The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-08-11 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the freest 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.
At a very full Meeting of DELEGATES from the different Counties in the Colony and Dominion of Virginia, begun in Williamsburg the first Day of August, in the Year of our Lord 1774, and continued by several Adjournments to Saturday the 6th of the same Month, the following ASSOCIATION was unanimously resolved upon and agreed to.
W E his Majesty's dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Delegates of the Freeholders of VIRGINIA, deputed to represent them at a general Meeting in the City of Williamsburg, avowing our inviolable and unshaken Fidelity and Attachment to our most gracious Sovereign, our Regard and Affection for all our Friends and Fellow Subjects in Great Britain and elsewhere, protesting against every Act or Thing which may have the most distant Tendency to interrupt, or in any Wise disturb, his Majesty's Peace, and the good Order of Government within this his ancient Colony, which we are resolved to maintain and defend at the Risk of our Lives and Fortunes; but, at the same Time, affected with the deepest Anxiety, and most alarming Apprehensions, of those Grievances and Distresses by which his Majesty's American Subjects are oppressed; and having taken under our most serious Deliberation the State of the whole Continent; find, that the present unhappy Situation of our Affairs is chiefly occasioned by certain ill advised Regulations, as well of our Trade as internal Polity, introduced by several unconstitutional Acts of the British Parliament, and, at length, attempted to be enforced by the Hand of Power. Solely influenced by these important and weighty Considerations, we think it an indispensable Duty which we owe to our Country, ourselves, and latest Posterity, to guard against such dangerous and extensive Mischiefs, by every just and proper Means.
If, by the Measures adopted, some unhappy Consequences and Inconveniences should be derived to our Fellow Subjects, whom we will not to injure in the smallest Degree, we hope, and flatter ourselves, that they will impute them to their real Cause, the hard Necessity to which we are driven. That the good People of this Colony may, on so trying an Occasion, continue steadfastly directed to their most essential Interests, in Hopes that they will be influenced and stimulated by our Example to the greatest Industry, the strictest Economy and Frugality, and the Exertion of every publick Virtue; persuaded that the Merchants, Manufacturers, and other Inhabitants of Great Britain, and, above all, that the British Parliament will be convinced how much the true Interest of that Kingdom must depend on the Restoration and Continuance of that mutual Friendship and Cordiality which so happily subsisted between us; we have, unanimously, and with one Voice, entered into the following Resolutions and Association, which we do oblige ourselves, by those sacred Ties of Honour and Love to our Country, strictly to observe. And farther declare, before God and the World, that we will religiously adhere to and keep the same inviolate in every Particular, until Redress of all such American Grievances as may be defined and settled at the General Congress of Delegates from the different Colonies shall be fully obtained, or until this Association shall be abrogated or altered by a general Meeting of the Deputies of this Colony, to be convened as is herein after directed. And we do, with the greatest Earnestness, recommend this our Association to all Gentlemen, Merchants, Traders, and other Inhabitants of this Colony, hoping that they will cheerfully and cordially accede thereto.
1st. We do hereby resolve and declare, that we will not, either directly or indirectly, after the 1st Day of November next, import from Great Britain any Goods, Wares, or Merchandises whatever, Medicines excepted; nor will we, after that Day, import any British Manufactures, either from the West Indies or any other Place, nor any Article whatever which we shall know, or have Reason to believe, was brought into such Countries from Great Britain; nor will we purchase any such Articles so imported of any Person or Persons whatsoever, except such as are now in the Country, or such as may arrive on or before the said 1st Day of November, in Consequence of Orders already given, and which cannot now be countermanded in Time.
2dly. We will neither ourselves import, nor purchase, any Slave, or Slaves, imported by any Person, after the 1st Day of November next, either from Africa, the West Indies, or any other Place.
3dly. Considering the Article of Tea as the detestable Instrument which laid the Foundation of the present Sufferings of our distressed Friends in the Town of Boston, we view it with Horror; and therefore resolve, that we will not, from this Day, either import Tea of any Kind whatever, nor will we use, or suffer even such of it as is now on Hand to be used, in any of our Families.
4thly. If the Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, or any other Colony, should, by Violence or dire Necessity, be compelled to pay the East India Company for destroying any Tea, which they have lately by their Agents unjustly attempted to force into the Colonies, we will not, directly or indirectly, import or purchase any British East India Commodity whatever, till the Company, or some other Person on their Behalf, shall refund and fully restore to the Owners all such Sum or Sums of Money as may be so extorted.
5thly. We do resolve, that unless American Grievances are redressed before the 10th Day of August, 1775, we will not, after that Day, directly or indirectly, export Tobacco, or any other Article whatever, to Great Britain; nor will we sell any such Articles as we think can be exported to Great Britain with a Prospect of Gain to any Person or Persons whatever, with a Design of putting it into his or their Power to export the same to Great Britain, either on our own, his, or their, Account. And that this Resolution may be the more effectually carried into Execution, we do hereby recommend it to the Inhabitants of this Colony to refrain from the Cultivation of Tobacco, as much as conveniently may be; and, in Lieu thereof, that they will, as we resolve to do, apply their Attention and Industry to the Cultivation of all such Articles as may form a proper Basis for Manufactures of all Sorts, which we will endeavour to encourage throughout this Colony to the utmost of our Abilities.
6thly. We will endeavour to improve our Breed of Sheep, and increase their Number to the utmost Extent, and to this End we will be as sparing as we conveniently can in killing of Sheep, especially those of the most profitable Kind; and if we should at any Time be overstocked, or can conveniently spare any, we will dispose of them to our Neighbours, especially the poorer Sort of People, upon moderate Terms.
7thly. Resolved, that the Merchants, and other Venders of Goods and Merchandises within this Colony, ought not to take Advantage of the Scarcity of Goods that may be occasioned by this Association, but that they ought to sell the same at the Rates they have been accustomed to for twelve Months last past; and if they shall sell any such Goods on higher Terms, or shall in any Manner, or by any Device whatever, violate or depart from this Resolution, we will not, and are of Opinion that no Inhabitant of this Colony ought, at any Time thereafter, to deal with any such Persons, their Factors or Agents, for any Commodity whatever. And it is recommended to the Deputies of the several Counties, that Committees be chosen in each County, by such Persons as accede to this Association, to take effectual Care that these Resolves be properly observ-
ed, and for corresponding occasionally with the general Committee of Correspondence in the City of Williamsburg. Provided, that if Exchange should rise, such Advance may be made in the Prices of Goods as shall be approved by the Committee of each County.
8thly. In Order the better to distinguish such worthy Merchants and Traders who are Well-wishers to this Colony, from those who may attempt, through Motives of Self-Interest, to obstruct our Views, we do hereby resolve, that we will not, after the first Day of November next, deal with any Merchant or Trader who will not sign this Association, nor until he hath obtained a Certificate of his having done so from the County Committee, or any three Members thereof. And if any Merchant, Trader, or other Person, shall import any Goods or Merchandise after the said first Day of November, contrary to this Association, we give it as our Opinion that such Goods and Merchandise should be either forthwith re-shipped or delivered up to the County Committee, to be stored at the Risk of the Importer, unless such Importer shall give a proper Assurance to the said Committee that such Goods or Merchandises shall not be sold within this Colony during the Continuance of this Association; and if such Importer shall refuse to comply with one or the other of these Terms, upon Application and due Caution given to him, or her, by the said Committee, or any three Members thereof, such Committee is required to publish the Truth of the Case in the Gazettes, and in the County where he or she resides, and we will thereafter consider such Person or Persons as inimical to this Country, and break off every Connection and all Dealings with them.
9thly. Resolved, that if any Person or Persons shall export Tobacco, or any other Commodity, to Great Britain, after the 10th Day of August 1775, contrary to this Association, we shall hold ourselves obliged to consider such Person or Persons as inimical to the Community, and as an Approvers of American Grievances; and give it as our Opinion, that the Publick should be advertised of his Conduct, as in the 8th Article is desired.
10thly. Being fully persuaded that the united Wisdom of the General Congress may improve these our Endeavours to preserve the Rights and Liberties in British America, we decline enlarging at present; but do hereby resolve, that we will conform to, and strictly observe, all such Alterations or Additions, assented to by the Delegates for this Colony, as they may judge it necessary to adopt, after the same shall be published and made known to us.
11thly. Resolved, that we think ourselves called upon, by every Principle of Humanity and brotherly Affection, to extend the utmost and speediest Relief to our distressed Fellow Subjects in the Town of Boston; and therefore most earnestly recommend it to all the Inhabitants of this Colony to make such liberal Contributions as they can afford, to be collected and remitted to Boston in such Manner as may best answer so desirable a Purpose.
12thly. And lastly. Resolved, that the Moderator of this Meeting, and, in Case of his Death, ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS, Esquire, be empowered, on any future Occasion, that may in his Opinion require it, to convene the several Delegates of this Colony, at such Time and Place as he may judge proper; and, in Case of the Death or Absence of any Delegate, it is recommended that another be chosen in his Place.
Instructions for the DEPUTIES appointed to meet in GENERAL CONGRESS on the Part of this Colony.
THE unhappy Disputes between Great Britain and her American Colonies, which began about the third Year of the Reign of his present Majesty, and since, continually increasing, have proceeded to Lengths so dangerous and alarming as to excite just Apprehensions in the Minds of his Majesty's faithful Subjects of this Colony that they are in Danger of being deprived of their natural, ancient, constitutional, and chartered Rights, have compelled them to take the same into their most serious Consideration; and being deprived of their usual and accustomed Mode of making known their Grievances, have appointed us their Representatives to consider what is proper to be done in this dangerous Crisis of American Affairs.
It being our Opinion that the united Wisdom of North America should be collected in a General Congress of all the Colonies, we have appointed the Honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; RICHARD HENRY LEE, GEORGE WASHINGTON, PATRICK HENRY, RICHARD BLAND, BENJAMIN HARRISON, and EDMUND PENDLETON, Esquires, Deputies to represent this Colony in the said Congress, to be held at Philadelphia on the first Monday in September next.
And that they may be the better informed of our Sentiments touching the Conduct we wish them to observe on this important Occasion, we desire that they will express, in the first Place, our Faith and true Allegiance to his Majesty King George the Third, our lawful and rightful Sovereign; and that we are determined, with our Lives and Fortunes, to support him in the legal Exercise of all his just Rights and Prerogatives. And, however misrepresented, we sincerely approve of a constitutional Connexion with Great Britain, and wish most ardently a Return of that Intercourse of Affection and commercial Connexion that formerly united both Countries, which can only be effected by a Removal of those Causes of Discontent which have of late unhappily divided us.
It cannot admit of a Doubt but that British Subjects in America are entitled to the same Rights and Privileges as their Fellow Subjects possess in Britain; and therefore, that the Power assumed by the British Parliament to bind America by their Statutes, in all Cases whatsoever, is unconstitutional, and the Source of these unhappy Differences.
The End of Government would be defeated by the British Parliament exercising a Power over the Lives, the Property, and the Liberty, of American Subjects; who are not, and, from their local Circumstances, cannot, be there represented. Of this Nature we consider the several Acts of Parliament for raising a Revenue in America, for extending the Jurisdiction of the Courts of Admiralty for seizing American Subjects and transporting them to Britain to be tried for Crimes committed in America, and the several late oppressive Acts respecting the Town of Boston and Province of the Massachusetts Bay.
The original Constitution of the American Colonies possessing their Assemblies with the sole Right of directing their internal Polity, it is absolutely destructive of the End of their Institution that their Legislatures should be suspended, or prevented, by hasty Dissolutions, from exercising their legislative Powers.
Wanting the Protection of Britain, we have long acquiesced in their Acts of Navigation restrictive of our Commerce, which we consider as an ample Recompence for such Protection; but as those Acts derive their Efficacy from that Foundation alone, we have Reason to expect they will be restrained so as to produce the reasonable Purposes of Britain, and not injurious to us.
To obtain Redress of these Grievances, without which the People of America can neither be safe, free, nor happy, they are willing to undergo the great Inconvenience that will be derived to them from stopping all Imports whatsoever from Great Britain after the first Day of November next, and also to cease exporting any Commodity whatsoever to the same Place after the tenth Day of August 1775. The earnest Desire we have to make as quick and full Payment as possible of our Debts to Great Britain, and to avoid the heavy Injury that would arise to this Country from an earlier Adoption of the Non-exportation Plan, after the People have already applied so much of their Labour to the perfecting of the present Crop, by which Means they have been prevented from pursuing
other Methods of clothing and supporting their Families, have rendered it necessary to restrain you in this Article of Non-exportation; but it is our Desire that you cordially co-operate with our Sister Colonies in General Congress in such other just and proper Methods as they, or the Majority, shall deem necessary for the Accomplishment of these valuable Ends.
The Proclamation issued by General Gage, in the Government of the Province of the Massachusetts Bay, declaring it Treason for the Inhabitants of that Province to assemble themselves to consider of their Grievances and form Associations for their common Conduct on the Occasion, and requiring the Civil Magistrates and Officers to apprehend all such Persons to be tried for their supposed Offences, is the most alarming Process that ever appeared in a British Government; that the said General Gage hath thereby assumed and taken upon himself Powers denied by the Constitution to our legal Sovereign; that he, not having condescended to disclose by what Authority he exercises such extensive and unheard of Powers, we are at a Loss to determine whether he intends to justify himself as the Representative of the King or as the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces in America. If he considers himself as acting in the Character of his Majesty's Representative, we would remind him that the Statute 25th Edward III. has expressed and defined all treasonable Offences, and that the Legislature of Great Britain hath declared that no Offence shall be construed to be Treason but such as is pointed out by that Statute, and that this was done to take out of the Hands of tyrannical Kings, and of weak and wicked Ministers, that deadly Weapon which constructive Treason had furnished them with, and which had drawn the Blood of the best and honestest Men in the Kingdom; and that the King of Great Britain hath no Right by his Proclamation to subject his People to Imprisonment, Pains, and Penalties.
That if the said General Gage conceives he is empowered to act in this Manner, as the Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces in America, this odious and illegal Proclamation must be considered as a plain and full Declaration that this despotick Viceroy will be bound by no Law, nor regard the constitutional Rights of his Majesty's Subjects, whenever they interfere with the Plan he has formed for oppressing the good People of the Massachusetts Bay; and therefore, that the executing or attempting to execute, such Proclamation, will justify Resistance and Reprisal.
L O N D O N, May 16.
ON Friday Night an Express arrived in Town, with Advice of the Death of his Grace William Fitzroy, Duke of Cleveland and Southampton, Earl of Chichester, Comptroller of the Seal, or Green Wax Office Receiver, and Comptroller of the Profits of the Seals in the Court of King's Bench and Common Pleas, at Raby Castle, in the Bishoprick of Durham. The Title, with 8000l. per Annum, which is entailed upon the Title, comes to the Duke of Grafton, who now takes the Title of Duke of Cleveland.
On Thursday last came on before the Lords of his Majesty's Council an Appeal from the Province of North Carolina, wherein Abner Nash, Esq; and Justina his Wife, late Widow of Governor Dobbs of that Province, were Appellants, and Conway Richard Dobbs, and Edward Brice Dobbs, Esquires, Sons of the said late Governor Dobbs, were Respondents; when their Lordships were pleased to order the Decree of the Governor and Council of that Province, for a perpetual Injunction, to be reversed.
The Produce of North America, which used to be sent yearly to Great Britain, is reckoned at about four Millions Sterling; the Manufactures of Britain, and other Commodities returned from hence, at nearly the same Sum; the Debts due from People in America, to the British Merchants here, at about six Millions, or a Year and a Half of that Commerce, taking the Time past by that to come. Supposing, therefore, the Americans to act out of Resentment in their present Contest, as they did in that of the Stamp Act, we shall then have yearly, until the final Settlement of this Affair, Manufactures to the Value of four Millions Sterling left, and heaped on the Hands of our Merchants and Master Manufacturers, or we shall have Workmen and poor People put out of Employ, and turned adrift in that Proportion. These are some of the Difficulties and Distresses which we are, for the Sake of a Trial of Skill with our Colonies, going to bring on ourselves, and which must be perpetually magnifying and increasing as long as the unnatural Contest shall continue.
May 18. A correct List of the Lords who voted against the American Measures: Dukes of Richmond,* Manchester,* Portland, and Lennox; Marquis of Rockingham;* Earls of Stamford, Abingdon, Effingham,* Fitzwilliam, Dartney, Spencer, Stair,* Besborough, and Shelburne;* Viscount Torrington; Barons Abergavenny, Craven, King, Sondes, Ravensworth,* and Camden,* Bishop of St. Asaph.—N. B. Those marked thus * spoke in the Course of the Debate.
A Treaty of Marriage is now on Foot between Mr. Fox, a great Importer of the Irish Editions of our best Authors, and Mrs. Cooper, a Wholesale Dealer in Rags, a Vendor of second-hand Clothes, and an occasional Seller of Sixpenny Jest Books.
A Correspondent says, that it may be depended on, if Choiseul heads the French Ministry, he will keep Peace with England; and will annul the Family Compact, the Spaniards having refused to fulfil the secret Articles. The Countess de Barré is going to retire to a Nunnery for a Year certain, and perhaps for Life, with an Annuity from Lewis XVI. and the Queen.
An Evening Paper says: A Gentleman who arrived on Monday from Paris says that he left that City last Wednesday Morning, a few Hours after the Death of the French King. As soon as it was known, the Inhabitants were thrown into the greatest Consternation. He says that Madam Barré, two Hours after the King's Death, was preparing to leave the Kingdom that Night (all her best Effects having been sent off before) but was taken into the Custody of an Officer, being charged with having meddled too much in political Affairs.
May 19. Yesterday the Order of the Day was read in the Upper Assembly for the third Reading of the Bill for the impartial Administration of Justice, &c. at Massachusetts Bay. A Petition from Mr. Bolland, the Agent, was presented, praying that the said Bill might not pass into a Law. A Motion being made that he should be called to the Bar, a Debate arose, and upon the Question being put, the House divided: Contents 13, Not Contents 46. The Lords Camden, Richmond, Dartmouth, Townsend, Denbigh, Manchester, Shelburne, Rockingham, and Apsley, spoke in the Debate for and against the Bill. The Question being at last put whether this Bill do pass, the House again divided: Contents 43, Not Contents 12. Then the other Order of the Day was read for the third Reading of the Bill for providing Quarters for the Officers and Troops in North America; and upon Motion, it was put off till this Day se'nnight.
His Majesty came from Kew to St. James's yesterday, where there was a grand Levee.
Yesterday Lord North, as soon as he had opened the Budget, harangued the Committee for two Hours. In his Speech he circumstantially recited the Situation of the national Debt, after which he fully discussed the State of the French Finances, the Mode of their Administration, and compared them with the happy State of our Money Funds, &c. His Lordship was exceedingly merry upon the Opposition, and reflected in a jocose Style upon former Ministers, and those Parliaments who repealed the Cider Act, and refused the additional 1s. in the Pound Land Tax, which he declared would have raised a Sum large enough to have greatly lessened the national Debt. He was particularly satirical on Colonel Barré, and the Subject Matter of his Opposition at different Periods. The Colonel

made a most manly and spirited Reply, showing that he had always opposed Administration upon rational Principles; the Colonel retorted upon the Minister for his Sarcasm, and inferred that from his Opposition, and hinting at the State of the Finances of France, the Minister had given himself the Trouble of acquiring a reasonable Knowledge of those Finances. Mr. Burke rose after Colonel Barré, and took the Part of Mr. Dowdeswell, which he conceived the Minister had attacked in his Absence. Mr. Burke was, as usual, elegant in his Language, fluent in his Delivery, and forcible in his Argument. He retaliated on Lord North for his triumphal Ridicule of Opposition, and raised the Laugh most heartily at his Lordship's Expense. Mr. Thomas Townsend next spoke, and attacked the Minister on the Grounds of not accounting for the Money received for the Sale of the ceded Islands; he also complained of his Severity on an absent Gentleman, and hinted at the improper Conduct of a late Member of Opposition, who was now become a Placeman. Mr. Cornwall rose to answer Mr. T. Townsend, and declared that the Mark of Favour with which his Majesty had honoured him was a Reward for past Services, came entirely un solicited, and should be held by him no longer than it was thought fair and honourable for him to hold it. A few Words passed between Lord John Cavendish and Mr. Cornwall, on this Subject. Lord North then rose to exculpate himself from the Charge of attacking an absent Member, and answered the Question concerning the Money arising from the Sales of the ceded Islands. Governor Johnston next turned Lord North's Witticisms on French Financiers against himself, respecting his Conduct to the East India Company; he also argued, that by the Plan of the present Lottery Partialities might arise which were exceedingly reprehensible and improper. Lord North answered the Governor, on both Points. Mr. Dempster then spoke a short Time, on the Subject of the Day.
One of the Articles of the Budget was a Lottery for the present Year, at 121. a Ticket to Subscribers.
A Correspondent desires us to say, that the Reason urged by the patriotic Lords for their late Protest was that they doubted the Fact as to the Righteousness of Boston being in open Rebellion. It therefore only remains to see, he observes, whether the Publick in general, or the noble Lords, are right as to their Idea of that Matter; a Difficulty which the first Mail from New England will, in all Probability, be able to solve.
We are assured that a Message has been sent to the Prince of Brunswick, requesting his Attendance at this Court.
It is now positively asserted that the Marquis of Rockingham will be created a Duke, and the much talked-of new Marquises will then take Place.
It may be depended upon, that a material Change in the Offices of the Secretaries of State is now under Consideration.
The most fulsome Compliments are preparing to be sent over to a neighbouring young Monarch, on his Accession to the Throne of France.
Madam Barré has not left France, as has been asserted, nor will she be permitted to do so. There is great Reason to think that she will undergo some very strict Examination, in Consequence of which her Friends fear she will be stripped of all her Valuables. Lewis, when he was first taken ill, though he should die; and advised her to leave the Kingdom; for he said, he feared she would otherwise experience much foul Play. This she declined, saying that her Duty and Regard for his Majesty forbid it, nor would she leave him till Life left him. This her affected Regard for him (for it was nothing else) will certainly turn out her Ruin.
Advice is received that a great Number of Spanish Troops are drawing down on the Sea Coasts of that Kingdom, in Order for Encampment, but with what View is not known.
The Artificers in the Town of Woolwich Warren have done double Duty this Fortnight past, to complete the Demands of Government for Ordnance Stores.
Whatever may be thought of it, it is positively said that Lord B—— is no Friend to the Massachusetts Bill.
Extract of a Letter from Dantzick, May 3.
Great Numbers of People have left this City, and retired with their Effects into several Parts of Germany. This has occasioned an Order to be issued by Mons. Reichard, the Prussian Ambassador, to restrain all People from quitting the City, without having first obtained a proper License. Added to such an arbitrary Proceeding, the Inhabitants are not only obliged to lodge and supply the Prussian Troops here, but to clothe and pay the new Recruits. The Fortifications round the Suburbs are re-assumed, Magazines of Arms, &c. are furnishing, and in every other Respect Dantzick is treated as a conquered City.
On Monday last a set Battle was fought on the broad Pavement opposite the great Gate of Bethlehem Hospital, between a Weaver and a Baker, with a Ferocity unknown to the most savage Beasts among the same Species. The former had an Eye cut out, besides many dreadful Wounds on the Head, and Bruises in various Parts, by the Blows and violent Falls on the Stones; the other, who stood the longest, was in almost as woeful a Condition. Which of these Barbarians will die first is uncertain, but both are given over. It was observed, that this Exhibition gave great Pleasure to those poor Lunatics who could get a Sight of it.
An Abstract of a Bill entitled An Act for making more effectual Provision for the Government of the Province of Quebec, in North America.
The Preamble recites the Cession of the several Countries and Dependencies of the Province of Canada, as described by the definitive Treaty of Peace, signed at Paris on the 10th of February 1764; and after ascertaining its Boundaries respecting its Situation, as joining the other British Provinces in North America, proceeds to annex all the neighbouring Countries and Districts, not already described, to be within the Limits of some other Province, or already annexed to the Government of Newfoundland during his Majesty's Pleasure.
It next proceeds to state, that the Inhabitants, at the Time of said Cession, amounted to 100,000 Persons, professing the Romish Religion; and that the Powers and Authorities hitherto granted and given to the Governor and Civil Officers having been found inapplicable to the State and Circumstances of the said Province, the said Powers, and every Authority whatsoever, derived or exercised under them, are, and shall, after —— Day, be revoked, annulled, and made void.
It is declared, by the first Clause, that all his Majesty's Subjects professing the Romish Religion, as described at the Conquest thereof, may have, hold, and enjoy, the free Exercise of the same, subject to the King's Supremacy; provided, that nothing shall be construed to extend to disable his Majesty from making Provision for the Support of a Protestant Clergy within the said Province.
It is enacted, that his Majesty's Canadian Subjects shall enjoy their Property and Professions, with all Usages and Customs, and all other their civil Rights, without any Impediment whatever; and that, in all Controversies relative to the same, his Majesty's Subjects, whether Canadian or English, Resort shall be had to the Laws of Canada, and not to the Laws of England, for the Decision of the same.
It then recites the Excellence and Lenity of the criminal Law of England, and ordains that it shall prevail in every Instance and Mode of Trial and criminal Prosecution whatever, to the Exclusion of any Law of the Province previous to the Year 1774; subject to such Alterations and Amendments as the Governor, and legislative Council, shall cause to be made therein.
It next recites, that as it is at present inexpedient to call an Assembly, be it therefore enacted, that it may be lawful for his Majesty, his Heirs or Successors, by Warrant under his or her Sign Manual, to appoint a Council, not exceeding 23, nor less than 17, who shall have Power and Authority to make Ordinances for the Peace and Welfare of said Province, with the Consent of his Majesty's Governor, or in his Absence of the Lieutenant Governor, or Commander in Chief for the Time being.
The two latter Clauses confine the Meeting and Debating of the said legislative Council to certain stated Times, and reserves to his Majesty the appointing of such, of criminal, civil, and ecclesiastical Jurisdiction, as his Majesty shall think necessary and proper for the Circumstances of the said Province.
B O S T O N, July 14.
Extract of a Letter from London, dated May 7, 1774.
NOTHING can be more absurd than the Pretence of the Petition of some Americans, to Parliament, that the People of the Massachusetts have not been heard. The House of Commons passes the Laws in their legislative Capacity, and not as a Court of Justice; and, for that Purpose, you have taken Care to be abundantly heard already, all over Great Britain and America. Your Resolutions, which you have published in the Journals of your Assembly, and your printed Proceedings at your Town Meetings, are Hearings enough; and Parliament wants no additional Evidence, or any Help to judge of the seditious and rebellious Tendency.
Extract of another Letter from London, dated May 14.
The Regulation Bill has passed the House of Lords, with almost a general Concurrence. No Opposition at all was made till the last Day, and then the whole Strength of the Party was only 20 against 92, with the Proxies. Lord Chatham gives you up; and the Duke of Richmond, who is your most eager Advocate, has so lowered himself in the
publick Estimation that he can give but little or no Credit to any Cause he espouses.
The Death of the French King may be bad for France, and introduce Confusion there; but it is not like to produce any Alterations in our Councils here. There is, at present, no Ground of Dispute between the two Nations; and let who will be Minister, he will like to settle himself in his Station before he begins to quarrel with his Neighbours. Besides that, France stands in Need of Peace more than we do.
F—— and Sower's Petition was hawked about, and offered to every the lowest American they could find. A Merchant said they brought it to four of his Captains, but not one of them signed it; and the only Merchant of Character who did sign it repented of it, and refused to sign it again, when they thought of presenting it to the Lords.
Extract of another Letter from London, dated May 14.
I am glad to see that Exchange continues favourable. The Pay of the Troops would, no Doubt, have brought it down; but I am informed the Scarborough is to sail in a few Days with a large Sum of Money for their Use, which will make Bills in Demand, and keep Exchange up.
The Parliament is now laying on a Duty of 12s. per Hoghead on Wine imported into Canada, 1s. per Gallon on Rum, and 6d. per Gallon on British Spirits. There is a Bill brought into the House of Lords for restoring the French Laws, and establishing the Roman Catholic Religion, in that Province. If it passes, they will, to all Intents and Purposes, be governed as when they were Subjects to the French King.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman of the Committee of 51 at New York, to his Friend in this Town, dated June 30, 1774.
I with your People would pay for the Destruction of the India Company's Tea, and make such Recompence for other Outrages as in Justice is due. It will look much better to come as their voluntary Act, than to be brought to it by compulsive Measures. Your true Friends, this Way, are all of this Opinion; and farther, that the small Quantity destroyed at this Place, and the Freight and Charges of the Ship and Cargo, obliged to return from hence, should be made good.
We hear from Norwich, that a Subscription is now opened in that Town for the Relief of the Poor of this Place, by Means of the Boston Port Bill; 293 Sheep, some Cash, and a Quantity of Wheat, Corn, &c. are already subscribed.
We learn from Portsmouth, that one Day last Week the Members of their late House of Representatives met at the Statehouse in that Place, in Order to choose Delegates for the General Congress; but before they had Time to proceed to Business, his Excellency Governor Wentworth, attended by the Sheriff, came to them, when the former read a Proclamation, requiring them to disperse, and the latter the Riot Act; upon which they adjourned to a Tavern, and agreed that Letters be sent to their respective Towns, to appoint a Person out of each, to meet together, and join in the Choice of Delegates for that Government for the Congress proposed.
On Friday last upwards of 100 Sheep were received here as a Present from the Town of Pomfret in Connecticut, for the Benefit of the Poor in this Town.
At the Town Meeting at Portsmouth, last Week, eleven Persons were appointed as a Committee of Inspection, to examine and find out if any more Tea is imported there; and, upon Discovery, to give the earliest Notice to the Town.
Several Loads of Wheat, as Presents from our Brethren in the Country to the Poor of this Place, arrived in Town this Week, and are deposited in the Town Granary.
Four Regiments, and a Company of the Royal Artillery, with eight Field Pieces, are now encamped on the Common; one or two other Regiments are soon expected.
A Guard is placed at the Entrance of the Town, to prevent the Desertion of Soldiers.
We hear that the Acts for the impartial Administration of Justice in the Province of Massachusetts Bay, and for the better regulating the Government of the said Province, are to take Place the first Day of August.
A Writer in a Philadelphia Paper says: "I hear the Ministry are already computing the Proceeds of a Poll Tax on three Millions of Colonists, at a Dollar per Head, which is the same Tax that the King of Spain demands of the Indians of South America."
There is not a Town, of any Consequence, on the Continent of North America, but is justly alarmed with the Proceedings of the British Parliament, and are taking necessary Steps to strengthen the Union of the Colonies, and thereby defeat the cruel Designs of arbitrary Power.
Sailed this Day for England, in the Ship Captain, Admiral Montague and Family.
Collections are making in most of the Governments on this Continent, for the Relief of the Poor of this Town.
N E W Y O R K, July 28.
ON Tuesday Afternoon a Detachment of the Royal Artillery, commanded by Captain Farrington, with the Lieutenants Trotter and Laye, and a Quantity of Ordnance Stores, embarked on Board the Brigantine Transport for Boston.
Early yesterday Morning the Royal Regiment of Welch Fusileers, under the Command of Colonel Barrard, embarked on Board the three Transports that arrived here, a few Days ago, from Boston.
Extract of a Letter from Boston.
The late Arrival of the Acts for regulating the Government of this Province has increased the melancholy Mood of our Citizens. The first of August, a Day heretofore glorious to the English Nation, will open a very affecting Scene to us. On that Day the two new Acts take Effect, and our old Constitution will be greatly metamorphosed. The Minds of the People are much heated; they are in no Disposition to receive Acts pregnant with great Evils. What Mode of Opposition to them will be adopted I do not know, but it is the general Opinion that they will be opposed; hence the Key to the formidable Force collecting here. The Non-consumption Agreement, or the Solemn League and Covenant, has made a considerable Progress since the Governor's Proclamation appeared; it is generally subscribed to in this Province, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. The Majority of the Inhabitants seem far from intending any Concessions to Government, or paying for the Tea. An Arrow has been shot at a Sentry of the King's own Regiment doing Duty in the Line, and Colonel Madison has offered a Reward of twenty Guineas for discovering the Assassin. The General goes himself through the whole of the military and civil Branches of his important and elevated Station, with the greatest Application, and without any Assistance. He was never known, by the Gentlemen of his Suite, to enjoy a better State of Health. His Excellency is encamped with the Army, and after issuing his Orders for the Day repairs to the Conduct of the civil Department in the Town. Lord Percy, and Colonel Pigot, are promoted to the Rank of Brigadier General.
P H I L A D E L P H I A, July 23.
At a Provincial Meeting of DEPUTIES chosen by several Counties in PENNSYLVANIA, held at PHILADELPHIA July 15, 1774, and continued by Adjournment from Day to Day; present 76 Members, THOMAS WILLING, Esq; Chairman.
AGREED, that, in Case of any Difference in Sentiment, the Question be determined by the Deputies voting by Counties. The Letters from Boston of the 13th of May were then read, and a short Account given of the Steps taken in Consequence thereof, and the Measures now pursuing in this and the neighbouring Provinces, after which the following Resolves were passed, viz.
Unan. I. THAT we acknowledge ourselves, and the Inhabitants of this Province, liege Subjects of his Majesty King George III. to whom they and we owe and will bear true and faithful Allegiance.
Unan. II. That as the Idea of an unconstitutional Independence on the Parent State is utterly abhorrent to our Principles, we view the unhappy Differences between Great Britain and the Colonies with the deepest Distress and Anxiety of Mind; as fruitless to her, grievous to us, and destructive of the best Interests of both.
Unan. III. That it is therefore our ardent Desire that our ancient Harmony with the Mother Country should be restored, and a perpetual Love and Union subsist between us, on the Principles of the Constitution, and an Interchange of good Offices, without the least Infraction of our mutual Rights.
Unan. IV. That the Inhabitants of these Colonies are entitled to the same Rights and Liberties within these Colonies that the Subjects born in England are entitled to within that Realm.
Unan. V. That the Power assumed by the Parliament of Great Britain to bind the People of these Colonies, "by Statutes in all Cases whatsoever," is unconstitutional, and therefore the Source of these unhappy Differences.
Unan. VI. That the Act of Parliament for shutting up the Port of Boston is unconstitutional, oppressive to the Inhabitants of that Town, dangerous to the Liberties of the British Colonies, and therefore that we consider our Brethren at Boston as suffering in the common Cause of these Colonies.
Unan. VII. That the Bill for altering the Administration of Justice in certain criminal Cases within the Province of Massachusetts Bay, if passed into an Act of Parliament, will be as unconstitutional, oppressive, and dangerous, as the Act above mentioned.
Unan. VIII. That the Bill for changing the Constitution of the Province of Massachusetts Bay, established by Charter, and enjoyed since the Grant of that Charter, if passed into an Act of Parliament, will be unconstitutional, and dangerous in its Consequences to the American Colonies.
Unan. IX. That there is an absolute Necessity that a Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies be immediately assembled, to consult together and form a general Plan of Conduct to be observed by all the Colonies, for the Purpose of procuring Relief for our suffering Brethren, obtaining Redress of our Grievances, preventing future Dissensions, firmly establishing our Rights, and restoring Harmony between Great Britain and her Colonies on a constitutional Foundation.
Unan. X. That although a Suspension of the Commerce of this large trading Province with Great Britain would greatly distress Multitudes of our industrious Inhabitants, yet that Sacrifice, and a much greater, we are ready to offer for the Preservation of our Liberties; but, in Tenderness to the People of Great Britain, as well as of this Country, and in Hopes that our just Remonstrances will, at length, reach the Ears of our gracious Sovereign, and be no longer treated with Contempt by any of our Fellow Subjects in England, it is our earnest Desire that the Congress should try the gentler Mode of stating our Grievances, and making a firm and decent Claim of Redress.
XI. Resolved , by a great Majority, that yet notwithstanding, as an Unanimity of Councils and Measures is indispensably necessary for the common Welfare, if the Congress shall judge Agreements of Non-importation and Non-exportation expedient, the People of this Province will join with the other principal and neighbouring Colonies in such an Association of Non-importation from and Non-exportation to Great Britain as shall be agreed on the Congress.
XII. Resolved , by a Majority, that if any Proceedings of the Parliament, of which Notice shall be received on this Continent, before or at the General Congress, shall render it necessary, in the Opinion of that Congress, for the Colonies to take farther Steps than are mentioned in the 11th Resolve, in such Case the Inhabitants of this Province shall adopt such farther Steps, and do all in their Power, to carry them into Execution.
Unan. XIII. That the Venders of Merchandise of every Kind within this Province ought not to take Advantage of the Resolves relating to Non-importation in this Province, or elsewhere; but that they ought to sell their Merchandise which they now have, or may hereafter import, at the same Rates they have been accustomed to do within three Months last past.
Unan. XIV. That the People of this Province will break off all Trade, Commerce, and Dealing, and will have no Trade, Commerce, or Dealing of any Kind, with any Colony on this Continent, or with any City or Town in such Colony, or with any Individual in any such Colony, City, or Town, which shall refuse, decline, or neglect, to adopt and carry into Execution such general Plan as shall be agreed to in Congress.
Unan. XV. That it is the Duty of every Member of this Committee to promote, as much as he can, the Subscription set on Foot, in the several Counties of this Province, for the Relief of the distressed Inhabitants of Boston.
Unan. XVI. That this Committee give Instructions on the present Situation of publick Affairs to their Representatives, who are to meet next Week in Assembly, and request them to appoint a proper Number of Persons to attend a Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies, at such Time and Place as may be agreed on, to effect one general Plan of Conduct for attaining the great and important Ends mentioned in the 9th Resolve.
That John Dickinson, Doctor William Smith, Joseph Read, John Kidd, Elisha Price, William Atlee, James Smith, James Wilson, Daniel Broadhead, John Okely, and William Scull, be appointed to prepare and bring in a Draught of Instructions.
The COMMITTEE above named having brought in a Draught of Instructions, the same were debated and amended; and, being agreed to, were ordered to be signed by the Chairman. On the 21st, the COMMITTEE, in a Body, waited on the ASSEMBLY, then sitting, and presented the same.
GENTLEMEN, THE Dissensions between Great Britain and her Colonies on this Continent, commencing about ten Years ago, since continually increasing, and at length grown to such an Excess as to involve the latter in deep Distress and Danger, have excited the good People of this Province to take into their serious Consideration the present Situation of publick Affairs.
The Inhabitants of the several Counties, qualified to vote at Elections, being assembled on due Notice, have appointed us their Deputies; and, in Consequence thereof, we, being in Provincial Committee met, esteem it our indispensable Duty, in Pursuance of the Trust reposed in us, to give you such Instructions as, at this important Period, appear to us to be proper.
We, speaking in their Names and our own, acknowledge ourselves liege Subjects of his Majesty King George III. to whom "we will be faithful, and bear true Allegiance."
Our Judgments and Affections attach us, with inviolable Loyalty, to his Majesty's Person, Family, and Government.
We acknowledge the Prerogatives of the Sovereign, among which are included the great Powers of making Peace and War, Treaties, Leagues, and Alliances binding us; of appointing all Officers, except in Cases where other Provision is made by Grants from the Crown, or Laws approved by the Crown; of confirming, or annulling, every Act of our Assembly within the allowed Time; and of hearing and determining, finally, in Council, Appeals from our Courts of Justice. "The Prerogatives are limited (as a learned Judge observes) by Bounds so certain and notorious that it is impossible to exceed them, without the Consent of the People on the one Hand, or without, on the other, a Violation of that original Contract which, in all States impliedly, and in ours most expressly, subsists between the Prince and Subject: For these Prerogatives are vested in the Crown for the Support of Society, and do not intranch any farther on our natural Liberties than is expedient for the Maintenance of our civil."
But it is our Misfortune that we are compelled loudly to call your Attention to the Consideration of another Power, totally different in Kind; limited, as it is alleged, by no "Bounds," and "wearing a most dreadful Aspect" with Regard to America: We mean the Power claimed by Parliament, of Right, to bind the People of these Colonies by Statutes, "IN ALL CASES WHATSOEVER;" a Power, as we are not, and, from local Circumstances, cannot be represented there, utterly subversive of our natural and civil Liberties; past Events, and Reason, convincing us that there never existed, and never can exist, a State thus subordinate to another, and yet retaining the slightest Portion of Freedom or Happiness.
The Import of the Words above quoted needs no Descant; for the Wit of Man, as we apprehend, cannot possibly form a more clear, concise, and comprehensive Definition and Sentence of Slavery than these Expressions contains.
This Power claimed by Great Britain, and the late Attempts to exercise it over these Colonies, present to our View two Events, one of which must inevitably take Place if the shall continue to insist on her Pretensions: Either the Colonists will sink from the Rank of Freemen into the Class of Slaves, overwhelmed with all the Miseries and Vices proved by the History of Mankind to be inseparably annexed to that deplorable Condition; or, if they have Sense and Virtue enough to exert themselves in striving to avoid this Perdition, they must be involved in an Opposition dreadful even in Contemplation.
Honour, Justice, and Humanity, call upon us to hold, and to transmit to our Posterity, that Liberty which we received from our Ancestors. It is not our Duty to leave Wealth to our Children, but it is our Duty to leave Liberty to them. No Infamy, Iniquity, or Cruelty, can exceed our own, if we, born and educated in a Country of Freedom, entitled to its Blessings, and knowing their Value, pusillanimously deserting the Post assigned us by divine Providence, surrender succeeding Generations to a Condition of Wretchedness, from which no human Efforts, in all Probability, will be sufficient to extricate them; the Experience of all State-mournfully demonstrating to us, that when arbitrary Power has been established over them even the wisest and bravest Nations that ever flourished have in a few Years degenerated into abject and wretched Vassals.
So alarming are the Measures already taken for laying the Foundations of a despotick Authority of Great Britain over us, and with such artful and incessant Vigilance is the Plan prosecuted, that unless the present Generation can interrupt the Work, while it is going forward, can it be

imagined that our Children, debilitated by our Imprudence and Supine- ness, will be able to overthrow it, when completed? Populous and pow- erful as these Colonies may grow, they will still find arbitrary Domination not only strengthening with their Strength, but exceeding, in the Swift- ness of its Progression, as it ever has done, all the artless Advantages that can accrue to the Governed. These advance with a Regularity which the divine Author of our Existence has impressed on the laudable Pursuits of his Creatures; but Despotism, unchecked and unbounded by any Law , never satisfied with what has been done, while any Thing remains to be done for the Accomplishment of its Purposes, confiding, and ca- pable of confiding only, in the Annihilation of all Opposition , holds its Course with such unabating and destructive Rapidity that the World has become its Prey, and at this Day, Great Britain and her Dominions excepted, there is scarce a Spot on the Globe, inhabited by civilized Nations, where the Vestiges of Freedom are to be observed.
To us, therefore, it appears, at this alarming Period, our Duty to God, to our Country, to ourselves, and to our Posterity, to exert our utmost Ability in promoting and establishing Harmony between Great Britain and these Colonies, ON A CONSTITUTIONAL FOUNDATION.
For attaining this great and desirable End, we request you to appoint a proper Number of Persons to attend a Congress of Deputies from the several Colonies, appointed, or to be appointed, by the Representatives of the People of the Colonies respectively in Assembly, or Convention, or by Delegates chosen by the Counties generally in the respective Colonies, and met in Provincial Committee, at such Time and Place as shall be generally agreed on; and that the Deputies from this Province may be induced and encouraged to concur in such Measures as may be devised for the common Welfare, we think it proper particularly to inform you how far, we apprehend, they will be supported in their Conduct by their Constituents.
The assumed Parliamentary Power of internal Legislation, and the Power of regulating Trade, as of late exercised, and designed to be exercised, we are thoroughly convinced will prove unfailing and plentiful Sources of Dissensions to our Mother Country and these Colonies, unless some Expedients can be adopted to render her secure of receiving from us every Emolument that can in Justice and Reason be expected, and us secure in our Lives, Liberties, Properties, and an equitable Share of Commerce.
Mournfully revolving in our Minds the Calamities that, arising from these Dissensions, will most probably fall on us or our Children, we will now lay before you the particular Points we request of you to pro- cure, if possible, to be finally decided, and the Measures that appear to us most likely to produce such a desirable Period of our Distresses and Dangers. We therefore desire of you,
First. That the Deputies you appoint may be instructed by you strenu- ously to exert themselves, at the ensuing Congress, to obtain a Renun- ciation, on the Part of Great Britain, of all Powers under the Statute of the 35th of Henry VIII. Chapter the 2d; of all Powers of internal Legis- lation; of imposing Taxes or Duties, internal or external; and of regulating Trade, except with Respect to any new Articles of Commerce which the Colonies may hereafter raise, as Silk, Wine, &c. reserving a Right to carry these from one Colony to another; a Repeal of all Statutes for quartering Troops in the Colonies, or subjecting them to any Expense on Account of such Troops; of all Statutes imposing Duties to be paid in the Colonies that were passed at the Accession of his present Majesty, or before this Time, which ever Period shall be judged most advisable; of the Statutes giving the Courts of Admiralty in the Colonies greater Power than Courts of Admiralty have in England; of the Statutes of the 9th of George II. Chapter the 22d, and of the 23d of George II. Chapter 29th; of the Statute for shutting up the Port of Boston; and of every other Statute particularly affecting the Province of Massachusetts Bay, passed in the last Session of Parliament.
In Case of obtaining these Terms, it is our Opinion that it will be reasonable for the Colonies to engage their Obedience to the Acts of Parliament commonly called the Acts of Navigation, and every other Act of Parliament declared to have Force at this Time in these Colo- nies, other than those above mentioned, and to confirm such Statutes by Acts of the several Assemblies. It is also our Opinion, that taking Example from our Mother Country, in abolishing the "Courts of Wards and Liveries; Tenures in Capite , and by Knights Service and Purveyance," it will be reasonable for the Colonies, in Case of obtaining the Terms before mentioned, to settle a certain annual Revenue on his Majesty, his Heirs and Successors, subject to the Control of Parlia- ment, and to satisfy all Damages done to the East India Company.
This our Idea of settling a Revenue arises from a Sense of Duty to our Sovereign, and of Esteem for our Mother Country. We know, and have felt, the Benefits of a subordinate Connexion with her. We neither are so stupid as to be ignorant of them, nor so ungrateful as to deny them. We have also experienced the Pleasures of Gratitude and Love, as well as Advantages from that Connexion. The Impressions are not yet erased. We consider her Circumstances with tender Concern. We have not been wanting, when constitutionally called upon, to assist her to the utmost of our Abilities, inasmuch that she has judged it reasonable to make us Re- compenses for our over strained Exertions; and we now think we ought to contribute more than we do to the Alleviation of her Burthens.
Whatever may be said of these Proposals on either Side of the Atlantic , this is not a Time either for Timidity or Rashness. We perfectly know that the great Cause now agitated is to be conducted to a happy Conclu- sion, only, by that well tempered Composition of Councils which Firm- ness, Prudence, Loyalty to our Sovereign, Respect to our Parent State, and Affection to our native Country, united, must form.
By such a Compact, Great Britain will secure every Benefit that the Parliamentary Wisdom of Ages has thought proper to attach to her. From her alone we shall continue to receive Manufactures. To her alone we shall continue to carry the vast Multitudes of enumerated Articles of Commerce, the Exportation of which her Policy has thought fit to confine to herself. With such Parts of the World only as she has appointed us to deal we shall continue to deal, and such Commodities only as she has per- mitted us to bring from them we shall continue to bring. The executive and controlling Powers of the Crown will retain their present full Force and Operation. We shall contentedly labour for her, as affectionate Subjects, in Time of Tranquillity; and cheerfully spend for her, as dutiful Children, our Treasure and our Blood in Time of War. She will receive a certain Income from us, without the Trouble or Expense of collecting it; without being constantly disturbed by Complaints of Grievances, which she cannot justify, and will not redress. In Case of War, or in any Emergency of Distress to her, we shall also be ready and willing to con- tribute all Aids within our Power. And we solemnly declare, that on such Occasions, if we or our Posterity shall refuse, neglect, or decline, thus to contribute, it will be a mean and manifest Violation of a plain Duty, and a weak and wicked Defection of the true Interests of this Pro- vince, which ever have been, and must be, bound up in the Prosperity of our Mother Country. Our Union, founded on mutual Compacts and mutual Benefits, will be indissoluble, at least more firm than an Union perpetually disturbed by disputed Rights and retorted Injuries.
Secondly. If all the Terms above mentioned cannot be obtained, it is our Opinion that the Measures adopted by the Congress for our Relief should never be relinquished or intermitted, until those relating to the Troops, internal Legislation, Imposition of Taxes or Duties hereafter, the 35th of Henry VIII. Chapter the 2d, the Extension of Admiralty Courts, the Port of Boston and the Province of Massachusetts Bay, are obtained. Every Modification or Qualification of these Points, in our Judgment, should be inadmissible. To obtain them, we think it may be prudent to settle some Revenue as above mentioned, and to satisfy the East India Company.
Thirdly. If neither of these Plans should be agreed to in Congress, but some other of a similar Nature shall be framed, though on the Terms of a Revenue, and Satisfaction to the East India Company, and though it shall be agreed by the Congress to admit no Modification or Qualification in the Terms they shall insist on, we desire your Deputies may be instructed to concur with the other Deputies in it; and will accede to, and carry it into Execution, as far as we can.
Fourthly. As to the Regulation of Trade, we are of Opinion that, by making some few Amendments, the Commerce of the Colonies might be fostered on a firm Establishment, advantageous to Great Britain and them, requiring and subject to no future Alterations, without mutual Consent. We desire to have this Point considered by the Congress, and such Mea- sures taken as they may judge proper.
In Order to obtain Redress of our common Grievances, we observe a general Inclination among the Colonies of entering into Agreements of Non-importation and Non-exportation. We are fully convinced, that such Agreements would withhold very large Supplies from Great Bri- tain; and no Words can describe our Contempt and Abhorrence of those Colonists (if any such there are) who, from a sordid and ill judged Attachment to their own immediate Profit, would pursue that to the Injury of their Country, in this great Struggle for all the Blessings of Liberty. It would appear to us a most wasteful Frugality, that would lose every important Possession by too strict an Attention to small Things, and lose also even these at the last. For our Parts, we will cheerfully make any Sacrifice, when necessary, to preserve the Freedom of our
Country. But other Considerations have Weight with us; we with every Mark of Respect to be paid to his Majesty's Administration. We have been taught, from our Youth, to entertain tender and brotherly Affec- tions for our Fellow Subjects at home. The Interruption of our Com- merce must distress great Numbers of them. This we earnestly desire to avoid. We therefore request that the Deputies you shall appoint may be instructed to exert themselves at the Congress to induce the Members of it to consent to make a full and precise State of Grievances, and a decent yet firm Claim of Redress; and to wait the Event, before any other Step is taken. It is our Opinion, that Persons should be appointed and sent home to present this State and Claim at the Court of Great Britain.
If the Congress should choose to form Agreements of Non-importation and Non-exportation immediately, we desire the Deputies from this Pro- vince will endeavour to have them so formed as to be binding upon all, and that they may be PERMANENT, should the publick Interest require it. They cannot be efficacious unless they can be permanent , and it appears to us that there will be a Danger of their being infringed if they are not formed with great Caution and Deliberation. We have determined, in the present Situation of publick Affairs, to consent to a Stoppage of our Commerce with Great Britain only; but in Case any Proceedings of the Parliament, of which Notice shall be received on this Continent, before or at the Congress, shall render it necessary, in the Opinion of the Con- gress, to take farther Steps, the Inhabitants of this Province will adopt such Steps, and do all in their Power to carry them into Execution.
This extensive Power we commit to the Congress, for the Sake of pre- serving that Unanimity of Counsel and Conduct which alone can work out the Salvation of these Colonies; with a strong Hope and Trust that they will not draw this Province into any Measure judged by us (who must be better acquainted with its State than Strangers) highly inexpe- dient. Of this Kind, we know any other Stoppage of Trade but of that with Great Britain will be. Even this Step we should be extremely afflicted to see taken by the Congress, before the other Mode above pointed out is tried; but should it be taken, we apprehend that a Plan of Restrictions may be so framed, agreeable to the respective Circumstan- ces of the several Colonies, as to render Great Britain sensible of the Imprudence of her Councils, and yet leave them a necessary Commerce. And here it may not be improper to take Notice, that if Redress of our Grievances cannot be wholly obtained, the Extent or Continuance of our Restrictions may, in some Sort, be proportioned to the Rights we are contending for, and the Degree of Relief afforded us. This Mode will render our Opposition as perpetual as our Oppression, and will be a CON- TINUAL CLAIM AND ASSERTION OF OUR RIGHTS. We cannot express the Anxiety with which we with the Consideration of these Points to be recommended to you. We are persuaded that if these Colonies fail of Unanimity or Prudence in forming their Resolutions, or of Fidelity in observing them, the Opposition by Non-importation and Non-exportation Agreements will be ineffectual; and then we shall have only the Alter- native of a more dangerous Contention, or of a tame Submission.
Upon the Whole, we shall repose the highest Confidence in the Wisdom and Integrity of the ensuing Congress; and though we have, for the Satisfaction of the good People of this Province, who have chosen us for this express Purpose, offered to you such Instructions as have appeared expedient to us, yet it is not our Meaning that by these, or by any you may think proper to give them, the Deputies appointed by you should be restrained from agreeing to any Measures that shall be approved by the Congress. We should be glad the Deputies chosen by you could, by their Influence, procure our Opinions, hereby communicated to you, to be as nearly adhered to as may be possible; but, to avoid Difficulties, we desire that they may be instructed by you to agree to any Measures that shall be approved by the Congress, the Inhabitants of this Province having resolved to adopt and carry them into Execution. Lastly, we desire the Deputies from this Province may endeavour to procure an Adjournment of the Congress to such a Day as they shall judge proper, and the Ap- pointment of a standing Committee.
Agreed, that John Dickinson, Joseph Read, and Charles Thompson, be a Committee to write to the neighbouring Colonies, to communicate to them the Resolves and Instructions.
Agreed, that the Committee for the City and County of Philadelphia, or any fifteen of them, be a Committee of Correspondence for the general Committee of this Province.
Extract from the Minutes. CHARLES THOMPSON, Clerk of the Committee.
WILLIAMSBURG, August 11. IN Consequence of an Invitation from the Honourable PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; our worthy Representative, there was yesterday a very full Meeting of the Inhabitants of this City at the Courthouse, when they generally approved of the Association entered into by the Delegates from the several Counties of this Colony, and subscribed thereto; and, at the same Time, contributed most generously for the Relief of our distressed Fellow Subjects at Boston, both in Cash and Provisions.
By a Letter from London, dated June 4th, we learn that the Parlia- ment have just laid an additional Duty of 2d. a Gallon on all Molasses imported into the Colonies.
Mr Goddard's Proposals and Plan for establishing an AMERICAN POST OFFICE on constitutional Principles, which appears, by Letters from the Committees of Correspondence and principal Gentlemen of many respectable Provinces and Towns, to have met with the most generous Patronage and warmest Approbation, were agitated at the late Convention of the Representatives of this Colony, who justly considered the Object Mr. Goddard is pursuing of great Importance to America, highly worthy the Attention of the General Congress, and as such particularly recommended it to the Gentlemen appointed Delegates from this Colony.
The Resolves of the County of Northumberland, which are come to Hand, contain the same patriotick Sentiments as those of the other Coun- ties of this Colony, and profess all due Affection and Fidelity to the King. We must beg leave to make the same Excuse for not inserting them, as we did, last Week, for not publishing those of some other Counties—Want of Room.
Deaths.] Mrs. JANE PAGE, Lady of the Honourable John Page, Esq; of North River, in Gloucester County. Mrs. FRANCES WRAY, Spouse of Mr. James Wray, of this City.
A GENERAL MEETING of the Subscribers, for opening a Navigation through the Falls of James River, is desired at the House of Mr. James Gunn in the Town of Richmond, on Monday the 5th of Sep- tember next.
AUGUST 7, 1774. ARCHIBALD CARY, RO. C. NICHOLAS, WILLIAM CABELL, JOHN BANISTER, RICHARD ADAMS, JOSEPH CABELL, JOHN WOODSON, JOHN TABB, WILLIAM FLEMING, JOHN MAYO, CARTER BRAXTON.
FREDERICKSBURG, August 2, 1774. AT the last Meeting of the JOCKEY CLUB the Races at this Place in October next were fixed, and are as follows, viz. On Tuesday the 4th, the Jockey Club Plate of 100 GUINEAS will be run for, free for Members of the Club only. — On Wednesday the 5th, a Give and Take Purse of 50 POUNDS, from the Jockey Club Subscription; free for any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, on the following Terms: Heats four Miles, three Year Olds to carry six Stone twelve Pounds, four Year Olds to carry seven Stone ten Pounds, five Year Olds to carry eight Stone eight Pounds, six Year Olds to carry nine Stone six Pounds, Aged to carry ten Stone. — Subscribers to the Jockey Club, or Town Subscriptions, to pay one Guinea Entrance, Non-Subscribers to pay five Pounds. — On Thursday a Purse of 50 POUNDS from the Town Subscription, free for any Horse, &c. Heats four Miles each, Weights the same as the Jockey Club Plate; Subscribers to pay one Guinea Entrance, Non-Subscribers five Pounds. — On Friday a Purse of 50 POUNDS from the Jockey Club and Town Subscription, Heats four Miles each, Weights the same as the Jockey Club Plate; Subscribers to pay one Guinea Entrance, Non-Subscribers to pay five Pounds. —Horses, &c. that run for any of the above Purses, to be entered with the Secretary of the Club the Saturday before the Races, and proper Certificates of their Age then produced, and to start each Day precisely at eleven o'Clock. (2) GEORGE WEEDON, Secretary.
WE will dispose of the Lots and Improve- ments in Frederickburg, where the Brewery now stands. There are three Lots and a Half. On the Lot and Half situate on the River are the Brewhouse, Malthouse, Comptinghouse, Cooper's Shop, &c. all new, and in good Order for carrying on the Brewing Business. We would also sell the Implements and Stock belonging to the Brewery. The other Lots are contiguous and paled in, having thereon a small Dwelling-House and Stable, with Stalls for eight Horses. The Terms may be known by applying to William Woodford. (2||) JONES & WOODFORD.
To be RENTED for a Terms of Years, A VALUABLE PLANTATION in Prince George County, about four Miles from Blandford, containing 500 Acres, upon which is a good Dwelling-House, all necessary Outhouses, Barns, Orchards, &c. being the Place whereon Mr. William Poytress, deceased, lately lived. For Terms apply to Major Peter Poytress, near the Premises. (||)
To be SOLD, or LEASED for a Term of Years, THE LAND whereon Suflex Courthouse now stands, containing between 5 and 600 Acres, exceeding good for Grain, well water- ed, and a tolerable Place for Stock. It will be needful to describe the Improvements thereon, as any Person inclineable to purchase, or lease it, would choose to take a View of it before making any Contract. Any One inclineable to purchase may have long Credit, for three Fourths of the Money; and any Person inclineable to rent it for a Term of Years may have it with all Necessaries for carrying on a Tavern, together with a valuable Slave, or the Place only, as may best suit. The Terms may be known, either for Sale, or leasing it, by applying to Colonel David Mason, or the Subscriber, on the Premises. JOHN BERRYMAN.
HANOVER Town, August 1, 1774. I INTEND for Britain immediately, and in my Absence do appoint Mr. George Brakenridge my Attorney. HARDIN BURNLEY, Junior.
For SALE by the Subscriber, for Cash, at a reason- able Advance, UPWARDS of fifty Pounds Sterling Value of LINEN DRAPERY, lately imported in the Arvold , Captain Waterman, containing Irish Linen from 9d. \frac{1}{2} to 2s. per Yard, German Osnabrugs, Hempen Rolls, White and Brown Sheeting, Brown Holland, &c. Any Person in Want of such a Package of Goods may know the Terms by applying to the Subscriber, in Gloucester County. (2) THOMAS CHAMBERLIN AMORY.
To be SOLD, A THOUSAND Acres of rich well timbered LAND, lying on Little Reancke Creek, about two Miles above the Bridge, 400 Acres of which are low Grounds, equal in Value to any in the Neighbourhood — I have also for Sale 300 Acres of good high Land, about four Miles above the afore mentioned Track. Any Person desirous of purchasing may be shown the Land, or be made acquainted with the Terms, by applying to Mr. Joseph Morton, who lives near the Premises, or to the Subscriber at Chatsworth. The Land will be sold altogether or in Parcels, as may be most agreeable to the Purchasers. Bond with good Security will be ex- pected, and the Money is to be paid in twelve Months. BEVERLEY RANDOLPH.
To be SOLD, or RENTED, A COMMODIOUS STOREHOUSE on the Beach, adjoining to Mr. Richard Brown's Store, with a Compting Room, a Loft above for Grain or Sail-making, and a good Stone Cellar. For Terms, which shall be made easy to the Purchaser, apply to the Subscriber in York Town. GEORGE RIDDELL.
PETERSBURG, August 8, 1774. RUN away from the Subscriber, the Be- ginning of last Month, a Negro Slave named JOE, who has gone for some Time as Skipper of one of my Flats. He is a remarkable stout well made Fellow, about five Feet ten Inches high, was imported some Years ago from the Spanish Main , but still speaks English very indistinctly; his Dress, when he went off, consisted of a dark coloured Duffel Coat, Plaiding Jacket, and Osnabrug Shirt and Trousers. Whoever will ap- prehend the said Slave and convey him to me, or secure him in any Jail and advise me thereof, shall be entitled to a Reward of 40s. besides the Allowance granted by Law. EDWARD BRISBANE.
HALIFAX, July 22, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony Immediately. THOMAS MURDOCH.
WILLIAM & MARY College, July 28, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony soon. SAMUEL SHELD.
NORFOLK, July 30, 1774. WILL leave this Colony, in a few Weeks, (||) JOHN BRUCE.
The School, kept here by Mr. Bruce, for some Years past, will be continued to its usual Extent by Mr. Stevenson. The Debts that shall become due to the said School in Mr. Bruce's Absence will be col- lected by Mr. James Ingram, his Attorney, to whom such as intend to enter any new, or withdraw any of the present Scholars, will be pleased to make known their Intentions.
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 18th Instant (August) at Suflex Courthouse, being Court Day, to the highest Bidders, UPWARDS of 100,000 Wt. of TRANSFER TOBACCO, belonging to Albemarle Parish, in said County. Credit will be allowed until the 25th of April for near 40,000 Wt. of the said Tobacco, the Purchasers giving Bond with approved Security. (2)
To be SOLD, on Friday the 2d of September, at the late Dwelling-House of Mr. Thomas Tinsley, de- ceased, in Hanover Town,
NINE very valuable SLAVES, together with all his personal Estate, consisting of every Kind of useful and fashionable Household and Kitchen Furniture, a valuable Stock of Cattle, Hogs, Horses, and Sheep. At the same Time will be rented the Lot and Houses thereon, being a Dwelling-House, Smokehouse, Dairy, Kitchen, Stable, Billiard House, two very good Shops, and a Garden well paled in. The Build- ings are all in good Repair, and remarkably well calculated for keeping a Tavern. Twelve Months Credit for all Sums above 25s. will be allowed the Purchasers, on giving Bond with approved Security to the Subscriber, who requests the Favour of all Persons indebted to the Estate to make speedy Payment; and those who have Demands against it to make them known, without Delay, to Leighon Wood, Junior, who is empowered to adjust the same. All Debts not punctually discharged are to carry Interest from the Date of the Bonds. (4) AGNES TINSLEY, Administratrix.
To be SOLD, for ready Cash, at Amelia Courthouse, on Thursday the 25th of this Instant (August) be- ing Court Day,
TRACT of LAND, containing by Estimation 100 Acres, whereon the said Grigg now lives, and adjoining the Lands of Thomas Pavery, George Hightower, and George Long. It is sold by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from William Grigg, to John Tabb, Esq; and Richard Booker and Co. THOMAS SHORE.

POETS CORNER.
THE LIBERTY SONG.
COME join Hand in Hand, brave Americans all, And rouse your bold Hearts at fair Liberty's call;
Their generous Bofoms all Dangers defpis'd, So highly, fo wifely, their Birthrights they priz'd:
The Tree their own Hands had to Liberty read They liv'd to behold growing ftrong and rever'd;
Swarms of Placemen and Pensioners soon will appear, Like Locufis, deforming the Charms of the Year;
Then join Hand in Hand, brave Americans all, By uniting we ftand, by dividing we fall;
All Ages fhall fpeak with Amazement and Applaufe, Of the Courage we'll fhow in Support of our Laws;
This Bumper I crown for our SOVEREIGN's Health, And this for BRITANNIA's Glory and Wealth;
STRAYED from the Subscriber, on Wed- nefday the 17th of July, a BAY HORSE about fourteen Hands high,
CABIN POINT, July 28, 1774. STRAYED from this Place, about two Months ago, a SORREL HORSE with a roached Mane and Bob Tail,
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub- fcriber's Plantation near Williamfburg, about ten Days ago, a ROAN MARE about fourteen Hands high,
TAKEN up, in Mecklenburg, eight HOGS, marked with a Crop, Slit, and Underkeel in the right Ear,
TAKEN up, in Surry, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE, about eight Years old, fourteen Hands high,
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, a BLACK MARE about four Feet two Inches high,
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, a small BLACK MARE about four Feet three Inches high,
WILLIAMSBURG, July 28, 1774. GEORGE HAMILTON, CARVER and GILDER, juft from Britain, and now in this City, hereby informs the Publick that he intends carrying on his Bufinefs in all its Branches,
To be SOLD, and entered upon immediately, THE PLANTATION of Mofes Hare, deceafed, of Hertford County, North Carolina, with feveral Pieces of valuable Land adjoining thereto,
To be SOLD by the Subscriber, in Peterfburg, for Cash, Wheat, or Tobacco, BARBADOS RUM and SPIRITS, Mufcovado SUGAR, WHITE GINGER, PEPPER, Ruffia DRILLINGS and SHEETINGS,
THE STORE in this County, heretofore kept by Mr. Robert Cuninghame, for Account of Meff. Alexander Speirs and Co. of Glafgow, is now under the Direction of Mr. Chriftopher McConnico.
JAMES FAIRLIE.
WILLIAMSBURG, July 19, 1774.
JAMES SLATE, TAILOR from London, begs Leave to inform the Publick that he has juft opened Shop the fecond Door below Mr. Anderfon's Tavern,
To be RENTED from Year to Year, or for a Term of Years, and to be entered upon the 1ft of September next,
A CONVENIENT TENEMENT in this Town, at prefent in the Poffeffion of Mr. Andrew Johnfton; whereon is a commodious Storehoufe,
FOR SALE,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND in Surry County, beautifully fitu- ated on James River, a little above Swan's Point, containing about 1300 Acres,
CHARLES HARRISON.
FOR SALE,
TWO THOUSAND Acres of LAND, lying on the River Shenando, in the County of Frederick, eight Miles above Abby's Gap.
NATHANIEL BURWELL.
YORK Town, July 27, 1774.
MY Mulatto Fellow CORNELIUS ran away from this Town about five Weeks ago; he was apprehended at Frederickfburg,
JOHN H. NORTON.
N. B. The Fellow is middle fized; he carried with him a Ruffia Drill Pofition Coat and Waiftcoat, and an old blue Livery Cloth Suit.
Five Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Richmond Town, the 28th of June, a likely Negro Man named YORK, about 23 Years of Age,
DICK HOLLAND.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Weft- moreland, on Sunday Night the 10th of July, a Scotch Convict Servant named THOMAS SCOTT, by Trade a Tailor, about five Feet feven Inches and a Half high,
RICHARD CADDEN.
TAKEN up, by the Subscriber, the 14th of June laft, a Negro named SAM, who appears to be about fifty Years of Age, about five Feet five Inches high,
ARCHLAUS AUSTIN, Jailer.
COMMITTED to Bedford Jail, a Servant Man named THOMAS FLINN, who fays he belongs to Thomas Badget, near the Rocky Ridge.
SAMUEL FARR.
To be SOLD,
THE Sloop PROVIDENCE, Burthen about 45 Tuns, only nine Months old, very well built, neatly finifhed off, completely found,
BENJAMIN HARRISON, Junior.
PETERSBURG, June 26, 1774.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Sub- fcriber, about the firft Inftant, a BRIGHT BAY HORSE above fourteen Hands high, from fix to eight Years old, remarkably well fet,
HENRY LOCHHEAD.
MILLSTONES, Dutch FANS, RIDDLES for FANS, WOVE WIRE for ROLLING SCREENS, LOOKING GLASSES of every Kind, BRASS CHARIOT BOXES, BRASS CHAIR NAILS,
Purfuant to a Decree of the Honourable General Court, and by Letter of Attorney from Colonel George Mercer of Virginia, now in London, will be fold at publick Auction,
ABOUT 3500 ACRES of LAND in the County of Loudoun, near Weft's Ordinary, about twelve Miles from Leesburg, forty from Alexandria, and thirty five from Dumfries, on Potomack.
GEORGE WASHINGTON.
FOR LIVERPOOL,
THE Ship GREENWOOD, Mackey Reed Mafter, loads at Norfok, has two Thirds of her Cargo already engaged, can take in 200 Hhds. of Tobacco on Liberty of Conignment.
GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.
To be RENTED, from Year to Year, or for a Term of Years,
BELVOIR, the beautiful Seat of the Honourable George William Fair- fax, Esq; lying upon Potomack River in Fairfax County, about fourteen Miles below Alexandria.
FRANCIS WILLIS, Junior.
NORFOLK, April 21, 1774.
NOTICE is hereby given, that a Number of Veffels will be wanted this Summer to bring about 6000 Tuns of STONE from Mr. Brooke's Quarry on Rappahannock,
BASSETT MOSELEY.
NEABSCO FURNACE, April 1, 1774.
RUN away from the Neabfco Furnace, on the 16th of laft Month, a light coloured Mulatto Man named BILLY or WILL, the Property of the Honourable John Taylor, Esquire.
THOMAS LAWSON.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about four Miles below the Courthoufe, it is remarkable fine Land for Grain, and will bring good Tobacco.
WILLIAM MARSHALL.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherft County, whereon are feveral Plantations and Improvements fufficient to work forty or fifty Hands.
CARTER BRAXTON.