The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-01-21 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the FRESHEST ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — Suet. in Tib. S. 23.
PRINTED by JOHN DIXON and
WM. HUNTER, at the POST OFFICE.
ALL Persons may be supplied with this Paper at 12/6 a Year, and have Advertisements (of a moderate Length) inserted for 3/ the first Week, and 2/ each Week after. — Printing Work done at this Office in the neatest Manner, with Care and Expedition.
What follows is the substance of the proceedings of the CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, extracted from their minutes, excepting what has been already published in a pamphlet, and in this paper.
JOURNAL, &c.
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 5th, 1774.
NUMBER of the Delegates chosen and appointed by the several colonies and provinces in North America, to meet and hold a Congress at Philadelphia, assembled at the Carpenters Hall.
PRESENT, forty four DELEGATES.
The Congress proceeded to the choice of a President, when the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esquire, was unanimously elected.
Mr. CHARLES THOMPSON was
unanimously chosen Secretary.
The Gentlemen from the several colonies produced their respective credentials, which were read and approved, as follows:
Province of New Hampshire } AT a meeting of the deputies appointed by the several towns in this province, held at Exeter, in the county of Rockingham, 21 July, 1774, for the election of Delegates on behalf of this province, to join the General Congress proposed, present 85 members, the Hon. John Wentworth, Esq; in the chair:
Voted, that Major John Sullivan, and Col. Nathaniel Folsom, Esquires, be appointed and empowered, as Delegates, on the part of this province, to attend and assist in the General Congress of Delegates from the other colonies, at such time and place as may be appointed to devise, consult, and adopt measures as may have the most likely tendency to extricate the colonies from their present difficulties, to secure and perpetuate their rights, liberties, and privileges, and to restore that peace, harmony, and mutual confidence, which once happily subsisted between the parent country and her colonies. J. WENTWORTH, Chairman.
[The credentials of the other Delegates being nearly similar, we think it needless to insert them.]
TUESDAY, Sept. 6, A. M. The Congress met according to adjournment.
PRESENT, the same members as yesterday, and moreover from the colony of Virginia, Richard Henry Lee, Esquire.
The Congress resumed the consideration of rules of conduct to be observed in debating and determining questions that come under consideration.
Resolved, that in determining questions in this Congress, each colony or province shall have one vote. — The Congress not being possessed of, or at present able to procure proper materials for ascertaining the importance of each colony.
Resolved, that no person shall speak more than twice on the same point, without leave of the Congress.
Resolved, that no question shall be determined the day on which it is agitated and debated, if any one of the colonies desire the determination to be postponed to another day.
Resolved, that the door be kept shut during the time of business, and that the members consider themselves under the strongest obligations of honour to keep the proceedings secret until the majority shall direct them to be made publick.
Resolved, that a committee be appointed to state the rights of the colonies in general, the several instances in which those rights are violated or infringed, and the means most proper to be pursued for obtaining a restoration of them.
Ordered, that the appointment of the committee, and the number of which it shall consist, be deferred until to-morrow.
Resolved, that a committee be appointed to examine and report the several statutes which affect the trade and manufactures of the colonies.
Same order as above respecting the appointment and number of this committee.
Resolved, that the Rev. Mr. Duche be desired to open the Congress to-morrow morning with prayers, at the Carpenters Hall, at 9 o'clock.
Thomas Johnson, jun. Esq; one of the Delegates from Maryland, attended and took his seat.
Extract from the minutes of the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, dated August 31, 1774, directed to the President, was read as follows:
"Upon motion, ordered, "That the Librarian furnish the Gentlemen who are to meet in Congress with the use of such books as they may have occasion for during their sitting, taking a receipt for them."
Signed by order of the Directors,
WILLIAM ATTMORE, Sec'ty.
Ordered, that the thanks of the Congress be returned to the Directors of the Library Company of Philadelphia, for their obliging order.
Adjourned till 9 o'clock to-morrow.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 7, A. M. Agreeable to the resolve of yesterday, the meeting was opened with prayers by the Rev. Mr. Duche.
Voted, that the thanks of the Congress be given to Mr. Duche, by Mr. Cushing and Mr. Ward, for performing divine service, and for the excellent prayer which he composed and delivered on the occasion.
The Congress taking into consideration the appointment of the committee, a vote was taken on the number of which the first committee should consist, and, by a great majority, resolved that it consist of two from each of the colonies, as follows:
From New Hampshire, Major John Sullivan, and Col. Folsom. Massachusetts Bay, Mr. Samuel Adams, and Mr. John Adams. Rhode Island, Mr. Hopkins and Mr. Ward. Connecticut, Col.
Dyer, and Mr. Sherman. New York, Mr. James Duane, and Mr. John Jay. New Jersey, Mr. Livingston, and Mr. Dehart. Pennsylvania, Mr. Joseph Galloway, and Mr. Edward Biddle. Delaware government, Mr. Caesar Rodney, and Mr. McKean. Maryland, Mr. Thomas Johnson, and Mr. Goldsborough. Virginia, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Pendleton. South Carolina, Mr. Lynch, and Mr. J. Rutledge.
Agreed that the second committee consist of one chosen from each colony, as follows:
New Hampshire, Mr. Sullivan. Massachusetts Bay, Mr. Cushing. Rhode Island, Mr. Hopkins. Connecticut, Mr. Deane. New York, Mr. Low. New Jersey, Mr. Kinley. Pennsylvania, Mr. Mifflin. Delaware government, Mr. Read. Maryland, Mr. Chase. Virginia, Mr. Henry. South Carolina, Mr. Gadson.
Ordered, that Isaac Lefevre, and James Lynch, be employed as door-keepers and messengers to this Congress.
Resolved, that the President may adjourn the Congress from day to day, when he finds there is no business prepared to be laid before them, and may, when he finds it necessary, call them together before the time to which they may stand adjourned.
Adjourned till to-morrow morning, 9 o'clock.
The President, agreeable to the resolve of the 7th instant, adjourned the Congress from day to day till
MONDAY, Sept. 12. The Congress met. Matthew Tilghman, Esq; one of the Delegates from Maryland, appeared and took his seat. — No business being prepared for the Congress, the President adjourned it till Tuesday, and from Tuesday till Wednesday.
WEDNESDAY, Sept. 14, A. M. William Hooper and Joseph Hewes, Esquires, two of the Deputies from North Carolina, attended the Congress, and produced their credentials, which being read and approved, they took their seats.
Henry Wisner, a Delegate from the county of Orange, in the colony of New York, appeared at Congress, and produced a certificate of his election by the said county, which being read and approved, he took his seat in Congress as a Deputy for the colony of New York.
George Ross, one of the Delegates for the Province of Pennsylvania, and John Alsop, Esq; one of the Delegates for the colony of New York, appeared and took their seats in Congress.
Ordered, that William Hooper and Joseph Hewes, Esquires, from North Carolina, be added to the committee appointed to state the rights of the colonies.
Ordered, that William Hooper, Esq; be one of the committee appointed to report the statutes which affect the trade, &c. of the colonies.
The Delegates from the province of Massachusetts Bay, agreeable to a request from the joint committees of every town and district in the county of Middlesex, in the said province, communicated to the Congress the proceedings of those committees at Concord, on the 30th and 31st days of August last, which were read.
Adjourned till to-morrow, at 9 o'clock.
No business being prepared, the Congress was adjourned from day to day till Saturday morning, at 9 o'clock.
SATURDAY, Sept. 17, A. M. The Congress met according to adjournment. — Richard Caswell, Esq; one of the Deputies from North Carolina, appeared and took his seat in Congress.
[Here comes in the resolves of the county of Suffolk, in the province of the Massachusetts Bay, which have been published in most of the newspapers on this continent.]
SATURDAY, Sept. 18. The committee appointed to examine and report the several statutes, which affect the trade and manufactures of the colonies, brought in their report, which was ordered to lie on the table. — Adjourned till Monday morning.
MONDAY, Sept. 20, A. M. The Congress met according to adjournment.
The report brought in on Saturday being read,
Ordered, that the same be referred to the committee appointed to state the rights of the colonies, &c. to which committee the Hon. Thomas Cushing, Esq; Patrick Henry, and Thomas Mifflin, Esqrs. were added.
Adjourned from day to day till
THURSDAY, Sept. 23. The Congress met according to adjournment. Upon motion,
Resolved unanimously, that the Congress request the merchants and others in the several colonies, not to send to Great Britain any orders for goods, and to direct the execution of all orders already sent, to be delayed or suspended, until the sense of the Congress on the means to be taken, for the preservation of the liberties of America is made publick.
Ordered, that this resolution be made publick by hand bills, and by publishing it in the newspapers.
The committee appointed to state the rights, &c. of the colonies having brought in a report of rights, the same was read, and the consideration of it referred till Saturday next.
Ordered, that a copy of this report be made out for each colony.
SATURDAY, Sept. 24, A. M. The Congress entered upon the consideration of the report referred to this day, and after some debate, upon motion,
Resolved, that the Congress do confine themselves at present to the consideration of such rights as have been infringed by acts of the British Parliament since the year 1763, postponing the further consideration of the general state of American rights to a future day.
Hereupon the committee appointed to state the rights, &c. brought in a report of the infringements and violations of American rights, which being read, upon motion,
Resolved, that the consideration of this report be referred till Monday, and that the Congress in the mean time deliberate on the means most proper to be used for a restoration of our rights.
After some debate on the subject, the Congress adjourned.
MONDAY, Sept. 26, A. M. The Congress met according to adjournment.
John Herring, Esq; a deputy from Orange county, in the colony of New York, appeared this morning and took his seat as a Delegate for that colony.
The Congress resumed the consideration of the means, &c. and after several hours spent thereon, it was referred till to-morrow, to which time the Congress was adjourned.
TUESDAY, Sept. 27, A. M. The Congress met according to adjournment, and resuming the consideration of the means most proper to be used for a restoration of American rights,
Resolved unanimously, that from and after the first day of December next, there be no importation into British America from Great Britain or Ireland, of any goods, wares, or merchandise whatever, or from any other place, of any such goods, wares, or merchandise, as shall have been exported from Great Britain or Ireland, and that no such goods, wares, or merchandise imported after the said first day of December next, be used or purchased. — Adjourned till to-morrow.
Wednesday and Thursday being taken up in the consideration and debates on the means, &c. the Congress met on Friday, 30th of September, and upon the question,
Resolved, that from and after the 10th day of September, 1775, the exportation of all merchandise and every commodity whatsoever to Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies ought to cease, unless the grievances of America are redressed before that time.
Ordered, that Mr. Cushing, Mr. Low, Mr. Mifflin, Mr. Lee, and Mr. Johnson, be a committee to bring in a plan for carrying into effect, the non-importation, non-consumption, and non-exportation resolved on.
WEDNESDAY, Oct. 5. An Address from William Goddard, to the Congress was read, and ordered to lie on the table.
THURSDAY, Oct. 6. The Congress resumed the consideration of the means proper to be used for a restoration of American rights. During this debate, an express from Boston arrived with a letter from the Committee of Correspondence dated the 29th of September, which was laid before the Congress.
In this the Committee of Correspondence inform the Congress, that they "expected some regard would have been paid to the petitions presented to their Governour, against fortifying their town in such a manner as can be accounted for only upon the supposition, that the town and country are to be treated by the soldiery as declared enemies; that the entrenchments upon the Neck are nearly completed; that cannon are mounted at the entrance of the town; that it is currently reported, that fortifications are to be erected on Corpse Hill, Bacon Hill, Fort Hill, &c. so that the fortifications, with the ships in the harbour may absolutely command every avenue to the town both by sea and land; that a number of cannon, the property of a private Gentleman, were a few days ago seized and taken from his wharf by order of the General; that from several circumstances mentioned in the letter, there is reason to apprehend, that Boston is to be made and kept a garrisoned town; that from all they can hear from Britain, administration is resolved to do all in their power to force them to a submission; that when the town is enclosed, it is apprehended the inhabitants will be held as hostages for the submission of the country; they apply therefore to the Congress for advice how to act; that, if the Congress advise to quit the town, they obey; if it is judged that by maintaining their ground they can better serve the publick cause, they will not shrink from hardship and danger; finally, that as the late acts of Parliament have made it impossible that there should be due administration of justice, and all law therefore must be suspended; that as the Governour has by Proclamation prevented the meeting of the General Court; they therefore request the advice of the Congress."
Ordered, that this letter be taken into consideration to-morrow morning.
The Congress then resumed the consideration of the means, &c.
Resolved, that the committee appointed to prepare the form of an association, be directed to adopt the following clause, viz. that from and after the first day of December next, no molasses, coffee, or pimenta, from the British plantations or from Dominica, or wines from Madeira and the Western Islands, or foreign indigo be imported into these colonies.
FRIDAY, Oct. 7. The Congress resumed the consideration of the letter from the Committee of Correspondence in Boston, and after some debate,
Resolved, that a committee be appointed to prepare a letter to his Excellency General Gage, representing "that the town of Boston and province of Massachusetts Bay, are considered by all America as suffering in the common cause for their noble and spirited opposition to oppressive acts of Parliament calculated to deprive us of our most sacred rights and privileges." Expressing our concern, that, while the Congress are deliberating on the most peaceable means for restoring American liberty, and that harmony and intercourse, which subsisted between us and the parent kingdom so necessary to both, his Excellency, as they are informed, is raising fortifications round the town of Boston, thereby exciting well grounded jealousies in the minds of his Majesty's faithful subjects therein, that he means to cut off all communication between them and their brethren in the country, and reduce them to a state of submission to his will, and that the soldiers under his Excellency's command, are frequently violating private property, and offering various insults to the people, which must irritate their minds, and if not put a stop to, involve all America in the horrors of a civil war. To entreat his Excellency, from the assurance we have of the peaceable disposition of the inhabitants of the town of Boston and the province of the Massachusetts Bay, to discontinue his fortifications, and that a free and safe communication be restored and continued between the town of Boston and

the country, and prevent all injuries on the part of the troops, until his Majesty's pleasure shall be known, after the measures now adopting shall have been laid before him.
Mr. Lynch, Mr. S. Adams, and Mr. Pendleton, are appointed a committee to draught a letter agreeable to the foregoing resolution.
SATURDAY, Oct. 8. The Congress resumed the consideration of the letter from Boston, and upon motion,
Resolved, that this Congress approve the opposition of the inhabitants of the Massachusetts Bay, to the execution of the late Acts of Parliament; and if the same shall be attempted to be carried into execution by force, in such case, all America ought to support them in their opposition.
[To be concluded in our next.]
WILLIAMSBURG, January 20, 1775.
THE several Counties and Corporations in this Colony are requested to elect Delegates to represent them in Convention, who are desired to meet at the Town of RICHMOND, in the County of HENRICO, on Monday the 20th of March next.
PEYTON RANDOLPH, MODERATOR.
To Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER.
GENTLEMEN,
Williamsburg, Jan. 18, 1775.
THE very distinguished Honor conferred by a Reverend Gentleman in making me so free a Tender of his Orthodoxy and Learning I accept with all that Thankfulness, which is due for Things of such inestimable Price. The one was made too conspicuous on former Occasions to be now questioned, and, of the other, his last Letter affords the World one of the most admirable Specimens. Beggars we are told have no Right to choose; but, will he pardon me, for once, if I indulge a Wish that he had favoured me with his Candour and Politeness also; these would have made the Present complete and added Grace and Dignity to my Cabinet of Curiosities. The Pleasure arising from a deliberate Consideration of his Letter must, without Doubt, amply recompence the Reader for any Pains he may be at.
The Gentleman finds that I "still persist in the Opinion that the Queries were written by him." Had I stood in Need of any additional Proof, could he have given me one more cogent, than his last elaborate Attempt to justify them? It is to be wished that he had found out another Thing; I mean, that a Man, a Christian and a Clergyman, when he undertakes to state Facts, should be careful to do it fairly and faithfully, without mutilating Sentences, suppressing some material Parts and adding Things, which had no Existence. He would have us think him at least a Dabbler in the Law. How does he understand that Part of the Maxim called Suppressio Veri; a Suppression of the Truth ? My Book tells me that it amounts to a Suggestio Falsi; a Suggestion of Falsehood . Whether he had such trifling Things, as these, in View, when he undertook to examine Mr. Laughton's Testimony, the Gentleman himself can best answer; but the Reader will judge whether he paid a proper Regard to them. I beg your Attention to his curious Relation of the Matter.
"Mr. Laughton hath furnished you with a Certificate, which, from its Inaccuracy and Futility, I can scarcely suppose was drawn up by any One, who pretends to be a Lawyer; much less that it should be offered by a Lawyer as a Proof that I wrote the Queries, when there is not a Syllable to evince that they were written by me any more than by you; nor that either Mr. Laughton or myself knew aught of their Contents." The Gentleman, from his Knowledge of the curiously Manner, in which News-Papers are generally read, might have hoped that this would pass current with many for a true State of the Evidence; but could he expect to palm it on those, who read such Things with a tolerable Degree of Attention? He hath long since taught me to be suspicious of every Thing, which drops from his Pen. His very first Overture suggests a Caution. "Mr. Laughton hath furnished you with a Certificate, &c." as if he would insinuate that I had been tampering with Mr. Laughton, a Store or Book-Keeper to Messrs. Purdie and Dixon, and I make no Doubt a very worthy, honest Man. Another plain Suggestion (though introduced with a seeming Irony) is that either I myself drew the Certificate or employed a Gentleman of the Law to do it for me. What Authority had he for either of these Insinuations? In my Letter containing a Copy of the Certificate, and addressed to Messrs. Purdie and Dixon, I told the Public, as the Truth was, that these Gentlemen had furnished me with it. If I know Mr. Laughton by Sight, it is as much as I do; but I declare that I never exchanged one Word with him on the Subject. I had, indeed, heard what he could say, but knew Nothing of the Certificate till it was delivered to me in the identical Words, in which it was published. As to its Inaccuracy, it may not, perhaps, be trick'd up so much like a whipt Syllabus , as the Gentleman would have done it; or it may not be so pointed, as a certain RECANTATION of his own inditing formerly was; but I will venture to say it carries with it something more material; I mean the authentic Marks of Honesty and Truth . In Respect to the Futility, with which the Certificate stands charged, your Readers will judge whether it doth not fully answer the Purpose, for which it was produced. But it seems he can scarcely suppose that a Lawyer would offer such a Certificate as a Proof that he wrote the Queries, when there is not a Syllable to evince that they were written by him any more than by me. Having long since given over the Practice of the Law, I do not know whether I may venture to rank myself amongst Gentlemen of that learned Profession; but, from the little Smattering I have left, I will venture to pronounce that there are many Syllables contained in the Certificate sufficient to evince the Fact. Let the Question be proposed to an Hundred Men, whether from such Evidence the Rev. Mr. Henley was or was not, in their Opinions, the Author of the Queries, and I will again hazard my first Guess that, at least, ninety nine of them would answer in the Affirmative. This is not the first Instance, in which the Gentleman has endeavoured to shelter himself under a Defect of positive Proof to fix a Charge of Authorship upon him, though from the Secrecy and Privacy of the Transaction, the many Doublings and Windings made Use of, it could hardly have been expected. He should consider with a little more Attention the Nature of Evidence arising from Circumstances. Some are so slight as to induce only a Suspicion; these ought to have but little Weight; but there are other Circumstances so strong and stubborn in their Nature, as to create a violent Presumption, and these, I think, my old Acquaintance LORD COKE used to tell me amount to plena Probatio; a full Proof . From a Combination of such overbearing Circumstances, I concluded the Gentleman to be the Author of the Queries; with how much Justice and Propriety others may judge. It may be remembered, and, if it should have been forgotten by any of your Readers, I must desire their Attention to my last Letter, that I did not so much rely on his being the Author of the Queries; but insisted on his having approved and published them, which I thought made him as culpable, if not more so, than the Author himself. Of this Fact the Proof adduced was direct and positive; though he is pleased to assert that there was not in Mr. Laughton's Certificate one Syllable to evince that either Mr. Laughton or he knew aught of the Contents of the Queries. The Letter mentioned in the Certificate, as I understand, was nothing more than the usual Address to the Printers desiring them to publish the underwritten Queries and signed "An Associator." This Letter Mr. Laughton declares was delivered to him OPEN by Mr. Henley, which he said was sent to him to be published; but told Mr. Laughton, "he did not choose that any One should know it came from him, unless Mr. Purdie." I don't find that, in any Part of his Letter, the Gentleman positively denies (and I suppose
he thinks Nothing is to be regarded but what is very positive ) that he was acquainted with the Contents of the Letter delivered; but his Insinuation that this Fact had not been proved must surely amount to the same Thing; at least, here is the Suppressio Veri . I submit it that the Fact was clearly proved beyond Contradiction. The Letter was open, when he delivered it, and who can doubt his having examined the Contents? Suppose it had been sealed; the Proof is equally strong that he knew the Contents, and that he was conscious of his doing a Thing, which he ought not; else, why the Caution given to Mr. Laughton to keep his Delivering it a Secret from every One except Mr. Purdie? Give me Leave to examine a little farther the Gentleman's own Account of this dirty Piece of Business.
He says "the only Concern I had with it was to transmit it to the Printer." By a strange Kind of Logic, and, from his new System of Morality, he endeavours to persuade us that he should have committed a Breach of a moral Duty, if he had not complied with his Engagement. I should have supposed it would rather have been a Sort of Violence offered to Morality in the first Instance for so strict a Moralist to undertake the Publication of a scandalous Libel; whether his prosecuting such an Engagement to Effect contributed towards healing the first Breach of Duty must be submitted to his own peculiar Sort of Casuistry. It would no Doubt, give mortal Offence to so great a Master of Language and the true Sublime, were I to presume, in any Instance, to question the Propriety of his Diction; I must therefore suppose that he annexes proper and adequate Ideas to all his Expressions. What are we then to understand by his transmitting the Letter to the Printer? This surely cannot mean that he delivered it with his own Hand. My Suspicions are up again; and I cannot but suppose that there was some latent Design to leave an Impression on the Minds of his Readers that he barely received the Letter and transmitted it to the Printer by a Messenger, as any innocent Person might have done, without knowing the Contents. The Passage here remarked appears about the Middle of the Letter, but it would have served as an excellent Introduction to that inimitable Comparison drawn between the Writer and my Servant. Surely this could not have been intended to illustrate that excellent Rule of the Schools lately discovered, that Similes should run upon All-Fours; this does not seem to limp on a single Toe. Fidus, a trusty, faithful Servant, indeed, though, at the same Time, so illiterate, as not to know a Letter in a Book, much less capable of reading what is written in a cramped, disguised Hand, is here supposed to be sent with a Letter to the Printer; he is not told, nor hath he any Means of knowing the Contents of this Letter; he very innocently delivers it, as directed; it turns out to be an infamous Libel. What Man of Sense would blame poor Fidus for this? And who, but Mr. Henley, would have insulted the Understanding of his Readers by such a Comparison? Surely a Blister, the strait Waistcoat or some other topical Application would have been extremely seasonable to prevent so strange and wild a Reverie. Were Fidus, poor Fellow, a Dabbler in Books, and capable of writing so cleverly, he might, with strict Justice to himself, have resented the Comparison and told the Gentleman in the Words of Mr. Pope,
"Honor and Shame from no Condition rise;
"Act well your Part; there all the Honor lies, &c."
I am now led to take a little Notice of what our very learned Writer is pleased to honor with the Appellation of spark Non-sense . He had, in his first Letter, averred "that the Queries in Question (whoever was their Author) were not written by him nor with his Knowledge." This I could not but consider as a plain and designed Insinuation that he really did not know who the Author was; and, in Answer to it, after stating the Proofs, I said, "that the Queries were written with his Knowledge either preceding or subsequent No One can doubt." In full Expectation of involving me in an Absurdity, he asks, "how could I possibly know that the Queries were written before they were written? Or, if they were written before I knew it, how doth a subsequent Knowledge of the Fact make me the Writer?" It is obvious that, in this Passage, I was only speaking of his Knowledge of the Author. Well aware how very slippery a Gentleman I had to deal with, I resolved to endeavour, at least, to cut off every Subterfuge he might endeavour to sculk under. He hath, to get rid of this Embarrassment, distorted some of my Expressions and misrepresented others; I am sure my Words will not bear the Sense or rather Non-sense, he has endeavoured to expose them to. I grant he could not know the Queries were written, that is (if his Critique has any Meaning) were actually committed to Paper, before they were so committed to Paper; but still I say he might have been acquainted with their Author and had such a preceding Knowledge, as I spoke of. Suppose, for Instance, a Person should, in Confidence, tell me that he designed to write such and such Queries; it is possible that I might assist him with my Thoughts on the Occasion; the Queries afterwards appear in Print, and were, perhaps, conveyed to the Press through my Means; could I, consistent with Truth, suggest that I did not know the Author, or say that they were written without my Knowledge? And might not this, with strict Propriety, be called a previous or preceding Knowledge? Again; suppose I had never heard of such Queries, till after they were written; the Author delivers or sends them to me with a Request to have them published; could I, consistent with Truth, suggest that I did not know the Author, or, without Prevarication, say that they were written without my Knowledge? And might not this properly enough be called a subsequent Knowledge? The Gentleman's Hypothesis, "if they were written before I knew it," is of his own coining and was thrust in purely to introduce this Question, "how doth a subsequent Knowledge of the Fact make me the Writer?" I never said that it did, nor any Thing like it; so that here the Gentleman is plainly contending without an Opponent, and his Triumph, if any, must be enjoyed without any Sort of Victory.
His Strictures on my Observations respecting his Law Maxim are equally interesting and curious with the foregoing. To analyze and explain this Part of the Subject properly, I should be obliged to quote a large Portion of my Answer to the Querist's third Accusation; but this, I fear, would require a much greater Indulgence, than I can have any Right to ask either of you or the Public. I must therefore take the Liberty of referring your Readers to that Part of my first Letter. Upon revising it, I am persuaded that they will be able to detect the Gentleman's Sophistry almost at a Glance. Permit me, however, at present, to pay a proper Respect to that fundamental Principle of Christianity, which he hath quoted and which neither of us ought ever to lose Sight of. "Whatsoever ye would that Men should do unto you, do ye even so to them." It seems, in the Gentleman's Opinion, that I have transgressed this sacred Rule by retorting the Law Maxim quoted against me by the Querist. But how have I done this? I did, indeed, question the Propriety of that Maxim, as it was applied to me. Had it been given up, I should have said no more about it; but presuming that the Querist still relied upon it as one of his strong Holds, I indeed wanted to re-call the Gentleman's Attention to what was held out to me as "a Rule of common and legal Justice," and think I shewed clearly that he had transgressed it in a most flagrant Manner. His Skill and Ingenuity in turning the Tables upon me is stupendous. He first relies on a Maxim, which he will not allow me the equal Use of, and then complains that I refuse him a Privilege, which I claim to myself.—So much for his Predicatus—a hard Word in Logic, which the Gentleman will do well to understand a little better, than he seems to do at present.
Upon what Occasion the Gentleman hath found me vapouring on my Orthodoxy and Rectitude I am at a Loss to discover, unless it is to be collected from the Exercise of an essential Part of my Duty, as a Vestryman of this Parish, in shewing him deficient in both these Qualities: But for this, I should never have concerned myself with him. According to his Notion of Things, I suppose,
whenever he reprobates Vice, we are to understand his Lecture as an Encomium on his own Virtue; whenever he attempts to expose what he may be pleased to call Bigotry to an established Church, we are to consider it as a Panegyric on the Profundity of his own free thinking; and whenever he pours forth his Complaints of being ill-used and treated with Scarcity, we are to believe him made up of Modesty, Politeness, &c. though his Pen is so often dipt in Gall, and his Language consists of the Filth and Off-scourings of Billingsgate. He is exceedingly mistaken in supposing that the Queries have left any Soreness about me, or that I required any Length of Time to grow calm. I have said the Truth in acknowledging that I was irritated at my first reading them; but, had the Gentleman felt my Pulse ever since, he would have found it perfectly serene. I neither fret nor foam at the Author or Publisher, but leave them both, if they really are distinct Persons, to the Strictures of their own Consciences, and to the Justice of the more impartial World.
If Suspicions to my Prejudice had prevailed so extensively, as is insinuated, it became the more necessary for me to remove them; perhaps, in this Respect, I may be under some Obligations to the Querist for giving me an Opportunity of doing it, however awkward and ungracious his Method of conferring Favors. If my Answer was thought tedious by the Gentleman or his Friend, the Legislator, of facetious and Hudibrastick Talents; they should recollect that the Thesis given me to write upon consisted of three important Members; these I was under a Necessity of dissecting, and a few Things were thrown in for the Use of certain Coadjutors, who it is hoped have found the Cap to fit them tolerably well, and they are at full Liberty to wear it.
The Gentleman's Declaration, that he never did and never intends to write any Thing to me without the Signature of his Name, may seem fair and honest; without Question, such an un-doubted Resolution will meet with the Applause it deserves; but can he say that he never wrote any Thing of me and to my Prejudice under a borrowed Signature? The most timid and dangerous Animal, when driven from its Covert and closely pursued, will, at least, exhibit a Kind of Fortitude extremely like what he boasts of. Be pleased to observe, it is not intended that this Simile should run on all fours; I would only have the parallel Lines of it measured.
Mr. Norton will judge of the Gentleman's Regard for his Character by the Fruits it hath produced; and no Doubt, must hold himself obliged to look out and provide for him much greater Delicacies, than are to be culled from common, paltry News-Papers.
If an Apology should be thought necessary for the Trouble so very disagreeable a Contest may have given you or the Public, I have only to hope that it will be remembered in what Manner I was dragged into it. I formerly cut short another Dispute the same Gentleman had wantonly involved me in. I thought it unreasonable that any internal Differences, of whatever Kind, should appear amongst us; and, though I had, in my own Opinion, at least, provided the most ample Materials, I declined answering the latter Part of his extraordinary Pamphlet, leaving to him the full Enjoyment of his supposed Victory; but these Laurels, it seems, were not adequate to his Ambition.
I shall still retain the same Signature, which I used at first merely in Contrast to that assumed by the Querist, but not with the most distant Wish to have my real Name concealed.
I am, Gentlemen,
Your most obedient Servant,
THE REAL ASSOCIATOR.
BOSTON, December 29.
A GENTLEMAN is arrived at Salem, in a vessel from Cape Nichola Mole, which he left the 17th of November. Just as he was coming away, a vessel arrived from the island of Cuba, which he left only two days before, the master of which informed him that he was obliged to quit the island in the greatest hurry, and leave all his cargo behind, there being so many Spanish vessels cruising to intercept all provision vessels bound to the island of Jamaica, that it was hardly possible for any to escape. This may be depended on as a fact, and all the French and Spaniards were employed night and day in repairing and building fortifications with the greatest expedition, and furnishing all their garrisons with a large stock of provisions and ammunition. During his stay at the Mole, transports were arriving daily with troops and provisions.
We hear that on Friday last a soldier of the 64th regiment was found froze to death on Dorchester Neck.
Last Saturday morning one William Ferguson, a soldier of the 10th regiment, lately arrived from Quebec, aged 28, was shot at the bottom of the common in this town, for desertion.
NEWPORT (RHODE ISLAND) Dec. 26.
BY late letters from Bristol and London, the people in those cities are extremely enraged at the measures pursuing against America; some of which letters intimate, that if the ministerial plans are not changed for the better, the Parliament House will not be suffered to stand.
Last Monday a brig arrived here from England, loaded with military stores, on account of government, so called. She had 11 weeks passage, and we hear is bound to New York.
The people of New London, and adjacent towns, a few days past, removed 40 pieces of cannon from New London harbour, back into the country, out of the reach of highsea robbers.
We hear General Gage has sent a number of spies into the country; and we dare say, that the more he spies the less he will like to commence hostilities! We also hear, that some few of those spies have returned, and pronounced the people all over the country mad—with the spirit of liberty and military discipline!
WILLIAMSBURG, Jan. 21.
WEDNESDAY last being the day for celebrating the birth of her Majesty, his Excellency the Earl of Dunmore gave a ball and elegant entertainment at the Palace to a numerous company of Ladies and Gentlemen. The same day his Lordship's youngest daughter was baptized by the name of VIRGINIA.
On Saturday last were united in holy matrimony, BEVERLEY RANDOLPH, Esq; of Chatworth, to Miss MARTHA COCKE, eldest daughter of James Cocke, Esq; of this city. In this amiable couple every manly and tender virtue conspire to render the marriage state completely happy.
"Perpetual harmony their bed attend, And Hymen still the well-match'd fair befriend. May she, when time has sunk him into years, Love her old man, and cherish his white hairs; Nor he perceive her charms through age decay, But think each happy turn his bridal day."
MART. EPIG.
Deaths.] Mrs. ANNE TAYLOR, spouse of Mr. William Taylor, merchant of New Kent. She was universally beloved, and she has not left a woman of a more humane temper and generous disposition behind her. Last Wednesday her obsequies, attended by a numerous train of relations and friends, were deposited in the family grave yard at Winterham, in Amelia.
Mrs. ANNE SHERMER, relict of the late Mr. John Shermer of James City county, whose death was mentioned in our last.
PORTSMOUTH, Jan. 12. Last week a deputation from this town waited on Capt. Montague, and the other Gentlemen officers on board his Majesty's ship the Fowey, and delivered them a card of thanks for the important aid they afforded at a late alarming fire in that town, and for the constant readiness they have always shown to assist every trading vessel in distress. The address was politely received; and Captain Montague having thanked them, was pleased to say, "He ever would be disposed to grant every assistance in his power, when consistent with his duty."

By his EXCELLENCY the Right Hon. JOHN EARL of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of VIRGINIA, and Vice Admiral of the same:
A PROCLAMATION.
VIRGINIA, to wit.
WHEREAS the General Assembly stands prorogued to the first Thursday in the next Month, but it is judged expedient that they should be farther prorogued, I have therefore thought proper, by and with the Consent and Advice of his Majesty's Council, farther to prorogue the said Assembly to the first Thursday in May next.
GIVEN under my Hand, and the Seal of the Colony, this 19th Day of January, in the fifteenth Year of his Majesty's Reign.
DUNMORE.
GOD SAVE THE KING.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
JUST PUBLISHED,
And to be sold by DIXON and HUNTER, at their PRINTING OFFICE, in WILLIAMSBURG,
The OFFICE and AUTHORITY OF A
JUSTICE OF PEACE
Explained and digested under proper Titles.
To WHICH ARE ADDED, Full and correct PRECEDENTS of all Kinds of PROCESS necessary to be used by Magistrates; in which also the Duty of SHERIFFS, and other PUBLICK OFFICERS, is properly discussed. By RICHARD STARKE, Esquire.
An APPRENTICE to the Printing Business is wanted at this Office, a Lad about 14 Years of Age, with a tolerable Education.
ABOUT 600l. Sterling Worth of EUROPEAN GOODS to be sold at a low Advance for Cash, or short Credit. For Terms inquire of the Printers.
SOUTHAMPTON County, Jan. 9, 1775.
THE Subscriber purchased of Thomas Owen, late of Pennsylvania County, in the Colony of Virginia, 500 Acres of Land, situate in the County of Gilford, and Province of North Carolina, for which he was to pay the said Owen the Consideration of 300 Pounds Virginia Currency, at four different Payments; and having paid the two first Payments, and not having any Right or Title made to the said Land, except that I have an Assignment of Mr. John Ward's Bond to the said Thomas Owen for the Performance of the Title of the said Land: And as I am apprehensive that the said Ward will not convey the said Land to me without Compulsion, I therefore think myself at Liberty not to make any further Payments, either to the said Owen or any other Person to whom he may assign my Bond, until I have a proper Title to the Land above mentioned; of which all Persons will take Notice.
EDWARD HARRIS.
JOURNEYMEN Shoemakers, who understand making Boots and Men's Wood Heel Shoes, by applying to the Printers, may be informed where they can meet with great Encouragement.
TO BE SOLD,
On WEDNESDAY the 2d of FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
THE Houses and Lots, with a good Well of Water, belonging to the late Matthew Teuwell, deceased, pleasantly situated in St. Mary's Street, leading to the Capitol Landing. At the same Time will be sold a great Variety of exceeding good Household and Kitchen Furniture, Carpenters, Joiners, and Turners Tools, a Quantity of Timber, Plank, Boards, and Pipe Staves, a Riding Chair, Cart, &c. Six Months Credit will be allowed for all Sums above 50s. upon Bond with sufficient Security.
ALL Persons that are indebted to the said Estate are requested to make immediate Payment; those who have any Demands against it are desired to bring them in, properly authenticated.
MARY TEUWELL, Executrix.
WANTED,
A TUTOR properly qualified to teach Latin, Writing, and Arithmetick, and can be well recommended. Apply to
ROBERT BEVERLEY.
BLANDFIELD (Essex) Jan. 14, 1775.
BY Direction of the Williamsburg Committee, will be disposed of, at publick Sale, for ready Money, before Mr. John Greenhow's Door, on Wednesday the 25th Instant, several Packages of EUROPEAN GOODS, imported in the Ship Alexander, Capt. Ker, from Liverpool, and by the Owners delivered to the Committee to be sold, agreeable to the tenth Article of the Continental Congress.
By Order of the Committee,
MATTHEW DAVENPORT, Clk.
The Sale to begin at 10 o'Clock in the Forenoon.
FOR SALE,
For ready Money, at the Plantation where Capt. HENRY GILBERT lately lived, in the upper End of HANOVER County,
ABOUT 300 Barrels of Corn, which will be delivered by Mr. John Huckstep (now Overseer on the said Plantation for Col. Thomas Nelson) on Application being first made to
HANOVER Town, } THOMAS SIMPSON. Jan. 10, 1775.
PRINCE EDWARD, Dec. 1, 1775.
WHEREAS my Wife Delphia hath been a naughty, furious Housewife for some Years past, and hath invented, and reported certain Slanders, to the Prejudice of my Character, and hath often threatened to ruin me, which she hath in some Part effected: This is therefore to forewarn all Merchants and others, from crediting her on my Account, as I will pay no Debts of her contracting; and I do hereby forewarn all Persons from receiving at her Hand, any Goods or Chattels, appertaining to me, as they will answer the same at their Peril.
THOMAS COLDWELL.
THOUGH I advertised, not long since, my Coal at 10d. per Bushel, ready Money, yet, from the Difficulty of receiving the Cash, and obtaining the Coal out of deep Pits, I am induced to declare that I will not take less than 12d. a Bushel ready Money, or the Assumption of some Substantial Merchant in Warwick, Manchester, or Richmond, for the Payment of the same in six Months from the Delivery of the Coal. Those who have hitherto been punctual may expect the same Credit as formerly. SAMUEL DU VAL.
FREDERICKSBURG, Jan. 10, 1775.
ALL Gentlemen Planters, Farmers, and
others, will be pleased to take Notice that the Store lately kept by Mr. George Mitchell of Fredericksburg, for Account of Robert Jardine of London, is now managed and directed by the Principal, who is come in for that Purpose; therefore all Debts due to that Concern will be received by him and his Assistant, John Monroe, who is properly authorised: And the said Robert Jardine, for the Encouragement of all Gentlemen indebted to his Store, will allow, over and above every Store in Fredericksburg, 1s. per Hundred for Tobacco, and 3d. per Bushel for Wheat, in Payment of their Debts, till the 4th Day of September next. He has for Sale a Quantity of very neat HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, with some very fine large LOOKING-GLASSES, and a large Quantity of the most excellent PORT WINE that ever was in this Colony, which is now above 5 Years old; also about 50 Dozen of LONDON PORTER, fine OLD SPIRIT, WEST INDIA and CONTINENT RUM, SUGARS, &c. which will be sold exceeding cheap for ready Money, or short Credit, by their humble Servant, ROBERT JARDINE.
CABIN POINT, Jan. 3, 1775.
RAN away from the Brig Innermoy, lying at Brandon, on the 27th of December, an Apprentice Lad named WILLIAM JOHNSTON, about 17 or 18 Years of Age, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, is of a swarthy Complexion, a little pitted with the Smallpox, and knock-kneed. He was born in or near Williamsburg, where it is supposed he is now harbour'd; and was bound by Order of James City Court to a Staymaker in Surry County. He carried away a new Sailor's Jacket and Breeches of blue Duffel, with white Metal Buttons, and lined with white Plaid, a green Jacket pretty much worn, a blue and white broad striped Cotton and Thread under Jacket, Country made Shoes and Stockings, one or two Pair of Sailor's Trousers, and his Bed Clothes. Whoever secures him so that I get him again shall have 15s. Reward. All Captains of Ships, or Masters of Vessels, are forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. JAMES BELCHES.
CABIN POINT, January 13, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Brandon Parish, Prince George County, a Negro Fellow named ADAM, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, 23 Years of Age, Virginia born, and remarkably artful; had on, when he ran off, an Osnaburg Shirt, a Negro Cotton Jacket, a Pair of old blue Cloth Breeches, and Cotton Gambadoes. Whoever secures the said Runaway in any of his Majesty's Gaols, so that I may get him again, or delivers him to me, shall have 20s. Reward. JAMES NIBLET.
NEWCASTLE, Dec. 22, 1774.
RUN away on the 10th Day of December, 1774, WILLIAM SMITH, a Scotchman, who is about 23 Years of Age, and about 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, speaks very bad English, has a yellow Complexion, a long Visage, a down Look, dark coloured hair, and a Mould on his right Cheek. He had on, when he went away, a light coloured Broadcloth Coat, which is broke at the Elbows, and with very few Buttons on it, a pale blue Duroy Waistcoat, a Pair of deep blue Sagathy Breeches, coarse Shoes, several Pair of Stockings, Steel Buckles, a coarse Felt Hat, a Newmarket Coat of light Bath Coating, no bound, but stitched on the Edges, with Deathhead Buttons on it, a Pair of Wrappers, rather of a darker Colour than the Newmarket Coat, and a large Spur, plated with Silver; he likewise carried off with him, a black Satin Capuchin, a Piece of new Virginia Cloth, containing eight Yards, striped with blue and Copperas, and emptied a Boulster of Feathers to carry them in. He is very sickly, and stole out of my Stable a black Horse, with a great many white Hairs about his Head, Neck, and Rump, with remarkable long Ears, which stand straight up, and very near together, and branded on his near Shoulder R C, and likewise on his near Buttock R C, with the same Mark above it, and is about 4 Feet 8 Inches high. He also stole a Saddle, and double Rein Bridle, about Half worn, a Saddle Cloth, striped across with red, and bound with red Ferret. He has a Discharge from the Earl of Dunmore's Clerk, which he is very fond of shewing. I hereby offer a Reward of FIFTY SHILLINGS for apprehending the said Smith, and securing the Horse, so that I may get him again, or FIVE POUNDS if taken out of the Colony. It is expected he will make for Wilmington, in North Carolina, as he has a Brother's Widow living there, who moved from Virginia some Time since. JOHN COCKBURN.
THREE POUNDS REWARD.
RAN away from the Subscriber, on the 1st of January, a middling dark Mulatto named STEPHEN, about 21 Years of Age, and thick made; had on, when he went off, a Negro Cotton Waistcoat and Breeches, an Osnaburg Shirt, and Negro made Shoes, with Pegs drove in the Soles; his Hair is cut off the Top of his Head, and but little remains at the Sides. He carried with him a white Mulatto Woman Slave named PHEBE, whose Hair is long, straight, and black; she had on a blue Waistcoat and Petticoat, and took with her two new Osnaburg Shirts, and a Suit of striped Virginia Cloth; she is about 21 Years of Age. They also carried off two Osnaburg Shirts, 6 or 7 Ells of Rolls, a new Dutch Blanket, and one about Half worn. It is imagined they will make for Carolina, and endeavour to pass for free People. All Persons are forewarned from harbouring them, at their Peril. Whoever brings them to me, or secures them in any Gaol, so that I may get them again, shall have the above Reward. HENRY HARDAWAY.
TWENTY SHILLINGS REWARD.
STOLEN out of the Subscriber's Stable, in Williamsburg, a large bay HORSE about 5 Feet high, a Star in his Forehead, both hind Feet white, his fore Hoofs cracked, and branded on the near Buttock with the Letter T. Whoever brings him to me in this City, shall receive the above Reward. W. F. BICKERTON.
COROTOMAN, Dec. 28, 1774.
THREE or four SHOP-JOINERS,
who are capable of executing the best Waincoat Work, may meet with Employment, and good Wages, from the Subscriber, in Lancaster County. CHARLES CARTER.
JANUARY 3, 1775.
THE PARTNERSHIP between Charles Hammond and myself being dissolved, the several Persons indebted to the Stores kept by him on Broad Run, and in Fauquier County, are to settle with, and pay their respective Balances to GUILBERT HARRISON.
NORFOLK, January 4, 1775.
BY Direction of the Committee for this
County, on Monday the 23d Instant, will be disposed of, at publick Sale, for ready Money, seven Parcels of Goods, containing Check Handkerchiefs, 3/6 Check, striped Holland, Bedtick, Irish Linen, Mens Hose, Thread, Osnaburg, Cutlery and other Hardware, Snuff and Barley, imported in the Richmond, Captain Patterson, from Glasgow, by Mr. Thomas McCulloch, and by him delivered to the Committee to be disposed of agreeable to the tenth Article of the Continental Congress.
By Order of the Committee, BENJAMIN CROOKER, Clk.
WANTED,
A PERSON who can come well recommended, unexceptionable in Point of Character, willing to undertake the Education of Children and Youth of both Sexes, and is qualified to teach the English, Latin, and Greek Languages in their Purity and Elegance; also Writing, Arithmetick, Accounts, and the Mathematicks. Such a Person will meet with good Encouragement from the Inhabitants of this Town, which is pleasantly situated on the River Rappahannock, in the Neighbourhood of a plentiful and thick inhabited Part of the Country. Here is a commodious School-House, lately built on the publick Lots, the free Use of which, for a Term of Years, will be granted, for the Purpose of establishing a Seminary, to any Gentleman who is properly qualified, and will settle here in the above-mentioned Capacity. There is no Doubt but a comfortable and genteel Living may be made of the School by a Man of Character, Diligence, and Abilities: It will be useless for any other to apply. PORT ROYAL, December 28, 1774.
FREDERICKSBURG, January 3, 1775.
NOTICE is hereby given, that the Partnership betwixt HORNER and WARD, of this Place, is dissolved; and all Persons who stand indebted to them are to pay the same to William Horner, who will discharge any Debts due from them. WILLIAM HORNER. JAMES WARD.
MY Affairs requiring my Return to England as soon as possible, I shall be greatly obliged to those Persons indebted as above that will enable me to do so, by a speedy Payment. I have a few European and other GOODS remaining on Hand, which I will dispose of, Wholesale or Retail, on the most reasonable Terms, for ready Money, Tobacco, or Wheat. WILLIAM HORNER.
To be SOLD
At BLANDFORD, to the highest Bidders, on THURSDAY the 2d of FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
TWELVE or thirteen exceeding likely SLAVES, belonging to Mr. Neil Buchanan, Senior, consisting of Men, Women, and Boys. Most of the Women are valuable House Servants, and can sew, spin, wash, iron, and cook. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of April 1776, on giving Bond, with approved Security; the Bonds that are not discharged when due to bear Interest from the Date. BOSLIN, } CHARLES DUNCAN, near Blandford, Jan. 2. ) Attorney for Mr. BUCHANAN.
TO BE SOLD,
On the fourth THURSDAY in MARCH next, being PITTSYLVANIA Court Day, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from Mr. JAMES ROBERTS,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND lying in the said County, containing about 400 Acres, being the Land whereon the Courthouse stands, near 100 Acres of which are cleared, and in good Order for Cropping. It is well calculated for a Taverner, as there are sundry Houses built for that Purpose, and is rented, this Year, for sixty Pounds. There are 50 Acres laid off in Lots for a Town, on several of which are Houses built that will suit Tradesmen. At the same Time will be sold, several NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children, among whom are two valuable Women House Servants; also Stocks of all Kinds. A good Title will be made, and the Terms agreed on at the Day of Sale, which shall be as convenient for the Purchaser as the Seller will admit. WILLIAM TUNSTALL.
TO BE SOLD,
Under the Direction of the Committee for the County of CHARLES CITY, on SATURDAY the 28th Instant, at the Store of AMOS and JAMES LADD in the said County,
SUNDRY Parcels of Goods lately imported from Great Britain. The Goods to be sold in Lots not over ten Pounds Value, and the Purchasers to pay the Purchase Money to the Subscribers upon the Delivery of the Articles bought. W. GREEN MUNFORD. WILLIAM GREGORY. PETER ROYSTER. THOMAS HOLT. JAMES EPPES.
TO BE LET
To the highest Bidder, for one, two, or three Years, on SATURDAY the 28th Instant,
THAT pleasant and healthy Situation belonging to the Estate of Robert Crawley, deceased, about 3 Miles from Williamsburg, on which Plantation are two small Orchards of bearing Apple Trees, a Variety of Cherry and other Fruit Trees, and a Spring of excellent Water very convenient. There are also several small Tenements belonging to the Estate, which may all be leased together, or separate, as may be agreed on that Day. Bond, with approved Security, will be required. JOHN FERGUSSON.
BERKLEY (Charles City) January 9, 1775.
RAN away from the Subscriber, the 8th Instant, a clear Mulatto Fellow named NICK, by Trade a Mill-wright, is about 25 Years of Age, about 5 Feet 5 Inches high, well set, speaks and walks very quick, has a Scar over one of his Eyes, and his Fingers much marked, by being often cut. He generally wears Leather Breeches, and a gray Great Coat, but has a Variety of Clothes. Some little Time since he was whipped, and has many fresh Marks on his Back. Whoever brings him to me shall have 3l. Reward, or 40s. for securing him in any Gaol, so that I may get him again. He is so very artful that he will escape from any One who is not extremely careful. He ran away some Time ago, and hired himself as a Freeman at a Saw Mill, either in Isle of Wight or Nansemond, and it is supposed may take the same Route. BENJAMIN HARRISON.
CHARLES CITY, January 7, 1775.
STOLEN out of the Subscriber's Stable,
last Night, a final bay HORSE about 4 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, 5 or 6 Years old, has a black Mane and Tail, was shod before, and has a small Sore on the left Side of his Back, which was hurt by a Saddle. The said Horse was taken from Dite Rattar of Louvenburg, by the Sheriff of this County, and sold at publick Sale last Court Day. Whoever brings him to me shall have 3l. Reward, and 6l. if the Offender is brought to Justice. ROBERT WALKER.

POETS CORNER.
A PIOUS REFLECTION.
LET epicures their giddy schemes advance, Religion scorn, and make a God of chance; Let fate, eternal, fill the stoic's breast, That bane of pleasure, and of truth the pest;
WILLIAMSBURG, January 2, 1775.
HAVING thought fit to entrust the Settlement of our late Partnership Books, and the Collection of our Debts, to Mr. HENRY LAUGHTON of this City; we shall be much obliged to all Persons in Arrears to us to discharge their Accounts by the last of the ensuing General Court, after which Time such as remain unpaid will be sent out to the Sheriffs of the different Counties; and those who have any Demands against the Concern, preceding this Date, are desired to send in their Accounts immediately.
ALEXANDER PURDIE. JOHN DIXON.
AMELIA, January 7, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber, about the 10th of May last, a light Mulatto Fellow named DICK, about 19 or 20 Years old, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, has dark Eyes, a bushy Head of dark Hair, a Scar on his upper Lip, and a down Look. He was taken up in Norfolk last October or November, and brought up James River as high as Mrs. Cocke's, in Charles City, but made his Escape, and is supposed to be returned to Norfolk, or Portsmouth, as he was employed there by several different Persons as a Freeman. He was formerly the Property of Dr. Strachan of King William, and understands something of the Carpenter's Trade. I will give 40s. Reward for having him committed to any of his Majesty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and 5l. if out of the Colony. All Masters of Vessels are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. (||) ANTHONY LAMB.
TAKEN up, in Cumberland, a bright bay MARE 4 or 5 Years old, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with a Star in her Forehead, a Snip on her Nose, and branded on the near Buttock, but not intelligible enough to be described. Posted, and appraised to 15l. GEORGE CARRINGTON.
THE SHERIFFS who are in Arrear to his Majesty's Revenue of QUITRENTS are desired to settle their Accounts with the Auditor, and pay their respective Balances into the Receiver's Office by the 25th of next March; after which Time the Name of every Sheriff who fails to make due Payment will be inserted in the Gazette. RICHARD CORBIN, D. R. G.
KING WILLIAM, December 29, 1774.
A PRIVATE TUTOR, capable of teaching the FRENCH and LATIN Languages, is wanted for about six Pupils. Such a Person, well recommended, will meet with Encouragement by applying to ROBERT HILL. SAMUEL GARLICK.
Just IMPORTED from LIVERPOOL, and to be disposed of, A FINE
FISHING SEINE,
75 Fathom long; 36 Feet deep in the Middle, five eighths of an Inch Mesh; Ends 21 Feet, seven eighths of an Inch Mesh; with the necessary Apparatus. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. LANDON CARTER.
FAUQUIER, Dec. 23, 1774.
ROBERT GILBERT, SHOEMAKER,
HAS opened Shop in the back Street, at the Place where he formerly lived, opposite to Mr. Richard Charlton's, and intends carrying on his Business in all its Branches, having on Hand a very neat Assortment of Leather proper for Boots and Shoes. The many Disappointments he formerly met with obliges him for the future to sell entirely for Cash. He returns his sincere Thanks to those who were his former Customers, and shall endeavour to render Satisfaction to all those who may please to employ him. Good Encouragement will be given to a Journeyman who understands making of Boots. (||)
IF any of the Offspring of John Ellason, deceased, are living, they may hear of Something greatly to their Advantage by applying to Samuel Swann of Nansemond, or John Swann of Cumberland.
WHEREAS there has been a Suit depending, some Time since, in Great Britain, which was brought by Samuel Dorrel, George Turner, John Noble, &c. Plaintiffs against Wilson Huggins, &c. Defendants, it being now determined in Favour of the Plaintiffs, the said Noble is hereby requested to make Application for his Part, and to pay his Proportion of Expenses. REUBEN TURNER, Executor of George Turner, deceased.
FALLS of POTOWMACK, Dec. 22, 1774.
At a Meeting of the Trustees for opening the Navigation of Potowmack River, held at George Town the first Day of December, 1774, present, THOMAS JOHNSON, Jun. Attorney at Law, WILLIAM DEAKIN, ADAM STEUART, THOMAS JOHNS. and THOMAS RICHARDSON, of George Town, Merchants, WILLIAM ELLZEY, ROBERT ALEXANDER, and PHILIP ALEXANDER, of Virginia, who ordered and directed that the Subscriber should, on the Credit, and at the Risk of the above-named Trustees, hire fifty Slaves to labour in cutting the Canals round the several Falls of said River: And at another Meeting of Trustees, for the Purpose aforesaid, held at Alexandria the 19th Day of the same Month, present, GEORGE WASHINGTON, JOHN CARLYLE, JOHN DALTON, and WILLIAM RAMSAY, Gentlemen, together with many of the Trustees at the former Meeting, who recognized and approved of the Order for hiring fifty Slaves, and agreed to become equally liable. In Consequence of which Order of the Trustees, I hereby give Notice that I want to hire Negro Men for the ensuing Year, for the Purpose above-mentioned. Any Person inclining to hire the Whole, or any Part of them, may see the Proceedings of the said Trustees, subscribed by and with their respective Hands, in my Custody. JOHN BALLENDINE.
WANTED, On Charter for Cadiz, A VESSEL to carry 12 or 1500 Barrels. INQUIRE OF THE PRINTERS.
TO BE SOLD For ready Money, at HANOVER Courthouse, on the first THURSDAY in FEBRUARY, by Virtue of a Bill of Sale, FIFTEEN VIRGINIA born SLAVES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. An indisputable Title will be made to the Purchasers.
TO BE SOLD, On the second MONDAY in FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at LOUDON Courthouse, FIFTY likely Virginia born NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. Six Months Credit will be allowed for one Half, and twelve Months for the other Half of the Purchase Money, the Purchasers giving Bond and approved Security; the Bonds to carry Interest if not discharged within twenty Days after they become due. Five per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money.
Ten Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Stafford County, two indentured SERVANTS, one a Scotchman, named DAVID MATHISON, a stout well made Fellow, by Trade a Gardener, about 25 Years of Age, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, with dark red Hair curled behind, and at the Sides; had on, and took with him, an old blue Surtout Coat, which has been turned, faced and trimmed with the same Colour; a green Cloth Jacket, with yellow Metal Buttons; a Pair of red Plush Breeches, fine mixed blue Country Stockings, a mixed blue Cloth Coat and Jacket, lined and trimmed with black; a striped Virginia Cloth Jacket, one Shirt of brown Sheetings, several others of fine Linen, a Pair of Nankeen Breeches, and many other Clothes that cannot be particularized. The other is an Englishman, by Name CHARLES BOOTH, by Trade a Joiner, aged about 20 or 21 Years, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, slender made, of a fair Complexion, and has white short curled Hair. He had on, and took with him, a Violet or purple coloured Cloth Coat and Waistcoat, a Pair of new Buckskin Breeches, a Pair of old Do. much worn, and very dirty, an old blue Coat lined with white shalloon, a new green Cotton Waistcoat with Plaid Sleeves, and lined with Osna-brug, a Pair of dark ribbed Stockings, and several other Pairs of different Colours, a brown Sheetings Shirt, one fine Irish Linen Ditto much patched, and several others; also a Silver Watch. They took with them a Gun, a Pair of double Blankets, and a spotted Rug, and went away in a Pettiauger. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from carrying them out of the Country. WILLIAM BRENT.
CHARLES CITY, January 1, 1775.
LESTER'S FERRY, on Chickabomony, is now rented by the Subscriber, who will endeavour to keep the same in good Order. Gentlemen who have Occasion to travel that Way may depend on having the best of Entertainment, and good Usage from JOHN FOESE.
WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 29, 1774.
STRAYED, a BAY HORSE and MARE; the Horse is about 14 Hands and a Half high, hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and has a fore Back; the Mare is a very dark bay, about 13 Hands high, three white Feet, and her Tail about three Feet long. Twenty Shillings Reward will be given on their being delivered to the Printers.
KING & QUEEN, January 3, 1775.
I INTEND to ENGLAND immediately. CHRISTOPHER TODD.
TAKEN up, about a Fortnight ago, a NEGRO MAN who says his Name is ROBIN, and that he belongs to Mr. Robert Courts of Albemarle. He is about 28 Years of Age, 5 Feet high, and speaks bad English. The Owner is desired to apply to the Printers, pay the Expense of this Advertisement, and take him away.
FOR SALE,
MY DWELLING-HOUSE, &c. in York Town. Five Years Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser give Bond (with approved Security) bearing Interest from the Time the Bargain is concluded upon. For Terms apply to me, in this Town.
(tf) JOHN H. NORTON. YORK TOWN, November 23, 1774.
FOR CHARTER,
The BRIGANTINE
A B B Y,
JONAS HERBERT MASTER,
BURTHEN about 240 Hogheads, or 8000 Bushels. For Terms apply to GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH. NORFOLK, November 5, 1774.
THE DISTILLERY at Alexandria in Virginia, with other Improvements, to be let for a Term of Years. Inquire of Mr. William Holt at Williamsburg, William Davies, Esq; at Norfolk, Mr. George Gilpin, or Mess. Harper & Hartborne, at Alexandria, Mr. John Cornbruit, at Baltimore, or of Daniel Roberdeau, Esq; at Philadelphia. The Distillery and Improvements consist of a Distillery built of Stone, 71 Feet by 39; a Stone Store 50 by 50, with Granaries, in two Stories above the Ground Floor, and a Sail or Rigging Loft above, the whole Length of the Building; a Molasses Store, framed, that will contain 140 Hogheads; and a framed Cooper's Shop 16 by 23, with a suitable Chimney. The Distillery is furnished with two new Stills about the same Size, that will hold to work 2500 Gallons; and the Working Cisterns, twenty in Number, will contain the same Quantity each. It is also furnished with a third Still, that contains to work 600 Gallons, for Low Wines. Each of these Stills have suitable Worms and Worm Tubs. There is also a suitable Low Wine Cistern, and five very ample Return Cisterns outside of the House, and under Cover. The Whole, and every Part of the Improvements, are entirely new, executed by Workmen from Philadelphia, and the Distillery under the immediate Eye and Direction of a Gentleman of eminent Capacity in Distillation. The Works are supplied with good cool Water from an ample Spring, by two Pumps with Brass Chambers six Inches Diameter; and the Cisterns are charged with two other Pumps, with Chambers of Block Tin five Inches Diameter, through Suction Pipes of yellow Poplar. All these Pumps are worked by a Horse, in an adjoining Mill-house of large Diameter, well constructed. There is also a Woodyard, boarded seven Feet, that will contain much more than necessary for the Distillery, into which the Wood may be thrown from the Water. The Whole of these Improvements are situated in Alexandria, below the Bank; the Distillery on fast Ground, and the Cisterns fixed above the highest Tide Waters; the Stores and Yard on a Wharf which, with the publick Wharf adjoining, of 66 Feet, makes an Extent of more than 200 Feet in Width, 156 Feet of which run 300 Feet into Potowmack.
As it does not suit the Owner of these Improvements to remove his Residence from Philadelphia, he will let them at a moderate Rent, with a Contract for 300 Cords of Ash Wood yearly, or five Years, cut into four Feet Lengths, and delivered on the Maryland Shore, directly opposite to the Distillery, and so near the Water as to render any Carriage unnecessary, by the Heirs of Thomas Addison, Esq; deceased, at the Rate of a Dollar per Cord.
Any Person inclining to lease the Premises, may be furnished, on a speedy Application, with about 160 Hogheads of good well chosen Molasses, with Indulgence for Payment. Inquire as above. (tf)
PRINCE GEORGE, November 10, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Mulatto Boy named SAM, about 16 or 17 Years old, of a very light Complexion, and will endeavour to pass for a free Boy, has gray Eyes, brown Hair, a smooth artful Tongue, is a great Villain, but a very good Barber. In the Month of June last he was put in York Jail, on Suspicion of having stolen some Money in Williamsburg. He made his Escape from thence and got to Norfolk, where he was put in Jail and sent to me by Water. The next Day (September 20th) he made his Escape from my Overseer, and has not since been heard of. He was born in Frederick Town, Maryland, has lived in Frederickburg, Norfolk, and York Town, and is well acquainted with most Parts of Virginia. He was very meanly clad, having been so long in Jail, but it is probable will procure Clothes. I will give 40s. Reward to have him committed to any of his Majesty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and if out of the Colony 5l. All Captains of Ships, or Masters of Vessels, are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. (tf) JOHN BLAND.
NEW YORK, July 27, 1774.
FIFTY POUNDS REWARD,
WHEREAS, on the 19th of June last past, a certain JOSEPH THORP was entrusted with a considerable Sum in Half Johannes, of nine Pennyweight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his Appearance there, with other suspicious Circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the Money. He is a Native of England, about six Feet high, swarthy Complexion, very dark keen Eyes, and pitted with the Smallpox, of a slender Make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, with some small Impediment in his Speech. He lived some Time in Boston, from whence he removed to Quebec, assuming the Character of a Merchant in both Places; he was also once in Trade in Newcastle, Virginia, and has a Brother settled there. It is believed he went on Board Captain John F. Pruyn, of Albany, and took with him a blue Cashmir and a dark brown Cloth Suit of Clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp, in any of his Majesty's Jails on this Continent, shall be entitled to ten per Cent. on the Sum recovered, and the above Reward of 50l. when convicted. Apply to Curran and Seton of New York, Joseph Wharton, Junior, of Philadelphia, Robert Christie of Baltimore, James Gibson and Co. of Virginia, John Bondfield of Quebec, Melatiah Bourne or John Rowe of Boston. It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp, since the 19th of June last past, or know any Thing of the Route he has taken, that they convey the most early Intelligence thereof to any of the above Persons, or Greenwood, Ritson, and Marsh, in Norfolk, or to Robert Pleasants and Co. at Four Mile Creek, Henrico County; the Favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from taking him off the Continent. (tf)
TO BE SOLD, or RENTED,
(Preference will be given to the first)
A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Mess. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives. The Land of itself is valuable, exclusive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-House, with other necessary Outhouses, and a large and convenient Storehouse, 32 by 44 Feet. There are about 20 Acres of the low Ground well set in Timothy and Clover, and notwithstanding this dry Summer, 15 Acres of it have yielded above 30,000 Weight of Hay, which, with about 300 Bushels of Oats in the Straw, some Indian Corn, 40 Head of Cattle, 50 Head of Sheep, and some Hogs, will be sold on reasonable Terms. The Purchaser may have Possession of the Premises as soon as he pleases, and long Credit (if required) will be allowed for the Land, on his giving Bond and Security. It is expected the Store will be continued, and of Course the Purchaser will have the Benefit of the Board of the Storekeepers, and besides the Situation of the Place (being on Taylor's Ferry Road) makes it well calculated for a Tavern. (tf) EBENEZER MACHARG.