The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1772-07-02 00:00:00

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LETTER I. To the ORTHODOX LAYMAN.
Despere tandem vel potius insanire desinamus. Sufficient unicuique proponere suam Sententiam, optimis, quibus poterit, rationibus & argumentis muniamus; sine damno alterius, absque contumeliis & vicinis; quae nihil faciunt ad veritatem, aut ad suae causae probationem. Bur. de statu mort. & resurgent.
SIR, THE Importance of the Question concerning the Duration of future Punishments makes me presume it will not be unacceptable, to every ingenuous Lover of Truth, to see what Answer can be given to your Defence of the infinite Duration of those Punishments. Whether this Subject is proper for a Newspaper I will not determine, though I confess I can discover no Impropriety in publishing, even in a Newspaper, our Inquiries after religious Truths; especially when they tend to vindicate the holy Scriptures against the Objections of their Adversaries, and include in them the strongest and most efficacious Motives to Holiness and Virtue. But let this be as it may, your Example must be my Apology for sending you, through the Channel of a Newspaper, this Examination of your Performance.
You are pleased to assert that finite Punishments, in a future State, cannot be proved by Arguments drawn from Reason or Revelation. This is a very compendious Way of refuting the Proposition you controvert. Was I allowed to reason in the same Manner, I could, with equal Confidence and Conviction, assert that infinite Punishments cannot be proved by Arguments drawn from Reason or Revelation; but as I know I am opposing an Opinion ingrafted in most of us from our earliest Youth, I must not content myself with a bare Declaration of my own Sentiments, but must give you an Answer in Form.
That there is a glorious Period fixed, in the Councils of Heaven, when Wickedness, and whatever disturbs the Order and Peace of the Universe, shall be destroyed, when Mankind shall be redeemed from natural and moral Evil, and, under the auspicious Government of the Messiah, shall triumph over Sin and Death, and regain their primeval Rectitude and Happiness, is a Doctrine preserved in the historical Traditions of most of the known Nations of the World.
Nothing is more famous in Antiquity than the golden Age. The Greek and Roman Poets represent this primeval State of Innocence as a State in which there were neither Calamities nor Crimes, nor Diseases, nor Death; and though this happy State was succeeded by the Iron Age, or Age of Corruption, yet, say they, the Time will come when the golden Age shall be renewed, when Africa shall return upon Earth, when Justice, Peace, and Innocence, shall flourish again with their original Lustre, and when every Thing shall be restored to its primitive Perfection.
Plato's Writings abound with the same Representations. The original State of Mankind, says that Philosopher, in his Phædo, "was a State of Perfection and Happiness, from which they fell into a State of Corruption and Misery; but in the End, left the World should be plunged into an eternal Abyss of Confusion, God, the Author of the primitive Order, will appear again, and resume the Reins of the Empire; then he will change, amend, embellish, and restore the whole Frame of Nature, and put an End to Decay of Age, Diseases, and Death."
Pythagoras taught that Crimes were punished in order to extirpate Vice; whereby the Soul is brought back to its true and genuine Existence, and purified from all the Passions that corrupt it.
It is recorded by Plutarch, that the celebrated Philosopher Empedocles held the same Sentiments. "The Evil Demons (says Empedocles) are punished for the Faults they have committed, till being, in the End, purified, they return to the Place adapted to their Natures."
Plain Traces of the same Truths are to be found among the Egyptians. The Sum of their Doctrine, according to Plutarch, supposes that the World was created without any physical or moral Evil, by a Being infinitely good; that several Genii, by abusing their Liberty, fell into Crimes, and into Misery; and that they must suffer expiating Punishments, till they are purified and restored to their first State.
If we consult the Doctrine of the Orientals, we shall find their Theology to agree perfectly in the same Tenets. The Persians, who held two Principles, the one good, who was eternal, the other evil, who was produced in Time, taught that these two Principles made War upon one another, till at last Peace was concluded, upon Condition that the lower World should be subject to the evil Principle seven Thousand Years, after which Space of Time he was to surrender back the World to the good Principle.
If we advance farther east, we find the same Doctrines, according to Strabo, among the Indian Brachmans. They believed that Souls are Emanations from the divine Essence; that they were originally in a State of Purity, but, having sinned, were thrown down into the Bodies of Men and Beasts, according to their respective Demerits; and that, after a certain Number of Transmigrations, all Souls will be reunited to their Origin, re-admitted into the Company of the Gods, and deified.
If we carry our Researches as far as China, we find they believe that in the primitive State of the World all Beings were happy, beautiful, and perfect in their Kind; that afterwards all Creatures fell from this happy State, declared War against one another, and Miseries and Crimes overflowed the Earth; but, that the Time will come when every Thing is to be restored to its first Splendour.
Those who are acquainted with the Doctrine of the Jewish Cabalists tell us they thought the primitive State was a State in which every Thing was glorious, had a real and spotless Image of the divine Perfections; that some Part of the Creation fell from this happy State; and that Souls, after passing through several Revolutions, will return to their primitive State, and will be restored, by the Messiah, to the Order, Perfection, and Happiness, they enjoyed before the Sin of our first Parents.
Thus you see the Doctrine of the primitive Perfection of Nature, its Fall, and universal Restitution to its original Perfection and Happiness, is equally manifest in the historical Traditions of the Romans, Greeks, Egyptians, Persians, Indians, Chinese, and Jews.
Now from whence did these several Nations derive this Uniformity of Sentiments? There are only two Sources from which they could possibly derive their Knowledge of these Events; Reason, and Revelation. If they derived their Knowledge of them from Reason, then the universal Restitution of Nature to its original Perfection and Happiness, and consequently the finite Duration of Punishments, may be proved by Arguments drawn from Reason; but if they derived their Knowledge of this great Truth from Revelation, that is, if it was included in the Promise that the Seed of the Woman should bruise the Serpent's Head, and was revealed to Adam as Part of that Promise, which is very probable, then the finite Duration of Punishments may be proved from Revelation, as it is a plain Inference from the Doctrine of universal Restitution. So that you must disprove the historical Traditions before mentioned, or allow that this Uniformity of Sentiments among the ancient Nations of the World must have been derived from Reason or Revelation, or both, since they had no other Way by which a Knowledge of these Events could be discovered.
And here permit me to ask, if the uniform Consent of Mankind is a good Argument to prove the Being of a God, as it certainly is, why is not the same uniform Consent a good Argument to prove the universal Restitution of human Nature to its original Perfection and Happiness, especially as this sublime Truth corresponds with our most exalted Ideas of the divine Perfections?
To this Question you answer, that God himself hath told us the Wicked shall go into everlasting Fire, and their Worm dieth not, and their Fire is not quenched; so that the Doctrine of an universal Restitution cannot be true, notwithstanding the uniform Sentiments of Mankind in Favour of it, before the Promulgation of Christianity.
But, Sir, is not this an admirable Way of refuting the Question? If I mistake not, it is that Kind of Argument which is called, in the Schools, Petitio Principii, or begging the Question, and may be overthrown by only denying your fundamental Proposition. Now this I do deny. I deny that God hath told us the Wicked shall go into everlasting Fire, and that their Worm dieth not, and their Fire is not quenched, in the absolute Meaning of those Expressions. You must therefore prove that the Terms, everlasting, dieth not, and, is not quenched, are not to be taken, in these Scripture Passages, in a figurative and elliptical, but in an absolute Sense, so as to mean a never-ceasing Duration, before you can disprove the Doctrine of finite Punishments from these Texts. But this is not the only Difficulty you have to encounter; you must also prove that the original Greek Texts are translated, in our English Bible, according to their true and genuine Meaning; which you will find hard to do, as I expect I shall make appear when I examine your Criticism upon the Greek Word aiwios.
Had you, indeed, proved from a Consideration of the divine Perfections (the unchangeable Basis and Essence of all Religion) that infinite Beneficence was not always concerned for the Happiness of his Creatures, but could, consistent with itself, inflict everlasting Punishments upon the greatest Part of Mankind, contrary to the wise End for which they were created; that infinite Knowledge could not foresee that fallible and free Creatures might abuse their Liberty, and thereby fall into Sin and Misery; and that infinite Wisdom could not provide a Remedy for the Evils such Abuse of their Liberty might occasion, so that his wise Work should not be eternally disordered, nor his Design in their Creation defeated; that infinite Justice consists in punishing infinitely, and not in being perfectly equitable; that perfect Equity, by inflicting temporary Punishments, in a future Life, proportionable to Offences committed in this momentary Life, cannot make just whatever is unjust, and render straight whatever is crooked; and that it doth not consist in an exact Proportion between Crimes and Punishments; that infinite Goodness can, through the Ages of Eternity, patiently bear, and be Witness of, the Despair, Anguish, Weeping, Wailing, and Gnashing of Teeth, of Myriads of his favourite Creature, made in his own Image, and after his own Likeness, without extending his infinite Mercy to them; had you proved that plain, positive and express Declarations of the holy Scriptures, revealing and proclaiming the Efficacy of the redeeming Price of Christ's most precious Blood and Sacrifice, paid for all Mankind universally, and without Exception, are to be opposed and defeated by the figurative, elliptical, and even contradictory Expressions of everlasting Fire, and the Worm that dieth not; I say, Sir, if you had demonstrated these plain Absurdities to be manifest Truths, you would have effectually established the Doctrine of eternal Punishments; you would have proved that infinite Goodness is finite, and cannot exert itself in Behalf of Mankind after the short Period of human Life, but must be changed into endless Wrath, Resentment, and Vengeance, against Creatures created by infinite Wisdom and Goodness on Purpose to enjoy Happiness.
This, Sir, is the strange, the inconsistent Doctrine you must prove, before you can establish infinite Punishments upon the Principles of Reason; a Doctrine totally derogatory to our Ideas of the divine Perfections, to the meritorious Sacrifice of the ever-blessed Jesus, to the fundamental Principles of Justice and Equity implanted in our Nature by the God of Truth, and which he who hath the Heart of a Man cannot but abhor.
But lest those Men who believe in a miserable Eternity should take Offence at the Freedom of my Sentiments, I must beseech them to consult their own Humanity before they condemn me. Suppose they were able to produce such a Creature as Man is into Being, from Nothing, would they not exert their whole Power to render him as happy as his finite State would admit of? And, suppose they enjoyed Happiness themselves, would they not take a Pleasure in making their Creature a Partaker of it? Suppose, again, if they had this Power of producing such a Creature into Being without being able to make him as happy as his Nature and Capacity would admit of, and had a certain Foreknowledge that their Creature would, by his Misconduct, become for ever miserable, without their being able to prevent it, or, when miserable, to recover him from his Misery, would they choose to exercise this supposed creative Power? Or rather, would they not choose to forbear to exercise it? I desire every good and humane Person, capable of Thought and Reflection, to answer these Questions; and then let them anathematize me, if they can.
But you are for commanding our Silence, and putting a Stop to our Inquiries after the great and glorious Things the gracious and beneficent Author of our Nature hath done for us, although he hath implanted in us Souls that breathe after Immortality and Happiness. We must not, you say, spend our Time in vain, nay impious Inquiries, concerning the Duration of future Punishments; because the divine Attributes are infinite, perfect, infinitely beyond what our finite Minds can conceive or comprehend, and because the Time will come when God will be justified in all his Ways, and every Mouth shall be stopped.
But, Sir, doth not such Advice tend to lead us into Error? If we receive Things for true without examining them, when perhaps they may be false, will not this occasion us to build upon a false Foundation? Really, Sir, Religion is a Matter of too great Importance to be taken upon Trust; there is Nothing wherein we are so much concerned to exercise our Reason and Understanding; our dearest Interest is concerned in it: We are therefore, with great Propriety, commanded to prove all Things relative to Religion; and God himself hath appealed to our Reason to determine whether his Ways are not equal. And how shall we know that they are equal, if we do not, by the Exercise of our Reason, endeavour to form proper Notions of his Conduct in the Government of the World from the Consideration of his Perfections?
Indeed, Sir, to examine the unlimited Excellencies of a Being who is the Sum and Comprehension of all Perfection, in whom there is Nothing but Beauty and Brightness, Nothing but Amiability, Goodness, and Beneficence, and to discover that his immense Goodness and Beneficence are directing every Thing, under his wise Government, so as to produce, in the End, the universal Restitution of Mankind to Perfection and Happiness; and that his Corrections, in the Punishment of his offending Creatures, are the Corrections of a tender Father, always concerned for the Happiness of his Children; are too glorious and too delightful Inquiries for a curious and considerate Mind to be diverted from pursuing, by positive Dogmas and arbitrary Decisions.
Can you then imagine your telling us that instead of denying that we deserve endless Punishments, or Christians are bound to confess that we may highly deserve them, is a good Reason to divert us from entertaining our Minds with such pleasing Researches, which tend naturally to inflame the Soul with Love, Adoration, Praise, Thanksgiving, and Gratitude, to the infinitely beneficent and merciful Author of our Beings, for creating us to such an excellent and inestimable End and Purpose?
Be not deceived, Sir! call not Inquiries vain and impious which dilate our Thoughts, exalt our Ideas of the divine Perfections, and proclaim, in the Language of the holy Scripture, the infinitely wise Governor of the World as a God gracious and merciful, slow to Anger, of great Kindness, and repenteth him of the Evil; and as a God who will not always chide, nor keep his Anger for ever. Lay aside all received Hypotheses, Opinions, and Passions; make the unchangeable Perfections of God the Rule of your Inquiries. They are imprinted in our Nature, by the wise Author of it, for this Purpose; examine the holy Scriptures by this Rule, and then you will examine them with Profit. You will then find that particular Expressions, which seem to contradict and destroy the divine Perfections, must be understood in a figurative, allegorical, or elliptical, and not in a literal Sense. But if you will not make the divine Perfections your Rule in the Study of the holy Scriptures, I will venture to pronounce you will not study them with Profit, but will frequently be led to embrace Things as true when they are really false. I need not go very far for Instances to prove this Assertion; several Opinions among the different Sects afford sufficient Proofs of it; and I wish I could not say some Tenets of our own Church, which were not fully attended to in the Hurry of Reformation, confirm it.
Having vindicated the present Inquiry from the Imputations of Impropriety, Vanity, and Impiety, I will attempt to prove that infinite Punishments are not only contrary to the divine Perfections, and the End for which Mankind were created, but also contrary to the Scripture Doctrine concerning the Redemption of the World by Jesus Christ.
In debating this interesting Subject, it will be scarce possible for me to avoid running into Sentiments which have been urged, with great Force, by those illustrious Masters of Reason who have appeared in Defence of Christianity, against the Deists and Infidels. When, therefore, I recollect any of their Arguments which I think will suit my Purpose, I shall take them to my Aid, as particular Writers to whom I am beholden; and perhaps I shall do this so frequently that you will consider me rather as a Collector of what others say than as an Author myself. But this will give me no Concern.
I will now proceed to the Proof of my first Proposition, which was to demonstrate, from the Principles of Reason, that infinite Punishments are contrary to the Attributes of God, and to the End for which Mankind were created.
By the Attributes of God I mean those Perfections of the divine Nature which constitute his Essence.
You acknowledge that the divine Perfections, or Attributes of God, cannot act inconsistently with each other. This indeed is evident, since Inconsistency in Action implies Imperfection in the Agent. Now as God is absolutely perfect, every Degree of Imperfection must be excluded from him. The divine Perfections, therefore, cannot be inconsistent with each other, but must always unite, and harmonize, whenever God exercises any Act of his Power, or, which is the same, wills any Thing to be done.
But though this is evident from the Nature of God, as an absolutely perfect Being, yet, as we can have no Notion of the divine Perfections but under particular and distinct Ideas, we are thereby led to speak of them as if they were actually distinct from each other in the divine Essence; and from hence arose one great Error of the Heathen Theology, which was the Foundation of their Polytheism. And though we do not distinguish the divine Perfections by different Personages, as the Heathens did, but only by different Names, according to the different Ideas we have of their several Operations, yet, from this Manner of distinguishing them, arises that Mistake we so frequently run into in speaking of them as if they acted distinctly and independently of each other. Thus, for Instance, the divine Perfection of Goodness, when it relates to Punishment, we call Justice, and speak of it as if it was separate and distinct from the divine Goodness; when it is really the Result of that Goodness, and is the same indivisible Essence, operating in such a Manner, in the Punishment of Sin, as to answer the wise End for which Mankind were created, which, as will appear hereafter, was their everlasting Happiness.
As we agree then in our Notions of the divine Perfections, and that, as they constitute the divine Essence, they are indivisible, and must always act in Harmony and Concert, I shall proceed to apply this Doctrine to the Use I intend it for; which is, to prove that God created Mankind for everlasting Happiness, and consequently that infinite Punishments are contrary to the Perfections of God, who cannot act in the Government of Mankind so as to defeat the Design in their Creation.
That God is omnipresent, in the Perfection of Power, Wisdom, and Goodness, wants no Proof. If then God is absolutely perfect in Wisdom and Goodness, as well as in Power, his Power must always be exercised in doing all that Good his Wisdom directs to be done; because his Perfections, which constitute his Essence, must always act conjointly, and not separately or incoherently. It is therefore impossible for God to create any Being to be miserable, merely for the Sake of Misery, because it is contrary to his Wisdom and Goodness to create such a Being. And it is equally impossible for him to inflict infinite Punishments on his Creatures merely for the Sake of Punishment, because it is contrary to these Perfections, and his Design in the Creation, to inflict such Punishments: For as God cannot do any Thing but what is agreeable to his Wisdom, because he cannot do any Thing contrary to his Perfections; and as infinite Wisdom must always direct every divine Operation to a wise End, which implies some Good to be produced, he must necessarily act, both in the Creation and Government of the World, with an Intention of some Good. But as an absolutely perfect Being can want no Good to himself, it must necessarily be some Good to his Creatures; so that infinite Power, being always directed by infinite Wisdom and Goodness, must be exercised, even in the Punishment of Sin, in producing Good to his Creatures.
And if we reason from the HOLINESS, or any other moral Perfection of the divine Nature, the same Conclusion will follow.
The HOLINESS of God consists in an immutable Conformity of his Will to his infallible REASON, so that he cannot will any Thing but what is most reasonable; from whence it follows, that when we resolve Things into the sole Pleasure of God we must not understand them as Acts of mere Will, but as Acts he had an infallible Reason for, and whatever he wills had a natural Goodness in it, in the Order of Conception in the divine Mind, antecedent to his willing it, otherwise he would not have willed it: So that, from the Holiness of God, we are assured of his Goodness, and that all his Operations are for the Good of his Creatures.

Now the Goodness of God consists in an immutable Disposition, in the divine Essence, to do Good; so that he must have made Man to do him all the Good his Nature and Capacity is capable of receiving. Let us then consider what Good the Nature and Capacity of Man is capable of receiving.
Man is a compound Being, endowed with a rational Soul, and sensitive Body, joined together. Now if God made Man to do him all the Good his Nature and Capacity is capable of enjoying, we must conclude that God made him to be happy both in Soul and Body; and, if he was made to be immortal, then we must also conclude that his Happiness was to be everlasting.
Now the Nature and Operations of the human Soul, its noble Faculties, Capacities, and Improvements, afford the highest Reason to believe that it is immortalized and immortal, and that it will not be dissolved at the Dissolution of the Body.
For it is inconceivable that the Author of our Nature should make a Being of so vast a Comprehension, endue it with a Capacity of knowing and conversing with himself, give it a Foresight and Expectation of his own Happiness, and yet, after all, blast so vast an Expectation, by the utter Extinction of its Essence. But this Truth is so powerfully imprinted on the Minds of all Mankind that I shall take it for granted, without employing any more Time to prove it.
But that the Body will exist in a future State is not so easily proved upon the Principles of Reason. However, if we consider that the Happiness of Man in this Life is derived from the Union of his two Natures, and that by a Deprivation of any Part of his sensitive Nature he is rendered less perfect in his Organization, and therefore less happy when he is complete in all his Organs, we may, I think, very reasonably infer, from this Consideration, that the divine Goodness intended a Re-union of the Soul and Body in a future State, so that Man might be perfect in both Natures in that State of Existence, and consequently that there will be a Resurrection of the Body; and this Inference is strongly forced upon us when we consider that it is as easy for infinite Power to raise the Body again, after Death, as to create it, at first, out of Nothing.
I do not offer this as a demonstrative Proof of the Certainty of the Resurrection of the Body upon the Principles of Reason, though perhaps there may be some Weight in it. I acknowledge this great Article of the Christian Faith can only be clearly proved by that Gospel which hath brought Life and Immortality to Light.
But further, as the End for which Man was created was to enjoy Good, that which is the true Good must be the true End of Man. Now God is the true Good; for he is the sole Fountain of Being, and Perfection of all Good. If Man, then, was made to enjoy the true Good, he was made to enjoy God; that is, he was made that God might impart himself, or his Perfections, to him: And if so, then, since Happiness is Nothing but the Enjoyment of Good, and God is the highest Good, it must be the highest Happiness of Man to have the divine Nature and Perfections communicated to him, in the highest Degree, and for the longest Time his Nature is capable of.
Now the human Soul is immortal; and if Man was made to enjoy a Communication of the divine Nature and Perfections, in the highest Degree, and for the longest Time his Nature and Capacity is capable of, then he was made to enjoy a Communication of them for ever. And indeed it seems highly incongruous to our Ideas of infinite Wisdom and Goodness that the immutable Perfections of the divine Nature should be imparted to us for no longer Time than the short Period of human Life. When we consider, as I have already observed, the Powers and Faculties of the Soul, they appear to be better fitted for spiritual Enjoyments in an everlasting State than for sensitive Enjoyments in a temporary Life. And when we consider the Infinity of the immutable Perfections of God, it is our highest Happiness to have imparted to us, we must necessarily conclude that the Happiness Man was created to enjoy was to be everlasting; and that as God is universally good, so this Happiness was to be enjoyed universally, and without Exception, by all Mankind: That is, God willed, or, to use a more expressive and emphatical Term, ordered, at the Creation, Happiness to all in general, and to every One, individually, of all Mankind.
As then it was the Will or Decree of God, at the Creation of Man, that he should enjoy everlasting Happiness, and as the Will of God is his Essence, and as his Essence is immutable, it follows, therefore, necessarily, that it was the immutable Will or Decree of God, in the Creation of Man, that he should not be eternally miserable; consequently infinite Punishments are contrary to the Attributes of God, as they would defeat the will End for which Mankind was created, to wit, the Enjoyment of God through the Ages of Eternity. Nor can the Transgressions of finite Creatures defeat this grand Decree of the infinite Creator, who will exercise his Corrections with such Wisdom and Goodness that Mankind will at last be restored to their original Perfection and Happiness; for which great and beneficent Work the divine Logos left the Bosom of his holy Father, and took upon himself the Nature of Man, on Purpose to accomplish it.
Thus I have endeavoured to prove, from Arguments drawn from Reason alone, that infinite Punishments are contrary to the divine Perfections, and to the End for which Mankind were created, which was to enjoy everlasting Happiness, and therefore that they cannot be true.
I would now proceed to consider the Scripture Account of this important Question; but as I believe I have already transgressed the Limits of a Newspaper, I must make it the Subject of another Letter.
I AM, SIR, YOUR VERY HUMBLE SERVANT, A CHRISTIAN LAYMAN.
ESSAY ON FLATTERY.
THE first Impressions, I have been told, are the deepest. I find it true by Experience; the Impressions I received at three Years old are not effaced at forty. How the distant Scene rises to my retrospective View! Not to be tedious, my Nurse first taught me to flatter. The poor old Woman never attempted to wash my Face, or to comb my Hair, without the soothing Expression of, "There's a Dear; let me wash its pretty Face." "There's a sweet Creature." And numberless other endearing Phrases, to the like Purpose. When I grew a little older, I still perceived that I never was ordered to do any Thing without a little Bit of Flattery tacked to the Command. My School Mistress bid me say, A by itself A, and always added, "There's a good Boy." My Father, my Mother, my Relations, all addressed me in the same Style. My aged Grandfather too, how well I remember the hoary Sage! whilst I was innocently asking him why he shook his Head always, would often put his Hand in his Pocket, and give me a Penny, because I was a brave Boy. These Praises, though they were only Words of Course, as I since learned, then gave me great Pleasure; and I found myself always disposed to love the Person that bestowed them on me. I was artful; I thought I might rule others by the same Means by which others ruled me, nor was I deceived in the Sequel. However, I had not then many Opportunities to try the Experiment.
I had an Aunt, whose ill Fortune it was not to be able to get a Husband; and therefore, as is usual, she was called an old Maid before Time had made her an old Woman. Old Maids seldom despair till they have arrived at their grand Climacterick. Hence we often see Ladies of fifty in the Garb of sixteen. My Aunt was one of these. It happened one Day, while I was playing near her Toilette, and she was repairing the Depredations which Nature had made in her Face by the Help of Art, that I unmeaningly (it certainly must have been unmeaningly) cried out "Law, Auntie, what a pretty Nose you have got! your Hand is whiter than mine." I had no sooner uttered these Words than she snatched me up in her Arms, and almost stifled me with Kisses. Every Day after that lucky Moment she continued to show me new Marks of her Affection, spoke well of me, and was continually saying that I made sensible Remarks, much above my Years. I was astonished at this Alteration: She always before had looked upon me with Indifference, and Hated; and indeed few old Maids, I have since observed, are remarkably fond of Children. However, as I did not want Penetration, I soon discovered that it was my Flattery which had gained her Favour; and now it was that I resolved to make Flattery the ruling Principle of my Conduct, in future Life.
When my Father thought me of a proper Age to go to School, he put me to one of those Schools in which Youth are qualified for, in short, every Thing you can mention. A School I should not call it: The refined Ideas of the Master looked upon this as too gross an Appellation; and therefore, to prevent Mistakes, he had inscribed over the Portal of his Mansion, in large golden Letters, "The Academy." To return from the Disquisition, at my Academy I soon found that the Art of tickling was not unknown to my Teachers. Whenever my Cousin Tom, or my good Aunt Deborah, came to see me, and inquire, as their Way is, how I went on, they were sure to hear, in the most extravagant Terms, of all my good Qualities. The Usher observed, "that Master Billy was the finest young Youth that ever he set his Eyes on." My Mistress chuckled me under the Chin, and said, "It has got a pretty Face of its own, bless it." My Master, patting me on the Head, and looking earnestly at me, used to cry, "It really is surprising, such a Proficiency in so short a Time! But Nature has been partial; and to be sure I take a great Deal of Pains with him, that I do, and the Child takes vastly to his Book." These, and
many other Encouragements, were given to me whenever my Friends paid me a Visit; but, alas! after the vast Ideas I had been taught to form of myself, my Friends were no sooner gone than, lo! I sunk to the Condition of another Boy. Notwithstanding my great Talents, my Beauty, and all the Praises which had been lavished upon me, poor I underwent the Correction at the Rod, and was called Dunce from Morning till Night. I comforted myself as well as I could; nor indeed had I much Reason to grieve, since my Friends were pleased, though deceived; and I got Half a Crown, when otherwise I should have got but Sixpence, and perhaps only a Kiss and a Farewell.
My Master's Flattery succeeded so well that I was confirmed in the Principle which I had been led into by my Aunt, my Nurse, &c. I therefore resolved to try my Skill among my School Fellows. I soon found my Schemes succeeded to Admiration, but then I was obliged to use a great Deal of Address in conducting them. My Way was to discover their ruling Passions and Inclinations. I never commended the surly Boy for his good Nature, but I commended him for that which he took Pride in, his Gravity and Authority. I never praised the idle Fellow for his Diligence and Learning: No, those he despised; but I praised him for his Vivacity and Gaiety. In a Word, I always tickled the Place which was most ticklish. Wherever I found Vanity, I fed her plentifully. The Advantages I enjoyed by this Conduct are innumerable; each Individual looked upon me as his particular Friend. Indeed I had endeavoured, by my Flatteries, to make him look upon me as such; consequently, in all Disputes, both Parties readily consented to refer the Points in Controversy to my Arbitration, each imagining I had a particular Bias to himself. Thus I enjoyed a Superiority over all my Fellows, which gratified my Pride not a little. I was beloved and caressed by all; no Tales were told of me. I must own that I learned a great Deal of Wisdom at School; not from my Book (there, to my Shame be it spoken, I was a Dunce) my Wisdom was not the Wisdom of the speculative Philosopher, but that of the worldly wise Man.
I always considered a School as the Copy of the World. All the Vices and Follies of the great Original are there painted in Miniature. Though the Picture is small, the Characters are drawn to the Life. I was now at the Eve of launching into the great Ocean of the World, and I pleased myself with the Thoughts of being possessed of a Secret that would steer my little Bark clear of every Rock. I had been told, from my Cradle, that I should be a Soldier. Escaped from School, I thought the happy Time was arrived at length. How transported was I with the Thoughts of wearing a Sword and a red Coat! But, besides these, I had more substantial Allurements: I thought the military Profession would open to me the most ample Field for the Exertion of that Genius for Adventure which I perceived within me. In the Midst of my anticipated Bliss, O Grief of Cries! my Father bound me Apprentice to a Tradesman in Cheapside. After some Time, however, I acquiesced in my Condition. But how fallen was I! all the Schemes which I had formed for the Conduct of my Life, and even my golden Art of tickling, now seemed to vanish. I had Nothing now to do, I imagined, but plod behind the Counter. I found myself wrong in these Reflexions. Flattery was grown natural to me, and Nature will not be entirely stifled. Our Customers consisted chiefly of Females. This Circumstance gave me some Hope. Downright Flattery, from One in my Station, I knew would favour too much of Familiarity; I was therefore obliged to act with great Circumspection. While I was handing down a Drawer, or a Box, I used to observe, in a faltering Tone of Voice, "that such a Pattern, or such a Colour, would be very pretty for a Lady who wanted to set off a bad Skin; but you, Madam, are—how do you like this, Ma'am?" This never failed; the Lady was tickled, turned towards the Glass, adjusted her Cap, stuck a Pin, and bought the Pattern on the Strength of my Recommendation. By such Methods I fixed fugitive Customers, pleased complaisant Ones, increased my Master's Trade, and did no Harm to any Body.
Seven Years passed away in this Manner. I forbear to relate every Particular of my History during that space of Time, as there would be very little Variety in the Relation. Suffice it to say, that the old Trick never failed. Just after the Expiration of my Apprenticeship my Aunt Deborah died, and left me a very pretty Legacy, sufficient to set me up in Trade. Thanks to my divine Art! I had almost forgot to tell you she died an old Maid, notwithstanding her pretty Nose and white Hands.
I took a Shop, and furnished it. One Piece of Furniture was still wanting, without which, as the Saying is, One is never rightly settled. In Truth, I wanted a Wife; and a Wife I was resolved to have. In my Amours, I must confess that I offered up Incense to the Shrine of Plutus, as well as that of Cupid. After some Time, I got Scent of a good wealthy Widow. She was somewhat advanced in Life. As for the Lady's Person, that was her least Recommendation. However, I perceived, after a very slight Acquaintance with her, that she was one of those who did not give a most implicit Credit to Looking Glasses. I knew how to proceed accordingly: I swore that her Eyes were irresistible; that her Cheeks were more blooming than the Rose. I swore, but (to avoid Prolixity) after a short Courtship, I won the Lady, and ten Thousand Pounds. I lived happy in my new State, but cruel Fate denies a long Continuance of Bliss: My Wife died. Peace to her Shade! I am married again, and to this Day enjoy the Company of my dear Partner. I won my present Dearly's Heart by praising her Eyes. The Conquest cost me my Sincerity; but let that be a Secret.
I pass over a Million of Adventures, in which I exerted my adulatory Talent with Success. To hasten to the last, and to me the most interesting, in the Course of my Trade: I scraped an Acquaintance with an old Square Toes, who was one of those rich Men who accumulate immense Sums Nobody knows how. I resolved to found the Breast of this new Friend; there was no Need of searching deep to discover that Avarice had long swallowed up every other Vice, Passion, and Appetite. This Discovery gave me my Cue. I raked up all the Remarks which I had heard in Sermons, and in Conversations with Brother Tradesmen, on the Subject of Frugality and Temperance. On these I declaimed on every Occasion. I talked of the exorbitant Price of every Necessary of Life, and complained of the Luxury and Extravagance of the Age. One Day, as I was running on at this Rate, he got up from his Chair, and with a Vehemence not common to Men of that frigid Disposition, which it is necessary to have in Order to be a Miser, slapped me on the Shoulders, and swore, "I was the honestest, prudentest, sensiblest Fellow, he ever met with." In a few Weeks the old Hunk died, and bequeathed his Fortune to me.
Thus I have acquired an ample Fortune; thus I have passed my Life free from those Animosities which an envious and contentious Disposition never fails to foment; thus I have gained the Love and Esteem of all I knew. My Art of tickling has made me happy, and I flatter myself it has made others so. I have increased the Happiness of all who have fallen within the Circle of my Acquaintance, by gratifying their Vanity. Wherever I was able, I have thrown an Ingredient into the bitter Cup of Life, which never fails to sweeten it, namely, Self Applause. Yet, I confess, I have often done this at the Expense of Truth. I confess; Confession is a Sign of Repentance, and Repentance claims Forgiveness. Being now above Dependence, to expiate my Crime I have taken the Resolution to give the Tribute of Praise only where it is due.
TICKLER.
A Dialogue concerning Taste, in the fashionable Style.
LADY Barbara Squab (said a Gentleman, in a gay Circle of what is called polite Company) will your Ladyship be pleased to favour us with a Definition of Taste?
Lord! (replied her Ladyship, with her usual Grace and Vivacity) did any Body ever hear such a stupid Question? Why, is not Taste every Thing which every Body of Taste does in polite Life? And does not every Body know that? And how could you ask me such a stupid Question, you odious Creature, you?
Most excellently answered (rejoins the Querist) upon my Honour; very just, and very witty. But your Ladyship was born to conquer in every Thing. Miss Julia Ogle, will you be condescending enough to favour me with your Opinion on the Matter? What is Taste?
There's a Question! (answers Miss Ogle, with a Leer round the whole Room) why, what do you think it should be but going three Times a Week to the Pantheon, and making all the Fellows fall in Love with One? Ha! ha! ha! He! he! he! (echoes back a smooth faced Macaroni) let me perish if ever I heard any Thing so witty since I was born! Nor I, upon my Honour, said the Querist. Will Miss Blab entertain us with her Sentiments on the Subject?
Oh to be sure, Sir. Let me die but I think it the finest Taste in the World to have an Officer of the Guards in Love with One; and then to be in Love with an Officer of the Guards!
The happiest Definition I ever heard, replies the Querist; replete with Sense, Sentiment, and Elegance. Mrs. Faddle is always good natured, and will not, I am certain, refuse to be so on the present Occasion. What say you, Madam, of the Subject in Dispute?
As I live, Sir, I think a fine Neck, and white Teeth, are the TASTIEST Things in the World?
Oh Lard! Madam! no (rejoins Miss Biddy Bellair) how can you say any such Thing? A high Cap, trimmed with Love Riband and Knots, and artificial Flowers, is allowed by every Body in the World to be the very Thing, Taste itself.
The Decision of the Cafe came now to the Gentlemen. The Macaroni, stretching out his Leg, and twirling his Hat, said he wondered how the Devil People could look for Taste any Where but at Almack's or Boodie's.
That's strange too (answered a noble Jockey, who sat at his Elbow) did you ever hear of a Man of Taste who was not a Member of the Jockey Club, and deep in the Secret at Newmarket?
Yes, I have indeed, replies the fat Alderman of Guttlerward; Gentlemen and Ladies, you are all wrong; ye may say what you will about Pantheons, and Captains, and Caps, and Teeth, and Boodie's and Horses, and Tastes, and all them there Things, but I'll be pummeled if the best Taste of all is not the Taste of Roast Beef and Venison!
Excellent Definition! most admirable Definition! un veritable Bourgeois! a Cit to the Bone! exclaimed the whole Company; whilst the Room echoes round with Sipping, tittering, and Hore Laughs.
Portrait of the BENEFICENT MAN.
CHERISHED by the most amiable Wife, that great Man was the Object of the most intimate Affections of his Children. His tranquil Mind was always on its Guard against the Sallies of impetuous Passions, and in the Mildness of his Philosophy his Heart knew no other Want but that of communicating its Beneficence. It was enough to be unfortunate to be known by him. The Aged particularly were endeared to him; he seemed to himself to behold in them the august Persons of his Ancestors. A free open Temper, and mirthful Disposition, assembled round him true Pleasures; and luxurious Rioting, banished from his Abode, was replaced by the amiable Virtues of Hospitality. The Cry of the Wretched was his Signal. I have seen him, in the Midst of his Children, walk towards his Villages and Hamlets, and traverse all his Lands, as a River diffusing Plenty. I saw, as he passed along, the Labourer, suspending his Work, the Husbandman, stopping his Plough, and their Children, forgetting their little Occupations, run and embrace his Feet. Joy was painted on their Faces: Their Eyes, fixed on their Master, followed him whithersoever he went; and, when they ceased to see him, they raised their Hands to Heaven, blessed him, and returned to their Labour. On Days when Fertility interrupted rural Business, all the Youth flocked to him with the Sound of Pipes and other rustic Mirth. Lovers asked him for their Mistresses, and Mistresses for their Lovers. The modest blushing Virgin ever made a lively Impression on him. "Lovely Modesty! he was wont to say, thou alone dost lend Graces to Beauty. Engaging to all Eyes, the Sage, in seeing thee, believes he sees Virtue; the sensual Man, Voluptuousness." And, indeed, the modest Virgin was soon preferred by him in Wedlock; he rejoiced in making her happy; he was preparing new Clients, he said, for his own Children, that, by their Care and Guardianship, they might hereafter render them still more happy. Such were the Effects of his Beneficence! they ought to be recorded in Letters of Gold, inscribed on Adamant, or rather deeply engraved on the warmest Affections of all Mens Hearts. This was not all: He schemes the erecting of an Asylum for the Reception, and establishing a Fund, for the Maintenance of all the Poor, Infirm, and Old, on his Estate. The Greatness and Utility of his Design give him a Preface of Death, which he never feared. Conscious Integrity is never struck with Terror: It is the wicked Man that fears, that trembles, at Shadows; and when Fear seizes the Soul of such, it is strong enough to destroy them. The tremendous God of Israel opposed Nothing but Terror to whole Nations. The beneficent Man could appeal to the Testimony of a good Conscience, of a Life well spent; yet he might have Death before his Eyes, and, in this View, he assembles his Children: "You have been born with Sensibility, said he, or I have taught it you. The Distressed have often seen you shed Tears, and Heaven, that has blessed me with its Favours, has made me a Witness of them. Behold these unfortunate People, whose Eyes are fixed on you only. I have always told them, place your Confidence in my Children; they will surely relieve your Distresses. Old Age, my dear Sons, threatens me with the Dissolution of my mortal Frame; promise to carry my Design into Execution, and your Father will die in Peace." They promised, and their Promise was more sacred than an Oath. The Monument was raised, and consecrated to Beneficence. Each Day that happy Father received in his Children the Reward of his Virtues. Tears, the sweetest Tears, trickled from his Eyes, on hearing the Sensibility of his own Nature address him from the Mouth of his youngest Son: "Let us go, Papa, and comfort our good People." He went, and died in the good Office.
L O N D O N, April 14.
THE House of Commons have given Orders that an Account be laid before them showing in what Manner Monies given for the Service of the Year 1771 have been expended, distinguished under their several Heads.
They write from Paris that two Ladies of Quality, Mademoiselle de Cuignes and Mademoiselle d'Augillon, quarrelled a few Days ago about Precedency, and carried their Dispute to such a Height that they went into the Garden and fought with Knives, when one of them was wounded in the Arm, and the other in the Neck.
A Regulation has been lately established at the Bank by which the Discount both of Jew and Scotch Paper, however safe, is totally prohibited. This Regulation is universally complained of, as highly injurious not only to the trading Interest of the Nation, but to the Proprietors of Bank Stock themselves, whose Directors capriciously give up a safe Income by the Adoption of so absurd a Measure, that formerly amounted to six Hundred Thousand Pounds a Year.
Last Week the Bills of the two greatest Houses, perhaps in the European World, were refused to be done at the Bank; and the Alarm occasioned by this Circumstance is so general that many Houses of large Property must, it is apprehended, stop through a Want of immediate Circulation.
The Alarm occasioned by the extraordinary Conduct of the Bank is not confined to England only, but has extended to the Continent; and judicious People much fear that Foreigners will immediately draw their Money from our Funds, since the Fountain Head of Credit thus strangely shuts up one of the principal Streams of Commerce, and leaves a Channel entirely which it furnished at all Times, with the greatest Avidity.
We are well assured Lord Clive has a Furret that runs about the House, and is a great Favourite, whose Necklace (which he wears in common) is valued to two Thousand five Hundred Pounds.
Advices are certainly received that the King of Prussia has concluded a private Treaty with the Courts of Vienna and Versailles, against the Interest of Great Britain and her Allies.
By Letters from Wolfenbuttle, dated March 31st, there is Advice that several Danish Gentlemen and Ladies were arrived in that City, with all their Effects; and as it is well known that they are of the Queen Dowager's Party, it is imagined that there has been, or is like to be, another Revolution.
Advices lately from Geneva say that Voltaire is dead, and has bequeathed Legacies to several eminent Persons, as Rousseau, Hume, D'Arbour, D'Alembert, and to his Servants Annuities, and the remainder to the Congregation De propaganda fide.
Description of Mr. Cox's Exhibition in Spring Gardens.
The Room is fitted up and decorated in an elegant Manner. On the Ceiling of the Dome are fine Paintings in Chiaro Obscuro, by a celebrated Artist; as are the Sides of the Dome, by the same, with the Emblems of the liberal Arts, Music, Sculpture, Painting, and Mathematicks, which are in this Museum so eminently displayed. In the Center of the Room, and at each End, are five magnificent Crystal Lustres, finely cut; four lesser Lustres are also suspended from the Mouths of Dragons at the Corners of the Dome; other Chandeliers and Girandoles of Crystal are also placed wherever Light is necessary to be transmitted; Curtains of Crimson are let down by Machines to cover the Piece, which are also enclosed within a Balustrade of White and Gold; the Doors also are White and Gold, finely ornamented. A Carpet covers the whole Room, also the Stairs; and, by a very curious Contrivance, warm Air is introduced into the Room at Pleasure; the Proprietor having spared neither Pains nor Expense to make it, in every Respect, commodious and agreeable.
The Objects that first strike the Eye are two and twenty Pieces of Mechanism, some nine, some ten, some twelve, and some sixteen Feet high, each blazing with a Profusion of the most costly Gems, disposed of in the most exquisite Taste, and forming a Variety of Figures, which, without the Assistance of so dazzling a Decoration, would be deemed incredible Curiosities. Here an Elephant, richly caparisoned, supports a Pedestal, on which is a triumphal Car, drawn by four golden self-moving Horses. The Elephant itself supports a Table, on which another Car is drawn by Doves round a magnificent Temple of Mother of Pearl, that contends in precious Ornaments for Lustre with the Sun, and actually bids Defiance to every Labour of Description. There Pagodas, pouring out Golconda upon the Sight of the Beholder, rise to the Music of their own Chimes, and call in the Ear (as Congress says it) to "feed its Faculty of Admiration." In some Places, various Flowers of the Year bloom in Jewels, as if pencilled by Flora herself, and expand or contract at the Discretion of the Artist. In others, the whole World of Storks, Dragons, Lizards, Dolphins, in fine all the Tenants of the Air, Earth, and Sea, present themselves to View in Gold, Silver, Agate, Am-

ber, Lapis Lazuli, and Avanturine, enriched with Diamonds, and every Species of Jewels. In short, wherever you turn you find fresh Causes for Wonder and Delight, and feel an honest Exultation in reflecting that so exquisite a Piece of Workmanship was executed by an Englishman. Though the Value of the Materials and Workmanship which compose the Exhibition must be immense, still the Abilities of the Artist, in the Miracles of his Mechanism, constitute the essential Excellence of all, and chiefly excite the Astonishment of the Publick.
A N E C D O T E S.
A BISHOP and a General being in Company, the Bishop gave the French King for a Toast. The General, after drinking it, expressed his Surprise that the Bishop should give such a Toast. I did it, said the Bishop, in Compliment to you; for were it not for the French King, there would be no Need of an Army. When it came to the General's Turn, he gave the Devil; the Bishop refusing to drink it, the General insisted he should, declaring, that were it not for the Devil there would be no Occasion for Ecclesiastics.
T HE late Sir John Astley, Member for Salop, was a remarkable Cocker. About forty Years ago he fought a single Battle for a Thousand Guineas, during which his Cock received a Blow which staggered, and was supposed by every One present to have done for him; but the Feeder immediately handled the Cock, and set him against his Antagonist, whom with one Blow he killed, after which Nichols, the Feeder, took up the Conqueror and kissed his Rump. Sir John preserved him as long as he lived, and when he died erected a Monument to him, on which, in Bass Relief, is to be seen Nichols, the Feeder, kissing his Rump, on whom also he settled an Annuity of fifty Pounds a Year. The Monument is of Marble, at his Seat in the Country, and cost above five Hundred Pounds.
PHILADELPHIA, June 11.
O NE of the Ships which sneaked out of Boston Harbour is watching for Prey in our River, where, in a Manner, below the Dignity of any Thing but —, they fire at, bring to, board, ransack, swear and tear at every Vessel, Shallop, Flat, &c. that they can lay their Eyes on; stopping Men in their lawful Business, and putting his Majesty's Subjects in Fear of their Lives and Liberties; and, in a most undemanding Manner, take every low Method to obtain Indulgence. Last Week they seized a Shallop belonging to Chester, loaded with Flower and Lumber, and maltreated the Skipper; on which the Owner sued the Officer, and he was taken by the Sheriff, when the Captain and several Hands from the Man of War came on Shore, rescued the Offender, and the Captain took the Writ from the Sheriff, and carried it, together with the Man, on Board his Ship.
WILLIAMSBURG, July 2.
T HE Storm of Wind and Hail which fell last Thursday sen'night has ruined many Fields of Wheat, and greatly damaged the young Corn, in several Counties up James River, as well as in New Kent and Gloucester; a Number of Houses were likewise thrown down on several Plantations, and Windows broke to Pieces by the Hailstones, which were remarkably large.
The Governor has issued his Proclamation, and offered a Reward of fifty Pounds, for apprehending one NICHOLAS CURLETT , lately a Tavern Keeper in Winchester, who on the 27th of May last barbarously murdered Mr. Jeremiah Beall, a Merchant of that Place, by firing through his Door at him with a Rifle. It seems Mr. Beall, and some others, had been merry-making that Day, and in the Evening, hearing a Fiddle at Curlett's Tavern, they proposed joining the Company there, but upon their coming were refused Admittance by Curlett, who shut the Door upon them. They persisting in their Resolution to enter the House, Curlett went through his back Door to a Neighbour's for Powder and Ball, and upon his Return, finding them still at the Door, instantly fired. The Ball entered on one Side the Forehead of a young Man, Mr. Beall's Storekeeper, which has been since extracted, and it is thought he will recover. Mr. Beall received his mortal Wound by a Splinter from the Door.
Last Saturday Evening Mr. Cary Goosey, of York Town, a promising young Gentleman, had the Misfortune to be thrown from an unruly Horse, which taking Fright, and his Foot hanging in the Stirrup, he was so much bruised, and otherwise hurt, that he expired in a short Time after being taken up.
Advertisements.
PHILADELPHIA, June 22, 1772.
JOHN BAKER, SURGEON DENTIST, begs Leave to inform the Publick, and his Friends in particular, that (if no unforeseen Accident happens) he will be in Williamsburg about the 22th of next Month, where he will perform all Operations upon the Teeth, Gums, and Sockets, as usual; likewise will have a Quantity of his ANTI-SCORBUTICK DENTIFRICE , for preserving the Teeth and Gums.
ALL Persons having Demands against the Estate of Roger Dixon, late of Frederickburg, deceased, are desired to make them known, and they who are indebted to the said Estate are desired to make speedy Payment, either to Mr. Oliver Towles , Attorney at Law in Spotsylvania (whom I have empowered to act in these Affairs) or to JOHN DIXON , Administrator, with the Will annexed.
It hath been reported (and I fear the Report will prove detrimental to my Brother's distressed Family) that his Debts exceed the Value of his personal Estate, and that, dying intestate, his Lands would be liable for none but English Debts ; but I hereby assure those whom it may concern, that there was a Will found, and proved, wherein he directs the Sale of all his Lands (except his Wife's Dower, the Houses and Lots where he dwelt, and his new Mill near Frederickburg ) the Produce of which will be applied, together with the Debts, as fast as they can be collected, to the Payment of his just Debts, which I must acknowledge amount to a large Sum of Money; but, after the nicest Inquiry we were able to make, his Credits will exceed them by many Hundred Pounds. Delay in the Debts, and too hasty Demands from the Creditors (which I earnestly desire both will avoid) are the only Things that are likely to hurt his Family, in whose Names I address the benevolent Creditor in the Words of the supplicant Debtor: Have Patience with me and I will pay thee all.
A LETTER by the Peggy, Captain William  Albion , addressed to us, containing an Invoice of Goods, is not yet come to Hand. The forwarding it to Walter Peter at Cabin Point , or to us in Brunswick , will be esteemed a Favour. WILLIAM EDWARDS, & Co.
IF Mr. DAVID DOIG, late Deputy Provost Marshal of West Florida, will let his Friends in Scotland know where he is to be found, they can inform him of Something very much to his Advantage. For farther Particulars apply to Mr. Hugh McMillan , in Portsmouth .
A GENERAL MEETING of the GRANVILLE COMPANY is appointed to be held at Hanover Courthouse , on the first Wednesday in August next, of which the several Members of the said Company are desired to take due Notice, and to give their Attendance accordingly. By Order of the Committee.
NORFOLK, June 29, 1772.
WILLIAM PASTEUR, my Apprentice, having absented himself, I hereby forewarn all Persons from harbouring or entertaining him. ALEXANDER GORDON.
To be SOLD, or LEASED for a Number of Years, altogether, or in Parcels,
T HE very valuable Tract of LAND, and beautiful Situation on James River , in the lower End of Amberst County , near Doctor William Cabell's , where I formerly lived, containing about a Thousand Acres, with a tolerable Dwellinghouse, and various other Houses, and Land cleared sufficient to work ten or twelve Hands, chiefly on low Grounds. A considerable Time of Payment will be allowed for Part of the Purchase Money, if desired; but the more ready down, or in a short Time, the better. Some of my Negroes will be sold at the same Time, or hired with the Land, if requested. I shall attend, on the Premises, on Wednesday the 26th of August , when those that are inclined to purchase, &c. may meet me, and make their Proposals. JOHN HOWARD.
To be SOLD, on Wednesday the 15th Instant (July) at the late Dwellinghouse of THOMAS HARRIS, deceased, in Jamestown,
A LL the Estate of William Davis , deceased, consisting of HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE , such as Beds, Chairs, Tables, &c. Also a COUNTRY SLOOP , with her Rigging, Sails, &c. one large and one small BOAT , a NEGRO WOMAN , and sixteen SHOATS . Credit will be allowed till the 15th of January next for all Sums above twenty five Shillings, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to WILLIAM PERKINSON , Administrator.
Just IMPORTED in the VIRGINIA, Captain Robertson, and to be SOLD reasonably by the Subscriber, in Williamsburg,
LARGE Assortment of DRUGS, MEDICINES, &c. namely, white and brown Sugar Candy; Barley Sugar; Almonds; Capers; Spanish Licorice; Slinglass; Pearl Barley; Sago; Salop; Hartshorn Shavings; Saltpetre; Borax; Sallad Oil; Barbary Oil; Hungary Honey, Lavender, and Orange Flower Waters; Cinnamon; Cloves; Mace; Nutmegs; Ginger; Pepper; Allspice; Ladies Sticking Plaster; Eau de Luce; Doctor Hill's Elixir Bardana , Essence of Water Dock, Pectoral Balm of Honey, Tincture of Golden Rod, and Tincture of Valerian; Walker's Jesuit's Drops; Doctor Norris's Drops; Bateman's Drops; Ward's white Drops; Blackie's Lixivium for the Stone and Gravel; Fit Drops for Convulsions in Children; Lancets; Anderson's , and Lee's Cordsials; Doctor James's Fever Powders; Anodyne Necklaces; Daffey's , Stoughton's , and Squire's Elixirs; Fraunce's Female Strengthening Elixir; Turlington's Balm of Life; Ergar's Balm; Freeman's and Godfrey's Cordsials; British Rock Oil; Verdigris; white and red Lead; Prussian Blue; Vermilion; Gold and Silver Leaf; Dutch Metal; Breast Pipes; Nipple Glasses; Oil, and Spirits of Turpentine; Alum; Brimstone; Blue Stone; Copperas; Logwood; Rotten Stone; Potash; Greenough's Tincture for the Gums and Teeth; Urinals, &c. JAMES CARTER.
NORFOLK, June 30, 1772.
WANTED immediately, a sober Lad of fifteen or sixteen Years of Age, properly educated, to serve as an Apprentice in the Business of Surgery, Pharmacy, &c. If he is provided with Bed, Board, and Washing, a Fee will be expected. RAMSAY & TAYLOR.
WANTED immediately, to hire by the Month or Year, a Pair of good SAWERS. Inquire of the Subscriber, at Mr. Charles Minnis's , at the Halfway House between York and Hampton . SAMUEL LONG.
NANSEMOND, June 21, 1772.
WANTED immediately, on Charter for Port Glasgow , a Vessel from three to five Hundred Hogheads. For Terms apply to JOHN HAMILTON, & Co.
TAKEN away, on the 28th of May last, from Northumberland Courthouse , by one Robert Poybress , from the County of Amelia , a Negro Slave named DICK , belonging to the Subscriber; he is a black Fellow, about twenty Years of Age, five Feet seven Inches high, very likely and sensible, has been brought up in the House as a Waiter, is very skilful in the Care of Horses, and a good Rider. He is well known by many Gentlemen, and in all the Towns in Virginia , as he always waited on me whenever I went from home, and is also known by some in Carolina , but is much grown since he was there. The said Robert Poybress pretends that he bought him; but his not having either a Bill of Sale, or a Receipt for the Money, sufficiently proves it to be false. This is to forewarn all Persons from purchasing or entertaining him, as they may expect to have the Law put in Execution to the utmost Extent. I do likewise offer a Reward of TEN POUNDS to any Person that brings the said Slave to me, in Lancaster , if taken in this Colony, and TWENTY POUNDS if out thereof. JOHN WORMELEY.
DINWIDDIE, June 13, 1772.
STOLEN from the Subscriber, on Friday Night the 12th Instant, a bay HORSE about four Feet seven Inches high, with a short Switch Tail and hanging Mane, paces, trots, and gallops very well, has remarkable good Spirit, was shod before, but his Brand, if any, is not remembered. I will give TWENTY SHILLINGS Reward on Delivery of the Horse to me, and FIVE POUNDS on Conviction of the Thief. (Tf) NEILL BUCHANAN , Senior.
PETERSBURG, June 24, 1772.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, in the Night of the 14th Instant, a very likely bright bay HORSE about four Feet nine Inches high, seven Years old this Spring, has a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, paces and gallops remarkably well, but his Brand, if any, is not remembered. Whoever brings the said Horse to me shall have FORTY SHILLINGS Reward, and TEN POUNDS on Conviction of the Thief. THOMAS GORDON.
SURRY, June 29, 1772.
RUN away from the Subscriber, last May twelvemonth, a Negro Man named EMMANUEL , a spare made Fellow, upwards of twenty Years of Age, of a yellowish Complexion, and speaks very hoarse. He formerly belonged to Mr. Simon Hilgard of Elizabeth City , and I am informed he is frequently lurking about there and Wilmington . Whoever brings him to me, or secures him so that I may get him again, shall have FIVE POUNDS Reward. CHARLES REEKS.
TAKEN up, in Orange, a red and white BULL about four or five Years old, marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the right Ear, and a Crop in the left. Posted, and appraised to thirty Shillings. BENJAMIN PORTER.
TAKEN up, in Louisa, a pale red STEER marked with a Crop and Underkeel in the left Ear, and a Crop and Overkeel in the right. Posted, and appraised to three Pounds. RANDOLPH WATSON.
TAKEN up, in Orange, a bay HORSE about four Feet nine Inches high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, some white Hairs on his Nose and Back, and branded on the near Buttock I B. Posted, and appraised to ten Pounds. LAWRENCE TALIAFERRO.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 25, 1772.
BY Order of his Excellency, in Council, the several COUNTY COURT CLERKS are requested to send to the AUDITOR'S OFFICE , by the first Opportunity, Copies of the Bonds entered into by the present and all future Sheriffs of their Counties, respectively, for the regular collecting and accounting for the Quitrents. JOHN BLAIR , Clerk to the Council.
HANOVER TOWN, July 1, 1772.
I WILL leave this Colony before, or soon after, the October General Court next, and beg those concerned in my Stay will accept of this Notice. The Store at this Place, now kept by John McGeorge for Messrs. Donald, Scot, and Company , of Glasgow , will be declined by him on the 1st of September next, in Favour of Thomas Simpson , who, for the same House, will continue to conduct that Business thereafter to its usual Extent, and I hope with Satisfaction to its Friends. As will likewise Richard Anderson the Business at Charlottesville , in Albemarle County , and Samuel Temple at Brown's , in Hanover County , the Company's present Factors at these Places.
Donald, Scot, and Company's Business at Colonel John Bofwell's , in Hanover , being now discontinued, those indebted for Goods sold, or Money advanced to them, at that Store, are requested to make all possible Payments before October next, and in the mean Time to give Bonds for their Balances to Alexander Henderson , with whom the Debts were contracted; who, for the Purposes of settling Accounts, will, from this Time, give constant Attendance at Bofwell's , that no Disputes may afterwards arise, when these Transactions must be finally closed. JAMES DENNISTOUN, Attorney in Fact for Donald, Scot, and Company.
THE Subscriber gives Notice that he is obliged to make a final Settlement of the Copartnership of William Love and Company (now under his Management) by the 10th of November next, and therefore requests all Persons who have any Claims against the said Company to give them in before that Time, that they may be adjusted and paid off; and those indebted to the Concern are desired to make speedy Payments, at any Rate to come and settle their Accounts before the above mentioned Time. Goods which belonged to the late Copartnership of William Love and Company , to the Amount of about two Hundred Pounds Sterling, will be sold to the highest Bidder, on Saturday the 27th Instant , for ready Money, or such Credit as can be agreed upon. WILLIAM LOVE.
JUST arrived, the Thornton, Captain John  Kidd , with about one Hundred and fifty healthy SERVANTS , Men, Women, and Boys, among which are many Tradesmen, namely, House Carpenters, Joiners, Bricklayers, Stone Mason's, Smiths, Taylors, Coopers, Shoemakers, Weavers, and many others. There are also many Farmers and other Country Labourers. The Sale will commence on Monday the 6th of July , in the Wholesale Way, at L-d's Town , but shall retail as soon as the Ship arrives there. A reasonable Credit will be allowed, giving Bond, with approved Security, to THOMAS HODGES.
WILLIAMSBURG, June 23, 1772.
AS several Applications have been already made to the Directors appointed to conduct and superintend the Building and Management of the publick Hospital to receive different Patients, they think it advisable to inform the publick, that, very soon after the Act of Assembly passed appointing them to this Trust, they, by publick Advertisement, invited the different Undertakers who might incline to engage in the Work to give in their Proposals; that several Months elapsed before they could engage with a proper Person agreeable to their Wishes, but at last contracted for the Building to be completely finished on or before the 13th of January 1773, the shortest Period that could be agreed on. To prevent fruitless Applications, and future Disappointments, they take this Method of assuring all whom it may concern that so soon as the Hospital is completed, and fit for the Reception of Patients, they will not fail to give publick Notice of it.
PURSUANT to a Decree of the County Court of Surry , will be sold at Cabin Point , to the highest Bidders, on Monday the 20th of July , six valuable Negroes, consisting of Men, Women, and Children. Six Months Credit will be allowed, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security to JAMES BELSCHES. ALEXANDER ADAMS.
KEYSER'S CELEBRATED ANTI-VENEREAL PILLS.
THE vast Success of this Medicine, certified by the first Practitioners in England and France, having engaged the Attention of several Gentlemen of the Faculty in New York , it was determined to put it to the severest Trial, and to select the most desperate Cases that could be found. Three Men, and one Woman, were fixed upon. Of the four Patients, three were recovered in a short Time; but the fourth, the most horrible in Nature, continued unaltered a very long Time. The Circumstances attending it proving, beyond all Doubt, the superior Efficacy of this Remedy to every other, it is thought proper to publish the following Certificate, given under the Hand of Doctor Hammond Beaumont , Surgeon of his Majesty's twenty sixth Regiment, then in Garrison at New York .
The CASE of THOMAS FLACKFIELD, private Soldier in his Majesty's twenty sixth Regiment, aged twenty one Years.
A BOUT two Years and a Quarter ago he contracted, in the City of New York , an inveterate Lues . He applied to me about a Month afterwards, and then had a very violent Running, with several large spreading ill conditioned Chancres. After the Inflammation had been reduced by the common antiphlogistic Methods, he was put under a Course of mercurial Pills, continued in that Course one Month, and was then discharged from the sick List, to all Appearances perfectly cured; but presently afterwards he applied to me, saying the Distemper had broke out again, and positively denying his having contracted any fresh Infection. The Symptoms then were racking nocturnal Pains , large Ulcers on different Parts of his Body, violent Headaches, and, in short, with all the Symptoms of confirmed and rooted Lues . He then underwent a regular Salivation, and all the Sores healed; his Pains were gone, and he was put on a Course of Decoction of Sarsaparilla , which he continued a considerable Time, with all apparent Success. But before he had finished the intended Quantity, he again broke out in different Parts of his Arms, Legs, and Thighs, with large deep seated Ulcers, discharging a fetid bloody Ichore, and shooting up large Portions of Fungus , in Spite of all Applications; for neither of a caustick, or lenient Nature, neither mild Digestives, soft healing balsamick Applications, Poultices, or dry Dressings, could in the least alter their Complexion, or produce a Discharge any Ways laudable. I then put him upon a Milk Diet , and ordered him a strong Decoction of Sarsaparilla , with the Sublimate Solution twice in the Day, drinking besides three Pints of the Decoction in twenty four Hours. During this Course the Sores again gradually healed, yet before the Whole was found he again broke out in similar Ulcers on Parts of his Body hitherto unaffected, on the Centre of the Os Frontis , which eat quite down to the Pericranium , another on the Scrotum very deep, and at length a large Swelling appeared on his Nose, which soon degenerated into a rank foul Ulcer. Those on the Os Frontis and the Scrotum healed in due Time, but on the Nose continued spreading, together with others breaking out in different Parts of his Body. At this Time he was much emaciated, and I consulted Messrs. Mallet and Anderson on his Case. We agreed to put him entirely on a Milk Diet , to give him Bark with Elixir Vitriol very plentifully, together with the Sublimate Solution at the same Time. He continued this Course for nine Weeks, which was attended with the same flattering Kind of Success; but, alas! a very short Time convinced us that this was only a Respite, for in less than a Fortnight, a fresh Swelling broke out in his Nose, that soon became an Ulcer, which, with the former, ran into each other. The Septum Nasium was soon destroyed, and the spongy Bones were found carious, and came away in large Splinters at different Times. In this Situation I showed him to Doctor John Jones , who recommended the simple mercurial Solution with Argent. Viv. and the Mucilage of Gum Arabick . After he had continued this Course for six Weeks, with no better Success than any of the former, I was applied to by several Gentlemen of the Regiment to let them try DOCTOR KEYSER'S PILLS , to which I consented, and the following is an exact Account of his Condition when he began to take them.
He had one Hundred and twenty nine venereal Ulcers on different Parts of the Body, which had left large deep indented Scars. His Nose was entirely sunk, with an ill conditioned Ulcer upon it, and the few small Portions of the spongy Bones remaining were very foul; he was greatly emaciated, had little or no Appetite, and slept very badly.
He began to take Doctor Keyser's Remedy on the 26th of December 1771, and continued them according to the Doctor's own Directions till the 23th of April 1772, during which Period he has taken eleven Hundred and seven Pills, all which Mr. James Rivington , Bookseller in New York , presented him with, he having a Correspondence with Doctor Keyser . The Operation was in general imperceptible during the whole Course, never in the least affecting his Mouth but twice, and then only slightly warming it, although for a great Length of Time he took twenty Pills in twenty four Hours. His Sores have been all healed a considerable Time past, his Constitution greatly amended, his Strength is surprisingly recruited, and he is to all Appearance perfectly cured.
H. BEAUMONT, Surgeon to his Majesty's twenty sixth, or Cameronian Regiment New York, May 10, 1772.
These famous Rheumatism, Asthma the Sciatica, or Hip G afforded vast Relief in their Use in all Cases, WILLIAMSBURG.

POETS CORNER.
The ORIGIN of a METHODIST.
A new Song, set to a very melancholy Air.
A MADMAN, Fool, and Janus Knave, Downward once took their Way; To Satan brought, he ey'd them grave, And thus was heard to say:  "A Thought just strikes my royal Pate, That these three, blended well, Would make a Fiend as truly great As any Fiend in Hell."  He fang'd them up with eager Speed, He blended them in Haste; Just as a Pastry Cook would knead A Parcel of Puff Paste.  He added Store of Zealot Pride, With flaming Cruelty, And a large quantum self , beside Of black Hypocrisy.  When finish'd, Satan in his Breast Did Flame and Smoke inspire; Of Smoke the larger Share confest'd, But small the Share of Fire.  Upon his Visage stamp'd was Gloom, With murderous Despair; Sure Mark which Fiends (such is their Doom) Must ever, ever bear.  "Hence, hence (cries Satan) hence to Earth, With winged Vengeance fly; Sworn Foe to Cheerfulness and Mirth, Reason and Truth defy."  Let Fear the hellish Agent prove, To awe the vulgar Crew; And paint the Power that rules above In my infernal Hue.  The Sheep's Obstetrix first proclaim Yourself, to aid new Birth; Then blind, and by the Nose lead tame, Those chosen Sheep on Earth.  Their Hides fleece well, and grunt and groan, As your poor Soul were sick; And give all Worship, but your own, A Present to Old Nick.  Against good Works, Hell's dreaded Bane, Faith's Zealot Battery play; Good Works destroy'd, we soon shall reign, And all Mankind obey.  By Melancholy's Road allure To Suicide, Mankind; For few the Torments can endure Of a despairing Mind.  Against the Stage, our greatest Foe, With Noise unceasing wail; For 'tis as sure as Hell's below, Or tear or sue must fail.  Veil'd in Religion's Mask, aloud, Preach Hell and endless Pain; And when you've poison'd all the Crowd, Return to Hell again."
W A N T E D, A MILLER that understands the Management of a Merchant Mill; also one or two Journeyman SHIP CARPENTERS that can carry up the Side of a Ship. Apply to me, in Charles City. BENJAMIN HARRISON.
To be SOLD, on Thursday the 16th of July, at the House of Mr. Christopher Robinson, deceased, in Middlesex, A LARGE Variety of HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE, such as Beds, Chairs, Tables, China, Glass, Pewter, Linen, &c. Six Months Credit will be allowed for every Thing above twenty Shillings, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security to the Executors.
THREE POUNDS REWARD. RUN away from the Subscriber, on Tuesday the 6th Instant (June) a Convict Servant Man named WILLIAM JENKINS, by Trade a Cabinet Maker, about forty five Years old, five Feet one or two Inches high, of a fair Complexion, and wears his own short dark coloured Hair. He carried with him an old dark Kersey Coat, and an Osnaburg Shirt and Trousers. He very likely will endeavour to pass for a Sailor, as he has been on Board several of his Majesty's Ships. Whoever takes up the said Servant, and conveys him to me in Fredericksburg, shall have the above Reward. THOMAS MILLER.
COMMITTED to Isle of Wight Jail, A Negro Man who says his Name is PHIL, and that he belongs to Messrs. Young and Company, of Edenton. He is a black Fellow, about six Feet high, thirty Years of Age, and well made, but speaks bad English. The Owner may have him on proving his Property and paying Charges. JOHN TAYLOR, Jailor.
TAKEN up by the Subscriber, a Negro Woman named MOLLY, formerly the Property of Mr. James Hubbard of this City, and says she now belongs to Mr. David Ross of Goochland. ROBERT HYLAND.
TAKEN up, in Lunenburg, a red COW with a white Face, and white under her Belly, her fore Legs are partly white, marked with a Swallowmark and Underkeel in the left Ear, and a Swallowmark in the right. Posted, and appraised to two Pounds five Shillings. JOHN EPPES.
I INTEND for GREAT BRITAIN soon. JOHN ROWSAY.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of Mr. Thomas Hornsby, deceased, are desired to make immediate Payment to Joseph Hornsby, and those who have open Accounts in the Store, and cannot pay off immediately, are desired to close them, by giving Bond, with approved Security, payable to Joseph Hornsby, residuary Legatee. Such as have Demands against the said Estate are desired to bring them in to Joseph Hornsby. BEN: WALLER, JOHN PRENTIS, } Executors. JOSEPH HORNSBY, WILLIAM HORNSBY, }  Just imported, and to be sold by the Subscriber, a GENTEELE ASSORTMENT of GOODS suitable for the Season, where Customers meet with the same good Usage as formerly.
For SALE, THE Reversion of four Hundred and ninety Acres of Land after the Death of Mrs. Cowen, and now in the Possession of William Cowen, Gentleman. The said Land lies in King William County, about four Miles from Grubfield's and Page's Warehouses, and is very good for Tobacco and Grain. For Terms inquire of the Subscriber. SAMUEL PEARSON.
A PERSON who is well acquainted with the Business of a COUNTY COURT CLERK, and has good Recommendations, would be glad to engage in that Business as a Deputy, for a Term of Years. Inquire of the Printers hereof.
Just IMPORTED from London, in the Virginia, Captain Robertson, and to be SOLD, Wholesale or Retail, by the Subscriber, at his Shop in Williamsburg, A LARGE and complete Assortment of DRUGS and MEDICINES; also Pickles and Spices of all Sorts, fine Sallad Oil, Sack and Rhenish Wines, best Durham Flower of Mustard, Gold and Silver Leaf, &c. &c. &c. WILLIAM PASTEUR.
To be SOLD, in Charles City County, to the highest Bidders, on Wednesday the 15th of July, at the late Dwellinghouse of Agnes Finch, deceased, TWENTY eight likely young Virginia born NEGROES, consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls; also HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE, Stocks of CATTLE, SHEEP, and HOGS. Credit will be allowed to the 25th of December next for all Sums above twenty five Shillings, the Purchasers giving Bond and Security to WILLIAM FINCH, Executor.
THE Subscriber, having served a regular Apprenticeship to the noted Mr. Joseph Carncross, of the City of Dublin, COACH-MAKER, and for many Years past carried on the COACH-MAKING TRADE, in all its different Branches, in Ireland, and in New York, where he had the Honour of making a Coach, Pheton, and Chaise, for his Excellency the Right Honourable the Earl of Dunmore, is now removed, with his Family, from New York to Palace Street, in this City, where he proposes to make and repair all Sorts of Coaches, Landaus, Chariots, Post Chaises, Phetons, Curricles, Chaises, and Chairs, with Harness of every Sort; also Steel Springs, and Iron Work of every Kind relative to the Coach-making Trade; likewise Painting, Gilding, and Japaning. The Subscriber being determined to do all his Work in the best Manner, and on the lowest Terms, humbly hopes those Gentlemen that are pleased to employ him will pay Cash, at least for any Piece of new Work, on Delivery of the same; and will be truly thankful to every Gentleman or Lady who will employ him to repair Carriages, even if the Repairs do not exceed Half a Bit. The utmost Care, and Dispatch of Business, shall be the constant Study of the Publick's most humble Servant, ELKANAH DEANE.  Having two or three spare Rooms, he would be glad to accommodate Gentlemen with private Lodgings. He will also take two Apprentices, who can be well recommended and whose Friends are willing to give a Credit to have them accomplished in their Business.
WHEREAS Wilford (alias Woodford) Kelly, formerly of Stafford County, Virginia, did, on the 12th Day of last Month, sell to me a certain Tract of Land in the said County, containing fifty Acres, for the Consideration of fifty two Pounds current Money, which Sum I then paid him, on his giving me a Bond obliging himself to convey the said Land to me, but the said Kelly has since absconded without performing his Agreement, I give this publick Notice to forewarn other People from being cheated by him; and if any Person will be so kind as advise me where he settles, the Favour will be gratefully acknowledged. WILLIAM THOMPSON.
STRAYED from the Subscriber, the 1st of March last, at Mr. James Taylor's, in Louisa County, a likely light sorrel Mare about four Feet seven Inches high, branded on the near Buttock W B, though so badly done it is not easily understood; she has a small Wound on the right Side of her Face, which matters and runs sometimes. I expect she is with Foal, though I am not certain of it. It is thought she will make towards Graver's Mill. Whoever brings the said Mare to me, in Caroline County, or gives Intelligence so that I get her again, shall have THIRTY SHILLINGS Reward. RICHARD SEGAR.
RUN away from the Subscriber's Plantation on James River, in Warwick County, a Negro Slave named LONDON; he is a stout well made Fellow, not exceeding twenty Years old, and frequently smiles when spoken to; he was taken up last Month at the Great Bridge, above Norfolk, where it is likely he may be gone, or to Petersburg, as he took with him a Cypress Canoe. Whoever secures him in any Jail, so that I get him, or delivers him to me, in York Town, shall be entitled to FORTY SHILLINGS Reward. ALLEN JONES.
FOR SALE, TWO Thousand five Hundred and twenty Acres of LAND on Notoway River, in the Counties of Dinwiddie and Brunswick, about thirty Miles from the Towns of Petersburg and Blandford, to which Places there is a fine Road from the said Land; there is a good Water Grift Mill on the said River, with two Pair of Stones and a Bolting Mill. The Land is a proper Soil for Corn, Wheat, and Tobacco, and has all necessary Houses for Crops. The Terms may be known by applying to the Subscriber, in Prince George County. Long Credit will be allowed for one Half the Purchase Money. THEODORICK BLAND.
To be SOLD by the Executors of Colonel RICHARD COCKE, on the Premises, to the highest Bidder, the 25th of November next, and to be entered on at Christmas, A TRACT of good TOBACCO LAND lying on Bear's Element Creek, in Lunenburg, containing about a Thousand Acres, together with all the Corn, Fodder, Stocks of Cattle, Hogs, Plantation Utensils, &c. The Plantation is in good Repair, and sufficient to work seven or eight Hands. Any Person inclined to purchase may be shown the Land by applying to Captain Ragsdale, near the Premises. 6
To be SOLD on the Premises, the last Thursday in July, pursuant to the Will of John Price, deceased, A TRACT of LAND containing about three Hundred Acres, with good Improvements, and lies convenient to Churches, Grift Mills, and Layton's Inspection of Tobacco on Rappahannock River. Possession to be given the 1st of January next, Credit for Half the Money to that Time, and for the Balance to the 1st of April next, on giving Bond and Security to ANNE PRICE, Executrix. JOHN LEE, Executor.
For SALE, THE following Tracts of LAND, in Pittsylvania, namely, four Hundred Acres on Banister River, six Hundred and seventy on Beaver Creek, three Hundred and forty five on Burch's Creek, three Hundred and eighty on Leatherwood, and four Hundred on Snow Creek. These Lands were formerly the Property of Mr. Samuel Gordon, deceased. The Price, and Time of Payment, may be known by applying to me in Petersburg. JERMAN BAKER.
To be SOLD, on Saturday the 5th of SEPTEMBER next, on the Premises,
THE PLANTATION and HOUSES of South Quay, lately occupied by Thomas Fisher, deceased. As the Place is well known for its convenient Situation to Trade, the Warehouses just repaired, and in the best Order, it is needless to amplify on that Subject. An Account of the Warehouse Rent has been kept for a Year, and amounts to about thirty Pounds. The Lands are subject to the Widow's Dower. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, on giving Bond and Security. Any Person inclined to purchase by private Contract may apply, before the Day of Sale, to the Subscribers, in Nansemond. JOHN HAMILTON, & Co. NORFOLK, June 17, 1772.
WHEREAS little Regard has been paid to the Advertisement lately published by Mr. John Atkinson, requesting his Debtors to meet on the 15th Instant, in Order to pay or settle their respective Accounts, and as there is an absolute Necessity to collect those Debts with the utmost Despatch, I hereby give Notice to all concerned that I propose again to attend at Mr. Atkinson's Store in Sussex County, on Monday the 6th of July next, when all Accounts, remaining unsettled at my Departure from thence, will be put into the Hands of an Attorney, without Respect to Persons, or farther Notice. There will be some likely Slaves to be sold at the same Time and Place, the Terms for which will be agreed on at the Sale. BENJAMIN CROOKER, Attorney for Messrs. Eilbeck and Lawrence, Trustees of Mr. Atkinson.
THE Subscriber, at PITTENWEEN, just below the New DISTILLERY, near NORFOLK, has for Sale WEST INDIA RUM by the Hogshead, and a considerable Quantity of HONDURAS HIGHLAND MOHOGANY, equal in Quality to any Jamaica, from fourteen to forty Inches square, and from eight to seventeen Feet long, which he will dispose of on very reasonable Terms. As he has now removed from Norfolk to the above Place, and intends declining Trade till his old Affairs are settled, he requests that all Persons indebted to him may make speed Payments, and those who have any Demands are desired to apply soon, that they may be discharged. WILLIAM CHISHOLM.
To be SOLD, pursuant to a Decree of the Honourable the General Court, at publick Auction, on the Premises, on Tuesday the 14th of July, and entered on the 1st of January,
A TRACT of LAND, in the County of Northumberland, belonging to the Estate of the late Mr. John Smith, deceased, known by the Name of Fleet's Bay, containing sixteen Hundred and eleven Acres, on which is a Brick Dwellinghouse in good Repair, and all necessary Outbuildings; the Situation is very beautiful, and the Quality of the Land inferior to none in the lower Part of the Country. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed the Purchaser, on giving Bond and approved Security. At the same Time will be sold, on three Months Credit, about sixty NEGROES, large STOCKS of all Sorts, and a considerable Quantity of HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE. And on Friday the 17th of the same Month will be sold, by the same Authority, in the County of Gloucester, and entered on the 1st of January, eight Hundred Acres of LAND lying on the Dragon Swamp, Part of which is good low Grounds, and about fifty Acres of Swamp. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed, giving Bond, with good Security, to GEORGE PURDIE, JOHN BOWDOIN, JOHN SMITH, JOHN LEE.
For SALE, SEVERAL Thousand Acres of LAND in the Counties of Mecklenburg, Halifax, and Pittsylvania, from five to twenty Shillings an Acre, according to Quality and Distance. For Terms apply to Roger Atkinson, near Petersburg. 8
For SALE, ALL that Tract or Parcel of LAND lying in Petersburg Parish, in the County of Gloucester, known by the Name of Paradise, containing, by a Survey, fourteen Hundred and forty six Acres. It lies very convenient to Portopotomac Inspection of Tobacco, on a Creek of York River, and within thirteen Miles of Urbanna; the Soil is exceeding good for Tobacco, Corn, or Wheat, and more than Half imagined to be Woodland, the greatest Part of which is very good, and well timbered. Mr. William Pollard, who lives near the Land, will be kind enough to show it to any Person who may choose to look over it. The Proprietors of this Land live in the Province of Maryland, who have authorised me to dispose of it, and possessed me with their Title Papers for the Inspection of those who may incline to purchase. E S S E X, May 5, 1772. JOHN LEE.
To be SOLD by the Subscribers, Mortgagees of Mr. Peter Copland of Pittsylvania, and the said Mortgagee, in Parcels, for the Benefit of the Subscribers, and others,
SIX Thousand Acres of valuable LAND, lying on Smith's River, Beaver and Reedy Creeks. It is laid off in small Lots; and we do guaranty and confirm the former Sales of the Lands made to sundry Persons by the said Mortgagee, which were subject and liable to our Mortgagee, provided the Bonds for the same already taken, or to be taken, are made payable to us. And we do empower the said Mortgagee to sell and dispose of, for our Accounts, the above mentioned six Thousand Acres of Land, provided the said Mortgagee shall take the sundry Bonds for the same payable to us; and we do confirm and guaranty any Bargain or Sale of his Lands, formerly made by him, agreeable to this Advertisement, to be good and valid, as if the same had been made and done by ourselves. Twelve Months Credit will be allowed for one Half, and two Years for the other Half. PETER COPLAND. PETER RANDOLPH BLAND. WILLIAM BLACK. PATRICK COUTTS.
JAMES HALDANE, COPPER SMITH and BRASS FOUNDER from Philadelphia, in Church Street, near the Church, Norfolk,
MAKES and sells all Sorts of COPPER and BRASS WORK, namely, Still, Brewing Coppers, Sugar Boilers, Fullers and Hatters Coppers, Capuchin Plate Warmers, Tea Kitchens, all Sorts of Ship, Fish, and Wash Kettles, Stew Pans, Dutch Ovens, Tea Kettles, Saucepan, Coffee and Chocolate Pots, Brass Mill Work, Furniture for Coach and Chair Harness, Fenders, Andirons, Candlesticks, Cocks, &c. at the most reasonable Rates. Also tins and mends all Sorts of old Copper and Brass Kitchen Work, and gives the best Prices for old Copper, Brass, Pewter, or Lead. Tf
All Orders from the Country will be punctually attended to. N. B. He deals for Cash, or Country Produce. Those who have old Brass, Copper, Pewter, or Lead, to dispose of, are desired to apply to Mr. Joseph Kidd, in Williamsburg, or to Mr. McCaa, in Hampton, who will receive it for me, and pay them the Value; they will likewise receive old Work to be repaired.
To be LET on LEASE,
A VERY large and commodious HOUSE in the Town of Petersburg, built for a Tavern, and well fitted for that Business; it is two Stories high, has a Number of very convenient Lodging Rooms, and large and small Rooms for the Entertainment of Guests. Any Person qualified for the Business of a Tavern Keeper, with a proper Capital, may find this an advantageous a Situation as any on the Continent. Apply to the Subscriber, who lives on the Premises. THOMAS EGLETON.