The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-12-29 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
With the freshest ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — Suet. in Tib. S. 28.
Printed by ALEX. PURDIE, and JOHN DIXON, at the POST OFFICE.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 1, 1774.
IT is a Duty incumbent on me, before I resign the Conduct of this Gazette, to return my sincere and most grateful Acknowledgments to all our Customers, and to the Publick in general, through whose Favour the Press has been for a Number of Years supported, in a Way that (most flattering to the Printer) has given such general Satisfaction, and often recommended it to distinguished Marks of their Approbation.
Immediately after Christmas, I shall begin doing Business for myself, and intend to print a GAZETTE as soon as I am furnished with a moderate Number of Customers; for which Purpose I have sent Subscription Papers into all publick Places of the Country, and hope to have them soon returned, that I may be enabled to go to Work and serve the Publick in my Profession. Such as live convenient will please to favour me with their Commands by Letter, and those in this City who incline becoming Subscribers will be kind enough to leave their Names at my Office, which is the House formerly occupied by Mess. Tarpley, Thompson, & Co. on the main Street, and adjoins Mr. Robert Anderson's Tavern.
In the Management of my Gazette, neither Pains nor Expense will be spared to render it worthy of the publick Favour; and the Motto I intend for it, scrupulously to be maintained, shall be, "ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY AND THE PUBLICK GOOD."
Meanwhile, I have opened a large and valuable Collection of NEW BOOKS, amongst them a great Variety for the Use of Schools; which, together with a well chosen Parcel of MUSICK, for the Harpsichord, Violin, &c. and a Number of STATIONARY ARTICLES, will be disposed of on the easiest and very best Terms. I shall be exceedingly obliged to the Publick for their Favours, and intend presenting them with a Catalogue of all my Books, &c. as soon as I possibly can.
It shall be my constant and never-ceasing Study, in prosecuting the different Branches of my Business, to give Satisfaction to all who may please to employ me, not only as to the Reasonableness of my Charges, but in the Punctuality and Precision with which the Whole shall be conducted.
I am the Publick's much obliged and obedient Servant, ALEXANDER PURDIE.
I beg the Favour of my BROTHER PRINTERS to the Northward to furnish me with their Newspapers, and they shall be sure to have mine, as soon as I begin to print.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 1, 1774.
THE CUSTOMERS to the Partnership of PURDIE & DIXON, for Books, Stationary, &c. as well as those under whose Patronage THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE has been so long continued, will please to accept my most grateful Thanks for their many Favours conferred upon us. I flatter myself that my Conduct, while in Company with Mr. PURDIE, met with general Approbation, and that my future Endeavours to serve the Publick, in Conjunction with Mr. HUNTER, Son of the late Mr. WM. HUNTER of this City, Printer, will render me an Object worthy of their Encouragement.
I am The Publick's much obliged Humble Servant, JOHN DIXON.
On HUMAN LIFE.
At our first setting out in the World, we have two Roads before us, the one leading down Hill, the other ascending. The former, by its inviting Prospects, allureth many; and another Reason may also be given why it is so much frequented, which is, its Descent, as we are all sensible it is easier to go down Hill than up. The principal Towns and Cities on this Journey are, Indolence, Folly, Intemperance, Inconsiderateness, Inexperience, and Prodigality. These are the first Stages; afterwards are Contempt, Poverty, Wretchedness, and Iaily Repentance. Some Travellers, instead of arriving at Repentance, and returning thence to Amendment (which lies out of the Road by which they came) have left these two Places on their right, and rushed headlong on to inevitable Ruin. There are too Companions frequently met with in every Stage of this Journey, called Prudence and Recollection, who, if the Traveller is wise enough to listen to their Dictates, will bring him by a very short Road (which none can find without them) to Repen-
tance, and from thence to Amendment, and accompany him till they have conducted him back to the Place from whence he first set out, and persuaded him to pursue the other Road, of which I now come to treat.
The chief Places on this Journey up Hill are, Sobriety, Temperance, Industry, and Frugality, and these lead to several others progressively, each of which appears more inviting the farther One advances, till at length the Traveller arrives at the Summit of this mountainous Road, where he meets with a fine Plain abounding with Delights, in which are situated the Cities of Riches and Honour, which are joined together like London and Westminster; and if he be a worthy Man, and lets the Poor, and those who merit, partake of his Blessings, he will have one of the most desirable Dwellings allotted him in each of the two little Cities of Respect and true Content. Though such Numbers set forward for, all do not attain the End of the Journey; for as it must be performed during the Season called human Life, and as no Adventurer, that I ever yet heard of, had two of these Seasons allowed him to perform it in, great Numbers find themselves under a Necessity of taking up their respective Abodes in different Places upon the Road, being unable to reach any higher, by Reason of the ponderous Nature of their Heads, and a Variety of other Causes too tedious to enumerate. Though People on this Road travel in Caravans for mutual Convenience, yet among all these Crowds One never meets with Friendship. If a Person inquires for him, they are told there are none in Company who ever had the Pleasure of his Acquaintance. They will indeed tell you, that they have heard their great Grandfathers say, that when they were little Children they remembered having frequently seen him, but that he soon after disappeared, and gave out, before he went, that, "disgusted in the highest Degree to find his greatest Favours most generally repaid with the blackest Ingratitude, he was determined to retire to some far distant and unknown Clime, amongst a certain wise Nation, who, peradventure (he used that Word) would esteem his Residence with them their greatest Honour and Happiness." They say, since that Time he has not been heard of; and some, from this Circumstance, conclude that he died on his Way thither. But whether he died at Sea, or on Land, they cannot form any Conjecture, that carries with it the least Appearance of Probability. Since his Retreat, a Person known by the Name of Self Interest has assumed the Title, by Means of a Mask, which bears the Appearance of Friendship, and has imposed upon many honest, good-natured, unsuspecting People; but as he never was known to flick for the Unfortunate, or indeed any other Person, longer than he found his Account in it, every Body is fully convinced that he is only an Impostor.
It is now Time to resume our Discourse on the Journey, left the Author and the Reader too should find their Seasons too short, and he necessitated to halt amongst the heavy Heads, and others of whom I have been speaking.
It frequently happens, that People going too close to the Side, in Hopes of spying a nearer and easier Road to the Summit, slip down full as low, and sometimes lower, than where they first started; for they often-Times fall down to a dreary and barren Tract, called worse than Nothing. It would be no great Matter, if they did not involve others in their Disaster, which they scarce ever fail to do; for finding themselves going, they catch at every Thing, and generally lay Hold by the Leg or Coat Lap of a Fellow Traveller, who, to save himself, seizes another. And in this Manner they proceed, till they have got a pretty large Number to bear them Company, inasmuch that it is no unusual Spectacle to see them come tumbling down topsy-turvy by Half Scores, or more, at a Time; and those have the Mortification to find, on their Arrival below, that they can never hope to climb up again with Half the Rapidity that they descended.
It is a diverting Amusement to review the different Characters that compose these Caravans; which, to be sure, at proper Distances, must have Caravaneras for their Reception. Almost every Individual, at one Stage or other of his Journey, picks up a Wife to accompany him; though many of those who commit this Act in a little Time grow very willing to get rid of her, if she knew how, regarding her as an Encumbrance which greatly retards his Progress, and imbiters the Sweets of his Labours.
There are several who at first look down with Exultations on those whom they behold tugging and sweating below. These, however, looking back, see many behind them, and comfort themselves with reflecting that they are not the last, and that it is possible they may pass by most, or all, who are before them; which is frequently the Case, for when any One finds he can make greater Speed than his Company he pushes forward, overtakes, and passes the next. There are many of these who are of equal Speed; and, being far swifter than the rest, post away and obtain the Appellation of flying Caravans.
On the Decay of English Customs and Manners. S I R,
I AM an old Fellow, and confess that I like old Things. Among the chief of these, I hold old Fashions and Customs; and, among all the Refinements of the present Age, I do not think that in these they have refined greatly for the better. This is Christmas Morning; and when I look around me, I think it promises but a dull Holiday. The Times, Sir, are changed. In such a Day as this, an English Kitchen used to be the Palace of Plenty, Jollity, and good Eating. Every Thing was plain, but plenty. Here stood the large, plump, juicy Buttocks of English Roast Beef, and there fumed the frothy Tankards of English Beer; here smoked the solid sweet-tasted Mince Pies, and there the curling Fumes of Pimpundung perfumed the Sky with delicious Fragrance. Humour and Eating went Hand in Hand; the Men caroused, and the Women gave loose to gay but innocent Amusements.
Now mark the Picture of the present Time: Instead of that firm Roast Beef, that fragrant Pudding, our Tables groan with the Luxuries of France and India. Here a lean Fricassee rises in the Room or our majestic Ribs, and there a Scoundrel Syllabub occupies the Place of our well-beloved Home-brewed. The solid Meal gives Way to the flight Repast; and, forgetting that good Eating and good Porter are the two great Supporters of Magna Charta and the British Constitution, we open our Hearts and our Mouths to new Fashions in Cookery, which will one Day lead us into Ruin.
Alas! alas! that it should come to this! Our Nobles absolutely subsist upon Macaroni and Negus, and our very Aldermen have almost forgot the use of Barons and Custards. What will this World come to at last!
Let us be no longer surprised that we are no longer what we have been. Let us no longer be astonished that our broad Shoulders, our brawny Arms, our firm round Legs, exist no more; that our Bones are marrowless, and our Nerves without Strength. We live upon Pap, and our Drink is Tea and Capillare.
The Consequence is evident; the Breed of Britain is diminished and dwindled into Pigmies and Macaronies. Creatures that are timid, tasteless, tawdry. Without Feeling, Sentiment, or Honour, they crawl upon the Earth like an ermined Maggot, or the gaudy Butterfly; speaking Voices, palsy Actions, effeminate Manners, Heads without Sense, and Hearts without Virtue! Such are our present Nobility, our Gentry; and such, soon, will be our very Commonality.
Now seriously, Sir, I am of Opinion that much of this is owing to the Loss of our ancient Manners. Virtue is always connected with Plainness and Simplicity, Effeminacy always with luxurious Refinement. Our Ancestors were Men; we are, alas! we are — very deplorable.
AN OLD FELLOW.
A Description of DECEMBER.
THE Sun has now reached his farthest Boundary, and enlivens with his all-cheering Beams the Chambers of the South; whilst Nature in these Climates, pinched with the chilling Blasts of the North, and clothed in hoary Winter's frozen Garments, slumbers under the Shelter of the snowy Hills. The bleating Flocks, that in the cheerful Months of Summer cover the open Districts, the verdant Downs, now seek the warmer Parts of the sheltered Valley, or the friendly Covern of the leafless Wood.
See, in the southern Horizon, a black tremendous Cloud rises gradually above the Surface of the Deep. Hark! the Wind whistles through the Forest, and raises the Surges of the pathless Ocean. They seem to touch the Skies, and lash the Shores with the most dreadful Noise. The embattled Clouds, in the most awful Array, expanded their loaded Wings over the ethereal Arch of Heaven. The Rain in a dreadful Torrent rushes from the Sky, sweeping before it the accumulated Fruits of the Husbandman's Toil. Distressed by the Warmth of the southern Wind, the Snow and Ice join the Torrent from the Clouds, and increase the Deluge that covers the Plains. The Roads are impassable, and the weary Traveller is obliged to suspend his Journey.
But see! the Storm is over, and the brilliant Rainbow, tinted with the glowing Colours of the Sky, extends its lovely Arch across the Chambers of the East. Hail! beauteous Sign of Comfort and of Peace, placed in the Clouds by the Hand of the Almighty as a Token of his Covenant with the Sons of Men. Thy Presence lulls the jarring Elements to Rest, and bids the Horrors of the Storm to cease!
But though the Sun is retired to distant Climes, and Nature now is wrapped in the deepest Gloom of Winter, yet is not all Joy banished from the tranquil Scenes of a Country Retirement. The Inhabitants of the Village spend the Evenings of this dreary Season in pleasing Recitals of their former Acts. Placed in a Circle round the genial Fire, they listen to the artless Narrative of Age, and breathe a silent Wish that the former Manners would again return, when the Door of the Opulent was open to the Needy, and Hospitality resided in the Mansions of the Great. Sometimes the Tales of selected Ghosts beguile the Time, and arrest the Fancy with such powerful Charms that the stealing Hour of lonely Rest is quite forgotten, and Midnight approaches before the Narratives are concluded.
Happy, thrice happy, would it be for the Votaries of more noisy Joys, did they spend their Time in Innocence like these. The Morning would not then make them only to feel the Pains of Languor and Disease, nor would they require the Help of Art to brace up their debilitated and slackened Nerves. Little do they think the heavy Debt they are accumulating, and how dearly they must soon pay for their transient Joys. The City, as well as the Country, abounds with a Variety of Pleasures, which may be freely enjoyed; and it should not be forgotten, that those only where Virtue and Innocence preside are proper for a Mortal to enjoy. Others are beneath his Notice, and tend only to debase the Dignity of his Nature.
How truly do the revolving Seasons delineate, in lively Colours, the fleeting Life of Man! The early Spring, dressed in all the blooming Beauties of the Year, shows sportive Youth, adorned with Health, and thoughtless as the wanton Fawns. Unpractised in Deceit, and fearless of approaching Dangers, the Time is spent in unsuspecting Gaiety; for, childish Pleasures only engage the Heart.
The ardent Heat of Summer displays the Man arrived at his full Strength, when he is attacked by Pleasures of every Kind, and when the Passions plead strongly in their Favour, when every Nerve should be exerted to shun the broad and flowery Path that terminates in Death. The Dictates of Prudence should then be heard, and the Precepts of those who have trod the Path of Life before us attentively observed. The Dangers are many, and alarming; they are placed at every Stage, and lie in Ambush in every secret Retreat. But they are not so artfully concealed but our own Sagacity will point them out; and Virtue, if we follow her, will lead us safely along the Path of Happiness.
Autumn is the Season of mature Reflection, when the violent Effervescence of the Passions is over, and calm Reflection ascends her Seat. The Vanities of Youth, and the Dissipations of mature Age, appear now in their genuine Colours; and we are convinced, from unerring Experience, that the Hopes of Pleasure always surpass the real Enjoyment. If we have erred in the former Stages of Life, now is the Time for Correction; and we should do well to remember, that what was only a Fault in Youth is a Crime in mature Age.
Winter is the old Age of Life, which creeps on by Degrees, and at last closes the Scene for ever. Where are now, vain Man, thy golden Dreams of Greatness, thy unsubstantial Hopes of Happiness! They are vanished like the transient Meteors of the Sky, like the faint and undulating Mist of the Morning. Nothing now remains to cheer the Soul, depressed with the Languor and Decays of the Body, but the comfortable Reflection of having discharged thy Duty here, and endeavoured to tread the Paths of Virtue. Nor needest thou wish for more; for thou mayest then bear, without repining, the heavy Load of Life, and advance with Comfort towards the Mansions of Peace and Rest. The wintry Storms of Age will soon be over, and a Spring of never-failing Happiness will succeed.
REFLECTIONS on the ABSURDITY, FOLLY, and INCONSISTENCY, of various fashionable Customs and CEREMONIES practised in publick and private COMPANIES.
Favere est cogitare, et videre.
I HAVE been led into a Reflection upon the many useless, superfluous, inconsistent, and troublesome Customs and Ceremonies, which still subsist amongst us in our most social and entertaining Meetings, and which are so absurd and ridiculous in themselves that they rather serve to confound and perplex than to support the Dignity of Society, or give Consequence to Individuals. True Politeness consists in Ease, to which good Sense is a happy Auxiliary. Form, and false Parade, stick close to the Ignorant and Vulgar.
I have seen two Ladies stand for five Minutes, curtseying, with, "No, Madam—indeed—Madam—your my Honour—I cannot go first, Madam," and perhaps raining all the Time; and all this was about who should first ascend the Step of a greasy hackney Coach.
In entering into a Room, publick or private, you will eternally find two old Stumps drawn forth in their stiffest Silks, with Fly Caps on in the Month of December, wrangling who shall first advance, by which diabolical Ceremony the Rear is thrown into Disorder.
At Dinner, again, if the Mistress of the House helps some Lady first, the sweet Creature, to show her Politeness, will not touch her Victuals till the Table is served round, by which Means she loses the Comfort of her Dinner, her Meat being quite cold before she tastes it; and if any Thing better than usual is provided for her, she is sure not to touch it, by Way of following her Manners.
There is another most absurd and perplexing Custom, which is that of drinking Healths at Table; and we certainly have the best Reason for dropping such a troublesome Custom, when we have so good an Example in all crowned Heads, who never suffer so teazing a Ceremony amongst them.
It is my Misfortune to visit some Houses where six Children dine at Table, and Mamma, to show her good Breeding and Manners, has taught all her squeaking Brats to drink every Person's Health at the Table;

and, therefore, we have nothing in our Ears but the dull Repetitions of these Children, to show their Obedience to their Mamma's Dictates. Drinking of Healths does not stop here, but in large Societies is the Pest of every sensible Ear, where you will have a Pudding-stuffed after-man echo some Common Councillor's Health, and deft the Variation to be continued ten deep; when a culinary Echo is returned off, "Thank you, thank you, thank you, Sir." I belong to one of the most volucrious Clubs in Town, where, independent of their natural and acquired Notes, they keep eternally bellowing the President's Health; so that, before one Mouthful can succeed to another, I am continually interrupted with, Captain, Sir, your Health! For the universal Peace of every Table I mention this, in Hopes an universal Reformation in the Custom may be adopted. Sometimes I have pretended not to hear this offensive Salute, in Hopes thereby I might escape making a Reply; when, to my Mortification, some formal big-nosed old Fellow waited till I was ready, nor would his good Manners suffer him to drink until he had received my Bow and Thanks.
The Origin of this Custom arose from a serious Circumstance, when the natural Enemies of the British Islanders were often wounded or murdered by their Invaders, at the very Time the Cup was to their Mouths; from whence the Expression of I pledge you was introduced, that is, a second Person pledged himself for the Safety of him who was drinking, and he that took the Cup drank Health to him who pledged himself for his Safety.
Now, since Religion and Education have rather modelled and reformed us, and while we are drinking there is no great Danger of having One's Throat cut, there is no pressing Occasion to drink every Body's Health, as we do not look for any Protection at their Hands; and, therefore, I would recommend all my Readers to take Example from the Court, and at once abolish this troublesome and ridiculous Custom, in which there is such a repeated Sameness.
The French, who have more Vivacity, carry off these Trifles with more Grace, and cry, with sparkling Eyes, while they rattle their Glasses, Vive la Bagatelle . John Bull cannot do this; but John Bull will solemnly and dully sit down to his Pipe and Bowl with a Fellow of the same serious Liver, and get abominably drunk without any Conversation, and to the dull Repetition of Here's to you!
Therefore, as long as there is not any Thing to recommend this stale and insipid Custom, I recommend that it may be cried down by all Parties.
My good Friends in Ireland, I believe, may be more averse than the rest of the Community in parting with this Ceremony, as it helps to make out their Festicities, (for no English Gentleman ought to sit at an Irish Table without a chronological Dictionary). I confess I have been puzzled to know the Meaning of their Toasts, for they rarely give you more for a Guide than the Day and the Year of the Event, believing, according to their own warm Souls, that every Body should know those Days which proved an universal Benefit to dear little Ireland. When I first dined at Ireland, I was charmed with the Ease and Condescension of the Ladies; and the Brilliancy of their Eyes, and the Poignancy of their Wits, inspired me with universal Admiration. Their convivial Sentiments were new, lively, and applicable, and gave a new Zest to good Claret; but when they withdrew I dined at the Master of the House, who coolly rose from his Seat and locked the Door with the most solemn and deliberate Countenance I ever beheld. This Manoeuvre confounded me, till he resumed his Chair, when I soon found the Purpose of fastening the Door; for in a Vessel, or moving Cellar, some Dozens of Wine were left in his Reach. Now, to the pleasing, innocent Sentiments of the Ladies, succeeded the most profane and abandoned Toasts, when all the Company appeared to be emulous in excelling in the most meretricious and debauch'd Sentiments. Obscenity was succeeded by Politticks and Religion, Disputes upon these Topics produced Quarrels, and a Duel or two concluded this barbarous and mad savage Bacchanalian Debauch.
Our most celebrated Painters had certainly an Eye towards these profane Orgies, when they drew those riotous Scenes of Silenus, the Fawns, and Satyrs, wherein the drunken Crew are excellently depicted with the Horns and Hoofs of the most lewd and noxious Brutes; by which Titian always meant to satyrize Man, who is a mere Brute when drunk. What I mean by these Observations is, to banish the stale Customs of drinking common Healths. I would not wish to banish the Toast that celebrates a blooming Wench, nor forget the Hero or the memorable Event. These serve to illustrate to great and glorious Actions, and they give a Zest to the Wine; which often, without them, would lose its Flavour, and tire upon the Palate.
It is the Hero's Name, and blooming Lass, That give new Flavour to the circling Glass.
There is yet another Custom, which of all others tires the Senses and stupifies the Fancy. This is the absurd Parade of asking some pouting Miss to sing, who will bear teasing for a full Hour before she complies, and then, in a most wretched Squall, she disturbs your Ears for an Hour; for when once set off she rattles away like the Clack of a Mill, while all the Company are under the Necessity of praising this screaming Devil for the very Torture she had given them.
Others again are plaguing some Ass of a Fellow for a Song, who begins braying in a most dissonant Tone, without one Requisite to please; and if you do not keep renewing your Solicitations for the Continuance of his Noise, he thinks himself used very ill.
There is a Set of Fellows in this Town who have a few Songs ready cut and dried, and are uneasy until they have shot them off upon the Company. Primrose Bily is a Lad of this Kidney; he has no Conversation, so that all the Eater a moment which you can promise yourself in his Company is the Songs that he gives you. These you must keep demanding, until he has twittered away all his Stock.
Whenever a Lady or a Gentleman has a fine Voice, it is sensible to ask them to sing, and it is good-natured when they comply; but when the Refusal on is made of a Company singing alternately, it is enough to confound one's Senses, and make a Philosopher vow that he will never go into the Society of Men more.
Besides, I have ever made it an invariable Observation, that these Singing Companies, in general, consist of impenetrable Blockheads, who have neither Fancy, Education, or Sense, to furnish out an Evening's Entertainment with any sensible Conversation.
These singing Companies consist of Fops and Fools, and wherever such singing is introduced it is sure to destroy all Conversation, so that you are under the Necessity of proceeding from Ballad to Ballad till your Coach relieves you.
What Ear, ye Sirens, can endure the Pest Of a Man roaring like a Storm at West! Or who can bear, that hath an Ear at all, To hear some Hoyden Miss for Evenings squall! Give me, ye Gods, my Cabin free from Care, And jugging Nightingales in darkling Air.
From the SCOTS MAGAZINE.
Some Time ago one of the Secretaries of State, by his Majesty's Command, sent a Letter to the proper Officers in Scotland, desiring an Inquiry to be made into the Causes of the Emigrations. Whether this has been done or not, I cannot say; but as I look upon this to be a Matter of great Importance, I enclose you a Letter on that Subject, Copies of which, I am informed, have been transmitted to Lord Suffolk, Lord Justice Clerk, the Commissioners of the Customs, &c.
A Letter from Mr. JAMES HOG to Mr. BALFOUR of TRINABAY.
SIR, IN Answer to the Questions you have sent me, in Consequence of Orders from the Board of Customs, be pleased to know, that I am 44 Years of Age, have a Wife and five Children, all under eight Years. I am a Native of East Lothian, but for some Years past have lived at Borthwick, in the Parish of Reay, and County of Caithness, on a Farm belonging to Mr. Innes of Sandilade.
Others, with too much Justice, complain of arbitrary and oppressive Services, of racked Rents, and cruel Taskmasters; but Mr. Innes, my Landlord, did every Thing in his Power to render my Possession convenient and profitable, and in Order to engage me to stay offered me any Terms I pleased; and certainly, had my Situation, in other Respects, been agreeable, I should not have been easily prevailed upon, with so young a Family, and at my Time of Life, to leave my native Country, and expose myself and Family to the Fatigue and Dangers of a long Voyage, in Order to settle in an unhealthy Climate in the Woods of North Carolina; but by the Barbarity of the Country where I lived I was in a Manner forcibly expelled.
The People in my Neighbourhood were extremely addicted to Theft and Pilfering, the constant Attendants of Slavery and Poverty. I was fond of Improvements in Agriculture; I sowed Field Turnips, but they were stolen before they came to Perfection; I sowed Pease, and was happy if they left me the Straw; my Potatoes and Carrots suffered in like Manner; and, in short, I found it impossible to save any Thing from their Rapacity. I made many Attempts, according to my Circumstances, to check such Misdemeanors; I dismissed from my Farm several Sub-tenants, and Servants, for Trespasses of this Kind; but, according to the
Fashion of that Country, in Spite of all Remonstrances, and without Scrupule, they were received by others. I then resolved to prosecute criminally the first Offender, and it was not long before I had an Opportunity: A Man of Eminence in that Way stole a Sheep from me, and his Examination discovered another renowned Thief; I got them both presented, indicted, and tried, the one before Lord Kames, at Inverness, I think in 1766; he was Intended to be whipped, and then banished the four northern Counties. As soon as he was set at Liberty, he returned to my Neighbourhood; where, though he and his Connexions threatened my Life, yet he was protected and sheltered by a Gentleman of his Name, not from any Dislike to me, but in Compliance with a popular Maxim of that Place, that a Gentleman ought to protect from Punishment all of his Name, as well as his Tenants and Connexions, whatever be their Crimes. The other Culprit, at the succeeding Circuit, was sentenced, by the Lords Justices Clerk and Pitfour, to be whipped and banished to the Plantations; but, getting out of the Prison at Inverness, he returned to Caithness, where he lives without Molestation to this Day, as does the other at Strathnaver.
Thus, after attending two different Circuits at Inverness, and after much Trouble and Expense, and Loss of Business, and not being in Circumstances to continue a Struggle against my licentious Neighbours, supported by Gentlemen of Wealth and Influence, I was obliged to sit down quietly with my Loss, though highly dissatisfied with my Situation, and now more exposed than ever to the Resentment of Thieves and Ruffians.
To complete my Disgust, in the End of 1771 a Ship belonging to Liverpool, loaded with Irons, Deals, and Flax, was driven ashore in Sight of my House. I thought it my Duty to give an active Assistance to save the Wreck and Cargo from Plunder, in Resentment of which some of the Plunderers combined to destroy me and my Family, and to execute their Plot, in February 1772, seven desperate Ruffians, armed with Pistols and Dirks, attacked my House in the Night Time, and set it on Fire in two different Places; and, had not some of the Family providentially awaked, all must have perished in the Flames. With much Difficulty, and Expense, I brought to Light the Perpetrators of this horrid Deed; but, according to the Use and wont of that Country, a Party soon formed to protect them, and the Sheriff Substitute, Macleod, the very Person who ought to have assisted me (the Sheriff Deputy being then at Edinburgh) was not ashamed of being their Counsellor and Agent. However, in Spite of many powerful and vigorous Efforts, and many uncommon Manoeuvres by him and his Party to defend them from Justice, some of them were brought to Trial and condign Punishment, and the Sheriff-Substitute was publicly and severely reprimanded.
About that Time, my Brother, a Merchant in Wilmington, North Carolina, coming to visit me, and making me advantageous Offers to go and settle with him, I was easily determined to leave a Country where, for Want of Police, and due Administration of the Laws, I had found it impossible to defend my Goods from being stolen; where, for an Act of Justice and Humanity, my Life was daily exposed to the Resentment of murderous Ruffians; and where the Thief, the Robber, the Murderer, and wilful Fire-Raiser, never hitherto wanted a Gentleman, or rather a Party of Gentlemen, to patronize them. Those Gentlemen in Caithness whose Judgment and Approbation is valuable will readily acknowledge the Truth of what I have set forth, and many of them do lament that for these very Reasons their Country is spoke of with Reproach and Detestation; and they have confessed, that I had but too much Provocation to leave them. A List of the Murders, Robberies, and Thefts, committed with Impunity there, during my Residence in Caithness, would surprise a Mohawk or a Cherokee. Without this Detail, I could not explain my Reasons for emigrating; but such as they are, I have declared them to you with that Sincerity and Freedom that I think become an honest Man, though I suppose the Length of this Letter will prevent them from ever being read.
With Regard to taking so many People with me, I beg Leave to observe, that I neither solicited, took Advantage of, nor inviged, any Person; and that I relieved Hundreds, who warmly entreated me to find them a Passage. I took none, excepting my Servants, but such as paid their own Freight, and had their Honesty and Character attested by their Ministers. When we were shipped at Thurso, our Numbers were as follows:
 My Family, including Servants, 16  Other Passengers above eight Years, 174  Children under eight, 60  Besides sucking Children, 30  Total 280 
The Loss of so many People, and the Numbers they may in Time draw after them, will probably be missed by the Landholders; but let them learn to treat their Fellow Creatures with more Humanity. Instead of looking on myself as an Enemy to my Country, in being accessory to the carrying off so many People, I rejoice in being an Instrument, in the Hand of Providence, to punish Oppression, which is far too general; and I am glad to understand, that already some of these haughty Landlords now find it necessary to court and caress these same poor People whom they lately despised, and treated as Slaves, or Beasts of Burthen.
JAMES HOG. GARDEHOUSE in ZETLAND, March 29, 1774.
BOSTON, December 5. IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS. CAMBRIDGE, December 1, 1774.
WHEREAS, by the rigorous Operation of the Boston Port Bill, the Metropolis of this Province, and the neighbouring Town of Charlestown, have been brought into a most distressed State, many of the Inhabitants being deprived of the Means of their Subsistence, and reduced to the cruel Alternative of quitting their Habitations or of perishing in them by Famine, if they had not been supported by the free and generous Contributions of our Sister Colonies, even from the remotest Parts of this Continent:
Resolved, that the grateful Acknowledgments of this Congress be returned to the several Colonies, for having so deeply interested themselves in Behalf of said Towns, under their present Sufferings in the common Cause; and that the Congress consider these Donations not merely as unexampled Acts of Benevolence to this Province in general, which has also greatly suffered, and of Charity to those Towns in particular, but as convincing Proofs of the firm Attachment of all the Colonies to the glorious Cause of American Liberty, and of their fixed Determination to support them in the noble Stand they are now making for the Liberties of themselves and of all America.
Signed by Order of the Provincial Congress. JOHN HANCOCK, President.
Last Saturday Afternoon the Scarborough Man of War, which went Express from hence to England the Beginning of September last, returned hither again, with Despatches for his Excellency the Governor, the Contents of which have not transpired. The Scarborough sailed from Plymouth the 24th of October, and it is said three Ships of the Line, viz. the Asia, Boyne, and Somerset, with the Hind Frigate, and Falcon Sloop of War, with 500 Marines, on Board each of the large Ships, were to sail soon after for this Place. We are told, that when the above Ship came away the Elections were nearly completed, and that there was a large Majority of the old Members elected again.
December 8. We hear from Cohasset (the only free Port in the County of Suffolk) that on the 17th Instant the Militia Company in that Place appeared in the Field, lodged their Arms, and marched to the Meeting House. Their Officers then voluntarily resigned their Commissions, and a Moderator and Clerk were chosen; after which the Rev. Mr. Browne, by Desire of the Moderator, made a Prayer, and delivered an animated Speech on the Exigencies of the Times. They then sang the former Part of the 44th Psalm, and proceeded to the Choice of Officers, when the three worthy Gentlemen who had lately been Commissioners were unanimously chosen to be their Leaders. They cheerfully accepted the Trust, being fully sensible that all Authority under God is derived constitutionally from the People.
NEW YORK, December 12.
CAPTAIN Bernard sails this Day for Boston, and has on Board (being Part of the Donations of this City for the poor Inhabitants of Boston) 180 Barrels of Flower, 9 of Pork, and 12 of Butter; also 21 Barrels of Wheat and Rye, sent from the Inhabitants of Marbletown, in Ulster County.
December 15. The Six Nations have lately sent Deputies to Colonel Guy Johnson, the Superintendent of Indian Affairs, from their General Congress at Onondaga, respecting some farther Resolutions which they and their Dependents have entered into concerning the Troubles to the Southward; from which we expect to hear shortly of a favourable Issue, as the Deputies, with many other Indians, were arrived at Guy Park, when the last Intelligence came from Albany.
Last Monday, at 3 o'Clock, died ALEXANDER COLDEN, Esq. (eldest son of his Honour Lieutenant Governor Colden) Postmaster and
Surveyor General of this Province. He was universally beloved, and he has not left a Man of a more humane Temper, and more generous Disposition, behind him.
Letters by the Ship Lady Gage inform us, that the Empress of Russia, in Consequence of the Advantages she has received from the Support afforded to her Operations by the Crown of Great Britain, in the late War against the Ottoman Empire, has granted to the Subjects of our most gracious Sovereign a free Navigation in all the Seas of her Majesty's Realm, including those Rights secured to the Crown of Russia by the late glorious Peace concluded with the Turks.
ANNAPOLIS, December 5.
AT a Meeting of the Deputies appointed by the several Counties of the Province of Maryland, at the City of Annapolis, by Adjournment, on the 8th Day of December 1774, and continued till the 12th Day of the same Month (present 85 Members) the Proceedings of the Continental Congress were read, considered, and unanimously approved.
Resolved, that every Member of this Convention will, and every Person in the Province ought, strictly and inviolably to observe and carry into Execution the Association agreed on by the said Continental Congress.
On Motion, unanimously resolved, that the Thanks of this Convention be given, by the Chairman, to the Gentlemen who represented this Province as Deputies in the late Continental Congress, for their faithful Discharge of that important Trust; and the same was done accordingly.
To increase our Flocks of Sheep, and thereby promote the Woolen Manufacture in this Province, resolved, that no Person ought to kill any Lamb dropped before the first Day of May yearly, or other Sheep after the first Day of January next, under four Years of Age.
To increase the Manufacture of Linen, and Cotton, resolved, that every Planter and Farmer ought to raise as much Flax, Hemp, and Cotton, as he conveniently can; and the Cultivation thereof is particularly recommended to such Inhabitants of this Province whose Lands are best adapted to that Purpose. And resolved, that no Flax Seed, of the Growth of the present Year, ought to be purchased for Exportation after the 12th Day of this Month.
It being represented to this Convention, that many Merchants and Traders of this Province, from a Scarcity of Cash to make their Remittances, and other Causes, had sold their Goods, within twelve Months next before the 20th Day of October last, at and sometimes even below the prime Cost; and that, in many different Parts of this Province, Merchants had vend their Goods at a very different Advance on the prime Cost; and it appearing to this Convention to be unjust to compel such Merchants to sell their Goods at prime Cost, and that one general Rule, allowing a reasonable Profit to the Trader, and preventing him from taking Advantage of the Scarcity of Goods which may be occasioned by the Non-importation, would give great Satisfaction to the Merchants and People of this Province, resolved unanimously, that no Merchant ought to sell his Goods, at Wholesale, for more than 112 1/2 per Cent. at Retail, for Cash, for more than 130 per Cent. on Credit, for more than 150 per Cent. Advance on the prime Cost; and that no Merchant, or other Person, ought to engross any Goods, Wares, or Merchandise whatsoever. And in Case any Question should arise, respecting the prime Cost of Goods, every Merchant or Factor, possessing or owning such Goods, ought to ascertain the same on Oath, if requested to do it by the Committee.
As a farther Regulation to enforce an Observance of the late Continental Association, resolved unanimously, that in all Cases where Breaches of the Continental Association, or the Resolves of this Convention, shall happen, and be declared such by any Committee of a County, no Gentleman of the Law ought to bring or prosecute any Suit whatever for such Offender; and if any Factor shall commit any Breach of the said Association, or Resolves, that no Gentleman of the Law ought to bring or prosecute any Suit for any Debt due to the Store of which the said Factor has the Management, after Notice as aforesaid.
Resolved, that it is earnestly recommended by this Convention, to the People of this Province, that the Determinations of the several County Committees be observed and acquiesced in; that no Persons, except Members of the Committees, undertake to meddle with or determine any Question respecting the Constitution of the Association entered into by the Continental Congress; and that Peace and good Order be inviolably maintained throughout this Province.
Resolved unanimously, that if the late Acts of Parliament relative to the Massachusetts Bay shall be attempted to be carried into Execution by Force in that Colony, or if the assumed Power of Parliament to tax the Colonies shall be attempted to be carried into Execution by Force, in that or any other Colony, that, in such Case, this Province will support such Colony to the utmost of their Power.
Resolved unanimously, that a well regulated Militia, composed of the Gentlemen, Freeholders, and other Freemen, is the natural Strength and only stable Security of a free Government, and that such Militia will relieve our Mother Country from any Expense in our Protection and Defence, will obviate the Pretence of a Necessity for taxing us on that Account, and render it unnecessary to keep any standing Army (ever dangerous to Liberty) in this Province; and therefore it is recommended to such of the said Inhabitants of this Province as are from sixteen to fifty Years of Age to form themselves into Companies of 68 Men, to choose a Captain, two Lieutenants, an Ensign, four Serjeants, four Corporals, and one Drummer, for each Company, and use their utmost Endeavours to make themselves Masters of the military Exercise; that each Man be provided with a good Firelock and Bayonet fitted thereon, Half a Pound of Powder, two Pounds of Lead, and a Cartouch Box, or Powder Horn and Bag for Ball, and be in Readiness to act on any Emergency.
Resolved unanimously, that it is recommended to the Committees of each County to raise by Subscription, or in such other voluntary Manner as they may think proper, and will be most agreeable to their respective Counties, such Sums of Money as, with any Monies already raised, will amount to the following Sums in the respective Counties, to wit:
 In St. Mary's County, £ 600  Charles, 800  Calvert, 366  Prince George's, 833  Anne Arundel, 866  Frederick, 1333  Baltimore, 933  Harford, 466  Worcester, 533  Somerset, 533  Dorchester, 480  Caroline, 358  Talbot, 400  Queen Anne's, 533  Kent, 566  Cecil, 400  £ 10,000 
And that the Committees of the respective Counties lay out the same in the Purchase of Arms and Ammunition for the Use of such County, to be secured and kept in proper and convenient Places, under the Direction of the said Committees.
Resolved unanimously, that it will be necessary that a Provincial Meeting of Deputies, chosen by the several Counties of this Province, should be held in the City of Annapolis, on Monday the 24th of April next, unless American Grievances be redressed before that Time; and therefore we recommend that the several Counties of this Province choose Deputies, as soon as conveniently may be, to attend such Meeting. And the Committee of Correspondence for this Province are empowered to call a Meeting of the said Deputies, before the said 24th Day of April, if they shall esteem it necessary.
Resolved unanimously, that Contributions from the several Counties of this Province, for supplying the Necessities and alleviating the Distresses of our Brethren at Boston, ought to be continued, in such Manner, and so long, as their Occasions may require; and that it is the Duty of the Committees of each County to collect and transmit the same, as soon as possible.
Resolved unanimously, that the Honourable Matthew Tilghman, and John Hall, Samuel Chase, Thomas Johnson, Junior, Charles Carroll, of Carrollton, Charles Carroll, Barrister, and William Paca, Esquires, or any three or more of them, be a Committee of Correspondence for this Province.
Resolved unanimously, that the Honourable Matthew Tilghman, and Thomas Johnson, Junior, Robert Goldsborough, William Paca, Samuel Chase, John Hall, and Thomas Stone, Esquires, or any three or more of them, be Delegates to represent this Province in the next Continental Congress, and that they, or any three or more of them, have full and ample Power to consent and agree to all Measures which such Congress shall deem necessary and effectual to obtain a Redress of American Grievances; and this Province bind themselves to execute, to the

utmost of their Power, all Resolutions which the said Congress may adopt. And farther, if the said Congress shall think necessary to adjourn, we do authorise our said Delegates to represent and act for this Province, in any one Congress to be held by Virtue of such Adjournment. Resolved unanimously, that it is recommended to the several Colonies and Provinces to enter into such, or the like Resolutions, for mutual Defence and Protection, as are entered into by this Province. As our Opposition to the settled Plan of the British Administration to enslave America will be strengthened by an Union of all Ranks of Men in this Province, we do most earnestly recommend that all former Differences about Religion or Politics, and all private Animosities and Quarrels of every Kind, from henceforth cease and be for ever buried in Oblivion; and we entreat, we conjure every Man, by his Duty to God, his Country, and his Posterity, cordially to unite in Defence of our common Rights and Liberties. Ordered, that Copies of these Resolutions be transmitted by the Committee of Correspondence for this Province to the Committees of Correspondence for the several Colonies, and be also published in the Maryland Gazette. By Order, JOHN DUCKETT, Clerk.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 29. ON Tuesday last, being the Feast of St. John the Evangelist, the Worshipful Society of Free and Accepted Masons in this City went in Procession from their Lodge to the Church, where a very excellent Sermon was preached to them by the Reverend Mr. Dixon (a Brother) from John, 13th Chapter, and Part of the 34th Verse, A new Commandment I give unto you, that you love one another; and in the Evening they gave a Ball to the Ladies, and partook of a frugal Repast. The Thomas, Robinson, from Glasgow, is arrived in James River. Extract of a Letter from a Gentleman in Philadelphia to his Friend in this City, dated the 10th Instant. I herewith enclose to you the Copy of an unanimous Resolve of our GENERAL ASSEMBLY this Day, confirming all the Proceedings of the GRAND CONTINENTAL CONGRESS, which I flatter myself will be very acceptable to you, as well as to all the true Sons of Liberty in Virginia. Our Committee has met almost every Day and Night this Week, and have already had one Sale of a Cargo of Coal and Salt, at publick Vendue, imported after the 1st of December; and as several Vessels are just arrived from Great Britain and Ireland, I imagine we shall be employed all next Week in receiving, storing, and selling Goods. In a few Days, the Cargo of a Vessel from Stromness, valued at 40001. Sterling, consisting chiefly of Hemp, Rope, &c. will be put up in Lots, not under 3 l. nor above 15 l. Sterling, which is the Method adopted in this City for the Sale of all Goods imported after the 1st of this Month, except where a Package is of less Value, or a single Parcel of greater Amount; but Lumbering Articles are sold in large Lots. PHILADELPHIA.
IN ASSEMBLY, Saturday, December 10, 1774. The House taking into Consideration the Report of the Committee appointed to attend the GENERAL CONGRESS, and the Papers therein referred to, resolved, unanimously, that this House approve the Proceedings and Resolves of the Congress, and do most seriously recommend to the good People of this Province a strict Attention to, and inviolable Observation of, the several Matters and Things contained in the Journal of said Congress. On Motion, ordered, that the foregoing Resolution be immediately made publick. CHARLES MOORE, Clerk of the Assembly. To his Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of Virginia. The humble Address of the MERCHANTS and FREEHOLDERS of the Town of PORTSMOUTH.
MY LORD, It is with Pleasure we approach your Excellency with our sincere Congratulations on your safe Return to the Seat of your Government, after a dangerous and laborious Campaign, prosecuted with Vigour, and terminated by an honourable and advantageous Peace; which, though affecting the Whole, must particularly endear you to those who most immediately derive Security and Enjoyment from your seasonable Interposition. We beg Leave also to congratulate your Excellency on the Addition to your Family, by the Birth of a Daughter and the safe Recovery of Lady DUNMORE; Events which, contributing to your Happiness, we contemplate with Affection and Pleasure. His EXCELLENCY's Answer. THE Address of the Merchants and Freeholders of the Town of Portsmouth affords me great Pleasure; as the Sense they express of the Service which I have rendered to the Colony gives me the highest Satisfaction; and I return them my hearty Thanks for their affectionate Congratulation, on the Increase of my Family, and Recovery of Lady Dunmore.
To Mess. PURDIE & DIXON, WILLIAMSBURG, December 27, 1774. GENTLEMEN, WHETHER the very REVEREND GENTLEMAN, who was pleased to honour me with his Notice in your last Gazette, so "heavily despises anonymous, dirty Scribblers," as he endeavours to persuade us; or whether I am so "arrant a Dunce at guessing," as he would represent me, I leave your Readers to judge, from the following Copy of a Certificate, which you have furnished me with from your Office. On Wednesday or Thursday the 7th or 8th Instant, the Reverend Mr. Samuel Henley came into the Office and asked for Mr. Purdie; and, as he was not in at that present Time, he delivered me an open Letter containing Queries, and was signed an ASSOCIATOR, which he said was sent to him to be published, but told me he did not choose that any One should know it came from him, unless Mr. Purdie. Signed HENRY LAUGHTON. December 23, 1774.
Whether this Gentleman had a proper Regard to himself in declaring that the Queries in Question (whoever was their Author) were not written by him, nor with his Knowledge, is submitted to the Reflections of some of his calm, retired Moments. Perhaps I may be so great a Dunce as not to understand common English; if I am not, the Assertion contains a plain and designed Insinuation that he did not know who the Author was. But who can believe this? It is possible that the QUERIES might not have been written by the Gentleman's own Hand, and, perhaps, this might have been judiciously avoided, to leave Room for a little Prevarication; but, that they were written with his Knowledge, either preceding or Subsequent, no One can doubt. It is become almost a Matter of Indifference to me who held the Pen and committed the Words to Paper; it is plain this Gentleman approved what was written, and equally evident that he published it. Surely, amidst the Abundance of his superior Knowledge, he cannot have it yet to learn that the Approver and Publisher of a malicious and scandalous Libel is at least equally guilty with the Writer of it. In my Eye, he is much more so. One Man may keep Poison locked up in his Desk; but he is the Murderer, who diffuses it abroad. The Gentleman should have adverted to the Maxim, with which one of his Queries is closed: "Qui non prohibet quod probare potest, facere videtur." He who does not prevent what it is in his Power to do, is supposed to be the Doer himself. If this be a "Rule of common as well as legal Justice;" if he, who hardly withholds a preventive Hand, is to be brought within this Censure; what shall we say to the Man, who not only does not prevent an Act of flagrant Injustice, but takes a forward and the most essential Part in carrying it into Execution? He is pleased to flatter Mr. Norton, and his Friends, with an Avowal of his having "ever uniformly maintained the same Sentiments of his Conduct." What those Sentiments were, whether friendly or unfriendly, we are not expressly told, but, I suppose, to presume them friendly, we are not expressly told, from a Profession of Regard for that Gentleman. Be it so; but how has this Uniformity of favourable Sentiments been preserved? The publishing such a Libel, and wantonly involving Mr. Norton in it, must, no Doubt, be considered as a rare Instance of Friendship. The Gentleman's Apology of my Conduct, with Respect to the Ship, may, for what I know, afford to others some Sort of Proof of his Regard to Justice; but, upon me, they are entirely thrown away. Collect his whole Conduct respecting me on this Occasion into one Point of View; give him but Credit for that Uniformity, on which he seems to plume himself, and his seemingly polite Encomiums are instantly converted into the most rancorous Abuse. May he ever enjoy these little Arts to himself! His very chaste, clean, and delicate Ideas, suggested from the "Stink-pots," have had no other Effect, than to guard my olfactory Nerves against the Noxiousness of their Effluvia. If the Irritation I underwent upon reading the Queries (and what Man of Sensibility could have been indif-
rent) betrayed me into an unbecoming Warmth, and a few coarse Expressions, which I have been little accustomed to, so far in fact I may have been blamable, as descending beneath the Character I wish and ought to sustain; but I think it may be fairly submitted, whether it was more unpolitic or more unchristian in one Man to use such Expressions, than in another to provoke and deserve them. I am, Gentleman, Your most obedient Servant, THE REAL ASSOCIATOR.
A good NEW YEAR to all our CUSTOMERS. Advertisements.
TO be sold, pursuant to a Resolution of the Committee for James City County, before the Ruralleigh Door, on the third Thursday in January, at 11 o'clock in the Forenoon, for ready Money only, a large Number of GREEN IVORY TABLE KNIVES, PENKNIVES, and Variety of other Articles, just imported. RICHARD TALLIAFERRO, Junior. WILLIAM SPRATLEY. CHAMPION TRAVIS. CARY WILKINSON. JOHN WARBURTON.
HOG ISLAND FERRY to be rented, and entered on immediately. For Terms apply to J. HOLT.
TO be sold to the highest Bidder, for ready Money, on Monday the 9th of January, at David Russell's Store, in Blandford, by the Committee for the County of Prince George, one Box of BLANK BOOKS, and nine Bales of GERMAN ROLLS, imported in the Warwick, Captain M'Vay, and consigned to David Russell, Merchant in Blandford. By Order of the Committee. HARTWELL RAINES, Clerk.
PURSUANT to an Order of the County Court of King William, will be lot, to the lowest Bidder, on Thursday the 19th of January, being Court Day, at the Courthouse of the said County, the Building of one or two PRISONS, as may then be thought necessary. Bond and Security, for the due Performance of the Work, will be required of the Undertaker, by the Commissioners. (2)
Twenty Dollars Reward. LOST, the 3th Instant (December) at Charlottesville, a RED POCKET BOOK with upwards of 201. current Money, a Number of Bonds, some Accounts, some Transfer Tobacco, and one Crop Note of Frederickburg Warehouse, marked M-G containing between 11 and 1200 Wt. I hereby forewarn all Persons from purchasing any Bond or Bonds of mine, as I have none endorsed to any One, also from purchasing any of the said Tobacco. Any Person that will bring me the said Book, with my Bonds and Accounts, shall be entitled to the above Reward, and no Questions asked. (1) MICHJAH CHILES.
MANCHESTER, December 21, 1774. RUN away about a Month ago, a Negro Slave belonging to me, named HARRY. He is a small black Fellow, about 40 Years of Age, and cannot speak English plain, has been used to go by Water for some Years past, and may probably have hired himself on Board some Craft. I am told he was seen lately employed on Board an Oyster Boat in James River, near the Hundred. Those (when discovered) employing or harbouring him, may expect to be prosecuted. I will give 40 s. Reward for bringing him Home. JAMES LYLE.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a YELLOW BAY MARE two or three Years old, a small Blaze in her Face, her near Jawbone seems as if it had been broke, but is now well, all her Feet are white, has a hanging Mane, but is not docked, and branded on the near Buttock O. Potted, and appraised to 12 l. THOMAS BOAZE.
CAME to my Plantation Fall was twelve Months, a SPOTTED SHOAT, neither marked nor cut, but since that Time I have had him cut. The Owner may have him, or his Value, on proving his Property, and applying to the Subscriber, in Henrico. DABNEY PETTUS.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 4, 1776. 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. ORDERED, that the Clerk of this House do cause the same to be published in the Virginia Gazette. By the House of Burgesses, G. WYTHE, C. H. B.
I have already received Copies of the Lists of Titheables in Accomack, Amelia, Caroline, Charles City, Dinwiddie, Dunmore, Isle of Wight, King and Queen, King William, Lancaster, Mecklenburg, Middlesex, Northumberland, Princess Anne, and Prince William, and Certificates of the Numbers of Titheables on which the Levies were laid in Charlotte and Halifax, with the Accounts of the two latter Counties, and of Lancaster, against the Publick. G. WYTHE.
BERKELEY, December 20, 1774. THE Subscriber will attend at the ensuing January and February Henrico and Chesterfield Courts, to receive the Money due on the Bonds for Negroes sold by him. The Penalty will be incurred on all the Bonds that are not discharged at the last of those Courts. (2) BENJAMIN HARRISON, Junior.
To be SOLD on Wednesday the 25th of January next, at the Rocky Ridge, THIRTY valuable Virginia born SLAVES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed for one Half of the Purchase Money, and two Years for the Remainder. Bond and Security will be required, to carry Interest from the Date, if not punctually paid to PHILIP W. CLAIBORNE's Executors.
To be SOLD at publick Sale, on the 14th of January next, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, FOUR HUNDRED and SIXTY SEVEN Acres of Land in Caroline County, near Port Royal. We would recommend it to those who are inclined to purchase to apply to Mr. William Gray, who will attend the Place two or three Days before the Day of Sale, in Order to show the Land. Two Years Credit will be allowed, upon giving Bond with Security; and if the Money is not paid when due, the Bond to carry Interest from the Date. WILLIAM FAUNTLEROY. MOORE FAUNTLEROY.
To be SOLD, A VALUABLE TRACT OF LAND in James City County, in the Fork of Tuckahoe Creek, about ten Miles from Williamsburg, and joining the Plantations of John Elair, Esq. and Mr. John Glazier. It contains about 550 Acres, which are plentifully stocked with fine Timber of all Sorts, has a good Marsh, excellent Water, there is an Abundance of Fish and Wildfowl in their Seasons, and Oysters may be had with little Trouble; and there is a Dwelling-House, Quarter, Barn, Corn Crib, Poultry House, &c. Any Person inclining to purchase may view the Land, and know the Terms, by applying to the Subscriber, on the Premises. WILLIAM RICHARDSON.
THE Partnership between Charles Hammond and myself being dissolved, the several Persons indebted to the Stores kept by him on Broad Run, and in Fauquier County, are to settle with, and pay their respective Balances to, GUTHBERT HARRISON. DECEMBER 12, 1774.
LEFT at my Lodgings in Williamsburg, by some Gentleman doing Business with me during the late Meeting, Transfer Notes for near 1000 Wt. of Tobacco at Rocky Ridge. The Owner may receive them by applying to me, at Warwick. ROBERT DONALD.
For SALE, A POST CHARIOT, which has been moderately and carefully used, with Harness for four Horses. For Terms apply to Mr. Daniel Payne in Falmouth, or the Printers of this Paper.
To be SOLD, to the highest Bidder, at Amelia Courthouse, on the 10th of January,
TWENTY very likely SLAVES, to satisfy a Debt due to James and Robert Donald and Co. Credit will be allowed till the 10th of October, 1775. Bond and Security to be given to the said Company; and if Payment is not made to the Day, the Bonds to carry Interest from their Date. WILLIAM WATSON.
COMMITTED to Hanover County Jail, the 2d of November last, a Negro Man who says his Name is JAMES, but cannot or will not declare his Owner's Name. He is about five Feet seven Inches high; had on a Negro Cotton Jacket, Onabrag Shirt and Trousers. The Owner is desired to take him away, and pay Charges. PAUL THILMAN, Jailer.
COMMITTED to Westmoreland County Jail, on Tuesday the 13th Instant (December) three African Slaves, two Men and one Woman, who either refuse or cannot tell their Owner or Owners Names; but, as well as I can understand them, they belong to John Thorn, or Thornton, and call themselves Sampson, Adams, and Betty. The Owner, or Owners, are desired to come for them, and pay Charges. JAMES MUSE, Jailer.
TAKEN up, in Essex, a middle sized STEER about nine Years old, of a reddish Colour, his two hind Feet white, both Horns sawed, and marked with a Crop and Overkeel in each Ear. Potted, and appraised to 31. 10s. JOHN SAMUEL.
TAKEN up, in Spatsylvania, two STEERS, three Years old last Spring, both dark Brindle, one has some White about his Flanks, and is speckled about his Knees, both marked with a Swallowfork in the left Ear, one has two Nicks in the under Part of the right Ear, and the other has but one. Potted, and appraised to 51. JAMES HUTCHERSON.
TAKEN up, in Spatsylvania, two STEERS, they appear to have been worked, are about five Years old each, marked with a Crop in the left Ear, and a Slit in the right. One is a dark Brindle, with some White under his Belly; the other is Red and White, near an equal Quantity of each Colour. Potted, and appraised to 71. JOHN HOLLADAY, Junior.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a RED STEER, his Head somewhat darker than his Body, four or five Years old, and marked with a smooth Crop in the right Ear, and the left long. Potted, and appraised to 45 s. RICE SCOTT.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a SORREL MARE about four Feet four or five Inches high, four or five Years old, a Star in her Forehead, but has no Brand perceivable. Potted, and appraised to 51. 10s. RICE SCOTT.
TAKEN up, in Amherst, a small GRAY MARE about four Feet one Inch high, middle aged, has several dark Spots on the fore Parts of her Shoulders, appears to have been burnt under her Tail, has a Lump on one Leg, and branded on the near Shoulder F, and on the near Buttock P. Potted, and appraised to 51. THOMAS MATTHEWS.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a BAY HORSE about eight Years old, four Feet seven Inches high, some Saddle Spots on both Sides, some white Hairs in his Forehead, his left Hind Foot white, and a little White on the back Part of his right Hind Foot, a short Tail, but no Brand perceivable. Potted, and appraised to 10 l. WILLIAM PRICE.
TAKEN up, in Spatsylvania, a small SORREL HORSE about four Feet three Inches high, has a Blaze Face, more over the right Eye than the left, a small white Spot on his right Hip, a short Sprig Tail, his Mane hangs on the right Side, trots, but has no perceivable Brand. Potted, and appraised to 51. JOHN WILSON.
WILLIAMSBURG, December 3, 1774. THE Subscriber intends going to England about the Middle of February next, and requests the Favour of all Persons indebted to him to be as speedy as possible in their Payments, and those who cannot immediately pay are requested to settle their Accounts by giving Bond with approved Security; and whereas many Debts due to the Estate of Mr. Thomas Hornsby, deceased, yet remain unsettled, notwithstanding many former Advertisements relative thereto, all Persons indebted to the same are earnestly requested to settle, and if they cannot immediately pay to give Bond with approved Security to the Subscriber, as all Debts that remain unsettled will be left in the Hands of my Attorney, with Directions to commence Suits as soon as the Courts of Justice are open. The Subscriber has on Hand about 1200 l. Sterling worth of European Goods, which he would sell Wholesale, at a low Advance, and allow Credit. Also 500 Acres of Land in James City County, to dispose of, very cheap, and on lone Credit. JOSEPH HORNSBY.
JUST imported from Glasgow, about 300 l. Sterling Value of Mens and Womens Leather and Calimanco Shoes, in Packages of about 35 l. Sterling each; also a Quantity of exceeding fine upper and Sole Leather, a few low priced Broadcloths and Trimmings, spotted Rugs, and some Pewter, which the Subscriber would sell at a low Advance, for ready Money, or short Credit. For Terms apply to William Mitchell, in Richmond. THOMAS MITCHELL.

POETS CORNER.
WHAT IS LIFE?
'TIS a Circle wherein each one, more or less, By Fortune is jilted, or rais'd to Excess;
JUST PUBLISHED,
THE Office and Authority of a JUSTICE of PEACE explained and digested, under proper Titles.
I HEREBY forewarn all Persons from hunting, or shooting, on my Lands at Westover and Buckland.
ABOUT 600 l. Sterling worth of EUROPEAN GOODS to be sold at a low Advance, for Cash, or short Credit.
WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 22, 1774.
As the Partnership of PURDIE & DIXON expired the 18th Instant, we think it necessary to inform the Public that THE VIRGINIA GAZETTE will be printed by us from the first of next Month.
The Publick's obedient Servants,
JOHN DIXON.
WILLIAM HUNTER.
JUST PUBLISHED,
And to be SOLD by DIXON and HUNTER, At the POST OFFICE,
THE
Virginia Almanack
For the Year of our LORD GOD 1775,
Wherein are contained,
The LUNATIONS, CONJUNCTIONS, ECLIPSES; the SUN and MOON'S Rising and Setting; the Rising, Setting, and Southing of the HEAVENLY BODIES; the Places and Aspects of the PLANETS; WEATHER, &c.
BLANK BOOKS and STATIONARY of all Kinds, BIBLES, TESTAMENTS, PSALTERS, and many other SCHOOL BOOKS, all Sorts of BLANKS, &c. to be sold at the Post-Office.
To be SOLD at Blandford, to the highest Bidders, on Tuesday the 17th of January, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
FIFTEEN or twenty valuable Virginia born NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls. Credit will be allowed for one Half till the 25th of April 1775, and for the other till the 25th of April 1776.
I HAVE laid off several Lots, or Half Acres of Land, contiguous to the Town of Alexandria, which are to be leased in Fee on Ground Rent.
JOHN ALEXANDER.
To be SOLD on Monday the 2d of January, to the highest Bidders, at the Indian Fields, in Charles City County, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
TEN likely Virginia born SLAVES, several of which are good House Servants, Slocks of Cattle, Horses, Hogs, and Sheep, belonging to the Estate of Captain Littlebury Hardyman, deceased.
WILLIAM GREEN MUNFORD, Executor.
To be SOLD pursuant to the last Will and Testament of Thomas Simmons, deceased, to the highest Bidders, at the late Dwelling-House of the said Simmons, in Brunswick County, on Thursday the 5th of January, if fair, otherwise next fair Day,
TRACT of LAND known by the Name of the Smokey Ordinary, conveniently situated for a Merchant and Ordinary, containing between 4 and 500 Acres.
FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD.
RUN away last Night from Dorsey's Forge, three Servant Men, viz. WILLIAM GEORGE, born in England, about 34 Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, has a down Look, light coloured short Hair, Pock marked, round shouldered, has had his left Wrist broke.
MARYLAND, September 25, 1774.
FOR SALE,
MY DWELLING-HOUSE, &c. in York Town. Five Years Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser giving Bond (with approved Security) bearing Interest from the Time the Bargain is concluded upon.
JOHN H. NORTON. YORK TOWN, November 29, 1774.
FOR CHARTER,
THE Brigantine Abby, Jonas Herbert Master, Burthen about 240 Hogheads, or 8000 Bushels. For Terms apply to GREENWOOD, RITSON, & MARSH. NORFOLK, November 5, 1774.
THE DISTILLERY at Alexandria in Virginia, with other Improvements, to be LET for a Term of Years.
In the Month of June last he was put in York Jail, on Suspicion of having stolen some Money in Williamsburg. He made his Escape from thence and got to Norfolk, where he was put in Jail and sent to me by Water.
As it does not suit the Owner of these Improvements to remove his Residence from Philadelphia, he will let them at a moderate Rent, with a Contract for 300 Cords of Ash Wood yearly, for five Years, cut into four Feet Lengths, and delivered on the Maryland Shore, directly opposite to the Distillery, and so near the Water as to render any Carriage unnecessary.
PRINCE GEORGE, November 16, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Mulatto
Boy named SAM, about 16 or 17 Years old, of a very light Complexion, and will endeavour to pass for a free Boy, has gray Eyes, brown Hair, a smooth artful Tongue, is a great Villain, but a very good Barber.
JOHN BLAND.
To be SOLD, on Monday the 2d of January, before the RALEIGH TAVERN, to the highest Bidders, at three o'Clock in the Afternoon.
TEN valuable Virginia born SLAVES, one of which is a good Cook; also a HOUSE and LOT on the Main Street of Fredericksburg, and a good Well, being the Estate of the said Simmons, deceased, and sold by Virtue of a Power of Attorney from the said Simmons to ROBERT NICOLSON.
N. B. Credit will be allowed till the 20th Day of October next, the Purchasers giving Bond and approved Security. (6)
Wanted immediately,
A JOURNEYMAN SHOEMAKER that understands the Business well in all its Branches. Such a One, that can come well recommended, for an honest, industrious, sober Man, will meet with Encouragement to his Satisfaction, a good Seat of Work, and his Money paid every Saturday Night if he chooses it.
SAMUEL DANIEL.
FIFTY POUNDS REWARD.
WHEREAS, on the 19th of June last past, a certain JOSEPH THORP was introduced with a considerable Sum in Half Johannes, of nine Pennyweight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his Appearance there, with either suspicious Circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the Money.
(7)
FOR SALE,
TRACT of LAND in York County, about four Miles from Williamsburg, containing 250 Acres. It lies in about three Quarters of a Mile of York River, and about the same Distance from the Offley Roads.
To be SOLD or RENTED (Preference will be given to the first)
PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 200 Acres of Land, the Property of Messrs. Alexander Donall and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives.
To be SOLD,
TRACT of LAND in Surry County, containing 450 Acres, known by the Name of Cabin Point, on which are a new Set of Brick Warehouse, which bring in about 70 l. a Year, and a new Brick Merchant Mill completely fitted with two Water Wheels on a never-failing Stream.
BENJAMIN HARRISON.
FOR SALE,
TWO THOUSAND Acres of LAND, lying on the River Shenandoah, in the County of Frederick, eight Miles above Abby's Gap.
NATHANIEL BURWELL.
FOR SALE,
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.
WILLIAM MARSHALL.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amelia County, whereon are several Plantations and Improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty Hands.
CARTER BRAXTON.
All Persons may be supplied with this PAPER at 12/ 6d. a Year, and have ADVERTISEMENTS (of a moderate Length) inserted in it for 3/ the first Week, and 2/ each Week after. All Sorts of PRINTING WORK done at this Office in the neatest Manner, with Care and Expedition.