The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-03-10 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the freshest 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.
DESCRIPTION of MARCH.
WHEN the Smiles and gentle Gales of Spring were expected to be ushered in, how comes it that Nature assumes suddenly a more stern Aspect! So it is often with the Approaches of Delight, some Bitternes comes to mingle with the Cup of Pleasure. What Noise is this I hear to rise from astonished Forests, from the Shores of the Sea, and from hollow Vallies! What mean those dread Sounds, those long Bellowings, this tumultuous Confusion, this Shock of Elements! O immortal Nature! O Power fruitful in animated Beings! Tender, yet cruel Mother! Should then the Favours thou hast promised to bestow upon us be anticipated by the Scourge of Calamities? The parching North East, blowing to us the noxious Exhalations of Hyperborean Climes, infests our vital Breath with painful Disease. The Swarms of Insects it becomes the rapid Vehicle of, from stagnant Pools and dreary Marshes, blasts the Hopes of our Orchards and Gardens with corrosive Poison. The Egg is laid on the tender Bud; its Gluten performs strong Adhesion, and anon it insinuates secure into its hospitious Lodge. Who knows but these Insect Eggs, hatched in our Bodies, sow the Seeds in us of grievous Maladies; eudemial indeed, when Sameness of Symptoms appears, not in a few, nor in one Place, but many, and diffused through vast Extent of Country. Such was the Influenza!
March may not always pay us an ungrateful Visit of this Sort; but surely it will make Boreas to roar, or Eurus to whistle, either, or both conjointly, as fierce Harbingers of Snow, of Hail, of chilling Frosts, and piercing Cold. Or if it directs its Influence from milder Quarters of the Heavens, then will the combined impetuous Force of southern and western Blasts seem to commit Ravages over our Heads. In an Atmosphere of Gloom the Tempest will burst forth, the Woods and Mountains will re-echo its Ravages. Lo! the mighty Storm is hurled upon the Seas; Dismay seizes the Mariner; his fond Hopes of Gain vanish from his Eyes, and all may be lost to him, lost irrecoverably! Lo! how the Clouds, by Collision, are cleft asunder! Down they pour their humid Vapours; Fields disappear under unknown Seas; Torrents press upon new Torrents! Trees become the Sport of Winds, forced from their Roots, or despoiled of their ornamental Branches; Villages and Hamlets weep over their Ruins. What a frightful Face of Desolation does the rural Retreat assume! How widely spread does Disorder reign over all Beings! The World is threatened by the Return of Chaos; and the windy Element, the Conqueror of its Rivals, the Conqueror of the Sun's Effulgence, throughout Nature seems as if it wanted to extinguish both Life and Light. O terrible Hurricane, suspend thy mad Rage! O Seas! O Town! O Country! O Nature! O Theatre of Horrors! What! is this World the Work of a beneficent and adorable Father, who cherishes his Children, and can this be their Lot?
Cease thy Murmuring, thou Son of Earth, and of mean Notions; thou canst not measure the Ways of Providence by the Scantiness of thy narrow Conceptions. Know, if this Providence be sometimes particularly extended to thee, in the Road of Reward and Punishment, it seldom is to the Government of the World, otherwise than by general and universal Laws. Mark, how the Waves of the Sea may rise; but so far shall they go, and no farther. This equinoctial Fury of the Skies is to purge and cleanse the Earth, to make it to thee a more agreeable Habitation. Those Storms, those loud Blasts, are to give thee a greater Relish for the florid Smiles of Spring, for ensuing Warmth, and for finer Days. All are in the eternal Order chained to each other, and all result from their Cause in their determinate Time. Go, be contented, and let not vain Curiosity prompt thee to pry into the Designs of the Omnipotent; for be assured, that "Whatever is, is right."
Remember, Man, "the Universal Cause Acts not by partial, but by general Laws;" And makes what Happiness we justly call Subsist not in the Good of one, but all. Still, if Plague, Earthquake, break not Heaven's Design, Why then a Borgia, or a Catiline? Who knows, but he, whose Hand the Lightning forms, Who heaves old Ocean, and who wings the Storms, Pours fierce Ambition in a Cæsar's Mind, Or turns young Ammon loose to scourge Mankind. Pope's Essay on Man.
To Mess. PURDIE & DIXON.
GENTLEMEN, IN Mr. Henley's last Reply to Mr. Bracken, published in your Paper Number 1167, are the following Words: "On the Day of Election three Persons appeared in the Vestry to prove me a Socinian. The FIRST, in Confirmation of what he alleged, appealed to those who were by when the Heresy was said to have been uttered. One of them, in Consequence, immediately declared, and the other, though then absent, hath since often declared, the Injustice of the Charge which this Witness had brought." This Reflection upon my moral Character I think myself obliged to obviate, by giving a plain, a TRUE, and a FAITHFUL Narrative of my Conduct, and the Evidence I gave before the Vestry; the Truth of which I will, whenever called upon, justify, in the most sacred or any other Manner, against Mr. Henley's bold Assertions in a common Newspaper.
In a Conversation with Mr. Henley at a Gentleman's House in Williamsburg, a considerable Time before the Death of Mr. Johnson, the late Incumbent of Bruton, Mr. Henley undertook to explain the first Chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews, which I had always considered as a strong Proof of our Saviour's Divinity. This Explication he gave in the following Manner, and, as nearly as I can recollect, in the following Words, distinguished from the Text by Italick Characters.
God, who at sundry Times, and in divers Manners, spake in Time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets (that is, by Noah, Moses, and the other Prophets of the Old Testament) hath, in these last Days, spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed Heir of all Things: That is, by that Prophet whom, by Way of Supereminence, he hath distinguished from the other Prophets, by the Title of Son; because he was to be the last and the only Prophet sent from God to the World, and, as an Heir, to take Place of the former Prophets, by establishing an universal Religion, which was to supersede all former Religions. Being made so much better than the Angels, that is, Messengers (which is the true Rendering of the Greek Word in the original Text, erroneously translated, in our Bible, Angels) who preceded him, such as Moses and the other Prophets, as he hath obtained a more excellent Name than they, to wit, the Name of Son, which none of the former Prophets had been dignified with. For unto which of the Angels said he, at any Time, thou art my Son, this Day have I begotten thee? That is, unto which of the former Messengers, or Prophets, hath God given this high Character of Son, and said of him, at any Time, thou art my Son, this Day have I begotten, or appointed thee, under that Character, to establish an universal Religion amongst Mankind? Again, I will be to him a Father, and he shall be to me a Son; that is, which of the former Messengers have I so highly distinguished as to say to him, I will be to you a Father, and you shall be to me a Son? Again, when he bringeth the First-born into the World, he saith, and let all the Angels of God worship him; that is, when he bringeth that Prophet into the World called the First-born, because he was the first Messenger appointed by God to establish a more excellent and universal Religion in the World than had been before established, he saith, let all the former Messengers, or Prophets, worship, that is, give Place to him, or, which is the same, let the former Religion (to wit, the Jewish) give Place, or conform, to the Religion established by him. In this Manner did Mr. Henley comment upon this Chapter, though I observed he slipped over several Passages, which I supposed were too hard even for Mr. Henley's Abilities to pervert.
After he had finished his Comment, I said, with some Warmth, Sir, the Socinians explain the Scriptures in that Manner. He answered, Sir, I am not a Socinian; to which I returned, I do not say you are a Socinian, but whoever understands the Scriptures as you have explained them must be a Socinian. Whereupon the Conversation ended, and I retired.
A few Days after this happened, I was upon a Visit at the Treasurer's. In the Course of our Conversation, no other Person being present, Mr. Treasurer mentioned Mr. Henley, with a Commendation of his quick Parts. I agreed with him, but said I entertained a very indifferent Opinion of his religious Principles, and gave him for one Reason the Conversation
above mentioned. Before I left the Town I mentioned the same Conversation to another Friend, and explained to him the Chapter in the Manner Mr. Henley had done.
After my Return into the Country, I mentioned the same Conversation to two or three of my other intimate Friends, particularly to one Gentleman, and the Occasion was this: The Gentleman told me he understood our present Minister intended to leave the Parish, and, if he did, I should have an Opportunity of serving my Friend Mr. Henley, by endeavouring to get him into the Parish. I answered, I did not believe Mr. Henley would accept of a Parish so distant from the College; but, if he would, I could not give him my Vote as a Vestryman, for though I had a very good Opinion of him in other Respects, I had altered my Opinion of him as to his religious Principles, and mentioned the Conversation as one Reason for this Alteration.
Soon after the Death of Mr. Johnson, I received a Letter from Mr. Treasurer, informing me that Mr. Henley was soliciting to succeed to the Parish, and desiring me to recollect, and give him from under my Hand, an Account of my Conversation with Mr. Henley, which I had mentioned to him at his House. This Letter gave me much Uneasiness, and I took two or three Days to consider whether I should comply with the Treasurer's Request. If I complied, I found I was to be drawn into a Dispute about a Parish in which I had no Concern, and was to be made Use of against a Gentleman I really esteemed, and by no Means desired to injure. If I refused, the Treasurer might have Cause to suspect I was afraid to justify from under my Hand what I had told him in private Conversation. This Consideration determined me to comply with the Treasurer's Request, and accordingly I gave him, in a Letter, the Substance of Mr. Henley's Explication of the Scripture Passage before mentioned, and left it to his Discretion to make Use of it or not.
It has been said, that the Treasurer gave me Notice, by Letter, of the Time the Vestry was to meet for electing a Minister, and desired my Attendance; but this is absolutely false, for my being in Town at that Time was merely accidental.
Some Business calling me into the lower Part of the Country, I determined to take Williamsburg in my Way, to consult Graham, the Oculist, in an important Case relative to myself. For that Purpose, I left my own House on Wednesday Morning, with an Intention to reach the City in the Evening; but being detained on the Road by heavy Rains, and high Winds, I did not arrive there until Thursday Night. The next Morning I called at the Treasurer's, in my Way to Dr. Graham's Lodgings. He received me with great Cordiality, told me he was glad to see me, asked what had brought me to Town, and when I intended to leave it. I answered, my Business in Town was with Dr. Graham, and that I should leave it the next Morning, if the Doctor could dismiss me. He then entreated me to stay till Saturday; told me the Vestry were to meet upon that Day, to determine their Choice of a Minister; and he hoped, if necessary, that I would attend. I resolved to oblige the Treasurer, not only because he desired it, but also because, soon after I arrived in Town, I was informed a mighty Storm was gathering against me; that I was charged with betraying private Conversation at a Friend's House; that I had incurred his, as well as Mr. Henley's high Resentment; and that a young Gentleman, and a young Lady, were to prove that no Conversation, like that I have mentioned, passed at the Gentleman's House between Mr. Henley and myself. I expected Mr. Henley's Resentment, but did not expect the Resentment of the Gentleman, as I had no Idea that a Conversation which was begun, and carried on for some Time, in the Company of ten or twelve Gentlemen, could be called private or confidential; nor did I expect that the two young Persons were to be produced as Witnesses against me, whom I did not remember to be present at the Conversation. However, as I am not easily frightened, especially when I have Truth to support me, I determined to await the impending Storm, and to face it with Resolution. But as it gave me Pain to have a Difference with the other Gentleman, upon Mr. Henley's Account, I assured him, by a Letter, that I did not consider the Conversation as private; that I mentioned it to the Treasurer soon after it happened, not considering it as private; and that he was one of the last Men in the World I would have a Difference with.

Some Time after the Vestry had met, Mr. Henley, Mrs. Nicholas, Mrs. Ambler, and myself, were sent for; but the two young Persons, I had been told of, did not appear. Mr. Treasurer then drew my Letter from his Pocket, and gave it to Mr. Henley, who read it with an audible Voice. After he had read it, he told me I had reflected upon his moral Character: I denied it. He then read this Passage from my Letter: I have always considered Mr. Henley as a Gentleman of good but not rigid Morals, only I think he is too fond of Egotism. I thought the Expression too fond of Egotism had given the Offence; but I was mistaken, the Terms not rigid Morals being the criminal Words. He dwelt upon them, and said they were a Reflection upon him. I told him I intended them rather as a Compliment; that by the Term not rigid I meant not stiff, not formal, not precise , though, in a private Letter to a Friend, I might not attend to the strict Import of a particular Word. But, Sir, said I, every Syllable in that Letter is TRUTH. I then gave a general Account of the Conversation, and appealed to the Gentleman at whose House it happened whether such Conversation did not pass. He acknowledged it in the general, but said he thought I misunderstood Mr. Henley. I then asked him if I did not tell Mr. Henley at the Time he explained the Scriptures as a Socinian: He acknowledged I did, but differed from me in Opinion upon some of Mr. Henley's Expressions. I was positive; they had made a deep Impression upon my Mind; I had frequently reflected upon them, and remembered them well. The Gentleman then said, he asked me one Evening whether I intended to go to the Play: My Answer was, I would not, but would spend the Evening with Mr. Henley, with whom I had rather converse than see a Play. I acknowledged I did tell him so; but that this Declaration was prior to the Conversation then under Examination, and was occasioned by a Conversation some Time before, at the same Gentleman's House. He then concluded with saying, he thought Mr. Henley proved himself to be an able Divine. To this I made no Answer, being unwilling to aggravate; but thought very differently, and that Mr. Henley proved himself to be a mere Caviller and Perverter of the sacred Text, in one of the most important Doctrines of the established Church, which it was his Duty to defend.
Mr. Henley also acknowledged the Conversation in the general, but said I mistook his Meaning. I replied, if I did mistake your Meaning I am sorry for it, but I am certain of the contrary; I am certain you explained the Chapter so as to deprive our Saviour of his Divinity. I was then of that Opinion, and remain at this Time of the same Opinion, and that you hold Principles derogatory to his Divinity. Mr. Henley then desired Leave of the Vestry to explain the Chapter, and said he would do it as he had done to me. He obtained Leave; but whether he explained it to the Satisfaction of the Majority of the Vestry, their Vote may, I think, determine. But, let this be as it may, I affirm he varied very materially from his former Explanation. I will give one Instance of it, and that an important One: In his former Explanation, he made the Term Son , in the first Verse, an Appellation of Dignity, and not of Relationship. In his last, he read the Word, but did not explain it. I took Notice of it, and told him his former Explanation of that Word was what first struck me, and made me particularly attentive to his Explanation of the subsequent Part of the Chapter. I therefore desired him to explain that Word once more. Whether he complied with this Request, may perhaps be remembered by the Gentlemen of the Vestry; but as to myself, I do not remember that he did.
Mr. Henley then asked me if I knew any Thing farther relative to his Principles: I desired him not to ask me any more Questions; I told him I had been drawn into the Dispute unexpectedly, and wished to have no farther Concern in it. Mr. Henley said, Sir, my Character is at Stake, and I must insist upon an Answer. I was a little offended at his peremptory Manner, and replied, do you really insist upon it? He answered, I do. Then, said I, I do know more of your Principles; you hold the Doctrine of Annihilation, and that the Wicked, in the next Life, will, by Means of their Punishments, be totally destroyed, as if they had never existed. If Mr. Henley made any Reply, unless to justify the Doctrine, I do not remember it.
One of the Gentlemen of the Vestry, whose Vote afterwards was not in Favour of Mr. Henley, then said, we have heard enough upon this Point; let us examine another Witness.
Mrs. Nicholas was then called upon; and as her Evidence will justify my Opinion of Mr. Henley's religious Principles, I will take the Liberty to recite it. This Lady declared, with great Clearness and Perspicuity of Expression, that, in a Conversation with Mr. Henley, he said he did not believe Jesus Christ was the Son of God, or he did not believe in the Divinity of Jesus Christ; that she could not positively say which Expression he made Use of, but she was certain it was the one or the other , though, in her Opinion, it was immaterial, as she considered them to be synonymous, and of the same Meaning; that this Declaration surprised her, and she asked Mr. Henley, if that was his Opinion, how it was possible for him to take Orders in the Church of England, and subscribe to her Articles? To which Mr. Henley answered, one of the Articles declares, that whatever is not contained in the Scriptures, or may be proved from them, is not to be believed as an Article of Faith, or necessary to Salvation; so that he had a Right to exercise his private Judgment, and might, with a safe Conscience, subscribe to the Articles. She then asked him, whether there really was such an Article, for she did not remember it; to which he answered, there was. By the Bye, if the Author of the Confessional understands the Meaning of this Article, Mr. Henley mistakes the Sense of it.
Before Mrs. Ambler was examined, I had left the Vestry, so that I know Nothing of her Evidence.
Thus have I given you a candid and ingenuous Detail of my Conduct, and of the Transactions in the Vestry, so far as I am acquainted with them. It is long, but Mr. Henley's severe Reflection made this Length necessary. As it is with Reluctance I appear in Publick upon this Occasion, I assure you I will give you no farther Trouble, although Mr. Henley should endeavour to provoke me to it with his most virulent Style.
But, it seems, he is at length determined to put on some Part of the divine Armour. I sincerely congratulate him upon this Resolution, but beg Leave to remind him, that he has forgot some necessary Parts of it; that his Loins ought to be girt about with Truth; that he ought to put on the Breastplate of Righteousness, and be shod with the Preparation of the Gospel of Peace. These the Apostle makes necessary Parts of the Armour of God, and if he will clothe himself with them, as well as with the Parts he mentions, and if, when he is investing himself with the Sword, he will at the same Time invest himself with the Meekness and Humility of the Spirit, I am persuaded many valuable Qualities he possesses, which are now darkened by the Pencil of Self-Adulation and Vanity, will shine forth in their proper Lustre, to the Reputation of himself, and Improvement of others.
I am yours, &c.
RICHARD BLAND.
TO THE PUBLICK.
WHAT I advanced concerning the Vestrymen who voted for Mr. Bracken was grounded on a Report that, soon after the Election, prevailed, of Mr. Hornsby and Mr. Eaton's having relented at their Choice. That there was such a Report, at the Time referred to, will, I believe, be recollected by many, is particularly remembered by Mr. Gwatkin and Mr. Madison (whose Names I am authorised to use on the present Occasion) and by others I might, moreover, have named, could I descend to the new-fangled Fashion of betraying to the Publick private Conversations. Whatever "Foundation in Truth" this Report might have had, it was mentioned by me as only a Report; and that I laid no Stress upon it, will appear from a bare Recital of the Terms I made Use of. It was affirmed, that more than one of them, since, have relented at his Choice. The Expression which immediately follows, be this as it may, can never be tortured into an Implication of Certainty. The Circumstance adduced, in the subsequent Part of the Sentence, as contributing to confirm, in this Instance, the Probability of the Report, was Mr. Hornsby's having subscribed, at the Time it was circulating, a larger Sum to me, as Lecturer, than any other Person, the GOVERNOUR excepted. Hence then, had not the illiberal Writer of the Declaration in the last Paper been an entire Stranger to good Manners, he must have expressed himself in a different Mode, while every impartial Person will think that I have been treated unarrantably ill by the Six who subscribed it, some of whom, when the Parish was vacant, repeatedly promised me their Votes, if a Majority of the Parishioners should be in my Favour; and that there was a Majority in my Favour, I appeal to their own Knowledge.
S. HENLEY.
L O N D O N, December 10.
YESTERDAY, at the publick Office in Bow Street, John F— was examined and recommitted, on a Charge of assaulting another Person in stealing a Couple of Fowls, the Property of his Master, Mr. Smith. Two of his Fellow Servants proved that they saw a Fowl, Bacon, and Greens, taken out of the Pot at his Apartments, and that he owned to them it was his Master's Fowl. Mr. N—, the Constable, in the Course of his Examination, created a good Deal of Laughter, both on
and off the Bench. His Speech is too accurate a Piece of Oratory to die in Oblivion; we therefore record it. "May it please your Worships, I shall give on this here Occasion now before your Worships, that is, this Honourable Bench, you Squire Keeling, and his Worship Sir John, all the Testimony I am endowed with. A Warrant to apprehend, I mean to take the Prisoner into my Custody, was put into my Hands; so, please your Worships, I went immediately to the two Adversaries, that is, the Friends of the Prisoner; they directed me to his Mother, who is nearly related to him. Well, please your Worships, I went to his Mother, a good Sort of Woman enough, an't please your Worships, you Squire Keeling, and his Worship Sir John, and so I told his Mother how and about it. Afterwards, what does his Mother do, an't please your Worships, but entreated me to use my Interest for her Son with your Worships, you Squire Keeling, and his Worship Sir John. I promised her my Interest, and in Consequence of my Promise she appointed for me to come; and that her Son the Prisoner, an't please your Worships, should surrender, that is, become my Prisoner. Accordingly I went, and took him; he confessed the Fact to me, in Consequence of which I now express my Interest with you Squire Keeling, and his Worship Sir John. And this is the Evidence which I have exhibited." This Speech ended, Mr. N—, Mrs. Smith, and her two Servants, were bound over to prosecute and give Evidence.
Extract of a Letter from Gosport, December 6.
"A Letter received this Day from the Minerva Frigate, Captain Brooks, dated Smyrna, September 24th, mentions that a Venetian Ship and an English Ship's Company fought with Swords, Hangers, &c. when the former had five Men killed, and the latter three."
By Advice from Spain, to a Merchant in London, the Spaniards are now equipping their Ships with great Diligence at the Ports of Ferrol and Cadiz, which, when united, will make no less than a Fleet of twenty Sail of the Line, besides six Frigates. As the Designs of the Spanish Councils never transpire till put into Execution, all here is Conjecture only. Some say their Destination is against the Moors, others say against the Russians, to oppose, if not drive them out of the Mediterranean next Spring; which is treated with Ridicule, as the Spaniards would hardly incur the Displeasure of the maritime Powers, when unsupported with their Family Allies, and the French, by their present Inactivity, discover not the least Sign of a hostile Disposition. Therefore this Armament is looked upon as mere Parade only, to strike Terror into the Emperor of Morocco, who, from the Fears of being dethroned by his enterprising Son, is to be easily intimidated by his foreign Enemies.
We hear from Germany, that the Jealousy is very great at Vienna, concerning his Prussian Majesty taking his Magazines at this Time, even so far as to distress his Neighbours, since his Commissaries are buying up all the Grain they can lay their Fingers on for that Purpose. As to the Peace between Russia and the Porte, he is not suffered by the latter to interfere. His Mediation there, he has been given to understand very lately, was not wanted by the Porte, nor would it be admitted; for the Emperor's Minister is only listened to, whose Moderation at this critical Juncture gives the highest Ideas of his Candour. The King of Prussia, however, seems regardless of all Suspicion and Apprehensions, and looks upon himself above being asked a Reason for any Thing he does.
A Revolution in Russia is much suspected by the Northern Powers, which is said to be in Favour of the Grand Duke. However, the Empress is not so little beloved by her Subjects but she has got Notice of it, and has taken every Precaution that Wisdom can devise; and in the Meantime, to prevent the Designs of her Enemies, is very solicitous to make Peace with the Turks, which she certainly will do before Christmas, if every Concession on her Side can bring it about.
Letters from Dublin say, that the Parliament of that Kingdom are, upon the Whole, determined to oppose a general Taxation, be it introduced under any Species or Pretext whatever. As yet, Government discovered a reasonable Appearance; but they had too many convincing Informations not to be assured that their whole Plan was bent to carry that Point, which, if they did, poor Ireland could never raise its drooping Head, but be for ever a poor depopulated Province of England.
However the Distressed may soothe themselves with the Hopes of an Act of Grace from her Majesty's Delivery of a tenth Child, it is more than probable, should that Event happen, no such Act of Clemency is to be expected from Precedents; but if his Majesty, who is ever inclinable to Benevolence, should be graciously pleased so to commemorate the Distresses of the People, it will reflect a Monument of Honour on his Reign, in having taken such an Occasion to release the Unhappy from their Bondage of Misery.
A noble Lord and his Lady, we are sorry to hear, are separated by mutual Consent. Whatever Faults may be found in the former, Malice cannot discover one in the latter, who is really an Epitome of every Virtue that can render her Sex amiable, and the connubial State happy. Pity this should happen, in a Pair that were remarkable for an Union of Affections, only six Months ago.
As the Exportation of Coals to France and Holland is so prodigious at this Time, and indeed has been the Custom for many Years past, and as our Pits do not produce more than we can use ourselves, it is to be hoped our Legislators will take this into Consideration, and entirely prohibit, or lay a very heavy Duty on such Exportations, which may effectually answer the End, and so reduce the Price of Coals; which, from these Practices, is considerably heightened, to the great Detriment of the Poor.
The Princess of Amelia and Dutchess of Northumberland, we are informed, have mutually taken the melancholy Situation of the unfortunate Debtors under their propitious Auspices, and have proposed a Subscription, in the Manner of that at the Thatched House, to be filled up by Ladies only; which it is supposed cannot fail of Success, when the first Ladies for Goodness, as well as Greatness, in this or any other Kingdom, are at the Head, indeed the first Promoters of it.
A great Personage has expressed so great an Abhorrence to Masquerades that the Proprietor of the Opera House, in Respect to him, has declared he will have none at his House next Year; and, if so, no Doubt but the Pantheon will follow their laudable Example. To extirpate this scandalous Amusement from among us cannot be too much applauded, which is pregnant with every Evil destructive to Society, and a Reproach to our Police.
It is put down in one of the Memorables of Greece, that at the Time Xerxes was meditating his Expedition against the Greeks a Messenger travelled 150 Roman Miles on Foot, in two Days, to apprise the Cities of Greece of the Persian Design, which has been handed down to Posterity as a Wonder.—Query, is it equal to the Expedition that Mr. Powell has now undertaken, or rather what, we are well assured, he has done before; as he told two of his Friends, some Time since, that he would meet them at York, and be there as soon as they could, though he walked only, and they went in the Fly.
BRIDGETOWN (Barbados) January 14.
Extract of a Letter from Antigua, November 20, 1773. WE have at this Time a most noble Prospect for a Crop throughout this Island, having been blessed with frequent Showers. I am sorry to say we are very sickly all over the Country; the Yellow Fever reigns with Violence, and People die very fast."
S T. GEORGE'S (Grenada) January 1.
Smuggling are lately arrived from France to carry the Edicts against Smuggling in the West Indies into the strictest Execution, which has been done so effectually that the Dutch at St. Eustatia are deprived of the most valuable Branch of their Commerce. At Guadalupe every Master of a Merchantman is appointed a Customhouse Officer; and as it is their Interest to prevent illicit Trade, they are so vigilant that a Smuggler dares not appear on the Coast. Were similar Measures taken here, we should not have so much Reason to complain of the Dulness of Trade, and the Scarcity of Money; as the immense Quantities of prohibited Goods, especially Dry Goods, which are daily poured into this Island, and publicly hawked about the Country, cannot fail to drain us of our Cash, as well as be very detrimental to the fair Trader, and to the Manufactures of the Mother Country.
B O S T O N, February 7.
THE great Contest at present between the Friends of Government and the Friends of Liberty seems to be, "Whether the Judges of the Superior Court shall receive their Salaries, as usual, by the Grants of the General Assembly of this Province, or be dependent upon the Crown for their Support?" Both Sides agree, that if the latter takes Place our Courts of Justice will be turned into Courts of Politicks, and those who, for the future, are to hold the Stations of venerable Judges will be, equally with Crown Officers, under too strong a Temptation to pervert Law and Justice, in Compliance with the Humour or Interest of a weak or corrupted British Minister.
The Answer of the House of Representatives to that Part of the Governor's Speech which signifies his Majesty's Disapprobation of the Appointment of Committees of Correspondence, &c.
"Your Excellency is pleased to inform the two Houses, that you are required to signify to them his Majesty's Disapprobation of the Appoint-
ment of Committees of Correspondence, in various Instances, which fit and act during the Recess of the General Court by Prorogation. You are not pleased to explain to us the Grounds and Reasons of his Majesty's Disapprobation. Until we shall have such Explanation laid before us, a full Answer to this Part of your Speech will not be expected from us. We cannot, however, omit saying, upon this Occasion, that while the common Rights of the American Subjects continue to be attacked in various Instances, and at Times when the several Assemblies are not sitting, it is highly necessary that they should correspond with each other, in Order to unite in the most effectual Means for the obtaining a Redress of their Grievances. And as the Sittings of the General Assemblies, in this, and most of the Colonies, depends upon the Pleasure of the Governors, who hold themselves under the Direction of Administration, it is to be expected that the Meeting of the Assemblies will be so ordered as that the Intention proposed by a Correspondence between them will be impracticable but by Committees to sit and act in the Recess. We would, moreover, observe, that as it has been the Practice, for Years past, for the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of this Province, and other Officers of the Crown, at all Times to correspond with Ministers of State and Persons of Distinction and Influence in the Nation, in Order to concert and carry on such Measures of the British Administration as have been deemed by the Colonists to be grievous to them, it cannot be thought unreasonable, or improper for the Colonists, to correspond with their Agents as well as with each other; to the End that their Grievances may be so explained to his Majesty, as that, in his Justice, he may afford them necessary Relief. As this Province has heretofore felt the great Misfortune of the Displeasure of our Sovereign, by Means of Misrepresentations, permit us farther to say, there is Room to apprehend his Majesty has, in this Instance, been misinformed; and that there are good Grounds to suspect that those who have misinformed him have had in Meditation farther Measures destructive to the Colonies, which they were apprehensive would be defeated by Means of Committees of Correspondence sitting and acting in the Recess of the respective Assemblies.
It must be pleasing to the good People of this Province to find that the heavy Debt which had been incurred by their liberal Aids through the Course of the late War, for the subduing his Majesty's inveterate Enemies, and extending his Territory and Dominion in America, is so nearly discharged. Whenever the House of Representatives shall deem it incumbent upon them to provide for any future Charges, it will be done, as it ought, by such Ways and Means as, after due Deliberation, to them shall seem meet.
In the Meantime, this House will employ the Powers with which they are intrusted in supporting his Majesty's just Authority in the Province according to the Royal Charter, and in despatching such publick Business as now properly lies before us. And while we pursue such Measures as tend, by God's Blessing, to the Redress of Grievances, and to the Restoration and Establishment of the publick Liberty, we persuade ourselves that we shall at the same Time, as far as in us lies, most effectually secure the Tranquility and good Order of the Government, and the great End for which it was instituted, the Safety and Welfare of the People.
C H A R L E S T O W N, February 2.
DURING the Course of the past Week, we have had various Reports of several more People having been killed by the Creek Indians; but, upon Inquiry, those Reports do not seem well founded.
Among others, a Report prevails that the Creek Indians have declared that they only wait till Savannah River is easily fordable, when they propose to fall on the Inhabitants of this Province. It is likewise said they give out that they intend to attempt little or Nothing farther till the Trees are covered with Leaves, when they are to be joined by the Cherokees.
There is some Reason to believe that Lieutenant Grant was not killed in the Skirmish with the Creek Indians, as mentioned in our last, but was taken Prisoner by them, after being dangerously wounded.
The Assembly of Georgia hath passed an unlimited Vote of Credit, to enable his Excellency Sir James Wright to take such Measures as the present Exigency may require; in Consequence of which his Excellency has augmented the Rangers in the Pay of that Province, and ordered every third Man in the Militia to be draughted, in Order to form separate Bodies, to be properly stationed for the Protection of the Inhabitants.
The Settlement of Wrightsborough was nearly abandoned, when an old Quaker, named Maddox, declared his Intention of making a Stand against the Indians, and was thereupon joined by some others, who, under his Direction, immediately set about building a Fort.
Yesterday the Honourable John Stuart, Superintendent of Indian Affairs, arrived here from Georgia.
The People on the Frontiers of this Province seem resolved to defend themselves, if attacked, and are busy erecting Forts for the Safety of the Women, Children, and those unfit to bear Arms, as well as for the Preservation of their Effects, particularly the Settlers at New Bourdeaux, Long Canes, &c. A Fort is also building in Prince William's Parish.
His Honour the Lieutenant Governor has ordered the Garrison at Fort Charlotte to be reinforced, and a large Supply of Ammunition and Provisions to be lodged there for the Relief and Assistance of such poor People as may be driven from their Habitations by the Savages. His Honour has likewise issued the proper and necessary Orders to all the Colonels of the Militia; in short, every Measure has been taken that the present Circumstances of the Province will permit.
His Excellency Sir James Wright has applied to his Honour the Lieutenant Governor for Aid and Assistance from this Province, and we are well assured that every Thing practicable will be done in Consequence of the said Application; but Nothing effectual can possibly be expected till the Meeting of the General Assembly, which stands prorogued to the first Day of next Month.
This Day his Majesty's Council met, and we hear the Matters under Deliberation were the Requisition made by Sir James Wright, and the State of the Province in the present very dangerous and critical Con-juncture.
His Excellency Sir Basil Keith, Governor in Chief of Jamaica, arrived in that Island about a Month ago, and has summoned the Assembly to meet the 8th of this Month.
Letters from Grenada inform us that his Majesty's 48th Regiment is arrived, to relieve the 70th. The same Letters add, that the 70th Regiment, and Part of the 48th, are to rendezvous at St. Vincent's, in Order to make such an Appearance as may induce the Black Charaibs to comply with the Capitulation granted them by General Dalrymple, and to depart, without farther Trouble, from the Lands ceded by them to his Majesty, which they seem not very inclinable to do.
On Wednesday last The Tempest was performed at the Theatre in this Town, to a crowded and brilliant Audience, who expressed the highest Satisfaction at their Entertainment. The Characters were, in general, well supported; but the Deceptions, Machinery, and Decorations, surpassed every Body's Expectation, and the Publick appears impatient for a second Representation of that excellent Comedy. We hear that The Rival Queens, or Alexander the Great, will shortly be presented, and that the Play will be entirely new dressed; a Set of most superb Habits having been just imported from London for that Piece, at an immense Expense.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 10.
THE following melancholy Accident happened last Saturday Night: As two valuable Negro Men, belonging to Mrs. Cocke, at Swan's Point, were putting a Negro Woman of Mr. William Brown's, Junior, over Gray's Creek, to Cobham in Surry, in a small Canoe, they were either overset or sunk, and all of them drowned; for the Canoe was found on Monday full of Water, and the two Men taken up by Dragging, but the Woman is not yet got.
Deaths.] Dr. JOHN WALKER, of Hanover County, suddenly, while from Home.
The OLD CHURCH OF ENGLANDMAN'S Style is rather too coarse for this Paper, and we are very sure would give Disgust, especially to our female Readers. The 10f. Bill which accompanied his Performance is a very good One, and shall be taken due Care of.
Entered in the Upper District of JAMES River.
March 8. Brig Rogers, Robert Benson, from Rappahannock, in Ballast.
10. Brig Erskine, James Miller, from Alloa in North Britain, with European Goods.
Cleared Outwards.
February 18. Ship Ocean, John Ewing, for Glasgow, with 58t Hhds. of Tobacco, 2000 Staves, 6 Dozen of Hoops, and 1 Hhd. of Rum.
24. Ship Katie, James Clark, for Glasgow, with 444 Hhds. of Tobacco, 10,000 Staves, 500 Hoops, and 1 Hhd. of Rum.
24. Ship Moore, Archibald M'Larty, for Glasgow, with 435 Hhds. of Tobacco, 12,000 Staves, and 1 Hhd. of Rum.
26. Sloop Providence, Robert Barron, for Providence, with 30 Barrels of Flower, 17 Tierces and 8 Kgs of Bread, 246 Bushels of Corn, 30 Bushels of Pease, 13 Barrels of Pork, and 10,000 Shingles.

***** POETS CORNER. *****
A H I N T.
V ICE, odious in its Nature, can produce, Howe'er in different Forms it may delude, Nought else but Evil, the sure Source of Wo; While Virtue, with intrinſick Excellence, Embrac'd and cheriſh'd, as its Worth requires, Our Good promotes, and ſweet Content affords. With Juſtice and Benevolence endu'd, The general Good it nobly would procure, And quite complete it, were it but in Vogue. In every Rank, and every State, when try'd, In fore Diſtreſs Serenity it gives, And, by the Iron Hand of Ill oppreſs'd, Supports the Mind; for its high Origin, From whom its Power and Influence are deriv'd, Rules over all, the Univerſal Good. As he is pure, to form our Souls for Heaven, Truth, Wiſdom, Life, and Light, and Love divine, Our Hearts muſt purify, our Spirits muſt refine.
***** A SOBER well disposed MAN, capable of teaching Children to read and write, may meet with Employment by Application to Charles Carter of Corotoman, Lancaster County. (4)
TAPPAHANNOCK, March 1, 1774.
T HERE was left at Armſtead's Mill , about two Miles from Hampton , upon the York Road , the 10th of December laſt, a likely BRIGHT BAY HORSE upwards of fourteen Hands high, with a Blaze Face, hanging Mane and Switch Tail, ſome Part of the Hair in his Tail rubbed off by Caring, for which, and running in a Chair, he was very valuable; he is about ſix Years old, but has no Brand that I know of. Whoever takes up ſaid Horſe, and delivers him to me here, ſhall have 40s. Reward; and if taken up near Williamsburg , and delivered to Mr. Southall , or if near Mr. Fraſer's , in King William , and delivered to him at the Ferry, ſhall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble. ARCHIBALD RITCHIE.
BERKELEY, February 24, 1774.
T EN very likely young VIRGINIA born SLAVES will be ſold at Cheſterfield Courthouse , on Friday the 1ſt of April , upon Credit till the 10th of January next, the Purchaſers giving Bond with good Security to BENJAMIN HARRISON. (6)
SURRY, February 28, 1774.
T HE Commanding Officers of the Southern Diſtrict are requested to appoint their General Muſters upon the following Days, which will put it in my Power to make a full Return of the Militia, when they will be waited on by their moſt obedient Servant,
(2) COLIN CAMPBELL, Adjutant.
 SURRY, MONDAY 14th MARCH.  PRINCE GEORGE, WEDNESDAY 16th  CHESTERFIELD, FRIDAY 18th  CUMBERLAND, MONDAY 21st  PRINCE EDWARD, THURSDAY 24th  AMELIA, MONDAY 28th  BRUNSWICK, WEDNESDAY 30th  DINWIDDIE, FRIDAY 1st APRIL.  SUSSEX, MONDAY 4th  SOUTHAMPTON, MONDAY 11th  ISLE OF WIGHT, FRIDAY 15th  NANSEMOND, MONDAY 18th  NORFOLK, WEDNESDAY 20th  Borough, FRIDAY 22d  PRINCESS ANNE, MONDAY 25th 
NORFOLK, February 9, 1774.
A s the Partnership of William and Thomas Farrer expires in July next, all Perſons indebted thereto are deſired to make Payment, by Bond or otherwiſe; and thoſe who have any Demands are deſired to bring in their Accounts, that they may be adjusted.
A s the Copartnery of the Subſcribers will expire on the 1ſt of June next, all Perſons indebted thereto are requested to ſettle their Accounts and make Payment; and as ſufficient Time has already been granted to many for that Purpoſe, thoſe who fail therein, by the enſuing Meeting of the Merchants in Williamsburg , may depend on Suits being brought againſt them, without farther Application. Thoſe who have any Demands againſt the ſaid Copartnery are deſired to make them known, and they will be paid. The Buſineſs, in the Meantime, will be carried on as uſual. HECTOR M'ALESTER, & Co.
PRINCE GEORGE, February 17, 1774.
T HE Subſcriber has lately purchaſed of Mr. John Thompson , Junior, of this County, a Tract of Land known by the Name of Eldridge's , and both Mr. Thompson and Captain John Thompson of Suſſex , have jointly made a Deed of Conveyance to me; and as I am under Apprehenſions that it may be under ſome Encumbrance, by Deed of Truſt, Mortgage, &c. I take this Method to inform the Publick, that, if it ſhould, I ſhall be much obliged to any Perſon that will make the ſame known immediately. WILLIAM BONNER, Junior.
Y O R I C K,
W HOSE Pedigree and Performances are ſufficiently known to Sportsmen, will cover this Season at his uſual Price of THREE POUNDS , and FIVE SHILLINGS to the Groom; the Money is expected to be paid when the Mares are taken away. Good Paſturage is given, but I will not be anſwerable for Eſcapes. He ſtands at Mount Airy , in Richmond County , quite freſh, and in high Health and Vigour, where due Care will be taken by the Publick's moſt humble Servant, (4) JOHN WHELDON.
T HE Affignees under the Statute of Bankruptcy againſt Messrs. Perkins & Brown , late of London , Merchants, and Partners with Mr. Buchanan , have ſent us a Power of Attorney to collect the Debts due to the ſaid Partnership in this Colony. CHARLES YATES. ROBERT PRENTIS.
To be SOLD by publick Auction, on Wednesday the 30th of March,
A QUANTITY of fashionable PLATE and all the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE at Eagle's Neſt in Stafford ; alſo ſeveral valuable SLAVES, Men, Women, and Children. Credit will be allowed for all Sums above 40s. until the 30th of March 1776, and all Bonds not paid in one Month after that Time to carry Interest from the Day of Sale. Bond and Security to be given to the Honourable John Tayloe , the Executors of Charles Carter , deceaſed, and Joſeph Jones , Esq.
F O R S A L E, A VALUABLE FARM of 1500 Acres, within sixteen Miles of Peterſburg. The Terms may be known on Application to the Subſcriber. (tf) HENRY SKIPWITH.
N OTICE is hereby given to the Gentlemen, Officers, and Soldiers, who claim Land under his Majeſty's Proclamation of the 7th of October , 1763, having obtained Warrants from His Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmore , dueſted to the Surveyor of Fincastle County , and intending to locate their Lands on or near the Ohio , below the Great Kanawha , that ſeveral Aſſiſtant Surveyors will attend at the Mouth of the New River , or Great Kanawha , on Thursday the 14th of April , to ſurvey for ſuch only as have or may obtain his Lordſhip's Warrants for do. I would therefore request that the Claimants, or their Agents, will be very punctual in meeting at the Time and Place above mentioned, properly provided with Chain Carriers and other Neceſſaries to proceed on the Buſineſs without Delay. As ſeveral Gentlemen, who are acquainted with that Part of the Country, are of Opinion, that, to prevent Inſults from ſtrolling Parties of Indians , there ought to be at leaſt fifty Men on the River, below the Mouth of the Kanawha , to attend the Buſineſs in ſuch a Manner as the Gentlemen preſent judge moſt proper until it is finiſhed, or the Season prevent them from ſurveying any more, ſhould the Gentlemen concerned be of the ſame Opinion, they will doubtleſs furniſh that or any leſs Number of Men they believe neceſſary. It is hoped the Officers, or their Agents, who may have Land ſurveyed, particularly ſuch as do not reſide in the Colony, will be careful to ſend the Surveyor's Fees when the Certificates are demanded. (5) WILLIAM PRESTON, Surveyor of Fincastle.
ALEXANDRIA, February 22, 1774.
T HE Subſcriber propoſes leaving the Colony immediately after the April General Court; all Perſons therefore who are indebted for Dealings with him on Account of himſelf and Co. or on his own private Account, are earneſtly requested to diſcharge their reſpective Balances between this and the 1ſt of May , as longer Indulgence cannot poſſibly be given. BENNITT BROWNE.
FREDERICKSBURG, February 10, 1774.
O N Friday the 1ſt of April a Match for TWO HUNDRED GUINEAS will be run, over the Courſe at this Place, between Moore Fauntleroy and Mann Page , Junior, Esqrs. On Friday the 15th, Moore Fauntleroy and Maximilian Robinson , Esqrs. run a Match for ONE HUNDRED PISTOLES. And on the 24th of May will be run, over the ſame Courſe, a Purſe of FIFTY POUNDS, free for any Horſe, Mare, or Gelding, on the following Terms: Heats four Miles each, to ſtart between the Hours of eleven and twelve, 3 Year Olds to carry ſix Stone twelve Pounds, 4 Year Olds to carry ſeven Stone ten Pounds, 5 Year Olds to carry eight Stone eight Pounds, 6 Year Olds to carry nine Stone ſix Pounds, Aged to carry ten Stone, Subſcribers to this Purſe, that ſtart a Horſe, Mare, or Gelding, to pay 40s. Entrance, Non-Subſcribers to pay 5l. the Horſes to be entered with Captain George Weedon on the Saturday before the Race, and proper Certificates of their Age then produced. The Day after the Race will be run for the ENTRANCE MONEY, by any Horſe, Mare, or Gelding (the winning Horſe of the preceding Day excepted) on the Terms following: Aged Horſes, 14 Hands high, to carry 126 Pounds, to deduct ſeven Pounds for every Inch, and ſeven Pounds for every Year under, and to carry ſeven Pounds for every Inch above, and to run in other Reſpects agreeable to the Rules of the firſt Day. Subſcribers to the firſt Day's Purſe to pay 20s. Entrance, and Non-Subſcribers 50s. N. B. This Subſcription continues for five Years certain, and is on ſo good a Footing that Gentlemen who ſtart their Horſes for it may depend on receiving the full Value of the Purſe in ready Caſh, as ſoon as the Race is determined.
COMMITTED to Cheſterfield Jail, a Mulatto Boy about twelve or fourteen Years of Age, who ſays he was born free, and that his Parents lives in Glouceſter County , from whence he was ſtolen about three Years ago by ſome Sailors who carried him to Warwick , and ſold him to Mr. John Scott of Albemarle . His Name is CHARLES HOWELL , and his Father is of the ſame Name. His Parents have now an Opportunity of hearing from him and making his Freedom appear, or his Maſter of proving his Property, on paying Charges and taking him away. JAMES BALL, Jailer.
NEWPORT, February 10, 1774.
A pollo will begin to cover the 1ſt of April , at 5l. the Season, the Money to be paid when the Mares are taken away. Should that not be convenient, a Note of Hand, payable in October at the Frederickburg Races, will be accepted. Good Paſturage will be found, and the greateſt Care taken of the Mares; but I will not be anſwerable for any that may get away. I propoſe taking Corn, Wheat, and Peaſe, at the Market Price, as it may not ſuit every One to pay the Caſh. (10) ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD.
To be SOLD at Tappahannock, on Monday the 18th of April, by Virtue of a Decree of the Honourable General Court, bearing Date the 10th of April, 1773,
T WO LOTS numbered 47 and 50, and Half of a Lot Number 49, in the Town of Tappahannock , on which there is a good Dwelling-Houſe and ſundry other Houſes, lately poſſeſſed by William Ramſay , deceaſed, and by him mortgaged to James Ritchie and Co. The Widow of the ſaid William Ramſay has a Right of Dower in the afore-mentioned Lots, but will join in Deeds to convey her Right. Credit will be allowed the Purchaſer till the 25th of October , or perhaps longer, if required, upon giving Bond with approved Security, to bear Interest from the Day of Sale. (6) W. WOODROP, Attorney for James Ritchie, and Co.
NORFOLK, February 1, 1774.
W E have juſt imported a Parcel of choice MADEIRA WINE , of the London, New York, and Virginia Qualities, which we will ſell on the moſt reaſonable Terms. (7) JOHN LAWRENCE, & Co.
COMMITTED to the publick Jail, a Runaway Negro Man , named BEN , middle ſized, very black, has loſt his right Eye, ſtoops a little when he walks, and appears to be above forty Years old; being an African , he ſpeaks bad English , but gives me to underſtand that he belongs to the Eſtate of William Smith , deceaſed, whoſe Widow uſed him ill, which induced him to run away, but he cannot, or will not, inform where he lives. His Owner is deſired to take him away, and pay Charges. (tf) PETER PELHAM.
RUN away, on Monday the 18th of October laſt, a likely Mulatto Girl named FANNY , about fourteen or fifteen Years of Age; the formerly belonged to Mr. Augustine Smith, of Middlesex , with whom I am informed her Mother, named Jean , now lives as a Cook. I have great Reaſon to ſuſpect that ſhe has been harbour'd by a Negro Fellow named Mofes , belonging to Peyton Randolph , Esq; about his Quarter in Merchants Hundred , from whence, I ſuppoſe, ſhe will endeavour to croſs about York to go to her Relations in Middlesex . Whoever apprehends the ſaid Slave, and ſecures her in any of his Majeſty's Jails, and gives me Notice thereof, ſhall have 3l. Reward, or 4l. if delivered to me in Williamsburg . (tf) JOHN LEWIS.
WILLIAMSBURG, February 15, 1774.
A SKILFUL GARDENER will meet with good Encouragement by applying to (tf) JAMES HUBARD.
To be SOLD, to the higheſt Bidder, on Tuesday the 15th of March, on the Premiſes, and may be entered on immediately,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND on Dan River, Halifax County, containing 1758 Acres. Part of which is rich low Grounds, and there are all convenient Houſes on it. A farther Deſcription is thought needleſs, as it is preſumed no Perſon will purchaſe without viewing it. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed for one Half the Purchaſe Money, and two Years for the Remainder. Mr. John Baird will treat for the Land and attend the Sale, to whom Bond and Security is to be given. Mrs. Perrin's Dower is laid upon this Land. I will ſhew the Land at any Time before the Sale. (7) WILLIAM WADE.
To be SOLD for ready Money, or Credit not exceeding five Years, or RENTED upon good Terms,
T HE beautiful and pleaſant Seat known by the Name of OXFORD , together with the Land adjacent, containing 1000 Acres, whereon Granville Courthouſe and Jail now ſtands. The Land lies very level, Part of which will produce Tobacco, and moſt of it is very good for Wheat, Indian Corn, Oats, &c. The Improvements conſiſt of a large well finiſhed Dwelling-Houſe, Kitchen, Tavern, Granary, and other convenient Buildings, almoſt new. There is on the Plantation an Apple Orchard of about 340 Trees of exceeding good Fruit, juſt beginning to bear. The Water is perhaps as fine as any in the World, and the Place is in good Order for Tavern-keeping. Any Perſon inclined to purchaſe or rent the ſame may know the Terms by applying to the Subſcriber, upon the Premiſes. (12||) JESSE BENTON.
NEWMARKET (Caroline) December 1, 1773.
RUN away from the Subſcriber, the latter End of October 1772, a likely Mulatto Man named RANDOLPH , about thirty Years of Age, and five Feet eight or nine Inches high; he had on, when he went away, a Suit of Green, with red Livery. As he has many Acquaintances about Williamsburg , it is probable he is lurking about that Place. Whoever delivers the ſaid Slave to me ſhall have THREE POUNDS Reward. (tf) ROBERT BAYLOR.
For SALE, the LOT and HOUSES near Cabin Point Warehouſes, at preſent poſſeſſed by the Subſcriber.
T HE Lot conſiſts of four Acres well enclosed, a good Dwellinghouſe with all neceſſary Outhouſes, a Storehouſe, Counting Room, and two Lumber Houſes, all at preſent in very good Repair. A TRACT of LAND in Surry , about fix Miles from Cabin Point , containing 335 Acres, on which there is a Dwellinghouſe, a ſmall Apple and Peach Orchard, and a Quantity of very good Pine Timber. Another TRACT in Brunſwick , containing 355 Acres, known by the Name of Smokey Ordinary , with a good Dwellinghouſe, neceſſary Houſes, a Storehouſe, Counting Room, and Lumber Houſe, all lately built, and well adapted for either a Merchant or a Tavern Keeper. For Terms apply to Thomas Simmons , in Brunſwick , or to (tf) JAMES BUCHANAN.
F O R S A L E,
T HE HOUSES and LOTS, in the Town of York , where the Subſcriber now lives. The Dwelling-Houſe is a very commodious One, with four Rooms above and four below, a very large Brick Storehouſe, a large and well cultivated Garden, Stables, Kitchen, Wash Houſe, &c. in good Repair. Alſo about one Hundred Acres of cleared high Land, and about ſixteen Acres of exceeding good Meadow, making together a very ſquare compact Parcel of Land, and will make a convenient little Farm for any Gentleman reſiding here, as it does not exceed two Miles and a Half from Town. For Terms inquire of (tf) JACQUELIN AMBLER.
F O R S A L E,
A bout twelve Thouſand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND , in Amberſt County , whereon are ſeveral Plantations and Improvements ſufficient to work forty or fifty Hands. There is on the ſaid Land for Sale a very valuable GRIST MILL , lately built, with a Stone Dam and a Pair of good Cologne Millſtones, which Mill has for two Years paſt got upwards of 100 Barrels of Toll Corn, and is ſituated on a never failing Stream. The Land will be ſhown by William Womack , who lives at one of the Plantations, and the Prices of the Land made known by him. One or two Years Credit will be allowed, Interest being paid for the ſecond Year, and alſo for the firſt, if the Money is not paid agreeable to Contract. The Land is to be laid off and ſurveyed by Colonel William Cabell , at the Expence of the Purchaſer. Deeds will be made upon Bond and approved Security being given, either to Colonel William Cabell , or the Subſcriber. Six per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money, or good Merchants Notes. If any Perſon will chooſe to exchange Lands in the lower Part of the Country, on or near ſome navigable River, that are good, it is more than probable we ſhould agree. (tf) CARTER BRAXTON.
To be SOLD, SEPARATELY or TOGETHER
T WO TRACTS of LAND. One lies in Albemarle County , on Hardwire River , about five Miles from the great River, containing 370 Acres, 100 of which are the beſt Kind of low Grounds, and ſituated ſo as always to have the beſt Range for Stock of any Land between the Capes and Little Mountains. The other Tract lies in Goochland County , on Lickinghole Creek , near the Three Notched Road , and contains 700 Acres. The high Land is equal to any in theſe Parts, fine for Tobacco and Wheat, or any Kind of Grain or Meadow. About 200 Acres are cleared, now under good Fences, laid off in three Fields, and in fine Order to work about ten Hands to great Advantage. The Improvements are a good Dwellinghouſe, Kitchen, Smokehouſe, a Dairy, four good Tobacco Houſes, with Negro Quarters, and other convenient Buildings, alſo a fine Apple and Peach Orchard. The Place is pleaſantly ſituated, has fine Water, is as healthy as any Part of the Colony, and is convenient to Church or Providence Meetinghouſe, and ſeveral Mills, beſides one on the Land turned by a Spring Branch to grind for three or four Families the whole Year, and is not in the leaſt unhealthy, as the Water may be ground off every Day. Credit will be given for Part of both Tracts. Any Perſon inclined to purchaſe may know the Terms by applying to Mr. William Mitchell , Merchant in Richmond , or to the Subſcriber, who will ſhew the Land. (tf) WILLIAM PRYOR.
GOOCHLAND, November 1773. 3.
YORK Town, June 9, 1773.
T HE Subſcribers being very ſolicitous to comply with the Will of their Teſtator, the late Honourable William Nelſon , deſire that all Perſons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as ſpeedy Payments as poſſible. Thoſe who have Accounts open on his Books, and who cannot immediately diſcharge the Balances, are deſired to give their Bonds. This Request is the more neceſſary, as moſt of the Legacies bequeathed by the Teſtator are to be paid in Sterling Money, and he has directed that his younger Sons Fortunes ſhall be placed out at Interest upon undoubted Securities, ſo ſoon as it can be done. Thoſe who have any Demands are deſired to make them immediately known. (tf) THOMAS NELSON. THOMAS NELSON, Junior. HUGH NELSON. RO. C. NICHOLAS.