The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1770-04-19 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the latest 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.
LONDON, Jan. 17.
It is reported that advice has been received from some American Governors that if some measures are not speedily pursued, to prevent the French and Dutch smuggling goods to the colonies, his Majesty's subjects therein will quickly find the means to be supplied with all kinds of manufactures, without any farther assistance from Great Britain.
A very considerable Irish patriot, who had many years since been state saddle in Dublin, in the hurry of his debate got into his shop again, saying, Are we to be saddled and bridled by the English? Are we to be whipped and spurred into obedience? For ever to hold the stirrup and be the crupper? On which he was called to order.
Yesterday the Hon. Archibald Douglas, Esq; set out from his Grace the Duke of Queenberry's house, in Burlington Gardens; to make the tour of Europe.
Jan. 25. By accounts from Milan we learn that a herald's office, of a very extraordinary nature, has lately been erected there. It is for the sale of titles; for that of a Marquis the people are to pay 2500 florins, for that of an Earl 1000, for that of a Lord 1600, for that of a Knight 1300, for that of a Gentleman 1000, and for that of a Don 500.
Jan. 30. The following circumstantial account, just received from Carmarthenhire, relative to the murder of the late Mr. Powell, may be relied on as matter of fact. On Monday the 8th instant William Williams, of the town of Llandudno, mercer, together with twelve other persons disguised in waggoners frocks, and armed with pistols, swords, cutlasses, and caled tucks, came to the dwelling-house of William Powell, of Glanareth, in the county of Carmarthen, Esq; and knocked at the back door. Upon its being opened William Williams, and two of the villains, rushed into the parlour (whilst others stood sentry at the kitchen door, with drawn swords and pistols) where Mr. Powell was sitting with three of his neighbours, and immediately stabbed him in nine different parts of his body, until his bowels came out, cut off his nose, and almost one of his hands. The people who were with him were so frightened that they made no resistance, but immediately ran out; the assassins then retreated, without attempting to hurt any other person. The following day several persons followed their footsteps in the snow, and took particular notice of the impression and size of their shoes. The villains avoided all houses and paths, and went over bogs, morasses, and mountains, for about four computed miles, until they came by the house of one Charles David Morgan; but being traced no farther, he was taken up and brought before the coroner, where he gave a fair account of himself, but one of his shoes being taken off, and agreeing in size with one of the impressions taken notice of in the snow, he was committed on suspicion, and soon after confessed the fact, and discovered six of the accomplices. Whereupon Sir William Mansel, Bart. Edward Mainwaring Howorth, Esq; and some other Gentlemen, much to their honour and credit, immediately armed, and went with their servants in pursuit of them to different parts, and secured some of them. One of the villains thereupon confessed the whole, and that there were thirteen in number, and that they were all hired by the said William Williams to murder Mr. Powell, and not to rob the house. This William Williams, in August 1768, went with Mr. Powell's wife and took her and her children from the boarding school to London; and Mr. Powell was obliged to apply to the court of King's Bench for a habeas corpus to get at his children, and by the recommendation of the court allowed her 100l. per annum for a separate maintenance. This Williams laid several schemes in order to take away Mr. Powell's life, and attempted to shoot him several times. The villains met on the 7th instant in Charles David Morgan's house, and continued there until they went the following evening to murder Mr. Powell. After the act was done Williams declared he would soon possess himself of Mr. Powell's fortune. It was much to be feared that many more were concerned. One of the villains was despatched by Williams that very night to inform Mrs. Powell's brother with what was done, and ordered him to come and take possession of the estate; but Mr. Powell having made a will, and appointed guardians over his children, their scheme was defeated.
The publick, for a long time past, has been abused with a story of money having been given by the French Court to purchase the late peace. Doctor Musgrave had last night a full hearing, at his own desire, and was allowed to tell his whole story; when it appeared to be the unanimous sense of all who heard it that the information was entirely frivolous and unworthy of all credit, and such as could not afford any reasonable ground for the inquiry demanded.
This morning the Earl of Hillsborough had a numerous levee at his Lordship's house in Berkeley square, at which several of the American merchants attended.
We are informed that the report of a great man having told two foreign Ambassadors that any attempt on the part of their respective Courts to interrupt the progress of the Russian fleet would be considered as a declaration of war against England, is entirely without foundation.
This morning the premium of ensurance on ships and merchandise bore an advance of near two per cent. at the underwriting offices in the city.
Yesterday some additional rendezvous houses were opened at Wapping, Rotherhithe, and Southwark, for entering volunteers to serve on board the Royal navy.
It is said to be confirmed that Lord Piercy, Sir George Yonge, and Sir Percy Brett, are of the patriotick party.
A writer in favour of Administration says: "The Duke of Grafton has resigned his place, yet he is, and will continue to be, the acting Minister. His conduct is founded upon a political and honourable principle, and the good of this country is still his object." He adds: "Lord North has abilities, resolution, patriotism, and the honour worthy of a leader."
They write from Gibraltar that a Danish man of war had lately taken two Algerine corsairs off Tangier, after an engagement of more than an hour, and brought them both into the bay.
This morning an express was sent off from the Earl of Hillsborough's office, in Whitehall, for Plymouth, to be forwarded immediately for New York.
The resignation of the Earl of Hillsborough, Secretary of State for the plantations, is hourly expected.
Feb. 1. The Right Hon. Lord Sandwich was yesterday appointed Secretary of State, in the room of the Earl of Rochford. It is said Lord Rochford will be appointed to the Lieutenancy of Ireland. We hear the following promotions will take place in a few days. His Grace the Duke of Northumberland will be appointed Steward of the Household, in the room of the Earl of Talbot. His Grace the Duke of Manchester, Master of Horse to his Majesty, in the room of his Grace the Duke of Ancaster. His Grace the Duke of Portland, Lord Chamberlain, in the room of the Earl of Hertford. Lord Camden, Lord High Chancellor. Earl of Chatham, Lord Privy Seal. Another account says there is no present intention of any farther removes, except in the office of Privy Seal, to which it is said the Duke of Grafton will in a few days be appointed.
An evening paper of last night says that the sudden resignation of his Grace of Grafton was in consequence of some despatches from the Earl of Bute.
A certain Commissioner is not appointed so pro tempore, as is reported, but will hold both the important places he is now possessed of at the same time, as has been done in many former cases, and in the later instances of Mr. Pelham and Mr. Grenville. Great expectations are formed of the administration of the new Premier; and few doubt, who have the least knowledge of his abilities, but that he will conduct himself to the satisfaction of both parties, and so as to gain the approbation of the publick.
It is remarkable that the Premier became a martyr to the good of his country on the anniversary of the martyrdom of his great grandfather.
The publick form a thousand flattering hopes from a late resignation. Smiles dwell on every face, and congratulations hang on every tongue.
In a private conversation between the late Premier and a Noble Duke, the latter insisted he ought to be reimbursed out of the treasury the considerable sums of money expended on the famous Middlesex election; to which the former peremptorily refused, saying he ought to discharge the whole himself. This circumstance, we are told, has determined that Nobleman never more to interfere in elections.
Since the late acquisitions to the minority, and resignation of the Premier, bets are six to one, at the St. James's end of the town, that the present Parliament will be absolutely dissolved.
It is strongly rumoured, amongst the politicians, that in consequence of the present and expected change in the Ministry war will positively be declared in the course of a few weeks.
Dr. Musgrave was called in last Monday at the bar of a certain political club, and being asked what grounds he had to suppose that the late peace was sold to the French, he replied he had received that information from a Gentleman at Paris, who was a particular acquaintance of the Chevalier D'Eon. Being then asked to whom it was supposed the money, said to be paid for bringing about the peace, was paid, he peremptorily replied, the Princess Dowager of Wales. Upon which it was agreed that his letter of complaint was frivolous, insignificant, and unworthy of the attention of that assembly; and he was accordingly dismissed.
It is assured that a certain personage no sooner learned the manner in which this examination was taken, and the little resentment that was shown by the Ministry to the insult offered to a certain Lady, than he directly sent an express to the Duke of Grafton, and ordered him immediately to resign; in consequence whereof his Grace wrote a letter yesterday morning to a certain Board, and acquainted them with his resignation.
Dr. Musgrave will be called to the bar of a superior club, to give reasons for his having accused the Earl of Halifax with not giving proper attention to his remonstrances, respecting the imaginary tale of the peace.
On Monday Dr. Musgrave appeared before a certain society, when the President informed him that he need only reply to such questions as he liked, and that no person had a right to compel him to make any answers which were repugnant to his feelings. The Doctor, with clearness and firmness, answered that he came there with intention to declare all he knew, and spoke much to this purport: That before the peace of Versailles was concluded the sum of 500,000l. was paid to the mistress of an unpopular Lord, 250,000l. to Lord Bute, 250,000l. to Mr. Fox; that these sums were remitted from a certain banker's in Paris, of which My Lord Halifax knew; that he had there declared these particulars to our Ambassador, and to the Duke of Newcastle also, who replied that F— was a d— rogue, he believed, but not fool enough to do that; that Sir G. S— had also evaded the inquiry, and that Mr. M'L— knew every proceeding to be fact. This Mr. M'L— solemnly denied, and declared he believed every assertion of the Doctor's to be false. The Doctor farther added, "that humanity would not permit him to name his authority, as death would be his fate." A member asked if he was not some indigent mechanick that he had this account from. The Doctor replied, "My Lord B— could best tell that, as he was a daily companion of his." However, upon the whole, the account was treated with an air of contempt, and the mountain must dwindle to nothing.
We are informed that a certain physician, upon his examination on a certain occasion, told some bold truths respecting particular persons, that excited the surprise of the whole auditory, as well with regard to the subject of them as the persons to whom they more nearly related.
The Comptroller of Port Glasgow having resigned, a new commission for that office is now preparing; as also for the town of Hull, in the room of Mr. Campbell.
Extract of a letter from Stamford, Jan. 24. "A few days since happened the following melancholy accident. Two young women, daughters of Mr. Groom and Mr. Lowe, of this town, having been out upon a visit to Cliff, were returning home both upon a horse. They had a man with them to open the gates, &c. through the forest; but while he was fastening one they rode on, in high spirits, pretty briskly, and thought they could manage the next themselves. Before the gate there was a deep ditch, with a narrow bridge over it; in backing the horse his hind feet slipped off the bridge; Miss Lowe, seeing the danger, jumped into the ditch; Miss Groom fell off backwards close by her, and the horse fell in upon them both. When the man came up he could give them no relief, though they kept their heads just above the mire; for if he had meddled with the horse they must inevitably have been trampled to pieces, and the man was not able to pull either of them from under. In this situation they lay stroking and patting the horse, to keep him from struggling, and desired the man to make all speed back for assistance; he never thought of calling out for help, else in all probability both might have been saved, but went back again, a mile and a half, to Cliff. The poor creatures lay in this distress, holding each others hands, and supporting one another to the last extremity, until quite worn out, Miss Groom's head sunk under water, and she into the arms of death. Miss Lowe must have perished likewise in a few minutes, but fortunately for her six or seven men came, and by means of a rope fastened round her middle dragged her from under the horse. She was just able to speak, and begged they would pull her out, if she left her limbs behind her. By this time Mr. Groom, who had heard of the accident, got there, and could see only the buckle of his daughter's shoe; when he found she was dead, he fainted away. Miss Lowe was carried back to Cliff, and was very ill a long time, but is in a fair way of recovery. The last words she remembers to have heard Miss Groom speak were that she wished she could once more see her dear father and mother. She was just nineteen years of age, and was a very deserving fine young woman."
On Tuesday Lord North sat at the Treasury Board, as first Lord. It is said a difference of opinion concerning a certain inquiry, which the Ministry could not agree about, was the cause of the Duke of Grafton's throwing up; and that all the rest of the party resolve to keep their places, if they can. Others consider Lord North as a mere locum tenens. However, it is beyond a doubt that a great personage had no hand in the Minister's dismissal, which was entirely his own act and deed. It is said his Grace saw his great hopes daily slipping from him, and thought it was better to come down himself than to be shamefully pulled down.
Among the reasons given for the resignation of a great person in power one is that by the resignation of Lord Camden, and the death of the Hon. Mr. Yorke, he was not sufficiently supported by men of ability in the law.
A correspondent having lately seen several severe remarks thrown out against the character of the late Lord Chancellor, on account of his accepting the Seals after he had assured his brother and other friends that he would refuse them, desires us to lay before our readers the following narrative concerning that transaction, which he assures us is genuine.
"That Mr. Yorke did absolutely refuse the offer of the Seals, on the Tuesday preceding his death, from the Duke of Grafton; That the next day his Grace waited upon Mr. Yorke, and informed him his sovereign desired to see him. That Mr. Yorke accordingly attended the levee, and after that was over was closeted with the great personage, who is said to have made use of such arguments and entreaties to induce him to accept the Chancellorship that Mr. Yorke declared he could refuse them no longer, without being guilty of rebellion. Among other arguments his Majesty is said to have urged the great favours conferred on Mr. Yorke's family by his grandfather, so great that he could not deny his present services without incurring the charge of being guilty of the highest ingratitude, that he considered the welfare and tranquillity of himself and subjects to depend upon his acceptance or refusal of the Seals, and that he hoped Mr. Yorke had too much real patriotism to refuse to save his country. Overcome by his sovereign's condescensions, Mr. Yorke agreed to take upon him the office, and was immediately sworn in. In his return home he called upon his titled brother, who upon seeing him saluted him with "Charles, you have acted nobly," still supposing he had not accepted the high post offered him the day before. The Chancellor, without returning any answer, produced the Seals, which he took out of his pocket and laid upon a table. This so confounded as well as enraged the Peer that he quitted the room with anger and precipitation, threw the door in his brother's face, and gave orders that he should be no more admitted to the him. The consequence every one knows."
Tuesday morning the celebrated Dr. Musgrave, after having done his business in town, set out from his apartments in Lancaster court for Plymouth.
The Harlequin, Auckland, from North Carolina to Hull, struck the 5th instant in the night, in a hard gale of wind, on the west rocks of Scilly, and came off there, but foundered about eight leagues south west of Scilly. The crew were saved with great difficulty in the boat, and taken up by Captain Thompson, bound to Newcastle, who arrived at Portsmouth the 13th instant. The Harlequin was loaded with 1800 barrels of tar.
A certain elderly Gentleman, now Governor in one of our settlements abroad, took a particular liking to a girl of the town, whom he married and purposed to take over with him. His bride represented to him that it was necessary she should furnish herself with clothes, jewels, &c. before her departure; he readily granted her whatever she required for that purpose, and also laid out a considerable sum himself for plate. A little before the day fixed for embarking, while the old Gentleman was out spending his evening with some friends, his Lady packed up every thing of value, and decamped with a favourite young fellow she had been before connected with, and with whom she now lives, not far from Northumberland street. She appears in a splendid manner, and has taken in several tradesmen for goods to a considerable amount, having nonsuited one or two who attacked her, &c. by standing trials, and producing a regular certificate of her marriage.
The report of a murder having been committed by one of the Russians on a prostitute at Portsmouth is false. The truth of the affair is as follows, viz. The Russian having taken a night's lodging with the woman, in the morning missing his breeches, so exasperated him that he drew his sword and wounded her in the arm, upon which she brought the breeches back again, with all their contents.
Feb. 2. Wednesday the committee of the whole House of Commons met, agreeable to their adjournment of Thursday last Mr. Dowdeswell waved his former question, viz. that the determination of this House shall be agreeable to the law of the land and the known law and custom of Parliament; and made following motion, viz. that this House has no power to incise a member but by an express act of Parliament. This debated until one o'clock, when Lord North made the following motion: That the Chairman do leave the chair, which passed the affirmative, there being for the question 226, against 40, which dissolved the committee.

Letters from the Mediterranean advise that there is the greatest reason to believe that the present war between Turkey and Russia will involve the former in a train of misfortunes which was little expected, as most of the Greek inhabitants, who have long groaned under the Ottoman yoke, seem inclined to assert their freedom. The people of Candia, and all the Morea, only wait for a favourable opportunity of taking arms against the Mahometans; and as great quantities of powder, ball, and warlike stores, have lately been distributed to the Montenegrins by Prince Dolgorucki, and to the several other parts of the Levant by Count Orlow, we may soon expect to hear some interesting news from that quarter of the world.
Lord North, in the conclusion of his speech last night, told a certain august assembly he looked upon a Noble Duke as a fast and firm friend to his King and country, and that they might depend the measures he had laid down should be pursued with the utmost punctuality, and made no doubt but he should support himself against a set of people who, like travelling oculists, travel the country to open the eyes of the people to see what has not yet happened.
The House of Commons did not break up until near two o'clock yesterday morning.
The Lords are all summoned for Monday next, to take into consideration the state of the nation, and to make inquiry into the complaints of the people.
Bets at the well end of the town run five to three that the majority in both Houses this day will be against the Ministry.
Yesterday seventy members of the Upper House dined with the Marquis of Rockingham. At this meeting, it is said, a spirited protest was prepared against a late determination, preparatory to the business of this day.
It is said that a certain great person resigned on the following account, and that alone. A new appointment was to be made, to a capital post in a neighbouring kingdom, to which he named his friend; but when this was carried to Bloomsbury square, from whence the approbation of most of the late measures has come, it was opposed, and it was insisted on that another person should be appointed, in a manner so peremptory that gave no reason to believe such a determination would be receded from, in consequence of which the Duke, who had pledged his honour to his friend that he would obtain it for him, declared that if he could not have the power of nominating to, or disposal of, so insignificant a place as that in agitation, the power of a Minister was but a jest, and the not worth retaining.
Feb. 6. The Right Hon. Lord North will have a levee this day, at the Cockpit, Whitehall.
It is certain a very great personage has declared that he will not be forced into a dissolution of Parliament, or even a change of Ministry.
A bill, it is said, is preparing, with all expedition, for the regulating all expulatory and incapacitating resolutions of a certain assembly in future.
It is said the dispute now is whether in future expulsions the sense of the assembly shall be collected from the voices of two thirds of the persons present, or a majority only.
We are assured, as an absolute fact, that out of the 106 Peers who voted on the side of Government on a certain interesting question, last Saturday morning, upwards of 70 were unplaced and unpenioned.
Lord Chatham has given it as his opinion that Spain has already done sufficient to justify any steps that England may think expedient to take by way of reprisals, and we are assured that a strong memorial is preparing to be sent to the Court of Madrid on a subject of the last importance to the being of West Florida as a British settlement. In the mean while orders are sent to Ireland for a regiment of troops on that establishment to be embarked on board transports, at Cork, for Pensylvania.
We hear that if a patriottick doctor had not decamped in a post chaise, immediately after his leaving a certain assembly, he would have been under the necessity of answering, as a Gentleman, for the liberties he took during a certain examination, a Gentleman having sought him the next morning, in order to summons him to meet another for that purpose.
The following is an anecdote of the late Marquis of Rockingham, father to the present Marquis: Soon after the rebellion in 1745, in which that Lord raised a regiment at his own expence, his late Majesty sent a message to the Marquis, intimating that he should be glad to see him at Court, and that he might have any place about his person that was most agreeable to him; when the Marquis replied that he was much obliged to his Majesty, but begged to be excused, as he himself lived like a King, and though he was a faithful subject he would not be a servant, or kneel to any man.
The bills from Virginia are now remitted after the rate of fifteen per cent. which used to be done at fifty; owing, it is said, to the great scarcity of money in that part.
By letters from Leghorn we are informed that the French troops are making preparations in Corsica against a large body of the natives, who are assembled, and are shortly expected to come down from the mountains.
Advises arrived yesterday from Genoa declare that the appearance of the Russian fleet in the Mediterranean occasions great speculation, that they expect the Toulon squadron will sail as soon as the Russians quit Port Mahon, and that eight Spanish ships of war are fitting out at Ferrol, and some others at Cadiz.
Letters from Germany mention that the Archbishop of Mayence has suppressed a great number of holidays in the places under his jurisdiction, and that preparations are making, by several other Popish Bishops in the Empire, to follow his example.
Sunday night, in consequence of an altercation respecting the debates in a respectable assembly, a duel was fought, at a tavern in Westminster, between two Gentlemen, one of whom was so dangerously wounded that it is thought he cannot recover.
It is said the Hon. J. C. F.—won 7000 guineas, at one sitting, a few nights since, at a noted house in Pallmall.
Wednesday last William de Grey, Esq; of Trinity Hall, Cambridge, his Majesty's Attorney General, was created Master of Arts, by Royal mandate.
Yesterday was resumed, in the Court of Justiciary at Edinburgh, the trial of Mungo Campbell, indicted for the murder of the Earl of Eglinton. We are assured that Campbell's advocate, on the 22d of January last, when his trial opened, concluded his speech in favour of the prisoner, in the following singular manner: That he was advised the law of England was for Campbell in every point, and that it was clear as sunshine if he were to be tried in England he would not suffer death, but would be either altogether acquitted, or at most found guilty of manslaughter; that for his own sake, and his country's, he hoped the dictates of the criminal law of England would be listened to; he submitted to them the appearance it would have if a man should be hanged like a dog in Scotland who would be dismissed from the English bar, either with impunity, or a slight punishment; that he was certain the law of England was for him, and if he was doomed to die, he, with the rope about his neck, would cast a wishful though unavailing look to the South, and lament the day he was born a Scotchman.
The distemper among the horned cattle has raged so violently that a grazier in Buckinghamshire, about a fortnight ago, lost 60 cows in the space of 24 hours.
A few days since died at Liverpool, in the 90th year of his age, Richard Gildart, Esq; senior Alderman of that corporation; years; he served the office of Mayor three times, and was one of the representatives of that borough in the second, third, and fourth Parliaments of his late Majesty.
It is said that the stability of the present Ministry will be of a short duration; and should the opposition, which is visibly ground every day, then take the lead, which no doubt he can, the prospect of a war cannot be very distant, as Lord, who is a principal leader in the minority, declared
in the House, at the meeting of the Parliament, that he was firmly of opinion a war, in a very few months, was inevitable.
A certain doctor, on a late extraordinary occasion, to support his charge, the Abbe C—u—ne, on whom he laid a stress, because he taught Lady Hertford French, and a brother of a clerk of the Duc de Choiseul's bureau, or office. Persons of such consequence as the Abbe and the clerk's brother could not fail to be intrusted with the deepest secrets of the French Cabinet, or the most private negotiations of the Ministers of the two Crowns.
Feb. 7. Yesterday, at Lord North's levee at the Cockpit, there were upwards of 250 Lords and Commoners.
It is said to be the declaration of the present Premier that he will preserve himself in his office against all opposition, not by the usual methods of his predecessors, but by an open, spirited, and upright conduct.
We are assured a great personage has declared that the present Ministry shall be upheld.
On Monday his Grace the Duke of Grafton was at Court, and had a conference with his Majesty.
Monday evening the Earl of Chatham set out for his seat at Hayes, and intends being in town on Friday next, to attend the House of Lords.
By some words that fell from the lips of the Earl of Chatham on Friday last, it appears that a great personage entertains so high an opinion of Lord Camden that he even offered his Lordship the place of first Lord of the Treasury.
A correspondent desires to know who it was that, according to some of the papers, let drop hints of foreign assistance, if the people should proceed to greater lengths than addressing? To this question we are unable to give any answer, or even to answer him whether such hints were really dropped.
It is said that the petition of the American merchants, praying that the Parliament will repeal all the laws for internal taxation, is in consequence of a plan concerted between some of the principals in that trade and Administration. This mode of redress is entirely disagreeable to the Americans, and has been declared so by many of them who are now in England.
At a ball lately given by the Speaker and Gentlemen of the House of Burgesses of Virginia, for the entertainment of Lord Botetourt, upwards of a hundred Ladies appeared in homespun dresses.
Accounts from Ireland say that a great number of linen manufacturers in the north of that kingdom have left their country, and gone to settle in North America.
Monday the Russian Admiral Elphinstone arrived in town from Portsmouth, and immediately waited on his Excellency the Russian Ambassador.
It is reported that the young Chevelier has been lately seen at Versailles, which occasions much speculation among the Parisian politicians.
A motion has lately been made in the assembly of the States of Holland for suppressing the liberty of the press, and appointing licensees to inspect all manuscripts before publication, whether written in Dutch, English, French, or German, &c. but the bookellers of that country have joined, and presented a petition to the States against such a regulation. What effect it may have time only can discover.
They write from Lisbon that in consequence of the last packet from Brazil the Court had given orders for the St. Joseph of seventy guns, the Nativity of fifty, and Arrebeda frigate, of thirty two guns, to sail with all expedition to the Portuguese settlements in South America, with land forces on board.
The mail which arrived on Monday from South Carolina brings authentic advice that the Assembly of Charlestown have passed a vote, granting to John Wilkes, Esq; the sum of 10,000. currency (or 1500 l. sterling) in some measure to defray the great expence he has been put to in elections, relections, expulsions, &c. &c. which sum is remitted to England in two bills; one of 1000 l. drawn on a merchant in London, and the other of 500 l. on another merchant at Bristol.
The Society of the Bill of Rights are now putting in order a plan for the total discharge of the aforesaid Gentleman's debts.
We hear that a young Nobleman, who came into the possession of an estate of 24,000 l. per annum but last June, had reduced it, by grants of annuities for his life, to about 7000 l. a year before last Christmas, and has since lost several considerable sums at play.
On Tuesday se'nnight a petition was presented to the House of Peers for Mungo Campbell, present prisoner in the tolbooth of Edinburgh for the murder of the Right Hon. the Earl of Eglinton, praying for leave to lodge an appeal in that Right Hon. House against the judgment of the High Court of Justiciary, sustaining themselves the competent court for trying Campbell for the crime libelled, which petition was remitted to a committee.
On the 21st of last month Mar Lodge, a seat of the Right Hon. the Earl of Fife, in Aberdeenshire, was burnt to the ground. The fire was occasioned by the carelessness of a house maid, and two of the servants very narrowly escaped. All the furniture, as well as the house, are entirely consumed.
Monday night, about eleven o'clock, a terrible fire broke out at a biscuit baker's, in Limehouse, within two doors of the bridge, which consumed the said house, together with two publick houses, and about fourteen other dwelling-houses, before it could be extinguished.
Last Wednesday three children having been left by themselves in a room, at a chandler's shop in Leicester street, near Swallow street, by some accident their clothes took fire, and the youngest, which was a nurse child, was burned to death; the eldest had her belly so miserably burnt that she is since dead, and the other would have shared the same fate, had not the poor woman, who was mother to two of them, just come in time to save her. She had not been absent above an hour.
We hear that a message was sent last night to a certain assembly, by a great personage, desiring the House to consider of some publick patriottick measures, immediately, finally to adjust the present unhappy divisions both in their own Houses, and in the nation in general; in consequence of which, we are told, a bill will be immediately brought in to disqualify any person or persons, returned to serve in Parliament, that have ever been, or should be in the course of any session, convicted of blasphemy or treason, or other certain crimes or misdemeanors therein mentioned.
Tomorrow the Lord Mayor will give a grand entertainment at the Mansion House to the Fruiterers company, who will present his Lordship with some of the choicest fruits of all sorts.
On Friday the Lady Mayors will give a grand rout and a ball; afterwards there will be an elegant supper, at which many of the Nobility are expected to be present.
Extract of a letter from Paris, Jan. 26. "The corps of Gendarmerie have presented a memorial to the King, setting forth that the new regulation is contrary to the original institution of that corps, and derogatory to its prerogatives. His Majesty received the memorial, but has not thought proper to alter the regulation complained of."
"The deputies from the Parliament of Brittany, who were charged to solicit the recall of their Attorneys General, had an audience of the King last Saturday. His Majesty repeated the assurances he had so often given, that the honour of these magistrates was no way concerned in their exile; that the disgrace they laboured under was in consequence of a personal dissatisfaction, which his Majesty chose to keep a secret, and therefore his Parliament ought not to inquire into."
"The Parliament of Paris having since applied to the King, upon the same subject, his Majesty answered, "I shall take proper notice of what you have represented to me."
Some letters from Lisbon mention that Don Mello de Castro, the new Secretary of State, has lately taken some pains to persuade his Most Faithful Majesty that the true interest of Portugal, with regard both to matters of policy and commerce, will be to secure the friendship of Great Britain.
Feb. 9. We are assured, from undoubted authority, that a conciliating plan will shortly be proposed by Lord North, which, if it should take effect, will reflect immortal honour on the character of that Nobleman.
Yesterday Lord North gave a grand entertainment, at his house in Downing street, to many of the Nobility, &c.
Yesterday there was a great meeting of the Nobility and Gentlemen, at Mr. Townsend's house in Cleveland row.
Yesterday morning the Marquis of Rockingham was deemed, by his physicians and surgeons to be in a fair way of recovery, the apprehended mortification in his leg being prevented.
We hear that yesterday her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland resigned her place as Lady of the Bedchamber to her Majesty, and that the Countess of Holderness was appointed Lady of the Bedchamber to her Majesty, in the room of her Grace the Duchess of Northumberland.
Sir Gilbert Elliot, Bart. we hear, will be appointed Treasurer of the Navy, in the room of Lord Viscount Howe.
The farther consideration of the state of the nation, which was expected to have come on this day in a certain place, is, we are informed, postponed until Monday.
We hear the sum of 283,687 l. will be wanted for the service of the current year, to put our navy on a respectable footing.
As the second question was debating on Friday night last, in a certain society, a division was proposed by a member, on account of the late hour, and the waste of spirit they must necessarily have undergone during the former debate; when Lord Chatham rose up, and said he was directly against that motion, for, added that Nobleman, "though I am here suffering more than any other Lord in the assembly, on account of my infirmities, I am willing to stay somewhat longer, that I might have, at least, the pleasure to see the sun rise on such proceedings."
We are assured that the petition of a certain body of merchants, relative to the affairs of America, will be taken under deliberation on Monday next.
It was yesterday morning reported that advice is received that the Spanish Court have given orders for the Russian men of war to be denied entrance into any of his Catholic Majesty's ports, within or without the straits of Gibraltar.
Yesterday morning an express was sent off to Lord Viscount Townshend, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, who we are informed is to continue the Viceroyship of that kingdom, notwithstanding the many reports to the contrary.
Saturday last a Noble Duke, lately arrived from his travels, paid a visit to Mr. Wilkes in the King's Bench prison.
Her Grace the Duchess of Hamilton is indisposed, at her house in Argyle buildings, where also her daughter, Lady Augusta Campbell, lies dangerously ill.
We are informed that a patriottick dignitary of the church, greatly advanced in years, has bequeathed the bulk of his fortune, which is said to be upwards of 30,000 l. except a few legacies, to a popular patriot.
The present Duchess Dowager of Newcastle, it is said, is Princess of Mildenheim in Germany in her own right, being granddaughter of the late glorious and invincible John Duke of Marlborough, by his eldest daughter Henrietta, who married the late Earl of Godolphin.
We hear that Lord Holland has left Paris, and is gone to Venice, in order to be present at the Carnival.
Extract of a letter from Portsmouth, Feb. 7.
"Monday evening the Dutch homeward bound East Indiaman came to an anchor at St. Helen's road, which the customhouse officers observing, and the wind being then fair, gave them reason to suspect that goods would be run from her in the night. In consequence thereof the customhouse cutter was ordered to observe her motions with the greatest diligence, when in the night a large lugger was seen to go along side, and after the officers thought her sufficiently loaded, a boat was despatched from the cutter to board her, which they did, and found the smugglers people very busy stowing away the goods they had on board, consisting of leagers of arrack, with other East India goods; but the smugglers no sooner observed the officers on board than they called to the Indiaman for assistance, when numbers of the crew came down to the lugger, overpowered the officers, took away their arms, and tumbled them into their boat, after wounding several of them. The lugger then went out directly to sea, but with the loss of her boat, which the officers cut away from her stern. As several of the smugglers are known, it is imagined they will be brought to justice. The Indiaman is since sailed from St. Helen's."
Tuesday fourteen Aldermen dined at a tavern in the city, instead of accepting the invitation of the Lord Mayor.
We are informed the land tax is to be continued at three shillings in the pound, and a proportionate cess for Scotland.
It is publickly known that Lord Holland has called in all his money lent on mortgages to a most considerable amount, in order to pass for the contrary of what the world think and have thought of him.
A few days since died Mr. Stephen Swin, keeper of the lunatics, and head carpenter of Guy's hospital. On a person's making an application to a proctor in Doctors Commons, to search the will of the deceased, which is proved in the prerogative court of Canterbury, he found the following legacy left to him and his wife: "Item, I give and bequeath to John A—, victualler, and Frances his wife, the sum of sixpence to buy each of them a halter, for fear the sherriffs should not be provided."
The Hon. George Pitt is to go Ambassador to the Court of Madrid, in the room of Sir James Grey. He is to have the Red Riband and Peerage in his own right.
SALEM, March 13.
A staunch Whig, who is a true lover of his native country, desires that the following paragraphs may be inserted.
So enraged are the people at the late horrid massacre in Boston that it is thought, if a proper signal should be given, not less than 1500 men, from this town and Marblehead, would turn out at a minute's warning, to revenge the murders and support the rights of the insulted and much abused inhabitants of Boston.
It is hoped that the inhabitants of each town, not only in this province, but throughout America, will pass votes and resolutions expressive of the greatest abhorrence and detestation of the late bloody massacre, and of their readiness at all times to support their rights as men, Christians, and British subjects; and also, if the tyranny of Administration requires it, to sacrifice their lives in extirpating a profligate, licentious, and blood thirsty soldiery, stationed among us with the avowed intention of rendering ineffectual the present struggles for preserving all that is dear and valuable. If this spirit does not prevail on the present extraordinary, melancholy occasion, in vain (with respect to us) did our ancestors quit their native land, and encounter numerous perils and dangers in settling this country, to enjoy the blessings of freedom, and to transmit the same to their posterity.
Never did Tory principles, as they are called, appear in such glaring odious colours as at this time. For men to talk of the late barbarous murders without any apparent sensations of sorrow or resentment betrays their want of common humanity, but their discovering manifest signs of pleasure at the late exertions of military cruelty, and a desire to justify the murderers, is really shocking to human nature; and if their hearts correspond with their actions, they certainly merit the severest vengeance of Almighty God.
NEW YORK, March 26.
ON Saturday last, the 24th instant, being the 45th day of Captain M c Dougall's imprisonment, a number of Gentlemen, real friends to American liberty, waited on him at his chamber, and dined with him. The same day 45 Gentlemen, belonging to the Chamber of Commerce in this city, waited on his Honour

TAKEN up in Isle of Wight county, and committed to jail, a Negro man named TOM , who says he is the property of John Thomas , of Brunswick county. The owner may have him, on paying charges, by applying to JOHN TAYLOR , jailer.
STRAYED from Shockoe , about the 20th of December last, a light roan horse, not thoroughly broke, inclined to pace, about 4 feet 6 or 7 inches high, 5 years old this spring, and branded on the near buttock I in a diamond. Whoever brings the said horse to me at Shockoe , or informs me where he is, so that I get him again, shall have 20 s. reward.
ROBERT BAINE.
STRAYED from the bake-house, in Chesterfield county, about four months ago, a dark bay mare, about 2 years old, with a hanging mane and long tail, and appears to be very short in the fore legs. Whoever brings the said mare to Mr. Henry Lochhead's store in Petersburg , or to Captain Matthew Buchanan's house in Chesterfield , shall have 20 s. reward.
MATTHEW BUCHANAN.
save the colony soon. Demands against me are desired to be requested to come and settle. SAMUEL MITCHELL.
on Friday the 27th instant, day's door, in Williamsburg , ney ,
A TRACT of LAND in King William county known by the name of Gouge's adjoining that Col. BERNARD MOORE formerly lived on, which was drawn a prize in that Gentleman's lottery, and valued at 1375 l. JEFFERY GRISLEY.
To be SOLD to the highest bidder, in Williamsburg , before Mr. Anthony Hay's door, on Friday the 4th of May, pursuant to the last will and testament of Major John Power , deceased,
A TRACT of LAND , containing 350 acres, lying in the county of Louisa , within six miles of the courthouse, and whereon Trinity church stands. Twelve months credit will be allowed, on giving bond and approved security to
The EXECUTORS.
N. B. If the said land should not be sold at the above mentioned time, it will be exposed to sale the next Louisa court on the same terms. Any person inclinable to purchase it privately may know the terms by applying to Captain Edward Power , or the subscriber; who requests it as a favour of those who have any demands against the estate of Major Power to make it known to him immediately, that there may be provision made to discharge the same as soon as possible.
JOHN PIERCE.
To be SOLD,
A VALUABLE TRACT of LAND , lying in Brunswick county, containing 510 acres, the greatest part of which is very good for tobacco, with necessary buildings upon it, and very convenient to court, church, and mills.
Any person inclinable to purchase may know the terms by applying to the subscriber, on the premises.
WILLIAM PARKER.
TAKEN up in Isle of Wight county, and committed to jail, a Negro man named ABRAHAM , who says he belongs to John Callaway , in Bedford county. The owner may have him, on paying charges, by applying to JOHN TAYLOR , jailer.
YORK county, April 10, 1770.
RUN away from the subscriber, a Negro man named DICK , about 5 feet high, and had on when he went away a long dark brown sailor's waistcoat, and a white cotton waistcoat and breeches. He is a dark tawny fellow, and speaks with a big hoarse voice.
Whoever apprehends the said fellow, so that I get him again, shall have 3 l. reward.
DANIEL DIXON.
TAKEN out of my stable in Hanover county, two miles below Newcastle , about the 23d of February last, by a Negro fellow, supposed to be James Dukes (who was seen with her going towards Williamsburg ) a white mare, about 4 feet 5 or 6 inches high, with a bushy mane and switch tail, paces and canters, and branded (I believe on the near buttock) either AH in a piece or AH . Whoever brings the said mare to me shall have 20 s. reward.
JUDITH COBBS.
N. B. I have some suspicion she is altered, by cutting her mane and tail.
J. C.
STOLEN out of my stable, in Caroline county, near Littlepage's bridge, the 9th of March last, a middle sized bay roan mare, paces slow, is an exceeding fine draught beast, her shoulders have been galled, and though the hair is grown out yet when she sheds it is not the same colour with her other hair, but a deeper bay, is subject to start when rode, and branded on the near buttock 33, the figures leaning towards the right shoulder. Whoever contrives me the mare, or gives such intelligence that she may be had again, have 20 s. reward.
JOHN MOUNTAGUE.
YORK county, sc.
To all Sheriffs, Mayors, and Constables, within this colony and dominion of VIRGINIA :
WHEREAS  William Mitchell , under sheriff for the county of York , this day made oath before me, one of his Majesty's Justices of the Peace for the said county, that WILLIAM EVANS , late of the county of Brunswick , was a prisoner in his custody in the jail of the said county, charged in execution at the suits of the several persons hereunder mentioned, viz. John Norton , James Mitchell , Neil Jamieson and Co. John Mallory , Arthur Smith , and William Rand , and that the said William Evans did on the 30th of this instant make his escape from the said jail, these are therefore, in his Majesty's name, to command all and every of you, in your respective counties, towns, and precincts, to retake the said prisoner, and for with to convey him to the jail of the county where he shall be retaken, there to be kept until he shall be thence discharged by due course of law.
GIVEN under my hand and seal, this 31st day of March , 1770. THOMAS NELSON, jun.
On Monday the 30th of April will be Sold at Williamsburg , on the premises,
THE HOUSES and LOTS
in the back street, belonging to Mr. Robinson's estate, now in the occupation of Mrs. Chiswell , which are pleasantly and conveniently situated; also the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE in and belonging to them, several valuable SLAVES , being the servants usually employed in and about the house and kitchen, a CHARIOT and HORSES , a good COACHMAN , some MILCH COWS , &c. At the same time and place will be sold a TRACT of LAND in James City county, called Lilliput , adjoining the plantation of Mr. Benjamin Weldon , containing about 400 acres. On Tuesday the 1st of May will be sold, before the Raleigh tavern, in Williamsburg , that beautiful SEAT and PLANTATION on Mattaponi river, in King and Queen county, whereon John Robinson, Esq; late Treasurer, lived, containing 1300 acres of high land, and about 600 acres of marsh, whereon is a large genteel two story brick house, with four rooms and a large passage on a floor, all convenient outhouses in good order, a large falling garden enclosed with a good brick wall, and a very good geared water grist mill. At the same time and place will be sold the very valuable TRACT of LAND known by the name of Scotch Town , lying on Newfound river, in Hanover county, about 16 miles above the courthouse, which is remarkable for producing the finest sweet scented tobacco, containing (according to a late survey) 4620 acres, whereon is a large commodious dwelling-house, pleasantly situated, with eight rooms and a very large passage on one floor, all convenient outhouses, and a very valuable water grist mill, in good order. The land belonging to the Lead Mine company, and Mr. Robinson's share of the lands and slaves belonging to the Dismal Swamp company, will also be sold at the time and place last mentioned. Twelve months credit will be allowed the purchasers, on their giving bond and security.
EDMUND PENDLETON. PETER LYONS.
SPADILLE
stands at Oliver Day's , in Oceaneche neck , and will cover at 3 l. proc. this season, 20 s. a leap, or 5 l. ensurance. The pasture is good, and great care shall be taken of the mares, but I will not be answerable if any
A. JONES.
county, No. Carolina, March 20, 1770.
.2 Reward.
RUN away from Westover , on Sunday last, a very likely Negro man named EDOM , of the middle size, about 25 years old, by trade a bricklayer. It is supposed he will go into KING WILLIAM county. I will give the above reward to whoever delivers him to me at Westover , or to Mr. David Pattison , at the falls of James river.
W. BYRD.
MARCH 26, 1770.
I HEREBY give notice to all those who are indebted to the store lately kept at Major John Bousfield's , in Hanover county, to settle their respective accounts with Mr. William Donald , who will give constant attendance for this purpose at the above mentioned place until the 1st of September next. As great indulgence has been granted to many of the customers, it may reasonably be expected they in return will immediately give bonds for the balances now remaining due, that being properly ascertained they may be collected with less expense and trouble than if the accounts stood open. Those who refuse to comply with this reasonable request may depend on their accounts being put into a lawyer's hands, without farther delay, or respect of persons.
JOHN JOHNSON.
THE executors of Colonel CARTER , late of Clive , hereby desire to give notice that the lands upon Broad run and Kettle run , in the counties of Fauquier and Prince William , appertaining to that Gentleman's estate, will be exposed to sale, on Tuesday the 15th of May next, for ready money, to the highest bidders, for the several lots into which those lands will be laid off. Their value and convenience have been sufficiently set forth in a former advertisement for this purpose, and it is presumed every person intending to purchase has long before this time made himself sufficiently acquainted with their goodness. They contain upwards of 12,000 acres. The sale to begin at Captain George Nevill's , in the county of Fauquier , and continue until the lots are all sold.
Tdi.
be SOLD,
THE two valuable Tracts of LAND, lying on Pamunkey river, in King William county, drawn by Colonel Bernard Moore as prizes in his lottery. One contains 550 acres, and has on it a good dwelling-house 70 feet long and 20 feet wide, with three rooms below and three above (in which Colonel Moore formerly lived) and many good and convenient outhouses; the situation is high and pleasant, the land is very good for corn, tobacco, and wheat, and the plantation in good order for cropping. The other tract contains 536 acres, and lies on the river, below the above mentioned land; it abounds with such a quantity of white oak that it is thought 1000 l. worth of plank and staves may be got off it, the soil is very fertile, and produces fine corn and tobacco. Colonel Moore will show the land to any person inclined to purchase, and the terms may be known by applying to the subscribers, to whom the purchase money is to be paid. Mr. Garland Anderson , of Hanover , is empowered to sell the 100 acre lots in Caroline county, drawn by Colonel Moore in his lottery. A Negro man named Ralph , about 22 years old, who is an exceeding good finer, and a Negro man named Toby , who is a very fine master collier, drawn by Colonel Moore as prizes in his lottery, are also to be sold, on reasonable terms, by
EDMUND PENDLETON. PETER LYONS.
GOLIAH,
a dray stallion, imported by Mr. Thomas M. Randolph two years ago, a beautiful black, 6 years old this summer, near 17 hands high, and in great perfection, will cover mares this season at my plantation in Cumberland county, at 10 s. the leap, 20 s. the season, and 20 s. to ensure a colt. Good pasture for mares, and the mares expected when they are taken away.
WILLIAM GAY.
RUN away from the subscriber's plantation on Namozee , in Dinwiddie county, the 15th of March last, a very likely Negro fellow named FRANK , about 25 years of age, near 6 feet high, remarkably well made, very sensible, and probably may endeavour to pass for a freeman; had on when he went away a snabrug shirt, a pair of cotton breeches, a bou felt hat, and a pair of half boots, but had other clothes with him, and may have changed his dress. Whoever apprehends the said fellow, and conveys him to the owner's plantation, or to me in Prince George county, shall have 5 l. reward, and if taken out of the colony 5 l.
WILLIAM ROBERTSON.
To be SOLD to the highest bidder, on Tuesday the 24th of April next, before Mr. Anthony Hay's door, in Williamsburg for ready cash,
THE manor plantation belonging to the estate of Joseph Morton , Gentleman, deceased, in James City county, pleasantly situated on Chickahominy river, about 8 or 9 miles from Williamsburg , containing about 2000 acres of land and marsh, with a large commodious brick house, two 40 ft high, 64 by 22, a good kitchen, several outhouses for the reception of Negroes, and a large barn newly built, 48 ft square. This plantation is as remarkable for raising and supporting all kinds of stock as any in the country, there being a large quantity of firm good marsh adjoining thereto, which affords a great plenty of exceeding good hay. It is well timbered, and the soil exceeding good for tobacco, corn, wheat, and pease; and the waters afford a great plenty of fine fish and wild fowl in their proper seasons.
Also one other tract of land, belonging to the said estate, adjoining the waters of Chickahominy , containing about 1100 acres of very good land for tobacco, corn, and wheat, is well timbered, and has an exceeding good stream for a grist mill, there having been one built thereon which never lacked sufficient custom. This plantation is more convenient to Williamsburg than the aforesaid tract, is extraordinary for flocks of all kinds, has many good landings to the place, and the waters afford great plenty of fish and wild fowl.
Likewise a small tract, lying between the aforesaid plantations, and adjoining the waters aforesaid; it contains about 175 acres. This is a very compact pretty place, and would suit a man with a small family extremely well, it being good for cropping, and raising flocks of cattle and hogs. There are houses on the two last mentioned plantations, in tolerable repair.
JONATHAN BECKWITH , Executor.
N. B. These three tracts of land will be surveyed by the county surveyor before the day of sale, and the plats thereof (describing the quantity and situation) will be shown by the subscriber in Williamsburg to any person inclinable to purchase at any time between the 10th of April and the day of sale.
J. B.
Persons may be supplied with this PAPER at 12s. 6d. a Year, and have ADVERTISEMENTS (of a moderate Length) inserted in it for 3s. the first Week, and 2s. each Week after. — * * All Sorts of PRINTING WORK done at this Office in the neatest manner, with Care and Expedition.

LONDON, Feb. 2.
The following is a copy of a letter to a certain great personage upon a late resignation, which was handed about in a very select company as authentick.
SIR,
IT is with the greatest distress of mind that I find myself in a situation which induces me to the necessity, in ease of my conscience, to inform your Majesty that my strenuous endeavours to promote the service of your crown and government, in the which I have the cordial satisfaction to re-act, Sir, I have ever conducted myself with zeal and ability, can no longer prevail. The influence which your Majesty well knows every responsible Minister of this country must possess in the Cabinet, has of late, through the intrigues of some individuals, whose views are centered in the gratification of self interest, superseded my warmest inclinations to adopt such lenient and healing measures, upon true constitutional principles, which I apprehend are very conducive to the restoration of publick peace and tranquillity, without derogating from the honour and dignity of your crown. I have for some time, Sir, submitted to plans of government of which my own judgment did not wholly approve, because I was unwilling to disturb that harmony in your councils which alone can give permanence and stability to any administration; but when characters which are deservedly the objects of the publick hatred and contempt are obtruded upon me, to fill the most exalted departments of the state, I can no longer bear the abject degradation of being harrassed with such men, whose morals every honest man must detest, and whose notorious prostitution of principles the most abandoned Minister must hold in everlasting contempt.
These, Sir, are the sole and prevalent motives which actuate me at this moment to request your Majesty's most gracious acceptance of my voluntary resignation, which no intimidations whatever from the factious clamours of a deluded people, I most sincerely assure your Majesty, would ever have effected. The people, Sir, are to be pitied, more than blamed: Led as they are by some ill designing men, who under the cloak of liberty have let in upon this land an inundation of licentiousness, their case deserves a favourable interpretation, and attention from your Majesty's government.
I shall not trouble your Majesty any farther than to return you my most grateful acknowledgments for that confidence and distinction with which you have honoured me, by an appointment to the most honorary post in your Majesty's administration.
That your Majesty's government may prove at all times honourable and successful, and that your subjects may be made happy, by the wisdom and discretion of every succeeding Minister, is the most fervent prayer of
Your Majesty's most faithful servant,
GRAFTON.
His Grace the Duke of Devonshire has ordered splendid preparations to be made at his seat in Derbyshire, for the celebration of his coming of age. All his tenants are to be invited, and open house kept for a week.
This morning several of the colony agents had a conference with the Earl of Hillsborough, at his Lordship's house in Berkley square. It is said his Lordship will be continued in his office, whatever removes may take place in other departments.
It is said that the minority, in both chambers, increases daily.
The following particulars are well authenticated to us. On Monday, after the levee, the Duke of Grafton had a private conference, when he told a great personage that "as he found the great strength of the increasing minority was in the Lower House, he thought it most natural, as well as advisable, to nominate a Premier there in the scene."
found, by daily experience, that the best place for a Prime Minister, is doing without it, as in the case of Mr. Pitt; and that he saw it was the tide of opposition from the great personage, at the point to continue to support the Duke with all his interest, tho' he could not lead any longer, for the present.
Notwithstanding the Duke of Grafton, we are well informed that he is to remain for the present. The system of measures is to which, and of nearly to which, he has engaged for the friends "in the world."
On Wednesday it is said that the Duke of Grafton accepted the room of the Earl of
Charles Townshend Lord of the Treasury Esq; resigned.
Lord Cornwall of Ireland, and likewise resign his
We are informed that the office in Ireland,
In the marine department we now hear a total change will soon be brought about, and that the Noble Lord who sat at the head of those affairs in the year 1765 will be again fixed on to preside there.
We are well informed that some changes among the great officers of the law are at present in agitation, and will soon take place.
On Wednesday, at a meeting of the American merchants, at the King's Arms in Cornhill, it was agreed to petition the Parliament in relation to several acts of Parliament that are deemed oppressive in our American colonies. Mr. Stewart was in the chair.
Sir Robert Ladbroke and Mr. Trecothick, on Wednesday, in a certain society, were of the minority.
Our merchants have received very large orders from America, which wait the determination of an august assembly.
The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor arrived in town a four o'clock on Wednesday, much better than he has been. He attended an august assembly, where he made a long speech, but was not present at the division.
Tomorrow his Grace the Duke of Northumberland will give a grand entertainment, to many of the Nobility, at Northumberland House.
On Sunday next the Earl Temple will give a grand entertainment to many of the Nobility, at his house in Pallmall.
We are told that Lord Grosvenor, on finding his Lady intended to plead against him, has thought proper to make some proposals to her, which have been refused.
A premium of ten thousand guilders has been offered by the States General to the person who shall find a remedy for the distemper amongst the horned cattle.
At the Hague the cow keepers are almost all within five months 32,907 head of cattle distemper, in the districts of South and North Holland. A few weeks ago a milch cow, that had recovered of the distemper, sold for 150 florins.
The pestilential distemper amongst the cattle into Brabant, notwithstanding the precautions by Prince Charles, and the placards put up.
When Lord Hillsborough was waited on by the American merchants, and Councillors with an account of the orders given for goods as soon as the late acts of Parliament passed, his Lordship assured them he would do all in his power to bring on an examination as soon as possible; so that we may receive one of the earliest means of removing the present fluctuation and chaos.
We learn, from very good authority, that a Nobleman has declared, a resolution between England and her colonies, to resign all his employments in the American Administration.
We hear from Glasgow that a quantity of goods to North America, by the merchants of that city, to the amount of ten thousand pounds sterling, is now in the American.
Thursday last, at an assembly of the merchants, a motion was voted a through the house, by Tothill.
Feb. 8. A few days ago died at Birmingham, aged 121, Mr. Farr, Tamworth carrier, who had twenty one children, nineteen of whom were married. He had in the whole, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, to the amount of 144; but, what is remarkable, he outlived all his numerous posterity and has left 10,000 l. to charity.
Feb. 14. There were up 10,000 l. to charity. Nobility, and other persons, were no less than 10,000 l. Sunday next the Earl Temple will give a grand entertainment to many of the Nobility, at his house in Pallmall.
A son of Lord William Manners, we hear, intends to oppose the late Sir John Cust's son, at Grantham in Lincolnshire.
Yesterday the Earl of Errol, elected one of the sixteen Peers of Scotland, was introduced to his Majesty at St. James's.
A set of plate is now making, in a grand taste, to be presented to Sir Fletcher Norton, as is customarily done to a new Speaker of the House of Commons.
This day a meeting of the Supporters of the Bill of Rights was held at the London tavern, at which Sergeant Glynn was Chairman; when several new members joined them, particularly a handsome sum from a Gentleman at Dover.

Letters from Madrid give an account of the death of a woman of the age of 120, who could see to stitch the wristbands of a fine shirt without spectacles, and walked a quarter of a league every day to hear mass until within a few weeks of her death.
Lord North publickly declared, on Monday night, that "nothing but his sovereign's will should ever make him quit his post, as he considered the present opponents to Administration as so many locusts, who being driven from their intended ravages in their flight made a tremendous noise, that might frighten children and old women, but what, by judicious people, was considered a good omen, as it proclaimed their retreat, which must make the hearts of all men of real property rejoice"
As there is now such a prodigious number of private causes to be heard on appeals by the House of Peers, the Right Hon. Lord Mansfield, as Speaker, has declared his intention of having one of them brought to a hearing every day, and, if possible, decided on the day it is heard, in order to save the parties concerned the great expense and loss of time they have hitherto been usually at, by being kept in town, waiting the event of their respective causes.
Considerable bets are laid, at the west end of the that the Duke of Portland, Lord Camden, ham, and Lord Chatham, will sistraction before the month
two persons, conversion fund of
has, e
It is now certain that several of the first counties of this kingdom will remonstrate on the subject of the inattention paid to their respective petitions.
Immediately after the Earl of Hillsborough's last conference with a great personage, his Lordship went to Judge Bathurst, and we are assured, from good authority, strongly solicited him to accept the Seals.
A report was last night current, at the Symrna and Cocoa Tree, that a French and Russian man of war had met near the Dardanelles, and on the former's refusing to give the precedence to the latter they came to an engagement, in which the Russian was worsted. This, it is supposed, will cause an immediate rupture between the two nations.
An address of a most singular nature has been received from the over and above loyal inhabitants of Edinburgh, which political prudence has thought fit to secrete from the hearing and sight of every true Englishman. Its contents are said to be of so extraordinary a nature that those Englishmen who dare stand forth in defence of their rights and liberties are called seditious, &c. and that Scotland has ready at his Majesty's pleasure 20000 men to silence and quell such as dare to fly in the face of authority.
ST. JAMES's, Feb. 5. The King has been pleased to appoint the Right Hon. Frederick North, commonly called Lord North, the Right Hon. George Onslow, Charles Jenkinson, Jeremiah Dyson, and Charles Townshend, Esqrs. to be his Majesty's Commissioners for executing the office of Treasurer of his Majesty's Exchequer.
BRISTOL, Jan. 27. On Monday last the merchants of this city assembled at their hall, in order to ascertain what orders they had received from America, and whether they were conditional or not, when it appeared that the merely conditional orders on the repeal of the late acts amounted to 200,000 l. The particulars it was agreed to transmit to Matthew Brick- sq; one of our members, and request his utmost in obtaining a repeal of the said acts.
EDINBURGH, Jan. 1. It gives us great pleasure, to have it in our power, from good news, to give the publick some satisfaction as to the progress made in executing that great and national work, the canal from Forth to Clyde. It was begun the 10th of June 1768, and although the work has last a few hands only could be employed, a great deal of time being necessarily spent in providing for the work, such as opening up and making roads, providing a great number of tools and machinery, carriages, cranes, tackles, piles, sheds for wood, carpenters, and labourers, banks, roads, temporary lock and sluice, and bringing the materials with expedition, yet, notwithstanding, there are three canals already cut from the Forth and Clyde, one lock finished, another more than half finished, a fourth more well advanced, a fifth more piled, three more just now piled and founded early in the summer, and three of the aqueduct bridges, or rather piers, are already built, and one pier nearly finished; a very great number of stones hewn and laid down by the workmen of quarriers and masons and labourers, and a great
Forth will be the end of going from finished. Every thing is and spirit; observed in
pointed to time was chefs to a
express from Hunterstown, of that vessel's being stranded a little to the southward of Pencorse, in the late violent gale of wind. She was bound for James river, Virginia, with a very valuable cargo on board; and about half an hour after eleven o'clock, on Tuesday night, steering close under the lee of the Little Cumbracs, with the wind at west, they were unluckily overtaken with a hard gale of wind, which suddenly shifting to the northward drove them right on shore. The master and crew did every thing in their power to prevent the ship striking against the rocks, by cutting away the main and foremast. It is thought that the cargo will be very much damaged; when the express came away the hold of the ship was full of water.
Last Thursday there was a very brilliant assembly, at the Assembly Hall in this city, in honour of her Majesty's birthday.
No. 1. We hear that several lighters are arrived at the Broomilaw with part of the cargo of the Lady Margaret, stranded at Pencorfe; and, by the last accounts from thence, it is expected that by the latter end of this week all the goods will be got out, though considerably damaged. It is also hoped, if the weather proves favourable, that the vessel may likewise be got off.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 19.
 ARRIVED in James river, from London, the Matty, Fox, Jenny, Woodford, and Nancy, Barron; the Robert, Younghusband, from Liverpool; the Neptune, Smith, from Whitehaven; and Thairy, Taylor, Elliot, Speirs, and Peggy, Ramsay, from Glasgow. In York river, the Sarah, Drew, and York, Meriwether, from Bristol. 
Advertisements.
Just imported in the Jenny, Capt. Woodford, and to be sold at a low advance, for ready money only,
 A LARGE assortment of MILLINERY, and other GOODS, viz. Calicoes, chintzes, persians, catgut, India chintzes, lawn handkerchiefs coloured, pullicat do. figured do. gauze mobs, crimped caps with lappets, gauze fillets, neat dressed caps, puffed do. laced do. large dressed fillets and flowers, small do. pink and blue lined childrens caps, lace and flower caps, Italian caps, common do. boys black silk hats, ostrich feathers, blue, green, and white fann caps, gold and velvet pocket books, gold pincushions, silk and cotton laces, narrow pink, shenneal, paduafuay, and rich fashioned ribands, nice silk puffs, tapes, holland and diaper, riband and lace flo- machers, pink and white do. blue and white do. white and blue feathers, tortoiseshell combs set in paste, horn do. in paste, do. set in garnet, do. in marcasite, plain horn and tortoiseshell combs of several sorts, ivory do. marcasite crosses and hearts set in silver, half moon pearl and marcasite fancy pins, garnet do. pink beads, black do. seed wax do. oval do. wax pearl do. black, white, blue, and green bugles, agate do. black bead and bugle collars, mother of pearl collars and earrings, dressed do. smellingbottles in carved and plain cases, ivory thimbles, Bath metal do. with steel tops, dandruff combs, comb brushes, gilt oval sleeve buttons, pearl buttons and studs, penknives, large and small scissors, mil- liners, common, and darning needles, minikin, short white, and corking pins, large and small naked dolls, dressed do. toy tea sets, a large variety of other toys, Ladies black furred riding hats, feathers for do. mens beaver and castor hats, childrens do. plain and laced, womens, girls, mens, and boys white gloves, glazed and in grain, calimanco pumps, leather do. mens Didbury shoes, womens and childrens black leather and morocco shoes, mens raw silk stockings, thread do. white and brown boys do. bohea and hyson tea, single and double refined sugar, and many other articles too tedious to mention. SARAH PITT 
N. B. T As she has a milliner come in she carries on the millinery business, also makes cardinals, bonnets, and hats, and mounts fans, &c.
Just imported in the RANDOLPH, Captain WALKER, and to be sold by the subscriber at Mr. William Holt's store, at a very low advance, for ready money,
 RICH white lustrings, striped do. best Persian taffetas, nice white trimmings, fine white calicoes and humbuns, striped and plain-muslins, book do. cambricks and lawns, plain gauze, figured, spotted, and striped all with do. a very genteel fashionable assortment of millinery, complete suits full trimmed, lace fronts, Ranelagh and lace crimped do. flower caps, cockades, egrets, best Italian breast flowers and segays, do. feathers, do. very pretty newest fashioned ribands, and narrow shenneal, padua uay do. lace dress fillets, riband and handsome half moon marcasites, pearl and fancy pins, common do. to pin hats, crooked paste, plain and best horn do. great rings, very fashionable marcasites set fine pink French do. seed wax and s and sleeve knots quite in the taste, fans, wedding do. rich blue satin white, pink, and black do. jubilee , womens kid and lamb gloves, boys do. cotton and thread co shoes; white satin do. black do. sewing silk of all kinds, best do. bow wire, skeign do. and on. 
MARY DICKENSON. y on MANTUAMAKING, and would take linen to make as plea to favour her with g their work done in the most nner.
from Greenwich,
nty, on the 3d of January n, named ADAM , about high, of a yellow skin com- n locks; he is by trade a read and write. Before say that he intended for with him sundry clothes, ay cloth, and a pair of e belt buckles in his e, and convers him to reward, if in North besides what the law ice is given, half the JOHN FOX .