The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1774-05-05 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.
TREASURY OFFICE, April 10, 1774.
THE several Inspectors and all other Persons whatever, who are in Arrear to the Treasury, are desired to discharge their respective Balances in the Course of the present General Court without Fail, as no Indulgences can be given.
RO. O. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
HAGUE, January 28.
ALL the Letters from Poland agree that the Russians have repassed the Danube, and are gone into Winter Quarters. They likewise add, that though they did not succeed in their Attempts upon Silistria and Varna, they have nevertheless, in some Measure, gained their Ends, by destroying the Magazines belonging to the Turks, and laying waste a Tract of Land of upwards of twenty Leagues, upon the right Shore of the Danube, in Order to prevent being molested in their Winter Quarters.
LONDON, January 25.
IT is computed that the Provinces of Massachusetts Bay, New York, Philadelphia, Carolina, and Rhode Island, are able to bring 100,000 fighting Men into the Field.
The Era is now arrived when the Ministry may very truly be said to have their "Hands tied for Great Britain."
A certain noble Lord has given his Opinion, in Council, that the American Tea Act ought to be repealed, in Order to prevent any farther Disturbances in the Colonies.
Orders were on Saturday given from the Ordnance Board to prevent the Exportation of Small Arms to America, or the West Indies, except on Government Account; and the Commissioners at all the out Ports are enjoined to see this Order complied with. [They may be had elsewhere, we suppose.]
The following shocking Affair happened at Munich, the Beginning of this Month. Baron Waldeck was stabbed by his Valet de Chambre in his Bed; the Murderer was instantly detected, but he begged Leave of the Guard to go with him into his Room, as he wished to take along with him some Papers of Consequence. This was granted, and the Guards posted themselves at the Doors and Windows; but not minding farther what the Prisoner was about, he took a well charged Pistol and shot himself. It since appears, by some Notes found upon him, that he was promised 3000 Florins for that heinous Action; and the Hand Writing appears to be that of his young Master, the only Son of the Baron, about seventeen Years of Age, who was immediately secured, upon Suspicion.
January 28. Letters from Boston complain much of the Taste of their Fish being altered. Four or five Hundred Casks of Tea may have so contaminated the Water in the Harbour that the Fish may have contracted a Disorder, not unlike the nervous Complaints of the human Body. Should this Complaint extend itself as far as the Banks of Newfoundland, our Spanish and Portugal Fish Trade may be much affected by it.
Council, last Week, only voted two Regiments to America. His Majesty has ordered five more from Ireland. The Bostonians are to be chastised, and are to drink Tea, though ever so great an Emetick.
The Polly, Captain Ayres, is just arrived at Dover, returned from North America with Tea. On her Arrival at Philadelphia, the Inhabitants informed the Captain that they would not suffer him either to land or enter his Cargo at the Customhouse.
It is said that the Tea thrown into the Sea at Boston is valued at 18,000 l. at 1 s. 6 d. a Pound. The Whole sent to America is said to be worth about 300,000 l. which is returning home, not being suffered to be landed.
Extract of a Letter from an English Gentleman at Copenhagen, Dec. 14. "By some of the English Newspapers which have lately fallen into my Hands, I find that you in England think the King of Denmark is in a State of Imbecility. Be that as it will; however, if he is so, his Subjects are happy, and his Actions every Day prove that his Mind is less tainted than the Minds of any neighbouring Princes. He has lately struck out a Number of Pensions which were burthensome to his People, and has found a Scheme himself to lessen several heavy Taxes very much. Are these Actions that denote a weak Mind? If they are, I should not be sorry to hear that your King was in a State of Imbecility; you would perhaps then be happier than you are."
We are told that a Gentleman of the Torf (C. B. Esq.) laid a Wager of 1000 Guineas, play or pay, that he finds a Person who shall sink a Vessel of forty Tons Burthen in 100 Feet Water, with a Man in the Vessel, who shall remain in her twelve Hours under Water; after which Time he is to cause the Vessel to come above Water, with the Man in her alive and well, and all Pipes of whatsoever Construction communicating with the free Air are barred. The Bets are six to four it will be done, to any Amount.
January 31. A short Time since, Dr. Benjamin Franklin, Agent to the House of Assembly of New England, presented a Petition from the House of Assembly to the King, assuring his Majesty that the People of New England had no Confidence in their Governor; that they considered him as an Enemy to the Province; that the Breach between them and him was so open and avowed, and the Enmity between them so declared and positive, the publick Business of the Province was thereby so essentially injured and impeded, that it was necessary, for the publick Service, as well as their Happiness, to remove him; and concluded with a Request to remove him from that Government. The King gave no Answer to the Petition, and it was imagined no Notice would be taken of it; but upon reconsidering the Matter, it was thought most prudent to refer it to the Privy Council. Administration were thus obliged to take it up; a Sort of mock Trial was resolved upon, that the Truth of the Allegations might be affectedly inquired into, and upon which some Judgment was to be formed and reported to the King. The Inquiry came on last Saturday, before the Privy Council. Dr. Franklin attended according to Order; and the Attorney and Solicitor General being, by Order of Administration, Counsel for Governor Hutchinson, Dr. Franklin was allowed Counsel likewise. He had Mr. Serjeant Glynn, and Mr. Dunning. The Matter turned chiefly upon the extraordinary Letters (which have been published) of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to the late Mr. Whateley. It was some Time doubted whether Copies of them could be admitted as Evidence; but it being impossible to obtain the Originals, they being before the House of Assembly, the Copies were at length admitted. The Event of the Inquiry is not yet made publick. The Fate of America, and in that of Great Britain, depends upon the Advice, or rather Report, which the Privy Council shall make to the King upon this Occasion. The Situation of Affairs in America is become more truly alarming than ever. The Union throughout that Continent, to reject the Tea, while it is subject to a Duty to be paid there, shows that the Ministers, or rather the Cabinet Juncto, in whom only the
King thinks proper to confide, are as cordially despised in America as they are detested in England.
On Saturday last the Privy Council met to hear the Arguments for and against the Petition of the Assembly of Boston, praying that his Majesty would be pleased to remove the Governor, &c. Serjeant Glynn, and Mr. Dunning, were Counsel for the Petition, and urged very strongly the Expediency and Necessity of granting the Prayer of it. Mr. Solicitor General was employed on the other Side, and instead of answering the learned Arguments of his Brethren, or refuting the Allegations of the Petition, contented himself with pronouncing a most severe Philippick on the celebrated American Philosopher, in which he loaded him with all the licentious Scurrility of the Bar, and decked his Harangue with the choicest Flowers of Billinggate. The Doctor seemed to receive the Thunder of his Eloquence with philosophick Tranquility, and sovereign Contempt, whilst the approving Smiles of those at the Board clearly showed that the coarsest Language can be grateful to the politest Ears.
The King of Prussia, in one of his Epistles, calls Dr. Franklin "ce nouveau Promethee." Our Correspondent says, that he could not help wishing (while the Solicitor General was pouring forth his Tide of Scurrility) that the American Prometheus could have called Fire from Heaven to blast the unmannered Ruler.
The faithful Services of Dr. Benjamin Franklin to his American Constituents have been most graciously requited, by the Ministers taking from him the Office of Postmaster General of North America, which he held jointly with John Foxcroft, Esq; who is to remain sole Postmaster General of that Department; and a Bill in Chancery is ordered to be commenced against the Doctor, to compel a Confession from whence he derived the Letters to Mr. Whateley, that have occasioned the late unhappy Distractions between Governor Hutchinson, the late Lieutenant Governor Oliver, the Honourable the Council, and the House of Representatives of the Massachusetts Bay.
The Place lately held by Dr. Franklin, of Postmaster General in America, from which his Majesty was pleased to dismiss him on Saturday last, is given to Hugh Finlay, Esq; Surveyor of the Post there.
The Ships destined for America are ordered to be completely manned and victualled, and out at Spithead by the 4th of March.
The Clerks in the Plantation Office are extremely busy at this Time in regulating and adjusting the American Accounts, for the Inspection of Parliament.
His Majesty having likewise given Orders for laying before the Lords of the Council on Account of the Exports to America since the Conclusion of the late Peace.
The following Notice has been sent by the Sheriffs of Middlesex to Mr. WILKES.
SIR, IN Obedience to a Letter from the Right Honourable Sir Fletcher Norton, Knight, Speaker of the House of Commons, we hereby summon you to attend your Service in Parliament on Tuesday the 15th of February next. We have the Honour to be, "Sir, Your most obedient humble Servants,"
STEPHEN SAYRE, } Sheriffs. WILLIAM LEE, }
To which Mr. WILKES returned the following Answer the Day after.
GENTLEMEN, I HAVE the Letter which you did me the Honour of writing to me yesterday, in Pursuance of the Orders you received from the Right Honourable Sir Fletcher Norton, Knight, Speaker of the House of Commons, requiring you to summon all the Members in your Jurisdiction to attend their Service in Parliament on Tuesday the 15th of February next.
Conscious of the clearest Right to a Seat in the great Council of the Nation, given me by the free Choice of my noble Friends the Freeholders of Middlesex, I have always been ready to attend their Service in Parliament. On that Day I will certainly make my personal Appearance at the House of Commons, and again demand, as one of the Representatives of this Country, to be sworn in and admitted to the Exercise of those Powers long usurped by a Gentleman whose sole Title is founded in a desperate Act of enormous Wickedness, perpetrated without Remorse by a most abandoned Majority, against the solemn Trust reposed in them by the People.
Before the Period of their political Disolution, which to the great Joy of all good Men approaches very fast, I should be happy to find that a true Sense of their deep Guilt produced in these hitherto hardened Sinners a due Compunction. They will then not only render Justice to the Nation at large, but provide an effectual Security against so atrocious and alarming a Precedent as that gross Violation of the Right of Election. May the Wisdom and Justice of Parliament embrace the Opportunity which you, Gentlemen, have afforded of reconsidering and amending the former Proceedings, and establish a firm and solid Barrier for the future against every Inroad of courtly or ministerial Despotism, both for ourselves and our Posterity!
I am, with great Regard, Gentlemen, your humble Servant, JOHN WILKES.
February 1. There is not the least Foundation for the Report of Sir Basil Keith being to set out soon for America. On the contrary, it is not even expected that he will go to Jamaica, but that another Governor will shortly be appointed, Sir Basil being to be employed on more essential Service.
The Manner in which a celebrated Agent obtained the very extraordinary Letters which have occasioned so much Noise is said to be from the late Mr. Fitzherbert, who had them of Mr. Whateley, to whom they were written. This is not given as the Fact, but is the Report that is current of that Matter.
Lord Effingham Howard, on the Matter respecting literary Property, concluded his Speech with declaring that he was satisfied in himself that the Liberty of the Press was of such infinite Consequence in this Country, that if the Constitution was overturned, and the People enslaved, grant him a free Press, and he would undertake to restore the one and redeem the other.
Lord Camden, who spoke against the common Law Right of Authors in Pepetuity, happening to mention Milton, observed, that "that wonderful Man did indeed sell the Copy of his Paradise Lost for so small a Sum as 15 l. the Receipt of a Part of which was conditional; but, added his Lordship, Milton did not look for pecuniary Reward, he proposed Immortality as his Retribution," and Posterity have in that Respect most liberally rewarded him."
The Honourable Charles Fox received a Letter from Lord North on Thursday Night, acquainting him that a great Personage had no farther Occasion for his Services. When the Letter was given to him, he returned for Answer, that the Minister had not behaved like a Man of Spirit." Sir William Meredith, it is said, will be appointed in his Room.
It is reported that all the Boroughs in the Kingdom are in an Uproar at the Question being carried in Favour of Mr. George Grenville's Bill against Bribery and Corruption. Every Man now sees, that as the Committee of Elections is made perpetual, Bribery and Corruption in every Shape, even that of a Treat, must be abolished. By these Means there is an End of the Shopholder, the Vintner, and the Brewer; and an Election Day will be carried on as quietly, for the future, as the Debates in a certain House about shortening the Duration of Parliament.
Mr. C. J. Fox was not turned out in the usual Way, which is by Letter, saying the King has no farther Occasion for the Person. Mr. Fox's Dismissal, it is said, was by a laconick Epistle to this Effect:
"A new Commission is come out, and I do not see your Name in it. North."
February 3. The Bishop of Gloucester, we hear, lies dangerously ill, and it is thought cannot recover. This is the last literary Genius of the last Crop of what is usually called the Augustan Age, which flourished in the latter End of the Reign of Queen Anne, and that of George I.
The Ministry have not yet come to any Resolution what to do with America. Their Councils are discordant, their Penetration superficial, and their Courage rank Cowardice. In a Word, America, like France or Spain, is now a Match for them. They are unequal to the Business, and therefore true Types of the Hand that made them; nor is it difficult to guess for what Purpose they are continued in Office, since daily Experience convinces the whole World that the British Empire is mouldering away in their Hands.
By all Accounts from New England, the People are in such a Ferment about the Tax upon Tea, and the East India Company's sending at this Time such a Quantity of it there, as bids fair to disturb the Peace of all our Colonies in America. The Conduct of Government, towards all our Colonies, has been highly detrimental and injurious to the Trade and Commerce of this Kingdom. The Ministry do not seem to know that the principal Advantages which this Country can reap from its Colonies are the Increase of its Trade and Commerce, and also of its Navigation. But it is the Misfortune of this Nation to have Persons in Power who turn all publick Advantages into private Jobs; and instead of increasing the Trade, Commerce, and Navigation of this Kingdom, by the Means and Intercourse of its Colonies, they study to impose Taxes upon our Fellow Subjects in those Countries, in Order to create Places of Profit for their Creatures and Dependents. This is the Source and Foundation of all the Uneasiness and Disturbances which have arisen, and are now got to the greatest Height, in our American Colonies; and this is the Cause that hath deprived this Nation of almost all its Trade and Commerce with them. For the Taxes which the Ministry have in vain endeavoured to faddle upon them were such as would have raised only a trifling Sum, such as could have been of no publick Service or Benefit whatsoever, but were calculated merely for promoting the Interest of the Minister, by enabling him to provide for more of his Dependents; and thus the Advantages of Trade, Commerce, and Navigation of this Kingdom, with its Colonies, have been lost in endeavouring to create Places of Profit for the Creatures of the Ministry.
February 4. A Correspondent reading a Paragraph in our Paper respecting an Intention of seizing the Committee Men of Boston, sending them over here, and trying them on the Act of 35th of Henry VIII. says, that not only himself, but every free Briton, will coincide in Opinion with the Writer, viz. that such a Measure is most consistent with the Genius of our Court, chiefly because it is evidently repugnant to the Spirit of the Constitution, every Idea of British Liberty, and a palpable Affront not only to common Sense, but to the Principles of the Revolution, to try Men by an obsolete Act made in an arbitrary Reign; and it is as apparent an Absurdity in civil Matters, as it would in spiritual Concerns, to revive upon us Protestants the bloody Fire and Fagot Laws of that inglorious Period.
By a Ship just arrived in the River, we learn that the Bostonians, Philadelphians, and Inhabitants of New York, were in an open State of Rebellion when they sailed from Boston; and that the Governor had sent off an Express for more Troops to join the Welch Fusiliers, who were almost constantly under Arms, and greatly fatigued with such harassing and disagreeable Duty.
Among the many illiberal Reproaches made Use of by the Solicitor General against Dr. Franklin, which were so far upon the Greek Model, (as the Scouts of Office boast of) that they highly partook of the African Billinggate, he spoke of his being a Man of Letters with great Contempt, by punningly saying he was so far a Man of Letters that he was Homo trium Litterarum (a Term of Reproach used by Plautus to the worst of Characters) said he ought to be expelled the Royal Society, of which the Doctor is a Member; and ignorantly, as wantonly, compared his Conduct to that of Zanga, in Dr. Young's Revenge, which he concluded by observing was in Favour of the African Prince, who was by much the honester Man. [There is no Party Man so violent as an Apostate.]
We hear that Mr. Wedd, by the late exertion of his oratorical Powers, has shown Government to what Lengths he is willing to serve them, that nothing less than the Seals are talked of as a Recompense for so industrious a Servant.
One of the vacant Blue Ribands is likewise talked for Governor Hutchinson, as the proper Reward for the Man who, in the Court Phrase, it is said, has faced every Danger for the Service of his Country.
February 5. So vastly, beyond all Conception, have our American Colonies increased within the last twenty Years, that a Gentleman lately arrived from thence, who had the best Means of Information, and was at the greatest Pains to obtain as accurate an Account of their Numbers as possible, assures us that there is no less than 240,000 Men on the Militia Roll of the seven Northern Provinces.
We hear that the Scheme of the Americans is to give Land to every Soldier that is sent over against them, whether from England, Scotland, or Ireland; by which Means, we shall furnish them with a sufficient Force to beat ourselves.
Yesterday General Gage, Commander in Chief of his Majesty's Forces in North America, was at Court, and had a long Conference with his Majesty. The General will soon go again in that Station.
Upon Examination of a certain Agent at a certain Board, a great Law Officer called the Agent Homo trium Litterarum Fur off. The Agent bore this terrible Accusation without the least Emotion, upon which the Orator was provoked to make Use of the most bitter Sarcasms. It is thought the Prudence of the Agent prevented such a Return to the Lawyer's Attack as might have been expected.
February 6. By certain Advices from New York, we learn that the American Sons of Liberty, being fearful that their humble Petitions to his Majesty and Council will be without Effect, are come to an unanimous Determination not to part with their Liberties but with their Lives, and are accordingly preparing for either Peace or War.
By certain Advices from New England, of undoubted Authority, we learn that the Ladies throughout the four Provinces have entered into a solemn Agreement not to drink any Tea imported from Great Britain, nor to wear any British Manufactures, until the Acts of Parliament imposing a Duty upon Tea exported to America are totally repealed.
February 14. The Place lately held by Dr. Franklin, of Postmaster in America, from which his Majesty was pleased to dismiss him on Saturday last, is given to Mr. J. Garnier, Lord Weymouth's Acquaintance; a Gentleman well known at Arthur's, in St. James Street.
We hear that a great Number of the Freeholders of Middlesex intend to wait on Mr. Wilkes, in Prince's Court, to-morrow, at 12 o'Clock at Noon, to escort him to the House of Commons.
To-morrow the Question relative to the shortening the Duration of Parliament, it is believed, will undergo a very full Discussion in the House of Commons.
Daniel Chamier, Esq; of Baltimore Town, in Maryland, is appointed Commissary of Stores and Provisions in America, in the Room of Robert Leake, Esq; deceased.
The two grand Questions to be decided in Council, or in Parliament, with Respect to America, are these: "Whether each of about thirty Assemblies are to be left to tax themselves, judging of the proportionate Sums each for themselves, without Stipulation of the British Legislature (which they contend for) or whether they are to co-operate by Representation, in the British Parliament, in affecting themselves?"

February 15. Mr. Wedderburne, by using such opprobrious Language against Dr. Franklin, has really disgraced himself; but what renders his Case particularly unfortunate is that his Abuse happens to fall upon a Man who is by his Learning an Ornament to his Country (a Circumstance of which the Solicitor was very possibly entirely ignorant) and whom all Lovers of Science respect, however they may differ from him in their political Opinions. Dr. Franklin is perhaps the Person of the Age to whom philosophical Knowledge is most indebted. All our capital and sound Notions on the interesting Subject of Electricity were hinted by him, and, which is no small Increase of the Merit, he has himself improved most of his Hints. He first had the grand and bold Thought of seeking among his electrical Globes for the Cause and Manner of the Formation of that awful Phenomenon, Lightning; and by discovering the Secret of Nature, and showing us how to exhaust and dissipate her formidable Shafts, he has provided for the Safety of Mankind, effected what was deemed even impious for Man to attempt, and completed the greatest Discovery of the Age. Ignorant Men may, to serve their petty Purposes, pour Abuse against Dr. Franklin, and make a Merit to themselves of their Gothic Zeal, but the Effect of their scurrilous Vocation extends no farther than the actual Compass of their Voice, while the Doctor's Name continues to be mentioned with Respect over all Europe, and will still continue so Centuries after the World shall have forgot that there ever was such a Thing as a Solicitor Wedderburne.
Should an Armament be sent against the Americans, it is not improbable but it may meet with a similar Fate with the India Company's Tea, viz. some sunk, some burnt, and some sent back for a better Errand.
Mr. Wilkes attended yesterday at the Door of the House of Commons, but was refused Admittance.
February 18. As the following Paragraph comes from an anonymous Correspondent, the Reader will give so much Credit to it as it may be thought worthy of. We are told that Mr. Ratch, Owner, and Captain Hall, Master, of the Dartmouth, one of the Tea Ships lately arrived from Boston, with several Gentlemen Passengers, chiefly Natives of New England, also Dr. Williamson of Philadelphia, were on Wednesday examined at Lord Dartmouth's Office concerning the Tea Riots. From this Circumstance, it is probable that American Affairs will soon become the Subject of serious Speculation, whence they may also become the Subject of serious Action.
February 28. Sir Robert Fletcher gave Notice that he would on Friday seisin move the House to go into a Committee to take into farther Consideration the Affairs of the East India Company, and it was accordingly made an Order of this Day.
Mr. Attorney General. I mean to offer a Petition to the House for Leave to bring in a Bill for vesting the several Estates, Heirages, Fisheries, &c. of the late Simon Lord Lovat, which were justly forfeited, about thirty Years since, in his Son Major General Simon Fraser, on paying a reasonable Crown Rent. The Circumstances which distinguish this Gentleman's Case from all others will, I trust, make that Impression on the House so consonant with, and which may be so justly expected from, their Candour and Humanity. His Lordship had made a Settlement of such a Nature as was, at the Time, deemed out of the Power of Forfeiture. The Matter came before the Lords of Session in Scotland, and on the Decision the Petitioner lost it but by one Voice; and though I do not mean to impeach that Judgment, yet I am free to declare that I myself retain a different Opinion, and that several of the most eminent Lawyers at that Time in this Country were of the same. Besides this, his consequent Conduct, his dutiful Acquiescence under a Judgment that was even then thought severe, if not cruel, and above all, the very high and important Services he rendered his Country during the succeeding War, when properly considered, must, I believe, plead so fully in his Favour as to render it totally unnecessary for me to take up the Time of the House.
Lord North. I have it in Command from his Majesty to acquaint the House that his Majesty consents to the Contents of the said Petition, as far as his Interest is concerned therein.
Mr. T. Townshend. I rise to second the Motion of the learned Gentleman over the Way, and think the peculiar Circumstances which distinguish this Case from all others of a similar Nature recommend it very strongly to our Attention. The imperious Commands of a Father, the Gentleman's Youth and Inexperience, his tried Principles since, and his offering his Services to a Government by which he had been stripped (however justly) of every Thing that could be held dear by him, with his raising, at a most critical Time, 1800 Men in a Month, whose martial Feats and distinguished Valour are too well known to need recounting, cannot fail of having an Effect on the House fully answerable to the most sanguine Expectations of the Petitioner.
Sir William Meredith. It is very plain this Gentleman's Principles were always the same. He received his Education at Glasgow, from ten Years of Age; and what he there learned has since, I think, been fully testified to the World.
Mr. T. Townshend. I by no Means meant, when I rose to second this Motion, to say any Thing which might bear the most distant Construction of a Reflection on the Honourable Petitioner. The Manner I stated the Matter, I should have imagined, would have totally precluded any such Imputation; nor would I have suggested a stronger Reason in Proof of his real Principles than the Circumstance alluded to, as being so strongly contradistinguished to the whole Tenour of his Conduct and Sentiments, both before and since.
Mr. Dodsweill. I have a full Memory of the Case now so truly fitted to the House. I remember the peculiar Hardship of the Decision of the Court of Session; and I likewise recollect, when the Act for vesting the forfeited Estates unalienably in the Crown came under the Consideration of Parliament, the Speakers of both Houses, Lord Hardwicke and Mr. Onslow, expressed themselves in the warmest Terms in Behalf of the Petitioner, and thought his Case exceedingly worthy of Commiseration. But see what has been the Conduct of this Gentleman! refusing the Offer of a Regiment in the Service of our Enemies, he silently submits under such a Complication of Misfortunes as seldom unite in one Man, and turns himself to the Study of a Profession; yet he has no sooner acquired a Proficiency in it, sufficient to render him easy and independent, but he at once foregoes those Advantages, and offers his Services to his Country in the very first Instant he imagined they were wanted.
A Bill was ordered to be brought in pursuant to the Prayer of the above Petition, without one dissenting Voice.
If a common Strumpet any Way gets a legal Coverture, she calls herself an honest Woman. Just so the late literary Pirates (not as yet gone to the Devil) look on themselves as mighty honest Fellows, having Impunity for former spurious Productions, and a Sanction for future Ones.
A Copy Right Bookseller complaining that his Property, for which he had transferred some good tangible Acres, was become Waste Paper, was answered, "Pho! all Paper will be so by and by; if Mr. — becomes Chancellor, we may light Pipes with Exchequer Bills."
The late Great Commoner conquered America in Germany. Lord knows how, where, or when, the present Minister will do it!
Cardinal Mazarine used to boast, that if he could get two Lines of any Man's Writing he would be able to cut off the Writer's Head. It is certain the House of Commons were in Possession of 200 Lines of Mr. Horne's Writing, and yet durst not touch a Hair of his Head.
The Court carry Matters so swimmingly against a poor, insignificant, and dispirited Minority, that they have no Occasion to have Recourse to their old Trick of a Coalition of Parties, which is one of the greatest Evils that the People of this Kingdom have to dread.
The Union of Parties (says a Writer) is nothing else but a Conspiracy of all the great Scoundrels in the Nation to rob and plunder the People, and deprive them of their Liberty, under the Pretence of uniting for the publick Good.
NEW LONDON, April 4.
The following are the Heads of a Subscription which was laid before the Committee of Correspondence at Boston.
WHEREAS, in our present Struggles with the British Administration, it is of the last Importance to have a free and safe Communication throughout the whole Extent of English America, a Channel established by an Act of the British Parliament for the express Purpose of raising a Revenue here, and under the absolute Control of the British Minister, being both in Principle and Operation highly dangerous; and whereas we are certified from several of the southern Colonies that a Post Office has been erected in Maryland and Pennsylvania, on the Principles of a voluntary Subscription, and we have good Reason to believe the salutary Institution will be generally adopted by all the intermediate Colonies, as well as those on both Extremes; and whereas the said Institution, if generally adopted, will defeat one Revenue Act, and obviate all its pernicious Consequences, will unite all the Friends of America in one common Bond of Alliance, and reduce the Postage of Letters one Third, as well as ensure the Transmission of interesting Advice to the Place of Destination: We the Subscribers do severally promise to pay to the Postmaster who shall be hereafter appointed by a major Vote of our Body the several Sums annexed to our Names,
or to the Successor in said Office, to be by him, or them, employed in furnishing Post Riders to the several Stages we may agree upon, and securing himself, or Deputies, from any Losses and Damages that may accrue unto him, or them, by Means of their Offices; promising and understanding this present Instrument to be a Deposit and Security to the said Postmaster, to be recoverable by him, in whole, or in Proportion to the Sums subscribed, and to make up the Deficiencies, if any there appear, to a Committee of our Body chosen to inspect Accounts, after the whole Amount of the Monies received for Postage shall have been placed to our Credit. In Testimony, &c.
WILLIAMSBURG, May 5.
The Speech of His Excellency 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, to the GENERAL ASSEMBLY, convened at the Capitol, on Thursday the 5th of May, 1774.
Gentlemen of the COUNCIL, Mr. SPEAKER, and Gentlemen of the HOUSE OF BURGESSES,
HAVING had nothing in particular Charge from his Majesty to offer to your Consideration, I have consulted only your own Ease in the Time of assembling you for the necessary Business of the Colony, in which I recommend to you to proceed with that Despatch which the publick Convenience requires.
Mr. SPEAKER, and Gentlemen of the HOUSE OF BURGESSES, I have not, at this Time, any Thing to require of you; but I hope that your Resolutions, on the various Matters which shall be the Subject of your Deliberation, may be influenced by Prudence and Moderation. Gentlemen of the COUNCIL, Mr. SPEAKER, and Gentlemen of the HOUSE OF BURGESSES,
My ardent Desire faithfully to promote the Service of his Majesty, who ever evinces the Good of his People to be the first Object of his Thoughts, will make me heartily concur with you in all Measures, and assent to all such Laws, as shall be for the Welfare and true interest of this Country.
Extract of a Letter from Gibraltar, dated August 28, 1773. "Wheat sold last Spring at Malaga, Cadiz, and Seville, from 12 to 14 s. Sterling per Bushel; and if it had not been for the American Wheat and Flower, and some Supplies from the Island of Sicily and the Barbary Coast, there would certainly have been a Famine in Spain, all their old Resourses being expended. Notwithstanding which, till the new Crop came in, they were in very distressed Circumstances; and even that yielded very scantily, as well as in the South of France, so that it is imagined the Price of Wheat, &c. will be as high in those Countries, the ensuing Year, as it was the last. The Spanish Ministry are so sensible of the great Scarcity that they have made several Contracts with the Northern Parts of Europe, and are now upon Terms with the Emperor of Morocco for a Supply of 300,000 Bushels of Wheat; but these Precautions, it is thought, will very little assist the present high Price of Wheat and Flower, both in Spain and at Marfeilles, where American Flower is now in high Repute, and probably will be in very great Demand."
By Captain Foster, of the Ship Sally, arrived in Potowmack River from Glasgow, we learn that he took up at Sea the Crew of a Ship loaded with Tobacco from Baltimore in Maryland, one Wylie Commander, who had been four Days in the Longboat, but had the good Fortune to have fine Weather all the Time, and Plenty of Provisions. The violent Fatigue of Pumping, while on Board, forced the Blood out at their Mouth and Ears; and although they threw all but the lower Tier of the Tobacco over, they were unable to discover the Leak, which made it necessary for them to quit the Vessel, which they saw go down quickly after.
Captain Moodie, arrived in York River from Glasgow, informs that on the 9th of April, in latitude 36:30, Longitude 56, he fell in with a Snow lying on her Broadside, which appeared to be very clean, had a red Bottom, and tarred Sides; her Trysail was new, made of No. 4 Canvas, and stamped William Johnson, Sails-maker in Annapolis. He hoisted out his Boat, and went on Board the Vessel, but found no living Creature except a Cat, which he took from the main Topmast Head, and carried her to his Vessel. He cut away her Trysail and fore Top sail, which were very much damaged by lying in the Water; and it was impossible to see the Vessel's Stern, so that he could not tell whether she had a Head or not, nor could it be discovered what she was loaded with.
Marriages. Dr. ANDREW ANDERSON, to Miss BETSEY BURNET, of New Kent County; an agreeable young Lady, with a handsome Fortune.
Mr. ISAAC QUARLES, of King William, to Miss SOUTHERLAND, of the same County, a Lady of considerable Fortune.
Mr. WILLIAM COWNE, to Miss BETSEY QUARLES, of said County, a Lady whose Accomplishments cannot fail of rendering the Marriage State completely happy.
Deaths. Reverend ROBERT YANCEY, Rector of Trinity Parish, in Louisa County, after many Years labouring under a tedious Illness. His Candour, and exemplary Piety, render his Loss much regretted by all who had the Pleasure of his Acquaintance.
Entered in the Upper District of JAMES River. May 3. Ship Watt, William Bewsher, from Liverpool, with European Goods.
FRIDAY, May 6. This Day the two following Criminals received Sentence of Death, at the Bar of the General Court, namely; Catharine Peppers, from Bedford, for Murder, and John M'Clure, from Orange, for Horsestealing. And John Conner, from New Kent, for Manslaughter, Henry Bullard, from Isle of Wight, for Manslaughter, and Michael Wheatley, from Williamsburg, for Grand Larceny, were burnt in the Hand.
This Day JOHN RANDOLPH, Esq; his Majesty's Attorney General, was chosen to represent the College of William & Mary in General Assembly.
By the Northward Post, just arrived, we learn that the long expected Tea Ship, Captain Lockyer, arrived at New York the 18th ult. who being informed that it was the Sense of the Citizens that he should not presume to go near the Customhouse, and to make the utmost Despatch in procuring the necessary Articles for his Voyage, very readily answered, "That as the Consignees would not receive his Cargo, he would not go to the Customhouse, and would make all the Despatch he could to leave the City; upon which a Committee of Observation was immediately appointed to go down in a Sloop to the Hook, there to remain near the Tea Ship till she departed for London.—And that Advice being received from Philadelphia that Captain Chambers, of the Ship London, of New York, had taken on Board at London eighteen Boxes of fine Tea, which were regularly cleared, and the Mark and Numbers taken from the Cocket by Captain All of Philadelphia, the Committee and Inhabitants, upon that Information, determined to examine into the Matter with great Vigilance. As soon, therefore, as the Ship came into the Hook, the Pilot asked the Captain if he had any Tea on Board, who declared he had none. Upon this, two of the Committee of Observation went on Board Captain Chambers, and informed him of the Advices received of his having Tea, and demanded a Sight of all his Cockets, which were accordingly given up; but the Cocket for the Tea was not found among them, nor was the Mark or Number on his Manifest. About four o'Clock the Ship came to the Wharf, when she was boarded by a Number of the Citizens. Captain Chambers was interrogated relative to his having the Tea on Board, but he still denied it. He was then told it was vain to deny it, for there was good Proof of its being on Board, for it would be found, as there were Committees appointed to open every Package, and that he had better be open and candid about it, and demanded the Cocket for the Tea; upon which he confessed it was on Board, and delivered the Cocket. The Owners and the Committee immediately met at Mr. Francis's, where Captain Chambers was ordered to attend. Upon examining him who was the Shipper and Owner of the Tea, he declared that he was sole Owner of it. After the most mature Deliberation, it was determined to communicate the whole State of the Matter to the People, who were convened near the Ship, which was accordingly done. The Mohawks were prepared to do their Duty at a proper Hour, but the Body of the People were so impatient, that, before it arrived, a Number of them entered the Ship, about eight o'Clock, took out the Tea, which was at Hand, broke the Caskets, and scattered their Contents in the River, without doing any Damage to the Ship or Cargo. Several Persons of Reputation were placed below, to keep Tally; and about the Companion, to prevent ill disposed Persons from going below the Deck. At ten, the People all dispersed in good Order, but in great Wrath against the Captain; and it was not without some Risk of his Life that he escaped. Saturday, at eight in the Morning, all the Bells of the City rang, pursuant to the Notice published on Thursday; and, about nine, the greatest Number of People were collected, at and near the Coffeehouse, that was ever known in the City. At a Quarter past
nine the Committee came out of the Coffeehouse, with Captain Lockyer; upon which, the Band of Musick attending, played God save the King . Immediately there was a Call for Captain Chambers, Where is he? Where is he? Captain Lockyer must not go till we find Captain Chambers, to tend him with the Tea Ship. This produced Marks of Fear in Captain Lockyer, who imagined some Mischief was intended him; but, upon Assurance being given him to the contrary, he appeared composed. The Committee, with the Musick, conducted him, through the Multitude, to the End of Murray's Wharf, where he was put on Board the Pilot Boat, and withed a safe Passage upon which the Multitude gave loud Huzzas, and many Guns were fired, expressive of their Joy at his Departure. Thus, to the great Mortification of the secret and open Enemies of America, and the Joy of all the Friends of Liberty and human Nature, the Union of these Colonies is maintained in a Contest of the utmost Importance to their Safety and Felicity.
Advertisements.
To the CLERGY of VIRGINIA.
Reverend SIRS, THINKING this a very proper Season for taking into Consideration certain Matters in which the Clergy are most immediately and deeply concerned, and finding several of my Brethren, whose Opinions have great Weight with me, to be very confident that, if our whole Body should be desired to meet, they would not at this Time show a general Backwardness to honour the Request, I have come to a Resolution of appointing, and do accordingly appoint, the Thursday after Whitsunday for the Clergy to convene upon at the College of William and Mary. When the Day appointed comes, I hope those who advised me to this Measure will, with me, enjoy the Satisfaction of finding their Expectations fully answered, by being able to assemble with a very respectable Number of their Fraternity, on an Occasion which they, as well as I, deem important. I am, with ardent Prayers for your real Welfare, and the true Good of the Community, Reverend Gentlemen, your loving and affectionate Brother, JOHN CAMM. COLLEGE, May 5, 1774.
THE Treasurer, Trustees, and Subscribers to the Fund for the Relief of the Widows and Orphans of Clergymen, collected last Sunday, from the two Audiences, 251. 14s. 5d. for which they beg Leave to return their Thanks to the generous Contributors. On the Day following they ordered 80 l. to be distributed among six Widows and the Orphans of four Clergymen, and appointed Officers for the ensuing Year, namely, the Reverend Messrs. John Camm, Treasurer, Price Davis, Deveraux Jarratt, William Eland, John Bracken, Thomas Price, and Thomas Lundie, Trustees, William Harrison, Morning, and Robert Andrews, Evening Preacher. The Clergy have a most grateful Sense of the Presents of 20 l. and 31. 2s. 6d. from two unknown Persons, by the Hands of the Reverend Mr. Henley. This Acknowledgment would have been made last Year, had not the said charitable Contributions come some Days too late to be inserted in our last Year's Advertisement.
WILLIAM THACKSTON, of Lunenburg County, takes this Method to forewarn all Persons from taking an Assignment of a Bond, bearing Date July 1772, given by him to one John Chiles, late of the said County, as he is determined not to pay any Part of said Bond, the said Chiles not performing the Conditions for which the said Bond was given. (2||)
GLOUCESTER, April 27, 1774. THE Subscriber has for Sale a few Hogheads of good old RUM, also a few Pipes and Hogheads of old Madeira WINE of the London and New York Qualities. (2) JOHN SEAWELL.
To be SOLD, THE HOUSE and LOT in the back Street in Williamsburg, now in the Possession of Robert Highland. The Terms may be known by applying to James Shield in York County, or to the Subscriber in Charles City. (2) JUDITH B. ARMISTEAD.
GLOUCESTER, May 4, 1774. I INTEND for England shortly. JOSEPH DAVENPORT.
LAMB's Creek, May 2, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony immediately, and shall return in a few Months. (2||) ANDREW WODROW.
AMELIA, May 2, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony immediately. (||) HEZEKIAH FORD.
NORFOLK, May 3, 1774. I INTEND to leave this Colony very soon. JAMES WARDROP.
KING WILLIAM, May 1, 1774. I INTEND to leave the Colony in a few Weeks. JAMES BROWN.
To be SOLD, the first Thursday in June, at Gloucester Courthouse, A TRACT of fine LAND lying on Gwyn's Island, containing about 420 Acres. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, upon the Purchaser giving Bond and good Security to THOMAS NELSON, Junior.
MOST of the Bonds due to the Estate of George Christopher White, of Amelia County, deceased, having been due a considerable Time, it is expected that Payment will be made the ensuing Meeting of the Merchants in Williamsburg, after which Time no Indulgence can be given. BALFOUR & BARRAUD.
CAROLINE, April 30, 1774. AS I intend soon to remove to North Carolina, I shall be glad that every Person who thinks he has a Claim against me would make it known. Those that are indebted to me, by Account, are desired to settle the same. Mr. John Taylor, of this County, will finish the Suits that I am engaged in; and any Payments made to him for me will be allowed. (2||) JOHN PENN.
Just Imported, and to be Sold by the Subscriber, on very reasonable Terms, in Williamsburg, A GENTEL Assortment of MILLINERY in the newest Taste, Mecklen, Brussel, and Minionet Lace, Blond Ditto, a Variety of White and Coloured Silks, Plain, Striped, and Sprigged Mullins, Jewellery, Childbed Linen, Robes, Ladies and Gentlemen's Silk and Cotton Hose, Diaphan's Shoes, Grefham's Satin and Calimanco Ditto, Ladies Black and White Riding Hats, and many other Articles. JANE CHARLTON.

ANY Person who has a good Negro COOK  WENCH to dispose of may be informed of a Purchaser, by applying at the Post Office.
To be SOLD at King William Courthouse, on Wednesday the 11th Instant (May) for ready Money, by Virtue of a Writ of Fieri Facias and four Writs of Venditioni Exponas,
TWENTY valuable Virginia born SLAVES , belonging to Colonel John Quarles, and James Rickeson; to satisfy Thomas Archer, George Clarke, David Cochran & Co. Andrew Cochran & Co. and Thomas Mallory, by THOMAS ROSE , Sheriff. N. B. The above will certainly be sold on the Day mentioned.
Just imported from London, and sold by the Subscriber, at her Store opposite the Raleigh in Williamsburg, on reasonable Terms, for ready Money only,
A WELL chosen Assortment of the neatest Goods, consisting of fine Thread and Blond Lace, white Satin and Lustrine, blue Satin and Sarcenet Petticoats, white Do. for Weddings, Satin and Queen Silk Shoes, Muslin, Gauze, Catgut, and Wire, worked Linen, Ribands, plain and ribbed Silk, Cotton and Thread Stockings, small Do. for Children, Patent Net Aprons, equal in Beauty to Joining Lace, Silk Gloves and Mitts, Rolls and Curls, Tambour Sword Knots, Boys Beaver and Hussar Caps, Ladies Riding Hats, Feathers, and Whips, Childrens Sashes and Stays, a large Quantity of Didbury's Shoes, Sheeneal, fine Chip and Cane Hats, Fans, Cloaks, Gauze Handkerchiefs, Purfes, Bags and Puffs, Pearl for Work, Turreon, Punch, and Pap Ladies, Stone, Silver, Gilt, and Pinchbeck Buckles, both Shoe and Knee, Passe, Garnet, Gold, and Black Stock Do. India Plate Salts, Do. Snuffers and Snuff Pans, Silver Tea Spoons, Tea Tongs, Salt Shovels, Do. Coral and Bells, Passe, Marcasite, Pearl, and Bead Necklaces and Earrings, Gold Wires, Silver bowed Scissors and Silver tipped Sheaths, Lancet Cases, Watch Chains and Keys, Combs, Pocket Books and Etwee Cases, Freemason and other Brooches, Passe Sprigs and Pins, Tooth Brushes, fine Irish Wafers, Sword Canes and Pen Knives, black Bags and Rofes, black Pins, Stay Hooks, Thimbles, Silver Shoe Clasps, Fruit Knives, Dolls and other Toys, with many other Articles too numerous to insert. C. RATHOLL.
N. B. At the same Place may be had an exceeding fine SILVER WATCH , capped, and runs on Diamonds; also a beautiful GOLD WATCH , with Gold Hands, and an engraved Case.
YORK TOWN, May 2, 1774.
THE Ship PLANTER , bound for London, which now lies off York Town, has on Board 500 Hhds. of Tobacco, and Craft out for 100 Hhds. more, will take in that Quantity, on Liberty of Consignment, at 81. Sterling a Tun. I shall be much obliged to Gentlemen, who may incline to ship, to send their Orders immediately to me here; the Reason for my now wanting such a Number of Hogheads being occasioned by fair Promises, and the Tobacco afterwards given to other Ships. There is exceeding good Accommodation for Passengers on Board, and I shall certainly sail directly after the ensuing Merchants Meeting. THOMAS LILLY.
By SUBSCRIPTION . A PURSE of SEVENTY FIVE POUNDS. To be run for at Cabin Point on the fourth Thursday of this Instant (May) by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, carrying Weight for Age, according to the Rules of Racing; two Mile Heats, the best two in three. A Non-Subscriber to pay 111. before he has a Right to start, as Entrance Money. All Subscribers, starting a Horse, are to enter the Horse, the Day before the Race, with Francis Moreland , and to pay 20s. Entrance Money, also to bring proper Certificates of the Horses Age. The Entrance Money to be run for the next Day, by the losing Horses of the preceding Day; the same Distance, and carrying the same Weight. The above Purse to be run for annually, during the Term of four Years. Any Person may become a Subscriber, by applying to Francis Moreland , who wants a Man as a WAITER that understands Accounts. Such a One coming recommended will meet with Encouragement, for about eight Days. (2)
THE Subscriber intending to settle over the Mountains, makes him offer his Land in Amelia for Sale. There are near 800 Acres (a little more than 100 thereof subject to a Widow's Dower) with a very good Dwelling-House, and all necessary Houses, lately repaired, an extraordinary fine Apple and Peach Orchard of the best Kinds of Fruit, and Cheries of all Sorts. There are near 100 Acres of Low Ground very suitable for a Meadow, on which is great Abundance of fine Timber. The Purchaser may know the Terms by applying to Joseph Eggleston in Amelia , adjoining the Land, Richard Eggleston in Cumberland , or the Subscriber in Frederick . WILLIAM EGGLESTON.
JUST arrived in Rappahannock from London, the Planter , Captain Bowers , with 76 healthy indented SERVANTS , most of whom are very useful Tradesmen, Farmers, Husbandmen, &c. The Sale will commence in Fredericksburg , on Monday the 16th of this Instant (May) and continue until all are sold. The Planter is to load with Tobacco at Port Royal , in the Interest of Mr. Samuel Gist . Those Gentlemen who please to favour him with Consignments are requested to send their Orders to Edward Carter , Esq; in Fredericksburg , Thomas Jett , Esq; in Leeds Town , the Captain on Board, or the Subscriber in Hanover . WILLIAM ANDERSON. N. B. The Brilliant , Captain Miller , in the same Employ, is expected into York River within a few Days.
FOR SALE . ONE Thousand six Hundred and sixteen Acres of LAND , lying in the lower End of Pittsylvania County, on Banister River ; the Land is good for either Tobacco or Grain, but particularly Grain, it being very level. It lies convenient to two Water Mills, not above three Miles from either, and within the same Distance of a Church, and is thought by good Judges to be one of the best Situations in the County for raising a Stock of Cattle, Horses, &c. being within a Mile of Lightfoot's Meadows , where grows such a vast Quantity of Forage that the under Grass continues green the whole Winter, there being a constant Verdure, so that there is no Occasion to lay up much Winter Provision for your Cattle, &c. There is also Plenty of Fish to be caught at the smallest Expense and Trouble, by Means of a small Stone Dam across Banister River . I will sell it altogether or in Parcels, and give long Credit for the best Part of the Money. The Land will be shown by Mr. William Todd , or Mr. John Cox , living near the Premises, and the Terms known of the Subscriber, in King William County . WILL. PETERS MARTIN.
To be SOLD . A VALUABLE TRACT of LAND , lying in the lower End of Amberst County, on James River , containing upwards of 1000 Acres, nearly adjoining the Land of Dr. William Cabell , running near three Miles on the River, with an Island adjacent, containing between thirty and forty Acres, to be sold with or without the said Tract. There is a Plantation thereon in good Order for Cropping, sufficient for ten or twelve Hands, a White Oak Fishery, and Plenty of Lime Stone for building. Any Person inclined to purchase may know the Terms by applying to the Subscriber in Henrico , who is one of the Trustees of Mr. John Howard . THOMAS PROSSER.
To be SOLD . A TRACT of LAND on Mayo Creek , Halifax County , containing 364 Acres, about 150 of which are rich Low Grounds. One Half of the Money to be paid at Christmas , the other Half twelve Months after. JOHN SULLENS.
To be SOLD , on Friday the 27th Instant (May) before the Raleigh Tavern . EIGHT Hundred Acres of very valuable LAND lying in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County , near New Point Comfort , which is well timbered with Pine and White Oak. Upon it there is a Dwelling House with two Brick Chimneys, all convenient Houses, one Peach, and three Apple Orchards. At the same Time will be sold thirty likely Virginia born SLAVES . GEORGE W. PLUMMER.
Wants Employment . ONE who understands keeping a COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE , and can be well recommended. Any Person in Want of such a One may know the Terms, and the Advertiser's Name, by Application to Mr. John Tunstall , Clerk of King & Queen . (II)
ON the 30th of March made her Escape out of the Jail of Prince George (in Company with a Wench belonging to Mrs. Pofy ) a Negro Woman named BETTY , about five Feet three Inches high, twenty one Years old, of a yellow Complexion; had on a Virginia Cloth Gown, white Dimity and striped Virginia Cloth Petticoat, and Osnaburg Shift. She had a Paf when committed, and was endeavouring to pass for a free Woman. I will give 20s. Reward, besides the Allowance by Law, to any Person who brings her to me in New Kent , near Bottom's Bridge . JOHN MOSS.
RUN away from the Subscriber, living at Cabin Point in Surry County , on the 27th ult. a Negro Fellow named TOM , about 33 Years of Age, has something of an Impediment in his Speech, has followed the Sea for about eight or nine Years, and is well known by many of the Gentlemen in Norfolk and Portsmouth . I will give 51. Reward to any Person who shall apprehend and convey him to me, or 31. to have him secured in any of his Majesty's Jails and Notice given me thereof, or 151. if apprehended out of the Colony and conveyed to me; and as I imagine he will endeavour to make out of the Country, I forewarn all Masters of Vessels from carrying him out, as they must answer the contrary at their Peril. JOHN AUSTIN FINNIE.
WILLIAMSBURG , May 4, 1774. STRAYED , or STOLEN , from the Subscriber, on the 18th of last Month, a BAY MARE about thirteen or fourteen Hands high, with a hanging Mane, short and very thick, a Star in her Forehead, about five Years old, if any Brand unknown, trots and gallops, and has good Spirit. Whoever brings her to me shall have TWENTY SHILLINGS. SARAFINO FORMICOLA.
TAKEN up, in Isle of Wight , a RED STEER marked with a Crop, Slit, and Nick, in the left Ear, and a Crop in the right, and appears to be about six Years old. Posted, and appraised to 31. 10s. JEREMIAH GODWIN.
Wanted Immediately . A  SOBER JOURNEYMAN SHOEMAKER who understands Mens and Womens Work. Such a One will meet with good Encouragement by applying to me, in Williamsburg . JOHN SCLATER.
FOR SALE . A VALUABLE TRACT of LAND in Kingston Parish, Gloucester County , containing 500 Acres, lying on a large Creek which makes out of East River , a fine Place for Fish and Oysters. There is Land cleared sufficient for six Hands, an Overseer's House, and other out Buildings. The uncleared Land abounds with a great Quantity of White Oak and Pine Timber; the Timber supposed, by good Judges, to be worth 10001. WILLIAM PLUMMER.
STOLEN from the PALACE , about four Months ago, a BULL DOG of a dark brown Colour, with some White on his Neck and Breast, had an Iron Collar, and answers to the Name of Glasgow . Stolen likewise, about six Weeks ago, two brown and white Puppies of the POINTER BREED , a Dog and Bitch, with long Tails. A Reward of 20s. will be given for each, upon their being brought to the Post Office, Williamsburg .
WILLIAMSBURG , April 28, 1774. AS I intend leaving the Colony about the last of next Month, and to return some Time in October , I think it necessary to acquaint my Customers that the Business in the Meanwhile will be carried on by my Son William Nicolson , whom I flatter myself will use his best Endeavours to give general Satisfaction. ROBERT NICOLSON.
This Day was published, and to be SOLD at both Printing Offices, Price 2s. 6d.
A  CANDID REFUTATION of the HERESY imputed by RO. C. NICHOLAS , Esq; to the Reverend S. HENLEY .
NORFOLK , April 21, 1774. NOTICE is hereby given, that a Number of Vessels will be wanted this Summer to bring about 6000 Tons of STONE from Mr. Brooke's Quarry on Rappahannock , and land the same on Cape Henry , for the Lighthouse. Any Person, or Persons, inclined to engage in such Work, are desired to treat with Matthew Prirpp , Paul Loyall , and Thomas Newton , Esqrs. The Directors of the Lighthouse will also be glad to purchase one or two FLAT BOTTOMED VESSELS , from 80 to 120 Tons Burthen. BASSETT MOSELEY.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Publick, that he still continues to keep TAVERN a little below the College, and can entertain ten or twelve Gentlemen genteelly, with good Stabling, &c. for their Horses. All those who please to favour him with their Custom may depend upon being used in the best Manner, by their humble Servant, CUTHBERT HUBARD.
HANOVER , March 24, 1774. I SOME Time ago purchased a Tract of Land in Spotsylvania County of one Joseph Herndon , and have paid him all the Consideration Money, except 1001. which becomes due in April next, for which the said Herndon has my Bond with Mr. Garrett Minor Security, this is therefore to forewarn any Person from taking an Assignment of the said Bond, as I am assured he cannot make me a good Title to the Land. AARON FONTANE.
ALL Persons who have any Demands against the Estate of Joseph Royall , deceased, either by Deeds of Trust, Mortgages, Bonds, &c. are desired to make them known immediately; and those indebted thereto are requested to make immediate Payment, as no Indulgence can be granted. PETER EPES, Sheriff.
WILLIAM DAVIS , Tailor, begs Leave to inform the Publick that he carries on his Business in this Place, and will be much obliged to those who may please to favour him with their Custom (especially such as he is indebted to) as he will ever make it his Study to pay a strict Attention to their Commands. He will furnish the following Articles complete, for ready Money, viz. A Suit of best superfine Cloth, middle Size, 71. 10s. Do. of Casimir, 81. Do. of Duroy, lined through, 41. 5s. Do. of Sayath, lined, 41. 15s. A best Bath Coating Surtout Coat, 21. 18s. A Bath Coating Coat and Waistcoat, 31. 10s. He will likewise wait upon any Gentlemen, within twenty or thirty Miles, to serve them; and he makes LADIES RIDING DRESSES , in the genteellest Manner. (211)
HANOVER TOWN , April 20, 1774. GERMAN  OSNABRUGS , ROLLS , and several Bales of RUSSIA DRILLINGS , to be sold at a low Advance, for ready Money or short Credit, by THOMAS SIMPSON.
TREASURY OFFICE , April 26, 1774. IT having been represented to me that Doubts are entertained in several Parts of the Country of the Goodness of some of the Treasury Notes of the last Emission, because there are found double Numbers of some of the Bills, I think it necessary to inform the Publick that the upper Number of each Bill only denotes the Number of the Book out of which it was taken, and that the lower Number shows the Series of the Bill; both of which are of singular Use to the Treasury, where the original Books, with their Counter Checks, are carefully preserved. The Paper on which the Money was impressed consisted of single Slips, each containing two Bills; fifty of those Slips were bound in separate Books, which were numbered from Book 1 to 78 inclusive; so that, of the Notes in Circulation, there may be found one Hundred, whose upper Numbers are the same, though the lower Numbers are all different. The Manner in which it was proposed to fill up these Bills was explained, and universally approved, at the last Session of Assembly, and I did not suppose the smallest Doubts could arise in any Part of the Country. I have endeavoured to trace every Report that has been circulated to the Prejudice of the new Money, and can truly declare that I have not the least Reason to suspect that any of it has been counterfeited. I will not presume to say it is impossible to be done; but am hopeful that the great Difficulties, which must attend it, have discouraged even an Attempt. These Bills, however, will be very speedily called in, and I am persuaded that all Doubts and Scruples will be effectually removed. (2) RO. C. NICHOLAS, Treasurer.
TAKEN up, in Dinwiddie , a SORREL HORSE about four Feet ten Inches high, four Years old this Spring, has some white Hairs in his Forehead, paces slow, but has no Brand perceivable. Posted, and appraised to 151. JOHN WILLIAMSON.
THE Subscriber has for Sale on the most reasonable Terms, and to be entered upon immediately, a valuable Tract of LAND lying on both Sides of Turble Creek in Halifax County , within two Miles of the Courthouse, containing 702 Acres, about 100 of which are cleared Land, under a good Fence; there is on the said Land a good Dwelling House completely finished, a Dairy, Kitchen, Quarter, and sundry Tobacco Houses, all new. I have also for Sale 402 Acres of WOODLAND , lying on both Sides of Straight Stone Creek , in the lower End of Pittsylvania County . For Terms apply to the Subscriber, on the first Plantation. NATHANIEL HUNT.
WILLIAMSBURG , April 28, 1774. THE Subscribers beg Leave to inform the Publick that they have lately opened Shop next Door below Mr. Anderson's Tavern, where they make and sell all Kinds of JEWELLERY , GOLD and SILVER WORK , MOURNING RINGS , &c. on the most reasonable Terms. those who please to favour them with their Business may rely on its being faithfully discharged, by their humble Servants, JOHN & WILLIAM ROWSAY.
VIRGINIA , sc. At a General Court held at the CAPITOL the 23d of April , 1774. George Riddell and Jaquelin Ambler , Plaintiffs, against Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown , late of London , Merchants; William Gosley , Thomas Adams , Samson & George Matthews , Patrick Cotts , Amos & James Ladd , William Arill , Ryland Randolph , Major Wilcox , & Co. Thomas Stewart , James Watt , Mercer & Smith , William Smith , Carter Braxton , Corbin Griffin , Samuel Griffin , and William Griffin , Defendants. THE Defendants, Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown , being beyond Sea, on the Motion of the Plaintiffs, by their Counsel, it is ordered that the other Defendants, who have Effects of the said Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown , in their Hands, as is suggested, do not pay the said Effects to the Defendant Gosley , or any other Person, nor convey away or secrete the same, until the further Order or Decree of this Court concerning such Effects; that the said Defendants, Perkins, Buchanan, and Brown , do appear hereon the first Day of the next Court, to answer the Bill of the Plaintiffs; and that a Copy of this Order be, within fifteen Days, inserted in the Virginia Gazette for two Months successively, and published on some Lord's Day, immediately after divine Service, in the Church of the Parish of Henrico , in the County of Henrico , and be also posted up at the front Door of the Capitol, in the City of Williamsburg . BEN. WALLER.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder at Henrico Courthouse , in Richmond , on Monday the 6th of June ,
THE TENEMENT lately occupied by Mr. James Buchanan , on Part of which Byrd's Warehouses now stand. It may, with Convenience, be divided into three separate Tenements, one of which will include a very good Dwelling-House, Kitchen, Smokehouse, Dairy, and a Garden under good Paling. The second will include a very good Brick Store, a large commodious Lumberhouse, and the Reversion of Byrd's Warehouses. The third joins the Lands of Colonel Thomas Turpin , whereon are the Houses now in the Tenancy of Messrs. Trons and Mr. Powell . There is a good Stable on this Lot, and a large new House that may, at a small Expense, be converted into a Dwelling-House, or Store. The Situation of these Lots, and Convenience of the Houses, will sufficiently recommend them to those who view them. They will be sold altogether or separately, which ever shall appear most advisable. Half of the Money to be paid at, or before, the Meeting in November next, and the Remainder by the first of May 1775. The Bonds to bear Interest from the Date, unless the Agents of Messrs. James and Robert Donald , and Co. should agree upon other Terms on the Day of Sale. Any Person inclined to purchase may be shown the Premises, and know the Terms at large, by applying to Mr. James Buchanan . JAMES MILLER.
All those indebted to the said Messrs. James and Robert Donald , and Co. for Dealings with Mr. James Buchanan , at their Stores in Richmond , Albemarle , and Anklos , are once more requested to make speedy Payment; and as many Accounts are yet standing open, particularly at their Store in Richmond , those concerned are desired to close the same immediately, otherwise longer Indulgence cannot be given.
To be SOLD by the Subscriber, at Stafford Courthouse , on the second Monday in June , if fair, otherwise first fair Day,
THREE TRACTS of LAND adjoining each other, and lying in Stafford County , on Potomack Creek , on one of which is a very commodious Tavern, and other necessary Houses, Garden, &c. within a few Yards of the Courthouse. The Situation is very advantageous for the Publican Business, and remarkable for Fish and Fowl. Fifteen Acres of the Land were laid down in Timothy about four Years ago, and there are very near forty Acres of Marsh, which might be easily reclaimed, at a small Expense. The Terms will be made known on the Day of Sale. GEORGE DENT, Junior. (5)

POETS CORNER.
S I M P L I C I T Y.
THE King (God bless him!) is an honest Man; To the Queen's Virtues Envy's Self is just; I'll praise him sometimes, as I sometimes can, And praise her always, as I always must.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, before the Raleigh Tavern, at the Meeting of the Merchants in Williamsburg,
A TRACT OF LAND on Chickahominy River, in James City County, containing upwards of 650 Acres, just above Barrat's Ferry, and about twelve Miles from Williamsburg.
RUN away, on Thursday the 21st of April, two indented Servants, one named CHARLES BUTLER, an Englishman, by Trade a Saddler and Harness Maker, five Feet nine Inches high, well made, has very black Hair, and a remarkable black Beard;
TAKEN up, in Dorchester County, Maryland, a likely Virginia born NEGRO WOMAN named DOLL, has a Scar under her left Eye, the Toes which ought to be largest are smaller than the others, and they ride over one another.
TAKEN up, in Halifax, two WHITE SOWS, with some black Spots, marked with a smooth Crop in the left Ear, and a Crop and a Slit in the right;
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a GRAY HORSE about ten Years old, four Feet five or six Inches high, a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and branded on the near Buttock, a near as can be made out, C M in a Piece.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, a DARK GRAY MARE about thirteen Hands high, two Years old, a Star in her Forehead, and branded on the near Buttock.
TAKEN up, in Prince Edward, a DARK BROWN STEER about three Years old, marked with a Crop and Half Crop in the left Ear, and a Crop, Hole, and Slit, in the right.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a BLACK HORSE about six Years old, about four Feet five Inches high, a Star in his Forehead, hanging Mane and Switch Tail, paces, trots, and gallops very well, and branded on the near Buttock.
THE Fair in Richmond Town begins the second Thursday in May (being the 12th) the Purse will be run for the first Day of the Fair, by any Horse, Mare, or Gelding, carrying Weight for Age, according to the Rules of Racing.
For SALE, and to be seen in Williamsburg, from the first of May, and for some Time after, the high blooded Horse
MASTER STEPHEN. He is young, strong, and large; has a good Bottom, and runs fast. Whoever may be inclined to know his Pedigree, or to see him, may be satisfied by applying to Phil: L. Lee, at his House in Williamsburg.
TAKEN up, and stored by the Subscriber, after lying two Days and Nights on the Wharf without Doors, a Horseshoe of RUM. The Owner may have it on proving his Property and paying Charges.
FOUR Half Acre LOTS in the Town of Richmond, lying near the Middle of that Part of the Town at present inhabited. These Lots are very level, and form a Square fronting a Street each Way.
To be SOLD to the highest Bidder, at Goochland Courthouse, on Monday the 20th of June, being Court Day,
A TRACT of rich well timbered Land lying opposite to Elk Island, in the said County, belonging to the Estate of Mr. John Smith, deceased, containing 2000 Acres, which will be put up in four separate Lots.
The Purchasers at the different Sales of the Negroes and personal Estate of Joseph and John Smith, deceased, are desired to take Notice that their Bonds will, in a very short Time, become payable, and that no Indulgence can, or will, be allowed to any Person.
F I V E P O U N D S R E W A R D.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Fairfax County, the 4th Instant (April) near the little Falls of Potomack, a likely Country born Negro Fellow, named GEORGE, straight made; had on, when he went away, an old Cotton Jacket pretty much worn on the left Shoulder, a Pair of old gray Broa-cloth Breeches with some Silver Twist Buttons on them, a middling fine old white Shirt, a Pair of old white Cotton Stockings, a Pair of British made Shoes about Half wore, with a Pair of plain Iron Buckles in them, and a Boy's Leather Cap.
ROCKY MILL, HANOVER COUNTY, April 14, 1774. RUN away from the Subscribers, on the 27th of March, two indented Servant Men, namely, JOSEPH GOTHARD, by Trade a Cooper, has a Scar over one of his Eyes and Ankles; had on a Drab coloured Frieze Jacket, with Metal Buttons, old Leather Breeches, a Half worn Hat, a Pair of Sable Hose, and a Pair of coarse Shoes.
WILLIAM ASHBURN, Cutler from London, has opened Shop near the Capitol in Williamsburg, and makes and sells all Sorts of Knives, Razors, Scissors, Surgeons Instruments, and Box and Spring Fleams on a new Construction, which are much approved by the most eminent Farmers in Great Britain; also grinds and repairs all Sorts of Edge Tools in the above Branch, cleans Fire Arms, and makes Springs and Screws for Do.
CAMPBELL THOMSON, HERALD AND COACH PAINTER,
TAKES this Method to inform the Ladies and Gentlemen that he has opened Shop opposite the new Hospital, in Williamsburg, where he carries on the Painting Business; he likewise paints all Kinds of Landscapes with Accuracy, and repairs all Kinds of Painting and Gilding in the most elegant Manner.
NEABSCO FURNACE, April 1, 1774. RUN away from the Neabsco Furnace, on the 16th of last Month, a light coloured Mulatto Man named BILLY or WILL, the Property of the Honourable John Taylor, Esquire. When I tell the Publick that he is the same Boy, who, for many Years, used to wait on me in my Travels through this and the neighbouring Province, and, by his Pertness, or rather Impudence, was well known to almost all my Acquaintances, there is the less Occasion for a particular Description of him.
THE Subscribers have lately received from the CARRON MANUFACTORY, in Scotland, a small Consignment of NAILS, from 4d. to 3d. which they will sell on short Credit, at a very moderate Advance; and as they have Directions from the Proprietors of this Manufactory to receive Orders on them for either NAILS or STEEL, they would be much obliged to their Friends who deal in those Articles for their Orders, which, from the Assurances given them, they make no Doubt will be executed on as good Terms as from any Part of Britain.
Who will be in Want of a very large Quantity of the WHITE HOMINY BEANS next Year, and will give good Encouragement for the Cultivation of them. They have to Charter, to any Part of Britain, a NEW SHIP now lying at Baltimore in Maryland, which will carry 7 or 800 Hogheads of Tobacco, and can be in Virginia the Beginning of May.
IN Consequence of the Death of Mr. James Campbell of Essex, who was acting Attorney for Messrs. John, William, and James McCall, McCall & Elliott, and McCall, Elliott, & Snodgrass, in the Business formerly under the Management of Mr. William Snodgrass, we have received from his Executors the Books and Papers of said Company, and have put them into the Hands of Mr. James Gordon to collect.
ARCHIBALD M'CALL. JOHN SNODGRASS.
KING WILLIAM, March 31, 1774.
PLANK AND SCANTLING to be sold by the Subscriber at his Saw Mill near Aylett's Warehouse, Mattaponny River, upon the most reasonable Terms, and of the following Kinds, viz. White Oak, Black Walnut, Sweet Gum, Ash, Poplar, Birch (which makes elegant Furniture) best Yellow Heart Pine for Flooring, and clear of Heart and Sap if required, common high Land and Slash Pine for other Uses.
To be SOLD, together or in Parcels,
THAT fertile and well timbered Tract of Land lying in Princess Anne County, known by the Name of GIBBS'S WOODS, whereon are several Settlements, and whereof Jeremiah Tinker, Esq; Grandson of the late Governor Gibbs now stands seized, under the Deed of Gift of his Mother, the Daughter and Heiress of the said Governor Gibbs.
To be SOLD, on Tuesday the 14th of June next, to the highest Bidder, on the Premises,
ALL the LOTS in Suffolk Town belonging to the late Partnership of Gilson, Granbery, and Co. upon which are several good and convenient Warehouses, a Tar House, a Dwelling-House and Storehouse, and all necessary Outhouses.
ASOBER Man that is well acquainted with Hair Dressing and Wig Making, may meet with good Encouragement by applying to the Subscriber.
Any Person who has a Servant's Time to dispose of that understands the above Business, may apply as above.
FOR SALE,
A TRACT OF LAND in Amelia County, containing 500 Acres, about four Miles below the Courthouse, it is remarkable fine Land for Grain, and will bring good Tobacco. The Plantation is in good Order for Cropping, sufficient to work six or eight Hands, with all necessary Houses.
FOR SALE,
A VALUABLE FARM of 1500 Acres, within sixteen Miles of Petersburg. The Terms may be known on Application to the Subscriber.
NEWMARKET (Coffins) December 1, 1773.
RUN away from the Subscriber, the latter End of October 1773, a likely Mulatto Man named RANDOLPH, about thirty Years of Age, and five Feet eight or nine Inches high; he had on, when he went away, a Suit of Green, with red Livery. As he has many Acquaintances about Williamsburg, it is probable he is lurking about that Place.
FOR SALE,
ABOUT twelve Thousand Acres of exceeding rich TOBACCO LAND, in Amherst County, whereon are several Plantations and Improvements sufficient to work forty or fifty Hands. There is on the said Land for Sale a very valuable GRIST MILL, lately built, with a Stone Dam and a Pair of good Cologne Millstones, which Mill has for two Years past got upwards of 100 Barrels of Toll Corn, and is situated on a never failing Stream.
To be SOLD, SEPARATELY or TOGETHER
TWO TRACTS OF LAND. One lies in Albemarle County, on the Hardwire River, about five Miles from the great River, containing 370 Acres, 100 of which are the best Kind of low Grounds, and situated so as always to have the best Range for Stock of any Land between the Capes and Little Mountains.
The other Tract lies in Goochland County, on Lickinghole Creek, near the Three Notched Road, and contains 700 Acres. The high Land is equal to any in these Parts, fine for Tobacco and Wheat, or any Kind of Grain or Meadow. About 200 Acres are cleared, now under good Fences, laid off in three Fields, and in fine Order to work about ten Hands to great Advantage.
WILLIAM PRYOR.
GOOCHLAND, November 3, 1773.