The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1771-06-27 00:00:00

VIRGINIA GAZETTE.
With the freshest ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. Suet. in Tib. S. 28.
Printed by ALEX. PURDIE, and JOHN DIXON, at the POST OFFICE.
To the COUNTRY CLERGYMAN.
In Continuation.
YOU asserted (you tell me) and do still maintain, that where Religion has already gained a Footing, in a tolerable Degree of Purity, it would be an Instance of great Absurdity to run any considerable Hazard for a distant Chance of bare Utility. Let me tell you, you are a bold Assertor and Maintainer. Do you preach up to your Congregation to be content with a tolerable Degree of Purity in Religion, rather than run any considerable Hazard, &c. If you do, your Doctrine is contrary to the whole Tenour of those holy Scriptures which it is your Business to expound; for they set before us a Pattern of Perfection, and excite us to aim at that Perfection in Opposition to all Hazard or Danger whatever. Besides, as you know very well, or at least ought to know, we are persuaded that there is no Hazard run in addressing the King for an American Episcopate, we hope the Chance for it is not distant. We think Confirmation not the only useful Thing, as you suppose here, to be obtained by an American Episcopate. If the Chance for an American Episcopate be so distant a One as you would have us believe, then, on your own Principles, there can be no considerable Hazard in addressing for it. You tell us, that I tell you, Confirmation is useful, if not essential, for the Profession of Christianity. But is this all that I told you? Did not I tell you that it was useful, or necessary, for promoting the Practice of Christianity, and the Glory of God? Did I not give a Quotation from Secker, in which its Usefulness is farther explained? Does not Secker, in that Passage, assert it to be derived from Apostolical Practice? Is this saying no more for it than the Papists say for Idolatry, not countenanced, but forbid, by the Precepts and Practice of the Apostles; or than they say for the rest of their lucrative Traffick, which you mention? Do you call the grossest Misrepresentation, by picking out a few of your Adversary's Words, leaving the most material Ones behind, and replying only to those which you select; do you call this, I say, answering an Adversary? Does it become You, who, as a Country Clergyman, have subscribed to the Whole Common Prayer Book, in which is the Office for Confirmation, to contend for putting Confirmation on a Footing with Idolatry, and the rest of the Romish gainful Trumpery which you have enumerated? For Shame! Either give up the Emoluments which you receive from the Church, or answer the Intent of your solemn Subscription. You ask, "who gave us Authority to model the Church of Christ according to the Policy of this World? Or are the Laws of his spiritual Kingdom to be subject to the Caprices of fallible Men?" I ask, in my Turn, are these Questions fit or decent, on the Subject of Confirmation, from the Mouth or Pen of a Country Clergyman? You fear the Practice of Confirmation will, with Difficulty, sustain the Assault that has been made upon it by Protestant Dissenters. Do not give Way to such idle Fears. They do not become a Country Clergyman. I have already shown you that some, who differ from the Church of England, have no such Fears; at which you ought to blush, and will, if you have any Shame or Modesty in your Constitution. If you are not thoroughly satisfied about this, or any other Point in Controversy between the Church of England and any of the Protestant Dissenters, it is your own Affair; it is Nothing to me. Do not expect these Points to be discussed between you and me, in a common Newspaper, on the present Occasion. Read the Volumes on both Sides which have been printed in this Dispute; better Books, I suppose, than either you or I can write. If this will not satisfy you, go back again to the Dissenters, among whom you were bred, or, if you were not bred among Dissenters, quit the Church and go over to them, and show yourself to be an honest Man, which is more than being a Country Clergyman, especially if that Country Clergyman show himself to be a Dissenter in his Principles. You tell me, "it is still incumbent upon you to prove that the Introduction of (Confirmation) will not be attended with more Mischief than can be compensated by any of its proposed Advantages." My Answer to this is, I know of no Mischief that can possibly attend an Opportunity for those Adults, who desire it, and whose Parents and Guardians and Sponsors desire it, to come and be confirmed by the Bishop, and by that Means discharge their Sureties from the solemn Engagement entered into by them at the Baptism of those Infants for whom they undertook to answer, and whom they promised to provide with Christian Instruction. If you know of any Mischief that can arise from hence, it is incumbent upon You, not upon me, to point it out. "As to Secker's Account of the Church of Geneva (quoth you) I have no Concern with it." Strange! that you should have no Concern with Secker's Account of the Church of Geneva; when that Account was brought to show you that other Churches besides the Church of England have a favourable Opinion of Confirmation. But if, indeed, you have no Concern with Secker's Account of the Church of Geneva, why do you go on to dispute the Veracity of Secker in the Assertion of one single Fact concerning that Church? Did your Friend Secker, and my Friend Secker too, deserve this at your Hands? Then how cleverly you dispute his Veracity, in the Assertion of one historical Fact! We do not find, from you, that M c Almont either confirmed or denied this Fact. But what then? He is good Authority against it; because from his Account of other Facts, which he had a better Opportunity of knowing than Secker, it is not probable that this Fact should ever have happened. And do you expect to over-set historical Facts by your Probables and Improbables? Pray, Sir, how many historical Facts may there be which you, and I too, should have thought quite improbable, had they not been recorded by Men whose Authority we have no Grounds to question? After asking me, if I would propose Something (I know not what, for I do not understand the Language you express it in) as a Mode of the Incomes of the Virginian Clergy, which you must know I never had it in my Head to propose any Thing about, you conclude your Paragraph with, "For Heaven's Sake, let us hear no more of the Church of Geneva." You have very good Reason for desiring so warmly to hear no more of this Church; for it stood, and, notwithstanding all you have now said, still stands directly in your Way as to what you had to say on the Subject of Confirmation.
On your so surprisingly saying that you have no Concern with Secker's Account of the Church of Geneva, I cannot part with this Topic without putting you farther in Mind, that though you should have had no Concern with Secker's Account of the Church of Geneva, yet you have a great Deal of Concern with Secker on another Account; aye, and with Butler, Benfon, and Maddox too. You may remember that you introduced those great Men because they were bred among the Dissenters, as Friends to you in what you had to say immediately against Confirmation, and ultimately against an American Episcopate. Secker bequeathed a Thousand Pounds to an American Episcopate. If you want farther Satisfaction concerning his Sentiments, both of Confirmation and an American Episcopate, I refer you to his Charges, to his Letter to Horatio Walpole, to his Anniversary Sermons before the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in foreign Parts, and to his last Will and Testament. Butler left five Hundred Pounds to an American Episcopate. Benfon, to my Knowledge (for I was an Eye Witness of it) was diligent in the Practice of Confirmation, not only for himself, but for other Bishops; and he bequeathed two Hundred Pounds to an American Episcopate. Maddox, I doubt not, was of like Sentiments, in these Points, with the rest. But as Nothing particular occurs to me of him at present, I will give you Burnet in his Stead. Burnet, you know, was a great Bishop and Historian. He was bred among the Dissenters, and had as great Opportunities as any Body of knowing, by Experience, the Difference between one Form of Church Government and another. Observe then what Burnet says of a Bishop, "A Bishop that shall have the chief Inspection over those whom he is to ordain, and over the Labours of those already placed, whom he shall direct and assist in every Thing, and who governs himself by the Rules of the primitive Church, and by
the Advice of his Brethren, is the likeliest Instrument both for propagating and preserving the Christian Religion." Observe now, here are Secker, Benfon, Butler, and Burnet; all staunch Friends to an American Episcopate. And were these High Churchmen? Or were their Writings and Legacies the Artifices of High Churchmen? In your fifth Paragraph, you resume the Affair of the Dedication of Churches. Take Notice, that this Affair does no Way concern the Promoters of a Plan of an American Episcopate. They desire a Bishop in America, that he may ordain, that he may confirm such as desire it, that he may be a better Judge of the moral Conduct and Qualifications of Candidates for holy Orders than a distant Bishop can be, that he may inspect into the Conduct of the Clergy, and that he may govern the Clergy. For these Reasons, and no others, an American Episcopate is desired. This Dispute then, about the Dedication of Churches, concerns none but you and me; and the simple Question between us two is no more than this, whether it be decent in a Country Clergyman to call every Dedication of a Church, without Reserve or Exception, a Poppery. And (thank you, Sir) you have proved for me all that I contend for; you maintain that the Dedication of one Church was by divine Command, therefore it is not decent in a Country Clergyman to call every Dedication of a Church, without Reserve or Exception, a Poppery, unless he will say that a Poppery has had the Sanction of a divine Command. The Text which you have quoted, delivered by the divine Author of our Religion, is as good an Argument against appointing set Places of Worship as against the Dedication of such Places. That divine Author of our holy Religion did not treat all Ceremonies as destructive of spiritual and true Worship. He complied with many Ceremonies. He instituted himself some Ceremonies as instrumental in producing spiritual and true Worship, of which a Country Clergyman cannot be ignorant, and should not affect to be ignorant.
In your sixth Paragraph, you represent me as bringing no Argument against the Expectation of much Improvement to be gained by a Candidate for Orders from his Voyage to England, but the Shortness of Time. Indeed, that had been enough; for much Improvement is not to be gained without Time for it. But I added the Want of Friends and Acquaintances; that is, the Want of a proper Introduction to Persons from whom Improvement may be gained. You go on: "The Inhabitants of the City of London are remarkable for their polite Reception of Strangers, when they come properly recommended." The Houles of the Men of Learning are always open to the inquisitive. The same Thing may be said of the two Universities, and the several Institutions for the Promotion of Sciences; the Members of which, in general, rejoice at every Opportunity of directing the Studies of the sober and diligent. Heavy indeed must be the Intellects of that Man who can take a Journey to England, and remain without making considerable Improvement." You forget, Sir, that the Follies and Vices of a great City, the Conversation of the profligate, and the Discourses of the Infidel, are more forward to obtrude themselves on a young and friendless Stranger than either the Company of the polite or the Society of pious and learned Men. You forget that we are talking about the Voyage to London of common Candidates for Orders. You forget that to study in the two Universities, or in those other Institutions for the Advancement of Science, under Professors who, you say, are so ready to direct the Studies of the sober and diligent, is not to be done in a Month or six Weeks, and in the Hurry of obtaining Ordination, but requires a great Expense both of Time and Money, and has no Kind of Relation to the Subject we are upon. You forget too the Danger of the Smallpox (to mention no other Danger) which has been fatal to many Americans, and consequently deters many of them from crossing the Seas. You proceed with, "You certainly know, when a young Man receives a regular Education (and I desire to see none but such in holy Orders) there are Funds appropriated to the lessening of this Charge. But why must the most important of all Professions be confined to the necessitous? There are several independent Gentlemen who educate their Children with a View to their becoming Clergymen, and I foresee their Number will daily increase." The Funds appropriated for lessening the Expense of a Candidate for Orders afford him twenty Pounds. Now suppose that two Voyages across the Atlantick, living in London a Month or six Weeks, Ordination Fees, &c. cost but fifty Pounds more, which is a moderate Computation; fifty Pounds, I think, is a heavy Tax upon Ordination. You are not for confining the most important of all Professions to the necessitous. No more am I; but I would not have the necessitous, if otherwise qualified, to be excluded. I should have a better Opinion of your Foresight, with Respect to the daily Increase of Gentlemen of Fortune who educate their Children with a View to their becoming Clergymen, if we had an American Episcopate. When you tell us that you desire to see none in Orders but such as have received a regular Education, you should tell us too what you esteem a regular Education. Perhaps you may reckon an Education in those Seminaries which are under the Management of Dissenters a regular Education; nay, peradventure, the best Education for a young Person who is designed to be a Country Clergyman of the Church of England. In the remaining Part of the Paragraph which we are upon you have taken an Occasion to introduce an Encomium on the Seminaries of Education among the Dissenters, and to discover a gross Partiality for their Mode of Education. I gave no Handle for this Encomium or Discovery, for I had said Nothing about the Dissenters suffering for Want of the same Opportunities; that is, the Opportunities which our common Candidates for holy Orders have of acquiring Improvement by a Trip to London. I supposed it, as I believe the Dissenters do themselves, a Happiness to want the said Opportunities. I imagine there are good, bad, and indifferent Seminaries of Education among the Dissenters as there are among other Sorts of People. Every Novice, as well as the Country Clergyman, is apt to think his own School, and his own Schoolmaster, the very best of their Kinds, until he becomes more acquainted with the World. An Attempt was made, not long ago, to set up one of these applauded Academies near the Metropolis. The Proposer, being conscious that the squeamish Church of England Parents might be afraid of sending their Children to it on Account of Religion, was fair enough, if I remember right, to allow such Parents the Privilege of having their Children of what Religion they pleased; yet, I know not well how it happened, but it is certain, an humorous Wag, at the Expense of about Half a Dozen Lines, laughed this excellent Project quite out of Countenance. However, the Country Clergyman, if he pleases, may try the Publick again on the same Design; and, perhaps, he may meet with better Success. In the Country Clergyman's Panegyrick on the Method of Education among Dissenters there are some sly Hints and darkly insinuated Charges against particular Persons, to which I am not concerned to reply, nor I think any Body else, until he, under his real Name, and proper Addition, speaks out, and brings his Accusations like a Man of Courage and Openness. The Country Clergyman concludes this Paragraph, that we are now considering, with these very modest Words (that, from the Pen of a Country Clergyman, can have no Prejudice for their Foundation) "Dissenting Ministers who are a Scandal to their Profession, spending their Time in drinking, swearing, talking Obscenity, are Objects rarely to be seen. I with as much could be said of those of our own Church." After observing that the Irregularities of Clergymen of the national Church must be more frequently seen in this Country than the Irregularities of dissenting Ministers, because there is a much greater Paucity of the latter than of the former, I beg leave to join the Country Clergyman in his Wish, and to improve upon it. I wish there may not remain among us one such Country Clergyman as he describes to be no Rarity. I wish, moreover, that there might not be seen among us one Country Clergyman who is so guilty of the Sin of Insincerity and Hypocrisy as to eat the Bread of the Church while he continues a violent and turbulent Dissenter in his Heart. I wish there might not be seen among us one Country Clergyman who continues in a Church which he reviles for the Want of Purity, and to which he objects an invidious Round of idle Ceremonies. I wish there might not be seen among us one Country Clergyman whose Pride and Conceit of Learning
rises to such a Height, as all his Learning, though ever so profound, cannot compensate for. But the more ardent I am in all those good Wishes so much the more passionately do I wish for an American Episcopate, because I think it the most likely human Means both to remove the Disorders against which the Country Clergyman's Wish is levelled, and to obtain me some Success in the Wishes which I have added.
In your last Paragraph, but one, you are again at your Church of Virginia and its Privileges. It is in the same Case with the Church of Ireland, arduous with your Knowledge of the different Churches in Europe, read two or three of the first Pages of the Laws of Virginia. You will find this Church of Virginia, and its Privileges as a distinct Church, only in Communion with the Church of England, as you express it, to be altogether a Phantom of your own Brain, not in the least countenanced by our Laws, which know Nothing of any Church here antecedent to the Church of England. Indeed, if you could have your Way, we might soon grow a distinct Church from the national Church; and how long, after that, we might continue in Communion with it, is more than I can tell. The first Mention made of any Church is in this Passage in the Preamble to our Laws: "And because it is impossible to honour the King as we should unless we serve and fear God as we ought, and that they might show their equal Care, they have set down Rules to be observed in the Government of the Church, until God shall please to turn his Majesty's pious Thoughts towards us, and provide a better Supply of Ministers amongst us." Now, Sir, what Church is this mentioned here? You will see presently. In the same Page, we have, "None shall be admitted to be of the Vstry that doth not take the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy to his Majesty, and subscribe to be conformable to the Doctrine and Discipline of the Church of England." Again, "No Minister be admitted to officiate in this Country but such as shall produce to the Governor a Testimonial that he hath received his Ordination from some Bishop in England, and shall then subscribe to be conformable to the Orders and Constitutions of the Church of England, &c." Again, "that the Canons set down in the Liturgy of the Church of England for celebrating divine Service, and Administration of the Sacraments, be duly observed and kept, &c." Again, "that neither Minister nor Reader teach any other Catechism than that by the Canons appointed, and inserted in the Book of Common Prayer, &c." In short, according to my Judgment of this Matter, you may as well talk of the Church of Middlesex, of the Church of Surrey, or of the Church of Kent, &c. antecedent to, and in Communion with, the Church of England, as of a Church of Virginia antecedent to, and in Communion with, the Church of England. You begin your last Paragraph with these Words, "As to your innocent Attempt at Wit, the Country Clergyman can readily forgive it." Very liberal, truly, of your Forgiveness! You forgive not only injurious but innocent Attempts. A mighty Strain this, to be sure, on your forgiving Temper! But wherein does this innocent Attempt at Wit lie? You do not tell me. I can therefore only guess. If you mean my imputing to a Fever, or a raving Fit, your personifying the Province, that you might lament its visionary Wounds in pathetic Strains, your endeavouring to pass rhetorical Descriptions of imaginary Disturbances for plain Accounts of Things with which we were all well acquainted; your turbulent Declarations against turbulent Doings, &c. imputing these Things to a Fever or a raving Fit, I was less in jest than you may imagine; nor have I much Reason, from your last Publication, to suppose that your Fever or raving Fit has yet given Way to an Interval of cool Reasoning. However, be this as it will, I had rather be noted even for a false Attempt at Wit or Humour than for being a proud, conceited, sour, crabbed, morose, farcical Disputant, full of personal Flings, which have no Relation to the Subject of Discussion. If I have unwittingly used any more Wit than I have mentioned, it was an Escape, which you say you forgive. While we are on the Topic of Wit, I must take Notice that either you or one of your Friends has made a witty Assault upon my Friend CAMUS, in the following Distich, or in the Application of the following Distich; which comes in the Paper close at the Heels of your Letter, by Way, I suppose, of seconding or supporting your Attacks.
NEXT CAMUS, reverend Sire, went footing slow; He shook his mitred Locks, and stern bespake.
This is a true Thrust at my Friend CAMUS. I have consulted him upon it. He protests, that he has no Ambition, or Inclination, to wear the Horns of the Mire. He has no Ambition, or Inclination, to be a Bishop. If he should be a Bishop, he would not wear so old fashioned a Dress as the Mitre; which, he believes, has been laid aside by the Bishops in England for more than an Age past. He hopes the Bishop, when he comes, will not wear a Mitre; but avers, if the Bishop should take it into his Head to clap a Mitre upon it, he will be no more afraid of the Form of the Bishop's Cap than he is now at the Form of a Country Clergyman's Pudding Sleeve, or of a Mefs John's Band and Cloak, or of a Serjeant's Coif, or of a Lawyer's Tye-Wig, or of a Parson's Bob, or of the Trencher Cap of our Students at the College, or of the High Church Caps of the Ladies, or of any Apparel in which the capital and whimsical Part of the human Fabrick may think fit to adorn itself. As to my Friend CAMUS's slow Feet, and stern Looks, he wishes he was made more to the Liking of those who take Offence at such Things; but repines not at the Dispensations of Providence, nor at seeing his personal Defects made the But of Smarts, any more than at seeing Children play at Crambo or Pusspin. It may not be amiss to observe here, that the Country Gentleman has engaged his Antagonist upon that Ground only which his Antagonist chose, that no Guef has been directed by the Country Gentleman at the real Personage of his Adversary; no Desire shown to discover more of him than he himself chose to have made publick. I wish to meet with the same Treatment, and would be glad that you, or others, would aim to know no more of me than what I tell you of myself; which is, that I am a plain Country Gentleman. I know no Language but my Mother Tongue. I had a little Latin once, but I have been indolent enough to forget it. If, therefore, there be any strong Arguments in those Quotations of my Adversary from the learned Languages, whether ancient or modern, as they are locked up safe enough from me, I leave them to be opened and encountered by Persons of more Abilities.
I am very glad, my Country Clergyman, that I am now going to quote your concluding Words, though not, I hope, your dying Speech. "In short, a Scheme to trample into the Earth the fair, the rising Plant of American Liberty, was publickly avowed. To guard the well disposed Clergy of Virginia against being made the Dupes of the Contrivers and Promoters of such pernicious Designs was the Intention of the Country Clergyman. His Conduct, he is aware, will draw down upon his Head all the Fire of the Hierarchical Heaven. He is, however, prepared for the Event. The Applause of an ignorant Multitude is no Object of his Ambition; but he desires to have his Name enrolled in the List of that chosen Band of the Defenders of the Liberties of Mankind who do live, and will continue to live, in Animis Honorum, in Eternitate Temporum, Tama Rerum." Bravo! a noble Flight that well becomes you! an excellent Rant! a Nonpareil for Loftiness, quite suitable to the Question in Dispute, and to your Character of a Country Clergyman. Submission to the impartial Publick, which your Letter began with, is now, at last, in the Height of your Piety, the Applause of the ignorant Multitude and the Object of your Adoration. Since you are in this Way, return to your Cell. Imagine yourself in the very Middle of the Laudanum Age, opiated by Hosts of High Churchmen, backing through their fabricated Amour, and moving down whole Troops of Jesuitical Tyrants at every Stroke of your victorious Pen. Conquer Windmill Gians of your own Creation. Vent your sublime Rage against the Vulgarity and Madness of the World, which refuses you the Honours so inexcusably your Due. You want none of its Favours. You have a better World to appeal to; a World more discerning, more rational, more unprejudiced, and

to judge of your Merits, in your own Breast, to be beholden to any other World than that which you carry about with you. Rarely Trophies to yourself , Crown your own Brows with Laurels, and place your own Name in its just Rank, among those of the most distinguished Persons that ever the Earth beheld, in your Cell, which is the Empire of the World to You. And in this Disposition I leave you to the Care of ablest Physicians, since all my Applications, I find, do but make you grow madder and madder. Whether your Malady originate in your Mind or your Body, I will not, on more advised Consideration, be too positive. I hope the latter, and I wish you better Health. Accept my departing Bow, full of the most submissive Respect. Farewell.
From the humblest of your Highness's Slaves, THE COUNTRY GENTLEMAN.
LEIGHORN, March 25.
A lly Bey's fortunate Progress, in the plundering of Syria and Palestine, is confirmed by the last Accounts received from Cairo. Besides Jerusalem and Joppa, the Towns of Hebron, Tiberias, Cesarea, Hippos, and Capernaum, have surrendered to him and his Allies. About twelve Thousand of the Inhabitants of Mount Lebanon make Part of this united Army, which is now before Damascus; and after taking that Place is to attack Seyd, Tripoli, and Aleppo.
Other Letters say that if Ali Bey succeeds in taking Damascus he intends going with Part of his Army to Arabia to take Mecca and Medina, against which Places Hassan Bey is marching with a considerable Body of Men.
VENICE, March 23. We have the following Account from Aleppo. "Egypt seems to recover its ancient Lustre under the Government of Ali Bey, who is at present at Grand Cairo. His General, after taking Gaza, Nazareth, Jerusalem, and Jaffa, beat the Baissa of Damascus's Army; after which, the Baissa having received a Reinforcement commanded by the Tair Omer, Lord of St. John d'Acce, determined to risk another Battle, in which he was likewise defeated. When this sad News arrived at Constantinople, eight Baissas received Orders to go immediately to the promised Land, to prevent the Enemies farther Progress."
BERLIN, April 6. A few Days ago his Royal Highness Prince Henry of Prussia arrived from Rhenberg at Spandau, where he will remain some Weeks, in Order to exercise his Regiment, which is in Garrison there, against the general Review; which, it is expected, will take Place, as usual, about the 20th of next Month. The Troops in Garrison here, and those at Potsdam, are likewise very busy in preparing for that Review.
By the latest Accounts from Poland, the grand Russian and Turkish Armies still remained quiet in their respective Winter Quarters, the Severity of the Weather, and extreme Backwardness of the Season, not yet permitting them to take the Field; and such is said to be the Scarcity of Forage and Provisions throughout that whole Country, especially in those Parts which were the Theatre of the War during the last Campaign, that it is believed they will not be able to move or commence any military Operations till towards the Middle of next June.
LONDON, April 15.
WEDNESDAY , about Noon, six of the Middlesex Justices, with a Train of Constables, met at the King's Arms Alehouse on Great Tower Hill, on an Information that there was to be a Mock Execution on that Spot; but being informed by an Inhabitant, who was better acquainted with the proper Days of Execution than their Worships, that there would be none that Day, neither was any such intended, they in a few Hours withdrew.
Lord North, in opening the Budget, said that the Opposition had studiously contrived to lead the House into such Dilemmas that they could not be moderate without being accused of Timidity, or vigorous without being charged with Oppression. Mr. Burke, in his Answer, observed, "that most People who had been brought into Dilemmas were content to take only one Part of the Evil alternative, but this Ministry had managed Matters so as to fall into both the evil Extremes. They had, with great Dexterity, contrived to be at once rigorous and rigorous, but in such a Manner that their Moderation should always evidently appear to the World the Effect of Fear, and their Rigour the Effect of Injustice. They showed their Spirit by imprisoning two Members of their own, who, in Obedience and Deference to their Orders, had put themselves into their Power; and they showed their Lenity by suffering Mr. Wilkes to escape, who had defied their Authority."
He animadverted on their Expedient of adjourning over last Monday, for the Purpose of flying from Mr. Wilkes, who had been ordered to attend that Day. "They pretend this (said he) to be out of Contempt, but that Pretence only discovered more fully their Dread of him; for if they despised him too much to see him on the Day of their Order, why did they make an Order for his Attendance? Why did they renew the Order? Their effacing a Day from the Kalendar might (said he) be an Improvement in Astronomy, but it made a miserable Figure in Politicks; since to drop a Measure, by which they cut off a Day from their Business, without any other Reason or Pretence, declared, in the most decisive Manner, to the World, how much they dreaded to have any Thing to do with an Adversary who had given them so much Trouble."
By expunging that Monday from the Parliamentary Kalendar, they rendered it memorable for ever. It will, said he, always hereafter carry the Name of Wilkes's Monday . He had before been their Martyr; he was now their Saint. He observed, that the Fortune of that Gentleman was singular, and in almost all Points the least conformable to what was to be expected from his natural Complexion; that the last Characters he should have expected to have found Mr. Wilkes in were those of an Alderman and a Saint; but this was a Proof, the only remaining Proof, of the Omnipotence of the House.
On Thursday Mr. Alderman Wilkes passed the Evening with fourteen of the Common Council of the Ward of Farringdon Without, at the London Coffee-house on Ludgate Hill; only two of the Common Council of that Ward were absent. The Gentlemen present were unanimous in their Wishes and Entreaties that Mr. Wilkes might be chosen, at Midsummer next, one of the Sheriffs of this City for the Year ensuing, and that he would accept that Office. They particularly insisted on the Necessity of a new and complete Freeholder's Book, and complained greatly of many Defects in that now in Force. The Alderman declared, that if he had the Honour of being chosen Sheriff he would certainly accept that really important Office; and promised, that, with the Advice of the best Friends of the Laws and Liberties of this Country, he would endeavour to form a new and complete Freeholder's Book. He afterwards explained, to the entire Satisfaction of every Gentleman present, the whole Business of the Middlesex Election, and what would probably be his Conduct in the Event of Colonel Luttrell vacating his pretended Seat, or the Dissolution of the present Parliament, &c. &c. &c.
On Friday Noon Mr. Wilkes waited on Mr. Alderman Oliver in the Tower, and told him the Resolution he had taken to be Sheriff next Year with Mr. Oliver. Mr. Oliver gave him many Reasons why he ought not to attempt it, but he was not able to prevail on Mr. Wilkes to decline.
And at a Meeting of the Common Council of the above Ward on Friday Night, Mr. Wilkes again declared his Intention to serve the said Office. That Night a Letter from Mr. Oliver was brought by Mr. Lovell, and given to Mr. Wilkes's Deputy, Mr. Wilkes being himself busy with the Common Council. Mr. Lovell told the Deputy, that though the Letter was directed to Mr. Wilkes it was intended to be seen by all the Gentlemen present. Mr. Lovell afterwards told one of the Common Councilmen the Purport of the Letter, which is said to be as follows: "That Mr. Oliver knowing, from Mr. Wilkes's own Declarations, that his political Views and Intentions were very different from Mr. Oliver's, was, for that Reason, and many other Reasons, determined not to serve the Office of Sheriff with Mr. Wilkes; and he desires Mr. Wilkes to show this his Letter to the Gentlemen of his Ward, if Mr. Wilkes was determined to persevere in his Attempt."
The Cause of some Gentlemen Disapprobation of Mr. Wilkes's Intention to serve the Office of Sheriff the ensuing Year is said to be, that should Mr. Luttrell vacate his Seat when Mr. Wilkes is Sheriff, the County of Middlesex will be betrayed, and the grand Question of the Right of Election left undecided.
A Letter from Newcastle upon Tyne, April 8.
"The following is an authentick Account of what passed this Day in Guildhall. After the Business of the Guild was over, Doctor Smith proposed to the Bench that an Address of thanks should be sent to the Right Honourable Bras Crosby, Esquire, Lord Mayor of the City of London, John Wilkes and Richard Oliver, Esquires, Aldermen of the said City, for their having taken so noble a Part in Support of distributive Justice, and the Dignity of Magistracy; and for their noble Defence of our Laws and Liberties, against the most alarming Advances of arbitrary Power. He was seconded by Captain Maud; after which the Mayor rose, and said it was a Matter that did not concern that Court, therefore he would have Nothing to do with it. He was seconded by Mr. Alderman Scatte, who said it would be very improper to send an Address until the Law had determined whether they had done right or wrong. Then rose Alderman Fenethy, and said, What! send an Address! you may as well say they have done right. Doctor Smith replied to our worthy Magistrates in a most forcible and spirited Speech, and concluded with saying he made no Doubt but every honest independent Burgess of Newcastle would address those noble Supporters of the Laws and Liberties of this Kingdom, at a Time
when the Demagogues of arbitrary Power and Oppression are attempting, in the most daring Manner, to wreath a Yoke of Slavery about the Neck of every free born Englishman. This Speech was received by a general holding up of Hands. Mr. Reed then moved, as an Amendment, that the Burgesses should appoint a Committee to draw up an Address to our Representatives, to request of them that they will be pleased to inform their Constituents what Share they had taken in the late arbitrary and illegal Proceedings of the House of Commons. He supported his Motion with great Spirit, and concluded with saying, "If our Members have behaved worthily, let us give them our warmest Approbation; let us show our Gratitude to them for what they have done worthily; but if they have joined in the late unconstitutional Proceedings of the House of Commons, let us show to them that we detest their Conduct, and hold them no longer our Representatives; let us tell them that they represent none but themselves, and such as love to be Slaves, or Dupes to Interest and venal Corruption; let us tell the World, and all England, that the free Burgesses of Newcastle will be free, in Spite of every rotten Member of Parliament who has been trained in the Paths of Slavery, and mean to make us Slaves. Is it not alarming to consider that now the chief Magistrate of the City of London lies confined in the Tower, for supporting the Laws and Constitution? What London suffers now, in her chief Magistrate, Newcastle, and all the Corporations of England, have Reason to expect, if the Commons, assembled in Parliament, be suffered to proceed. If we sit still, adieu Liberty! farewell Freedom! We shall soon be like the Subjects of France, and glory in our grand Monarch, instead of Liberty."
"Doctor Smith then moved that the Stewards of the several Mysteries and Trades should call a Meeting of their respective Companies the first Opportunity, to sign an address of Thanks to those worthy Magistrates, which was agreed to by a general holding up of Hands."
"So eager are the Freemen to applaud the Conduct of the Lord Mayor and Aldermen, that several of the Companies meet this Night; and it is thought that in three Days Time the Address will be signed by the Stewards of all the Mysteries and Trades in Town."
On Wednesday, at a Meeting of the Electors of Abingdon, in the County of Berks, it was unanimously resolved to send an Address to Nathaniel Bayly, Esquire, their Representative in Parliament, of which the following is a Copy.
To NATHANIEL BAYLY, Esquire, Member of Parliament for the Borough of ABINGDON, Berks.
"SIR, "We your Friends and Constituents beg Leave to return you our sincere Thanks for the Letter addressed to us, dated the 31st of March 1771, in which you have voluntarily laid before us your Conduct in the House of Commons on that interesting Contest now depending. We cannot express the Satisfaction we felt to hear that the Member for this ancient Borough was one, amongst the glorious few, who boldly and manfully exerted himself in Defence of the almost only remaining Bulwark of our expiring Freedom, the Liberty of the Press; and, at such a Crisis, we should suppress the warmest Emotions of Gratitude did we neglect to give you this Mark of our Approbation of your Services."
"The Sentiments you expressed in the House respecting the Printers, who had published several Speeches of the Members, are the honest Dictates of a British Senator's Heart, and demonstrate the Sincerity of the Professions you made to us at your Election. Your invariable Attachment to such Measures as tend to support the Constitution of this Country, and the Assurances you give us of the Exertion of your strongest Efforts to carry the Affair through with a Spirit and Firmness becoming its Importance, will at all Times entitle you to the Confidence and Esteem of your Constituents; and every true Englishman will revere you, as long as you make the Principles of the Revolution the Guide of your Actions."
"While thus we pay the Tribute due to you, Sir, we cannot forget to express our lively Gratitude also to the two worthy Representatives, Bras Crosby, Esquire, Lord Mayor of London, and Mr. Alderman Oliver, who, without being even permitted to be heard by Counsel, are at this Time suffering an arbitrary and illegal Imprisonment in the Tower for their Zeal in the Cause of their Country, the conscientious Discharge of their Duty as Magistrates of the first City in Europe, in Conformity to their most solemn Oaths. Their inflexible and undaunted Perseverance against the Attempts of wicked Ministers, and a corrupt Majority in the House, who seek the Ruin of this Country, its Laws and Liberties, will be a lasting Monument of Honour, which Time itself can never obliterate. And we take this Opportunity thus publicly to applaud their Conduct, as well as the Efforts of every other true Friend of our invaluable Constitution."
"But there is one Step taken which particularly excites our Indignation, and that is the Vote of the House for the expunging from the Lord Mayor's Office Book the Record of the Commitment of one of the Messengers for the Assault on the Printer, and the Order that no Prosecution at Law should be carried on against him on that Account; which we look upon as manifestly tending to subvert every Thing dear to us as Men, and faithful Subjects of his present Majesty."
"Freedom can never perish among us, nor can any Thing be yet wanting to restore and secure, inviolate, the sacred Liberties transmitted to us by our renowned Forefathers, but the Integrity and Resolution of the Friends of Liberty, who, few as they seem to be, will, in the End, defeat the pernicious Schemes of the most arbitrary, odious, and wicked Administration that ever existed; for we cannot presume to think that five Millions of People are so far sunk into Effeminacy, and degenerated from the Spirit of their Ancestors, as to prefer Slavery to Freedom, and tamely submit to the arbitrary Mandates of three or four Hundred of their Deputies, who owe all the Power they at present so tyrannically exercise to the unhappy Error of their Electors, who, when they honoured them with their Confidence, mistook them for honest Men, having the real Welfare of their Country at Heart."
ABINGDON, April 11, 1771. We are, &c. &c. The Child that was dropped in the House of Commons Passage has been christened Stephen Budget ; alluding to St. Stephen's Chapel, and its being found on the Day on which the Budget was opened.
On Thursday Night, about nine o'Clock, as Colonel Defaguliers, of the Royal Regiment of Artillery, was going in his Chariot to his House at Woolwich, he was stopped by a single Footpad on this Side the Five Bells, on the Deptford Road, who presented a Pistol to the Coachman, bid him stop, and then demanded the Colonel's Money, who gave him his Purse, containing forty Shillings. Whilst he was putting it into his Pocket the Coachman leaped from the Box, tripped up his Heels, and fell upon him. The Footpad being a strong Man, about twenty five Years of Age, got up again, and endeavoured to strike the Coachman with the But End of his Pistol, but was prevented by the Colonel, who had jumped out of his Carriage and drawn his Sword, with which, in the Scuffle, he wounded the Robber. The Noise brought two young Gentlemen, of Lombard Street (who were upon the Road) to their Assistance, and the Colonel's Footman, who had stopped to pay the Turnpike, also came up at the same Time; when they seized the Footpad, got him into the Carriage, and carried him to an Inn in Greenwich, where, on the Constable's searching him, another loaded Pistol, a sharp Knife, and a Hanger, were found upon him. He was carried before Justice Russell, where he confessed the Fact, said he was a Gardener at Greenwich, and that it was his first Fact of the Kind. The Colonel sent for a Surgeon to dress the Fellow's Wound, and ordered Care to be taken of him till he shall be fit to be sent to Prison.
We hear the present Attempt of the Shelburne Party to set aside Mr. Wilkes from being Sheriff of this City, for the ensuing Year, meets with the general Abhorrence of the Livery. They remember who was the first to free them from Press Warrants, and who was not afraid, though supported by no great Man, to bind over the Messenger of the House of Commons, for seizing, under an illegal Proclamation, a Printer of this City.
It is certain that the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Sir Joseph Mawbey, and many other Gentlemen of the best Character and Fortune, have expressed, in strong Terms, their Dislike of the present Attempt to set aside Mr. Alderman Wilkes, and are determined to support him against the Machinations of his late false Friends.
There is no greater Proof of the Rascality of Mankind than Ingratitude. Mr. Wilkes has been accused of this Sin, although it is certain he never broke with any Man who did not first use him ill. Many of his Abettors , at all Times (for Friends they were not) have been such as had private Motives of their own for supporting him. When, through his Name and Popularity, those Motives have been gratified, they have deserted him, and become his greatest Persecutors.
Extract of a Letter from Warsaw, dated March 23.
"The Courts of Vienna, Petersburg, and Berlin, have agreed to re-establish Tranquillity in Poland; and we hear that this Affair was so settled and brought in Order, during the Stay of Prince Henry of Prussia at Petersburg, that the Courts of Vienna and Berlin have taken the quieting the Disturbances of that Kingdom on themselves. As soon as Mr. Saldern is returned hither, a Beginning will be made in this important Business; and it is farther said, that the Courts of Vienna and Paris will send Ambassadors to this City, who we hear are already appointed."
On Saturday, at the Sessions House in the Old Bailey, Matthew and Patrick Kennedy, who were capitally convicted in February Sessions, 1770, for the Murder of Bigby the Watchman, were set to the Bar, and informed that his Majesty had extended his Royal Mercy to them, on the following Condition, Matthew to be transported for Life, and Patrick for fourteen Years, which they accordingly accepted of, and received Sentence to be transported accordingly.
April 15. Saturday, in the Afternoon, a Man called all the Hackney Coaches from the Stand in Cornhill, in Number Nine, and ordered them to go to the Mansion House. He did the same in Cheapside; and the Place was crowded, as they drove who should get first on the Rank. They had the Doors open, and Steps down, ready to receive the Passengers. The Porter asked them what they stopped up the Way for. They replied, that they were ordered there by a Man who was just entering the Gate without his Hat. Upon Examination, he appeared to be not in his Senies; for being asked for what he ordered those Coaches, he replied he wanted as many more. Being asked for what, why, says he, to carry all the Rogues at the west End of the Town to the Tower, for sending the Lord Mayor and Alderman Oliver there.
Extract of a Letter from Monsieur Meissier, Astronomer at Paris, F. R. S. and Member of several Academies, &c. dated Paris, April 6, 1771.
"The first Infant I discovered another new Comet under the Pleiades, towards the right Hand, between the N and E (the Nu and Epsilon ) of the Constellation of Aries ; it was scarcely to be seen with the naked Eye, but with the Help of a Telescope the Nucleus is brilliant, though not well terminated, surrounded by some Nebulosity, and with a Tail about two Degrees and a Half long, directed towards the Pleiades. Its apparent Movement is according to the Order of the Signs, and goes at the Rate of about one Degree ten Minutes right Ascension, and twenty six Minutes of north Declination every twenty four Hours. We cannot as yet be certain of its Approach to or Recede from the Earth, though it rather seems that it approaches towards us."
April 17. At a former Meeting of the Bill of Rights Sir Joseph Mawbey moved the Expulsion of Mr. Samuel Vaughan. He was seconded by Robert Jones, Esquire, of Glamorganhire. The Motion was opposed only by Mr. Horne. Sir Joseph Mawbey then declared, that if any Gentleman would undertake that Mr. Vaughan should never more come to that Society, he would withdraw his Motion. Mr. Toogood promised that Mr. Vaughan should withdraw himself, and no more attend at any of the Meetings, and it was understood that he should resign his Treasury-ship immediately. Mr. Oliver, who was in the Chair, assented to the Proposal. A Committee was accordingly appointed to examine his Accounts. The modest Mr. Vaughan, however, actually came to the Bill of Rights last Tuesday, and voted for the Dissolution of a Society, from whence his Friends had promised he should withdraw himself to save the Ignominy of an Expulsion . These are the plain Facts, and will ever remain so, although contradicted by the Affidavit of Samuel Vaughan, Esquire.
On Saturday, in Consequence of the late Act of Parliament, upwards of fifty new Numbers for Hackney Coaches were given out at the Coach Office.
It is said the Sum of two Thousand Pounds is already deposited for the Use of Mr. Wilkes, in Case he should be chosen Sheriff, which is more than sufficient to answer the Charges, the same being estimated at no more than one Thousand four Hundred Pounds.
April 18. Yesterday the old Bill of Rights Men, Mr. Wilkes attending at the Head of them, waited on the Lord Mayor in the Tower, to elect him one of their debt Society, when his Lordship most politely accepted of the Honour of becoming one of their Members.
Lord Chesterfield was with Lord Halifax when his Lordship received Mr. Alderman Wilkes's Letter, respecting the Discharge of John Whibley, apprehended under the King's Proclamation. Lord Halifax seemed a good Deal confused, and mentioned a Letter from Mr. Wilkes. Lord Chesterfield said that he was in the Case of poor Eloisa :
"Soon as thy Letter trembling I disclose, That well known Name awakens all my Woes."
Last Saturday one Redick, a Carpenter, giving Evidence at the Old Bailey against Griffin, convicted of receiving Timber, knowing it to be stolen, was asked by the Judge where he made the Bargain. He replied, "at the Wilkes's Head." He was then asked what he gave a Load, and said, "forty five Shillings." Mr. Wilkes being on the Bench, it caused a very great Laugh.
Tuesday Night a most barbarous Murder was committed, in a Field near Bethnal Green Workhouse, on Mr. Clark, Patten Drawer in Artillery Lane, for having been an Evidence against Eastman, one of the Cutters who was executed some Time ago. A large Body of Weavers met with him in the above Field about six o'Clock, and surrounded him. As they dragged him about, and stamped on his Body, he begged Permission to say his Prayers, which was granted him; but during the Time they pelted him with Stones and Brickbats. They tormented the poor Man in this Manner some Time, cutting him with Knives; till at last, with the Loss of Blood, and the many Wounds and Bruises he had received all over his Body, which made him a shocking Spectacle, he expired by a Blow from a large Brick, which hit him with great Violence over the Head. Nobody dared to interpose in his Behalf, left they should share the same Fate. He had previous Notice of their Intention, and was therefore armed with Pistols, but could not make Use of them.
A Drayman was observed to be remarkably active in the Murder of Mr. Clarke; he endeavoured to put hot Grains in the Deceased's Mouth, and hit him several Blows, particularly one that beat out one of his Eyes.
Three Men were apprehended last Night, by Sir John Fielding's Men, on Suspicion of the Murder of Mr. Clarke. There are eighty Men well armed in Search of the Offenders; whence it is hoped that the Perpetrators of this horrid Crime will soon be brought to Light.
April 19. Yesterday was determined, in the Court of Common Pleas, the Action upon the Case for a Libel and defamatory Words, Onslow against Horne, as by Adjournment the last Term. Lord Chief Justice de Grey, after recapitulating the Whole of the Case, and the Arguments used by both Counsels last Term, observed that one general Rule was to be observed in Cases of defamatory Words, and that was when the Words so spoken were obnoxious to Prosecution and Punishment; yet, even this general Rule was subject to Limitation. For Instance, says he, to charge a Trader with Bankruptcy, a Man of Profession with Incapacity, or a Person in a publick Office with a Breach of Trust, these Specific Charges are certainly actionable, because the Damages are obvious. But let us see how these Facts will operate on the Case in Point. At a Meeting at Epsom, on the 26th of June 1769, to instruct the Representatives of the County, the Defendant said, "As for instructing one of our Members to obtain Redress, we may as well instruct the Winds, the Water, or the Air; for should he (Mr. Onslow) promise his Assistance, I will not believe him." Now here is no Charge of the Violation of his Oath as a Member of Parliament, or any Charge whereby he may suffer Damages. The Sentence contains no more than that he believes Mr. Onslow will not keep his Word. For these Reasons, I am of Opinion no Judgment can be given. The rest of the Judges were of the same Opinion.
Yesterday five News Carriers, namely, James Lawrence, George Riley, Rice Williams, _____ Wrangham, and Thomas Dunderdale, who had received Orders to attend the Committee appointed by the House of Commons to inquire into the Cause of the late Riots, were examined by the said Committee respecting the Delivery of Hand Bills by the said News Carriers on the Day the Lord Mayor and Mr. Alderman Oliver went to the House; when the only Information gained was that the said News Carriers received the Hand Bills in the Street, from a Person whom they did not know, and that they were printed by a Person of whom they could not tell.
Parliament is expected to be up this Day Fortnight. On Tuesday last, at the Bill of Rights, Mr. Wilkes moved the Society to rescind the former restrictive Order that no new Subscriptions should be opened in the Society till after the finishing of his Affairs. He was seconded by Mr. Adair, and the Resolution passed unanimously. Robert Jones, Esquire, was in the Chair. Twenty eight Members attended, and the utmost Harmony prevailed. Fourteen new Members were proposed, and are to be balloted for at the next Meeting. The Lord Mayor, and William Sharp, Junior, Esquire, of Newport in the Isle of Wight, were unanimously elected.
Wednesday Noon Robert Jones, Esquire, Chairman at the last Meeting of the Bill of Rights, attended by Sir Joseph Mawbey, Baronet, Savage Barrell, Esquire, William Ellis, Esquire, Mr. Alderman Wilkes, &c. &c. went in several Coaches to the Tower, and presented the Lord Mayor with a Copy of his Election into that Society, fairly engrossed. His Lordship expressed, in the handsomest Manner, his Sense of the Honour done him, and declared his Resolution of paying his Respects to the Society as soon as possible after his Enlargement.
Amongst the several Characters at the Masquerade in Soho Square, on Friday last, the following were the most remarkable. A Scotch Laird , just come to Town, asking every Body he met, "for the Premier's Use ." Jachimo , in Cymbeline , judiciously dressed. The starved Apothecary, in Romeo and Juliet , admirably well described. A Persian Princess, whose brilliant Eastern Dress was only eclipsed by the superior Charms of English Beauty . Pandulph , the Pope's Legate. Two Irish Haymakers , bare-footed and bare-legged, with their Shoes and Stockings hung behind them, as if just arrived in Town; they supported their Characters with great Humour, spoke the Brogue with a true Tipperary Twist, and made many blundering Observations : "And so this is the famous Madam Cornelius's, of Soho Square, London! by my Shoul, after all, commend me to our own little Square, with two Sides , and Ratando , in Dublin. To be sure we a'n't as bra bra , with all that Sticks about us; but, my Jewels, if a Man has Light enough to see the pretty Faces of the Masquerade Girls, and to keep clear of Sky Light , sure that's all he wants." One of them being asked, by a Jew Pedlar, whether Haymaking was the only

Business in Ireland, replied, "By my Soul, it is not; we have another Trade, and that's Cat-killing , my little Irishman ." An advertising Doctor, who filled the Part with uncommon Humour, and distributed several droll Hand-Bills of his Performances. A Sir John Falstaff, supported by Pistol and Bardolph, all Laugh without Yoke . A Punch, who, like his grand Archetype in the Puppet Show , cracked his Jests, and thrusts his Nose into every Group. A Figure in the Character of Death , a Cat-punch . Two Harlequins , who had less Meaning than Agility. A very old Woman, a good Representation of the last Age.
The following extraordinary Paragraph is taken from the York Courant , dated April 16th. Last Wednesday Morning a Gentleman's Servant in this City had Occasion to go into the Kitchen, before the Family were up, where he saw a Cat lying upon a Table, which he knew had Kittens. His Curiosity led him to take her up, to see how many she had; but, to his great Surprise, found six young Rats (a little larger than Mice) sucking her. He took them away, but she pulled them to her again with her Feet, and when he took them quite from her she leaped in his Face, so desirous was she of preserving the favourite Brood. What is more remarkable, the same Cat is a very good One at destroying Rats or Mice. Her Kittens, and the Dam of the Rats, were found dead; so it is supposed the old Rat had killed the Kittens, and the Cat had killed the Rat, and had taken the young Rats to suck her. The Servant threw the Rats to the other Cats, who devoured them immediately.
The Duke of Cumberland has left Mrs. B——, with an Annuity of three Hundred Pounds a Year, and is now engaged in an Amour with a young Lady of Hertfordshire.
The following Order was sent from a Governor of Queen Elizabeth's School, in the Parish of St. Olave, Southwark, to the Master thereof, with the Bearer for his Admission.
"Reverend Sir, "Please to receive the Bearer, King George*, into your Custody, and him safely keep to his Study, till you have taught him his Duty to God and Man; and punish him according to his Deserts, for which this shall be your Warrant."
[* The Name of the Lad is King George.] With such Avidity are political Ballads bought by the Populace that a female Hawker and Singer, well known in the City, lately declared that she made no less than five Shillings a Day, clear of all Expenses.
It is said that Mr. Alderman Oliver strongly inclines to accommodate the Point of Sheriffs with Mr. Wilkes, but that he cannot as yet persuade two or three particular Friends (on whose Judgment he has a great Reliance) to agree to the Concession.
The Contract. The Messenger of the House of Commons was admitted to Bail , not committed, for breaking the Peace ; the two worthy Aldermen were committed, relieved Bail , for preserving the Peace .
The King of Prussia, it is thought, by his late Acquisition, will, in a few Years, be formidable both by Sea and Land.
Extract of a Letter from Northampton, to the Printer, dated April 10. "The following may be depended on as a Fact, and by inserting it you will much oblige an Admirer of your useful weekly Paper. On Sunday Morning last, at a neighbouring Town not above five Miles Distance, a Gentleman took his Leave of his Wife for a few Days, as he pretended he was going for London; but instead of pursuing his Journey stopped at this Town till dusk that Evening, when he returned Home, and found Means to secrete himself in a Closet in his own Room, undiscovered by any of the Family. About Midnight the Butler tapped gently at the Chamber Door, and asked his Mistress what was her Pleasure with him. She desired him to come to her Bed immediately. He replied, Madam, I dare say if my Master was to catch me in your Bedchamber at this Time of Night he would turn me out of Doors, therefore I beg to be excused; and immediately he retired to his own Room. The Husband, after he had heard all that passed, immediately let himself out of the Closet. His Dear Beloved, hearing Somebody in the Room, screamed out Thieves! No, Madam; replied he, it is I; and now I am convinced of what I have long suspected, and you may have all my Servants in the House to be with you, for I never will again, and immediately left the Room. What the Consequence of this Discovery will be I cannot yet inform you."
Last Night there was a grand Masquerade at the Haymarket, which did not break up till between six and seven o'Clock this Morning. The Poor are starving; the Country presents a Prospect of Famine; Tradesmen are breaking, owing to the long Credit they give; and the Quality are spending their Fortunes upon Milliners, Whores, and Masquerades.
We hear from Poland that a Russian Officer, with about a Hundred Men, being sent to the Road of Willemberg, before he arrived at the Place of his Destination he became so excessive cold that he was obliged to stop at an Inn, where he drank as much Brandy as he could, to keep the Cold from his Stomach. He then set out to overtake his Company, which was gone before; but the Quantity of Liquor he had drank took such an Effect upon him that he fell asleep on his Horse, which continued to go on very slowly. He, having rode thus for a considerable Time, was suddenly awakened by a most severe Blow on his Breast, when, seeing himself in the Hands of three Poles, who are avowed Enemies of the Russians, and being by them disarmed, pulled off his Horse, and acquainted that he must die immediately, he begged only five Minutes Time to prepare himself, which he accordingly did, and was taken by one only to a short Distance to meet his Doom; and being ordered by him to kneel down, that his Head might be cut off, he perceived a good Stick with a large Head lying close by him, which he took up unobserved, directly turned round, and gave the Pole such a Blow on the Head as killed him immediately. He then seized his Carbine, and shot one of the others on his Horse; upon which the third shot his Pistol at the Officer, but missed him, when the Russian ran up to the remaining Pole, and with the But End of his Carbine knocked him off his Horse, and killed him likewise. Being now Master of the Field, he took away all their Arms, and mounted his own Horse, leading the other three by the Bridles, and so rode in Triumph to his Post.
We hear from Versailles that on the 5th of the present Month a young Man of that Place came home to his Father, and asked him for some Money, which being refused, he killed him. His Mother then coming to the Assistance of her Husband, he killed her likewise; and his Sister hiding herself behind the Bed, he ran after her and killed her; then, with the same Knife, he stabbed himself, and ran down Stairs, and threw himself into the Well, and was drowned.
WHITEHALL, April 12. The King has been pleased to appoint Robert Earl of Holdernesse to be Governor, William Lord Bishop of Chester, Preceptor, Leonard Smelt, Esquire, sub Governor, and Cyril Jackson, A. M. sub Preceptor to their Royal Highnesses George Augustus Frederick, Prince of Wales, and to Prince Frederick, Bishop of Osnaburg.
SALISBURY, April 15. A few days ago died at Hartmore, near Devizes, Mr. Henry Axford. He lost his Speech in the Year 1740, by catching a violent Cold after dancing, and was dumb for five Years after; when dreaming one Night that he was falling into a Furnace of boiling Wort, he was so terrified that he screamed out, and instantly recovered his Speech, which he retained during his Life.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 27. An Authentick Relation of the Battle of ALAMANCE, the 16th Day of May, 1771.
ON Wednesday Evening, the 15th Instant, his Excellency received certain Information that the Insurgents were assembled at about six Miles from the Camp at Great Alamance. A Council of War being called, it was unanimously resolved to march the next Morning against them. Accordingly, on Thursday the 16th, the Army leaving the Tents standing, and all the Baggage and Provisions in Camp, under the Guard of a Field Officer and about fifty Men, began to march at about eight o'Clock in the Morning, and advanced to an old Field within Half a Mile of the Rebels; when his Excellency formed the Order of Battle, in two Lines. Part of the Artillery on each Wing, and the Remainder in the Center of the first Line. His Excellency then sent one of his Aid de Camps, and the Sheriff of Orange, with a Letter to the Rebels, requiring them to lay down their Arms, surrender their outlawed Ringleaders, and submit themselves to the Laws of their Country, allowing them one Hour to accept of the Terms, to prevent the Effusion of Blood, which must ensue, as they were at that Time in a State of War and Rebellion against their King, their Country, and their Laws. In the mean Time, the Army kept advancing nearer to the Enemy. The Messenger soon afterwards returned, and reported to his Excellency that the Rebels had received his Offers with Disdain; and the general Cry among them was, Battle! Battle! Immediately after a considerable Body of them appeared in Sight, and waved their Hats, daring the Men to advance; upon which the Army continued moving towards them, until they were within thirty Yards of the Enemy, when his Excellency sent an Aid de Camp to inform them that the Hour was elapsed, and that he should immediately fire. They called out that he might fire and be damned. Upon the Return of the Aid de Camp the Action began, and a hot Fire was kept up on both Sides for about an Hour and a Quarter, when it abated a little from the Enemy. The Cannon was ordered to cease firing, and the whole Army to advance. Then the first Line, after engaging three Quarters of an Hour longer, drove the Enemy out of the Field, and gained a complete Victory. Their Camp was taken, with many Horses, Arms, Ammunition, Clothes, and Provisions. The Army, after having Care taken of their Wounded, got back to their Camp by Sunset. It is computed that the Rebels must have had
killed in the Battle about one Hundred Men, two Hundred more wounded, and upwards of twenty taken Prisoners. The Loss of the Loyalists was nine killed, and about sixty wounded. The Number of the Rebels in the Battle, from the best Information, could not be less than two Thousand three Hundred. Our Army did not exceed one Thousand Men, of which not more than six Hundred were engaged. The Artillery was well served, and did great Execution. The Behaviour of the Officers and Men, on this Occasion, will appear by what the Governor gave in Orders the next Day.
This Day were executed at the Gallows near this City, pursuant to their Sentence, Richard Sowerbutts, from Chesterfield, and William Robinson (alias Thomas) from York County, both for Store-breaking. They behaved penitently, particularly Sowerbutts.
Arrived in York River, the Pitt, Lilly, from London, and Jane, Smith, from Glasgow. In James River, the George, Coats, from Glasgow.
From the CRAFTSMAN.
WE have the Pleasure to acquaint the Publick that the DUTCH CONCERT, advertised in this Paper the 6th Instant, requesting Attendance of the Devotes and Comeurs in Musick, has since received the additional Names of the following Personages, who have politely promised to support, by their Performance, an Entertainment that bids to fair to increase the vocal Taste of their Kingdoms.
Songs. Performers. Do you mean to kiss for Service? Sir Fletcher Norton. Come with me, ye jolly Dogs. Which Way shall I turn me? How can I decide? Earl of Shelburne. Do, Goody, now pray moderate the Rancour of your Tongue. Lord Denbigh. With Women and Wine I defy every Care. Lord Sandwich. Death and the Lady, a Duet, by Lord March, and Lady Harriet Stanhope. The Attack Fire. Lord Lyttleton. The favourite Duet in King Arthur between Grimald and Philidel. 1st Part. Hither this Way, this Way bend. Attorney General. 2d Ditto. Trust not that malicious Fiend. Mr. Dunning. The Vicar of Bray. Parson Horne. The favourite Air of "To thee, O gentle Sleep!" Honourable Stephen Fox. Which is the properest Day to drink? Richard Rigby, Esquire. The terrible Law, when he falters his Paw Lord Pomfret. On a poor Man, he's certainly undone. One extravagant Whore Shall cost a Man more Than twenty good Wives who are saving. Lord Halifax. Cease, rude Boreas. George Bellas. Behold in me a Wretch forlorn. Colonel Luttrell. Let who will be bond Slaves, by Jove I'll be free. Honourable Constantine Phipps. Cease! O cease! thou vile Seducer! Lord Hillsborough. 'Tis Woman that seduces all Mankind. Alderman Townshend. My Heart's my own, my Will is free. Alderman Sawbridge. A full Chorus. Round about the Maypole how we trot! The Right Reverend the Bishops. Hot Pot, good brown Ale we got. Through all the Employments of Life, Supporters of the Bill of Rights. Each Neighbour abuses his Brother. The Hounds are all out, Treasury Bench.
Advertisements.
NANSEMOND, June 25, 1770.
AS the Partnership of the Subscribers will expire next August, it is earnestly requested that all those who are indebted to them, either in this Colony or in North Carolina, may come and settle their Balances immediately, by Payment or Specialty. Those who have any Demands against them are desired to make them known, and they shall be adjusted. All who settle their Accounts as above shall meet with the greatest Indulgence, but such as fail may depend upon their Accounts being put into an Attorney's Hands, without Delay; which Proceeding will be very disagreeable to
Their obliged humble Servants, WILLIAM HAMILTON & Company. The Business will be carried on, both in this Colony and in North Carolina, and the same good Usage and Indulgence may be expected, as formerly, under the Firm of JOHN HAMILTON & Company.
FREDERICKSBURG, June 24, 1771.
I INTEND for ENGLAND next Month, and shall leave all my Business with Mr. WILLIAM TEMPLEMAN, CHARLES YATES.
DINWIDDIE County, June 20, 1771.
THIS is to forewarn all Persons from taking an Assignment of my Bond to William Tiley for fifty Pounds, due on the 17th of this Instant, as I will not pay it before his Wife gives up her Dower in a Piece of Land which I purchased from the said Tiley, JESSE LEE.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 27, 1771.
ON Thursday the 18th of next Month will be sold to the highest Bidder, upon Credit till the 30th of October 1772, the HOUSE and LOT whereon Mr. THOMAS CRAIG now lives. Bond and good Security, bearing Interest from the 20th of August next, will be required, at which Time the Premises will be delivered up. And on Monday the 12th of August will be sold, upon six Months Credit for all Sums above twenty Shillings, all his HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, and five LOTS of GROUND in Bell-Craig Street. Bond and Security will be required. HENRY DIXON, Trustee for the Creditors.
JUNE 18, 1771.
IT would greatly oblige me if the different Gentlemen who are my Creditors would meet, or appoint some One for them who should, at Wofimeland Court in August next, that Something may be done for their general Satisfaction. I am willing to do whatever my present Circumstances will admit of for that Purpose, and it is a Hardship that One so inclined should still be distressed by them. GILBERT CAMPBELL.
WHEREAS James Blount, Esquire, one of the Representatives for Chowan County, in North Carolina, hath lately reported that Mr. HENRY DONE, Baptist Minister near Edenton, in the County and Province aforesaid, some Time ago, in his Travels to the southward of Carolina, appointed a Meeting, and borrowed the Sum of ten Pounds Proclamation Money, and not only disappointed the Meeting, but came off in a clandestine Manner with the said Money, and some other Reports of the like Nature, which Reports the said Henry Done challengeth the said James Blount to prove, or else to remain upon Record not only the Reporter of the said Falseity, but the Author of it,
To be SOLD to the highest Bidders, on Saturday the 13th of July next, at the House of DANIEL BAXTER in Williamsburg,
ABOUT two Hundred Yards of white and brown Linen, sixty Yards of very good six-Quarter Cloth, Mens and Womens Shoes, three Barrels of Starch, two Barrels of New York Beer, twelve Firkins of Butter, eight Boxes of Candles, about a Hundred Weight of Chocolate, two very good Italian Chairs, an excellent Chair Horse, &c. &c. Credit until the 25th of October next will be allowed for all Sums above twenty five Shillings, upon Bond and Security.
WHEREAS Mr. William Hamlin, lately deceased, by his certain Indenture, bearing Date the fourth Day of April last, did convey unto Colonel Theodore Bland, and myself, one undivided Moiety of eighteen Hundred Acres of Land, with a Forge and Water Grindmill thereon, being the capital Prize drawn in Colonel Bernard Moore's Lottery, in Trust, for the Payment of certain particular Debts therein mentioned, and also for the Payment and Discharge of all his other just, just, and just Debts, provided his Creditors, within three Months from the 11th of said Month of April, would, by Writing under their Hands, accede to and desire to come within the said Trust; and whereas also Mr. Hamlin thought proper to appoint me Executor of his last Will and Testament, which several Trusts I would willingly execute with strict Justice to his Creditors, and to his Estate, I do hereby give this publick Information of the Trust aforesaid, that all those to whom he is indebted may have an Opportunity of claiming the Advantage intended them, requesting as well such Creditors as desire to be comprehended within the said Trust, as those who do not, that they will immediately signify their Resolutions respecting the same to me, and at the same Time acquaint me with the Sum and Nature of their several Demands, that I may endeavour to make proper Provision for the Payment of all his Debts, in due Order. And as it appears from his Books that his outstanding Debts are considerable, I do most earnestly entreat his Debtors to be speedy in an honest Settlement and Discharge of their respective Balances. This Justice to his Estate I think I have a Right to expect from his honest and grateful Debtors, in Return for the Lenity and Indulgence they experienced in his Lifetime. By this Method I must also inform Mr. Hamlin's Clients, that, being possessed of all his Papers, I do propose (with their Approbation) to finish his Causes in the several Courts of Charles City, Goochfield, Prince George, Dinwiddie, and Sussex, except such as I was employed in against him, which I shall deliver up to the Care of some other Attorneys. And as it will be impossible for them, or myself, to conduct intricate Causes properly without Instructions, I request that the Parties will lose no Time in furnishing me with full Information about their Suits, that I may endeavour to do them Justice. Those who disapprove of my conducting their Business, or have, during Mr. Hamlin's tedious Indisposition, or since his Death, employed other Attorneys, will please to direct how I shall dispose of their Papers.
I find that through Mr. Hamlin's Kindness, and for Want of a fixed Abode, many of his Books, and other Things, are lent out, and otherwise dispersed amongst his Acquaintances, which will render the Collection of them very difficult, if not impracticable, without their Information and Assistance. I therefore hope that all those who are in Possession of any of his Books, or other Things, will speedily contrive me Notice thereof, and the most convenient Opportunities of procuring them.
JOHN RUFFIN, Junior. N. B. For the Advantage of the Creditors, I will extend the Time limited for their Accession to the Trust until the tenth Day of October next.
For SALE or CHARTER,
A NEW BRIG, lying at Portsmouth, lately launched, double decked, forty seven Feet Keel, twenty Feet Beam, seven Feet ten Inches clear in the Hold, and three Feet one Inch and a Half clear between Decks, has a long Quarter Deck, takes in her Mainmast, Outside Joiners Work finished, with her Spars, has Quarter Barges, and a Head fixed. For Terms apply to Mr. John Greenwell, at Norfolk, or to the Subscriber. DAVID PORTER.
For SALE, and may be entered upon in October next,
FOUR Hundred and fifty Acres of Land within three Miles of Cabin Point, well watered and timbered. Upon it is a tolerable good Dwelling house, two very fine Barns, all other necessary Outhouses, with Apple and Peach Orchards, it is convenient to Church, and constant Mills. The Plantation is in Order for Cropping with three or four Hands, and would suit a Tradesman. Long Credit will be allowed for greatest Part of the Money; and the Land may be seen, at any Time, by applying to the Subscriber on the Premises. SAMPSON, COLLIER.
To be SOLD at King William Courthouse, on Monday the 12th of August next, being Court Day, at publick Auction, or at any Time before by private Sale, under a Deed of Trust from Mr. William Hamlin, lately deceased,
ONE undivided Moiety, or Half Part, of eighteen Hundred Acres of LAND, with a FORGE and WATER GRINDMILL thereon, situate, lying, and being in the County of King and Queen; which said Land, Forge, and Mill, were drawn as a Prize in Colonel Bernard Moore's Lottery, by the said Hamlin, and Philip Parr Edmondson, Gentleman. The Terms to be made known at the Time of Sale. THOMAS BLAND. JOHN RUFFIN, Junior.
COMMITTED to the Jail of AUGUSTA, an outlandish Negro Fellow, about twenty five Years of Age, five Feet ten or eleven Inches high, is likely, well made, but cannot speak English well enough to tell his Master's Name. He had on an old blue Frock, very short, old blue Breeches, Osnaburg Shirt, and a white Woolen Cap. Also committed to the said Jail, on Suspicion of being a Runaway Servant, an Irishman who calls himself JAMES TOBIN, and answers the Description of a Person of his Name advertised some Time ago by the jailer of Antrim, who had confessed himself to be a Runaway Servant belonging to Captain Somerville. The Apparel he now hath on is a blue Cloth Coat with yellow carved Buttons, an old striped Cotton Waistcoat, old Leather Breeches, coarse Shirt, and a Half-worn Castor Hat. The Owners are desired to pay Charges, and take them away. GEORGE MATTHEWS, Sheriff.
BUCKINGHAM, June 10, 1771.
RUN away from the Subscriber's Plantation in Bedford, on the 7th of May last, a squat made black African Fellow, named WILL, marked in the Cheeks according to the Custom of his Country, speaks English, French, and I believe Spanish, and has been bred a Sailor. When he went off he had on, or carried with him, a Coat of Plains, a Sailor's blue Jacket, and a Felt Hat. It is thought he will make for Norfolk, as he came from that Place. Masters of Vessels are desired to beware of harbouring him. I will give FIVE POUNDS Reward if he is delivered to me in Buckingham, or FIFTY SHILLINGS if secured in any Prison, so as I may get him, or delivered to Mr. James Lyle, Merchant at Rocky Ridge. THOMAS ROBERTS.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Lancaster, on the 24th of December last, a Negro Man named WILL, about five Feet eight or nine Inches high, between thirty and forty Years of Age, but looks older than what he really is. He has been at work in Norfolk for some Time past, and went by the Name of William Moore, as a Freeman. He is a very good Hostler and Gardener; and what may detect him sooner, he is very fond of Liquor, and when drunk very quarrelsome and saucy. Whoever will secure him in any Jail, and give me intelligence so that I may get him again, shall have FIVE POUNDS, and if brought to me TEN POUNDS, paid on the Delivery of the Negro. JOHN WORMELEY.
STRAYED away from the Subscriber, last March, a red bay three Year old FILLY with a Star in her Forehead, one or both hind Feet white, about four Feet five or six Inches high, neither docked nor branded. She carried with her a Year old dark bay COLT with a blaze Face, one or both hind Feet white. The Filly was raised at my Plantation on Mobjack River, Brunswick County, where I imagine they would have gone, as they were seen together making that Way, if they had not been stopped by some ill disposed Person. FORTY SHILLINGS Reward will be given for each to the Person that will bring them to me, in Prince George County. NATHANIEL HARRISON.
TAKEN up by the Subscriber, in the Fresh, a SHIP's BOAT, about fifteen Feet Keel, painted red the Inside, and yellow without; had four Oars, and a Piece of two Inch Pine Plank in her. The Owner may have her by applying to me, in Surry County. WILLIAM BROWNE.
TAKEN up, in Southampton, a middle sized bay HORSE, very poor, with a roached Mane and Bob Tail, and appears to have been lately worked in a Wagon, being much out with Harnefs. Picked, and appraised to fifty five Shillings. WILLIAM POPE.

POETS CORNER.
GREATNESS.
A heavenly Synod once arose
A wondrous strong Debate,
HIS Majesty's Postmaster General having
(for the better facilitating of Correspondence between Great Britain and America)
For CHARTER,
A VESSEL from three Hundred and sixty to four Hundred Hogheads of Tobacco Burthen.
MARGARET HUNTER,
MILLINER, WILLIAMSBURG,
HEREBY informs her Friends and Customers that she is removed to the Corner Store in Doctor Carter's Brick House,
IF JAMES FESKIN, a Weaver by Trade,
who failed from Port Glasgow the latter End of last Year, or the Beginning of this, for Virginia,
Just IMPORTED, and to be SOLD by the Subscriber at RICHMOND,
ALL Sorts of DRUGS and MEDICINES, and most Things wanted in that Way,
IF any of the Descendents of John Helier,
who came to Virginia many Years ago, from Bristol, in Great Britain, and settled on the Freshes of Rappahannock River,
For SALE,
And may be entered on immediately,
THE LOT and HOUSES, near Cabin Point Warehouses, at present occupied by Mr. Walter Peter.
To be SOLD, on the 8th of July, by J. KIDD, Upholsterer, Appraiser, and Auctioneer, at his House known by the Name of Custis's, in Williamsburg,
SUNDAY HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, the Property of a Gentleman who has left off Housekeeping. Credit will be allowed until December for all Sums above twenty Shillings,
RICHMOND, June 11, 1771.
STOLEN from Petersburg, on the 23d of May last, a black Mare seven Years old, about fourteen Hands and a Half high,
STRAYED or STOLEN from the Subscriber in York County, about a Mile below Williamsburg, on the first of May last,
RUN away, about three Weeks ago, a Negro Fellow named QUOMONY, about forty Years of Age, very black, has a down Look,
TAKEN up, in Prince William, seventeen HOGS, eleven of which are marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear,
HAVING, with the Approbation of his Honour the President, appointed the Reverend Mr. Willis, Rector of Albemarle Parish, in Sussex,
On a Motion made, THURSDAY, June 13, 1771. ORDERED, THAT the Clerks of the several County Courts in this Colony do transmit to the Clerk of this House,
To be LET on Charter to any Port of Europe, A SHIP of about four Hundred and eighty Hogheads Burthen, on reasonable Terms.
To be SOLD, pursuant to the last Will and Testament of WILLIAM STITH, deceased, FIFTEEN Hundred Acres of LAND, lying on Herring Creek,
WHEREAS the Subscriber carried on a Trade in Charles County, in the Province of Maryland, in Company with John Semple, now of Prince William County,
To be SOLD, A VERY good Tract of LAND, on Warraquotank Bay, James River, in Isle of Wight County, about ten Miles below Hog Island,
COMMITTED to the Jail of Chesterfield, on the 23d of May, a Lad whose Name is Abraham, about seventeen or eighteen Years of Age,
NEWCASTLE, June 4, 1771. ALL Persons indebted to the late Partnership of Johnson and Tinsley are requested to repair to the above Place,
VIRGINIA, se. At a GENERAL COURT held at the Capitol, May 7, 1771. Thomas Blackmore, Dorsey Pentecost, Thomas Spotts, James Lindsey, Nathaniel Burwell, and Thomas Waddington, Plaintiffs,
MIDDLESEX, May 7, 1771. RUN away, a dark Mulatto Man named BARNABY, about five Feet two Inches high. He is artful in his Answers,
AS twelve Months are nearly expired since the Store kept at Todd's, on Account of Messrs. McCall and Elliot, of Glasgow, by the Subscriber, has been discontinued,
WANTED In NORBORNE Parish, Frederick County, A SCHOOLMASTER well qualified to teach Writing and Arithmetic;
To be SOLD, on long Credit, the three following Tracts of LAND, viz. ONE Tract containing four Hundred Acres, lying in Spotsylvania County, on the Head of Bluff Run,
For SALE, And may be entered on in NOVEMBER next. THE LAND whereon I now live, containing two Hundred and twenty four Acres. It is exceeding good for Grain, Tobacco, &c.
RUN away from the Subscriber, at the Falls of James River, the Middle of last Month, a Negro Man named DAVY, belonging to the Hon. William Byrd, Esquire,