also upwards of SEVENTY VALUABLE SLAVES , consisting of MEN , WOMEN , BOYS , and GIRLS . The CORN , FODDER , and PLANTATION UTENSILS , will be sold, together with the STOCK OF CATTLE , SHEEP , HOGS , and HORSES . The Sale will be at the Plantation, near Page's , where Mr. William Gary is Overseer, and to continue till all are sold. Credit will be allowed the Purchasers till the first Day of May 1776 , on giving Bond and approved Security to the  THE EXECUTORS.  N. B. Any Person inclinable to purchase the Land, by applying to the Overseers on the Plantations, will be shown the same.
CHARLOTTE, Feb. 1, 1775.  SOME Time past I executed a Bond to Charles Adams , as Guardian to Henry Atwood , for £. 112:10, payable the 25th of December next, it being Part of the Consideration Money for a Tract of Land devised to the said Henry Atwood by his late Father, James Atwood : And whereas, by the said Contract, the said Adams , and Henry Atwood , were to have conveyed me, in Fee Simple, the said Tract of Land, which they have not complied with, I do therefore forewarn any Person or Persons from taking an Assignment of said Bond, as I will not pay it until I have a proper Title to the said Land.  JOEL JACKSON.
For Sale, on long Credit,  A TRACT of LAND contiguous to Cabin Point , known by the Name of Huntington , containing 6000 Acres of well timbered Land, which runs a never-failing Stream, whereon stands a Saw and Grist Mill, not more than two Years erected. There is likewise, on the said Land, a Dwelling-House 40 by 18, 12 Feet Pitch, with three good Rooms below, and two above, neatly finished off; also a Kitchen, Dairy, a new Granary 40 by 24, a Brick Stable 38 by 24, both two Stories high, and about 600 Apple Trees in one Orchard. The Terms may be known by applying to Col. Herbert Claiborne of King William , Nathaniel Harrison , Esq; of Prince George , Capt. James Belfches at Cabin Point , Walter Peter , Esq; at Hood's , or the Subscriber, on the Premises. The Land will be divided into Lots, so as to suit the Purchasers.  CHARLES HARRISON.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Chesterfield , on Wednesday the 24th of January , a tall thin Negro Fellow named ROBIN , who is a very good Blacksmith, and was dressed, when he went away, as Negroes commonly are; he stoops much when he walks, and is the Property of Mr. John Fox of Cloucester County . Whoever brings him to me, or to the said Mr. Fox , shall have FIVE DOLLARS Reward.  THOMAS BRANCH.
RUN away from the Subscriber, at Boston's Tract , in Augusta , a Convict Servant Man named THOMAS HORBERT , about 30 Years of Age, 4 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, of a sandy Complexion; had on, when he went away, an old brown Cotton Coat, Leather Breeches, white Cotton Leggings, and a brown Linen Shirt. He is a Silver-smith, and it is supposed will make for some Town, and endeavour to get Employment. Whoever secures the said Servant, so that I may get him again, shall have 40s. Reward.  WILLIAM ALEXANDER.
RUN away from the Subscriber, near Wetham , in Henrico , about the first of December last, a Negro Fellow named BOB , about 30 Years of Age, 5 Feet 8 or 9 Inches high, outlandish, talks not very plain, if sharply spoke to, seems much terrified, and one of his Eye-Teeth, or near it, is out. He had on common Cotton Clothes. Whoever brings him to me, or secures him in any Gaol in this Colony, so that I get him again, shall have 40s. Reward, besides what the Law allows.  LEWIS BALL.  * I forewarn all Masters of Vessels employing him, or carrying him out of the Country, as I am apprehensive he will endeavour to get on Board a Vessel.
FREDERICK County (Maryland) Feb. 3, 1775.  WENT away from the Subscriber , a few Days ago, a Servant Man named BRYON DRUM , a Native of Ireland , about 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, well set, of a ruddy Complexion, and has a remarkable Scar on his left Cheek, from the Corner of his Mouth to his Ear. He had on, and took with him, a Broadcloth Coat and Jacket of a reddish Mixture, an Irish Linen Shirt, two Osnaburg Do. A Pair of Osnaburg Trousers, an old brown Coat, a Pair of black Breeches much patched, an old Cator Hat, and old Shoes and Stockings. He is fond of spirituous Liquor, and it is probable (being without Money) that he will dispose of his Clothes to get it. Whoever takes up the said Servant, and secures him so that I get him again, shall be handsomely rewarded; and if brought home, SIX POUNDS , paid by  PHILIP CASSAY.
TO BE SOLD,  At HANOVER Town , on FRIDAY the 31st of MARCH ,  TWO FLATS,  WITH THEIR APPURTENANCES.  ALSO,  SIX NEGRO FELLOWS,  Who have been used to go by Water.  Credit will be allowed till the 25th of August next, on giving Bond, with approved Security, to the Subscriber; the Bonds to carry Interest from the Date if not discharged punctually.  THOMAS SIMPSON. ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
TO BE SOLD,  On the Premises, to the highest Bidder, for ready Money, or Tobacco, on FRIDAY the 10th of MARCH , by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from JOHN BROOKS to DINWIDDIE , CRAUFURD , and Company , and HENRY DELONY ,  ATTRACT of LAND , fit for Tobacco, in Lunenburg County , containing, by Estimation, 200 Acres; and one Acre of land on Meherin River , in Mecklenburg County , on which there is a very good Grist Mill.  MECKLENBURG, Feb. 3, 1775.
RUN away , about the last of January , a Negro Man named CHARLES , about 33 Years old, 5 Feet 6 Inches high, well set, his Teeth are blacker than common, and very short before. He had on, when he went away, a gray Kersey Jacket and Breeches, white Negro Cotton Boots, and also carried with him a new pale blue Coat. He formerly belonged to Mr. Thomas Cole , but I purchased him of his Cousin, one Mr. John Brown , who lives about 12 Miles from Williamsburg , and it is supposed he will make that Way. He once ran away from his former Master, and was some Time lurking about upon Back River , where it is also probable he may be at this Time. The said Negro plays exceedingly well on the Banjer, and generally carries one with him. I hereby forewarn all Masters of Vessels from harbouring or carrying him out of the Country, and offer a Reward of 30s. to any Person who secures him so that I get him, or 50s. if brought to me, near Suffolk Town .  JOHN GILES.
FEBRUARY 11, 1775.  RUN away from the Subscriber , the 24th of January last, a Negro Fellow named CHARLES , about 19 Years old, 5 Feet 5 or 6 Inches high, very black, had Clothes of Cotton, such as Negroes usually wear, two Osnaburg Shirts, and a Felt Hat. I bought him, about 10 Days before he ran away, at a Sale of Mr. Ravencroft's , sold by Mr. Bolling Starke , near Petersburg . He was raised on Blackwater Quarter, of Ravenburg , and has been hired out for several Years past. I have Reason to believe he will endeavour to go to Blackwater , in Prince George , or to Mr. Edward Pegram's in Dinwiddie , where he has a Brother, or is harboured about Petersburg and Blandford . Whoever will take up the said Negro, and secures him, so that I get him, shall have 40s. Reward, and 3l. for delivering him to me, near Stewart's Shop , in Brunswick .  LAWRENCE HOWSE.
NEW TOWN, King & Queen County, Jan. 31.  RUN away from the Subscriber, in December last, JOHN DANCER ; a Mulatto Servant Man, about 25 Years of Age, well made, and wears his Hair; he had on, when he went away, a blue Duffel Jacket, an Osnaburg Shirt, and a Pair of Buckskin Breeches. He writes intelligibly, and it is supposed will make use of that Qualification to pass for a Freeman. Whoever apprehends the said John Dancer , and delivers him to me, or secures him in Gaol, so that I get him again, shall have 40s. Reward, and reasonable Expenses allowed.  JOHN HIPKINS.
CABIN POINT, Feb. 10, 1775.  STOLEN out of the Subscriber's Pasture , on Tuesday the 30th of last Month, a bright BAY MARE , four Years old last Spring, 4 Feet 9 or 10 Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, one hind Foot white, trots very hard, is inclined to be dull, but works well, either in a Cart or Plough. A Reward of 20s. is offered for the said Mare, and 5l. on Conviction of the Thief.  CHARLES HARRISON.
THE Subscriber purchased, the 4th of this Infant , a Mulatto Woman named MOLLY , and her Son WILLIAM , of Hiram Lankford , and had them in Possession until Saturday last, when the same Lankford , with two other Persons, came to his House during his Absence, and took from thence the Boy, and still detain him: I hereby give the Public Notice that I look on the above Slaves as my Property, and that I have lodged an Information with his Majesty's Attorney General, against the afore-mentioned Lankford and his Companions for their Misdemeanours.  Mount Prodigal, ) Jan. 22, 1775. ) (2) JOHN HUBARD.
TO BE SOLD,  For ready Money, to the highest Bidder, on the Premises, on the 6th day of MARCH next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, by the Executors of Capt. NEWTON KEENE , deceased, agreeable to his last Will,  A VERY valuable Tract of LAND lying in the County of Fairfax , adjoining the Dwelling Plantation of Col. John West , containing upwards of 250 Acres, being an undivided Moiety of a Patent for 500 Acres, which has been described in a former and late Advertisement, in this Gazette, for the Sale thereof, on the 16th Day of December last. A Deed will be executed for the same to the Purchaser, by the Executors, and the Heir at Law of the said Newton Keene , on the Day of Sale; but as a Part of the said Land is now under a Crop of Wheat, well enclosed, the Purchaser must pay 5s. a Bushel for the Wheat sown thereon, and the Expense of putting the same in the Ground, and may have immediate Possession delivered by  RICHARD LEE, } Executors. DAVID BOYD, }
HANOVER, February 2, 1775.  WHEREAS I had the Misfortune to have my Study burnt on Tuesday Night , and all the Books and Papers therein consumed, except a few that were raked out of the Ashes Yesterday, some of which are so scorched and defaced that they are scarce legible: I therefore give my Clients this early Notice of it, that they may furnish me with Duplicates of the Protests, Copies of the Accounts, and Affidavits of the Sums due on the Bonds, which they had lodged with me, and on Receipt of them I will use my best Endeavours to collect or secure their Debts; and I flatter myself the Debtors will not take Advantage of my Misfortune, but will readily give me their Aid on this sad Occasion. I shall be extremely obliged to the Persons who have received Money from me on Account of others, or of the several Estates for which I am concerned, or paid me Money on Account of them Estates, to send me Certificates of the Sums paid or received for some Years past, as my Receipts and Vouchers are chiefly destroyed: And this Favour will ever be acknowledged by  Their most humble Servant, PETER LYONS.
TAKEN up , in Chesterfield , a dark red OX , with a white Belly, the End of his Tail and Dewlap white, a Star in his Forehead, in the Middle of which is a red Spot, an Underkeel in his right Ear, and the Ends of his Horns are cut off.  BLACKMAN WARD.
TO BE SOLD  To the highest Bidder, on THURSDAY the 16th of MARCH next, at HALIFAX Courthouse , being Court Day, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from THOMAS HARDWICK to ROBERT CUNINGHAM ,
ATTRACT of LAND in said County, containing 300 Acres, lying about two Miles above Bond's Ferry . There is on the Land a good Peach and Apple Orchard, a small Plantation, and a Log Dwelling-House. Also, on Tuesday the 7th of the said Month, on the Premises, will be sold, a Tract of LAND lying in Charlotte County , containing 100 Acres, about a Mile from Col. Thomas Boulton's , and four Miles from Charlotte Courthouse , conveniently situated on the public Road. The Land is very good, and has on it some valuable Improvements. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, on giving Bond and approved Security to  CHRISTOPHER M'CONICO.
TO BE LET  For one or two Years, on very reasonable Terms,  THE valuable Ordinary, Storehouse, and Ferry , at Boyd's Hole , belonging to the Estate of John Bland of London . The Terms may be known by applying to the Subscriber, who lives near the Premises.  (4) ANDREW GRANT. STAFFORD, Feb. 1, 1775.
STRAYED out of William Gregory's Pasture , in Charles City , on the 2d Instant ( January ) a BAY HORSE about 4 Feet 9 Inches high, 7 or 8 Years old, with a Blaze Face, a bushy hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and his right fore Foot is white; he paces remarkably well, does not trot, and gallops but awkwardly. Whoever brings the said Horse to Mr. William Gregory , or to the Subscriber, in Richmond Town , shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward.  ALEXANDER BUCHANAN. RICHMOND TOWN, Jan. 30, 1775.
RAN away from the Subscriber, at Norfolk , on the 25th of December last, a likely brisk Negro Boy named JIM , or JEMMY , about 14 Years of Age, dressed in a Suit of coarse green Cloth, with large white Metal Buttons, a Leather Cap, &c. He is well acquainted on both Sides of James River to Maycox , from thence to Suffolk and Norfolk , and is probably lurking about some Gentleman's Negro Quarter. Whoever brings him to me, or secures him so that I get him again, shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward, besides Expenses. I forewarn every Person from carrying him out of the Country, or harbouring him.  ROBERT BROWN.
NORTHUMBERLAND, Jan. 25, 1775.  THE Subscriber intending to leave the Colony in the Spring , requests the Favour of those indebted to Robert Gilmour and Co. whether for Dealings with Barbee Davis , deceased, or himself, to settle their Accounts as soon as possible, by Bond, or otherwise, that no dispute may arise in his Absence. Those who have Demands against him, on his private Account, or for the Company, are desired to make them known, that they may be adjusted and paid. On his leaving the Country, the Debts will be in the Hands of Mr. John Cross , to collect, who will carry on Business here on Account of Messrs. Bogle, Somervell, and Company .  ROBERT GILMOUR.
TAKEN up , in Cumberland , a bright bay HORSE about 6 or 7 Years old, 4 Feet 9 or 10 Inches high, has a few Saddle Spots on his Back, some white Hairs in his Forehead, both his Sides are rubbed with Traces, he is shod before, but has no perceivable Brand. Posted, and appraised to 25l.  THOMAS MONTAGUE.
TAKEN up , in Caroline , two STEERS , one a dark Brindle, and the other pied, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear, and a Crop and Slit in the left, cut off the lower Part of the Ear. Posted, and appraised to 4l. 5s.  WILLIAM CARTER.
HANOVER Town, Jan. 19, 1775.  NOTICE is hereby given, that the Debts due to Messrs. Andrew Cochrane, Robert Donald, and Co. and Messrs. Murdoch, Donald, and Co. of Glasgow , lately in the Hands of Mr. Alexander Donald and Mr. John Johnson for Collection, and under them Mr. Richard Morris and Mr. John Davies , are now under the Direction of the Subscriber. Great Indulgence having been already given, all those who are still indebted to both, or either of the above Companies, are requested to be very speedy in discharging their respective Balances. Any Payments made to Mr. Malcom Hart will be good.  ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Caroline County , near Capt. James Upshaw's , on Tuesday the 3d Instant ( January ) a very likely Mulatto Fellow named LEMON , about 26 Years old, 5 Feet 10 or 11 Inches high, had on, and carried with him, a light coloured Wilton Coat, a Beaver Coating great Coat, and a Pair of red Plush Breeches, but may change his Clothes, and have many others with him. As he is an artful designing Fellow, and once before attempted his Escape, and got as far as Hobb's Hole , I suppose he will try to pass for a Freeman, having endeavoured to procure an Indenture. I forewarn all Masters of Vessels, &c. from carrying him out of the Colony. Whoever brings the said Fellow to me shall receive 3l. Reward, besides what the Law allows, and if taken out of the Colony, 10l.  JOHN MARTIN.