The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-04-21 00:00:00

VIRGINIA GAZETTE.
With the frehest 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.
TREASURY OFFICE, April 10, 1774.
THE several Inspectors and all other Persons whatever, who are in Arrear to the Treasury, are desired to discharge their respective Balances in the Course of the approaching General Court without Fail, as no Indulgences can be given.
RO. C. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
To the P R I N T E R.
SIR, AT a Time when a Company of Monopolisers, Contractors, and Pre-emptors (to speak in the Language of the Grand Assembly) are soliciting the Crown for a Grant of a very considerable and valuable Part of this Colony to be erected into a separate Government, I flatter myself the following Extract from a Manuscript Collection of Annals, relative to Virginia, cannot be disagreeable to your Readers, especially to the Members of our Legislature, to whose serious and attentive Consideration the important Transaction therein related is humbly submitted by the Compiler.
A N Event happened this Year (1642) which at first gave great Uneasiness to the Colony, but in the End proved advantageous to them, as it removed all their Apprehensions of being reduced to a Proprietary Government, and fixed the Constitution upon a firm and permanent Basis. The Colony had now remained seventeen Years under the immediate Government of the Crown, that is, from the Dissolution of the Company in the last Year of James I. to the Year 1642. During this Period they had enjoyed a Felicity unknown to them under the Company's Government, which had been extremely severe and arbitrary. Several Attempts were made to restore the Company's Power and Authority, but they were constantly defeated by the Vigilance of the Grand Assembly, who were determined never more to submit to a Proprietary Government.
In the Year 1639 the Grand Assembly appointed George Sandis, Esq; their Agent to the English Court, with particular Instructions to oppose the Re-establishment of the Company, and to give them the earliest Intelligence of their Machinations; but this Gentleman, forgetting his Duty to his Constituents, presented a Petition to the House of Commons, in the Name of the Adventurers and Planters in Virginia, for restoring the Letters Patent of Incorporation to the Treasurer and Company, with all the Rights, Powers, and Privileges, contained in their old Charter, except that the Right of nominating and appointing the Governor was to be reserved to the Crown.
When the Grand Assembly were informed of this Petition, they immediately passed a solemn Declaration and Protestation against the Company, in the Form of an Act, in which they disclaim their Agent's Conduct, declare he had mistaken his Instructions, and that it never was the Meaning or Intent of the Assembly, or Inhabitants of the Colony, to give Way for the introducing the said Company, or ANY OTHER.
They say, that having maturely considered the Reasons for and against restoring the Company, and looking back into the Condition of the Times under the Company, and comparing it with the present State of the Colony under his Majesty's Government, we find the late Company in their Government intolerable, the present comparatively happy, and that the old Corporation cannot with any Possibility be again introduced without the absolute Ruin and Dissolution of the Colony.
That the Colony laboured under intolerable Calamities, by the many illegal Proceedings and barbarous Treatments inflicted upon divers of his Majesty's Subjects in the Time of the said Company's Government.
That the whole Trade of the Colony, to the great Grievance and Complaint of the Inhabitants, was monopolised by the Company, insomuch that when any Person desired to go for England he had not Liberty to carry with him the Fruits of his own Labour for his Comfort and Support, but was forced to bring it to the Magazine of the Company, and there to exchange it for unprofitable and useless Wares.
That our present Happiness is exemplified by the Freedom of ANNUAL Assemblies, warranted to us by his Majesty's gracious Instructions, by legal Trials by
Juries in all criminal and civil Causes, by his Majesty's Royal Encouragement upon all Occasions to address him by our humble Petitions, which so much distinguisheth our Happiness from that of the former Times that private Letters to Friends were rarely admitted a Passage.
That the old Corporation cannot be introduced without proving the Illegality of the King's Proceedings against them, so that all Grants since, upon such a Foundation, must be void; and if, as they pretend, the King had no Right to grant, our Lands held by immediate Grant from his Majesty must be void, and our Possessions must give Place to their Claim, which is an invincible Argument of Ruin and Desolation to the Colony, as we must be outed of our Possessions if their Pretence take Place. And though it is alleged by them that the Charter of Orders from the Treasurer and Company (Anno 1618) gives us Claim and Right to be Members of the Corporation quatenus Planters, yet it appears by the Charter that Planters and Adventurers who are Members of the Company are considered by themselves, and distinguished in Privileges, from Planters and Adventurers not being Members; and, as the King's Grantees, we find ourselves condemned in the said Charter, one Clause of it pronouncing in these Words, "We do ordain that all such Persons as of their own voluntary Will and Authority shall remove into Virginia, without any Grant from us, in a great and general Quarter Court, in Writing, under our Seals, shall be declared, as they are, Occupiers of our Lands; that is, of the common Lands of us the said Treasurer and Company." Now if Persons who remove into this Country, without License from the Treasurer and Company, are to be deemed Occupiers of the Company's Land, much more will such Grantees be deemed Occupiers of their Land who hold their Rights under an erroneous Judgment, as they pretend.
That if the Company be revived, and they have Leave, by Virtue of their Charter of Orders, publicly to dispose of us, the wiser World, we hope, will excuse us if we refuse to depart with what, next to our Lives, nearest concerns us (which are our Estates, the Livelihood of ourselves, our Wives, and Children) to the Courtesy and Will of such Taskmasters, from whom we have already experienced so much Oppression.
That we will not admit of so unnatural a Distance as a Company to interpose between his sacred Majesty and us his Subjects, from whose immediate Protection we have received so many royal Favours and gracious Blessings.
That, by such Admission, we shall degenerate from our Birthrights, being naturalised under a monarchical and not a popular or tumultuary Government, depending upon the greatest Number of Votes of Persons of several Humours and Dispositions as that of a Company must be granted to be, from whose general Quarter Courts all Laws binding the Planters here did, and would again, issue.
That we cannot, without Breach of natural Duty and Religion, give up and resign the Lands we hold by Grants from the King upon certain annual Rents (fitter, as we humbly conceive, if his Majesty shall so please, for a Branch of his own Royal Stem than for a Company) to the Claim of a Corporation; for besides our Births, our Possessions enjoin us as a Fealty without a Salva Fide aliis Dominis .
That by the Admission of a Company the Freedom of our Trade (the Blood and Life of a Commonwealth) will be monopolised: For they who with most secret Reservation, and most Subtlety, argue for a Company, though they pretend to submit the Government to the King, yet reserve to the Corporation Property to the Land, and Power of managing the Trade; which Word MANAGING, in every Sense of it, is convertible to monopolising, and will subject the Trade to the sole Controul and Direction of their Quarter Courts, held at so great a Distance from us that it is not probable, or possible, for them to be acquainted with the accidental Circumstances of the Colony, so as to form proper Rules and Regulations for our Trade, which our Grand Assembly, acquainted with the Clime and Accidents thereof, have and may, upon better Grounds, prescribe, and which in any other Way will be destructive to us.
That the Pretence that the Government shall be made good to the King, that is, that the King shall nominate and appoint the Governor, we take, at
best, to be but a Fallacy and Trap, not of Capacity enough to catch Men with Eyes and Forethought; for upon a Supposition that the Governor shall be named and appointed by the King, yet his Dependence, so far as respects his Continuance or Removal, will, by Reason of their Power and Interest with great Men, rest in the Company, which naturally brings with it Conformity to their Wills in whatever shall be commanded, and we leave it to the best Judgments whether such Dependence will not be pernicious to the Colony.
These are the great Reasons given by the Grand Assembly for refusing to submit to a Proprietary Government. But they did not content themselves with bare Reasons for their Refusal; they proceeded (with a Firmness, Resolution, and Spirit, worthy the Imitation of later Times, when the Rights and Liberties of the Colony are invaded) to enforce their Reasons by their positive Declaration and Protestation, in the following remarkable Words:
We the Governor Council, and Burgesses, of this present Grand Assembly, having taken into serious Consideration these and many other dangerous Effects which must be concomitant in and from a Company or Corporation, have thought fit to declare, and hereby do declare, for ourselves and all the Commonalty of this Colony, that it was never desired, sought after, or endeavoured to be sought for, either directly or indirectly, by the Consent of any Grand Assembly, or the common Consent of the People; and we do hereby farther declare, and testify to all the World, that we will NEVER admit the restoring the said Company, or any for or in their Behalf, saving to ourselves herein a most faithful and loyal Obedience to his Most Sacred Majesty, our dread Sovereign, whose royal and gracious Protection, Allowance, and Maintenance, of this our just Declaration and Protestation, we doubt not (according to his accustomed Clemency and Benignity to his Subjects) to find.
And we do farther enact, and be it hereby enacted and manifested by the Authority aforesaid, that what Person or Persons soever either is, or shall be HERE-AFTER, any Planter or Adventurer, and shall go about, by any Way or Means, either directly or indirectly, to sue for, advise, assist, abet, countenance, or contrive, the reducing this Colony to a Company or Corporation, or to introduce a Contract or Monopoly upon our Persons, Lands, or Commodities, upon due Proof or Conviction of any of the Premises (viz. by going about by any Way or Means to sue for, advise, abet, assist, countenance, or contrive, directly or indirectly, the reducing of this Colony to a Company or Corporation, or to introduce a Contract or Monopoly as aforesaid, upon due Conviction as aforesaid) shall be held and deemed an Enemy to the Colony, and shall forfeit his or their whole Estate, or Estates, that shall be found within the Limits of the Colony; the one Half shall be and come to the publick Use, the other Moiety, or Half, to the Informer.
This Act was passed upon the first Day of April 1642, with uncommon Solemnity. It was signed by the Governor, the respective Members of the Council of State, and House of Burgesses; the Seal of the Colony was affixed to it, in their Presence; and they immediately applied to the King, by their humble Petition, for his Royal Allowance and Confirmation of it.
Having thus passed their solemn Declaration and Protestation, in which they had employed much Time, the Grand Assembly adjourned to the second Day of June the same Year, by particular Act for that Purpose. At this Meeting they entered upon a Revision of the Constitution, abolished from it every Vestige of the Company's Authority, released the publick Tenants from their Servitude, who, like one Sort of Villains, anciently in England, were, regardant to the Lands appropriated by the Company's Charter of Orders, for the Support of the Governor and the other Officers of State; established Rules and Forms of proceeding in the Courts of Law, and regulated the several Parishes, by fixing their respective Limits.
After the great Business of the Session was finished, and they had banished from the Constitution every Appearance of the old Government, by regulating it upon the Principles of the English Constitution, the Grand Assembly published a Remonstrance, directed to the Inhabitants of the Colony. In it they enumerate the several weighty Matters that had employed their Consideration, and occasioned the great Length

of their Session; and they conclude with declaring their great Motive for entering, at that Time, upon a Regulation of the Constitution, was to establish their Liberties and Privileges, and to settle their Estates, which had been often assaulted and threatened, and were then invaded by the late Corporation: That to prevent the future Designs of Monopolisers, Contractors, and Pre-emptors (ever incessant upon them, not only bereaving them of all Cheerfulness and Alacrity, but usurping the Benefit and Disposition of their Labours) they apprehend no Time could be mispent, or Labour misplaced: That a firm Peace to themselves and their Posterity, and a future Indemnity from Fines and Impositions, they expected would be the Fruits of their Endeavours; to which End they thought it reasonable for them, liberally and freely, to open their Purse, not doubting but all well affected Persons would, with all Zeal and good Affection, embrace the Purchase, and pray to Almighty God for the Success.
Within a few Weeks after this Assembly broke up, their solemn Declaration, Protestation, and Act against the Establishment of a Proprietary Government in the Colony, was returned to them with the Royal Assent to it, in the following gracious and extensive Words:
CHARLES Rex.
Trusty and Well-beloved, we greet you well. Whereas we have received a Petition from you, our Governour, Council, and Burgesses, of the Grand Assembly in Virginia, together with a Declaration and Protestation, of the first of April, against a Petition presented in your Names to the House of Commons in this our Kingdom, for restoring of the Letters Patent for incorporating of the late Treasurer and Company, contrary to your Intent and Meaning, and against all such as shall go about to alienate you from our immediate Protection; and whereas you desire, by your Petition, that we should confirm this our Declaration and Protestation under our Royal Signet, and transmit it to that our Colony: These are to signify, that your Acknowledgment of our Grace, Bounty, and Favour, towards you, and your so earnest Desire to continue under our immediate Protection, is very acceptable unto us; and that, as we had not before the least Intention to consent to the Introduction of ANY Company over that our Colony, so we are by it much confirmed in our Resolution, as thinking it unfit to change a Form of Government, wherein (besides many other Reasons given, and to be given) our Subjects there, having had so long Experience of it, receive so much Contentment and Satisfaction. And this our Approbation of your Petition and Protestation we have thought fit to transmit to you, under our Royal Signet. Given at our Court at York, the 5th of July, 1642. This Royal Declaration was thus directed, To our trusty and well-beloved, our Governour, Council, and Burgesses, of the Grand Assembly of Virginia.
By this solemn Act of Legislation (which the Grand Assembly considered as the Magna Charta and Palladium of their Liberties) the Constitution of the Colony was established upon a Foundation which could not be altered without their own Consent; so that our History does not afford an Instance of any farther Attempt to dismember the Colony from their immediate Dependence upon the Crown, except that in the Year 1674 the Lords Arlington and Culpeper obtained a Grant, for the Term of 31 Years, from Charles II. of all the Lands, Rights, Jurisdictions, Quitrents, and other Royalties within the Dominion of Virginia. But this Grant was so vigorously and firmly opposed by the Grand Assembly that it was vacated and surrendered to the Crown, as will be more particularly related in the Course of these Annals.
STOCKHOLM, January 25.
FROM Skara, in East Gothland, we have just received the following Account of a singular Phenomenon in that Province. During the whole Month of September last the Element was obscured with Clouds, except the 6th and the 13th Days. The 22d a very heavy Rain fell, which was followed by an extreme Heat, which lasted till six in the Evening. Next Day there fell another, which may properly be called an electric Rain, as each Drop as it fell to the Ground threw out Fire; and had it happened in the Night, the whole District must have been in Flames. During the whole Rain, there was Thunder and Lightning. On the 25th following the above extraordinary Rain was followed by an Earthquake, which greatly shook the Mountain named Kina Kulle, and destroyed five Parishes.
CONSTANTINOPLE, January 21. At Half an Hour after twelve the Grand Signior expired, and at Half an Hour after two the Guns from the Seraglio announced his Successor Abdul Hamed.
January 24. All has passed with great Tranquillity here since the Accession of the present Sultan, the Prudence of Sciman Bachi having appeased some Movements among the Janissaries, who demanded a Quarter's Pay which was due to them, besides a Gratification from the new Emperor.
VIENNA, February 9. The late Emperor of Turkey, who died on the 21st ult. was in the 59th Year of his Age. He was the eldest Son of Achmet the third, who was dethroned in 1730. He ascended the Throne in October 1757, after the Death of the Emperor Osman. He hath left an only Son (the Sultan Selim) and three Daughters, the eldest of whom is about fourteen Years of Age, and is already the Widow of two Grand Visiars. The Sultan Abdulhamet, his Brother, aged 51 Years, has been already proclaimed Emperor, in Conformity to the Right of Succession established in Turkey, where the Crown passes to the eldest of the Family.
LONDON, February 15.
ON Tuesday John Wilkes, Esq; attended by several Gentlemen, Free-holders of Middlesex, went to Mr. Stracey's Room adjoining the House of Commons, and told Mr. Stracey (the Clerk who swears in the Members after the first Day of a new Parliament) that he came to take the Oaths and his Seat as Member for Middlesex, pursuant to a Summons from the Sheriff for that Purpose. The above Gentleman replied, that, according to the constant Practice of that House, no Person could take the Oaths as Member, after the first Session of a new Parliament, unless he produced his Certificate. To this Mr. Wilkes replied, that the Clerk of the Crown would not grant it him; and the other saying, the Oaths could not be administered without it, the Business ended. And Mr. Wilkes, after paying his Respects to the Gentlemen present, returned soon after to his own House.
Extract of a Letter from Portsmouth, February 14.
The Asia-Man of War, of 64 Guns, is ordered to be got ready with all Expedition, to go to the Coast of Africa, in Search of Captain Collinwood and the Crew of the Rainbow Man of War, which has been wrecked off Cape Blanco, in Order to bring them, with the Stores, &c. that were saved out of the Wreck; and the Orpheus Frigate is ordered to go the Voyage round the Coast of Guinea, in the Room of the Rainbow, and is to sail in a few Days.
"It is reported here that the Inhabitants of Cape Blanco came down and made an Attack on the Rainbow's People, whose Ship was lately lost there, but were defeated, the latter being provided with Arms and Ammunition saved from the Ship; and they have since raised a small Fortification, for Fear of a second Attack, until some Ship comes to their Relief."
A facetious Correspondent observes, that Mr. Horne , after going the Ministry, is like to be tossed himself; and that the Horne which was thought to be laid on the Side of Administration is found to be the Horne of Licentiousness.
Mr. Wilkes is highly diverted at the Expense of his old Enemy. His Toasts are, May the legal Power of the People break the Horne of Treachery! And may the People have many Bulls to feed them, but no Horns to destroy them!
February 22. This Day arrived the Mails from Holland and Flanders, which brought the following Advices: From Warsaw, February 2d, we learn that Count Romanzow is at Jassy, and the Russian Army is entered into Winter Quarters. As to the Turks, they are making great Preparations for opening the Campaign.
From Vienna, of the 2d Instant, we are informed that the Emperor hath already ordered, by a Decree of the Council of War, that all the different Battalions in Garrison shall be completed, and each Regiment is to be augmented with two Companies.
It is probable there never will again occur another Opportunity of gaining, at one Stroke, so capital a Fortune as by the great Prizes in the Adelphi Lottery, especially if any of the capital Prizes should turn up the last drawn Ticket, which of itself is 25,000l. and when joined to a 50,000l. a 40,000l. a 30,000l. or a 20,000l. Prize, would be a princely Acquisition to a fortunate Adventurer.
We hear large Bets are laid that Adelphi Tickets will rise to 70l. before the Wheels are turned round.
February 23. Letters from the Lower Elbe, dated the 8th Instant, advise that they have received Intelligence from Russia that the Seditious increase daily in Numbers, and that they are computed by many to amount to 100,000, but others say they do not exceed 40,000. Their Leader declares he does not aim at the Imperial Crown, but intends to hold it for his dearly beloved Son the Grand Duke Paul. These Letters add, that Couriers had been sent to the allied Courts, and that a neighbouring One had given for Answer, that they were resolved to furnish to Russia the Succours stipulated by Treaty, provided they would previously return the Provinces which had been obliged to be ceded by the Treaty of Neustadt.
It is said that the extra Expense of the Fleet, during his Majesty's Review at Portsmouth, stands charged in the Navy Accounts at 4983l. 17s.
February 24. On Tuesday came on in the House of Lords the final Arguments on Literary Property, when Lord Camden got up and spoke for an Hour and a Half against Perpetuity, and quoted a Number of Cases that had been argued in the several Courts, and concluded by hoping their Lordships would reverse the Decree. The Lord Chancellor spoke next, for an Hour; entered very largely upon the several Arguments, said he had searched several Gentlemen's Libraries, and could entertain their Lordships for three Hours longer, if there was any Occasion for it; but it being such a clear Case, it would be needless. He said, as to the Act of Queen Anne, it gave them a limited Time, and no longer. He concluded by seconding Lord Camden's Motion. Lord Lyttleton next spoke, for a short Time; he declared that he thought the Authors had a Right to Perpetuity. The Bishop of Carlisle spoke next, and mentioned several Points, which he left for the Determination of their Lordships. Lord Emsingham next spoke, and said a great Deal in Favour of the Liberty of the Press, and hoped that Right would never be taken away in this once free Country. The Question was put at Half past five, when the Decree was reversed, without Coits; so that the English Booksellers have no other Security in future, for any literary Purchase they may make, but the Statute of the 8th of Queen Anne, which secures to the Author's Assigns an exclusive Property for fourteen Years, to revert again to the Author, and vest in him for fourteen Years more.
Extract of a Letter from Peterburgh, February 12.
"It is really amazing to see the Disturbance which now reigns in this Capital. The Idea of a Revolution has raised such a Number of Parties, has caused such Distention, that every Thing wears the Appearance of Commotion and Strife. We have just now received some Advices from Moscow, that the Rebels in Casan, Beroskier, &c. are daily increasing, and are headed and encouraged by most of the principal Persons of Quality in those Provinces; amongst whom is a brave and very experienced Officer, General Polarissoff."
A Correspondent says: "It is thought the Alterations recommended by that eminent Divine, Dr. Samuel Clarke, would satisfy all rational Christians, and for ever secure the Peace and Purity of the Church; but political Divines are no Friends to any Religion but that which is established."
We are credibly informed that a considerable Number of the English Laity, in Yorkshire particularly, have turned their Attention to the exceptionable Passages of the Liturgy, and to the Subject of Subscription, in Consequence of Mr. L——'s Resignation.
A Nobleman of an amiable Character lately made a Present of a Ticket in the Adelphi Lottery to each of his younger Children, saying, that he thought it would be wrong to neglect such an Opportunity of giving them so fair a Chance for acquiring an independent Fortune.
The Adelphi Tickets rose yesterday at the Stock Exchange to 65l. for the fourth Night of Drawing.
There have been greater Premiums already given at the Stock Exchange, upon Bargains of Adelphi Tickets, for the first Days of the Drawing, than ever was paid upon State Lottery Tickets.
When the intelligent Dealers in the Stock Exchange give already so high a Premium as 15l. for the Adelphi Tickets for the fourth Nights of the Drawing, without knowing the State of the Wheels on that Day, what an amazing Price must these Tickets be at if the large Prizes remain in till towards the Close of the Drawing!
February 26. Letters received by this Day's Holland Mail, from Constantinople, mention that when the late Grand Signior perceived his last Moments approaching he sent for the Sultan Abdulhamet, his Brother, recommended to him the Education of Selim his only Son, aged 13, and at the same Time gave him to understand that he ardently desired that he would seriously employ himself in the salutary Work of Peace; and that some Steps are already taken for that Purpose.
Yesterday the Sheriffs of London presented to the House of Commons a Petition for Leave to make a navigable Canal from Waltham Abbey to Moorfields.
Extract of a Letter from Worcester, February 23.
"This Day the Poll closed for the Election of a Representative for the City of Worcester, when the Numbers were, for Colonel Lechmere 796, for Sir Watkin Lewes 713; but a Scrutiny being demanded for Sir Watkin, the Sheriff could not make the Return, and Colonel Lechmere therefore was not returned, which was a great Disappointment to the Party that espoused his Interest. Sir Watkin's Friends are still very sanguine, and assure themselves of a Majority of legal Votes."
Another Account says: "The Sheriff rejected 21 Freemen who were concerned in a valuable Branch of Manufacture in that City that demanded their Poll for Sir Watkin Lewes, and in Opposition to the Opinion of Mr. Serjeant Glynn, who declared their Right to their Franchise; but the Sheriff treated such Opinion with Contempt."
A Correspondent says: "Notice has been given to the Minister of the intended Application of the petitioning Clergy to Parliament, and the same has also been communicated to a certain great Personage."
It is said that an Express arrived in Town late last Night with an Account of the Death of the French King, in the 63rd Year of his Age.
A Report prevails, that a certain Divine has put an end to his Existence. It is said there will be no State Lottery this Year.
We hear that many People of Fashion who are Adventurers in the Adelphi Lottery will attend at the State Lottery Office, Whitehall, to see the Operation of cutting the Tickets, and putting them into the Wheel.
February 28. On Thursday last, about Half an Hour after six in the Evening, the Queen was happily delivered of a Prince. His Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, several Lords of his Majesty's Most Honourable Privy Council, and the Ladies of her Majesty's Bedchamber, were present. Her Majesty is, God be praised, as well as can be expected; and the young Prince is in perfect Health.
Extract of a Letter from Plymouth, February 22.
"Sunday last an Express arrived here, with Orders for the Somerset, Captain Le Crafe, and Boyne, Captain Hartwell, to get ready for Sea, and take on Board six Months Provisions. The Conjectures concerning their Destination are various, but it is imagined they are going to America."
"The Nautibus will be commissioned as soon as the Captain arrives. It is said Captain Parker is to command her."
"The Commissioner paid the Officers and Seamen belonging to the Somerset six Months last Week. The Ocean's Men will be paid likewise, as soon as the comes out of Dock."
"A Party of Marines embarked yesterday, on Board the Somerset and Boyne; likewise Seamen were draughted from the rest of the Guardships, to make up their Complement."
On Monday last the Lord Chancellor determined a Cause in Lincoln's Inn Hall, in which a Gentleman of Chesthunt was Plaintiff, and a Lady of Salisbury Defendant; the Bill being brought by the Plaintiff to oblige the Lady to deliver up a Bond given by him, in which was a Promise of Marriage, when the Plaintiff thought proper to compromise the Matter, by giving the Lady 1000l. with Costs.
March 1. The American Affairs, we hear, will come on next Thursday in the Upper Assembly. It is now generally understood, that the most spirited and coercive Measures will be taken by the Mother Country, to bring back her refractory Children to a proper Sense of their Duty, and the common Interests of the whole Empire.
Dr. Franklin, we hear, has, since his Fracas with the Ministry, voluntarily resigned his American Agency; nobly disdaining to receive the Wages of his Constituents a Day longer than he found himself in a Capacity to do them any essential Service. How seldom do we see Men in Office so scrupulous!
Some Letters from Russia mention, that the Rebels were attacked and defeated by Colonel Preiman; and others say, that they retired of their own Accord to the Mountains, and that their Number augments daily. Some Accounts mention that a certain Court is endeavouring to bring about a Peace between Russia and the Porte, having, for the second Time, offered its Mediation; and we flatter ourselves that this grand Affair will be brought about, as the deceased Grand Signior strongly recommended his Successor to incline to Peace, and it is well known that the Grand Visiar has shown his Inclination to put an End to the War.
Extract of a Letter from the Hague, February 23.
"They write from Stockholm, that the College of Physicians there have represented to the King, that, from Experiments they have made, it has been found that the Leaves of Potatoes answer the End of Tobacco for smoking, and that the Smell is also very agreeable; in Consequence of which his Swedish Majesty has given Orders to increase the Cultivation of Potatoes, as much as possible."
An Evening Paper of last Night says the Report of the Loss of the Rainbow Man of War is not true, that Advice has been received of her safe Arrival on the Guinea Coast, and that the sailing of the Asia and Orpheus has been countermanded on that Account.
March 2. When Sir Watkin Lewes was canvassing at Worcester, after he had thrown out Mr. Rous by Petition, going by a Person's House in the opposite Interest, he was saluted with a rotten Egg from somebody within, which hit him on the Face. The Mob re-entered this Usage by breaking every Window in the House, and would have proceeded to other Violence, but were entreated by Sir Watkin to desist.
The Worcester Scrutiny began yesterday, and if Sir Watkin should fail in this Step, he will again petition the House about the Return, in Consequence of the undue Influence against him.
Extract of a Letter from Plymouth, February 26.
"The Wind continuing to blow exceeding hard at S. S. W. ever since Monday last, his Majesty's Ships Somerset and Boyne have not been able to come down into the Sound. It is now a little moderate, therefore it is thought they will be able to come down to-morrow's Tide. It is not yet known for what Service they are designed."
"This Post brought an Order to the Agent Victualler at this Port to enter a Number of Bakers, in Order to set three more Ovens to Work to make Biscuit. There are three Ovens already employed at this Port."
"The Nautilus Sloop of War was yesterday put into Commission, for the Newfoundland Station."
The Ship Buchanan, of Greenock, Captain James Moody, from New York to Bourdeaux, laden with 2500 Barrels of Flower, was lost on the 22d of January last, near Bourdeaux. The whole Crew perished; 1200 Barrels of the Flower were got out safe, but the Remainder of the Cargo was considerably damaged.
More than 100 People lost their Lives at Madeira in the late Storm which happened on the 5th of January last.
A Letter from Feverham, dated last Sunday Evening, mentions that the Industry, Nichols, bound to Maryland, is ashore about four Miles from that Place, on an Oyster Bank, and it is feared that the Ship will be totally lost; the Cargo was all saved, but partly damaged.
Accounts from different Parts of the North Riding of Yorkshire, and South Parts of the County of Durham, mention that many Farmers and Artificers are preparing to go to North America.
March 3. Some Letters from Hamburg say: "the Magistrates of Dantzick have consented to divide the Emoluments of the Port with the Court of Berlin."
Extract of a Letter from the Hague, February 6.
"The considerable Augmentation of the Army and Navy of the United Provinces has caused many Speculations, and raised various Reports amongst the Politicians of this Place. Many imagine that the States are apprehensive of an Attack from Prussia, and are therefore making these Preparations in their own Defence; and such an Opinion is somewhat sanctioned by the Attention to the Barrier Towns. Others affirm, that a War is expected with some foreign Powers; but the most reasonable Opinion is, that the States were ashamed of the neglected State of their military and naval Forces, and have therefore used this sudden and unremitting Attention to establish them on a more respectable Footing."
EDINBURGH, February 12. We hear that both Banks, for the Accommodation of the Publick, are to begin on Monday to receive in Payments the Notes of the Aberdeen Banking Company, and of Hunter's and Co. Air.
From Paisley we learn that about 500 Manufacturers are preparing to embark for America, as they can find no Employment at home.
February 15. It is in Agitation to give back the forfeited Estates in Scotland to the Heirs, on their paying a Fee Duty equal to the Rent when they were forfeited. General Frazier is the first who is to have his returned.
GLOUCESTER, February 21. At a Methodistical Association held at Neath last Wednesday, a young Man pretended to surrender himself to the Devil, according to a Promise given three Years ago. Several Parsons and worthy Teachers of the same Tribe attended, and like Alexander's Phalanx, drove the old Gentleman back again to his infernal Home.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 21.
ON Saturday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday last, the following Criminals were brought to the Bar of the General Court to take their Trials, viz. John McClure, from Orange, for Horsestealing: Guilty.—Catharine Peppers, from Bedford, for Murder: Guilty.—Michael Wheatley, from Williamsburg, for Grand Larceny: Guilty.—Henry Bullard, from Isle of Wight, for Manslaughter: Guilty.—John Conner, from New Kent, for Manslaughter: Guilty.—Amos Jenkins, from Bedford, for Murder; John Owen, from Surrey, for Grand Larceny; Thomas Shaw, from Fauquier, for a Rape; William Thompson, from Amelia, for Burglary: All acquitted by the Grand Jury.—William Patterson, from Middlesex, for Negro-stealing: Acquitted.—John Hightower, from Lunenburg, for passing counterfeit Paper Currency: Acquitted.—Elizabeth Castile, from New Kent, for Child Murder: Acquitted.
The Randolph, M'Nabb, from London, and Nelly, M'Larty, from Glasgow, are arrived in James River; the Bell, Moody, from Glasgow, in York River.
Deaths.] Mr. Miles Cary, youngest Son of Wilson Miles Cary, Esq; of Hampton. He was a Youth endowed with a peculiar Sweetness of Disposition, very endearing in his Manners, and had a Liveliness of Imagination uncommon at his tender Years. Had it pleased the Almighty to have spared this amiable Youth, in all Probability he would have been an Ornament to his Country; but it is our Duty to submit to the unsearchable Ways of Providence, especially when this sweet Consolation remains, that such as have done no Evil must be eternally happy. His Corps were carried to Rich Neck, in Warwick County, and interred in the Family Burying Place.
His spotless Soul, fit for th' Angelick Spheres, To view the Glories of eternal Grace, Whilst both his Parents Eyes were dimm'd with Tears, Flew to the World to Jesus' dear Embrace. Oft have we seen Aurora's golden Ray, Ere it had ting'd at Eve the western Main, Doat on a Flower that deck'd the vernal May, And call its fragrant Beauties from the Plain.
Mr. MEACHAM FEARN, of Middlesex County, after a tedious Illness; he was a very worthy Man, and respected by all who knew him.

The Members of the Society lately instituted for promoting useful Knowledge are desired to attend at the Capitol on Tuesday the 3rd of May, that being one of the Days appointed for their annual Meetings.
***** WILLIAMSBURG, April 21, 1774. ***** DOUBTS having arisen, it seems, in many Parts of the Country, about the Time of the Meeting of the General Assembly, I have Authority to assure the Publick, that the Day appointed for that Purpose is the first Thursday in the ensuing Month. JOHN BLAIR, Cl. Con. *****
To the PRINTER. THE Scarcity of Timber in many Parts of this Colony, and the daily Decrease of it, is a Circumstance which demands the most serious Consideration of all who have any Regard to Posterity. The Cause of it ought first to be inquired into, which being once known it is to be hoped some Remedy may be found out for so great an Evil. The principal Reason for this Waste of Timber appears to me to be occasioned by the vast Quantity of Rails that is found necessary for the enclosing of our Lands, the Quickness of the Decay of such Rails, and the absolute Necessity of annually repairing that Decay, to preserve our Corn and other Grain from Cattle, Hogs, &c. I have, in my Travels, frequently lamented the Destruction of whole Fields of Corn, entirely owing to the Want of proper Enclosures, and the Inability of the Planter to make them. This Evil appears to be increasing daily, and if not remedied soon must either end in the Ruin of the poorer sort of People or in the Emigration of them to some other Parts where Timber is more plenty; and indeed we see the latter is already the Case with great Numbers, who are annually removing into the back Country. How then can this Evil be prevented? Can it be done by enclosing our Fields with Ditches or Hedges? I answer, not as we are now circumstanced; for although a Hedge or a Ditch may be made a sufficient Fence against Horses, Cattle, or Sheep, yet we have found, from Experience, that they will not keep out Hogs. These Animals can only be turned by Fences made of strong and sound Rails; for this Reason, you often see that a Planter, in Order to secure his Field from Hogs, is obliged to expose it to the Encroachments of Horses and Cattle, not having Timber to make his Fence high enough to keep them from leaping over. The only Remedy, then, that occurs to me, is the Restriction of those destructive, though necessary Animals, from running at large. I am not ignorant of the Difficulty of procuring an Act of Assembly for this Purpose, but am convinced, could such a Law be obtained, though the People indeed would at first be very much alarmed, yet, in a very few Years, they would find such Advantages from it that a Repeal of such a Law would be found extremely difficult to be had, if an Attempt was to be made for that Purpose. It is a certain Fact, that several of our Sister Colonies to the Northward have experienced great Advantages from Laws of this Kind. Pennsylvania, the Jerseys, and New England, a few Years ago could not supply their Inhabitants with Pork; they now export great Quantities, and of better Quality than any exported from hence. When those Laws were first enacted, the People were ready to rise up in Arms; but a few Years Experience convinced them of the Benefit of those Laws. If the lower Rank of People would consider how their little Estates are torn to Pieces and destroyed by the Hogs of those who have large Fortunes in their Neighbourhood, and of Course have very large Stocks of this Animal; if they would consider that little or no Advantage is reaped by their running out on the Score of Food, our Timber not producing any Mast once in eight or ten Years, and that the Slaves of those great Men have better Opportunities to destroy our Hogs going at large than if kept enclosed; if they would exercise their Reason for a Moment, they would be convinced that three Hogs fed with the Offal of their Houses, and the Corn they dispose of to treble that Number, would afford them more and better Meat than they ever had in their Lives from nine Hogs raised in their usual Manner of raising them; that they might enclose their Fields with less than one Half of the Timber, would have fine Pastures, which would enable them to raise large Stocks of Cattle and Sheep, affording them much wholesome and greater Plenty of Provisions. Clothing for their Families, and Manure for the Improvement of their Lands; I say, if they would reflect on those Things, I am convinced they would give Instructions to their Representatives to endeavour to procure a Law to restrain Hogs from going at large. I would therefore recommend it to the Inhabitants of the lower Counties either to petition the General Assembly to make such Laws, or instruct their Representatives to endeavour at such Regulation, and this without Delay, since the Evil is so apparent, and so great. I have long waited to see something of this Kind recommended, but in vain. I have therefore broke through my Aversion to appear in Print, and chose to lay myself open to the Attack of the ill-natured Critick, rather than not do what I think my Duty as a Citizen.
I am, Sir, your humble Servant, A FARMER.
***** Advertisements. *****
For SALE , and to be seen in Williamsburg, from the first of May, and for some Time after, the high blooded Horse MASTER STEPHEN. He is young, strong, and large; has a good Bottom, and runs fast. Whoever may be inclinable to know his Pedigree, or to see him, may be satisfied by applying to Phil: L. Lee , at his House in Williamsburg.
THE Fair in Richmond Town begins the second Thursday in May (being the 12th) the Purse will be run for the first Day of the Fair, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, carrying Weight for Age, according to the Rules of Racing. Certificates will be expected for the Age of the Horses, &c. Any Horse under Size, will be allowed Weight for Size. All Horses, &c. to be entered with James Gunn , the Day before. N. B. Any Person that is inclined to start a Horse may become a Subscriber, by sending a Line to James Gunn .
FOR SALE , Four Half Acre LOTS in the Town of Richmond, lying near the Middle of that Part of the Town at present inhabited. These Lots are very level, and form a Square fronting a Street each Way. For Terms apply to Thomas Stegar in Cumberland, or the Subscriber in Manchester. JAMES LYLE.
To be LET , THE building of a WOODEN DWELLING HOUSE sixty Feet by twenty, with two Brick Chimneys, and a Kitchen fifteen Feet square, on Cape Henry . Any Person inclinable to undertake the Work may be fully informed by the Subscribers. PAUL LOYAL. JOHN HUTCHINGS. THOMAS R. WALKER.
NORFOLK, April 13, 1774. TAKEN up, and stored by the Subscriber, after lying two Days and Nights on the Wharf without Doors, a Hoghead of RUM . The Owner may have it on proving his Property and paying Charges. JOHN SCHAW.
STRAYED away from Williamsburg, on Tuesday last, a small young SORREL HORSE with a Blaze Face, his hind Footlock white, has a short hanging Mane and Bob Tail, but has no Brand that can be remembered. Whoever brings the said Horse to the Post Office, Williamsburg, shall have TEN SHILLINGS Reward.
TREASURY OFFICE, April 12, 1774. WITHIN these few Days I have discovered that an Attempt has been made to counterfeit our TWENTY SHILLING BILLS of 1769; a forged Bill of the Sort having been offered, I am persuaded very innocently, to be exchanged at this Office. Though the Forgery is basely executed, I think it prudent to caution the Publick against Impositions. The Print, the Coat of Arms, the Signing of Mr. Blair's Christian Name, the different Devices, and especially the Badness of the Figures of the Dates, will point out the Forgery to every One tolerably acquainted with the good Bills. The Water Lines differ very materially from those of the genuine Paper. Instead of the Water Letters K. E. R. appearing under the Signer's Names, as they ought to do, there is to be seen something like an obscure W. and the Letter A. very plainly; the Letters K. E. R. are thrust forward under the Coat of Arms. Till this Bill made its Appearance, I never had the slightest Reason to suspect that any other than the 5 l. Bills had been counterfeited and thrown into Circulation. If any Gentleman should, upon good Grounds, entertain Doubts of any of the rest of the Paper Money, I beg it, as a singular Favour, that he would be pleased immediately to transmit every suspected Bill to me by Express, of which I will gladly pay the Expence. (2) RO. C. NICHOLAS , Treasurer.
HENRICO, April 12, 1774. HAVING nearly finished my Executorship on the Estate of Daniel Adkins , deceased, this is to inform whom it may concern, that on Monday the 18th of July I intend delivering up what Estate may remain in my Hands, agreeable to the Directions of his Will. Those who have Claims against the Estate are desired to make them known before that Time, as I shall pay no Accounts produced afterwards. (2) ROBERT ADKINS , Executor.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, at Goochland Courthouse, on Monday the 20th of June, being Court Day,
A TRACT of rich well timbered Land lying opposite to Elk Island, in the said County, belonging to the Estate of Mr. John Smith , deceased, containing 2000 Acres, which will be put up in four separate Lots. Likewise a Tract containing between 3 and 400 Acres, lying on both Sides the Little Bird Creek, near the Head thereof, in said County. Those Lands having been fully described in a former Advertisement, renders it unnecessary here. The Time of Payment will be made known on the Day of Sale, and Bonds with good Security required of the Purchasers, by (tf) WILLIAM ANDERSON , Executor.
The Purchasers at the different Sales of the Negroes and personal Estate of Joseph and John Smith , deceased, are desired to take Notice that their Bonds will, in a very short Time, become payable, and that no Indulgence can, or will, be allowed to any Person. I shall constantly attend at the County Courts of Henrico and Hanover, and the Meeting of Merchants in Williamsburg, in Order to receive Payment. Those who have open Accounts on the Books of John Smith , deceased, are once more requested to come and settle.
F I V E P O U N D S R E W A R D. RUN away from the Subscriber, in Fairfax County, the 4th Instant (April) near the little Falls of Potomack, a likely Country born Negro Fellow, named GEORGE , straight made; had on, when he went away, an old Cotton Jacket pretty much worn on the left Shoulder, a Pair of old gray Broadcloth Breeches with some Silver Twist Buttons on them, a middling fine old white Shirt, a Pair of old white Cotton Stockings, a Pair of British made Shoes about Half wore, with a Pair of plain Iron Buckles in them, and a Boy's Leather Cap. He is a slow spoken Fellow, was formerly the Property of one John Hightower in Carolina, whose firm Bill of Sale I have in my Possession, and he is supposed to have gone that Way. Any Person who will apprehend the said Fellow and commit him to Jail, or bring him to me, shall have the above Reward, and all reasonable Charges paid. (tf) JOHN HUNTER.
ROCKY MILL, HANOVER County, April 14, 1774. RUN away from the Subscribers, on the 27th of March, two indented Servant Men, namely, JOSEPH GOTHARD , by Trade a Cooper, has a Scar over one of his Eyes and Ankles; had on a Drab coloured Frieze Jacket, with Metal Buttons, old Leather Breeches, a Half worn Hat, a Pair of Sale Hose, and a Pair of coarse Shoes. THOMAS JACKSON , by Trade a Coachman, about thirty Years of Age, of a ruddy Countenance, about five Feet eight Inches high, with light Hair; had on an old Hat, dark Broadcloth Coat much patched, an old Virginia Cloth blue twilled Jacket, with Pewter Buttons, without Sleeves, a Pair of very narrow Duck Trousers patched on each Knee with new Osnaburghs, a Pair of Country Shoes, and black Hose. Whoever will deliver both the above mentioned Servants at New-castle, or the above mentioned Place, shall receive 5 l. or 50 s. for either, if taken in the Colony; and if in any other, reasonable Satisfaction will be made by the Subscribers. (tf) JOHN SYME. JOHN CHRENSHAW.
NEWCASTLE, HANOVER County, April 14, 1774. STOLEN, or STRAYED, from Mr. David Richardson's Pasture, on the 3d of this Month, a likely DARK BAY MARE , about four Feet eight Inches high, paces slow, somewhat low in Flesh, and branded on the near Buttock with an O , which appears to be blotched. The said Mare is supposed to have been rode off by some Negro belonging to a Gentleman near Richmond Town, on James River, and is supposed to have been rode either over to King & Queen County, or to or near Richmond Town. Whoever brings the said Mare to me, or gives such Intelligence that I get her again, shall have 20 s. Reward. (2) JOHN BLACKWELL. N. B. Perhaps the above Mare may be stolen by some white Servant, and rode off towards the Borders of Carolina.
MOST of the Bonds due to the Estate of George Christopher White , of Amelia County, deceased, having been due a considerable Time, it is expected that Payment will be made the ensuing Meeting of the Merchants in Williamsburg, after which Time no Indulgence can be given. BALFOUR & BARRAUD.
PRINCE GEORGE, April 14, 1774. THE Subscriber has lately opened Tavern at WILKINS'S FERRY , where all Gentlemen Travellers who please to favour him with their Custom may depend on good Accommodations, and a quick Passage. (2) JOHN COSBY.
HEREBY give this publick Notice, that Jeremiah Skidmore , who was murdered in Bedford County, in Virginia, last December, by his Servants, has some small Estate in my Possession, which the Heirs of the said Jeremiah may have by applying to ROBERT ALEXANDER , Administrator.
SUFFOLK, Nansemond County, March 29, 1774. HEREBY forewarn all Persons from travelling through my Lands in Chuckatuck . SAMUEL SWANN.
MATTHEW MOODY , Jun living at the lowest House at the Capitol Landing, begs Leave to acquaint the Publick that he keeps, at all Times, fine Queen's Creek OYSTERS , fresh from the Rocks, which will be dressed agreeable to the Taste of those who may please to favour him with their Custom, and with the greatest Expedition.— TEA and COFFEE to be had likewise, if required; and a good BOWL OF PUNCH . (2)
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of Doctor John Walker , deceased, of Hanover Town, are requested to make immediate Payment; and those who have any Demands against the said Estate are desired to make them known to THOMAS SIMPSON , Administrator.
ESSEX, April 2, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony soon, for a few Months. JOHN LIVINGSTON.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 13, 1774. THE Subscriber is in immediate Want of a Person who understands the Business of a Drawer. He must come well recommended, and shall have good Wages from (tf) RO. ANDERSON.
SUFFOLK, March 29, 1774. THIS is to give Notice that I will not be liable for any Horse which may hereafter be ordered to my Pasture, but will take the greatest Care in my Power that they are neither stolen nor stray away. SAMUEL SWANN.
B O L T O N, HORSE belonging to the Estate of William Lightfoot , Esq; deceased stands at Sandy Point , in Charles City, and will cover Mares at fifteen Shillings the Leap, and forty five Shillings the Season. He is a beautiful Bay, upwards of fifteen Hands high, and is an imported Horse. S P O R T S M A N, A LARGE black Horse, of the Dray Breed, will cover at Seven Shillings and Sixpence the Leap, and twenty five Shillings the Season. Good Care will be taken of the Mares, and as good Pasturage as any in the Colony gratis, but will not be answerable for any that may get away. (tf) JOHN PIERCE.
To be SOLD , by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from Thomas Dixon , deceased, on Thursday the 28th of April, at the Courthouse of Elizabeth City, being Court Day, A TRACT of LAND containing about 110 Acres, lying near Saltford's Creek , in the County aforesaid. At the same Time will be sold, by Virtue of another Deed of Trust from Carle Tucker and Henry Jenkins , a Tract of Woodland, containing about sixty Acres, belonging to said Tucker , and one or two NEGROES belonging to Jenkins and Tucker . Credit will be allowed the Purchasers until the 1st Day of October next, on giving Bond with approved Security; the Bonds to carry Interest from the Day of Sale, if not paid the Day they become due. (2) WALTER M'CLURG.
NEABSCO FURNACE, April 1, 1774. RUN away from the Neabsco Furnace, on the 16th of last Month, a light coloured Mulatto Man named BILLY or WILL , the Property of the Honourable John Taylor , Esquire. When I tell the Publick that he is the same Boy, who, for many Years, used to wait on me in my Travels through this and the neighbouring Province, and, by his Pertness, or rather Impudence, was well known to almost all my Acquaintances, there is the less Occasion for a particular Description of him. However, as he is now grown to the Size of a Man, and has not attended me for some Time past, I think it not amiss to say that he is a very likely young Fellow, about twenty Years old, five Feet nine Inches high, stout and strong made, has a remarkable Swing in his Walk, but is much more so by a surprising Knack he has of gaining the good Graces of almost every Body who will listen to his bewitching and deceitful Tongue, which seldom or ever speaks the Truth; has a small Scar on the right Side of his Forehead, and the little Finger of his right Hand is quite straight by a Hurt he got when a Child. He had on when he went away a blue Fearnought and an under Jacket of green Baize, Cotton Breeches, Osnaburgh Shirt, a mixed blue Pair of Stockings, a Pair of Country made Shoes, and yellow Buckles. From his Ingenuity, he is capable of doing almost any Sort of Business, and for some Years past has been chiefly employed as a Founder, a Stone Mason, and a Miller, an Occasion required; one of which Trades, I imagine, he will, in the Character of a Freeman, profess. I have some Reason to suspect his travelling towards James River , under the Pretence of being sent by me on Business. Whoever apprehends the said Mulatto Slave, and brings him to me, or to his Master, the Honourable John Taylor of Mount Airy , or secures him so as to be had again, shall have double what the Law allows, and all reasonable Charges paid by (tf) THOMAS LAWSON.
STRAYED or STOLEN from the Subscriber, on the 15th of March, an IRON GRAY HORSE three Years old this Spring, about fourteen Hands high, trots and canters, but neither dockt nor branded. Whoever brings the said Horse to me at Swinyard's , in Charles City, shall have THREE POUNDS Reward. WILLIAM COLE.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a DARK BAY HORSE , appears to be old, four Feet two Inches high, a Star in his Forehead, a white Spot on each Side of his Neck, has had a Fistula, but no Brand perceivable; had on, when taken up, a Bell marked M W. Posted, and appraised to 4 l. (tf) JAMES DUGGAR.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a BLACK MARE about four Feet five Inches high, with a large Star in her Forehead, had on a small Bell, branded on the near Shoulder W , and on the near Buttock E . Posted, and appraised to 6 l. (tf) ABEDNEGO HAILE.
TAKEN up, in Berkeley, a BAY MARE and BAY HORSE COLT ; the Mare about twelve Hands high, and branded on the near Buttock W ; the Colt is upwards of a Year old, but neither dockt nor branded. Posted, and appraised to 5 l. 10 s. (tf) BENJAMIN RANKEN.
NORFOLK, March 26, 1774. THE Subscribers have lately received from the CARRON MANUFACTORY , in Scotland, a small Consignment of NAILS , from 4d. to 3d. which they will sell on short Credit, at a very moderate Advance; and as they have Directions from the Proprietors of this Manufactory to receive Orders on them for either NAILS or STEEL , they would be much obliged to their Friends who deal in those Articles for their Orders, which, from the Assurances given them, they make no Doubt will be executed on as good Terms as from any Part of Britain. (6) INGLIS & LONG.
Who will be in Want of a very large Quantity of the WHITE HOMINY BEANS next Year, and will give good Encouragement for the Cultivation of them.—They have to Charter, to any Part of Britain, a NEW SHIP now lying at Baltimore in Maryland , which will carry 7 or 800 Hogheads of Tobacco, and can be in Virginia the Beginning of May. Two ANCHORS , of 1400 Weight each, are wanted for this Ship.

POETS CORNER.
To a very YOUNG LADY. With the Present of a COMMON PRAYER BOOK.
WHILE Truth, or Innocence, shall be thy Guide, Secure in Virtue, lay this Book aside; But if with riper Years thy Sex's Wiles, Feign'd Passion, jilting Arts, and treacherous Smiles, Shed their Mal-influence o'er thy wretched Life, And damn thy Fame as Widow, Maid, or Wife; If wan'd Regards, and wavering Faith, shall prove The sure Forerunners of apostate Love; Restore this Gift, quit all Remorse, nor dare Affront th' Almighty with an impious Prayer. No Penance to Salvation can redound, Thy Hope in Mercy, not in Merit, found. This Book then useless, either Way apply'd For by the moral Deed alone the Man is try'd.
YORK TOWN, April 1, 1774.
THE Subscribers, who have for some Years past kept the Ferry established at this Place, and experienced the Inconvenience and Loss that attend making Accounts of Ferriages, take this Method of desiring those Gentlemen who cross to pay their Ferriages at the Swan Tavern, as it has been of infinite Loss to the Subscribers their paying the Negroes; and also assure them, that the Ferry shall be kept inferior to none in the Colony. JANET MITCHELL. MARY GIBBONS.
ESSEX County, April 2, 1774.
IN Consequence of the Death of Mr. James Campbell of Essex, who was acting Attorney for Messrs. John, William, and James McCall, McCall & Elliot, and McCall, Elliot, & Snodgrass, in the Business formerly under the Management of Mr. William Snodgrass, we have received from his Executors the Books and Papers of said Company, and have put them into the Hands of Mr. James Gordon to collect. We therefore earnestly request all indebted to those Concerns to pay off immediately, as no farther Indulgence can be given. Mr. James Gordon will reside in Tappahannock, and attend Essex, Middlesex, Gloucester, and King and Queen Courts. ARCHIBALD McCALL. JOHN SNODGRASS.
GLOUCESTER, April 2, 1774.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of Captain Francis Armistead, deceased, are requested to be speedy in discharging their respective Balances; and those that have any Demands against it to give in their Claims, as there will be a full Settlement of the Estate in December by the Executors. (2||)
KING WILLIAM, March 31, 1774.
PLANK and SCANTLING to be sold by the Subscriber at his Saw Mill near Aylett's Warehouse, Mattaponi River, upon the most reasonable Terms, and of the following Kinds, viz. White Oak, Black Walnut, Sweet Gum, Ash, Poplar, Birch (which makes elegant Furniture) best Yellow Heart Pine for Flooring, and clear of Heart and Sap if required, common high Land and Slash Pine for other Uses. A reasonable Credit will be allowed, and European or West India Goods received in Payment. I shall prepare several Sets of Plank and Scantling for executing Hobday's Wheat Machines, which, or any other Kind of Plank or Scantling, I can send to Norfolk, or any Part of York River. Orders, which may come by the Post to the Post Office at Aylett's, will be duly complied with. I have also for Sale a Quantity of excellent Madeira WINE, of the London and New York Qualities, in Hogsheads and Quarter Casks, on twelve Months Credit, and will receive Corn or Wheat in Payment. (tf) WILLIAM AYLETT.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 6, 1774.
ALL Persons that have Demands against me are hereby desired to make them known by the End of the ensuing General Court, as I expect to leave this City by that Time. JOHN BURGESS.
THE Subscribers, Patentees of Land at the Falls of the Ohio, hereby inform the Publick that they intend to lay out a Town there in the most convenient Place. The Lots to be 30 Feet front and 240 deep. The Number of Lots that shall be laid off at first will depend on the Number of Applications. The Purchase Money of each Lot to be four Spanish Dollars, and one Dollar per Annum for ever. The Purchasers to build within the Space of two Years from the first of December next, on each Lot, a Log-House not less than sixteen Feet square, with a Stone or Brick Chimney; and as in that Country it will be necessary the first Settlers should build compactly, the Improvements must naturally join each other. It is farther proposed, for the Convenience of the Settlers, that an out Lot of ten Acres, contiguous to the Town, shall be laid off, for such as desire the same, at an easy Rent, on a long Lease. Attendance will be given by the Patentees at Pittsburgh, till the Middle of June, at which Time one of them will set off from thence to execute the Plan. The advantageous Situation of that Place, formed by Nature as a temporary Magazine, or Repository, to receive the Produce of the very extensive and fertile Country on the Ohio and its Branches, as well as the necessary Merchandizes suitable for the Inhabitants that shall emigrate into that Country (as Boats of fifty Tuns Burthen may be navigated from New Orleans up to the Town) is sufficient to recommend it; but when it is considered how liberal, nay profuse, Nature has been to it otherwise, in stocking it so abundantly that the slightest Industry may supply the most numerous Family with the greatest Plenty and amazing Variety of Fish, Fowl, and Flesh; the Fertility of the Soil, and Facility of Cultivation, that fit it for producing Commodities of great Value with little Labour; the Wholesomeness of the Waters, and Serenity of the Air, which render it healthy; and when Property may be so easily acquired, we may, with Certainty, affirm that it will in a short Time be equalled by few inland Places on the AMERICAN Continent. JOHN CAMPBELL. JOHN CONNOLLY.
DOCTOR HAMMOND'S strong SPECIFICK PILLS are an infallible Cure for the YAWS, in every Stage, even the most inveterate; also for the Remains of the VENEREAL DISEASE, by bad Cure, or frequently contracted. Both these Disorders will be entirely eradicated, even where Salivation fails, by the Use of this Medicine. Likewise it will speedily remove a recent Contraction of the last mentioned Complaint. Sixty Pills in each Box, Price 12s. 6d. Sterling each. And if any are dubious of the great Efficacy of these Medicines, it is requisite to acquaint them that a great Quantity of them has been sold in the West Indies these eight Years past; and that it has absolutely cured the Yaws, &c. which the Surgeons themselves declare. Beware of Counterfeits, for this most infallible Medicine was never sold for less than the above mentioned Price in the West Indies; and each Box is folded up with printed Bills and Directions, signed by the Author, Thomas Hammond, M. M. Bristol, or London, in his Hand Writing, or they are not genuine. Strong Specifick Pills 12s 6d. Sterling each Box. Mild Do. 7s. 6d. Do. Antimonial Essence, 6s. 6d. Rose Water, 1s. Sold by Captain Thomas James only, at Bermuda Hundred, on James River, whose Stay will be until the 25th of this Month. (4||)
The noted Horse RANTER,
STANDS the ensuing Season at the Falls Plantation, in Chesterfield, and will cover Mares at twenty Shillings the Leap, and forty Shillings the Season. Very fine Pasturage gratis, and good Care will be taken of the Mares, but I will not be answerable for any Escapes. WILLIAM BLACK.
LOST from a Sloop of mine about the Middle of last Month, near the Mouth of Back River, a Moses built Boat sixteen or seventeen Feet Keel, painted Yellow above the Bends, with a Ring Bolt in her Stem and another in her Stern. Whoever takes up said Boat, and delivers her at Norfolk, to Messrs. Inglis and Long, or Mr. Hugh McMakin, will be well rewarded for their Trouble. (2) ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
ALL Persons are hereby forewarned from purchasing of William Tucker (Son of John Tucker) a certain Tract of Land lying in the County of Amelia on the east Side of Winton Creek, joining the Lands of Godfrey Tucker and John Cowles, the said William Tucker not having the least Right or Title to the same, as he has sold the said Tract of Land to one of the Subscribers, more than twelve Months, for a valuable Consideration, and conveyed to him the Fee Simple Estate therein, as by a Deed for the same, in the Possession of the Subscribers, will clearly appear. (1||) HEZEKIAH COLEMAN. JAMES SOUTHALL.
For SALE by the Subscriber in Peterburg, at a low Advance, and favourable Credit, GERMAN OSNABRUGS from 6d. 3/4 to 8d. per Ell, RUSSIA DRILLINGS and SHEETINGS, NARROW HOES, SADDLERY, PEPPER in Half Hundred Casks, WHITE GINGER, 4d. 6d. 8d. 10d. and 20d. NAILS, a few Packages of DUROYS and SAGATHES, with proper Timmings, Value about 30l. Sterling each. EDWARD BRISBANE.
To be LET, to the lowest Bidder, at Hanover Town, on Wednesday the 25th of May, pursuant to an Order of Vestry of St. Paul's Parish, THE building of a large commodious BRICK CHURCH in the lower Part of the said Parish. Those inclined to become Undertakers are desired to produce Plans, that the Vestry may choose which they think best. Five Hundred Pounds will be paid down, and the future Payments made known and agreed upon at the Day of Letting. Bond and approved Security will be required of the Undertaker, for his Performance in building the same. (1||) BENJAMIN ANDERSON, } Churchwardens. THOMAS GARLAND, }
To be SOLD, to the highest Bidder, on Thursday the 5th of May, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at the late Dwelling-House of Mr. James Buchanan, deceased, at Cabin Point, ALL the personal Estate, consisting of several fine HORSES, a good Stock of CATTLE, SHEEP, and HOGS, Utensils of HUSBANDRY, and valuable HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. At the same Time and Place will be sold fourteen very likely NEGROES, belonging to the Partnership of James Buchanan and Thomas Simmons, deceased, late Merchants and Partners. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed the Purchasers for all Sums above 25s. on giving Bond with approved Security, to bear Interest from the Date, unless discharged by the 15th of May, 1775. (4) HENRY SIMMONS, } Administrators. BEN. SIMMONS, }
*** All Persons who have any Demands against the Partnership of Buchanan & Simmons, or against the Estate of James Buchanan, are desired to make them known immediately, that due Regard may be paid to the Dignity of the Debts; and those indebted are requested to be speedy in discharging their Balances.
BALTIMORE Town (MARYLAND) April 1, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, on Monday the 28th ult. WILLIAM CARVER, a Scotch indentured Servant Man, by Profession a Groom. He is a stout Man, about 26 Years of Age, five Feet eight or nine Inches high, has sandy coloured Hair, which curls a little, white Eyebrows and Eyelashes, a sharp Nose, is long visaged, much pitted with the Smallpox, and his Hair cut close to the Top of his Head; had on, and carried with him, when he went away, a green lappelled Cloth Coat with white Metal Buttons, a whitish coloured Jeans Coat broke in the Elbows, a spotted Swanskin Jacket, a Surtout Coat of red Bath Coating, new Buckskin Breeches, a Pair of old Do. a small new Beaver Hat, new Shoes, ribbed Stockings, one white Shirt, and two Check Ones. He likewise stole out of the Stable a likely Half-blooded dark brown Horse, with a very good Saddle and Bridle, belonging to Mr. James Clegg, who is gay and full of Spirit, about 14 Hands and a Half high, has a black Mane and Tail, a little White on his near hind Foot, and a Lump on the same Leg, between his Knee and Footlock Joint, occasioned by a Kick when young; his Eye is remarkably fine, with a good Deal of White in it, and his hind Shoes are feathered, to prevent his cutting. He also stole another Horse, which cannot be rightly described, and sundry Clothes belonging to the Servants. TEN POUNDS Reward for the Horse, and FIVE POUNDS for the Man, paid by Mr. Clegg, or DANIEL GRANT.
STRAYED from Mr. PAGE'S Broad Neck Plantation in Hanover, on Monday the 14th of March, a LIGHT BAY HORSE, about fourteen Hands and a Half high, with a roached Mane and Bob Tail, a small Star in his Forehead, two or three Saddle Spots, and drags his hind Feet (which are remarkably wore) when he trots. He was seen as if making towards James River. A Reward of 40s. will be given to any Person who will bring the said Horse to the Subscriber in King William, or for such Information as may enable him to get him again. HENRY SKYRING.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a DUN BAY HORSE about fourteen Hands high, some white Hairs in his Forehead, and Saddle Spots on his Back, his near hind Foot white, and branded H. Posted, and appraised to 10l. ELEAZAR CLAY.
NORFOLK, March 23, 1774.
THE Subscriber intending to leave the Colony for a few Months, requests the Favour of those indebted to him to settle their Accounts immediately; and those who have any Demands against him are desired to make them known—I shall be in Williamburg at the Meeting of the Merchants. (4) FREER ARMSTON.
SUFFOLK, March 15, 1774.
THE Subscriber has for Sale about 19,000 Weight of VIRGINIA RICE, thought to be equal in Quality to that of South Carolina. Any Person wanting to purchase may, in my Absence, apply to Mr. Willis Cowper, Merchant, in Suffolk. (4) JOHN WASHINGTON.
To be SOLD, together or in Parcels, THAT fertile and well timbered Tract of Land lying in Prince's Anne County, known by the Name of GIBBS'S WOODS, whereon are several Settlements, and whereof Jeremiah Tinker, Esq; Grandson of the late Governor Gibbs now stands seized, under the Deed of Gift of his Mother, the Daughter and Heiress of the said Governor Gibbs. Persons inclining to purchase may be informed of the Terms by applying to Mr. James Parker, Merchant in Norfolk, or to Edward Foy, in Williamburg, who will give an undoubted Title. (tf)
To be SOLD, on Tuesday the 14th of June next, to the highest Bidder, on the Premises,
ALL the LOTS in Suffolk Town belonging to the late Partnership of Gibson, Granbery, and Co. upon which are several good and convenient Warehouses, a Tar House, a Dwelling-House and Storehouse, and all necessary Outhouses. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security. (6)
To be LET on Friday the 22nd of April, at the new Church near Pohick, in Truro Parish, Fairfax County, to the lowest Bidder, by the Vestry of the said Parish,
THE building of a Brick Vestry House 24 Feet long and 18 Feet wide, the enclosing of the said Churchyard 158 Feet square, with Posts and Rails, the Posts to be of sawed Cedar, and the Rails yellow Pine, clear of Sap, with three handsome Palisade Gates, the Whole to be done in the neatest and most substantial Manner. G. MASON, } Churchwardens. THOMAZIN ELLZEY, }
ASOBER Man that is well acquainted with Hair Dressing and Wig Making, may meet with good Encouragement by applying to the Subscriber. (tf) GEORGE LAFONG.
*** Any Person who has a Servant's Time to dispose of that understands the above Business, may apply as above.
GODOLPHIN, a full blooded Horse, by Fearnought, out of an imported Mare, will stand this Season at Mr. Richard Taylor's, near Peterburg, to cover Mares, at twenty Shillings Leap, or three Pounds the Season, payable in October. Those Gentlemen who are inclined to send Mares may be assured that the greatest Care will be taken of them, but I will not be answerable for any that shall get away. (7) GEORGE BAYLOR.
FOR SALE, A TRACT of LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about four Miles below the Courthouse, it is remarkable fine Land for Grain, and will bring good Tobacco. The Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, sufficient to work six or eight Hands, with all necessary Houses. Any Person inclined to purchase may depend on having a Bargain, and know the Terms by applying to (tf) WILLIAM MARSHALL.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a ROAN HORSE about six Years old, four Feet six Inches high, and branded on the near Buttock I. Posted, and appraised to 10l. JOHN JONES.
FOR SALE, A VALUABLE FARM of 1500 Acres, within sixteen Miles of Peterburg. The Terms may be known on Application to the Subscriber. (tf) HENRY SKIPWITH.
NEWPOST, February 10, 1774.
APOLLO will begin to cover the 1st of April, at 5l. the Season, the Money to be paid when the Mares are taken away. Should that not be convenient, a Note of Hand, payable in October at the Fredericksburg Races, will be accepted. Good Pasturage will be found, and the greatest Care taken of the Mares; but I will not be answerable for any that may get away. I propose taking Corn, Wheat, and Pease, at the Market Price, as it may not suit every One to pay the Cash. (10) ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD.
RUN away, on Monday the 18th of October last, a likely Mulatto Girl named FANNY, about fourteen or fifteen Years of Age; she formerly belonged to Mr. Augustine Smith, of Middlesex, with whom I am informed her Mother, named Jean, now lives as Cook. I have great Reason to suspect that she has been harboured by a Negro Fellow named Moses, belonging to Peyton Randolph, Esq; about his Quarter in Merchants Hundred, from whence, I suppose, she will endeavour to cross about York to go to her Relations in Middlesex. Whoever apprehends the said Slave, and secures, her in any of his Majesty's Jails, and gives me Notice thereof, shall have 3l. Reward, or 4l. if delivered to me in Williamsburg. (tf) JOHN LEWIS.
NEWMARKET (Caroline) December 1, 1773.
RUN away from the Subscriber, the latter End of October 1773, a likely Mulatto Man named RANDOLPH, about thirty Years of Age, and five Feet eight or nine Inches high; he had on, when he went away, a Suit of Green, with red Livery. As he has many Acquaintances about Williamsburg, it is probable he is lurking about that Place. Whoever delivers the said Slave to me shall have THREE POUNDS Reward. (tf) ROBERT BAYLOR.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherst County, whereon are several Plantations and Improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty Hands. There is on the said Land for Sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with a Stone Dam and a Pair of good Coligne Millstones, which Mill has for two Years past got upwards of 100 Barrels of Toll Corn, and is situated on a never failing Stream. The Land will be shown by William Womack, who lives at one of the Plantations, and the Prices of the Land made known by him. One or two Years Credit will be allowed, Interest being paid for the second Year, and also for the first, if the Money is not paid agreeable to Contract. The Land is to be laid off and surveyed by Colonel William Cabell, at the Expense of the Purchaser. Deeds will be made upon Bond and approved Security being given, either to Colonel William Cabell, or the Subscriber. Six per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money, or good Merchants Notes. If any Person will choose to exchange Lands in the lower Part of the Country, on or near some navigable River, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree. (tf) CARTER BRAXTON.
To be SOLD, SEPARATELY or TOGETHER TWO TRACTS of LAND. One lies in Albemarle County, on Hardwarre River, about five Miles from the great River, containing 370 Acres, 100 of which are the best Kind of low Grounds, and situated so as always to have the best Range for Stock of any Land between the Capes and Little Mountains.
The other Tract lies in Goochland County, on Lickinghole Creek, near the Three Notched Road, and contains 700 Acres. The high Land is equal to any in these Parts, fine for Tobacco and Wheat, or any Kind of Grain or Meadow. About 200 Acres are cleared, now under good Fences, laid off in three Fields, and in fine Order to work about ten Hands to great Advantage. The Improvements are a good Dwelling-house, Kitchen, Smokehouse, a Dairy, four good Tobacco Houses, with Negro Quarters, and other convenient Buildings, also a fine Apple and Peach Orchard. The Place is pleasantly situated, has fine Water, is as healthy as any Part of the Colony, and is convenient to Church or Providence Meetinghouse, and several Mills, besides one on the Land turned by a Spring Branch to grind for three or four Families the whole Year, and is not in the least unhealthy, as the Water may be ground off every Day. Credit will be given for Part of both Tracts. Any Person inclining to purchase may know the Terms by applying to Mr. William Mitchell, Merchant in Richmond, or to the Subscriber, who will show the Land. (tf) WILLIAM PRYOR.
GOOCHLAND, November 3, 1773.
TAKEN up, in Henrico, a BLACK and WHITE COW about five Years old, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear, and a Crop, Underkeel, and Hole, in the left. Posted, and appraised to 11. 17s. 6d. JOSEPH ELLIS.