The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-01-14 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 JOHN DIXON and
WM. HUNTER, at the POST OFFICE.
ALL Persons may be supplied with this Paper at 12/6 a Year, and have Advertisements (of a moderate Length) inserted for 3/ the first Week, and 2/ each Week after. — Printing Work done at this Office in the neatest Manner, with Care and Expedition.
BOSTON, Dec. 16.
In Provincial Congress, CAMBRIDGE, Dec. 10, 1774. To the FREEHOLDERS and other INHABITANTS of the towns and districts of Massachusetts Bay.
Friends and Brethren,
A time when the good people of this colony were deprived of their laws, and the administration of justice, civil and criminal; when the cruel oppressions brought on their capital had stagnated almost all their commerce; when a standing army was illegally posted among us for the express purpose of enforcing submission to a system of tyranny; and when the General Court was with the same design prohibited to sit; we were chosen and empowered by you to assemble and consult upon measures necessary for our common safety and defence.
With much anxiety for the common welfare, we have attended this service; and, upon the coolest deliberation, have adopted the measures recommended to you.
We have full confidence in the wisdom, justice, and goodness of our Sovereign, as well as the integrity, humanity, and good sense of the nation; and if we had a reasonable expectation that the truth of facts would be made known in England, we should entertain the most pleasing hopes that the measures concerted by the colonies, jointly and severally, would procure a full redress of our grievances: But we are constrained, in justice to you, to ourselves and posterity, to say, that the incessant and unrelenting malice of our enemies has been so successful as to fill the Court and kingdom of Great Britain with falsehoods and calumnies concerning us, and to excite the most bitter and groundless prejudices against us; that the sudden dissolution of Parliament, and the hasty summons for a new election, gives us reason to apprehend that a majority of the House of Commons will be again elected under the influence of an arbitrary Ministry; and that the general tenor of our intelligence from Great Britain, with the frequent reinforcements of the army and navy at Boston, excites the strongest jealousy that the system of colony administration, so unfriendly to the protestant religion, and destructive of American liberty, is still to be pursued, and attempted with force to be carried into execution.
You are placed by Providence in the post of honour, because it is a post of danger; and while struggling for the noble objects, the liberties of your country, the happiness of posterity, and rights of human nature, the eyes not only of North America and the whole British empire, but of all Europe, are upon you. Let us be therefore altogether solicitous that no disorderly behaviour, nothing unbecoming our characters as Americans, as citizens, and christians, be justly chargeable to us.
Whoever, with a small degree of attention, contemplates the commerce between Great Britain and America, will be convinced that a total stoppage thereof will soon produce in Great Britain such dangerous effects as cannot fail to convince the Ministry, Parliament, and people, that it is their interest and duty to grant us relief. Whoever considers the number of brave men inhabiting North America will know that a general attention to military discipline must so establish their rights and liberties, as, under God, to render it impossible for an arbitrary Ministry of Britain to destroy them. These are facts which our enemies are apprized of, and if they will not be influenced by principles of justice to alter their cruel measures towards America, these ought to lead them thereto. They, however, hope to effect by stratagem what they may not obtain by power, and are using arts, by assistance of base scribblers, who undoubtedly receive their bribes, and by many other means, to raise doubts and divisions throughout the colonies. To defeat their iniquitous designs, we think it necessary for each town to be particularly careful strictly to execute the plans of the Continental and Provincial Congresses; and while it censures its own individuals, counteracting these plans, that it be not deceived or diverted from its duty by rumours, should any take place, to the prejudice of other communities. Your Provincial Congresses, we have reason to hope, will HOLD UP the towns, if any should be so lost as not to act their parts, and none can doubt that the Continental Congresses will rectify errors, should any take place in any colony through the subtlety of our enemies. Surely no arguments can be necessary to excite you to the most strict adherence to the American association, since the minutest deviation in one colony, especially in this, will probably be misrepresented in the others, to discourage their general zeal and perseverance, which, however, we assure ourselves cannot be effected.
Whilst the British Ministry are suffered, with so high a hand, to tyrannise over America, no part of it, we presume, can be negligent in guarding against the ravages threatened by the standing army now in Boston: These troops will undoubtedly be employed in attempts to defeat the association, which our enemies cannot but fear will eventually defeat them; and so sanguinary are those our enemies, as we have reason to think, so thirsty for the blood of this innocent people, who are contending for their rights, that we should be guilty of the most unpardonable neglect should we not apprise you of your danger, which appears to us immensely great, and ought attentively to be guarded against. The improvement of the militia in general in the art military has been therefore thought necessary, and strongly recommended by this Congress. We now think that particular care should be taken by the towns and districts in this colony, that each of the minute men, not already provided therewith, should be immediately equipped with an effective fire arm, bayonet, pouch, knapsack, thirty rounds of cartridges and ball, and that they be disciplined three times a week, and oftener, as opportunity may
offer: To encourage these our worthy countrymen to obtain the skill of complete soldiers, we recommend it to the towns and districts forthwith to pay their own minute men a reasonable consideration for their services; and, in case of a general muster, their farther services must be recompensed by the province. An attention to discipline the militia in general is however by no means to be neglected.
With the utmost cheerfulness, we assure you of our determination to stand or fall with the liberties of America; and while we humbly implore the Sovereign Disposer of all things, to whose divine providence the right of his creatures cannot be indifferent, to correct the errors, and alter the measures of an infatuated Ministry, we cannot doubt of his support, even in the extreme difficulties which we may all have to encounter. May all means devised for our safety by the General Congresses of America, and assemblies or conventions of the colonies, be resolutely executed, and happily succeeded; and may this injured people be reinitiated in the full exercise of their rights, without the evils and devastations of a civil war. Signed by order of the Provincial Congress,
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
A true extract from the minutes, BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Secretary.
NEWPORT, Dec. 12.
CHARTERS have been granted by the Assembly to four new military companies, by the following names, viz. the Artillery Company for the county of Providence, the Troop of Horse for the county of Providence, the Providence Fusileers, and North Providence Rangers.
We have authority to inform the publick that the Right Hon. the Earl of Dartmouth has written circular letters to the several Governors on the continent, signifying his Majesty's command that they take the most effectual measures for arresting, detaining, and securing, any gunpowder, or any sort of arms or ammunition, which may be attempted to be imported into the colonies; and likewise enclosing an order of the King in Council, prohibiting the exportation thereof from Great Britain or Ireland.
By a Gentleman arrived here last week, from New York, thro' Connecticut, we are assured that when he came away a brig was taking in 128 pieces of cannon to carry to Boston; that the small towns of Groton and Stonington were under arms when he came along, which amounted to 1200 brave fellows, and that the martial spirit flames gloriously quite through the country. New England alone will be as well able to resist 50,000 troops next Spring as the whole continent was to resist 20,000 last war.
The General Assembly have ordered 40,000 flints, 300 barrels of powder, 3 tuns of lead, and 4 brass field pieces, to be procured for the use of this colony.
At a MEETING of the COMMITTEE for CAROLINE County, DECEMBER 16, 1774.
JAMES TAYLOR, James Upshaw, William Woodford, John Tennant, Thomas Lomax, Benjamin Hubbard, and Edmund Pendleton, Junior, Gentlemen, or any three of them, were appointed a Committee to inspect the Books of the Merchants at Port Royal and Conway's Warehouse, to see that they have respectively dealt with their Customers upon the same Terms as they had done for a Year preceding the Association, and to make Report of their Proceedings to this Committee.
Walker Taliaferro, Anthony Thornton, John Armistead, John Jones, and Samuel Haws, Gentlemen, or any three of them, were appointed a Committee to inspect the Books of Patrick Kennon, Merchant, for the same Purpose: And William Nelson, George Baylor, Richard Johnston, John Minor, and George Guy, Gentlemen, or any three of them, were appointed a Committee to inspect the Books of Samuel Hargrove, Merchant, for the same Purpose.
Afterwards, at a Meeting of the County Committee December 26, 1774, from the Reports of the several Sub-Committees, it appeared, "that Edward Dixon, James Bowie, Junior, and Samuel Hargrove, Merchants, had shown their Books to the Committee, who were satisfied that they had in their Dealings conformed to the Association; but that James Miller, Andrew Leckie, James Dunlop, William Dixon, John Wallace, and Patrick Kennon, Merchants, had refused to suffer their Books to be viewed, even their Day Books, with which the Sub-Committee would have been satisfied." And all the said last mentioned Merchants, except Mr. Kennon, having Notice of this Meeting, and not appearing to offer, or send any Excuse or Reasons for their Refusal, the same is ordered to be published; and as, from such Conduct, a Suspicion arises that they have transgressed the Association, in selling Goods at a higher Price than they had been accustomed to do for a Year next preceding, it is recommended to the People of this County, as they would avoid being considered as Enemies to American Liberty, not to have any Dealings with those Merchants until they shall give the Satisfaction required.
Ordered, that Mr. Kennon have Notice to appear before this Committee on the second Friday in January, to answer his Refusal. A Copy. SAMUEL HAWS, Clk.
RICHMOND County, December 5, 1774.
THE Freeholders convening on this Day, to elect a new Committee for the said County, according to the Recommendation of the late Continental Congress, for the carrying into Execution the American Association, proceeded to make Choice of twenty eight Gentlemen convenient in their Situation to inspect the Attention paid to the Association through the whole County; who, forming themselves into a Meeting, chose Col. Landon Car-
ter Chairman, and requested the Favour of Mr. Leroy Peachey to act as Clerk: At which Meeting it was then resolved that the Committee should sit on the next Court Day, if Nothing required an earlier Attendance; at which Time the Freeholders were likewise desired to attend, in Order to appoint Deputies to repair to a Colony Congress of Delegates to attend a Continental Congress to be held in Philadelphia on the 10th Day of May next, agreeable to the Recommendation of the last Congress, if America should not before that Day be redressed in her Grievances, and restored to her just Rights and Liberties.
JANUARY 2, 1775.
AT a Meeting of the Freeholders this Day, for the above Purpose, the following Instruction and Appointment was voted and directed to Robert Wormeley Carter and Francis Lightfoot Lee, Esquires, their Representatives in Assembly; which being recommended by the Freeholders to the Committee to be printed in the Virginia Gazette, the same is now regularly transmitted to the Printers.
To ROBERT WORMELEY CARTER and FRANCIS LIGHTFOOT LEE, Esquires.
Gentlemen, FROM a Persuasion that the Assembly is to meet in February next, and that the Recommendation of the Continental Congress to the several Colonies, for appointing Delegates to form another Continental Congress on the 10th Day of May next, may be duly complied with, we your Constituents desire of you, as our Representatives in Assembly, to promote the same with your utmost Abilities; but if, by any Means, it should happen that the Assembly shall be dissolved, either constitutionally or by Prerogative, we do, in that Case, constitute and appoint you, our late elected Representatives, to meet in Colony Congress, for the Purpose of appointing Delegates as aforesaid. We hope we need not inform you, Gentlemen, that we cannot but look upon ourselves as induced to publish this our Instruction and Appointment from a full Conviction of the present alarming Crisis to American Rights; and as the united Wisdom of North America, on such an Occasion, is certainly necessary to be obtained, we cannot but desire that no unforeseen Casualty may prevent this Colony from being represented in such a Congress, on whose Deliberations the Liberties of America do so eminently depend: Therefore, we cannot suppress our Wishes that these important Considerations may prevail with our Countrymen in the other Counties to provide against any possible Disappointment in Delegation as aforesaid, by every similar Precaution. And farther, Gentlemen, we recommend it to you to give the sincere Thanks of this County to the worthy Delegates who attended the late Continental Congress, for their prudent and spirited Conduct in Support of the Freedom and Liberties of America. We are, Gentlemen, Your obliged Constituents.
On the same Day the Chairman communicated to the Gentlemen of the Committee then met, that, in Order to get fully informed of a Report that a monopolizing or engrossing of Goods was carrying on, to the Prejudice of the poorer Sort of People, he had considered it as an Object within the Sphere of Association, and taken upon himself to write to the two Gentlemen who kept the Stores in the County, in which the said engrossing or monopolizing was suggested to be in Agitation; because such a Practice could not be the Intention of associating, nor indeed a Thing to be suspected of any patriotic Association, where certainly every One ought to be heartily inclined to bear an equal Proportion of every Difficulty, and, in Consequence, that could or might attend associating against Commerce of any Kind, without taking any Advantage, with at best but a mere unisocial Calidity; and that he had obtained Letters from the Gentlemen keeping those Stores, which he believed, on Examination, would be found entirely convincing, that there was not the least Foundation for so scandalous a Report. Upon which the Committee directed the Reporter to be called in, before whom the Letters were read, and, as an incontestible Truth, the Whole turned out a mere groundless Fallacy; therefore it was directed to be published, in Order to discourage and stifle such ungenerous, as well as unjust Accusations against any Individual of a Community so sacredly engaged to preserve its Liberties.
LEROY PEACHEY, Clk.
AT a Meeting of the Freeholders of the County of Charles City, held at the Courthouse of the said County, on Saturday December the 17th, 1774, for the Purpose of choosing a Committee to see that the Association entered into by the General Congress, for preserving the Liberties of America, be duly put in Execution within this County:
Resolved, that the said Committee do consist of the following Persons, viz. Benjamin Harrison, William Acryll, Francis Eppes, William Edloe, The Rev. James Ogilvie, William Green Munford, William Rickman, Thomas Holt, Philip Parr Edmondson, Benjamin Harrison, Junior, William Gregory, Samuel Harwood, David Minge, John Edloe, George Minge, John Tyler, Freeman Walker, Francis Dancy, William Christian, James Bray Johnson, Peter Royster, Henry Southall, Benjamin Dancy, James Eppes, John Brown, Stith Hardyman, William Edloe, Junior, Henry Armistead, William Royall, and Edward Stubblefield; and that they, or the Majority of them, do meet from Time to Time, and act and do what to them shall seem proper for the Purposes aforesaid.
Resolved unanimously, that Benjamin Harrison, Esq; be chosen Chairman of the said Committee, and, in Case of Sickness or Absence, that the next Gentleman upon the foregoing List, who shall be present, shall be Chairman for the Time.
Resolved unanimously, that Patrick Murdoch be chosen Clerk of the said Committee.
Resolved, that when any Gentleman of the Committee shall be informed, or have Reason to suspect, that any Thing has been

done in this County contrary to the Association, he shall forthwith summon three at least of his Brethren most convenient to the Place, who, together with himself, shall examine into the Matter, and make immediate Report to the Chairman, in Order that the same, if it appears to be well founded, may be laid before the Committee. Extracted from the Minutes.
PATRICK MURDOCH, Clk.
AT a Meeting of the Committee for the County of Charles City, at the Courthouse of the said County, on Wednesday January the 4th. 1775; the Committee being informed by Amos and James Ladd, that they have lately imported Goods from Great Britain to the Amount of £.114:3:3 current Money, and also a Crate of Glass Ware, the Invoice of which they have not yet received; and having delivered up the same to the Committee, and made their Election that the same should be sold, according to the Association.
Ordered, that William Green Munford, William Gregory, Peter Royster, Thomas Holt, and James Eppes, Gentlemen, or any three of them, do forthwith sell the said Goods, having first advertised the Time of Sale in the publick Papers, in small Parcels not exceeding £.10 each, for ready Money, and apply the same according to the Direction of the Association.
John Ladd having also informed the Committee that he hath lately imported Goods from Great Britain to the Amount of £.5:0:2 Sterling, and Andrew Crew, that he hath also imported Goods in like Manner, to the Amount of £.0:13:9 Sterling, and having severally delivered up the same to the Committee, and made their Election that they should be sold:
Ordered, that the same Gentlemen as in the foregoing Order do sell the same, and dispose of the Money as in Manner aforesaid.
By Order of the Committee.
PATRICK MURDOCH, Clerk.
From the PUBLICK ADVERTISER.
LONDON, November 5, 1774.
THE fatal dispute with our colonies becomes so very serious, that it is the duty of every good Englishman to do his utmost to heal the wound before it is incurable. A dispute between two parts of our dominions is on the face of it prejudicial to the highest degree: It is criminal to treat the dispute as a matter of party, for treating it so is making it so; and as it already is on the point of drawing the sword, they who make themselves a party in the quarrel make themselves a party in a civil war. Both the friends and enemies of the stamp act ought to lay aside their prejudices; but while the one side hoists the standard of sovereignty, and the other of independence, each determine that they will not recede till their favourite object is carried, which neither can be, if recourse is had to arms, till the whole empire receives a mortal wound. If the contest is carried on, it is probable that by the present force of the mother country she will at first exert the sovereignty, perhaps get it acknowledged. It is more probable that in the long run the colonies will obtain admission to an equal legislation, because they will always continue and support the claim, and the mother country cannot always maintain its sovereignty. The higher we carry our authority, the more it will be detested. The colonies will wait for opportunities of re-asserting their pretensions. It would undo this country to govern North America constantly by armies and fleets; neither the revenues nor constitution of this country could bear so military a despotism. On the first war with France or Spain we should be forced to withdraw our forces, and then, instead of receiving the cheerful assistance of the colonies, they would throw off all subjection, and set up for themselves. This prospect cannot fail of being realized. If we conquer our colonies by arms, will their gratitude carry them to assist or oppose us, when we have no armies to intimidate them?
The sovereignty of Great Britain is a great and tender point. The only question is, whether it will not be bought too dear at the expense of our commerce? Can you oblige so vast a territory as North America to trade with you by the terror of armies and fleets? The very system of commerce is repugnant to the Idea. Commerce never could be forced by authority. You may enslave traders, but you prevent their being traders: And they who have the loftiest idea of our sovereignty, must, if they reason fairly, own they prefer it to our trade; and how long our power and credit will last any where else, when our trade is gone, the poorest politician can tell.
I believe the greater part of the nation are against the colonies at present. Yet how long will that be the case? The trading towns and cities will soon change sides, and prefer advantage to the empty name of sovereignty. The country Gentlemen will find the value of their lands fall, and will grow less fond of the dazzling name of Sovereigns of America. These country Gentlemen already perceive the consequences of enclosures, and stretching their rents so high. Will emigrations decrease when America, for its own preservation, is brought to encourage and invite emigrants?
But there is a greater and more imminent danger, which has already begun. The North Americans will debauch the affections of our soldiers and sailors, who will prefer lands and solid settlements to fighting against their own countrymen. Officers who want preferment will imitate the common men, and offer their services to the colonies. Ambitious men will see such a field of fortune opening to them as will be irresistible. France and Spain, whatever they may affect, will indubitably assist our mutinous brethren with a little money and more arms, and certainly with good Officers. Prussia, I fear, is not so amicable to England as to forbid its veteran commanders making a campaign or two in America, and they being Protestants, will be doubly welcome. While the Dutch were at war for their liberties with Philip II. great numbers of the bravest Generals in Europe went and commanded the Dutch armies. Can we deceive ourselves so far as to expect this will not be the case now!
The Emperor, it is said, is displeased with some recent Hanoverian transactions. What an opportunity of revenge, should he lend some of his best officers to the Americans!
In the mean time the French, Dutch, and perhaps Spaniards, will avail themselves of the trade we lose; and though we propose to shut up our own American ports, and distress their trade, have we so little experience at home as to believe we can prevent contraband trade? When the little Isle of Man so long defied our government and customhouse, will third rate men of war, or little cutters, block up all the inlets in North America?
On the other hand, is Great Britain potent enough to subdue the West and maintain the East? Will France sit contented with our ruling India, and suffer us to lord it over America? Has she so little policy as to disturb us no where? Will she neither make war with us till we are at leisure, nor endeavour to keep up the war between us and our own subjects? They must be sanguine politicians who think that all Europe connive at our subduing our colonies, without assisting them, or disturbing us.
On the other hand, the best friends to America ought to hold out no encouragement to it; they ought at most to prevent themselves as mediators, and keep up no more interests with the colonists than by letting them see that not all England is in conspiracy to enslave them. Moderate men will have an opportunity of interceding for them on one side, and of persuading them on the other to be reasonable. The hypothesis of telling them they ought not to be taxed without their own consent, and at the same time asserting the absolute sovereignty of England, was an absurd and mischievous contradiction. Too many provocations have been given on both sides; and if the present tone of authority, if the violent friends of the stamp act, if its violent enemies, if the mutinous colonists, do not all relax something of their pretensions, it requires no spirit of prophecy to foretel, that we shall lose our commerce, and, in consequence, our sovereignty in Europe, in America, and in Asia.
NEUTRALIS.
LONDON, Nov. 5.
TWO new dies are just finished at the Tower for striking off some half crown pieces for the greater convenience of change, by order of the Lords of the Treasury.
There are 21 men of war and frigates now building at the different dockyards of this kingdom. At Deptford, three 70 gun ships and two frigates; at Woolwich, two of 60, and one of 54; at Sheerness, two frigates; at Chatham, five men of war and frigates; at Portsmouth, six ditto. In all 21; besides two beginning at Plymouth.
On Tuesday night last no less than 25 different robberies were committed between Mother Redcap's and Finchley Common, by five highwaymen, well mounted, who robbed almost every person they met, and escaped over the said common.
Nov. 7. Letters from Madrid advise, that his Catholick Majesty, in order to promote the welfare and trade of his subjects, has taken off the duties on corn imported into that kingdom for two years.
Extract of a letter from an ENGLISH Gentleman in PARIS, to his friend in LONDON.
"You would be amazed to see the alteration which has taken place throughout all France. You no longer meet with those meagre frog-fed carcasses which were visible in every part of this kingdom. Gaiety, sprightliness, and content, the happy train of peace and plenty, are spread over every countenance. The King holds his Bed of Justice the 10th of November; the Parliament's former members are ordered to attend his Majesty; those of Rouen and Rennes are to be reinitiated, as well as the Cour des Aids, or Court of Ways and Means. This beginning promises very fair, but a small question remains to be unfolded, which time alone can resolve: Will it last long? I should augur not, from the known fickleness of the inhabitants of this country, who are never steady in the pursuit of good or evil. Virtues and vices are here, like their modes, temporary. However, as a true friend to mankind, I cannot but wish that their present happiness may be of long continuance."
A few days before the Parliament was dissolved, the office accounts of the civil list were ordered to be made out, that they might be ready to be laid before the Parliament early the next meeting. These accounts not making any part of the usual business of Parliament, this circumstance, and some others, give good ground for a suspicion that it is intended to apply to the new Parliament for a sum of money to discharge the arrears of the civil list, or, as they are more properly called, the King's debts. It is given out, that the sum which will be asked for this purpose is no less than five hundred thousand pounds; and it is added, that it is at the same time intended to ask for a further sum of two hundred thousand pounds to be added to the present annual income of the civil list, which is at present eight hundred thousand pounds, and will then be one million, upon a pretence that the King's family is so much increased that this additional great sum is become necessary for its support.
They write from Gibraltar, that some additional works were preparing to be carried on there towards the land side, and that several vessels were employed in transporting stone and other materials from the Barbary coast for that purpose.
The Premier says, that "on the first motion for a repeal of any of the Bostonian acts, he will immediately resign his employments."
Nothing shews the necessity of reforming the mode of representation agreeable to Lord Chatham's doctrine more than the present general election, when it is well known that many boroughs have been disposed of in the city, and the electors of many others have been mortified by receiving orders to elect persons they esteemed little better than their own journeymen, and others still more mortified to see a person chaired as their member who has stood behind their chair at their own tables; and such must be the case with this rotten part of the constitution, when so many boroughs are at the absolute disposal of the Treasury, and the powerful Lords in the county, or the power resides in three or four leading men in the city or borough. The former must choose the Minister's coach-horse, or my Lord's footman, if they are ordered; the latter must elect the broker himself, if the juncto give the word of command. Let our representatives be chosen by the counties at large, and we should see in the House the most respectable landholders of the country, chosen for their property, honour, and abilities; and let the city of London choose twelve; the city of Bristol, Liverpool, and the other great trading cities and towns of the kingdom, a proportionate number; and we should find the mercantile interest of this great trading country in the hands of persons able and willing to protect and extend it. The King would then reign by the heads and hearts of his subjects, not by their passions and necessities, and the Minister would see he had no security himself, but in consulting the honour, not the power of the Crown.
Some merchants having lately solicited Lord North on the subject of making a separate trade by charter to the coast of Anamaboe, were answered, that no company whatever would be suffered in future to monopolize the trade to any quarter of the globe whatever.
Such Gentlemen as have received, from their correspondents in the colonies, copies of the New York, Philadelphia, Boston, or Williamsburg editions, of the Summary View of the Rights of British America , may have the dedication to the King, printed with the London edition, gratis, by applying to the publisher, at No. 46, in Fleet street. "God is my witness, that I write not these things to excite sedition, or stir up rebellion: I should deem my life well disposed of, if, by the sacrifice, your Majesty could learn the wisdom of righteous government, and your Ministers be taught to counsel good things. Happy should I be to convince your Majesty where legal authority ends, and tyranny begins; and that your dignity alone consists in the happiness of your subjects; and that when virtue and justice forsake your Councils, error and ruin must inevitably ensue. With your Majesty's Ministers we can keep no longer: If, at any time, we pitted their innocent infirmities, that pity has long ago been converted into abhorrence, from the wickedness of their counsels, and the injustice of their deeds."
The loss to England by the tyrannical measures taken against the Americans is hardly to be conceived, and the expense of paying the troops and fleets, which these measures have occasioned, add to an already insufferable load of taxes. The English in America, by being oppressed, will lose the prepossession they had in favour of English goods; hence they will purchase French and Dutch goods, which are sold much cheaper. The act of navigation forbids a purchase of this kind, but now they are forced almost to desperation, they will naturally say, with Romeo, "The law starves you, therefore break the law and eat." The French, in exchange for tobacco and fish, will furnish all they want; as the Dutch, the Prussians from Embden, and other powers, will for rice and indigo; and how is this to be prevented? We shall strive to prevent it by armies of customhouse officers on land, and fleets at sea; but who is to pay them? Why, the people of England must be taxed and starved, and the contractors only will be enriched. The loss occasioned by the American measures will be above four millions yearly, and the expense of the preparations now made will cost England above one million sterling. And the Prussians, Dutch, and French, will supply the Americans with all such articles as they do not raise themselves; it is impossible to hinder interlopers on so vast a coast; the Spaniards never could, nor cannot on their coast, much less can we, before this period the English in America would not receive foreign vessels, nor trade with them out of a national prejudice against foreigners, and affection for England: They run goods or the Spaniards, but would not suffer the Spaniards to bring goods to them. But the present discord fomented by the Stamp act will make the Americans supply themselves from foreign sources to the utter loss of our trade.
BOSTON, December 19.
ON the late thanksgiving day two or three weak and imbruted persons, of the most insignificant and contemptible of all sects (who make pretensions to Christianity) opened their shops; five or six soldiers passing one of them, made a full stop, and asked the deluded owner whether he was not ashamed so to insult his countrymen, and advised him to shut up his shop and hide his head, adding, that he was an enemy to his country. As this was said by a soldier, they may perhaps spare the cry of persecution on the occasion.
A letter from Quebec, dated November 26, says, "That the interpreter who has been sent to the Six Nations, to know if they will give their assistance to the King's troops against the colonies (should there be occasion for them) have given for answer, that it is a family quarrel, and that they will by no means interfere between the parents and children. The letter further adds, that they will also be very hard put to it to muster any Canadians for that purpose. May God preserve and defend you all."
By a person lately arrived from Quebec, we learn further, that application had been made to the French inhabitants of Canada to arm themselves against the colonies; that they rejected the proposal with indignation, and declared that if any one Canadian should be deluded so far as to go against their sister colonies, they would send ten to their relief.
NEW YORK, December 26.
A GENTLEMAN in Boston writes to his friend here, of the 12th instant: Two ships of the line, viz. the Asia and Boyne, are arrived here, and the Somerset is now firing guns in the offing. The day before yesterday it was moved in Provincial Congress, that arms be immediately taken up against the King's troops; but one of the members got up and told them such a move was infamous, when, at the same time, the members knew that neither Connecticut nor any of the southern colonies meant to oppose his Majesty's arms; on which account the Congress immediately dissolved, and a new one is to be chosen, to meet the 10th of next month. At Plymouth they are now beating up for volunteers to attack the troops; the parties sent for a Parson to pray for them, who refused to comply; but he was obliged to attend on being sent for a second time, on penalty of being shot.
They write from Boston, that on the 29th of Nov. Major Spendlove of the 43d regiment, seized a waggon loaded with fire arms, under an escort of six horsemen, not far from the lines.
PHILADELPHIA.
IN ASSEMBLY, Thursday, December 15, 1774. A.M.
UPON motion, Resolved, nem. con. That the Hon. Edward Biddle, Speaker, John Dickinson, Thomas Mifflin, Joseph Galloway, Charles Humphreys, John Morton, and George Ross, Esquires, be, and they are hereby appointed deputies, on the part of this province, to attend the General Continental Congress, proposed to be held at the city of Philadelphia, on the 10th day of May next; and that they, or any four of them, do meet the said Congress accordingly, unless the present grievances of the American colonies shall, before that time, be redressed.
Samuel Rhoads, Esq; one of the deputies for this province at the late Congress, being now Mayor of the city of Philadelphia, is omitted in the above appointment, it appearing to the House that he could not attend the service.
Ordered, that Mr. Thomson, Mr. Brown, Mr. Chapman, Mr. Pearson, Mr. John Jacobs, Mr. Wayne, Mr. Ewing, Mr. Allen, and Mr. Edmonds, be a committee to prepare and bring in draughts of instructions for the deputies to the ensuing Congress, and of a circular letter to the Speakers of the several colony Assemblies, informing them of the proceedings of this House on the report of their delegates at the late Congress.
The House then taking into consideration the service of the delegates at the late Congress,
Resolved, that the said delegates be allowed each twenty shillings per diem for their attendance on that duty.
Extract from the Journals.
CHARLES MOORE, Clerk of Assembly.
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 14.
IN COMMITTEE, NORFOLK, January 2, 1775.
PRESENT, Mr. Chairman, Dr. Taylor, Mr. Hutchings, Mr. Lawrence, Col. Hutchings, Mr. Newton, Mr. Taylor, and Mr. Inglis. Captain Howard Esten applied to the Committee for a certificate, that he has taken on board the ship Virginia no more than a proper ballast for a winter's voyage, and that the ballast consists of lumber.
Ordered, that the Secretary do accordingly grant to Captain Esten such certificate.
True extract from the minutes of the Committee for Norfolk borough, WILLIAM DAVIES, Scry.
Yesterday William Moore (alias John Kenner) for burglary, Susannah Brasier, for murder, and Edward Porter, for horsestealing, were executed at the gallows near this city.
The Alexander, Kerr, from Liverpool, is arrived at Norfolk.
Marriages.] Mr. BOWLER COCKE, of Henrico, to Miss MOLLY WEBB, of New Kent.
M. THOMAS CLAIBORNE, attorney at law, to Miss ROBINSON of Princess Anne.
Deaths.] Mr. JOHN SHERMER, of James City county; a Gentleman whose heart, in the simplicity of native worth, glowed with every amiable principle of action, and who will be remembered with honour as long as any survive him who had the pleasure of his acquaintance.
Mr. WALTER LYON, attorney at law, of Princess Anne. Upper District of JAMES RIVER.
ENTERED. Duke of Norfolk, Richard Tupper, from Bristol; Betty, Robert Stanley, Salem; Allop, John Forbis, Bristol; Homer, John Dunnet, Glasgow; Fidelity, Joel Turner, New York.
To the REAL ASSOCIATOR.
A man who receives a buffet in the dark may be allowed to be vexed; but it is an odd kind of revenge to go to cuffs in broad day with the first man he meets with, and lay the last night's injury at his door. And thus much for this discreet, candid, pious, and ingenious answerer. SWIFT's Apology for the Tale of a Tub. p. xii.
SIR, I FIND you still persist in the opinion that the Queries were written by me. I shall beg leave to examine the evidence on which you support it. Mr. Laughton hath furnished you with a certificate, which, from its inaccuracy and futility, I can scarcely suppose was drawn up by any one who pretends to be a lawyer; much less that it should be offered by a lawyer as a proof that I wrote the Queries, when there is not a syllable to evince that they were written by ME, any more than by YOU; nor that either Mr. Laughton or myself knew aught of their contents. On the supposition that your letters were carried to the office by one of your servants, Fidus for instance, and I had gotten Mr. Laughton to certify that he received them from him, would not you, and all the world, pronounce me qualified for a blitter and trait-waitcoat, had I broke forth into an agony of rage against poor Fidus for writing them, even though he had omitted to declare that he was not the author; loaded him with the most vulgar and scurrilous invectives, and (after having had a fortnight, or more, to grow calm in) still obstinately maintained that he "provoked and deserved" them? Yet such is the treatment I have met with from you; and, upon no juster grounds, have you thought proper to abuse me! But, to proceed to your argumentation:

"No one can doubt, say you, that the Queries were written with my knowledge, either preceding or subsequent." What this is but stark nonsense I cannot discover. For, how could I possibly know that the Queries were written, BEFORE they were written? Or, if they were written BEFORE I knew it, how doth a subsequent knowledge of the fact make me the writer?
In interpreting law maxims your skill is stupendous. When this—He who does not prevent what it is in his power to do is supposed to be the doer—is applied to you, you ask, "But what if the actual perpetrator be known?" and assert, that "Then the person suspected, because he did not prevent it, can no longer be the doer." Let us apply your reasoning to a particular case. You have been suspected of soliciting a place for your son, which is odious to every American patriot; it is certain you did not prevent his acceptance of it: The conclusion then is, that, should it be known you actually did solicit it, it is certain you did NOT. But, allowing your own interpretation, how happens it then that you, who are always vapouring on your orthodoxy and rectitude, should have so flagrantly violated that fundamental principle of Christianity,—Whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them? Why must this maxim have one meaning when applied to you, and another when to me? "If the person suspected can be no longer the doer, because he did not prevent it, when the actual perpetrator is known;" my not having prevented the publication of the Queries will no more prove them to have been written by me, than your not having prevented your son's acceptance of the place will prove it to have been solicited by you. Yet this maxim, in your judgment, will convict ME and acquit YOURSELF, though we BOTH stand in the same predicament! The sentiment it contains, however, is certainly just, and of universal application, if rightly understood. The word power, when predicated of an agent accountable for his actions, respects not the NATURAL energies of that agent, but his MORAL faculties, or what he can do consistently with the principles of moral obligation. Thus, when it is affirmed that No good man can bear false witness against his neighbour, it does not imply that he has not a NATURAL power to do it, but that he cannot do it, if he really be a good man. I, indeed, when the letter was entrusted to me, could have destroyed it, but I had no right to do so, and therefore, in the sense of the maxim, no power to prevent its publication. The only concern I had with it, was to transmit it to the printer; and his having published it is a proof to you that I faithfully discharged my trust.
Yet, after all, Sir, why should you fret and foam at the author? Are you not obliged to him for an handsome pretence to dilate upon your own digressions, importance, and wisdom? Is it not through his means the publick have learnt that "you never in your life had a disposition for hoarding;" that "you will cheerfully spare to any person, unprovided, a part of the goods you have laid up for yourself;" and, but for him, how would persons, in this exigence, have known where to apply? Has not he induced you to acquaint the community with a secret of the last importance to its welfare, the manner in which some of your Negro wenchers are to be hereafter employed, and whence else would this information have been so generally promulgated? Has he not furnished you with a reason for apprising the world that "you have been a pretty considerable tobacco maker at distant plantations;" that "you sent positive orders, last August, to your steward to give over, even the thoughts of cultivating this weed;" and how, but from this discovery, would your greatness have been known? Is it not to the author we owe a thorough insight into your new adopted plan; a plan so admirably contrived, that "you hardly expect more than to subsist a numerous family and slaves in consequence of it, from an estate that hath, hitherto, been somewhat profitable to you? And, were it not for the Queries, this singular example of your prudence and economy might perhaps have forever remained unimitated, and to the publick unknown. Besides, Sir, if your elaborate letter be a satisfactory answer to the Queries proposed, why should you continue dissatisfied with the writer for putting it into your power to vindicate yourself from suspicions, which are well known to have extensively prevailed? More especially as you declare "you never desired to make a secret of any thing you have done?" If you think the answer you have given be sufficient, why should you remain so fore? Why should these Queries stick fast to you, like the fatal thirt to Hercules?
But, Sir, if they be so deserving of execration as you represent them, what must you deserve for falsely imputing them to me? By how much more criminal any action is, so much more base must he be who charges an innocent person with the commission of it. Be assured, Sir, if I had been the author I would not have hesitated a moment to avow it. I never did, nor ever intend, to write any thing to you without the signature of my name.
Mr. Norton I have not the pleasure of knowing, but from the good character he universally bears, and his obligingness in sending me the newspapers from England, I have always served him to the utmost of my power. Whoever will declare that, at any time, or in any manner, I have said, done, or approved any thing, injurious to or disrespectful of Mr. Norton, I shall not scruple to stigmatize him as an infamous, mischievous loving slanderer.
To the mercy or malice of you, and your anonymous sycophants, the gloomy and secret assassins of my reputation, I willingly give up my orthodoxy and learning; but as to your charges of perversion and falsehood, with whatever else may affect my character as a man, a christian, or a clergyman, I shall reply in the words of honest FATHER VALERIAN (cited by BISHOP WARBURTON, on a similar occasion) mentiris impudentissime .
S. HENLEY. JANUARY 6, 1775.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
WANTED,
A PERSON who can come well recommended, unexceptionable in Point of Character, willing to undertake the Education of Children and Youth of both Sexes, and is qualified to teach the English, Latin, and Greek Languages in their Purity and Elegance; also Writing, Arithmetick, Accounts, and the Mathematicks. Such a Person will meet with good Encouragement from the Inhabitants of this Town, which is pleasantly situated on the River Rappahannock, in the Neighbourhood of a plentiful and thick inhabited Part of the Country. Here is a commodious School-House, lately built on the publick Lots, the free Use of which, for a Term of Years, will be granted, for the Purpose of establishing a Seminary, to any Gentleman who is properly qualified, and will settle here in the above-mentioned Capacity. There is no Doubt but a comfortable and genteel Living may be made of the School by a Man of Character, Diligence, and Abilities: It will be useless for any other to apply.
PORT ROYAL, December 28, 1774. NORFOLK, January 4, 1775.
BY Direction of the Committee for this County, on Monday the 23d Instant, will be disposed of, at publick Sale, for ready Money, seven Parcels of Goods, containing Check Handkerchiefs, a Check, striped Holland, Bedtick, Irish Linen, Mens Hose, Thread, Osnabrug, Cuttler and other Hardware, Snuff and Barley, imported in the Richmond, Captain Patterson, from Glasgow, by Mr. Thomas McCulloch, and by him delivered to the Committee to be disposed of agreeable to the tenth Article of the Continental Congress.
By Order of the Committee, BENJAMIN CROOKER, CLK.
AS I am now busily employed in fixing up my PRINTING OFFICE, the Materials for which I have just received from Philadelphia, the Publick may depend upon being furnished, in the first Week in February, with the VIRGINIA GAZETTE printed by Their obedient humble Servant, ALEXANDER PURDIE.
COROTOMAN, Dec. 28, 1774. THREE or four SHOP-JOINERS, who are capable of executing the best Wainscot Work, may meet with Employment, and good Wages, from the Subscriber, in Fauquier County. (4) CHARLES CARTER.
JANUARY 3, 1775. THE PARTNERSHIP between Charles Hammond and myself being dissolved, the several Persons indebted to the Stores kept by him on Broad Run, and in Fauquier County, are to settle with, and pay their respective Balances to CUTHBERT HARRISON.
FREDERICKSBURG, January 3, 1775. NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership betwixt HORNER and WARD, of this Place, is dissolved; and all Persons who stand indebted to them are to pay the same to William Horner, who will discharge any Debts due from them. WILLIAM HORNER. JAMES WARD.
MY Affairs requiring my Return to England as soon as possible, I shall be greatly obliged to those Persons indebted as above that will enable me to do so, by a speedy Payment. I have a few European and other GOODS remaining on Hand, which I will dispose of, Wholesale or Retail, on the most reasonable Terms, for ready Money, Tobacco, or Wheat. 8 WILLIAM HORNER.
To be SOLD At BLANDFORD, to the highest Bidders, on THURSDAY the 2d of FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, TWELVE or thirteen exceeding likely SLAVES, belonging to Mr. Neil Buchanan, Senior, consisting of Men, Women, and Boys. Most of the Women are valuable House Servants, and can sew, spin, wash, iron, and cook. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of April 1776, on giving Bond, with approved Security; the Bonds that are not discharged when due to bear Interest from the Date. BOSLIN, ) CHARLES DUNCAN, near Blandford, Jan. 2.) Attorney for Mr. BUCHANAN.
TO BE SOLD, On the fourth THURSDAY in MARCH next, being PITTSYLVANIA Court Day, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from Mr. JAMES ROBERTS,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND lying in the said County, containing about 400 Acres, being the Land whereon the Courthouse stands, near 100 Acres of which are cleared, and in good Order for Cropping. It is well calculated for a Taverner, as there are sundry Houses built for that Purpose, and is rented, this Year, for sixty Pounds. There are 50 Acres laid off in Lots for a Town, on several of which are Houses built that will suit Tradesmen. At the same Time will be sold, several NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children, among whom are two valuable Women House Servants; also Stocks of all Kinds. A good Title will be made, and the Terms agreed on at the Day of Sale, which shall be as convenient for the Purchaser as the Case will admit. WILLIAM TUNSTALL.
TO BE SOLD, For one or more Years, on MONDAY the 16th Instant (JANUARY) before the Courthouse Door in YORK Town, A VERY good BLACKSMITH, and a SET of TOOLS, belonging to the Estate of the late Charles Minnis, deceased. Bond and Security will be required by THE EXECUTOR.
TO BE SOLD, Under the Direction of the Committee for the County of CHARLES CITY, on SATURDAY the 28th Instant, at the Store of AMOS and JAMES LADD in the said County, SUNDRY Parcels of Goods lately imported from Great Britain. The Goods to be sold in Lots not over ten Pounds Value, and the Purchasers to pay the Purchase Money to the Subscribers upon the Delivery of the Articles bought. (2) W. GREEN MUNFORD. WILLIAM GREGORY. PETER ROYSTER. THOMAS HOLT. JAMES EPPES.
TO BE LET To the highest Bidder, for one, two, or three Years, on SATURDAY the 28th Instant, THAT pleasant and healthy Situation belonging to the Estate of Robert Crawley, deceased, about 3 Miles from Williamsburg, on which Plantation are two small Orchards of bearing Apple Trees, a Variety of Cherry and other Fruit Trees, and a Spring of excellent Water very convenient. There are also several small Tenements belonging to the Estate, which may all be leased together, or separate, as may be agreed on that Day. Bond, with approved Security, will be required. (2) JOHN FERGUSSON.
BERKLEY (Charles City) January 9, 1775. RAN away from the Subscriber, the 8th Instant, a clear Mulatto Fellow named NICK, by Trade a Mill-wright, is about 25 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 5 Inches high, well set, speaks and walks very quick, has a Scar over one of his Eyes, and his Fingers much marked, by being often cut. He generally wears Leather Breeches, and a gray Great Coat, but has a Variety of Clothes. Some little Time since he was whipped, and has many fresh Marks on his Back. Whoever brings him to me shall have 3l. Reward, or 40s. for securing him in any Gaol, so that I may get him again. He is so very artful that he will escape from any One who is not extremely careful. He ran away some Time ago, and hired himself as a Freeman at a Saw Mill, either in Isle of Wight or Nansemond, and it is supposed may take the same Route. (tf) BENJAMIN HARRISON.
CHARLES CITY, January 7, 1775. STOLEN out of the Subscriber's Stable, last Night, a small bay HORSE about 4 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, 5 or 6 Years old, has a black Mane and Tail, was shod before, and has a small Sore on the left Side of his Back, which was hurt by a Saddle. The said Horse was taken from Dite Rutter of Lunenburg, by the Sheriff of this County, and sold at publick Sale last Court Day. Whoever brings him to me shall have 3l. Reward, and 6l. if the Offender is brought to Justice. ROBERT WALKER.
WILLIAMSBURG, January 2, 1775. HAVING thought fit to entrust the Settlement of our late Partnership Books, and the Collection of our Debts, to Mr. HENRY LAUGHTON of this City; we shall be much obliged to all Persons in Arrears to us to discharge their Accounts by the last of the ensuing General Court, after which Time such as remain unpaid will be sent out to the Sheriffs of the different Counties; and those who have any Demands against the Concern, preceding this Date, are desired to send in their Accounts immediately. ALEXANDER PURDIE. JOHN DIXON.
AMELIA, January 7, 1775. RUN away from the Subscriber, about the 10th of May last, a light Mulatto Fellow named DICK, about 19 or 20 Years old, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, has dark Eyes, a bushy Head of dark Hair, a Scar on his upper Lip, and a down Look. He was taken up in Norfolk last October or November, and brought up James River as high as Mrs. Cocke's, in Charles City, but made his Escape, and is supposed to be returned to Norfolk, or Portsmouth, as he was employed there by several different Persons as a Freeman. He was formerly the Property of Dr. Strachan of King William, and understands something of the Carpenter's Trade. I will give 40s. Reward for having him committed to any of his Majesty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and 5l. if out of the Colony. All Masters of Vessels are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. (||) ANTHONY LAMB.
TAKEN up, in Cumberland, a bright bay MARE 4 or 5 Years old, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with a Star in her Forehead, a Snip on her Nose, and branded on the near Buttock, but not intelligible enough to be described. Posted, and appraised to 15l. GEORGE CARRINGTON.
THE SHERIFFS who are in Arrear to his Majesty's Revenue of QUITRENTS are desired to settle their Accounts with the Auditor, and pay their respective Balances into the Receiver's Office by the 25th of next March; after which Time the Name of every Sheriff who fails to make due Payment will be inserted in the Gazette. RICHARD CORBIN, D. R. G.
KING WILLIAM, December 29, 1774. A PRIVATE TUTOR, capable of teaching the FRENCH and LATIN Languages, is wanted for about six Pupils. Such a Person, well recommended, will meet with Encouragement by applying to ROBERT HILL. SAMUEL GARLICK.
Just IMPORTED from LIVERPOOL, and to be disposed of, A FINE FISHING SEINE, 75 Fathom long; 36 Feet deep in the Middle, five eighths of an Inch Mesh; Ends 21 Feet, seven eighths of an Inch Mesh; with the necessary Apparatus. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. LANDON CARTER. FAUQUIER, Dec. 23, 1774.
ROBERT GILBERT, SHOEMAKER, HAS opened Shop in the back Street, at the Place where he formerly lived, opposite to Mr. Richard Charlton's, and intends carrying on his Business in all its Branches, having on Hand a very neat Assortment of Leather proper for Boots and Shoes. The many Disappointments he formerly met with obliges him for the future to sell entirely for Cash. He returns his sincere Thanks to those who were his former Customers, and shall endeavour to render Satisfaction to all those who may please to employ him. Good Encouragement will be given to a Journeyman who understands making of Boots. ||
WHEREAS there has been a Suit depending, some Time since, in Great Britain, which was brought by Samuel Dorrel, George Turner, John Noble, &c. Plaintiffs against Wilson Huggins, &c. Defendants, it being now determined in Favour of the Plaintiffs, the said Noble is hereby requested to make Application for his Part, and to pay his Proportion of Expenses. REUBEN TURNER, Executor of George Turner, deceased.
FALLS of POTOMACK, Dec. 23, 1774. AT a Meeting of the Trustees for opening the Navigation of Potomack River, held at George Town the first Day of December, 1774, present, THOMAS JOHNSON, Jun. Attorney at Law, WILLIAM DEAKINS, ADAM STEUART, THOMAS JOHNS, and THOMAS RICHARDSON, of George Town, Merchants, WILLIAM ELLZEY, ROBERT ALEXANDER, and PHILIP ALEXANDER, of Virginia, who ordered and directed that the Subscriber should, on the Credit, and at the Risk of the above-named Trustees, hire fifty Slaves to labour in cutting the Canals round the several Falls of said River: And at another Meeting of Trustees, for the Purpose aforesaid, held at Alexandria the 19th Day of the same Month, present, GEORGE WASHINGTON, JOHN CARLYLE, JOHN DALTON, and WILLIAM RAMSAY, Gentlemen, together with many of the Trustees at the former Meeting, who recognized and approved of the Order for hiring fifty Slaves, and agreed to become equally liable. In Consequence of which Order of the Trustees, I hereby give Notice that I want to hire Negro Men for the ensuing Year, for the Purpose above-mentioned. Any Person inclining to hire the Whole, or any Part of them, may see the Proceedings of the said Trustees, subscribed by and with their respective Hands, in my Custody. 4 JOHN BALENDINE.
IF any of the Offspring of John Ellason, deceased, are living, they may hear of Something greatly to their Advantage by applying to Samuel Swann of Nansemond, or John Swann of Cumberland.
WANTED, On Charter for Cadiz, A VESSEL to carry 12 or 1500 Barrels. INQUIRE OF THE PRINTERS.
TO BE SOLD For ready Money, at HANOVER Courthouse, on the first THURSDAY in FEBRUARY, by Virtue of a Bill of Sale, FIFTEEN VIRGINIA born SLAVES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. An indisputable Title will be made to the Purchasers. 4

A F A B L E.
WITHIN the Windings of a Wood, A little homely Mansion stood; Where, free from Care, an honest Swain An homely Living strove to gain. Rich Vines around the Cottage grew, Near which an Honey-Suckle blew, Whose spreading Branches grateful made A pleasing, sweet, and rustic Shade. Here often would the Swain repair, Eager to breathe the fragrant Air; Would often under this retire, To listen to the feather'd Choir. So chanc'd it to the industrious Swain; The Pleasure lost, ensu'd the Pain: A Drone Bee of a dismal Hue Unto this Honey-Suckle flew; From which, like Budget, ev'ry Day, Extracted Sweets, he stole away. From Flow'r to Flow'r he buzz'd around, And spread with blighted Leaves the Ground. Vex'd at the Heart, the honest Man Refolv'd the Traitor to trepan: With Care and Craft the Trap he lays, Fixing it firm between the Sprays. The pilf'ring Bee, not over wile, Into the Trap unwary flies. Now springs the Tree, and shoots amain, Which greatly pleas'd the honest Swain; While on each Spray a Blossom shines, And the cag'd Bee laments and pines: Some Moments pass'd, and no Relief, The little Traitor dy'd of Grief; But (like the Swan, in mournful Sound) First sung his Elegy profound: "In Trap secure at last I'm caught, And pay for all in this one Fault. See, see, the dire Effect of robbing; Better for me, had I been jobbing; Botching stale Wit, low Repartee, And never visited that Tree; Yet e'en Confinement don't so grieve me, As to behold (alas! believe me) The Honey-Suckle fresh and fair, Again with Sweets perfume the Air. Unhappy me! Must that still thrive, While Piece-meal drops my rotten Hive? Thus having said, he gave a Groan, And finish'd, with his Life, a Moan."
DECEMBER 22, 1774.
AT a Meeting at Alexandria, on the 19th Instant, of several of the Trustees named in Mr. John Balandine's Plan and Proposals for extending the Navigation of Potomack River, it was then recommended that another Meeting should shortly be held, in Order to form and digest proper Plans to be laid before the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland, respecting the said Navigation: NOTICE is therefore given, that the said Meeting will be at Alexandria, on the last Thursday in January next, if fair, if not, on the next fair Day; when and where it is expected that as large a Number of the Trustees as can make it convenient will give their Attendance.
RICHARD THOMPSON, Clk.
TO BE SOLD,
On the second MONDAY in FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at LOUDON Courthouse,
FIFTY likely Virginia born NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. Six Months Credit will be allowed for one Half, and twelve Months for the other Half of the Purchase Money, the Purchasers giving Bond and approved Security; the Bonds to carry Interest if not discharged within twenty Days after they become due. Five per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money.
Ten Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Stafford County, two indentured SERVANTS, one a Scotchman, named DAVID MATHISON, a stout well made Fellow, by Trade a Gardener, about 25 Years of Age, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, with dark red Hair curled behind, and at the Sides; had on, and took with him, an old blue Surtout Coat, which has been turned, faced and trimmed with the same Colour; a green Cloth Jacket, with yellow Metal Buttons; a Pair of red Plush Breeches, fine mixed blue Country Stockings, a mixed blue Cloth Coat and Jacket, lined and trimmed with black; a striped Virginia Cloth Jacket, one Shirt of brown Sheeting, several others of fine Linen, a Pair of Nankeen Breeches, and many other Clothes that cannot be particularized. The other is an Englishman, by Name CHARLES BOOTH, by Trade a Joiner, aged about 20 or 21 Years, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, slender made, of a fair Complexion, and has white short curled Hair. He had on, and took with him, a Violet or purple coloured Cloth Coat and Waistcoat, a Pair of new Buckskin Breeches, a Pair of old Do. much worn, and very dirty, an old blue Coat lined with white shalloon, a new green Cotton Waistcoat with Plaid Sleeves, and lined with Osnabrug, a Pair of dark ribbed Stockings, and several other Pairs of different Colours, a brown Sheeting Shirt, one fine Irish Linen Ditto much patched, and several others; also a Silver Watch. They took with them a Gun, a Pair of double Blankets, and a spotted Rug, and went away in a Pettiauger. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from carrying them out of the Country. WILLIAM BRENT.
CHARLES CITY, January 1, 1775.
LESTER'S FERRY, on Chickahomony, is now rented by the Subscriber, who will endeavour to keep the same in good Order. Gentlemen who have Occasion to travel that Way may depend on having the best of Entertainment, and good Usage from JOHN FOESE.
WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 29, 1774.
STRAYED, a BAY HORSE and MARE; the Horse is about 14 Hands and a Half high, hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and has a sore Back; the Mare is a very dark bay, about 13 Hands high, three white Feet, and her Tail about three Feet long. Twenty Shillings Reward will be given on their being delivered to the Printers.
STOLEN from my Plantation, in Amelia County, the 6th of November last, a bright bay MARE about 4 Feet 7 Inches high, branded on the near Buttock with three Dots, has some Saddle Spots on her Back, paces well, drags her hind Feet, and one of them is white. Whoever delivers her to my Overseer, or to me in Chesterfield County, shall have 20s. Reward, and 5l. on Conviction of the Thief, paid by THOMAS WORSIAM.
I INTEND to ENGLAND immediately. CHRISTOPHER TODD.
STRAYED from Mr. John Dowsing's, in Warwick County, on Saturday the 24th of December last, two MARES, viz. one a sorrel, 4 Years old, about 4 Feet 9 or 10 Inches high, trots, gallops, and paces slowly, branded on the near Buttock I P R (the P R in a Piece) but hardly perceivable; has a small Ulcer on her right Cheek, caused by the Kick of a Horse some Time ago, and appears to be pretty forward with Foal. The other is a light Iron Gray, 5 Years old, about 4 Feet 5 or 6 Inches high, trots and gallops, and branded on the near Buttock 3. It is imagined they will make for King William. Whoever delivers the said Mares to Mr. Dowsing, or the Subscriber, in King William, shall receive a Dollar Reward for each. JAMES RUSSELL.
TAKEN up, about a Fortnight ago, a NEGRO MAN who says his Name is ROBIN, and that he belongs to Mr. Robert Courts of Albemarle. He is about 28 Years of Age, 5 Feet high, and speaks bad English. The Owner is desired to apply to the Printers, pay the Expense of this Advertisement, and take him away.
TO BE SOLD,
PURSUANT to a Resolution of the Committee for James City County, before the Rawleigh Door, on the third Thursday in January, at 11 o'Clock in the Forenoon, for ready Money only, a large Number of GREEN IVORY TABLE KNIVES, PEN-KNIVES, and a Variety of other Articles, just imported. RICHARD TALIAFERRO, Junior. WILLIAM SPRATLEY, CHAMPION TRAVIS, CARY WILKINSON, JOHN WARBURTON.
MANCHESTER, Dec. 21, 1774.
RUN away, about a Month ago, a Negro Slave belonging to me, named HARRY. He is a small black Fellow, about 40 Years of Age, cannot speak English plainly, has been used to go by Water for some Years past, and may probably have hired himself on Board some Craft. I am told he was seen lately employed on Board an Oyster Boat in James River, near the Hundred. Those (when discovered) employing or harbouring him, may expect to be prosecuted. I will give 40s. Reward for bringing him Home. JAMES LYLE.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a YELLOW BAY MARE two or three Years old, a small Blaze in her Face, her near Jaw Bone seems as if it had been broke, but is now well, all her Feet are white, has a hanging Mane, but is not docked, and branded on the near Buttock O. Potted, and appraised to 12 l. THOMAS BOAZE.
TAKEN up at my Plantation, last Fall was twelve Months, a SPOTTED SHOAT, neither marked nor cut, but since that Time I have had him cut. The Owner may have him, or his Value, on proving his Property, and applying to the Subscriber, in Henrico. DABNEY PETTUS.
Wanted immediately,
A JOURNEYMAN SHOEMAKER that understands the Business well in all its Branches. Such a One, coming well recommended, for an honest, industrious, sober Man, will meet with Encouragement to his Satisfaction, a good Seat of Work, and his Money paid every Saturday Night if he chooses it. Inquire for the Subscriber, near the upper Church, in Middlesex County. SAMUEL DANIEL.
FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD.
RAN away last Night, from Dorsey's Forge, three Servant Men, viz. WILLIAM GEORGE, born in England, about 34 Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, has a down Look, light coloured short Hair, Pock marked, round shouldered, has had his left Wrist broke, which occasions it to be much larger than his right, and is a Carpenter and Joiner by Trade; had on, and took with him, one Check Shirt, one Osnabrug Ditto, old Leather Breeches, light blue Jacket without Sleeves, small round Hat, bound with black Worsted Binding, and has a small Piece of Crape tied round the Crown, a Pair of ribbed Worsted Stockings, and a Pair of Pumps with Steel Buckles. Had on an Iron Collar. SOLOMON BURNHAM, born in Yorkshire, and speaks in that Dialect, professes himself to be a complete Farmer, about 26 Years of Age, five Feet ten Inches high, swarthy Complexion, a down Look, and short black curled Hair; had on, and took with him, an Osnabrug Shirt, blue gray Jacket without Sleeves, Leather Breeches, a coarse Hat about Half worn, a Pair of Yarn Stockings, and a Pair of Shoes and Buckles. Had on an Iron Collar. SAMUEL CHAPMAN, an Englishman, 28 Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, a lusty well made Fellow, a little round shouldered, is of a swarthy Complexion, has a large bony Face, thick Lips, and a very full Set of Teeth; had on, and took with him, a Cloth Jacket, an Osnabrug Shirt, a Check Do. Osnabrug Trousers, two Pair of Stockings, new Shoes with Buckles, and a new Felt Hat. Whoever takes up the said Servants, and brings them to the Subscribers, shall have if twenty Miles from home 30s. if thirty Miles 40s. and if sixty Miles 5l. for each, including what the Law allows, and reasonable Charges. SAMUEL DORSEY, Jun. EDWARD NORWOOD. MARYLAND, September 25, 1774.
FOR SALE,
MY DWELLING-HOUSE, &c. in York Town. Five Years Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser give Bond (with approved Security) bearing Interest from the Time the Bargain is concluded upon. For Terms apply to me, in this Town. JOHN H. NORTON. YORK TOWN, November 23, 1774.
FOR CHARTER, The BRIGANTINE
A B B Y, JONAS HERBERT MASTER, BURTHEN about 240 Hogheads, or 8000 Bushels. For Terms apply to GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH. NORFOLK, November 5, 1774.
THE DISTILLERY at Alexandria in Virginia, with other Improvements, to be let for a Term of Years. Inquire of Mr. William Holt at Williamsburg, William Davies, Esq; at Norfolk, Mr. George Gilpin, or Messrs. Harper & Hartborne, at Alexandria, Mr. John Cornthwaite, at Baltimore, or of Daniel Roberdeau, Esq; at Philadelphia. The Distillery and Improvements consist of a Distillery built of Stone, 71 Feet by 39; a Stone Store 50 by 50, with Granaries, in two Stories above the Ground Floor, and a Sail or Rigging Loft above, the whole Length of the Building; a Molasses Store, framed, that will contain 240 Hogheads; and a framed Cooper's Shop 16 by 23, with a suitable Chimney. The Distillery is furnished with two new Stills about the same Size, that will hold to work 2500 Gallons; and the Working Cisterns, twenty in Number, will contain the same Quantity each. It is also furnished with a third Still, that contains to work 600 Gallons, for Low Wines. Each of these Stills have suitable Worms and Worm Tubs. There is also a suitable Low Wine Cistern, and five very ample Return Cisterns outside of the House, and under Cover. The Whole, and every Part of the Improvements, are entirely new, executed by Workmen from Philadelphia, and the Distillery under the immediate Eye and Direction of a Gentleman of eminent Capacity in Distillation. The Works are supplied with good cool Water from an ample Spring, by two Pumps with Brass Chambers six Inches Diameter; and the Cisterns are charged with two other Pumps, with Chambers of Block Tin five Inches Diameter, through Suction Pipes of yellow Poplar. All these Pumps are worked by a Horse, in an adjoining Mill-house of large Diameter, well constructed. There is also a Woodyard, boarded seven Feet, that will contain much more than necessary for the Distillery, into which the Wood may be thrown from the Water. The Whole of these Improvements are situated in Alexandria, below the Bank; the Distillery on fast Ground, and the Cisterns fixed above the highest Tide Waters; the Stores and Yard on a Wharf which, with the publick Wharf adjoining, of 66 Feet, makes an Extent of more than 200 Feet in Width, 156 Feet of which run 300 Feet into Potomack.
As it does not suit the Owner of these Improvements to remove his Residence from Philadelphia, he will let them at a moderate Rent, with a Contract for 300 Cords of Ash Wood yearly, or five Years, cut into four Feet Lengths, and delivered on the Maryland Shore, directly opposite to the Distillery, and so near the Water as to render any Carriage unnecessary, by the Heirs of Thomas Addison, Esq; deceased, at the Rate of a Dollar per Cord.
Any Person inclining to lease the Premises, may be furnished, on a speedy Application, with about 160 Hogheads of good well chosen Molasses, with Indulgence for Payment. Inquire as above. (tf)
TO BE SOLD
At BLANDFORD, to the highest Bidder, on TUESDAY the 17th of this Instant (JANUARY) if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
FIFTEEN or twenty valuable Virginia born NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls. Credit will be allowed for one Half till the 25th of April 1775, and for the other till the 25th of April 1776, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to PATRICK RAMSAY. (6)
PRINCE GEORGE, November 10, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Muttasso Boy named SAM, about 16 or 17 Years old, of a very light Complexion, and will endeavour to pass for a free Boy, has gray Eyes, brown Hair, a smooth artful Tongue, is a great Villain, but a very good Barber. In the Month of June last he was put in York Jail, on Suspicion of having stolen some Money in Williamsburg. He made his Escape from thence and got to Norfolk, where he was put in Jail and sent to me by Water. The next Day (September 20th) he made his Escape from my Overseer, and has not since been heard of. He was born in Frederick Town, Maryland, has lived in Fredericksburg, Norfolk, and York Town, and is well acquainted with most Parts of Virginia. He was very meanly clad, having been so long in Jail, but it is probable will procure Clothes. I will give 40s. Reward to have him committed to any of his Majesty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and if out of the Colony 5l. All Captains of Ships, or Masters of Vessels, are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. JOHN BLAND. (tf)
NEW YORK, July 27, 1774.
FIFTY POUNDS REWARD,
WHEREAS, on the 19th of June last past, a certain JOSEPH THORP was entrusted with a considerable Sum in Half Johanneses, of nine Pennyweight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his Appearance there, with other suspicious Circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the Money. He is a Native of England, about six Feet high, swarthy Complexion, very dark keen Eyes, and pitted with the Smallpox, of a slender Make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, with some small Impediment in his Speech. He lived some Time in Boston, from whence he removed to Quebec, assuming the Character of a Merchant in both Places; he was also once in Trade in Newcastle, Virginia, and has a Brother settled there. It is believed he went on Board Captain John F. Pruym, of Albany, and took with him a blue Calmire and a dark brown Cloth Suit of Clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp, in any of his Majesty's Jails on this Continent, shall be entitled to ten per Cent. on the Sum recovered, and the above Reward of 50 l. when convicted. Apply to Curzon and Seton of New York, Joseph Wharton, Junior, of Philadelphia, Robert Christie of Baltimore, James Gibson and Co. of Virginia, John Bondfield of Quebec, Melatiah Beurne or John Rowe of Boston. It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp, since the 19th of June last past, or know any Thing of the Route he has taken, that they convey the most early Intelligence thereof to any of the above Persons, or to Greenwood, Ritson, and Marsh, in Norfolk, or to Robert Pleasants and Co. at Four Mile Creek, Henrico County; the Favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from taking him off the Continent. (tf)
TO BE SOLD, or RENTED,
(Preference will be given to the first)
A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Messrs. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives. The Land of itself is valuable, exclusive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-House, with other necessary Outbuildings, and a large and convenient Storehouse, 32 by 44 Feet. There are about 24 Acres of the low Ground well set in Timothy and Clover, and notwithstanding this dry Summer, 15 Acres of it have yielded above 30,000 Weight of Hay, which, with about 300 Bushels of Oats in the Straw, some Indian Corn, 40 Head of Cattle, 50 Head of Sheep, and some Hogs, will be sold on reasonable Terms. The Purchaser may have Possession of the Premises as soon as he pleases, and long Credit (if required) will be allowed for the Land, on his giving Bond and Security. It is expected the Store will be continued, and of Course the Purchaser will have the Benefit of the Board of the Storekeepers, and besides the Situation of the Place (being on Taylor's Ferry Road) makes it well calculated for a Tavern. EBENEZER MACHARG. (tf)