The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-06-09 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.
L O N D O N, March 30.
ON Friday last Mr. Edmund Burke spoke, as if he had been inspired, against the Bill for prohibiting Commerce in the Town of Boston. The Sublimity and Force of his Argument never was exceeded in the House of Commons. It is difficult to catch the Words of this great Orator, his Manner is so various and rapid; but we are endeavouring to get some Chasms into the Materials we have collected accurately filled up, and hope to be able to give the Whole to the Publick, for the Honour of this Nation. In the Meanwhile, we give the Substance of what was said by another Member on the same Side.
Governor JOHNSTON'S SPEECH on the Bill for blockading the Town of BOSTON.
MR. SPEAKER, I FIND so much Difficulty in pronouncing my Sentiments, at any Time, that unless the House is kindly disposed to hear me, at this late Hour, I shall patiently sit down, because I am conscious it will require their greatest Indulgence, to enable me to express myself in a Manner worthy of their Attention. A Modesty becoming my Situation prevented me from offering my Opinion before, when I saw Men of so much superior Ability rising from the Beginning of the Debate.
It may appear arrogant in a Member so inferior, as I confess myself to be, to offer Objections to a Bill so extensive in its Consequences, under every Consideration; especially after it must have been so maturely considered, in every Article, by Men so distinguished by their Talents and high Situations in Office, besides the general Applause which has followed the Bill in its rapid Progress through this House. Nevertheless, though naturally diffident of my Opinion, when I had the good, or bad Fortune (I don't know which to term it) of prognosticating to the Chairman of the East India Company the Consequence of sending this Tea on their own Account to America, and that the Event has literally fulfilled my Words, as it is well known to some Members now in my Eye, it makes me more confident in warning the House of what I apprehend will be the Consequences of this Bill.
I told the Chairman of the East India Company, first in Conversation, on asking my Opinion, and afterwards by Letter, that the Evidence might appear in the Progress of Things, that I conceived the East India Company exporting Tea, on their own Account, was, under every Consideration of their Situation and Institution, wrong, but, under the present Discontents and disputed Matters of Government in America, criminally absurd, because they were presenting themselves as the But in the Controversy, where they would probably come off with the Loss of the Whole. The Event has justified my Prediction; for whatever Repayment the Company may obtain from the Town of Boston, under those cruel coercive Measures now proposed (the Effect of which I still doubt) yet the Company must remain great Losers, even if the other Provinces, equally culpable, are made to refund the Loss arising from their Conduct: Because it was not Supplies of Cash, at a distant Period, the Company wanted; but an immediate Supply, to answer a temporary Exigence, which a Combination of the Enemies of the Company had produced.
I now venture to predict to this House, that the Effect of the present Bill must be productive of a general Confederacy, to resist the Power of this Country. It is irritating, tempting, nay inviting Men to those Deeds, by ineffectual Expedients, the Abortions of an unactive Mind, incapable of comprehending the Chain of Consequences which must result from such a Law. I am not one of those who believe that distant Provinces can be retained in their Duty by Preaching or Enchantments: I believe that Force or Power, conducted with Wisdom, are the Means of securing regular Obedience under every Establishment; but that such Force should never be applied to any Degree of Rigour, unless it shall carry the general Approbation of Mankind in the Execution. However much such Approbation may prevail at the particular Moment in this House, it is impossible to believe the Sense of Great Britain, or the Sense of America, can go to the punishing a particular Town for resisting the Payment of the Tea Tax, which is universally odious throughout America, and is held in Ridicule and Contempt by every thinking Man in this Country. The Question of taxing America is sufficiently nice to palliate Resistance, if the subject had never been litigated in this Country; but, after the highest Characters in the State had declared against the Right of this Country to impose Taxes on America, for the Purposes of raising a Revenue; after the general Voice of the Senate had concurred in repealing the Stamp Act, upon that Principle; after those Men, who had maintained these Doctrines, had been promoted by his Majesty to the first Stations in the Administration of civil and judicial Affairs; there is so much Mitigation to be pleaded in Favour of the Americans, from those Circumstances (allowing them in an Error at present) that every Man must feel the Height of Cruelty by enforcing contrary Maxims, with any Degree of Severity at first, before due Warning is given.
It is in vain to say, that Boston is more culpable than the other Colonies: Sending the Ships from thence, and obliging them to return to England, is a more solemn and deliberate Act of Resistance than the Outrage committed by Persons in Disguise in the Night, when the Ships refused to depart. That the blocking up of the Harbour of Boston, to prevent the Importation of British Manufactures, or the Exportation of Goods, which are to pay for them, is a Measure equally absurd, as if the Parliament here, upon the Resistance which was made to their Resolution, by the Riots of Brentford, and other Disturbances in the County of Middlesex, had decreed, by Way of Punishment, that the Freeholders should have been prohibited from sowing Wheat. For whose Benefit do the Inhabitants of Boston toil and labour? The Springs in the Circle of Commerce bear so nicely on each other, that few Men can tell, by interrupting one, the Degree and Extent to which the rest may be exposed. By excluding the Importation of Molasses, and the Exportation of that Spirit which is distilled at Boston, the whole Guinea Trade will be affected; and, in Consequence, the Sugar Trade, that depends upon it. In extending this Kind of Punishment to the other Colonies, every One must see the Danger; and yet, if it can be approved for one, the same Arguments will hold good to approve or reject it respecting the other. But let any Man figure to himself the Consequences to this Country if a similar Punishment was applied to the Colony of Virginia! 300,000 l. a Year Diminution in Revenue, besides the Loss of all the foreign Contracts, and perhaps of that beneficial Trade for ever. Notwithstanding the general Approbation which has been given to this Bill, and the loud Applauses which have been re-echoed to every Word of the Noble Lord in explaining it, yet no Man will be bold enough to say that this partial Punishment is a Remedy for the general Disease; and yet, without knowing what is to follow, no Man can be vindicated (even supposing the Bill right in Part) for giving his Assent to it. Those Gentlemen who are in the Secrets of the Cabinet, and know how assuredly every Proposition from them adopted by this House, may be excused for their sanguine Accusations in Favour of the Measure; but the general Mass, who must be equally ignorant with myself of what is to follow, can have no Excuse for giving their Assent so readily for punishing their Fellow Subjects, in so unprecedented a Manner; and their eager Zeal serves only to show how ready they are to obey the Will of another, without exercising their own Judgment in the Case. If the Government of this Country is resisted in America, my Opinion is, instead of removing the Seat of Government in the Colony, and forcing the Elements to bend to our Will (which is impossible) that an effectual Force should be carried to the Heart of the Colony resisting, to crush Rebellion in the Bud, before a general Confederacy can be formed. In the present Case, we abandon
the Government, and drive the Inhabitants to Despair, leaving the Multitude a Prey to any ambitious Spirit that may arise. For my own Part, I am convinced, from Experience in the Colonies, that good Government may be conducted there upon rational Grounds, as well as in this Country; but the Power and Means of governing, Rewards and Punishments, are taken from your supreme executive Magistrate, in every Sense, and then you are surprised that all Order and Obedience should cease. The Colonies can only be governed by their Assemblies, as England by the House of Commons. The Patent Offices, as well as those in the Customs, which were formerly given at the Recommendation of the Governors, to Men supporting Government, and residing in the Provinces, are now given in Reversion three or four Lives deep, to Men living in this Country. The Command of the Military, which was another great Source of Respect and Obedience, is likewise taken from the Governor. So that, in Truth, he remains an insignificant Pageant of State, fit only to transmit tedious Accounts of his own ridiculous Situation; or, like a Doctor of the Sorbonne, to debate with his Assembly about abstract Doctrines in Government.
I am far from wishing to throw any Blame upon Governor Hutchinson, or to condemn him, like the Town of Boston, unheard. The Absence of the Man, and the general Clamour against him, will refrain me from saying many Things respecting his Conduct which appear reprehensible. But I cannot admit a Passage in the Speech of a Noble Lord to pass unnoticed. His Lordship alleges, "that the Governor could not apply to the Admiral in the Harbour, or to the Commanding Officer of the Troops in the Castle, for the Protection of the Customhouse Officers, as well as Teas in Question, without the Advice of his Council." But I beg Leave to inform the Noble Lord, as I served in that Station myself, that there is a Volume of Instructions to every Governor on this Subject, whereby he is commanded, under the severest Penalties, "to give all Kind of Protection to Trade and Commerce, as well as to the Officers of his Majesty's Customs, by his own Authority, without the Necessity of acting through his Council." Nor can I conceive a possible Excuse for the Destruction of those Teas, while two Men of War lay in the Harbour, without the least Application having been made to the Admiral for Protection, during so long a Transaction.
The first essential Point in those Disputes, which are now likely to become so serious, by the Weakness of Administration in this Country, in following no connected Plan, either of Force or Favour, but constantly vibrating between the two, is to put ourselves in the right; and for this Purpose I would recommend the immediate Repeal of the Tea Duty, which can be vindicated upon no Principles, either of Commerce or Policy. Men may allege, this would be giving up the Point; but if we have no better Points to dispute upon, I am ready to yield the Argument. Raising Taxes in America, for the Purposes of Revenue, I maintain to be unnecessary, and dangerous. A Stamp Act, as a Measure of Police, varied for the different Governments, and leaving the Revenue raised thereby to be appropriated by the respective Legislatures, I hold to be a Measure of the highest Efficacy, for maintaining a due Obedience to the Authority of this Country, and prolonging that Dependence for Ages to come. How far it can be executed, after what has already passed, I am rather diffident; but of this I am certain, that in Case Great Britain is deprived of executing a Measure of that Nature, which by pervading every Transaction secures the Execution in itself, she has lost one of the greatest Engines for supporting her Influence throughout the Empire without Oppression. Some Men, who are for simplifying Government to their own Comprehensions, will not allow they can conceive that the supreme legislative Authority shall not be paramount in all Things; and, Taxation being fully comprehended in Legislation, they argue, that the Power of the one must necessarily follow that of the other. And yet we find Mankind possessed of Privileges which are not to be violated in the most arbitrary Countries. The Province of Languedoc is a striking Example, in Refutation of the Doctrines respecting Taxation which are held by such narrow Observers. The Kingdom of Ireland is another Instance, in our Dominions. There is not one Argument which can apply for exempting Ireland from Taxation, by the Parliament of Great Britain, that does not equally protect the Colonies from the Power of such partial Judges. Every Man should now call to his Remembrance by what obstinate Infatuation Philip II. came to lose the United Provinces. Can it be supposed, that, in a Nation so wise as Spain was at that Time, that no Man perceived the Injustice and Futility of the Measure in Dispute? But I can easily suppose, from the Pride of Authority, where our Vanity is so much flattered, that no Man durst venture a Proposition for receding from that cruel Measure, after it had been resisted by Violence.
These are the general Heads. The particular Objections to the Bill are: First, for continuing the Punishment "until Satisfaction shall be made to the India Company," without stating the Amount, or what that Satisfaction shall be; next, "until Peace and good Order shall be certified to be restored," when it is impossible, as to the Subject in Dispute, that such Certificate can ever be granted, because the Customhouse Officers are removed, and all Trade and Commerce prohibited. The numerous Disputes and Litigations which must necessarily arise in carrying this Law into Execution, on Contract made by Parties before they could be apprised of it, and the Despatch of Ships in Harbour under the limited Time, without any Exception for the Defection of Seamen, or Wind or Weather, is altogether melancholy to consider! The Power given to the Admiral, or Chief Commander, to order the Ships returning from foreign Voyages to such Stations as he shall direct, is wild, vexatious, and indefinite. That of permitting his Majesty to alter the Value of all the Property in the Town of Boston, upon restoring the Port, by affixing such Quays and Wharfs as he only shall appoint, for landing and shipping of Goods, is liable to such Misrepresentation and Abuse, that I expect to see every Evil follow the Exercise of it, and it must create infinite Jealousies and Dissatisfactions among the People.
I am therefore of Opinion, that this Bill, both from the Principle and Manner in which it has been passed, and from fore-running the general Regulations that are intended, and which ought at least to accompany it, instead of quieting the Disturbances in Boston, it will promote them still farther, and induce the Inhabitants to cut off all Communication with your Ships of War, which may be productive of mutual Hostilities, and most probably will end in a general Revolt.
April 6. A constant Reader says, that all Persons who favour dra- gooning the Bostonians indicate as little sound Policy as they do of Humanity. What a savage Disposition must those betray who can be gratified with nothing less than the unnatural Butchery of their Fellow Subjects, by recommending the Horrors of the Sword! Such would, no Doubt, have been joyful Spectators of the French and Irish Massacres, and have chuckled at the Carnage.
The Effrontery of Gentlemen in Office is such as will render ministerial Audacity proverbial. There was a Time when Administration, whatever might have been their private Inclinations, would yet not have dared publicly to talk of annihilating the political Constitution of either the Mother Country or her Colonies. Designs black as Hell would have been kept secret as the Grave. The Times, however, are altered; and every Ministerial Treasury Runner, every Customhouse Spy in the Pay of the Minister, can now harangue upon "the absolute Necessity of new modelling (as it is called) the American Charters." Lord North is an excellent Hand at this Work: He hath new modelled the Charter of the East India Company; that is, hath eventually destroyed it. An Experiment with America is wanting; and if the Minister succeeds in
his Plan of overturning the political Constitution of the Colonies, there remains but one glorious Effort, to new model (alias, annihilate) the English Constitution, to complete the Happiness of the best of Kings, and the Views of the best of Poppy-headed Ministers.
Of the five flaming Patriots that figured away in the Year 1770, Cornwall and Meredith have fallen, Germaine and Barré are tottering, and Burke alone keeps his former Position.
America, at the lowest Computation, is supposed to contain three Millions of Souls; which, at an Average Tax of 6s. and 8d. for each Person, would produce a Revenue of one Million Sterling.
By Lists formed by the Orders of the Abbé de Terray, it appears that there are no less than 68,000 Persons employed in the Collection of the Customs, Excises, and Royal Duties, in the Kingdom of France.
General Gage, it is said, has the most extensive Commission that ever any Governor or Commander was invested with; but, from the known Humanity of that Gentleman, there is no Reason to fear that he will make any farther Use of it than what Duty and Justice prompt him to.
A great Quantity of Tents and Camp Equipage is ordered to be embarked for North America.
We hear from Stockton, that Preparations are making there, by many respectable Families, in Order to emigrate to America.
General Paoli, and James Harris, Esq; lately arrived from Berlin, had a long Conference with his Majesty yesterday at St James's, on Affairs relative to that Court.
April 8. General Paoli, it is reported, has lately refused the Offer of an Employment in America.
April 9. Many People wish to insinuate that the Conduct of the People of Boston is not approved of by the other Colonists. Be that repeated to them again, with the firm Assurance of Truth, that the Sense of the People of America goes with the People of Boston.
The French are so tender of their Colonies that they not only exempt them from Taxes, but permit them to import their Sugars, and other Commodities in France, free from all Tribute to the Crown.
When the infamous Buckingham prevailed on his Master, Charles I. to lend a Ship of War, and seven armed Merchant Men, then in the Employ of the Crown, to the French King, to be used at the Siege of Rochelle, the honest Tars, actuated with a true British Spirit, and Love of Religion, all mutinied, rather than serve against the Rochellers, who were contending for their Liberty and Religion. The Commanders also of the Merchant Ships refused to engage in an Action so repugnant to Honour and Conscience. And though Vice Admiral Pennington, who commanded the King's Ship, fired upon them to bring them to, yet the brave Sir Ferdinand Gorges resolutely broke through, and returned with his Ship to England. The remaining Ships were delivered to the French; but all the Officers and Sailors, notwithstanding great Offers made, immediately deserted. Not an Individual amongst a Crew of that honest-hearted though licentious Class of Men, one Gunner excepted, was then found disolute enough to serve against their distressed Brethren the French Huguenots. The Miscreant Gunner was afterwards killed in charging a Cannon before Rochelle; and his Death, which was deemed a Judgment, gave great Pleasure and Satisfaction to the whole English Nation.
DUBLIN, April 12. To so great a Pitch have Dissipation and the Spirit of Gaming arrived in London, that one Night last Week a Noble Duke, lately come to an immense real and personal Estate, lost at one Sitting, to a foreign Ambassador, at a noted Hotel in St. James's Street, the enormous Sum of 60,000 l.
N E W Y O R K, May 25.
Extracts of private Letters from London, dated April 7th and 8th, to Persons in this City and Philadelphia.
WITH the most anxious and deep Concern I sit down to give you some Account of the bitter Things that are meditated against America, and through her against England itself, and that Constitution, by which it has long been distinguished among the Nations, as a Land of Freedom and Happiness, and an Asylum against Tyranny and Oppression; a Distinction, alas! that now subsists no more, and must be for ever lost, unless kind Providence should interpose to save us from that Slavery and Darkness which has well nigh overspread the Face of the whole Earth. America, the last Refort of retiring Freedom, is now to be invaded, and the Fugitive driven from her peaceful Retreats there, that so she may find no resting Place on this Side Heaven.
"A Plan of Despotism and arbitrary Power has incessantly been pursued, during the present Reign. Through all the ministerial Changes and Manoeuvres, that has still been the grand Object in View, and may explain all those intricate Movements of Government, which otherwise appear quite mysterious and unaccountable, especially with regard to the Colonies. It may account for that obstinate Perseverance in Measures palpably inconsistent with every Principle of the English Constitution, of Justice, and of Common Sense, which have been attended with almost infinite Expense, Trouble, and Difficulty, both to the Colonies and Great Britain itself; when, at the same Time, a plain, easy, and certain Way to Peace, Harmony, and Prosperity, lies open before us that none can mistake it, and yet offers itself in vain. An absolute, arbitrary Government, has infinite Charms for a Multitude of haughty luxurious Parasites and Flatterers, that ever surround a Throne, and hope to share with it in tyrannising over the People, and rioting on their Spoils. No Wonder that such as these should prevail on a young Monarch to be pleased with, to countenance, and adopt their Plan. Unlimited Power is generally a most desirable Object, especially to Youth and Inexperience; and few are distrustful of themselves, or imagine that it would be unsafe in their Hands.
"In England, almost every Obstruction to the Execution of this Plan is removed: Places of high Trust and Importance are bestowed upon those who will act in Subservience to the Views of the Court; and those who might impede those Views are divested of Power, and disabled from any effectual Opposition. Experience has shown that the Pensions and Places in the Gift of the Crown have as great an Influence on the Nobility, whose Estates might set them above Dependence, as upon common Men; for Luxury is boundless, and can render the Possessor of the greatest Estate as needy as a Beggar, and as vulnerable to the Influence of a Bribe. As for the Commons, those natural Guardians of the Liberties and Properties of the People, though there are many worthy Men among them, who do their utmost to stem the Torrent of Corruption and preserve their Country, yet their Number is too small to answer the End. The Eloquence of Cicero, the most consummate Knowledge of the Interests of their Country, and Zeal for its Service, the greatest Abilities and Integrity, are all rendered entirely useless, by a corrupt Majority of ministerial Tools, who vote just as they are directed. This House, therefore, which used to be the Bulwark of the People's Security, serves now only to give the Form or Appearance of Legality to Acts of real Tyranny and Oppression, by which they are deprived of their Liberty and Property. A great Majority of the House are returned by little venal Boroughs, bribed by the Nation's own Money to elect such Men as the Ministry choose, and afterwards commanded to vote as they please. A Friend, well acquainted with the internal State of Great Britain, assures me, "that many Boroughs in the Kingdom have scarce ten Persons qualified to vote for a Representative in Parliament, and that all who are qualified are under the influence of some Nobleman or Squire; who, if he has no Person of his own Family to put in, transfers the Election, or rather Nomination, to such Adventurers as choose to purchase a Seat, as a Means of climbing the Hill of Preferment. In some Places, there is not even the Shadow of an Election, or Town

Meeting. The Sovereign Bailiff, or rather returning Officer, with two or three Burgesses, go privately to the Session House, and in a Moment name such a One as duly elected, without the Appearance of a Candidate. What a Farce are such Transactions! when the Liberties of the People are thus played away at a Game, wherein a corrupt Government, and an ambitious covetous Landlord, are the only Gainers! All Things being thus ripe in England for the open Introduction of arbitrary Power, nothing seems to have prevented it but the Struggles of the Americans to preserve their Liberties. These Struggles have been doubly mortifying to the Ministry, as they have thereby been not only prevented from levying a Revenue upon America, but from executing their Scheme in its full Extent upon England; and unless that Scheme be very soon executed, it is in Danger of being blown up entirely: For Matters have risen to such a Crisis, the Uneasiness and Distress of the Nation are become so general, that some violent Command seems inevitable, and near at Hand; and if a Revolution should happen, and fail to establish Despotism in England, it would probably be fatal to those who have attempted to introduce it. The most strenuous Efforts, therefore, will now be made, both by Force and Fraud, to reduce the Americans to a Conformity with the Measures of the Ministry, who are enraged and distracted at the Obstructions they meet with, from that Quarter.
I earnestly warn you, therefore, to Firmness and Vigilance. Every Art will be used, both to intimidate and to deceive you. May God direct you to be wise and faithful to yourselves and to your Country, and crown your Endeavours with Success. You have every Thing at Stake, that can be dear to reasonable Creatures; your Freedom, your Property, your Posterity, your Honour. The very Ministry, who are striving to enslave you, in Spite of themselves, both honour and fear you; but, if they succeed against you, will despise and spurn you.
About a Fortnight ago an Act of Parliament, of a most extraordinary Kind, to shut up the Port of Boston, was passed in a most extraordinary Manner, being snuggled through the House in seventeen Days only from its Introduction. The Evidence before the Privy Council was suppressed, the Agents refused a Hearing at the Bar, and no Member for Boston or America in either House; nor had the Merchants and Manufacturers in England, who will be deeply affected by the Execution of this Act, any proper Notice of it, or Opportunity to remonstrate against it. Indeed, it is openly said that many a Thousand Pounds were issued from the Treasury to obtain a Majority in the House, and hurry it through before there should be Time for Opposition; so that, when a Body of Merchants trading to Boston and America waited on Lord North, with a Request that a Petition might be heard against the Bill before it passed into a Law, they had the Mortification to find they were too late, and that the Bill had already passed. As his Majesty has, by the Act, a conditional Power to suspend its Operation, in Case the Tea destroyed at Boston should be paid for, the Merchants offered Lord North 19,000 l. or a Security to the India Company, to pay for the Tea, if that Suspension of the Act might be procured from his Majesty; but these Offers were refused, and the Merchants went away much dissatisfied, as thinking People are in general, against the Proceedings of the Ministry, especially in Respect to this Law, and the Manner of getting it passed, which was with as much Privacy and Haste as possible, so that it is hardly yet known in the Manufacturing Towns, which will be hurt by it. It is expected to raise great Clamour and Uneasiness, as soon as it comes to be general known, and felt, by the labouring People, and the Trade; the stoppage of which, it is imagined, in a few Months will convince the Ministry they have acted wrong.
Another new Bill, as extraordinary as the Boston Bill, only more general in its Operation, is in Agitation in the Privy Council; and, like the Boston Bill, it is intended to be snuggled through the House. God grant it may be stopped in its Progress, or defeated in its Design. It is expected here that America will be surprised or frightened into a Compliance with it, by the intended alarming Clauses in it, and the spirited Manner of enforcing it.
God give you Vigilance, Fortitude, and Wisdom, to avoid the Snares laid for you, and enable you to escape them.
General Gage is appointed Governor and Commander in Chief of Massachusetts Bay, with very extensive Powers. Under him are to be a Set of Officers, approved by the Ministry, to be made Counsellors, and enforce the parliamentary Laws, with the (apparent) Consent of the People.
In short, every Art will be used to deceive you, and either cheat or frighten you out of your Freedom and Property. However, I can assure you the Commanders have private Orders not to fight, unless they can provoke you to appear the Aggressors; nay they have Orders not to commence Hostilities, without farther Orders. But how soon that Restriction may be taken off, God only knows; nor do I think that it was from any Regard to Justice, or Tenderness to you, that such a Restriction was laid, but purely from Fear of the Consequences of sanguinary Orders. Therefore, if you are firm and prudent, I think you have no Occasion, at this Time, to fear any tragical Consequences from a Refusal to be taxed by the British Parliament, who have really no Right at all to tax you; not that I would persuade you to this Refusal merely upon a Supposition that the Ministry will not proceed to hostile and sanguinary Measures, for my Opinion is that there is nothing too absurd or wicked for them to do, but that, if they should proceed to such Measures, it will be better for you to die than submit to them. However, as your Cause is just, and all the World must see that you are injured and oppressed, your Oppressors will be condemned by all the World, both at home and abroad; and if you are but firm and prudent in your Opposition, fear not but Providence will interpose in your Behalf, and raise you up Friends to support and assist you. Some of the greatest and wisest, as well as best Men in England, are already on your Side, and will stand by you. Your Enemies have nothing but mere Power, unjustly obtained and applied, to support their Cause. Reason and Justice are altogether against them; they therefore stand on slippery Ground, and totter in their Stations. Lord Camden excelled himself nobly in the House of Lords, in your Favour; he told them that the Boston Bill would be productive of a Train of Evils, and that they would certainly have Cause to repent it. Great Care is taken to prevent Copies of his Speech from getting to America, as well as to deceive you by false Intelligence. Every Tool of Power in America will be called upon, and furnished with Means to mislead you, by a Misrepresentation of Facts, and giving a false Turn and Colouring to every Thing that it concerns you to know. Six Hundred Pounds per Annum are paid to Writers of false Intelligence; and Letters, as well as Newspapers, that might give you such Intelligence as the Ministry desire to conceal from you, are all stopped.
It is given out that severe Measures are only intended against Boston, to punish their refractory Conduct; but, depend upon it, if they succeed against Boston, the like Measures will be extended to every Colony in America. They only begin with Boston, hoping the other Colonies will not interpose; but you are all to be visited in Turn, and devoured one after another. You may depend upon my Intelligence; my Office gives me Access to the Principals concerned in the Measures, and I think it my Duty to warn the innocent against the wicked Devices that I know to be merited against them. It behoves the Colonies to be united, in their Intelligence, Councils, and Measures; it is a Matter of the last Importance to them to stand by and support one another; the most favoured can only expect to be last devoured. The Ministry are determined to try your Mettle, to the utmost. Mansfield and Bute are supposed to be the prime Directors, and to influence the Royal Ear as they please. The Spoils of England are insufficient to support the Luxury of the Minions of Power; they have fixed their voracious Appetites upon the Possessions of the Americans, and intend to make a Prey of them, in Defiance of Reason and Justice, of the Charters of Kings, and the divine Laws of Nature. Depend upon it, every Colony is to be subdued into a slavish Obedience to the tyrannical Impositions of Great Britain; nothing less will suffice, nothing less is intended. After the Subjection of Boston, and perhaps all the New England Governments, New Jersey and New York are to be next in Course; and they talk of taking away Penn's Charter. Look to yourselves; exert all your Faculties to the utmost; your Virtues will be put to a severe Trial; and if they are not genuine and well founded, they will not stand the Test.
Alas! how is my Soul shocked at the present Situation of England, my native Country! a great, a generous, and late a happy People! But now how changed! how fallen! The Men who are really wise and good deprived of Opportunities of doing! the poor and middling People ruined and oppressed! the Rich, left in Luxury and Dissipation! a Set of weak and wicked Men misguiding the Reigns of Government; the People taxed to Death without Mercy! Placemen and Pensioners without Number! &c. &c.
Many of the Officers on the intended Expedition against Boston and America have nobly thrown up their Commissions, and refused to fight against their Brethren in the Colonies, without a just Cause; and it is expected that the Soldiers will desert in Multitudes, from a mere Sense of Honour and Justice.
News is just now arrived, by a private Hand that the Discontent of the People has so far prevailed that Orders are sent to suspend the Fleet, or at least that it should not sail till farther Orders. I hope the News will prove true.
The Scotch in the House of Commons have been your great Enemies. I think it would be but just in the Bostonians to withhold every Farthing due to them in that Town, which I am told is very considerable, especially to the City of Glasgow. Indeed, I think, as the Port is shut up, the whole Debt due from them to Great Britain should be stopped, and Reprisals be made by every Means in your Power. The Preservation of England itself, and her excellent Constitution, require it of you. May God direct and prosper your Councils.
Arrived in James River, the John and Anne, Power, from London, the Ocean, Dixon, from Whitehaven, and the Molly, Barron, in five Weeks from Liverpool, by whom we have received the following Advices, viz.
PARIS, March 25.
A YOUNG Lady of Quimper, in Brittany, who had accustomed herself to the pernicious Habit of reading in Bed, a few Nights since fell asleep, as it is supposed, without extinguishing the Candle, which stood on a Chair by the Bedside; for the Bed caught Fire, and the Flames communicating to the Furniture, and from thence to the House, their Progress soon became so rapid, that, notwithstanding the most speedy Assistance, several neighbouring Edifices, and also those of a whole Street, were reduced to Ashes. The Lady fell a Victim to her own Imprudence, which has involved many other Persons in her unhappy Fate.
VIENNA, March 31. All the Accounts from the Ottoman Empire mention the vast Preparations making by the Turks to continue the War against Russia with Vigour. The Grand Vizir's Army is preparing to approach to the Danube, to support several Detachments which are to cross that River, to intercept all the Supplies of Provisions which the Russians expect to receive by Water, by cutting off all Communication with their Fleet.
LONDON, April 14.
YESTERDAY, about three o'Clock, an Express arrived at the Secretary of State's Office, in Cleveland Row, from North America, which was sent to his Majesty at St. James's.
Her Majesty, attended by the Prince of Wales and the Bishop of Osnabruck, paid a Visit to the Magdalen House a few Days ago, of which Charity her Majesty is Patroness.
Yesterday three Polish Noblemen, lately arrived, in Order to reside in this Country, were presented to his Majesty, and graciously received.
The 18th ult. the Duke of Cumberland had an Audience of the Pope, who received him with all the Honours due to his Rank, and discoursed with his Royal Highness for three Quarters of an Hour.
A clean Frigate is ordered to be fitted out immediately, to be stationed off Cadiz, where she is to cruise three Months, at the Expiration of which she is to be relieved by another Frigate of the same Force.
Monday last a Commission, during Pleasure, passed the Great Seal, granting unto Thomas Gage, Esq; Lieutenant General of his Majesty's Forces, Governor of the Massachusetts Bay, full Power and Authority, where he shall see Cause, or shall judge any Offender or Offenders to be fit Objects of his Majesty's Mercy, to pardon and remit all Treasons, petit Treasons, Murders, Felonies, Crimes, Contempts, and Misdemeanors whatsoever, done or committed; and all Fines, Forfeitures, or Penalties, whatsoever, incurred or imposed.
There is a Suspicion that Parliament will not be prorogued this Year, but kept sitting during the Summer by Adjournments; from an Apprehension that the Affairs of Europe, or America (or both) may require their sudden Interposition and Assistance. Parliament may unexpectedly be dissolved in the Summer Months, when kept sitting by Adjournments, which could not be the Case if prorogued.
The French mean to have two Fleets this Spring, the one to rendezvous at Rochfort, the other at Toulon. The Spaniards will also have two, one at Ferrol, and one at Carthagena. The Toulon and Carthagena Fleets are to act together, and so are those of Rochfort and Ferrol. Be awake, England!
This Day the House of Commons, pursuant to Order, was to take into farther Consideration the American Business; and Lord North presented a Bill for regulating the civil Government of Boston, which he proposed for the Consideration of the Members, and at the same Time made a Motion for Leave to bring in a Bill to protect the Lives and Property of such Persons as may be likely to suffer in America by executing the Laws of this Country.
There remains no Doubt that the Dantzickers, before this Time, must have submitted to the military Execution of the Prussian Forces. It is supposed the Inhabitants must purchase the Removal of their unwelcome Guests with a round Sum, and submit with the best Grace they can. From which Period may be dated the End of the Grandeur of that City, one of the chief Remains of the Hanse Towns, which was first erected into a City by King Primislav in 1255, and enclosed with Walls in 1343.
Four Regiments are ordered to go to Boston forthwith.
General Gage set out on Tuesday Morning last for Boston. His Lady did not attend him on his Voyage, but is to meet him at some of the other Colonies.
Orders are given from the War Office for making a Return of all the married Women and Children in each Regiment in his Majesty's Service, in Order to ascertain the Fund for their Support in Case of their Husbands dying in the Service.
In the Course of last Week the Prince George, and William and Mary, sailed from Scarborough, with 270 Emigrants, for Halifax and Fort Cumberland in Nova Scotia. One of the Passengers, from the Neighbourhood of York, with thirteen in Family, constituted Part of the Number; and it is reported he was possessed of 3000 l. 800 l. of which he lodged in one of our Banks, and took the rest with him.
April 19. The Budget is intended to be opened on Wednesday, the 29th Instant. The Surplus of the Sinking Fund amounts to 2,400,000 l. and 1,500,000 l. of three per Cent, consolidated Annuities are proposed to be paid off with a Lottery, on a new Plan.
The following is the Resolution come to in the Committee appointed to take into Consideration his Majesty's Message.
Resolved, that it is the Opinion of this Committee that Leave be given to bring in a Bill for the impartial Administration of Justice in the Cases of Persons questioned for any Acts done by them in the Execution of the Laws, or for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults, in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England.
The above Bill is meant as necessary to complete the American Business, and what Lord Chatham is determined to give his Opinion of when it reaches the Upper House.
We are assured that the new Arrangements in the Treasury and Exchequer, so long talked of, are now the Subjects of ministerial Contemplation.
It is confidently reported, that General Gage's Commission is almost unlimited; and that his private Orders are, to pursue the most vigorous Measures.
Yesterday Morning the Remains of the 43d Regiment of Foot embarked on Board the Transports at Portsmouth, for Boston.
An immediate Stop is ordered to be put to the Exportation of military Stores to Portugal, from this Kingdom and Ireland.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman just arrived at Dublin from the Havannah.
"I have but just set Foot on English Ground. By saying English Ground, I suppose you will think I have made an Irish Bull; but, by the Liberties the English Ministry take here (as I have heard, though I have been out of the Kingdom some Time) I think I am justified in making Use of the Expression. However, if instead of teasing the People here, and oppressing the Colonies, they were a little more attentive to what is going forward in Spain, it might turn out to more Advantage to Great Britain. During my short Stay at the Havannah, I found out that the Court of Spain are making the greatest warlike Preparations ever known, though they do it with the strictest Secrecy imaginable. English Shipwrights have Encouragement almost beyond Belief; Numbers are now engaged at the enormous Wages of 15 and 20 l. a Week. In Consequence of this, Hands are continually arriving there; and I suppose, in a few Months, they will have a Navy equal to any in Europe."
April 20. Should the French take Part with the Turks against the Russians, as many suspect is their Intention, by their warlike Preparations, she is certain of the Assistance of his Prussian Majesty, as well as the Dutch; who, in that Case, will be considerable Gainers by the War. It is most confidently talked of, that very great Alterations in the Administration will certainly take Place, soon after the Parliament rises.
A Scheme is under Consideration for sending Felons to the Coast of Africa, or the East Indies, from whence they cannot so easily return.
April 21. This Week several Halfpay Officers have received Warrants at the War Office to set out for Scotland, and other Parts of the Kingdom, to raise Recruits for his Majesty's Service.
Yesterday Orders were sent from the Admiralty Office to Sheerness for two Sloops of War, and three Cutters, to be put into Commission immediately.
Commerce is a stronger Tie than Conquest. A brave People will be more useful Allies than either as Subjects or Slaves. India and America may one Day prove this Truth!
Lord Holland, it is said, is about purchasing the Duke of Richmond's Seat at Aubigny, in Normandy, and that he plans to retire thither to spend the Remainder of his Days.
April 22. The Quakers are at length rowed in Defence of their Rights in the Colonies, and have prepared a most spirited Petition to the Throne, which they mean to present at St. James's in full Procession. They have also, in Case of the Failure of their Application and Petition, subscribed a very large Sum, which they mean to present to a certain great and amiable Commoner, to bear his Expenses to America, that they may reap the Benefit of his Advice for their future Conduct.
April 26. Several Gentlemen, who had considerable Property in America, have within these six Weeks disposed of it for little better than Half its Value, so apprehensive are they of the bad Effects of the Business in Agitation. The above may be depended on.
There are many Reasons to believe that Lord Shelburne will soon be a considerable Member of Administration.
Extract of a Letter from Newport, in Rhode Island, March 12, 1774.
"By an Express from Philadelphia, and New York, last Night, we are informed that a Resolution has been come to, at—, to take the Port Office out of the Hands of Government, and to appoint Regulations themselves; and I think it is probable they will soon take the Custom-house into their own Possession, and ship home the Commissioners." [So let it be.]
Yesterday Morning a Master Tailor was taken out of his Bed at his Lodgings, near Oxford Street, on a Charge of having married a Tradesman's Daughter in this City (with whom he had 400 l. Fortune) he having several other Wives living. This industrious Man, it is said, has married no less than fifteen Women within these nine Years, twelve of whom are now living.
It is said the Reason of sending so many Troops from hence, and Ireland, to Boston, is because it is thought improper to draw the Forces from other Parts of America, as was at first intended.
The Spanish Fleet, we hear, is arrived at Cadiz, with one of the richest Cargoes, in Gold, Silver, and Merchandises, that has been brought home since 1764, the Year succeeding the late War.
The Lords of the Admiralty have appointed two Frigates of thirty Guns each to be stationed off Brest, where they are to cruise three Months.
We learn from Belfast, that no less than three Ships failed from thence last Week with Ensigns for America, in one of which there were near 500 Passengers. Nothing but speedy Revival to the Linen Trade can save that Country, for without both Money and People it will be exhausted.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 9.
An Express arrived in Town last Night from Pittsburg, with Letters to his Excellency the Governor from Captain Connolly, Commandant at that Place; giving an Account that the Shawanese Indians have openly declared their Intention of going to War with the white People, to revenge the Loss of some of their Nation who have been killed; that they had scalped one of the Traders, and detained all the rest who were in their Towns; that it was expected the Cherokees would join them, as they had sent a Belt last Fall to the Northern Nations to strike the white People, which had been received by the Shawanese and Waabath Indians; that the Six Nations postponed their Answer till this Spring; and that there is soon to be a grand Council in the lower Shawanese Town, where about seventy Cherokees and a Number of other Indians are to attend, on the Subject of going to War with the English.—Sundry Parties are now gone out, by Order of Captain Connolly, for the Protection of the Inhabitants, and are to assemble at the Mouth of Whaling Creek, in Order, if it is judged practicable, to go against the upper Shawanese Town.
The Delawares, who profess to be our Friends, informed Captain Connolly that a Party of Shawanese were now gone against the Settlement; and it is imagined they will fall upon Green Brier.—All the Country about Pittsburg is in a very ruinous and distressed Situation, the Inhabitants having chiefly fled, and forced themselves as low as Old Town on Potomack River.
We have the Satisfaction to inform the Publick, from very good Authority, that the Fields of Wheat on James River, and chiefly all over the Country, wear a much more promising Appearance than was expected after the late severe and uncommon Frost, and that Half Crops would generally be made. The lower Counties have suffered very little, and it is thought will make pretty near their full Complement, should there be seasonable Weather.
The Freeholders and Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, at a general Meeting the 13th ult. voted it as their Opinion, that if the other Colonies come into a joint Resolution to stop all Importation from Great Britain, and Exportations thereto and the West Indies, till the Act for blocking up their Harbour be repealed, that the same would prove the Salvation of North America and her Liberties; and they directed the said Vote to be forthwith transmitted by their Moderator to all the other Colonies, in the Name and Behalf of the Town.
The Inhabitants of Annapolis, in Maryland, at a general Town Meeting the 27th ult. unanimously voted it to be their Opinion that Boston was now suffering in the common Cause of America, and that it is incumbent on every Colony to unite in effectual Means to obtain a Repeal of the late Act of Parliament for blocking up the Harbour of that Town. They heartily concurred with their Brethren of Boston, that the most effectual Means to obtain this very desirable Purpose would be to put a Stop to all Imports and Exports, and agreeable thereto resolved to join in an Association with the several Counties of the Province, and the other Colonies in America; and it was farther their Opinion, that the Gentlemen of the Law bring no Suit for the Recovery of any Debt due to an Inhabitant of Great Britain, until the Act be repealed; and declared their Resolution to break off all Trade and Dealings with any Colony or Province that shall refuse or decline to come into similar Resolves with a Majority of the Colonies.
The Bill for the Suppression of Riots and Tumults in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, in New England, empowers the Governor there (or, in his Absence, the Lieutenant Governor) if he is of Opinion that an indifferent Trial cannot be had within the said Province, to direct that the Indictment shall be tried in some other of his Majesty's Colonies, or in Great Britain, and to send the Person indicted, under a sufficient Guard, to the Place of Trial; also to assess a reasonable Sum to be allowed for the Expenses of such Witnesses as the Prosecutor, or Person indicted, shall desire to be Summoned, which Sum is to be advanced by the Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs, to the Witness, who, upon Receipt thereof, is to enter into a Recognizance, before a Judge of the Superior Court, to appear and give Evidence upon the Trial of such Indictment. It farther enacts, that the Governor, if he shall direct the Trial to be had in another Colony, shall transmit the Indictment, together with the Recognizance of the Witnesses, under the Seal of the Province, to the Governor of such other Colony, who is immediately to issue a Commission of Oyer and Terminer for the Trial of the Indictment, and the Chief Justice, and other Persons that have usually been Commissioners of such Court, to proceed as if the Offence had been committed in their Province. Should the Governor direct the Trial to be had in Great Britain, he is to transmit in the same Manner as in the Case of sending to a Governor of another Colony, only that it must be to one of his Majesty's principal Secretaries of State, who is to deliver the Indictment, &c. to the Master of the Crown Office, and thereupon it is to be tried, the next Term, at the Court of King's Bench, in the same Manner as if the Offence had been committed in the County of Middlesex.
Upon the first Reading of the above Bill, Mr. Sawbridge (one of the Members for the City of London) said, "That it breathed nothing but a Spirit of Despotism throughout; that it was but a Part of that tyrannick System which accompanied the Whole of our Conduct towards the Americans; that they deserved every Act of Injustice, Administration had hitherto devised to inflict on them, if they were such Creatures, such mean abject Wretches, such tame willing Slaves, to submit to the present Bill; that the proposed Mode of Trial was the most extraordinary that was ever heard of; for, who were the Persons that can be prevailed on to come to England to give Evidence of a Fact which was committed at Boston? And, sure, to force them to make such a Voyage would be Cruelty in the extreme. That, for his Part, however fond he might be of seeing Justice, if a Murder was perpetrated in London Streets at which he was present, nothing but the most irresistible Compulsion could force him to Boston to give his Testimony concerning it; and that he believed no Gentleman in the House would deny but that the Hardship, to Persons on either Side of the Atlantic, was exactly similar."
By Captain Campbell from Curaçoa, we have Advice of the Loss of the Sloop Leeds Packet, belonging to Rappahannock, and all her Cargo; the People were saved.
Mariages.] Mr. WILLIAM EDWARDS, of Surrey County, to Miss SUSAN EDMUNDS, of Sussex.
FREDERICKSBURG, June 2. Yesterday being the Day set apart by the Members of the late House of Burgesses as a Day of Fasting, Humiliation, and Prayer, devoutly to implore the Divine Interposition for averting the heavy Calamity which threatens Destruction to the civil Rights of America, the same was accordingly observed by the Inhabitants of this Place, who repaired to Church and heard an excellent Sermon preached by the Reverend James Marye, from Psalm xii. Verse 12, Help, Lord, for the godly Man ceaseth, for the Faithful fail from among the Children of Men. The Reverend Mr. Wilson read Prayers.—Much

Credit is due to the Ladies for the Part they took in our Association, and it does Honour to their Sex; for no sooner were they made acquainted with the Resolution to prohibit the Use of TEA, after the first of June, but, before the Day came, they sealed up the Stock which they had on Hand, and vowed never more to use it till the oppressive Act imposing a Duty thereon should be repealed. May their Example be followed by all the Ladies on this Continent!
The May Fair Purse of 50 l. run for here the 24th ult. was won by Moore Fauntleroy, Esq's bay Mare Miss Alice, beating Kitty Fisher, a gray Mare belonging to William Fitzhugh, Esq; of Chatham, two four Mile Heats. And next Day the Entrance Money of the first Day's Purse was run for, by Fearnought, the Property of Alexander Spotwood, Esq; beating Proctor's Mare the best two in three Heats, the first of which she won.
The Members of the Society for the Advancement of useful Knowledge are desired to meet at the Capitol, on Wednesday the 15th Instant, at four o'Clock in the Afternoon. (1)
JUNE 9, 1774. THE Snow CARLISLE, William Binsley Master, Berthen about 360 Hlds. lying at Ruffin's, on Pamunkey , will take in Tobacco, upon Liberty of Consignment, to any Merchant in Liverpool , at 8 l. Sterling a Tun. Those inclinable to ship are desired to send their Notes or Orders to Richard Squire Taylor in King William County , or to the Captain, who will attend the neighbouring Courts.
HANOVER TOWN, June 8, 1774. AS I intend for Great Britain soon, all Persons indebted to me, or to Mr. Samuel Gift of London, are desired to make immediate Payment, and those who have any Demands against me to make them known; and as I am about to settle with the Executors of Mr. John Smith, for the Transactions at the Store kept by him for Mr. Gift at Hanover Town, such as have Demands against that Store, and the Debtors to it, who claim Discounts for their Dealings with Mr. Smith, are now desired to produce their Accounts without Delay, that they may be examined and settled by Mr. Smith's Executors, for I shall not allow any Demands or Discount of that Sort that may be offered after the above Settlement is made, nor can I grant farther Indulgence to those Debtors, upon any Account. THOMAS SMITH.
PETERSBURG, June 2, 1774. THE Subscriber intends to leave the Colony soon, and to return in a few Months. During his Absence, the Business, at present under his Management, will be conducted by Mr. Emanuel Walker. EDWARD BRISBANE.
JUNE 7, 1774. THE Debtors to Messrs. Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, late of London, Merchants, having paid no Regard to a former Advertisement, I think it expedient to call on them in this Manner once more to request Payment of their Debts to me, as Attorney of the Assignees under the Commission of Bankrupt. I am advised, that under this Commission, which issued the 5th of August 1773, every Interest which Messrs. Perkins and Co. then had became vested in the Assignees of their Effects; that the Assignments to Messrs. Barlow and Co. and Messrs. Holland and Co. of January and April 1773, being executed by Perkins and Brown alone, were for that Reason (without offering any other) incomplete and superadded for the Assignment under the Commission aforesaid; and that Payments and Engagements to pay to Messrs. Barlow and Co. and Messrs. Holland and Co. under Colour of their respective Assignments, are absolutely void; and that the Assignees under the Commission have yet a Right at Law to recover all the Debts due to Messrs. Perkins and Co. But, to remove all Objections, I will indemnify every Person for what I shall receive of them for Debts contracted with Messrs. Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown. CHARLES YATES.
UNDER a Deed of Trust, from Robert Briggs, to Richard Taylor and Co. will be exposed to Sale, to the highest Bidder, for ready Money, on Monday the 27th Instant (June) at Brunswick Courthouse, being Court Day, the said Briggs's Land and Plantation, on Waqua Creek, in the said County, whereon he now lives, containing, by Estimation, 300 Acres. RICHARD TAYLOR.
IF the Bonds and Accounts due us for Goods sold in Essex and Gloucester are not discharged before the 20th of July, they will then be put into the Hands of our Attorneys, without farther Notice, or Respect of Persons. Tobacco will be taken in Payment, at the current Cash Price. Our Affidavit, Johnny Blatt, Junior, will be collecting in and about that Neighbourhood till the Time mentioned, and has Authority to settle and give Receipts for JOHN & GEORGE FOWLER. (1)
SURRY County, Cabin Point, June 9, 1774. THE Subscriber has for Sale about 500 Bushels of WOOD ASHES, saved from Oak, Hickory, and Ash, well secured, and dry. The above Quantity I saved last Year and this Spring, and believe I can save as much next Spring if the Purchasers and I can agree. I will cart the Ashes to Cabin Point Landing, and put them in Tobacco Hogheads well secured; for each of which Casks I shall charge 4 s. which I believe will contain about 1500 Weight. COLIN CAMPBELL. (2)
NORFOLK, June 1, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony immediately. ISHMAEL MARYCHURCH. (1)
To be SOLD, on Tuesday the 14th Instant, to the highest Bidder, on the Premises, ALL the LOTS in Suffolk Town belonging to the late Partnership of Gibson, Granbery, and Co. upon which are several good and convenient Warehouses, a Tar House, a Dwelling-House and Storehouse, with all necessary Outhouses. The Purchaser will have twelve Months Credit, upon giving Bond and Security. (1)
For LONDON, THE Ship Liberty, William Outram Master, has two Thirds of her Cargo already engaged, and for the Remainder will take in Tobacco, on Liberty of Consignment, at 8 l. Sterling per Tun. Any Gentlemen who are inclined to ship will please to send their Orders to the Captain on Board, Mr. William Meredith on Mattapony, Mr. William Stephenson at York Town, Mr. George Lorimer at Urbanna, or Mr. William Ram Porter at Fredericksburg.
To be RENTED, for a Year, or Terms of Years, not exceeding seven, and entered on at Christmas, TWO Thirds of a Plantation in York County, on Queen's Creek, containing between 4 and 500 Acres of Land, within three Miles and a Half of Williamsburg, and two from the Oyster Rocks in York River, which Situation, if the Person renting enters into that Way of Business, makes it very valuable. There is on the said Plantation a very good Dwelling-House, and all necessary Outhouses, in good Repair, and the Plantation under a good Fence. It will be rented with, or without, a sufficient Number of Negroes to work it, and a good Stock of Cattle, &c. If it is not rented by the 30th of September, the Stocks of Cattle, Hogs, and Sheep, will be sold some Time in the Fall, of which Notice will be given; at the same Time the Plantation will be rented to the highest Bidder; and, on the 31st of December, the Negroes will be hired before the Raleigh Tavern, in Williamsburg. Likewise two Thirds of about 500 Acres of Land, within two Miles of Williamsburg, upon the main Road to York Town, whereon are two Plantations, to be rented as above, with sufficient Security, to be given to the Executors of Mr. Frederick Bryan, deceased. For farther Particulars apply to William Moody, Junior, or Frederick Bryan, in York County.
For SALE, THE TRACT of LAND formerly advertised by the Subscriber, lying in Louisa County, containing, by Estimation, 1200 Acres, more or less. Any Person inclinable to purchase may know the Terms by applying to REBECCA CHAMBERLAYNE.
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 30th Instant (June) on the Premises,
FOUR Hundred and twenty eight Acres of LAND in Surry County, joining Cabin Point, late the Property of Mr. John Cooke, Senior, whereon are two Grist Mills, a Saw Mill, two convenient Warehouses at Low Point Landing, and several other Houses on the Land, Part of which joins the Creek, where a Merchant's Mill could be erected at a small Expense. Any Person inclinable to purchase may see the Land by applying to the Subscriber, at Cabin Point. The Terms of Payment to be agreed on at the Day of Sale. ARCHIBALD DUNLOP.
To be SOLD, and entered on the 1st of September, THE only Tavern in the Town of Manchester, at the Falls of James River, with every Convenience for a Publick House, several of the Outhouses newly finished. Besides the Houses used for the Tavern there is a good new House well finished, with two Rooms below and two above, where the Family may live quite retired, a large Garden newly paled in, with about five or six Acres of Land, which run near 300 Feet on the main Street, in a valuable Part of the Town, and capable of great Improvement. At this Tavern constantly board twenty Gentlemen at 25 l. per Annum, besides Servants. Long Credit will be given for Part of the Money, on giving Bond with approved Security. BETTY TODD, Junior.
Just imported from London, in the London, Captain Robertson, and to be sold at my Shop in Williamsburg, A LARGE Assortment of DRUGS and MEDICINES. Also fine Salads and Common Oils, best Durham Mustard, Jar Ralins, Currants, Brinkwell's Purging Elixir of Peppermint, a great Variety of Patent Medicines, Pickles, Spices, Candies, &c. &c. WILLIAM PASTEUR.
To be SOLD, A TRACT of LAND on Charles River, York County, containing about 600 Acres, Part of which is Marsh, that may be drained with very little Expense. The Situation of this Place is very convenient for a Family, as it lies upon a River that abounds with Oysters and fine Fish, particularly Sheepheads, is within 200 Yards of a Mill, and two Miles of the Church. My Reason for selling it is, my having bought a Tract more convenient to me. Whoever inclines to purchase may know the Terms by applying to the Subscriber, in York Town. THOMAS NELSON, Junior.
To be SOLD, THE Ordinary, Ferry, Storehouse, Warehouse, and other Improvements at Boyd's Hole, on Potomack River, in the County of Stafford, with 200 Acres of Land adjoining, now in the Possession of Mr. Alexander Grant, but belonging to the Trustees of Mr. John Bland of London, who hold it of William Fitzhugh, Esq; under a Lease made by him to Mr. Bland about seven Years ago, for a Term of forty Years; at the annual Ground Rent of 35 l. The Houses are all new, having been built by Mr. Bland since the Commencement of his Lease. The Ordinary is thirty Feet long and twenty Feet wide, has three Rooms and a Passage below Stairs, and four Rooms above, all well finished. The Kitchen is large, and has two Brick Chimneys. The Storehouse is commodious, with a Counting Room at one End and a Lumber Room at the other. The Warehouse is eighty Feet long and twenty Feet wide, underpinned with Brick, and has a good Cellar under Part of it. There are convenient Stables, and all proper Outhouses for the Ordinary and Store, which will be shown by Mr. Grant to any Person inclined to purchase, and may be entered on immediately. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Grant on the Premises, Mr. John Bland at Blandford, or of the Subscriber in Hanover County. PETER LYONS.
NORFOLK County. At a Court held the 22nd Day of APRIL, 1774. William and John Brown, Merchants and Partners, Plaintiffs, against John Knight, Ship Master, and George Kelly, Vendue Master, Defendants, In Chancery.
THIS Day came, as well the Plaintiffs, by James Holt, Gentleman, their Council, as the Defendant, George Kelly, in his proper Person, who filed his Answer. And the Defendant, John Knight, being beyond Sea, on the Motion of the Plaintiffs, by their Council aforesaid, it is ordered that the said Defendant George, who hath confessed Effects of the said John Knight in his Hands, do not pay, convey away, or secrete such Effects, until the farther Order or Decree of this Court concerning the same; that the said Defendant, John Knight, do appear here the third Thursday in October next, to answer the Plaintiffs Bill; and that a Copy of this Order be, within fifteen Days, inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two Months successively, and published on some Lord's Day, immediately after Divine Service, in the Church of the Parish of Elizabeth River, in the County aforesaid, and be also posted up at the Door of the Courthouse of the said County. SAMUEL BOUSH, C. C.
STRAYED from the Plantation of Mr. William Mitchell, in Goochland County, about the latter End of March, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE four Feet six or seven Inches high, strong and well made, his Mane and Tail lately grown out, trots and gallops, and has been used to draw in a Chair. He was seen, soon after he went away, in Cumberland, near Carter's Ferry, making, as is imagined, towards Amelia, where he was raised. Whoever delivers the said Horse to Mr. John Snodgrass in Goochland, or the Subscriber in Richmond, shall have 20 s. Reward. ARCHIBALD BRUCE.
STOLEN, or STRAYED, last November, from the Subscriber, a BAY STALLION near five Feet high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, no Brand that I remember, but a remarkable Cut, formerly made, in his Neck, which leaves a Sink that will hide your Thumb, paces slow, canters well, and trots hard. Whoever brings him to me, at Richmond, shall have 5 l. Reward. PATRICK COUTTS. (4)
Wanted Immediately, A DISCREET and capable Woman to officiate as Housekeeper in a Gentleman's Family. Such a Person, upon coming well recommended, will hear of good Encouragement by applying at the Post Office, Williamsburg.
THE Copartnership of Love, Mitchell, and Co. dissolved the first Instant (May) Mr. Love having then purchased our Shares, and taken the Whole upon himself. JOHN MITCHELL. ROBERT MUTER.
YORK TOWN, May 30, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony immediately. ROBERT IRWIN. (1)
HANOVER TOWN, May 28, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony immediately. JOHN GORDON.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 2, 1774. ROBERT BRUCE, WATCH and CLOCK Maker, is removed from Mr. Craig's, at the Golden Ball, to the opposite Side of the Street, the House above Mr. Robert Anderson's; where he intends carrying on his Business, and will be much obliged to those who may please to employ him. (1)
HAMPTON, June 1, 1774. THE Subscriber having more Boats and Ferry-men than he has Use for, since the last Regulation of the Ferry Law, will sell two LARGE BOATS, which are well fitted, sail fast, and have good Accommodations for Passengers; also two or three NEGRO MEN, well skilled in the Management of Boats. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, if required, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security to JOHN JONES.
To be SOLD at Urbanna, on Monday the 27th Instant, being Middlesex Court Day, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
SEVERAL likely Virginia born SLAVES, to satisfy a Decree of Middlesex County Court, obtained by William Montague, against the Executrix of John Montague, deceased. A reasonable Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, on giving Bond with approved Security.
PORTSMOUTH, May 16, 1774. THOSE indebted to the Copartnership of Love, Mitchell, and Co. are hereby requested to be speedy in their Payments, that I may be enabled to discharge the Debts due by the Concern in Time. I continue the Business as usual, and will be glad to execute the Orders of my Friends for such Articles as are to be had at this Market. ALEXANDER LOVE.
HANOVER, May 18, 1774. THE Partnership of Burnley and Braikenridge being dissolved on the first of September last, we desire all Persons who have any Demands against us on that Account, or as Factors for Messrs. Ware and Co. to bring them in for Payment. Those indebted to us for Negroes, sold from the Ships Polly and Thomas in 1772, are hereby desired not to fail making Payment this Meeting, as no farther Indulgence can be given. HARDIN BURNLEY. GEORGE BRAIKENRIDGE.
N. B. We want a Ship on Charter, of about 300 Hogheads, for Britain.
JUST PUBLISHED, AND to be Sold at the Post Office Williamsburg, Price 2 s. 6 d. THE BERMUDIAN. A Poem. By N. TUCKER, Esquire, of Bermuda.
The Gentlemen who subscribed for THE BERMUDIAN are desired to apply at the Post Office for their Number of Copies, where they will please to lodge the Money.
Just Published likewise, and sold for the Benefit of the Charity, Price 2 s. 6 d.
SERMON preached in the Parish Church of Bruton, Williamsburg, May 1, 1774, by Appointment of the Trustees and Subscribers to a Fund for the Relief of the Poor Widows and Orphans of Clergymen in Virginia. By the Reverend J. Bracken.
WILLIAM RAGSDALE having conveyed to me, by Deed of Trust, a Tract of Land in Pittsylvania County, containing 200 Acres, more or less, to secure the Payment of a considerable Sum of Money which I advanced for him, I do hereby forewarn any Person from purchasing the said Land, as I will not give up my Title. JOHN WIMBISH.
For SALE, THE noted and well accustomed TAVERN in James City County, about fifteen Miles from Williamsburg, on the main Road leading to New Kent Courthouse and Ruffin's Ferry, with about 500 ACRES of LAND in good Order for Cropping, having six Fields under good Fencing. The Time of Payment will be made very easy to a Purchaser, and the Land, &c. shown by applying to the Subscriber, on the Premises. THOMAS DONCASTLE. (4)
To be SOLD, by the Subscriber, at Francis Moreland's Tavern, in Cabin Point, on Wednesday the 30th of June;
THREE valuable TRACTS of LAND, in Surry County, within a Mile of Cabin Point Warehouses. One Tract contains 248 Acres, a good Dwelling-House underpinned with Brick, four Rooms below and two above, with two Brick Chimneys, and all other necessary Houses for a Plantation.—Another Tract of 110 Acres, with no Improvements.—The other Tract contains 128 Acres, with no Improvements. The two last Tracts join each other. There is a small Tract of Land for Sale which divides the other Tracts.—The Terms of Payment will be made known at the Day of Sale, by ARCHIBALD DUNLOP.
To be SOLD at Belvoir, the Seat of the Honourable George William Fairfax, Esq; in Fairfax County, on Monday the 15th of August next (pursuant to his Direction)
ALL his HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE of every Kind, consisting of Beds and their Furniture, Tables, Chairs, and every other necessary Article, mostly new, and very elegant.—Ready Money will be expected from every Purchaser under 5 l. and twelve Months Credit allowed those who exceed that Sum, upon their giving Bond and approved Security, to carry Interest from the Date, if the Money is not paid within forty Days after it becomes due. FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior. (6)
To be RENTED, from Year to Year, or for a Term of Years,
BELVOIR, the beautiful Seat of the Honourable George William Fairfax, Esq; lying upon Potomack River in Fairfax County, about fourteen Miles below Alexandria. The Mansion House is of Brick, two Stories high, with four convenient Rooms and a large Passage on the lower Floor, five Rooms and a Passage on the second, and a Servants Hall and Cellars below, convenient Offices, Stables, and Coach-House adjoining, as also a large and well furnished Garden, stored with a great Variety of valuable Fruits, in good Order. Appertaining to the Tract on which these Houses stand, and which contains near 2000 Acres (surrounded in a Manner by navigable Water) are several valuable Fisheries, and a good Deal of cleared Land in different Parts, which may be let altogether, or separately, as shall be found most convenient. The Terms may be known of Colonel Washington, who lives near the Premises, or of me in Berkeley County. FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior. (7)
RUN away from the Subscriber, in March last, a Negro Man named HECTOR, about five Feet six Inches high, talks tolerably well, as he has been in the Country ever since he was eight Years old; had on a white Plains Jacket, striped Virginia Cloth Breeches, and Plaid Hose. He is supposed to be lurking about Mrs. Greenhill's Plantation, near the Butterwood Springs. Whoever delivers the said Negro to me, on Sappory, shall have 20 s. Reward, besides what the Law allows. WILLIAM WITHERS.
RUN away from on Board the Jenny, lying at Broadway, on the 12th Instant (May) an indented Servant named JOHN STUART, by Trade a Tailor, about five Feet five Inches high, 30 or 35 Years of Age, black Hair, and remarkable red Eyes; had on, when he went away, a blue Surtop Coat, a Buff coloured Waistcoat, and a Pair of black Breeches. He is supposed to be making towards Williamsburg. Any Person who will take him up and contrive him to me, on Board the said Ship, or to Mr. William Robertson in Blandford, shall have 20 s. Reward, besides what the Law allows. JOHN KIRKWOOD.
RUN away the 21st Instant, from the Subscriber, in Albemarle, on Mott's River, near the Brokenback Church, a large well set Mulatto Woman Slave named BESS, but calls herself Betty Sanders, about 21 Years of Age, with a small Scar on one of her Arms; had on, and carried with her, a striped Country Cloth Waistcoat and Petticoat, white Cotton Shift and Bonnet, a red Handkerchief, a Pair of Men's turned Pumps, and a Pair of Thread Stockings, one of them Country knit. Whoever takes up the said Slave and delivers her to me or secures her in any Jail so that I get her again, shall have 40 s. Reward, besides what the Law allows. JOHN ALLOWAY STRANGE.
N. B. It is supposed she went off with a white Man.

POETS CORNER.
PARISH TYTHES: An old Tale told in Verse.
THE Parson of a pleasant Village, Who had other Tythes besides of Tillage, Being in a merry Mood one Day, Thus to his Clerk did gaily say: "Uriah, I am told, thou art A fornicating Clerk at Heart; "Now, if thou 't own the Dames thou 'st kiss'd, "I'll tell thee honestly my List." "With all my Soul (the Clerk replies) "Old Nick take him the first that lies." To prove their Work, they early go, Each takes his Desk—and as each Doe Comes into Church, he who has known The Lady gay, or fair, or brown, Must stroke his Chin, and call out Hem, And 'other must reply, Amen! The Clerk, thus leaning on his Psalms, The Parson, without many Qualms, Lolls on his Bible, waiting keen To hem at the first Lady seen. The Squire's Wife, demure and fly, Enters the first; the Parson's Eye Fixes on her—she hem's. Another, Supporting her aged Mother, Attracts the Parson's quick Attention: Twice he hemm'd—I shall not mention The Qualities, and generous Faces, Of all the Parson's Village Graces; Suffice it then to say, eleven Came in; he hemm'd—the Clerk said Heaven!" Twelve more appear'd—he did afford Twelve Hem's.—Uriah cry'd, "O Lord!" Next was the Lawyer's Wife,—a fair One—He hemm'd—the Clerk cry'd, "thou 'rt a rare One!" At length, quite sober, sleek, and thin, The pretty Parson's Wife came in. The Parson hemm'd—the Clerk hemm'd too; "Zounds! (cries the Priest) that can't be true!" "Not true! Why not? You may condemn, "But old Nick have me but 'tis hem!"
TEN POUNDS Reward.
RUN away, from the Subscriber, in Botetourt, on the Night of the first Instant (May) two convict Servants, viz. JOHN JONES, a Shoemaker, born in Liverpool, but I believe can speak Welsh, of a yellow Complexion, brown Hair, a large Nose, and pitted with the Small-pox, about 36 Years of Age, five Feet eight Inches high, round shouldered, thick made, stoops much in his Walk, and has a Scar on his right Leg, occasioned by a Wound when he followed the Sea; had on, and took with him, a light coloured Sailor's Jacket, Fearnought Breeches, two Shirts of Country made Linen, a Pair of Troufers, and Osnabrugs to make another Pair. I also miss a new Pair of Buckskin Breeches, with John Stewart wrote on the Inside of the Waistband, which I suppose he has taken. ELIZABETH LEWELLIN, a Welsh Woman, about 25 Years of Age, five Feet six Inches high, black Hair, full faced, fresh and lusty, wants one of her fore Teeth, and has a very remarkable Scar on her Throat; had on, and took with her, a new Calico Gown that buttons before, black Calimanco Petticoat and Shoes, an old Pair of green coloured Stays, new striped Country made Linsey Bed Gown and Petticoat, and sundry other Clothes. She is smart and active, and capable of any Business, can read and write, and probably may forge a Pass. She has, as I am informed, a Sum of Money which she brought into the Country; and I imagine they will make for a Seaport, as the Man formerly followed the Sea. Whoever takes up and secures the said Servants, so that I get them again, shall have the above Reward, besides what the Law allows; and I forewarn all Masters of Vessels, and others, from carrying them off at their Peril. PATRICK LOCKHART.
To be let on CHARTER, to any Part of Europe, or the West Indies,
THE Brigantine Hamilton, Burthen about 300 Hogsheds, a new Vessel now on the Stocks, and will be ready to take on Board by the first of June. For Terms, apply to me in Norfolk. (tf) ROBERT GRAY, & Co.
For CHARTER,
THE Ship Cæsar, William Weirbald, has made only one Voyage, Burthen 450 Hogsheds, now lying at Norfolk. For Terms apply to the said Master, or (tf) GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.
N. B. On Board said Ship is a Quantity of Whitehaven COAL, of the best Quality, which will be sold very cheap. Apply to Mr. Joseph Kidd, in Williamsburg.
NORFOLK, April 23, 1774.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a Number of Vessels will be wanted this Summer to bring about 6000 Tons of STONE from Mr. Brooke's Quarry on Rappahannock, and land the same on Cape Henry, for the Lighthouse. Any Person, or Persons, inclined to engage in such Work, are desired to treat with Matthew Plripp, Paul Loyall, and Thomas Newton, Esqrs. The Directors of the Lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two FLAT BOTOMED VESSELS, from 80 to 120 Tons Burthen. (tf) BASSETT MOSELEY.
OCCOQUAN FORGE, May 10, 1774.
I INTEND for Britain in a few Weeks. (4) JAMES LAWSON.
Just imported from London, and sold by the Subscriber, at her Store opposite the Raleigh in Williamsburg, on reasonable Terms, for ready Money only,
A WELL chosen Assortment of the neatest Goods, consisting of fine Thread and Blond Lace, white Sain and Lustrine, blue Sain and Sarcenet Petticoats, white Do. for Weddings, Satin and Queen Silk Shoes, Muslin, Gauze, Catgut, and Wire, worked Linen, Ribbands, plain and ribbed Silk, Cotton and Thread Stockings, small Do. for Children, Patent Net Aprons, equal in Beauty to Joining Lace, Silk Gloves and Mits, Rolls and Curls, Tambour Sword Knots, Boys Beaver and Huffs Caps, Ladies Riding Hats, Feathers, and Whips, Childrens Sashes and Stays, a large Quantity of Didbury's Shoes, Sheneal, fine Chip and Cane Hats, Fans, Cloaks, Gauze Handkerchiefs, Purse, Bags and Puffs, Pearl for Work, Tureen, Punch, and Pap Ladies, Stone, Silver, Gilt, and Pinchbeck Buckles, both Shoe and Knee, Paste, Garnet, Gold, and Black Stock Do. India Plate Salts, Do. Snuffers and Snuff Pans, Silver Tea Spoons, Tea Tongs, Salt Shovels, Do. Coral and Bells, Paste, Marcassite, Pearl, and Bead Necklaces and Earrings, Gold Wires, Silver bowed Scissors and Silver tipped Sheaths, Lancet Cases, Watch Chains and Keys, Combs, Pocket Books and Etwee Cases, Freemason and other Brooches, Paste Sprigs and Pins, Tooth Brushes, fine Irish Wafers, Sword Canes and Pen Knives, black Bags and Rofes, black Pins, Stay Hooks, Thimbles, Silver Shoe Clasps, Fruit Knives, Dolls and other Toys, with many other Articles too numerous to insert. C. RATHBELL.
N. B. At the same Place may be had an exceeding fine SILVER WATCH, capped, and runs on Diamonds; also a beautiful GOLD WATCH, with Gold Hands, and an engraved Case.
FOR SALE,
A VERY valuable Tract of Land in King William County, on Mattapony River, a little above Frazer's Ferry, which was lately the Property of Mr. Roger Gregory, and contains about 800 Acres. There is a very genteel two Story brick House, with three Rooms below and four above, which is pleasantly situated upon a high Hill near the River, and commands a wide and extensive Prospect. It is acknowledged, from some Years Experience, to be one of the most healthy Seats in the lower Parts of the Country, as few of the People residing on it have ever had the Fever and Ague. There are Apple and Peach Orchards, and it is a celebrated Place for Fish and Wildfowl. Mr. William Frazer, at the Ferry, will show the Land, and the Terms made known by him in Behalf of (tf) CARTER BRAXTON.
For SALE, by the Subscribers in NORFOLK,
SINGLE and double refined London SUGAR; Madeira WINE of the London, New York, and Virginia Qualities; Jamaica and Barbados SPIRITS; Barbados and Leeward Island RUM; Muscovado SUGARS; Coffee, Ginger, Pimenta, Molasses, Liverpool bottled Beer, Cheeses, Anchors, Sail Canvas, Irish LINENS in small Packages, &c. &c. (7) JOHN LAWRENCE, & Co.
NANSEMOND, April 20, 1774.
WHEREAS the Concern of the Subscribers, by the Death of one of the Partners, is now dissolved, it is most earnestly requested of all those indebted to them, either in this Colony or North Carolina, to make immediate Settlement, by Payment or Specialty, as those who fail to comply need expect no Indulgence; and all those who have Demands against the said Concern are desired to make them known, and they shall be adjusted. The Books, &c. belonging to their Store in this County, are put into the Hands of Mr. John McDowall, who is properly authorised to collect and grant Receipts, and will settle with all those who have Demands against the said Company. The Business will be carried on at their different Stores in this Colony and North Carolina, with the same good Usage, and Indulgence given as usual, under the Firm of Archibald Hamilton and Co. and the Management of Mr. John Hamilton. (tf) JOHN HAMILTON, & Co.
VIRGINIA, &c. At a General Court held at the CAPITOL the 23d of April, 1774.
George Riddell and Jaquelin Ambler, Plaintiffs, against Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, late of London, Merchants, William Gosley, Thomas Adams, Sampson & George Matthews, Patrick Courts, Amos & James Ladd, William Acrls, Ryland Randolph, Major Wilcox, & Co. Thomas Stewart, James Watt, Meriwether Smith, William Smith, Carter Braxton, Corbin Griffin, Samuel Griffin, and William Griffin, Defendants, In Chancery.
THE Defendants, Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, being beyond Sea, on the Motion of the Plaintiffs, by their Counsel, it is ordered that the other Defendants, who have Effects of the said Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, in their Hands, as is suggested, do not pay the said Effects to the Defendant Gosley, or any other Person, nor convey away or secrete the same, until the farther Order or Decree of this Court concerning such Effects; that the said Defendants, Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown, do appear here on the first Day of the next Court, to answer the Bill of the Plaintiffs; and that a Copy of this Order be, within fifteen Days, inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two Months successively, and published on some Lord's Day, immediately after divine Service, in the Church of the Parish of Henrico, in the County of Henrico, and be also posted up at the front Door of the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg. BEN. WALLER.
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, a DARK IRON GRAY HORSE COLT about two Years old, three Feet ten Inches high, not dockt, and branded on the off Buttock I C. Posted, and appraised to 30s. THOMAS READ.
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, a BLACK MARE COLT, about a Year old last Spring, four Feet high, a small Star in her Forehead, but neither dockt nor branded. Posted, and appraised to 55s. DAVID JAMES.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, at Goochland Courthouse, on Monday the 20th of June, being Court Day,
A TRACT of rich well timbered Land lying opposite to Elk Island, in the said County, belonging to the Estate of Mr. John Smith, deceased, containing 2000 Acres, which will be put up in four separate Lots. Likewise a Tract containing between 3 and 400 Acres, lying on both Sides the Little Bird Creek, near the Head thereof, in said County. Those Lands having been fully described in a former Advertisement, renders it unnecessary here. The Time of Payment will be made known on the Day of Sale, and Bonds with good Security required of the Purchasers, by (tf) WILLIAM ANDERSON, Executor.
The Purchasers at the different Sales of the Negroes and personal Estate of Joseph and John Smith, deceased, are desired to take Notice that their Bonds will, in a very short Time, become payable, and that no Indulgence can, or will, be allowed to any Person. I shall constantly attend at the County Courts of Henrico and Hanover, and the Meeting of Merchants in Williamsburg, in Order to receive Payment. Those who have open Accounts on the Books of John Smith, deceased, are once more requested to come and settle.
NEABSCO FURNACE, April 1, 1774.
RUN away from the Neabsco Furnace, on the 16th of last Month, a light coloured Mulatto Man named BILLY or WILL, the Property of the Honourable John Taylor, Esquire. When I tell the Publick that he is the same Boy, who, for many Years, used to wait on me in my Travels through this and the neighbouring Province, and, by his Pertness, or rather Impudence, was well known to almost all my Acquaintances, there is the less Occasion for a particular Description of him. However, as he is now grown to the Size of a Man, and has not attended me for some Time past, I think it not amiss to say that he is a very likely young Fellow, about twenty Years old, five Feet nine Inches high, stout and strong made, has a remarkable Swing in his Walk, but is much more so by a surprising Knack he has of gaining the good Graces of almost every Body who will listen to his bewitching and deceitful Tongue, which seldom or ever speaks the Truth; has a small Scar on the right Side of his Forehead, and the little Finger of his right Hand is quite straight by a Hurt he got when a Child. He had on when he went away a blue Fearnought and an under Jacket of green Baize, Cotton Breeches, Osnabrug Shirt, a mixed blue Pair of Stockings, a Pair of Country made Shoes, and yellow Buckles. From his Ingenuity, he is capable of doing almost any Sort of Business, and for some Years past has been chiefly employed as a Founder, a Stone Mason, and a Miller, as Occasion required; one of which Trades, I imagine, he will, in the Character of a Freeman, profess. I have some Reason to suspect his travelling towards James River, under the Pretence of being sent by me on Business. Whoever apprehends the said Mulatto Slave, and brings him to me, or to his Master, the Honourable John Taylor of Mount Airy, or secures him so as to be had again, shall have double what the Law allows, and all reasonable Charges paid by (tf) THOMAS LAWSON.
ROCKY MILL, HANOVER County, April 14, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscribers, on the 27th of March, two indented Servant Men, namely, JOSEPH GOTHARD, by Trade a Cooper, has a Scar over one of his Eyes and Ankles; had on a Drab coloured Frieze Jacket, with Metal Buttons, old Leather Breeches, a Half worn Hat, a Pair of Sale Hose, and a Pair of coarse Shoes. THOMAS JACKSON, by Trade a Coachman, about thirty Years of Age, of a ruddy Countenance, about five Feet eight Inches high, with light Hair; had on an old Hat, dark Broadcloth Coat much patched, an old Virginia Cloth blue twilled Jacket, with Pewter Buttons, without Sleeves, a Pair of very narrow Duck Trousers patched on each Knee with new Osnabrugs, a Pair of Country Shoes, and black Hose. Whoever will deliver both the above mentioned Servants at Newcastle, or the above mentioned Place, shall receive 5l. or 50s. for either, if taken in the Colony; and if in any other, reasonable Satisfaction will be made by the Subscribers. (tf) JOHN SYME. JOHN CHRENSHAW.
To be SOLD, together or in Parcels, THAT fertile and well timbered Tract of Land lying in Prince's Anne County, known by the Name of GIBBS'S WOODS, whereon are several Settlements, and whereof Jeremiah Tinker, Esq. Grandson of the late Governor Gibbs now stands seized, under the Deed of Gift of his Mother, the Daughter and Heiress of the said Governor Gibbs. Persons inclining to purchase may be informed of the Terms by applying to Mr. James Parker, Merchant in Norfolk, or to Edward Foy, in Williamsburg, who will give an undoubted Title. (tf)
FOR SALE,
A VALUABLE FARM of 1500 Acres, within sixteen Miles of Petersburg. The Terms may be known on Application to the Subscriber. (tf) HENRY SKIPWITH.
For SALE,
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherst 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 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 who chooses 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.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub-
scriber, a GRAY HORSE about four Feet eight Inches high, a short Bob Tail and Half his Mane cut off, a remarkable Wart over one of his Eyes about the Bigness of a Nutmeg, has a Roach Back, paces, trots, and gallops very well, but has no Brand as I remember. Whoever takes up the said Horse and delivers him to me in King William, or to George Turner, at Moses's Neck, on Rappahannock River, shall have 40s. Reward. REUBEN TURNER.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub-
scriber, in Henrico County, near Warwick, a DARK GRAY MARE about four Feet ten Inches high, four Years old this Spring, and branded on the near Buttock, but I am unacquainted with the Brand; she is galled on the Shoulders, occasioned by working in a Waggon, and has several Saddle Spots on her Withers, a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and trots and gallops. As she was bred in Mecklenburg County, it is supposed she will make that Way. I will give 40s. Reward to any Person that will bring the said Mare to me, or to my Brother, Joseph Boswell, at the Long Ordinary in Petersburg, who will take the Mare and pay the Reward. PAN, GRAN, PARROBO, BOSEWELL.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub-
scriber's Pasture, on Sappony, the 14th of March last, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE about four Feet six Inches high, strong made, a Snip on his Nose, and branded on the near Buttock N; also a DARK BAY MARE about fourteen Hands high, a Star in her Forehead, a black List down her Back and Rump, very thin made, and branded on the near Buttock I X P. Whoever gives me such Information as I may get either of them again, shall be handsomely rewarded; and, if stolen, 50s. for each, on Conviction of the Thief. I bought the Horse of Hugh Montgomery, of Salisbury, and the Mare of Robert Mursay, of Tryon County, both of North Carolina. (2) CHARLES TURNBULL.
TAKEN up, in Port Royal, a RED HEIFER, about two Years old, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the left Ear, and a Slit in the right. Also a RED PIED HEIFER, three Years old, not marked. Posted, and appraised to 3l. (11) ELIZABETH BUCKNER.
TAKEN up, in Caroline, a YELLOW PIED HEIFER, three Years old, marked with a Crop in the right Ear, and a Swallow Fork in the left. (11) HEZEKIAH BRADLEY.
MAY 14, 1774.
A DIVIDEND of the Cash collected from the Estate of Mr. Robert Brent will be made, in Dumfries, by the Trustees, the first Monday in July; at which Time and Place it is requested the Creditors will have their Accounts, properly adjusted, that every Person's Proportion may be ascertained. (6)
AMHERST, May 1, 1774.
WE Intend to leave the Colony soon. WILLIAM PENN. MOSES PENN. (11)
RUN away, from the Subscriber, in Sussex
County, the 16th of February, a well set Negro Man of a yellowish Complexion, about five Feet two or three Inches high, and 22 Years of Age; had on, when he went away, an old Felt Hat, a Purple coloured Fearnought Jacket, a Waistcoat without Sleeves of Country Cloth, and something longer than his Jacket, a Virginia Cloth Shirt striped with Blue, Negro Cotton Breeches, a Pair of Cotton Boots, and a Pair of old Shoes. Most of his Clothes are new, his Hair nicely trimmed, as is customary for Waiting Boys, and, as he is yellow, he may attempt to impose on the Publick for a free Man. Whoever apprehends the said Slave, and conveys him to me, shall have 5l. Reward, if taken out of the Colony, and 40s. if in it. THOMAS HUSON.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a BLACK HORSE about four Feet seven Inches high, eight Years old, a Star in his Forehead, a Snip on his Nose, three white Feet, paces, and has had Fistula. Posted, and appraised to 8l. (11) WILLIAM WALL.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a WHITE HORSE ten or twelve Years old, four Feet seven Inches high, a hanging Mane, the upper Side a little roached, and Switch Tail, paces, trots, and gallops. Posted, and appraised to 5l. WILLIAM FITZGERALD.
TAKEN up, in Halifax County, a RED and WHITE STEER about two Years old, marked with a Crop an Underkeel in the right Ear, and a Swallowfork in the left. Posted, and appraised to 20s. ROBERT WOODING.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, a DARK BAY MARE about four Feet seven or eight Inches high, eight or nine Years old, a Blaze in her Face, one hind Foot white, some Saddle Spots, and branded on the near Buttock N. Posted, and appraised to 10l. ICHABOD CAMP.
ALL Persons may be supplied with this PAPER at 12s. 6d. a Year, and have ADVERTISEMENTS (of a moderate Length) inserted in it for 3s. the first Week, and 2s. each Week after. All Sorts of PRINTING WORK done at this Office in the neatest Manner, with Care and Expedition.