The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-01-07 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE
With the FRESHEST ADVICES,
FOREIGN and DOMESTICK.
IN CIVITATE LIBERA LINGUAM MENTEMQUE
LIBERAS ESSE DEBERE. — Suet. in Tib. S. 22.
PRINTED by JOHN DIXON and
WM. HUNTER, at the Post Office.
ALL Persons may be supplied with this Paper at 12/6 a Year, and have Advertisements (of a moderate Length) inserted for 3/ the first Week, and 2/ each Week after. — Printing Work done at this Office in the neatest Manner, with Care and Expedition.
To the PUBLICK.
THE many Orders we have received from the Subscribers to this Gazette for continuing them on our List, and the few who have withdrawn their Subscriptions, encourage us to hope for Success in its Publication. We now present the Publick with our Paper, as a Sample of what they are to expect from us in Future; assuring them that we will exert our utmost Endeavours to furnish them with the freshest News, upon every Arrival, both FOREIGN and DOMESTICK, which we shall be able to do from the extensive Correspondence we have lately settled in Great Britain and America.
Whatever may be sent us in Favour of LIBERTY, or for the PUBLICK GOOD, shall be published with Cheerfulness; and in Case of a Scarcity of News, we will endeavour to supply the Room with such moral Pieces, from the best Writers, as may contribute to the Improvement of Mankind in general; and now and then with Pieces of Wit and Humour, that tend both to amuse and instruct.
The PAPERS will be published early every Saturday Morning, despatched by the several Posts on the same day, as usual, and every Method in our Power shall be adopted for their safe and speedy Conveyance to the Subscribers.
We are the Publick's
Devoted humble Servants, JOHN DIXON, WILLIAM HUNTER.
To the PRINTERS.
GENTLEMEN, BY the Copy of John Norton's Letter, published in the Supplement to your Gazette of the 8th Instant (which I did not see till this Morning) I find I am therein charged with injuring his Character, and being guilty of two odious Crimes, Falsehood and Ingratitude; I shall therefore endeavour, by this Publication, to wipe away such foul Charges, well knowing that I have not been guilty of either to Mr. Norton.
He has taken Occasion to enumerate the Civilities I received from him whilst in London, which, after observing that they did not equal, much less exceed, those I received from many other Persons, I will pass over till I come to the £. 100 which he mentions, and which his Correspondent upbraided me with in the publick Streets of Williamsburg. If I was ever under any Obligation to him on that Account, he and his Correspondent have between them made it exceeding small; but the Transaction was as follows: A few Days before my Departure from England, I applied to the Honourable George William Fairfax, then in London, to lend me £. 100; he said it was inconvenient for him to furnish me with it at that Time, but that he would accept my Draught on him in Favour of Mr. Norton for £. 100 payable in six Months. The Matter was thus negotiated, and the Merchant advanced me, now £. 100, but £. 97 : 10, retaining £. 2 : 10 for Interest. If this should be no Obligation (to the Merchant I mean) I am admitted of the Charge of Ingratitude, but stand yet loaded with the other Part of my Burthen, and therefore shall attempt to shake it off. To effect this I will plead Justification to Part, and not guilty to the rest.
First, then. It is certain that John Norton did not sign the Petition against the Boston Port Bill, and it is as certain that he was solicited to do it, both personally and by warm and pathetick Advertisements addressed to the American Merchants, and other Friends of America; and two different Meetings were thereby appointed, and absolutely held at the Thatch'd House in London. If he had attended when thus solicited, he would have seen the Petition before it was in Print; he must therefore excuse me when I say, I think he did see it before it was in Print. But, admitting he did not, what is the Inference? Coolness and Indifference in the Cause?
But, to proceed in my Justification: I arrived in Virginia, and then at Williamsburg, immediately after the Dissolution of an Assembly; my Countrymen, agitated with that Event, and the Causes that produced it, surrounded me and inquired after their Interest in England, and were exceedingly eager to know their Friends from their Foes, but more particularly questioned me about the Petition against the Boston Port Bill, and desired to know why it was supported by so small a Number. Would Mr. Norton, or his Correspondent, desire me to forge Falsehoods? For I declare, if Mr. Norton had made me a Present of the £. 97 : 10, I could not have given one good Reason why he did not sign the Petition, or shew a becoming Warmth in the Matter.
It is not to be expected I can now recollect every Thing I then said, or Answer I gave; I can only say that I attempted to speak Truth, and said, that in my own Opinion, the American Merchants who had not signed the Petition were lukewarm, and appeared more anxious to get Payment of their Debts from the Americans, than to take any Steps in their Favour towards a Reconciliation of the Disputes between them and Great Britain; and that they either laughed at the Petition, or treated it with Ridicule and Contempt.
But by Mr. Norton's Son's Letter to him (or rather his imperfect Recital of Parts of it) the Publick are to suppose that I, in the Course of the above Inquiry have alleged that Mr. John Norton in particular said "he did not care if the Americans were at the Devil, or if the Devil had them, so he had his
Debts." Here my Plea of not guilty must come in, for I declare I never said so. And if Mr. Norton was particularly named by me, it is more likely it proceeded from Questions asked by some of his inquisitive Acquaintance, than any Design of mine to injure him; for surely my private Opinion cannot effect a Merchant, without his own Conduct should contribute to justify the Charge.
Keep the Original when you publish the Copy, that Mr. Norton and I may have a fair Trial; and remember, the Plea of not guilty may be tried in Virginia, but Justification must be tried in Westminster Hall; where I hope the honest, brave, and bold Americans, Franklin, Lee, Hobson, Johnson, &c. may be suffered to compose a Part of the Jury.
Mr. Norton tells you my Estate is encumbered, I therefore send a small Fee for Publication, though I am satisfied you would give a poor Man fair Play; but I do assure you I can pay twenty Shillings in the Pound.
Give my Compliments to the honest Associer, and tell him, if no other Person can answer his Queries put in the above mentioned Supplement, to apply to him, and Gentlemen,
Your very humble Servant, FABLES of POTOWMACK, Dec. 20, 1774. JOHN BALLENDINE.
By the TIGER, Capt. HALL, in six weeks from LONDON, arrived in JAMES river, we have the following ADVICES.
FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.
BASTIA (Capital of the island of Corsica) Sept. 29.
THE fort of Aléria, which a troop of banditti had taken possession of, has been invested since the 9th of this month. Some pieces of cannon were transported thither to batter it; and, by the precaution taken, the banditti must have perished, or surrendered themselves; but at the instant we were preparing to attack them, they made an opening of two feet in the middle of the fort, and found means to escape through our detachments without being annoyed. On the 19th inst. the bakehouse and magazines of ammunition took fire, and considerable damage was done.
MADRID (Capital of Spain) October 2. We learn from Bilca, that the contagious distemper among the horned cattle, which had occasioned a very considerable loss on the frontier of that province, has extended to the gates of the towns of Bilboa and Saint Sebastian, and hath there made such a terrible ravage, that in some places not one beast remains alive.
PARIS (Capital of France) October 14. The Archbishop of Aix hath obtained permission of the King, that all the magistrates who composed the parliament of that city may return from exile.
STOCKHOLM (Capital of Sweden) October 11. We learn from Hufum, that they have an order from the Courts of Madrid and Naples for as many iron cannon as they can cast in the space of two years. The cannon of that foundry are in great request since the order which prohibits the exportation of them without having been first proved.
PETERSBURG (Capital of Russia) October 7. The rebellion is now at an end, and the tranquillity of this empire restored by the taking of the rebel Pugatcheff, who has been long the disturber of it. The Empress received this agreeable and important news by a courier who arrived this morning from General Panin, with an account that the above-mentioned traitor had been bound hand and foot by some of the Cossacks of the Yaick, who were his adherents. These people informing General Panin of their having secured him, and of their readiness to submit, the General immediately sent Prince Galitzin to seize Pugatcheff. The people in the revolted provinces have since, upon General Panin's arrival among them, returned to their duty. The General is at present at a town called Pensá, the first that declared in favour of Pugatcheff, the inhabitants of which have submitted and obtained pardon, except fifteen of the most culpable, who were hanged.
COPENHAGEN (Capital of Denmark) October 21. This evening the marriage of his Royal Highness Prince Frederick, with the Princess Sophia Frederica of Mecklenburgh Schwerin, was celebrated in the chapel of the palace of Christianburg.
HAMBURG (in Germany) October 22. We have just now received an account from Stetin, that a merchant there having collected a large quantity of gunpowder, set fire thereto, and blew himself up, with his house and whole family. It is not yet known how many persons lost their lives on the occasion, nor what damage the town has sustained.
VIENNA (Capital of lower Austria) October 19. The Court has nominated the Count de Firmian, our principal Minister at Milan, to go to Rome, in order to assist there at the election of a Pope. Cardinal Migazzi, Archbishop of this city, will set out to-morrow for Rome; and Cardinal Visconti, Nuncio of the Holy See, will follow him on the 26th of this month.
LONDON, October 29.
LETTERS from Hamburg advise, that the Swedes are busy in their ports about fitting 12 ships of war, which it is given out are intended for France.
As there is expected to be an increased balance in the Lower House of this session, the Upper House, we hear, is to be equally strengthened; for this purpose there are therefore to be six Commoners called up to the House of Peers, amongst which an Irish Lord, who lately resigned standing candidate for a great commercial city, is to be one.
Yesterday morning died the Reverend Dr. Ewer, Bishop of Bangor, after a lingering illness of many months; his Lordship was likewise Canon of Windsor. By his decease, many valuable preferments in the Church are now vacant.
Thursday night a very singular interment was performed at the parish church of St. John's, Horsleydown. An old waterman, aged 72, had ordered his funeral, which passed as follows:
The parish children singing hymns.
The B O D Y.
The pall supported by six watermen in coats and badges.
Chief mourner.
A porter carrying a pair of scrolls painted black; a knot half black half white; and six brushes used for painting the bottoms of boats.
The son of the deceased in his father's wedding clothes.
Other mourners—two and two.
Previous to the moving of the procession 155 poor children had each a roll and treacle given them.
The expenses of this funeral were paid eight years ago, except those for the rolls and treacle, which had been paid for four years.
Physical Anecdote.—A gentleman extremely oppressed with low spirits, applied for relief to the late Dr. Radcliffe. The Doctor told him his receipt was in the hands of a physician at Exeter, to whom he sent him with a letter. The Exeter physician had lent it to a brother of the faculty at Edinburgh; to him the invalid posted, but the remedy was in the hands of a Dublin Doctor. Crossing the sea, he found that the Irishman had just transmitted it to Dr. Radcliffe in London. When he came to town, the Doctor asked him the state of his health. "Why (said he) I have had an excellent round, for I have lost my disorder." "That (replied the Doctor) was the medicine I sent you after."
The pregnancy of the Queen of France has already been announced, and has been received with the utmost joy throughout that kingdom. She is universally beloved; which is not to be wondered at; for, by her conduct, she gives an excellent example to every Lady, and her good nature and condescension is such, that the meanest subject in her dominions, in some degree, experiences the benefit of them.
Yesterday a number of people attended in Great Russell Street, Bloomsbury, expecting the Lord Mayor elect would have waited on the Lord Chancellor for his Majesty's approbation. The day, we are assured from very good authority, will be fixed for Thursday next.
Alderman Trecothick, it is said, intends to apply to the Court of Aldermen for leave to resign his gown, on account of his infirmities, which prevents his attending his duty at Guildhall.
An evening paper says, "it is strongly reported that Lord Chatam will be appointed Secretary of State for the Northern Department; and that Lord Camden will again reside in the Court of Chancery; the present Chancellor to the President; and other changes are talked of to take place soon after the meeting of the new Parliament."
Notwithstanding the cavils raised against the late alteration of the coin, the event has proved the excellence of the measure; the evil is remedied, and the nation has been only put to the expense of 25,000l. for a new coinage; whereas, in the time of King William, a like measure lost government 1,200,000l. and besides threw the the lower orders of the people into such distress, that for a time there was not money in circulation sufficient for their weekly wages.
They write from Senegal, that the slaves on a French ship on the African coast had risen and murdered all the crew, except a white woman and a passenger on board; after which the vessel foundered in a gale of wind, when the savages were drowned, except three and the above woman, who were taken up by an English frigate.
A plan, it is said, has been drawn up lately at Dublin, and is intended to be presented to government for reducing a considerable number of unnecessary pensions and salaries, which, from the many reasons given, it is thought will be adopted.
A daily paper has the following paragraph. We hear that the Chancellor of France has had his head struck off by command of the King, for speaking disrespectful words of the Queen's honour.
Extract of a Letter from PARIS, October 27.
"We are informed, from good authority, that several of the late Ministers have been impeached, and that the King has appointed a committee to make the strictest inquiry into the matter in question. It is supposed that very interesting secrets will be revealed in the course of examining some very important things, which were going forwards at the latter end of the late reign."
"It is positively known, during the whole time that Louis M—— was not seen here, nor at court (when several were of opinion that he returned to England) he was all that time at the country seat of Duke d'Aiguillon, with whom he conferred six or seven successive days, at which, as it is supposed, matters were settled far from being interesting to France; and, if we can credit a report which is whispered here since, the Duke went to England."
"Prompt orders are now issued from court for preparing everything for the consecration of his Majesty, which is now fixed to be solemnized on the 16th of June next, at Rheims."
Yesterday Elizabeth Grieve, commonly called the Honourable Mrs. Grieve, was tried at Hicks's Hall for defrauding divers persons of several sums of money, under pretence of procuring them places under the Government, and intended to be procured for seven years. This is the woman who a few years since rendered herself so famous at the Publick Office, Bow Street, having pretended to be the friend of the Prince Minister, count to the Duke of Grafton, and to have various connections of the first rank.
October 31. The King has been pleased to grant the dignity of a Baronet of Great Britain unto William Pepperell, Esq. of Boston, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, in America.
Lord Bute is now forming a plan that will thoroughly amends to the people of England for all the supposed injuries they have received from him.

An attempt having lately been made to set the city of Montreal on fire, the Lieutenant Governor of Quebec has issued a Proclamation, and offered a reward of 200 Spanish dollars for discovery of the offenders.
Nov. 1. The patriots have resolved, as soon as the House of Commons sits for business, to censure the proceeding of the late House, in daring to deny right of representation to Middlesex, by refusing their member, Mr. Wilkes, and admitting Col. Lutterell, who was not chosen by the county.
A letter received from Boston, dated Sept. 14, says that a duel had been fought there between an Ensign in the army and a tradesman of that place, wherein the latter was twice run through the body, and expired the next morning in great agony.
This week, it is expected, will bring account of the proceedings of the American Congress, and according to the most prevailing opinion among the merchants, it is, that the Congress's first resolution will be to pay for the tea destroyed at Boston, as the first necessary step towards giving the Ministry a good opinion of their proceedings, without which it is doubtful whether any petition, address, or remonstrance, will be regarded.
The Dey of Algiers has within this last fortnight given our sovereign very great reason to believe he has a great esteem for England, and is very desirous to cultivate its friendship; at the same time expresses his detestation of the Court of Spain. Whether these professions will be the prologue to any services to be experienced by us, or to any injuries to the Court of Spain, it seems is a matter of doubt with our Ministry.
Last Monday night died, at Bothell Castle, in Scotland, her Grace the Duchess of Douglas.
November 2. The Earl of Cholmondeley set out for his house in Piccadilly, on Monday morning last, for Paris.
Extract of a letter from St. Omer's, October 25. "Smuggling between France and North America goes on apace at present. All the manufacturers at Lyons, Nyme, and Nantz, work night and day to load American ships. This you may depend on as a real truth. A French officer of my particular acquaintance, just come hither with his regiment from Brest and Port l'Orient, assures me that French India goods rose 20 per cent. in one day at Port l'Orient, by the arrival of some American ships at that port. What a strange set of men they must be, to remit to France all their ready money, and to keep their creditors in England without a sixpence!"
Yesterday a Court of Aldermen was held at Guildhall, when Alderman Trecothick begged leave to resign his gown, as Alderman of Vintry Ward, which the Court accepted. There are three candidates for that office, viz. Nathaniel Newman, Esq; wholesale grocer, in Botolph Lane, and the late Sheriffs Lee and Sayre.
Next Friday the two sheriffs, with the city Remembrancer, will go to invite the nobility, foreign ministers, &c. to the Lord Mayor's feast at Guildhall, the 9th inst. among others to be invited are the following, viz. the Lord High Chancellor, Duke of Ancestre, Duke of Grafton, Lord North, Earl of Dartmouth, Earl of Rochford, Earl of Suffolk, Earl of Sandwich, Earl of Hertford, Earl Gower, Lord Talbot, Lord Viscount Townshend, Sir Thomas Sewell, Count Townshend, Sir Fletcher Norton, Sir William Meredith, &c.
On Monday died, at his apartments near Westminster School, Master William Gage, second son of General Gage, now at Boston.
It is a pity, says a correspondent, but what our countrymen would pay less attention to party disputes, or, if they please so to term them, the grand affairs of the nation, and more regard to the fine arts; which, from several late examples, seem to require nothing but due encouragement, to rise equal, if not superior, in England, to what they ever yet have been in the boasted regions of France and Italy. In the St. James's magazine this month, the publick are presented with a portrait of Moliere, the celebrated dramatick poet, which, in whatever light examined, cannot but give pleasure to the nicest connoisseur. When we consider the correct beauty of its expression, and the animated boldness, yet delicacy of its design, we cannot scruple to pronounce it a most capital production of an artist who does credit to this kingdom.
The miscreants of power in this once happy kingdom have now nearly reduced it, by their arbitrary and scandalous proceedings, to a most dangerous and wretched situation. By a dispute with America (which they ought to have prevented, instead of provoked) we are deprived of the advantages resulting from their trade and commerce; an advantage which our rivals, the Dutch, are already improving, by lading their vessels for America with those very articles which our wise Counsellors have, through fear, prohibited. Britons! How long will you remain the dupes of pensioned hirelings, and behold yourselves robbed and plundered of your trade?
The proclamation against sending guns and gunpowder out of this kingdom will be of very little use or effect, because the Americans will certainly procure whatever quantity of them they want from Holland, France, or Spain; and if orders were given to stop and seize such ships as were laden with the above commodities by those nations, it would bring on an immediate war with them; an event which our present despisable ministry dare not hazard with any foreign power, though they assume courage sufficient to send fleets and armies to cut the throats of our American brethren.
A board of treasury is summoned to meet this day at Whitehall, on important affairs.
Yesterday a messenger was sent from Lord Rochford's office, with despatches to Lord Stormont, at Paris.
The last letters from Gibraltar mention, that three Algerine Corsairs had lately taken a Spanish man of war and a frigate, as they were cruising on the Barbary coast, and carried them into Algiers, the engagement was very smart and bloody, which continued upwards of two hours, in which the man of war staved several planks, and became so leaky that she was obliged to submit to the Barbarians, or go to the bottom.
Letters from Hamburg mention, that the magistrates have forbidden the Prussian officers to raise any more recruits in that city, which occasions various speculations.
At Rome, as our private letters import, all things are preparing for the election of another successor to St. Peter. A procession of Cardinals to the conclave paraded from the Church of the Vatican on the 5th of last month, in the evening of which day their Eminences entered the sacred building. On a scrutiny it appeared that Cardinal Bofchi had seventeen voices; but the Spanish ambassador is said to have entered a formal PROTEST against any election until the arrival of the Spanish Cardinals. Thus, this mockery of holiness, this farce of election is retarded or accelerated, as the temporal power and interests of the Catholic Princes shall decide; and thus a Pontiff, who is supposed to be chosen, as was MATTHIAS in the place of ISCARIOT by DIVINE LOT, is in fact, elevated to the Papal Divinity by the influence of POLITICAL INTRIGUE.
In the several inscriptions on the late Pope's bier he is not COMPLIMENTED for having consented to the suppression of the JESUITS. A clear proof that even Catholicks allow, in that particular, his Holiness was FALLIBLE. The matter of fact is, that the good Father was solely actuated by temporal motives through the whole of the affair; had the Jesuits not been RICH, Popes would not have commenced their enemies; as, had they not been far superior to the rest of mankind in mental acquirements, Princes would not have combined to make OUTCASTS of those whom nature qualified to figure in the various departments of civilized life.
The Chancé, Campbell, from Virginia to London, is put back to reft, having sprung a leak.
Nov. 3. Orders are given from the War Office for all on furlow to join their respective regiments immediately wherever they are, whether in garrison or otherwise.
The Parliament will have enough to do to wade through the business of contested elections. The petitions to be laid before them at the first sitting, besides the being numerous, some of them are very copious and elaborate; so that the nation's concerns must stand still till they can settle the terms of their own existence; and it is expected that there will be old fending and proving, wrangling and jangling, within the walls of St. Stephen's Chapel.
Extract of a letter from COPENHAGEN, October 20. "I believe all Europe will be surprised at the sudden and strange revolution that will soon happen in this kingdom. Many of those that were the most active in the disgrace and exile of our most amiable Queen, and the principle cause of the deaths of the two unfortunate Counts, are forbid the Court, so that there is almost a total change of the Ministry, the Queen Dowager and Prince Frederick are now not admitted into the King's presence; his Majesty is determined not to act solely under the directions of his Council, but in some measure to be guided by his own opinion; and as he gives close attention to state affairs, there is no doubt but in a short time he will be as good a politician as any in Europe, and I doubt not but that we shall once again be a happy people. Expresses are daily passing to and from Zell, from which it is conjectured that there is something upon the carpet to restore the Queen to the arms of her royal spouse, and the enjoyment of her children, whom she has a long time wished to see.
History informs us that the Romans, in the decline of their empire practised on each other the civility of killing and embracing: The English, fond of following the examples of those people, always pick out their worst for imitation; among which is that of the men kissing one another, which is certainly odious, and it is feared will be accompanied with the same consequences as it was among the Romans,—Decline of Empire, &c.
Yesterday their Majesties came from Kew to the Queen's house, and his Majesty went afterwards to St. James's, where there was a levee; the Earl Dartmouth attended, as did Lord Barrington, who had a long conference with the King after the levee was over.
The Earl of Morton died in Sicily on the 28th of September. His Lordship has left two sons by his Lady, who is cousin to the Earl of Hadinton, and was at Naples when he died. His Lordship was a candidate, and it was thought would have been chosen one of the sixteen to represent the Peerage of Scotland at the ensuing election. The Earl of Aberdeen will be chosen in his stead.
Orders are given by the Lords of the Treasury for forty tuns of new halfpence and farthings to be struck off at the tower immediately.
Last night the prisoners, to the amount of one hundred, who are under sentence of transportation, were removed from Newgate, and put on board a close lighter at Blackfriars, to be embarked on board a ship in the river bound to America.
Extract of a letter from EDINBURGH, Octo. 25. "By the list of the sixteen Scots Peers who are likely to be elected, the Earls of Breadalbane, Dalhouie, Morton, and Gallo-way, are to come in, in place of the Marquis of Lothian, the Earls of Dunmore, Stair, and Errol."
Extract of a letter from PLYMOUTH, Octo. 25. "Sailed his Majesty's ships, Somerset, Capt. Le Cras, and Boyne, Capt. Hartwell, for Boston; the two ships have on board upwards of two hundred marines, besides officers; it is said they are to be put on board the ships of war at Boston, if Admiral Greaves thinks it necessary. It is thought the season is too far advanced for the two ships to reach Boston; therefore it is much doubted, if they will not be obliged to go for the West Indies until the spring.
Extract of a letter from GIBRALTAR, Octo. 20. "An engagement has just happened off Oran, between a Spanish man of war of forty guns, a frigate of thirty, and a squadron of Algerine corsairs, consisting of one ship of thirty two guns, two Xebecques of twenty four guns, and four from eighteen guns to twelve. The Spanish ships were bound for Barcelona, and having their ports hauled close, were mistaken by the corsairs for two merchantmen, and in consequence of the mistake they gave chase, and fired several guns at the Spaniards before they discovered themselves, when two of the smaller Xebecques were sunk by broadsides from the Spaniards; the large ship maintained the fight for some time, but was at last taken, and the others made their escape."
Nov. 5. They write from Gibraltar, that seven sail of Spanish men of war had just passed the Gut with several transports under convoy, which appeared full of troops, said to be bound to Cartagena in the West Indies.
We hear that when it was under consideration in the Cabinet, whether John Wilkes, Esq; should be approved of as Lord Mayor by the Chancellor, a Member observed, "it was much better to permit him to be Lord Mayor for one Year, than King of the city, for life."
Extract of a letter from FONTAINBLEAU, Octo. 21. "Mr. De Chotinsky, Counsellor of Legation, from the Empress of Russia at this Court, had a private audience of his Majesty the day before yesterday, and delivered to him a letter from her Imperial Majesty, which it is assured is nearly in the following terms:
"The assurances your Majesty has given me, since your accession to the crown, of your cordial and pacifick disposition, do not permit my deferring a moment to inform you that the author of the revolt, which had begun to spread itself on the confines of my dominions, is in my power. I shall keep his dispositions secret, that they may not aggravate the disgrace of those who set him on. The fidelity of my troops, and the confidence I have in my subjects, never alarmed me so much, as by obliging me to expose their lives for the preservation of their safety. This event will not a little strengthen the sacred promise I made them of my endeavours being wholly employed to promote their happiness, and the crowned heads are too much interested in it to admit of delay in making it known to them, &c. CATHARINE."
"By a letter from Rome, from good authority, we are informed that the Pope was poisoned by a ballad, in which some hemlock was mixed, an herb which resembles cherivil; it is the most subtle poison the botanists are acquainted with. None of the officers and domesticks who eat of the victuals that were left received any injury, except the cook, who is dead; he eat up the remains of the ballad himself, not suffering any one to partake of it with him."
"If a private letter from Italy may be credited, the person who poisoned the late Pope is discovered to be one who was highly in his Holiness's good graces, and whom the Jesuits found means to bribe to execute their horrid designs."
Thursday morning a man was taken at a publick house in Holborn, charged with being a deserter from one of the regiments of guards. As they were going to hand cuff him, he begged leave to go to the privy first, whither he was accompanied by two men, for fear of his making his escape; but he drew out a pistol from his waistcoat pocket, and shot himself through the head.
November 7. By all accounts from America, it appears that General Gage hath actually blocked up the TOWN of Boston. Is not such blockade going much beyond the directions of the late Act of Parliament, which only orders the HARBOUR of that Town to be blocked up? But the General hath private instructions for such proceedings. This measure carries a very hostile appearance, and will certainly be taken by our fellow subjects in America as a manifest intention of subduing and bringing them under a military power; and the consequences of it will very probably be a resistance, and produce the worst of all evils, a CIVIL WAR. Whether right or force will in the end prevail, a civil war is the greatest misfortune that can happen to this or any other nation; it is certainly highly necessary to pause a little before we proceed to such extremity, and consider the occasion and rectitude of the quarrel. The cause of this contention is the right which the British Parliament assumes of TAXING the people in our American colonies, and which right our fellow subjects there do positively DENY.
A private letter from Boston says, that the populace burn the Commander in Chief in effigy before his own door, in the face of the troops, almost every Week.
When the marines get to Boston, the number of forces within that district will amount to about 6500 effective men.
It is confidently asserted at the west end of the town, that the Parliament will not sit for despatch of business till after Christmas. The reason given for this is, that Government may procure all the intelligence possible from America before the matters are brought again upon the carpet.
BOSTON, Dec. 16.
SINCE our last arrived the Boyne man of war of 70 guns, from England. The marines, 500 in number, who arrived in the Asia man of war, from England, are to land and go in barracks in this town, now preparing for their reception.
We are told that the military and naval expenditures at the town of Boston, since the blocking up the harbour, amounts to 60,000 l. sterling every three months.
We hear that a powerful fleet of the navy of Spain, with a well appointed army of land forces, are assembled at the Havana, which occasions very serious apprehensions.
The Glasgow man of war of 20 guns, which was ashore on Cohasset rocks, is got off without receiving much damage, and has come up into this harbour.
Yesterday was observed, agreeable to the recommendation of the Provincial Congress, as a day of publick Thanksgiving throughout this province.
NEW YORK, December 15.
A VESSEL loaded with upwards of one thousand bushels of corn, from Rappahannock, in Virginia, for the suffering poor at Boston, hath been blown off the coast, and is got to St. Eustatia, where the cargo will be sold and the proceeds remitted to Boston.
Captain Bernard, who is failed for Boston, had on board, being part of the donations of this city for the poor inhabitants of Boston, one hundred and eighty barrels of flour, six of pork, and twelve firkins of butter; also twenty one barrels of wheat and rye, sent from the inhabitants of Marble Town, in Ulster county.
Dec. 22. At a meeting of the inhabitants of Providence, it was voted, that the sum of 125 l. be immediately raised by a town tax, for the support and animation of our brethren at Boston, who are suffering in the common cause.
We hear that the inhabitants of St. Croix are about to send 130 hogheads of sugar as a present to the town of Boston. One Gentleman had offered to give ten hogheads, and to send a vessel with the whole donation, free of Charges.
Last Sunday failed for Boston the sloop Joseph, Capt. Lindsey, with 214 barrels of fine flour, 22 do. of rye meal, 24 tierces of bread, 5 hogheads of Indian meal, 2 barrels of pork, 16 firkins of butter, 4 tuns of iron, and a pipe of brandy; a second donation from the inhabitants of this city to the poor of Boston who are immediate sufferers by the Boston port bill.
WILLIAMSBURG, January 7.
To the Right Honourable JOHN EARL of DUNMORE, his Majesty's Lieutenant and Governor General of the Colony and Dominion of VIRGINIA, and Vice Admiral of the same:
MY LORD, WE his Majesty's most dutiful and loyal Subjects, the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council, of the Borough of Norfolk, in Common Hall assembled, impressed with a deep and grateful Sense of the important Services rendered to this Colony by your Excellency's seasonable and vigorous Expedition in the late Expedition against a deceitful and treacherous Enemy, conducted under your Auspices to so fortunate an Issue, beg Leave, by this Testimony of our general Respect, to congratulate your Excellency on the happy Event, and on your safe Arrival at the Capital.
While we applaud your Lordship's Moderation, in giving Peace to a merciless Poe, we cannot but exult in the Happiness of our Fellow Subjects on the Frontiers, who, by your unremitted Zeal and spirited Conduct, have acquired the Blessings of Ease, Security, and domestick Enjoyment.
As we sincerely participate in every Circumstance of your publick Glory, neither can we be insensible to your private Happiness in the Birth of a Daughter, and the Recovery of Lady Dunmore; on which joyful Occasion we beg Leave also to add our most cordial Congratulations; and we devoutly wish, that, to the pleasing Remembrance of having faithfully discharged your important Trust of Government, you may have superadded the Approbation of your Royal Master, the grateful Returns of an happy People, and the Honour of these Distinctions reflected on a numerous and flourishing Family.
His EXCELLENCY's Answer.
THE Address of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen and Common Council, of the Borough of Norfolk, expressive of their Duty and Loyalty to the King, cannot but be extremely acceptable to me.
His Majesty, in his tender Solicitude for the Safety of his Subjects so lately exposed to the Calamities of an Indian War, having signified his full Approbation of the Measures which I at first adopted for their Relief; and as the Issue of that Event, the only Circumstance of it of which he could not yet be informed, will entirely remove the paternal Anxiety which he suffered on the Occasion, I already enjoy, and have good Reason to expect, the Continuance of one Part of that high Recompence which the Gentlemen of the Borough of Norfolk have so kindly wished me; and the Applause which they are pleased to bestow upon me greatly contributes towards another Part, which it is my ardent Ambition to merit.
The Notice which they take of my private Concerns is obliging as their Approbation of my publick Conduct is honourable to me, and both demand my most cordial Thanks."
Saturday last his Excellency Josiah Martin, Esq; Governor of North Carolina, with his Lady and Children, arrived here from New York, and set off for Newbern on Wednesday Morning.
On Sunday the 27th Ult. departed this Life, at Lamb's Creek, in King George, Mr. JOHN CHAMPE. He was a Gentleman of a most amiable and benevolent Disposition, esteemed by all who knew him, and died universally regretted.
We are informed that Capt. James Esten of the Ship Hanbury from York River, for London, died on the Passage, fourteen Days after he left our Cape. He was many Years Commander in this Trade, and a Man of an unblemished Character.
A few Days ago died Mr. THEOPHILUS FIELD, Merchant of Peterburg. His Death was occasioned by a Kick which he unfortunately received from a Horse.
The Magdalen armed Schooner, Capt. Collins, is arrived at Norfolk, from the Northward; also the Hero, Capt. Maxwell, from Cadiz.
The Nelly, M'Larty, from Glasgow, via Rotterdam, and the Nancy, from Bristol, are arrived in James River.
It is said that several Ships are gone up the Bay, and that one is put into Hampton Road dismasted; but we have not heard where they are from.
MARRIAGES.] Hon. ROBERT BURWELL, Esq; to Mrs. BRAXTON of King and Queen.
ROBERT SKIPWITH, Esq; to Miss BETSY NICHOLAS of Dinwiddie.
Rev. Mr. ANDREWS, of York, to Miss BETSY BALLARD, of Princess Anne.
Mr. WILLIAM RUSSELL, to Miss BETSY FARROW, of this City.

ARRIVALS FROM VIRGINIA.
Adventurer, Ponzell, at Plymouth. Liberty, Outram; Hanbury, Brookes, late Eiten; John and Anne, Powers; Planter, Bowers; Diana, Miller; Betty, Rose; Rising Sun, Peterion; and Betty, Benson; at London.
The Proceedings of the Charles City and Richmond Committees are come to Hand, and will be inserted in our next.
ADVERTISEMENTS and ARTICLES of authenticated INTELLIGENCE are thankfully received for this Paper.
To the PRINTERS.
GENTLEMEN,
AT a Time when every Man of Sentiment, and every Lover of his Country, should be employed in investigating those Rights for which this extensive Continent is now contending, the following Extract from the Works of one of the most celebrated Writers of the present Age cannot fail of affording Pleasure to every Breast which is animated with the Love of Freedom:
"Poor Genoa! wherefore shouldst thou be vain of exhibiting a Character of Privileges given thee by one Berenger in the Year 958? Concessions of Privileges are but Titles of Servitude; but the true Charter of Liberty is Independence supported by Force . It is with the Point of the Sword the Diplomas that ratify this natural Privilege must be signed.
"Happy Helvetia! to what Placart oweft thou thy Liberty? To thy Courage, to thy Firmness, to thy Mountains. But hold—I am your Emperour.—"I do not chuse that you should be any longer so."—But your Fathers were my Fathers Slaves.—"It is for that Reason their Children will not be yours."—But I have a Right by Dignity.—"and we have a Right by Nature."
"When did the seven United Provinces become possessed of this incontestible Right? From the Moment they united; and from that Moment Philip II. became a Rebel.—What a glorious Man was William Prince of Orange! He found a Region of Slaves, and he made them free Men."
Such are the Sentiments which flow from the Pen of a Man, who, though born and educated in a Country where Liberty is a Crime, and a blind Submission to the despotick Will of the Prince the greatest Virtue, yet dared to avow them. And surely Nothing but the blindest Slavery to arbitrary Principles could be unaffected by the liberal Spirit that breathes in them!
I am, Gentlemen, your humble Servant, SIDNEY.
* Voltaire.
To the PRINTERS.
GENTLEMEN,
The Committee of Caroline desire you will publish, without any correction whatever, the enclosed apology, made before a numerous assembly of people at a meeting of the Committee, by John Morris, merchant in the said county.
SAMUEL HAWS, jun. Clk. Com.
IT Having been proved by the Deposition of several Witnesses that I have made use of Certain expressions foreign from the Good of this Country. I do therefore Confess myself Heartily Sorry for it and Concurring in the Association Hopes that this will Prove Sufficiently satisfactory to the Gentlemen of this Country who have had so Just a Cause of Complaint and Confessing my Error hopes that my future Behaviour Will be a means of my again Regaining their Esteem JOHN MORRIS.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
WILLIAMSBURG, January 2, 1775.
HAVING thought fit to entrust the Settlement of our late Partnership Books, and the Collection of our Debts, to Mr. HENRY LAUGHTON of this City; we shall be much obliged to all Persons in Arrears to us to discharge their Accounts by the last of the ensuing General Court, after which Time such as remain unpaid will be sent out to the Sheriffs of the different Counties; and those who have any Demands against the Concern, preceding this Date, are desired to send in their Accounts immediately.
ALEXANDER PURDIE. JOHN DIXON.
THE SHERIFFS who are in Arrear to his Majesty's Revenue of QUITRENTS are desired to settle their Accounts with the Auditor, and pay their respective Balances into the Receiver's Office by the 25th of next March; after which Time the Name of every Sheriff who fails to make due Payment will be inserted in the Gazette.
RICHARD CORBIN, D. R. G.
KING WILLIAM, December 29, 1774.
A PRIVATE TUTOR, capable of teaching the FRENCH and LATIN Languages, is wanted for about six Pupils. Such a Person, well recommended, will meet with Encouragement by applying to
ROBERT HILL. SAMUEL GARLICK.
Just IMPORTED from LIVERPOOL, and to be disposed of, A FINE
FISHING SEINE,
75 Fathom long; 36 Feet deep in the Middle, five eighths of an Inch Mesh; Ends 21 Feet, seven eighths of an Inch Mesh; with the necessary Apparatus. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. LANDON CARTER.
FAUQUIER, Dec. 23, 1774.
WHEREAS there has been a Suit depending, some Time since, in Great Britain, which was brought by Samuel Dorrel, George Turner, John Noble, &c. Plaintiffs against Wilson Huggins, &c. Defendants, it being now determined in Favour of the Plaintiffs, the said Noble is hereby requested to make Application for his Part, and to pay his Proportion of Expenses. REUBEN TURNER, Executor of George Turner, deceased.
ROBERT GILBERT, SHOEMAKER,
HAS opened Shop in the back Street, at the Place where he formerly lived, opposite to Mr. Richard Charlton's, and intends carrying on his Business in all its Branches, having on Hand a very neat Assortment of Leather proper for Boots and Shoes. The many Disappointments he formerly met with obliges him for the future to sell entirely for Cash.—He returns his sincere Thanks to those who were his former Customers, and shall endeavour to render Satisfaction to all those who may please to employ him.
Good Encouragement will be given to a Journeyman who understands making of Boots.
FALLS of POTOWOMACK, Dec. 22, 1774.
AT a Meeting of the Trustees for opening the Navigation of Potowomack River, held at George Town the first Day of December, 1774, present, THOMAS JOHNSON, Jun. Attorney at Law, WILLIAM DEAKINS, ADAM STEUART, THOMAS JOHNS, and THOMAS RICHARDSON, of George Town, Merchants, WILLIAM ELLZEY, ROBERT ALEXANDER, and PHILIP ALEXANDER, of Virginia, who ordered and directed that the Subscriber should, on the Credit, and at the Risk of the above-named Trustees, hire fifty Slaves to labour in cutting the Canals round the several Falls of said River: And at another Meeting of Trustees, for the Purpose aforesaid, held at Alexandria the 19th Day of the same Month, present, GEORGE WASHINGTON, JOHN CARLYLE, JOHN DALTON, and WILLIAM RAMSAY, Gentlemen, together with many of the Trustees at the former Meeting, who recognized and approved of the Order for hiring fifty Slaves, and agreed to become equally liable. In Consequence of which Order of the Trustees, I hereby give Notice that I want to hire Negro Men for the ensuing Year, for the Purpose above-mentioned. Any Person inclining to hire the Whole, or any Part of them, may see the Proceedings of the said Trustees, subscribed by and with their respective Hands, in my Custody. JOHN BALLENDINE.
IF any of the Offspring of John Ellason, deceased, are living, they may hear of Something greatly to their Advantage by applying to Samuel Swann of Nansemond, or John Swann of Cumberland.
DECEMBER 22, 1774.
AT a Meeting at Alexandria, on the 19th Instant, of several of the Trustees named in Mr. John Ballendine's Plan and Proposals for extending the Navigation of Potowomack River, it was then recommended that another Meeting should shortly be held, in Order to form and digest proper Plans to be laid before the Assemblies of Virginia and Maryland, respecting the said Navigation: NOTICE is therefore given, that the said Meeting will be at Alexandria, on the last Thursday in January next, if fair, if not, on the next fair Day; when and where it is expected that as large a Number of the Trustees as can make it convenient will give their Attendance. RICHARD THOMPSON, Clk.
KING & QUEEN, January 3, 1775.
I INTEND to ENGLAND immediately. CHRISTOPHER TODD.
WANTED, On Charter for Cadiz, A VESSEL to carry 12 or 1500 Barrels. INQUIRE OF THE PRINTERS.
TO BE SOLD, On SATURDAY the 28th Instant, at SMITHFIELD, in the County of ISLE OF WIGHT.
ALOT, with a commodious Dwelling-House and other Improvements thereon, situate in the said Town, belonging to the Heirs of Mr. Samuel Wentworth. Credit will be allowed the Purchaser until the 25th of December next, on giving Bond (with Security) to carry Interest from the Day of Sale if not punctually discharged. A proper Title will be made by THOMAS BROWN, THOMAS PIERCE, JOHN DAY, GOODRICH WILLSON. JANUARY 5, 1775.
TO BE SOLD For ready Money, at HANOVER Courthouse, on the first THURSDAY in FEBRUARY, by Virtue of a Bill of Sale,
FIFTEEN VIRGINIA born SLAVES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. An indisputable Title will be made to the Purchasers.
TO BE SOLD, Under the Direction of the COMMITTEE for the County of KING GEORGE, on MONDAY the 16th of next Month, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at MORTON's Warehouse, in said County, for ready Money.
ABOUT three Hundred and forty Pounds Sterling prime Cost of Goods, imported after the 1st Inst. in the Ship Houston, Capt. Robert McLeish, from Glasgow. The Goods are well sorted, and suitable to the Season. ANDREW WOODROW. DECEMBER 26, 1774.
TO BE SOLD, On the second MONDAY in FEBRUARY, if fair, otherwise next fair Day, at LOUDON Courthouse,
FIFTY likely Virginia born NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. Six Months Credit will be allowed for one Half, and twelve Months for the other Half of the Purchase Money, the Purchasers giving Bond and approved Security; the Bonds to carry Interest if not discharged within twenty Days after they become due. Five per Cent. Discount will be allowed for ready Money.
Ten Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Stafford County, two indented SERVANTS, one a Scotchman, named DAVID MATHISON, a stout well made Fellow, by Trade a Gardener, about 25 Years of Age, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, with dark red Hair curled behind, and at the Sides; had on, and took with him, an old blue Surtout Coat, which has been turned, faced and trimmed with the same Colour; a green Cloth Jacket, with yellow Metal Buttons; a Pair of red Plush Breeches, fine mixed blue Country Stockings, a mixed blue Cloth Coat and Jacket, lined and trimmed with black; a striped Virginia Cloth Jacket, one Shirt of brown Sheetings, several others of fine Linen, a Pair of Nankeen Breeches, and many other Clothes that cannot be particularized. The other is an Englishman, by Name CHARLES BOOTH, by Trade a Joiner, aged about 20 or 21 Years, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, slender made, of a fair Complexion, and has white short curled Hair. He had on, and took with him, a Violet or purple coloured Cloth Coat and Waistcoat, a Pair of new Buckskin Breeches, a Pair of old Do. much worn, and very dirty, an old blue Coat lined with white shallon, a new green Cotton Waistcoat with Plaid Sleeves, and lined with Osnaburg, a Pair of dark ribbed Stockings, and several other Pairs of different Colours, a brown Sheetings Shirt, one fine Irish Linen Ditto much patched, and several others; also a Silver Watch. They took with them a Gun, a Pair of double Blankets, and a spotted Rug, and went away in a Pettiauger. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from carrying them out of the Country. WILLIAM BRENT.
CHARLES CITY, January 1, 1775.
LESTER's FERRY, on Chickabomony, is now rented by the Subscriber, who will endeavour to keep the same in good Order. Gentlemen who have Occasion to travel that Way may depend on having the best of Entertainment, and good Usage from JOHN FOESE.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, about a Fortnight ago, a small BAY HORSE, between 13 and 14 Hands high, Switch Tail and hanging Mane, paces fast, and branded on the near Buttock with two Letters, which I have forgot. Twenty Shillings Reward will be given to any Person who brings him to me in Williamsburg. JAN. 6, 1775. EDMUND DICKINSON.
WILLIAMSBURG, Dec. 29, 1774.
STRAYED, a BAY HORSE and MARE; the Horse is about 14 Hands and a Half high, hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and has a fore Back; the Mare is a very dark bay, about 13 Hands high, three white Feet, and her Tail about three Feet long. Twenty Shillings Reward will be given on their being delivered to the Printers.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, on the 29th of December, a likely BAY HORSE about 14 Hands and an Inch high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, his hind Feet white, and has several roan Spots on his left Thigh; he is about 5 Years old, the Brand (if any) forgot. Whoever brings him to me, in York Town, shall have 10s. Reward. JOHN MOSS.
STOLEN out of my Stable, at Burwell's Ferry, in the Night of Wednesday the 4th Instant (January) a likely MARE about 14 Hands high, six Years old, remarkably black, has a Switch Tail, and a Lump on her left Side, which was gored by an Ox when a Foal. Whoever brings her to me, at the said Ferry, shall have 20s. Reward, and 5l. on Conviction of the Thief. THOMAS CARTWRIGHT.
STOLEN from my Plantation, in Amelia County, the 6th of November last, a bright bay MARE about 4 Feet 7 Inches high, branded on the near Buttock with three Dots, has some Saddle Spots on her Back, paces well, drags her hind Feet, and one of them is white. Whoever delivers her to my Overseer, or to me in Chesterfield County, shall have 20s. Reward, and 5l. on Conviction of the Thief, paid by THOMAS WORSHAM.
STRAYED from Mr. John Dowsing's, in Warwick County, on Saturday the 24th of December last, two MARES, viz. one a sorrel, 4 Years old, about 4 Feet 9 or 10 Inches high, trots, gallops, and paces slowly, branded on the near Buttock I P R (the P R in a Piece) but hardly perceptible; has a small Ulcer on her right Cheek, caused by the Kick of a Horse some Time ago, and appears to be pretty forward with Foal. The other is a light Iron Gray, 5 Years old, about 4 Feet 5 or 6 Inches high, trots and gallops, and branded on the near Buttock 3. It is imagined they will make for King William. Whoever delivers the said Mares to Mr. Dowsing, or the Subscriber, in King William, shall receive a Dollar Reward for each. JAMES RUSSELL.
TAKEN up, about a Fortnight ago, a NEGRO MAN who says his Name is ROBIN, and that he belongs to Mr. Robert Courts of Albemarle. He is about 28 Years of Age, 5 Feet high, and speaks bad English. The Owner is desired to apply to the Printers, pay the Expense of this Advertisement, and take him away.
THURSDAY, December 4, 1766.
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 Titables in their Counties, containing the Names of such Titables; 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 Burgess, G. WYTHE, C. H. B.
I have already received Copies of the Lists of Titables 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 Titables 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.
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 McVey, and consigned to David Russell, Merchant in Blandford. By Order of the Committee, HARTWELL RAINES, Clk.
PURSUANT to an Order of the County Court of King William, will be let 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)
TO BE SOLD,
PURSUANT to a Resolution of the Committee for James City County, before the Raleigh 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, PEN-KNIVES, and a Variety of other Articles, just imported. RICHARD TALIAFERRO, Junior. WILLIAM SPRATLEY, CHAMPION TRAVIS, CARY WILKINSON, JOHN WARBURTON.
MANCHESTER, Dec. 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, cannot speak English plainly, 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 40s. Reward for bringing him Home. JAMES LYLE.

POETS CORNER.
A MORAL REFLECTION
On the last Day of the Year 1774.
SEVENTEEN Hundred Seventy Four, Is now forever past; Seventeen Hundred Seventy Five Will fly away as fast.
But, whether Life's uncertain Scene Shall hold an equal Pace, Or whether Death shall come between, And end my mortal Race;
Or whether Sickness, Pain, or Health, My future Lot shall be; Or whether Poverty or Wealth, Is all unknown to me.
One Thing I know, that needful 'tis To watch with careful Eye; Since every Season spent amiss Is register'd on High.
Too well I know what precious Hours My wayward Passions waste; And, Oh! I feel my mortal Powers To Dust and Darkness Haste.
Earth rolls her rapid Seasons round, To meet her final Fire; But Virtue is with Glory crown'd, Though Suns and Stars expire.
What awful Thoughts! what Truth sublime! What useful Lesson this! Oh! let me well improve my Time! Oh! let me die in Peace!
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.
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, Osnaburg 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 15th Ult. 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, Adam, and Betty. The Owner, or Owners, are desired to come for them, and pay Charges. JAMES MUSE, Jailer.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, 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. Posted, and appraised to 5l. (||) JAMES HUTCHERSON.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, 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. Posted, and appraised to 7l. (||) 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. Posted, and appraised to 45s. (||) 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. Posted, and appraised to 5l. 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. Posted, and appraised to 5l. (||) 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. Posted, and appraised to 10l. (||) WILLIAM PRICE.
TAKEN up, in Spotsylvania, a small SORREL HORSE about 4 Feet 3 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. Posted, and appraised to 5l. (||) JOHN WILSON.
TAKEN up, in Essex, a middle sized STEER about nine Years old, of a reddish Colour, his two hind Feet white, both Hons fawed, and marked with a Crop and Overkeel in each Ear. Posted, and appraised to 3l. 10s. (||) JOHN SAMUEL.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a YELLOW BAY MARE two or three Years old, a small Blaze in her Face, her near Jaw Bone seems as if it had been broke, but is now well, all her Feet are white, has a hanging Mane, but is not dockt, and branded on the near Buttock O. Posted, and appraised to 12l. (||) THOMAS BOAZE.
TAKEN up at my Plantation, last 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.
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, CUTHBERT HARRISON.
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 Blair, Esq; and Mr. John Shermer. 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.
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.
TO BE SOLD,
On WEDNESDAY the 25th of this Instant (JANUARY) 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.
Wanted immediately,
A JOURNEYMAN SHOEMAKER that understands the Business well in all its Branches. Such a One, coming 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. Inquire for the Subscriber, near the upper Church, in Middlesex County. (tf) SAMUEL DANIEL.
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 Weight 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.
FIFTEEN POUNDS REWARD.
RAN 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, which occasions it to be much larger than his right, and is a Carpenter and Joiner by Trade; had on, and took with him, one Check Shirt, one Osnaburg Ditto, old Leather Breeches, light blue Jacket without Sleeves, small round Hat, bound with black Worsted Binding, and has a small Piece of Crape tied round the Crown, a Pair of ribbed Worsted Stockings, and a Pair of Pumps with Steel Buckles. Had on an Iron Collar.—SOLOMON BURNHAM, born in Yorkshire, and speaks in that Dialect, professes himself to be a complete Farmer, about 26 Years of Age, five Feet ten Inches high, swarthy Complexion, a down Look, and short black curled Hair; had on, and took with him, an Osnaburg Shirt, blue gray Jacket without Sleeves, Leather Breeches, a coarse Hat about Half worn, a Pair of Yarn Stockings, and a Pair of Shoes and Buckles. Had on an Iron Collar.—SAMUEL CHAPMAN, an Englishman, 28 Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, a lusty well made Fellow, a little round shouldered, is of a swarthy Complexion, has a large bony Face, thick Lips, and a very full Set of Teeth; had on, and took with him, a Cloth Jacket, an Osnaburg Shirt, a Check Do. Osnaburg Trousers, two Pair of Stockings, new Shoes with Buckles, and a new Felt Hat.—Whoever takes up the said Servants, and brings them to the Subscribers, shall have if twenty Miles from home 30s. if thirty Miles 40s. and if sixty Miles 5l. for each, including what the Law allows, and reasonable Charges. (6) SAMUEL DORSEY, Jun. EDWARD NORWOOD. MARYLAND, September 25, 1774.
FOR SALE,
MY DWELLING-HOUSE, &c. in York Town. Five Years Credit will be allowed, the Purchaser give Bond (with approved Security) bearing Interest from the Time the Bargain is concluded upon. For Terms apply to me, in this Town. (tf) JOHN H. NORTON. YORK TOWN, November 23, 1774.
FOR CHARTER,
The BRIGANTINE A B B Y, 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. Inquire of Mr. William Holt at Williamsburg, William Davies, Esq; at Norfolk, Mr. George Gilpin, or Mess. Harper & Hartborne, at Alexandria, Mr. John Corathwait, at Baltimore, or of Daniel Roberdeau, Esq; at Philadelphia. The Distillery and Improvements consist of a Distillery built of Stone, 71 Feet by 39; a Stone Store 50 by 50, with Granaries, in two Stories above the Ground Floor, and a Sail or Rigging Loft above, the whole Length of the Building; a Molasses Store, framed, that will contain 140 Hogheads; and a framed Cooper's Shop 16 by 23, with a suitable Chimney. The Distillery is furnished with two new Stills about the same Size, that will hold to work 2500 Gallons, and the Working Cisterns, twenty in Number, will contain the same Quantity each. It is also furnished with a third Still, that contains to work 600 Gallons, for Low Wines. Each of these Stills have suitable Worms and Worm Tubs. There is also a suitable Low Wine Cistern, and five very ample Return Cisterns outside of the House, and under Cover. The Whole, and every Part of the Improvements, are entirely new, executed by Workmen from Philadelphia, and the Distillery under the immediate Eye and Direction of a Gentleman of eminent Capacity in Distillation. The Works are supplied with good cool Water from an ample Spring, by two Pumps with Brass Chambers six Inches Diameter; and the Cisterns are charged with two other Pumps, with Chambers of Block Tin five Inches Diameter, through Suction Pipes of yellow Poplar. All these Pumps are worked by a Horse, in an adjoining Mill-house of large Diameter, well constructed. There is also a Woodyard, boarded seven Feet, that will contain much more than necessary for the Distillery, into which the Wood may be thrown from the Water. The Whole of these Improvements are situated in Alexandria, below the Bank the Distillery on salt Ground, and the Cisterns fixed above the highest Tide Waters; the Stores and Yard on a Wharf which, with the publick Wharf adjoining, of 66 Feet, makes an Extent of more than 200 Feet in Width, 156 Feet of which run 200 Feet into Potomack.
As it does not suit the Owner of these Improvements to remove his Residence from Philadelphia, he will let them at a moderate Rent, with a Contract for 300 Cords of Ash Wood yearly, or five Years, cut into four Feet Lengths, and delivered on the Maryland Shore, directly opposite to the Distillery, and so near the Water as to render any Carriage unnecessary, by the Heirs of Thomas Addison, Esq; deceased, at the Rate of a Dollar per Cord.
Any Person inclining to lease the Premises, may be furnished, on a speedy Application, with about 160 Hogheads of good well chosen Molasses, with Indulgence for Payment. Inquire as above. (tf)
TO BE SOLD
At BLANDFORD, to the highest Bidders, on TUESDAY the 17th of this Instant (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, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to PATRICK RAMSAY. (6)
PRINCE GEORGE, November 10, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Mulatto Boy named SAM, about 16 or 17 Years old, of a very light Complexion, and will endeavour to pass for a free Boy, has gray Eyes, brown Hair, a smooth artful Tongue, is a great Villain, but a very good Barber. In the Month of June last he was put in York Jail, on Suspicion of having stolen some Money in Williamsburg. He made his Escape from thence and got to Norfolk, where he was put in Jail and sent to me by Water. The next Day (September 20th) he made his Escape from my Overseer, and has not since been heard of. He was born in Frederick Town, Maryland, has lived in Fredericksburg, Norfolk, and York Town, and is well acquainted with most Parts of Virginia. He was very meanly clad, having been so long in Jail, but it is probable will procure Clothes. I will give 40s. Reward to have him committed to any of his Majesty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and if out of the Colony 5l. All Captains of Ships, or Masters of Vessels, are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. (tf) JOHN BLAND.
NEW YORK, July 27, 1774.
FIFTY POUNDS REWARD,
WHEREAS, on the 19th of June last past, a certain JOSEPH THORP was intrusted with a considerable Sum in Half Johanneses, of nine Pennyweight, to be delivered by him at Quebec, and as he has not yet made his Appearance there, with other suspicious Circumstances, it is apprehended he is gone off with the Money. He is a Native of England, about six Feet high, swarthy Complexion, very dark keen Eyes, and pitted with the Smallpox, of a slender Make, stoops as he walks, talks rather slow, with some small Impediment in his Speech. He lived some Time in Boston, from whence he removed to Quebec, assuming the Character of a Merchant in both Places; he was also once in Trade in Newcastle, Virginia, and has a Brother settled there. It is believed he went on Board Captain John F. Pruym, of Albany, and took with him a blue Calimir and a dark brown Cloth Suit of Clothes. Whoever secures the said Joseph Thorp, in any of his Majesty's Jails on this Continent, shall be entitled to ten per Cent. on the Sum recovered, and the above Reward of 50l. when convicted. Apply to Carson and Seton of New York, Joseph Wharton, Junior, of Philadelphia, Robert Christie of Baltimore, James Gibson and Co. of Virginia, John Bondfield of Quebec, Melatiah Bourne or John Rowe of Boston. It is requested of those who may have seen this Joseph Thorp, since the 19th of June last past, or know any Thing of the Route he has taken, that they convey the most early Intelligence thereof to any of the above Persons, or Greenwood, Ritson, and Marsh, in Norfolk, or to Robert Pleasants and Co. at Four Mile Creek, Henrico County, the Favour will be gratefully acknowledged. All Masters of Vessels are forewarned from taking him off the Continent. (tf)
TO BE SOLD, or RENTED,
(Preference will be given to the first)
A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Mess. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives. The Land of itself is valuable, exclusive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-House, with other necessary Outhouses, and a large and convenient Storehouse 32 by 44 Feet. There are about 20 Acres of the low Ground well set in Timothy and Clover, and notwithstanding this dry Summer, 15 Acres of it have yielded above 30,000 Weight of Hay, which, with about 300 Bushels of Oats in the Straw, some Indian Corn, 40 Head of Cattle, 50 Head of Sheep, and some Hogs, will be sold on reasonable Terms. The Purchaser may have Possession of the Premises as soon as he pleases, and long Credit (if required) will be allowed for the Land, on his giving Bond and Security. It is expected the Store will be continued, and of Course the Purchaser will have the Benefit of the Board of the Storekeepers, and besides the Situation of the Place (being on Taylor's Ferry Road) makes it well calculated for a Tavern. (tf) EBENEZER MACHARG.