The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1773-12-30 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.
From the LONDON MAGAZINE.
CHRISTMAS. AN ESSAY.
Good Morning 'ye, my Masters! St. John send you all a merry Christmas! Trimly are ye clad in your Holiday Doublets, and your Holiday Faces. Shall we to Moorfield, or to the Country Green? Shall we revel at the Games in the City, or frolick away the Day at the Gambols in the Villages?
BEN JOHNSON.
I HAVE been amusing myself, during the three last Days, with observing the various Scenes which Christmas has introduced into this Metropolis. The Arrival of these Holidays has always been a Signal for Society to shake off their little Cares; and the Affairs of every Man, however important or trifling, now turn aside from their usual Channel, and wear a Holiday Appearance. Such a Season as the present, when Revelry is let loose, and Festivity reigns in all Hearts and in all Faces, diffuses universal Cheerfulness, not only among the Actors in the Drama, but among the Spectators also. The simple Man may look on and laugh; the grave Man may view them, and shake his Head; and even the Philosopher may wink at the Crowd, and glean a Moral from the Follies of his Fellow Creatures.
It is worth our Attention to observe how this Festival operates on the different Ranks of People, in their Manner of celebrating it; for every Rank has a particular Fashion, which follows instinctively, and exclusively of all others, so that a first Rate Character in the Arrangement of Society shall differ as much from a third or fourth Rate one as if the one was a Turk and the other a Laplander. Your high bred Men, your Men of Fashion and Vertu, the My Lords, the Sir Johns, and the Esquires of six Thousand a Year, leap into their Carriages, with their whole Family of Daughters, Sisters, and Cousins, and roll down to their Country Seats, fifty or a Hundred Miles from Town, where they yawn away the vulgar Holidays without Company or Comfort, pushing off the tedious Evenings with Scandal or Cards, till the Time comes for genteel Company to fly again to Town, and for the Parliament to meet; while their Tables are covered with all the flippant Food of debauched Palates and refined Appetites, the Frippery of French Ragouts, culinary Kickshaws, and the poisonous Spices of the Indies.
The wealthy Citizen, who, having been since his Youth dependent on the Smiles of the Publick, has at length become independent, and sets the World at Defiance, betakes him into his Chariot or his Chair, with the Companion of his Life on his right Hand, and Tommy and Jacky sitting on two Stools before them. Things thus settled, he drives to his Box at Clapham, Fulham, Camberwell, Newington Butts, or Kennington; where, though a dirty Ditch stretches itself behind his Houle, rolling down dead Dogs and Cats in its muddy Stream, yet the Citizen lives very happy, having his Houle upon the high Road Side, and a Square of Cluicie Railing before it, enclosing two or three withering Shrubs. Here, in Imitation of greater Folks, the drowsy Christmas passes away but heavily; here you may see a Picture of Inconsistence, the Remains of City Life blended with a high Imitation of Court Life, the Manners of the Change awkwardly united with those of St. James's.
Your Citizen of humbler Note, who has yet got neither Chariot nor Chair, yet is daily making Money by an unwearied Attention to Business, exhibits a livelier Picture in the Circle of his domestic Life. Yet uncorrupted, untainted by an unnatural Affection of Politeness, nought is he ambitious of being but a plain Citizen. His utmost Wish at this Season is to have his Table covered with a lusty Rump of Roast Beef, and to have two Puddings smoke upon his Board at Dinner. This Dose is repeated at Night, and with Guttling, Drinking, and Smoking, he finishes a Day of Gluttony and Gratification.
Why should I name that still humbler Class of Mankind, who earn their Bread and Porter by the Sweat of their Brows? To see enough of these civilized Savages, it is only necessary to walk the Streets in Holiday Time. These are they who forsake their Families, and cheat them of their daily Bread to riot at Alehouses and Retail Gin Shops, to roll in the Kennels, or reel along the Streets.
Having thus seen what the good Folks in Town are doing, it will not be amiss to take a Walk in the Country, to observe the Effects of Christmas on rustic Minds. Here, indeed, the Whole is a Scene of universal Joy. It comes but once in the Year, and they make the most of it. Noise and Mirth walk Hand in Hand, and good Humour keeps Pace with good Eating. The Space, the Pitchfork, and the Wheelbarrow, are thrown away; the one-eyed Parish Fiddler is sent for, and the well smoked Gammon of Bacon is taken down from the Roof.
On the well brighten'd oaken Board are spread The rural Dainties, such as Nature boon Gives to her Children; Dainties long prepar'd To celebrate this Day, and with good Cheer To grace its Triumph. Crystal Gooseberries, By Housewife well prepar'd, are pil'd in Heaps. Pride of the Autumn, sound green Coddins, float In dulcet Streams. Nor wants the last Year's Store; The hardy Nut, in solid Mail secure, Impregnable to Winter Frosts, repays Its Hoarder's Care; whilst the blithe cheerful Swains Crack Nuts and Jokes alternately. Cheesecakes and Pies, in various Forms uprais'd, In well built Pyramids aspiring, stand; Black Hams, and Tongues, that speechless can persuade To ply the brisk Carouse, and cheer the Soul With jovial Draughts. Nor does the jolly God Deny his precious Gifts: Here jocund Swains, In uncouth Mirth delighted, gaily quaff Their native Beverage; in the brimming Glass The liquid Amber smiles. The modest Maid But coyly sips, and blushing drinks, abash'd. Each Lover, with observant Eye, beholds Her graceful Shame, and at her glowing Cheeks Rekindles all his Fires; but Matrons sage, Better experienc'd, and instructed well In Midnight Mysteries and Feast Rites old, Graft the warm Bowl, and draw a long deep Draught.
Such is the Face of Things within, but it is abroad that Revelry breaks loose. The Sports, the Games, the Gambols of their Ancestors, are not forgotten; those sacred Reliques of ancient Manners, which have been piously transmitted down from Generation to Generation, unfulfilled and unchanged. Dancing, Wrestling, Racing, Cricket, Cudgel playing, Skittles, Bowling, or Hunting, are met with in every Thicket, in every Field. Every Place resounds with the Cries of Jollity, the Hill answers to the Dale, and the Dale replies to the shelving Rock; babbling Echo runs laughing from Field to Field, and the whole Firmament is filled with the broken and confused Sound of Guns, Tabors, Fifes, Fiddles, Horns, Hounds, and Men.
It is in Imitation, I suppose, of the ancient Tilt and Tournament, where the Youth used formerly to win their fair Ones by Force of Arms, and where they showed the Strength of their Love by the Strength of their Limbs, that such Games as require unusual Strength and Activity to excel in them are still religiously preserved in the Country. At these Games also, the young Rusticks have good Opportunities of displaying their Parts to please their Mistress. I have often stood, with great Satisfaction, in the Ring at a Village, to view the Feats performed by these
athletick Clowns; and the Observation of those Expressions which Nature throws into the Faces and Actions of the Crowd present, according as each of them is interested in the Business that is going on, is not the least amusing Part of the Entertainment.
Behold yon motley Crowd, the buxom Nymphs, Usher'd by jolly Swains. Distinctions cease, Lost in the common Joy; and the bold Slave Leans on his wealthy Master, unreproud. Round the fond Mother's Neck the smiling Babe, Exulting, clings. Hard by, decrepit Age, Propp'd on his Staff, with busy Thought revolves His Pleasures past, and casts his grave Remarks Among the heedless Throng. The vigorous Youth Strips for the Combat, hopeful to subdue The fair One's long Disdain. Blushing she views His brawny Limbs and his undaunted Eye, That looks a proud Defiance on his Foe. Resolv'd, and obstinately firm he stands; Dangers nor Death he fears, while the rich Prize Is Victory and Love.
To be sure, all these Things are very good. Here is enough of Mirth, of Merriment, and of Sporting. Here is enough of every Thing suitable to the Time and Occasion; of every Thing, except Religion. The most sacred Festival in our Kalendar, instead of being celebrated with that pious Joy, that Christian Cheerfulness, which were the great Purposes of its Institution, is converted into one continued Scene of Riot, Profligacy, and Debauchery. That divine Era, which ushered the Son of God into the World, beaming Mercy and Immortality on the Sons of Men, serves now as a Signal for Lewdness to throw off the Mask, for the Wanton to become more wicked, for the Profligate to become more profane.
Our Ancestors, who have taught us many good Things, would teach us Something worthy of Imitation in this Point also, if we had Virtue enough to copy it. These brave Men considered this annual Festival as the Season for calling forth their most serious Thoughts: If they shut the Doors of their Shops or Compting Houses at the Approach of Christmas, it was only to retire into their Closets and to present their Gratitude to Heaven. Thus it served as a Spur to make them more generous, more virtuous, and more religious; and this naturally inspiring Mirth and Cheerfulness (for true Religion is always cheerful) their very Worship became blended with an innocent and laudable Festivity, which made it not only a religious, but (as they called it) a merry Christmas. This was the true and original Meaning of the Phrase; which we, wanting only an Excuse to be riotous, have perverted from its real Explanation. We make Christmas excessively merry, only by being excessively wicked; and we celebrate the Festivity of our Saviour, as if we were ministering the mad Orgies of Bacchus. But Profligacy is the Characteristick of this wretched Age.
Thoughts on the Vicissitudes of MAN.
THE Close of an old and Commencement of a New Year are generally considered as Times of Joy and Festivity, and that Season in which most Ranks of People unbend their Minds from severe Attention to their several Employments and Professions, by mutually enjoying social Happiness; and this, when conducted with Decorum, and under the Restrictions becoming our reasonable Character, is a manly and truly rational Pleasure, and is so interwoven with our very Make and Constitution that it may not be improper to oppose it to the many contrary Principles of Selfishness and Rancour, which are but too predominant in many of our Species: And more particularly amiable and Praise-worthy is such a Conduct when Joy and Comfort are diffused, by Persons in Affluence and Abundance, to the deserving Poor and Necessitous.
And here I think I may be allowed to indulge myself in a pleasing Reflection, which every Englishman may make, on the natural Disposition of his Countrymen to this hospitable Conduct; and I believe I shall not be accused of Partiality if I assert that the natural Genius of the English Nation is as much inclined to relish social Happiness, and diffuse it to the lower Class, by Benevolence and Hospitality, as it is averse to the contrary Vices of Selfishness and Ill-nature.
But though this Season is generally allotted to the gayer Scenes, you must pardon me if I think the graver Topics should sometimes accompany them. The Subject of Mortality cannot fail sometimes to enter into the Mouths of the most Gay and Thoughtless, though it may escape their Hearts; and the many Companies they have been probably accustomed, through a long uninterrupted Course of Years, to assemble with on this returning Season, which are now broken and diminished by the all-conquering Hand of Death, cannot escape the Notice of the Parties immediately concerned. How many of the beauteous Forms that used to be the Admiration of all, and perhaps the Envy of not a few, are now become loathsome to every Sense! The Man of Wit is silent! The Man of Genius, who soared to the utmost Bounds of Nature, is now confined to the darksome Grave, and covered with the cold Earth! and the Man who scattered Blessings on all around him is become a loathsome Spectacle as the most useless or hurtful of his Species! and I think it is far from an unpleasing Reflection to consider what may be the Issue of the present Year. We cannot suppose that the Dart of Death is at all blunted by the many Booms it has pierced, and we know that we are composed of the same penetrable Materials with our Fellow Mortals, and are alike liable with them both to Death and the many dreadful Evils that await the Living.
With these, and such Reflections, I last Night sunk to Sleep, when Fancy, which is ever on the Wing, supplied me with the following Vision. Methought I was traversing an opulent City; on all Sides Mirth and Gaiety seemed to reign. I soon caught the general Joy, and wandered with Pleasure and Delight from one Circle to another; and being desirous to know the Cause of all that apparent Satisfaction, was informed by One I asked that it was the Commencement of a New Year, which it was customary to usher in with such like Demonstrations of Joy.
Having for some Time wandered in this pleasing Crowd, I at length arrived at a solitary Walk, not much frequented indeed, but every One I met carried in his Appearance Something reverend, and commanding Respect. I had not gone far before I was accosted by a venerable Personage. "My Son (says he) you seem, by your Countenance, as though Gladness filled your Breast, and I am at no Loss to guess the Cause." I replied, "Venerable Father, you are not deceived; and, indeed, I should be guilty of a very unfriendly Disposition to behold the Mirth and Cheerfulness of my Fellow Creatures without partaking of their Happiness." He replied, "Your Reasoning is just, nor would I attempt to deprive you of your present Satisfaction. My Name is Experience, and this Walk is Contemplation. If you will resign yourself to my Guidance, I will teach you properly to weigh terrestrial Happiness." I readily accepted his Offer, allured by the known Abilities of my Guide, and was conducted by him to the Spot I had just left; but there I beheld the Scene very much changed.
I now perceived, scattered among the Cheerful and the Gay, many melancholy and dejected Persons, on whose Faces, Want, Remorse, and Sorrow, were strongly painted. I was struck with these Spectacles of Grief, and turning to my Guide, said, "Sir, I had much rather have continued in my Error, if it is one, than to be convinced of a Truth which I am afraid will yield me very little Satisfaction." The Sane smiling, said, "It is the common Folly of your Age to choose the pleasant though it be the wrong Way; but it is the Part of Wisdom and Experience
to inform you that Truth is worth the Purchase, though it seems unpleasant. Know then (continued he) that the present Scene is not designed to hurt but benefit you; attend, and be wise.
"Behold, scattered up and down among the busy Multitudes, many of the very People who before appeared so gay and pleasant. The Year which they ushered in, with all the Demonstrations of Joy, is not yet concluded; notwithstanding, behold yonder Man, who at the Commencement of the Year was opulent and wealthy; see him pale and thoughtful, and carrying all the Appearance of the deepest Distress; that Wealth, which before created his Cheerfulness, now occasions his Pain, by the Loss of it; his Fortune was then great, and he unwary; he ventured his All upon a Die, that deceived him, which made him the miserable Wretch he now appears.
"On the other Hand is a female Mourner, seeking some unfrequented Solitude to breathe out her Moan in. The Beginning of the Year made her a happy Bride, the Middle of it makes her a disconsolate Widow. But (continues my Instructor) I should rend your Heart with Pity was I to point out to you all that Variety of Distress which Death produces in the World; the unavailing Cries of helpless Orphans, the Grief of tender Widows, the Groans of Parents, and the Sighs of Friends. And yet, though these are great and heavy, and sufficient to move and melt every tender Sentiment in Nature, there are not all the Inlets to Unhappiness; an Instance of which is yonder frantic Madman, who lately was raised to the utmost Height of Joy by a sudden unexpected Affluence of Fortune. The weak Powers of Reason could not support the strong Impression it made upon him, and he is now an Object of Pity and Horror to all that see him. See, on the other Hand, that Man walking pensive and alone; on every Feature, the strongest Lineaments of Horror and Despair are painted." "Alas (cried I) that very Man I saw, a While ago, one of the most gay and airy Creatures in the whole Company!" "Ah (replied my Monitor) to that Height of Mirth and Gaiety he owes his present Misery. He then lived in Riot and Profusion, has now consumed his Fortune, and is this Moment agitated with the most distressing Doubts whether he shall employ his Pistol to extort his Neighbour's Property or finish his miserable Life." "Alas (cried I) I can bear no more; if these are the Prospects you entertain me with, let me only look on the joyous Throng, and conceal those miserable Objects from my View." "Mistaken Youth (replies my Guide) you are not yet made sensible of your Error! Learn from this Picture of human Life to consider it as a chequered State; let not the Ideas you form of future Prosperity and Success, at Entrance on Life, be too sanguine or elevated; learn to enjoy the present, without any anxious Disquietude about the future; and take Care that you do not bring yourself into the Number of the Wretched, by your own Folly and Imprudence; and when Adversity lays her Iron Hand upon you, learn to bear it with a calm Composure and Serenity of Mind; enjoy the Pleasures of social Life, and friendly Intercourse, with the Deserving and Experienced; learn to compassionate and pity the Distressed and Afflicted; and endeavour to extract all the Advantages you can both from the joyous and grievous Occurrences of Life." Having thus spoke, the Form vanished, the Prospect was no more, and I found myself encircled in the Shades of Night.
A SOLILOQUY.
WHO, what am I? Where came I from? How fearfully and wonderfully made! Did I make myself? No, I was made before. I was endued with Consciousness. Who then made me? Where is he? Who made him? If he is the first and the last, Alpha and Omega, whence does he derive his Beginning? The remotest Cause of all Proceeding, and created Things, must have existed from all Eternity. Eternity! O incomprehensible Word! O inexplicable Reason! Staggering Idea! I see, I hear, I feel, I smell, I taste, I apprehend (though imperfectly) the Deity on all Sides. Whence spring these innumerable Beauties which surround me? Lay Hold of the Chain of Causes, O my Soul; quick as Angels Flight, trace the mysterious Links, till thou findst the great first Cause, God the Creator. Full of rapturous Transports, and reverential Awe, fall prostrate and adore him who was, and is, and is to come. Who speaks in Thunder, in Whirlwinds, in Storms, and Tempests! It is the Almighty's Voice, it is the Trumpet of God. What do I feel that invisibly surrounds me, that seems so cool and comfortable? It is the Breath of God which animates me, it is Life itself. Whence do those fragrant Perfumes which so pleasingly assault my olfactory Faculties derive their Origin? They are the Offspring of Heaven, bountifully sent down to us in Showers and Rays of Light. In Return, we should send up the grateful Incense of Praise and Adoration. Whence is that pleasing Gratification, Taste, derived? From the same gracious Cause, who thus vouchsafes to feed all his Creatures, even the young Ravens, which call upon him. I find I am not endued with locomotive Power; but where is the main Spring, the Primum Mobile , which sets the whole Machine a-going? Whence is the vital Principle derived, whence the Circulation of my Blood, and the involuntary Sensations both of Pain and Pleasure? Would you see Mechanism in its utmost Perfection, examine yourselves; admire the just Proportion, the exact Symmetry, the subordinate Dependence, the uniform Regularity, which forms your harmonious Whole.
If you are made thus perfect, was it for the Reception of disorderly Lusts, and vicious Impurities? No, certainly. I can remember when I was small, innocent, and unacquainted with Disquietude; how then am I become bigger, more vicious, and more unhappy? How was I thus transubstantiated? Why made capable of transgressing, if Transgressions were to be my Ruin? Why is my Heart disquieted within me, if I was created to be happy? Reason tells me, that I am a free Agent; Conscience whispers, that I have abused that glorious Privilege. Justly then are we punished. Why was I created with impetuous Passions, if they are not to be gratified? Because Reason is to hold the Reins, and repress their wild Efforts. I am told I am to die, nay I see daily People expiring on all Sides. Strange! that we should never know what becomes of them; and stranger still, that we should not care what becomes of us! We may study, contemplate, reflect, and admire sublunary Things; but there the Curtain drops, and beyond it all is gloomy Uncertainty. The Texture of this is too fine for corporeal Organs. When Death shall have refined and spiritualized us, we shall then dart beyond this envious Foundry, our Faculties will be enlarged, the Prospect will expand, and we shall find incorruptible Food for our Souls to all Eternity. I will reflect frequently, and seriously upon these Things; I will admire and adore that omnipotent, all-wise, creative Being. As I grow wiser, I will endeavour to grow better. This alone is worthy the whole Attention of a rational Being. Reflect, ye Readers, and go and do likewise.
PROVIDENCE VINDICATED.
ONE Argument used to the Disadvantage of Providence I take it to be a very strong one in its Defence. It is objected that Storms and Tempests, unfruitful Seasons, Serpents, Spiders, Flies, and other noxious or troublesome Animals, with many more Instances of the like Kind, discover an Imperfection in Nature, because human Life would be much easier without them. But the Design of Providence may clearly be perceived in this Proceeding: The Motions of the Sun and Moon, in front the whole System of the Universe, as far as Philosophers have been able to discover and observe, are in the utmost Degree of Regularity and Perfection; but wherever God hath left to Man the Power of interfering a Remedy by Thought or Labour, there he hath placed Things in a State of Imperfection, on Purpose to stir up human Industry, without which Life would stagnate, or indeed rather could not subsist at all.

BOSTON, November 29. YESTERDAY Morning arrived here the Ship Dartmouth, Captain Hall, in eight Weeks from London, with 114 Casks of the long expected and much talked of Tea. Captain Hall first came to an Anchor near the Castle, and this Morning came up and anchored off the Long Wharf.
Captain Hall informs, that 114 Casks of Tea were shipped in Captain Coffin, 116 in Captain Bruce, and 58 in Captain Loring, all for this Port.
At a Meeting of the People of Boston, and the neighbouring Towns, at Faneuil Hall, on Monday the 29th of November, 1773, nine o'Clock A. M. continued by Adjournment to the next Day, for the Purpose of consulting, advising, and determining upon the most proper and effectual Method to prevent the unloading, receiving, or vending the detestable Tea sent out by the East India Company, Part of which is just arrived in this Harbour; in Order to proceed with due Regularity, it was moved that a Moderator be chosen, and JONATHAN WILLIAMS, Esq; was then chosen Moderator of the Meeting.
A MOTION was made, that as the Town of Boston had determined, at a late Meeting, legally assembled, that they would, to the utmost of their Power, prevent the landing of the Tea, the Question be put whether this Body are absolutely determined that the Tea now arrived in Captain Hall shall be returned to the Place from whence it came, at all Events; and the Question being accordingly put, it passed in the affirmative, nem. con.
It appearing that the Hall could not contain the People assembled, it was voted that the Meeting be immediately adjourned to the Old South Meeting House. Leave having been obtained for this Purpose, the People met at the Old South, according to Adjournment.
A Motion was made, and the Question put, whether it is the firm Resolution of this Body that the Tea shall not only be sent back, but that no Duty shall be paid thereon; and passed in the affirmative, nem. con.
It was moved, that in Order to give Time to the Consignees to consider and deliberate before they send in their Proposals to this Body, as they had given Reason to expect it would have been done at the Opening of the Meeting, there might be an Adjournment to three o'Clock P. M. and the Meeting was accordingly for that Purpose adjourned.
Three o'Clock P. M. met according to Adjournment.
A Motion was made, whether the Tea now arrived in Captain Hall's Ship shall be sent back in the same Bottom; and passed in the affirmative, nem. con.
Mr. Rotch, the Owner of the Vessel, being present, informed the Body, that he should enter his Protest against their Proceedings.
It was then moved and voted, nem. con. that Mr. Rotch be directed not to enter his Tea, and that the doing of it would be at his Peril.
Also voted, that Captain Hall, the Master of the Ship, be informed, that, at his Peril, he is not to suffer any of the Tea brought by him to be landed.
A Motion was made, that, for the Security of Captain Hall's Ship and Cargo, a Watch may be appointed; and it was voted that a Watch be accordingly appointed, to consist of 25 Men.
Captain Edward Procter was appointed by the Body to be the Captain of the Watch for the Night, and the Names were given in to the Moderator of the Townsmen who were Volunteers on the Occasion.
It having been observed to the Body that Governor Hutchinson had required the Justices of the Peace in this Town to meet and use their Endeavours to suppress any Riots or Tumults, &c. of the People, that might happen, it was ordered, and the Question put, whether it be not the Sense of this Meeting that the Governor's Conduct herein carries a designed Reflection upon the People here met, and is solely calculated to serve the Views of Administration. Passed in the affirmative, nem. con.
The People being informed, by Colonel Hancock, that Mr. Copley, Son in Law to Mr. Clark, Senior, had acquainted him that the Tea Consignees did not receive their Letters from London till last Evening, and were so dispersed that they could not have a joint Meeting early enough to make their Proposals at the Time intended, and therefore were desirous of a farther Space for that Purpose, the Meeting, out of great Tenderness to those Persons, and from a strong Desire to bring this Matter to a Conclusion, notwithstanding the Time they had hitherto expended upon them to no Purpose, were prevailed upon to adjourn to the next Morning, nine o'Clock.
The long expected Proposals were at length brought into Meeting, not directed to the Moderator, but to John Scollay, Esq; one of the Selectmen. It was, however, voted that the same should be read, and they are as follows:
MONDAY, November 29, 1773.
S I R, WE are sorry that we could not return to the Town satisfactory Answers to their two late Messages to us respecting the Tea, but beg Leave to acquaint the Gentlemen Selectmen that we have since received our Orders from the Honourable East India Company. We shall retain a Disposition to do all in our Power to give Satisfaction to the Town; but as we understood from you, and the other Gentlemen Selectmen, at Messrs. Clarks Interview with you last Saturday, that this can be effected by Nothing less than our sending back the Tea, we beg Leave to say that this is utterly out of our Power, but we do now declare to you our Readiness to store the Tea, until we have an Opportunity of writing to our Constituents, and shall receive their farther Orders respecting them. And we most sincerely wish that the Town, considering the unexpected Difficulties devolved upon us, will be satisfied with what we now Offer.
We are, Sir, your humble Servants, THOMAS & ELISHA HUTCHINSON. BENJAMIN FANEUIL, Junior, for Self and JOSHUA WINSLOW, Esq; RICHARD CLARKE & SONS.
Mr. Sheriff Greenleaf came into the Meeting, and begged Leave of the Moderator that a Letter he had received from the Governor, requiring him to read a Proclamation to the People here assembled might be read, and it was accordingly read; whereupon it was moved, and the Question put, whether the Sheriff should be permitted to read the Proclamation, which passed in the affirmative, nem. con. The Proclamation is as follows.
To Jonathan Williams, Esq; acting as Moderator of an Assembly of People in the Town of Boston, and to the People so assembled, WHEREAS printed Notifications were, on Monday the 29th Instant, posted in divers Places in the Town of Boston, and published in the Newspapers of that Day, calling upon the People to assemble together, for certain unlawful Purposes, in such Notifications mentioned; and whereas great Numbers of People belonging to the Town of Boston, and divers others belonging to several other Towns in the Province, did assemble in the Town of Boston on the said Day, and did then and there proceed to choose a Moderator, and to consult, debate, and resolve upon Ways and Means for carrying such unlawful Purposes into Execution, openly violating, defying, and setting at nought, the good and wholesome Laws of the Province, and the Constitution of Government under which they live; and whereas the People thus assembled did vote or agree to adjourn or continue their Meeting to the 30th Instant, and great Numbers of them are again met or assembled together for the like Purposes, in the said Town of Boston: In Faithfulness to my Trust, and as his Majesty's Representative within the Province, I am bound to bear Testimony against this Violation of the Laws; and I warn, exhort, and require you, and each of you, thus unlawfully assembled, forthwith to disperse, and to surcease all farther unlawful Proceedings, at your utmost Peril.
And the same being read by the Sheriff, there was immediately after a loud and very general Hiss.
A Motion was then made, and the Question put, whether the Assembly would disperse and surcease all farther Proceedings, according to the Governor's Requirement. It passed in the negative, nem. con.
A Proposal of Mr. Copley was made, that in Case he should prevail with the Messieurs Clarks to come into the Meeting the Question might now be put whether they should be treated with Civility while in the Meeting, though they might be of different Sentiments with this Body, and their Persons be safe until their Return to the Place from whence they should come; and the Question being accordingly put, it passed in the affirmative, nem. con.
Another Motion of Mr. Copley was put, whether two Hours shall be given him, which also passed in the affirmative.
Adjourned to two o'Clock, P. M. TWO o'Clock P. M. met according to Adjournment. A Motion was made, and passed, that Mr. Rotch, and Captain Hall, be desired to give their Attendance.
Mr. Rotch appeared, and upon a Motion made the Question was put whether it is the firm Resolution of this Body that the Tea brought by Captain Hall shall be returned by Mr. Rotch to England, in the Bottom in which it came, and whether they accordingly now require the same; which passed in the affirmative, nem. con.
Mr. Rotch then informed the Meeting that he should protest against the whole Proceedings, as he had done against the Proceedings of yesterday;
but that, though returning the Tea is an involuntary Act in him, he yet considers himself as under a Necessity to do it, and shall therefore comply with the Requirement of this Body.
Captain Hall being present, was forbid to aid or assist in unloading the Tea at his Peril, and ordered that if he continues Master of the Vessel he carry the same back to London; who replied, he should comply with these Requirements.
Upon a Motion, resolved, that John Rowe, Esq; Owner of Part of Captain Bruce's Ship, expected with Tea, as also Mr. Timmings, Factor for Captain Coffin's Brig, be desired to attend.
Mr. Ezekiel Cheever was appointed Captain of the Watch for this Night, and a sufficient Number of Volunteers gave in their Names for that Service.
Voted, that the Captain of this Watch be desired to make out a List of the Watch for the next Night, and to each Captain of the Watch for the following Nights, until the Vessels leave the Harbour.
Upon a Motion made, voted, that in Case it should happen that the Watch should be any Ways molested in the Night, while on Duty, they give the Alarm to the Inhabitants, by tolling of the Bells; and that if any Thing happens in the Day Time, the Alarm be by Ringing of the Bells.
Voted, that six Persons be appointed to be in Readiness to give due Notice to the Country Towns, when they shall be required so to do, upon any important Occasion; and six Persons were accordingly chosen for that Purpose.
John Rowe, Esq; attended, and was informed that Mr. Rotch had engaged that his Vessel should carry back the Tea she brought in the same Bottom, and that it was the Expectation of this Body that he does the same by the Tea expected in Captain Bruce; whereupon he replied, that the Ship was under the Care of the said Master, but that he would use his utmost Endeavours that it should go back, as required by this Body, and that he would give immediate Advice of the Arrival of said Ship.
It was then voted, that what Mr. Rowe and Mr. Timmings had offered was satisfactory to the Body.
Voted, that it is the Sense of this Body that Captain Bruce shall on his Arrival strictly conform to the Votes passed respecting Captain Hall's Vessel, as though they had been all passed in Reference to Captain Bruce's Ship.
Mr. Timmings appeared, and informed that Captain Coffin's Brig, expected with Tea, was owned in Nantucket; but he gave his Word of Honour that no Tea should be landed while she was under his Care, nor touched by any One until the Owner's Arrival.
Mr. Copley returned, and acquainted the Body, that, as he had been obliged to go to the Castle, he hoped, if he had exceeded the Time allowed him, they would consider the Difficulty of a Passage by Water at this Season as his Apology. He then farther acquainted the Body, that he had seen all the Consignees, and though he had convinced them that they might attend this Meeting with Safety, and had used his utmost Endeavours to prevail upon them to give Satisfaction to the Body, they informed him, that, believing Nothing would be satisfactory but reshipping the Tea, which was out of their Power, they thought it best not to appear, but would renew their Proposal of storing the Tea, and submitting the same to the Inspection of the Committee; and that they could go no farther, without incurring their own Ruin. But as they had not been active in introducing the Tea, they should do Nothing to obstruct the People in their Procedure with the same.
It was then moved, and the Question put, whether the Return made by Mr. Copley from the Consignees be in the least Degree satisfactory to this Body; and passed in the negative, nem. con.
Whereas a Number of Merchants in this Province have inadvertently imported Tea from Great Britain, while it is subject to the Payment of a Duty imposed upon it by an Act of the British Parliament, for the Purpose of raising a Revenue in America, and appropriating the same without the Consent of those who are required to pay it, resolved, that in thus importing said Tea they have justly incurred the Displeasure of our Brethren in the other Colonies; and resolved farther, that if any Person or Persons shall hereafter import Tea from Great Britain, or if any Vessel or Vessels in Great Britain shall take the same on Board, to be imported to this Place, until the said unrighteous Act shall be repealed, he or they shall be deemed by this Body an Enemy to his Country, and we will prevent the Landing and Sale of the same, and the Payment of any Duty thereon, and we will effect the Return thereof to the Place from whence it shall come.
Resolved, that the foregoing Vote be printed and sent to England, and all the Seaports in this Province.
Upon a Motion made, voted, that fair Copies be taken of the whole Proceedings of this Meeting, and transmitted to New York and Philadelphia; and that Mr. Samuel Adams, the Honourable John Hancock, Esq; William Phillips, Esq; John Rowe, Esq; Jonathan Williams, Esq; be a Committee to transmit the same.
Voted, that it is the Determination of this Body to carry their Votes and Resolutions into Execution, at the Risk of their Lives and Properties.
Voted, that the Committee of Correspondence for this Town be desired to take Care that every other Vessel, with Tea, that arrives in this Harbour, have a proper Watch appointed for her; also voted, that those Persons who are desirous of making a Part of these nightly Watches be desired to give in their Names at Messrs. Edes and Gill's Printing Office.
Voted, that our Brethren in the Country be desired to afford their Assistance upon the first Notice given, especially if such Notice be given upon the Arrival of Captain Loring, in Messrs. Clarks Brigantine.
Voted, that those of this Body who belong to the Town of Boston do return their Thanks to their Brethren, who have come from the Neighbouring Towns, for their Countenance and Union with this Body in this Exercise of our Affairs.
Voted, that the Thanks of this Meeting be given to Jonathan Williams, Esq; for his good Services as Moderator.
Voted, that the Meeting be dissolved, and it was accordingly dissolved.
A CONSTITUTIONAL CATECHISM.
QUERY. WHY do the Americans refuse the Importation of English Tea at this Time?
ANSWER. Because it is saddled with a Duty, which is a Tax for the Purpose of raising a Revenue from us, without our Consent; and such Tax, or Duty, is therefore unconstitutional, cruel, and unjust.
QUERY. Who assume to themselves this Power of taxing us, without our own Consent?
ANSWER. The British Parliament, who in so doing assume a Power destructive of the very Frame of their own Constitution; for such a Power is totally inconsistent with the general Liberty, whereby no Part of the King's Subjects can tax another without their Consent.
QUERY. How do you prove the Tea Duty to be unconstitutional?
ANSWER. Because it is a Tax in direct Opposition to a fundamental Maxim of the British Constitution, whereby we can only be taxed by our own Consent, or that of our own Representatives.
QUERY. How do you prove the Tea Duty to be cruel?
ANSWER. First, because to tax us without our Consent is treating us like Enemies, and forcing us to be such, who are the natural Friends of Great Britain. Secondly, because this Duty is an additional Sum imposed upon us only; for all the World may have this Tea at the common Market Price, without any Duty, the poor Americans only excepted. And thirdly, because it is treating us similar to that of an Enemy's laying a conquered People under Contribution.
QUERY. How do you prove the Tea Duty to be unjust?
ANSWER. Because it is forcing our Property from us, without our own Consent, by Virtue of Power alone; which is no less a Crime, in the Scale of Justice, than downright Robbery.
QUERY. But, as Children of Great Britain, ought we not to submit to her assumed Right of taxing us without our own Consent?
ANSWER. We ought not to submit, for if we are Children of Great Britain we are by Birthright entitled to an equal Share of all the Privileges of her happy Constitution; but an equal Share of those Privileges we cannot enjoy, nor indeed any Share of them at all, if we grant a Right in her, or in any other Power, to tax or make Laws for us without our own Consent.
QUERY. Have our Fellow Subjects of Great Britain, by Reason of our being descended from them, as a free People, any Right to our Property?
ANSWER. None at all, for our being descended from them, considered as a Nation of Freemen, can never subject us to Slavery, because Freemen can never beget Slaves; but could we ever suppose our Mother Country to be a Nation of Slaves, in that Case we still must be free, for Slaves can have no real Property. Therefore, in either Case, whether we consider ourselves descended from Great Britain, as from a Land of Liberty, or Slavery, Americans still must be free.
QUERY. If it be unconstitutional, cruel, and unjust, to lay Duties upon us, or to tax us without our Consent, is it not incumbent upon us to defend our common Property from all such Impositions?
ANSWER. Yes, because it is as much the Duty of the whole People to defend and preserve their common Property as it is that of an Individual to defend and preserve his private Property from the unconstitutional, cruel, and unjust Attacks of a Highwayman.
QUERY. By what Ways and Means should we exert ourselves in the Defence of our common Property, when attacked by unjust Power?
ANSWER. By all such Ways and Means as we shall judge to be most likely to promote the important End of securing that Property.
QUERY. Can you prove that the People have a Right to be their own Judges, as to the Ways and Means necessary to preserve their Property from unjust Power?
ANSWER. Yes, from the Nature of Property itself; for Property necessarily implies a Right in those who have it to defend it. If then they who have Property have a Right to defend it, they must have the same Right to the Choice of Means for that End; but they cannot have a Right to the Choice of Means, unless they have a Right to judge of those Means. Therefore the People have a Right to be their own Judges as to the Ways and Means necessary to preserve their Property from unjust power.
QUERY. But ought we not always to measure our Opposition to unjust Power, against our Property, by the Laws of the Land?
ANSWER. Yes, when the Laws of the Land prescribe sufficient Means by which we can secure our Property, and when the Executors of those Laws are faithful to their Trust; but when the Laws of the Land do not prescribe Means sufficient to secure our Property, or if they do, when the Executors of those Laws are unfaithful to their Trust, in either Case, consistent with the Security of our Property, we cannot measure our Opposition to unjust Power against it by the Laws of the Land, but only by the perpetual and universal binding Law of Self Defence, which Law has been, and ever will be, the sole Director of every People, when their Rights and Properties cannot be secured by the Laws of their Country.
N. B. The Author of the above Queries has no Design by exhibiting them to the Publick but the general Good of the British Empire, and not the Advantage of a Part only, to the Destruction of the Liberties of the rest.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 30.
LAST Monday being the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, the ancient and honourable Society of Free and Accepted Masons, all habited alike, and in the proper Insignia of their Order, went in Procession from their Lodge in this City to Bruton Church, where an excellent Discourse, delivered by the Reverend Mr. Andrews, a Brother Mason, was preached from Hebrews xiii. 1. Let brotherly Love continue. After divine Service, they returned to their Lodge, and dined together; after which they gave a Ball and elegant Entertainment to a Number of Ladies, and spent the Evening with that Harmony, Decorum, and friendly Intercourse, which characterize the Brotherhood, and are so agreeable to the Laws of Masonry.
We hear from Maryland, that the Assembly of that Province have granted 4000l. for the Lighthouse at Cape Henry, and passed an Inspection Law, which is to take Place the 1st Day of January.—Benjamin Ogle, and Philip Thomas Lee, Esquires, are sworn into the Council there.
Marriages. PETER LYONS, Esq; of Hanover, to Miss JUDITH BASSETT, of this City, a Lady of great Merit.
Deaths. Mr. ROBERT MIDDLETON, of Westmoreland, in his 71st Year, long a Vetyman of Cople Parish. He endured a lingering Illness, with much Christian Fortitude.
Mr. JOHN CAMP, of this City, after a tedious Indisposition.
To the Reverend Mr. BRACKEN.
REVEREND SIR,
YOU conclude your late Epistle to Mr. Henley with declaring you will not return any Answer to anonymous Scribblers. I congratulate you upon the happy Temperament of your Constitution. Anonymous Addresses, when they degenerate into Reflections merely personal, may justly be disregarded; but when they contain Nothing besides reasoning upon Matters of Fact, I cannot discern how the Signature of John Doe or Richard Roe tends to diminish the Obligation you lie under to refute the Charges which are brought against you. As a Parishioner, and a Subscriber to Mr. Henley, I accused you of violating an Engagement. Upon the Supposition of Mr. Henley's being the Author of the Letter I sent you (a Circumstance which is absolutely false) you enter upon the arduous Task of vindicating your Conduct. Conscious, however, of the slippery Ground on which you tread, you wisely decline continuing the Debate with the real Author. If his Name be Samuel Henley , his Arguments are worthy of an Answer; but if it happen to be any Thing else, they deserve no Reply. Surely you do not produce this as a Specimen of your Proficiency in the Study of Logick!
The only Pretence, that deserves Notice, which you make for refusing Mr. Henley the Use of your Pulpit, is, the Request for the Parishioners to choose their own Lecturer was seconded by this Limitation, unless you choose to undertake it yourself; to which, you tell us, you readily assented. Wonderful Condescension, truly! So the Whole of this Stipulation amounted to Nothing more than an Engagement to permit the Parishioners to make Choice of a Lecturer, provided you thought proper. But what Occasion was there for such an Engagement? What additional Right does it confer upon the Parish? With equal Propriety might the Vestry have desired you to enter into an Agreement to eat, or drink, whenever you should judge it convenient. In a Word, the Absurdity of obliging a Man to covenant that he will act, in any given Case, according to the Dictates of his own Will, is so glaring, that it is an uncontroverted Maxim, that every Condition in an Agreement shall be taken and operate against the bounden Party in the most forcible Manner possible.
You tell us, the Entry, as it stands at present in the Vestry Books, is to be ascribed to a Mistake in the Clerk; but I must beg Leave to inform you, that we without have no other Ground upon which we can form a Judgment of what is done within Doors besides the Entries in the Vestry Book, and to them we must have Recourse, whenever we are desirous of becoming acquainted with the Transactions of our Representatives. It is certain some of the Gentlemen of the Vestry considered the Entry as obligatory; they were naturally led to this Opinion, by the express Words of it. But, if it be not, why was not the true State of the Case laid before them at a subsequent Meeting? Why were not proper Precautions taken to prevent the Publick from being imposed upon? And lastly, why was not the Clerk publicly reprimanded for his Blunder? If it be agreeable to the established Rules of Justice for a Society, contracting in Behalf of their Constituents, to suffer a formal Contract to be entered upon their Books, to suffer not only their Constituents, but even some of their own Members, to consider it as a real Contract, and a short Time afterwards to suffer the Declaration of one of their Members, that it implied somewhat directly contrary to what appears upon Record, to annul it, if such Principles be allowable, I wish to be informed what Meaning we ought to annex to the Terms good Faith, Veracity, moral Rectitude . These Questions deserve your Attention, nor will the Plea of my being an anonymous Writer excuse your returning an Answer to them; for Truth, not Names, is that with which the Publick is concerned. The Horizon of your Ambition may, indeed, be gilded by the orient Beams of a distant Meteor; but be assured, true Glory is not to be acquired by becoming the Tool of a Party: It must be founded upon Virtue. Built upon this Foundation, it will withstand every Assault; whilst the Edifice which is erected upon the sandy Shore of the fluctuating Ocean of Popularity must soon dissolve, like the baleless Fabric of a Vision .
To place my Charge of your Breach of Promise in a Light somewhat different, I will, in a few Words, consider the original Intention of the Vestry in exacting the above mentioned Engagement. In great Towns in England, it has been customary for the Parishioners of the several Parishes, ever since the Reformation, to choose their own Lecturer; nor does the Rector refuse to give the Use of his Pulpit to the Person thus chosen. In Imitation of this Custom, the late Reverend Mr. Johnson was chosen Lecturer by the Inhabitants of Bruton. The Reverend Mr. Horrocks, who was then Minister, upon Mr. Johnson's intimating an Intention to decline a certain Duty, told some of his Friends he would deny him the Use of his Pulpit. To prevent any future Ministers exerting this Power, a certain Gentleman of the Vestry proposed the above Engagement, which was agreed to by Mr. Johnson when he was elected Minister, and, as far as we can learn from the Vestry Book, by yourself. Now can any Man, possessed of common Sense, imagine this Gentleman intended it should at any Time be in the Power of the Minister to set it aside, by preaching a few Motes himself? which, if admitted, must render such an Engagement quite unnecessary. For since he is obliged to read Prayers, even if there be no Lecturer, in that Case he would have it in his Power, by a little additional Labour, to exclude every other Person whatsoever. It must therefore, both from the Nature of Things and the Design of the Proposer, appear evident, to every dispassionate Inquirer, that the real Meaning of the said Engagement tends entirely to defeat and destroy every Right you might have, or can at present claim, to deprive us of the Choice of a Lecturer; and consequently, you still remain under the Predicament of violating a solemn Engagement. I intend to do myself the Honour of considering farther the Circumstances contained in your Letter at a future Opportunity: In the mean Time, I am, Reverend Sir,
Your most obedient Servant, AN INHABITANT OF BRUTON.

Advertisements.
NORFOLK, December 17, 1773.
THE numerous Inconveniences attending the dilatory Practice of the Courts of Law where we are engaged, the Smallness of our Fees, and the Difficulty of collecting them, have laid us under the indispensable Necessity of entering into a Resolution (to the faithful Performance of which we have bound ourselves each to the other by our Honours) not to undertake any Cause whatever for the future (Merchants Business necessarily excepted) unless the whole Fee and Tax be paid down at the Time of engaging us.
W. R. W. CURLE. BENJAMIN CROOKER. ANDREW RONALD. THOMAS CLAIborne. WILLIAM DAVIES. WILLIAM ROBINSON.
ANY Person that understands the Business of a DRAWER (if well recommended) will meet with good Encouragement by applying to me, in Richmond Town
JAMES GUNN.
A SILVER WATCH was found in the Streets of Richmond about the 24th of November last, which the Owner may have on proving his Property and paying Charges.
(2) LODOWICK WARROCK.
SURRY County (CABIN POINT) December 27, 1773.
THIS is to inform the Publick, and those Gentlemen in particular who were so kind to assist me in my Plan for executing my FULLING MILL, that it is now complete, and at Work. All persons that are disposed to encourage this laudable Undertaking I shall be obliged to for their Favors. I advise the Publick, that I have two Looms at Work that weave five Quarter Yard wide Cloth, as it is much to the Manufacturers Advantage to have their Cloth, wove of that Width. My Price for Weaving is 1 s. a Yard, Filling, Dying, Dressing, &c. 1 s. more, for common Cloth, but dearer for live Colours. Those Persons that dye their Cloth in Grain have it done much cheaper; all mixed Cloths require Nothing more than Filling and Dressing, which are done at a moderate Price. Some Time ago a Person of the Name of Wilkie set forth a small Pamphlet, which any Persons that are disposed to have Cloth made would do well to, attend to; but as it may not be in the Power of every One to get them who may be desirous to have Cloth made, I shall observe to those, that it is very necessary to have the Wool sorted, taking the fine from the coarse, young Sheeps Wool from old. After this is performed, let it be well washed and greased, then carded with a Pair of coarse Cards into large Rolls or Batts. These Batts are to be broke all to Pieces by Hand, and laid in a Heap. You may break them as often as you please; the more your Wool is mixed the even and prettier the Cloth will be when milled. After this Operation, it is in Order to be carded into Rolls for Spinning, which is to be a moderate Twist for the Warp, not too hard. The Filling is to be spun as slack as you can spin it; so that it bear winding it is sufficient. Those who choose to weave it themselves should lay it thin, and not weave it too close. The opener the Cloth is the more beautiful it will be when milled. All Persons that send their Yarn to me may depend on the utmost Punctuality, and that their Instructions shall be duly observed.
I am the Publick's most obedient Humble Servant, WILLIAM SIMMONS.
We have lately imported from London, in the Royal Exchange, Captain Woodford, and the Hope, Captain Holmes, a fresh Assortment of DRUGS and MEDICINES, which will be sold at the same low Prices as usual, at our Shop in Petersburg.
LIKEWISE Keyser's Pills, Norris's Antimonial Drops, Doctor Radcliffe's purging Elixir, Squire's and Daffey's Elixirs, Walker's Jesuits Drops, Bateman's ditto, James's Fever Powders, Turlington's Balsam of Life, British Rock Oil, Anderson's and Lochey's Pills, Greenough's Tincture for the Gums and Teeth, Freeman's and Godfrey's Cordials, Essence of Water Dock, Tincture of Golden Rod, Beaume de Vie, Hooper's Pills, Pike's Ointment for the Itch, Eau de Luce, Hungary, Honey, Lavender, and Orange Flower Waters, Smelling Bottles, Nourishers, Cephalick Snuff, Hardham's ditto, No. 9. Teeth and Flesh Brushes, Ladies Sticking Plaister, Nipple Glasses, Breast Pipes, Linglairs, Hawthorn Shavings, Sago, Salop, Vermicelli, French and Pearl Barley, Antimony, Brimstone, Verdigrise, Rotten Stone, Spirit of Turpentine, Crucibles, Black Lead Pots, &c. Also, Anchovies, Capers, Olives, pickled Walnuts, East India Mangoes, &c. &c.
JAMES McCARTY.
** An APPRENTICE is wanted to the above Business.
To be SOLD or RENTED for the ensuing Year, THE HOUSES and LOTS in Hanover Town at present in the Possession of Mr. John Meriwether. As he is to move away the 1st of next Month, immediate Possession will be given to the Purchaser. The Dwelling-House and all necessary Outhouses are in good Repair, there is a large Garden and back Yard newly paled in, and the Situation is very convenient for an Ordinary and the Reception of Boarders. The Time of Payment will be made easy. For Terms apply to
(4) ARCHIBALD GOVAN. JOHN JOHNSON.
December 22, 1773.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 29, 1773.
STRAYED or STOLEN, a BAY HORSE about fourteen Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and both hind Feet white. Whoever brings him to the Printer shall have 20 s. Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, last October, an English Convict Servant, named JOSEPH LLOYD, by Trade a House Carpenter and Joiner, but understands little of his Business, about twenty one Years of Age, five Feet eight or nine Inches high, a little round shouldered, short light brown Hair, has had the Smallpox favourably, the Pits being few, broad, and shallow. Took with him a German Onabrug Frock and Waistcoat, a Shirt, two Pair of long Breeches, a white Shirt of Irish Linnen, a Frock of blue Fearnought with plain white Metal Buttons, a black and white Virginia Cloth Waistcoat Kersey wove, and a Pair of black Cloth Breeches. THREE POUNDS Reward will be paid for conveying him to me at Morattico , in Lancaster County, and in Proportion for securing him in Jail, and giving only Notice thereof, besides what the Law allows. Masters of Vessels are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Colony, nor detain him on Board any Vessel.
(4) RAWLEIGH DOWNMAN.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 28, 1773.
ON the 1st Day of January next will be sold to the highest Bidder, at publick Auction, at the Plantation of Doctor James Blair, deceased, in the Forks of Hanover County, one Moiety of all the said James's personal Estate at that Place, consisting of CATTLE, HOGS, PLANTATION UTENSILS, &c. &c. At the same Time and Place will be rented out, to the best Bidder, all my Dower in the said Blair's Lands and Slaves; among the Slaves there are six Workers.—Also, on Tuesday the 4th of January next, will be sold at publick Auction, at the Plantation of the said James Blair, at Clickabony , in New Kent, one Moiety of all the said James's personal Estate at that Place, consisting of Cattle, Hogs, Plantation Utensils, &c. &c. At the same Time and Place will be rented out, to the best Bidder, all my Dower in the said Mr. Blair's Lands and Slaves; among the Slaves there are five Workers.
CATHARINE BLAIR. ** A handy COOK FELLOW to be hired.
AS I intend to move down the Country in a few Years, I would sell, at almost any Credit (the Purchaser giving Bond and Security) sixty Acres of Land in Bedford County, near the Town of New London, and one Acre and a Half of Land in the said Town, with very good Buildings and other Improvements thereon. I do not immediately intend to quit my Practice of the Law in the Courts I now attend, but continue to accept of Business, and pay all the Attention I am capable to the Interest of my Employers. I propose, before I move, to give publick Notice, and to finish every Cause put into my Care, after which I shall undertake no more Business.
(4) JOHN AYLETT.
YORK Town, December 23, 1773.
ON Wednesday the 5th of January will be sold at Mrs. Gibbons's, at 12 o'Clock, one third Part of the Schooner FRANCIS, with her Rigging and Tackle, the Sails almost new; she carries about 300 Bushels, is strong made, and sails fast. The said Schooner is taken in Execution, to satisfy two Judgments against Captain Edward Cooke, by
(11) WILLIAM MITCHELL, Sheriff.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 23, 1773.
THE Subscriber, intending very soon for London, gives this publick Notice, that he has appointed Benjamin Harrison, Junior, Esq; of Berkeley, and Mr. Emmanuel Jones, of this City, his Attorneys; with whom he requests the Favour of all Persons indebted to himself, or Mrs. Necks, to settle their Accounts at the next Meeting of the Merchants, to prevent their being put into a Lawyer's Hands, which Necessity will oblige him to do, as many, too long in Arrears, have often, on his leaving the Colony, promised to pay his Attorneys, which he is sorry to find they were not so kind as to comply with. If they now fail, they can only blame themselves, and not their humble Servant,
ROBERT NECKS.
TAPPAHANNOCK, December 16, 1773.
LEFT by a Servant of mine, at Armistead's Mill, about two Miles from Hampton, on the York Road, on Friday the 10th Instant, a likely BRIGHT BAY HORSE upwards of fourteen Hands high, with a Blaze Face, hanging Mane and Switch Tail, some Part of the Hair on 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. As he was drove from my House by Way of Frazer's, Ruffin's, and Williamsburg , to Hampton , he perhaps may have halted at Mr. Southall's, or been prevented from coming home by Means of the Gate at Colonel Ruffin's Ferry. Whoever takes up said Horse, and delivers him to me here, shall have 40 s. Reward; and if taken up near Williamsburg , and delivered to Mr. Southall, or if near Mr. Frazer's, and delivered to him at the Ferry, shall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble.
ARCHIBALD RITCHIE.
JUST arrived the Success's Increase, Captain Curtis, with about eighty choice healthy Servants, among whom are many Tradesmen, viz. Shoemakers, Weavers, Carpenters, Black and White Smiths, Tailors, a Sallmaker, a Tanner, a Glazier and Painter, a Bricklayer, a Bras Foundry, a Turner, an Upholsterer, Surgeons and Apothecaries, Hair Dressers, Schoolmasters and Book-Keepers, with many Farmers, Labourers, &c. &c. The Sale will commence at Leeds Town , on Monday the 3d of January, and continue till all are sold. Reasonable Credit will be allowed, on giving Bond with approved Security to
(2) JAMES MILLS, and Company. N. B. Tobacco will be taken in Payment for the above.
W A N T E D.
A SCHOOLMASTER who understands Latin, Mathematicks, &c. and will undertake to teach from ten to fifteen Scholars, or more if agreeable, in a publick School situated in a good Neighbourhood. Also a Master properly qualified to teach English, Writing, and Arithmetic; this School will consist of near thirty Scholars. Any Persons properly recommended will meet with Encouragement from
CABIN POINT, } JOHN COCKE. December 12, 1773. } JAMES BELSCHES.
To be SOLD, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from William Durham, to the Subscriber, on Monday the 14th of March, at Buckingham Courthouse,
TWO Tracts of LAND in the said County, one lying on Troublesome Creek , whereon the said Durham now lives, containing about 207 Acres; the other lies near Slate River , not far from the Land of Mr. John Bunting, containing 375 Acres, more or less.
JAMES LYLE.
For SALE in the Town of Richmond, on the Main Street,
A LARGE well finished STORE HOUSE, WHEAT HOUSE, LUMBER HOUSE, KITCHEN, and STABLE, with one Acre of LAND enclosed; there are good Brick Cellars below the Store, and Wheat House the whole Extent. The Terms may be known by applying to the Subscriber, in Manchester .
(6) JAMES LYLE.
To be SOLD, or HIRED, A VERY good Negro CARPENTER. For Terms apply to THOMAS EVERARD.
To be SOLD, on Tuesday the 1st of February, pursuant to the Will of John Carter, Esq; deceased, at Clive, his late Dwelling-House, in King George County,
SIXTY SLAVES, several of which are valuable Tradesmen or House Servants; also a large Stock of HORSES, CATTLE, SHEEP and HOGS, PLANTATION UTENSILS, several large STILLs and COPPERS, and a SCHOONER that will carry about 750 Bushels.
Three Years Credit will be allowed for the Slaves, and twelve Months for the Stocks, &c. Bond and approved Security will be required. The Bonds for the Negroes, Stocks, &c. to carry Interest from the Date, if not punctually paid.
The TRUSTEES ** Those who have Demands against the Estate of John Carter, Esq; deceased, are desired to bring in their Accounts, properly attested; and those indebted, we hope, will not fail to make immediate Payment to
PHILADELPHIA CARTER. } Executors. CATESBY WOODFORD. } GAWIN CORBIN. }
TAKEN up, in Hanover, a BLACK MARE about four Feet five Inches high, seven Years old, a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, some white Hairs in her Forehead, and branded on the near Buttock C. Posted, and appraised to 7 l. 10 s.
(11) GEORGE SAUNDERS.
To be SOLD, and Possession given in February next, or sooner, if required,
THE FURNACE situated in the Township of Salisbury, and Province of Connecticut, New England, having been lately rebuilt on the most approved Plan, all the Conveniences about the same being either new or in good Repair, together with all the Utensils, and a complete Set of Patterns for hollow Ware and other Castings; the sole Property of a Piece of Water from which the Furnace is supplied, the Area measuring 600 Acres; a Mansion House most agreeably situated, consisting of four Rooms on a Floor, a good Garden, and other Conveniences; two other Houses for Workmen, a Store completely fitted for English and West India Goods and Provisions, a Comping House, &c. a large Barn, with Stabling for Horses and Oxen. Also a Property in the Bed of Iron Ore in said Salisbury, known by the Ore Grants , with an exclusive Right of digging, rasing, and carrying away Ore from another Bed called Chatfield's Ore Bed , and the Right of Soil in a Piece of Land joining west on the Ore Grant , which contains Iron Ore. These Beds all lie within two Miles of the Furnace, the Roads good. Also 753 Acres of Land, 300 of which are under Improvement, and the Whole well watered. The Premises are situated in a healthy, fruitful, and pleasant Country, on the high Road from Hartford to Hudson's River and Albany , distant about thirty Miles from the River. The Quality of the Iron made from the above Ore is well known, both in England and America , to be equal to any made on this Continent. The Quantity of Ore, which lies near the Surface, appears inexhaustible, the Country round is well supplied with Wood for Coal, and the regular Supply of Water at all Seasons (without Danger from Floods) admits of the Furnace being in Blast all the Year. The Iron is excellent for Potash Kettles, Sugar Boilers for the West Indies , and military Stores. The Furnace not taking all the Water, any additional Works might be erected, with great Convenience, and small Expense. The rapid Settlement of an extensive Country, to the North and North West, must daily increase the Demand for every Article usually cast at a Furnace. An extensive Trade may be introduced in English and West India Goods , out of which the Works might be supplied with Stock and Provisions, and carried on with more Profit than such Business can be in a Country where there are few Inhabitants.
Also to be SOLD, a complete DOUBLE FORCE , with four Fires and two Hammers, now at Work, together with all necessary Utensils, situated in Colebrook, Connecticut , near the Road from Hartford to the Furnace , built in 1771, after the best Model, with a good Steam and Head of Water, and in Case of Need (in very dry Seasons) the Privilege of a Pond of Water five Miles in Length, for supplying of said Forge. The like Caution is observed to prevent the Business being retarded in Winter, by having the Wheels under Cover, with large Iron Stoves, and Canals cut to take the Surplus Water. Adjacent to the Forge there is a Dwelling-House with four Rooms on a Floor, a Store and Cellar, four Houses for Workmen, a Barn, Coal House, Iron House, and Blacksmith's Shop, all built in 1771; also a Saw Mill and Dwelling House at a small Distance from the Forge, with good Situations for erecting other Works on the same Stream, together with 289 Acres of Land found the Forge and Sawmill, about fifty of which are under Improvement. The Forge is situated in the Centre of a large Tract of Wood Land, surrounded with a cultivated Country, which is in Want of Bar Iron; there being very little refined Bar Iron manufactured in Connecticut , and the Consumption considerable. This Estate, joined with that at Salisbury , is capable of many Improvements. For further Particulars apply to Mr. Charles Stantin Merchant in Philadelphia , Mr. Peter Vanderwoort Merchant in New York , Mr. James Holmes at the Furnace, Mr. Jacob Ogden at the Forge, or Captain William Tiley in Hartford .
(11)
COMMITTED to the Publick Jail, two Runaway Negroes, viz. HARRY, from Elizabeth City , an outlandish Fellow, about five feet eight Inches high, appears to be above 30 Years old, branded on the left Breast with a P, his right Hand has been burnt, and occasioned a white Spot on his Wrist. As he cannot speak one Word of English , he is not able to give the least Account of himself or his Owner. STEPNEY, a short Fellow, Virginia born, of a yellow Complexion, is 53 Years old, and says he belongs to the Estate of Benjamin Baker of Gloucester . Their Owners are desired to apply for them, pay Charges, and take them away.
PETER PELHAM.
RUN away from the Subscriber, on Monday the 20th of November, a likely Virginia born Mulatto Boy named CHARLES, about twenty Years old, five Feet five or six Inches high; he took with him a new Suit of blue Broadcloth trimmed with yellow Metal Buttons, and lined with blue Shalloon, a Pair of Yarn Hose, Country made Shoes, and a Pair of Bras Buckles. The said Boy has always been bred in the House, and is remarkably handy. I will give 5 l. Reward to any Person that will deliver him to me, in Fauquier County .
JOHN CHURCHILL.
N. B. I forbid all Masters of Vessels from harbouring the said Negro, or carrying him out of the Colony, at their Peril.
TAKEN up, in Mecklenburg , a GRAY HORSE about seven Years old, four Feet eight Inches high, and branded on the near Buttock Q. Also a BLACK HORSE about eight Years old, four Feet seven Inches and a Half high, branded on the near Shoulder N, and on the Buttock W. (11) LABAN WRIGHT.
TAKEN up, in Hanover , a BRINDLED COW about eight Years old, with a few white Spots on the Belly and Feet, marked with a Swallow Fork in each Ear. Posted, and appraised to 45 s. Also a WHITE SOW with some black Spots and Wattles on her Neck, marked with an Underkeel and two Holes in the left Ear, and a Swallowfork in the right. Posted, and appraised to 27 s. MATTHIAS ABBOTT, Overseer for Nelson Berkley .
TAKEN up, in Amelia , a small GRAY HORSE a little inclined to be Fleabitten, about ten Years old, four Feet two Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, has had a Fistula, and branded on the near Buttock S. Posted, and appraised to 7 l. 10 s. JOHN COUSENS, Junior.
TAKEN up, in King George , a PIED BULL marked with a Crop and Slit in the left Ear, and a Slit and Underkeel in the right. Also a RED COW YEARLING with a white Face, marked with a Crop and Slit in the left Ear, and a Half Spade in the right. Posted and appraised, the Bull to 35 s. and the Yearling to 25 s. REUBEN BERRY.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 14, 1773.
THE Partnership of ALLAN and TURNER being now dissolved, it is requested that all Persons indebted to them will pay off their respective Accounts between this and the April Court , as the surviving Partner has several large Sums to make up then. Those who have any Demands against the Partnership will be paid by applying to
JOHN TURNER.
N. B. The Business will be carried on to its usual Extent, and Goods old at the same low Prices as formerly, by JOHN TURNER.
WARWICK, December 11, 1773.
WHEREAS Inspectors Notes for the following List of Tobacco were stolen from the Subscriber last Monday Night, in Williamsburg , the Publick is hereby forewarned from purchasing any of the said Notes; Duplicates being granted, and sworn Certificates lodged, with the several Inspectors. Of the last Inspection at Cedar Point Warehouse , No 1713; at Davis's , 1416; at Bolingbroke , 2602; at Boyd's , 2149. Of the present Inspection, at Cedar Point , 227, 228, 229, 249, 250, 251; at John Bolling's , 147, 148, 296, 356, 520; at Bolingbroke , 171, 292, 724; at Blandford , 102, 106; at Robert Bolling's , 268, 269; at Boyd's , 493; at Davis's , 380, 381; and at Shuck's , AL. 1. Ayers Layne . JOHN LEITCH.
TAPPAHANNOCK, December 1, 1773.
WE have lately imported, and shall continue to do (if we find quick Sales) genuine old Barbados CANE SPIRITS, which are selling off on the most reasonable Terms. We have likewise Madeira, Calacavella, and St. Michael's WINE, RUM, LOAF SUGAR, COFFEE, INDIGO, &c. M'CALL & SHEDDEN.
(6)

POETS CORNER.
A SKETCH of HUMAN LIFE.
THE various Seasons of the Year, As they successively appear, Life's Stages as they roll display, And much Morality convey. In Spring we bud, in Summer blow, And in the Prime of Manhood glow; In Autumn we in Part decay, And Winter sweeps us quite away.
NORFOLK, December 10, 1773.
MRS. HUGHES, MIDWIFE (late from the West Indies)
where she has practiced for a Number of Years with great Success) begs Leave to inform the Ladies of this Place that she has rented a House in Church Street, adjoining the Church Wall, where she will be ready to receive the Commands of those who may please to employ her. She likewise cures Ringworms, Scald Heads, Sore Eyes, the Piles, Worms in Children, and several other Disorders. No Cure, no Pay. And she makes Ladies Sacks and Gowns, Brunswick Dresses, Cloaks, Cardinals, Bonnets, Calashes, &c. &c. in the best Manner, and newest Fashion.
N. B. Mrs. HUGHES's Daughter proposes teaching young Ladies TAMBOUR WORK, and will board young Ladies from the Country, who incline to become her Scholars, at a reasonable Rate. Gentlemen's Tambour Jackets and Sword Knots, and Ladies who want their Gowns sprigged either in Silver or Gold, may have them done by applying to her, with Thanks for their Custom.
To be SOLD,
ABOUT 1500 Acres of LAND in Amelia, about fifty Miles from the Warehouses at Petersburg and Osborne's; which will be shown by my Overseer, Charles Handley, and the Terms known by applying to Mr. Paulin Anderson of the aforesaid County, or to me in King and Queen. RICHARD TUNSTALL.
For SALE,
THE ORDINARY and LOTS in Hanover Town whereon Mr. John Meriwether now lives. Possession will be given the 1st of January 1775, with the Benefit of the Rent (sixty Pounds a Year) from the 1st of January next. For Terms apply to ARCHIBALD GOVAN. JOHN JOHNSON. (4)
To be SOLD for ready Money, on Thursday the 20th of January, at Sussex Courthouse, being Court Day,
A FINE STALLION three Fourths Blood, four Years old last Spring, five Feet two Inches high; also a MARE seven Eighths Blood, with Foal by the said Horse.
JOHN BERRYMAN. (tf)
GLoucester, November 30, 1773.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the
Publick, that he intends to set out the first of April next to the several Counties on James and York Rivers, that he may instruct those who incline to erect his WHEAT MACHINES, in the best Manner of framing and setting them up. His Brother, Isaac Hobday, will at the same Time go through the Counties on Rappahannock and Potomack Rivers, to give the like Instructions. The Timber, &c. necessary for a Machine, may be provided as follows:
FOR THE MACHINE. 2 Pieces 32 Feet long, 8 by 4 Inches, of Pine, Ash, Poplar, or Chestnut. 1 Ditto, 30 Feet long, 6 by 4 Inches, of the same Wood. 1 Ditto, 24 Feet long, 7 by 4 Inches, to form Part of an Arch of a Circle of 61 Feet 4 Inches Diameter. 1 Ditto, 18 Feet long, 7 by 4 Inches, to form Part of an Arch of a Circle of 43 Feet 6 Inches Diameter, of Oak, Ash, or Gum. 4 Rollers 8 Feet 6 Inches long, and 18 Inches Diameter, of Gum, Oak, or Walnut. 1480 White Oak Staves, 2 Feet 2 Inches long, and 2 1/2 Inches by 1 1/2, clear of Sap.
FOR THE PLATFORM.
16 Pieces 8 Feet 6 Inches long, 7 by 5 Inches, of Oak. 80 Ditto, 8 Feet 6 Inches long, 5 by 3 Inches, of Oak. 3600 Feet of Inch and Half Pine Plank, 21 Feet long, and 12 Inches broad. 8 Planks 1/2 of an Inch thick, 18 Inches broad, Pine or Poplar, and 24 Feet long. 3 Ditto, 1/2 of an Inch thick, 14 Inches broad, for Rims, and 18 Feet long.
The above Bill is for a Machine to work four Horses, but those who incline to work only two Horses may leave out the Piece of thirty Feet long, 740 Staves, and two Rollers, and must get the circular Piece but Half as long as is above directed. JOHN HOBDAY.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a small BLACK HORSE ten or eleven Years old, about four Feet three Inches high, his left hind Foot white to the Footlock. Potted, and appraised to 7 l. 10 s. JOHN DODSON.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a BLACK MARE twelve or thirteen Years old, four Feet five or six Inches high, trots, and is not branded. Potted, and appraised to 4 l. 5 s. WILLIAM COUSENS, Junior.
To be SOLD on the Premises, to the highest Bidder, pursuant to the last Will and Testament of Mrs. Anne Smelt, deceased, on Thursday the 30th of this Instant (December)
TRACT of LAND about eight Miles from Todd's Warehouse, in King and Queen, containing 967 Acres, whereon are very good Improvements, and the Soil is well adapted to the Growth of any Kind of Grain. Long Credit will be allowed the Purchaser, on giving Bond and good Security to the Subscriber. If the Land should not be sold on the above mentioned Day, the Subscriber (living near the Premises) would be glad to treat with any Person inclined to purchase at any Time after. At the same Time and Place will be sold all the personal Estate of the said Anne Smelt, consisting of Stocks of CATTLE, HORSES, HOGS, and SHEEP, HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, PLANTATION UTENSILS, and many other Articles too tedious to mention. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed for all Sums above 25 s. the Purchasers giving Bond and Security to the Subscriber; who would be glad to rent annually, or lease for a Term of Years, the Storehouses, Warehouses, and Ordinary, at Todd's Warehouses, which are well situated for carrying on an advantageous Trade. WILLIAM TODD.
N. B. Several valuable NEGROES will be hired at the above Time and Place.
THE Bonds due to the Estate of George Christopher White, late of Amelia County, deceased, being all assigned over to us, and most of them having been due a considerable Time, it is expected that speedy Payment will be made, to prevent the disagreeable Necessity of bringing Suits. (4) BALFOUR & BARRAUD.
ALBEMARLE, November 25, 1773.
STRAYED or STOLEN from the Sub-
scriber, the 30th of October last, a GRAY MARE thirteen Years old, about four Feet seven Inches high, hanging Mane and Switch Tail, branded on the left Shoulder with a Heart, paces well, and is with Foal. I will give 20 s. Reward on her being delivered to me, or such Intelligence as I may get her. PETER DAVIE.
FOR SALE,
THE 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.
To be SOLD at Cumberland Courthouse, on Monday the 24th of January, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from Mr. Joseph Calland to Robert Watters, Esq; of Whitehaven,
A VERY valuable TRACT of LAND in the aforesaid County, known by the Name of the Long Ordinary, containing about 800 Acres. The Land is well timbered, well level, the Soil good, and the Plantation in fine Order, with cleared Land sufficient to work six or eight Hands to Advantage. There are upon it two complete Sets of new Buildings, commodious for two Families. One Set of the Buildings is upon the main Road, and are very profitably employed as a Tavern, having a large House with three Brick Chimneys, Kitchen, and other out Outhouses; also a new Storehouse, with a Lodging Room and Counting House. The Tavern has generally rented for 50 l. a Year, exclusive of the Storehouse. The other Buildings are at a small Distance from the Tavern, very well finished, and convenient for a private Family. At the same Time will be sold fundry likely SLAVES. One Half the Purchase Money to be paid when a Conveyance is executed for the Land, and a reasonable Credit will be allowed for the Remainder. Immediate Possession will be given of the Tavern and the Houses on the Road, with the Plantation. The other Houses will be given up next Fall. (7) EILBECK, ROSS, & Company.
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. ROBERT BAYLOR. (tf)
MANCHESTER, December 1, 1773.
THE Bonds for NEGROES and STOCK,
purchased of the Honourable William Byrd, Esq; in December last, are lodged with me to collect. I shall esteem it as a Favour if those concerned would make Payment in Time, it being out of my Power to give Indulgence after the Bonds become due. I shall attend the County Courts convenient to Manchester, and the Meeting of Merchants in Williamsburg. (6) DAVID PATTESON.
TWENTY POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Mulatto
Man named ABEL, about forty Years old, near six Feet high, has lost several of his Teeth, large Eyebrows, a Scar or two on some Part of his Face, occasioned by a Brick thrown at him by a Negro, is very apt to stroke his Hand over his Chin, and plays on the Violin. He is well known as a Pilot for York River and the Bay. As I have whipped him twice for his bad Behaviour, I believe Scars may be seen upon his Body. He can write as to be understood, and once wrote a Pass for a Negro belonging to the Honourable Colonel Corbin, wherein he said the Fellow had served his Time honestly and truly. He has been to England, but the Captain he went with took Care to bring him back, and since his Return from the Country is very fond of Liquor. He is gone off in a Boat with two Massi, Schooner rigged, once a Pilot Boat, but now the Property of the Magdalen Schooner of War, and was seen, I am told, fifty or sixty Leagues to the southward of Cape Henry, from which it is expected he intends for one of the Carolinas. He is a very great Rogue, and is so instructed by several Persons not far from Wormeley's Creek, York River; one of whom, he told me, said I was not worthy to be his Master. He had some Cash of my Son's, and an Order drawn by Captain Punderdon on Richard Cabin, Esq; payable to Ralph G. Meredith, or myself. A white Lad went off with him, whom I cannot describe, never having seen him to my Knowledge. Whoever secures said Servant, so that I get him again, shall have the above Reward. (tf) SAMUEL MEREDITH, Senior. KING & QUEEN, November 16, 1773.
For SALE, the LOT and HOUSES near Cabin Point Warehouses, at present possessed by the Subscriber.
THE 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 six 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.
For SALE, at our Store in Norfolk,
OSNABRUGS, SADLERY, low priced HATS and CHECKS in assorted Packages, Cadiz SALT, Barbados and Grenada RUM, Barbados SPIRIT, choice Lisbon WINE in Quarter Casks, Madeira WINE in Pipes, Hogheads, and Quarter Casks, of Sterling, New York, and Virginia Quality, COFFEE, GINGER, PIMENTA, Mufcovado SUGAR, LOGWOOD, EARTHEN WARE, and European made CORDAGE. (tf) GREENWOOD, RITSON, and MARSH.
N. B. Our Brig Betty, Captain Solomon Edey, will sail for Madeira in fourteen Days, and return directly to Norfolk. Any of our Friends, or those connected with the House of Messrs. Lamar, Hill, Bisset, and Company, will oblige us by their Orders for Wines by her.
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherst County, whereon are several Plantations & Improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty Hands. There is on said Land for Sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with Stone Dam and a Pair of good Colborne 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 Expense of the Purchaser. Deeds will be made upon Bond and approved Security being given, either to Colonel William Cabell, or the Subscriber. Six per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money, or good Merchants Notes. If any Person will choose to exchange Lands in the lower Part of the Country, on or near some navigable River, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree. (tf) CARTER BRAXTON.
To be SOLD, on Tuesday the 4th of January next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at Samuel Watson's Plantation, in Amherst County, about five Miles from Penn's Ordinary,
EIGHTY choice SLAVES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children, most of whom are Virginia born, a large Quantity of CORN and FODDER, sixty or seventy Head of CATTLE, some PLOW HORSES, MARES and COLTS, and many PLANTATION UTENSILS. Credit will be allowed until the first Day of April 1775; but if Payment is not made then, the Bonds to carry five per Cent. Interest from the Day of Sale. Bond and approved Security to be given to Messrs. William Cabell, James Allen, John Hawkins, and William Womack, who are empowered to conduct the Sale. Six per Cent. Interest will be allowed for ready Money, and also for some Merchants Notes, after they have accepted Orders drawn on them. At the same Time and Place will be rented, if not before sold, several valuable Plantations, in fine Order for Cropping, sufficient to work thirty Hands, with all necessary Houses. (6) CARTER BRAXTON.
N. B. Some of the SLAVES will be sold for ready Money.
To be SOLD, SEPARATELY or TOGETHER,
TWO 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 Mueckell, Merchant in Richmond, or to the Subscriber, who will show the Land. (tf) WILLIAM PRYOR. GOOCHLAND, November 1773. 3.
To be RENTED for a Life, or Term of Years, as may be agreed upon, or the Interest of my LEASE to be SOLD,
HOG ISLAND FERRY and ORDINARY, to which there is a fine Plantation, in excellent Order. For the Crop of Wheat now growing thereon I will oblige myself to allow to a Purchaser one Hundred Pounds; but if I leave the Place, I shall reserve the Crop to myself. As much Money as I have received in twenty Days by the Ferry and Ordinary will satisfy me for the annual Rent of the Whole. (tf) H. U. ST. GEORGE.
TO BE SOLD,
FIVE Hundred and fifty Acres of LAND in the County of Charles City, with a convenient Dwellinghouse and other Improvements. Two Hundred and twenty Acres, in the same County, pleasantly situated on James River.
Two Thousand five Hundred and twenty Acres in the County of Cumberland, commonly known by the Name of Saint James's.
And one Thousand four Hundred and twenty one Acres in the Counties of Goochland and Cumberland, on both Sides of James River, opposite to Elk Island.
The above TRACTS of LAND were of the Estate of the late John Wayles, deceased, devised to the Subscribers, and are now offered for Sale. Persons disposed to purchase may be informed of the Terms, on Application to any one of the Subscribers; and the Times of Payment will be made easy, on giving Bond and Security to (tf) THOMAS JEFFERSON. FRANCIS EPPES. HENRY SKIPWITH.
TO BE SOLD,
And may be entered on immediately,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND in Brunswick, containing about 1000 Acres, of which about 100 Acres are cleared. On the Plantation is an exceeding good Dwellinghouse, underpinned with Brick, with three Brick Chimneys, a Kitchen with a Brick Chimney, and all other Outhouses necessary for a Family and Cropping, all new built; also very fine Apple and Peach Orchard. The Land lies within twelve Mile of Hicks's Ford, and joins the Road to Eaton's Ferry. A good Title will be made the Purchaser, and the Terms may be known by applying to the Subscriber, at Cabin Point. (tf) ADAM FLEMING.
YORK Town, June 9, 1773.
THE Subscribers being very solicitous to
comply with the Will of their Testator, the late Honourable William Nelson, desire that all Persons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as speedy Payments as possible. 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. THOMAS NELSON. THOMAS NELSON, Junior. HUGH NELSON. RO. C. NICHOLAS. (tf)
TO BE SOLD,
ABOUT fourteen Thousand Acres of exceeding good LAND in the County of Pittsylvania. For Terms apply to Mr. Hugh Rose of Amherst, who will treat with any Person inclined to purchase, and be empowered to make a legal Title. (tf) THOMAS LOMAX. CAROLINE, May 1, 1773.