The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1773-07-29 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.
To Mess. PURDIE & DIXON.
TREASURY OFFICE, JULY 20, 1773.
GENTLEMEN,
I was with equal Concern and Astonishment that I read in your Gazette of the 15th Instant, under the London Head, the following Paragraphs.
“Extract of a Letter from a Member of the Virginia Assembly dated March 14th 1773 to his Correspondent in London” “Submitted to the serious Consideration of the British Merchants trading to that Colony.”
“Our Assembly is now sitting; almost 37,000 Pounds new Paper Notes of Credit are to be emitted to redeem those now in Circulation, notwithstanding the Redemption of 8000 Pounds of them should have taken Place in 1770 and the Taxes have been actually received for that Purpose. Would it not be wise in the Merchants in Britain to endeavour at obtaining Instructions from the King to our Governor not to assent to any of our Acts for emitting Paper Money?”
I am persuaded that no Member of the Assembly could have been the Author of a Letter, so big with the most injurious Reflections upon our Legislature; it must have been the Offspring of some other designing, insidious Person, who, to give Poignancy to his Malice, hath assumed this Character. Had this Letter been confined to the English Papers, it might suffice to give it a proper Answer through the same Channels; but, since it has been republished here, to prevent any bad Influence it may have in this and the other Colonies on the Continent, I beg the Favour of you to publish, in your next Week's Paper, the following Letter, which I have wrote to my Correspondent in London.
I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient Servant, R. C. NICHOLAS.
SIR, VIRGINIA, July 16, 1773.
HAVING already, by different Opportunities, wrote to you upon private and ordinary Affairs, my Attention is now reluctantly, though necessarily drawn to a Subject of a publick and more serious Nature, in which I consider not only my own Credit, but the Honour and Integrity of our General Assembly as essentially involved. I cannot sufficiently express my Surprise at reading in both our late Gazettes two Paragraphs, of which the enclosed is a literal Copy. The Liverpool Printer, I presume, took them from some London Paper, and, before this Time, they have probably circulated throughout Great Britain. Who was the Author of this extraordinary Letter, I will not venture to guess, lest I should do Injustice to any one; but I cannot believe it could have been written by “a Member of the Virginia Assembly,” as is suggested, because every Member of that Body must have been better acquainted with their Views and Proceedings, and I hope is actuated by stricter Principles of Honour, than to have given so partial and unjust a Representation. The Author's evident Design was to insinuate that our late Emission of Treasury Notes was wantonly and unjustly voted by the Assembly; that there had been a Misapplication made of the 8000 l. he speaks of, by the Treasurer, either of his own Accord, or by Direction of the Assembly, or, at least, with their Connivance; and what is worse, if possible, his Letter has a direct Tendency to subject the Conduct of our Legislature to the Censure of our most gracious Sovereign. Whether the Merchants of Britain have pursued the false Advice of the Author and endeavoured to obtain his Majesty's Instructions to our Governor “not to assent to any of our Acts of Assembly for emitting Paper Money,” would be to me a Matter of great Indifference, unless it were done upon such groundless Assertions; though I would fain hope that Gentlemen of their Discernment, who are so materially connected with this Colony, have not suffered themselves to be so easily deluded, and that they must consider our Legislature as respectable enough to be entitled to a candid Hearing, on this and all other interesting Occasions, before their Conduct is condemned. One, and this no inconsiderable Misfortune attending our distant Separation from our Parent Country, is, that we are too often exposed to Misrepresentations; various Instances of this Sort might be produced. If any Instructions should be obtained, I am persuaded they can only look forward and will not interfere with the Laws now in Force, under the Authority of which our Paper Money has been issued and is now actually in Circulation. A Moment's Reflection must suggest to you and every Man of Sense that a Measure of this Sort would introduce the greatest Confusion into the Country and involve many Individuals in the utmost Distress. For my own Part, I never was an Advocate for Paper Money; I believe a great Majority of our Assembly have an Aversion to it, and never would have consented to introduce such a Currency amongst us, but from the most pressing Necessity; though it is the Opinion of many judicious Persons that a moderate Quantity of Paper, established upon competent Funds, if it could be effectually guarded against Forgeries, would be of great Utility to this Country. From an earnest Desire that the Conduct of our Assembly, in these Money Matters especially, should be placed in a proper and just Point of View, I must beg your Attention to it, from first to last. Paper Currencies, I believe, had obtained in several other Colonies on this Continent long before an Introduction of such a Species of Money amongst us was thought of here. Our Assembly had so little Inclination to it, that, at the first Commencement of those Hostilities, which were introductory to the late War, when they were called upon for Aids, they preferred borrowing the Sum desired, even at an advanced Interest. In the Progress of the War, many and earnest Requisitions from the Crown were made of our Assembly; the Sums required, from Time to Time, were so very considerable, that there was no Prospect of borrowing them; could they have been had, the Interest would have proved so enormous a Burthen, that the Country could not have borne it, without distressing the People amazingly. Hence arose an absolute Necessity of having Recourse to a Paper Currency. The Sums voted, at different Times, were upon proper Estimates; and Funds, the most ample and unexceptionable, were established for the Redemption of the Treasury Notes; indeed, I can say with great Truth, that the Assembly was so scrupulous in this Matter, that, rather than there should be the smallest Doubt of their Sufficiency, they valued the Funds at much less, than those, who were best acquainted with them, were persuaded they would yield. The Demand of large Sums was almost annual for several successive Years; the Periods of Redemption of the different Emissions were various, and it would have been too burthensome to the People to have been obliged to sink an entire Emission by Taxes to be collected within the Year. The Consequence of this was that there became so great a Variety of Paper Money in Circulation; that it was morally impossible to wind up any one Emission at the Period of its Redemption. The Taxes were paid in such Money, as People happened to be possessed of, and you will readily see that the Treasurer was obliged to receive such Treasury Notes, as the Collectors offered in Payment, otherwise the Credit of the whole Money would have sunk at once. It cannot be denied, for I mean to tell you the whole Truth, that the Affairs of our Treasury, after many Years, fell into Confusion. An unhappy Incident, I must say not entirely peculiar to this Country, though it gives me Pain to recollect the Misfortunes of others. I would here gladly draw a Veil over the Infirmitates of my Predecessor in Office; but it is necessary, for your better understanding some of my subsequent Observations, that I should recall to your Remembrance, for the Thing was made very publick several Years ago, the Mismanagement of our Finances, as well, in not calling the Collectors to a stricter Account, as in lending out the publick Money. Both these Things, I have had abundant Reason to believe, in Respect to the Treasurer himself, were more owing to a mistaken Kind of Humanity and Compassion for Persons in Distress, than any View to his own private
Emolument; and, in Regard to the Assembly, they were deceived by placing too large a Share of Confidence in their Treasurer; he was grown old in this and another important Office; both of which he had filled, for a great Number of Years, with much Reputation. Upon his Death, and not till then, his Mismanagement was discovered. The Assembly immediately put this Business into a different Channel; guarded it with such Precautions and Restrictions, as their Experience had taught, and hoped that the World would look forward and be convinced that little Danger of the like Inconveniences was to be apprehended. After this Discovery, a thorough Scrutiny was made into the Affairs of the Treasury, and, in the Year 1767, a Committee being appointed to examine the Accounts of the different Emissions and the State of the several Funds, reported that the Sum of 539,962 l. 10 s. had been issued in Treasury Notes for publick Services. That, after deducting the Notes burnt by the standing Committee, appointed by Law for that Purpose, and what were then in the Treasurer's Hands, there remained in Circulation the Sum of 246,727 l. 2 s. 2 d. The Number of Notes burnt by the same Committee, since the above Report, reduces the Balance at this Time outstanding, as appears from the Treasury Books, to 54,337 l. 5 s. The Balance due to these Funds from the Estate of the late Treasurer, from the Arrears of Taxes in the Hands of the Collectors (I mean such as are believed to be good) have, upon several and late Examinations of our House of Burgess, been judged an ample Security for the Redemption of such of these Notes as remain in Circulation and moreover to discharge the Balance, which, from some subsequent Observations, will appear to be due from the old Notes to the Funds of later Emissions. The whole visible Estate of the late Treasurer has been sold to answer the Demands of the Publick; an Interest of five per Cent. is annually accounted for upon his Balance; every legal Method is pursued to get the Money out of the Hands of the Collectors; and, lest any Deficiency should happen, the House of Burgess have bound themselves by repeated Resolves to make it good. That this Balance and these Arrears have not been paid before this Time, I believe has been chiefly owing to the Scarcity of Money and the great Difficulties attending the Collection of it; but both of them have been and probably will be lessened considerably every Year. Most of the Merchants as well as others, sensible of the Goodness of the Foundation, on which the Security of these Notes is established, have generally (till within these twelve Months, when our Exchange took a sudden and unexpected Start, owing to the peculiar Complexion of the Times) preferred them either to Gold or Silver, as being more convenient for transacting the internal Business of the Country. Under these Circumstances the Assembly thought it unreasonable and unjust to impose new Taxes on the People for the Redemption of these Notes, as they had already paid more than was sufficient for that Purpose. As Things had unluckily fallen into Confusion, it was judged most prudent to endeavour at reducing them to Order by Degrees, having a proper Regard to the ultimate Security of the Publick and every Individual connected with it; indeed it was apprehended that over rigorous Measures might be productive of some considerable Losses. The Rise of Exchange, which I have acknowledged did occasion an Alteration in the Preference formerly given to our Treasury Notes, appears to have been chiefly owing to the Misfortunes in Great-Britain, and, by no Means to a Redundancy either of Specie or Paper Money. Every one, attentive to the Nature of Exchange, I think, must allow that it is regulated chiefly by the Quantity of Money and the Number of Bills brought to Market; if we suppose the Quantity of Money to be laid out in Bills, at different Times, nearly equal and the Number of Bills greatly lessened, this will of Course raise the Exchange. It is notorious that a large Proportion, if not much the greatest Number of Bills had been, for several Years past, drawn by the Scotch Factors; these Gentlemen's Draughts have, of late, been restrained to narrow Limits, and, I believe very few of those, who used to deal most considerably in Exchange, now draw any Bills at all. Our Exchange had fluctuated for a considerable Time and generally under Par; sometimes it was at fifteen, seventeen and a Half, twenty, twenty-two and a Half, per Cent; and, I think, last July, when the Misfortunes, which had happened in Great Britain, began first to be felt here, it rose to twenty five, afterwards to twenty seven and a Half, and, at the last Meeting of the Merchants to thirty per Cent. This Rise put the Remitters upon collecting all the Specie they could, and hence arose a Dislike in some to Paper Money; but you must think it resolvable into an Incident, which the wisest of Men could not have foreseen nor prevented.
We continued several Years, without any Expectation that we should be under a Necessity of issuing more Paper Money; but, in the Year 1769, a Requisition from the Crown was laid before the Assembly by our late worthy Governor, Lord Botetourt, to defray the Expenses of running a Line between this Colony and the Cherokee Country; the Sum desired, according to an Estimate laid before us, was 2000 l. Sterling; the Expenses of the Country for condemned Slaves, Tobacco lost in several publick Warehouses and other Contingencies ran pretty high, and, at the same Time, the Assembly was desirous to make Trial of a moderate Sum of Copper Money, which had been found extremely useful in some of the neighbouring Colonies; these several Articles would have called for about 15,000 l. but the publick Fund of our Treasury, as it is called to distinguish it from the other particular appropriated Funds, was very low. After considering several Expedients, it was judged most eligible to issue a moderate Sum in Treasury Notes; and, that it might be reduced to the narrowest Compass, we anticipated about 5000 l. which the ordinary standing Duties would probably bring in the ensuing Spring and only voted 10,000 l. to be issued in Paper Money, to pass in Payment to such Persons, as were willing to receive it. These Notes were made redeemable the 20th of November 1771 and the most ample Funds established to secure such Redemption. Accordingly 10,000 l. were emitted in the Paper, of which I formerly sent you a Sample, and which, from its peculiar Texture and the various Checks and Devices, with which it was guarded, every one hoped would have effectually secured the Money against Counterfeits and Forgeries. In the Year 1771 there happened the most extraordinary Overflows of our different Rivers, that had been known in the Memory of Man; vast Quantities of Tobacco were destroyed in many of the publick Warehouses; the Merchants and other Sufferers, in a Body, joined in a Memorial to the President and Council praying Relief; the Assembly was called and the distressed Situation of the unfortunate Sufferers recommended to their immediate and most serious Attention. You must know, Sir, that by our Inspection Law, under the Authority of which the publick Warehouses are established, the Country is obliged to make good every Loss of this Kind. The Assembly met in the Month of July, and, after considering maturely every Proposal, that was offered, they found that nothing could enable them, except a farther Emission of Paper Money, to do the Sufferers that speedy Justice, they had a Right to expect. They, therefore, voted 30,000 l. the smallest Sum, that could answer the Purpose, valuing themselves, in Aid of this, upon what might be saved by picking such Hogheads of Tobacco, as had been but partially damaged. The Notes to be emitted were made redeemable the 10th of December 1775 and such Funds were established for their Redemption, as every one acquainted with them, must be convinced will yield considerably more than the Sum emitted. Both these last Emissions were in such Estimation, that they were generally preferred to any other Money in the Colony; many Merchants, as well as others brought considerable Sums both of Gold and Silver to the publick Treasury to be exchanged for these Notes. Thus Matters stood till our Exchange rose; but even then, though a Preference was given to Specie by such, as had Occasion to make Remittances, the Treasury Notes maintained their Credit.
In the Month of January last, it was, after much Difficulty, discovered that both these Emissions had been counterfeited. The Forgeries were executed in so very ingenious and masterly a Manner, that those, who might be supposed best acquainted with the Money, were deceived. The Signers, the Engraver, the Printer, and the Numberers of the Notes could not, for some Time, be convinced of the Counterfeits. The Discovery happened to be made, when there was a general Meeting of the Merchants in this City; this occasioned a great Interruption in almost every Kind of Business. The united Voice of the whole Trade seemed to be that all the Notes of both Emissions ought immediately to be called in. A Memorial from the Treasury was presented to his Excellency the Governor, who summoned his Council, and, by their Advice, the Assembly was called. The Subject underwent the maturest Deliberation; many Expedients were proposed and duly weighed. Could the Money have been borrowed, with Certainty and in Time, at a reasonable Interest, this would have been thought the most eligible Measure, and, I am persuaded, would have been adopted, without searching for any other; but there was no Prospect of it; the Representatives of the People, collected from all Parts of the Country could not say with Certainty where so much as 1000 l. was to be had. In such a Situation, what could have been done? Something every one saw was necessary; the Circulation of the Money, in most Parts, was stopped, though every Method had been used to make the Publick acquainted with such Marks, as distinguished the good from the forged Bills, so soon as the Counterfeits were detected. Unwilling, as the Assembly really was, to issue more Paper Money, it was found, at last, that no other Method could be safely relied on. There happened to be in the Country a Quantity of Paper, imported some Years ago by one of our most considerable Merchants, who, with several others, had a Design of establishing a private Bank. This Paper was fabricated in London by a very eminent Hand, as you may see by the Sample enclosed. The Assembly was of Opinion that it would afford a much better Security against Forgeries, than any we had before made Use of and therefore resolved to make Trial of it, for a short Time. In Order to determine the Quantity necessary to be emitted, the State of the several Funds was accurately examined, and there was found to be in Circulation, of the two Emissions in 1769 and 1771, the Sum of 36,834 l. about 29,000 l. of the last added to the former made up this aggregate Sum. Here it will be necessary for me to make a small Digression to explain to you the Cause that so large a Sum of this Money still continued out, and this will farther show my Reasons for speaking so fully of the Fund of old Notes, which, but for the Circumstances before mentioned, would all have been sunk long ago. You will be pleased to observe the Variety of Money we must necessarily have had in Circulation; it consisted of old Treasury Notes, those of 1769 and 1771, and what Gold and Silver might happen, from Time to Time, to be in the Circle; the Taxes to redeem these later Emissions were, as formerly, paid in such Money, as the People had and the Treasurer was obliged to receive such, as was offered him. The Author of the Extract of the Letter says that “the Redemption of 8000 l. ought to have taken Place in 1770” and that the Taxes had actually been received for that Purpose. He must allude to the Notes of 1769, for the others were not issued until the Fall 1771; but, in both these Assertions, he is egregiously mistaken. You will be pleased to recollect, from what I have said, that these Notes were not redeemable until 1771, and that, at the Time he mentions, there could have been collected but one Year's Taxes; and these were not then all paid into the Treasury. The Truth is, and this seems to be all that is necessary to be known, that the Taxes appropriated to the Redemption of these Notes had yielded and there had been paid into the Treasury before the last Meeting of the Assembly considerably more than the 10,000 l. emitted, besides which there were some Arrears due to that Fund in the Hands of the Collectors.
Of the Taxes appropriated to the Redemption of the Notes issued in 1771, there had been paid, in Part, for the first Year's Collection the Sum of 5947 l. 18 s. 7 d. Besides, there were also considerable Arrears due to this Fund, which every Endeavour is used to enforce the speedy Payment of. But it must not be supposed that these Taxes were chiefly paid either in Specie or in the particular Notes of the two last Emissions; the Fact is, that they were paid indiscriminately in different Sums of Money, though principally in the old Notes, as the new were less desired and most People wished to keep them in Circulation. You must know, Sir, when there were, several Years ago, new Regulations established for the better ordering the Affairs of the Treasury, that a standing Committee was appointed of Gentlemen of unexceptionable Characters, who meet in the Months of June and December annually, examine the Treasurer's Accounts by their proper Vouchers, and to them the Treasurer is obliged to produce the several Balances in his Hands, of which they give him a Certificate, to be published, for the Satisfaction of the Country, in our Gazette. In December last the Accounts were all strictly examined by this Committee; the Treasurer produced the several Balances due to the different Funds, the Accounts of which are kept entirely distinct. There were then in the Treasury of old Notes 19,590 l. 19 s. which the Committee burnt and destroyed together with 923 l. all there was, of the Emission of 1769. Of the former Sum 9536 l. 5 s. 7 d. properly belonged to the other Funds. There were in the Treasury about 2000 l. of the Notes of 1771, great Part of which had been received for Duties appropriated to defray the current Expenses of the Country, and which were therefore properly applicable to those Purposes; these, together with what Specie and Bills of Exchange of undoubted Credit, which were in Hand, made up the exact Balances due to the Country on each particular Account. The Balance due from the old Fund to the new at this Time, including the Notes lately burnt, appears to be 13,172 l. 19 s. 2 d. Before the Forgeries were discovered, it was judged most prudent to destroy the old Notes as fast as they came in; this could make no Difference to the Publick or any Individual, as the Funds, upon the Whole, are on such good Grounds, believed to be ample sufficient; and, in Case any Deficiency should happen, the publick Faith is pledged to make it good. The Specie, which remained, it was absolutely necessary to reserve in the Treasury to exchange for every Sort of the Paper Money, as it was brought in from Time to Time. In the Course of Payments, it frequently happened that there were received considerable Sums of the new Notes for the Use of the old Fund, which the Treasurer exchanged for old Notes with such Persons as were willing to take them. In short, in this complicated Business every Endeavour hath been used to support the Credit of the Treasury and to do the Publick, as well as every Individual the utmost Justice. The chief Object has been to gather in the Taxes with all possible Expedition, to take proper Care of the Money, when received, and to apply it, so far as could be done, to the Purposes, for which it was intended. But to return to the Proceedings of the Assembly. These you will be best able to judge of by having Recourse to the Act herewith sent.
The Author of the Extract asserts that “almost 37,000 l. new Paper Notes of Credit are to be emitted to redeem those that are now in Circulation.” If he would take the Trouble to read the Act, as he surely ought to have done, before he ventured to pass his Censure, he will find his Assertion to be groundless. The Truth is this; it was thought necessary that all the outstanding Notes of both Emissions should be immediately called in. The Time appointed for the Redemption of those issued in 1769 was elapsed, and therefore they could not properly be redeemed by issuing other Bills of Credit. The Notes of 1771 were not redeemable until the 10th Day of December 1775; there could be no Improperity in substituting other and better Paper Notes in Lieu of these, redeemable at the same Time. Upon such Principles you will find the Act was framed. The Treasurer is empowered, not to issue Treasury Notes not to that Amount,

as is offered, but to borrow any Sum not exceeding 36,834 l. The Money, when borrowed, was to be applied, in the first Place, to the Redemption of the Treasury Notes issued in 1769, and, when this was done, then to redeem the Notes of 1771; but, if the Treasurer was not able to borrow the Whole or any Part of the Sum, in one Month, he was then empowered to issue his Notes for any Sum, that might be requisite to make up the Deficiency of such Sums, as he could not borrow, to be exchanged for the Notes of 1771. These new Notes were not made a legal Tender, but were to pass in Payment to such Persons only as should be willing to receive them. For the Repayment of such Sums with Interest, as might be borrowed, and, for the Redemption of the new Notes to be issued, you will find that all the Funds of the other Notes are expressly mortgaged, and moreover the Act declares that, if they should prove deficient, the same shall be made good by the Publick. You will find that a farther Provision is made, which it was thought would be extremely useful and the most probable Means to prevent Forgeries. The Treasurer is directed to redeem these new Notes on the first of June 1774, by applying, in the first Place, so much Money, as shall then have come to his Hands of the Duties and Taxes; and, if these should not be sufficient, he is empowered to borrow Money; and, if he should not be able to do this, he is then directed to issue other Treasury Notes to redeem such of those, directed by the Act to be first issued, as may, at that Time, remain in Circulation; these other Notes are to be imprinted upon the most proper Paper, that can be procured from Great Britain, in the mean Time. This Act hath been and will be strictly conformed to. None of the new Notes have issued, except in Exchange for those of 1771, though many of the Merchants and others would gladly have taken them for those of 1769 also. The whole Sum, that can be issued, will not exceed 29,000 l. and I am hopeful that I shall be able to do with less. The Shortness of the Time allowed for borrowing, before the Notes were to be issued, I know was objected to by some; but Necessity urged the Assembly to it, and after Experience proved that they judged rightly. At a Meeting of the Merchants in January, it hath been observed that a Stop was put to great Part of their Business in the Money Way; I am persuaded the Case would have been much worse at their next Meeting in April, had not the new Notes been prepared ready to be exchanged for the others; besides, though I have ever since the Assembly been desirous of borrowing any Sum in Specie, that could be had for the Purpose, I have not been able to procure more than 4100 l. Knowing the great Scarcity of Gold and Silver in the Country, I offered, from the first, to take in the Notes of 1769 and 1771 and to pay Interest for them; but, in this, I could not succeed. Some Persons might have been disappointed that there was not offered a higher Premium for Money, than five per Cent. Interest; but the Assembly could see no good Reason for this; indeed it seemed a probable Means of relieving one Part of the Community at the Expense of another. Some Creditors, it was feared, would have been too apt to distrust their Debtors for the Sake of an advanced Interest. From this Relation of Facts, the Truth of which may be proved by undoubted Testimony and the most authentick Documents, I submit it to your Candour to determine how far the Author of the Extract can be justified in his grounds and ill-natured Aspersions. The best and wisest of Men may differ in their Opinions, as to the Propriety of Measures, especially in Cases of Intricacy and Importance; it is possible that the more judicious, and such, as are better acquainted with Things of this Sort, may discover some Errors in our Proceedings, which have escaped us; but, for the Purity and Uprightness of the Intentions of our Assembly, from first to last, in all these Money Transactions, so far as they have fallen under my Observation; and for the Justice of every Thing done at our Treasury, since I have been honoured with the Management of it, I will venture to pawn my Credit with you and the whole World. It only remains for me to beg your friendly Indulgence for the Trouble I have given you by so long a Letter and to assure you that I am, with the highest Sentiments of Esteem, very respectfully, SIR, Your most obedient humble Servant, RO. C. NICHOLAS.
TO THE FRIENDS TO VINE-PLANTING.
GENTLEMEN, IT is much to be regretted, that at a Time when the Country appears to have an earnest Desire to see a fair Experiment of the Practicability of making Wine in Virginia, some small Effort is not made at least to procure Vines proper for the Purpose. Whatever Grape comes to Perfection in Countries like the North of France and in the South of Britain (whose Summers are cooler than ours) will not come to the same in this Country. Miller, that excellent Naturalist, says, "that he believes it will be found true in all Fruits (therefore in Grapes) that where the natural Heat of the Sun ripens and prepares their Juices, so as to render them palatable (and, we may say, proper for Wine) whatever Degree of Heat those Juices may have more will render them weak-er, less Spirituous (and more improper for Wine)." An austere Grape, from those Countries (as the Treflau) would be far more eligible than their finest Grapes; the same Miller observing, "that rough austere Fruits, transplanted from a cold to a warmer Climate, have been so altered by the greater Heat of the Sun as to excel the very finest Fruits of the Country whence they were taken." By Parity of Reason, whatever Fruit comes to entire Perfection in warm Countries, will lose of its Perfection by Transplantation in colder; but such as are too sweet and luscious, or produce Liquors that are so, will receive an Improvement. The Lachryma at Naples, which requires Years before it gain an agreeable Dryness, would probably be improved by the Diminution of Sweetness it would obtain by Cultivation in Virginia. But what might not be expected from the Vines which produce the Tuscan Verdea and the Montepulciano? These are excellent, in the Grand Duchy, and would here scarce perceive a Change of Climate.
It is not enough that Grapes come to a fine Maturity in Virginia to make Wine. The Time of that Maturity is of the utmost Consequence. If it arrive before the 25th of August, the Wine (unless in Cellars uncommonly deep) is liable to be injured by too hasty a Fermentation. If between that Time and the 10th of September (besides the above mentioned Inconvenience, if the Weather be fair) let it be remembered that almost all the great Guts have happened in that Interval, and that, when no Guts happen, we seldom fail of a Season of eastwardly Winds and wet Weather. Of the ripening Grapes, which could resist the Violence of the Winds, many would burst, and the Remainder be greatly hurt in Quality by a Superfluity of Water, which the Sun would not have Time to concoct. Upon the Whole, it seems that the best Season for the Maturity of the Grape is from the 10th of September (as Guts seldom happen so late) until the first Frosts of Autumn, towards the last of October, when the Vicissitudes of Heat and Cold are not so great nor sudden. In Europe the Vintage of Lagadica, in the Country of the Grisons, is in July; at Naples, in the last Days of October and Beginning of November; in other Places, at all the intervening Times. Why must we render Success, in an important Enterprise, altogether uncertain, rather than be at the trifling Expense of importing Vines proper for our Climate?
It is true that Vineyards of a fine early Grape may produce Raisins, an Article in Commerce far from despicable; but our Object is Wine. I cannot hear of a single Vine whose Grapes may be expected to produce it, in any Degree of Excellence, without Precautions that cannot generally be taken. White Grapes, according to Bider, Author of a valuable Treatise on Viticulture, are greatly inferior to black ones. We have none that are black; and our Purple are all early, because imported from Countries whose moderate Summers can only bring such to Maturity. A Grape, which ripens in England in September, will, like Wheat, ripen here in July. I have very respectable Authority for saying that Burgundy Grapes have failed upon fair Experiment in Maryland; a contrary Event had been surprising. That Grape (the Aurevigne) is the same precisely which Miller recommends as the best for England. It cannot be supposed (if any Reliance may be had on Miller's Reasoning) that a Grape, the best calculated for England, can be, in any Respect, calculated for Virginia or Maryland. After every Inquiry, possible for me, I am persuaded the Vines of Upper Italy will certainly, and the Lachryma very probably, answer in Virginia. But not to neglect whatever Chance, and not Design, may have turned, I think it a Duty to request whoever, among the Wellwishers to Vineyards, may have a late Grape and can spare me Cuttings, to advise in Time for me to receive them on the first of November. The Country has unhappily a great Partiality for native Vines, the only native Production to which it was ever partial. Whoever attempts a Vineyard of those and miscarries, may indeed incur, but not deserve, Censure. Bider, after enumerating the several Vines in France, concludes with an Account of the Vigne-vierge . "There are (says he) various Sorts of them used in Courts and Gardens to cover such high Walls as are not exposed to the Sun, and where fruitful Plants cannot produce. The Wild Vine is called, in Latin, Labrusca , in French, Vigne-vierge . It comes to us from Canada, and bears Fruit neither palatable nor proper for Wine. It wants Fire (if it n'est point de Feu) it comes well from the Seed." The Want of Fire, mentioned by Bider (derived from that of a sufficient Saccharine Substance, if I rightly understand the Term) I am sensible, from Expe-
riment, is chargeable on our native Summer Grapes. Indeed, it is scarce to be doubted but those Canada Grapes are the very same. We must, like the different People of Europe who make Wine, import foreign Vines, and expect Success from a judicious Choice. What shall prevent it, it is hard to imagine. Never was greater Temptation to a publick Exertion; but we seem to study our own Disappointment by superadding to the Difficulties, peculiar to a new Enterprise, whatever is likely to render its Success precarious. Having Occasion to apply to you, Gentlemen, for your Assistance in furnishing Sips for my Vineyard, I thought it not impertinent to add the above Reflexions; which, inasmuch as they are drawn from Miller, deserve to be considered. But all the Reflexions in the World are unavailing, unless you, Gentlemen, who conceive the Utility of the Measure contribute a little Vigour to its Execution.
I am, Gentlemen, your most obedient Servant, June 20, 1773. ROBERT BOLLING, Junior. P.S. Boxes of Sips, covered in Earth, and sent up James River, by Water, to the Care of Mr. Richard Crump, Merchant, Rocky Ridge, would have a quick Conveyance to the Vineyard in Buckingham.
BOSTON, July 1. THE Grandmother of a young Lady married last Week at Abington, though a Hundred Years of Age, rode to the Wedding, behind a Gentleman of eighty, with all the Gaiety of Sixteen.
We hear the Committee of Correspondence of Boston have enclosed, in a spirited circular Letter, the Governor's Letters, so called, with the Title Page as printed in the Pamphlet, also the Resolves of the House, and sent them to the several Town Clerks through the Province to be communicated.
Lat Wednesday the House of Commons of this Province passed a humble Petition and Remonstrance to the King, praying that his Majesty would be pleased to remove from their Posts in this Government his Excellency THOMAS HUTCHINSON, Esq; Governor, and the Honourable ANDREW OLIVER, Esq; Lieutenant Governor.
July 5. Tuesday last the Great and General Court, or Assembly, of this Province, was prorogued to Wednesday the 15th of September next, his Excellency the Governor having first signed his Assent to several engrossed Bills which passed this Session. On Monday last his EXCELLENCY sent the following Message to both Houses:
Gentlemen of the Council, and of the House of Representatives, THE Secretary has laid before me a Number of engrossed Bills, in which you have made an Alteration in the usual Form of inserting the Year of the King's Reign. I am not only averse to Innovations, unless a manifest Reason can be given, but I am also restrained by my Instructions from consenting to any Bill of an unusual and extraordinary Nature without a suspending Clause. I must desire you to reconsider this Matter, and to cause your Bills to be prepared in a Form which has not only been constantly practiced in this Government, but, as I have Reason to think, in most Parts of his Majesty's Dominions.
T. HUTCHINSON. To which the HOUSE immediately sent the following Answer: May it please your Excellency, THE House have read your Message just now laid before them, and cannot but wonder that you should consider the Bills that have passed the two Houses as of an extraordinary Nature, merely because the Words expressive of the Year of the King's Reign are in plain English instead of the Roman Language as usual, or that your Excellency should think yourself restrained by an Instruction from consenting to them. It is immaterial to the House, and therefore, if your Excellency thinks proper to order the Bills to be laid before us, we will, to gratify your Excellency, recede from that which you are pleased to stile an Innovation.
NEW YORK, July 12. ON Tuesday last Sir John Johnson with his amiable Bride, and a party of Gentlemen and Ladies, set out for Fort Johnson. We have the Pleasure to acquaint the Publick that Sir William Johnson is now recovered to a good State of Health.
Advice is received from Honduras Bay, dated the 29th of May last, that the Day before the Inhabitants at St. George's Key were alarmed with an Account of an Insurrection having happened among the Negroes in the Old River, which broke out amongst the Slaves belonging to Walter Davidson, who, when the Accounts came away, had murdered two white Men, and, being powerful in Number, were proceeding to the next Mohogany Works, to invite or force the Slaves to join them. A Number of Inhabitants, joined to a Detachment of Sailors from the Diligence Man of War, properly victualled and armed, are just now preparing to set off in Quest of the Revolted. Every Person possessed of Families and Property in the different Rivers is obliged to quit the Keys, and proceed thither. Such Negroes as are suspected on this Key were last Night taken up, and confined on Board the Man of War. Every Precaution is taken to prevent any farther Disorder, and it is hoped the Insurrection will, with the Blessing of God, be subdued in a short Time.
On Tuesday Night arrived one of the Transports which left Chatham on the 6th of May, having on Board two Companies of the fourth Battalion of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, under the Command of Colonel Cleveland.
PHILADELPHIA, July 7. MONDAY last arrived here Captain Hunter, in 33 Days from the Bay of Honduras, by whom we learn that the Sloop Industry, Captain Glyn, from the Bay for New York, was in the Night of the 10th of May drove by the Current on the Northern Triangle, where the Vessel and Cargo are lost, and one Mrs. Emory drowned. The Crew, with John Peck, Ship Carpenter, Peter Wright, his Wife and Child, Passengers, took to the Boat, on Board of which they remained five Days before they got to St. George's Key, without any Provision, except one Fowl amongst the many, the Blood of which was given to the Child, which preferred its Life.
We hear that the Loss of the Spanish Register Ship, on the Northern Triangle, as mentioned in our Paper of the 16th ult. has enriched most of the Settlers at the Bay, by the great Quantity of Money spent among them by the Spaniards, and the Indigo which they have got up from the Wreck; so that most of them think of removing to other Parts of the Continent, and many who left their former Places of Abode in Debt talk of paying all off.
Extra of a Letter from Annapolis, July 2. "Our Assembly is passing an Act to sell out 40,000 l. Bank Stock and lend it to the People in Maryland to keep up their Credit, which will be of great Service at this Time, as a Stop is put to all Business, from the Number of Failures in England."
WILLIAMSBURG, July 29. IT being current through the Country, as we are credibly informed, that the Flux, or some pestilential Disorder, rages so in this City as to carry off five and six in a Day, it is certainly necessary that the Publick should be undeceived in this Particular, and we do affirm, with much Truth, that the said Report is entirely groundless. It is true the Measles have robbed us of a Number of Children, and it is with Concern that we hear other Parts of the Colony have been equally unfortunate. All the other Inhabitants have enjoyed their usual good Health, which the Situation of this Metropolis is so renowned for bestowing. We could wish that every one who is in a different State would but come and make Trial of our salubrious Air, and we dare say that in a little Time (with the Blessing of God) they may return, with Joy and Gladness, to their own Habitations.
The Venus, Captain Oliffe, from Dublin, is come up to Barwell's Ferry with seventy indentured Servants; some of whom, we learn, are well acquainted with the Cloth Manufacture. Captain Oliffe says, that he was well informed, before he left Dublin, that upwards of 18,000 People had left Ireland, since January last, to settle in different Parts of America.
Captain Nesbitt, of the Ship Friendship, from London, arrived in James River, spoke the Mary and Elizabeth, from Philadelphia, bound for London, Thomas Mason Commander, in Latitude 49° 0 W. Longitude 4 Degrees W. and on the 11th, in Latitude 41 N. Longitude 20 W. with the Charming Nancy, Captain James Wilson, from Virginia, for Lisbon, all well.
We hear that Dinwiddie Courthouse was burnt down on the 20th of this Instant, and it is supposed was wilfully set on Fire.
[DEATHS.] Miss NANCY BASSETT, second Daughter of Burwell Basset, Esq; of New Kent, in her tenth Year.
* * * The Piece from SURFOLK is obliged to be deferred this Week, for Want of Room, but will certainly have a Place in our next.
Mr. BAKER, SURGEON DENTIST, will set out some Time next Month for Frederick Springs, and intends returning to this City by the Beginning of October.
PORTSMOUTH, July 26. Last Thursday SAMUEL KERR, Esquire, was elected Mayor of this Town, and several Gentlemen of Distinction were admitted as Aldermen. The President sat till the last.
Advertisements.
PETERSBURG, July 20, 1773.
WHEREAS Mr. Thomas How Ridgate, of the Province of Maryland, Merchant, has, by Deed bearing Date the 19th of May last, assigned over all his Goods and Effects, now in my Hands, to Messrs. John Rogers, Thomas Stone, and Philip Richard Fessall, in Trust, for the Satisfaction of his Creditors residing in Virginia, after answering such other Purposes as in the said Deed are set forth; and the said Trustees having given me full Power to act in their Behalf, according to the Tenour of the Deed, this is therefore to give Notice that the Deed aforesaid, together with the Release to be executed on the Part of the Creditors, are in my Possession: And I do hereby desire all Creditors aforesaid, who incline to accept the Terms proposed in the said Deed, to make their Claims known to me before the next October General Court. A State of the Affairs is now ready for their Inspection; and as my Instructions from the Trustees are to have the Business closed with the utmost Expedition, all Persons indebted for Dealings with me at this Place are requested to make immediate Payment.
(4) WILLIAM HARRISON. N.B. I retail the Goods on Hand at 50 per Cent. for ready Cash, and will sell them in the lumping Way at a low Advance, on short Credit.
AS there has been a Report that I have sold my Tract of LAND on Turkey Creek, in Pittsylvania, I think it necessary to inform the Publick that I have sold but very little of it since my last Advertisement, and have yet left, of the old Survey, 529 Acres, which I have laid off into ten different Tracts, namely: 1500 Acres, including the Plantation, lying on both Sides of the Creek; one of 1133 Acres, on the Creek also; 500 Acres on Sailor's Creek; one more of 500 Acres on Sailor's Creek and Turkey Creek, adjoining the last mentioned; 335 Acres on the Creek; 321 Acres on Sailor's Creek; 300 Acres on the Mill Branch; 265 Acres on the Camp Branch; 155 Acres on the Mill Branch and the Camp Branch; and 120 Acres on Aaron's Creek. Notwithstanding I have empowered William Tunstall, Hugh Innis, Robert Williams, and Arthur Hopkins, Gentlemen, to dispose of the above mentioned Lands, yet, as I am the best acquainted with them, I propose attending myself at Pittsylvania September Court, and for a few Days before, in Order to show the same (which lies very near the Courthouse) and treat with Persons inclined to purchase. I have 3 or 4000 Acres of Land more, lying contiguous to the above mentioned, in different Surveys and Entries, also several other Surveys and Entries in other Parts of the County, which I would sell; amongst which are 400 Acres at the Mouth of Turkey Creek, with a Mill on it, which is at present a little out of Repair, but in a fine Settlement for Custom, and on one of the most constant Streams in the Country. Part of the Land is extraordinary good for Tobacco, and I will sell it extremely cheap, even 20 per Cent. less than the real Value. GEORGE JEFFERSON.
A MEETING OF THE OHIO COMPANY IS DESIRED At Stafford Courthouse, on Friday the 27th of August, On Business of the utmost Importance.
(5) G. MASON, Treasurer. N.B. In the first Publication of this Advertisement a Mistake was made in the Day of the Week appointed for the above Meeting: Friday (being the 27th of August) ought to have been inserted instead of Tuesday.
INOCULATION. THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Publick that he has opened a very convenient House, in a pleasant Situation, near New Brunswick, for the Reception of such Persons as propose taking the SMALL-POX by INOCULATION. The best Attendance will be given, and every Thing proper for their Accommodation shall be furnished, at the moderate Rate of about NINE DOLLARS in ordinary Cases.
Many are deterred from being inoculated on Account of sore Arms, Boils, and large Abscesses, often attending the common Method of treating the Disease, but more especially from the ill Effects of the too free and indiscriminate Use of Mercury, by which many (though they recover the Small-pox, yet the Constitution being injured) soon fall Victims to some other Malady, or lead a Life of Pain for many Years.
All these Inconveniences are avoided by a particular Method of preparing the Patient, the most efficacious, and the least detrimental to the Constitution (in many Instances without the Use of Mercury) by the Manner of conveying the Infection, and by the subsequent Treatment of the Disease, without the least Confinement; the Advantages of which, the Publick may be assured, have been fully demonstrated in the Treatment of between six and seven Hundred Patients under the Subscriber's Care, in the Space of two Years, without the Misfortune of losing one; nor has there happened the least Accident to any while under his Care.
N.B. Any Persons in the Colony of Virginia, inclining to be inoculated at said Place, may be accommodated with Passages by a regular and convenient Stage from Baltimore Town to New Brunswick, in New Jersey. (4) JOHN COCHRAN.
WANTS EMPLOYMENT, A YOUNG Man capable of managing a Clerk's Office, who will wait on any Person wanting a Deputy in that Business, on their Application by Letter to Mr. William Pollard, Clerk of Hanover. He can be well recommended. (2)
NEWCASTLE, July 14, 1773. THE Subscribers have on Hand between six and seven Hundred Pounds Sterling Worth of EUROPEAN and EAST INDIA GOODS, which they will dispose of at a low Advance, by Wholesale, and make the Terms of Payment convenient to the Purchaser. We request the Favour of all those indebted to us to come and settle their Accounts immediately, by Bond or Payment, otherwise they may be assured their Accounts will be put into an Attorney's Hands, without Respect to Persons. (1) JOHNSON & TINSLEY.
BULL HILL, Hanover County, July 28, 1773. I INTEND practising PHYSICK and SURGERY, in their various Branches, at this Place; and shall be much obliged to my Friends, and the Publick in general, for their Faviours, who may rely upon my Diligence and due Attendance. I have a fresh Assortment of DRUGS and MEDICINES, which I will dispose of on reasonable Terms, for Cash, or on short Credit. EZEKIEL GILBERT.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of William Thompson, deceased, of Portsmouth Town, in Norfolk County, either by Bond, Bill, or Book Account, are requested to make Payment; and those who have Claims against the said Estate are desired to make them known, properly adjusted, to JOHN THOMPSON, Administrator.
To be SOLD, on the 1st of January next, A TRACT containing 666 Acres of good Tobacco and Grain LAND, in Goochland, whereon is a Plantation in good Order for Cropping, with a Dwellinghouse and all convenient Outhouses. Also, at the same Time, will be sold ten Virginia born SLAVES, nine of whom are very likely. Any Person inclining to purchase before the Day of Sale may know the Terms by applying to GEORGE BARCLAY, Executor of Mary Cole, deceased.
TO BE SOLD, A VERY valuable PLANTATION on Roanoke River, in Mecklenburg County, containing 450 Acres, whereon is a very good new Dwellinghouse, with two Brick Chimneys and four Fireplaces, a new Kitchen with a Brick Chimney, a Meat House, Dairy, and all other Outhouses for Cropping; three very good Apple Orchards, two of them latter Fruit, which hangs till November, in all about four Hundred bearing Trees. Near 200 Acres of this Plantation is low Grounds; the high Land is very good, with fine Springs, and Pastures for Sheep, Cattle, and Horses. I will take Negroes in Part, if it can be agreed on. The Terms may be known by applying to me, at the said Plantation, near Taylor's Ferry, at the Mouth of Allen's Creek, very convenient to the Courthouse and to two Churches, and a very good Mill within one Mile. (1) SAMUEL BUGG.

MOUNT VERNON, July 15, 1773.
THE Subscriber having obtained Patents for upwards of twenty Thousand Acres of Land on the Ohio and Great Kanawha (ten Thousand of which are situated on the Banks of the first mentioned River, between the Mouths of the two Kanawhas , and the Remainder on the Great Kanawha , or New River , from the Mouth, or near it, upwards, in one continued Survey) proposes to divide the same into any fixed Tenements that may be desired, and lease them upon moderate Terms, allowing a reasonable Number of Years Rent free, provided, within the Space of two Years from next October , three Acres for every fifty contained in each Lot, and proportionably for a lesser Quantity, shall be cleared, fenced, and tilled; and that, by or before the Time limited for the Commencement of the first Rent, five Acres for every Hundred, and proportionably, as above, shall be enclosed and laid down in good Grass for Meadow; and, moreover, that at least fifty good Fruit Trees for every like Quantity of Land shall be planted on the Premises. Any Persons inclineable to settle on these Lands may be more fully informed of the Terms by applying to the Subscriber, near Alexandria , or, in his Absence, to Mr. Lund Washington ; and would do well in communicating their Intentions before the 1st of October next, in order that a sufficient Number of Lots may be laid off to answer the Demand.
As these Lands are among the first which have been surveyed in the Part of the Country they lie in, it is almost needless to premise that none can excel them in Luxuriance of Soil, or Convenience of Situation, all of them lying upon the Banks either of the Ohio or Kanawha , and abounding in fine Fish and Wildfowl of various Kinds, as also in most excellent Meadows, many of which (by the bountiful Hand of Nature) are, in their present State, almost fit for the Scythe. From every Part of these Lands Water Carriage is now had to Port Pitt , by an easy Communication; and from Port Pitt , up the Monongahela , to Redstone , Vessels of convenient Burthen may, and do pass continually; from whence, by Means of Cheat River , and other navigable Branches of the Monongahela , it is thought the Portage to Potomack may, and will, be reduced within the Compass of a few Miles, to the great Ease and Convenience of the Settlers in transporting the Produce of their Lands to Market. To which may be added, that as Patents have now actually passed the Seals for the several Tracts here offered to be leased, Settlers on them may cultivate and enjoy the Land in Peace and Safety, notwithstanding the unsettled Councils respecting a new Colony on the Ohio ; and as no Right Money is to be paid for these Lands, and a Quitrent of two Shillings Sterling a Hundred, demandable some Years hence only, it is highly presumable that they will always be held upon a more desirable Footing than where both these are laid on with a very heavy Hand. And it may not be amiss farther to observe, that if the Scheme for establishing a new Government on the Ohio , in the Manner talked of, should ever be effected, these must be among the most valuable Lands in it, not only on Account of the Goodness of Soil, and the other Advantages above enumerated, but from their Contiguity to the Seat of Government, which more than probable will be fixed at the Mouth of the Great Kanawha .
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
TO BE RENTED,
The Plantation whereon Mr. William Clifton formerly lived, lately possessed by Mr. Samuel Johnson , and at present in the Tenure and Occupation of his Daughter. This Plantation, or Farm, is very pleasantly situated upon Potomack River , about five Miles below Alexandria , and contains about 200 Acres of cleared Land, very good for Grain of every Kind, or Tobacco, and has one of the largest and best Springs on this Side of the Blue Ridge , within twenty Yards of the Door. It has a Front upon the River of near a Mile and a Half, which affords several good Fishing Landings, one of which only, last Spring, rented, during the Shad and Herring Season, for twenty five Pounds. To this Place belongs a well accustomed Ferry, upon the most direct Road leading from Annapolis , through Colchester , Dumfries , and Fredericksburg , to Williamsburg . On the Premises are a Dwellinghouse with two Brick Chimneys and seven Rooms, a Kitchen, Smokehouse, &c. &c.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber in Halifax Town , North Carolina,
Fine Paste Shoe, Knee, and Stock Buckles; Marcassite, Paste, Wax, Pearl, and Mock Garnet Earrings and Necklaces; Paste Sprigs and Bed Pins for the Hair; all Sorts of Finger/Rings; Stone Seals, in Gold, Silver, and Pinchbeck; Ditto Sleeve Buttons in Ditto; a large Assortment of Silver and Goldsmiths Work, too tedious to mention.—I engrave MOURNING RINGS, ARMS, CRESTS, SEALS , and all other Sorts of ENGRAVING , in a neat, cheap, and expeditious Manner; also repair all Sorts of CLOCKS and WATCHES , with Expedition, and on the same reasonable Terms. (2) JOHN GEDDY.
N. B. I will give 9s. Proc. or 6s. 8d. Virginia Currency , per Ounce, for good OLD SILVER; and 61. 13s. 4d. Proc. or 51. Virginia Currency , per Ounce, for GOLD.
ABOUT SEVENTY
S L A V E S, Imported in the Schooner FRANCIS , EDWARD COOKE Master, TO BE SOLD, At Hanover Courthouse , on Thursday the 5th of AUGUST , being Court Day. (11) JOHN BURNLEY.
JUST arrived in Rappahannock, the GOOD INTENT , Captain Claude , with forty healthy INDENTED SERVANTS, among whom are many Tradesmen, particularly Shoemakers, a Cooper, a Tailor, a Carpenter and Joiner, a Blacksmith and Farrier, some good Clerks, a Surgeon, several Country Labourers, some fine Boys, some good Sempstresses, Mantua-makers, House Women, &c. The Sale will commence at Leeds Town , on Tuesday the 3rd of August , and (if required) a reasonable Credit will be allowed, giving Bond, with approved Security, to (2) THOMAS HODGE.
To be SOLD on the Premises, on Friday the 13th of AUGUST,
A TRACT of LAND in Essex , containing, by Estimation, five Hundred Acres, or thereabouts, being the Land whereon John Merritt lives, and conveyed by Thomas Gressam and the said Merritt to the Subscriber, of which the Publick have heretofore been advertised in the Virginia Gazette , and has lately been recovered by Ejectment in the Court of the County aforesaid. Six Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser giving Bond and Security to the Subscriber, who undertakes to give Possession. ARCHIBALD RITCHIE.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Accomack , on the 26th of June last, a Negro Fellow named DANIEL , about sixteen Years of Age, of a yellowish Complexion, stoops in his Shoulders, has a down Look, one Side of his Face seems larger than the other, or is awry, and has many Scars on his Back or Breech. I suspect he will get on Board some Vessel, or make for Carolina , and forewarn all Masters of Vessels from harbouring or entertaining him. I will give a Reward of FIFTY SHILLINGS if he is taken in the Colony, or FIVE POUNDS if out thereof, and pay all reasonable Charges for sending him home. CLEMENT PARKER.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, the 17th of this Instant (July) from the Glebe Pasture of St. Paul's Parish, Hanover County , a sorrel HORSE about 13 Hands and a Half high, with a hanging Mane and short Switch Tail, and branded with the Letter H on one of his Buttocks; he paces, trots, and gallops, and is a little skittish. Whoever brings him to the Glebe, or to Mr. William Pearce's , at Norway , in Wichamond , shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward. (1) ALEXANDER BALMAIN.
WARWICK, July 12, 1773.
PUBLICK Notice is hereby given, that the Concern carried on under the Firm of James and Robert Donald and Company is to be dissolved at the 1st of September next, and that all the Debts due to their Stores kept on the south Side of James River will be collected by Mr. Patrick Hunter , to whom all Persons indebted are requested to make Payment, and to whom those who have Demands against the said Company are desired to apply, that they may be discharged. ROBERT DONALD.
The Store at Warwick , at Elam's , in Chesterfield , and a Store in Prince Edward , will be continued (though to a smaller Extent) under the Firm of Robert Donald , Junior, and Company, and under my Management.
To be SOLD, at next Prince Edward August Court,
A TRACT of LAND in the said County, where Miller Woodson formerly kept Store, containing about 300 Acres, on which is an exceeding good Storehouse, a Dwellinghouse, and other necessary Buildings. The Terms will be known on the Day of Sale.—I have also for Sale the Tract of LAND formerly advertised, where Archibald McNabb kept Store, and about ten Acres in Chester Town , known by the Name of Booker's Point ; likewise two or three remarkable fine HOUSE SERVANTS, several Articles of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, and a Quantity of DRY GOODS which I will sell on reasonable Terms. WARWICK, July 12, 1773. PATRICK HUNTER.
To be LET on CHARTER, A new SHIP, William Witherald Master, BURTHEN 450 Hogheads of Tobacco, Will be ready to take in about the Middle of August . For TERMS apply to JOHN GREENWOOD, Norfolk. (1)
RICHMOND Town, July 15, 1773.
THE Creditors of JAMES PATTERSON, deceased, are desired to make known their Demands against the Estate of the said Decedent as soon as possible, as I shall not pay, or assume to pay, any Debt until I can ascertain the whole Amount of the Debts due from the same. As he formerly lived in Williamsburg , I suspect he may have left some Effects there, and will be much obliged to any Gentleman who will give me Intelligence of it, that I may obtain an Order for Appraisement from the County Court of Henrico , where Administration of the Estate was lately granted me. (21) MILES TAYLOR. N. B. There are some Watches left in his Shop, which I shall be glad the Owners will apply for, and prove their Property to them, as they cannot be otherwise delivered.
YORK, July 19, 1773.
The BRIG. LIGHTFOOT, CAPTAIN DUNSLEY, Will sail from LONDON , for YORK RIVER , About the 1st of October . Shall be obliged to Gentlemen ordering Goods out about that Time for their FREIGHT. W. GOOSLEY.
The Author of THE COMPLETE SURVEYOR To the PUBLICK in general, and to the SUBSCRIBERS in particular. GENTLEMEN, GIVE me Leave to address you once more on the Subject of my intended Publication, and to inform you, that though my Manuscript Copy has met with the greatest Approbation, I have not yet been favoured with a Sufficiency of Subscribers to enable me to carry it into immediate Execution, without running too great a Hazard. I must therefore request the Favour of those Gentlemen who have done me the Honour of subscribing that they would be pleased to indulge me with a few Months longer, in which Time give me Leave to request the other Wellwishers to mathematical Learning among the Publick that they would be pleased to bestow their generous Assistance to the Publication of so useful an Undertaking, in which they will greatly oblige their Most obedient humble Servant, S. GALE.
RECOMMENDATIONS of the above Work. I HAVE perused several Parts of Mr. Gale's Manuscript Copy of the Work he proposes to publish by Subscription, on the Subject of Surveying, and do believe it will be a very useful Work to most of the Surveyors in North America, as well as others who are desirous of making themselves acquainted with both the Theory and practical Part of that Art. FEBRUARY 26, 1772. S T I R L I N G. NEW YORK, February 26, 1772. I HAVE perused such Parts of Mr. Gale's Manuscript Copy as relates to Practical Surveying in America (which has been omitted in the former Authors) and I find it to be well handled, and worthy of the Encouragement of the Publick. ALEXANDER COLDEN, Surveyor General of the Colony of New York. PHILADELPHIA, March 9, 1772. DAVID RITTENHOUSE. PHILADELPHIA, March 10, 1772.
I HAVE perused several Parts of Samuel Gale's Manuscript Copy of The Complete Surveyor , and am fully convinced that the Rules therein laid down in Practical Surveying, and correctly calculating the Areas of such Surveys when made, especially that Part relating to surveying our rough Lands in America, may be of great Advantage to those concerned in Surveying, as well as others, and therefore think it deserves publick Encouragement. JOHN LUKENS, Surveyor General of Pennsylvania.
I HAVE perused Mr. Gale's Complete Surveyor , and am much pleased with his Manner of treating the Subject. The publishing of it will be a general Advantage, as it contains every Thing necessary for a complete Surveyor; his Rules are extremely good, and his Demonstrations easier, and better adapted to the Understanding of Mankind, than any I have ever met with. BRISTOL, May 22, 1772. JOHN A. DE NORMANDIE.
SUBSCRIPTIONS are taken in by Messrs. Hall and Sellers , and Mr. John Dunlap , in Market Street , Messrs. Bradfords , at the London Coffeehouse , and Mr. R. Bell , at the late Union Library , Philadelphia; Mr. Matthias Slough , Lancaster; Mr. James Pollock , Carlisle; George Wood, Esquire, Bedford; Mr. Joseph Pennock , East Marlborough, Chester County; Mr. Isaac Collins , Burlington; Mr. Zachariah Rossel , Mount Holly; Messrs. Noel and Hazard , Mr. James Rivington , and Mr. Hugh Gaine , in New York; Mr. Alexander McMakin , Baltimore; Mr. Thomas Bratitwaite , Port Tobacco, Maryland; Mr. Richard Draper , Boston; Mr. Robert Wells , Charlesstown, South Carolina; Mr. Alexander Pownix , Savannah, in Georgia; and by all the Booksellers and Printers in America and the West India Islands. N. B. His Treatise is introduced with Decimal Fractions, and contains every such Branch of the Mathematics as appertains either to the Theory or Practice of Surveying. Price to the Subscribers 10s. 6d. Pennsylvania Currency , to be paid on the Delivery of the Book, or 2s. 6d. on subscribing, and 7s. 6d. on the Delivery of the Book.
Sundry DAMAGED GOODS, consisting of Irish Linen, Bedtick, Blankets, &c. Imported in the Randolph , Captain McNabb , From LONDON , Will be SOLD at publick Auction, on Saturday the 7th of August , at Morgan's Ordinary , in Amelia , for the Benefit of the Ensurers. FRANCIS EPES.
Just IMPORTED, in the London, Captain MOSES ROBERTSON, from London,
A CARGO of well assorted GOODS, suitable for setting out a new Store, or for supplying a deficient one. They will be disposed of on moderate Credit, with suitable Security. Letters conveyed to Mr. James Mills at Urbanna , or to Mr. Archibald Ritchie at Hold's Hole , will be attended to, by JOHN MILLS.
DUMFRIES, July 12, 1773.
ALL Persons indebted to Mess. William Carrford, Thomas Dunmore, and Company , for Dealings with Mr. Edward Conner , deceased, and Mr. William Carrford , at Alexandria , are desired to make immediate Payment to the Subscriber, who is properly empowered to receive and give Acquittances for any Sums of Money due to them. As a sufficient Indulgence has already been given, it must be expected I shall close the old Accounts in the most expeditious Manner. The Books and Papers are now with me at Dumfries ; and, to make it more convenient for those at a Distance, I shall attend Fairfax Court in the Months of August and September , after which Time Suits will be ordered against every one indebted to the said Company. I am also authorised to receive the Debts due to Mr. William Carrford , Junior, for lumping Parcels of Goods sold by him. WILLIAM CARR.
To be SOLD, on the Premises, on Monday the 6th of September, and may be entered on next January, A VALUABLE Tract of LAND on the Fork of Herring Creek and Dorrel Swamp , in King William , containing 735 Acres. It has the Advantage of a fine Stream of Water, whereon might be built an excellent Grist Mill, well situated for Custom; the Soil is good for Tobacco, Wheat, and Corn, the Land is well timbered, and has on it an Overseer's House, a Quarter, and other Houses convenient for Cropping. A good Right will be warranted, and the Terms made known on the Day of Sale. Any Person inclineable to purchase may see the Land by applying to the Subscriber, near Aylet's Warehouse . REUBEN TURNER.
To be SOLD by Auction, at Prince George Courthouse, on Tuesday the 14th of SEPTEMBER, being Court Day, A VALUABLE Tract of LAND on Warwick Swamp , in the said County, being the unimproved Moiety of the Tract on which Mr. John Thompson , Junior, now lives, containing about 792 Acres, and will be sold altogether, or divided, as may suit the Purchasers; also a small Piece joining the former, containing 6 Acres. Credit will be allowed till the 1st of January 1775, on giving Bond, with approved Security. These Lands were formerly in Dispute between Captain John Thompson and his Son John ; but as they have both joined in a Conveyance to me, the Title is now indisputable. Any Person desirous to purchase may see the Land by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Harrison of Sussex , near the Premises. (8) W. GOOSLEY.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Negro Man named JACK , a well set, full faced, Country born Fellow, about thirty five Years of Age, five Feet seven or eight Inches high, has for some Time gone as Skipper of one of my Flats, and carried with him the Clothes usually wore by Watermen. He was lately seen lurking about Mr. Sterling Thornton's at Verina , where he has a Wife, and has been absent from my Service since February last. Whoever apprehends the said Slave, and conveys him to me in Petersburg , or secures him in Jail, and advises me thereof, shall be well rewarded for any Trouble and Expense they may be at. EDWARD BRISBANE.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Hanover , an indented Servant Man named JOHN COWGILL , about twenty five Years of Age, five Feet seven or eight Inches high, a thick well set Man, with short light coloured Hair, and had on an Osnaburg Shirt and Trousers, a Pair of Shoes, and a Hat. As he has been used to the Sea, I imagine he may make down the Country: All Masters of Vessels are therefore cautioned from harbouring or carrying him out of the Colony. Whoever brings him to me in Hanover , or to Mr. John Brooke in Richmond , shall have THIRTY SHILLINGS Reward, and be paid all reasonable Charges. JOHN HARRIS.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Chesterfield , near Osborne's Warehouse , on Wednesday Night the 8th Instant (July) a Negro Fellow named STEPNEY , near thirty Years old, about five Feet ten or eleven Inches high, very black, and spare made; he plays a little on the Fiddle, is a Shoemaker by Trade, and had the Misfortune, some Years ago, to have one of his great Toes cut off, which I believe to be that of the right Foot. I imagine he will make for North Carolina , and endeavour to pass for a Freeman, as he took his Shoemaker's Tools with him. Whoever brings or contrives him to me shall have FIFTY SHILLINGS if taken in the Colony, and FIVE POUNDS if out thereof. (21) JOSEPH BASS.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber's Plantation in Prince George , about the 20th of June , a brown bay HORSE about four Feet six or seven Inches high, appears to be old, but is not more than eight or nine Years; he was poor when taken, trots remarkably high, is much rubbed about the Shoulders and Sides by working in the Plough and Cart, and branded on the near Buttock E.B. I imagine he may have made out either to my Plantation on Roanoke (where he belongs) or to Captain Edward Booker's , where he was bred. Whoever brings him to me, to Mr. Thomas Collins , Overseer at Roanoke , or to John Purkin , Overseer at Amelia old Courthouse, shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward. (1) NATHANIEL HARRISON.
FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from NEABSCO Furnace, two Convicts , and an indented Servant, belonging to the Honourable John Tayloe , Esquire, six. JOSEPH LOVEDAY , from the West of England, about twenty three Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, of a ruddy Complexion, with fancy coloured Hair, a red Beard, a pretty smooth Face, very squeaking Voice, a large Scar on his Throat, and his Knee has been disjointed when he was a Boy, which makes him trail his Leg when he walks. He went off some Time last Fall, and was seen, I am lately told, about Mr. Zeen's Iron Works, in Frederick County ; so that it is presumed he is still in that or some of the back Counties, and may be employed in the Farming or Team-driving Business, which he professed, but is very ignorant of both. He carried with him a blue Fearnought and a white Cotton Jacket, long Trousers dyed brown with Tan Bark, and in other Respects was clothed as Servants commonly are. The other Convict is named TYNIE ROACH , a Lad about twenty Years of Age, five Feet seven or eight Inches high, and ran away, last Month, from a Sloop of Colonel Taylor's , then in Rappahannock ; he is fair, though of a ruddy Complexion, somewhat pitted with the Smallpox, has a smooth insinuating Tongue, light coloured Hair, and has been a Sailor ever since he came in the Country, which is about four Years ago. He had on, and took with him, a new blue Fearnought Jacket with Horn Buttons, a blue double breasted Jacket with large Metal Buttons, a red Silk Handkerchief, a good many Osnaburg Shirts which he stole from the Sloop's Crew, besides a white one he stole from the Master, a Pair of Leather Breeches, a new Felt Hat bound round with red Ferret, and a Band of the same. The indented Servant is named JAMES M'LANE , a Scotchman, of the most unparallelled Ingratitude, and ran away, last Winter, from a Schooner in Potomack River , which I imprudently had made him Skipper of. He is a short well made Man, of a brown Complexion, with black Hair tied behind, and had a Variety of Clothes of his own which he carried with him, after selling his Bed Clothes, and those allowed him by his Master. He talks very much of his Feats in the last War, and of having been in most Parts of the World. Whoever secures the said Servants, or either of them, so that they may be had again, shall have the above Reward for each, and be paid all reasonable Charges. THOMAS LAWSON. N. B. It is imagined that each of the above Servants has got forged Passes and Discharges with them. All Persons are forewarned from harbouring or concealing them, and Masters of Vessels from carrying them out of the Country, at their Peril. (6)
WARWICK, June 7, 1773.
I THINK it necessary to inform the Publick that the 7000 Acres of Land, lying in Bedford County , with the Improvements thereon, consisting of a Forge and Saw Mill, &c. which were lately advertised by Robert Harper and Thomas Jamieson for Sale, are made over, by a Deed of Trust, to James and Robert Donald and Company, as Security for a Debt due them for Dealings at their Rocky Ridge and Bedford Stores. (11) PATRICK HUNTER.

POETS CORNER.
The EYE.
To say what wonderful Skill, what happy Care, Taught the bold Eye the Blaze of Day to bear...
WESTMORELAND, June 22, 1773.
RUN away from the Subscriber, last Sunday Night, two WHITE SERVANT MEN, namely: WILLIAM WALKER, alias SMITH...
Just IMPORTED from LONDON, in the George, Captain Coates, by JAMES GEDDY, and to be sold reasonably...
PLATE and JEWELLERY,
consisting of pierced and plain Salts; Table and Tea Spoons; Tureen Punch and Pap Lades; Silver, plated, and Pinchbeck Buckles...
N. B. I would be glad to take an Apprentice, a Lad of good Parts, not more than fourteen Years old...
A RICH ARM OISIN SILK G O W N, CASSOCK, and SASH, IS FOR SALE
At the Printing Office, at 50 per Cent. on the STERLING COST.
TO BE SOLD,
TWO Thousand five Hundred and twenty Acres of LAND in Cumberland, commonly known by the Name of SAINT JAMES's...
THOMAS JEFFERSON. FRANCIS EPPES. HENRY SKIPWITH.
To be SOLD, RENTED, or LEASED, SEVERAL Tracts or Parcels of valuable LAND, in Culpeper, very cheap.
RICHMOND, July 3, 1773.
As the Partnership of Hogg and Rowland is expired, I earnestly request the Favour of all those indebted to the fame to settle their Accounts immediately...
ZACHARIAH ROWLAND.
TEN POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from Providence Forge, in New Kent, on the 7th Instant (July) two Negro Men, namely: COOPER, about thirty five Years of Age...
JORDANE & HOLT.
SEVENTY Thousand Weight of TRANS-
FER TOBACCO to be SOLD, for ready Money, at Southampton Courthouse, on Thursday the 12th of August...
For SALE, in the Town of Newcastle,
THREE LOTS on the main Street, whereon is a large and commodious Dwellinghouse, Kitchen, Dairy, and Smokehouse...
SAMUEL PEARSON. WILLIAM JOHNSON. CHARLES TINSLEY.
RUN away from the Subscriber, on the 1st
of April last, a Mulatto Slave named DAVID, about twenty two Years of Age, five Feet eight or nine Inches high...
WILLIAM CUSZENS.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the ub-
scriber, at Cabin Point, a DARK BAY HORSE about four Feet five or six Inches high, with a Star in his Forehead...
NORFOLK, July 4, 1773.
THE Subscribers intending to send a VESSEL to Madeira, will be much obliged to any Gentleman for their Orders for Wine.
MATTHEW PHRIPP. THOMAS NEWTON.
TO BE SOLD, AT AUGUST SUSSEX COURT NEXT, ABOUT FIFTY THOUSAND WEIGHT OF TRANSFER TOBACCO...
WHEREAS many of the Gentlemen who purchased Negroes of the Subscribers last Summer have hitherto made but very partial Payments...
JOHN LAWRENCE, WILLIAM CALL, & Co.
WILLIAMSBURG, July 8, 1773. BRICKLAYERS or PLAISTERERS May have good Encouragement...
TO BE SOLD,
And may be entered on immediately, A VALUABLE Tract of LAND in Brunswick, containing about 1000 Acres...
ADAM FLEMING.
STOLEN from the Subscriber, on Saturday
the 1st of May last, out of Mr. John Thevenet's Pasture, in Prince George, a dark bay HORSE about four Feet seven Inches high...
JAMES NICHOLAS PARSONS.
COMMITTED to the publick Jail, from
Prince George, a Negro Fellow named TOM, who either knows not or will not tell to whom he belongs. As there is Reason to believe he has not the Clothes on in which he made his Elopement...
PETER PELHAM.
COMMITTED to Isle of Wight Jail,
a Negro Boy who calls himself BILLY WICKETT, and says he belongs to David Copeland of Cumberland. The Owner is desired to prove his Property...
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a bay MARE about four or five Years old, four Feet six or seven Inches high...
JAMES SCOTT.
TAKEN up, in Augusta, a small bay roan MARE and COLT; the Mare is about five or six Years old, a natural Pacer...
GARRETT GREEN.
TAKEN up, in Orange, a dark bay MARE about six or seven Years old, four Feet four or five Inches high...
JOHN BICKERS.
TAKEN up, in Henrico, a large black and white STEER, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear...
WILLIAM PERKINS.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, on Thursday the 26th of August, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
A VERY valuable Tract of LAND on James River, in Amherst County, a few Miles below Doctor William Cabell's, containing about six Hundred Acres...
THOMAS PROSSER, NEIL CAMPBELL, WILLIAM PRESTON, } Trustees.
N. B. An undoubted Title, in Fee Simple, will be made by the Trustees, and, if required, I also myself will join in the Conveyance.
JOHN HOWARD.
HANOVER, June 17, 1773.
THE Subscriber intends to leave the Colony
very soon, and desires that all Persons who have Demands against him will apply for Payment before the 1st of August next. The Concerns, in this Colony, of Messrs. Farell and Jones of Bristol, Merchants...
THOMAS EVANS.
TO BE SOLD,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND, containing 1800 Acres, lying on Swift Creek, in Chesterfield County, very convenient to Trade...
JOHN RANDOLPH.
N. B. Any Person inclining to purchase may see the Land by applying to me, or to my Brother, P. Randolph, in the said County.
For SALE, or to be LEASED for a TERM of YEARS,
A LOT in the Town of Newcastle, conveniently situated on the main Street, whereon is a large commodious Storehouse thirty six Feet by twenty six...
SAMUEL PEARSON.
FIVE POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Charles City, last March was a Twelvemonth, a very light Mulatto Fellow named JESSE, about eighteen Years of Age...
CHARLES CHRISTIAN.
YORK Town, June 9, 1773.
THE Subscribers being very solicitous to
comply with the Will of their Testator, the late Honourable William Nelson, desire that all Persons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as speedy Payments as possible.
THOMAS NELSON. THOMAS NELSON, Junior. HUGH NELSON. RO. C. NICHOLAS.
TO BE SOLD,
ABOUT fourteen Thousand Acres of exceeding good LAND in the County of Pittsylvania. For Terms apply to Mr. Hugh Rose of Amherst...
THOMAS LOMAX.
TO BE SOLD,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND, containing about sixteen Hundred Acres, more or less, lying on the River Shenando, in Berkeley County (formerly Frederick) which is one of the most flourishing Counties in Virginia.
(Tf)