The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-12-01 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
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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.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 1, 1774.
IT is a Duty incumbent on me, before I resign the Conduct of this Gazette, to return my sincere and most grateful Acknowledgments to all our Customers, and to the Publick in general, through whose Favour the Press has been for a Number of Years supported, in a Way that (most flattering to the Printer) has given such general Satisfaction, and often recommended it to distinguished Marks of their Approbation.
Immediately after Christmas, I shall begin doing Business for myself, and intend to print a GAZETTE as soon as I am furnished with a moderate Number of Customers; for which Purpose I have sent Subscription Papers into all publick Places of the Country, and hope to have them soon returned, that I may be enabled to go to Work and serve the Publick in my Profession. Such as live convenient will please to favour me with their Commands by Letter, and those in this City who incline becoming Subscribers will be kind enough to leave their Names at my Office, which is the House formerly occupied by Messrs. Tarpley, Thompson, & Co. on the main Street, and adjoins Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern.
In the Management of my Gazette, neither Pains nor Expense will be spared to render it worthy of the publick Favour; and the Motto I intend for it, scrupulously to be maintained, shall be, "ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY AND THE PUBLICK GOOD."
Meanwhile, I have opened a large and valuable Collection of NEW BOOKS, amongst them a great Variety for the Use of Schools; which, together with a well chosen Parcel of MUSICK, for the Harpsichord, Violin, &c. and a Number of STATIONARY ARTICLES, will be disposed of on the easiest and very best Terms. I shall be exceedingly obliged to the Publick for their Faviours, and intend presenting them with a Catalogue of all my Books, &c. as soon as I possibly can.
It shall be my constant and never-ceasing Study, in prosecuting the different Branches of my Business, to give Satisfaction to all who may please to employ me, not only as to the Reasonableness of my Charges, but in the Punctuality and Precision with which the Whole shall be conducted.
I am the Publick's much obliged
and obedient Servant,
ALEXANDER PURDIE.
I beg the Favour of my BROTHER PRINTERS to the Northward to furnish me with their Newspapers, and they shall be sure to have mine, as soon as I begin to print.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 1, 1774.
THE CUSTOMERS to the Partnership of PURDIE & DIXON, for Books, Stationary, &c. as well as those under whose Patronage THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE has been so long continued, will please to accept my most grateful Thanks for their many Faviours conferred upon us. I flatter myself that my Conduct, while in Company with Mr. PURDIE, met with general Approbation, and that my future Endeavours to serve the Publick, in Conjunction with Mr. HUNTER, Son of the late Mr. WM. HUNTER of this City, Printer, will render me an Object worthy of their Encouragement.
I am
The Publick's much obliged
Humble Servant,
JOHN DIXON.
On LIBERALITY.
THE Creation (says a celebrated Writer) is a perpetual Feast to the Mind of Man. Every Object which presents itself to the View shows not only the Wisdom of God, but clearly evinces his Intention to have been that his Creatures upon Earth should live in a State of Happiness. His Wisdom is not more conspicuous in the Works of Creation than in his Benevolence, extensive and universal, in constituting Man the chief and superior Being upon this Earth, and in suiting every Object around him to his Convenience, Pleasure, or Delight.
It is the Wisdom of Man, and it ought to be his constant Study and Endeavour, to approach and imitate, as nearly as possible, the Character of the Almighty, and to follow the Example of so wise and benevolent a Father. Mankind are farther urged to such Endeavour, from the Consideration that upon a benevolent Disposition and a Readiness to do every
possible Good to our Fellow Creatures, the Happiness of Man chiefly, if not solely, depends. Goodness of Nature, and a Habit of doing Good, and diffusing Happiness to the human Species, is the Blessing of Society, and approaches a Man most to the Character of the Deity. And I remember Mr. Pope somewhere says, "To relieve the Oppressed is the most glorious Action; it is, in some Sense, doing the Works of God and Providence." But there are many who have Benevolence enough to prompt them to the Execution and Pursuit of this Virtue, and yet are destitute of an adequate Share of Judgment to direct them in the properest Method to pursue their Resolution. Many have the Art of squandering and throwing away Money, but few know the Art of bestowing it with Judgment; and when Liberality is not accompanied by Judgment and Reason, it ceases to be a Virtue. Those who substitute Luxury, the Levities of Youth, or the inconsiderate Flights of Folly, in the Room of Liberality, are mistaken. The liberal Man, before he discovers his Benevolence, revolves in his Mind the Merit and Worth of its Object; for that is the second laudable Step of a benevolent Man. He considers, that he merits not the Smiles of Benevolence whose Intemperance or Folly have involved him in the Severity of Misfortune, or in the Intricacies of Perplexity. He considers, that he deserves not the Careless of Generosity, who has not Humanity enough to excite him to pay a proper Regard to so godlike a Virtue. But his Searches for distressed Worth are sincere, and indefatigable; he continues his Researches to the Cell and the Cotage, and pours his Liberality where the Voice of Reason demands; and thus, by maintaining all the Dignity of a social Being, he proves himself to be the Friend of Mankind.
It is the established Maxim of the generous Man to do as he would be done by, but there is a Benevolence of Heart that is ready in some Men to overflow and grow exuberant, and as it were overleap the Bounds of this Maxim. It may be called a Fault, but it is a glorious one; though Shakespeare seems to have thought it no more than Duty, by putting the Affection in the Mouth of no less respectable a Personage than Hamlet. When this unfortunate Prince bids Polonius "use the Players well," "Polonius answers, My Lord, I will use them according to their Desert." "Much better (returns Hamlet) use every Man after his Desert, and who shall scape Whipping? Use them after your own Honour and Dignity; the less they deserve, the more Merit is in your Bounty." Extremes, however, are dangerous in every Thing; and if this Extreme can be excused at all, every One will be readier to palliate his Fault who leans more on the redundant than on the severe and scrupulous Side of Liberality. We are all certain of being treated by our Creator with Justice, but we all hope for Mercy too; we hope that he will, from his unbounded Goodness, divest our Crimes of some of their natural Deformity, and treat them with less Severity than the Voice of strict Justice demands. Wretched were we if he did not do so! And will he blame in his Creatures what he approves of in himself?
This Redundancy of Goodness is so finely accounted for, and so sublimely illustrated, in a Passage of Tristram Shandy, that I cannot prevail on myself to omit it.
Tristram Shandy makes the principal Part of the Character of his Uncle Toby to consist in an unbounded Goodness of Heart, concealed under the ridiculous Peculiarity of a military Air in all his Actions. From this Principle, Uncle Toby sent his Servant Trim to inquire after a sick Gentleman in the Neighbourhood, though he was entirely unknown to him. As the Gentleman was destitute of what Necessaries were requisite to Disease and Distress, Uncle Toby was resolved to supply him, and to endeavour, at any Rate, to restore him by every Lenitive that could assuage Misfortune, or mollify the Severity and Languor of Sickness. When the Servant returned, he informed his Master, "that all Hope of the Gentleman's Recovery was lost; that his Condition was such, it was impossible he could live many Hours longer;" and concluded with, "Indeed, Sir, he must die." "Die (replies Uncle Toby) "he shall not die." "He must die," returns Trim. "By G— d, he shall not die;" concluded the old Man, with Warmth. "The accusing Angel (says the Author) fled to Heaven's Chancery, and marked down the Oath in the Records of Heaven; but dropped a Tear, and wiped it out for ever." This abrupt Exclamation of Uncle Toby is undoubtedly a Fault, but Mr. Sterne thinks it an honest one, as he has declared it was pardoned; and indeed, when we reflect that it was the hasty Result of a benevolent Heart, of a Heart, I may say, that was so full of honest social Sentiments, that there was no Vacuity for Reflection, when we reflect on this, Humanity prompts us to rejoice, with the Author, that the Angel "dropped a Tear, and blotted out his Faults for ever."
However, there is a Medium in every Thing. Every Virtue is founded on Reason, and it is Reason's Business to keep liberality within the Bounds of Moderation. Let a Man beware of being too liberal, lest he exhaust that general Fountain of Relief which the Indigent and the Needy, as well as himself, depended on, and thus, instead of continuing to do Good, he becomes a general Evil; he falls himself, and with him fall the Hopes of those whom Necessity had subjected to Dependence. It is for Fear of this Consequence only that redundant Benevolence can be termed a Fault, and not from any Thing in itself; therefore, I think Frugality and Liberality should always go Hand in Hand.
Let us take a View now of what may be strictly termed true and real Liberality. Before a Man can be really liberal, he must have a sensible Head, and a generous Heart. His Sense will direct him how to bestow consistent with the Dignity of a wise and benevolent Man, and his Heart will animate him to put in Execution what is truly rational and just. Who wants any of these, is not truly liberal. If he has only a Genius, without a generous Spirit, he wants the Spur to Beneficence; and if he has only the generous Heart, without the other, he wants the Means to direct his Benevolence where to smile, or to alleviate those whom their Miseries have involved in Despair, and who languish in the pallid Gloom of Misfortune. Where the Head and the Heart unite to complete the liberal Man, they produce every Thing that is great and noble. When the Conduct of a Man's Life is swayed by this Principle, he is completely fitted for every Character of Life; he is a faithful Subject, an affectionate Father, a sincere Friend, a social Citizen, an indulgent Master. He gives and bestows his Faviours, when he has pitched upon a proper Object, with Cheerfulness and Readiness; he bestows without Passion or Interest, and always remembers that it is more his Duty to alleviate the Necessities of a poor Man of Merit than to pay a servile and adulatory Regard to the insolent Demands of a Man of Fortune. He considers, that it is better to make others happy than to enrich himself. There is an Air of Generosity in all his Actions, that declares him your Friend; and where he deals, all other Men are profited as well as himself: For as he knows it is his Duty to be a Friend to Mankind, he thus endeavours to make them his Friends, as the most probable Means to secure his Intention. If he endeavours to acquire Riches, it is not for his Love to them, but because they afford him an Opportunity of exercising his Beneficence. He considers Wealth as a necessary Article of Convenience through the World, that is lent him to accommodate his Passage, and that no more of it belongs to him than what he barely needs, and the Overplus to be distributed where Necessity demands it. There is something so noble, so inviting, and godlike, in a liberal Man's Countenance, that he seems to beg of you to demand his Assistance; he grants the Demand as soon as he can guess it, and endeavours to save a Person the Pain of asking it. By his Affability and Complaisance he raises the dejected Look, and saves the modest Blush of Misfortune; he converts your Petition into a Favour, and persuades you that he is more obliged than yourself. Such a Person as this, who points all his Actions for the Good of Mankind, entertains his Mind with the pleasing Remembrances of past Actions; and, conti-
uous that he merits well of his Fellow Creatures, he passes his Life in a happy State. While he lives, he is caressed by every Rank of People; and his Death is deplored, by the united Tears of Mankind. Upon the Whole, were we to glance into the Bosoms of Mankind, I believe it would be evident to the Eye of Reason that there is no great Soul without the Virtue of Liberality, and no narrow one with it; and let us remember, that there is no Station or Rank, from the King to the Beggar, where there is any Propensity to Benevolence, that excludes a Man from exercising, some Time or other, the godlike Virtue of LIBERALITY.
ON SLANDER.
'Tis Slander, Whose Edge is sharper than the Sword, whose Tongue Outvenoms all the Worms of Nile, whose Breath Rides on the passing Winds, and deth vrye All Corners of the World! Kings, Queens, and States, Maids, Matrons, & the Secrets of the Grave, This viperous Slander eats.
SHAKESPEARE.
If we would look into our own Actions, and truly examine those for which we must one Day be accountable, we should find very little Leisure, as well as Inclination, to inspect those of other People. If our Disposition leads us rather to condemn than approve, we may gratify that Propensity by turning our Eyes inwards, and not injure another by wounding his Reputation. By this Means, we may make that beneficial to our own Souls which would otherwise prove a Curse to them and to Society. Our Self Love will prevent our passing too severe a Censure on our own Faults, but those who are inclinable to censure the Failings of others will rarely err on the favourable Side. When the Censorious tell a Story which hurts the Character of any one, they either skip over or very lightly touch on the Circumstances which might incline the Hearer to judge candidly; but dwell upon, and perhaps too often exaggerate, those which show Things in the worst Light. Slanderers may be divided into two Classes: The first are they whose diabolical Nature leads them to invent Fictions to traduce the Character of any to whom they owe a Grudge; the second are those who industriously spread the Scandal which they have heard from others. From the first of these Calumniators, what Innocence can secure us? What Virtue can defend us from the Malice of an Enemy who is not restrained by the Ties of Honour, or Checks of Conscience? It is to be feared such Wretches are too far gone, for any Thing we can say to have an Effect upon them. We shall only then desire those who suffer from the undeserved Aspersions of the Wicked to comfort themselves with an Assurance that Truth will at length triumph over Falsehood, and a constant Perseverance in Well-doing will be too hard even for Malevolence itself. The second Sort of Slanderers which we shall mention are they whose Ears are ever open to Scandal, who are greedy in hearing, and eager in spreading Reports. If the Things which such a One relates are not of some Consequence, there will be no Pleasure in seeming to know them. This leads him to inflame every Word and Circumstance, to aggravate what is blameable, to pervert what is not so, and misrepresent the most indifferent Actions. There are too many who commit this Fault, without ever reflecting that they are sinning against their Neighbour in the most essential Point in which they can injure him; that they are robbing him of what is much more precious than all his other Possessions. Yet, this is really the Case; and what makes the Injury still more atrocious, is, that it is generally more irreparable than any other.
It is possible to make a Man ample Amends for any Injustice you have been guilty of, with Regard to his Money or Estate, by returning fourfold; but it is not always in the Power of a Man, who has wounded another's Reputation, to restore it whole as before. The Evil which has been said of any One is not easily forgotten, but is often remembered to their Disadvantage long after it had ceased to be talked of. It may not be an Observation quite unworthy of Remark, that those People are usually most severe upon the Faults of others who have least Merit themselves to boast of; their Souls, not capable of rising to any Emulation, find a Satisfaction in levelling the rest of the World to their own Pitch. But how ineffectual, as well as detestable a Method of covering Defects, is this? It is certain never to succeed; the Detractor is always sure to have a Number of Spies on his own Conduct, who will not fail to expose to publick View the Errors of a Person who makes it his Business to point out those of others. If a Man will secure to himself the Goodwill of Mankind, it must be by a quite contrary Practice, by at least being neutral; and, if he has not Good-nature enough to palliate, not maliciously to aggravate Faults. It is but too true, that none are more liable to Censure than those whose great and good Qualities might be looked on as a certain Defence against it. The Evil-minded and Envious never fail to find a Flaw in these Virtues which they cannot imitate; those who have deservedly met with Applause, from the Discerning and Generous, have often been loaded with Reproach by the Rash-judging and Cruel.
We hope we shall not be understood here as laying any Discouragement in the Way of those who wish to pursue the Paths of Virtue; for though a good Life cannot silence Calumny, it will at length disarm it, by showing the Faleness of Report. The malicious Slanderer may, for a Time, hurt the good Name of another by injudicious Scandal; but hereafter it will be found that he had done the most material Injury to himself, since the severe Sentence which he has passed upon others will undoubtedly be inflicted upon himself by an impartial Judge, "who sees not as Man sees, but will reward and punish every One according to their Desert." We will here mention what is seldom taken Notice of, but yet is the most injudicious Way of ruining Reputation; that is, by Commendation. By bestowing lavish Praises on slight Virtues, the Character of Candour is easily acquired, and an easy Belief gained, when afterwards it is made Use of to the perfidious Purpose of Detraction in Matters of real Consequence.
The Cruelty of this Practice can hardly be equalled; and, we are sorry to say it, is too successfully made Use of against the most weak and defenceless Part of the Creation, whose Characters, once sullied, can never be washed clean by Floods of Tears, or regained by the most faultless Conduct. Yet surely we may be pardoned when we say, that among those unhappy Females who, by one false Step, have for ever forfeited any Claim to the World's good Opinion of their past or future Actions, there are some who, had they not been possessed of the most amiable Qualities that can adorn the Mind, would never have fallen. Tenderness of Disposition, Attachment to an open unreserved Confidence, an unperfected Innocence, have been the Sources of that fatal Error which has unsifted them for chaste Society, and made them the Scorn of those who have either escaped through Want of Solicitation, or owed their Preservation to the Fugacity of their Constitutions, and prudent Selfishness of their Hearts. Unhappy Women! the same Delicacy of Sentiment which betrayed to your Ruin makes it unsupportable to be despised "by each afflicted She who tells your Story, and blesses her kind Stars that she is virtuous." But how often is that inestimable Jewel, a good Name, lost merely through Suspicion?
Let us then warn all those who are guilty of playing away the Reputation of another, how they scatter Firebrands and Death, and say "Am I not in Sport?" We ought to look on every One's Character as too liable to be traduced from Suspicion only. Appearances are very fallacious, and we are sometimes deceived by the strongest. There may be many private Reasons why People are not always at Liberty to discover the true Motives of their Actions; which, if they did, might clear them from Censure. There is no Harm in erring on the good-natured Side; and, when two Constructions may be made, it is the Duty of a Christian to make the most favourable. "The Triumph of Wit (says the Specta-

tor) is to subdue your Censure, to be quick in seeing Faults, and slow in exposing them." Indeed, it is impossible a noble Mind can descend to slander even an Enemy; but it is a certain Sign of a mean and abject Soul to delight in hearing and talking Scandal.
It was an excellent Saying of Antoninus, the great Emperor and Philosopher: "No Man was ever unhappy for not prying into the Actions and Conditions of other Men; but that Man is necessarily so who doth not observe himself, and consider his own Soul."
Undoubtedly it is our greatest Interest to examine our own Hearts. Here we fancy the best of us will find to many daily Offences, such a Variety of Passions to be kept under, such repeated Failures in our Duty, that, to have a proper Guard upon ourselves, we should find no Leisure to be impertinently and wickedly censorious in endeavouring to publish the Faults of others. It seldom happens that a Person who is fond of Tale-bearing keeps strictly to Truth. The enlarging on a Story, so as to excite the Curiosity of your Hearers, fixes their Attention, and makes them listen with Eagerness, which is the great Point a Dealer in Scandal has to gain.
There is perhaps no Crime, except Murder, that is of such real bad Consequence as what we have now been treating of; as there is no wounding off a Blow which is often given by an unknown Hand, and may do an irreparable Injury before we find out from whence it comes. Nor is there any Sin for which can be pleaded so little Excuse. Other Vices have something in View from which a Self-gratification may be proposed: The ambitious Man may exultate on the Charms of Power, the Libertine on the Delights of Sensuality, and the Miser on the Enjoyment of Wealth; but the Slanderer proposes no other Pleasure to himself but that of seeing others wretched. It proceeds from a corrosive self-tormenting Turn of Mind, incapable of being either happy itself, or suffering others to be so.
To conclude, a good Word is an easy Obligation, but not to speak ill requires only our Silence, which costs us nothing, says the great Tillotson; but it is a melancholy Reflection to think there should be in Mankind an uncharitable Spirit, which finds greater Pleasure in detecting Faults than in commending Virtues.
L O N D O N, September 20.
The following is said to be an authentick Copy of a Letter very recently received from a General Officer some Time since sent to America, in a very important and critical Situation, by a noble Lord in a very high Office.
MY LORD, IT is with the most poignant Regret that I find myself greatly necessitated to demand a total Exemption from all those Restrictions which are laid upon me by the private Orders, and a fuller Scope to exert more immediate Powers, as the only Means left me to form any Hopes of effecting the great and arduous Task I have undertaken. I have, my Lord, long known the People I have now to deal with; and am well assured they are, in the Extent, bitter Enemies to all conciliatory Measures, where they think the Entrance upon them may throw an Odium on their Unanimity, or put their publick Spirit to the least Doubt. I had the Honour to deliver my Sentiments and Opinion to your Lordship, before my Embarkation, on these People and their Prejudices, which, to my great Astonishment, I now find most obstinately rooted; and every Day brings me new Fears, that I shall be reduced to the cruel Necessity of doing my Duty to my Country and my Royal Master, in a Way that will, I am certain, be as painful to your Lordship as to myself, and which I have most studiously endeavoured to avoid. According to the express Commands of my most gracious Master, which I had the Honour to receive from him before my Departure, I entered on the most lenient Measures at first, and acted with Circumspection and Secrecy, as my Arrival added Fuel to the Flame of the Party, it being universally propagated, and believed, that I came to act more in my military Capacity than my civil. I found the Means, my Lord, to gain the Secrets of the Party; and endeavoured, by every Means, to convince some of the Leaders that I came more as a Mediator than to enforce. I gave them to know, that the most soothing Measures would be used if they would deferre them; that the King desired nothing more ardently than the Affection of his American Subjects, and a good Understanding with his Colonies; but that it was firmly resolved to gain an honourable and just Reparation for the Insults offered, and the great Disobedience to his Majesty's Government and Authority; and this Reparation must be gained; this Return to Obedience must be established by Means the most coercive and severe: But, such is their fatal Obstinacy, that every Effort for Conciliation was refused. As the military Force was indeed feared, the Cunning and Policy of these People immediately suggested the Means of debauching the Soldiers from their Duty, in which they had too great Success, before I could have the Power of exerting my Authority in stopping a Defection which a short Time would have rendered very general. I have, my Lord, offered such Terms to these deluded Men as are infinitely more lenient than they deserve, and which, should they refuse accepting, I am determined to make some very severe Examples, which I am very certain will prove the ultimate Resource I shall reap any Benefit from, respecting the Intent I am to accomplish. I must assure your Lordship, that I shall have Occasion for a considerable Reinforcement of Troops, on whose Duty and Obedience Dependence can be placed; and the more immediate the Supply, the more effectual Service it will render me. Your Lordship's Judgment will point out the most proper, but I could wish that
may be preferred, as my intimate Knowledge with them leaves no Doubt of their Affection to the Service. I have the Pleasure, however, of affirming to your Lordship, that a considerable Number of the most respectable People here are well Affected to his Majesty, and have very much distinguished themselves in Opposition to the most extravagant Schemes of the Party, which is indeed a most violent and large Majority. I have, my Lord, to the utmost Extent of my Power, executed those private Matters given to me in Charge by your Lordship, and by their Success am still more confirmed in your Lordship's profound political Researches, and extensive Knowledge of Mankind in general. I need not use Arguments to assure your Lordship that I am most firmly attached to an honourable Discharge of my Commission, or that I have the Honour to be, My Lord, Your Lordship's, in all Sincerity.
Extract of a private Letter from the Hague, September 9.
The War which was expected in Europe ever since the Year 1770, but hitherto prevented by the Pusillanimity of a certain Ministry, who would rather suffer the greatest Affronts than venture to enter in any Dispute, was expected to break out immediately after the Decease of the late French King. The Expectation answered so far that a great Change immediately took Place among the French Ministry, when all those who were known to be inclined to be pacifick were looked upon as Traitors to their Country, and have been exiled and banished the Court; but all those who were known to be inclined to War have been preferred, and called into Office. In this Situation of the French Cabinet, joined in their Interest with that of Spain, the expected War should have broke out some Months ago; but the true Reason and Policy of that Hesitation is the following. The British Ministry had, ever since the present Reign, a Design to enslave the Colonies of America, and to render the King despotick in these vast and extensive Provinces; but this Plan could not have been carried into Execution, because it was contrary to the Interest of France and Spain, both which Courts always rather wished to see the Prerogative Power of a British King limited as much as possible. Whether it was a secret Article of the Peace, settled between the belligerent Powers in the Year 1762, or whether it was settled and effected in the latter End of the late Reign in France, by a corrupted French Ministry, that France shall not intermeddle in the Disputes between Great Britain and her Colonies, is unknown; though so much is sure, that the British Ministry had a solemn Promise, from the Leaders of the French Cabinet, not to interfere in these Affairs. As soon as that solemn Promise was given to the British Ministry, they began to operate, and to lay the Affair before the Parliament, being sure to carry every Motion by a Majority. Scarce was the above deep laid Plan of the Ministry begun to be carried into Execution but the French King died, and an utter Change happened among the Ministry there, to the greatest Disappointment of the British Ministry. A Declaration, however, was immediately made by the young French King, engaging to observe the same Friendship with his Neighbours as his illustrious Predecessor did; and in the Meantime ordered both his Land and Sea Forces to be put in the best Situation, to be in Readiness at a Moment's Notice, for no other Reason but to watch very anxiously the Resolutions of the General Assemblies of America.
As soon as the Disputes between Great Britain and her Colonies shall come to Blows, France and Spain will immediately take Advantage of it, and attack Great Britain with Power and Vigour. This Intention of the French and Spaniards is foreseen by the British Court, who continually send Instructions to their Ambassadors to inquire for the Reason of the Preparations of War, which are carried on with so much Affluity in France and Spain; but the Answer these Ambassadors generally receive is very indifferent. In this Manner France and Spain are watching the Result of the British Americans, and how this Quarrel will end; and the British Ministry, on the other Hand, are keeping back from executing their Plan in America, till they know how Matters will be settled at the Courts of France and Spain.
B O S T O N, November 3.
In PROVINCIAL CONGRESS, October 29, 1774.
ORDERED, that Captain Heath, Captain White, Captain Gardiner, Mr. Cheever, and Mr. Devens, be a Committee to wait upon his Excellency with the following Message.
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
May it please your Excellency, THE Province having been repeatedly alarmed at your Excellency's unusual and warlike Preparations since your Arrival into it, and having, by this Congress, expressed a reasonable Expectation that you would desist from and demolish your Fortification on Boston Neck, it must afford Matter of Astonishment, not only to the Province, but to the whole Continent, that you should treat our important Applications with Insensibility and Disregard. The Congress are possessed of a Writing, with your Signature, which purports itself to be a Message to this Body, although addressed to sundry Gentlemen by Name, who, officiating as our Committee, presented an Address to your Excellency. We are surprised at your saying, that "what we call a Fortress, unless annoyed, will annoy nobody," when, from your Acquaintance with the Constitution of Britain, and of the Province over which you have been by his Majesty commissioned to preside, you must know that barely keeping a standing Army in the Province, in Time of Peace, without Consent of the Representatives, is against Law, and must be considered as a great Grievance to the Subjects; a Grievance which this People could not with due Regard to their Freedom endure, was there not Reason to hope that his Majesty, upon being undeceived, would order Redress. Is it not astonishing then, Sir, that you should have ventured to assert that a Fortress, by whatever Name your Excellency is pleased to call it, which puts it in the Power of the standing Army, which you command, to cut off Communication between the Country and the Capital of this Province, to imprison the many Thousand Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, to insult and destroy them upon the least or even without any Provocation, and which is evidently a continual Annoyance to that oppressed Community, "unless annoyed, will annoy nobody?"
A Retrospect of your Excellency's Conduct, since your late Residence in this Province, we conclude will convince you of that Truth, the mere hinting of which you tell us is highly exasperating as well as ungenerous. We presume your Excellency will not deny that you have exerted yourself to execute the Acts made to subvert the Constitution of the Province. Although your Excellency's Connections with a Ministry inimical to the Province, and your being surrounded with Men of the worst political Principles, preclude a Prospect of your fully exercising towards this Province your wanted Benevolence and Humanity, yet, Sir, we pray you to indulge your social Virtues so far as to consider the necessary Feelings of this People under the Hand of Oppression. Have not Invasions or private Property, by your Excellency, been repeatedly made at Boston? Have not the Inhabitants of Salem, whilst peaceably assembled for concerted Measures to preserve their Freedoms, and unprepared to defend themselves, been in imminent Danger from your Troops? Have you not, by removing the Ammunition of the Province, and by all other Means in your Power, endeavoured to put it in a State utterly defenceless? Have you not expressly declared, that Resentment might be justly expected "from your Troops, merely in Consequence of a Refusal of some Inhabitants of the Province to supply them with Property undeniably their own?" Surely these are Questions founded on incontrovertible Facts, which we think must prove that while the avowed Enemies of Great Britain and the Colonies are protected by your Excellency, the Lives, Liberties, and Properties, of the Inhabitants of the Province, who are real Friends to the British Constitution, are greatly endangered, whilst under the Controll of your standing Army.
It must be Matter of Grief, to every true Briton, that the Honour of British Troops is sullied by the infamous Errand on which they are sent to America; and, whilst in the unjust Cause in which you are engaged, Menaces will never produce Submission from the People of this Province. Your Excellency, as well as the Army, can only preserve your Honour by refusing to submit to the most disgraceful Prostitution of subversive Plans so injurious to this People, so notoriously iniquitous and cruel. Your Excellency professes to be solicitous for preserving Union and Harmony between Great Britain and the Colonies, and we sincerely hope that you will distinguish yourself by Exertions for this Purpose; for should you be an Instrument of involving in a civil War this oppressed and injured Land, it must for ever deprive you of that Tranquility, which finally bids Adieu to those whose Hands have been polluted with innocent Blood. Your Excellency reminds us of the Spirit of the British Nation: We partake, we rejoice in her Honours, and especially revere her for her great national Virtues; we hope she will never veil her Glory, or hazard Success, by exerting that Spirit in Support of Tyranny.
Your Excellency's strange Misconception of Facts is not less conspicuous, in the Close of your Message, than in many other Parts of it. You have suggested, that the Conduct of the Province for supporting the Constitution is an Instance of its Violation. To declare the Truth relative to this Matter must be a full Vindication of our Conduct therein: The Powers placed in your Excellency, for the Good of the Province, to convene, adjourn, prorogue, and dissolve the General Court, have been perverted to ruin and enslave the Province; while our Constituents, the loyal Subjects of his Majesty, have been compelled, for the laudable Purposes of preserving the Constitution, and therein their Freedom, to obtain the Wisdom of the Province, in a Way which is not only justifiable by Reason, but, under the present Exigencies of the State, directed by the Principles of the Constitution itself, warranted by the most approved Precedent and Example, and sanctioned by the British Nation at the Revolution, upon the Strength and Validity of which Precedent the whole British Constitution now stands, his present Majesty wears his Crown, and all subordinate Officers hold their Places. And although we are willing to put the most favourable Construction on the Warning you have been pleased to give us of the "Rock on which we are," we beg Leave to inform you, that our Constituents do not expect that in the Execution of that important Trust which they have reposed in us we should be wholly guided by your Advice; and we trust, Sir, that we shall not fail in our Duty to our Country, and Loyalty to our King, or in a proper Respect to your Excellency.
N E W Y O R K, November 14.
HIS Majesty has been pleased to appoint Colonel Guy Johnson to be Superintendent of Indian Affairs in the Northern District of North America, in the Room of Sir William Johnson, deceased.
His Excellency General Gage has ordered the Victualling Office to be immediately removed from this City to Boston.
The Camp at Boston, under the Command of his Excellency General Gage, was to break up as last Wednesday; when the last Troops from this Place, and those from Quebeck, were then to disembark from the Transports, and all march into Quarters in one Day.
We have not the least Reason to imagine that the Packets will be ordered from this Port for Boston; at least the Postmasters General, nor the Agents for the Packets here, have no such Accounts.
W I L L I A M S B U R G, December 1.
WE have it from very good Authority, that his Excellency the Governor is on his Way to this Capital, having concluded a Peace with the several Tribes of Indians that have been at War with us, and taken Hostages of them for their faithful complying with the Terms of it; the principal of which are, that they shall totally abandon the Lands on this Side of the Ohio (which River is to be the Boundary between them and the White People) and never more take up the Hatchet against the English. Thus, in little more than the Space of five Months, an End is put to a War which portended much Trouble and Mischief to the Inhabitants on the Frontiers, owing to the Zeal and good Conduct of the Officers and Commanders who went out in their Country's Defence, and the Bravery and Perseverance of all the Troops. Our Tributes of Praise are justly due to the gallant Men that fell, whose Deaths are a publick Loss, and irreparably so to their distressed Families and Friends; but their Names will be handed down to Posterity, with Honour. The Army was broke up, and many of them had arrived at their respective Homes.
Yesterday being the Feast of St. Andrew, which is the Time appointed by the Charter of this City for the Election of a Mayor, JOHN DIXON, Esq; was chosen into that Office for the ensuing Year.
The Patience, Green, from London, and Two Sisters, Maxwell, from Liverpool, are arrived in James River.
AT A GENERAL MEETING of the Freeholders of JAMES CITY County, convened, on Friday the 25th of November, at the House of Mr. Isham Allen, in Order to elect a Committee pursuant to a Resolution of the AMERICAN CONTINENTAL CONGRESS:
The ASSOCIATION entered into by the CONGRESS being publickly read, the Freeholders, and other Inhabitants of the County, that they might testify to the World their Concurrence and hearty Approbation of
the Measures adopted by that respectable Body, very cordially acceded thereto, and did bind and oblige themselves, by the sacred Ties of Virtue, Honour, and Love to their Country, STRICTLY and INVIOILABLY to observe and keep the same, in every PARTICULAR.
The better to secure a due Observance of the ASSOCIATION, the FREEHOLDERS then proceeded to the Choice of a Committee, and elected into that Office the following Gentlemen, viz.
Robert Carter Nicholas, Esq; Mr. William Norvell, Colonel Philip Johnson, Major Dudley Richardon, Mr. William Spratley, Colonel Richard Taliaferro, Mr. John Cooper, Colonel Nathaniel Burwell, Mr. Lewis Burwell, Junior, Mr. Champion Travis, Mr. Joseph Eggleston, Major Thruston James, Mr. John Stringer, Captain Charles Barham, Captain Richardon Henley, Mr. Thomas Cowley, Captain John Walker, Mr. Hudson Allen, Mr. Cary Wilkinson, Mr. Edward Harris, Mr. John Harris, Mr. William Barret, Mr. John Warburton, Mr. Sylvanus Prince, Mr. Robert Higginson, Mr. William Hankin, Captain John Lightfoot, and Mr. Thomas Doncelfe.
ROBERT CARTER NICHOLAS, Esq; was unanimously chosen Chairman, and Mr. John Nicholas, Junior, Clerk of the Committee.
It was agreed, that the Resolutions of the GENERAL CONGRESS should be referred to on every Occasion of Difficulty, and that those Resolutions ought to be considered by the Committee, and the whole Country, as the sole Rule of their Conduct, in all Matters respecting their present political Engagements.
The Business of the Day having been carried on with the greatest Harmony and Decorum, and being concluded, the following Toasts were proposed, and drank with much Cheerifulness:
THE KING. May his Majesty long and gloriously reign in the Hearts of his free and loyal American Subjects.
THE QUEEN, and all the ROYAL FAMILY. His Excellency the GOVERNOUR and his LADY, and Prosperity to VIRGINIA.
A speedy, honourable, and happy Reconciliation, to GREAT BRITAIN and AMERICA.
The good BISHOP of ST. ASAPH. Lord CHATHAM.
Lord CAMDEN, Those AMERICANS, and FRIENDS to AMERICA, who preferred to Parliament, and there endeavoured to support, Petitions against the BOSTON PORT BILL.
Our Friends and Fellow Subjects of BOSTON, and all other Defenders of AMERICAN FREEDOM, upon the true Principles of our excellent Constitution.
All those WORTHIES, of whatever Clime or Country, who are Friends to the just Rights and LIBERTIES of MANKIND.
Unfeigned Thanks and Gratitude to the worthy MEMBERS of the late CONTINENTAL CONGRESS. May the Wisdom of their Councils, and their unwearied Endeavours to preserve the Rights and Liberties of America, be held in LASTING REMEMBRANCE; and may they be crowned with Success.
This respectful Tribute being paid, the Company partook of an agreeable though frugal Repast, and then every one returned Home in proper Time. Published by Order of the General Meeting.
JOHN NICHOLAS, Junior, Clerk.
Advertisements.
WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 1, 1774.
AS the Partnership of Purdie & Dixon will expire the 18th Instant, we think it necessary to inform the Publick that THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE will be printed by us from the first of next Month, upon good Paper and new Type, assuring them no Pains or Expense shall be wanting to make the Gazette as useful and entertaining as ever, and that our Press shall be as free as any in America. Our constant Study will be to give Satisfaction to all Customers for any Thing in our Business, and Orders from the Country shall be punctually complied with, either for BOOKS, STATIONARY, or PRINTING WORK. We beg Leave to send our Papers regularly to the old Subscribers: If any Gentlemen choose to discontinue their Subscriptions at the End of the Year, we request the Favour of them to let us know by that Time. We are
The Publick's obedient Servants, JOHN DIXON. WILLIAM HUNTER.
We have now in the Press, and soon will be published,
THE Virginia Almanack
For the Year of our LORD GOD 1775,
Being the third after LEAP YEAR,
IN WHICH WILL BE CONTAINED,
The LUNATIONS, CONJUNCTIONS, ECLIPSES; the SUN and MOON's Rising and Setting; the Rising, Setting, and Southings of the HEAVENLY BODIES; true Places and Aspects of the PLANETS; WEATHER, &c.
A List of his Majesty's Honourable COUNCIL, and of the House of BURGESSES.
Names of the PARISHES in each County, and their Incumbents.
GOVERNORS and VISITORS of WILLIAM & MARY College.
A Table of COURT DAYS, &c.
ALSO,
A List of GOVERNORS of the N. AMERICAN Colonies.
HIS MAJESTY'S REGIMENTS in AMERICA, and where stationed.
SHIPS of WAR on the American Station, with their COMMANDERS, &c.
DELEGATES who formed the GRAND AMERICAN CONGRESS, convened at Philadelphia the 5th of Sept. 1774, and Names of the Provinces, &c. they represented.
ABSTRACT of the PROCLAMATION relative to the GOLD COIN, published the 24th of June, 1774.
COLLEGES and American SEMINARIES. &c. &c. &c.
BLANK BOOKS and STATIONARY of all Kinds, BIBLES, TESTAMENTS, PSALTERS, and many other SCHOOL BOOKS, all Sorts of BLANKS, &c. to be sold at the POST-OFFICE.
WHEREAS the Practice of Hunting on my River Plantation in the County of Isle of Wight, on Lawns Creek Neck, lays the said Land under many Inconveniences; I hereby forewarn all and every Person whatsoever from hunting, hawking, fowling, or carting, on the said Plantation, as they shall answer the same at their Peril. ROBERT TYNES.
To be SOLD for ready Money, on Saturday the 10th Instant (December)
THE HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, and WORKING MATERIALS, of George Wilson, deceased. All Persons indebted to the said Wilson are desired to make speedy Payment, and those that have any Claims to give them in before the Sale to GEORGE REID, Administrator.

FOR SALE, MY DWELLING-HOUSE, &c. in York Town. Five Years Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser giving Bond (with approved Security) bearing Interest from the Time the Bargain is concluded upon. For Terms apply to me, in this City. (tf) JOHN H. NORTON. YORK TOWN, November 29, 1774.
RICHMOND TOWN, November 28, 1774. THE Subscribers take this Opportunity to inform their Customers that they determine for the future to work for ready Cash only, or such Articles as will answer the same Purpose for carrying on the Cabinet Making Business. (2) CLARK & HOLLAND.
FOR SALE, A TRACT OF LAND in Gloucester County, on Pianketank River, adjoining the Land of Jonathan Watson, Esq; containing about 350 Acres. There is a good Plantation on it, and a fine Marsh adjoining thereto. For Terms apply to JOHN SMITH. MIDDLESEX, November 24, 1774.
To be SOLD on Tuesday the 20th Instant (December) on the Premises, THE Tract of Land whereon David Minnie, deceased, lately lived, containing 163 Acres, within five Miles of Williamsburg, adjoining Green Spring and Powhatan Swamp, chiefly Wood Land, and some excellent Swamp already drained, and now fit for a Meadow. The Terms will be made known on the Day of Sale. JOHN BROWNE, Sheriff.
Just imported from London, in the Westover, Captain Stevenson, a choice Assortment of Medicines, viz.
TURLINGTON'S Balsam of Life, Stoughton's Elixir, Bateman's Drops, Pectoral Balsam of Honey, Elixir Bardana, Daffy's Elixir, James's Fever Powders, Castor Oil, fine Sallad Oil, Anderson's Pills, Spirit of Turpentine, &c. — Likewise West India Rum, Muscovado Sugar, Loaf Sugar, Molasses, Coffee, Pimenta, Ginger, English and Virginia Leather, Madeira Wine, &c. &c. which are to be sold on very reasonable Terms, for ready Money. ROBERT BROWN.
To be sold at Bremo, on Monday the 19th of December, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, ALL the Household and Kitchen Furniture, six or eight valuable Work Horses, with the Stocks of Cattle, Sheep, and Hogs, belonging to the Estate of Colonel Bowler Cooke, deceased. Also the present Crop of Corn and Fodder, made on the Plantation at Bremo. Credit will be allowed for all Sums above 40s. till the 25th of October next, the Purchasers giving Bond and approved Security. GEORGE WEBB, Executor.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, at Surry Court-house, on Tuesday the 27th of December, being Court Day,
THE well known RUNNING MARE belonging to the Estate of Mr. Matthias Marriott, deceased, now with Foal by the noted Horse Irishman . Six Months Credit will be allowed the Purchaser, on giving Bond and approved Security to the Executors. Who desire all Persons that have any Demands (of what Nature soever) against the Estate of the said Deceased, to make them known; and those indebted thereto are requested to settle and discharge the same immediately, either by Bond or Payment. ELIZABETH MARRIOTT, } Executors. JOHN WATKINS, }
To be RENTED for a Year, or Term of Years, A COMMODIOUS DWELLING-HOUSE, with necessary Out-houses, and Garden, conveniently situated in the County aforesaid. For Terms apply to ELIZABETH MARRIOTT.
To be SOLD on Friday the 16th of December, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, agreeable to the last Will and Testament of Jacob Valentine, deceased,
A TRACT OF LAND in Henrico County, within four Miles of Richmond, and on the main Road leading from Williamsburg to that Town. It contains by a late Survey 383 Acres, has a great Quantity of fine Timber on it, is very good for Corn and Wheat, about 80 Acres of the Land cleared, has a pretty good Orchard on it, and lies in good Order for Cropping. The Crop of Corn, Fodder, and Plantation Utensils, will be sold at the same Time and Place. The Widow has her Dower in the Land, but has agreed to acknowledge it to any One that may become a Purchaser.—On Monday the 19th will be sold, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at the late Dwelling-House of the said Deceased, in King William County, fourteen likely NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children, and mostly Virginia born, all the Household and Kitchen Furniture, some Stock, the Crop of Corn, Fodder, Plantation Utensils, and a Riding Chair. Eighteen Months Credit will be allowed the Purchasers, for all Sums above 25s. on giving Bond and approved Security; the Bonds to carry Interest from the Date, if not punctually paid. (2||) BATCHELDER VALENTINE, } Executors. JACOB VALENTINE, }
** All those who have any Demands against the Estate are requested to bring in their Accounts, properly attested; and those indebted to the Estate are desired to make speedy Payment.
OSBORNE'S, November 18, 1774. RUN away from the Subscriber, a Virginia born Negro Fellow named WALTON , 23 Years of Age; of a light Complexion, middle Size, has a pleasing Countenance, his Skin very smooth, one of his upper fore Teeth is decaying, which it is likely he will pull out, and his Hair on the fore Part of his Head is cut short; he carried with him four Shirts, two of them new Sheetings, two Suits of Clothes, one Russia Dressing, the other dark brown Duffel, trimmed with gilt Buttons, &c. had a Surtout Coat, Velvet Cap, Hat, and every Thing else suitable for a Waitingman. As he is a very artful and likely Fellow, he may endeavour to pass for a free Man, and I am doubtful has got a Pass from a Negro of mine who can write a good Hand. This Fellow has waited on me for three Years past, and always rode with me, so that he has a general Acquaintance; but as he was raised in Nansemond, near the old Town, it is probable he is gone there, as his Friends live in that Neighbourhood. Whoever takes up the said Run-away, and brings him home, shall have 3 l. Reward, or 30s. if committed to Jail. All Persons are forbid harbouring or carrying the said Slave out of the Colony. PETERFIELD TRENT.
** As the said Fellow ran away without receiving any Abuse, the Taker up is desired to give him ten Lashes every ten Miles.
RUN away from the Subscriber's Plantation in Manakin Town, the last of July or first of August last, a black Negro Man named TOM , formerly the Property of Major Henry Gaines of King William, but since the said Gaines's Death has been sold several Times, and is now my Property. He was bred by Major Gaines to keeping Horses and riding Races, but is now a good Sawyer. He is not tall, knock-kneed, full Eyes, and I believe a Speck in one of them, caused by a Chip as he was cutting with an Axe. He values himself for his fine Dancing, is subject to Liquor, and fond of talking about Religion. If he is taken in the Colony, and brought to me, near the old Courthouse, in Albemarle County, or my Overseer, James Scott, at Manakin Town, I will give 3 l. and if out of the Colony 10 l. (2||) JOHN SCOTT.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, on Hatcher's Run, in Dinwiddie County, the first of July last, four MILK COWS, two black and two red, branded on the Horn with a Rose. One of them had on, when they went off, a small Bell tied with a Piece of small Rope double. Whoever secures the said Cows, so that I may get them again, shall have 20s. Reward, upon giving Notice to Thomas Audas, on Hatcher's Run, or William Stenback, in Petersburg. (2||)
WARWICK COUNTY, December 1, 1774. ALL Persons that were indebted to Young Moreland , deceased, are requested to make immediate Payment; those who purchased at his Sales and have not given their Bonds are desired to do it; and all Persons that have any Demands against the said Estate are desired to make them known to the Executor of Young Moreland's Executrix. (||) SAMUEL THOMAS.
FREDERICKSBURG, November 23, 1774. THE Subscriber has just received by the last Ships from London and Liverpool , a general Assortment of Goods, which he will dispose of at his Store in this Place, upon the most reasonable Terms, for ready Money, Tobacco, Wheat, Flower, Corn, &c. — As he intends to leave the Colony as soon as possible after the ensuing April General Court, he, in the mean Time, earnestly requests all those indebted to him to be as speedy as possible in their Payments. Those who cannot immediately pay he hopes will, by no Means, have any Objection to giving their Bond, in Order that he may be enabled properly to settle his Affairs before his Departure. WILLIAM PORTER. ** He has GARDEN SEEDS for Sale.
To be SOLD, on Monday the 2d of January next, before the RALEIGH TAVERN, to the highest Bidders,
TEN valuable Virginia born SLAVES, one of them an exceeding good Cook; also a HOUSE and LOT on the back Street, with sundry Out-houses, and a good Well; being the Estate of Thomas Penman, deceased, and sold by Virtue of a Power of Attorney from his Heirs in Great Britain, by ROBERT NICOLSON. N. B. Credit will be allowed till the 10th Day of October next, the Purchasers giving Bond and approved Security. (6)
THE DISTILLERY at Alexandria in Virginia, with other Improvements, to be LET for a Term of Years. Inquire of Mr. William Holt at Williamsburg, William Davies, Esq; at Norfolk, Mr. George Gilpin, or Messrs. Harper & Hartborne, at Alexandria, Mr. John Cornickwait, at Baltimore, or of Daniel Roberteau, Esq; at Philadelphia. The Distillery and Improvements consist of a Distillery built of Stone, 72 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 Hogsheads; and a framed Cooper's Shop 16 by 23, with a suitable Chimney. The Distillery is furnished with two new Still's 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 Still's 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 6 Inches Diameter; and the Cisterns are charged with two other Pumps, with Chambers of Block Tin of 5 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 contrived. There is also a Wood-yard, boarded seven Feet, that will contain much more than necessary for the Distillery, into which the Wood may be thrown from the Water. The Whole of these Improvements are situated in Alexandria, below the Bank; the Distillery on fast Ground, and the Cisterns fixed above the highest Tide Waters; the Stores and Yard on a Wharf which, with the publick Wharf adjoining, of 66 Feet, makes an Extent of more than 200 Feet in Width, 156 Feet of which run 300 Feet into Potomack.
As it does not suit the Owner of these Improvements to remove his Residence from Philadelphia, he will let them at a moderate Rent, with a Contract for 300 Cords of Ash Wood yearly, for 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 Hogsheads of good well chosen Molasses, with Indulgence for Payment. Inquire as above. (tf)
NEWCASTLE, November 17, 1774. THE Partnership between David Cochran and Robert Ferguson being this Day dissolved, the LOTS and HOUSES in this Town, belonging to the said Partnership, are to be disposed off either by private or publick Sale, as may best suit the Purchasers. There will be sold, on the 26th of December, four Negroes, three of which are Watermen, one 36 Hd. Flat, four Horses, several Hogsheads of Rum and Molasses, several Barrels of Coffee, and sundry other Things too tedious to mention. Six Months Credit will be allowed, on Bond with approved Security to the Subscriber. All Persons indebted to the said Partnership are immediately requested to pay, or give Bonds for their respective Balances to DAVID COCHRAN.
SEVERAL likely NEGROES, a Variety of Household and Kitchen Furniture, among which is a small Quantity of fashionable Plate, the Stocks of Cattle, Horses, Sheep, and Hogs, the Crops of Corn, Fodder, &c. belonging to the Estate of Mr. Augustine Smith, late of Middlesex, deceased, will be sold, to the highest Bidders, the first Monday in January next, at Shooter's Hill, in Middlesex. The Purchasers will have Credit allowed them for all Sums above 5 l. until the 1st of May next, giving Bond with approved Security to JOHN SMITH, Executor.
** I should be obliged to all Persons who have Demands against the Estate to send in their Accounts. JOHN SMITH.
CHESTERFIELD, November 10, 1774. WHEREAS the Subscriber executed two Bonds of 20 l. each, payable to one David Durham, due on the 25th of December next, and the 25th of December 1775, being Part of the Consideration Money for the Purchase of a Tract of Land in the Counties of Prince Edward and Charlotte; and as the said Durham has not, agreeable to his Contract, conveyed me a Title thereto, I hereby caution and forewarn all Persons from taking an Assignment of said Bonds, as I will not pay them until I have a sufficient and warrantable Title. (2||) WILLIAM HANCOCK.
WHEREAS I gave my Bond, dated in October 1772, and payable the 25th of December 1774, to John Bowden, Thomas Adams, and his Wife, of Cumberland County, for 62 l. in Consideration of a Tract of Land in Henrico County; and whereas I have paid Part of the Bond, and am threatened to be sued for the Land, in Consequence of an Agreement they made with Captain Julius Allen of Henrico, notwithstanding I believe that Allen hath no Right to the Land, yet I may be put to the Trouble and Expense of a Lawsuit: I therefore give this Notice to the Publick to caution them from taking an Assignment of the said Bond, as I do not intend to pay it until I am farther satisfied I shall not suffer. (||) JOSEPH GATHRIGHT.
WHEREAS I gave my Note of Hand to Joyce Price of Orange for 24 l. Current Money, payable the last Day of June 1774, and since that Time I have fully paid the aforesaid Sum, but have neglected to get the said Note of Hand, I therefore forewarn all Persons from taking an Assignment of the said Note. (||) ARJATON PRICE.
RUN away from Buckland, in Charles City, on the 20th Instant, two Men. One a likely Mulatto about fifty Years old, and about five Feet six Inches high, very artful, and smooth spoken. He is called TOM GARDNER . The other is named JOE ; he is of a yellow Complexion, near the same Height as the other, and about eighteen or twenty Years old. They were both clothed in Cotton. Whoever delivers them to me at Westover, or to William Glen at Buckland, shall receive forty Shillings for each. WESTOVER, November 24, 1774. WILLIAM BYRD.
WILLIAMSBURG, November 23, 1774. ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of John Pringle , deceased, late Bar Keeper to Mrs. Campbell of this City, are desired to make Payment as soon as possible; and those who have any Demands against the said Estate are requested to bring in their Accounts, properly attested. (2) JOHN LOCKLEY, Administrator.
IF Mr. John Cheek , who lodged and boarded with me about four Months ago, does not come, or send for a Portmanteau, containing some Wearing Apparel, which he left at my House for a Debt, by or before the 13th of December, they will be sold, at publick Sale, to the highest Bidder, to satisfy my said Demand. (2) JOHN LOCKLEY.
To be sold, for ready Money, on Wednesday the 4th of January next, at the Dwelling-House of Robert Briggs, in Brunswick County, two likely NEGROES. They are sold by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from the said Robert Briggs to (2||) NICHOLAS EDMUNDS.
To be SOLD for ready Money, on the Premises, on the 16th Day of December, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
A VERY valuable Tract of Land in Fairfax, being one Half of a Patent for 500 Acres, which adjoins the Dwelling Plantation of Col. John West, in the said County, and contains better than 250 Acres, a great Proportion of which is low Grounds; the chief Part thereof is cleared, and now under a Crop of Wheat well enclosed. None of the high Land is cleared. The Convenience of this Land, from its Situation, is very considerable, the low Grounds being formed by Potomack River, and a small Creek issuing out of the same, and its Distance from the Town of Alexandria being only about two Miles by Water, and four by Land. A Deed to the Purchasers for the said Land will be made by the Executors of Newton Keene, deceased, who has ordered the same by his Will to be sold, and by William Keene, the Heir at Law of the said Newton. The Purchaser must pay for the Wheat sowed on the said Land and the Expense of putting the same in the Ground, and may have Possession the 1st of January next.—The twenty NEGROES belonging to the Estate of the said Newton Keene, lately advertised to be sold the 10th of January next, will not be then sold. RICHARD LEE, } Executors. DAVID BOYD, }
To be RENTED for a Year, or Term of Years, THE ORDINARY commonly called Rhodes's , where Captain John Lightfoot now lives, about twelve Miles (on the main Road) from Williamsburg to Cocolee's Ferry , Holt's Forge , and Doncastle's Ordinary . The Situation of this Place exceeds most, provided it was well kept. To such a Person I would let it go at a low Rent, and make all necessary Repairs for the Reception of the best of Company. There are 75 Acres of Land belonging to it, mostly cleared, which produces good Indian Corn, and other Grain. I have a Plantation within Half a Mile of it, which I would suffer Fire Wood to be taken from, to supply the Ordinary. It may be entered upon at Christmas next, and for Terms apply to me in Williamsburg. JOHN LEWIS.
To be SOLD at the late Plantation of John Kerby, deceased, of Charles Parish, on Monday the 19th of December, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
THE Remainder of his Household and Kitchen Furniture, Stock of Cattle, among which are three Yoke of good Oxen, Horses, Plantation Utensils, Carts, a large Quantity of Indian Corn, Wheat, &c. with many other Articles. On the following Day will be sold, twelve or fourteen likely Virginia born SLAVES, nine of which are Fellows, and a likely Cooper and Weaver among them. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, giving Bond with good Security; and if the Bonds are not paid in twenty Days after they become due, to carry Interest from their Date. All Persons who have any Demands against the Estate are desired to make them known, whether by Bonds or open Accounts; and if the Decedent is Security for any Person or Persons, the Possessor of the Bonds are desired to make the same known to (||) THOMAS KERBY, Executor.
Five Pounds Reward. RUN away last Night from the Subscriber, in Botetourt , an English Servant Man named WILLIAM THOMSON , by Trade a Bookbinder, about 35 Years of Age, five Feet five or six Inches high, dark Hair, gray Eyes, of a tawny Complexion, and pretty much marked with the Smallpox; had on, when he went away, a new Wool Hat, Virginia Cloth Coat of a Copperas Colour, a Waistcoat filled with red and blue Yarn, Linen Breeches, blue Worstod Stockings, Shoes, and two Pair of Shoe Buckles, one Silver, the other Brass, and he took with him an old Knout Pore Gun. Whoever secures the said Servant in any Jail, so that his Owner may get him again, shall have the above Reward, besides what the Law allows. JAMES ALCORN. ** If he is taken, write to Mr. Patrick Lockhart, Merchant in Botetourt.
MARYLAND, CHARLES COUNTY, November 7, 1774. RUN away from the Subscriber, two indentured Servants, imported by Capt. Joseph Street last September, one named ROBERT MILLS , a Gardener, who is an Irishman , about 22 Years old, a likely fresh coloured Man; had on, and took with him, a Snuff-coloured Cloth Coat and Breeches, a red Jacket, two white Shirts, one Check one, Shoes and Stockings, a Hat, and a Silk Handkerchief. The other a Yorkshireman , named JAMES BELL , a Miner, about 40 Years old; took with him, a dark blue Coat, a brown Jacket, Snuff-coloured Breeches, a Hat, Pair of Shoes, Stockings, and several small Bells. Whoever takes up the said Servants, or either of them, and brings them Home, shall have 3 l. for each, besides what the Law allows. (||) SAMUEL HANSON.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber in York Town, eight Weeks ago, a young BAY MARE about 13 1/2 Hands high, and branded pretty high upon one of her Buttocks with a Cross. Whoever brings me the said Mare shall have 20s. Reward. HUGH NELSON.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, at William & Mary College, on the 5th Instant (November) a BAY HORSE and MARE, each of them near fourteen Hands high, with bangling Manes and Tails. The Horse is somewhat chafed with Harness across the Breast, a Star in his Forehead, shod before, and his Hoofs much impaired by a Founder, which occasioned him to limp a little in his Gait; and his Brand, if any, is not recollected. The Mare is remarkably Pot-bellied, which is increased at present by being with Foal, is sluggish in her Gait, and bends much on her Pasterns. I am not certain whether she has a Brand; if any, I believe it is R.I. Whoever brings them to me at the College, or gives me such Information that I may procure them again, shall have 10 s. for his Trouble. JAMES INNES.
DUMFRIES, November 8, 1774. AT a Meeting of the JOCKEY CLUB this Day, resolved, that, in Conformity to the 8th Article of the Resolves of the GENERAL CONGRESS , the Dumfries Races, that were advertised to be run the 29th of this Month, be postponed.—The Gentlemen Farmers that are fattening Beeves, Muttons, and Veals, for our Premiums, must, for the present, put up with Honour and Glory in Place of the Guineas that were intended for them. RICHARD GRAHAM, Secretary.
Wanted immediately, A BISCUIT BAKER , to whom good Encouragement will be given. For Terms, inquire of the Printer.

POETS CORNER. The CENSURE of the WORLD.
An ELEGY. YES! sure 'tis here that Pride, that Folly reigns: I'll bid the low censorious World farewell...
FREDERIKSBURG, November 15, 1774. THE Creditors of Anthony M'Kittrick and Co. are again requested to make their Claims known to the Trustees...
For CHARTER, THE Brigantine Abby, Jonas Herbert Master, Burthen about 240 Hogheads, or 8000 Bushels. For Terms apply to GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.
To be SOLD on the Premises, to the highest Bidder, on Thursday the 15th of December next, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from William Wilson, deceased, to Messrs. Henderson, M'Caul, and Co. of Glasgow...
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...
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, about the 10th Instant (November) a DARK BAY MARE about fourteen Hands three Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail...
THERE came to my Plantation in Henrico County, in April 1770, a BLACK BULL, marked with a Crop and two Slits in the right Ear, and an Upper and Under Keel in the left.
TAKEN up, in Lunenburg, a White Horse about fifteen Years old, four Feet six or seven Inches high, and branded on the near Shoulder IW in a Piece.
TAKEN up, in _____, a Roan Horse about eleven Years old, four Feet five Inches high, his left Ear cropped, has a large Bell tied on, shod before, and branded on the near Buttock F, and on each Side of his Rump with a Horse Shoe.
TAKEN up, in Caroline, a Roan Bay Mare about four Years old, four Feet two Inches high, a Blaze in her Face, several white Hairs at the Root of her Tail, her Legs from the Knees down are black, and she is branded on the near Buttock B.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a Black Steer about five Years old, with a white pied Head, some White under his Belly, a white Ring round Part of his left Leg, marked with a Crop in the left Ear, and a large Underkeel in the right.
PETERSEURG, November 15, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony soon. All Persons indebted for Dealings with me are requested to make Payment to Mr. Thomas Shore, who is empowered to receive.
THE Subscriber some Time ago advertised in the Neighbourhood of this Place, that the Business formerly transacted by him here, on Account of Messrs. David Dalyell, George Oswald, and Co. and Oswald, Dennistoun, and Co. of Glasgow...
IMPORTED last Spring, in the Marlborough, Captain Dawson, a small Box marked W T, containing four Pieces of Irish Linen, ten Pounds of Thread, and a black Russel Petticoat.
I HAVE laid off several Lots, or Half Acres of Land, contiguous to the Town of Alexandria, which are to be leased in Fee on Ground Rent. Any Persons inclined to rent the same may make Application to Robert Hanlon Harrison, Esq., Attorney at Law...
THOSE Gentlemen who have empowered the Subscriber to collect Debts due to them in the Southern Provinces, and have not furnished him with their Accounts and Specialties, are desired to lodge them with some Merchant at Richmond...
For LIVERPOOL (to sail in a Month) THE Ship Betsey, James Dyar Master, can take in 100 Hogheads of Tobacco, on Liberty of Consignment, the rest of her Cargo being already engaged.
To be HIRED for the ensuing Year, at King William Courthouse, on Thursday the 29th of December, if fair, otherwise next fair Day.
ABOUT FIFTY likely Virginia born SLAVES, consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls, some of which are excellent House Servants, being Part of the Trust Estate of Colonel Philip Johnson.
TEN DOLLARS Reward. RUN away from the Subscriber, living near Susquehanna River, Hartford County, Maryland, on or about the Month of September 1771, a Convict Servant Man named DANIEL DUNN, about 35 Years old...
For CHARTER, or private SALE, THE Ship Neptune, Archibald White Master, Burthen about 400 Hogheads, or 10,000 Bushels. For Terms, apply to the Subscribers in Norfolk.
Wanted immediately, A JOURNEYMAN SHOEMAKER that understands the Business well in all its Branches. Such a One, that can come well recommended, for an honest, industrious, sober Man, will meet with Encouragement to his Satisfaction...
FIFTY POUNDS REWARD, WHEREAS, on the 19th of June last past, a certain JOSEPH THORP was intrusted with a considerable Sum in Half Johanneses, of nine Pennyweight, to be delivered by him at Quebec...
For SALE, THAT valuable and well situated Lot in Williamsburg where the Coffeehouse is now kept, which may be entered upon the 1st of April next.
For CHARTER, THE Ship Londesdale, James Grayson Master, Burthen about 430 Hhds. British built, two Years old, a very good Vessel, well fitted and found. For Terms apply to Richard Squire Taylor, in King William County.
WILLIAMSBURG, September 29, 1774. COMMITTED to the Publick jail, on the 3d Instant, a Negro Man named CHARLES, who told me he belonged to Doctor Cabin Griffin of York, which I have repeatedly notified to the Doctor...
FOR SALE, A TRACT of LAND in York County, about four Miles from Williamsburg, containing 250 Acres. It lies in about three Quarters of a Mile of York River, and about the same Distance from the Oyster Rocks...
To be SOLD or RENTED (Preference will be given to the first) A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Messrs. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives.
To be SOLD, A TRACT of LAND in Surry County, containing 450 Acres, known by the Name of Cabin Point, on which are a new Set of Brick Warehouses, which bring in about 70l. a Year, and a new Brick Merchant Mill completely fitted with two Water Wheels on a never-failing Stream...
FOR SALE, TWO THOUSAND Acres of LAND, lying on the River Shenando, in the County of Frederick, eight Miles above Abby's Gap. One Third of the Purchase Money to be paid on the Day of Sale, and an extensive Credit will be given for the Remainder.
To be RENTED, from Year to Year, or for a Term of Years, BELVOIR, the beautiful Seat of the Honourable George William Fairfax, Esq.; lying upon Potomack River in Fairfax County, about fourteen Miles below Alexandria.
FOR SALE, A TRACT of LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about four Miles below the Courthouse, it is remarkable fine Land for Grain, and will bring good Tobacco. The Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, sufficient to work six or eight Hands, with all necessary Houses.
For SALE, ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amelia County, whereon are several Plantations and Improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty Hands. There is on the said Land for Sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with a Stone Dam and a Pair of good Cologne Millstones, which Mill has for two Years past got upwards of 100 Barrels of Toll Corn, and is situated on a never failing Stream.