The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-10-27 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the freest ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — Suet. in Tib. S. 28.
Printed by ALEX. PURDIE, and JOHN DIXON, at the POST OFFICE.
From the BOSTON EVENING POST.
Audentibus Fortuna favet.
As every Individual of British America must be vastly interested in the Resolutions of the approaching Congress, it cannot be thought foreign to any Person's own Concerns if he communicates his Sentiments to them. Numbers of Persons have given their Opinions on this Occasion, and the Congress doubtless have a Right to expect the best Thoughts of every One on the Subject. Among the various Opinions delivered on this Occasion, the following seem to be the most worthy of Notice.
1. A Petition or Remonstrance to Parliament against their late Acts, with a decent and firm Declaration of the Rights and Liberties of the Americans.
II. A Suspension of Trade with Great Britain, till the said Acts be repealed.
III. A Suspension of all our Trade with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies, till said Acts shall be repealed.
I design to consider each of these with their probable Effects, premising these three Things: 1st, that the said Acts sap, to the very Foundation, every Principle of American Liberty; 2dly, that all England are united in enforcing these Acts; and 3dly, that therefore the Americans ought to adopt such Measures as will most effectually prevent their Operation, and effect their Repeal in the speediest Manner that can be devised.
1. As to the first, I have the following Objections to presenting any Petitions or Remonstrance to the British Parliament.
1. They will not acknowledge the Congress to be any legal Body, or proper Representative, of America; and therefore, any Petition will be Loss of Labour, and Loss of Time , without effecting our Deliverance.
2. The Substance of the Petition will be highly disgusting to them. For, couch it in the softest Terms possible, yet the plain English of it must be, that they have made the said Acts without any Right or Authority; and, if their Authority had been good, yet the said Acts are in their Nature unjust and wicked, and the Americans will plague and distress Great Britain, in every Way possible, till they are repealed ; which is extremely contrary to the present Sentiments of Great Britain, that little Advantage is to be expected therefrom.
3. Any Kind of Declaration of our Rights and Liberties will bring the Question of American Rights into View, and make it the Yess of a Dispute, which can never be determined; for it is certain the Americans never will acknowledge the legislative and taxing Power of the British Parliament, nor will the British Parliament ever relinquish that Claim. All we can expect is, that the British Parliament will, on some prudent Considerations, suspend the Exercise of it; not that they will give up the Principle. This Question, therefore, ought by all Means to be kept out of Sight, because there are no Hopes of its being ever settled, and any Discussions of it will certainly widen the Breach.
4. If the British Parliament should consent to enter into Treaty with us on the Subject of American Rights (which I think not at all probable) yet we have by no Means an equal Chance with them in the Treaty; for they will plead at Ease, but we must plead in Pain. Whilst we are in Treaty with them, we feel the Pain of our Ports shut, our Right and Property in Wharfs, Loadings, Bill of Lading, Charter Parties, &c. vacated, our Charter grossly violated, and Liberties lost; they, on the other Hand, are at Ease, and in full Triumph over our Fortunes, Liberties, and Lives. A Person in Distress has not an equal Command of his best Faculties, or an equal Courage to exert them, with one at Ease and out of Danger. It is said that when Cortez, the Conqueror of Mexico, demanded of Montezuma the Emperor a Surrender of his Cash, the Emperor made Objections, and desired a Treaty on the Reasonableness of the Demand; on which Cortez heated a Gridiron red-hot, and heated poor Montezuma with his bare Backside on it, and consented to treat with him as long as he pleased. I do not know that Great Britain would consent to treat with us on the Subject of our Rights, even in our excruciating Distress; but, if they should be so condescending, there would be so much of Distress in the whole Treaty that I doubt much if the Americans would admit its Validity, if the Conclusion should not be favourable to them. I am, indeed, utterly averse to such an unequal Treaty. Either let us be first put out of Pain, or let them be put into equal Pain; and then equal Conclusions, if any, may be expected.
5. The British Parliament are not supposed to yield any Thing to the Ardours and Passions of a Petition; but their Decisions are ever governed by Facts, and the Reasons of them. But we cannot, in any Petition, suggest any new Matter with which the British Parliament were not perfectly acquainted when they passed the Acts. The whole Subject has been long since exhausted, and every Argument against all the Bills were set in the strongest Light, by many very able Speakers, when the Bills were debated. It will therefore be vain and ridiculous, and may perhaps be deemed disrespectful, for our Congress to offer a Petition, filled with old, trite, Thread-bare Matters and Arguments, which had a full Discussion when the Acts passed.
6. Any Petition, Memorial, Remonstrance, or by whatever other Name it may be called, will be deemed to imply a Confession of the Right of the British Parliament to make the Laws against which we remonstrate, which the Americans most certainly do not intend to acknowledge.
7. But, what will be as fatal perhaps as any of the rest, if the Congress present a Petition to Parliament, it may be received and depend a Year or two there for Consideration and Answer, during all which Time it may be thought very improper and indecent for us to adopt and pursue any other Means of Deliverance, and it will be strongly urged that we ought at least to suspend any other Methods of Redress till we know the Result of Parliament on our Petition.
II. After all this, if it should be deemed expedient to present a Petition, and left Words alone, however forcible, should not have sufficient Weight, farther active Measures should be thought necessary to give Energy to the same, it remains to be considered what these farther Measures ought to be. Arms certainly ought to be the last Thing in View. A Suspension of our Trade is, by most People, thought sufficient to effect our Deliverance; and some think that a Suspension of our Trade with Great Britain only will effect the great End desired. On which I would observe:
1. However effectual this Measure may be, it will be a slow one. Great Britain has great Resources of raw Materials, besides her Importation from us; she has many great Vents for her Merchandise, besides her Exports to us; the Matter in Dispute they look on of great Importance, and they will suffer long before they will yield it; they will feel a Suspension of our Trade heavily , but not ruinously ; the Inconveniences to them will not be felt so immediately as will be necessary to force an immediate Deliverance for us, and any long Delay may prove fatal to us.
2. The Success of our Resolutions depends on the continued and united Practice of Millions. The Minds of all Ranks and Conditions of People are now filled with a Sense of our Danger, and willing to unite in adopting and pursuing any practicable Means of Deliverance; but Time may wear this high Sense out of their Minds. It is Madness to lose the universal Warmth and Zeal of all America by needless Delays; such stupid, idleness, dreaming Conduct, will cost our poor Posterity hungry Bellies, aching Hearts, and Tears of Blood.
3. Yet there is one Advantage arising naturally from a Suspension of Trade with Great Britain only. However slow its Operations may be, it will give America Time to complete their own Manufactures, to
their Infatuation for British Luxuries, and teach their Merchants that they will grow rich faster by supplying raw Materials than by importing finished Goods.
III. I am now to consider what will be the probable Consequences of a Suspension of our Trade with Great Britain, Ireland, and West Indies.
1. All the Wisdom and Wealth of England and Ireland united, cannot now Ireland with Flax without the American Seed, 34,000 Hogheads of which are annually exported to Ireland from the Provinces of New York and Philadelphia only. If the Flax is not sown, there can be no Crop, and consequently no Materials to employ the Linen Manufacturers; and thus 300,000 People must be thrown out of Business, and of Course out of Bread, and the Linen Merchants be disenabled from supplying their Customers, and so must lose their Custom, and suffer that Branch of Trade to slide into the Hands of other Nations, from whom it will be difficult to recover it. All the Wisdom and Power of Great Britain cannot prevent or remedy these Evils, otherwise than by repealing the offensive Acts, and thereby opening the Ports of America Time enough for shipping Seed in Season for sowing Ireland next Spring. The Subject will not admit of deliberate Deliberations; to delay will be to ruin , if the Seed Time is suffered to pass without Seed. No Wisdom can prevent the Ruin of the Irish Linen Manufacture, or the Insurrection of Millions of starving unemployed People. The Inconvenience of this Suspension of Trade is very little to America: No Farmer depends upon his Flax Seed for the Supplies of the Year; it is a rich Farmer who raises half a Dozen Bushels, and he can keep it over the Year without sensible inconvenience. 2. Suspending our Trade with the West Indies will ruin every Plantation there. They can neither feed their Negroes without our Corn, nor save their Crops without our Lumber. A Stoppage of North American Supplies will bring on a Famine and Scarcity too ruinous to be risked, without the most stupid Madness. It will instantly lie with the British Parliament to determine whether the West Indies shall be starved or ruined or not, and it will be necessary for them to determine quick , or the Damages of Delay will soon become irreparable. The Damage of this Suspension of Trade would not be much to America. We cut our choicest Timber for Lumber too freely; our Lumber Cutters would serve themselves and Country better were they employed in clearing and cultivating Land. We can fill the West Indies with Provisions this Fall, and I dare say the British Parliament will remove all Obstructions to our Shipping more next Spring. That the Suspension will probably last only through the Winter, which is not a Season for much Business. Besides, all the Ports in Europe are open for our Provisions; and if we lose a little in the Price, we may afford it, inasmuch as we shall make great Savings in the Article of Rum and other West India Luxuries. If it is objected that England alone has offended us, why should we imitate Ireland and the West Indies? I answer, the Funds which support the Irish Linen Manufacture, and the West India Plantations, lie very much in London; the Linen of Ireland, and the Produce of the West Indies, are mostly due to London before they are made; and therefore, ruining the Irish Linen Manufacture, and the Produce of the West India Plantations, would greatly affect the Irish and West India Merchants in London. It would break, not single and principal Houses only, but would oblige whole Streets of them to shut up at once, and hasten to Parliament with such Tales of Wo as the stubborn Omnipotence of that haughty House could not refuse to hear, or be able to remedy otherwise than by a Repeal of the offensive Acts. But if the British Parliament should be mad enough to risk all these Evils, and continue the Acts, America might live very well a Number of Years without them. It is likely our Provisions would be plenty and cheap, so that our Poor might be supplied easily; we should save the annual Millions we now pay for East India, West India, and British Superfluities; our own Manufactures would thrive; the Cultivation of our Country would be greatly increased; we should be gradually recovered from our ridiculous Imitations of British Fashions and Extravagancies; and, for any Thing I can see, may soon be as happy as the ancient Shepherds of Arcadia; we have a finer Country than they ever had, and a Heaven equally propitious. 3. How far a Suspension of our Trade with Great Britain may affect them, is not certain; but no Doubt that Blow, in Conjunction with the other before mentioned Particulars, would operate strongly; it would reduce the Employment of many Thousands of People, would lessen the Sales of the East India Company, and would diminish the publick Revenue near a Million Sterling per Annum, about Half of which Sum arises yearly from the single Article of Tobacco.
These are Effects which no Wisdom can prevent or avoid; they will leave the British Parliament Time to deliberate, however unprofitable it may be to them to apply the only Remedy which can relieve them Distress. But, should they be disposed to spin out Delays, in full Sight of the ghastly and irresistible Approaches of such ruinous and complicated Misery, we should at least have the Advantage of being on a Footing with them; they would be in Pain as well as we, and would at least have equal Inducement to put a speedy End to it; their Interest would soon conquer their Pride, and their Revenge must be speedily sacrificed to their Ease.
I look on the Dignity of the American Congress equal to any Assembly on Earth, and their Deliberations and Resolutions more important in their Nature and Consequences than any which were ever before agitated in Council. The Value and Character of America will be fixed, merely as the Congress shall estimate them; and if they assert the Rights and Liberties of America, with that Precision and Effect which is universally expected from them, there can be no Doubt but their Resolves and Advices will be honoured with universal Approbation and Obedience. And I hope and trust they will think it below their Dignity, as well as inconsistent with their Prudence, to degrade their Importance, and waste their Time, in humiliating and fruitless Measures, when they have it in their Power to assert the Rights of their Country with a Force and Effect which the united Wisdom and Strength of all their Enemies can by no Means withstand.
I do not apprehend that all we can do will be too much. Our All is at Stake; our Enemies are Powerful and determined; trifling Expedients will be ridiculous; Delays will ruin us; every Moment is a Moment of the utmost Importance; all the World are now viewing, and all Posterity will look back on, the Doings of this Congress.
From the SOUTH CAROLINA GAZETTE, of August 23, 1774. Some of the Blessings of military Law, or the Infonce of GOVERNOUR GAGE.
To the INHABITANTS of SOUTH CAROLINA. It has often been observed, that, with all the plausible Pretences to Protection and Defence, a standing Army is the most dangerous Enemy to the Liberties of a Nation that can be thought of. No Prince, no Minister, has ever made an Attempt upon the Rights of a People until he found himself at the Head of an Army, to put his Enterprise into Execution. Standing Armies have enslaved the whole humane Race. It is much better, with a well regulated Militia, to run the Risk of a foreign Invasion, than, with a standing Army, to run the Risk of Slavery. It is contrary to Nature. The Instance cannot be given in which the People have uniformly arose against, and continued to resist, good and equitable Government. When an Army is sent to enforce Laws; it is always an Evidence that either the Law Makers are conscious that they had no clear and indisputable Right to make those Laws, or that they are bad and oppressive. Wherever the People themselves have had a Hand in making Laws, according to the first Principles of our Constitution, there is no Danger of Non-submission, nor can there be Need of an Army to enforce
them. A Consciousness of Oppression is therefore proclaimed by the very Action of sending Troops to America. The late Infonce of Governor Gage is a sufficient Instance to prove the Danger of military Governors. Such Treatment of so venerable a Body of Men, as composed that Council, is hardly paralleled in History. They come, they have at once to congratulate his safe Arrival in the Government, and to do him the Honour to express their sanguine Hopes from his Wisdom and Goodness: They only hint their Complaints of his Predecessors; they are stopped short in the Midst of their Speech; they are sent away with Contempt. The Memory of those dark and cruel Assassins is so sacred, that it must not be mentioned but with Veneration. Where is the Instance in which any Prince on the Throne has so treated the Congregations of his meanest Vassals? Is this the Manner in which the most honourable Board in a Province is to be treated, if they only presume to complain of past Grievances? Is it difficult to tell whether this favours most of Brutality or Tyranny?
But when I read the Proclamation of the 29th of June, 1774, I fancy myself transported into the Regions of Natolia , and that I hear the arbitrary Mandates of some Turkish Bashaw . I think the Man is either ignorant of the first Principles of Law, or he must have it in Command to provoke that oppressed People to Blood.
But what is their Crime? Why, after they have been violently stripped of all their ancient Privileges, the Property of a whole City little better than confiscated without a Trial, a Province robbed of their Charter, their Lives laid at the Mercy of a bloody Soldier, when every Principle of Law and of common Humanity would vindicate their taking up Arms, their only Crime is that they enter into a peaceable Agreement among themselves that they will no more traffic with those People who are trying to enslave them. If it be indeed a Truth, that Englishmen are bound to suffer all that is laid upon them without pursuing any Method for Redress; if we must first be upon the Wreck, then be ragged, left we would complain; if it be Reason to determine what Goods we will buy, and what not, then the Governor is in the Right. But, to every reasonable Man, a Non-importation Agreement comes recommended with this confessed Advantage, that it is a peaceable, a constitutional, as well as effectual Measure. General Gage is the first Man who has ever disputed the Right that an Englishman hath to choose whether he will buy, or not buy, any Kind of Goods. But if I have a Right to refuse buying British Goods, I have a Right to agree not to buy them. If I have a Right to agree, I have also a Right to subscribe such an Agreement.
But, as if determined to force that worthy People into a War, or oblige them meanly to submit, not only to hold their Tongues, nor so much as complain of their Oppression, but to the Slavery of buying British Goods whether they will or not, he issues a Proclamation accusing them of unlawful, kosile , treasonable Combinations, and threatening almost Half a Million of free-born Subjects with the Pains due to Treason and Rebellion , if they dare to enter into such Resolutions. This, I think, is designed as a Precedent for all America.
But, let me ask that redoubtable Bashaw , at the Head of his six Regiments, and Park of eighteen Cannon, what Law have those People broke by their Agreements? Where are the Sundry Statutes made and provided to prevent Englishmen from refusing not to buy British Manufactures? Shall we suspect that his Excellency is mean enough to lie, to impose upon the Populace? Or does he imagine that, at the Head of the despicable Phalanx , he has a Right to make Laws for the whole Continent, by which our Eating and Drinking shall be Treason, Rebellion , and any other higher Crime? If we are to be intimidated by every Threat of a Governor, we are come to a fine Pass. There should be as much as to resolve that we will drink no more Tea , according to that omnipotent Law Maker , we shall be considered as the declared open Enemies of the King, Parliament, and Nation. His Meaning, no Doubt, is, that we shall be hanged and burnt accordingly.
But if this Paper ever comes into the Hands of that petty Tyrant, he may only hint to him that there is not a Boy of fourteen in his Province but understands his Rights better than to be imposed upon by such an Artifice; and that although the Nation, in its present short Fit of the Apoplexy, may uphold him in the stopping up of Boston Harbour , yet he mistakes if he thinks the Nation will support him in the Execution of his Turkish Edicts ; nor will they prostitute their Blood and Treasure to enforce any Laws which Thomas Gage shall please to enact in the despicable Omnipotence . He may go as far as Law allows; he goes farther at his Peril.
A. CAROLINUS.
N. B. The Carolinian thinks the following Position an Exemplification of the above. * The Reason why the present Ministry preferred Gage to Hutchinson for the Execution of the present Plan of Tyranny is plain, the one is a Lawyer, and is accustomed to view the Barrier of the Laws as unsurmountable. The other is a Soldier, and consequently by Profession has an higher Opinion of the Sword. The Instruments of Oppression must be fit for the Purpose.
To his most exalted Highness, the most Potent, the most Omnipotent Bashaw THOMAS GAGE, lately appointed by the illustrious Sultan SALEM III. to the Subduction of the mighty Province of Boston .
The Petition of three Hundred Thousand AMERICANS most humbly petitioneth THAT whereas your Petitioners were made by the same God of Heaven with your Highness, and once thought it no Harm to breathe in the same Air! And whereas it is notorious, that unaided by the Arm of the potent Divan , our Forefathers, at the Expence of their own Money and Blood, have settled this great Empire, have extended the Dominion and Commerce of their Mother Country, and for more than a Century past have enjoyed, un molested, the common Privileges of human Nature, been affectionate Subjects, and raised your Master's Crown from the Obscurity which a little Isle was only able to afford it; and whereas by Divers of the Musli, Kadi, and Bashaw , instigated thereto by the Devil, your Master and the whole Imperial Divan , have been misinformed and abused, to think that we are seduced to become of a rebellious Mind, and grown jealous of our Happiness, have determined upon Measures not only Inconsistent with the ancient and invariable Laws of the whole Realm, but with the common Rights of God's rational Creatures; and whereas you, renowned for our know not what, are appointed to put into Execution those rash and cruel Decrees, and as we hear, are vested with Powers more than Mortal, and supported by a respectable Army of no less than 3900 Janissaries; have begun upon the Vitalis of America, to distress a peaceable and quiet People, and by military Force to deprive them of their dearest Rights, which still in Hopes of Redress, they patiently bear, although you and your Cannon would not serve them so a Breakfast, and in Addition to the Infonce of supposed Power towards an hoary Council, whose Advice would not do Dishonour to your Master, you have published an Edict declaring some of our most innocent Actions Treason and Rebellion , and threatening us with military Execution.
Yet we hoping that you, though clothed with infidious Omnipotence , may not be above your Maker as to hearing Prayer, Do now most humbly presume to supplicate in Behalf of us and ours, who are of a feeble Constitution, that you will not Salvageous like , any more terribulous by the mock Thunders of Jove, and in Favour of our Infirmary that you will cease to shake the Foundation of the Earth nor make the Pillars of Heaven so tremble any more. That your Highness, though Almighty, will not Efface from the Minds of Millions of Freemen, their very first Notions of Liberty, nor oblige them to surrender all that distinguishes them from the Asses on which your Master rides.

That you will not use your Omnipotence to change the eternal Law of Right and Wrong, nor over-set the first Principles of human Nature.
And seeing it has, from Time immemorial, been the Privilege of the Dog to cry out when he is whipped, that you would at least indulge the Americans so far as to suffer them to complain unengaged , when they are chastised for unluckily presuming to think that they were Englishmen .
And seeing, by your Proclamation of the 26th of June, that you must be vested with Powers to make Laws, and convert what you please into Treason and Rebellion , it is our Prayer that you may consider the Necessity of our exercising the common Functions of Animal Nature, those ancient and undoubted Privileges of the Beast of the Field, and not make it Treason and Rebellion for an American to make Water.
And whereas it is become necessary, by your most glorious Edict, that we should henceforth not speak our Sentiments, nor choose for ourselves whether we will buy or not buy your Master's Goods, we do earnestly entreat that you would stretch forth your Arm, and by one Touch suspend also the Power of Thinking and Reasoning, and, in such Circumstances, give us the Privilege of being Beasts. Let us have Issacar's Blessing from the Patriarchal Hand; for, compared to these Things, we deem the Ass happy, who, when he crouches down between two Burthens , is not goaded by the Remembrance and Taste of past Liberty.
This one Thing only we deprecate, that in the Exercise of thy new creative Power thou wouldst not, in Imitation of thy Maker, go so far as to say to the fallen Americans, " Upon your Belly shalt thou go, and Dust shalt thou eat all the Days of thy Life ."
B O S T O N, October 10.
WEDNESDAY last the Members chosen in Consequence of Governor Gage's Writ for calling a General Assembly met at the Courthouse in Salem, pursuant to the Precepts; and after waiting a Day, without being admitted to the usual Oaths, which should have been administered by the Governor, or other constitutional Officers, and having chosen the Honourable John Hancock, Esq; to be their Chairman, and Benjamin Lincoln, Esq; Clerk, they proceeded to business, and passed the following Resolves.
PROVINCE OF THE MASSACHUSETTS BAY. In the Courthouse at Salem, October 7, 1774.
WHEREAS his Excellency Thomas Gage, Esq; did issue Writs, bearing Date the first of September last, for the Election of Members to serve as Representatives in a Great and General Court, which he did "think fit and appoint" to be convened and holden the 5th Day of October Instant, at the Courthouse in this Place; and whereas a Majority of Members, duly elected in Consequence of said Writs, did attend at said Courthouse the Time appointed, there to be qualified according to Charter for taking Seats and acting as Representatives in said Great and General Court, but were not met by the Governor, or other constitutional Officer, or Officers, by him appointed for administering the usual Oaths, and qualifying them thereto; and whereas a Proclamation, bearing Date the 23th of September last, and published in sundry Newspapers, with the Signature of his Excellency, contains many Reflections on this Province, as being in a tumultuous and disorderly State, and appears to have been considered by his Excellency as a constitutional Discharge of all such Persons as have been elected in Consequence of his Excellency's said Writ: The Members aforesaid so attending, having considered the Measures which his Excellency has been pleased to take by his said Proclamation, and finding them to be unconstitutional, unjust, and disrespectful to the Province, think it their Duty to pass the following Resolves; therefore resolved, as the Opinion of said Members,
1. That by the Royal Charter of the Province the Governor for the Time being is expressly obliged to convene, "upon every last Wednesday in the Month of May, every Year for ever, and at such other Times as he shall think fit and appoint, a Great and General Court;" and therefore, that as his Excellency had thought fit, and by his Writ appointed a Great and General Court to be convened on the 5th Day of October Instant, his Conduct in preventing the same is against the express Words, as well as true Sense and Meaning of the Charter, and unconstitutional, more especially as by the Charter his Excellency's Power "to adjourn, prorogue, and dissolve, all Great and General Courts," doth not take Place, after said Courts shall be appointed, until they have first "met and convened."
2. That the constitutional Government of the Inhabitants of this Province being, by a considerable military Force, at this Time attempted to be superseded and annulled, and the People under the most alarming and just Apprehensions of Slavery (having, in their laudable Endeavours to preserve themselves therefrom, discovered, upon all Occasions, the greatest Aversion to Disorder and Tumult) it must be evident to all, attending to his Excellency's said Proclamation, that his Representations of the Province, as being in a tumultuous and disorderly State, are Reflections the Inhabitants have by no Means merited, and therefore that they are highly injurious and unkind.
3. That as the pretended Cause of his Excellency's Proclamation for discharging the Members elected by the Province, in Pursuance of his Writs, has for a considerable Time existed, his Excellency's Conduct in refusing to issue said Proclamation (had it been in other Respects unexceptionable) but a few Days before the Court was to have been convened, and thereby unavoidably putting to unnecessary Expense and Trouble a great Majority of Members from the Extremities of the Province, is a Measure by no Means consistent with the Dignity of the Province; and therefore it ought to be considered as a disrespectful Treatment of the Province, and as an Opposition to that Reconciliation between Great Britain and the Colonies, so arduously wished for by all the Friends of both.
4. That some of the Causes assigned, as aforesaid, for this unconstitutional and wanton Prevention of the General Court, have, in all good Governments, been considered among the greatest Reasons for convening a Parliament or Assembly; and therefore, the Proclamation is considered as a farther Proof, not only of his Excellency's Disaffection towards the Province, but of the Necessity of its most vigorous and immediate Exertions for preserving the Freedom and Constitution thereof.
5. Upon a Motion made, and seconded, voted, that the Members aforesaid do now resolve themselves into a Provincial Congress, to be joined by such other Persons as have been or shall be chosen for that Purpose, to take into Consideration the dangerous and alarming Situation of publick Affairs in this Province, and to consult and determine on such Measures as they shall judge will tend to promote the true Interest of his Majesty, in the Peace, Welfare, and Prosperity, of the Province.
BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Clerk. A Provincial Congress being thus formed, and having chosen the Hon. John Hancock, Esq; Chairman, and Benjamin Lincoln, Esq; Clerk, they adjourned to the Courthouse in Concord, to meet on Tuesday the 11th Day of October Instant, at ten o'Clock in the Forenoon.
We hear that the Number of Representatives from the several Towns, which met at Salem last Week, consisted of ninety.
Almost all the empty Houses, Outhouses, &c. in this Town, are now taken up for the Soldiers. A ministerial Writer, in Favour of taxing the Colonies, asserts, in a late London Paper, that two Millions Sterling is the just Proportion of Taxes the Colonies ought to pay Great Britain.
On the 26th of July last, in Latitude 38 N. Longitude 38 W. a Whaling Sloop belonging to this Place spoke with a Snow, having on Board the Officers and Company of the Royal Captain East Indian, which had been lost on a Shoal, the 17th of December last, homeward bound from China. The People, 105 in Number, were obliged to take to their Boats for the Preservation of their Lives, with only the Clothes on their Backs, and Bread and Water to subsist on; and, after much Fatigue and Toil, arrived at Balambangan, a new Settlement in the Chinsay Sea, where they procured the above Vessel to convey them home.
S A L E M, October 7.
YESTERDAY Morning, about three o'Clock, a most terrible Fire broke out here, which began in a Store belonging to, and just by, the Dwelling-House of Peter Frye, Esq; in King Street, and raged to a Degree never before known in this Town or County, whereby a Number of Buildings were destroyed, with a great Quantity of Merchandise, Furniture, &c. The following are the Names, &c. of those who suffered by this Disaster, viz. Peter Frye, Esq; his Dwelling-House, Store and Outhouses, together with almost all his Furniture, and every Thing else that was valuable in his House and Store, himself and Family narrowly escaping with their Lives; Mr. Richard Routh's Dwelling-House; Mr. William Pitman's Store; Rev. Dr. Whitaker's Meeting House; Dr. Nathaniel Dabney's Dwelling-House; Mr. John Bean's Store; Messrs. Hall's Printing Office; Mr. William Northey, Goldsmith, his Shop; Mr. Richard Nichol's Store; Mr. Robert Le Faver, Tailor, his Shop; Mr. Robert March, Hatter, his Shop; Mr. Benjamin Coate's Livery Stable, whose Loss is very considerable, as he owned five of the Buildings that were destroyed; Mr. Samuel Field's Dwelling-House, Boat-building Shop, and Outhouses; Mr. Walter Price Bartlett's Dwelling-House, and Store; Mr. Ezra Burill's Dwelling-House; the Custom-House; a Dwelling-House, Store, and Barn, belonging to Mr. John Appleton, and lately occupied by Messrs. Hall's, Printers; Mr. Daniel Cheever's
Dwelling-House, Shoemaker's Shop, and Barn; Captain David Britton's Dwelling-House, and Outhouses; Mr. Andrew Dalglish's Store; Captain David Ropes's Dwelling-House; Mr. John Newell, Cooper, his Dwelling-House; Mr. Joseph Churchill, Tailor, his Shop. The Fire proceeded to the Courthouse, which caught from Messrs. Britton's and Ropes's, the opposite Corner, and kept in Flames near a Quarter of an Hour, and in all Probability must have been consumed, with the great Meeting House, but a few Feet from it, and of Course (the Tide being down, and Buildings very dry) by successive Communications, a very large Proportion of the most valuable and populous Part of the Buildings by the main Street, with valuable Property of the Town, would inevitably have shared the same Fate, had not the fortunate Arrival of Marblehead Engine, attended by some Hundreds of the most respectable Inhabitants of that Town, happened at the very critical Juncture; by whose spirited Assistance, and vigorous Exertions (joined to those of the Foreigners belonging to Merchantmen, and other Vessels in this Harbour, with many other Gentlemen Strangers, who that Night lodged in Town, and were active with the Inhabitants of this and the neighbouring Towns) the Flames on the Courthouse were providentially extinguished, and any farther Progress happily prevented. The Means whereby it began are yet utterly undiscovered. The Loss is computed at 20,000 l. lawful Money.
We hear Mrs. Field, an aged Lady, who lived with her Son in one of the Houses that was consumed, by some Accident struck her Head against the Chimney just as she was going to quit the House, and expired immediately; but her Remains were timely removed from the Ruins.
Yesterday Samuel Smith, formerly a Soldier belonging to a Regiment at Halifax, was committed to his Majesty's Jail in this Town, on Suspicion of stealing a Number of Silver Spoons from the Sufferers in the late Fire.
N E W Y O R K, October 13.
THIS Morning Major General Haldimad will embark on Board the Transport named the Countess of Darlington, attended by Major of Brigade Moncrieffe, Captain Thomas Gamble, Assistant Quartermaster General, Captain Brehm, Aid de Camp, and Captain Hutchinson. With General Haldimad also embarked Colonel Richard Prescott of his Majesty's Royal Fusiliers, a Company of the Royal Artillery, with a large Quantity of Ordnance Stores for Castle William. Three Companies of the Royal Regiment of Ireland, under the Command of Captain Shee, and the 47th Regiment, commanded by Major Cairncross, were embarked on Board the Empress of Russia, and other Transports, for the Port of Boston.
On Board the Transports is a great Number of Artificers, who have engaged to work upon the Barracks preparing for the Accommodation of his Majesty's Troops at Boston.
The following is the Order in which his Majesty's Troops are to be quartered at Boston, provided the intended Barracks shall not be completed before the Winter sets in: The King's own Regiment, at the Stillhouse in New Boston; the 5th Regiment, from Liberty Tree to the Neck; the Royal Welch and 35th Regiments, near Fort Hill; the 43d Regiment, near the Market; the 64th Regiment, to remain at the Castle; Royals of Ireland, the 10th, 47th, and 52d Regiments, are, on their Arrival, to be quartered in Town.
By Letters from Charles Town, South Carolina, we are informed the Planters will have a prodigious Harvest of Rice this Year, exceeding all former Crops, and that they will produce a Million Weight of Indigo.
Nothing has, since our last, transpired from the General Congress at Philadelphia. Mr. Paul Revere, who passed through this City about nine Days ago, Express from Boston, to the Delegates, waits for the Result of their Determinations upon the important Business which occasioned his Journey.
Yesterday Morning, between twelve and one o'Clock, a Fire broke out at the Military Hospital, behind the upper Barracks, which presently burnt it down to the Ground. No other Injury was done, except a Man's being much hurt by the falling of a Piece of Timber.
P H I L A D E L P H I A, October 17.
An Extract of a Letter from the Committee of Correspondence for the Town of Boston, dated the 29th of September, to the Congress. Published by Order.
YESTERDAY it appeared that Joseph Scott, Esq; had sold to the Army a Number of Cannon, some Cohorts, Shells, Chain and other Shot. Upon the Matter's being discovered, and Mr. Scott's being acquainted with the Resentments of the People, he forbade the Party who were sent for them to take them away; they nevertheless proceeded, and carried them on Board their Ships. This created much Disturbance, and a Guard was offered to Mr. Scott by the General; but Mr. Scott was informed that no military Guard could save him, and would but stimulate the People to Acts of greater Violence. Many Gentlemen, who foresaw what must have ensued, endeavoured to dissuade the People from attacking the House; and finally, some Persons engaged, that if no Guard was set to the House they would do all in their Power to disperse the People. This was complied with, and the Exertions of the Gentlemen of the Town proved effectual, some Dirt and Filth thrown upon his Warehouse being all the Injury he sustained. We have given an Account of this Affair because we expect some untrue Representation will be made, perhaps much to the Disadvantage of the Town.
A N N A P O L I S, October 20.
THE Brig Peggy Stewart, Captain Jackson, from London, having on Board seventeen Packages, containing 2320 lb. of that detestable Weed Tea, arrived here on Friday last. The Tea was consigned to Thomas Charles Williams and Company, Merchants in this City. Those of the Committee for Anne Arundel County, who were in Town, hearing of the Arrival of said Vessel, met in the Afternoon, and were informed that the said Vessel had been entered in the Forenoon of that Day, and the Duty on the Tea paid to the Collector by Mr. Anthony Stewart, one of the Owners of said Brig. Four only of the Committee being present, it was thought advisable to call a Meeting of the People. Notice was thereupon immediately given. Many of the Inhabitants, together with a Number of Gentlemen from Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and other Counties, who were attending the Provincial Court, met; and having called before them the Importers and the Captain of the Ship, together with the Deputy Collector, the Question was moved, and seconded, whether the Tea should be landed in America or not; and the Question being put, was unanimously determined in the Negative. A Committee of twelve Persons was thereupon appointed to attend landing the other Goods on Board said Vessel, and to prevent landing the Tea; after which the Meeting adjourned to Wednesday the 19th, at eleven o'Clock, at which Time the Members of the Committee, and other the Inhabitants of the County, were requested to attend at this Place. In Consequence of this Adjournment, a great Number of very respectable Gentlemen from Anne Arundel, Baltimore, and Prince George's Counties, met here; and, amongst others, eight of the Committee for Anne Arundel County. Those of the Committee proceeded to examine into the Affair, calling before them Messrs. James and Joseph Williams, and Anthony Stewart, and also took into Consideration an Offer made by said Williams's and Stewart to destroy the Tea, and make such Concessions as might be satisfactory to the Committee and People assembled. The Committee were of Opinion, if the Tea was destroyed by the voluntary Act of the Owners, and proper Concessions made, that nothing farther ought to be required. This their Opinion, being reported to the Assembly, was not satisfactory to all present. Mr. Stewart then voluntarily offered to burn the Vessel and the Tea in her, and that proper Acknowledgments should be made and published in the Maryland Gazette. Those Acknowledgments were accordingly made, and are as follows:
We, James Williams, Joseph Williams, and Anthony Stewart, do severally acknowledge, that we have committed a most daring Insult, and Act of the most pernicious Tendency to the Liberties of America (we the said Williams's in importing the Tea, and said Stewart in paying the Duty thereon) and thereby deservedly incurred the Displeasure of the People now convened, and all others interested in the Preservation of the constitutional Rights and Liberties of North America, and do ask Pardon for the same; and we solemnly declare, for the future, that we never will infringe any Resolution formed by the People for the Salvation of their Rights, nor will we do any Act that may be injurious to the Liberties of the People. And to show our Desire of living in Amity with the Friends to America, we do request this Meeting, or as many as may choose to attend, to be present at any Place where the People shall appoint, and we will there commit to the Flames, or otherwise destroy, as the People may choose, the detestable Article which has been the Cause of this our Misconduct.
ANTHONY STEWART. JOSEPH WILLIAMS. JAMES WILLIAMS.
After which Mr. Stewart, and Messrs. James and Joseph Williams, Owners of the Tea, went on Board said Vessel, with her Sails and Colours flying, and voluntarily set Fire to the Tea; and in a few Hours, the Whole, together with the Vessel, were consumed, in the Presence of a great Number of Spectators.
A N N A P O L I S, October 23, 1774.
The Committee for Anne Arundel County received Information from Baltimore, that a considerable Quantity of Tea was expected on Board the Generous Friends, Captain Nairne. The Ship arrived on Saturday Evening the 15th Instant; and, on Examination, it did not appear by the Cockets, or Entry at the Collector's Office, that any Tea had been on Board. It appeared, by Letter to Mr. Hodgkin, that six Casks of Tea had been shipped, and that Captain Nairne refused to sail from London until the Tea was re-landed; for which Conduct, Captain Nairne had the Thanks of the Committee.
By Order. JOHN DUCKET, Cl. Com.
W I L L I A M S B U R G, October 27.
BY a Vessel in a short Passage from Boston, just arrived at Norfolk, we learn that the People of that Town had signified to the General Congress their Willingness to evacuate the same, upon receiving their Sanction for such a Measure. The Express that was sent to Philadelphia had not returned when the Vessel left Boston. Storehouses, &c. that formerly rented at 100 l. a Year and upwards, are now occupied by the King's Troops for less than a Fifth of their Value. Lord Howe was expected daily, with more Troops and Ships; and Governor Carleton of Quebec, it was said, had written to General Gage, that he had 10,000 Canadian Militia at his Service. The Militia in all the New England Governments have been training, and are thought to be as expert and well disciplined Soldiers as any Country can produce.
The Brickdale, Martin, from Liverpool, and Jenny, Steele, from Glasgow, are arrived in Rappahannock; by whom there is Advice of the safe Arrival of the Marlborough, Dawton, at that Port.
Marriages. ROBERT NELSON, of York Town, to Miss Molly GRYMES, third Daughter of the Honourable Philip Grymes, Esquire, deceased.
FRIDAY, October 28. We have just received Intelligence that EDMUND PENDLETON and PATRICK HENRY, Esquires, are come home from the General Congress, which broke up last Saturday; and that the Honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; with some more of the Delegates, were to leave Philadelphia the Day after, so that they may be hourly expected. EXPORTS are stopped universally, except Rice from South Carolina to Great Britain, and Wheat to the Mediterranean. Both IMPORTS and EXPORTS, in other Respects, to stand upon the same Footing as in the Resolves of the Delegates of Virginia, the Time of their Commencement being only delayed one Month.
Advertisements.
DUMFRIES, October 10, 1774.
THE JOCKEY CLUB PURSE of 100 GUINEAS will be run for on Tuesday the 29th of November next, which is now fixed for the first Day of the Dumfries Races , the Time formerly appointed being the Day of the Annapolis Races . No Person will be allowed to start a Horse, Mare, or Gelding, for this Purse, but an actual Member of the Club. To carry Weight for Age, vis. three Year Olds to carry six Stone ten Pounds, four Year Olds seven Stone ten Pounds, five Year Olds eight Stone ten Pounds, six Year Olds nine Stone six Pounds, and seven Year Olds ten Stone. On Wednesday the 30th of November will be run for the Town Subscription Purse of 50 l. free for any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, on paying the Entrance Money, viz. a Member of the Jockey Club, or a Subscriber to this Purse, forty Shillings, a Non-Subscriber five Pounds. Give and take agreeable to the Rules of Racing. The Horses, &c. that start for either of these Purse, must be entered with the Subscriber, on or before Saturday the 26th of November, when a Certificate of the Age, under the Hand of the Breeder, or his Executors, or Administrators, will be required. The Premiums, agreeable to my former Advertisement, will be allowed for Beef, Mutton, and Veal.
RICHARD GRAHAM, Secretary.
The Members of the Club are desired to meet on Tuesday the 8th of November.
ON the 10th of December will be exposed to
sale the Estate of Leonard Ward, deceased, lying near Kingland Ferry, in Chesterfield County. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed for all Sums above 5 l. on giving Bond, with approved Security, to the Executors. RICHARD EGLESTONE. WILLIAM WALKER.
JUST imported in the Grizzie, Captain Syme,
from Glasgow, sundry Packages of Dry Goods, consisting of Leish Linens, Checks, Bedticks, Shalloons, Mens and Womens Stockings, Camblets, &c. &c. to the Amount of 200 l. Sterling each Package, which will be sold at a low Advance, for ready Money, or short Credit, by JOHN HAMILTON.
To be SOLD, pursuant to an Act of Assembly, on Monday the 5th of December next, being Prince William Court Day, at the Courthouse, in the Town of Dumfries,
THE Glebe Land of Denton Parish, in the said County, adjoining Westwood, the Seat of the Reverend Mr. James Scott, the present Incumbent, situated on Quatixie Run , about nine Miles from Dumfries and Aquia ; the Soil is good for Wheat or Tobacco, and there may be got some Meadow on the fame. Six Months Credit will be given, by the Churchwardens.
To be SOLD, or CHARTERED for any Port in Europe, or the West Indies,
THE Ship Westover , Mr. John Stevens Commander, Burthen 504 Hogheads of Tobacco, or about 13,500 Bushels of Wheat. For Terms apply to PATRICK COUTTS. RICHMOND, October 25, 1774.
To be SOLD, to the highest Bidder, on the 25th of November next, at the Plantation of Doctor Ewen Clements (known by the Name of Lowry's)
ALL the Stocks of CATTLE, HOGS, SHEEP, and HORSES, on the said Plantation; also the Crop of Wheat, and about 4, or 500 Barrels of Indian Corn, Plantation Utensils, and sundry other Things too tedious to mention. And on the 19th of December, being Essex Court Day , will be sold to the highest Bidder, at his late Dwelling-House, in Tappahannock , all the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE of said Clements, three valuable HORSES, two RIDING CHAIRS with Harness, his MEDICINES and SHOP UTENSILS, and several likely Virginia born SLAVES. Credit will be allowed all Purchasers to the Amount of 40 l. until the 20th Day of October 1775, on giving Bond with approved Security to
(4) PILMAN CLEMENTS, MERIWETHER SMITH, } Administrators.
ALL Persons who have any Demands against
the Estate of the late Doctor Ewen Clements, are desired to make them known as speedily as possible to Meriwether Smith, and the Nature of them, that Provision may be made for Payment; and all Persons indebted to the said Estate are requested to make immediate Payment, as no Indulgence can be given.
(4) PILMAN CLEMENTS, MERIWETHER SMITH, } Administrators.
F O R L O N D O N,
THE Ship BLAND , Michael Danby Master, now lying at Norfolk, has two Thirds of her Cargo engaged, will take in Tobacco, on Liberty of Consignment, at 8 l. Sterling per Tun, has good Accommodations for Passengers, and will sail by the 15th of November. Notes or Orders, left with Mr. Thomas Gordon, Merchant in Peterburg, Mr. George Lorimer, Merchant in Urbanna, Mr. Gavin Hamilton, Merchant in Norfolk, or the Master on Board, will be particularly attended to. OCTOBER 23, 1774.
TAKEN up, in Botetourt, a CHESTNUT SORREL MARE twelve or thirteen Years old, about thirteen Hands high, and branded on the near Shoulder IH, on the Buttock FM in a Piece, and on the off Shoulder something like a Swivel Stirrup Iron.
(1) JOHN KELLY.

To be SOLD by the Subscriber, on reasonable Terms, for ready Money, EUROPEAN GOODS, &c. well assorted, and suitable to the Season. Also Red and White Wines, West India and Northward Rum, Sugar, Coffee, Castile Soap, Spermaceti Candles, Olives, Capers, Anchovies, &c. &c. Likewise a Schooner Pilot Boat about four Years old, in good Condition, and very commodiously fitted for Passengers. For Terms, apply to me in Norfolk . JAMES INGRAM.
Just Imported, and to be SOLD cheap for ready Money, by the Subscriber in Francis Street, Williamsburg,
FINE Bottled Porter, Taunton Beer, Gloucester Cheese, Negro Plains, Kendal Cottons, Plain and Striped Blankets, Fine Lustings of different Patterns, Yorkshire Cloths, Patterns for Mens Surtout Coats, with Trimmings to each, Mens fine and coarse Hats, Velvet bound Hats with Rofes, Mens Boots, Womens and Childrens Leather Shoes, Mens Gloves, Womens fine French Kid Gloves, Guns, Silver mounted and plain Pistols, Saddles complete, Whips, Hair Brooms and Brushes, Wool and Playing Cards, Horn Lanterns, Plaistering Trowels, Sets of Types for marking of Linen, Checks and Striped Holland, Pepper, Allspice, Ginger, Paper Hangings for Rooms, Best Durham Mustard, Blue and White Water Jugs, Chamber Pots, Quart and Pint Mugs, Milk Pans, Sage and Balm Tea Pots, Coffin Furniture, Hair Seating for Chairs, Mattresses, Glass Salts, Vinegar Cruits, Salt, &c. &c. BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.
To be SOLD,
A N exceeding neat and strong one HORSE CHAIR (to carry two People) on Steel Springs, with a Leather Head and Apron, lined with light coloured Cloth, and Curtains of the same, with Brass Caps to the Wheels, and Harness complete; made by Barnard , Coachmaker in London , only two Years ago, and very little the worse for Wear. Inquire of Mr. Craig , Saddler, in Williamsburg .
For CHARTER, or private SALE,
THE Ship Neptune , Archibald White Master, Burthen about 400 Hogheads, or 10,000 Bushels. For Terms, apply to the Subscribers in Norfolk . (6) ANTHONY WALKER. JOHN LAWRENCE.
To be SOLD, to the highest Bidder, for ready Money, or Tobacco, on Monday the 14th of November, at Louisa Courthouse, being Court Day,
A TRACT of LAND lying on Coffey's Creek , containing by Estimation 590 Acres. This Land was purchased by William Temple of the Executors of John Ragland , deceased, and by him sold to Benjamin Fynes ; and is now offered for Sale, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from said Fynes to OVERTON COSBY, and Co.
For SALE, at publick Vendue, at Goochland Courthouse, the 21st of November, being Court Day,
FIVE HUNDRED Acres of Land lying in said County, and adjoining the Land of Joshua Payne . Bond and approved Security will be required. JOSHUA STORRS. RICHMOND, October 22, 1774.
For SALE by Auction, between the Hours of three and five in the Afternoon, on Thursday the 17th of November next, at William Bradley's Tavern in Petersburg,
A LOT No. 27, on the new Street in the said Town, with a Dwelling-House, and other Buildings thereon, occupied by William Beattie , Merchant. The Buyer to deposit 25 per Cent. of the Purchase Money immediately, which shall be forfeited if the Remainder is not paid on the 1st Day of January following, when it may be entered on; soon after which Time, I intend to leave the Colony. (11) JOSEPH ELAM.
WILLIAMSBURG, October 27, 1774.
FOR the Information of all whom it may concern, I give this publick Notice that James McDonald (or M'Daniel ) Labourer, Edward Sweny , Butcher, Edward Lupton , Shoemaker, and Patrick Ryan , were, on the 17th Day of this present Month, brought to the Bar of the General Court, then sitting, to take their Trials, for a supposed Murder by them committed in Pittsylvania County, where they were apprehended. Ryan was sworn as a Witness; and the other three, being convicted of Manslaughter, were burnt in the Hand. It appearing to the Court that they were accused of a Certain Felony in the Province of North Carolina , they were remanded to Jail. They were transported to this Country as Convicts, and have been in the Possession of Mr. John Hook , Merchant in Bedford , who sold or consigned them to Messrs. Chambers and Montgomery , Merchants in Salisbury, North Carolina , whence they fled from Justice. M'DONALD (or M'Daniel ) is 20 Years old, has short brown curled Hair, thin Visage, blue Eyes, of a slender Make, and about 5 Feet 5 Inches high. SWENY is of M'Daniel's Height, 32 Years old, has short dark Hair, blue Eyes, a downcast Look, and is well made. LUPTON is 25 Years old, has dark short Hair, blue Eyes, thin Visage, of a slender Make, 5 Feet 10 Inches high, and is a very saucy impertinent Fellow. RYAN is 25 Years old, has dark short Hair, Hazle Eyes, long Visage, a full Beard, and is 5 Feet 4 Inches high. They are all Irishmen . I shall be ready to deliver them to any Person, or Persons, who may make a proper Application. PETER PELHAM, Jailer.
FORTY SHILLINGS Reward
FOR apprehending RALPH , a Virginia born Negro Man, about 23 Years old, five Feet eight or ten Inches high, well made, and of a yellowish Complexion; had on, when he went away (the Beginning of last Month) a blue Fearnought Waistcoat, white Cotton Breeches, Canvas Shirt, and coarse Felt Hat. He took other Clothes with him, and perhaps may change his Dress. He is an artful Negro, and will endeavour to pass for a free Man. Whoever delivers him to Mr. George Turner , at Moff's Neck , in Caroline County, or to the Subscriber in King & Queen , shall have the above Reward, and reasonable travelling Expenses allowed. RICHARD CORBIN, Junior. LANEVILLE, October 25, 1774.
FIVE POUNDS Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, at Richmond , the 10th Instant ( October ) two Scotchmen , Servants, viz. JAMES M'LEAN about 23 Years of Age, five Feet ten Inches high, stout made, and has lost one of the Fingers of his right Hand; his Apparel, at the Time of his absconding, was a Parson-gray coloured Coat and Jacket much worn, black Plush Breeches, and a coarse Felt Hat bound. PATRICK M'GUIRE , by Trade a Smith and Farrier, about 45 Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, thick made of a rascally Aspect, and much addicted to Drink; his Apparel was a blue Coat much worn, green Jacket, blue Plush Breeches, and coarse Felt Hat bound. Whoever secures the above Servants in any of his Majesty's Jails, so that I get them again, shall have the above Reward. (2) SAMUEL WOOD.
COMMITTED to the Jail of Isle of Wight County, a Man and Woman, supposed to be runaways from Maryland . The Man calls himself JAMES GORDON , is about five Feet nine Inches high, by Trade a Dyer, of a dark Complexion, and has short brown Hair; had on a light coloured Sagathy Coat, a raised Cotton Waistcoat, dirty Leather Breeches, white Thread Stockings, plated Buckles, and Country made Shoes. The Woman says she is his Wife, and is about five Feet four Inches high, thick made, of a ruddy Complexion, and flippant Tongue; had on a black Silk Bonnet, red printed Linen Gown, blue Shalloon Petticoat, and white Shoes. They say they were born in Scotland (and speak the Dialect of that Country) and came over in the Molly , Captain Lamont , and landed at Oxford , in Maryland , about six Months ago, and have a Receipt from the Captain as a Discharge, which is supposed to be forged. They tell different Tales when separated, and are strongly suspected of an Attempt to force a Gentleman's Dress in this Neighbourhood, and were strolling about without any Occupation. If any Person claims an Interest in them, they are desired to apply and pay Charges. MICAJAH WILLIS, Jailer.
THE Partnership between Robert Hart and John Marshall having expired the 1st of July last, they propose to sell (or if not sold between this and Christmas to rent) the Houses and Lots in Hanover Town now in the Possession of Robert Hart , conveniently situated, and fitted up for publick Business, or a private Family. Also the Storehouses, &c. possessed by John Marshall , in Louisa ; and after the Expiration of Colonel William Johnson's Lease, the Ordinary and Land in his Possession. The Terms may be known by applying to the Subscribers, who earnestly request the Favour of all their Debtors to be as speedy as possible in their Payments, or at least in making their Settlements, where the first cannot be done. ROBERT HART. JOHN MARSHALL.
Just Imported, in the Bland, Captain Danby, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, A FRESH Assortment of MILLINERY, consisting of Barb, Brussels, and Minionet Laces, Blond and Black Laces, Edgings of all Sorts, Stomachers and Sleeve Knots, Caps of all Kinds, also a compleat Assortment of JEWELLERY, Silks and Satins, White and Coloured Gentlemens fashionable Silk Hose, Childbed Linen, Baskets, Pincushions, and Cradle Quilts, Ladies Riding Hats, Childrens Do. Gresham's best Calimanco and Satin Shoes, Suits of Dresden Work, and a Number of other Articles, all new. M. HUNTER.
CUMBERLAND COUNTY, September 28, 1774.
THE Subscriber, after a Series of Misfortunes, unnecessary to enumerate here, requests to meet his Creditors at Richmond Fair , the second Thursday in November , when he hopes that those Persons who have any Demands against him will appear with their proper Vouchers in Order to compound, as he is desirous to make all the Satisfaction his Abilities will admit of, equally among those to whom he is justly indebted. Those who do not appear that Day, or authorise some Person to transact their Business, may not trouble themselves to make farther Application, as all the Satisfaction he can give his Creditors will be at that Time. HARTWELL MACON.
YORK TOWN, October 12, 1774.
THE Subscriber has for Sale two Pair of exceeding fine MILLSTONES, for ready Money, or short Credit; one Pair four Feet ten Inches diameter, the other four Feet six Inches. The Price will be very low, considering the Goodness of the Stones. WILLIAM CARY.
DUMFRIES, October 5, 1774.
THE Subscriber has for Sale a Parcel of Mens and Womens LEATHER and CALIMANCO SHOES, to the Amount of about 2501 Sterling, well sorted, in Casks of about 301. Sterling each, also some NEGRO SHOES, that will be disposed of on very reasonable Terms, by A. CAMPBELL.
JAMES CITY PARISH, October 18, 1774.
THE erecting of NEW PEWS, and other necessary Repairs, to the Upper Church of this Parish, will be let to the lowest Bidder, at the said Church, on Tuesday the 1st of November next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day. Any Person capable of serving as the CLERK of a CHURCH, and qualified for a common SCHOOLMASTER, will meet with Encouragement by applying to the Vestry of the said Parish. (2) JOHN COOPER, DUDLEY RICHARDSON, } Churchwardens.
WANTED,
TWO Half Acre Lots in the Town of Manchester , No. 157, drawn by Ticket 7533, and No. 129, drawn by Ticket 7723. Whoever has the said Lots, or either of them, may dispose of them to Advantage by applying to the Printer hereof, at the ensuing General Court, or as soon as possible.
Just Imported, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber in Williamsburg, the following Articles, viz.
IRISH Linens, Dark Grounded fine Irish Calicoes, White Satin, Minionet, Blond, and Black Lace, Silk Petticoats, Satin, Stuff, and Leather Didsbury's Shoes, Gauze, Catgut, and Ribands, Silk, Cotton, and Thread Stockings, Shereal of all Colours, Net Hoods, Patent Net Do. and Aprons, Rolls and Curls, Ladies and Gentlemens Gloves, Tambour Sword Knots, Gilt and other Writing Paper, Under Worsted and Thread Stockings, a large Assortment of Ladies elegant Caps, fine Irish Garters and Wafers, Black Silk Patterns, Violet Hair Powder, Powder Puffs and Hair Pins, Fine Lawn and Silk Pocket Handkerchiefs, Wash Balls, White and Coloured Trimmings for Ladies Sacks, Freemaçon Sashes and Brooches, Satin Cloaks, Hats and Bonnets, Dresden Worked Ruffles, Childrens Stockings, Shaving Powder, Fans, French Beads, Silk Gloves and Mits, Childrens Shoes and Stays, Flannel Waistcoats, New Rofe Bags, Paste Necklace, Earrings, Sprigs, and Pins, Pearl, Garnet, Paste, and Plain Gold Lockets, Sets of Paste Buttons for Ladies Stomachers and Sleeve Knots, Foilstone, Paste, Silver, Pinchbeck, and Mourning Buckles, Paste and Silver Stock and Knee Buckles, Gold and Pebble Sleeve Buttons, Coral and Bells, Silver Teaspoons, Salt Shovels, Punch Lades, Tea Tongs and Thimbles, Ladies Riding Hats and Whips, Toothpick Cases, Inside and Outside Tooth Brushes, Pruning, Office, Pen, and Travelling Knives, Printing Types with double Sets of Letters and Figures, Seals and Trinkets, Watch Chains, Strings, and Keys, Diamond Pencils, Sword Canes and Rattans, Violins, Als Skin Memorandum Books, Pocket Books with Instruments, Silk Purfes, Cotton Night Caps and Hair Nets, Silk Laces, Dolls, Toys, and many other Things too numerous to insert. The above Goods are to be sold on reasonable Terms, for ready Money, by C. RATHELL.
To be SOLD, and entered on at Christmas next, THE HOUSES and LOTS, in Hanover Town , at present occupied by Mr. John Meriwether , who keeps Tavern in them. They are well situated for that Purpose, having every convenient House, together with a good Stable and large Garden, and lies in the most publick Part of the Town, on the main Street that leads to Page's Warehouse and the Bridge. There have generally been six or eight Boarders at the House. Its Situation is equally good for a Store. A convenient Time of Payment will be allowed. For Terms apply to JOHN JOHNSON. ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
For SALE,
A N exceeding likely and capable young NEGRO FELLOW who understands House Work, waiting on a Gentleman, taking Care of Horses, and is a tolerable good Cook. Any Person in Want of such a Servant may know the Terms of the Subscriber; and if he does not fully answer the Character given of him, he may be returned, in Health, within a Month. If he is not sold before the Meeting of the Merchants in October , I shall carry him to Williamsburg with me, where he may be seen by any Person inclined to purchase. ARCHIBALD M'CALL.
TAPPAHANNOCK, Sept. 26, 1774. ** The Houses and Lots, and a considerable Part of my Furniture, is still unfold. Any Persons inclined to purchase may have them on reasonable Terms, at private Sale.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, at Belvoir, on Potowmack River, the late Seat of the Honourable George William Fairfax, Esq; on Monday the 5th of December next,
ALL the GENTLE FURNITURE of two Rooms, KITCHEN FURNITURE, eight or ten HORSES, all his Stock of HOGS, Part of his CATTLE and SHEEP, together with the PLANTATION UTENSILS, three WAGGONS, and fifty Barrels of FISH. Purchasers of more than 51. will have Credit till the 15th of August next, on giving Bond with approved Security, paying Interest from the Date, if the Principal should not be discharged within forty Days after it becomes due. At the same Time and Place will be rented, to the highest Bidder, a small Plantation for one Year, and two very fine Fisheries for a Term of Years. The Mansion-House, Outhouses, Garden, Orchards, and Plantation, with a sufficient Quantity of Land to suit the Tenant, will also be let for a Term of Years. Any Person inclined may rent the Dwelling-House before the Day of Sale, and know the Terms by applying to (51) FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior.
THE Death of Mr. Hugh M'Mekin (late of Norfolk) renders it absolutely necessary that the Business carried on by him there, by Mr. Matthew Anderson in King & Queen , and by Mr. Christopher Pryor at Gloucester Courthouse , be discontinued. All Persons, therefore, who are indebted for Dealings with either of these Gentlemen, on Account of Messrs. John M'Douall and Co. of Glasgow , are earnestly requested to discharge their respective Balances immediately; those who have it not in their Power to make Payment will, it is expected, grant Bond. Messrs. Anderson and Pryor will give constant Attendance for that Purpose, who are authorised to receive and grant Discharges. The Goods on Hand at King & Queen and Gloucester Courthouse , amounting to about 15001. Sterling, will be sold, and the Time of Payment made as easy to the Purchaser as the Hardness of the Times will admit of. As most of these Goods were imported last Spring, they are fresh, look well, and are tolerably well assorted. There is likewise on Hand a Cargo of choice Goods, adapted for the present Season, just imported in the Bland , Captain Danby , from London , and the Juno , Captain M'Cann , from Glasgow , amounting to between 10001. and 12501. Sterling. For Terms apply to Messrs. John Johnson , or Archibald Gowan , at Page's , Mr. Simon Fraser , at Urbanna , Mr. Matthew Anderson , in King & Queen , or to (6) BENNETT BROWNE, Attorney in Fact for Messrs. John M'Douall and Co.
VIRGINIA, se.
At a General Court held at the CAPITOL the 19th Day of October, 1774.
THIS Court being unable to proceed farther upon Business, by Reason of the Non-attendance of the Lawyers, Suitors, and Witnesses, it is ordered, that the Court be adjourned till the 10th Day of April next. BEN: WALLER.
For CHARTER,
THE Ship Betsey, James Dysart Master, Burthen about 400 Hogheads, or 10,000 Bushels. For Terms apply to (6) JOHN LAWRENCE, & Co. NORFOLK, October 18, 1774.
To be SOLD, for ready Money, by the Executors of Newton Keene, deceased, pursuant to his last Will, by publick Auction, to the highest Bidder, on Monday the 19th of December next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at the Place called Newgate, in the County of Loudoun,
A TRACT of valuable LAND in the said County, adjoining to the said Place called Newgate , and partly bounded by the Mountain Road, containing about 1400 Acres; about 100 Acres whereof are under a Lease for one or two Lives, at a small yearly Rent. There is only one small Plantation, and but very little cleared Ground upon it. It is extremely well watered and timbered, and has a considerable Quantity of Ground upon it fit for improving into Meadow. This Land is very conveniently situated, being only 25 Miles from Alexandria , 23 from Dumfries , and 18 from Colechester , and has a Merchant Mill within less than a Mile of it. Newgate is a very publick Place, and well situated for Trade and Publick House keeping. Deeds will be executed on the Day of Sale. There will also be sold by the said Executors, for ready Money, at publick Sale, on Monday the 9th of January next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at the late Dwelling Plantation of the said Newton Keene , in Northumberland County, TWENTY very likely Virginia born NEGROES belonging to his Estate. (7) RICHARD LEE, } Executors. DAVID BOYD, }
To be SOLD before the Raleigh Tavern, on Saturday the 29th Instant,
A LIKELY NEGRO WOMAN, named Crisp , about 22 Years of Age, with a young Child of her's. Credit will be allowed till the 25th Day of April next, on giving Bond and Security to WILLIAM FINNIE.
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 10th of November, at the Rocky Ridge,
ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY choice SLAVES, late the Property of John Wayles, Esq; deceased . Twelve Month Credit will be allowed, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to FRANCIS EPPES. HENRY SKIPWITH. ** Five per Cent. Discount for ready Money.
To the Reverend the CLERGY.
GENTLEMEN, YOU will be pleased to observe, that, according to the Agreement entered into by those of you who honoured the late Convention with their Attendance, the 10th of next Month falls out to be the Day on which our Body is to meet at the College. I am, your loving Brother, and humble Servant, COLLEGE, October 12, 1774. JOHN CAMM.
JAMES GEDDY, GOLDSMITH, NEAR THE CHURCH, WILLIAMSBURG,
HAS for Sale all Sorts of Country made GOLD and SILVER WORK, and has just imported from London a genteel Assortment of PLATE and JEWELLERY, which he will sell at lower Rates than usual.
** Old SILVER taken in Exchange for new Work at 7s. per Ounce, and GOLD at 51. 5s. He repairs his own Work that fails in a reasonable Time, without any Expense to the Purchaser.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, in Surry County, the 5th of September last, a likely GRAY MARE near fifteen Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, has a Blemish in her right Eye, branded on the near Buttock G, and on the Shoulder R. I will give 40s. to any Person who will deliver her to me, near Cabin Point . ELIZABETH BURT.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from my Plantation, in the lower End of Hanover, on the last of May, a bright BAY MARE about four Feet three Inches high, is a natural Trotter, but can pace slow, branded on the near Buttock, but in such a Blotch as not to be made out. She was put to a Horse last Spring, and it is probable is with Foal. A Reward of 3s. will be paid to the Person who delivers her to Mary Ellyson in New Kent , or to the Subscriber in the lower End of Henrico . ROBERT JORDAN.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, in Botetourt County, the 15th of May last, a BRIGHT BAY MARE about thirteen Hands and a Half high, seven or eight Years old, paces, trots, and gallops, and branded on the Shoulder A, and on the Buttock C. Whoever takes up the said Mare, and secures her so that I may get her again, shall have 20s. Reward. (21) WILLIAM S. MADISON.
COMMITTED to the Jail of Northumberland County, a white Man who says his Name is THOMAS GORDON , very much pitted with the Smallpox, about five Feet and a Half high, and appears to be about 40 Years old. He says he served as a Gardener with Colonel Burns of Maryland . The Owner is desired to pay Charges, and take him away. (1) JESSE ALEXANDER, Jailer.

POETS CORNER.  Cause of the Diversity of MANKIND.  IN every Soul, 'tis said, are seen the Rife And Seeds of every Virtue, every Vice: The careful Man, say they, surveys his Lot, Dresses and cultivates his little Spot; Watches each virtuous Tendril as it shoots, Plucks up the hurtful Rubbish by the Roots. This, quoth the idle One, is scarce fair Play; Nature, Heaven's Proxy, ought to have her Way. Mark then the Event, One's Culture bringeth forth The vulgar Man, t'other's the Man of Worth.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1766.  ORDERED , that the Clerks of the several County Courts in this Colony do transmit to the Clerk of this House, in the first Part of every Meeting of the General Assembly, a List of the Titables in their Counties, containing the Names of such Titables; and that they transmit also, at the same Time, a List of the publick Charges of their respective Counties.  ORDERED , that the Clerk of this House do cause the same to be published in the Virginia Gazette.  By the House of Burgesses. G. WYTHE, C. H. B.
WILLIAMSBURG, October 13, 1774.  I BEG Leave to inform the Publick, and particularly those Gentlemen who were pleased to take my Subscription Papers to their respective Counties, to raise a small Sum of Money in each for the Encouragement of making SALT, that after viewing many Places on this and the other Side of the Bay, and on the Sea Coast of the Eastern Shore, I have now fixed on a very convenient Spot on that Coast for erecting proper Works; and as nothing more can be done on my Part without Money, I must beg the Favour of them to forward such Sums as they may be able to collect, to Robert Carter Nicholas, Esquire, who is so kind as to take the Trouble of receiving and paying the Money out to me. Proper Security shall be lodged in his Hands, for any Sum that I may draw. The Certainty of my being able to make Salt, as good as any whatever, is hardly to be doubted, from the several Experiments which I have made, and which are pretty fully certified by Gentlemen of Veracity, whose Certificates will be lodged in the Hands of Mrs. Nicholas. Gentlemen will readily see the Necessity I am under of requesting speedy Assistance, when I inform them that I have for some Time past devoted my whole Attention to this Business, and given over every other Pursuit from which my Family might have derived any Advantage, and that, in Order to put the Works in as great Forwardness as was in my Power, I have incurred a considerable Expense, and been obliged to contract for some of the necessary Materials.  (tf) JAMES TAIT.
AT the Request of Mr. James Tait, I do hereby certify that he hath lodged in my Hands his Bond with such Securities, as I am persuaded will be approved, for his diligent and expeditious Prosecution of his Scheme of making Salt and a faithful Application and Expenditure of all such Sums of Money, as may be contributed for so desirable a Purpose. He is extremely anxious to enter upon the Work, and flatters himself that he will be enabled to do it very speedily, from the Assurances he received of being supported by a generous Assistance from different Counties.  RO. C. NICHOLAS.
PURSUANT to an Order of Halifax County Court, will be let, at the Courthouse of the said County, on Tuesday the 1st of November, to the lowest Undertaker, the Building of an elegant new Wooden Courthouse; a Plan of which may be seen, and the Terms of Payment made known, at the Time of Letting. Bond, and good Security, will be required for the Performance.  ROBERT WOODING. GEORGE BOYD. WALTER COLES. ISAAC COLES.  At the same Time and Place will be let, to the lowest Undertaker, the Building of a genteel Dwelling-House for the Reception of Gentlemen, &c. a Plan of which may be seen, and the Payments made known, at the Time of Letting.  ROBERT WOODING.
For SALE,  THAT valuable and well situated Lot in Williamsburg where the Coffeehouse is now kept, which may be entered upon the 1st of April next. Also a Tract of Land in Nansemond County, within three Miles of Suffolk, upon which is a good Stream for a Mill. It is well timbered with Oak and Pine, contains some very good Meadow Ground, produces good Corn and Wheat, and is capable of great Improvement; there is a very good Dwelling-House, and all necessary Houses for Crops, with a fine young Orchard of Apple and Peach Trees. It likewise may be entered upon the 1st of April next. For Terms apply to David Meade, Esq; at Maycox; Mr. Joseph Prentis, Attorney, in Williamsburg; Mr. Wills Cowper, Merchant, in Suffolk; or to the Subscriber, in Halifax Town, North Carolina.  (tf) JOHN WEBB.
AS the Subscriber resides in the Town of New London, in Bedford County, convenient to the Counties of Halifax, Pittsylvania, and Botetourt, and has practiced the Law in said Counties for some Years past, those Gentlemen that may have Business of that Sort to transact in the aforesaid Counties shall be faithfully served, as soon as the Courts proceed on their Dockets, by their humble Servant,  HAYNES MORGAN.  N. B. The Subscriber intends being in Williamsburg twice a Year, at the April and October General Courts, to settle any Matters that he may be favoured with.
For SALE,  A PARCEL of the celebrated Dr. NORRIS's DROPS, which will be sold at prime Cost and the Charges. For Terms, inquire of the Printer.
SMITHFIELD, September 30, 1774.  ROBIN , a black Fellow, well made, about five Feet ten Inches high, absconded from Mr. Rice Peirce, to whom he was hired, about eight Weeks ago; his Clothing was, when he went off, a Negro Cotton Waistcoat and Breeches much wore, and perhaps an old Pair of Trousers. I am apprehensive he is lurking about Nansemond River, or Norfolk. As he was always fond of the Water, I expect he will endeavour to insinuate himself so far in Favour of some of the Masters of Vessels as to make them believe he is free. I forbid any Person employing or maintaining him, and will reasonably reward any One who will deliver him to  JOSIAH PARKER.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a DARK BAY MARE eleven or twelve Years old, about four Feet seven Inches high, paces slow, and branded on the near Buttock W. Posted, and appraised to 91.  BEVERLY BROWN.
CABIN POINT, October 10, 1774.  AS the Store kept by me on Account of Logan, Gilmore, and Co. at Mr. James Belflower's is discontinued, all Persons indebted thereto are requested to make immediate Payment to Mr. John Mackay, who is properly empowered to receive the same. Those who have it not in their Power to make immediate Payment are earnestly desired to settle their Accounts, by giving Specialties to Mr. Mackay, who attends at Cabin Point for that Purpose.  (tf) JOHN STEWART.
YORK TOWN, October 10, 1774.  RUN away from the Subscriber, last Friday, a likely Virginia born Negro Man called JOHNNY, about 22 Years of Age, five Feet eight Inches high, has a down Look, and walks upright; he carried with him a Variety of Clothes, is fond of Liquor, in which he is very talkative and insinuating, has been always bred to the House, and is an extraordinary good Waiter. This Fellow formerly belonged to Amisfield Lightfoot, Esq; deceased, and is remarkable for Cock-fighting, Card-playing, and many other Games. I suspect he will pass as a Free-man, and endeavour to get out of the Colony, as he can read and write. All Masters of Vessels are cautioned not to carry him off, at their Peril. I will give 40 s. if taken within this Colony and brought home, besides what the Law allows, or 51. if taken in any other Colony.  CHARLES GRYMES.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 8, 1774.  THE Legatees of Mr. Joseph Scrivener, deceased, being very pressing to receive their respective Dividends of his Estate, it is expected that all Persons indebted thereto, by Bond, Book Debt, or for Goods purchased at the Sale, will make Payment by the ensuing October Court, as no longer Indulgence can or will be given by the Executors.  WILLIAM TREBELL. ROBERT NICOLSON.
Pursuant to an Act of Assembly, will be sold at Smithfield, on Thursday the 3d of November next,  EIGHTEEN HUNDRED and SIXTY EIGHT Acres (the remaining Part of a Tract) of well timbered level Land in Isle of Wight County, belonging to Mr. James Burwell. This Land is laid off into seven Lots, is within eleven Miles of Smithfield, and five of a very fine Merchant Mill. Any Person who has Thoughts of purchasing may know the Terms by applying to Mr. James Burwell, in York County.  (tf) LEWIS BURWELL. DUDLEY DIGGES. THOMAS NELSON, Junior. NATHANIEL BURWELL.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 29, 1774.  COMMITTED to the Publick Jail, on the 3d Instant, a Negro Man named CHARLES, who told me he belonged to Doctor Corbin Griffin of York, which I have repeatedly notified to the Doctor; but no Application having been made from him for the said Fellow, it is probable he has told me a Falstity. From his own Story, he was lately the Property of Mr. James Pride, from whom Doctor Griffin received him last February, and kept him in Possession till the July following, at which Time he eloped. He is about 25 Years old, five Feet nine Inches high, slim made, well dressed, and fit to act in the Capacity of a Waiting Man. His Owner is desired to take him away, and pay Charges.  (tf) PETER PELHAM.
For CHARTER,  THE Ship Lonsdale, James Grayson Master, Burthen about 430 Hnds. British built, two Years old, a very good Vessel, well fitted and found. For Terms apply to Richard Squire Taylor, in King William County.  (tf)
FOR SALE,  A TRACT of LAND in York County, about four Miles from Williamsburg, containing 250 Acres. It lies in about three Quarters of a Mile of York River, and about the same Distance from the Oyster Rocks, joins Colonel John Tabb's, and Colonel Landon Carter's Land, and has as much Timber as will pay for it in one Year, by selling Wood to the Inhabitants of Williamsburg. It is under a Mortgage to Mr. William Graves of York County, for about 1901. which Sum must be paid him at the Acknowledgment; for the Remainder of the Money one or two Years Credit will be given, as can be agreed on, and Possession may be had at Christmas. For Terms apply to Captain William Gregory of Charles City, or the Subscriber in the same County, about three Miles from the Courthouse.  (tf) AMBROSE JACKSON.
Wanted immediately,  A JOURNEYMAN SHOEMAKER that understands the Business well in all its Branches. Such a One, that can come well recommended, for an honest, industrious, sober Man, will meet with Encouragement to his Satisfaction, a good Seat of Work, and his Money paid every Saturday Night if he chooses it. Inquire for the Subscriber, near the upper Church, in Middlesex County.  (tf) SAMUEL DANIEL.
To be SOLD or RENTED (Preference will be given to the first)  A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Messrs. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives. The Land of itself is valuable, exclusive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-House, with other necessary Outbuildings, and a large and convenient Storehouse, 32 by 44 Feet. There are about 20 Acres of the low Ground well set in Timothy and Clover, and notwithstanding this dry Summer, 15 Acres of it have yielded above 30,000 Weight of Hay, which, with about 300 Bushels of Oats in the Straw, some Indian Corn, 40 Head of Cattle, 50 Head of Sheep, and some Hogs, will be sold on reasonable Terms. The Purchaser may have Possession of the Premises as soon as he pleases, and long Credit (if required) will be allowed for the Land, on his giving Bond and Security. It is expected the Store will be continued, and of Course the Purchaser will have the Benefit of the Board of the Storekeepers, and besides the Situation of the Place (being on Taylor's Ferry Road) makes it well calculated for a Tavern.  (tf) EBENEZER MACHARG.
NEW YORK, July 27, 1774.  FIFTY POUNDS REWARD,  WHEREAS , on the 19th of June last past, a certain JOSEPH THORP was entrusted with a considerable Sum in Half Johannesse, of nine Pennyweight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his Appearance there, with other suspicious Circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the Money. He is a Native of England, about six Feet high, swarthy Complexion, very dark keen Eyes, and pitted with the Smallpox, of a slender Make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, with some small Impediment in his Speech. He lived some Time in Boston, from whence he removed to Quebec, assuming the Character of a Merchant in both Places; he was also once in Trade in Newcastle, Virginia, and has a Brother settled there. It is believed he went on Board Captain John F. Pruyim, for Albany, and took with him a blue Cambric and a dark brown Cloth Suit of Clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp, in any of his Majesty's Jails on this Continent, shall be entitled to ten per Cent. on the Sum recovered, and the above Reward of 501. when convicted. Apply to Curzon and Seton of New York, Joseph Wharton, Junior, of Philadelphia, Robert Christie of Baltimore, James Gibson and Co. Virginia, John Bondfield of Quebec, Melatiah Bourne or John Rouse of Boston. It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp, since the 19th of June last past, or know any Thing of the Route he has taken, that they convey the most early Intelligence thereof to any of the above Persons, or Greenwood, Rifton, and Marsh, in Norfolk, or to Robert Pleasants and Co. at Four Mile Creek, Henrico County; the Favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from taking him off the Continent.  (tf)
W O O L L E N S.  THE Subscriber has just received, by the Kingston Packet, Captain Joseph Turner, from Hull, a large Assortment of coarse Woollens, viz. Six Quarter Cloths with necessary Trimmings, and other small Packages (of about 401. Sterling Value each) consisting of coarse Duffles, Friezes, Fearnought, Halfticks, Beafskins, Kendal Cottons, Negro Blanketing, Bed Blankets, White Plaiding, Rugs of different Kinds, and other Goods which he will sell reasonable for Cash, or short Credit.  (tf) JOHN STONEY.  ** He has also for Sale S E I N E T W I N E in small Packages, SHOT in Barrels, West India RUM, Flat and Square BAR IRON of a good Quality, and a Quantity of COALS in said Vessel.  NORFOLK, September 20, 1774.
To be SOLD,  A TRACT of LAND in Surry County, containing 450 Acres, known by the Name of Cabin Point, on which are a new Set of Brick Warehouses, which bring in about 701. a Year, and a new Brick Merchant Mill completely fitted with two Water Wheels on a never-failing Stream, within 100 Feet of the Wharf. The Land is very good for Grain, and has about 40 Acres that may be made fine Meadow. This is one of the most improveable Estates in the Country. Half the Purchase Money to be paid in twelve Months, the other Half may lie for seven Years, on good Security being given, and punctual Payment of Interest. If the Land is not sold by Christmas, it will be rented out.  (tf) BENJAMIN HARRISON.
FOR SALE,  TWO THOUSAND Acres of LAND, lying on the River Shenando, in the County of Frederick, eight Miles above Abby's Gap. One Third of the Purchase Money to be paid on the Day of Sale, and an extensive Credit will be given for the Remainder. Mr. James Brown will show the Land to any Person inclined to purchase, and I shall be on the Premises the 15th of November next.  (tf) NATHANIEL BURWELL.  ISLE OF WIGHT, July 19, 1774.
Pursuant to a Decree of the Honourable General Court, and by Letter of Attorney from Colonel George Mercer of Virginia, now in London, will be sold at publick Auction,
ABOUT 3500 ACRES of LAND in the County of Loudoun, near West's Ordinary, about twelve Miles from Leesburg, forty from Alexandria, and thirty five from Dumfries, on Potomack. This Land is well known, by the Description of Bull Run Mountains, and is very fertile. Also 6500 Acres on Shenando River, in the County of Frederick, opposite to Sicker's Ordinary, and binding on the River about seven Miles. As this Tract is Part of a Survey one of the first in that Part of the Colony, its good Quality cannot be questioned, it is well watered, will admit of two Mills on Land Streams, and others on the River; there are now on it six Plantations well improved for Cropping, 110 Slaves, and very large and choice Stocks of Horses (some of the Dry Breed) black Cattle, Hogs, and Sheep; which, together with the Crops of Corn and Wheat now growing (expected to be upwards of 2000 Barrels and 5000 Bushels) will be sold on the Premises, on the 24th Day of November next, or next fair Day. The Loudoun Lands will be sold at West's Ordinary, on the 24th Day of the same Month. Both Tracts will be laid off in Lots to suit every Kind of Purchaser, who may see them by applying to Mr. Francis Peyton, near the Loudoun Land, and Mr. William Dawson, who resides on the Shenando Tract. Among the Slaves are two good Blacksmiths, two Carpenters, and an exceeding trusty and skillful Waggoneer. The aged black Cattle, and grown Hogs, will be fattened for Slaughter. Purchasers above 251. will be allowed twelve Months Credit, on giving Bond and Security to the Subscribers, who will be prepared to make Conveyances.  (20) JOHN TAYLOR. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
For LIVERPOOL,  THE Ship GREENWOOD, Mackey Reed Master, loads at Norfolk, has two Thirds of her Cargo already engaged, can take in 200 Hnds. of Tobacco on Liberty of Consignment. Any Gentlemen inclined to ship by her will please to send their Orders to Mr. Richard Taylor of Peterburg, Mr. Richard Squire Taylor in King William County, or to us at Norfolk.  (tf) GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.
To be RENTED, from Year to Year, or for a Term of Years,  BELVOIR , the beautiful Seat of the Honourable George William Fairfax, Esq; lying upon Potomack River in Fairfax County, about fourteen Miles below Alexandria. The Mansion House is of Brick, two Stories high, with four convenient Rooms and a large Passage on the lower Floor, five Rooms and a Passage on the second, and a Servants Hall and Cellars below, convenient Offices, Stables, and Coach-House adjoining, as also a large and well furnished Garden, stored with a great Variety of valuable Fruits, in good Order. Appertaining to the Tract on which these Houses stand, and which contains near 2000 Acres (surrounded in a Manner by navigable Water) are several valuable Fisheries, and a good Deal of cleared Land in different Parts, which may be let altogether, or separately, as shall be found most convenient. The Terms may be known of Colonel Washington, who lives near the Premises, or of me in Berkeley County.  (tf) FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior.  NORFOLK, April 21, 1774.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a Number of Vessels will be wanted this Summer to bring about 6000 Tons of STONE from Mr. Brooke's Quarry on Rappahannock, and land the same on Cape Henry, for the Lighthouse. Any Person, or Persons, inclined to engage in such Work, are desired to treat with Matthew Peripp, Paul Loyall, and Thomas Newton, Esqrs. The Directors of the Lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two FLAT BOTTOMED VESSELS, from 80 to 120 Tons Burthen.  (tf) BASSETT MOSELEY.
FOR SALE,  A TRACT of LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about four Miles below the Courthouse, it is remarkable fine Land for Grain, and will bring good Tobacco. The Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, sufficient to work six or eight Hands, with all necessary Houses. Any Person inclined to purchase may depend on having a Bargain, and know the Terms by applying to  (tf) WILLIAM MARSHALL.
For SALE,  ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherst County, whereon are several Plantations and Improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty Hands. There is on the said Land for Sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with a Stone Dam and a Pair of good Cologne Millstones, which Mill has for two Years past got upwards of 100 Barrels of Toll Corn, and is situated on a never failing Stream. The Land will be shown by William Womack, who lives at one of the the Plantations, and the Prices of the Land made known by him. One or two Years Credit will be allowed, Interest being paid for the second Year, and also for the first, if the Money is not paid agreeable to Contract. The Land is to be laid off and surveyed by Colonel William Cabell, at the Expense of the Purchaser. Deeds will be made upon Bond and approved Security being given, either to Colonel William Cabell, or the Subscriber. Six per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money, or good Merchants Notes. If any Person will choose to exchange Lands in the lower Part of the Country, on or near some navigable River, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree.  (tf) CARTER BRAXTON.
ALL Persons may be supplied with this PAPER at 12s. 6d. a Year, and have ADVERTISEMENTS (of a moderate Length) inserted in it for 3s. the first Week, and 2s. each Week after. All Sorts of PRINTING WORK done at this Office in the neatest Manner, with and Expedition.