The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-02-04 00:00:00

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The following is said to be an exact copy of a LETTER from an officer of rank, then at BOSTON, to a noble Lord.
MY LORD,
WERE your Lordship only a common Colonel of a regiment, I certainly should not have given myself the trouble of writing, nor you the trouble of reading this letter; but as you hold so high a rank, and will one day hold a still higher, I conceive it will not be improper to address you, and in some measure to apologize for my seeming want of respect. As I have not waited on the General (for reasons which he cannot,
I think, disapprove) I was not certain whether you might, in your military capacity, consider my visit as proper. But, as you are not merely a soldier, but a citizen of the first class and importance from your illustrious family and fashion, your vast property, and being destined by birth to be a Counsellor of the nation, I think some explanation of my conduct not only proper, but necessary, and I flatter myself, that, some time or other, your Lordship will not simply approve my conduct, but become a friend to the same cause. My Lord, I will venture to say that it is the cause of Great Britain as well as of America; it is the cause of mankind. Were the principle of taxing America without their consent admitted, Great Britain would that instant be ruined; the pecuniary influence of the Crown, and the army of placemen and pensioners, would be so increased that all opposition to the most iniquitous measures of the most iniquitous Ministers would be for ever borne down. Your Lordship, I am sure, must be sensible that this pecuniary influence is already enormously too great, and that a very wicked use is made of it. On these principles every good Englishman (abstracted of any particular regard for America) must oppose her being taxed by the Parliament of Great Britain, or more properly by the first Lord of the Treasury, for, in fact, the Parliament and Treasury have, of late years, been one and the same thing. But, my Lord, I have, besides, a very particular regard for America: I was long amongst them, and I know them to be the most loyal, affectionate, zealous subjects of the whole empire. General Gage himself must acknowledge the truth of what I advance. He was witness, through the course of the last war, of their zeal, their ardour, their enthusiasm for whatever concerned the welfare, the interest, and the honour of the mother country. When I see, therefore, the extreme of calumnies attempted to be brought down upon such a people by the intrigues of such a couple of scoundrels as Bernard and Hutchinson; when I see a Minister, violent and tyrannical, like North, mowing down whole communities, merely to indulge his hereditary hatred of liberty, and those who are attached to her, I think it the duty of every honest man, and friend to humanity, to exert his utmost to defeat the diabolical purpose. That these people have been totally misrepresented at home, that they have been most unjustly and cruelly treated, your Lordship will, I make no doubt, be sooner or later convinced. But as, from your present situation, and many circumstances, you will not probably fall into the way of truth so soon as I could wish, I beg leave to recommend to your perusal a sort of pamphlet, lately sent from England; it is entitled, "a true state of the proceedings in the Parliament of Great Britain, and in the province of Massachusetts Bay." Mr. *** will furnish your Lordship with it, if you will make use of my name. It is a fair and candid relation of the whole process, from beginning to end. When your Lordship has read it, you will be struck with compassion and horror, and, I have great hopes, will become not a less warm (but more powerful) friend to this much injured country than myself. I take the liberty of recommending this method to your Lordship, as it is impossible you should gather any thing but misinformation from the men who, I find, surround head quarters. The Sewells and Paxtons are not only interested to misrepresent and calumniate, but to exterminate their country; there is no medium, their country must perish, or they meet with the desert of impious parricides. It was the misfortune of General Gage, from the beginning, to fall into such hands as these; had he not been deluded by men of this stamp, we should never have seen him acting in a capacity so incompatible with the excellence of his natural disposition. I must now, my Lord, entreat, that as fools and knaves will, from misunderstanding and malice, probably disfigure my conduct, you will not suffer them to make any wrong impressions, that you will be persuaded that I act not from any pique and disappointment (which I conclude will be insinuated) but from principle. I think, my Lord, an English soldier owes a very great degree of reverence to the King as first magistrate, and third branch of the legislature, called to this mighty station by the voice of the people; but I think he owes still a greater degree of reverence to the rights and liberties of his country. I think his country is every part of the empire; that in whatever part of the empire a flagitious Minister manifestly invades those rights and liberties, whether in Great Britain, Ireland, or America, every Englishman (soldier or not soldier) ought to consider their cause as his own: And that the rights and liberties of this country are invaded every man must see who has eyes, and is not determined to keep them shut. These, my Lord, are my principles; from these, I swear by all that is sacred and tremendous, I purely and solely act; and these I hope will rather serve than prejudice me in your Lordship's opinion. I flatter myself still farther: I flatter myself that you, my Lord, before it is long, will adopt them; that you will at least, in your letters to your father (whom I have always been taught to esteem as an honest man, and friend to humanity) endeavour to undeceive the people at home. If the delusion is too strong, I can venture to affirm that you will feel some consolation amidst the calamities ready to
fall upon your country, in the reflection that you had attempted to avert them. I shall now finish, my Lord, entreating that if any thing appears impertinent, either in the matter or length of this letter, you will attribute it to an intemperate zeal in an honest cause, and that you will be assured I should not have addressed it to a man of whom I entertained an unfavourable opinion.
CHARLESTOWN, SOUTH CAROLINA, Nov. 1.
BY the last accounts from Savannah, in Georgia, we are informed, that on the 20th ult. the Governor and Superintendent met the Creek Indians about 10 o'clock in the morning, and finished ultimately with them at 4 in the afternoon, having concluded a treaty, the stipulations of which are, 1. A ratification of all former treaties and agreements. 2. That the two murderers Houmahta and Sokea, shall be put to death whenever and wherever found. 3. All Negroes harboured in the Creek country shall be delivered up. 4. All horses and cattle stolen from the white people, or driven off during the late disturbances shall be restored. 5. Henceforward, the Indians are not to make any settlements on the Okonee and Ocmulgee rivers. 6. The Indians are to direct their people not to hunt on this side of Okonee river. 7. The satisfaction given and to be given is to be accepted and admitted as full satisfaction for the murders committed in the provinces of Georgia and West Florida. 8. That in confidence of the Indians performing their engagements, the trade is to be immediately opened.
BOSTON, January 5.
The following extract of a letter from QUEBEC, dated Nov. 15th, giving an account of the christening of the great bell there, will serve to convey some idea of the ceremonial nature of that religion which is now established there by an act of the British Parliament.
A NEW bell arrived with Governor Carlton, for the cathedral, which was hung up in the broad alley, opposite the altar, but near the great door at the entrance. Pere Montgolfia came down from Montreal to stand godfather, and Mademoiselle Delary stood godmother; the coadjutor, or Deputy Bishop, performed the ceremony of christening, and very awkwardly indeed: However, after saying mass, and playing several tricks with the candles, the young lads holding up the tail of the gown, putting on and pulling off the cap, holding it, &c. he was introduced to the bell, which was at a small distance from him, preceded by two Priests, who brought the eau benite (holy water) and two small brooms made of twigs, who fell to washing the bell like mad, outside and in, then to wiping it with two very fine white napkins, which were made black enough before they had done cleaning of it from the impurity of heretical hands; after this it was well smooked with incense, then followed the ceremony of the oil, salt, &c. as to infants, only they marked or crossed it in three different places, and went three times round it at each ceremony of the oil, salts, &c. They then wrapped round it a piece of fine new linen, which they called a shirt, then over it a piece of crimson damask, by way of waistcoat, and after this a piece of light blue damask, to serve as a coat. After its being thus dressed, and a few more capers, it was then undressed, and by a great number of people conveyed under the belfrey and hung up, in doing which one man was killed by a fall from the top, who was pronounced to have gone immediately to Heaven, without stopping at Purgatory, as he was serving the Lord."
The above-mentioned bell, which was a present from the Bishop of Quebec, weighed 2500 lb. and was baptised by the name of LOUISA.
At a meeting of the freeholders, and other inhabitants of the town of BOSTON, at Faneuil Hall, on Friday last,
Mr. SAMUEL ADAMS in the Chair. THE committee appointed to take under consideration a paper signed T. GAGE, being an answer to a letter written to General Gage by the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Esq; President of the late Continental Congress, reported as follows, viz.
"We would not, unless urged by the clearest necessity, have taken up the consideration of General GAGE's letter to the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; late President of the Honourable Continental Congress, but we conceive that letter, though it appears to be addressed to a Gentleman in his private capacity, has a strong tendency to impress the whole continent with sentiments very unfavourable to this afflicted town. We shall not intentionally throw any disagreeable imputations upon the General, but shall endeavour only to defend ourselves against the injurious tendency of his letter. The General, contrary to the known sense of every man of common understanding, has been pleased to insinuate that the complaints of the town of Boston were utterly groundless and unreasonable, and would have the continent believe that not he, but the people of this province, and especially the inhabitants of the town of Boston, were the aggressors in all the differences which have arisen. We freely acknowledge that the arrival of a British army, with a professed design of enforcing acts of the British Parliament destructive of our liberties, gave a great and universal alarm, and it cannot appear strange that we should be considering of the measures necessary to preserve our just rights and privileges. We hoped, however, that peaceable and gentle methods would have effected our deliverance. We believed that his Excellency would have laid some proposals before the General Assembly which he had summoned to meet at Salem; but, after treating both the Council and House of Representatives in a manner which we shall not animadvert on, he was pleased to dissolve the Assembly: The people were then compelled to turn their thoughts and attention to other methods of preventing the impending destruction; and though thus distressed, his Excellency would gladly have prevented them from availing themselves of the counsel of each other in town meeting, and actually ordered the
marching of a body of armed soldiers to disperse the inhabitants of the town of Salem, when peaceably assembled to consult upon the most important interests of themselves and their posterity. This was followed by the seizing of the powder in the magazine at Cambridge, and the cannon which had been lent to the first regiment in Middlesex. The mounting a number of field pieces on an eminence in Boston common, stationing guards in various parts of the town, and many other acts, which could not leave any doubt in the minds of the people of the General's intention to employ military force against the province, at length roused the people to think of defending themselves and their property by arms, if nothing less could save them from violence and rapine. For the justification of the conduct of the people in that respect we may safely appeal to the continent, to the world, and to the Supreme Omniscent Governor of the Universe. All the transactions from the first arrival of the troops we hope will hereafter be critically and judiciously examined; and we trust that the time will come when we shall have a fair and impartial hearing. We mean not now to give particular answers, except to such parts of the General's letter as seem to charge the Continental Congress with having misconceived the facts stated in their letter to him.
"First, his Excellency says, that from the letter (meaning the letter of the Hon. Continental Congress) "people would be led to believe that works were raised against the town of Boston, private property invaded, the soldiers suffered to insult the inhabitants, and the communication between the town and country shut up and molested." How far his Excellency was governed by the consideration of what answer he should make when he gave this turn to the expressions of the Congress, need not be inquired into. To this charge his Excellency replies, "there is not a single gun pointed against the town." His Excellency did not advert to the number of field pieces which were, at the time that letter was written, and long before, pointed against the town from the common: But if the assertion had been literally true, it would not in the least affect the point under consideration.
"Are not the works erected on the Neck in reality erected against the town? Are they not designed to intimidate the inhabitants, and to lead them to think that they were altogether in the power of the army? The Continental Congress plainly expresses the sense in which they mean to be understood by his Excellency. They say "that the fortifications erecting within that town" (Boston) "the frequent invasions of private property, and the repeated insults they" (the inhabitants) "receive from the soldiery, have given them great reason to suspect a plan is formed very destructive to them, and tending to overthrow the liberties of America." The General, therefore, has in no way answered the charge brought against him, but only by varying the expression attempted to elude it. The next assertion is that "no man's property has been seized or hurt, except the King's." We need not enumerate all the instances of property seized, it is enough to say that a number of cannon, the property of a respectable merchant in the town, were seized and carried off by force.
"That timber and lumber has been violently taken from the owners, that rightful proprietors have been driven from their lands. — It is impossible for us to mention one half of the instances in which property has been hurt; they are notorious to every inhabitant, and have been made known to the public from time to time.
"His Excellency is pleased to say, that "no troops have ever given less cause for complaint, and greater care was never taken to prevent it." What care has been taken is not our part to determine; we are ready to admit the most candid opinion: But we beg leave to say, that the insults received from the officers and soldiers have been, in many instances, such as were shocking to a spirited people, and of which humanity in some instances, decency in others, and in all, a generous disposition to avoid placing even those who have injured us in an odious light, prevent us from giving a particular account.
"The General declares that "the communication between the town and country has been always free and unmolested, and is so still." We shall only give the facts: Guards were fixed at every entrance into the town; no person was allowed to cross the ferry to Charlestown after eight o'clock in the evening, however urgent his business; passengers on the Neck stoppe 1 for hours by the guard; their property injured or destroyed; one inhabitant stopped in his chaise, and his horse stabbed with a bayonet; others shamefully beaten, abused and confined; and many other instances very alarming to our friends in the country, whose free ingress to the towns is essential to our subsistence.
"The General perhaps might not justify these enormities, but could he not have prevented them by removing the cause of those frequent abuses? Be that as it may, could he, with justice, assert "the communication between the town and country has been always free and unmolested, and is so still?"
"We wish the General had given us some particular instances concerning "the menaces of blood and slaughter," which he intimates made it his duty to alarm and distress the people in the manner he has already done. We doubt not that we shall be able to answer his Excellency whenever he is pleased to descend to particulars: We can only say, at present, that we conceive his Excellency to have been very ill advised in the measures he has pursued, and that we ardently wish for an opportunity to meet our accusers upon equal ground.
"The above report having been duly considered, it was voted nem. con. that the same be accepted, and that the Moderator of this meeting be desired to transmit a copy of the report to the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Esq; by the first opportunity.
"The following vote, expressive of the gratitude of the town for the benevolent assistance received from the other colonies under our present calamities, and the kind recommendation of the late respectable Continental Congress for future support, passed nem. con.

“ Whereas the town of Boston is unfortunately become the most striking monument of ministerial tyranny and barbarity, as is particularly exhibited in the sudden shutting up this port, thereby cruelly depriving the inhabitants of this metropolis of the means they have hitherto used to support their families: And whereas our brethren in the other colonies, well knowing that we are suffering in the common cause of America, and of mankind, have, from a general generous and brotherly disposition, contributed largely towards our support in this time of our distress, without which many worthy and virtuous citizens must have been in imminent danger of perishing with cold and hunger: And whereas the Honourable Members of the Continental Congress have kindly recommended us to our sister colonies as worthy of further support from them, while the iron hand of unremitted oppression lies heavy upon us: Therefore, voted, that this town, truly sensible of the generous assistance they have received from their sympathising brethren, return them their warmest and most sincere thanks for the same, and pray that God, whose beneficence they so gloriously intimate, may bestow upon them the blessing he has promised to all those who feed the hungry and clothe the naked. And the thanks of this town are accordingly hereby given to our benefactors aforesaid, and to the Honourable Members of the Congress for their benevolence towards us expressed as aforesaid; which support, if continued, cannot fail of animating us to remain steadfast in the defence of the rights of America.”
FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. TURKEY, October 10.
THE reports circulated of a revolt in the city of Constantinople, and of the death of the two negotiators of the late peace, are void of foundation. On the contrary, the inhabitants were so heartily tired of the war that they do not trouble themselves about the conditions, as they will more affect the Grand Seignor than his subjects.
The elevation of the Sieur Alexis Ypsilanti to the dignity of Prince of Walachia has astonished every one. This new Monarch, however, will have the misfortune to find his country stripped of every thing that is valuable.
WARSAW, October 28. The whole Russian army is in full march to repass the Niester and enter Poland. It is followed by an immense quantity of baggage, their artillery, and their travelling hospital. They have left none in Moldavia, except such as are suspected to be infected with contagious diseases.
PETERSBURG, October 28. We learn from Moscow, that they are in hourly expectation of the arrival of Pugatcheff at that ancient capital. He keeps a profound silence, and seems to be in a despairing state. He is closely watched to prevent his destroying himself, and is fastened down to the bottom of his cage. He for some time refused all food, but was at length made to take some nourishment against his will. For several days before he was seized, he was in a most deplorable situation, and was so distressed for subsistence, that he lived on such roots as he found in the country, and was obliged to kill his horse.
LONDON, November 21. LETTERS from Madrid, by way of Lisbon, advise, that an officer of the regiment of Ultonia was arrived there with advice from the Governor of Ceuta, that the Emperor of Morocco had declared war against the Spaniards. The only reason set forth in the declaration of war was, that neither the laws of his country nor his religion would permit him any longer to live in peace and amity with Spain, while they had any possessions on the African coast.
The sixteen noblemen elected to represent the Peerage of Scotland are, the Duke of Gordon, Earl of Cassilis, Earl of Strathmore, Earl of Abercorn, Earl of Galloway, Earl of Loudoun, Earl of Dalhousie, Earl of Breadalbane, Earl of Aberdeen, Earl of March, Earl of Marchmont, Earl of Roseberry, Earl of Bute, Lord Viscount Stormont, Lord Viscount Irwin, and Lord Cathcart. The Earls of Galloway, Dalhousie, Breadalbane, Aberdeen, and Cassilis, are the new ones who come in place of the Duke of Athol, Marquis of Lothian, the Earls of Dunmore, Stair, and Errol.
Nov. 22. Yesterday morning several of the colony agents attended the Earl of Dartmouth, on business, at his house in Charles Street, St. James's square.
A Gentleman just arrived from the north says, that in Derbyshire, Staffordshire, and the northern parts of Yorkshire, the distress of the manufacturers, owing to our disputes with America, is beyond all description. The poor, he says, are within one degree of starving; so that 10,000 men might have been entered in either county, at the late meeting of the militia, merely for the sake of a month's pay, and food for that time. He adds, that the poorer people envy the driver of a post chaise as a money-getting man.
Nov. 24. Yesterday, in the afternoon, died, at his house in Berkeley Square, the Right Hon. Robert Lord Clive, of Plassey, in the kingdom of Ireland, Lord Lieutenant and Cuius Rotulorum of the counties of Salop and Montgomery, Knight of the Bath, and Major General in the East-Indies, representative in Parliament for the town of Shrewsbury, L. L. D. and F. R. S. His Lordship had been twice Governor of Bengal, and commander in chief of the King's and Company's forces in that province, where his eminent services to this country, and to the East India Company, are well known. His Lordship was born on Michaelmas day 1725, and married Margaret the daughter of Edmund Malkelyne, Esq; of Purton, in the county of Wilts, by whom he had issue, now surviving, Edward (now Lord Clive) member for Ludlow; Robert, an infant; and three daughters, Rebecca, Charlotte (to whom her present Majesty stood godmother) and Margaret.
Letters from Petersburg advise, that the general pardon published for all the adherents of the rebel chief Pugatcheff, and the imprisonment of him, have entirely quieted the minds of the people in the farther provinces, and the Court has the greatest reason to think, from the measures taken, that nothing of the sort will be likely to happen again.
It is currently reported, at the west end of the town, that the Americans have taken the artillery from the commander in chief, and carried it up into the heart of the country.
We are very well informed that the commander in chief in America does not wait for any parliamentary sanction to his proceedings, but that he is entirely and independently vested with full powers.
Nov. 28. It is said that the affairs of America have lately interfered so much with Lord North's sleep, that as soon as his Lordship is seated at the head of the Treasury Bench he falls as fast as a church, which sometimes produces none of the most agreeable fumes.
Wednesday a great number of young recruits arrived in town from the Highlands of Scotland, in order to be sent to North America.
The Red Riband, vacant by the death of Lord Clive, is certainly destined for William Gordon, Esq; Minister Plenipotentiary at the Court of Brussels. Mr. Gordon is a particular friend of Lord Sandwich, who has obtained for him this mark of distinction.
As the late Lord Clive was the leader of the Nabobs, and the cement that kept them together, they are now left to wander like sheep without a shepherd. As his Lordship was a powerful supporter of the present Ministry, they will severely feel his loss, both in St. Stephen's chapel and in Leadenhall Street.
Private letters from Edinburgh, by Saturday's post, make mention that a report then prevailed that the Earl of Strathmore lay at the point of death at his seat at Castle Glamis, in Forfarshire. Other letters mention that his Lordship is in a fair way of recovery.
Lord Holland is dead of an universal dropsy at Holland House.
Yesterday a report prevailed of the death of the Earl of Breadalbane, lately elected one of the sixteen Scots Peers; and also that Lord Irwin (who was likewise elected one of the sixteen) had died on the road from Edinburgh.
Jimmy Twichet now lies dangerously ill of a political fever, under which terrible complaint he has laboured ever since the dissolution of Parliament, which measure poor Jimmy never heard of till he read it in the monthly magazine.
A droll farce, it is thought, will be acted between the British Parliament and the Americans. The former, primed with Treasury influence, will no doubt vote the latter seditious and rebellious; and they in return will resolve, that the proceedings of Parliament are arbitrary, illegal, and subversive of public liberty. We have seen two children contradict one another for the sake of dissention, till a third person was forced to whip them both.
We are informed that General Howe will certainly be appointed commander in chief of the forces in North America, in the room of General Gage, who has desired to be recalled.
It is said his Grace the Duke of Argyle will be made a Knight of the Order of the Thistle, in the room of the Duke of Athol, deceased.
We hear there will soon be a creation of three new Peers; Mr. Ryder will be one. The patent was made out for advancing Sir Dudley Ryder to the Peerage, but he died before it passed the great seal.
It is said that Sir Jeffrey Amherst will be the first Peer in the second promotion.
Private letters from Rome contain the following extraordinary article of intelligence, which we shall lay before our readers exactly in the same terms it was communicated to us. “ Within these few days several strangers have arrived here, said to be from North America; it is certain that they have been twice at the palace of the Pretender, of whom they have had a private audience, and it is whispered that they have brought him some very advantageous proposals; however, it is very much doubted whether he will accept of them.”
By the ship CAROLINE, Capt. William Blackwell, in six weeks from LONDON, just gone up Potowmack, we have the following ADVICES.
LONDON, November 30.
His Majesty's most gracious SPEECH to both Houses of Parliament, on Wednesday, November 30, 1774.
My Lords, and Gentlemen,
IT gives me much concern that I am obliged, at the opening of this Parliament, to inform you that a most daring spirit of resistance and disobedience to the laws still unhappily prevails in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, and has, in divers parts of it, broke forth in fresh violences of a very criminal nature. These proceedings have been countenanced and encouraged in other of my colonies, and unwarrantable attempts have been made to obstruct the commerce of this kingdom, by unlawful combinations. I have taken such measures, and given such orders, as I judged most proper and effectual for carrying into execution the laws which were passed in the last session of the late Parliament, for the protection and security of the commerce of my subjects, and for the restoring and preserving peace, order, and good government, in the province of the Massachusetts Bay; and you may depend upon my firm and steadfast resolution to withstand every attempt to weaken or impair the supreme authority of this legislature over all the dominions of my Crown; the maintenance of which I consider as essential to the dignity, the safety, and the welfare of the British empire; assuring myself, that, while I act upon these principles, I shall never fail to receive your assistance and support.
I have the greatest satisfaction in being able to inform you that a treaty of peace is concluded between Russia and the Porte. By this happy event the troubles which have so long prevailed in one part of Europe are composed, and the general tranquillity rendered complete. It shall be my constant aim and endeavour to prevent the breaking out of fresh disturbances; and I cannot but flatter myself I shall succeed, as I continue to receive the strongest assurances from other powers of their being equally disposed to preserve the peace.
Gentlemen of the House of Commons,
I have ordered the proper estimates for the service of the ensuing year to be laid before you; and I doubt not but that, in this House of Commons, I shall meet with the same affectionate confidence, and the same proofs of zeal and attachment to my person and government which I have always, during the course of my reign, received from my faithful Commons.
My Lords, and Gentlemen,
Let me particularly recommend to you, at this time, to proceed with temper in your deliberations, and with unanimity in your resolutions. Let my people, in every part of my dominions, be taught, by your example, to have a due reverence for the laws, and a just sense of the blessings of our excellent constitution. They may be assured that, on my part, I have nothing so much at heart as the real prosperity and lasting happiness of all my subjects.
PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS. HOUSE OF LORDS.
Die Mercurii, 30 Novembri, 1774.
The Lord Chancellor reported his Majesty's speech, and the same being read by the Clerk;
Moved, that an humble address be presented to his Majesty to return his Majesty the thanks of this House for his most gracious speech from the Throne.
To declare our abhorrence and detestation of the daring spirit of resistance and disobedience to the laws, which so strongly prevails in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, and of the unwarrantable attempts in that and other provinces of America, to obstruct, by unlawful combinations, the trade of this kingdom.
To return his Majesty our humble thanks for having been pleased to communicate to us, that he has taken such measures, and given such orders, as his Majesty hath judged most proper and effectual for the protection and security of the commerce of his Majesty's subjects, and for carrying into execution the laws which were passed in the last session of the late Parliament, relative to the province of the Massachusetts Bay.
To express our entire satisfaction in his Majesty's firm and steadfast resolution to continue to support the supreme authority of the legislature over all the dominions of his crown, and to give his Majesty the strongest assurances that we will cheerfully co-operate in all such measures as shall be necessary to maintain the dignity, safety, and welfare of the British empire.
That as this nation cannot be unconcerned in the common interest of Europe, we have the greatest satisfaction in being acquainted with the conclusion of the peace between Russia and the Porte; that we confide in his Majesty's endeavours to prevent, as far as possible, the breaking out of fresh disturbances; and from the assurances given to his Majesty by other powers, we have the pleasing expectation that nothing is likely to intervene that may interrupt the present happy tranquillity in Europe.
That it is no less our duty than our inclination to proceed with temper and unanimity in our deliberations and resolutions, and to inculcate, by our example, a due reverence for the laws, and a just sense of the excellency of our constitution; and impressed, with the deepest gratitude for the many blessings we have enjoyed during the course of his Majesty's reign, to testify, with unaffected zeal at this conjuncture, our inviolable fidelity to his Majesty, and our serious attention to the public welfare.
Then an amendment was proposed to be made to the said motion, by inserting, after the word throne, at the end of the first paragraph, these words:
To desire his Majesty would be graciously pleased to give direction for an early communication of the accounts which have been received concerning the state of the colonies, that we may not pro-
ceed to the consideration of this most critical and important matter, but upon the fullest information; and when we are thus informed, we shall, without delay, apply ourselves with the most earnest and serious zeal, to such measures as shall tend to secure the honour of his Majesty's Crown, the true dignity of the mother country, and the harmony and happiness of all his Majesty's dominions.
Which being objected to, after long debate, the question was put, whether these words shall be inserted in the said motion?
It was resolved in the negative.
Contents 13 Non-Contents 63
DISSENTIENT,
Because we cannot agree to commit ourselves with the careless facility of a common address of compliment, in expressions, which may lead to measures in the event fatal to the lives, properties, and liberties of a very great part of our fellow subjects.
We conceive that an address upon such objects as are before us, and at such a time as this, must necessarily have a considerable influence upon our future proceedings; and must impress the public with an idea of the general spirit of the measures which we mean to support.
Whatever methods we shall think it advisable to pursue, either in support of the mere authority of Parliament (which seems to be the sole consideration with some) or for reconciling that authority with the peace and satisfaction of the whole empire (which has ever been our constant and invariable object) it will certainly add to the weight and efficacy of our proceedings, if they appear the result of full information, mature deliberation, and temperate inquiry.
No materials for such an inquiry have been laid before us; nor have any such been so much as promised in the speech from the Throne, or even in any such verbal assurance from Ministers.
In this situation we are called upon to make an address, arbitrarily imposing qualities and descriptions upon the acts done in the colonies, of the true nature and just extent of which we are as yet in a great measure unapprized; a procedure which appears to us by no means consonant to that purity which we ought ever to preserve in our judicial, and to that caution which ought to guide us in our deliberate capacity.
Because this address does, in effect, imply an approbation of the system adopted with regard to the colonies, in the last Parliament. This unfortunate system, conceived with so little prudence, and pursued with so little temper, consistency, or foresight, we were in hopes would be at length abandoned, from an experience of the mischiefs which it has produced, in proportion to the time in which it was continued, and the diligence with which it has been pursued; a system which has created the utmost confusion in the colonies, without any rational hope or advantage to the revenue, and with certain detriment to the commerce of the mother country. And it affords us a melancholy prospect of the disposition of the Lords in the present Parliament, “ when we see the House, under the pressure of so severe and uniform an experience, again ready, without any inquiry, to countenance, “ if not to adopt, the spirit of the former fatal proceedings.”
But whatever may be the mischievous designs, or the inconsiderate temerity, which leads others to this desperate course, we wish to be known as persons who have ever disapproved of measures so pernicious in their past effects and their future tendency, and, who are not in haste, without inquiry or information, to commit ourselves in declarations, which may precipitate our country into all the calamities of a civil war.
RICHMOND. PORTLAND. ROCKINGHAM. STAMFORD. STANHOPE. TORRINGTON. PONSONBY. WYCOMBE. CAMDEN.
Dec. 3. When the Lords waited on the King last Thursday, with their address on his speech, they received from his Majesty the following most gracious answer.
“ My Lords, I thank you for your affectionate assurances of duty and loyalty. The zeal you express for the support of the supreme authority of the legislature, which I shall constantly maintain, is very agreeable to me; and your resolution to proceed with temper and unanimity in your deliberations gives me the greater satisfaction, as it corresponds with the hearty concern I shall ever have for the true interests of all my people.”
Extract of a letter from BAYONNE, Nov. 16.
“ Our Deputy of Trade at Paris has just sent us the copy of a memorial which the Court of England has caused to be delivered to Count de Vergennes, that orders may be given to all owners of vessels and French privateers trading to America not to approach the English colonies; as the ships of war stationed in those seas will receive orders, if they meet with them, to inspect them, and if they find more merchandise and manufactures than are for the consumption of the colony to which they are bound, they will be seized, and the profit given to the vessel that takes them; that the great quantity which has already been exported to the colonies has encouraged the Americans to persist in their disobedience, from the hopes of being always supplied in this manner; that his Britannick Majesty does not suppose the French Minister would countenance this illicit trade, which proceeds only from the speculations of the merchants who seize all opportunities of gain; and that those who shall continue this traffick may take notice, that they have been informed of his Britannick Majesty's intentions, who only requires an observance of the treaties, and would not send any orders before he had acquainted his most Christian Majesty, that he might signify that for all offences of this kind the loss will fall solely upon those who engage in them, without becoming a national concern, or disturb the union and concord which subsists between these two powers. This copy has been distributed upon Change to all owners of vessels and privateers, that they might not pretend ignorance, it being confirmed by his most Christian Majesty.”
Dec. 5. It is said, at the west end of the town, that it is a proper respect due to the King to make the payment of his debts the first business of the new Parliament, and so it would if they were the King's debts: But here, as in other cases, the word King is substituted for the word Minister; the debt has been contracted by pensions, gifts, and election bribery, to support the Minister, and now a heavy tax is to be laid on the people, and the charge of extravagance is to be laid on the King.
The new Parliament, it is said, seemed somewhat thunderstruck at the peremptory style of a certain speech; they expected, at least, to be called in as Counsellors in the American business, but not a word of such import was delivered, the orator being determined in future, to stand upon the same ground with Mr. Powell, the noted fire-eater, crying with him, “ SUM SOLUS.”
All persons who have read and considered the late ministerial speech do with great concern take notice, that it is written too much in the style of HOC VOLO, SIC JUBEO, and conveys all the dreadful ideas of arbitrary power; but, however, it is to be hoped the Almighty Providence will interpose, and preserve this nation, as well as its colonies, from the terrible calamities of a tyrannical government.
Sir Francis Bernard and Governor Hutchinson were at Court on Wednesday, to hear the Lords address, as was likewise Mr. Malcolm, the person who was tarred and feathered in America. They all placed themselves very conspicuously.
It is apparent, that whilst the nation has been busied in the choice of Representatives, the Court have not been idle with respect to forming a chain of measures for America, which they seem determined to prosecute.
The election on Tuesday last, for a new Speaker, is probably one of the greatest impositions on the public that has been practised during the present reign, and we are astonished it has not

yet been noticed in the papers. In a quarter of an hour after the Commons had left the House of Lords, the Speaker was chosen, and more than two thirds of the Members were refused admittance, because they had not been sworn in the Court of Wards, which there was not time for; he was therefore unanimously chosen by a set locked up in the House for that purpose.
Now that the last Parliament is dead, rotten, and thinking, all the Court writers are crying up their commodities, and telling the world that no Parliament ever made better laws, or ever acted more uniformly for the interest and honour of the nation; but if the present Representatives of the people tread in the steps of their predecessors, they will incur a much greater censure, as they have so flagrant an example of corruption before their eyes.
It is confidently asserted, that advices from America have been received by administration within these few Days; but they are kept secret.
It is said more troops are to be sent to America. Yesterday advice was received from Bath of the death of his Lordship the Bishop of Worcester, in the 70th year of his age, occasioned by a fall from his horse on Saturday evening last.
By letters from the Hague, we are informed, that on the 24th ult. a courier arrived there from Berlin, who brought advice that her Royal Highness the Princess of Prussia was on the 18th brought to bed of a daughter, who, with her Royal Mother, was as well as could be expected.
NEW YORK, January 19.
Tuesday the 10th inst. the General Assembly of this province met here agreeable to his Honour the Lieut. Governor's proclamation, but a sufficiency of members not appearing to make a House, they adjourned from day to day until Friday, when his Honour was pleased to open the sixth session with the following SPEECH:
Gentlemen of the Council, and General Assembly, I THINK it unnecessary, at this time, particularly to recommend to your attention the ordinary business of the legislature; whatever may be found conducive to the dignity of his Majesty's government, or the happiness of his people in this colony, I shall cheerfully promote.
Gentlemen of the General Assembly, The support of his Majesty's government, and other allowances for his service, I doubt not you will readily provide for.
Gentlemen of the General Assembly, We cannot sufficiently lament the present disordered state of the colonies. The dispute between GREAT BRITAIN and her AMERICAN DOMINIONS is now brought to the most alarming crisis, and fills every humane breast with the deepest affliction. It is to you Gentlemen, in this anxious moment, that your country looks up for counsel; and on you it in a great measure depends to rescue her from evils of the most ruinous tendency. Exert yourselves then with the firmness becoming your important office. If your constituents are discontented and apprehensive, examine their complaints with calmness and deliberation, and determine upon them with an honest impartiality. If you find them to be well grounded, pursue the means of redress which the constitution has pointed out: Supplicate the throne, and our most gracious Sovereign will hear and relieve you with paternal tenderness. But I entreat you, as you regard the happiness of your country, to discountenance every measure which may increase our distress: And anxious for the re-establishment of harmony, with that power with which you are connected by the ties of blood, religion, interest, and duty, prove yourselves by your conduct on this occasion, earnestly solicitous for a cordial and permanent reconciliation.
Gentlemen of the Council, and General Assembly, In the absence of our most worthy Governor in chief, no less distinguished by his extensive abilities than his zeal for the honour of the crown and his affection to the people of this province, and at so critical a conjuncture, it gives me great consolation that I can repose the utmost confidence in your wisdom, your attachment to the constitution, and your regard for the interest of the British empire. And you may be assured that my most strenuous efforts shall be exerted to co-operate with you, in restoring that tranquillity which must be the ardent desire of every wise, virtuous, and loyal subject.
CADWALLADER COLDEN.
The Assembly of Rhode Island have appointed a Major General of their militia.
Governor Wentworth, of New Hampshire, has published a proclamation for apprehending the people who lately carried away the arms and ammunition from the cattle there.
The town of Savannah, the metropolis of the province of Georgia, at a full meeting of the inhabitants, have appointed Delegates to attend the General Congress in May next.
WILLIAMSBURG, Feb. 4.
BY the arrival of Capt. Blackwell, we are informed that one hundred and fortyone of the present British Parliament (which met on the 29th of November) are new members.
Yesterday, at a meeting of the inhabitants of this city, the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; was unanimously chosen their Delegate to attend the convention at the town of Richmond, on the 20th of next month.
Last Tuesday Night the study of Peter Lyons, Esq; of Hanover county, unfortunately took fire, and was totally consumed, with the loss of many valuable papers, &c.
The squadron in North America, under command of Vice Admiral Graves, now consists of 24 ships of war and armed Schooners, their total amount of guns 502, and 3475 men.
The following is said to be a message from Captain Logan (an Indian warrior) to Governor Dunmore, after the battle in which Col. Charles Lewis was slain, delivered at the treaty. "I appeal to any white man to say that he ever entered Logan's cabin but I gave him meat; that he ever came naked but I clothed him. In the course of the last war, Logan remained in his cabin an advocate for peace. I had such an affection for the white people, that I was pointed at by the rest of my nation. I should have ever lived with them, had it not been for Colonel Cresap, who last year cut off, in cold blood, all the relations of Logan, not sparing women and children: There runs not a drop of my blood in the veins of any human creature. This called upon me for revenge; I have sought it, I have killed many, and fully glutted my revenge. I am glad that there is a prospect of peace, on account of the nation; but I beg you will not entertain a thought that any thing I have said proceeds from fear! Logan disdains the thought! He will not turn on his heel to save his life! Who is there to mourn for Logan?--- No one."
By a vessel in seven days from Boston, we learn, that Captain Johnston Rice, who sailed from Norfolk with donations for that town, is cast away near Plymouth; most of the cargo is saved, but much damaged.
Capt. Rofs, of the Betsey, for Norfolk, was to sail a few days after Capt. Hunter left London. The Wells, Rothery; Love and Unity, King; Jett, Gibson; and Friendship, Rogers; are arrived at that port, from Virginia.
The Betsey, from Glasgow, is arrived in York river; and the snow Polly, John Gourley, from Philadelphia, in James river.
Sailed, from James river, the ship Molly, John Lawmont, for Glasgow; Schooner Nancy, John Wallis, and Two Sisters, William Bowles, Salem; Schooner Polly, Christopher Dyer, Casco Bay; brig Molly, Samuel Mitchenson, Whithaven; snow Sisters, Robert Maxwell, Lisbon; and Schooner Benjamin, Malcom Campbell, Barbados; ship Richmond, James Patterson, for Glasgow.
Marriages. Mr. JORDIN RICHARDSON, to Miss BETSY MASON, eldest daughter of Col. David Mason of Suffolk.---WILLIAM HARVEY, Esq; to Mrs. KERR, of Norfolk.---FREDERICK AUGUSTUS DOEBER, Esq; to Mrs. GRANBERY of Suffolk.
As the Printers have not had it in their power to publish the Virginia Almanack so early for sale as formerly at this office, they were induced to print a smaller number than usual; and being now all sold, are obliged to signify to the public that they cannot comply with any more orders for those printed for the present year, but hope to serve them to their satisfaction for the year ensuing.
N. B. Mr. Henley's letter to the Real Assessor , which came to hand too late for the last Gazette, we are obliged, for want of room, to postpone till the next, in which it shall certainly be inserted.
By direction of the Williamsburg committee, will be disposed of, at publick sale, for ready money, before the Post Office door, on Wednesday the 8th instant, several packages of European goods, imported in the ship William, Capt. John Hunter, from London, and by the owners delivered to the committee to be sold, agreeable to the tenth article of the Continental Congress.
By order of the committee, The sale to begin at 10 o'clock. M. DAVENPORT, Ck.
AT a meeting of the Committee of Caroline at the Courthouse of the said county the 13th of January 1775, Messrs. James Miller, Andrew Leckie, William Dickson, James Dunlop, John Wallace and Patrick Kennan, Merchants, now appeared before the Committee, and after some conversation on the subject of their refusal to suffer an inspection of their books, they delivered in the following writing:
To the COMMITTEE OF CAROLINE, GENTLEMEN, "From a desire to conciliate a misunderstanding that has arose betwixt the Gentlemen that composed that Committee, and the subscribers, Merchants of Caroline, we hereby consent to show any number of the Committee that they shall think fit to appoint, our sales for any time in the year 1773, and since, that they shall think necessary to look into, in order that all suspicion of our infringing the association may be removed. JAMES MILLER, JAMES DUNLOP, ANDREW LECKIE, JOHN WALLACE, WILLIAM DICKSON, PATRICK KENNAN."
Afterwards, at a meeting held at Port Royal, Jan. 19, 1775, the said sub-Committee made their report that from an inspection of the sale books of the said several merchants, it appeared that they had all of them adhered to the association in selling their goods at the price they had been accustomed to do for a year preceding, which is ordered to be published.
NORTHAMPTON, Dec. 13, 1774.
THIS day the freeholders met at the Courthouse, and unanimously agreed to choose a committee of inspection, to consist of 24 persons; they appointed the Sheriff and two other Gentlemen to manage the election, which was conducted with good order and regularity. The poll was opened at eleven o'clock, and was not closed till eight at night, when the following persons were returned duly elected.
John Burton, John Bowdoin, Thomas Dalby, Michael Christian, John Harmanston, sen. Zerobabel Downing, John Stratton, John Wilkins, Isaac Avery, Henry Guy, John Kendall, Griffin Stith, Littleton Savage, John Respice, Adiel Milby, Samuel S. McCrokey, Patrick Harmanston, William Ronald, William Harmanston, Nathaniel Littleton Savage, George Savage, John Blair, Thomas Fisher, William Simpkins.
Dec 17, 1774. This day the committee met and appointed Mr. John Bowdoin President,
Resolved, that the county be divided into seven districts, and that three or more members of the committee be appointed to present the association to the inhabitants of each district, and carefully observe the conduct of all persons therein, touching the association, and make report thereof to this committee.
Resolved, that no public censure be passed upon any person in this country, accused of a breach of the association, or any matter or thing done with a view to defeat or contravene the same, unless, at least 13 members of this committee consent to such public censure, in manner as directed by the General Congress.
Jan. 11, 1775. The committee having, at a former meeting, recommended it to the inhabitants of this county, to deliver their tea to Col. Littleton Savage, to be by him kept, at the the risk of the proprietors, until the general association shall be dissolved, this day Col. Savage reported to the committee, that he had received 416 lb. of tea, to be stored agreeable to direction of the committee. Some Gentlemen also brought their tea to the courthouse, and desired it might be publicly burnt, in which reasonable request they were instantly gratified.
The committee being very desirous to comply with the 8th article of the general association, in promoting and encouraging arts and manufactures, do hereby offer a premium of forty pounds sterling, to be paid by the Chairman of the committee, to the maker of wool cards, who shall first settle in this colony, and who shall, in any time within eighteen months from this date, make in this colony, or cause to be therein made under his direction, one thousand pair of good wool cards, such as usually cost 15 d. sterling a pair in Great Britain; which the committee oblige themselves to purchase and pay ready money for at the rate of 2 s. sterling a pair, and it is expected, that the person entitled to such premium, shall furnish them at that price, the quality and price that such wool cards usually cost in Great Britain, to be submitted to merchants who have been accustomed to import them from thence.
The committee also offer a premium of 40 l. sterling, to be paid by the Chairman of the committee, to the first person who shall settle in this colony to carry on the making of gunpowder, and who shall, in eighteen months from this date, make, or cause to be made, from materials originally collected in any part of the continent of North America, 5000 lb. weight of good merchantable gunpowder.
The committee are afraid the premiums now offered are too inconsiderable to induce any person to attempt the above branches of business, but they flatter themselves some other counties may join them in encouraging such useful arts; in which case, it is hoped, the committees of such counties will correspond with this committee upon the subject, that the whole premium offered may appear at once in the papers abroad, in which it is proposed to have it published.
By order of the committee, JOHN BOWDOIN, Chairman.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
THE Subscriber purchased, the 4th of this Instant, a Mulatto Woman named MOLLY, and her Son WILLIAM, of Hiram Lankford, and had them in Possession until Saturday last, when the same Lankford, with two other Persons, came to his House during his Absence, and took from thence the Boy, and still detain him: I hereby give the Public Notice that I look on the above Slaves as my Property, and that I have lodged an Information with his Majesty's Attorney General, against the afore-mentioned Lankford and his Companions for their Misdemeanours.
Mount Prodigal, ) (1") JOHN HUBARD. Jan. 22, 1775. )
HANOVER, February 2, 1775.
WHEREAS I had the Misfortune to have my Study burnt on Tuesday Night, and all the Books and Papers therein consumed, except a few that were raked out of the Ashes Yesterday, some of which are so scorched and defaced that they are scarce legible: I therefore give my Clients this early Notice of it, that they may furnish me with Duplicates of the Protests, Copies of the Accounts, and Affidavits of the Sums due on the Bonds, which they had lodged with me, and on Receipt of them I will use my best Endeavours to collect or secure their Debts; and I flatter myself the Debtors will not take Advantage of my Misfortune, but will readily give me their Aid on this sad Occasion. I shall be extremely obliged to the Persons who have received Money from me on Account of others, or of the several Estates for which I am concerned, or paid me Money on Account of them Estates, to send me Certificates of the Sums paid or received for some Years past, as my Receipts and Vouchers are chiefly destroyed: And this Favour will ever be acknowledged by Their most humble Servant, PETER LYONS.
THE Freeholders of James City County are desired to meet at the Courthouse, on Monday the 13th Instant, to choose their Deputies to represent them at the General Convention, to be held in the Town of Richmond the 20th of March next.
SUNDRY GOODS to be sold, in Pur-suance of an Order of Elizabeth City County Committee, in Hampton, on Monday the 6th of February, for ready current Money, viz. a Set of SMITH'S TOOLS, SNUFF, NAILS, HALF THICKS; BLANKETING, &c. &c. in small Parcels. By Order of the Committee, ROBERT BRIGHT, Ck. Com.
PURSUANT to an Order of the County Court of King William, will be let to the lowest Bidder, at the Courthouse of said County, on Thursday the 16th of next Month, if fair, otherwise next fair day, the BUILDING of one or two PRISONS, as may then be thought necessary. Bond and Security for due Performance of the Work will be required of the Undertakers, by THE COMMISSIONERS. KING WILLIAM, Jan. 20, 1775.
A PERSON from 30 to 40 Years of Age, who has been used to the Business of a Store, and comes well recommended, may hear of Employment by inquiring of the Printers.
WHEREAS my Wife Lucy hath behaved in a very unfriendly manner to me, this is to forewarn all Persons from trusting her on my Account, as I will not pay any Debts she may contract. I intend to leave the Colony soon, and return in a few months. JAMES ATHERTON.
WANTED,
An Apprentice to a Store, a young Lad of genteel Parentage, with a tolerable Education, about 15 years of Age. Such a Person coming well recommended, will meet with suitable Encouragement, by applying to the Printers.
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT, CABINET MAKER, IN FRANCIS STREET, WILLIAMSBURG,
STILL carries on that Business in all its Branches, where Ladies and Gentlemen may be supplied with any Sort of Cabinet Work in the best and neatest Manner, and five per Cent. Discount will be allowed them for ready Money. I return those Ladies and Gentlemen who were pleased to favour me with their Commands, my most grateful Thanks, and hope for a Continuance of their Favours, which to merit shall always be the Study of their most humble Servant, BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT. N. B. I should be glad to take one or two Apprentices of bright Genius, and of good Dispositions, and such whose Friends are willing to find them in Clothes.
WILLIAM PAGE
BEGS Leave to inform the Publick in general, and his Friends in particular, that he has removed a little below the Capitol, to the Store formerly occupied by Mr. Robert Nicolson, where he still continues selling, on Commission, at publick and private Sale, all Kinds of Merchandise, or whatever may be committed to his Care, for Cash only, and he assures them that his utmost Endeavours shall be exerted to give Satisfaction in the Management of any Business that may be put under his Direction, and the Favours will be thankfully received and gratefully remembered. I have for Sale several Casks of exceeding good Port Wine, and a large Collection of Books.
All Persons indebted to the Estate of Mr. Matthew Tuell, deceased, are desired to make speedy Payment, and all those who have any Demands are requested to bring them in properly proved, as I am empowered to settle the Affairs of the said Estate.
RAN away from the Subscriber, in New Kent, a little below the Brick House Ferry, in the Night of the 16th inst. (Jan.) a Negro named MOSES, of a very light Complexion, 5 Feet 8 or 9 Inches high, well made, about 23 Years of Age, had on, when he went away, a Kendal Cotton Jacket and Breeches tied with Maple Bark, and has flat Metal Buttons on it, Cuffs to his Jacket Sleeves, a Collar of gray Cloth, and a Felt Hat, with a Tinsey worked Button. He went off in a Canoe about 22 Feet long, full timbered, rows with two Oars, and Cleats on each Side to row with a Pair of Sculls; she was sheathed on the outside of her Bottom with thin Pine Plank. Whoever brings him to me, with or without the Canoe, shall have 20 s. Reward, besides what the Law allows; but if they cannot conveniently bring him, and will secure him so that I may get him again, they shall be entitled to the same Reward. I expect he is lurking about Gloucester Town, as he formerly belonged to Mr. Isaac Hobday of that Place. WILLIAM SLATER.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber in Williamsburg, the first of January last, two BAY MARES, one of them is a dark bay, 14 Hands and a Half high, her hind Feet white to the first Joint, and with Foal. The other a LIGHT BAY, 13 Hands and a Half high. Whoever brings them to me shall receive 20 s. Reward. (1") MILES SELDEN.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from Mr. John Catlett's, near Port Royal, on the 11th Instant, a large BAY HORSE near 15 Hands high, with a Blaze in his Face, one of his hind Hoofs partly white, some white Streaks under his Belly, with a Switch Tail and hanging Mane, shod before, his Brand (if any) forgot. A Reward of 20 s. will be given for the Horse, and 5 l. on Conviction of the Thief. (2") THOMAS CATLETT.

POETS CORNER.
A R A N T.
TEN thousand soft pleasures deprive me of rest; They play with my heart so, and tickle my breast, My blood is infected, my veins all on fire; How I pant, how I languish, and die with desire. If this be the ardour of youth, as I'm told, The sensation's so painful, I'd wish to grow old; But yet so much pleasure is mix'd with the pain, Were I old, I should wish for my youth back again.
TO BE SOLD,
On two Years Credit, the Purchaser giving Bond and approved Security,
A YOUNG, stout, Virginia born Mulatto to Woman and her Child about 5 Years old. The Woman has been used to spin, knit, wash, iron, Needle Work, and other Business in a Family. The Bond, if not discharged when due, to carry Interest from the Date.---For further Particulars inquire of the Printers hereof.
THE Freeholders of York County are desired to meet at the Courthouse of the said County, on Monday the 20th of February (being Court Day) to elect Delegates to attend the Convention at the Town of Richmond, on Monday the 20th Day of March next.
TO BE RENTED
For a Term of Years, and to be entered upon immediately,
THE ancient and well accustomed Ordinary in the Town of Suffolk, occupied at present by the Subscriber; there is on the Lot a good Garden, and every necessary House, in good Order. Any Person inclinable to rent the same may know the Terms by applying to
SAMUEL SWANN.
I have a large STOCK of LIQUORS on Hand, and a Variety of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, which I would dispose of on Credit.
JANUARY 16, 1775.
FIFTY Acres of LAND, within nine
Miles of Petersburg, to be sold by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from William Thomlinson to the Subscriber, on the 3d Monday in February next, at Dinwiddie Courthouse, being Court Day.
RICHARD TAYLOR.
GLOUCESTER, January 14, 1775.
HAVING lately had the Misfortune to lose my Dwelling-House by Fire, I intend to England in the Spring; and as I would be glad to provide for the Payment of my Debts before I go, I therefore purpose to sell, to the highest Bidder, on Wednesday the 15th of next Month, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, before Mr. William Harris's Door in Gloucester Town, that valuable TRACT of LAND I purchased of David Vaughan, near said Town, containing 258 Acres; also several likely NEGROES, among whom is a very valuable Waterman. CREDIT will be allowed the Purchasers till the 25th of April 1776, giving Bond and approved Security.
JOSEPH DAVENPORT.
I shall attend the Sale to see a good Title made to the above-mentioned Premises and Negroes. WILLIAM LYNE.
HANOVER Town, Jan. 19, 1775.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the
Debts due to Messrs. Andrew Cochrane, Robert Donald, and Co. and Messrs. Murdoch, Donald, and Co. of Glasgow, lately in the Hands of Mr. Alexander Donald and Mr. John Johnson for Collection, and under them Mr. Richard Morris and Mr. John Davies, are now under the Direction of the Subscriber. Great Indulgence having been already given, all those who are still indebted to both, or either of the above Companies, are requested to be very speedy in discharging their respective Balances. Any Payments made to Mr. Malcom Hart will be good.
ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
WESTMORELAND County, Jan. 18, 1775.
THE Subscriber intends for England immediately.
WILLIAM PYNSENT WADMAN.
CABIN POINT, Jan. 20, 1775.
AS I intend for Britain as soon as I can
possibly settle my Affairs, I request the Favour of all those indebted to me to be speedy in making Payment, and those who cannot pay between this and next March to give Bonds for their Balances. From the long Indulgence given to many of my Customers, and the Punctuality I have always observed in complying with their Orders, I am encouraged to expect a ready Compliance to the above Request. I shall leave my Business, in my Absence, to the Management of John Cook, who will endeavour to give Satisfaction to all those who please to favour me with their Custom.
ANDREW NIMMO.
TO BE SOLD,
On WEDNESDAY the 15th of FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, on the Land belonging to the Subscriber, adjoining Col. ROBERT BOLLING's Land, on NAMOZEEN Creek, in DINWIDDIE County,
THIRTY Virginia born NEGROES,
consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls, with all the Stocks of HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP, and HOGS, and all the CORN, FODDER, and IMPLEMENTS of HUSBANDRY on the Plantation. Credit will be allowed on giving Bond, with Security; till the first Day of January 1777; and if the Bonds are not discharged within one Month after they become due, they are to bear Interest from the Date.
ABRAHAM SMITH.
HENRY LOCHHEAD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Caro-
line County, near Capt. James Upshaw's, on Tuesday the 3d Instant (January) a very likely Mulatto Fellow named LEMON, about 26 Years old, 5 Feet 10 or 11 Inches high, had on, and carried with him, a light coloured Wilton Coat, a Beaver Coating great Coat, and a Pair of red Plush Breeches, but may change his Clothes, and have many others with him. As he is an artful designing Fellow, and once before attempted his Escape, and got as far as Hobb's Hole, I suppose he will try to pass for a Freeman, having endeavoured to procure an Indenture. I forewarn all Masters of Vessels, &c. from carrying him out of the Colony. Whoever brings the said Fellow to me shall receive 31. Reward, besides what the Law allows, and if taken out of the Colony, 101.
JOHN MARTIN.
SUFFOLK, January 16, 1775.
CÆSAR, a Fellow about 6 Feet high, very thick, strong made, and about 30 Years of Age, ran away, last August, from Mr. Robert Donald's in Warwick; he has not been long in the Country, and speaks English very badly.---The Subscribers will give 31. Reward to the Person who takes him up, and conveys him to them in Suffolk, or delivers him to Mr. Robert Donald in Warwick.
GIBSON, DONALDSON, and HAMILTON.
RUN away from the Estate of John Hamilton, deceased, in Prince George County, a likely Virginia born Negro Fellow, about 25 Years of Age, of a yellowish Complexion, lips a little, and plays on the Fiddle. He went off the Week before Christmas, with his Wife, a free Mulatto, called Peg Toney, and one Child, a Boy about two Years old. He carried with him a new Suit of blue, or purple Negro Cotton, a Virginia Cloth Coat, some other Clothes, and his Fiddle, pretending to visit his Wife's Relations in Charles City. The said Fellow is very artful, and it is more than probable will either pretend he is free, or get a forged Pass. I will give 20s. to have him secured in any Gaol, so that I may get him, or 40s. if delivered to me in Surry County.
HAMILTON JONES, Executor to the Estate of John Hamilton.
RUN away from Williamsburg, a light Mulatto Girl named JENNY, belonging to the Estate of Joseph Royle, deceased. She is about 16 Years of Age, has a very bushy Head of Hair, and when frightened, a down Look. As she is well known in the Neighbourhood of this City, a more particular Description is unnecessary. A Reward of 10s. will be given to any Person who will deliver her to the Printers of this Paper.
WARWICK, January 7, 1775.
STOLEN from Fourmile Creek, on Sunday the 15th Instant, a gray HORSE about 4 Feet 8 or 9 Inches high, branded on the near Buttock (I believe) W C, has a remarkable Dent in his near Side occasioned by a Hurt, and paces slow. There were upon him, when stolen, an old Hogskin Saddle, a new Swanskin Saddle-Cloth lined, a Surcingle, and Half Curb Bridle. He was taken away by a tall Man who went about preaching, had on an old newmarket coat, and wore a wig. He was seen, soon after he went off, at a House near Fourmile Creek, where he inquired the Way to Hanover and New Kent Courthouses, but said he was going to Richmond. I will give 40s. Reward to any Person who brings the Horse to Mr. James Fairlie at Warwick, to whom he belongs.
ANDREW WATSON.
ISAAC BOSTON, a large well set Man, about 43 Years old, with reddish coloured Hair and Eyebrows, wears a dark coloured cut Wig, has a Son with him about sixteen Years of Age, about 5 Weeks ago took the following Freight from Mr. John Corrie of Hobb's Hole, on Rappahannock, which was to have been delivered at Colebeffer, on Potomack: 3 Hhds. of West India Rum, 2 Tierces of Spirits, 1 Hhd. of Suddery, 1 Bale of Cordage, 1 Do. Rolls, 2 Baskets of Cheese, 1 Cask of Loaf Sugar, some Leading Line, a Bundle of Boxes with sundry Dry Goods, 10 Iron Pots, 1 Hhd. of Cyder, 1 Box of sweet Oranges, and 200 Bushels of Wheat. The Vessel is a Schooner that carries about 600 Bushels, has no Shrouds nor Spring Stay, her Quarter Deck is lined with Tarpanlin, and she was lately sheathed, which is plain to be seen. The said Boston was dressed in a blue Duffil over Jacket, and striped Virginia Cloth Trousers; he is fond of Drink, and very impatient when in Liquor. There is a Confirmation of his endeavouring to make off with the Vessel and Cargo, and it is thought he will push to Carolina, but may probably stop some Time at Pocumoke, on the Eastern Shore, in Maryland, where he has two Brothers and one Sister living.---Whoever apprehends the said Boston, and secures the Cargo, shall have a Reward of TWENTY POUNDS, on Application to Mr. James Mills at Urbanna, Mr. John Corrie at Hobb's Hole, Mr. Samuel Jones at Cedar Point, in Maryland, or to
JOHN MILLS.
STRAYED away from the Subscriber, living near the Raccoon Ford, in Orange County, on the 14th of December last, a large BAY HORSE near 15 Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Bob Tail, his left hind Foot white as high as the Footlock, a small Star in his Forehead, and has been used to draw in a Carriage. Also a likely small SORREL MARE, about 4 Feet 6 Inches high, with a hanging Mane and long Switch Tail, and is undock'd. Neither of them are branded, but both were shod before. Whoever delivers them to Mr. Spencer Mottram Ball in Northumberland, Mr. Thomas Waring in Essex, or to the Subscriber, shall have 20s. Reward for each, besides what the Law allows.
JAMES ROBB.
ELIZABETH CITY, January 20, 1775.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from Hampton, the first Week in December last, a black Work HORSE, neither dock'd nor branded, drags his hind Feet very sluggish in his Carriage, has a Star in his Forehead, a white Snip on his Nose, his Crupper Bone higher on one Side than the other, and is upwards of 14 Hands high. I will give 20s. for him if taken within twenty Miles, and brought to Hampton, but not exceeding 40s. for any Distance.
JACOB WRAY.
TAKEN up in Amelia, two STEERS, viz. one a dark BRINDLE, with a Crop, Hole, and Underkeel, in the right Ear, a Crop and Underkeel in the left, his left Eye is out, and appears to be 9 Years old. Posted, and appraised to 31. The other a BRINDLE, marked with a Swallowfork and an Overkeel in each Ear, his Horns are sawed, and appears to be 6 Years old. Posted, and appraised to 41.
EDMUND WALKER.
ABOUT 6001. Sterling Worth of EUROPEAN GOODS to be sold at a low Advance for Cash, or short Credit. For Terms inquire of the Printers.
JOURNEYMEN Shoemakers, who understand making Boots and Men's Wood Heel Shoes, by applying to the Printers, may be informed where they can meet with great Encouragement.
SOUTHAMPTON County, Jan. 9, 1775.
THE Subscriber purchased of Thomas Owen, late of Pittsylvania County, in the Colony of Virginia, 500 Acres of Land, situate in the County of Gilford, and Province of North Carolina, for which he was to pay the said Owen the Consideration of 300 Pounds Virginia Currency, at four different Payments; and having paid the two first Payments, and not having any Right by Title made to the said Land, except that I have an Assignment of Mr. John Ward's Bond to the said Thomas Owen for the Performance of the Title of the said Land: And as I am apprehensive that the said Ward will not convey the said Land to me without Compulsion, I therefore think myself at Liberty not to make any further Payments, either to the said Owen or any other Person to whom he may assign my Bond, until I have a proper Title to the Land above mentioned; of which all Persons will take Notice.
EDWARD HARRIS.
FOR SALE,
For ready Money, at the Plantation where Capt. HENRY GILBERT lately lived, in the upper End of HANOVER County,
ABOUT 300 Barrels of Corn, which will be delivered by Mr. John Huckstep (now Overseer on the said Plantation for Col. Thomas Nelson) on Application being first made to HANOVER Town, } THOMAS SIMPSON. Jan. 10, 1775.
PRINCE EDWARD, Dec. 1, 1774.
WHEREAS my Wife Delphia hath been a naughty, furious Houewife for some Years past, and hath invented, and reported certain Slanders, to the Prejudice of my Character, and hath often threatened to ruin me, which she hath in some Part effected: This is therefore to forewarn all Merchants and others, from crediting her on my Account, as I will pay no Debts of her contracting; and I do hereby forewarn all Persons from receiving at her Hand, any Goods or Chattels, appertaining to me, as they will answer the same at their Peril. THOMAS COLDWELL.
THOUGH I advertised, not long since, my Coal at 10d. per Bushel, ready Money, yet, from the Difficulty of receiving the Cash, and obtaining the Coal out of deep Pits, I am induced to declare that I will not take less than 12d. a Bushel ready Money, or the Amount of some substantial Merchant in Warwick, Manchester, or Richmond, for the Payment of the same in six Months from the Delivery of the Coal. Those who have hitherto been punctual may expect the same Credit as formerly. SAMUEL DU VAL.
FREDERICKSBURG, Jan. 10, 1775.
ALL Gentlemen Planters, Farmers, and others, will be pleased to take Notice that the Store lately kept by Mr. George Mitchell of Fredericksburg, for Account of Robert Jardine of London, is now managed and directed by the Principal, who is come in for that Purpose; therefore all Debts due to that Concern will be received by him and his Assistant, John Munro, who is properly authorised: And the said Robert Jardine, for the Encouragement of all Gentlemen indebted to his Store, will allow, over and above every Store in Fredericksburg, 1s. per Hundred for Tobacco, and 3d. per Bushel for Wheat, in Payment of their Debts, till the 4th Day of September next. He has for Sale a Quantity of very neat HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, with some very fine large LOOKING-GLASSES, and a large Quantity of the most excellent PORT, WINE that ever was in this Colony, which is now above 5 Years old; also about 50 Dozen of LONDON PORTER, fine OLD SPIRIT, WEST INDIA and CONTINENT RUM, SUGARS, &c. which will be sold exceeding cheap for ready Money, or short Credit, by their humble Servant, ROBERT JARDINE.
CABIN POINT, Jan. 3, 1775.
RAN away from the Brig Innermay, lying at Brandon, on the 27th of December, an Apprentice Lad named WILLIAM JOHNSTON, about 17 or 18 Years of Age, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, is of a swarthy Complexion, a little pitted with the Smallpox, and knock-kneed. He was born in or near Williamsburg, where it is supposed he is now harboured; and was bound by Order of James City Court to a Staymaker in Surry County. He carried away a new Sailor's Jacket and Breeches of blue Duffil, with white Metal Buttons, and lined with white Plaid, a green Jacket pretty much worn, a blue and white broad striped Cotton and Thread under Jacket, Country made Shoes and Stockings, one or two Pair of Sailor's Trousers, and his Bed Clothes. Whoever secures him so that I get him again shall have 15s. Reward. All Captains of Ships, or Masters of Vessels, are forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. JAMES BELCHES.
THREE POUNDS REWARD.
RAN away from the Subscriber, on the 1st of January, a middling dark Mulatto named STEPHEN, about 21 Years of Age, and thick made; had on, when he went off, a Negro Cotton Waistcoat and Breeches, an Osnaburg Shirt, and Negro made Shoes, with Pegs drove in the Soles; his Hair is cut off the Top of his Head, and but little remains at the Sides. He carried with him a white Mulatto Woman Slave named PHEBE, whose Hair is long, straight, and black; she had on a blue Waistcoat and Petticoat, and took with her two new Osnaburg Shirts, and a Suit of striped Virginia Cloth; she is about 21 Years of Age. They also carried off two Osnaburg Shirts, 6 or 7 Ells of Rolls, a new Dutch Blanket, and one about Half worn. It is imagined they will make for Carolina, and endeavour to pass for free People. All Persons are forewarned from harbouring them, at their Peril. Whoever brings them to me, or secures them in any Gaol, so that I may get them again, shall have the above Reward. HENRY HARDAWAY.
COROTOMAN, Dec. 28, 1774.
THREE or four SHOP-JOINERS, who are capable of executing the best Wainscot Work, may meet with Employment, and good Wages, from the Subscriber, in Lancaster County. (4) CHARLES CARTER.
FREDERICKSBURG, January 3, 1775.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership betwixt HORNER and WARD, of this Place, is dissolved; and all Persons who stand indebted to them are to pay the same to William Horner, who will discharge any Debts due from them. WILLIAM HORNER. JAMES WARD.
MY Affairs requiring my Return to England as soon as possible, I shall be greatly obliged to those Persons indebted as above that will enable me to do so, by a speedy Payment. I have a few European and other GOODS remaining on Hand, which I will dispose of, Wholesale or Retail, on the most reasonable Terms, for ready Money, Tobacco, or Wheat. WILLIAM HORNER.
BERKLEY (Charles City) January 9, 1775.
RAN away from the Subscriber, the 8th Instant, a clear Mulatto Fellow named NICK, by Trade a Mill-wright, is about 25 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 5 Inches high, well set, speaks and walks very quick, has a Scar over one of his Eyes, and his Fingers much marked; by being often cut. He generally wears Leather Breeches, and a gray Great Coat, but has a Variety of Clothes. Some little Time since he was whipped, and has many fresh Marks on his Back. Whoever brings him to me shall have 31. Reward, or 40s. for securing him in any Gaol, so that I may get him again. He is so very artful that he will escape from any One who is not extremely careful. He ran away some Time ago, and hired himself as a Freeman at a Saw Mill, either in Isle of Wight or Nansemond, and it is supposed may take the same Route.
BENJAMIN HARRISON.