The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-03-11 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the FRESHEST ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — Suet. in Tib. S. 28.
PRINTED by 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.
TREASURY OFFICE, FEBRUARY 27, 1775.
OBSERVING, from a ROYAL PROCLAMATION, published in the last Gazette, that his MAJESTY hath been graciously pleased to authorize the Currency of Copper Money throughout this Colony, agreeable to the Terms of an Act of our General Assembly, I do hereby give Notice that such Copper Money is now ready to be issued in Exchange, either for Gold, Silver, or any of the Treasury Notes. Those who have Demands, PROPERLY AUTHENTICATED, may receive what Proportion they please in Copper, but are not obliged to take more than 2/6 in any Sum above twenty Shillings, and not more than 1/ in any Sum under twenty Shillings. — Constant Attendance will be given at this Office, every Day in the Week, except Sunday, from eight to one o'Clock.
I must again call upon all such Inspectors, Clerks, and other Collectors, as have not settled their Accounts, and paid their respective Balances due to the Treasury. If they fail doing it longer than the next Meeting of Merchants, in April, they may be assured that I shall prefer regular Complaints, before PROPER AUTHORITY, against every Delinquent, and that I shall, moreover, without fail, publish Lists of all Defaulters, in the public Gazettes.
THIS MAY BE RELIED ON.
[2] RO. C. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
To Messrs. DIXON & HUNTER.
GENTLEMEN,
By giving the following piece a place in your paper, as soon as convenient, you will very much oblige several of your customers, and particularly,
Gentlemen, Your humble servant,
A VIRGINIAN.
READING lately Mr. Pinkney's paper, dated the 19th of January, I was struck with an anonymous piece, which, tho' very laconick, was fraught with bitter sarcasms against our brethren the Scotchmen, who unfortunately have fallen under the heavy displeasure of this nameless furioso , who will not be wanting, it seems, on such a laudable occasion, in lending his assistance to such of his countrymen as may be so patriotic inclined,
in driving the ill-fated Caledonians from their industriously acquired possessions to the place "from whence they came."
At any other time than the present, I cannot presume that the piece here alluded to could have met with any thing more than the deserved indignation, even of the lowest of mankind; the author of which would justly have been considered as the willing perturbation of the public tranquillity, and as such must have merited the silent contempt of the public in general, and have been considered as a being too unworthy to attract the attention of any one in particular. But as matters are at present particularly situated, when applied to the Scotchmen, a few of whose countrymen in high office (with what justice it is not my business at present to determine) have been charged as being greatly instrumental in bringing on the heavy calamity which at present wrecks the internal peace of America, such malicious insinuations as the aforesaid piece conveys might too probably, through prejudice, or the want of due consideration, have some undue influence over such, who have of late been taught, by the invidious reports of those of the same stamp with this anonymous writer, to look upon the Scotch as aliens, interlopers in trade, avowed enemies to the good of the country, and to whom might justly be ascribed all the misfortunes under which their country is groaning; such as, expiring liberty, ruined credit, low price for their commodities, and similar observations by far too low to deserve a place here. For which said reasons, added to the anxious wish that I entertain of seeing all national reflections against the Scotchmen subiding in the breasts of my countrymen, as being too illiberal to be entertained there, and as being, on the whole, repugnant to the genuine interest of either, I shall beg leave, through the channel of your paper, to answer — I know not what name to call him; and should I be so happy as to produce, in the breast of the meanest of my countrymen, sentiments more generous and worthy of men, it will afford me more real satisfaction than the ill-timed, and full worse acquired applause, which this inveterate writer against the Scotchmen can possibly promise himself from his meritorious performance.
He begins his truly elegant and modest piece by supposing the Scotch had all signed the association, and under this belief he asks, "if it is not through compulsion, and if they will not so represent it to the Ministry?" I am pretty certain that the Scotch merchants (whom I presume are here meant) have all signed the association; which I am much pleased with, and can but conceive it as a great point gained towards the completion of the plan formed by the worthy members of the Grand Congress, for preserving to us our constitutional liberties. But how this writer came to understand that their signing was through compulsion is what, I confess, appears to me very inexplicable! Indeed, from the measures that I know have been pursued in many (I trust, in all) of the counties, to obtain a general accession of the merchants, and others, to the association, such an assertion must appear altogether groundless; and, whatever the Gentleman might intend, it does not, admitting it to be the case, reflect much credit on the humanity of those in whose hands the association papers might be when this insinuated "compulsion" was exercised, to the great trepidation of the poor Scotch merchants.
The cause of liberty is our cause; compulsory measures, therefore, would seem to me, as highly repugnant to the freedom we
profess, and are struggling to preserve. For which reason alone I can but think that the least attempt to compel the merchants, or others, to sign the association, contrary to their inclination, would be deemed, by every considerate man, as favouring too strongly of the ministerial tyranny, which the Americans have so generally execrated! And to condemn despotick power there, and practise it here, is what, I trust, will never enter into the head of an honest American. In short, this writer must be a very great stranger to the proceedings of the Scotch merchants at their meeting in Williamsburg last November, or he assuredly would not advance such doctrine. That they there voluntarily signed the association is what, I thought, every man was well acquainted with, and what no man could be hardy enough, from the notoriety of the thing, to deny; and that, after having signed, they, in a body, waited on the Hon. Peyton Randolph, Esq; Moderator, and presented him with the same, having decently addressed him on the occasion; whereby they express their hearty approbation of the measures adopted by the Continental Congress, their hopes they might produce the desired effect, and concluded, as well as I can recollect, with assuring Mr. Moderator of their firm resolution to keep the same inviolate on their parts; or words nearly to the same effect. Can such a procedure as this be considered as the effect of compulsion? Have we ever heard that the most distant idea was ever entertained, by any of the members of the Congress, of compelling, or frightening the Scotch merchants into compliance with the articles of the association? Such a thought surely could have existed no where but in a very distempered brain! And yet this patriotic writer has boldly ventured to give it to the public without the smallest shadow of proof, either violent or presumptive, to support it. But, for the public's patience, which I am fearful I have trespassed too long on already, I will proceed to examine the rest of the Gentleman's strange and invidious interrogatories, which, for the last mentioned reason, I will be as concise as I am capable.
"And if we should be so unhappy (says this generous writer) as to come to a rupture with Great Britain, will they not be ready to come at our backs and cut our throats?" Just Heaven! what has ever appeared in the conduct of the Scotch towards our countrymen to justify this too surely insinuated writer in such a cruel and malignant insinuation? Were they our avowed enemies, daily committing hostilities, and like unto the uncivilized savage, whose bosom is insensible to the humane and tender feelings of nature, they could not deserve an opinion more to their prejudice. But with whom do I contend? For aught I know (too probably) with a madman, or perhaps a wretch whose soul is devoid of every noble generous sensation, and who is a stranger to what may be long to worth; or why does he thus dare wantonly, or more likely maliciously, to abuse not the character of one or two individuals only, but the character of a nation, the people of which, for their courtesy, hospitality, and I may add urbanity, are inferior to none under the sun: A people united to us in many cases; by all the tender ties of affinity; often by those more tender ties of blood; and, in the grand point of interest and communication, too closely and intimately connected ever to be disjoined, without endangering, most certainly, the safety of both. A people, to whose industry, and enterprising genius in trade, is owing, in a great part, the flourishing state of this colony. A nation, whose people, in the course of the last war, sacrificed their lives in the common cause, fighting our sovereign's battles with the utmost alacrity; who were not a little instrumental in driving the enemy from our own doors, and whose warm zeal and attachment in the cause was, if not greater, at least equal, to any of his Majesty's best subjects. For the truth of which I appeal to every impartial historian who has given us an account of the proceedings in the last war.
These are the people, my countrymen, against whom this writer would advise you to commit the blackest ingratitude, by "purging (to make use of his emphatical words) this sickly colony of such filth;" and this he proposes to accomplish by breaking "off all commercial connection with them in future." But I am egregiously mistaken if he does not himself think the more speedily and certain cure to this colony complaint (as he would intimate it to be) would be to drive the unoffending Scotch from hence to the place "from whence they came."
Not satisfied of depriving them of all trade, on which, to their great credit, they chiefly subsist, and thereby reducing them to penury and want, he would, in order to get clear of those, by whom he would act so base a part, "purge the colony of such filth." Now, to a small genius, of a less enterprising turn, the method prescribed of getting clear of this "filth" would seem a little perplexing; but this bold, this penetrating genius, fruitful ever it would appear in invention, strikes out the way to you with amazing facility: "Let a few of the first men in each county stand foremost, and I will engage (says this modern Hector) the matter shall be accomplished." Accomplished! What would this heroic genius have accomplished? Not the stopping of their commercial intercourse with us, for that is already, for the present, effectually accomplished; the times require it, and they have cheerfully submitted to it. But I am greatly deceived if this reformer of the times has not something more under contemplation than simply stopping all further commercial dealings with the Scotch merchants. In fine, my countrymen, it does not require the skill of a conjurer to discover, that the fight of the Scotchmen has become very noxious to this said nameless writer, who would with they were far removed; and there may be more causes for it than the Gentleman would readily own, and which, if well and truly investigated, would turn out something, I will venture to say, that would reflect no great lustre on this pseudo-patriot.
It is not very difficult for a person, in these days of degeneracy, to deal out a great quantity of personal invective, under the cloak of the public's friend. Writers there are of this stamp, and, un-
luckily for the public, too many; against whom they would do well to be guarded, as the greatest intruders upon their quiet.
I would not wish to be considered as being so warm an advocate for the Scotchmen as to forsake truth and justice, by attempting to exculpate them all from blame. There are amongst them, no doubt, men who, like the rest of Adam's race, are of bad and vitiated principles; such are to be found in every clime, in all ranks and degrees of men; such are the English; and, to bring the matter home, such are my countrymen, by far too many of us: But, to condemn a whole nation for the faults of a few, is acting upon a very false and partial scale of justice.
I sincerely entreat the public's forgiveness for trespassing so long on their patience; but I hope my crime will appear less in their view when they consider that I am actuated by no other motive than that of doing some part of mankind a piece of service. I have the peculiar satisfaction of knowing, at least, that nothing but the love of justice has impelled me to give my sentiments on a piece which every good man must read with indignation against the writer, who is to me, for aught I know, a perfect stranger; and which, from the principles he seems to profess, is a circumstance I am very far from lamenting; but could rather wish that such a willing incendiary was unknown to mankind, the discreet part of which will say, with Solomon, "that understanding is a well spring of life to him that hath it, but the instruction of fools is folly."
TO THE PRINTERS.
Gentlemen,
THE Reverend and learned Doctor Smith, Provost of the College of Philadelphia, hath published a volume of excellent sermons. In his second sermon, preached when General Braddock was carrying on his expedition to the Ohio, there is a passage which breathes such a spirit of true patriotism, and is so extremely applicable to the glorious cause in which the North American colonies are now engaged, that I am persuaded it must animate, and give pleasure to every friend of constitutional liberty. I have therefore extracted it, and hope you will give it a place in your next paper.
PHILO AMERICANUS.
"IN times past, when LIBERTY, travelling from soil to soil, had deserted almost every corner of the world, and was preparing to bid an everlasting adieu to her last best retreat, the British isles, our great forefathers (whose memories be blest) anticipating her departure, came into these remote regions. They encountered difficulties innumerable. They sat down in places before untrod by the foot of any Christian, fearing less from savage beasts, and savage men, than from slavery, the work of savages. To preserve at least one corner of the world sacred to liberty and undefiled religion was their glorious purpose. In the mean time the storm blew over, and the sky brightened in the mother-land; LIBERTY raised her drooping head, and trimmed her fading laurels. Halcyon-days succeeded, and their happy influence extended even into this new world. The colonies rose and flourished; our fathers saw it, and rejoiced. They beget sons and daughters, resigned the prosecution of their plan into our hands, and departed into the mansions of rest.
"But lo! the storm gathers again, and sits deeper and blacker with boding aspect! And shall we be so degenerate as to desert the sacred trust consigned to us for the happiness of posterity? Shall we tamely suffer the pestilential breath of TYRANTS to approach this garden of our fathers, and blast the fruits of their labours?
"No—ye illustrious shades, who perhaps even now look down with anxiety on our conduct!—we pronounce, by all your glorious toils, that it shall not, must not be! If we are not able to make those who mourn in bonds and darkness round us share the blest effects of liberty, and diffuse it through this vast continent, we will at least preserve this spot sacred to its exalted name, and tyranny and injustice shall not enter in, till the body of the last freeman hath filled up the breach.
"Spirit of ancient Britons! where art thou? Into what happier region art thou fled, or flying? Return, Oh! return into our bosom! expel every narrow and grovelling sentiment, and animate us in this GLORIOUS CAUSE! Where the voice of public virtue and public liberty calls, thither may we follow, whether to life or to death! May these inestimable blessings be transmitted safe to our posterity! and may there never be wanting champions to vindicate them against every disturber of human kind, as long as there shall be found remaining, of all those who assume the distinguished name of Britons, either a tongue to speak, or a hand to act!"
AT a meeting of freeholders, at the courthouse, in the county of Charlotte, on Friday the 13th of January last, a committee of the following persons was elected, for the purposes recommended in the 11th article of the Continental Association, viz. Paul Carrington, Thomas Read, Isaac Read, James Speed, John Brent, Thomas Spencer, Joel Watkins, M'Neils Good, William Hubbard, John White, Sion Spencer, Thomas Bedford, Thomas Carter, William Morton, and Joseph Morton.
Paul Carrington, Esq; was unanimously elected Chairman. The committee then proceeded to the choice of a Clerk.
On the 6th day of February, at another meeting of the committee, held at the courthouse aforesaid, it was resolved, that this committee do testify their sincere approbation of the association agreement entered into by the Congress, in exercising unwearied diligence in attempts for its true maintenance, and inviolate preservation, within their county; and that their unfeigned thanks are due to the worthy members that composed the late continental meeting, for their zeal and steady attention to the interests and happiness of British America. It was resolved, that committees,

deputed by the county committee, do examine the day books, invoices, &c. of the several merchants, or store-keepers, within this county, that their report might discriminate the worthy merchants, and quiet the minds of the people from future suspicions; that Mr. Thomas Read, Mr. Isaac Read, Mr. Speed, Mr. Thomas Spencer, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Good, Mr. Sion Spencer, Mr. Bedford, and Mr. William Morton, be a committee to inspect the store books of accounts, and invoices, kept by Mr. Christopher M'Connico, as factor for Alexander Speirs and company; that Mr. Isaac Read, Mr. Speed, Mr. Brent, Mr. Watkins, Mr. Hubbard, Mr. White, Mr. Carter, and Mr. William Morton, be a committee to inspect the store books of accounts, and invoices, kept by Mr. William Barkfille, as factor for Field and Call; and that Mr. Thomas Read, Mr. Good, Mr. Sion Spencer, and Mr. Thomas Bedford, do examine the store books of accounts, and invoices, belonging to Mr. Matthew Marrable, at his store in this county.
At a further meeting of the committee at the courthouse aforesaid, on the 14th of the said month, Mr. Thomas Read reported, that, in pursuance of their order for inspecting the books of Mr. Christopher M'Connico, they had, on the 8th of the month, waited on Mr. M'Connico at his house, for the liberty of carrying the said order into execution, but were refused any view of the said books, Mr. M'Connico offering for excuse, that he had not the consent of his employers for subjecting his books to such inspection. The committee are of opinion that such refusal from an associator (Mr. M'Connico appearing to be one) is refusing to comply with the dictates of the association agreement, and induces a suspicion of his having taken advantage in the sale of goods, contrary to the sense of the tenth article; therefore they have determined that Christopher M'Connico has so far violated and departed from the true spirit and meaning of the association, that they will immediately break off all correspondence with him, until he shall give full and ample satisfaction to the said resolution of this committee, for examining his books, &c. And they recommend it to the public, and particularly to his customers, and the people of this county, to withdraw all dealings with the said M'Connico, agreeable to the resolution of this committee, except that necessary intercourse that may arise in the adjustment of their accounts, and payment of their debts; and this committee earnestly hope, that such of his customers as are in arrear on his books will make good their respective balances by a punctual discharge thereof.
Mr. Isaac Read, from the committee for inspecting the store books, &c. of Mr. William Barkfille, reported, that on their application, Mr. Barkfille produced his books, and had given them all the assistance and information in the course of their examination that they required; and are of opinion that Mr. Barkfille has not taken advantage of the present scarcity of goods, by advancing on sales, and, as far as their inquiry extended, appears to have sold his goods on lower terms than the preceding year.
The committee for inspecting Mr. Marrable's books, &c. were disappointed in their attendance by bad weather. It is resolved that they do prosecute the former order of this committee, for examining Mr. Marrable's books, and make report thereon at the next county meeting, &c. Mr. Speed is added to the committee for inspecting Mr. Marrable's store books, &c.
PAUL CARRINGTON, Chairman. By order of the committee, the above resolutions are directed to be published in the Virginia Gazette.
The Lord Treasurer BURLEIGH's Letter to his Son ROBERT.
SON ROBERT, THE virtuous inclinations of thy matchless mother, by whose tender care thy infancy was governed, together with thy late education under so zealous and excellent a tutor, put me rather in assurance than hope, that thou art not ignorant of the summum bonum , which is only able to make thee happy, as well in thy death as in thy life; I mean the true knowledge and worship of thy Creator and Redeemer, without which all other things are vain and miserable: So that thy youth being governed by so all-sufficient a tutor, I make no doubt but he will furnish thy life with moral and divine documents.
Yet, that I may not cease of the care becoming a parent towards his child, or that thou shouldst have cause to derive thy whole felicity and welfare rather from others, than from whom thou receivedst thy birth and being, I think it fit, and agreeable to the affection I bear thee, to help thee with such advertisements and rules for the squaring thy life as are gained rather by long experience than reading; to the end that thou, entering into this exorbitant age, mayst be better prepared to shun the cautious courses whereunto the world, and the lack of experience, may draw thee; and because I would not confound thy memory, I have reduced them into ten parts, and next unto Moses's table; if thou imprint them in thy mind, thou shalt reap the benefit, and I the contentment. And these they are.
I. When it shall please God to bring thee to man's estate, use great prudence and circumspection in the choice of thy wife, for from thence will spring all thy future good or ill; and it is an action in which, like a stratagem of war, a man can err but once. If thy estate be good, match near home, and at leisure; if weak, far off, and quickly. Inquire diligently of her disposition, and how her parents have been inclined in their youth. Let her not be poor, how generous soever, for a man can buy nothing in the market with gentility; nor choose a base, uncomely creature, altogether for her wealth; for it will cause contempt in others, and loathing in thee. Neither make choice of a dwarf or a fool; for by the one thou shalt beget a race of pigmies, the other will be thy daily disgrace; and it will vex thee to hear her talk, and thou shalt find, to thy grief, that there is nothing so fulsome as a feeble.
And, touching the government of thy house, let thy hospitality be moderate, and according to the measure of thy estate, rather plentiful than sparing, but not costly; for I never knew any grow poor by keeping an orderly table: But some consume themselves through secret vices, and then hospitality bears the blame; but banish swinish drunkenness of thy house, which is a vice that impairs health, consumes much, and makes no show. And I never heard praise ascribed to a drunkard, but the well bearing of his liquor, which is a better commendation for a brewer's horse, or a carman, than either for a gentleman or serving-man. And beware thou spend not above three parts of the four of thy living, nor above a third part of that in thy house; for the other two parts will do no more than defray thy extraordinaries, which will always surmount thy ordinaries by far; otherwise thou shalt live, like a rich beggar, in continual want, and a needy man can never live happy nor contented; for every the least disaster makes him ready to mortgage or sell, and that gentleman that sells one acre of land looses an ounce of credit; for gentility is nothing but ancient riches: So that, if a foundation shrinks, the building must needs follow.
II. Bring thy children up in learning and obedience, yet without austerity; praise them openly, reprehend them secretly, give them a good countenance, and a sufficient maintenance, according to thy ability; otherwise thy life will seem their bondage, and whatever portion thou shalt leave them, they will thank death for it, not thee; and I am persuaded, that the foolish cookeries of some parents, and the over stern carriage of others, causeth more men and women to go astray, than their natural inclinations.
Marry thy daughters in time, lest they marry themselves; and suffer not thy sons to pass the Alps, for they shall learn nothing there but pride, blasphemy, and atheism; and if by travelling they get a few broken languages, that will profit them no more than to have the same meat served up in different dishes. Neither by my consent shalt thou train them up to the wars; for he that sets up his rest to live by that profession can hardly be an honest
man, or a good christian, for every war is of itself unjust, unless the cause makes it just; besides, it is a science no longer in request than in use, for soldiers in peace are like chimneys in summer.
III. Live not in the country without corn or cattle about thee; for he that puts his hand to his purse for every expense of household, is like him that pretends to hold water in a sieve; and what provision thou shalt want, learn to buy it at the best hand; for there is one penny in four saved between buying a thing at thy need, and when the market and seasons are fittest for it. And be not served by kinsmen, friends, or men entreated to stay, for they will expect much, and do little; nor with such as are anorous, for their heads are always intoxicated; and keep rather a few than one too many. Feed them all, and pay them with the most, and then thou mayst boldly require their service and duty.
IV. Let thy kindred and thy allies be always welcome to thy table; grace them in all other honest actions, for by this means thou shalt so double that bond of nature, as thou shalt find them so many advocates to plead for thee behind thy back. Shake off the glow-worms, I mean parasites and sycophants, who will feed and fawn in the summer of thy prosperity, but in any adverse storm will shelter thee no more than an arbour in winter.
V. Beware of suretyship for thy best friends, for he that pays another's debts seeks his own decay; but if thou canst not otherwise, choose rather to lend thy money thyself upon good bond, though thou borrow it; so shalt thou pleasure thy friend, and secure thyself. Neither borrow money of thy friend, but rather of a mere stranger, where paying it thou shalt hear of it no more; otherwise, thou shalt eclipse thy credit, lose thy friend, and yet pay as dear for it as to another. But in borrowing of money be precious of thy word; for he that hath care to preserve days of payment, is lord over other mens goods.
VI. Undertake not a suit against a poor man without receiving much wrong; for besides thou makest him thy competitor, it is a base conquest to triumph where there is no resistance. Neither attempt law against any man, before thou hast thoroughly resolved thou hast right on thy side; and then spare neither money nor pains, for a cause or two, so followed and obtained, will free thee from suits best part of thy life.
VII. Be sure to keep some great man thy friend, but trouble him not with trifles: compliment him often, present him with many, yet small gifts, and a little charge; and if thou hast cause to bestow any great gratuity, let it be some such thing as may be daily in his sight; otherwise, in thy ambitious age, thou shalt remain like an hop without a pole, and be made a football for every insulting companion to spurn at.
VIII. Towards thy superiors be humble, yet generous; with thy equals familiar, yet respectful; towards thy inferiors shew much humility and some familiarity, as to bow thy body, stretch forth thy hand, or uncover thy head, and such like popular compliments. The first prepares way for thy advancement, the second makes thee known for a man well bred, the third gains a good report, which once got is easily kept; for high humility takes such deep root in the minds of the multitude, as they are easier won by unprofitable courtesies than by churlish benefits; yet I advise thee not to affect or neglect popularity too much; seek not to be c-----, and shun to be i-----.
IX. Trust not any man with thy life, or credit, or estate; for it is more than folly for a man to enthrall himself to his friend, as that occasion being offered, he dare not become his enemy.
X. Be not scurrilous in thy conversation, nor satirical in thy jests; the one will make thee unwelcome to all company, the other will pull on quarrels, and get thee hatred of thy best friends: For sulphurous jests, when they favour too much of truth, leave a bitterness in the minds of those that are touched; and though I have already pointed at this inclusive, yet I think it necessary to leave it to thee, as a special caution; because I have seen so many prone to quip and gird, as they would rather lose their friends than their jests. And if, by chance, their boiling brains yield any quaint scoff, they travel to be delivered of it, like a woman with child: These nimble apprehensions are but the froth of wit.
JAMAICA, DECEMBER 28. To the KING's most Excellent Majesty in COUNCIL. The humble PETITION and MEMORIAL of the ASSEMBLY of JAMAICA.
Most gracious Sovereign, WE, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Assembly of Jamaica, having taken into our consideration the present critical state of the colonies, humbly approach the throne to assure your Majesty of our most dutiful regard to your royal person and family, and our attachment to, and reliance on, our fellow subjects in Great Britain, founded on the most solid and durable basis, the continued enjoyment of our personal rights, and the security of our properties.
That, weak and feeble as this colony is, from its very small number of white inhabitants, and its peculiar situation from the incumbrance of more than 200,000 slaves, it cannot be supposed that we now intend, or ever could have intended, resistance to Great Britain.
That this colony has never, by riots, or other violent measures, opposed, or permitted an act of resistance against any law imposed on us by Great Britain, though always truly sensible of our just rights, and of the pernicious consequences, both to the parent and infant state, with which some of them must be attended; always relying, with the most implicit confidence, on the justice and paternal tenderness of your Majesty, even to the most feeble and distant of your subjects, and depending, that when your Majesty and your Parliament should have maturely considered and deliberated on the claims of Great Britain and her colonies, every cause of dissatisfaction would be removed.
That, justly alarmed with the approaching horrors of an unnatural contest between Great Britain and her colonies, in which the most dreadful calamities to this island, and the inevitable destruction of the small sugar colonies, are involved, and excited by their apprehension, as well as by our affection for our fellow subjects, both in Great Britain and the colonies, we implore your Majesty's favourable reception of this our humble petition and memorial, as well on behalf of ourselves and our constituents, the good people of this island, as on behalf of all other your Majesty's subjects, the colonists of America, but especially those who labour at present under the heavy weight of your Majesty's displeasure, for whom we entreat to be admitted as humble suitors; that we may not, at so important a crisis, be wanting to contribute our sincere and well meant, however small endeavours, to heal those disorders, which may otherwise terminate in the destruction of the empire.
That as we conceive it necessary, for this purpose, to enter into the different claims of Great Britain and her colonies, we beg leave to place it in the Royal mind as the first established principle of the constitution, that the people of England have a right to partake, and do partake, of the legislation of their country, and that no laws can affect them but such as receive their assent, given by themselves or their representatives; and it follows, therefore, that no one part of your Majesty's F. glish subjects, either can, or ever could, legislate for any other part.
That the settlers of the first colonies, but especially those of the elder colonies of North America, as well as the conquerors of this island, were a part of the English people, in every respect equal to them, and possessed of every right and privilege, at the time of their emigration, which the people of England were possessed of, and irrefragably to that great right of consenting to the laws which should bind them in all cases whatsoever; and who, emigrating at first in small numbers, when they might have been oppressed, such rights and privileges were constantly guaranteed by
the Crown, to the emigrants and conquerors, to be held and enjoyed by them in the places to which they emigrated, and were confirmed by many repeated solemn engagements, made public by proclamation, under the faith of which they did actually emigrate and conquer: That therefore the people of England had no rights, power, or privilege, to give to the emigrants; as they were, at the time of their emigration, possessed of all such rights, equally with themselves.
That the Peers of England were possessed of very eminent and distinguished privileges in their own right, as a branch of legislation, a court of justice in the dernier resort, for all appeals from the people, and in the first instance, for all causes instituted by the representatives of the people; but that it does not appear that they ever considered themselves as acting in such capacities for the colonies, the Peers having never, to this day, heard or determined the causes of the colonists in appeal, in which it ever was, and is, their duty to serve the subjects within the realm.
That, from what has been said, it appears that the emigrants could receive nothing from either the Peers or the people; the former being unable to communicate their privileges, and the latter on no more than an equal footing with themselves; but that with the King it was far otherwise, the royal prerogative, as now annexed to, and belonging to the Crown, being totally independent of the people, who cannot invade, add to, or diminish it, nor restrain or invalidate those legal grants, which the prerogative hath a just right to give, and hath very liberally given, for the encouragement of colonization; to some colonies it granted almost all the royal powers of government, which they hold and enjoy at this day; but to none of them did it grant less than to the first conquerors of this island, in whose favour it is declared by a royal proclamation, "that they shall have the same privileges, to all intents and purposes, as the free-born subjects of England."
That, to use the name or authority of the people of the parent state, to take away, or render ineffectual, the legal grants of the Crown to the colonists, is delusive, and destroys that confidence which the people have ever had, and ought to have, of the most solemn royal grants in their favour, and renders unstable and insecure those very rights and privileges which prompted their emigration.
That our colonists, and your petitioners, having the most implicit confidence in the royal faith, pledged to them in the most solemn manner by your predecessors, rested satisfied with their different portions of the royal grants, and having been bred, from their infancy, to venerate the name of Parliament, a word still dear to the heart of every Briton, and considered as the palladium of liberty, and the great source from whence their own is derived, received the several acts of Parliament of England, and Great Britain, for the regulation of the trade of the colonies, as the salutary precautions of a prudent father, for the prosperity of a wide extended family; and that in this light we received them, without a thought of questioning the right, the whole tenour of our conduct will demonstrate for above a hundred years.
That though we received these regulations of trade from our fellow subjects of England, and Great Britain, so advantageous to us as colonists, as Englishmen and Britons, we did not thereby confer on them a power of legislating for us, far less that of destroying us and our children, by divesting us of all rights and property.
That with reluctance we have been drawn from the prosecution of our internal affairs, to behold with amazement, a plan almost carried into execution, for enslaving the colonies, founded, as we conceive, on a claim of Parliament to bind the colonies in all cases whatsoever.
Your humble petitioners have, for several years, with deep and silent sorrow, lamented this untrained exercise of legislative power, still hoping, from the interposition of their Sovereign, to avert that last and greatest of calamities, that of being reduced to an abject state of slavery, by having an arbitrary government established in the colonies, for the very attempting of which, a minister of your predecessor was impeached by a House of Commons.
With like sorrow do we find the Popish religion established by law, which by treaty was only to be tolerated.
That the most essential rights of the colonies have been invaded, and their property given and granted to your Majesty, by men not entitled to such a power.
That the murder of the colonists hath been encouraged by another act, disallowing and annulling their trials by juries of the vicinage; and that fleets and armies have been sent to enforce those dreadful laws.
We therefore, in this desperate extremity, most humbly beg leave to approach the throne, to declare to your Majesty, that our fellow subjects in Great Britain, and consequently their Representatives, the House of Commons, have not a right as we trust we have shewn, to legislate for the colonies; and that your petitioners and the colonists are not, nor ought to be bound by any other laws, than such as they have themselves assented to, and are not disallowed by your Majesty.
Your petitioners do therefore make this claim and demand from their Sovereign, as guarantee of their just rights, on the faith and confidence of which, they have settled, and continue to reside in these distant parts of the empire, that no laws shall be made and attempted to be forced upon them, injurious to their rights as colonists, Englishmen, or Britons.
That your petitioners fully sensible of the great advantages that have arisen from the regulations of trade in general, prior to the year 1760, as well to Great Britain and her colonies, as to your petitioners in particular, and being anxiously desirous of increasing the good effects of these laws, as well as to remove an obstacle which is new in our government, and could not have existed on the principles of our constitution, as it hath arisen from colonization, we do declare for ourselves and the good people of this island, that we freely consent to the operation of such acts of the British Parliament, as are limited to the regulation of our external commerce only, and the sole object of which, is the mutual advantage of Great Britain and her colonies.
We, your petitioners, do therefore beseech your Majesty, that you will be pleased, as the common parent of your subjects, to become a mediator between your European and American subjects, and to consider the latter, however far removed from your Royal presence, as equally entitled to your protection, and the benefits of the English constitution, the deprivation of which, must dissolve that dependence on the parent state, which it is our glory to acknowledge, whilst enjoying those rights under her protection; but should this bond of union be ever destroyed, and the colonists reduced to consider themselves as tributaries to Britain, they must cease to venerate her as an affectionate parent.
We beseech your Majesty to believe, that it is our earnest prayer to Almighty Providence, to preserve your Majesty in all happiness, prosperity, and honour, and that there never may be wanting one of your illustrious line, to transmit the blessings of our excellent constitution to the latest posterity, and to reign in the hearts of a loyal, grateful, and affectionate people."
The following calculation, taken from a list of the poll tax for the year 1767, may furnish an idea of the importance of the island of Jamaica, to the kingdom of Great Britain.—68,160 hogheads, 7029 tierces and barrels of sugar, 12,142 puncheons of rum, 10,545 pimenta, and 1947 cotton packages, 5031 bags and casks of ginger, 15,328 planks of mahogany, 190,914 Negroes, 137,773 cattle,—235 water—and 44 windmills, 647 sugar plantations, and 3212 tons of fustick and logwood.
B O S T O N, February 20. In Provincial Congress, CAMBRIDGE, February 15, 1775. WHEREAS it appears to this Congress, from the present disposition of the British Ministry and Parliament, that there is real cause to fear, that the reasonable and just applications

of this continent to Great Britain, for "peace, liberty, and safety," will not meet with a favourable reception; but on the contrary, from the large reinforcement of troops expected in this colony, the tenor of intelligence from Great Britain, and general appearance, we have reason to apprehend, that the sudden destruction of this colony in particular, is intended for refusing, with the other American colonies, tamely to submit to the most ignominious slavery:
Therefore, resolved , that the great law of self-preservation calls upon the inhabitants of this colony, immediately to prepare against every attempt that may be made to attack them by surprise. And it is upon serious deliberation most earnestly recommended to the militia in general, as well as the detached part of it in minute men, that they spare neither time, pains, nor expense, at so critical a juncture, in perfecting themselves forthwith in military discipline; and that skillful instructors be provided for those companies, which are not already provided therewith.
And it is recommended to the towns and districts in this colony, that they encourage such persons as are skilled in the manufacture of fire-arms and bayonets, diligently to apply themselves thereto, for supplying such of the inhabitants as may still be deficient.
And for the encouragement of American manufacturers of fire-arms and bayonets, it is further resolved , that this Congress will give the preference to, and purchase from them, so many effective arms and bayonets as can be delivered in a reasonable time, upon notice given to this Congress at its next Session.
Signed by order of the Provincial Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President. A true Extract from the minutes. BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Sec'y.
NEW YORK, February 23.
ON last Thursday night, the ship Beulah , Capt. William M c Busick, arrived at the watering place, about three leagues from the city, in nine weeks from London.—The pilots, we are informed, were ordered not to bring her up, lest her being in the harbour should give uneasiness to this city. The same night, a sloop, with some members of the sub-committee of observation and other citizens on board, went down and anchored near the said ship to observe her conduct, and they will continue there, till she departs.—This ship wants a new bowsprit, when she is furnished with this and other necessaries for her voyage, she will be despatched without delay. She has neither entered nor broke bulk, and we are informed will be ready to sail about Sunday next.
This day, about eleven o'clock, a motion is to be made in the General Assembly for the appointment of Delegates to the General Congress, at Philadelphia in May next.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 11.
WE hear that Ensign Hawkins, who lately insulted the watch at Boston, and was bound over to his good behaviour, has a second time transgressed, by wounding a young man in the arm. General Gage has allowed that disturber some time to dispose of his commission, and bail is given for his appearance to take his trial for the offence!
The following Gentlemen are elected Delegates to meet the convention to be held at Richmond the 20th instant:—John S. Wills, and Josiah Parker, Esquires, for Isle of Wight; Lemuel Riddick, and Willis Riddick, Esquires, for Nansemond; Edmund Berkeley, and James Montague, Esquires, for Middlesex. Arrived in James river, the Rainbow , Gordon , from Glasgow.
Deaths.] Hon. PHILIP LUDWELL LEE, Esquire, one of his Majesty's Honourable Council of this colony. He died the 28th ult. at Stratford, in Westmoreland; the day following his Lady was safely delivered of a son, and on Friday his remains were attended to the place of interment by a very numerous company of relations and friends.
A RECEIPT to imitate NATURE'S MASTER-PIECE, with some particulars of his conduct, arrival in Virginia , &c.
Left we should never look upon his like again.
TAKE a heart that's callous to all sense of right, Let envy and falsehood with malice unite, To guard every passage, and each avenue, That truth or that candour may never steal through: To this add a head, though capacious and large, With sense or reflection do not over-charge; Should both, or should either, of these be deny'd, The defect may by memory well be supply'd. A mem'ry tenacious, and weak reflexion's brain, By filching from others, some credit may gain; If the forehead with brass you do but incase, No matter for beauty of person or face. Though no vigour or strength the body receive, The labours of Hercules it may achieve; The mind, though contracted, and faculties poor, With wisdom and science may even run o'er. A genius thus forn'd you may place on the earth, Without the advantage of fortune or birth, The church will receive him, no matter what church; The first that he tries may be left in the lurch, If second with honours more frequent abound, And the fishes and loaves more plenty are found. With tenets and doctrines quite new or unknown, A system of liturgy too of his own, He turns to the west with a gracious design, In that land of darkness to make his light shine; Where, lo! he arrives, and holds forth in his hand, Enroll'd (by the first of the age and the land) His James , which forever recorded shall stand. How, dear VIRGINIA ! shall I gratulate, In sounding sonorous strains, thy envy'd state? Oh! would some happier bard, with reed or lyre, Bless'd with larger portion of poetic fire, The important subject, and thy triumph sing, I'd unfading laurels for thy temples bring.
Ask, and you shall know, "who gives to merit what is merit's due."
AN accusation being lodged with the committee of Orange county against Francis Moore, jun. of his having violated the eighth article of the Continental Association, by gaming, the said Moore was cited, and appeared before the committee convened on February the 23d, 1775; the testimony of a witness, as well as the confession of the accused, convinced the committee that the charge was well founded; but Mr. Moore gave such evidence of his penitence, and intention to observe the association strictly for the future, and alledging, moreover, that he was not thoroughly aware of the extent of the prohibition contained in that article, that the committee think it proper to re-admit him into the number of friends to the public cause, till a second transgression. It need scarcely be added, that this mitigation of the punishment prescribed in the eleventh article proceeds from a desire to distinguish penitent and submissive from refractory and obstinate offenders.
FRANCIS TAYLOR, Clk.
To Col. ANDREW LEWIS, and Mr. JOHN BOWYER. GENTLEMEN,
FOR your past service, you have our thanks, and we presume it is all the reward ye desire. And as we have again committed you the greatest trust we can confer (that of appearing for us in the great Council of the colony) we think it expedient to hear our sentiments at this important juncture. And first, we require you to represent us with hearts replete with the most grate-
ful and loyal veneration for the race of Brunswick, for they have been truly our fathers; and at the same time the most dutiful affection for our Sovereign, of whose honest heart we cannot entertain any doubt; but sorry we are to add, that in his councils we can no longer confide. A set of miscreants, unworthy to administer the laws of Britain's empire, have been permitted impudently to sway. How unjustly, cruelly, and tyrannically, they have invaded our rights, we need not now put you in mind. We only say, and we assert it with pride, that the subjects of Britain are ONE; and when the honest man of Boston, who has broke no law, has his property wrested from him, the hunter on the Allegany must take the alarm, and, as a FREEMAN of America, he will fly to his Representatives and thus instruct them: Gentlemen, my gun, my tomahawk, my life, I desire you to tender to the honour of my King and country; but my LIBERTY, to range these woods on the same terms my father has done is not mine to give up; it was not purchased by me, and purchased it was; it is entailed on my son, and the tenure is sacred. Watch over it, Gentlemen, for to him it must descend unviolated, if my arm can defend it; but if not, if wicked power is permitted to prevail against me, the original purchase was blood, and mine shall seal the surrender.
That our countrymen, and the world, may know our disposition, we choose that this be published. And we have one request to add, that is, that the SONS OF WORTH and FREEDOM who appeared for us at Philadelphia will accept our most ardent, grateful acknowledgments; and we hereby plight them our faith, that we will religiously observe their resolutions, and obey their instructions, in contempt of our power, and temporary interest; and should the measures they have wisely calculated for our relief fail, we will stand prepared for every Contingency. We are Gentlemen, your dutiful, &c.
THE FREEHOLDERS of BOTETOURT.
NORFOLK, January 4, 1775.
WHEREAS a Report has been propagated, that I am not duly authorised to act as a Notary Public; but that my sole Warrant for so doing is an Assignment of a Commission formerly granted to Mr. Thomas Burke, late of this Borough, and that, in consequence thereof, no Credit ought to be paid to the Seal of my Office: My own Character and Interest both call upon me, thus openly, to contradict such Report, by assuring the Public in general, and those in particular whom it may concern, that I act under a Commission issuing from his Grace the Archbishop of Canterbury, granted to me, and to which I qualified before his Excellency the Earl of Dunmore, and that, being registered as a Notary Public in his Majesty's Office of Faculties in Chancery, all Faith and Honour is due to Certificates under the Seal of my Notarial Office, where Business committed to my Care will be executed with Accuracy and Despatch.—As I continue to transact Business as Insurance Broker, Orders from any Part of the Country for Insurance will be properly attended to, and the greatest Care taken to procure good Men to the Policies.
JAMES ARCHDEACON.
N. B. I have for Sale a few Hogheads of excellent OLD JAMAICA SPIRITS, JAMAICA COFFEE, ANTIGUA RUM, GINGER, LOAF SUGAR, &c.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 9, 1775.
LOST, last Wednesday Night, between the College of William and Mary and the Treasurer's, a GOLD BROOCH, the Motto "Nulla pallescere Culpa." Whoever will bring it to the Subscriber shall have a Reward adequate to the Trouble.
WILLIAM DAWSON.
TO BE SOLD,
At public Sale, on WEDNESDAY the 26th of APRIL next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, for ready Money, on the Premises,
A VALUABLE TRACT OF LAND, containing 373 Acres, situated on North River, in King's Parish, Gloucester County, whereon Mrs. Letitia Ranjohe now lives. There is a good Dwelling-House, with two Rooms on a Floor, several convenient Outhouses, and a very good Orchard. It is convenient to Fish and Oysters of the best Sort.—At the same Time and Place will be sold several likely Virginia born SLAVES.—The Widow has her Right of Dower in the Land.
TO BE SOLD,
THREE Thousand Acres of well timbered LAND, near Newmarket, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in good Repair, with proper and convenient Edifices for farming or making of Tobacco. For Terms apply to the Subscriber.
JOHN BAYLOR.
TO BE SOLD,
A TRACT OF LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Mattaponi, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land, the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burwell of King William, Mr. John Armistead of Caroline, and Mr. John Baylor, Executors.
TO BE SOLD,
Before Mr. GUNN's Door, in RICHMOND Town, ALL the personal Estate of WILLIAM RANDOLPH, Esq; deceased, consisting of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, a neat CHARIOT, with four HARNESS, several high blooded COLTS, a fine breeding MARE, and about ten Dozen of old MADEIRA WINE. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed for all Sums exceeding five Pounds, the Purchasers giving Bond with approved Security to
THE ADMINISTRATORS.
N. B. At the same Time will be sold two valuable NEGRO CARPENTERS.
THE Meeting of the Treasurer, Trustees, and Subscribers, to the Fund for the Relief of Clergymen's Widows and Orphans, is hereby appointed to be held on Saturday the 6th of May next. The Officers for the present Year are, the Rev. John Cumm Treasurer, the Reverend Messrs. Pryse Davies, Devereux Jarratt, William Bland, John Bracken, Thomas Price, and Alexander Lundie, Trustees; the Rev. William Harrison Forenoon Preacher, and the Rev. Robert Andrews Afternoon Preacher.
JACOB BRUCE, Clerk.
FOR SALE,
SEVERAL VALUABLE TRACTS OF LAND LYING in HALIFAX and PITTSYLVANIA Counties. Any Person inclined to purchase may apply to the Subscriber, near Booker's Ferry, in Halifax County.
JOHN SMITH.
For SALE, and very CHEAP,
THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End of Caroline County, that contains 470 Acres, and is known to be very good. The Improvements are, a new Dwelling-House 32 by 28 Feet, with three Dormants on a Side, two Fireplaces below, and one above, a good Cellar, the Kitchen 24 by 16 Feet, with all other Outhouses quite new, and the Plantation in fine Order for Cropping. Its Situation is equal to any Forest Place whatever. I will give Credit till next Christmas, when Possession may be had.
LE ROY HIPKINS.
RUN away from the Subscriber, about the first of January last, a very bright Mulatto Man named STEPHEN, 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, about 22 Years of Age, well set, has a remarkable broad Face, with a Mole on the side of his Nose, and a Scar upon one of his Legs. He was clothed in Negro Cotton Waistcoat and Breeches, Osnaburg Shirt, and a Pair of blue Gambadoes; his Hair is cut close off the Top of his Head, and the Front Part combed back. His Wife PHEBE went away with him, a remarkable white Indian Woman, about the same Age, and was with Child; she has long black Hair, which is generally clubbed, and carried off with her a blue Negro Cotton Waistcoat and Petticoat, a Virginia Cloth Waistcoat and Petticoat, and a Virginia Cloth Bonnet. She can spin well, and I imagine they will both endeavour to pass as free.—Whoever apprehends the said Slaves, and brings them to me, in Dinwiddie, near the Courthouse, or secures them in Gaol, so that I get them again, shall have 10l. Reward from
HENRY HARDAWAY.
For SALE, or CHARTER, A BRIGANTINE,
Now on the Stocks, and will be launched in a few days, BURTHEN one Hundred and twenty TUNS. She is well calculated, and built of excellent Materials. Good CREDIT will be allowed, to those who may incline to Purchase, for the greatest Part of the Money. Apply to me in Suffolk. SAMUEL COHOON.
A P O L L O
Stands at the Subscriber's, in BRUNSWICK County. HE was got by FEARNOUGHT, on an imported Mare of the best Blood, whose Pedigree is in my Possession, and will be shown to any Person inclined to see it. His fine Form, beautiful Colour, and extraordinary Performances on the Turf, strongly recommend him. He will cover Mares the ensuing Season at 30s. the Leap, 4l. the Season, or 6l. to have the Privilege of sending a Mare till she brings a Colt. As the Horse cost me a very large Sum, it is hoped those who put Mares will pay the Money as soon as they can with any tolerable Convenience. Extraordinary good Pasturage will be provided, and the utmost Care taken of the Mares; but the Proprietors must not expect to be indemnified for those which may get away.
RICHARD ELLIOT.
Wants Employment,
A SOBER Man, of about 30 Years of Age, who is well acquainted with Business, writes fair and correct, understands the Mathematicks, can make a good Translation from the French, and has a fair Character from the Gentlemen with whom he lived for three Years past.—Inquire of the Printers hereof.
WILLIAMSBURG, March 4, 1775.
IT being necessary for me to go to England this Spring, I shall esteem it a particular Favour if those who are indebted to me would be as early as possible in discharging their Accounts, without which it will not be in my Power to accomplish my Intention, and will not only be a great Disappointment, but a Disadvantage to me in my Business. I therefore flatter myself this Requisition will have the desired Effect, which will greatly oblige Their humble Servant, MARGARET HUNTER.
BEDFORD Courthouse, Feb. 5, 1775.
THE Creditors of Jeffery Grisey, deceased, are desired to meet at KING WILLIAM March Court, with their respective Claims, properly authenticated, in Order that the same may be discharged. I am offered, by his Mother, a Sum of Money, in Part Payment of her Bond to her Son (which does not become due till her Decease) on certain Conditions. I believe the Sum offered is nearly, or quite sufficient, to pay all the Creditors. In this Case, it will be convenient for me to comply with the Conditions offered, and to draw a Bill of Exchange immediately to discharge the same.
JOHN HOOK, Administrator.
CHARLES CITY, February 20, 1775.
THE SUBSCRIBER has on Hand, about FOUR HUNDRED POUNDS STERLING WORTH OF GOODS, suitable for a Store, which he will sell for Cash or Tobacco, Wholesale or Retail, on reasonable Terms.
AS I intend to leave the Colony this Summer, all Persons indebted to me are desired to pay off their Accounts; those who cannot pay I hope will give Bond; for which Purpose Mr. Edward Morecock will attend at the Store until the last of April.
ROBERT WALKER.
MANCHESTER, Feb. 11, 1775.
THE Subscriber intending for Britain by the ensuing Fall, proposes to sell the following Tracts of LAND, viz.—About 2000 Acres in Bedford County, lying on both Sides of the north Fork of Otter River and Hurricane Creek, about 100 Acres of which are cleared, and produce Tobacco of a fine Quality; there are several Houses upon the Land, large Peach and Apple Orchards, and a good Meadow. The Land lies well, and is a remarkable good Place for raising Stock of all Kinds, having excellent Range upon the Mountains joining it.—Also another Tract of Land containing about 300 Acres, a Mile below the other, with a Grist Mill upon it, lately built, a Stone Dam, and a never-failing Stream. There are little more Improvements upon this Tract, but the Soil is good, and would make a valuable Settlement.—A valuable and well known Tract of Land in Hanover County, called Half Sink, on Chickahominy River, containing, by a late Survey, 667 Acres, a great Proportion of which is rich low Ground, affording a vast Quantity of large white Oak Timber. This Plantation lies 11 Miles from Richmond Town, is in good Order to work ten Hands, and has the necessary Houses upon it, lately built.—Also four LOTS in the Town of Richmond, where Mr. James Vaughan formerly kept Ordinary, with Houses thereon, two of which are new, and the Pasture fenced with Posts and Rails. It is a suitable Place for a Tavern, or would afford Conveniencies for three private Families. The above Lands may be entered upon next Fall, and the Lots at the Expiration of the present Year they are rented for. I shall be glad to treat with any Person who inclines to purchase.
ALEXANDER BAINE.
I want to purchase the Half Acre Lot at Rocky Ridge, No. 132, drawn to Ticket No. 373 in Col. Byrd's Lottery. A. B.
The noted Horse
MARK ANTHONY
STANDS at my Plantation in Bute County, on the north Side of Roanoke River, about two Miles below Col. Thomas Eaton's Ferry, and will cover Mares the ensuing Season at 30s. the Leap, 3l. the Season, or 5l. Virginia Money to ensure a Colt. Good Pasturage for the Mares, and Entertainment for Gentlemen's Servants, gratis. Great Care will be taken of the Mares, but I will not be answerable for any that may get away.
HERBERT HAYNES.

POETS CORNER.  THE CONFESSION: By a Lady.  THE blush, that glows upon my cheeks; The conscious eye, that truly speaks; The sigh, that vainly would conceal What grateful impulse bids me feel; Do they not all conspire to tell What faithful Harrol knows too well? The tongue, by thousand various ways, May wind through art's delusive maze, The lover's honest joys deceive, When swelling hopes his bosom heave; But blushes, sighs, and looks, impart The genuine meaning of the heart.
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.
SURRY, February 23, 1775.  THE Commanding Officers of the Southern District are requested to appoint their General Musters upon the following Days, which will put it in my Power to make a full return of the Militia; when they will be waited on by Their most obedient Servant,
COLIN CAMPBELL, Adj.    SURRY, Friday, MARCH 17   PRINCE GEORGE, Monday, 20   CHESTERFIELD, Wednesday, 22   CUMBERLAND, Friday, 24   PRINCE EDWARD, Monday, 27   AMELIA, Thursday, 30   BRUNSWICK, Monday, APRIL 3   DINWIDDIE, Wednesday, 5   SUSSEX, Friday, 14   SOUTHAMPTON, Monday, 17   ISLE OF WIGHT, Wednesday, 19   NANSEMOND, Friday, 21   NORFOLK County, Monday, 24   Borough, Wednesday, 26   PRINCESS ANNE, Friday, 28 
A FEW BOXES OF KEYSER'S FAMOUS PILLS TO BE SOLD AT THE POST OFFICE.
TO BE SOLD  At BERMUDA HUNDRED, to the highest Bidders, on MONDAY the 17th of APRIL, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,  ALL the Household and Kitchen Furniture belonging to the late John Hylton, deceased. Credit will be allowed till the 25th of April 1776 for all Sums above forty Shillings, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to  FRANCIS EPPES, } Executors. JOHN HYLTION, }
TO BE SOLD,  On MONDAY the 13th Instant (MARCH) at the House of the late ELIZABETH BALSAM, in the City of Williamsburg,  All the Household and Kitchen Furniture of the said Deceased, together with the  HOUSE, a valuable young COLT,  And every other Article belonging to the said Estate.  Six Months CREDIT will be allowed for all Sums above 40s.  John Conrad Ginter, Administrator.  ALL Persons who have any Demands against the said Estate are desired to make them known as soon as possible.
STRAYED from a Plantation near William Bumpass's, at the Head of Appomattox River, the latter End of November last, a likely BLACK MARE about 4 Feet 9 or 10 Inches high, with a Star in her Forehead, and a Snip on her Nose, one hind Foot white, has a Switch Tail, paces tolerably, and trots well in a Carriage, but is rather dull. She is defective in the Sight of one of her Eyes (the left I think) by Means of a Filn, or something of that Kind, but has no Brand that I remember. It is supposed she will make down towards Warwick. Whoever delivers her to the said William Bumpass, Henry Bagley, at Pine Creek, in Cumberland County, Daniel Wiscaker at Warwick, or to me in Henrico, shall have 20 s. Reward from  ROBERT PLEASANTS.
RICHMOND, Feb. 24, 1775.  THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Public that he has just opened Tavern in the House formerly occupied by Mr. James Vaughan. Those Gentlemen who choose to favour him with their Custom may depend upon the best Usage, from their humble Servant,  GABRIEL GALT.
MECKLENBURG, Feb. 25, 1775.  A PERSON who understands teaching English and Latin, and comes well recommended, will meet with good Encouragement, by applying to  HENRY DELONY.
BERKELEY County, VIRGINIA.  Now ready for Publication,  The American Pocket Dial,  WHICH SHEWS    The Hour of the Day and Night by the Sun and Stars.  The Latitude of the Place of Observation.    The Sun's Place and Declination.  The Variation of the Compass.    The Sun's Altitude.  The Height and Distance of any accessible or inaccessible Object.    These useful and curious Problems may be found, by this Dial, by any Person of common Abilities, without any Knowledge of the Mathematicks, by carefully perusing a small Book of Directions given with each Dial. These Dials are to be published by Subscription, each Subscriber paying ten Shillings Currency on receiving a Dial and Book. They will be engraved in the neatest Manner, on Copper, or Brass, and the Books printed in a Style clear to the Understanding. Besides the Use of the said Dial, there will be added, in the Book, a true Way of discovering the Quantity of Adulteration in Gold, Silver, &c.  Subscriptions taken in by the Editor (Robert Cockburn, of Berkeley County) and William Page, at the Vendue Office, Williamsburg.
At a Meeting of the Committee of JAMES CITY County, on MONDAY the 13th of FEBRUARY, 1775, it was resolved,  THAT, as an Encouragement for making Cotton and Wool Cards, a Premium of forty Pounds Sterling be offered, and paid by the Chairman, to any Person who shall first settle in this Colony, and who shall, within eighteen Months from the Date hereof, make in this Colony, or cause to be made therein, under his Direction, five Hundred Pair of good Cotton, and five Hundred Pair of good Wool Cards, to be delivered to the Chairman for the Use of the Inhabitants of this County; and the Committee oblige themselves to pay for the same at the Rate of 75 per Cent. Advance on what such Cards have usually been imported at from Great Britain, within twelve Months past, over and above the said Premium. The Quality and Price to be judged of, and settled by reputable Merchants in the Neighbourhood.  By Order of the Committee, BENJAMIN CARTER WALLER, CLK.
HANOVER Town, Jan. 19, 1775.  NOTICE is hereby given, that the Debts due to Messrs. Andrew Cochran, Robert Donald, and Co. and Messrs. Murdoch, Donald, and Co. of Glasgow, lately in the Hands of Mr. Alexander Donald and Mr. John Johnson for Collection, and under them Mr. Richard Morris and Mr. John Davies, are now under the Direction of the Subscriber. Great Indulgence having been already given, all those who are still indebted to both, or either of the above Companies, are requested to be very speedy in discharging their respective Balances. Any Payments made to Mr. Malcom Hart will be good.  ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
TAKEN up, in Hanover, on Little River, near the Fork Church, a dark bay MARE about 4 Feet 7 Inches high, her near Hip somewhat higher than the other, a few white Hairs on her off Buttock, a long hanging Mane, appears to be about 10 Years old, has an old Bell, no Brand perceivable, and hath been appraised to 7l.  SHADRACH WATTS.
SURRY BEGINS to cover the 1st of April next, at 40 s. the Season, or 15 s. the single Leap. Either Cash, or Corn at 10 s. a Barrel, must be brought with the Mares, or they will not be received. Pasturage gratis, but I will not be answerable for Accidents.  LANDON CARTER.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from Mr. John Dowling's, in Warwick County, last Christmas Eve, two Mares, viz. one a forrel, 4 Years old, about 4 Feet 9 or ten Inches high, trots, gallops, and paces slowly, branded on the near Buttock I PR (the PR in a Piece, and the P inverted) but hardly perceivable, has a small Ulcer on her right Cheek, caused by a Kick from a Horse some time ago, and appeared to be forward with Foal. The other is a light Iron gray, 5 Years old, about 4 Feet 5 Inches high, trots and gallops, and branded on the near Buttock 3. They had both hanging Manes and Switch Tails. Forty Shillings Reward will be given on their being delivered to Mr. Dowling, or the Subscriber, in King William, and if stolen, 10l. on Conviction of the Thief.  JAMES RUSSELL.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in October, and from Time to Time since, a Negro Man by Name ISHAM, to which he adds sometimes RANDOLPH, at others ALLEN, about 21 or 22 Years old. As he has worn out his Clothes, and I hear supplied himself out of his Fellow Servants Stock, I know not how he is dressed. He is not very dark complexioned, and has a white Spot rather behind the right Cheek Bone; as near as I can guess, he would measure 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches in Height, and is slender. As I have Reason to expect he is in Stafford or King George, my Reward, over what the Law allows, is twenty Shillings, though the Trouble being increased by the Distance, I would willingly satisfy the full Inconvenience of delivering him to me at Norman's Ford, in Fauquier County. All Persons giving Countenance to said Slave will be prudent enough to take necessary Warning from this, as I will level the utmost Rigour of the Law against such Offenders.  LANDON CARTER.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, on Monday the 12th of February last, an indentured Servant Man named ISAAC GELDING, a House Carpenter by Trade, a short, well made Man, about 5 Feet 5 or 6 Inches high, wears short brown Hair tied behind, and has several Moles in his Face. He had on, when he went away, a Bearskin Coat and Waistcoat, and a Pair of light coloured Worsted Shag Breeches, with Metal Buttons, brown Linen Shirt, and a new Hat. He took with him a broad Axe, and a Hand Saw. It is suspected he is gone to Suffolk, as he left Norfolk last Monday, intending to go there. Whoever delivers him to me in this City, or secures him so that I get him again, shall have 5l. Reward.  JAMES SOUTHALL.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Caroline County, near Capt. James Upshaw's, on Tuesday the 3d Instant (January) a very likely Mulatto Fellow named LEMON, about 26 Years old, 5 Feet 10 or 11 Inches high, had on, and carried with him, a light coloured Wilton Coat, a Beaver Coating great Coat, and a Pair of red Plush Breeches, but may change his Clothes, and have many others with him. As he is an artful designing Fellow, and once before attempted his Escape, and got as far as Hobb's Hole, I suppose he will try to pass for a Freeman, having endeavoured to procure an Indenture. I forewarn all Masters of Vessels, &c. from carrying him out of the Colony. Whoever brings the said Fellow to me shall receive 3l. Reward, besides what the Law allows, and if taken out of the Colony, 10l.  JOHN MARTIN.
RICHMOND TOWN, Jan. 30, 1775.  RAN away from the Subscriber, at Norfolk, on the 25th of December last, a likely brisk Negro Boy named JIM, or JEMMY, about 14 Years of Age, dressed in a Suit of coarse green Cloth, with large white Metal Buttons, a Leather Cap, &c. He is well acquainted on both Sides of James River to Maycox, from thence to Suffolk and Norfolk, and is probably lurking about some Gentleman's Negro Quarter. Whoever brings him to me, or secures him so that I get him again, shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward, besides Expenses. I forewarn every Person from carrying him out of the Country, or harbouring him.  ROBERT BROWN.
NEW TOWN, King & Queen County, Jan. 31.  RUN away from the Subscriber, in December last, JOHN DANCER, a Mulatto Servant Man, about 25 Years of Age, well made, and wears his Hair; he had on, when he went away, a blue Duffel Jacket, an Onabrug Shirt, and a Pair of Buckskin Breeches. He writes intelligibly, and it is suspected will make use of that Qualification to pass for a Freeman. Whoever apprehends the said John Dancer, and delivers him to me, or secures him in Gaol, so that I get him again, shall have 40s. Reward, and reasonable Expenses allowed.  JOHN HIPKINS.
TAKEN up, on Oren's Creek, in Powhatan, a dark bay HORSE, with a Blaze in his Face, about 4 Years old, 4 Feet 5 Inches high, paces naturally, and branded on the off Shoulder I. Also a black MARE COLT, about a Year old, 4 Feet 3 Inches high, with a Star in her Forehead, and branded on the near Shoulder NF. Also a black MARE and COLT, the Mare about 4 Feet 4 Inches high, with a Star in her Forehead, about 15 Years old, and branded on the near Shoulder and Buttock M; the Colt is a dark gray Mare, a Year old, neither docked nor branded, and about 4 Feet 3 Inches high. The said Strays are appraised to 16l.  JOHN DAVIS.
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.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a dark red OX, with a white Belly, the End of his Tail and Dewlap white, a Star in his Forehead, in the Middle of which is a red Spot, an Underkel in his right Ear, and the Ends of his Horns are cut off.  BLACKMAN WARD.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber in Williamsburg, the first of January last, two BAY MARES, one of them is a dark bay, 14 Hands and a Half high, her hind Feet white to the first Joint, and with Foal. The other a LIGHT BAY, 13 Hands and a Half high. Whoever brings them to me shall receive 20s. Reward.  MILES SELDEN.
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. The Land of itself is valuable, exclusive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-House, with other necessary Outbuildings, 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.  EBENEZER MACHARG.
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 40 s. 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.  JOHN BLAND.
FOR CHARTER,  The BRIGANTINE  A B B Y,  JONAS HERBERT MASTER,  BURTHEN about 240 Hogsheds, or 3000 Bushels. For Terms apply to  GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH.  NORFOLK, November 5, 1774.
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.  JOHN H. NORTON.  YORK TOWN, November 23, 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.