The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1773-02-25 00:00:00

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.
ADVERTISEMENT.
LANEVILLE, February 8, 1773.
THE Sheriffs who have been so long in Arrear to his Majesty's Revenue of Quitrents are once more called upon, in this publick Manner, to settle their Accounts with the Auditor, and pay their respective Balances into the Receiver's Office by the 25th of April next. My Instructions on this Head are positive and peremptory, and I shall be obliged, in Consequence of them, strictly to enforce the Law against every Sheriff who fails in his Duty, and neglects to make due Payment.
(6) RICHARD CORBIN, D. R. G.
Essay on the Utility of VINE PLANTING in Virginia.
Nullam, Vare, sacra vite prius severis arborem, Circa mite solum Tiburis et moenia Catili. Siccis omnia nam dura Deus proposuit.
HOR.
THE Measure adopted by Government in the Year 1769 is, at least in Theory, of as interesting a Nature as any which hath heretofore fallen under Contemplation, I mean that of a PUBLICK VINEYARD , if that Measure is, as I apprehend, the Ground Work of still greater Efforts; otherwise the one in Question appears but feeble for so flourishing a Community, considering what must have been the Views of its Promoters.
Before it is possible to form an accurate Judgment upon any Enterprise whatever, it is necessary to weigh its more immediate and more remote Consequences. An Advance of Money is always odious to the People, and they are very likely to blame their Representatives for such Advance unless they be convinced of its Utility. The first Consequence of the above Measure is a publick Expense, and, if it be properly prosecuted, a continued Expense for several Years; yet I see nothing in the Gazettes to convince a Multitude of Persons (who, living sequestered on their Plantations, have not other Opportunities of Information) that their own Good alone is proposed. To such, therefore, this Piece is directed; to such I would explain its probable Tendency, and give my Ideas of the likeliest Plan to secure the most happy Effects therefrom. However, as we are not likely to live long enough to see Wine any considerable Branch of our Exports, I shall consider it in a more limited View, as only sufficient for our own Consumption. The Idea of the Advantages which would then accrue needs only to be raised up to an Export, and that is sufficient for the present Purpose, and for the Persons for whom my Diligence is designed. The better informed will receive no new Information; I request they will rectify my Errors. Provided a publick Benefit arise, whoever is the Instrument shall always have my Applause and Gratitude. I intend well. The Reader may rest assured I shall esteem it as a Favour to be prevented either from propagating mischievous Opinions or promoting injudicious Measures. At the same Time I solicit his Countenance in Support of whatever he may approve, not as a Favour to myself, but as a Duty to his Country.
We behold at this Time a most severe Contribution annually paid for Wine and Spirits to Madeira and the Islands of the West Indies, to the Amount we will say (to be greatly within Bounds) of one Hundred Thousand Pounds.
Almost the whole Wines, and the best of the Spirits, are only to be found in opulent Families. The Remainder, miserably bad, and of the most pernicious Quality, falls to the Lot of the inferior People.
Let the Reader dwell a Moment on the Sum disbursed for those Articles; let him reflect what a Proportion of the Colony's annual Industry is required to furnish that Sum, whether it be not of Consequence to supply ourselves with wholesome generous Liquor at a tenth Part of the Expense, and what important Matters might be effected by the ninety Thousand Pounds saved.
If our Measures are taken with Prudence, the Wine we make will be a clear Addition to the Country's Produce, and in no Respect lessen the Exportation of Grain. Grain will not bear the Expense of distant Land Carriage. Lands convenient to Navigation need not be planted with Vineyards; remote Lands may, and the Liquors will bear the Expense of Transportation any Where.
It will be granted that, ceteris paribus , the Opulent are Proprietors of rich Land, and the Indigent those whose Lands are otherwise. As very rich Lands (unless perhaps Culture greatly enlarges the Quantity of Fluids in the Grape, which is as yet uncertain) as very rich Lands, I say, produce a Grape too pulpy, the Must they make ferments to Excess, whence a thin acid Liquor. The fertile low Grounds will not, therefore, be employed in that Manner; nor will, as I conceive, the Government bestow Attention on them, or even on the rich high Grounds, unless remote from a Landing. Our Business is to better our Condition. Now we shall not better our Condition by applying our fine Grain and Tobacco Lands, which so amply reward the Cultivator, to any other than the present Purpose; nor will the Proprietors of such Lands be easily prevailed upon to change their Object. It follows, then, that our poorer Lands, our remote high Lands and Mountains, are the proper Objects of Government's Attention; which is the same Thing, in other Words, as to say, that the Scheme is calculated in a singular Manner for the Benefit of the poorer People: The Value of their Plantations will rise almost to that of the richest; large Tracts, at present desolate, will be filled with happy Families, now obliged to seek their Fortunes beyond the Mountains, to the present Loss and future Danger of the Colony; a small Tract will suffice a large Family; every Person in it will be usefully employed in the easiest and most agreeable of all Kinds of Culture; Provision for several Children will be rendered easier than it now is for a single one; in Process of Time Slaves may be prohibited from working in Vineyards; the Business will become honourable; the Poor be secured in a plentiful Subsistence; our Numbers, our Riches, our commercial Importance, and general Happiness, increased beyond Conception. I will add, that we shall become a more hardy and manly Race of People, when our Constitutions are no longer jaundiced, nor our Juices vitiated by abominable West India Distillations, rendered still more detestable by our own fraudulent Mixtures. If the Reader smile at the Observation, let however its Importance be considered. Such are the Advantages, the Foundation of which was laid by the Establishment of a publick Vineyard.
When the Proposition was agitated in the House of Burgessies, several Members were tender of their People, and averse from running them to any Sort of Expense. There are whose Knowledge is inferior to their Goodness of Heart, but whose Understandings, naturally good, are open to Conviction, and very ready to retract an Error of which they become sensible. Though their Objections did not stifle, yet it is clear that it contracted, the Measure. The Government voted four Hundred and fifty Pounds to effect a Purpose to which it was wholly inadequate; which, if effected and expanded, would double the Colony's present Value. That Inconsistency in the Vote will surprise Nobody acquainted with large Assemblies. A succeeding Assembly made a farther Allowance, and showed a good Disposition; but that Advance only supports the former circumscribed Plan. Estate's Abilities are still confined to a single Vineyard, when, with proper Assistants, he might superintend four or five; yet this Effort is put upon the Footing of an Experiment, and is probably intended, by many, to determine finally, as to them, the Practicability of rendering this a Wine Country. When an Experiment fails, the Intention is usually dropped; there is a Plea for ever against a farther Prosecution. It may be ill made, it may fail by Accidents, which may not happen in another * Place, and yet afterwards the Country be pronounced improper for a Repetition thereof. Let us consider then the real Nature of this Experiment. Is it whether Vines will grow in Virginia? Is it whether Wine is made of Grapes? The Experiment, to analyse it properly, is, first, whether André Estate can raise a Vineyard a Mile below Williamsburg which shall furnish a sufficient Quantity of Grapes. Secondly, whether he can produce therefrom a Wine wholesome and potable. We may be disappointed in both those Objects, without any reasonable Presumption against the Country or Climate.
* Insects may destroy Vines in one Part of the Country which are scarce known in another. I saw at Old Plantation, in Northampton, some flourishing Vines almost stripped of Foliage by Lady Bugs. Before that Time I had never seen above three or four of those Insects in a Season, and never, as I remember, two together. There is an Infinity of Insects in the lower more than the upper Parts of the Country, consequently the Vines are there more liable to disagreeable Accidents from them.
That good Wine can be made here, as well as in other Countries (between which there is no sensible Difference) may be considered as unquestionable. Why then should we be discouraged though André Estate fail of what, it is said, he has so promising a Prospect of performing! Let us persevere, by unremitted Trials, to bring the present Undertaking to Perfection. Let us, with the utmost Expedition, provide Vineyards in various remote Counties, and in Places where it would be lost Labour to cultivate Tobacco. Let Orphan and spurious Children be bound to the Managers, and let us procure foreign Viners , and Vines from the same Countries whence we draw our Viners ; and not depend singly upon our own Vines, of which, though I approve of farther Experiments, I have, from two Experiments, but an ill Opinion. If they be proper for making the finest Wines, it is surely fortunate; but how little is that to be expected when no Experience of their Fitness led to a Preference of them to any other? Let us, without neglecting our own, imitate those who have profited by foreign Advantages. The Wine of the Cape is made from Vines brought originally from Champagne, Canary from Vines of the Rhine, Madeira from those of Candia. We may try the different Sorts of Vines among us, of which we have imported great Variety. In a Country like this, it is honourable for Government to have always one or more great publick Objects. What Country was ever more capable of Improvement? What Object more interesting than to turn to Account such a Quantity of Acres as, at present, so far from being cultivated, remain unpatented and unentered? The Cultivation of the Vine should be the Aim of our most serious Councils and active Industry. Will it cause an Expense? I am willing to pay my Proportion, sure to be rewarded a Thousand Fold in the Good that will befall either myself, my Children, my Fellow Citizens, or all together. If you are of a different Opinion, consider yourself as liable to be mistaken. You may be right, perhaps; but if you prevent a Measure actually prudent and beneficial, and in the Degree suggested, consider whether the Birth of any Mortal was more pernicious to his Country than yours to your Country. It is frequently the Lot of useful Propositions to be received with Derision; it requires some Capacity to comprehend all their Advantages; but where is the Idiot who cannot see? Had the Persons who derided a Proposition made to the Assembly by the late Honourable William Beverley, Esquire, for the Education of certain Viners and Oil Pressers, had they, I say, never existed, the Country might at this Day not have an Effort to make towards introducing, nay perhaps not towards perfecting, the former Business. As the Project was then neglected, it behoves us to postpone it no longer. Let the Remoteness of the Advantages make no Impression; it is an unpatriotick Consideration. We are in no Danger of wearing out Time; with Time, they are infallible. The King would remit his Quitrents, the Country its Taxes, I doubt not, for the Encouragement of Particulars, for a Time limited; yet the Publick should rely on no private Endeavours. Particulars can scarcely lose their Labour for several Years, unless with a reasonable Certainty of afterwards having their Vintage treated with Judgment, so as to reward their Sedulity and Patience. The Government, if ever zealous to render this a Wine Country, must be at the Expense of providing or training Viners , and then we shall have Plenty of Vineyards. Raisins are as easily made as any Thing of their Utility, and they would soon become common. (See Dictionary of Arts and Sciences, published by Owen). The Greek Wines of the Archipelago are esteemed delicious. The Russian Fleet has filled several of those Islands with Tumult and Distraction. The Russians are favoured by the Greek Inhabitants, and are in Alliance with the King. An Agent sent from hence might obtain Letters from the Ministry, and from the Russian Ambassador at London to the Russian Admiral up the Mediterranean, and by his Means easily procure Vines and Viners from Naxos, Lesbos, Chios, Tenedos. If that Attempt be thought too arduous and expensive (as a Ship must be hired on Purpose, and the Plague is in the Neighbourhood) still greater Facilities might be had in Tuscany, by Means of the British Resident at Florence. Vines cultivated on the Appenine, it is morally certain, would succeed in our back Country. There is no sensible Difference between the Air of Tuscany and Vir-

ginia. The great Number of English Gentlemen who reside at Florence, and spend much Money there, would give great Weight to an Application for Leave to engage Vines; and the more, as the Loss of the Vines would be the sole Inconvenience Tuscany would sustain, no Wines coming thence to America. Those Vines should by no Means be mere Adventurers, they should be worthy Country People, qualified each for the Superintendence of four Vineyards. Their Wages would undoubtedly be high, as the Service referred to them would be important. Four Times the Number of Labourers might also be engaged, acquainted with Pruning and other Branches of Culture; to be employed at the Recommendation of the former, as proper to carry on the Business in their Absence, and follow Directions. Their Wages need not exceed ten Pounds Sterling. I should also greatly recommend a few Vines from Champagne, though I believe the Italian and Greek Wines more pleasant, and more agreeable to our Constitutions; but I should never approve of introducing those Wines which are exported from Bourdeaux, or any like them. Why, when endeavouring to introduce Wine into the Country, should we depend upon mere Accident for the Kind? Or why introduce those Guienne and Gascon Wines so universally decried by the French themselves, as to obtain no better Appellation from them than that d'un Breuvage detestable , namely, detestable Drink ? Here I rest the Matter at present. Having heard that Members of the Assembly desired to know the Sentiments of the People upon the above Subject, I give my Sentiments as one of the Number; at the same Time I endeavour to fulfil the End of my Writing, that of informing my retired Countrymen. I recommend to all Freeholders to explain their Sentiments upon publick Vineyards to their Representatives, that they may be free to act in the Matter, without having their virtuous Conduct arraigned in their Counties by a Set of officious Fellows, who, conscious of their Inability to do the least Service, take a malignant Pride in exciting Suspicion against and throwing Obstacles in the Way of those who can be serviceable.
R. BOLLING, Junior.
P. S. Among the incidental Advantages that may be derived from what is above recommended, the Reader may give a Glance to the following:
1. To Great Britain. An easier Purchase of Madeira Wine, by the Diminution of the Demand from America. 2. A greater Demand from America of British Manufactures, as we should have wherewith to purchase in greater Plenty. 3. To this Country. The Introduction of Glass Houses. [The Counties of Northampton, Accomack, and Princess Anne, might supply Kelp in Abundance.] 4. An easier Communication, north and south, between the different Parts of the Colony, with all the Advantages of internal Commerce. A ready Sale of Grain, &c. which will in Time be neglected by the Vines. 5. Greater Value to remote indifferent and mountainous Lands, and to Timber proper for Staves. Easier Sustenance on small Plantations, and consequently a great Increase of their Number: Detention of the Poor from migrating to the Western Waters (Advantages chiefly mentioned before, but which can never be too well considered, or too often repeated) whence, in Time, Towns replete with Tradesmen, Manufacturers, Artists, Men of Science, &c. &c. whence, in fine, a great and flourishing People of inestimable Value to the Mother Country, and therefore the surest of her Protection.
OF AVARICE.
A VARICE, or the inordinate Desire of what we do not want, or of what others possess, is, in its Effects, the most comprehensive and most wicked of all the Passions and Vices, and of the most general ill Tendency; there is nothing which so much disturbs the Peace and Property of Mankind. If every Man would be but content with his own, every Man might quietly enjoy his own: But whenever Avarice bids us take, we will still be finding Reason to follow its Advice; and, indeed, considering the Corruption of Mankind, and how much we are prompted by evil Inclinations and Examples, the Wonder is not great, if, when we are our own Judges, we generally give Sentence in Favour of ourselves.
When we look upon a Thing which is none of ours, with a desiring Eye, we do not trouble ourselves to remember that the present Owner may have as much Occasion for it as we have: We only consider what we want to make us happy or easy, and for the Comfort of the Person whom we plunder we are graciously pleased to imagine that his Heart is not so violently set upon what we covet from him as ours are; and so we very civilly, and in the Depth of our Philosophy, take it for granted that because we have violent Appetites therefore it has none at all, but can, without losing his Temper, surrender a Thing which we must part with our Mercy and Honesty to come at. The Removal of our own Uneasiness, though ever so unreasonable, is of more Importance to us than even the Misery of another; and all we mind is what we want, and not what another loses. All the Passions are ungenerous and selfish, but Avarice more particularly centres at home.
What Passion or Appetite is there which is not an Underling and a Tool to Avarice? Ambition is an Avarice of Power, and Hunger is an Avarice of Food; Pride is an Avarice of Respect, and Cruelty of Revenge; and Love is an Avarice of possessing what is beautiful, or what appears so. It is the Quality and Curse of this Passion that it can never be satiated; it still urges to be possessing, and yet can never enjoy what it already does possess. The Fruition of what itself brings would be its Destruction; for its Business and Drift being to have much, the making Use of any Part would be to break the Stock, and that would consequently be to have less, and is therefore opposite to its Nature and Ends.
It is not necessary to the Gratification of this Passion, which indeed can never be gratified, that the covetous Person succeeds, and fills his Bags as fast as he can cram them; for it is not enough that he has received a great Deal, but he must be still receiving, nor then is it possible he should be satisfied, because he can never receive so much as he would receive. What he has already is as nothing; for he cannot touch it, nor can he tell why he desires it.
The ordinary and lawful Use of Wealth and Riches is to supply the Necessities of Life in ourselves and others, and their only Advantage lies in the Application. There may be, and often is, an ill Use made of them: They often corrupt the Mind, propagate Vice, and help to carry on very wicked Ends and Purposes; and yet even then their Circulation is of great
Benefit, and many are the better for them, and Good comes, as it were, out of Evil. But the Man of Avarice, by hoarding them up, prevents their doing Service to others, without being the better for them himself; and all the Use he makes of them is, not to use them .
No Mortal is so miserable, from his own inborn Spirit, as a covetous Man. A choleric Fellow does not always boil with Wrath, but is sometimes pleased and at Rest. Food allays Hunger, and Lasciviousness meets with a Cure, or at least an Allay, in Enjoyment. Some Blood, and a Lilt or two, put an End to Revenge. A few Cringes, and humble Faces, satisfy the proud Person; and a white Staff, or a Crown, would probably pacify the ambitious Lunatick, if he were sure to keep these his Darling Ensigns of Power. And, to name no more, an oily admiring Dedication or two can give good Humour to a sour Grandee fond of Praise, and make a foolish Lord look wonderful serene. But Covetousness alone is a dry stupid Passion, which never abates; it cannot cool, for it is always cool. Were there any Thing of Violence in it, or Heat of Blood, there might be some Hopes of curing it, or at least of bringing it to Intermission; but having nothing volatile or warm in it, it is only a dull industrious Passion, a Drudge of a Vice, without a Bit of Fire in it, and consequently destitute of all Delight. The Heat of a Passion implies a Pleasure in the Gratification of it; but this is a lifeless icy Appetite, incapable of being tickled or allayed.
Avarice is the natural Vice of old Age, which shows that its Strength lies in the Decay of Life. Old Age, enjoying no longer the Reputation which attends the being agreeable and young, would borrow a Reputation from Money, which is an Idol so universally worshipped; as Ladies betake themselves to Devotion, to recover that Admiration which was once paid to their Faces, and grow godly to gain Hearts.
When Youth and Beauty are no more, the Power and Dependence which once waited on them are preserved or retrieved by the Credit or Lustre of Wealth. Thus Policy supplies the Place of Strength, and Art is the Substitute and Prop of failing Nature.
As Covetousness is an old Man's Vice, it must bring a double Discredit upon a young Fellow who is tainted with it; as it is a sordid and unamiable Quality, and as it implies an Absence of Heat and Spirit, neither of which is any Recommendation to the Favour of the Fair. For Confirmation of this, we may observe that a young Spark of the greatest Fire is very often the greatest Prodigal.
There are many of the Avaritious who conceal their Wealth from all the World, and to have neither the Comfort nor the Credit of it. What out of the Way Satisfaction these rich poor Creatures can have in their Pelf I cannot guess, unless perhaps it gives them a Figure in their own Eyes, and they heap up Gold to make themselves in Love with themselves.
But nothing is so surprising, and so out of Nature, as the Anxiety and Care which some Men take how their Money will be laid out when they are in their Graves. Old Bibliopolus is worth fifty Thousand Pounds; he starved himself to get it, and still starves himself to keep it. He is past eighty, and must soon abandon his Life, which is his Pelf; but it rends the Heart of Bibliopolus that his Heir may possibly keep a Coach, and fill his Belly.
BOSTON, January 21.
At a Meeting of the Freeholders and other Inhabitants of the Town of Boston, duly warned and assembled in Faneuil Hall, according to Law, on Friday the 20th of November, 1772, then and there to receive and act upon the Report of a Committee, appointed at a former Meeting on the 2d of the same Month, and such other Things as might properly come under the Consideration of the Town,
The Honourable JOHN HANCOCK, Esquire, being unanimously chosen Moderator, the Chairman of said Committee acquainted him that he was ready to make Report, and read the same as follows:
THE Committee appointed by the Town, the 2d Instant, "to state the Rights of the Colonists, and of this Province in particular, as Men, as Christians, and as Subjects; to communicate and publish the same to the several Towns in this Province, and to the World, as the Sense of this Town, with the Instruments and Violation thereof that have been, or from Time to Time may be, made; also requesting of each Town a free Communication of their Sentiments on this Subject; beg Leave to report,
First. A State of the Rights of the Colonists, and of this Province in particular.
Secondly. A List of the Infringements and Violations of those Rights.
Thirdly. A Letter of Correspondence with the other Towns.
1. Natural Rights of the Colonists as Men. Among the natural Rights of the Colonists are these: First, a Right to Life; secondly, to Liberty; thirdly, to Property; together with the Right to support and defend them in the best Manner they can. These are evident Branches of, rather than Deductions from, the Duty of Self Preservation, commonly called the first Law of Nature.
All Men have a Right to remain in a State of Nature as long as they please; and in Case of intolerable Oppression, civil or religious, to leave the Society they belong to, and enter into another.
When Men enter into Society, it is by voluntary Consent; and they have a Right to demand and insist upon the Performance of such Conditions and previous Limitations as form an equitable original Compact.
Every natural Right, not expressly given up, or from the Nature of a social Compact necessarily ceded, remains.
All positive and civil Laws should conform, as far as possible, to the Law of natural Reason and Equity.
As neither Reason requires, nor Religion permits, the contrary, every Man living in or out of a State of civil Society has a Right peaceably and quietly to worship GOD according to the Dictates of his Conscience.
"Just and true Liberty, equal and impartial Liberty," in Matters spiritual and temporal, is a Thing that all Men are clearly entitled to, by the eternal and immutable Laws of GOD and Nature, as well as by the Law of Nations, and all well grounded municipal Laws, which must have their Foundation in the former.
In Regard to Religion, mutual Toleration in the different Professions thereof is what all good and candid Minds, in all Ages, have ever practised, and both by Precept and Example inculcated on Mankind: And it is now generally agreed, among Christians, that this Spirit of Toleration, in the fullest Extent, consistent with the Being of civil Society, "is the chief characteristic Mark of the true Church;" inasmuch that Mr. Locke has asserted, and proved beyond the Possibility of Contradiction, on any solid Ground, that such Toleration ought to be extended to all whose Doctrines are not subversive of Society. The only Sects which he thinks ought to be, and which by all wise Laws are, excluded from such Toleration, are those who teach Doctrines subversive of the civil Government under which they live. The Roman Catholicks, or Papists, are excluded, by Reason of such Doctrines as these: "That Princes excommunicated may be deposed, and those they call Hereticks may be destroyed without Mercy; besides their recognizing the Pope in so absolute a Manner, in Subversion of Government, by introducing, as far as possible, into the States under whose Protection they enjoy Life, Liberty, and Property, that Solecism in Politics, Imperium in Imperio , leading directly to the worst Anarchy and Confusion, civil Discord, War and Bloodshed.
The natural Liberty of Man, by entering into Society, is abridged or restrained so far only as is necessary for the great End of Society, the best Good of the Whole.
In the State of Nature, every Man is, under GOD, Judge, and sole Judge, of his own Rights, and of the Injuries done him. By entering into Society, he agrees to an Arbitrator, or indifferent Judge between him and his Neighbours; but he no more renounces his original Right than by taking a Cause out of the ordinary Course of Law, and leaving the Decision to Referees, or indifferent Arbitrators. In the last Case, he must pay the Referees for Time and Trouble. He should also be willing to pay his Quota for the Support of Government, the Law, and the Constitution; the End of which is to furnish indifferent and impartial Judges in all Cases that may happen, whether civil, ecclesiastical, marine, or military.
"The natural Liberty of Man is to be free from any superior Power on Earth, and not to be under the Will or legislative Authority of Man, but only to have the Law of Nature for his Rule."
In the State of Nature, Men may, as the Patriarchs did, employ hired Servants for the Defence of their Lives, Liberties, and Property; and they should pay them reasonable Wages. Government was instituted for the Purposes of common Defence; and those who hold the Reins of Government have an equitable natural Right to an honourable Support, from the same Principle "that the Labourer is worthy of his Hire." But then the same Community which they serve ought to be the Assessors of their Pay; Governors have no Right to seek and take what they please. By this, instead of being content with the Station assigned them, that of honourable Servants of the Society, they would soon become absolute Masters, Despots, and Tyrants. Hence, as a private Man has a Right to say what Wages he will give in his private Affairs, so has a Community to determine what they will give and grant of their Substance for the Administration of publick Affairs; and in both Cases, more are ready generally to offer their Service, at the proposed and stipulated Price, than are able and willing to perform their Duty.
In short, it is the greatest Absurdity to suppose it in the Power of one, or any Number of Men, at the entering into Society, to renounce their
essential natural Rights, or the Means of preserving those Rights, when the grand End of civil Government, from the very Nature of its Institution, is for the Support, Protection, and Defence, of those very Rights; the principal of which, as is before observed, are Life, Liberty, and Property. If Men, through Fear, Fraud, or Mistake, should in Terms renounce or give up any essential natural Right, the eternal law of Reason, and the grand End of Society, would absolutely vacate such Renunciation: The Right to Freedom being the Gift of GOD ALMIGHTY, it is not in the Power of Man to alienate this Gift, and voluntarily become a Slave.
II. The Rights of the Colonists as Christians.
These may be best understood by reading, and carefully studying, the Institutes of the great Lawgiver and Head of the Christian Church; which are to be found, clearly written, and promulgated, in the New Testament.
By the Act of the British Parliament, commonly called the Toleration Act, every Subject in England, except Papists, &c. was restored to, and re-established in, his natural Right to worship GOD according to the Dictates of his own Conscience; and by the Charter of this Province, it is granted, ordained, and established (that is, declared as an original Right) that there shall be Liberty of Conscience allowed in the Worship of GOD to all Christians, except Papists, inhabiting, or which shall inhabit or be resident, within said Province or Territory. Magna Charta itself is in Substance but a constrained Declaration, or Proclamation and Promulgation, in the Name of King, Lords, and Commons, of the Sense the latter had of their original inherent indefeasible natural Rights, as also those of free Citizens equally perdurable with the other. That great Author, that great Jurist, and even that Court Writer, Mr. Justice Blackstone, holds that this Recognition was justly obtained of King John's Sword in Hand; and, peradventure, it must be one Day Sword in Hand again rescued and preserved from total Destruction and Oblivion.
III. The Rights of the Colonists as Subjects.
A Commonwealth, or State, is a Body politic or civil Society of Men, united together to promote their mutual Safety and Prosperity, by Means of their Union.
The absolute Rights of Englishmen, and all Freemen in or out of civil Society, are principally personal Security, personal Liberty, and private Property.
All Persons born in the British American Colonies are, by the Laws of GOD and Nature, and by the common Law of England, exclusive of all Charters from the Crown, well entitled, and, by Acts of the British Parliament, are declared to be entitled, to all the natural, essential, inherent, and inseparable Rights, Liberties, and Privileges, of Subjects born in Great Britain, or within the Realm. Among those Rights are the following; which no Man, or Body of Men, consistently with their own Rights as Men and Citizens, or Members of Society, can for themselves give up, or take away from others.
First. "The first fundamental positive Law of all Commonwealths, or States, is the establishing the legislative Power. As the first fundamental natural Law also, which is to govern even the legislative Power itself, is the Preservation of the Society."
Secondly. The legislative has no Right to absolute arbitrary Power over the Lives and Fortunes of the People; nor can Mortals assume a Prerogative not only too high for Men but for Angels, and therefore reserved for the Exercise of the Deity alone.
"The legislative cannot justly assume to itself a Power to rule by extempore arbitrary Decrees; but it is bound to see that Justice is dispensed, and that the Rights of the Subjects be decided by promulgated standing and known Laws, and authorised independent Judges;" that is, independent, as far as possible, of Prince and People. "These should be one Rule of Justice for Rich and Poor; for the Favourite at Court, and the Countryman at the Plough."
Thirdly. "The supreme Power cannot justly take from any Man any Part of his Property without his Consent, in Person or by his Representative."
These are some of the first Principles of natural Law and Justice, and the great Barriers of all free States, and of the British Constitution in particular. It is utterly irreconcilable to these Principles, and to many other fundamental Maxims of the common Law, common Sense and Reason, that a British House of Commons should have a Right, at Pleasure, to give and grant the Property of the Colonists. That these Colonists are well entitled to all the essential Rights, Liberties, and Privileges, of Men and Freemen born in Britain, is manifest, not only from the Colony Charters in general, but Acts of the British Parliament. The Statute of the 12th of George II. Chapter 7th, naturalises even Foreigners after seven Years Residence. The Words of the Massachusetts Charter are these: "And farther, our Will and Pleasure is, and we do hereby for us, our Heirs and Successors, grant, establish, and ordain, that all and every of the Subjects of us, our Heirs and Successors, which shall go to and inhabit within our said Province or Territory, and every of their Children which shall happen to be born there, or on the Seas in going thither or returning from thence, shall have and enjoy all Liberties and Immunities of free and natural Subjects within any of the Dominions of us, our Heirs and Successors, to all Intents, Constructions, and Purposes whatsoever, as if they, and every of them, were born within this our Realm of England."
Now what Liberty can there be where Property is taken away without Consent? Can it be said, with any Colour of Truth and Justice, that this Continent, of three Thousand Miles in Length, and of a Breadth as yet unexplored, in which however it is supposed there are five Millions of People, has the least Voice, Vote, or Influence, in the Decisions of the British Parliament? Have they, all together, any more Right or Power to return a single Member to that House of Commons (who have, not inadvertently, but deliberately, assumed a Power to dispose of their Lives, Liberties, and Properties) than to choose an Emperor of China! Had the Colonists a Right to return Members to the British Parliament, it would only be hurtful; as, from their local Situation and Circumstances, it is impossible they should be ever truly and properly represented there. The Inhabitants of this Country, in all Probability, in a few Years, will be more numerous than those of Great Britain and Ireland together; yet it is absurdly expected, by the Promoters of the present Measures, that these, with their Posterity, to all Generations, should be easy while their Property shall be disposed of by a House of Commons at three Thousand Miles Distance from them, and who cannot be supposed to have the least Care or Concern for their real Interest; who have not only no natural Care for their Interest, but must be in Effect bribed against it, as every Burthen they lay on the Colonists is so much saved or gained to themselves. Hitherto, many of the Colonists have been free from Quitrents; but if the Breath of a British House of Commons can originate an Act for taking away all our Money, our Lands will go next, or be subject to Rack Rents from haughty and relentless Landlords, who will ride at Ease while we are trodden in the Dirt. The Colonists have been branded with the odious Names of Traitors and Rebels, only for complaining of their Grievances. How long such Treatment will, or ought to be born, is submitted.
It must afford great Pleasure to the Inhabitants of this Town to find that their late Proceedings give universal Satisfaction, and that there is a proper Spirit in the Country to recover our ravished Rights and Privileges. While our Enemies are confounded by it, the Hands of our Patriots must be strengthened in their Efforts to preserve, not a single Province only, but a whole Continent, from impending Ruin.
It is proposed that all the Proceedings of the Towns in the Massachusetts Province, for the Preservation of the Rights of America, be collected and published in a Volume, that Posterity may know what their Ancestors have done in the Cause of Freedom. It is expected that the Inhabitants of every Town, however small, will at this Time publish their Sentiments to the World; that their Names, with those we have already published, may be recorded in this Catalogue of FAME, and handed down to future Ages.
It is said that forty five Towns and Districts (out of one Hundred and fifty Towns and Districts that are in this Province) have had Meetings, and sent their Resolves, Instructions to their Representatives, and other Proceedings, in Consequence of circular Letters from this Town to the Committee of Correspondence appointed here, the Town, and received. It is also said, that as many more are expected before the End of this Week.
PHILADELPHIA, February 8.
CAPTAIN Henshaw, in five Weeks from St. Vincent's, but last from St. Martin's, informs us that General Leybourne was gone to Grenada, and the Command of the Troops devolved on Colonel Dalrymple, who had entirely surrounded the Indians, and it was imagined the greatest Part of them would be made Prisoners, as they never had testified the least Willingness of engaging the Soldiers in any other Manner than in scouting Parties; that Captain Read's Boat, in going ashore with Captain Stanton and twenty five Men, overset, by which Accident eighteen Soldiers were drowned; that the Indians from behind a little Eminence fired upon and wounded a Serjeant, and killed three Men that were saved from the Waves, but that Captain Stanton and the Serjeant behaved with so much Resolution, notwithstanding the latter was wounded in three Places, that the Indians soon gave Way, and took to the Woods, when Captain Stanton immediately hoisted English Colours, and kept Possession of the Ground the Enemy abandoned.
Our River is still so full of Ice that all Navigation is at a Stand.

Thoughts on the Respect paid to DRESS.
WHEN one considers impartially the Merit of a rich Suit of Clothes, in most Places, the Respect and the Smiles of Favour it procures, not to speak of the Envy and the Sighs it occasions (which is very often the principal Charm to the We rer) one is forced to confess that there is Need of an uncommon Understanding to resist the Temptation of pleasing Friends and mortifying Rivals, and that it is natural to young People to fall into a Folly which betrays them to that Want of Money which is the Source of a Thousand Basenesses. What Numbers of Men have begun the World with generous Inclinations who have afterwards been the Instruments of bringing Misery on a whole People, being led by a vain Expense into Debts that they could clear no other Way but by the Forfeit of their Honour; and which they never would have contracted if the Respect which the Multitude pays to Habits was fixed, by Law, only to particular Colours, or out of plain Cloth.
WILLIAMSBURG, February 25.
ON Tuesday last Captain John Lightfoot arrived in Town from Pittsylvania, having executed the Commission he lately went upon to that County, by Instructions from the Governor, in apprehending and bringing down, under a strong Guard, Benjamin Cooke, Joseph Cooke, James Cooke, Benjamin Woodward, and Peter Medley, informed against by one John Short, formerly an under Sheriff there, who had been concerned with them in counterfeiting and passing the Treasury Notes of this Colony, as also in making and circulating several false Coins, particularly Dollars, Pistoles, and Half Pistoles. They were taken about two o'Clock in the Afternoon, at Work in their Shop; with all their Tools for Engraving, Frames for making Paper, a Rolling Press, Dies for Dollars and Half Pistoles, besides a large Quantity of counterfeit Five Pound Bills, and a Plate for the Forty Shilling Bills. Upon their Arrival they were immediately carried to the Palace, and examined by the Honourable Peyton Randolph, Esquire, in Presence of his Excellency the Governor, the Attorney General, and other Gentlemen, who thought proper to order them all to be committed to the publick Jail, except James Cooke, nothing criminal appearing against him; and next Tuesday they will be carried down to York, for a farther Examination.
We hear of several others being committed to different County Jails, upon Suspicion of being concerned in the same Crime; and Gideon Rucker and Shem Cooke, of Pittsylvania, and John Hightower and William Hightower, of Lunenburg, are fled, for the apprehending of whom the Governor has been pleased to issue his Proclamation, offering a Reward of fifty Pounds for each.
It is hoped that a Nest of the same pernicious Crew to Society, in the Province of North Carolina, are by this Time apprehended, an Express having been sent to the Governor there, acquainting him of sundry Persons informed against; and thus a Stop be put to the Schemes and Machinations of a Gang of Villains, who would aggrandize themselves upon the Ruins of the Publick.
The same Day were committed to the publick Jail, from the County of Stafford, William Strange and Peter Sidebottom, for Horsestealing.
By Captain Dunsley, arrived at York, in forty Days from Falmouth, there is Advice of the safe Arrival of the Virginia, Captain Robertson. No Letters, or Papers, have as yet come from the said Vessel.
Advertisements.
CUSTOMHOUSE, Boston, December 15, 1772.
WHEREAS there has been great Neglect on the Part of the Owners of sundry Vessels in the Plantations, in not complying with the Act of the 7th and 8th of William III. Chapter 22d, and more particularly the 21st Section, wherein it is enacted, "That no Ship's Name registered shall be afterwards changed without registering such Ship de novo , which is required to be done upon any Transfer of Property to another Port, and delivering up the former Certificate to be cancelled; and in Case there be any Alteration of Property in the same Port, by the Sale of one or more Shares in any Ship after registering thereof, such Sale shall always be acknowledged by Endorsement on the Certificate of the Register, before two Witnesses, in Order to prove that the entire Property in such Ship remains to some of the Subjects of Great Britain, if any Dispute arises concerning the same." And whereas all Vessels trading at, or belonging to, any Port in America, the Owners or Masters of which shall omit to comply with the Directions given in the said Act, will be liable to the same Prosecutions and Penalties as if such Vessels were owned entirely by Foreigners, the Commissioners of his Majesty's Customs therefore give this Notice, that all Persons concerned may govern themselves accordingly.
By Order of the Commissioners. SAMUEL MATHER, Principal Secretary.
NORFOLK, February 15, 1773.
HEREBY give Notice to all Persons indebted to the Trustees of Mr. John Atkinson, that as every Indulgence they required, in Point of Time, has been completed so long ago as Christmas last, I propose to attend at the said Mr. Atkinson's Store, on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, the 2d, 3d, and 4th, of next Month, in Order to receive all Balances due by open Account or Bond; and that all who fail discharging them at that Time need expect no farther Indulgence, but must blame themselves for the Consequence.
BENJAMIN CROOKER, Attorney for the Trustees.
N. B. At the same Time and Place will be exposed to Sale some NEGRO MEN and WOMEN, for Cash, or Tobacco for Cash Price.
WHEREAS I intend for Great Britain in a short Time, I request all those indebted to me to make Payment to Mr. David Cation of Richmond, whom I have appointed to transact my Business in my Absence; and those who have Demands against me will likewise apply to him for Satisfaction.
ARCHIBALD M'KENDRICK.
ANY Lady in Want of a WET NURSE, or a Person who understands taking Care of a Family, even in the greatest Taste, has been Mistress of a large Family of her own in Credit, and has a Child just fit to wean, would be glad if they will direct a Line to A. L. to the Care of Mr. James Haldane, Coppermith in Norfolk, and mention their Terms.
(2||)
DOCTOR GRAHAM, OCULIST and AURIST, AT PHILADELPHIA,
THUS publickly gives Notice that he purposes to be at Williamsburg about the Middle of April next, where those Persons whose Circumstances or Situation have precluded them from the Benefit of applying for Assistance at Philadelphia may consult him in all Disorders of the Eye and its Appendages, and in every Species of Deafness, Hardness of Hearing, Ulcerations, Noise in the Ears, &c. Those Persons likewise who have been born deaf and dumb, or those who labour under any Impediment in their Speech, by applying personally, will probably be assisted.
(ti)
HANOVER Town, February 18, 1773.
WHEREAS, by the Death of Mr. John Smith, the Partnership between him and myself, of Course, is dissolved, this is therefore to inform those indebted that it is expected they will immediately make Payment of their respective Balances, or close their Accounts on the Books by giving Bonds. I shall attend, as usual, at this Place and the adjoining County Courts, in Order to make a final Close of this Concern; and it is expected due Regard will be paid to this Advertisement, as no Indulgence can possibly be given.
ZACHARIAH CLARKE.
N. B. There is a genteel Assortment of GOODS on Hand, suitable for the Spring, which I will dispose of at a low Advance.
THIS is to give publick Notice that the Business of the Customhouse of South Potomack was discontinued at Lee Hall (where the Office has been kept for many Years) on Friday the 29th of January last, and the Customhouse Books and Papers are removed to Hornby Hall , the Seat of the late Colonel James Scrymgeour, which is the second House above Sandy Point , and the Office is there opened for the Despatch of publick Business.
JOSEPH LANE, Deputy Collector. GILBERT CAMPBELL, Comptroller.
NANSEMOND, February 13, 1773.
AS I intend for England by the first Opportunity, all those who have Demands against me are desired to apply to me at Mr. John Hamilton's of this Place, and they shall receive Payment.
JOHN VAN VOORST.
PETERSBURG, February 13, 1773.
A QUANTITY of damaged Osnabrugs, imported in the Unity , Captain Gossy, from London, will be sold on Thursday the 4th of March, at publick Vendue, for the Benefit of the Insurers.
(2) RICHARD HANSON.
The Subscriber has for Sale a few Bales of GERMAN OSNABRUGS and ROLLS.
IMPORTED, last October, from Liverpool, in the Sparring , Captain Priestman, two HOGSHEADS and a TIERCE of STONE and EARTHEN WARE marked W A in a Piece, numbered 5, 6, and 7. Any Person having these Packages in Possession will much oblige the Subscriber by giving him Notice thereof, who will pay all Charges for conveying them to him, in Hanover Town.
WILLIAM ANDERSON.
F O R S A L E.
THE PLANTATION whereon the Subscriber lives, in King and Queen County, about a Mile and a Half from Todd's Warehouse, containing six Hundred and fifty seven Acres, in good Order for Cropping, having a large Peach and Apple Orchard thereon beginning to bear, a Quantity of low Grounds which may be made good Meadow with little Expense; the Dwellinghouse, Kitchen, and other Outhouses, have been built between four and five Years. Any Person inclineable to purchase may know the Terms by applying to
(tf) R. DANGERFIELD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in King William County, near Todd's Bridge, on the 8th of January last, a Convict Servant named MARY DAVIS, but I understand has changed it to PHILIPS. She is a dusky Woman, of a swarthy Complexion, pitted with the Smallpox, and had on a dark Camlet Gown, a black Hat, a red Silk Handkerchief round her Neck, and Leather Heeled Shoes. She always talks as if she had a Child, has been seen lurking about in Gloucester and Middlesex, passing as a Beggar, saying she had lost her Husband, and has two Children to maintain. Whoever secures her so that I may get her again shall have FORTY SHILLINGS Reward, and be paid reasonable Expenses if brought home.
(||) JOHN CATLETT.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a small gray HORSE about four Feet three or four Inches high, six or seven Years old, with a roaned Mane and Bob Tail, but no Brand perceivable. Posted, and appraised to five Pounds.
(||) WILLIAM BELL.
RICHMOND Town, February 8, 1773.
THERE is now in the publick Warehouse at Richmond Town the following GOODS, which have been there since the great Fire: Two CASKS of NAILS marked I W, both Number 1, one Ditto without Mark or Number, two CASKS of GUN-POWDER marked D D W on one Head, and P A on the other, about nine Dozen of HAIR MEAL SIFTERS of different Marks, namely, I F, M A in a Piece, within a Diamond, and P B within a Diamond. The Owner may have them of me on paying the Expense of this Advertisement, and the customary Storage.
(||) DANIEL HARWOOD.
BARTHOLOMEW LE PETIT, NORFOLK,
TAKES this Opportunity (not being well acquainted in this Town) to inform both LADIES and GENTLEMEN who are willing to be instructed in the FRENCH TONGUE that he teaches it in its greatest Purity and Elegance of Pronunciation, having made that Language his favourite Study for several Years, and taught it since at home, and doubts not but he shall give Satisfaction to any who will do him the Honour to become his Scholars. He likewise teaches WRITING and ARITHMETICK in its different Branches. For farther Information, please to apply to, or leave a Line with, Mr. James Walker, and it shall be punctually answered.
N. B. He proposes, should he meet with Encouragement, to have an Evening School for such Gentlemen whose Business may prevent them from receiving Instructions in the Day.
To be LET on CHARTER,
THE Brig JOHN, Ralph Elliott Master, Burthen about two Hundred and fifty Hogheads of Tobacco. For Terms apply to me, in Norfolk.
(tf) JOHN GREENWOOD.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mattaponi, February 10, 1773.
THE Copartnership of Miller and Heslop being dissolved, all Persons indebted are requested to make immediate Payment. Those that cannot, and expect any Indulgence, are desired to give their Notes or Bonds, that no Disputes may hereafter arise. Suits will be commenced against such as fail, without Respect of Persons. The Debts due to the Copartnership are now entirely the Property of the Subscriber, who has empowered Mr. David Blair of Fredericksburg to collect them.—As I intend for Great Britain immediately after the April General Court, all Persons indebted to me, on my own private Account, are desired to make speedy Payment, to prevent Trouble; and those who have any Demands against me, or Miller and Heslop, are desired to make them known immediately, that they may be settled.
JOHN MILLER.
To be SOLD at private Sale,
SUNDRY likely young breeding NEGRO WOMEN and CHILDREN. Also a Tract of LAND in the Fork of the Elm Swamp, near Winchester, containing about two Hundred and forty Acres, formerly purchased of John Carroll. Another Tract containing upwards of two Hundred Acres, lying on Chowan River, adjoining Doctor James Wright's Lands northerly, and Thomas Copeland's westerly and southerly. Also the Land called Petty Shore, remarkable for its good Fishery, with Spring Water, Orchard, and other Advantages of Meadow Ground and low Lands adjoining. Another Plantation called Barton's, containing a Hundred and ninety five Acres of high Lands, having a good Orchard, and large Clearing, with Houses and Fences much out of Repair. The Pocoson, on the River fronting this last Tract, to the Petty Shore Land, was entered, surveyed, and returned into Earl Granville's Office, but the Deed was not taken out. Likewise a Tract of three Hundred Acres of Pocoson Land on the east Side of Chowan River, opposite the Lands of Doctor Wright, held by Patent. Quitrents of all these Lands were paid until Earl Granville's Office was shut up. For Terms apply to the Subscribers, in Bertie County, North Carolina.
(a) JOHN CAMPBELL, Esq. Co.
WILLIAMSBURG, February 18, 1773.
ALL Persons who have any Demands against the Estate of James Nicholson, deceased, are desired to apply for Payment, and those indebted thereto to be speedy in settling with
ROBERT NICOLSON, Executor.
WHO HAS FOR SALE A QUANTITY OF GARDEN SEEDS.
To be SOLD, on the Premises,
A HUNDRED and seventy nine Acres of LAND, of which a large Proportion is Meadow Ground, upwards of twenty Acres are now in Timothy Grass, well set, to which many more may be added at a small Expense; there is on the Land an exceeding well accustomed GRIST MILL, a complete SAW MILL, and many good Buildings. Its Situation makes it extremely valuable, as the Carriage to Rappahannock or Potomack does not exceed ten Miles, where is a ready Market for the Produce of the Mills, and great Quantities of Wheat are produced in the Neighbourhood. Any Person inclineable to purchase may be assured the above Land will be sold on Monday the 15th of March, when the Credit will be agreed on by
(||) THOMAS HOOD.
STAFFORD, February 10, 1773.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in the Night of the 9th of November last, two Negro Fellows, namely: NAT, a tall stout made Negro, knock kneed, a little bald, wore a Truss when he went off, which he may probably have on when taken, is a good Cooper, and understands Something of the Carpenter's Trade. CATO, a small short Fellow, very black, not Virginia born, but speaks tolerable plain. They probably may say they belong to Mrs. Hannah Price, or may have changed their Names, and got some Villain to write them a Pass, by which Means they may endeavour to pass for Freemen, and attempt to get out of the Country. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from harbouring or carrying them out of the Colony. Whoever conveys them to me in Middlesex shall have THREE POUNDS Reward for each, or FORTY SHILLINGS for each if secured in any Jail within Virginia, and giving me such Notice that I may get them again.
(5) GEORGE BIRD.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Goochland, an infamous Slave named NED, who is large and strong, about twenty six Years old, slightly pitted with the Smallpox, has lost one or more of his fore Teeth, and has a Sore on his left Cheek. He was lately taken out of Norfolk Borough Jail, after being out upwards of two Years, during which Time he says he was in most of the West India Islands, and many Parts of Europe. His Clothing was, when he went off, a blue Jacket, Fustian Breeches, an old white Shirt, a Felt Hat painted red on the Crown, and Shoes and Stockings. I think it necessary to forewarn all Masters of Vessels from carrying him out of the Colony, or employing him, as I understand he is a good Sailor. Whoever takes him up shall have FORTY SHILLINGS Reward, besides paying the lawful Charges for bringing him home.
(2) THOMAS UNDERWOOD.
RUN away from Eltham, on Sunday the 10th of January last, a light Mulatto Fellow named OTHO, about five Feet nine Inches high, with a freckled Face, light gray Eyes, brown Hair tied behind, his Skin under his Clothes very white, had on a blue Cloth Coat and Waistcoat with a red Velvet Cape, and I expect will endeavour to pass for a white Man. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from harbouring or carrying him off, at their Peril. Whoever delivers him to me, or secures him in any Jail, and gives me Notice thereof, so that I get him, shall have FIVE POUNDS Reward.
(tf) BURWELL BASSETT.
TAKEN up, in Goochland, a bay MAKE about four Feet seven or eight Inches high, with a roaned Mane and Bob Tail, several Saddle Spots on her Back, two small white Spots on each Side of her Breast, branded on the near Buttock M, appears to be old, and is very poor. Posted, and appraised to seven Pounds.
(||) JOHN DYKES.
TREASURY OFFICE, February 8, 1773.
WITHIN these few Days I have seen a five Pound Bill, dated in 1771 (the only one that has fallen into my Hands) in which the Bars, or white Lines, enclosing the Letter T, are exactly at the same Distance from each other as in the true Bill of the same Date, but the Lines which form the other two Columns on each Side of the T are much nearer each other in the forged than in the good Bills. The T in this Bill does not stand square, but inclines pretty much to the left Hand. I have also seen several Bills of 1771 which seem to be impressed on the same Sort of Paper as was used for the forged Bills dated in 1769. The Bars, or white Lines, running from the Tops to the Bottoms of these Bills, are nearly at the same Distance from each other as in the Counterfeits of 1769; all much wider than the true Bills. As these appear fresh from the Press, it is hoped many of them have not yet been thrown into Circulation; but I think it necessary to give the Publick the earliest Caution.
RO. C. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
THURSDAY, December 4, 1766.
On a Motion made,
ORDERED, that the Clerks of the several County Courts in this Colony do transmit to the Clerk of this House, in the first Part of every Meeting of the General Assembly, a List of the Titheables in their Counties, containing the Names of such Titheables; and that they transmit also, at the same Time, a List of the publick Charges of their respective Counties.
By the House of Burgesses.
Extracted from the Journal, by GEORGE WYTHE, C. H. B.
WILLIAMSBURG, February 11, 1773.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Publick that he is about to remove to the House lately occupied by Christopher Ayscough, deceased, situated on the back Street, and fronting the south Side of the Capitol, where he purposes to keep private Lodging Rooms for Gentlemen who will be pleased to favour him with their Company. He thinks himself able to accommodate them with a great Deal of Conveniency, and promises that no Pains shall be spared on his Part to make their Entertainment agreeable.
JACOB BRUCE.
N. B. He also would be willing to take any young Gentlemen as Boarders who may have Intentions of residing in Williamsburg.

LET others, anxious for a lasting Name, Bow down submissive at the Gate of Fame;
NORTH CAROLINA, January 1, 1773. THE Subscriber will be in the Neighbourhood of Salisbury during the Months of March, April, and May next, in Order to treat with such Gentlemen as may be inclined to purchase any of his Lands in this Province.
RUN away from Mr. JAMES HUNTER'S, opposite to Fredericksburg, on his Way to Fredericksburg, a Negro Man named JACK DISMAL, a slim made black Fellow, about five Feet ten Inches high, with thick Lips, very cunning and artful, and it is supposed he went down Rappahannock in some Vessel in Order to get to James River.
RICHMOND, February 9, 1773. WILLIAM HENDERSON, in his Advertisement of the 1st Instant, informs the Publick that the noted William Cuningbame and Company, of Glasgow, will not look on any Transactions of mine on their Account since the 1st of November last as binding on them.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform his Friends in particular, and the Publick in general, that he has got a Friend of his from home who served a regular Apprenticeship to the Tallow Chandlery and Soap Boiling Business, and that he makes and sells all Sorts of CANDLES and SOAP, namely, Mould Candles at ten Pence Halpeny, dipped Ditto at nine Pence Halpeny, and Soap from four Pence to nine Pence a Pound.
To be SOLD, on Friday the 5th of March, at York Town, PART of the HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE of James Mitchell, deceased, consisting of some dry Feather Beds, Bedsteads and Furniture, Looking Glasses, Chairs, Tables, &c. together with useful Kitchen Furniture; likewise a good double Chair, with Harpsichord complete.
A SMALL Tract of Land, containing, by Estimation, three Hundred and twenty five Acres, lying a little below Birch's Bridge, on Nottoway River, very good for growing Tobacco and Wheat, made over by James Walker to Captain Robert Walker and myself, in Trust, will be exposed to publick Sale, on the Premises, on Thursday the 25th of March.
THE Land I advertised some Time ago in this Paper, lying on Turkey Creek, in Pittsylvania, is yet for Sale. I have laid it off into smaller Surveys of different Quantities, making several very valuable Settlements, with a large Proportion of good Tobacco Land in each Survey; and I have, since the above mentioned Advertisement, come to a Resolution of selling the Manor Plantation, containing sixteen Hundred Acres, the greatest Part of which is good Tobacco Land, and very little of the Whole but what is good Corn Land, with a pretty large Quantity of good low Grounds.
To be SOLD, at Brunswick Courthouse, on the 22d of March, being Court Day, for ready Money, or Merchants Notes payable at the April General Court, two very likely NEGROES, and a Tract of LAND in Brunswick, near the Courthouse, laid to contain eight Hundred Acres, under a Deed of Trust from James Parham to the Subscribers, and is the Land whereon the said Parham lives.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Lancaster, on Tuesday the 2d of this Instant (February) an English Servant Man named THOMAS TAYLOR, about five Feet eight or nine Inches high, well made, with dark brown Hair, stoops much in his Walk, and when he laughs or talks he shows his Teeth very much, which are remarkably white; he was born in Somersetshire, speaks that Country Dialect, and had on, when he went away, a Coat, Waistcoat, and Breeches of blue Friese, Country knit Stockings, a Pair of Country made Shoes, and I believe carried away some other Clothes, but what they were I do not well know.
TAKEN up, in Henrico, a large bay HORSE about fifteen Hands high, ten or twelve Years old, with a hanging Mane and Bob Tail, shod before, has large Saddle Spots on both Sides of his Withers, appears as if he had been much drove in a Chair, and is branded on the off Shoulder 31, as near as can be discerned.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a bay HORSE about twelve Years old, four Feet six or seven Inches high, with a Star in his Forehead, several Saddle Spots on his Back, and branded on the near Buttock W L in a Piece.
WHEREAS I intend shortly to remove from the Place where I now live to Fincastle County, on the Western Waters, it is expected that all those Gentlemen who have Business to do with me will attend at the Raleigh Tavern in Williamsburg, where I shall be from the 15th of April next to the 25th of the said Month, in Order to have all those Accounts which are now unsettled properly adjusted.
I INTEND to sell the following Tracts of LAND in Cumberland County, namely: The Land whereon I now live, which contains about fifteen Hundred Acres, with a good Dwelling-house and all convenient Outhouses in good Repair, a Peach Orchard containing about eight Thousand fine young Trees of the best Fruit, an Apple Orchard containing about two Hundred and fifty fine young Trees, and almost every other Kind of Fruit Trees in a flourishing State; on the said Plantation are sown about sixty Acres of Land in Timothy, and there is a well accustomed Grist Mill on a constant Stream.
HUNTINGTOUR, January 23, 1773. I WILL sell twelve or fifteen Hundred Acres of rich LAND on each Side of Fifth Pond Creek, in the lower End of Buckingham, whereon are all necessary Houses for Cropping, with the Corn, Fodder, and Stock, on the said Land, and six valuable Virginia born SLAVES.
NOREOLK, January 5, 1773. WHEREAS the Partnership of Bolden, Lawrence, and Company, expired the 1st of this Instant, this is therefore to request all Persons who are indebted to them to pay off their Accounts immediately, or settle their Balances by Bonds; and those to whom they are indebted may apply to us and receive Payment.
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND, containing about sixteen Hundred Acres, more or less, lying on the River Shenando, in Berkeley County (formerly Frederick) which is one of the most flourishing Counties in Virginia. The Land is exceeding good, well timbered, and adapted to the raising of all Kinds of Grain, as well as Tobacco, and has the Advantage of a very fine Stream of Water, on which is a Blomery with two Fires, a good Stone Merchant Mill with two Pair of Stones, a Saw Mill, a Distillery conveniently situated, a Smith's Shop, a Cooper's Shop, and many other Outhouses.
THE Subscriber will sell, on reasonable Terms, his LAND and HOUSES whereon he now lives, known by the Name of HOOD'S, in Prince George, on James River. As to its Situation, it is hardly worth While to say any Thing about it, though it is looked upon to be the most pleasant Place, and has the finest View, of any Seat on James River.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in St. Stephen's Parish, South Carolina, about fifteen Months since, two Negro Fellows and a Wench, namely: WILL, GEORGE, and SYLVIA. Will is a Cooper and rough Carpenter, about twenty five Years of Age, five Feet eight Inches high, of a yellowish Complexion, slim made, a little knock-kneed, his Teeth filed, and has his Country Marks in his Face.
THOMAS WEST, an Overseer, about twenty five Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, very slim, of a swarthy Complexion, who lived at the Subscriber's Plantation about three Years, and just about the Time the said three Negroes ran away left him, it is generally thought carried them into North Carolina, Virginia, or Maryland, and may offer them for Sale.
HANOVER Town, January 1, 1773. I HEREBY give Notice that against the 1st of March next the Business now under my Management will be put into the Hands of Mr. John Davis, who has full Power to settle and collect the Debts due to Messrs. Murdoch, Donalds, and Company, contracted at the Stores kept at Bofwell's by Mr. William Donald, and at this Place by me.
For SALE, in the Town of NEWCASTLE, a LARGE two Story DWELLINGHOUSE, with three commodious Rooms on a Floor, each with a Fireplace. It is exceedingly well calculated for a Tavern, and is pleasantly situated near the River. The Terms may be known of the Subscriber, near the Premises.
RUN away from the Subscriber, at Peter-sburg, about the Middle of September last, a very likely Negro Man named PHILL, about twenty Years of Age, of a yellow Complexion, and about five Feet nine Inches high, proportionably made. He is a Native of Africa, but speaks broken English, having been some Years in the West Indies, and has lost two Joints off two of his Fingers on his right Hand.
FOR apprehending JOHN HUTCHINSON, who ran away last Night from the Subscriber, in Lancaster. He is a Blacksmith by Trade, a likely stout Man, about five Feet ten or eleven Inches high, wore his own short dark Hair, and is a Yorkshireman, which may be easily known by his Dialect, is much given to Drink, and in which he is apt to be very noisy.
For SALE, A VALUABLE TRACT of LAND lying on both Sides of Hunting Creek, in Halifax County, containing five Hundred Acres, the Soil of which is exceeding good for Tobacco and Corn. There is a small Plantation cleared on the Land, which has been tended but a few Years, and two Tobacco Houses, an Overseer's House, and Negro Quarter almost new.