The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-04-14 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the freest ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — Suet. in Tib. S. 28.
Printed by ALEX. PURDIE, and JOHN DIXON, at the POST OFFICE.
TREASURY OFFICE, April 10, 1774.
THE several Inspectors and all other Persons whatever, who are in Arrear to the Treasury, are desired to discharge their respective Balances in the Course of this present Court without Fail, as no Indulgences can be given.
RO. C. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
BOSTON, March 17.
LAST Monday arrived here Mr. WILLIAM GODDARD, Printer in Philadelphia, and Baltimore. The Cause of that Gentleman's Tour is interesting to all the Colonies, and we are happy to find that all of them through which he has come are thoroughly engaged in it. Mr. Goddard has long been noted as the Proprietor and Employer of a very FREE PRESS, and some four or five Years ago he began to feel himself distinguished on that Account, till at length the Exactions of the King's Post Rider became so enormous that they amounted to an entire Prohibition of the Continuance of his Business in the City of Philadelphia. Maryland, a great Part of Virginia, Pennsylvania, and the Jerseys, through which his Paper had circulated, became inflamed at the Insult; especially when it was known that Mr. Goddard had complained to the Postmaster, the sole Arbiter in this Case, and could not obtain the Shadow of a Redress. Nearly the whole Town of Baltimore, the first Merchants and Gentlemen in Philadelphia, assisted Mr. Goddard in establishing a Rider between those two Capitals, and have recommended the Plan to all the Colonies. Mr. Goddard has received the greatest Encouragement from every Colony through which he has passed, and all declare their Readiness to come into the Measure, provided it is adopted here. To be satisfied in this Point a very respectable Meeting of the principal Gentlemen of the Town was called, at which an unanimous Resolution was come into to second our worthy Brethren in the southern Colonies, to the utmost of our Power. Subscriptions will be immediately opened, and every Measure taken to demonstrate that in so glorious a Motion, for the Recovery of American Liberty, Boston will by no Means fall short of the most sanguine Expectations of her honest Countrymen.
Mr. Hutchinson's Declaration, that his Majesty (he should have said Ministry) highly disapproves of PROVINCIAL COMMITTEES OF CORRESPONDENCE, with the Steps above mentioned, and many others, to be related in due Season, are sufficient Indications of the Mind of Administration respecting a free Communication of Sentiment throughout these much injured Communities. A Junction of the Whole is dreaded; and, Thanks to Heaven, the Measures taken to prevent serve only to hasten it, beyond Conception.
How unworthy of the Wisdom and Spirit of Americans would it be to bear any longer with the Insolence of a Tool who should impudently tell an Affector of the Rights of his Country that he could not expect the Favours of Government, in carrying his Papers, while he was so free in defaming its Measures? How naturally must such Hauteur exasperate a People who consider the POST OFFICE, in its present Condition, as a dangerous Usurpation, as the boasted Precedent of all the Innovations with which an abandoned Administration have presumed to vex the Colonies, as the stated Course of Intelligence and Information on which our very Existence as a free People depends, and on which the Enemy of our Rights can lay his Hand whenever he pleases? And, in Consequence, how cheerfully will every Well-wisher to his Country lay Hold on the present Opportunity to recover a Right of Importance conceivable by few, simply considered, by hardly any One in its Consequences. One of these tremendous Consequences is "the Creation of new Offices, with new Fees, without Consent of our Parliaments," and open Violation of Magna Charta, e. g. Hugh Finlay, Esq; Surveyor of the Post Roads, with a Hundred Escatemas.
* The Sum of 521. Pennsylvania Currency per Annum was demanded at the Post Office for the Carriage of about 350 Newspapers, 130 Miles, payable in weekly Payments, as the Papers were delivered to the Posts.
Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman at New York, to his Friend in this Town, February 28.
"Your Steadiness and Activity in the glorious Cause of Liberty has induced me to address you, without any Apology, upon a very interesting Matter, in which the Cause of American Freedom is deeply concerned, I mean the POST OFFICE ESTABLISHMENT, upon which every other unconstitutional Act has been grounded, as our tame Submission to it has constantly been urged, by the Enemies of our Country, as a Precedent against us; and as I am fully convinced of the Propriety and Eligibility of opposing it at present, and we cannot fail of Success if the Opposition be made with a manly Firmness, I am determined to give the Bearer, Mr. Goddard, every Aid in my Power towards the Execution of his Plan, which is so well calculated to serve the Cause of Liberty, and relieve my Country from such an arbitrary and unconstitutional Act of the British Legislature.
"I must therefore earnestly request that you will, provided your Sentiment should coincide with mine, use all your Influence in the Town of Boston, and give him every Assistance in your Power, to forward so great and necessary an Undertaking; and should we succeed in this Attempt of abolishing the POST OFFICE (of which I have not the least Shadow of a Doubt) I am convinced it will put an entire Stop to their laying any farther unconstitutional Burthens upon us, especially when they find that we are determined to make Reprisals upon every such Occasion, and that they will be reduced to the unfortunate Situation of the Dog in the Fable, who by greedily grasping at the Shadow lost the Substance. As I am much indisposed at present, I cannot enlarge upon the Subject; nor do I think any Arguments necessary to convince you of the Propriety of the Measure, or to induce you, who have so constantly exerted yourself in the Cause of Liberty, to afford it your Sanction and Support."
Extract of a Letter from Nantucket, March 9.
"About eight o'Clock this Morning we had the most violent Gust of Wind that perhaps was ever known here, which lasted but about a Minute; it seemed to come in a narrow Vein, and in its Progress blew down our Lighthouse and totally destroyed it, besides several Barns, Shops, &c. I do not hear of any Persons receiving much hurt, or much Damage done, except the Loss of the Lighthouse, which in every Respect is considerable; and I wish this Loss may be as speedily published in the Newspapers as possible, which may be a Means to prevent many bad Consequences that may otherwise attend the Navigation passing this Way."
NEWPORT, March 14.
A LETTER dated at Turk's Island, the 20th of February, on Board the Sloop Freetown, of this Place, Joseph Evans Master, bound to Jamaica, advises that the Day before, as they were going through the Passage in the Offing, they were boarded by a Boat with eight armed Men, from the Savage Man of War, then lying in the Road of Turk's Island. The Officer of the Boat demanded of the Captain his Papers, which being readily delivered him, he ordered the Sloop to put about and sail for the Road, from which they were then at some Distance to leeward, saying they should take the Boat in Tow. Mr. Finlater of Jamaica, the Captain, and a Number of Gentlemen and Ladies, Passengers, expostulated with the Officer against the Hardship and Delay, especially as one of the Ladies (Mrs. Finlater) was great with Child, and near her Time. The Officer, however, insisted upon the Sloop's going to the Island, and on being refused behaved with great Brutality, treating the People on Board with the most scurrilous Language, placing one of his own Men at the Helm, and drawing his Sword. Mr. Finlater, wresting the Sword from him, threw it overboard, while the Captain forced the Boat's Man from the Helm, and gave it to one of his own People. The Boat along-side, then, by Order of the Officer, immediately fired into the Sloop with a Swivel Gun, whereby she was shot through the Side, and Mr. Finlater through the Body, near the Shoulder. The Sloop was then carried into the Road, where the Captain and Mate were detained on Board the Savage until next Day, when they were released, and permitted to proceed on their Voyage. The Surgeon of the Ship behaved with Politeness and Humanity, and carefully dressed the Wounds of Mr.
Finlater, whose Recovery is doubtful. It does not appear that the Officer had the least Reason for his Conduct, or acted from any other Motives than Pride, Ill-nature, or Wantonness in the Exercise of an arbitrary Power, with which he ought not to have been trusted, though for the Abuse of it he deserves exemplary Punishment.
Captain Chace, in eighteen Days from Turk's Island, informs that a Schooner belonging to Salem, in her Passage from the Windward Islands, took up a Boat with two white Persons and four Negroes in her; and that said Schooner, about two Leagues from Turk's Island, was boarded by a Cutter belonging to the Savage Man of War, and carried into that Island, where the Captain of the Schooner attempted to sell Part of the Negroes to pay the Salvage for taking them up, &c. but the Officers of the Savage held a Court upon the Captain of the Schooner, and tried him for Felony, as though he had stolen the Negroes, but were obliged to acquit him; however, they took the Negroes from him, in Order, as was supposed, to convert them to their own Use.
NEW YORK, March 24.
A GENTLEMAN in England writes his Friend in Philadelphia as follows: "The warlike Preparations of the French, I imagine, will alarm all Europe. What their Designs are, Time must bring forth. The Insurrection at Petersburg, we imagine, is set on Foot by them, and that his Prussian Majesty is at the Bottom of the Scheme. We expect soon to hear of the fitting out Fleets and sending Armies to different Parts, as we certainly will not be tame Spectators."
Friday last, the 18th of March, being the Anniversary Repeal of the STAMP ACT, the same was celebrated at the House of Mr. Abraham De La Montagne, where a considerable Number of Gentlemen were assembled, who spent the Day in the greatest Harmony and good Order. The Day was celebrated in the like Manner by other Gentlemen at Protestant Hall, on Long Island; and at Mr. David Grim's, by the German Protestants in this City. The following loyal Toasts were drank, viz. The King; the Queen; the Prince of Wales, and Royal Family; a pleasant Passage, and speedy Return, to his Excellency our worthy Governor and Family; Prosperity to the Province; the Lieutenant Governor, and the Honourable Members of his Majesty's Council; the present worthy General Assembly; the Mayor and Corporation; Great Britain and her Colonies; the Navy and Army; the Earl of Chatham; our worthy Agent, Mr. Burke; the patriotick Ministry of 1766; the glorious Majority of both Houses of Parliament in 1766; the spirited Burgesses of Virginia in 1765; the Pennsylvania Farmer; Loyalty, Unanimity, and Perseverance, to the true Sons of Liberty in America; may the Authors of Discord, and Promoters of intestine Feuds, meet with their just Demerits; Prosperity to Ireland, and the worthy Sons and Daughters of St. Patrick; the German Protestants; Trade and Navigation; the Chamber of Commerce; the Marine Society; the Liberty of the Press; the Protestant Interest; may the House of Hanover rule the British Empire to the End of Time; the Day.
CHARLESTOWN, February 21.
CAPTAIN Haggey, of the Ship Newmarket, which arrived here last Thursday from London, on the 29th of last Month, in Latitude 27. 35, Longitude 54, met with a Sloop in the greatest Distress imaginable; five poor emaciated Creatures on Board accosting him with uplifted Hands, crying they were starving alive, and begging Relief. She proved to be the George, Richard Justice Master, which had come out from Virginia fifty Days before, laden with Indian Corn, bound for New York, and with only one Week's Provision. They had subsisted for some Time on nothing but Corn roasted in an Iron Pot, did not understand navigating the Sloop, and in that Condition had been driven to and fro till they met with a Vessel from Barbados, which spared them a Man to navigate, and a few dried Fish, but no Water, being short of that Article themselves. Upon being desired to send their Boat, they acquainted Captain Haggey that they had none; that it had been cut up and used as Firewood, and they had then only the last Stick of her, the Keel; whereupon he sent them, in his own Boat, Bread, Beef, Potatoes, Candles, Cheese, Water, and Firewood, for a Month, to carry them to Antigua, for which Island they bore away.

LONDON, January 26.
Concise Summary of Friday's Proceedings in the House of Commons.
At three Quarters past three o'Clock the Speaker took the Chair, when Lord Barrington brought in the Estimates for the Army, and Sir Charles Cocks the Estimates for the Ordnance.
Mr. Grieve then acquainted the House, that this Day he should bring in the same Bill he did last Year, "Not to remove the Poor from Parishes until they become chargeable." The Speaker then left the Chair, and the whole House went into a Committee of Supplies, Sir Charles Whitworth in the Chair.
Mr. Buller made the following Motion, "That it is the Opinion of this Committee that 20,000 Seamen, including 4354 Marines, will be necessary for the Service of the present Year." Mr. Buller then said, that he was sorry that it was really necessary for so great a Number this Year, but that next Year a much smaller Number would be sufficient, as the Fleet in the East Indies was returning home, which consisted of six Ships.
Mr. Sawbridge said, that every Year we were told the Expense of the preceding Year would be less, but he had remarked this Year was the same as the last; that the Number of Seamen was double what used to be kept in Time of Peace; that last War, when we were at the Height of Glory, when we were the Terror of our Enemies, we stopped short, and made a disadvantageous Peace, and had ever since supported that Peace with a War Establishment.
Lord North said, that we were not to regulate our Conduct by any former Peace. That a chief Reason of the annual Expense had been owing to supporting a Fleet in the East Indies, where Provisions were much dearer than any Where else; but the Establishment now could not be called a War Establishment, as at the Conclusion of the last War 16,000 Seamen were thought a proper Establishment, in Time of Peace, for the Safety of the Nation. But that he hoped, next Year, 17,000, instead of 20,000, would be found sufficient; as the Fleet, by Christmas next, would arrive from the East Indies, when there would be a Deduction of 3000 Seamen. That he was sorry that the Nature of Affairs occasioned so great Supplies, but a chief Reason why so much Money had been expended was owing to the great Quantity of Timber that had been delivered into the Dockyards, but that by Christmas next their Complement would be completed, and they would have a sufficient Stock for three Years; and that we should have then only to keep that Stock up, which would not require so large a Sum. That at the Time of the general Alarm in 1771 our Fleet was in a terrible Condition, the repairing of which had been very expensive; but he flattered himself it was now in so respectable a State that it might be kept in Repair for a Trifle, and that no Member would think the Money which had been expended was misapplied.
Mr. Dowdeswell said, he hoped he should not be looked on as an Enemy to the Navy when he coincided with the Honourable Gentleman (Mr. Sawbridge) in saying, that he thought the Establishment was too much in Time of profound Peace; and, as his Majesty had been pleased to tell them how pacific other Powers were, he saw no Reason why the Number should be more than at the Conclusion of the last War, when 16,000 were thought sufficient. But, as the Noble Lord had told them what a terrible State the Navy was in at the Alarm in 1771, he begged to know how the enormous Supplies that had been granted for the Navy had been appropriated, from the Year 1763 to 1771, that in eight Years they should suffer the Fleet to be in so terrible a Condition; that certainly they had been either too modest in their Demands, or, if they had demanded sufficient, had misapplied the Money, and in either Case were blameable.
Lord North replied, he was not obliged to answer how the Money had been applied during the eight Years the Honourable Gentleman had mentioned, as he was only three Years out of the eight in Administration; yet he would take upon him to say, that the Navy being so bad was owing to the hurry Ships were built in at the Close of the last War, many of which were built of green Timber, and, though never used, had rotted in seven Years, when they should have lasted fifteen. That another Reason why he hoped the Supplies for the next Year would not amount to so high as the present was that the Ships contracted for in the Merchants Yards in 1771 would be all launched this Year, and then our own Yards would be able to supply as fast as we should want, which would allow that the Money which had been expended was not merely to repair but to restore the Navy.
Mr. Powney said, as the Noble Lord had declared that when the East India Fleet arrived there would be a Reduction of 3000 Seamen, he hoped they would be discharged from the 17,000, and that next Year 14,000 would be thought sufficient.
Mr. Dempster made a short Speech, nearly the same as Mr. Powney. Lord North replied, he could not promise it should be reduced lower than 17,000; and if they were capable of that, he thought it were doing a great Deal.
Mr. Townshend said, that it might be thought trifling in him to contend for a single Thousand, but he should be glad some Gentleman of the Navy would inform him the Reason why 17,000 must be maintained; when, by the Noble Lord's Account, 16,000 were thought sufficient at the Conclusion of the last War.
Mr. Dowdeswell said, that he left Town last Year two or three Days before the Session ended; but, reading the King's Speech in the Country, he was surprised at the following Words, "I am glad to find you have in some Measure been able to reduce the national Debt." He said he did not recollect that any of the three per Cents. or other Funds, had been paid off, or that any of the Navy Bills had been discharged; but the only Thing he knew of was 1,800,000. Exchequer Bills paid off, and 1,800,000. more, he understood, were borrowed. That if any Thing had been paid off, it was more than he recollected. That though the Land Tax was a Shilling in the Pound more than in any former Peace, it did not raise a Supply of more than two Millions clear of all Deductions, which Expense was annually laid out on the Navy; so that, if the Flame of War should break out, we should be in a bad State to defend ourselves, as all our Land Tax was expended on the Navy only, and our Credit was lower than ever, as appeared by the Funds: For in Mr. Grenville's Time three per Cents. were 97, and now they are but 86; so that, if any Saving could be made, it was highly necessary.
the Benefit of Banks and Paper Credit, which are so generally esteemed advantageous to every Nation. That Provisions and Labour should become dear by the Increase of Trade and Money, is, in many Respects, an Inconvenience; but an Inconvenience that is unavoidable, and the Effect of that publick Wealth and Prosperity which are the End of all our Wishes. It is compensated by the Advantages which we reap from the Possession of those precious Metals, and the Weight which they give the Nation in all foreign Wars and Negotiations; but there appears no Reason for increasing that Inconvenience, by a counterfeit Money which Foreigners will not accept of in any Payment, and which any great Disorder in the State will reduce to nothing. To endeavour artificially to increase a Paper Credit can never be the interest of any trading Nation, but must lay them under Disadvantages, by increasing Money beyond its Proportion to Labour and Commodities, and thereby heightening their Price to the Merchant and Manufacturer. I scarcely know any Method of sinking Money below its Level, but those Institutions of Banks, Funds, and Paper Credit, which are so much practised in this Kingdom. These render Paper equivalent to Money, circulate it through the whole State, make it supply the Place of Gold and Silver, raise proportionally the Price of Labour and Commodities, and by that Means either banish a great Part of those precious Metals, or prevent their farther Increase. It is only in our publick Negotiations, and Transactions with Foreigners, that a greater Stock of Money is advantageous; and as our Paper is then absolutely insignificant, we feel by its Means all the ill Effects arising from a great Abundance of Money, without reaping any of its Advantages. It is not to be doubted but the great Plenty of Bullion in France is, in a great Measure, owing to the Want of Paper Credit. The French have no Banks; Merchants lending upon Interest is not directly permitted, so that many have large Sums in their Coffers; great Quantities of Plate are used in private Houses, and all the Churches are full of it. By these Means, Provisions and Labour still remain cheaper among them than in Nations that are not Half so rich in Gold and Silver. The Advantages of this Situation, in Point of Trade, as well as in great publick Emergencies, are too evident to be disputed. Before the Introduction of Paper into our Colonies, they had Gold and Silver sufficient for their Circulation. Since the Introduction of that Commodity, the least Inconvenience that has followed is the total Banishment of the precious Metals; and after the Abolition of Paper, can it be doubted but Money will return, while these Colonies possess Manufactures and Commodities, the only Thing valuable in Commerce, and for whose Sake alone all Men desire Money."
January 24. A Correspondent says, that unless some very effectual Measures are taken with the Rabble at Boston their Insolence may be expected to increase. He recommends, instead of Tea, a Cargo of manufactured Hemp to be immediately forwarded to that loyal Colony; the Disposition of which, with a suitable Support, to be in the Hands of Governor Hutchinson.
The following is at present a favourite Toast among the Friends of their Country: "Detested be the Man who shall form a Scheme for abridging the Liberty of the Press, and for ever detested be the Minister who shall patronize it."
Lord Sandwich, we hear, has proposed to the Cabinet an Increase of twenty Ships of the Line; but the Expense being objected to, his Lordship observed that it was an Act of Prudence not only to establish a permanent Peace, but a certain Superiority over the united Strength of Europe.
Lord North, in the Committee of Supply on Friday, if he did not absolutely say that we were at the Eve of a War, was very far from giving the most distant Assurance that Peace was certain for a single Month, much less for a Year.
The last Letters from Paris advise that Orders have been sent to the Officers in the Service of France to provide themselves with Field Equipages without Delay, and to be in Readiness to march upon the first Notice.
The Ministry received the Account of the Mischief done to the East India Company, in the Destruction of the Tea at Boston, with the utmost Insensibility. Lord North proposes to refer the Directors for Redress, on their complaining of the Violence done them, to the Consumers in the Massachusetts. The Company will find very few Friends in the Nation, as they have endeavoured to saddle the Colonies with a Duty that would prove equally oppressive to them, with the many Hardships they pretend to meet with from the present Administration.
The Report of the Reverend Mr. Rosenhagen being the Author of Junius's Papers is without Foundation. It is again in Agitation to appoint a Commander in Chief on the British Establishment, and it is generally supposed that his Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester will succeed to it.
We hear that the Sheriffs Sayre and Lee will send Notice to John Wilkes, Esq; Member for Middlesex, to attend the House of Commons, according to the Order of the Speaker.
On MONASTICK INSTITUTIONS.
I HAPPENED, the other Day, to take a solitary Walk amongst the venerable Ruins of an old Abbey. The Stillness and Solemnity of the Place were favourable to Thought, and naturally led me to a Train of Ideas, relative to the Scene; when, like a good Protestant, I began to indulge a secret Triumph in the Ruin of so many Structures which I had always considered as the Haunts of Ignorance and Superstition.
Ye are fallen, said I, ye dark and gloomy Mansions of mistaken Zeal, where the proud Priest and lazy Monk fattened upon the Riches of the Land, and crept like Vermin from their Cells to spread their poisonous Doctrines through the Nation, and disturb the Peace of Kings. Obscure in their Origin, but daring and ambitious in their Guilt! see how the pure Light of Heaven is clouded by the dim Glass of the arched Window, stained with the gaudy Colours of monkish Tales and legendary Fiction; fit Emblem how reluctantly they admitted the fairer Light of Truth amidst these dark recesses, and how much they have debased its genuine Lustre! The low Cells, the long and narrow Aisles, the gloomy Arches, the damp and secret Caverns which wind beneath the hollow Ground, far from impressing on the Mind the Idea of the God of Truth and Love, seem only fit for those dark Places of the Earth in which are the Habitations of Cruelty. These massy Stones and scattered Reliques of the vast Edifice, like the large Bones and gigantic Armour of a once formidable Ruffian, produce Emotions of a mingled Dread and Exultation. Farewel, ye once venerated Seats! enough of your remains, and may it always remain! to remind us from what we have escaped, and make Posterity for ever thankful for this fairer Age of Liberty and Light.
Such were, for a While, my Meditations; but it is cruel to insult a fallen Enemy, and I gradually fell into a different Train of Thought. I began to consider, whether something might not be advanced in Favour of these Institutions during the barbarous Ages in which they flourished; and, though they have been productive of much Mischief and Superstition, whether they might not have spread the Glimmering of a feeble Ray of Knowledge, through that thick Night which once involved the Western Hemisphere.
And where, indeed, could the precious Remains of classical Learning, and the divine Monuments of ancient Taste, have been safely lodged, amidst the Ravages of that Age of Ferocity and Rapine which succeeded the Desolation of the Roman Empire, except in Sanctuaries like these, consecrated by the Superstition of the Times beyond their intrinsic Merit? The Frequency of Wars, and the licentious Cruelty with which they were conducted, left neither the Hamlet of the Peasant nor the Castle of the Baron free from Depredation; but the Church and Monastery generally remained inviolate. There Homer and Aristotle were obliged to shroud their Heads from the Rage of Gothic Ignorance; and there the sacred Records of divine Truth were preserved, like Treasure hid in the Earth, in troublesome Times, safe, but unenjoyed. Some of the barbarous Nations were converted before their Conquests, and most of them soon after their Settlement in the Countries they over-ran. Those Buildings which their new Faith taught them to venerate afforded a Shelter for those valuable Manuscripts, which must otherwise have been destroyed in the common Wreck. At the Revival of Learning, they were produced from their Dormitories. A Copy of the Pandect of Justinian, that valuable Remain of Roman Law, which first gave to Europe the Idea of a more perfect Jurisprudence, and gave Men a Relish for a new and important Study, was discovered in a Monastery of Amalphi. Most of the Classics were recovered by the same Means; and to this it is owing, to the Books and Learning preserved in these Repositories, that we were not obliged to begin anew and trace every Art by slow and uncertain Steps from its first Origin. Science, already full grown and vigorous, awakened as from a Trance, shook her Pinions, and soon soared to the Heights of Knowledge.
Nor was the entirely idle during her Recess, at least we cannot but confess that what little Learning remained in the World was amongst the Priests and religious Orders. Books, before the Invention of Paper, and the Art of Printing, were so dear that few private Persons possessed any. The only Libraries were in Convents; and the Monks were often em-
ployed in transcribing Manuscripts, which was a very tedious and at that Time a very necessary Task. It was frequently enjoined, as a Penance for some slight Offence, or given as an Exercise to the younger Part of the Community. The Monks were obliged by their Rules to spend some stated Hours every Day in Reading and Study, nor was any One to be chosen Abbot without a competent Share of Learning. They were the only Historians; and though their Accounts be interwoven with many a legendary Tale, and darkened by much Superstition, still they are better than no Histories at all; and we cannot but think ourselves obliged to them for transmitting to us, in any Dress, the Annals of their Country. They were likewise almost the sole Instructors of Youth. Towards the End of the tenth Century there were no Schools in Europe but the Monasteries, and those which belonged to Episcopal Residences, nor any Masters but the Benedictines. It is true their Course of Education extended no farther than what they called the seven liberal Arts, and these were taught in a very dry and uninteresting Manner; but this was the Genius of the Age, and it should not be imputed to them as a Reproach that they did not teach well, when no One taught better. We are guilty of great Unfairness when we compare the Schoolmen with the Philosophers of a more enlightened Age; we should contrast them with those of their own Times, with a High Constable of France who could not read, with Kings who made the Sign of the Cross in Confirmation of their Charters, because they could not write their Names, with a whole People without the least Glimmering of Taste or Literature. Whatever was their Knowledge, there was a much greater Difference between Men of Learning, and the Bulk of the Nation, at that Time, than there is at present; and certainly some of the Disciples of those Schools, who, though now fallen into Disrepute, were revered in their Day by the Name of the Subtle Doctor, or the Angelick Doctor, showed an Acuteness and Strength of Genius, which, if properly directed, would have gone far in Philosophy, and they only failed because their Inquiries were not the Objects of the human Powers. Had they exercised Half that Acuteness on Facts and Experiments, they had been truly great Men. However, there were not wanting some, even in the darkest Ages, whose Names will be always remembered with Pleasure by the Lovers of Science. Alcuin, the Preceptor of Charlemagne, the first who introduced a Taste for polite Literature into France, and the chief Instrument that Prince made Use of in his noble Endeavours for the Encouragement of Learning, to whom the Universities of Soissons, Tours, and Paris, owe their Origin; the Historians Matthew Paris, William of Malmesbury, Savanarola; the elegant and unfortunate Abelard; and, to crown the rest, the English Franciscan, Roger Bacon.
It may be here observed, that forbidding the vulgar Tongue in the Offices of Devotion, and in reading the Scriptures, though undoubtedly a great Corruption in the Christian Church, was of infinite Service to the Interests of Learning. When the Ecclesiastics had locked up their Religion in a foreign Tongue, they would take Care not to lose the Key. This gave an Importance to the learned Languages, and every Scholar could not only read, but wrote and disputed in Latin; which, without such a Motive, would probably have been no more studied than the Chinese. And at a Time when the modern Languages of Europe were yet unformed and barbarous, Latin was of great Use, as a Kind of universal Tongue, by which Learned Men might converse and correspond with each other.
Indeed, the Monks were almost the only Set of Men who had Leisure or Opportunity to pay the least Attention to literary Subjects. A learned Education (and a very little went to that Title) was reckoned peculiar to the Religious. It was almost esteemed a Blemish on the savage and martial Character of the Gentry to have any Tincture of Letters. A Man, therefore, of a studious and retired Turn, averse to Quarrels, and not desirous of the fierce and sanguinary Glory of those Times, beheld in the Cloister a peaceful and honourable Sanctuary; where, without the Reproach of Cowardice, or Danger of Invasion, he might devote himself to Learning, associate with Men of his own Turn, and have free Access to Libraries and Manuscripts. In this enlightened and polished Age, where Learning is diffused through every Rank, and many a Merchant's Clerk possesses more real Knowledge than Half the Literati of that Era, we can scarcely conceive how gross an Ignorance overspread those Times, and how totally all useful Learning might have been lost among us, had it not been for an Order of Men, vested with peculiar Privileges, and protected by even a superstitious Degree of Reverence.
Thus the Muses, with their attendant Arts, in strange Disguise indeed, and uncouth Trappings, took Refuge in the peaceful Gloom of the Convent. Statuary carved a Madonna or a Crucifix, Painting illuminated a Missal, Eloquence made the Panegyric of a Saint, and History composed a Legend; yet still they breathed, and were ready, at any happier Period, to emerge from Obscurity, with all their native Charms and undiminished Lustrre.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 14.
A PARAGRAPH from New York says: "The Intentions of the British Administration, relative to the American Duty on Tea, are not yet fixed. The Minister has many weighty Subjects to lay before the Lower House before that Article will be brought into Debate, and the Session will be far expended before any Alteration in the Revenue Laws will be attended to. And that by a Letter from London, dated January 24th, they were given to understand that three Men of War are ordered to be in Readiness to proceed for Boston, to demand Payment of the TEA, lately thrown into the Sea."
Marriages. Mr. WILLIAM REYNOLDS, Merchant in York, to Miss NANCY PERRIN, of Gloucester.
Deaths. Colonel RICHARD BLUNT, one of the Representatives for Suffolk County, a very worthy Gentleman, and much esteemed by all his Acquaintance.
ANDREW NEWTON, Esq; Comptroller of the Customs for the Port of Accomack.
Cleared from the Upper District of JAMES RIVER.
April 13. Ship Jenny, Robert Kerr, for Glasgow, with 359 Hhds. of Tobacco, 8000 Staves, and 1 Cask of Rum.
Entered in the Lower District of JAMES RIVER.
 March 1. Ship Elizabeth, James May, from Bourdeaux, in Ballast.  1. Schooner Hannah, Joseph Smith, from St. Croix, in Ballast.  2. Sloop Sally, William Cornick, from South Carolina, with 42 Hhds. of Rum.  7. Brigantine Black Prince, Robert Elliott, from Nevis, with 38 Hhds. and 20 Tierces of Molasses.  7. Sloop Rainbow, Michael Dyer, from Antigua, with 2 Hhds. of Molasses.  7. Brigantine Dunmore, John McKinnel, from Madeira, with 31 Pipes, 3 Hhds. and 12 Quarter Casks of Wine.  9. Sloop Jenny, Jacob Fox, from New York, with 2 Tierces of Rum, 500 Wt. of Chees, 20 Casks of Train Oil, 1500 Wt. of Bar Iron, and 2 Anchors.  10. Sloop Liveoak, John Buchanan, from New York, with 2000 Wt. of Chees, and 2 Tuns of Bar Iron.  10. Schooner Liberty, William Powell, from Maryland, with 3000 Staves, 2000 Hoops, 31 Hhds. and 4 Barrels of Flower, and 50 Barrels of Bread.  28. Schooner Lemuel, James Armour, from Maryland, with 20 Hhds. and 300 Barrels of Flower.  31. Brigantine John, Hugh Kennedy, from Hispaniola, with 3 Tuns of Lignumvitae, and Ballast.  31. Schooner Betsey, Andrew Gray, from Turk's Island, with 3 Tierces of foreign Sugar, and 2000 Bushels of Salt.  April 5. Sloop Betsey, Lewis Hatton, from Antigua, with 53 Hhds. of Rum.  5. Schooner Bumper, Edward Booker, from Jamaica, in Ballast.  6. Schooner Rebecca, Ephraim Simonds, from Salem, with 20 Casks of Raisins, 20 Hhds. and 1 Barrel of Rum, 2 Quarter Casks of Wine, 2 Tierces of Molasses, and sundry wooden and earthen Ware.  6. Brigantine Dolphin, John Kelso, from Hispaniola, with 33 Hhds. and 18 Tierces of foreign Molasses, 2 Hhds. and 6 Barrels, and 1 Tierce of foreign brown Sugar.  7. Brigantine May, James Conyesay, from Grenada, with 15 Hhds. of Rum, 6 Hhds. of Coffee, and 2 Hhds. of Cocoa.  7. Sloop Jenny, Jacob Fox, from New York, with 2 Tuns of Bar Iron. 
Cleared Outwards.
 March 2. Schooner Dolphin, Hugh Gibson, for Grenada, with 210 Bushels of Pease, 401 Bushels of Corn, 100 Barrels of Flower, 2 Barrels of Hams, 6 Barrels and 12 Half Barrels of Pork, 18,000 Staves and Heading, and 70,000 Shingles.  2. Ship Peggy, Robert Crawford, for Glasgow, with 501 Hhds. of Tobacco, 4 Casks of Indigo, 11,200 Staves, and 400 Hoops.  7. Brigantine Betsey, John Olliffe, for South Carolina, with 4500 Bushels of Corn, 20 Barrels of Flower, and 101,000 Shingles. 

7. Schooner Greyhound, Abraham Trefethen, for Piscataway, with 1250 Bushels of Corn, 20 Barrels of Pork, and 4 Barrels and 6 Kegs of Lard. 7. Sloop George, John Mowbray, for Antigua, with 713 Bushels of Corn, 191 Bushels of Pease, 185 Barrels of Pork, 18 Kegs of Lard, and 66,000 Shingles. 7. Schooner Friendship, Samuel Davis, for Antigua, with 1800 Bushels of Corn, 200 Bushels of Pease, 43 Barrels of Flower, 34 Casks of Bread, 100 Barrels of Pork, 3 Casks of Hams, 12,950 Staves and Heading, and 100,000 Shingles. 8. Snow Venus, George Atkinson, for Lisbon, with 8000 Bushels of Wheat. 8. Schooner Four Sisters, Nathaniel Beck, for Grenada, with 680 Bushels of Corn, 216 Bushels of Pease, 34 Tierses of Bread, 5 Hhds. of Hams, 14 Kegs of Butter, 14 Barrels of Bread, 40 Barrels of Pork, 4 Barrels of Lard, 4000 Staves, and 90,000 Shingles. 9. Sloop Edward, Arthur Sinclair, for Antigua, with 124 Barrels of Pork, 25 Barrels of Flower, 1300 Bushels of Corn, 300 Bushels of Pease, 1400 Wt. of Bacon, and 40,000 Shingles. 10. Sloop Four Brothers, Thomas Jones, for Barbados, with 2500 Bushels of Corn, 500 Bushels of Pease, 75 Barrels of Pork, 25 Barrels of Flower, and 150,000 Shingles. March 28. Sloop Rainbow, Michael Dyer, for Falmouth, with 2000 Bushels of Corn, 3 Barrels of Pork, 14 Bushels of Pease, 3 Barrels of Flower, and 1 Barrel of Hogs Lard. 28. Snow Hartly, Edward Foster, for Lisbon, with 1000 Bushels of Wheat, 900 Bushels of Corn, 250 Barrels of Flower, and 3000 Staves. 29. Brigantine Black Prince, Robert Elliot, for Antigua, with 1600 Bushels of Corn, 35 Barrels of Pork, 30 Barrels of Flower, 20,000 Staves and Heading, 4000 Feet of Scantling, and 40,000 Shingles. 29. Schooner Samuel, John Shepherd, for Jamaica, with 260 Barrels of Pork, 21 Barrels of Hams, 7 Barrels of Flower, 6 Barrels of Pitch, 3 Barrels of Turpentine, 20 Kegs of Hogs Lard, 800 Bushels of Corn, 600 Bushels of Pease, and 20,000 Shingles.
Advertisements.
TREASURY OFFICE, April 12, 1774.  WITHIN these few Days I have discovered that an Attempt has been made to counterfeit our TWENTY SHILLING BILLS of 1769; a forged Bill of the Sort having been offered, I am persuaded very innocently, to be exchanged at this Office. Though the Forgery is basely executed, I think it prudent to caution the Publick against Impositions. The Print, the Coat of Arms, the Signing of Mr. Blair's Christian Name, the different Devices, and especially the Badness of the Figures of the Dates, will point out the Forgery to every One tolerably acquainted with the good Bills. The Water Lines differ very materially from those of the genuine Paper. Instead of the Water Letters K. E. R. appearing under the Signer's Names, as they ought to do, there is to be seen something like an obscure W. and the Letter A. very plainly; the Letters K. E. R. are thrust forward under the Coat of Arms. Till this Bill made its Appearance, I never had the slightest Reason to suspect that any other than the 5 l. Bills had been counterfeited and thrown into Circulation. If any Gentleman should, upon good Grounds, entertain Doubts of any of the rest of the Paper Money, I beg it, as a singular Favour, that he would be pleased immediately to transmit every suspected Bill to me by Express, of which I will gladly pay the Expence.  (2) RO. C. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
MOST of the Bonds due to the Estate of George Christopher White, of Amelia County, deceased, having been due a considerable Time, it is expected that Payment will be made the ensuing Meeting of the Merchants in Williamsburg, after which Time no Indulgence can be given.  BALFOUR & BARRAUD.
PRINCE GEORGE, April 14, 1774.  THE Subscriber has lately opened Tavern at WILKINS'S FERRY, where all Gentlemen Travellers who please to favour him with their Custom may depend on good Accommodations, and a quick Passage.  (2) JOHN COSBY.
B O L T O N,  A HORSE belonging to the Estate of William Lightfoot, Esq; deceased, stands at Sandy Point, in Charles City, and will cover Mares at fifteen Shillings the Leap, and forty five Shillings the Season. He is a beautiful Bay, upwards of fifteen Hands high, and is an imported Horse.  S P O R T S M A N,  A LARGE black Horse, of the Dray Breed, will cover at Seven Shillings and Sixpence the Leap, and twenty five Shillings the Season. Good Care will be taken of the Mares, and as good Pasturage as any in the Colony gratis, but will not be answerable for any that may get away.  (||) JOHN PIERCE.
WILLIAM ASHBURN, Cutler from London, has opened Shop near the Capitol in Williamsburg, and makes and sells all Sorts of Knives, Razors, Scissors, Surgeons Instruments, and Box and Spring Fleams on a new Construction, which are much approved by the most eminent Farriers in Great Britain; also grinds and repairs all Sorts of Edge Tools in the above Branch, cleans Fire Arms, and makes Springs and Screws for Do. All such as please to favour him with their Custom may depend on the utmost Punctuality and reasonable Charges, and Commissions from the Country duly executed.—Razor Strops made and dressed.—Direct to the Care of Mr. George Simmons, Peruke Maker.
FREDERICKSBURG, April 6, 1774.  ANY Person having in his Possession a BOX addressed to the Subscriber, to the Care of Mr. James Maury, Merchant, in Fredericksburg, Virginia, is earnestly requested to inform me where it may be sent for, and any Charges shall be cheerfully paid, as the Contents are of Consequence to  (||) JOHN PHILLIBROWN.
CAMPBELL THOMSON, HERALD AND COACH PAINTER, TAKES this Method to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen that he has opened Shop opposite the new Hospital, in Williamsburg, where he carries on the Painting Business; he likewise paints all Kinds of Landscapes with Accuracy, and repairs all Kinds of Painting and Gilding in the most elegant Manner. Those who please to employ him may depend on a full Exertion of his Abilities to give general Satisfaction.  N. B. He will take a Negro Boy as an Apprentice.
I HEREBY give this publick Notice, that Jeremiah Skidmore, who was murdered in Bedford County, in Virginia, last December, by his Servants, has some small Estate in my Possession, which the Heirs of the said Jeremiah may have by applying to ROBERT ALEXANDER, Administrator.
M A T T H E W P A T E, STAYMAKER, OPPOSITE THE CHURCH, W I L L I A M'S B U R G,  BEGS leave to inform the Ladies that he has got an eminent Hand from London, and intends carrying on his Business in all its Branches. He makes turn and single Stays, Jumps, Half Bone Stays, Stays to buckle before, pin or button, and covered Coats. Those who please to favour him with their Commands may depend upon having them executed in the neatest and best Manner, and at the lowest Rates  (2) N. B. He works for ready Money only.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of Doctor John Walker, deceased, of Hanover Town, are requested to make immediate Payment; and those who have any Demands against the said Estate are desired to make them known to THOMAS SIMPSON, Administrator.
ESSEX, April 2, 1774.  I INTEND to leave the Colony soon, for a few Months.  JOHN LIVINGSTON.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 13, 1774.  THE Subscriber is in immediate Want of a Person who understands the Business of a Drawer. He must come well recommended, and shall have good Wages from  (tf) RO. ANDERSON.
SUFFOLK, Nansemond County, March 29, 1774.  I HEREBY forewarn all Persons from travelling through my Lands in Chuckatuck.  SAMUEL SWANN.
SUFFOLK, March 29, 1774.  THIS is to give Notice that I will not be liable for any Horse which may hereafter be ordered to my Pasture, but will take the greatest Care in my Power that they are neither stolen nor stray away.  SAMUEL SWANN.
To be SOLD, by Virtue of a Deed of Trust from Thomas Dixon, deceased, on Thursday the 28th of April, at the Courthouse of Elizabeth City, being Court Day,  A TRACT of LAND containing about 110 Acres, lying near Saltford's Creek in the County aforesaid. At the same Time will be sold, by Virtue of another Deed of Trust from Curle Tucker and Henry Jenkins, a Tract of Woodland, containing about sixty Acres, belonging to said Tucker, and one or two NEGROES belonging to Jenkins and Tucker. Credit will be allowed the Purchasers until the 1st Day of October next, on giving Bond with approved Security; the Bonds to carry Interest from the Day of Sale, if not paid the Day they become due.  (2) WALTER M'CLURG.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Charlotte County, on Little Roanoke, a Negro Man named TOM, of a yellowish Complexion, about thirty Years old, middle sized, has a long thin Visage, a low effeminate Voice, two of his fore Teeth a little decayed, and one Eye is smaller than the other, occasioned probably by some old Hurt; had on, when he went away, old Virginia Cloth Jacket and Breeches, which are probably wore out by this Time. Run away also, a likely Negro Woman named FANNY, of a black Complexion, about 25 Years old, has a small Scar on one of her Cheeks, and the Mark of a Switch on one of her Arms; she had a blue Jacket, and a Petticoat very much patched. They are Man and Wife, and will probably go down to Gloucester County, from whence they originally came. A Reward of FIVE POUNDS will be given for conveying them to  (||) DRURY YEOMAN.
NEABSCO FURNACE, April 1, 1774.  RUN away from the Neabsco Furnace, on the 16th of last Month, a light coloured Mulatto Man named BILLY or WILL, the Property of the Honourable John Taylor, Esquire. When I tell the Publick that he is the same Boy, who, for many Years, used to wait on me in my Travels through this and the neighbouring Province, and, by his Perverseness, or rather Impudence, was well known to almost all my Acquaintances, there is the less Occasion for a particular Description of him. However, as he is now grown to the Size of a Man, and has not attended me for some Time past, I think it not amiss to say that he is a very likely young Fellow, about twenty Years old, five Feet nine Inches high, stout and strong made, has a remarkable Swing in his Walk, but is much more so by a surprising Knack he has of gaining the good Graces of almost every Body who will listen to his bewitching and deceitful Tongue, which seldom or ever speaks the Truth; has a small Scar on the right Side of his Forehead, and the little Finger of his right Hand is quite straight by a Hurt he got when a Child. He had on when he went away a blue Fearnought and an under Jacket of green Baize, Cotton Breeches, Osnaburg Shirt, a mixed blue Pair of Stockings, a Pair of Country made Shoes, and yellow Buckles. From his Ingenuity, he is capable of doing almost any Sort of Business, and for some Years past has been chiefly employed as a Founder, a Stone Mason, and a Miller, as Occasion required; one of which Trades, I imagine, he will, in the Character of a Freeman, profess. I have some Reason to suspect his travelling towards James River, under the Pretence of being sent by me on Business. Whoever apprehends the said Mulatto Slave, and brings him to me, or to his Master, the Honourable John Taylor of Mount Airy, or secures him so as to be had again, shall have double what the Law allows, and all reasonable Charges paid by  (tf) THOMAS LAWSON.
STRAYED or STOLEN from the Subscriber, on the 15th of March, an IRON GRAY HORSE three Years old this Spring, about fourteen Hands high, trots and canters, but neither dockt nor branded. Whoever brings the said Horse to me at Swinnyard's, in Charles City, shall have THREE POUNDS Reward.  WILLIAM COLE.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick, a DARK BAY HORSE, appears to be old, four Feet two Inches high, a Star in his Forehead, a white Spot on each Side of his Neck, has had a Fistula, but no Brand perceivable; had on, when taken up, a Bell marked M W. Posted, and appraised to 4 l.  (||) JAMES DUGGAR.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a BLACK MARE about four Feet five Inches high, with a large Star in her Forehead, had on a small Bell, branded on the near Shoulder W, and on the near Buttock E. Posted, and appraised to 6 l.  (||) ABEDNEGO HAILE.
TAKEN up, in Berkeley, a BAY MARE and BAY HORSE Colt; the Mare about twelve Hands high, and branded on the near Buttock W; the Colt is upwards of a Year old, but neither dockt nor branded. Posted, and appraised to 5 l. 10s.  (||) BENJAMIN RANKEN.
MILNER'S, March 25, 1774.  THE Subscriber begs leave to inform the Publick that he has opened Tavern in this Place, and provides the best Entertainment, Lodging, and Stabling. The Favour of the Publick, and of his Friends, is humbly requested, as he will endeavour to merit it by a strict Regard to their Accommodation.—On this Occasion he cannot refrain his grateful Acknowledgements to the Author of a Letter signed Inspector, inserted in Mess. Purdie & Dixon's Gazette of the 12th of January, 1774, for his humane Interposition in his Behalf, and exposing to due Obloquy the Conduct of his Persecutors; who, in his Cafe, under Pretence of Law, most flagrantly violated Justice. From what Experience he has had, he flatters himself that his Removal from Norfolk hither will be greatly to his Advantage.  ROGER PEARSE.
NORFOLK, March 26, 1774.  THE Subscribers have lately received from the CARRON MANUFACTORY, in Scotland, a small Consignment of NAILS, from 4d. to 3d. which they will sell on short Credit, at a very moderate Advance; and as they have Directions from the Proprietors of this Manufactory to receive Orders on them for either NAILS or STEEL, they would be much obliged to their Friends who deal in those Articles for their Orders, which, from the Assurances given them, they make no Doubt will be executed on as good Terms as from any Part of Britain.  (6) INGLIS & LONG.
Who will be in Want of a very large Quantity of the WHITE HOMINY BEANS next Year, and will give good Encouragement for the Cultivation of them.—They have to Charter, to any Part of Britain, a NEW SHIP now lying at Baltimore in Maryland, which will carry 7 or 800 Hogheads of Tobacco, and can be in Virginia the Beginning of May. Two ANCHORS, of 1400 Weight each, are wanted for this Ship.
FREDERICKSBURG, April 2, 1774.  THE 29th of this Month is fixed by the JOCKEY CLUB for one of their quarterly Meetings. There are some Gentlemen's Names come to Hand desiring to be proposed on that Day; it is therefore hoped the Members who can make it convenient will attend. There will be no more Members admitted, after this Meeting, but by Ballot.  (2) GEORGE WEEDON, Secretary.
YORK TOWN, April 1, 1774.  THE Subscribers, who have for some Years past kept the Ferry established at this Place, and experienced the Inconvenience and Loss that attend making Accounts of Ferriages, take this Method of desiring those Gentlemen who cross to pay their Ferriages at the Swan Tavern, as it has been of infinite Loss to the Subscribers their paying the Negroes; and also assure them, that the Ferry shall be kept inferior to none in the Colony.  JANET MITCHELL. MARY GIBBONS.
ESSEX County, April 2, 1774.  IN Consequence of the Death of Mr. James Campbell of Essex, who was acting Attorney for Mess. John, William, and James M'Call, M'Call & Elliott, and M'Call, Elliott, & Snodgrass, in the Business formerly under the Management of Mr. William Snodgrass, we have received from his Executors the Books and Papers of said Company, and have put them into the Hands of Mr. James Gordon to collect. We therefore earnestly request all indebted to those Concerns to pay off immediately, as no farther Indulgence can be given. Mr. James Gordon will reside in Tappahannock, and attend Essex, Middlesex, Gloucester, and King and Queen Courts.  (6) ARCHIBALD M'CALL. JOHN SNODGRASS.
GLOUCESTER, April 2, 1774.  ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of Captain Francis Armistead, deceased, are requested to be speedy in discharging their respective Balances; and those who have any Demands against it to give in their Claims, as there will be a full Settlement of the Estate in December by the Executors.  (2||)
KING WILLIAM, March 31, 1774.  PLANK and SCANTLING to be sold by the Subscriber at his Saw Mill near Aylett's Warehouse, Mattaponi River, upon the most reasonable Terms, and of the following Kinds, viz. White Oak, Black Walnut, Sweet Gum, Ash, Poplar, Birch (which makes elegant Furniture) best Yellow Heart Pine for Flooring, and clear of Heart and Sap if required, common high Land and Slash Pine for other Uses. A reasonable Credit will be allowed, and European or West India Goods received in Payment. I shall prepare several Sets of Plank and Scantling for executing Holiday's Wheat Machines, which, or any other Kind of Plank or Scantling, I can send to Norfolk, or any Part of York River. Orders, which may come by the Post to the Post Office at Aylett's, will be duly complied with. I have also for Sale a Quantity of excellent MADEIRA WINE, of the London and New York Qualities, in Hogheads and Quarter Casks, on twelve Months Credit, and will receive Corn or Wheat in Payment.  (tf) WILLIAM AYLETT.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 6, 1774.  ALL Persons that have Demands against me are hereby desired to make them known by the End of the ensuing General Court, as I expect to leave this City by that Time.  JOHN BURRESS.
THE Subscribers, Patentees of Land at the Falls of the Ohio, hereby inform the Publick that they intend to lay out a Town there in the most convenient Place. The Lots to be 80 Feet front and 240 deep. The Number of Lots that shall be laid off at first will depend on the Number of Applications. The Purchase Money of each Lot to be four Spanish Dollars, and one Dollar per Annum Quitrent for ever. The Purchasers to build within the Space of two Years from the first of December next, on each Lot, a Log-House not less than sixteen Feet square, with a Stone or Brick Chimney; and as in that Country it will be necessary the first Settlers should build compactly, the Improvements must naturally join each other. It is farther proposed, for the Convenience of the Settlers, that an out Lot of ten Acres, contiguous to the Town, shall be laid off, for such as desire the same, at an easy Rent, on a long Lease. Attendance will be given by the Patentees at Pittsburgh, till the Middle of June, at which Time one of them will set off from thence to execute the Plan. The advantageous Situation of that Place, formed by Nature as a temporary Magazine, or Repository, to receive the Produce of the very extensive and fertile Country on the Ohio and its Branches, as well as the necessary Merchandises suitable for the Inhabitants that shall emigrate into that Country (as Boats of fifty Tons Burthen may be navigated from New Orleans up to the Town) is sufficient to recommend it; but when it is considered how liberal, nay profuse, Nature has been to it otherwise, in stocking it so abundantly that the slightest Industry may supply the most numerous Family with the greatest Plenty and amazing Variety of Fish, Fowl, and Flesh; the Fertility of the Soil, and Facility of Cultivation, that fit it for producing Commodities of great Value with little Labour; the Wholesomeness of the Waters, and Serenity of the Air, which render it healthy; and when Property may be so easily acquired, we may, with Certainty, affirm that it will in a short Time be equalled by few inland Places on the AMERICAN Continent.  (||) JOHN CAMPBELL. JOHN CONNOLLY.
DOCTOR HAMMOND'S strong SPECIFICK PILLS are an infallible Cure for the YAWS, in every Stage, even the most inveterate; also for the Remains of the VENEREAL DISEASE, by bad Cure, or frequently contracted. Both these Disorders will be entirely eradicated, even where Salivation fails, by the Use of this Medicine. Likewise it will speedily remove a recent Contraction of the last mentioned Complaint. Sixty Pills in each Box, Price 12s. 6d. Sterling each. And if any are dubious of the great Efficacy of these Medicines, it is requisite to acquaint them that a great Quantity of them has been sold in the West Indies these eight Years past; and that it has absolutely cured the Yaws, &c. which the Surgeons themselves declare. Beware of Counterfeits, for this most infallible Medicine was never sold for less than the above mentioned Price in the West Indies; and each Box is folded up with printed Bills and Directions, signed by the Author, Thomas Hammond, M. M. Bristol, or London, in his Hand Writing, or they are not genuine. Strong Specifick Pills 12s. 6d. Sterling each Box. Mild Dose 7s. 6d. Do. Antimonial Essence, 6s. 6d. Rose Water, 1s. Sold by Captain Thomas James only, at Bermuda Hundred, on James River, whose Stay will be until the 25th of this Month.  (4||)
The noted Horse RANTER, STANDS the ensuing Season at the Falls Plantation, in Goochfield, and will cover Mares at twenty Shillings the Leap, and forty Shillings the Season. Very fine Pasturage gratis, and good Care will be taken of the Mares, but I will not be answerable for any Escapes.  WILLIAM BLACK.

***** P O E T S C O R N E R. *****
A Correction of a SENTIMENT, which can by no Means be esteemed innocent in its Nature, but is of the most pernicious Tendency relative to human Life.
T HE Sentiment is contained in an Inscription on a Monument, which has been greatly celebrated, but is highly improper, as it is entirely wrong in itself, and is at the same Time trifling, in a most egregious Manner, in a Point which is of the greatest Moment.
"Life is a Jest, and all Things show it; "I thought so once, but now I know it."
It would have discovered a more refined and exalted Taste, and greater Judgment, not to have permitted it, though written by the Poet to whose Memory the Monument was erected, to be placed there; but to have had, instead of it, an Inscription of such a Nature and Turn of Thought as would have exhibited a just and useful Instruction. And it might have been formed, if not directly in these Words, which have retained the Mode of Expression made Use of in the preceding Lines, yet however in such a Manner as that these Truths should have been included in it.
Life's a most serious Thing, and is no Jest; Look round you where you will, and all Things show it; And they who have injudicious Thoughts profess'd, If not while here, hereafter they shall know it. Our Ruin and our Bliss on it depend; As it's neglected, or improv'd, such is its certain End.
***** MARCH 16, 1774.
LOST from a Sloop of mine about the Middle of last Month, near the Mouth of Back River, a Moses built Boat sixteen or seventeen Feet Keel, painted Yellow above the Bends, with a Ring Bolt in her Stern and another in her Stern. Whoever takes up said Boat, and delivers her at Norfolk, to Messrs. Inglis and Long , or Mr. Hugh McMakin , will be well rewarded for their Trouble. (2) ARCHIBALD GOVAN.
ALL Persons are hereby forewarned from purchasing of William Tucker (Son of John Tucker ) a certain Tract of Land lying in the County of Amelia on the east Side of Wintecoomack Creek , joining the Lands of Godfrey Tucker and John Cowles , the said William Tucker not having the least Right or Title to the same, as he has sold the said Tract of Land to one of the Subscribers, more than twelve Months, for a valuable Consideration, and conveyed to him the Fee Simple Estate therein, as by a Deed for the same, in the Possession of the Subscribers, will clearly appear. (1) HEZEKIAH COLEMAN. JAMES SOUTHALL.
For SALE by the Subscriber in Petersburg, at a low Advance, and favourable Credit,
GERMAN OSNABRUGS from 6d. \frac{1}{2} to 8d. per Ell, RUSSIA DRILLINGS and SHEETINGS , NARROW HOES , SADLERY , PEPPER in Half Hundred Casks, WHITE GINGER , 4d. 6d. 8d. 10d. and 20d. NAILS , a few Packages of DUROYS and SAGATHIES , with proper Timings, Value about 30l. Sterling each. EDWARD BRISBANE.
To be LET , to the lowest Bidder, at Hanover Town, on Wednesday the 25th of May, pursuant to an Order of Vestry of St. Paul's Parish,
THE building of a large commodious BRICK CHURCH in the lower Part of the said Parish. Those inclined to become Undertakers are desired to produce Plans, that the Vestry may choose which they think best. Five Hundred Pounds will be paid down, and the future Payments made known and agreed upon at the Day of Letting. Bond and approved Security will be required of the Undertaker, for his Performance in building the same. (1) BENJAMIN ANDERSON, } Churchwardens. THOMAS GARLAND, }
To be SOLD , to the highest Bidder, on Thursday the 5th of May, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at the late Dwelling-House of Mr. James Buchanan, deceased, at Cabin Point,
ALL the personal Estate, consisting of several fine HORSES, a good Stock of CATTLE, SHEEP, and HOGS, Utensils of HUSBANDRY, and valuable HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. At the same Time and Place will be sold fourteen very likely NEGROES, belonging to the Partnership of James Buchanan and Thomas Simmons , deceased, late Merchants and Partners. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed the Purchasers for all Sums above 25s. on giving Bond with approved Security, to bear Interest from the Date, unless discharged by the 15th of May, 1775. (4) HENRY SIMMONS, } Administrators. BEN. SIMMONS, }
** All Persons who have any Demands against the Partnership of Buchanan & Simmons , or against the Estate of James Buchanan , are desired to make them known immediately, that due Regard may be paid to the Dignity of the Debts; and those indebted are requested to be speedy in discharging their Balances.
BALTIMORE TOWN (MARYLAND) April 1, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, on Monday the 28th ult. WILLIAM CARVER , a Scotch indentured Servant Man, by Profession a Groom. He is a stout Man, about 26 Years of Age, five Feet eight or nine Inches high, has fancy coloured Hair, which curls a little, white Eyebrows and Eyelashes, a sharp Nose, is long visaged, much pitted with the Smallpox, and his Hair cut close to the Top of his Head; had on, and carried with him, when he went away, a green lappelled Cloth Coat with white Metal Buttons, a whitish coloured Jeans Coat broke in the Elbows, a spotted Swanskin Jacket, a Surtout Coat of red Bath Coating, new Buckskin Breeches, a Pair of old Do. a small new Beaver Hat, new Shoes, ribbed Stockings, one white Shirt, and two Check Ones. He likewise stole out of the Stable a likely Half-blooded dark brown Horse, with a very good Saddle and Bridle, belonging to Mr. James Clifton , who is gay and full of Spirit, about 14 Hands and a Half high, has a black Mane and Tail, a little White on his near hind Foot, and a Lump on the same Leg, between his Knee and Hock Joint, occasioned by a Kick when young; his Eye is remarkably fine, with a good Deal of White in it, and his hind Shoes are feathered, to prevent his cutting. He also stole another Horse, which cannot be rightly described, and sundry Clothes belonging to the Servants. TEN POUNDS Reward for the Horse, and FIVE POUNDS for the Man, paid by Mr. Clifton , or DANIEL GRANT.
STRAYED from Mr. Page's Broad Neck Plantation in Hanover, on Monday the 14th of March, a LIGHT BAY HORSE, about fourteen Hands and a Half high, with a roached Mane and Bob Tail, a small Star in his Forehead, two or three Saddle Spots, and drags his hind Feet (which are remarkably wore) when he trets. He was seen as it making towards James River . A Reward of 40s. will be given to any Person who will bring the said Horse to the Subscriber in King William, or for such Information as may enable him to get him again. HENRY SKYRING.
TAKEN up, in Goochland , a DUN BAY HORSE about fourteen Hands high, some white Hairs in his Forehead, and Saddle Spots on his Back, his near hind Foot white, and branded H. Potted, and appraised to 10l. ELEAZAR CLAY.
NORFOLK, March 23, 1774.
THE Subscriber intending to leave the Colony for a few Months, requests the Favour of those indebted to him to settle their Accounts immediately; and those who have any Demands against him are desired to make them known.—I shall be in Williamsburg at the Meeting of the Merchants. (4) FREER ARMSTRON.
SUFFOLK, March 15, 1774.
THE Subscriber has for Sale about 19,000 Weight of VIRGINIA RICE, thought to be equal in Quality to that of South Carolina . Any Person wanting to purchase may, in my Absence, apply to Mr. Willis Cowper , Merchant, in Suffolk . (4) JOHN WASHINGTON.
To be SOLD , together or in Parcels, THAT fertile and well timbered Tract of Land lying in Princess Anne County, known by the Name of GIBBS'S WOODS , whereon are several Settlements, and whereof Jeremiah Tinker , Esq; Grandson of the late Governor Gibbs now stands seized, under the Deed of Gift of his Mother, the Daughter and Heiress of the said Governor Gibbs . Persons inclining to purchase may be informed of the Terms by applying to Mr. James Parker , Merchant in Norfolk , or to Edward Foy , in Williamsburg , who will give an undoubted Title. (tf)
WARWICK, March 24, 1774.
AS I intend leaving the Colony about the first of May next, all Persons who have had Dealings with me on Account of Messrs. James and Robert Donald and Co. are requested to come and have their respective Balances ascertained. The Debts due to that Company, and formerly collected by me, will be left in the Management of Mr. Robert Donald , their Partner and Attorney. PATRICK HUNTER.
RICHMOND County, March 24, 1774.
LOST , or mislaid, a TICKET, No. 3452, in Lord Stirling's Lottery , New York. This is to prevent any Person from claiming whatever Prize the said Ticket may be entitled to, as it is the Property of RICHARD GLASCOCK.
PRINCE EDWARD, March 16, 1774.
I NTEND for Great Britain immediately. ANDREW M'KENZIE.
NORFOLK, March 20, 1774.
THE Copartnership of the Subscribers will expire the 10th of next Month; as we have a great Number of outstanding Debts on our Books, we hope all concerned, upon Application, will discharge their Accounts or give Bond.—Our Healths being so much impaired as to render us incapable of giving the Attendance we would wish, have taken Mr. William Foulke into Partnership, and propose to carry on the Business to its usual Extent. We shall be much obliged to our Friends for a Continuance of their Favours. RAMSAY & TAYLOR.
To be LET on Friday the 22d of April, at the new Church near Pohick, in Truro Parish, Fairfax County, to the lowest Bidder, by the Vestry of the said Parish,
THE building of a Brick Vestry House 24 Feet long and 18 Feet wide, the enclosing of the said Churchyard 158 Feet square, with Posts and Rails, the Posts to be of sawed Cedar, and the Rails yellow Pine, clear of Sap, with three handsome Palisade Gates, the Whole to be done in the neatest and most substantial Manner. (4) G. MASON, } Churchwardens. THOMAZIN ELLZEY, }
To be SOLD , on Tuesday the 10th of May next, to the highest Bidder, on the Premises,
ALL the LOTS in Suffolk Town belonging to the late Partnership of A. Gibson , Granbery , and Co. upon which are several good and convenient Warehouses, a Tar House, a Dwelling-House and Storehouse, and all necessary Outhouses. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security. (6)
MARCH 23, 1774.
COMMITTED to the Jail of HENRICO County, by Order of the said County Court, a Negro Man who calls himself JOHN WELLMAN , about five Feet eight Inches high, and appears to be upwards of forty Years of Age. He says he was born in France , and is a Freeman, that he has lived some Time in the Town of York since he came to this Country, and that several Gentlemen, in and near that Place, know of his just Pretensions to Freedom. The SHERIFF.
A SOBER Man that is well acquainted with Hair Dressing and Wig Making, may meet with good Encouragement by applying to the Subscriber. (tf) GEORGE LAFONG.
** Any Person who has a Servant's Time to dispose of that understands the above Business, may apply as above.
GODOLPHIN , a full blooded Horse, by Fearnought , out of an imported Mare, will stand this Season at Mr. Richard Taylor's , near Petersburg , to cover Mares, at twenty Shillings Leap, or three Pounds the Season, payable in October. Those Gentlemen who are inclined to send Mares may be assured that the greatest Care will be taken of them, but I will not be answerable for any that shall get away. (7) GEORGE BAYLOR.
To be SOLD , by Virtue of a Deed of Trust to Lucas and Dixon , and John Dixon , on Monday the 18th of April, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
A VERY valuable TRACT of LAND on Milford Haven , in Kingston Parish, being on the Main opposite to Gwynn's Island , in Glocester County, containing about 500 Acres. This fine Plantation is remarkable for many Advantages and Conveniencies; for, besides the Land being very good, there is a Brick Dwelling-House with three Rooms on a Floor and a large Passage, a Kitchen, Barn, and all other necessary Houses, in the best Repair; there is likewise a Brick Windmill open to the Bay, which gets upwards of 100 Barrels of Corn a Year, besides an excellent Orchard. And for great Plenty and a Variety of Sea and River Fish, and the finest Oysters, it yields to no Place in Virginia . (5)
F O R S A L E.
A TRACT of LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about four Miles below the Courthouse, it is remarkable fine Land for Grain, and will bring good Tobacco. The Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, sufficient to work six or eight Hands, with all necessary Houses. Any Person inclined to purchase may depend on having a Bargain, and know the Terms by applying to (tf) WILLIAM MARSHALL.
TAKEN up, in Brunswick , a ROAN HORSE about six Years old, four Feet six Inches high, and branded on the near Buttock \frac{1}{4} . Potted, and appraised to 10l. JOHN JONES.
F O R S A L E.
A VALUABLE FARM of 1500 Acres, within sixteen Miles of Petersburg . The Terms may be known on Application to the Subscriber. (tf) HENRY SKIPWITH.
COMMITTED to the publick Jail, a Run-
away Negro Man, named BEN , middle sized, very black, has lost his right Eye, stoops a little when he walks, and appears to be above forty Years old; being an African , he speaks bad English , but gives me to understand that he belongs to the Estate of William Smith , deceased, whose Widow used him ill, which induced him to run away, but he cannot, or will not, inform where she lives. His Owner is desired to take him away, and pay Charges. (tf) PETER PELHAM.
NEWPOST, February 10, 1774.
APOLLO will begin to cover the 1st of April, at 5l. the Season, the Money to be paid when the Mares are taken away. Should that not be convenient, a Note of Hand, payable in October at the Fredericksburg Races, will be accepted. Good Pasturage will be found, and the greatest Care taken of the Mares; but I will not be answerable for any that may get away.—I propose taking Corn, Wheat, and Pease, at the Market Price, as it may not suit every One to pay the Cash. (10) ALEXANDER SPOTSWOOD.
RUN away, on Monday the 18th of October
last, a likely Mulatto Girl named FANNY , about fourteen or fifteen Years of Age; she formerly belonged to Mr. Augustine Smith , of Middlesex , with whom I am informed her Mother, named Jean , now lives as Cook. I have great Reason to suppose that she has been harboured by a Negro Fellow named Moses , belonging to Peyton Randolph , Esq; about his Quarter in Merchants Hundred , from whence, I suppose, she will endeavour to cross about York to go to her Relations in Middlesex . Whoever apprehends the said Slave, and secures her in any of his Majesty's Jails, and gives me Notice thereof, shall have 3l. Reward, or 4l. if delivered to me in Williamsburg . (tf) JOHN LEWIS.
To be SOLD for ready Money, or Credit not exceeding five Years, or RENTED upon good Terms,
THE beautiful and pleasant Seat known by the Name of OXFORD , together with the Land adjacent, containing 1000 Acres, whereon Granville Courthouse and Jail now stands. The Land lies very level, Part of which will produce Tobacco, and most of it is very good for Wheat, Indian Corn, Oats, &c. The Improvements consist of a large well finished Dwelling-House, Kitchen, Tavern, Granary, and other convenient Buildings, almost new. There is on the Plantation an Apple Orchard of about 340 Trees of exceeding good Fruit, just beginning to bear. The Water is perhaps as fine as any in the World, and the Place is in good Order for Tavern-keeping. Any Person inclined to purchase or rent the same may know the Terms by applying to the Subscriber, upon the Premises. (12) JESSE BENTON.
NEWMARKET (Caroline) December 1, 1773.
RUN away from the Subscriber, the latter
End of October 1772, a likely Mulatto Man named RANDOLPH , about thirty Years of Age, and five Feet eight or nine Inches high; he had on, when he went away, a Suit of Green, with red Livery. As he has many Acquaintances about Williamsburg , it is probable he is lurking about that Place. Whoever delivers the said Slave to me shall have THREE POUNDS Reward. (tf) ROBERT BAYLOR.
F O R S A L E.
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amberst 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. The Land will be shown by William Wemack , who lives at one of the Plantations, and the Prices of the Land made known by him. One or two Years Credit will be allowed, Interest being paid for the second Year, and also for the first, if the Money is not paid agreeable to Contract. The Land is to be laid off and surveyed by Colonel William Cabell , at the Expense of the Purchaser. Deeds will be made upon Bond and approved Security being given, either to Colonel William Cabell , or the Subscriber. Six per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money, or good Merchants Notes. If any Person will choose to exchange Lands in the lower Part of the Country, on or near some navigable River, that are good, it is more than probable we should agree. (tf) CARTER BRAXTON.
To be SOLD , SEPARATELY or TOGETHER
TWO TRACTS of LAND. One lies in Albemarle County, on Hardwire River , about five Miles from the great River, containing 370 Acres, 100 of which are the best Kind of low Grounds, and situated so as always to have the best Range for Stock of any Land between the Capes and Little Mountains.
The other Tract lies in Goochland County, on Lickingbale Creek , near the Three Notched Road , and contains 700 Acres. The high Land is equal to any in these Parts, fine for Tobacco and Wheat, or any Kind of Grain or Meadow. About 200 Acres are cleared, now under ten Fences, laid off in three Fields, and in fine Order to work about ten Hands to great Advantage. The Improvements are a good Dwelling-house, Kitchen, Smokehouse, a Dairy, four good Tobacco Houses, with Negro Quarters, and other convenient Buildings, also a fine Apple and Peach Orchard. The Place is pleasantly situated, has fine Water, is as healthy as any Part of the Colony, and is convenient to Church or Providence Meetinghouse, and several Mills, besides one on the Land turned by a Spring Branch to grind for three or four Families the whole Year, and is not in the least unhealthy, as the Water may be ground off every Day. Credit will be given for Part of both Tracts. Any Person inclined to purchase may know the Terms by applying to Mr. William Mitchell , Merchant in Richmond , or to the Subscriber, who will show the Land. (tf) WILLIAM PRYOR. GOOCHLAND, November 1773. 3.
YORK Town, June 9, 1773.
THE Subscribers being very solicitous to
comply with the Will of their Testator, the late Honourable William Nelson , desire that all Persons who were indebted to him will endeavour to make as speedy Payments as possible. Those who have Accounts open on his Books, and who cannot immediately discharge the Balances, are desired to give their Bonds. This Request is the more necessary, as most of the Legacies bequeathed by the Testator are to be paid in Sterling Money, and he has directed that his younger Sons Fortunes shall be placed out at Interest upon undoubted Securities, so soon as it can be done. Those who have any Demands are desired to make them immediately known. (tf) THOMAS NELSON. THOMAS NELSON, Junior. HUGH NELSON. RO. C. NICHOLAS.
TAKEN up, in Henrico , a BLACK and WHITE COW about five Years old, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear, and a Crop, Underkeel, and Hole, in the left. Potted, and appraised to 1l. 17s. 6d. JOSEPH ELLIS.