The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-07-07 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.
LETTER I.
To the INHABITANTS of the BRITISH COLONIES in AMERICA.
BRETHREN,
Divine Providence has been pleased to place us, in this Age and Country, under such Circumstances as to be reduced to the Necessity of choosing one of these Conditions: Either to submit to the Dominion of others, holding our Lives, Liberties, and Properties, by the precarious Tenure of their Will; or, to exert that Understanding, Resolution, and Power, with which Heaven has favoured us, in striving to maintain our Rank in the Class of Freemen.
The Importance of these Objects is so immensely great, and the Treatment of one of these Colonies so extremely alarming, as to call for your most earnest and immediate Consideration.
The Subject of the present Dispute, between Great Britain and us, is so generally understood, that to enlarge upon it is needless. We know the Extent of her Claims; we begin to feel the Enforcement of those Claims. We may foresee the Consequences of them; for, Reason teaching us to infer Actions from Principles, and Events from Examples, should convince us what a Perfection of Servitude is to be fixed on us, and our Posterity. I call it Perfection; because the Wit of Man, it is apprehended, cannot devise a Plan of Domination more completely tending to bear down the Governed, into the lowest and meanest State in Society, than that now meditated, avowed, and in Part executed, on this Continent.
If this System becomes established, it may with Truth be said of the Inhabitants of these Colonies, "that they hold their Lives, Liberties, and Properties, by the precarious Tenure of the Will of others."
Allowing the Danger to be real, at the Prospect of so abject and so lasting a Subjection, what must be the Sentiments of judicious and virtuous Americans? They will quickly determine whether the first Part of the Alternative should be adopted.
Here Arguments would be absurd. Not more ridiculous would be an Attempt to prove Vice preferable to Virtue; the Climate of St. Vincent more pleasant than that of Pennsylvania; the Natives of Indostan, under the Government of the East India Company, as happy as English Freeholders; or the Inhabitants of Great Britain more loyal Subjects than those of the Colonies.
That Liberty is inestimable, and should, if possible, be preserved, you know. To pretend to convince you of the Truth of the former Proposition, or of the Duty of the latter, would be to insult you.
You must be, you are resolved, to observe the properest Conduct for securing your best and dearest Interests. What that may be, deserves, demands, your closest Attention, your calmest Deliberation.
On this Head, I venture to submit some Observations to your Consideration. I am, by every Tie of Interest and Duty, an American; and, unless my Heart deceives me, I am an American in Affection. My Fortunes, Hopes, and Wishes, are bound up in your Prosperity. With my Countrymen I must mourn or rejoice; and therefore, though I am personally sensible I cannot present to them Reflections arising from great Abilities, or extensive Learning, and adorned by Elegance of Composition, yet I trust they will lend a careful and candid Attention to plain Thoughts, dictated by honest Intentions, and a Participation of Afflictions. Aiming solely at your Welfare, and not at the trifling Reputation of a Writer, I am from me the over-weaning Presumption that my Opinions are free from Error. Conscious of my Frailties, I desire those Opinions to be severely examined. The Correction of them will confer a real Obligation upon me, if it serves my Country; and happy shall I esteem myself, if the Detection of my Mistakes shall open to you a clear View of the most expedient Measures to be pursued.
There are some Men who say that the late Act of Parliament, abolishing the Privileges of the Port of Boston, was occasioned by the particular Imprudence of the Inhabitants, and in no Manner concerns the other Colonies.
To form a true Judgment on this Point, it will be proper to take a short Review of some other Transactions.
Great Britain, triumphant by your Assistance in the late War, found, at the Conclusion of it, by a Peace hastily bestowed on her haughty and hereditary Foes, her Dominions enlarged, her Fleets formidable, her Armies disciplined, her Trade flourishing, her Enemies intimidated and exhausted, her Colonies thriving, affectionate, and dutiful.
The Cup of Prosperity, large and full, courted her Lips. Deep she drank of the enchanted Beverage, as if the Vessel, like the Cruise of Sarapeta's Widow, could not fail. After a short, but feverish Repose, she roused herself, may I say, as one of Homer's Giants; a Race, "by whom no Statutes and no Rights were known," to injure those who never injured her. She had conquered her Enemies. That other Kingdoms had done. Should no Exploits of a more transcendent Energy illustrate the Annals of George III. no Achievements, so shockingly great and advantageous, that even the pensioned Historians of the animated Era must weep in tracing them, and blush in reciting them? Luckily for her Fame, perhaps for her Profit, the near-sighted Policy and low spirited Humanity of every State, in every Period, had left untouched, for her, the novel Glory of conquering Friends, Children, Nephews of her Flesh, and Bone of her Bone, unstained by any former Reproach, resting in perfect Tranquillity, acknowledged Loyalty, and actual Obedience to every Kind of Authority hitherto by her exercised over them; perpetually pouring into her Lap those Fruits of their Industry which she would permit them to collect from the different Parts of the World; proud of their Connection with her, confiding in her, loving, revering, almost adoring her; and ready and willing, as they ever had been, to spend their Treasure, and their Blood, at her Request, in her Cause.
• "Parcere Superbis, et debellare Subiectos," was a Thought that had escaped the Sagacity of Statesmen, and even the Fancy of Poets. The Subtlety of Machiavel's Italian Brain had missed it, and no Beotian had blundered upon it."
The Temptation was too great to be resisted; the Parent resolved to seize that Treasure, and, if not tamely resigned, to spill that Blood herself."
• "O sapiens et beata Regina." The greatest Minister, who had heretofore conducted her Affairs, had discovered, and declared, that we were continually toiling for her Benefit; that the was sure of receiving, in the Course of Commerce, all those Emoluments of our Labour which Reason could require; and, therefore, tenderly cherished and supported us. Notions too dull! and Advantages too just! to merit the slightest Regard from his Majesty's enlightened and magnanimous Counsellors.
"They lavish Gold out of the Bag, and weigh Silver in the Balance; they fall down, yea they worship them. Remember this, and show yourselves Men." Isaiah, Chapter 46. P. P.
• "Non nobis nati sumus. It is for our Posterity we desire to provide, that they may not be in worse Case than Villains. For a Freeman to be Tenant at Will for his Liberty! I will not agree to it. It is a Tenure not to be found in all Littleton." Speech of Sir Edward Cooke, Lord Chief Justice. Parliamentary History, Volume 9th, Page 624.
• "To spare the Proud, and to subdue the Subjeet."
• "O wife and happy Queen." Sir Robert Walpole, and every other Minister to whom the Project of taxing the Colonies was mentioned, rejected it.
"When I had the Honour of serving his Majesty, I availed myself of the Means of Information which I derived from my Office. I speak, therefore, from Knowledge. My Materials were good. I was at Pains to collect, to digest, to consider them; and I will be bold to affirm, that the Profit of Great Britain from the Trade of the Colonies, through all its Branches, is two Millions a Year. This is the Fund that carried you triumphantly through the last War. The Estates that were rented at 2000l. a Year, three-score Years ago, are 3000l. at present. Those Estates sold then from fifteen to eighteen Years Purchase; the same may now be sold for thirty. You owe this to America. This is the Price that America pays you for her Protection. I dare not say how much higher these Profits may be augmented. Upon the Whole, I will beg Leave to tell the House what is really my Opinion: It is, that the Stamp Act be repealed absolutely, totally, and immediately; that the Reason for the Repeal be assigned, because it was founded on an erroneous Principle."
Mr. Pitt's Speech. All the most distinguished Writers on the Trade of Great Britain, previous to the present Reign, held a Language entirely agreeing with Mr. Pitt's Sentiments. See Davenant, Child, Tucker, Beawes, Postlethwaite, &c.
LETTER II.
To the INHABITANTS of the BRITISH COLONIES in AMERICA.
BRETHREN,
It is not my Design to travel through all the ministerial Manoeuvres, respecting us since the Commencement of this Reign. It is not necessary. Sufficient, I trust, it will prove to lay before you such a Series of correspondent Facts as will thoroughly convince you that a Plan has been deliberately framed, and pertinaciously adhered to, unchanged even by frequent Changes of Ministers, unchecked by any intervening Gleam of Humanity, to sacrifice to a Passion for arbitrary Dominion the universal Property, Liberty, Safety, Honour, Happiness, and Prosperity, of us, unoffending, yet devoted Americans; and that every Man of us is deeply interested in the Fate of our Brethren of Boston.
If such a Series is not laid before you, the combined Force of which shall tear up by the Roots, and throw out of your Bosoms, every lurking Doubt, censure me as an Enthusiast, too violently warmed by a Sense of the Injustice practised against my beloved Country.
The Danger of a Father's Life once racked Words from a dumb Son. Worse than Death, in my View, threatens our common Mother. Pardon, therefore, a Brother's Imperfections.
Amidst a Volume of Institutions, called Regulations, wrong at first, corrected into other Errors, again corrected, still requiring Regulation, and remaining, after all their Editions, if not like Draco's Codes of Blood, yet Codes of Plunder, confounding by the Intricacy and Multiplicity of their Inventions, and confiscating for having confounded*, appears the 4th of George III. Chapter 15th, filed "An Act for granting certain Duties in the British Colonies and Plantations in America, &c." This was the first Comet of this Kind that glared over these Colonies since their Existence. Here first we find the Commons of Great Britain "giving and granting" our Money, for the express Purpose of "raising a Revenue in America."
We, busy in guiding our Ploughs, felling our Timber, or sailing in the Circuits of Traffick prescribed us, and still veering, like Bees to their Hive, with Millions of our Gains to Great Britain, the Centre of our Toils by Land and Sea, poor harmless Husbandmen and Traders! scarce observed the Blow given us. Our Hearts, filled with Confidence, by contemplating the pleasing Images of her generous distinguished Virtues, from the Splendour of which, in our Judgment, those of ancient Greece and Rome hid their diminished Heads, Suspicion could find no Entrance. We saw, in the Preamble, something of the usual Forms "for extending and securing Navigation and Commerce," were lulled into Security, nor could suppose the Stroke was aimed at our Vitals. An Infant that had tottered along a directed Walk in a Garden, and, loaded with Flowers, had presented them to a Mother, would as soon have expected to be knocked down by her.
Not long were we suffered to enjoy our Tranquillity. The 5th of George III. Chapter 12th, the ever memorable Stamp Act quickly followed. By this, reciting the former Act, the Commons of Great Britain "gave and granted" Duties, so called, of our Money, on almost every Piece of Parchment, Vellum, or Paper, to be used in these Colonies, and declared every Instrument of Writing without a Stamp to be void. Tax Gatherers, of a new Kind, were appointed to collect these Duties. The Petitions of our Assemblies, previous to its passing, on Notice received of the Design, asserting our Rights, and supplicating a Respect for them, were treated with Contempt. You remember the Time, and its Distress. You behaved as you ought. Convinced that a People who wish to be free must resolve to be free, you abolished the "abominable Thing," and proceeded in your usual Business, without any Regard to the illegal Edict obtruded upon you.
Permit me to add two Observations, relating to remarkable Attendants on the Taxation comprised in that Act; the Memory of which is perhaps grown faint, from Length of Time, in some Minds.
By the Statutes granting Stamp Duties in England, or Great Britain, especial Caution has been taken that nothing more should be levied upon the Subject, under any Pretence whatsoever, than the Duties themselves. These Words run through those Acts: "That the Officers shall receive the several Duties, and stamp and mark the Vellum, Parchment, and Paper, &c. without any other Fee or Reward, which Stamp or Mark shall be a sufficient Discharge for the respective Duties, &c. and the Commissioners shall take Care that the several Parts of the Kingdom shall, from Time to Time, be sufficiently furnished with Vellum, Parchment, and Paper, stamped and marked as directed, to the End that the Subjects, &c. may have it in their Election either to buy the same of the Officers and Persons to be employed, &c. at the usual and most common Rates above the said Duties, or to bring their own Vellum, Parchment, or Paper, to be stamped or marked as aforesaid."
Was the Stamp Act for America like those Statutes? Judge. By this it is enacted, "that the High Treasurer, or any three or more of the Commissioners of the Treasury, shall once in every Year set the Prices at which all Sorts of stamped Vellum, Parchment, and Paper, shall be sold, &c."
• "Omitting the immense Increase of People, by natural Population in the more northern Colonies, and the Migration from every Part of Europe, I am convinced the whole commercial System of America may be altered to Advantage. You have prohibited where you ought to have encouraged, and you have encouraged where you ought to have prohibited. Improper Restraints have been laid on the Continent, in Favour of the Islands. You have but two Nations to trade with in America. Would you had twenty! Let Acts of Parliament in Consequence of Treaties remain, but let not an English Minister become a Customhouse Officer for Spain, or for any foreign Power. Much is wrong; much may be amended, for the general Good of the Whole." Mr. Pitt's Speech.
• "I rejoice that America has resisted. Three Millions of People, so dead to all the Feelings of Liberty, as voluntarily to consent to be Slaves, would have been fit Instruments to make Slaves of the rest." Mr. Pitt's Speech.
• I 5th and 6th William and Mary, Chapter 21st. 30th George II, Chapter 19th, and many other Statutes.
The Stamps were kept in England. Ship Loads of "all Sorts of stamped Vellum, Parchment, and Paper;" were sent over to us. We had no Choice, either to take these, or to carry other Vellum, Parchment, or Paper, to be stamped. We must not only have paid the certain Duties imposed, but the uncertain "Prices" which the Commissioners should please to "set" for the Value of their "Vellum, Parchment, and Paper;" and "Penalties and Forfeitures" fell upon us, every Step we took, without paying these Imppositions. This surely was not only to be taxed by the Parliament, but over again for the same Articles by the Commissioners.
Here some Men, whose Minds are strongly impressed with Ideas of Equity, may ask if it is possible that even a British Parliament should so wantonly degrade us? It is as true as that the Port of Boston is this Day shut up.
The "Forfeitures and Penalties thereby imposed were to be sued for and recovered in any Court of Record, or in any Court of Admiralty or Vice Admiralty, appointed or to be appointed, and having Jurisdiction, in the respective Colony where the Offence should be committed, &c."
This was no Regulation of Trade. The Facts to be tried in any Dispute must have arisen on Land, within the Body of a County, as remote from Admiralty Jurisdiction, on every constitutional Principle, as a Suit on a Bond, or an Ejectment for a Freehold; yet thus, by a few Lines, was the inestimable Privilege of Trial by Jury to be torn from you and your Posterity. Thus the Decision of the Rights of Property, not in Controversies between Man and Man, on the Question of meum vel tuum , where, though wrung by Oppression, the wretched Loser might draw a Degree of Consolation, by reflecting that he had received some Consideration for the Substance taken away, or at least that a Countryman gained his Spoils, but in Litigations founded on rigid Forfeitures and arbitrary Penalties, was to be referred to the incorrupt Tribunes of single Judges, appointed from another Country, filled with its Prejudices, holding their Commissions during Pleasure, totally independent on you, claiming Fees and Salaries to be paid out of your Money, condemned by themselves.
• "When the Jury have delivered their Verdict, and it is recorded in Court, they are then discharged, and so ends the Trial by Jury; a Trial which, besides the other vast Advantages which we have occasionally observed in its Progress, is also as expeditious and cheap, as it is convenient, equitable, and certain: For a Commission out of Chancery, or the Civil Law Courts, for examining Witnesses in one Cause, will frequently last as long, and of Course be full as expensive, as the Trial of a Hundred Issues at Nisi Prius, and yet the Facts cannot be determined by such Commissioners at all; no, not till the Depositions are published and read at the Hearing of the Cause in Court."
"Upon these Accounts, the Trial by Jury ever has been, and I trust ever will be, looked upon as the Glory of the English Law; and if it has so great an Advantage over others in regulating civil Property, how much must that Advantage be heightened when it is applied to criminal Cases! But this must refer to the ensuing Book of the Commentaries, only observing, for the present, that it is the most transcendent Privilege which any Subject can enjoy, or wish for, that he cannot be affected either in his Property, his Liberty, or his Person, but by the unanimous Consent of twelve of his Neighbours and Equals; a Constitution, that, I may venture to affirm, has, under Providence, secured the just Liberties of this Nation, for a long Succession of Ages. And therefore a celebrated French Writer (a) who concludes that because Rome, Sparta, and Carthage, have lost their Liberties, therefore those of England must also perish, should have recollecting that Rome, Sparta, and Carthage, at the Time when their Liberties were lost, were Strangers to the Trial by Jury."
"Great as this Eulogium may seem, it is no more than this admirable Constitution, when traced to its Principles, will be found in sober Reason to deserve. The impartial Administration of Justice, which secures both our Persons and our Properties, is the great End of Civil Society; but if that be entirely intrusted to the Magistracy, a select Body of Men, and those generally selected by the Prince, or such as enjoy the highest Offices in the State, their Decisions, in Spite of their own natural Integrity, will have frequently an involuntary Bias towards those of their own Rank and Dignity. It is not to be expected, from human Nature, that the few should be always attentive to the Interests and Good of the many. On the other Hand, if the Power of Judicature were placed at Random in the Hands of the Multitude, their Decisions would be wild and capricious, and a new Rule of Action would be every Day established in our Courts. It is wisely, therefore, ordered, that the Principles and Axioms of Law, which are generally Propositions, flowing from abstracted Reason, and not accommodated to Times or to Men, should be deposited in the Breasts of the Judges, to be occasionally applied to such Facts as come properly ascertained before them: For here Partiality can have little Scope, the Law is well known, and is the same for all Ranks and Degrees; it follows as a regular Conclusion, from the Premises of Fact pre-established. But in settling and adjusting a Question of Fact, when intrusted to any single Magistrate, Partiality and Injustice have an ample Field to range in; either by boldly asserting that to be proved which is not so, or more artfully by suppressing some Circumstances, stretching and warping others, and distinguishing away the Remainder. Here, therefore, a competent Number of sensible and upright Jurymen, chosen by Lot from among those of the middle Rank, will be found the best Investigators of Truth and the surest Guardians of publick Justice; for the most powerful Individual in the State will be cautious of committing any flagrant Invasion of another's Right when he knows that the Fact of his Oppression must be examined and decided by twelve indifferent Men, and that when once the Fact is ascertained the Law must of Course redress it. This, therefore, preserves in the Hands of the People that Share which they ought to have in the Administration of publick Justice, and prevents the Encroachments of the more powerful and wealthy Citizens. Every new Tribunal, erected for the Decision of Facts, without the Intervention of a Jury (whether composed of Justices of the Peace, Commissioners of the Revenue, Judges of a Court of Conscience, or any other standing Magistrates) is a Step towards establishing Aristocracy, the most oppressive of absolute Governments. The feudal System, which, for the Sake of military Subordination, pursued an aristocratical Plan in all its Arrangements of Property, had been intolerable in Times of Peace, had it not been wisely counterpoised by that Privilege, so universally diffused through every Part of it, the Trial by the feudal Peers. And in every Country on the Continent, as the Trial by the Peers has been gradually disused, so the Nobles have increased in Power, till the State has been torn in Pieces by rival Factions, and Oligarchy in Effect has been established, though under the Shadow of regal Government; unless where the miserable Commons have taken Shelter under absolute Monarchy, as the lighter Evil of the two. And, particularly, it is a Circumstance well worthy an Englishman's Observation, that in Sweden the Trial by Jury, that Bulwark of Northern Liberty, which continued in its full Vigour so lately as the Middle of last Century (b) is now fallen into Disuse; (c) and that there, though the regal Power is in no Country so closely limited, yet the Liberties of the Commons are extinguished, and the Government is degenerated into a mere Aristocracy. (d) It is therefore, upon the Whole, a Duty which every Man owes to his Country, his Friends, his Posterity, and himself, to maintain, to the utmost of his Power, this valuable Constitution in all its Rights; to restore it to its ancient Dignity, if at all impaired by the different Value of Property, or otherwise deviated from its first Institution; to amend it, wherever it is defective; and, above all, to guard with the most jealous Circumspection against the Introduction of new and arbitrary Methods of Trial, which, under a Variety of plausible Pretences, may in Time imperceptibly undermine this best Preservative of English Liberty."
Blackstone's Commentaries, Volume 3d, Page 378-382. (a) Montesq. Sp. L. xi. 6. (b) Whitelocke, of Parl. 427. (c) Mod. Un. Hist. xxviii. 22. (d) Ibid. 17.

If this be "Wisdom," it is not of that Kind the "Ways whereof are past finding out."
The Act, thus revoked by you, received soon after a formal Repeal in Parliament. This was done by the 6th of George III. Chapter the 12th. Because it was unconstitutional, as we were not and could not be represented there? No. Because it deprived "three Millions" of loyal Subjects of their darling Privilege of Trial by Jury, "the best Preservative of English Liberty?" No. Because "the Continuance of the said Act would be attended with many Inconveniences, and might be productive of Consequences greatly detrimental to the commercial Interests of Great Britain."
Cool, guarded Expressions! breathing the true Spirit of the modern Philosophy, so prevailing among the higher Ranks in that polished Kingdom. How much Care to avoid Inconveniences and Detriment to their own commercial Interests! how sovereign a Contempt for all the Agonies that bowed us down to the Earth, while Indignation, Shame, Grief, Affection, Veneration, and Gratitude, combated within our Breasts! They were advised to speak Peace to our Souls, by nobly assigning an "errori-nous Principle" for the Repeal. ¶ No. The Freedom of America is the Carthage of Great Britain: Delenda est. Let us repeal the Act, but never reign the Principle on which it was founded.
One generous Step, however, they did take, becoming Britons. It demands our Acknowledgments; nor should we withhold them. Why will they not suffer us to thank them for other Favours?
The repealing Act spoke an indecisive Language, subject to Comments, that might differ on different Sides of the Atlantic. We might have been too much agitated between Hopes and Apprehensions. It would have been unkind to leave us in such a State of Anxiety. It would have been unworthy of a free People, who were determined to subjugate another free People. Parmenius may steal Victories: Alexander forms it.
Therefore, the same Day, I think, in which they repealed the Stamp Act, in the next Chapter, however, they candidly explained to us their Sentiments and Resolutions, beyond Possibility of a Mistake, by the "Act for the better securing the Dependency of his Majesty's Dominions in America upon the Crown and Parliament of Great Britain."
"Lift up thine Eyes round about, and behold, all these gather themselves together, and come to thee; thou shalt surely clothe thee with them all, as with an Ornament, and bind them on thee as a Bride doth." Isaiah, Chapter 49th.
"Upon the Whole, I will beg Leave to tell the House what is really my Opinion; it is, that the Stamp Act be repealed, absolutely, totally, and immediately; that the Reason for the Repeal be assigned, because it was founded on an erroneous Principle." Mr. Pitt's Speech.
NEW YORK, June 2.
ON Saturday last Mr. William Goddard arrived here from Boston, with important Despatches for all the Southern Colonies, for which he sets out on Monday Morning. The Plan for establishing a CONSTITUTIONAL AMERICAN POST OFFICE having met with the greatest Success in all the commercial Towns in the Northern Colonies, it is not doubted, from the Encouragement already given at the Southward, but the important Design will, in a few Weeks, be carried into complete Execution. [ The sooner the better, for the publick Good. ]
June 16. The Western Post yesterday brought not a single Philadelphia Newspaper. The Reason we do not know.
On the 10th Instant the Committee of Correspondence at Philadelphia, and a great Number of respectable Inhabitants from all the Societies in Town, had a Meeting, when they unanimously agreed upon eight Propositions, which they ordered to be printed and dispersed, previous to a general Meeting of those qualified to vote for Representatives, to be on Saturday the 18th, at the Statehouse. These Propositions in Substance were, that the Act for shutting up the Port of Boston was highly oppressive to the Inhabitants, and dangerous to the Liberties of British America; that a general Congress ought to be appointed; that it was best that the Congress should be appointed by the Representatives of the several Colonies, in their legislative Capacities; but as they in Pennsylvania would not soon have an Opportunity to meet, that the Speaker should request the Members to meet at a Time appointed before the 1st of August, to consider their alarming Situation, and appoint Delegates for the general Congress, &c. and that the Committee, consisting of forty Persons, immediately set on Foot a Subscription for the Relief of the poor Sufferers in Boston.
WILLIAMSBURG, July 7.
LAST Friday ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS, Esq; met the Freeholders of James City County, his late Constituents, to be made acquainted with their Sentiments upon the present alarming Situation of Affairs in America, and to consult with them the Steps necessary to be taken at the general Meeting of the late Representatives of this Colony, on the first Day of August next, in Williamsburg, in Order to avert the Calamities impending over this Continent in general, from several late oppressive Acts of the British Parliament. Accordingly a Number of Resolves were passed, uniform to those published as the Sense of sundry other Counties of this Colony; and it was the unanimous Request of the Freeholders to their late Representative to partake of an Entertainment, from them, next Friday 'e'night, being the Day appointed for the Election of Burgesses for their County.
The Eliza, Jack, from Glasgow, via Havre de Grace, is arrived in James River.
Marriages.] Mr. SAMUEL INGLIS, Merchant in Norfolk, to Miss NANCY AITCHISON, of that Borough.
FRIDAY, July 8. This Day there was a general Meeting of the Citizens at the Courthouse, when the following Address to the Honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; our late worthy Representative (which had been previously drawn up) was unanimously approved of, and presented to him by a Committee delegated for the Purpose:
SIR, WE, the Citizens of Williamsburg, reflecting with Pleasure on the assiduous Attention which you, as our Representative in General Assembly, have ever paid to our Interests, as well as those of the Community at large; greatly scandalized at the Practice which has too much prevailed throughout the Country of entertaining the Electors, a Practice which even its Antiquity cannot sanctify; and being desirous of setting a worthy Example to our Fellow Subjects, in general, for abolishing every Appearance of Venality (that only Poison which can infect our happy Constitution) and to give the fullest Proof that it is to your singular Merit alone you are indebted for the unbounded Suffrages of a free People; moved, Sir, by these important Considerations, we earnestly request that you will not think of incurring any Expense or Trouble at the approaching Election of a Citizen, but that you will do us the Honour to partake of an Entertainment which we shall direct to be provided for the Occasion.
We are just favoured, from a private Hand, with Mr. Gaine's New York Gazette of the 27th ult. which contains Intelligence of much Importance from Boston, relating to the Proceedings of the Massachusetts Representatives before their Dissolution, which took Place the 17th of the same Month. Want of Time obliges us to be as concise as possible, but we believe we have omitted nothing which is material, at least that the Marrow of the Whole is extracted.
His Majesty's Council of that Province directed a Committee of their Board to wait upon his Excellency General Gage with the following Address in Answer to his Speech at the Opening of the General Court, which was presented to him, in Part, on the 13th: "That they congratulated him on his Appointment to the Command over them; express their Concern that his Station, though elevated, must needs be rendered less agreeable to him than it would have been, owing to the Interruption of the Harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies; that, however, if he should be the happy Instrument of restoring the same, in any Measure, and extricating the Province from their present Embarrassments, they made no Doubt but he would consider those happy Effects as more than a Compensation for any Inconveniences rising to him from the peculiar Circumstances of the Times; and assured his Excellency that they would cheerfully co-operate, on all Occasions, in every Attempt to accomplish those desirable Ends. They express their Wish, that the Principles and general Conduct of his Excellency's Administration may be a happy Contrast to that of his two immediate Predecessors; that although it was irksome to them to censure any One, yet they were constrained to say there was the greatest Reason to apprehend that, from their Machinations, both in Concert and apart, are derived the Origin and Progress of the Disunion between Britain and the Colonies, and the present distressed State of their Province, a Province to which the latter of them, in an essential Manner, owed his best Services. That the People of Massachusetts Bay claim no more than the Rights of Englishmen, without Diminution or Abridgement; and that, as it is their indispensable Duty, so it will be their constant Endeavour, to maintain those Rights, to the utmost of their Power, in perfect Confidence, however, with the truest Loyalty to the Crown.
They express their Confidence, that, under their present Grievances, the People under his Care would not look up to him in vain for his paternal Aid and Assistance; and that, as the great End of Government is the Good of the People, that his Experience and Abilities will be applied to attain that End, which, at the same Time that it ensures their Confidence and Esteem, is a Source of the truest Enjoyment, Self Approbation. But when the Committee appointed to present the Address had read as far as that Part which reflects on the Administration of his Excellency's two immediate Predecessors, he desired the Chairman not to proceed, and that he would assign his Reasons for refusing to receive it, in a Message to the Council, and on the same Day sent by the Secretary the following: "Gentlemen of the Council, I cannot receive an Address which contains indecent Reflections on my Predecessors, who have been tried, and honourably acquitted, by the Lords of the Privy Council, and their Conduct approved by the King. I consider this Address as an Insult upon his Majesty and the Lords of the Privy Council, and an Affront to me."
The Address of the House of Representatives, presented to his Excellency the same Day, was much to the like Import; and they express their Concern at being informed by his Excellency that he had the King's Command for holding the General Court at Salem, instead of Boston, its ancient and only convenient Seat. Misrepresentation from Persons residing in the Province, they conceive, must have induced the Ministry to advise his Majesty to lay his Excellency under such an Injunction, to very disagreeable to the good people of the Province, as it deprives them of the Benefit of that discretionary Power vested in the Governor by Charter (and exercised by former Governors) of determining in such Case for the Good of the Province. They hope, however, that when his Majesty, through him, is acquainted with the true State of the Province, and the Character of his faithful Subjects in it, that his Excellency may be the happy Instrument of removing the King's Displeasure, and restoring Harmony, which has been too long interrupted, by the Artifices of interested and designing Men.
June 17th, the Honourable House of Representatives having finished all the ordinary publick Business of Importance, that had been before them, came into the following Resolutions, present 129 Members, and only 12 Dissenters, viz. "This House having duly considered, and being deeply affected with the unhappy Differences which have long subsisted, and are increasing, between Great Britain and the American Colonies, do resolve that a Meeting of Committees from the several Colonies on this Continent is highly expedient and necessary, to consult upon the present State of the Colonies, and the Miseries to which they are and must be reduced, by the Operation of certain Acts of Parliament respecting America; and to deliberate and determine upon wise and proper Measures to be by them recommended to all the Colonies for the Recovery and Establishment of their just Rights and Liberties, civil and religious, and the Restoration of Union and Harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies, most ardently desired by all good Men: Therefore resolved, that the Honourable James Bowdoin, Esq; the Honourable Thomas Cushing, Esq; Mr. Samuel Adams, John Adams, and Robert Treat Paine, Esq; be, and they are hereby appointed a Committee on the Part of this Province for the Purposes aforesaid, any three of whom to be a Quorum, to meet such Committees or Delegates from the other Colonies as have been or may be appointed, either by their respective Houses of Burgesses or Representatives, or by Convention, or by the Committees of Correspondence, appointed by the respective Houses of Assembly, to meet in the City of Philadelphia, or any other Place that shall be judged most suitable by the Committee, on the first Day of September next; and that the Speaker of the House be directed, in a Letter to the Speaker of the Houses of Burgesses or Representatives in the several Colonies, to inform them of the Substance of these Resolves. And whereas this House did resolve that there be paid to said Committee, out of the publick Treasury, the Sum of 500l. to enable them to discharge the important Trust to which they are appointed (they upon their Return to be accountable for the same) and said Resolve was sent up to the Honourable Board for their Concurrence, who accordingly concurred in the Resolve of the House, but his Excellency the Governor declined his Consent to the same, this House would therefore recommend, and they do accordingly hereby recommend, to the several Towns and Districts within this Province, that each Town and District raise, collect, and pay to the Honourable Thomas Cushing, Esq; of Boston, the Sum of 500l. by the 15th Day of August next, agreeable to a List herewith exhibited, being each Town and District's Proportion of said Sum, according to the last Province Tax, to enable them to discharge the important Trust to which they are appointed, they upon their Return to be accountable for the same."
The same Day they came to the following Resolutions, viz. "Whereas the Towns of Boston and Charlestown are at this Time suffering under the Hand of Power, by the shutting up the Harbour by an armed Force, which, in the Opinion of this House, is an Invasion of the said Towns, evidently designed to compel the Inhabitants thereof to a Submission to Taxes imposed upon them without their Consent; and whereas it appears to this House that this Attack upon the said Towns, for the Purpose aforesaid, is an Attack made upon this whole Province and Continent, which threatens the total Destruction of the Liberties of all British America: It is therefore resolved, as the clear Opinion of this House, that the Inhabitants of the said Towns ought to be relieved; and this House do recommend to all, and more especially to the Inhabitants of this Province, to afford them speedy and constant Relief, in such Way and Manner as shall be most suitable to their Circumstances, till the Sense and Advice of our Sister Colonies shall be known, in full Confidence that they will exhibit Examples of Patience, Fortitude, and Perseverance, while they are thus called to endure this Oppression, for the Preservation of the Liberties of their Country."
They then proceeded to the following Resolutions, viz. "Whereas as this, and his Majesty's other Colonies in North America, have long been struggling under the heavy Hand of Power, and our dutiful Petitions for the Redress of our intolerable Grievances have not only been disregarded and frowned upon, but the Design totally to alter the free Constitution of civil Government in British America, establish arbitrary Governments, and reduce the Inhabitants to Slavery, appears more and more to be fixed and determined: It is therefore strongly recommended, by this House, to the Inhabitants of the Province, that they renounce altogether the Consumption of India Teas, and as far as in them lies discontinue the Use of all Goods and Manufactures whatever that shall be imported from the East Indies, and Great Britain, until the publick Grievances of America shall be radically and totally redressed; and it is also farther recommended, to all, that they give all possible Encouragement to the Manufactures of America."
The same Day his Excellency the Governor having directed the Secretary to acquaint the two Houses that it was his Pleasure the General Assembly should be dissolved, and to declare the same dissolved accordingly, the Secretary accordingly went to the Courthouse; but finding the Door of the Representatives Chamber locked, directed the Messenger to go in and acquaint the Speaker that the Secretary had a Message from his Excellency to the Honourable House, and desired he might be admitted to deliver it. The Message returned, and said he had acquainted the Speaker therewith, who mentioned it to the House; and that their Orders were, to keep the Door fast. Upon which the following Proclamation was published, on the Stairs leading to the Representatives Chamber, in Presence of several Members of the House, and a great Number of other Persons, and immediately after in Council: "Whereas the Proceedings of the House of Representatives, in the present Session, of the General Court, makes it necessary, for his Majesty's Service, that the said General Court be dissolved, I have therefore thought fit to dissolve the said General Court, and the same is hereby dissolved accordingly; and the Members thereof are discharged from any farther Attendance. God save the King."
The same Day, at a legal and very full Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, at Faneuil Hall, by Adjournment, they again proceeded to consider and determine what Measures are proper to be taken upon the present Exigency of their publick Affairs, more especially relative to the late Edict of a British Parliament for blocking up the Harbour of Boston, and annihilating the Trade of that Town; and, after serious Debates thereon, it was voted (only one dissenting Voice) that the Committee of Correspondence be enjoined forthwith to write to all the other Colonies, acquainting them that they were not idle; that they were deliberating upon the Steps to be taken on the present Exigencies of their publick Affairs; that their Brethren, the landed Interest of the Province, with an unexampled Spirit and Unanimity, are entering into a Non-Consumption Agreement; and that they are waiting, with anxious Expectation, for the Result of a continental Congress, whose Meeting they impatiently desire, in whose Wisdom and Firmness they can confide, and in whose Determinations they shall cheerfully acquiesce. They voted, unanimously, that their warmest Thanks be transmitted to their Brethren on the Continent, for that Humanity, Sympathy, and Affection, with which they have been inspired, and which they have expressed towards that distressed Town at this important Season; and that all Grants and Donations
to the Town, and the Poor thereof, be paid into the Hands of the Overseers of the Poor, and by them appropriated and distributed in Concert with the Committee lately appointed by the Town for the Consideration of Ways and Means of employing the Poor.
CHARLESTOWN, June 6. Last Wednesday, June the 1st, the memorable Day on which the Blockade of the Town of Boston was to commence, the very Elements, at this Distance, were in such Commotion, between four and five o'Clock in the Afternoon, that all the Vessels lying at the Wharfs were torn from them in an Instant, several of them much damaged, four Schooners were overset, and it was scarce possible to see across even the narrowest Street in Town. A great Deal of Damage was also done in the Country, where Abundance of growing Corn, many Fences, and some slight Houses, were thrown down. During this Commotion in our Air, there was more sharp Lightning, and less Thunder heard, than usual; and we have had no settled Weather since.
The latest Advices from London say, that the Parliamentary Bakers were then hard at Work making Gingerbread Cakes, superbly gilt, impressed with "another Act of Parliament," to tempt the rest of the Colonies to desert the devoted Inhabitants of Boston, and in them the common Cause of America.
NEW YORK, June 27. The Accounts received by every Post, and each Vessel entering our Harbour, bring us the Resolutions of the Cities and Counties in the several Colonies on the Situation of our suffering Brethren at Boston, and Assurances of their sending Deputations to assist at a grand Congress of Representatives of all the Colonies; to whose Wisdom, Firmness, and Fortitude, the Liberty, Property, and whole Interest, of this free and august Continent, are to be delegated.
By a Letter from Charlestown, South Carolina, as late as the 14th Instant, we learn that the Inhabitants of that Town called a Meeting on receiving Intelligence of the Port of Boston being shut up, and that they agreed to support their Sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, in Conjunction with the other Colonies; and were determined to send a Vessel, loaded with Rice, for the Subsistence of the Poor of the Town of Boston.
PHILADELPHIA, June 20. Captain May, from Madeira, which he left on the 12th ult. informs that a 74 Gun Ship arrived there the Day he failed, said to have had on Board the Admiral bound for Boston, to take the Command of that Station.
Extract of a Letter from Alexander McKee, Esq; Agent for Indian Affairs at Fort Pitt. June 10.
"You must ere this be acquainted with the critical Situation of this Country. The unhappy Disturbances which have lately arisen between the Virginians and the Natives, the Event of which still continues doubtful; whether Matters will be brought to a general Rupture or Accommodation. Hostilities, however, have been committed on both Sides; but, at present, there seems to be a Cessation. Some wise Interposition of Government is truly necessary, and would undoubtedly restore Peace; without it, impossible, and Thousands of the Inhabitants must be involved in Misery and Distress. But, to do the Indians Justice, they have given great Proofs of their pacifick Disposition, and have acted with more Moderation than those who ought to have been more rational; a few Mingoës and Shawanese excepted, who have been long refractory. There are more effectual Means of chastising them for their Insolence and Perfidy than by involving the defenceless Country in a War, which there is too much Reason to fear at this Time will become general, and must inevitably be the Destruction of this Country."
A Correspondent remarks, that instead of complying with the Plan proposed by some People for sending Members from America to represent us in Parliament, it would be much better to delegate the Manufacturers of Britain (by stopping our Imports) for that Office; a Set of Men whose Eloquence has never been exerted in vain, in Behalf of the Liberties of their Country.
By the Halifax Papers we find that in five Vessels arrived this Spring from Hull, Scarborough, and Newcastle, in England, that there came 662 Passengers, to settle in the Province of Nova Scotia.
Monday last arrived here the Ship Friendship, from the Isle of Lewis, with 100 Scotch Servants and Passengers, by whom we learn that all possible Methods are taken to prevent farther Emigrations, by lowering their Rents, &c. &c.
Thursday the 16th of June was observed throughout the Bounds of the Synod of New York and Philadelphia as a Day of Humiliation and Prayer, on Account of the late Invasion of the Liberties of North America.
Mr. PURDIE,
Please to insert the Marriage mentioned below, as soon as possible, in your useful Paper, and you will oblige a Friend of Mr. HALL's, and your humble Servant, A CUSTOMER.
ON Saturday the 18th Instant was married Mr. HENRY HALL, of Prince George, to Miss TABITHA STEVENS, of the said County; a young Lady who, for her many amiable Qualifications, such as Sweetness of Temper, Sprightliness of Wit, &c. has few Equals, no Superior. In short, to give the Sum Total of her Accomplishments, she is endowed with every Qualification requisite to render the Marriage State happy. Quere, whether Hymen's Bands were ever graced with a more genteel, handsome, and loving Couple? [The Printer received the 3s. which accompanied the above, for which he returns Thanks to his Customer, and will be his very humble Servant, upon the same Terms, on any future Occasion.]
AT a respectable Meeting of the Freeholders and Freemen of the County of Richmond, after due Notice to attend at the Courthouse of the said County on Wednesday the 29th of June 1774, in Order to give their Sentiments to their late Representatives, invited to meet in Williamsburg on the first Day of August next, to deliberate on Matters of the utmost Importance to this Country, they, after making Choice of the Reverend Isaac William Giberne Moderator, came to the following Resolutions:
1st. That it is the undoubted Rights of the People of British America to be taxed alone by their respective provincial Assemblies, which Right they claim from Charter, natural Justice, and constant Usage, ever since their first Settlement in America; and that an Attempt to force one Colony to pay a Tax imposed by the British Legislature, where they had not, nor could have, any Representatives, is a violent Attack on their constitutional Rights.
2d. They do respect the Bostonians, in their Sister Colony of Massachusetts Bay, as suffering in their common Cause of British America; and that the hostile Attack now made on them by the Parliament of Great Britain, in blocking up their Harbour, and violently taking away the Property of many Individuals, by preventing them the Use of their Wharfs, Quays, &c. is an avowed Intention to reduce all America to a State of Slavery.
3d. It is the Opinion of this Meeting, that nothing will be more conducive to prevent such Oppression than immediately to stop all Imports from Great Britain, and, at a short Day hereafter to be fixed, to stop all Exports to Great Britain and the West Indies, until there is a total Repeal of not only the Act called the Boston Port Act, but also of all the several Acts of the British Parliament laying Taxes on the Americans for the Purpose of raising a Revenue, and all other Acts made against the Rights of the People of Massachusetts Bay, on Account of their virtuous Oppositions to the said Revenue Acts.
4th. It also is the Opinion of this Meeting, that, immediately on the Non-exportation Plan taking Place, the Gentlemen of the Bar shall not bring any Suit for the Recovery of any Debts, or prosecute farther any Suit already brought, during the Continuance of the former Resolution, it being utterly inconsistent with such a Scheme for a Man to be compelled to pay without the Means wherewith he may pay.
5th. This Meeting do most heartily concur with their late Representatives in their Resolve for the total Disuse of Tea, and do farther resolve that they will not purchase any East India Commodity whatsoever, except Salt-petre, until they have their Grievances fully redressed.
6th. They do declare they are ready to submit to any Resolution that may be entered into, either by the Deputies of the several Colonies in this Colony at Williamsburg, or by the Congress of the several Colonies on the Continent, and intend these Resolutions only as an Instruction to their Deputies, that they may know how to conduct themselves.
7th. It is resolved, that, as soon as the Non-exportation Agreement begins, we will, every Man of us, keep our Produce, whether Tobacco, Corn, Wheat, or any Thing else, unfold on our respective Plantations, and not carry, or suffer them to be carried, to any publick Warehouse or Landing Place, except of Grain, where the same be so done, on Oath being first made that such Grain is for the Use or Consumption of any other Colony in North America, and not for Exportation from the Continent, whilst the said Agreement subsists; and this is the more necessary, to prevent a few designing Men from engrossing and buying up Tobacco, Grain, &c. when they are low in Value, in Order to avail themselves of the very high Price that these Articles must bear when the Ports are open, and foreign Markets empty.

8th. This Meeting do appoint ROBERT WORMELEY CARTER and FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE, Esquires, as their Deputies for the Purposes aforesaid; and they do request that they fail not to attend in Williamsburg on the said 1st Day of August, and that they do not trust to their meeting in Assembly on the 11th of the same Month, as it is in the Power of Government either to prorogue the Assembly, to a future Day, or dissolve the same, by which Means the Sense of the Colony may not be known.
Ordered, by the Meeting, that those Resolves be forthwith transmitted to both the Printing Offices in Williamsburg, to be inserted in each Gazette.
The several Resolutions, as above, being entered into, the Meeting was decently concluded with drinking the following patriotic Sentiments: 1st. God bless his Majesty King George III. Grant him long to reign the satisfied Sovereign of a faithful and contented People; and that he may never want loyal Subjects in America, ready to defend his Crown and Dignity, with their Lives and Fortunes, on every constitutional Occasion and Requisition.
2d. May Great Britain reflect on her mistaken Principles, and relax from her despotic Rule over her Children in America, before civil Distractions, the Result of Imperiousness and Oppression, shall enervate her vast Empire dividing against itself.
3d. American Liberty founded on the British Constitution, or no other Existence to a sensible People.
4th. Unanimity, Firmness, and Prudence, to all the British Colonies, in support of this Freedom.
5th. May the Bostonians continue acting up to the first Principle of human Nature, Self Preservation; but, may they never more be put to any Occasion to distinguish themselves in so doing.
6th. May the East India Company of England ever feel the just Resentment of all generous Minds, so long as they act the Part of Tools to ministerial Oppression against their Fellow Subjects.
7th. May Rebellion against the Government of Britain be never more experienced, Unde derivantur Reges , than it ever was, or ever will be, in British America.
8th. May the British Premier be well sweetened from his despotic Corruptions, before America shall be obliged to sue at his Feet for their constitutional Liberties; which, of Coronation Right, ought only to flow from the Bosom of the Throne.
9th. May every succeeding House of Burgessies in Virginia preserve the patriotic Firmness of all preceding Assemblies, unawed by any Disillusion; for Legislation, without Freedom, is but a mere French Slavery. * Alluding to Lord Bathurst's Motto, Reges derivantur a nobis .
† Agreeable to his Lordship's peculiar Declaration in Parliament "that America should never be heard there till she brought her down to his Feet."
WE the Freeholders and Inhabitants of the County of Spotsylvania, being assembled on this 24th Day of June to advise and consult with our late Representatives (agreeable to their Invitation) on the present State of British America, and having taken under our most serious Consideration several Acts of the Parliament of Great Britain, made during the present Reign, respecting America, particularly one Act, whereby a Duty on Tea is made payable in America, for the Purpose of raising a Revenue, and three other Acts of the last Session of the present Parliament, respecting the Province of Massachusetts Bay, are of Opinion that the said several Acts of Parliament are unconstitutional, arbitrary, and unjust, manifestly calculated for the Destruction of the Rights of America, and the British Constitution in general, and ought to be opposed by all Wellwishers as well of the Mother Country as of the Colonies, whose Interests are mutual, and ought ever to be considered as inseparable.
That the Levies of Parliament are the free Gift of the People, granted by their Representatives; who, as they must necessarily contribute thereto, and oftentimes in a manifold Proportion, the Constitution presumes will not be over-lavish of the People's Money.
That the Legislation of Great Britain, and all free Governments, is founded on the essential Principle, that the Representatives must be affected by the Laws of their making equally with their Constituents.
That the Colonies, since their Separation from Great Britain, having no Representation in the British Parliament, and having Parliaments of their own, under the Authority of the same King, adequate to all Purposes of Legislation, the British Parliament can have no Power of making Laws for the Government of the Colonies, but in such Cases wherein the Authority of the Colony Assembly does not extend.
Resolved, therefore, that we owe all due Obedience to our most gracious Sovereign George III. lawful and rightful Sovereign of Great Britain, France, Ireland, and of this Colony of Virginia; that we will, with our Lives and Fortunes, support and maintain the Honour of his Crown, the Happiness of his illustrious House, and Prosperity of his Dominions in general; and that we will, in our Assembly (whereof we boast our most gracious Sovereign is the Head) recommend and advise all such Laws as shall be necessary for the internal Government of this Colony, and for the Advancement of his Majesty's Glory in general, as the Ability of his loyal Subjects here will admit of.
Resolved farther, that we owe no Obedience to any Act of the British Parliament; that is, or shall be made, respecting the internal Police of this Colony, and that we will oppose any such Acts with our Lives and Fortunes.
Resolved, that the said Acts of the British Parliament respecting the Province of Massachusetts's Bay, and the Town of Boston, tending to enforce Obedience to the aforesaid unconstitutional Act, imposing a Duty upon Tea, for raising a Revenue in America, ought to be considered as an Attempt against the Rights and Liberties of America in general, and that the same ought to be opposed by the People of this Colony.
Resolved, that the most effectual Method of opposing the said several Acts of Parliament will be to break off all commercial Connexions with Great Britain, till the said Acts shall be repealed.
We therefore, most cordially, approve the proposed Meeting of the late House of Burgessies on the 1st Day of August next, and authorise and request you, GEORGE STUELEFIELD and MARK PAGE, Esquires, our late Burgessies, to represent us, the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of this County, at such Meeting, there to consult with the other Deputies of the several Counties in this Colony, and adopt such Measures as shall seem best to answer the general Tendency of the foregoing Resolutions; hereby engaging, on our Parts, to conform thereto, and support the same to the utmost of our Power.
The Jett, Gibson, from London, is gone up Rappahannock River. In her came Passenger JOHN BALLENDINE, Esq., with about forty ingenious Mechanics, who landed at Hampton. Mr. Ballendine has made the Tour of England, Scotland, Ireland, and France, in Order to make himself thoroughly acquainted with inland Navigation, and has also engaged and brought in with him some of the best and most experienced Artists in Canals, Locks, &c. that could be had in England; among them Mr. JAMES BRINDLEY and Mr. THOMAS ALLAN, Nephews to the celebrated Engineer of that Name, who were brought up with him, and were well acquainted with all his Works till his Death. In Order to forward the Opening of James and Potowmack Rivers, and other useful Works, Mr. Ballendine has provided, at his own Expense, all necessary Tools, &c. and brought with him Models of Goldburne's Ploughs, for deepening Channels, Creeks, Bars, Harbours, &c. so much esteemed for their Simplicity and great Use.
Advertisements.
LUNENBURG, at WINNENGRAME'S, June 16, 1774.
THE Subscriber having occasion to leave the Colony for a few Months, the Store here will, in the Meantime, be continued under the Care of James Merrell; and Alexander Burt will reside here with the Books, and collect the Debts of the Store in Charlotte, lately kept by me, for Buchanan, Hester, and Co.
(2) JOHN LINDSAY.
PORTSMOUTH, July 5, 1774.
A PURSE of 100 GUINEAS to be run for by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, over the Two-Mile Course at this Place, the best two Heats in three, on Tuesday the 20th of September, carrying Weight for Age, agreeable to the Articles of the said Purse, which are to be seen in the Hands of Mr. Richard Nelson, Merchant there, with whom all Horses starting for the said Purse are to be entered, the Day before the Race at farthest. The Money to be paid to the Winner immediately after the Race. It is also proposed to have two more Races, one on the Wednesday following, for 50 l. the other on Thursday for 30 l. which will be advertised particularly, as soon as the Subscriptions are full.
AS the Members of the late House of Burgessies have referred the Consideration of the important Matters recommended to them by some of the Northern Colonies to the first Day of August next, it is expected the Members who may be chosen at the ensuing Election will not fail to meet at the Time appointed. There is no Necessity to represent to the Publick what an Appearance it would have to keep them longer in Suspense about our Determinations.
THE MODERATOR.
WILLIAMSBURG, July 4, 1774.
I HAVE for Sale, for ready Money, the following Articles, viz. MATRASSES, made of the best English curled Hair, without any Addition of Tow or Wool; HAIR SEATING for Chairs; BOXES of TYPES for marking Linen, Books, &c. PAPER HANGINGS, of the best Kinds, and most fashionable Patterns. I have likewise to dispose of, the Remainder of the Time of an indented young Woman from Ireland, who was bred up as a Spinner in one of the first Linen Manufactures in that Kingdom; and the sole Reason of my parting with her is, my not having Employ for her, and her own Desire to pursue that Employment.
BENJAMIN BUCKTROUT.
URBANNA, July 4, 1774.
ON Monday last the Subscriber hired a Horse to a Man who calls himself John Barnes, pretended to be an Alorney, said he was going to Leeds Town, and should return in a few Days; but, from many Circumstances, I am afraid he has made off with my Horse. The said Barnes is about five Feet seven or eight Inches high, of a brown Complexion, much pitted with the Smallpox, and wears his own dark Hair; had on a London brown Cloth Coat, white Waistcoat, corded Dimity Breeches, Shoe Boots, and had a Cane with a Spear in it. He talks much in the Cumberland Dialect. The Horse is about thirteen Hands and a Half high, the Colour of a Mule, shod before, one of his fore Feet has been gravelled, and by a long Journey his Hoof was broke off. Whoever will secure the Horse and Saddle that he had with him shall be genteelly rewarded. (1||) HENRY DANIEL.
For SALE, and to be entered on at Christmas, A VERY valuable TRACT of LAND in King William County, on Pamunkey River, adjoining the Land of the late Mr. John Smith, of Hanover County, deceased, containing 800 Acres; the Soil is good for Wheat, Corn, or Tobacco. It is in good Order for Cropping, has convenient Houses, with great Plenty of Oak, Pine, and other Timber, lies about two Miles from Hanover Town, to which Place the Produce of the Plantation may be transported by Water (the River being so far already cleared) in Flats, is very convenient to Church, and two Mills. Any Person inclined to purchase may be shown the Land by applying to Mr. Christopher Taliaferro, or Mr. William Jones, who resides near the same, and the Terms may be known of those Gentlemen, or the Subscriber. (1||) THOMAS JONES.
FOR SALE, A FINE PLANTATION on the south Side of James River, a little above the Seven Islands, containing 1600 Acres. It will be shown by Mr. Anthony Murray, or Mr. Thomas Balow, living in the Neighbourhood, and the Terms may be known of ROBERT BOLLING, Junior.
To be SOLD, upon long Credit, NINE HUNDRED Acres of good Corn LAND, lying within three Miles of Sufex Courthouse, well timbered, &c. Also 582 Acres of very valuable Land in Brunswick County, near Sweet's Bridge, on which is a good Dwelling-House, and several necessary Outhouses; and the Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, with six or eight Hands. Those inclined to purchase may know the Terms by applying to the Subscriber, living on the last mentioned Premises. (1) WILLIAM MASON.
To be LET to the lowest Bidder, on Thursday the 28th Instant (July) at the Town of Manchester, in Chesterfield County,
THE Clearing of the Falls of James River, from Westham to the Mouth of Reedy Creek. It will be let in several Divisions. Bond and Security will be required for the Performance in Time, and agreeable to the Directions then given. A considerable Sum is subscribed towards carrying the Work into Execution. Half the Money to be paid the Undertakers in October next, and the other Half the October following. They will not have the Trouble of collecting the Money from the Subscribers, as they will oblige themselves to pay the Sums agreed upon at the Times stipulated. THE TRUSTEES.
Pursuant to a Decree of the Honourable General Court, and by Letter of Attorney from Colonel George Mercer of Virginia, now in London, will be sold at publick Auction,
ABOUT 13,500 ACRES of LAND in the County of Loudoun, near Wolf's Ordinary, about twelve Miles from Leechburg, forty from Alexandria, and thirty five from Dumfries, on Potowmack. This Land is well known, by the Description of Bull Run Mountains, and is very fertile. Also 5000 Acres on Shenando River, in the County of Frederick, opposite to Snicker's Ordinary, and binding on the River about seven Miles. As this Tract is Part of a Survey one of the first in that Part of the Colony, its good Quality cannot be questioned, it is well watered, will admit of two Mills on Land Streams, and others on the River; there are now on it six Plantations well improved for Cropping, 110 Slaves, and very large and choice Stocks of Horses (some of the Dray Breed) black Cattle, Hogs, and Sheep; which, together with the Crops of Corn and Wheat now growing (expected to be upwards of 2000 Barrels and 5000 Bushels) will be sold on the Premises, on the 24th Day of November next, or next fair Day. The Loudoun Lands will be sold at Wolf's Ordinary, on the 21st Day of the same Month. Both Tracts will be laid off in Lots to suit every Kind of Purchaser, who may see them by applying to Mr. Francis Peyton, near the Loudoun Land, and Mr. William Dawson, who resides on the Shenando Tract. Among the Slaves are two good Blacksmiths, two Carpenters, and an exceeding trusty and skilful Waggoner. The aged black Cattle, and grown Hogs, will be fattened for Slaughter. Purchasers above 25 l. will be allowed twelve Months Credit, on giving Bond and Security to the Subscribers, who will be prepared to make Conveyances. (20) JOHN TAYLOR. GEORGE WASHINGTON.
PETERSBURG, June 26, 1774.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, about the first Instant, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE above fourteen Hands high, from six to eight Years old, remarkably well set, paces, trots, and gallops, is short docked, his Mane and Tail remarkably black, has a Hole in one of his fore Hoofs occasioned by Gravel, but his Brand, if any, forgot. He was bred in Surry by Mr. Brown, but has been used in Lunenburg all last Winter and Spring. As he was missing a few Days after I had him, I have some Reason to think he was carried off by a runaway Negro Boy of this Town, who was seen at Williamsburg the last Meeting. I will give 3 l. to any Person who will bring him to me. (tf) HENRY LOCHHEAD.
CUMBERLAND, June 28, 1774.
RUN away from the Ship Brilliant, on the 24th and 25th Instant, two Sailor Lads, one named CHARLES DAMES, a Seaman, but acted as Steward, supposed to be gone to his Uncle John Dames, at Old Point Comfort, as I have a Letter to prove he has enticed him from the Ship, and will certainly put the Law in Force against him. The other is a Boy named JOHN SWANSON, an Apprentice, about eighteen Years of Age, much pitted with the Smallpox, a burnt Scar on his Breast, and speaks very broad Yorkhire. I forewarn all Persons from harbouring or employing them, as I will put the Law in Force against such as do. I will give 20 s. to any One that will have them apprehended and secured in any of his Majesty's Jails, so that I can get them. JAMES MILLER.
To be SOLD, BY Decree of the Court of Vice Admiralty, at Urbanna, on Monday the 11th of July, for ready Money, the Sloop PATTY, Burthen about fifty Tuns, with her Lading, consisting of 2000 Bushels of CORN, 73 Barrels of TOBACCO, some BREAD, PEASE, and FLOWER. (1) JAMES COCKE, Marshal.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Norfolk, on Sunday the 19th of June, a Negro Fellow named ADAM, by Trade a Bricklayer, about 27 Years old, six Feet high, tolerably well made, very black, has a down Look, a large Scar on one of his Heels, occasioned by a Cut with an Adze when a Boy, which cut his Heelstring across, and occasions him to limp a little. He was seen in Hampton the Tuesday following, and I imagine he is making towards Petersburg, as he formerly lived there, and had a Wife at Colonel Robert Bolling's. He may probably have a Pals and endeavour to pass for a Freeman, as he is a very good Workman. Had on, when he went away, a short green Jacket, long Osnaburg Trousers, Shoes, Stockings, and Hat; he carried with him, in a Wallet, a blue Coat, a white Cotton and white Duffel Waistcoat, a Pair of white Duffel Breeches, one Do. of Russia Drill, and one Do. of brown Broadcloth. Whoever secures the said Fellow so that I get him again shall have 40 s. Reward, or if delivered to me in Norfolk 4 l. and all Masters of Vessels are forewarned from carrying him out of the Colony. (5) CHAPMAN MANSON.
FOR LONDON,
THE Ship Neptune, Jonathan Punderjon Master, lying in Pamunkey, will take on Board Tobacco on Liberty of Consignment at 8 l. Sterling per Tun. Two Thirds of his Cargo being engaged, he will, if possible, sail about the latter End of August. Any Gentlemen inclined to ship by this Opportunity are desired to send their Notes or Orders to Colonel Thomas Nelson of York, Warner Lewis, Jun. Esq. in Gloucester, or the Captain on Board said Ship. Attendance will be given at the adjacent County Courts. (||)
For SALE, THE noted and well accomplished TAVERN in James City County, about fifteen Miles from Williamsburg, on the main Road leading to New Kent Courthouse and Ruskin'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. (4) THOMAS DONCASTLE.
To be SOLD, by Execution, for ready Money, at Aylett's Warehouse, on Wednesday the 13th of July,
TWENTY SEVEN likely Virginia born Negroes, consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls, belonging to the Estate of Colonel James Quarles, deceased, and taken to satisfy three Judgments obtained in York Court by the Executors of Philip W. Claiborne, deceased. GOODRICH CRUMP, Sub Sheriff.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, on Monday the 11th of July, on the Premises,
A LOT in the Town of Blandford, whereon is a good Storehouse, and a large Warehouse. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of April next, the Purchaser giving Bond and good Security to JOHN BAIRD.
FOR SALE,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND in Surry County, beautifully situated on James River, a little above Swan's Point, containing about 1300 Acres, well timbered with Pine and White Oak, and a Stream with a Dam across it sufficient to carry a Saw Mill runs through the Middle of the Land. Any Person inclined to purchase may know the Terms by applying to James Belfches at Cabin Point, or the Subscriber at Huntington. CHARLES HARRISON.
KING WILLIAM, May 25, 1774.
I INTEND to leave the Colony immediately. (||) JOHN WHITE.
AUGUSTA, June 18, 1774.
RUN away the 16th Instant, from the Subscriber, a Negro Man named BACCHUS, about 30 Years of Age, five Feet six or seven Inches high, strong and well made; had on, and took with him, two white Russia Drill Coats, one turned up with blue, the other quite plain and new, with white figured Metal Buttons, blue Plush Breeches, a fine Cloth Pompadour Waistcoat, two or three thin or Summer Jackets, sundry Pairs of white Thread Stockings, five or six white Shirts, two of them pretty fine, neat Shoes, Silver Buckles, a fine Hat cut and cocked in the Macaroni Figure, a double-milled Drab Great Coat, and sundry other Wearing Apparel. He formerly belonged to Doctor George Pitt, of Williamsburg, and I imagine is gone there under Pretence of my sending him upon Business, as I have frequently heretofore done; he is a cunning, artful, sensible Fellow, and very capable of forging a Tale to impose on the Unwary, is well acquainted with the lower Parts of the Country, having constantly rode with me for some Years past, and has been used to waiting from his Infancy. He was seen a few Days before he went off with a Purse of Dollars, and had just before changed a five Pound Bill; most, or all of which, I suppose he must have robbed me of, which he might easily have done, I having trusted him much after what I thought had proved his Fidelity. He will probably endeavour to pass for a Freeman by the Name of John Christian, and attempt to get on Board some Vessel bound for Great Britain, from the Knowledge he has of the late Determination of Somerset's Case. Whoever takes up the said Slave shall have 5 l. Reward, on his Delivery to (4) GABRIEL JONES.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber's Pasture, on Sappony, in Dinwiddie, 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; also a DARK BAY MARE about fourteen Hands high, a Star in her Forehead, a black Lift down her Back and Rump, very thin made, and branded on the near Buttock I X P. Whoever gives such Information as I may get either of them again, shall be handsomely rewarded; and if stolen 50 s. for each, on Conviction of the Thief. I bought the Horse of Hugh Montgomerie, of Salisbury, and the Mare of James Murfey, of Tryon County, both of North Carolina. (2) CHARLES TURNBULL.
COMMITTED to Nansemond County Jail, on the 28th of May, an outlandish Negro Fellow named CUDGER, about 36 Years of Age, of a small Size, and says he belongs to Mr. Samuel Kerr, in Portmouth. The Owner is desired to take him away, and pay Charges. WILLIAM WHITFIELD, Jailer.
NORFOLK, June 20, 1774.
WHEREAS the Concern of Hector Mac Alester and Co. was dissolved on the first Instant, the Partners thereof, from a Desire of bringing their Affairs to a speedy Conclusion, once more request all Persons indebted to them to make immediate Payment, either to Robert Donald of Warwick, or the Subscriber in Norfolk; and as it is not in their Power to extend farther the Indulgence which, for a long Time, has been granted to many, they hope that due Regard will be paid to this Application. Those who have any Demands against the said Concern are desired to make them known, that they may be adjusted and paid. The Subscriber will continue to do Business in this Place on his own Account, and solicits the Favours of his Friends. HECTOR MAC ALESTER.

PORTS CORNER. GAY BACCHUS.
G AY Bacchus, one Evening, inviting his Friends To partake of a generous Flask, To each social Being a Message he sends, To meet at the Head of his Cask: The Guests all appear'd at his Place of Address, The Witty, the Grave, and the Bold; Our Circle surpass'd all that Fancy can guess Of Arthur's round Table of old. In the Midst of our Merriment, who do you think, Unsuspected, had seated him there, But one Care, in Disguise, who tipp'd us the Wink, And warn'd us of Time to beware! Who, in Spite of his Age, or the Weight of his Years, We should find but a slippery Blade, Is known by the Lock on his Forehead he wears, And carries the Signs of his Trade. We gratefully ply'd him with Bottle and Pot, Which fill'd up his Wrinkles space; The Cynick grew blithe, and his Precepts forgot, And soon fell asleep in his Place. Regardless of Time, then, we threw off Restraint, Nor fear'd we to wake the old Spark; Our Songs were select, and our Stories were quaint, And each was as gay as a Lark. When all on a sudden, so awful and tall, One appear'd, who spoil'd a good Song; Father Time, moving round by the Side of the Wall, Behind us, slow stealing along. We rose to his Reverence, and offer'd a Chair; He said, for no Man he would stay; Then Bacchus up started, and catch'd at his Hair, And swore all the Score he should pay. But Time, well aware of the God of the Grape, Evaded his Efforts, and few; We seiz'd on his Glass, e'er he made his Escape, And instantly broke it in two: Then we all'd each with Wine, instead of his Sand, And drank double Toasts to the Fair; Each Member in Turn, with a Glass in each Hand, Then parted, and went home—with Care.
FOR SALE.  F IVE HUNDRED Acres of rich LAND in Charlotte County, on Little Roanoke Run, near the Courthouse; there is a small Plantation upon it. A good Bargain will be given, reasonable Credit allowed for Payment, and an undoubted Title made. The Subscriber lives near the Land, and will show it to any Person who may apply for that Purpose. JOHN PETTUS.
FOR SALE.  S UNDRY LOTS and HOUSES in the Town of Fredericksburg, formerly the Property of Messrs. Mitchell, Lenox, and Scott, and John Mitchell, and made over to Messrs. John Gray, Robert Gilchrist, Archibald Ritchie, and the Subscriber, in Trust, for certain Purposes therein mentioned, viz. The Brick Storehouse where Mr. William Scott kept Store, and since occupied by Mr. John Glassell, with a small Storehouse on the same Lot, a Dwelling-House and Warehouse with a pretty large Cellar underneath, and other Improvements back. A Piece of Ground joining the said Lot, 23 1/2 Feet on the main Street and fronting Sophia Street and the River, on which there is a Warehouse with a Cellar, a House twenty Feet square built for a Smith's Shop, and a Stable, newly paled in. Two Lots fronting Mr. Charles Washington's and the River, with a large Granary, Stable, &c. thereon, convenient to the Quarry Landing, and paled in. A Lot on the River Side fronting Rayson's Warehouse and the Street on the Wharf, on which is a Stone Warehouse. A Lot joining Houston's Tannery with a small Dwelling-House thereon, and a Wharf where the largest Vessels that come to this Place can lie. Also the following Tracts of Land, one in Spotsylvania, within seven Miles of this Town, on the Road to Orange and Culpeper Courthouses, and known by the Name of the Black Ordinary, containing 1100 Acres. A Tract of 400 Acres, three Miles higher up the same Road, near Raines's Ordinary, which Mr. John Mitchell purchased of William Fitzhugh, Esq; it is well timbered, level, and good for Farming. Two Tracts containing 333 Acres, purchased by Mr. Mitchell of John Dyer and William Gelfosse, within one Mile of the Plantation whereon he lives. A Tract in the County of Fredericks, within one Mile and a Half of Winchester, containing 335 Acres, purchased of William Cochran, and formerly belonged to William Glover. A Tract in Botetourt, purchased of John Given, chiefly Bottom. Any Person, on Application to Mr. Peter Hogg, Attorney at Law, can be informed of the Quantity, Quality, and Price. Several Tracts in the County of Hampshire, exceeding rich, and two of them join the Right Honourable Lord Fairfax's Manor, on the south Side of Potomack River. The last mentioned Lands belonged formerly to Mr. Peter Stuenbergh, and will be shown to any Person inclined to purchase, by Colonel Abraham Hite, who lives near the Land. The Lots and Houses here, and the Tracts of Land in Spotsylvania, will be shown, and the Terms made known, on Application to the Subscriber. Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, upon their giving Bond with approved Security. JAMES SOMERVELL.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 10, 1774.  MR. JOHN MITCHELL, Merchant, in Spotsylvania County, having by Deed, recorded in the General Court in November last, conveyed all his Lands, Slaves, Household Goods, Stocks in Trade, and outstanding Debts, to us in Trust (after satisfying a Mortgage to Mr. George Anderson of Glasgow, Merchant, for Payment of 1000l. with Interest due thereon) for Payment of his Debts, to all such Creditors as shall within twelve Months accede to the Terms of the said Trust: We do hereby give this publick Notice, that Payment of all the Debts due to the said John Mitchell, or to Mitchell, Lenox, and Scott, are to be made to James Somervell, acting Trustee; and as many Circumstances require the most speedy Collection, we hope the Debtors will make Provision accordingly. All Creditors of John Mitchell, or Mitchell, Lenox, and Scott, who are willing to come into Terms, are desired to lodge their Claims as soon as possible, and to subscribe their Names to Deeds which are prepared for that Purpose, and may be seen on Application to either of us. JOHN GRAY. ROBERT GILCHRIST. ARCHIBALD RITCHIE. JAMES SOMERVELL.
All those indebted to Mr. John Mitchell, for Dealings at his Culpeper Store, are requested to settle their Accounts and pay the Balances that are due to Mr. Edward Stevens, who is fully empowered to receive them. JAMES SOMERVELL.
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 1st of September, at Hanover Courthouse,  A TRACT of LAND in Hanover County, containing 795 Acres, adjoining the Lands of Mr. Truheart and Mr. Geddes Winton, is about fourteen Miles from Page's Warehouse, and about twelve from the Town of Richmond. There is a large Quantity of excellent Pine Timber upon it, the Soil is good for Wheat and Indian Corn, and the Whole is divided into Lots of 265 Acres each, for the Convenience of Purchasers. Credit will be allowed until October 1775, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security; and the Bonds to carry interest from the Date, if not discharged when they become due. LEWIS BURWELL, KINGS MILL, LEWIS BURWELL, Junior. SARAH CAMPBELL. June 22, 1774.
FOR SALE.  T WO THOUSAND SIX HUNDRED and SEVENTY FIVE Acres of Land in Gloucester County, lying in Pissoworth Parish, upon which there is a very good Mill on an excellent Stream of Water. It will be laid off in Lots, for the Convenience of Purchasers; and as it is entitled Land, Application will be made to the next General Assembly for an Act to dock the Entail. Mr. Lewis Booker will show the Land, and make known the Terms. WILSON M. CARY.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, at Goochland Courthouse, on Monday the 18th of July, 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 (4)
WILLIAM ANDERSON, Executor.  N. B. The Meeting of Merchants in Williamsburg having prevented me from attending on the 20th of June, it may be necessary to assure the Publick that the above mentioned Land will certainly be sold on the Day now appointed.
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 carry Interest from the Date, if not paid by the 1st of July; which, added to the distressed Situation of those Estates, I hope will induce them to make immediate Payment.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber,  the 8th of May last, a likely BAY MARE four or five Years old this Spring, about four Feet nine Inches high, a Star in her Forehead, her hind Feet white, one as high as her Footlock, was lately foundered, and is shod all round. I will give 3l. to any Person that will deliver her to me in Petersburg, or on Conviction of the Thief 5l. (II) HENRY MORISS.
STRAYED from Mr. Page's Plantation, in Hanover County,  a BAY MARE about fourteen Hands one Inch high, has had two or three Colts, seven Years old, but never was broke, a long Mane and Tail undocked, a Star in her Forehead, one of her hind Legs at the Pastern Joint much hurt, and bends considerably. As she was brought from Amber's last Spring, it is probable she will endeavour to return there. Whoever gives me Notice of the said Mare, or brings her to me in King William, shall be well rewarded. CARTER BRAXTON.
FOR LIVERPOOL,  T HE Ship GREENWOOD, Mackey Reed Master, loads at Norfolk, has two Thirds of her Cargo already engaged, can take in 200 Hhds. of Tobacco on Liberty of Consignment. Any Gentlemen inclining to ship by her will please to send their Orders to Mr. Richard Taylor of Petersburg, Mr. Richard Squire Taylor in King William County, or to us at Norfolk. (tf) GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.
A valuable Sale of LANDS.  T O be sold, a TRACT of LAND in Berkeley and Frederick Counties, containing 12,076 Acres; it lies seven Miles on each Side of Shenandoah River, the Quantity on the east Side, being only a Slip of low Ground, is inconsiderable; the Quality of the Land is remarkably good, and the Conveniences attending it great. There are two plentiful Streams of Water running through Maithes three Miles in Length, some of which are already reclaimed Meadows, and the rest, at a very small Expense, might soon be reduced to the like State. On each Side of the Streams Mills might be erected and Furnaces, the Land affording Stone, Lime, Iron, and Lead Ore. On one of the Streams I have already erected a complete Merchant Mill, with a Pair of the best French Burrs for grinding of Wheat, and a Pair of common Stones for grinding of Indian Corn; besides this, there is near the Dwelling-House a Tub Mill, and on the other Stream there is a valuable Saw Mill. There are five settled and improved Plantations; on one of them is a good Stone House, two Stories high, with two Rooms on a Floor, a Kitchen, Dairy, and all other convenient Outhouses; on another Plantation, where Michael Pike lived, there is a good Stone House; and at the other Plantations there are Overseers Houses, Negro Quarters, Barns, Stables, Tobacco Houses, &c. The above Tract shall be either partitioned off in Lots of 1000 or 500 Acres, or sold bodily to one Purchaser. Belonging to this Estate there are 112 Negroes to be disposed of, together with all the Stocks of Cattle, equal to any in the Colony, Horses, Mares, Colts, Hogs, &c. likewise all the necessary Implements for the Planter or Farmer. Any Person or Persons inclined to purchase are desired to make their Proposals to me at Raleigh, on Rappahannock River, or to leave them with the Overseer, who lives at the House Plantation, and will show the Land. In November I shall be on the Premises, and may then be personally treated with. Part of this Land, and some of the Negroes, belong to my eldest Son, who leaves to me the Disposition thereof, and will confirm any Engagement I enter into on his Part. (6) RALPH WORMELEY.
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 10th of November, at the Rocky Ridge,
ONE HUNDRED and FIFTY choice SLAVES, late the Property of John Wayles, Esq; deceased. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to FRANCIS EPPES. HENRY SKIPWITH. ** Five per Cent. Discount for ready Money.
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 5l. 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. (6) FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior.
To be RENTED, from Year to Year, or for a Term of Years,
B ELVOIR, 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. (tf) FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior.
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 McDowell, 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.
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.
T his 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.
To be let on CHARTER, to any Part of Europe, or the West Indies,  T HE Brigantine Hamilton, Burthen about 300 Hogheads, 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.
NORFOLK, April 21, 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 Prapp, Paul Loyall, and Thomas Newton, Esqrs. The Directors of the Lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two FLAT BOT-TOMED VESSELS, from 30 to 120 Tons Burthen. (tf) BASSETT MOSELEY.
NEABSCO FURNACE, April 2, 1774.  R UN 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, Osnaburg 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, 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 24, 1774.  R UN away from the Subscribers, on the 27th of March, two indentured 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 Osnaburgs, a Pair of Country Shoes, and black Hose. Whoever will deliver both the above mentioned Servants at New-castle, 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.
FOR SALE.  A TRACT of LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about four Miles below the Courthouse, it is remarkable fine Land for Grain, and will bring good Tobacco. The Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, sufficient to work six or eight Hands, with all necessary Houses. Any Person inclined to purchase may depend on having a Bargain, and know the Terms by applying to (tf) WILLIAM MARSHALL.
FOR SALE.  A BOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amber's 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 will choose to exchange Lands in the lower Part of the Country, on or near some navigable River, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree. (tf) CARTER BRAXTON.