The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-04-29 00:00:00

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PARLIAMENTARY PROCEEDINGS.
The SPEECH of JOHN WILKES, Esq; Lord Mayor of LONDON, in the House of Commons, on Lord NORTH's motion for an Address to his Majesty against the AMERICANS.
MR. SPEAKER,
THE business now before the House respecting America is of as great importance as was ever debated in Parliament, It comprehends almost every question relative to the common rights of mankind, almost every question of policy and legislation. I do not mean to enter into so vast, so well trodden a field. I will confine myself to the business before us. The address now reported from the committee of the whole house
appears to me unfounded, rash, and sanguinary, and most unholy to draw the sword against America; but, before administration are suffered to plunge this nation into the horrors of a civil war, before they are permitted to force Englishmen to sheathe their swords in the bowels of their fellow subjects, I hope this house will seriously weigh the original ground and cause of this unhappy dispute, and in time reflect whether justice is on our side. The assumed right of taxation without the consent of the subject is plainly the primary cause of the present quarrel. Have we, Sir, any right to tax the Americans? That is the question. The fundamental laws of human nature, and the principles of the English constitution, are equally repugnant to the claim. The very idea of property excludes the right of another's taking any thing from me without my own consent, otherwise I cannot call it my own. What property have I in what another person can seize at his pleasure? If we can tax the Americans without their consent, they have no property, nothing which they can call their own; we might take their all. The words Liberty and Property, so dear to an Englishman, so pleasing to our ears, would become mockery and insult to an American. The laws of society are professedly calculated to secure the property of each individual, of every subject of the state. The great principles of the constitution under which we live likewise clearly determine this point. All subsidies to the Crown are grants from the Commons, free gifts from the people. Their full consent is always expressed in the grant. Much has been said of the Palatinate of Chester, and the Principality of Wales, and the period of their taxations; but, Sir, there is a more remarkable case in point, which alone would determine the question. If Gentlemen will search the records in the Tower, they will find that the town of Calais in France, when it belonged to the Imperial Crown of these realms, was not taxed till it sent representatives to Parliament. Two Burgesses from Calais actually sat and voted in this house. Then, and not till then, was Calais taxed. The writ out of chancery, and the return to it, in the reign of Edward VI. with the names of the Burgesses, are still extant. Faithfully gave them to the public from attested copies.
But, Sir, it will be said, is America then to enjoy the protection of Great Britain, and to contribute nothing towards the support of that very state which has so long given its protection and security, which has nursed it up to its present greatness? The Americans themselves have given the fullest answer to this objection, in a manner not to be controverted, by their conduct through a long series of years, and by the most explicit declarations. Equally in words and actions, of the most unequivocal nature, they have demonstrated their love, their ardour, their strong filial piety, towards the mother country. They have always appeared ready, not only to contribute towards the expences of their own government, but likewise to the wants and necessities of this state, although perhaps they may not be over fond of all the proud, expensive trappings of royalty. In the two last wars they far exceeded the cold line of prudence: With the most liberal hearts they gave you almost their all, and they fought gallantly by your side, with equal valour, against our and their enemy, against the common enemy of mankind, the ambitious and faithless French, whom we now fear and flatter. Our Journals, Sir, will bear witness to the grateful sense we had of the important services of the Americans, and the great sums we voted to be repaid them for what they expended in the spirited expeditions which they carried through with equal courage and conduct, sometimes without the least knowledge or participation on our part, will demonstrate the warm affection of their hearts to this country. But, Sir, the whole was the gift of freemen, of fellow subjects, who feel that they are, and know that they have a right to be, as free as ourselves. What is their language now, when you are planning their destruction, when you are declaring them rebels? In the late petition of the General Congress to the King, they declare "they are ready and willing, as they ever have been, when constitutionally required, to demonstrate their loyalty to his Majesty, by exerting their most strenuous efforts in granting supplies, and raising forces." This is the unanimous resolution of a Congress composed of deputies from the several colonies of New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, and Providence plantations, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, the counties of Newcastle, Kent, and Sussex, on Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, and the two Carolinas. I have, Sir, a plan of accommodation, which I believe would reconcile all differences. But, alas! Sir, it does not come from any servant of the Crown; it comes from the Noble Lord, to whom this country has the most essential obligations, and is so much indebted for its late splendor and glory. It is to assemble another Congress in the spring, the Parliament of Great Britain and the deputies of the several colonies to meet together, and to be jointly empowered to regulate the various quotas to be paid by each province to the general treasury of the whole empire. I would, in addition to
that plan propose, that a regulation similar to what actually takes place with respect to Scotland be adopted as to America. The proportion of each colony might be settled according to the land tax in England, at one, two, or more shillings in the pound. I am not deep politician enough to know what the proportions should be of each province, and they will vary greatly in half a century; but I speak of their quota being always to be regulated according to the land tax of this country.
The very flourishing colonies of the Massachusetts Bay, Virginia, and South Carolina, for instance, should contribute more. The smaller and poorer colonies of New Hampshire and New Jersey less. But, Sir, I insist not a single shilling can be taken without their consent; and, after this day's debate, should the address be carried, I greatly fear every idea of a reconciliation will be utterly impracticable. The Americans, Sir, have of late, both within doors and without, been treated with the greatest injustice, and even a wanton degree of cruelty. An honourable Gentleman has just told us that they complain of the navigation act, and insist on its repeal. We have authentic evidence to the contrary. In the resolutions of the Congress they repeatedly desire to be put only on the footing they were "at the close of the last war," as to the system of statutes and regulations; nor among the various acts, of which they desire the repeal, do they once mention the navigation or the declaratory act. It is said likewise they wish to throw off the supremacy of this country.
Many express resolutions, both of the General Congress and the Provincial Congresses, are the fullest evidence of the sense which the Americans entertain of their obedience and duty to this country. They are too numerous to be quoted. Their full claim, as it is by themselves, is so well worded, I beg to read it to the House, from their petition to the King. "We ask but for peace, liberty, and safety." Surely, Sir, no request was ever more reasonable, no claim better founded. "We wish not a diminution of the prerogative, nor do we solicit a grant of any new right in our favour. Your royal authority over us, and our connexion with Great Britain, we shall always carefully and zealously endeavour to support and maintain, while Administration are endeavouring to tear asunder those ties which have so long and happily bound us together."
The address, Sir, mentions the particular province of the Massachusetts Bay as in a state of actual rebellion; and the other provinces are considered as aiding and abetting them. Much has been said by some learned Gentlemen to involve them in all the consequences of a declared rebellion, and to encourage our officers and troops to act against them as against rebels. Whether their present state is that of rebellion, or of a fit and proper resistance to unlawful acts of power, to our attempts to rob them of their properties and liberties, as they imagine, I do not determine. This I know, a successful resistance is a revolution, not a rebellion. Who can tell, Sir, whether, in consequence of this very day's violent and mad address to his Majesty, the scabbard may not be thrown away by them as well as by us; and, should success attend them, whether, in a few years, the Americans may not celebrate the glorious era of the revolution of 1775, as we do that of 1688? Success crowned the generous efforts of our forefathers for freedom, else they had died on the scaffold, as traitors and rebels; and the period of our history, which does us the most honour, would have been deemed rebellion against lawful authority, not a resistance authorised by all the laws of God and man, not the expulsion of a tyrant.
The policy, Sir, of this measure I can no more comprehend, than I can acknowledge the justice of it. Is your force adequate to the attempt? I am satisfied it is not. What are your armies, and how are they to be recruited? Do you recollect that the single province of Massachusetts Bay has, at this moment, above 30,000 men, well trained and disciplined, and can bring near 90,000 into the field? They will do it when they are fighting for their liberties. You will not be able to conquer and keep even that single province. The noble Lord proposes only 10,000 of our troops to be there, including the four regiments now going from Ireland; and he acknowledges, very truly, that the army cannot enforce the late acts of Parliament. Why then is it sent? Boston, indeed, you may lay in ashes, or it may be made a strong garrison; but the province will be lost to you. Boston will be like Gibraltar. You will hold, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, as you do in Spain, a single town, the whole country in the power and possession of the enemy. Your fleets and armies may keep a few towns on the coast, for some time at least, Boston, New York, St. Augustine: The vast continent of America will be lost to you. A few fortresses on the coast, and some seaports, only you will keep; all the back settlements will be independent of you, and will thrive in the rapid progression of your violences, and unjust exactions on the towns. The ancient story of the Carthaginian hide will be verified as to you. Where you tread it will be kept down, but it will rise the more in all the other parts. Where your fleets and armies are stationed, the possession will be yours, but all the rest will be lost. I fear, from this day, in the great scale of empire you will decline, and the Americans will rise to independence, to power, to all the greatness of the most renowned states; for they build on the solid basis of public liberty.
Sir, this address is founded in injustice and cruelty. It is equally contrary to the sound maxims of true policy, and to the unerring rule of natural right. The Americans will defend their property and their liberties with the spirit of freemen, with the spirit I hope we should. They will sooner declare themselves independent, and risk every consequence of such a contest than submit to the yoke which Administration is preparing for them. An address of so sanguinary a nature cannot fail of driving them to despair. They will see that you are preparing not only to draw the sword, but to burn the scabbard. You are declaring them rebels. Every idea of a reconciliation will vanish. They will pursue the most vigorous measures in their own defence. The whole conti-
nent will be dismembered from Great Britain, and the wide arch of the raised empire fall. But I hope the just vengeance of the people will overtake the authors of these pernicious counsels, and the loss of the first province to the empire be speedily followed by the loss of the heads of those Ministers who advised these wicked and fatal measures."
Feb. 8. The committee appointed to draw up the address had a conference with the Lords, when Earl Gower acquainted them that their Lordships had consented to the address delivered to them by Lord North, and had filled up the blank with the words "Lords Spiritual and Temporal." On the return of the committee, Lord North acquainted the House of the acquiescence of the Lords.
Feb. 9. The two Houses of Parliament presented to his Majesty the following address: The humble ADDRESS of the Right Honourable the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament assembled. Die Martis, 7 o Februarii, 1775.
Most gracious Sovereign, WE, your Majesty's most dutiful and loyal subjects, the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in Parliament assembled, return your Majesty our most humble thanks for having been graciously pleased to communicate to us the several papers relating to the present state of the British colonies in America, which, by your Majesty's commands, have been laid before us. We have taken them into our most serious consideration; and we find, that a part of your Majesty's subjects, in the province of Massachusetts Bay, have proceeded so far to resist the authority of the supreme legislature; that a rebellion at this time actually exists within the said province; and we see, with the utmost concern, that they have been countenanced and encouraged by unlawful combinations and engagements, entered into by your Majesty's subjects in several of the other colonies, to the injury and oppression of many of their innocent fellow subjects, resident within the kingdom of Great Britain, and the rest of your Majesty's dominions: This conduct, on their part, appears to us the more inexcusable, when we consider with how much temper your Majesty, and the two Houses of Parliament, have acted in support of the laws and constitution of Great Britain. We can never so far desert the trust reposed in us, as to relinquish any part of the sovereign authority over all your Majesty's dominions, which, by law, is vested in your Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament; and the conduct of many persons, in several of the colonies, during the late disturbances, is alone sufficient to convince us how necessary this power is for the protection of the lives and fortunes of your Majesty's subjects.
We ever have been, and always shall be, ready to pay attention and regard to any real grievances of any of your Majesty's subjects, which shall, in a dutiful and constitutional manner, be laid before us; and, whenever any of the colonies shall make a proper application to us, we shall be ready to afford them every just and reasonable indulgence: At the same time, we consider it as our indispensable duty humbly to beseech your Majesty, that you will take the most effectual measures to enforce due obedience to the laws and authority of the supreme legislature; and we beg leave, in the most solemn manner, to assure your Majesty, that it is our fixed resolution, at the hazard of our lives and properties, to stand by your Majesty against all rebellious attempts, in the maintenance of the just rights of your Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament.
His Majesty's most gracious ANSWER. "My Lords and Gentlemen, "I thank you for this very dutiful and loyal address, and for the affection and solemn assurances you give me of your support in maintaining the just rights of my Crown, and of the two Houses of Parliament; and you may depend on my taking the most speedy and effectual measures for enforcing due obedience to the laws, and the authority of the supreme legislature.
"Whenever any of my colonies shall make a proper and dutiful application, I shall be ready to conclude with you in affording them every just and reasonable indulgence; and it is my ardent wish that this disposition may have a happy effect on the temper and conduct of my subjects in America."
Lord North then acquainted the House that he had a message from his Majesty, which he read in his place, delivered in at the table, and is as follows:
G. R. "His Majesty being determined, in consequence of the address of both Houses of Parliament, to take the most speedy and effectual measures for supporting the just rights of his Crown and the two Houses of Parliament, thinks proper to acquaint this House, that some addition to his forces by sea and land will be necessary for that purpose, and does not doubt but his faithful Commons, on whose zeal and affection he entirely relies, will enable him to make such an augmentation to his forces as, on the present occasion, shall be thought proper."
Ordered, that his Majesty's said message be referred to the consideration of the committee of supply.
Feb. 13. At three o'clock the House went into a committee of supply, and came to the following resolutions, which were ordered to be reported:
That 2000 additional seamen, including 490 marines, be employed for the service of the year 1775, at 4l. per man, per month, for maintaining them.
That 105,326l. 16s. 8d. be granted on account of reduced officers of land forces and marines, for the year 1775.
That 870l. 3s. 9d. be granted for allowances for reduced horse guards.
That 628l. be granted for pensions of officers widows, married before 1716.—Also resolved,
That provision be made for the pay and clothing of the militia, and for their subsistence during the time they shall be absent from home, on account of the annual exercise for the year 1775.

No other material business was transacted in the House till Monday February 20, when, to the astonishment of every man within, and every man without, who heard it, as soon as the House had resolved itself into a committee to take into consideration the American papers, Lord North rose, and, after prefacing the motion he intended to make with a long speech, filled with declarations of candour and firmness, expressions of threats and promises, and predictions of blood and peace, he moved, that the Chairman be directed to move the House "That it is the opinion of this committee, that when the Governor, Council, and Assembly, or General Court, of any of his Majesty's provinces or colonies in America, shall propose to make provision, according to the condition, circumstances, and situation of each province or colony, for contributing their proportion to the common defence (such proportion to be raised under the authority of the General Court, or General Assembly, of such province or colony, and to be disposable by Parliament) and shall engage to make provision also for the support of the civil government, and the administration of justice in such province or colony, it will be proper, if such proposal shall be approved of by his Majesty and the two Houses of Parliament, for so long as such provision shall be made accordingly, to forbear, in respect of such province or colony, to levy any duty, tax, or assessment, or to impose any further duty, tax, or assessment, except only such duties as it may be expedient to levy, or to impose, for the regulation of commerce, the nett produce of the duties last mentioned to be carried to the account of each province or colony respectively."
And the motion being repeated, and a question proposed that the said resolution be agreed to, Mr. Echlin moved that the Chairman do now leave the chair. He was seconded by Mr. Van, and a debate ensued, which continued till 11 o'clock, when, the question being put, the committee divided: Ayes 274, Noes 88.
The main question was then put, and agreed to without a division.
Feb. 24. The petition of the city of London against the New England restraining bill was presented, and referred to a committee of the whole House.
Reported the resolutions of Monday last on the American papers.
Read a second time, and committed the bill to restrain the trade and commerce of the North American colonies, and also to restrain them from fishing on the banks of Newfoundland, &c.
Feb. 25. Read a first time the bill for punishing mutiny and desertion, &c.
Lord Effingham complained to the House of the licentiousness of the press, and then produced a pamphlet entitled, "The present Crisis with respect to America considered," published by T. Becket. His Lordship pronounced it a seditious libel, and a daring insult on the King; and, after commenting on the fatal tendency of such publications, acquainted the House that he was in Sweden when the revolution happened, which made the present King absolute, and declared that he looked upon the author of this pamphlet as a man who had the like base designs in view. He moved that the House would come to the following resolutions, which, being read, were unanimously consented to.
That the said pamphlet is a false, malicious, and dangerous libel, subversive of the principles of the glorious revolution, to which we owe our present valuable constitution, and of the rights of the people: Or words to that effect.
That one of the pamphlets be burnt by the common hangman, in Old Palace Yard, on Monday the 6th of March, at one in the afternoon, and another at the Royal Exchange, the sheriffs of London attending at the same hour, on Tuesday the 7th of March.
The offensive doctrines in the said pamphlet are, that taxes, according to our constitution, are not voluntary contributions of the people; that if the Commons refuse to grant the annual subsidies, the King, who is the executive power, may legally raise them without their consent. He may do the same if the nation is threatened or invaded by a foreign enemy, as necessity must govern upon these occasions, and the safety of the nation must not depend on a majority of the Commons, who, for private views, or caprice, refuse to grant the aids for the support of government, &c. The fallacy of these pernicious tenets Lord Effingham observed, had been severely felt by two of our Kings, and if the author was not noticed and punished, people out of doors would be apt to conclude that his Majesty, and the Ministry, countenanced such writings.
Feb. 27. The order of the day was read for receiving the report of the resolution come to in the committee appointed to take into consideration the American papers. Sir Charles Whitworth accordingly reported the resolution, which report was afterwards read by the clerk, and upon the question being put for the House to agree with the committee in the said resolution, it was carried by a great majority.
A petition from several of the manufacturers at Nottingham was presented to the Upper Assembly, read by the clerk, and ordered to lie on the table.
The mutiny bill was read a second time in the Upper House, and committed.
Another motion was afterwards made for the Attorney General to be directed to prosecute the publisher of the above infamous paper.
Feb. 28. A petition from Poole was presented in favour of the fishing bill, and against the petition of the city of London, which was committed to the Coventry committee .
A petition was presented from a deputation of the Quakers, in behalf of their brethren, inhabitants of the island of Nantucket, on the coast of New England, against some clauses in the bill now depending for restraining the fisheries of the New Englanders, &c. which was referred to the committee on American affairs.
A motion was made to admit into the gallery a select number of American merchants concerned in the petition against the bill for restraining the commerce, and prohibiting the fishery on the banks of Newfoundland; and ten names were accordingly given in to the Speaker, who were admitted.
Proceeded on the bill to restrain the trade and commerce of the American colonies, &c. also to consider the petitions of the city of London, &c. relative thereto. Counsel was called in to be heard.
The petition of the merchants of London was read, and witnesses examined to support the allegations.
Mr. David Barclay was the first witness called to the bar of the House of Commons, who acquainted the committee, "that he was desired by the North American merchants to examine several witnesses, in order to prove the allegations of their petition against the fishery bill." He first called to the bar Mr. Brook Watson, to prove the state of the New England fisheries in 1764, by which it appeared, "that 45,000 tons of shipping, and upwards of 3000 men, were employed; and that, from a calculation he had then made, the nett produce of the said fisheries amounted to 220,000. sterling, that he knew they were since considerably increased; that the greatest part of the cod fish was sent to Spain and Portugal, and the produce remitted to Great Britain to pay for English manufactures used in the fisheries, and by the inhabitants of New England; that another part of the fish was sent to the British West India islands for the use of their slaves, and exchanged for produce for the consumption of New England; that the most inferior fish are exported to the neutral or French islands, and exchanged for molasses on very advantageous terms, as the French are prohibited from distilling. These molasses are sent to New England, and manufactured into rum, which is sold for about 14d. per gallon, and used in the fisheries of New England and Newfoundland, as also exported to Guinea, and there exchanged for slaves, many of whom are sold to the French, and therefore eat the fish procured by the New Englanders: That the rum is likewise exported to the southern provinces, and there exchanged for Indian corn,
bread, and flour, which are wanted in New England; that the New England fish is much better esteemed, and bears a higher price in Europe than fish taken at Newfoundland by the west countrymen of England; and that it was his opinion, that if the New England fisheries were stopped, that a great part of a valuable trade would be lost to this kingdom, as there were many reasons why the fishery could not be carried on to the same extent and advantage from Great Britain."
Mr. Stephen Higginson (a native of Salem, in New England) was then called, and proved, "that the colonies of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, did not collectively produce sufficient for the subsistence of their inhabitants, and they received considerable supplies from the Carolinas, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New York: That there is now employed in the cod fisheries about 700 vessels from 15 to 70 tons, which carry about 4,200 men, and that about one half of that number are employed on shore in curing the fish; that about 350 vessels, from 50 to 180 tons, are employed in conveying the fish to market, which carry about 3000 men; that if the cod fisheries are prohibited, about 10,000 men must be under a necessity of seeking employment; and that, as the major part of them would not settle at Halifax, on account of its being a military government, they must either stay at home and want bread, emigrate to the southward, or go to the French at Miquelon and St. Pierre; and as many of the inhabitants at and near Marblehead are Portuguese, Dutch, and other foreigners, it was not unlikely that they might easily be induced thereto: That the fish taken and cured by the New Englanders far exceeded that taken at Newfoundland by the west countrymen, and produced a more considerable price at foreign markets, which he accounted for in different ways, to prove it not practicable for ships sent from England to effect."
Capt. Seth Jenkins (a native of the island of Nantucket) was called to prove, "that the said island contained between five and six thousand inhabitants, nine tenths of whom were Quakers; that the island did not produce more than would maintain 20 families, and that they received their provisions from North Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut; that 140 vessels belonged to that port, 132 of which were employed in the whale fishery, and that 128 of them belonged to Quakers; that they had no other employment in the island, and that the total number of vessels employed in the whale fishery, belonging to New England, was 309 sail, from about 50 to 150 tons; that they went out on the whale fishery all seasons of the year, and made two or three trips when they found fish on the coast, but had lately extended their fishery to Falkland Island, and were sometimes 12 months on the voyage to advantage; that he had known ships from England come on their coast, in search of whales, but were always unsuccessful in catching them, though the Nantucket men, at the same time, succeeded well, so much is experience necessary to that business; that they receive all their manufactures from London, as well for the fishery as for their consumption, and send all their oil to Great Britain, except a trifling quantity to the continent for its consumption; that, in his opinion, if the whale fishery was prohibited, the inhabitants, from their principles, would patiently suffer as long as they could subsist, in hopes that so grievous a law could not long continue; but as there was seldom above three months provision in the island, they must be obliged to emigrate to the southward, as they would on no account go to live under the military government of Halifax."
Mr. Lane was called to prove, "that a million of money was now due from the four provinces of New England to London only, and the greatest part for British manufactures; and that, as two thirds of the remittances were from the proceeds of the fisheries, a most grievous loss must fall on the British merchants, if the fisheries should be prohibited, as their other remittance consists only in some pot and pearl ashes, a few furs, some flax seed, lumber, and ships, which would be very inadequate to the amount of their British debts; that the merchants in New England have remitted with as much punctuality since the disquiétudes in those provinces as they have done for some years past, they having, for four or five years past, overstocked their markets with British manufactures; and the merchants in London are now willing to give them extensive credit, if the trade is again opened."
Mr. Barclay observed, on the above evidences, "that, by the evidence of Stephen Higginson and Captain Jenkins, it was fully proved, that, by the operation of this bill, should it pass into a law, the inhabitants of the four provinces of New England may probably be reduced to famine, by the clause which is to restrain their trade; and that, by the deprivation of their fisheries, that dreadful calamity will not only be increased, but a great number of innocent subjects will undergo a punishment which they do not deserve, as, by their occupation, the greatest part of them are, for the most part of the year, at sea, and consequently have not been concerned in the disturbances at home; that, by the evidence of Captain Jenkins, the inhabitants of the island of Nantucket will, in a more particular degree, be affected from the barrenness of the soil; and they are the more to be commiserated, because, had that island remained within the district of the province of New York, as it originally was, they would not have been included in this bill, it being for about sixty years since the island was made a part of the Massachusetts Bay." To which he added, that as the inhabitants are peaceable and industrious subjects, and by the principles of the majority, and the occupation of the whole, are innocent subjects, it was consequently extremely hard that they should be included in this severe punishment: But he desired to be understood, that the people called Quakers have the same regard for civil and religious liberty as others their fellow subjects, but that their principles lead them to a more patient sufferance of oppression than others, in hopes that their superiors may, by proper and respectful remonstrances, be induced to give them relief; for any other mode of resistance they cannot adopt."
By the evidence of Messrs. Higginson and Jenkins it appeared, how terrible were the ideas entertained of the military government at Halifax; how certain it is that the seafaring people of Nantucket will be constrained to emigrate elsewhere for subsistence, and how probable that some of them will settle amongst the French. By the evidence of Brook Watson it appeared how extensive the fisheries were in 1764; by Hussey and Higginson, how much they are since increased. By the evidence of John Lane it was proved, that a very considerable debt was due to Great Britain from New England, and that if the fisheries are stopped, there is little to be expected from their other means of remittance. By Watson, Higginson, and Jenkins, the impracticability of carrying on these fisheries (to an equal extent and advantage) from Great Britain was clearly demonstrated; and it was likewise shown how dangerous it will be to divert a certain trade, so beneficial to Great Britain, out of its usual channel, as all the advantages resulting from that trade have hitherto centered in this kingdom.
From these combined circumstances Mr. Barclay declared himself led to believe, "that the Honourable Committee would be convinced of the impropriety of passing the fishery bill into a law; and the House, he hoped, would be convinced that the merchants and traders of London do not trouble them with petitions, but when the necessity of their case absolutely requires; and that their only anxiety to be heard at their bar, before measures are adopted, is from the belief that they have it in their power to give such information to the House, as may enable them to adopt measures the most advantageous for the landed and commercial interest of the whole British empire."
March 1. The House deferred the farther consideration of the American papers till Friday.
In a committee went through the bill to restrain the trade and commerce of the American colonies, &c. with several amendments, to be reported on Monday.
MADRID, January 19.
THE last accounts which were brought to the King say, that a Spanish frigate having got between rocks, and through shallow water, to that side where the principal part of the Moorish camp lay, took the batteries in flank, and entirely destroyed them; and firing the cannon from the frigate at the same time, caused such destruction in the camp, that the enemy abandoned it with precipitation; part of them, in their flight, ran towards the out-works of the town, and were killed by the cannon and small arms of the besieged. In this general confusion, twelve men sallied out of the Fort of Victoire, and went to the mouth of the mine at which the Moors were working, and after killing those who guarded it, they threw royal grenades into it, which suffocated the workmen. Then these men set fire to the fagots in the parallel, which according to the same accounts burnt for twelve hours afterwards.
Jan. 31. If the Moors make a general assault as they intended, it is hoped the garrison of Melila, which now actually consists of 200 regular troops and a formidable militia, will be able to repulse them; the latter is composed of those criminals who were condemned to the gallows, and they are to be set at liberty as soon as ever the enemy are obliged to raise the siege.
LEGHORN, Jan. 5. The Levant English frigate failed from hence last Monday for Algiers, whither the Captain is going in order to declare to the Bey of that Regency, that the King his master will have a Consul for his nation at the port of Algiers, leaving to the Bey the choice of the subject.
PARIS, Feb. 5. According to the last letters from Madrid, a courier had arrived there with the news, that the Moors had attempted to take Fort Victoire by assault, but had been repulsed with the loss of upwards of 4000 men.
WARSAW, Jan. 23. The Austrians occupy still more territory in Podolia, where they are throwing up strong intrenchments. Their army in those parts have received orders to hold themselves in readiness to march on the first notice.
It freezes so hard here, since Sunday last, that several travellers were found dead on the roads; others had their noses and ears frozen.
MOSCOW, Jan. 23. On Saturday last, the 21st instant, the rebel Pugatcheff, and four of his accomplices, were executed according to their sentences. Pugatcheff and his principal associate, named Perstieff, were beheaded; the three others were hanged, eighteen were knouted, and sent to Siberia, amongst whom was an officer who was instrumental in fomenting the rebellion. As soon as Pugatcheff was brought upon the scaffold, the detail of his crimes and condemnation were twice deliberately read; he acknowledged the justice of his sentence, and declared to the people in a short speech, that he was not the person he had given himself to be, but that he was a Don Cossack, by name Pugatcheff. His head is fixed on an iron spike over a wheel, on which his body and Perstieff's are placed; and his limbs are exposed in four different parts of the town, where they are to remain till to-morrow; when, it is said, all the bodies are to be burnt, together with the scaffold. The whole of this execution passed without the least tumult, and tranquillity seems to be perfectly re-established. A general pardon is said to have been published in the provinces which were the seat of rebellion.
L O N D O N, February 17.
A RESOLUTION was taken at the last Board of Admiralty, that inspection should be made into the naval stores through all the dockyards of Great Britain.
The petitions of the merchants of London, and the other petitions relative to America, are deferred until the 9th of March.
It is now confidently asserted, that an additional tax will be laid on wheel carriages, which will bring in a considerable sum to the revenue, and affect none but the opulent, and those who are sufficiently able to bear it.
It is said that some members of Administration are not so sanguine in their pursuits as they were a few days since. What this is owing to is hard to guess; but a report is spread, that a great General Officer has given his opinion that a much greater force is necessary than was intended.
There are as many ships fitting out in the several ports for Newfoundland, for the ensuing season, as have been for many years past; their cargoes of fish having of late sold at foreign and home markets at very good prices.
A memorial has been received lately from the Englishmen now confined in the Spanish prisons, under various pretences. It is said they do not amount to less than 600, the major part seamen, and we hear their case will be taken into consideration.
We are informed that the late despatches from Boston make no mention of any acts of hostility being committed between the King's troops and the provincials; and that the report of the re-embarkation of the King's forces is destitute of foundation.
The Lord Mayor has given notice in the House of Commons, that he will make a motion on Wednesday next, of the utmost importance to the rights of all the electors of this kingdom, which is supposed to be the late Middlesex business.
On Wednesday Sir Charles Whitworth took the chair of the committee to take into consideration the ways and means for raising the supply to be granted to his Majesty; and after some time spent therein, the Chairman reported the following resolution: That the clothing and pay of the militia be defrayed out of the land tax for the year 1775. This resolution being reported, the House resolved itself into a committee of supply. Lord Barrington then arose, and after ordering his Majesty's message to be read, moved, that a sum not exceeding £. 67,706:7:1, be granted for the service of the year 1775, to enable his Majesty to augment his land forces with 4383 men, officers and non-commissioned officers included. His Lordship prefaced his motion, with shewing the necessity of the present proposed measure, with explaining the several military arrangements, with stating the force to be kept at Boston, which he said would be about 10,000 men, and with giving general assurances that no more troops would be wanted to enforce the execution of the laws. His Lordship having, in the course of this detail, informed the House that part of the expence incurred would be caused by some additional officers being appointed to each regiment. Col. Barré observed, that this was putting the nation to an unnecessary expence to no manner of purpose. To this Lord Barrington replied, that this arrangement was not to take place but in such regiments as were on actual service, and as the operations against the Americans were intended to be carried on by detachments, an additional number of officers would consequently be wanting. Col. Barré agreed to this reasoning, if that was the mode meant to be adopted in case of hostilities. Mr. T. Townshend insisted, that nearly half the number of men, and all the officers now wanted, might be taken from the half pay and Chelsea out-pension list, without putting the nation to the heavy expence now proposed. He said that there were 16,000 out-pensioners, many of them fit for actual service; and if they were not, they were at least fit to supply the place of the drafts that might be sent to complete the regiments now at Boston; that many of them were young men certified for temporary complaints, and many others who have served a certain number of years; and, on the whole, thought that the greater part of the expence now proposed might be saved, as the difference to pay between the pensioners and those doing duty, was not above a penny a day. The resolution was then agreed to.
In the debate last week Lord Sandwich said, when he came to the Admiralty Board, the navy was in the most ruinous condition; so much, that within the last four years there were no less than forty line of battle ships broke up, and even six in the course of the last year; that there was not six months timber of any kind in

the yards, and in some, he believed, not fifty pounds worth; but that he did not impute the least blame to the great and gallant officer, the first in the world in his profession (Sir E—d H—ke) whom he had succeeded, and who had retired purely on account of his age and infirmities. His Lordship next contrasted the present state of the navy. He said we had now nearly four hundred ships of the line, and several more building in the King's and merchants yards, with a proportionable number of inferior rates, all either stout, clean ships, or vessels newly built; that we had three years seasoned timber in the yards; that all that were not on actual service, or turned into guardships, were in dock, where they could not meet with any injury; that the guardships, which formerly were useless, in cases of emergency, not being fit for sea, nor having rigging, or more than a third of their complement of men, were now ready for any service, at a few days notice; which he instanced in the year 1773, at the time we meant to send a fleet to the Mediterranean, when ten men of war of the line actually failed for Plymouth within three days after they had received their orders. He next informed the House, that there were twenty guardships, three of which of the line of battle were on the American station; that we had squadrons besides in the East and West Indies, the Leeward Islands, and the Mediterranean; that after sufficiently providing for those respective services, we should still have seventeen men of war of the line at home, in clean sailing order, and prime condition, manned by 8000 men, consisting of 7200 seamen and 800 marines; that this was a force fully sufficient to defend us against any sudden attack of the combined fleets of France and Spain, though he was well assured they had no such intention; but if they had, we were prepared for them; and that he would now pledge himself to the House and the public, that with an augmentation of 2000 seamen more, he would supply Government with such a naval force as would at once protect us at home, and be sufficient to enforce its measures respecting America. To strengthen his arguments, he observed, that he had been an instrument employed in bringing about the pacification at Aix la Chapelle during the war before the last; he would not pretend to say, that it was a good peace; but remembered very well that the naval peace establishment was fixed at 8000 men, which was no more than what was now proposed barely for our domestic security. He begged, however, that the House would not understand that he arrogated any peculiar merit to himself, relative to the present state of the navy, compared to what it was when he was called to the head of the Admiralty, for very little of it fell to his share. He had only performed his official duty; it was to Lord North, who had been the means of so amply providing for it in the House; and to his Lordship, therefore, almost the sole merit was due, that our navy was now on so respectable a footing.
The Duke of Richmond controverted several of the positions laid down by the noble Earl, both respecting the disposition of the French and Spaniards; and the force sufficient to resist them, should they make any attempts on these kingdoms, or give an occasion for a rupture by their conduct in the American seas. He again commented very ably on the answer given by the French Minister. What does this answer import, says his Grace, supposing it to be literally kept on their part? That if you detect any of their ships trading with our American subjects, we shall be at liberty to seize them, and confiscate their cargoes. Does the noble Earl pretend to interpret this explanation generally, so as to authorise our taking their vessels at sea? If he does not, what can such a vague deluding promise avail? If he does, then I will venture to assure his Lordship, that he is miserably deceived; and that the first attempt to prevent French or Spanish ships from navigating the American seas, for pretences will never be wanting on such occasions, will furnish them with an opportunity of asserting their maritime freedom, of making reprisals, and of justifying their conduct to the other great states of Europe, who are known to have been long jealous of what they are pleased to call our despotic claim to the sovereignty of the ocean. The noble Earl gives us a melancholy account of the deplorable ruinous state of our navy at the time he came to preside over our naval concerns. He says our ships were rotten, and our guardships useless. I would be glad to know from his Lordship what have been the means employed to work this almost miraculous change.
Lord Sandwich replied that the case was now entirely different from what it was in the year 1770, for that towards the conclusion of the last war, when the public exigencies called for a powerful fleet, they were glad to make use of green timber, or any kind of timber, in the construction of our ships of war; that those ships rotted at the end of five or six years; whereas those built lately would stand thirty, as they were built of seasoned timber, of which we had a large three years stock; and that besides we made use of another precaution, which was still seasoning the timber while the ship was building, by giving orders that no man of war should be hastily built, or launched in less than three years after she was put on the stocks.
It is universally reported, that Austria, France, and Sweden, are in alliance against the King of Prussia, and intend to attack him once more, taking advantage of his age and infirmities, which will not permit him to head his armies in person, as he did the two former successful wars.
The consequences of an American war (which Heaven avert!) to England will be, estates in houses selling for nought; in land high; money very scarce, and public credit low; no debts paying; no trade stirring; the manufacturers starving; poor rates rising; and thieves increasing.
By some private letters which arrived a few days since, at the office of one of the Secretaries of State, from several of the seaport towns in Spain, information was brought that the greatest warlike preparations are carrying on with the utmost secrecy and despatch.
An intelligent correspondent assures us, he has received advice from the Indies, that the French have 8000 men in the Mauritius, ready armed, to execute any scheme in that part of the world.
By a private letter from Jamaica, an account is received of some of the principal planters, men of immense fortunes, in the French island of St. Domingo, having been lately committed to prison, by order of the French Governor, for circulating some of the English papers from Boston and Virginia, which they had translated, in order to excite the people to support their liberties, after the example of the British American subjects.
Advises just received from Holland mention, that the Dutch stockholders are so much alarmed at the uncertainty of events which the American measures may occasion in our national credit, that they are about to give orders for selling out of the English funds. Private letters from Switzerland convey information of a similar nature.
Extract of a letter from YORK, Feb. 23.
"This day there was a meeting of a number of the inhabitants at the Guildhall, for the purpose of petitioning the House of Commons to enforce the American acts, in imitation of that presented from Birmingham. The business was opened by a Gentleman in a very forcible speech, but the proposal was quashed without a division."
Feb. 24. Yesterday a Court of Common Council was held at Guildhall, to take into consideration the report of the committee appointed on Wednesday, when it was agreed, after some alteration, to petition Parliament against the bill now in agitation for restraining the Americans from fishing on the banks of Newfoundland.
The naval force in the West Indies is to be reinforced by three frigates, which are now getting ready.
Letters from Senegal advise, that two of his Majesty's frigates were gone to Sierra Leone, to inquire into several irregularities on that part of the coast. It is added, that most of the French ships are mounted with carriage guns.
It is now generally imagined, by the intelligent, that a change in two departments of Administration will be made in the course of a few weeks.
By a person lately arrived from Oporto, we are informed that four Spanish men of war were in that harbour, bound for the East Indies, who were taking Portuguese troops on board, to be left in their way at the Brazils.
Advises from Gibraltar say, that, by the great preparations making by the Moors at Ceuta, a design of a very uncommon nature seems to be in agitation.
The Juno, Windown, from Virginia, which was on Mockbeggar Bank, is since left.
Feb. 25. A patriotic member of an august Assembly has declared, that he will assuredly introduce the impeachment of a great character, should he only be backed by a single voice in the House.
Some important discoveries of state machinations will be made public in a few days in a certain Assembly, which will reflect no less honour on the discoverers, than disgrace on the practisers of them.
It is confidently asserted, that the Ministry have received certain information that the French are bent upon a war, as soon as ever they shall be in a condition to commence hostilities; and that their fixed intention is to make England the theatre of it, by carrying the sword into the very heart of the kingdom.
Yesterday an express was sent to Admiral Graves, Commander in Chief of the British Squadron at Boston.
Whilst all our important forts and islands are unguarded and naked to the attacks of any enemies, it is remarkable we have a powerful squadron and a large body of land forces at Boston, keeping our own subjects in awe, and menacing them into measures of Administration.
A letter from Boston gives an account that the number of inhabitants in the province of the Massachusetts Bay amount to upwards of 200,000 souls. The same letter adds, that 40,000 of the above are capable of bearing arms, 20,000 of whom have been regularly exercised, for several months, by some old and experienced officers, who served in the late war.
They write from Jamaica, that the people there are greatly alarmed at the number of men of war the Spaniards have stationed at Hispaniola, several of which are daily cruising off that island, and what vessels they meet with they stop, under pretence of searching for contraband goods. They are uncommonly careful in examining all papers they find on board, for which purpose every ship has a linguist, who is generally Irish. If they find provisions or liquors they like, they make no scruple to take them. They took out of an English ship, bound from Teneriff to Jamaica, a quantity of wine. The letter further says, that the commander stationed there has sent home for instructions how he shall behave on this occasion, and in the mean time has ordered a convoy to all vessels trading from island to island.
A letter from Paris gives an account that a vessel sailed from the south of France for Virginia the beginning of February, with a number of French Huguenot officers, as well as several from the Irish Brigades, taking with them a number of labourers and artificers, in order to settle in that country, imagining to make their fortunes in the present critical crisis.
Extract of a letter from GOSPORT, Feb. 24.
"Orders are come down for his Majesty's ship Cerberus, Capt. Chads, to fit for Boston, and she is to carry three Generals out."
"Last night the money came down in order to pay the Warwick, which lately came from the East Indies."
"It is said that the ships intended for Boston are all to be at Spithead by the middle of next month."
"Remain at Spithead seven ships of war, and in the harbour eight."
Feb. 27. The 22d, 40th, 44th, and 45th regiments (which have been for some time talked of to embark next for America) have received orders for immediate embarkation, which makes the present reinforcement to consist of one regiment of dragoons and seven of infantry.
We are assured that a great Personage has insisted that no Colonel whatever, of any of the regiments intended for America, or at present there, shall stay from their corps.
We are assured from undoubted authority, that the three Major Generals, and the troops, both horse and foot that are destined for America, are to embark with all possible expedition.
Six independent companies of invalids are only to be raised; all the officers are settled.
Extract of a letter from WARSAW, Feb. 9.
"A fresh body of Russian troops, consisting of 6000 men, have entered this kingdom, and advanced as far as Wilna; the rest of the Russians have entered Lithuania, marching in two columns, one of which has passed through Samogitia, and the other by Breslaw and Wilkomierz, and both directing their march towards Kowno: It is said they are to meet a large body of Russian troops at the River Niemen, and that they are to act in concert, to revenge some affronts the Emperor has offered to both powers in their Polish dominions; so that in all likelihood we shall have this miserable country over-run with foreign soldiers more than ever. The King of Prussia has more than 300 shipwrights employed at Koningsburg and Memel."
Orders, it is said, are sent to Portsmouth for the men of war designed to sail for Boston, to be ready at Spithead the 12th instant, by which time the three Generals will be ready to embark with their troops.
A letter from Harwich mentions, that on Saturday last one of his Majesty's armed cutters took a large Dutch dogger, laden with tea, coffee, and Holland's geneva, off the Essex coast, and carried her into that port.
March 2. A correspondent thinks it an odd circumstance, that the Cerberus (whom the Poets feign to be the three headed dog that guards the mouth of hell) should be the ship appointed to carry over to America the three Generals appointed to tame the Americans.
A short time since Messrs. Horton and Norton, of Norton, in Staffordshire, married the daughter each other, and then the old men kneeled down, and asked each others blessing.
Three thousand butts of porter are ordered on board the fleet bound to Boston, for the use of the army which are already there, and who are in a bad state of health for want of Beer, &c.
We hear it is to supply the deficiency of the hope of a revenue from America that there is to be a land tax laid on Ireland, and that on Scotland to be increased equal to the English land tax, and the same reasons that are given for forcing America to give against their will, contrary to charters and original rights, will serve as well against them, as against America, being supported by the expensive battalion of 500 mercenaries, joined to the rest of the standing army. This has transpired from the gang who have urged a madman to publish papers on this subject, in order to try the temper of the people.
Tuesday night some despatches from America were received by express at Lord Dartmouth's office, which were brought over by the Rebecca, Capt. Saunders, arrived at Exon, from New York.
March 3. A report is current, that Sir Joseph Yorke will be recalled from the Hague to occupy a considerable American department.
Lord North has held more conferences with his Majesty within this month past, than has been known since the time of his commencing Premier.
Early yesterday morning an extraordinary courier arrived express at St. James's, with some despatches from Lord Shelburne, at the Court of Madrid.
We make no doubt but every well-wisher to American independence, will be very happy to hear that a considerable sum has
already been subscribed, and paid into the hands of Messrs. Savre, Coote, and Co. Bankers, in Oxford Street, by the patricious members of the Bill of Rights society, and other friends to constitutional liberty, and that they have contracted for a large quantity of provisions, wearing apparel, &c. which they intend to forward with all possible despatch to Boston, for the relief of the distressed inhabitants of that place.
By a Gentleman lately arrived from Paris we are assured, that the Sardinian Ambassador at that Court has been treated in such a manner, that he has written to the King his master to be recalled.
Advice is received, that the Empress Queen, and some other neighbouring powers, have given immediate orders to repair and strengthen all the frontier towns, giving it for a reason, "that when once his Prussian Majesty is on the march, it is hard to tell where he will stop; for, having a numerous army equipped and ready for the field, it was conjectured he had some important expedition in view."
A letter from Leghorn says, that a Venetian squadron is now cruising off the mouth of the Adriatic sea, along the Mediterranean coast; but for what purpose is not known.
When the Forester, Mounsford, now in the river, left Amsterdam, two Dutch vessels were preparing to sail with troops, provisions, and military stores, for the Dutch islands in the Indian ocean.
March 4. An officer from the Commissioners and Customs attended the House of Lords yesterday, and presented an account of the exports from England to North America from Christmas 1749 to Christmas 1773 inclusive; and also an account of the imports and exports to and from America the West India islands during the above period.
Extract of a letter from HAMBURGH, Feb. 23.
"A few days ago a Board of Commerce was held in this commercial city, at which all the capital merchants trading to North America were present, when Mr. Matthew, the British residing Minister here, notified to them, that no merchant of this place shall dare, either directly or indirectly, to trade to America, or supply the Americans with any kind of merchandise, or provision of whatever denomination, and under pain of confiscating the vessel and cargo."
"Our politicians look upon it as a very remarkable circumstance, that upwards of 70,000 tons of oats were purchased in Scania and Swedish Pomerania, for the account of the British victualling office, which has the appearance of their expecting an approaching war with Great Britain."
"The King of Prussia has of late given a new wound to the commerce, as his Minister at Warsaw has delivered a note to the Delegates, setting forth, that it is his Royal Master's will that all foreign goods whatsoever that shall pass through his dominions to the dominions belonging to the Polish republic, as also all the production of that republic that shall pass his dominions for foreign account, shall pay a duty of twelve per cent. by which he will force the Poles to take no other commodity but what is manufactured in his dominions. Query, How does this consist with his late declaration to Great Britain?"
Yesterday a full Board of Admiralty was held; at the breaking up of which orders were sent to all the officers of the marching regiments to review the same, and make a due return thereof to the war office by the 1st of April next.
The Mary, Edwards, from North Carolina is arrived at Dover.
On Friday last when the American fishery bill was proposed in the House of Commons to be committed, it met with a conditional opposition by Sir John Griffin Griffin, who, after expressing his sincere wishes to see an happy conclusion put to the American disputes without bloodshed, declaring, that on reading the printed bill, he felt himself alarmed, and was jealous that, if the greatest caution and delicacy was not to be used in perfecting the bill, it would rather provoke than effect any good purpose; and that he would not therefore, without certain assurances, give his consent to its going to the committee. He concluded, that the first operation of the bill should be so calculated, that the innocent might at no event be confounded with the guilty, and observed, that the power given to the government and council of New Hampshire and Massachusetts Bay, to take off the restrictions laid by this bill by proclamation, appeared to be so limited, that they could not issue such proclamation so as to secure those who were evidently well intentioned from the penalties of the act; and then put a case by way of explanation, and insisted, that in common justice the commencement of its operation should be delayed to such a period as ought to give those so inclined time to return to their duty; and concluded, that if this was not to be the case, he should be adverse to its going one step further, and that on the contrary, if he heard from authority that none but the unrelenting and intractable could feel its influence, he should wish the bill succeed, considering it as very proper and consistent with every resolution taken on the subject of our unhappy disputes with America.
Lord North replied, that it was intended in the committee to fill up the blanks in such manner as might answer the purposes wished for by the honourable Gentleman, and that the first operation of the bill might not have effect sooner than at the expiration of one month at least after its arrival.
A most extraordinary and uncommon petition was presented on Friday to the House of Commons by Gregour Drummond, Esq.; one of the Adjutants of the Middlesex militia, stating, that by an act of the Scotch Parliament in 1663, the clan of Gregour, or M'Gregour, were prohibited from using or taking said surname in future, and praying that leave may be given to bring in a bill to repeal said act, and be at liberty to re-assume the names of their families and ancestors.
An express is arrived from Italy with the melancholy account of the death of Mr. Dowdeswell, one of the Knights of the shire for the county of Worcester, and the real patriot of this country. Sir Edward Winnington, Bart. and Mr. Ligon, jun. are gone down post to offer themselves candidates to fill up his seat in the House of Commons; it is the general opinion that the last mentioned will be the man.
Last month upwards of 20,000 l. worth of ordnance stores were shipped for the use of the King of France, by order of French agents in different parts of this kingdom and Ireland, but on an information to the Board of Admiralty they were all ordered to be unloaded, and stored in the warehouses till further orders.
A private letter from Jamaica mentions, that an English snow, Capt. Letcher, had lately arrived there from St. Eustatia; that in her passage, having met with a hurricane, she was driven on the coast of South America, and on her attempting to enter the harbour of Carthagena, the guns from the fort fired on the snow, on which the Captain immediately brought too, and was boarded by the crew of an armed Schooner, who stripped Capt. Letcher of his coat, waistcoat, and gold laced hat, on which a passenger addressed them in Spanish, and required to know their reasons for such inhospitable treatment; he received for answer, that the English were no better than pirates, that the Governor had ordered no English ship should enter that port, and accordingly obliged the snow to tack about and stand out to sea; although she was in the utmost distress, and in great want of water, they refused to give her the least assistance.
The troops destined for America are now on their march for the seaports, where the transport vessels are ready prepared to receive them, but we hear that they are in hourly expectation of orders to countermand this disgraceful expedition.
The measures the man behind the curtain has prescribed, look much like facilitating the conquest of these countries; he has, for these ten years, been weakening every nerve of England. The ruining the East India Company, and of America, are great strokes towards destroying the wealth, as well as the strength of the kingdom.

POETS CORNER.
ON BEAUTY.
HOW swift doth beauty glide, alas! How like unto a shade? No stay it makes, but quick does pass From late the blooming maid.
NORFOLK, April 20, 1775.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Public that he now commands the Sloop Agnes, about 1800 Bushels Burthen, a prime Sailer, and well built, with good Accommodations for Passengers; he proposes to follow the Country Trade in common, and for the most Part, Rappahannock River:
GEORGE BRUCE.
N. B. He will never refuse a convenient Freight to New York or Philadelphia, and may at any Time be heard of by directing a few Lines to the Care of Mrs. Ann Winterton in Norfolk.
To be sold by Auction,
At the Meeting of the Merchants in May next, for Cash or short Credit, about 600l. Sterling Worth of
EUROPEAN GOODS.
STOLEN from a House in Williamsburg, a large SILVER LADLE, with a round Bowl, and a
Handle like a Spoon, marked C. and stamped I.G. — A good Reward will be given to any Person who will deliver it to the Printers.
FOR SALE, THE HIGH BLOODED HORSE
DOTTEREL.
HE is full 15 Hands 3 Inches high, and remarkable for the Strength and Beauty of his Form, being in every Respect worthy of his high Descent, which is from the best Stock in England, as may be seen by his Pedigree, in the Hand Writing, and signed by Sir John Pennington, who bred him.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Peterburg, on Wednesday the 12th Instant (April) a yellow Fellow named PETER, about 24 Years of Age, and about 5 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with long bushy Hair, and had on, when he went away, a Dowlas Shirt, blue Coat, Leather Breeches, a Felt Hat, and Virginia Yarn Stockings.
DANIEL DODSON.
All Persons are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Colony, or harbouring him, as they shall answer the same at their Peril.
TEN POUNDS REWARD.
DUMFRIES, April 6, 1775.
RUN away, two Convict Servant Men, just imported from London, in the Justitia, Capt. Kidd, lying at Leeds Town, viz. — WILLIAM PEARCE, a stout likely Fellow, 5 Feet 8 or 9 Inches high, with red Hair, a fair Complexion, tolerably well dressed, and about 25 Years of Age.
They left the Company in which they were travelling a few Miles above Leeds Town, and both will certainly endeavour to pass for Sailors. To those used to the Smell of Servants just from a Ship they will easily be discovered, unless they have procured new Clothes.
ANDREW LEITCH.
TAKEN up, at Swan's Point Ferry, some Time in February last, a large MOSES BUILT BOAT, about 14 Feet Keel, 6 Feet Beam, with a Ring and Ringbolt to her Stem, and a Painter 4 Feet long.
APRIL 5, 1775. JOHN HARTWELL COCKE.
TAKEN up, at Tucker's Mills, near Norfolk, a CLINCH WORK BOAT, 12 Feet Keel, the upper Stake painted red, the next Stake of a Chocolate Colour, and from that to the Water Line painted white.
Also taken up, a PETTIAUGER about 20 Feet long, sharp at both Ends, made of Poplar. Potted, and appraised to 7s. 6d. GOODRICH BOUSH.
TAKEN up, near Hatcher's Creek Mountains, Buckingham, a dark red STEER, 3 Years old, marked with a Crop, Underkeel, and Hole, in the right Ear, and a Swallowfork in the left. Potted, and appraised to 25s.
MATTHIAS AYRES.
AUGUSTA County, April 15, 1775.
ALL Persons indebted to the Estate of
John McClanahan, deceased, are desired to make speedy Payment; and those who have any Demands against the Estate are desired to make them known to
ALEXANDER ST. CLAIR, Exec'r.
FORTY SHILLINGS REWARD.
FOR apprehending RALPH, a Virginia born Negro Man, about 23 Years old, 5 Feet 8 or 10 Inches high, well made, and of a yellowish Complexion; had on, when he went away (the Beginning of Sept. last) a blue Fearnought Waistcoat, white Cotton Breeches, Canvas Shirt, and coarse Felt Hat.
RICHARD CORBIN, Jun.
LANEVILLE, April 20, 1775.
FREDERICKSBURG, April 12, 1775.
ALL Persons indebted to William Houston,
either by Bond or open Accounts, are desired to settle, and pay their respective Balances to John Holladay, Junior, who is properly authorised to receive them.
WILLIAM HOUSTON.
To be SOLD by the Subscriber, at her Store in Williamsburg,
A large and well chosen Assortment of
G O O D S, WHICH CONSIST AS FOLLOWS, VIZ.
MINIONET and blond Lace and Edgings, white Satin and Lustrine, a number of black, white, and other coloured Silk Petticoats, Patent Net Aprons and Hoods, superfine Fancy and Dress Caps, Stomachers and Knots, Tambour Muslin, Waistcoats and Sword Knots, white, coloured, and raw Silk Stockings, brown Thread and Cotton Stockings, black Silk ditto, Cane and Silk Hats, French Flowers for trimming ditto, Silk Gloves and Mts., Leather and brown Thread ditto, fine stamped Irish Muslins for Ladies Gowns, which are remarkable for their beautiful Colours, Silk and Lawn Pocket Handkerchiefs, Salmon coloured plain and striped Dimities, Ladies Riding Hats and Feathers, French Trimmings, black and coloured Gauze Handkerchiefs, Silk Purse, Wire, Gauze, and ribbed Catgut, Boys Caps and Feathers, India Cotton for Work, Rolls and Curls, Children's Shoes and Stockings, Satin Cloak and Teresas, Fans, Garnet set in Gold, plain Gold and Paste Brooches and Lockets, set Combs, Paste Bows, Crosses, Sprigs, and Pins, plain Gold, Paste, and Silver Stock Buckles, Marcassite and Paste Necklaces and Earrings, Gold Wires, Diamond and other Pencils, Silver bowed Scissors and French Sheaths, Thimbles, Watch Chains, Lancet Cases, Silver Shoe Clasps, Tea Tongs and Salt Shovels, a Silver Tea-spoon, Trea, and Pap Boat, an exceeding good Silver Watch to be sold at 50 per Cent.
At the same Place may be had a Parcel of LOAF SUGAR.
As I purpose going to England as soon as I dispose of my Goods (till Liberty of Importation is allowed) I am under the Necessity of not parting with a single Shilling's Worth without Cash; and I request, as a Favour, that all who are indebted to me will pay off their Accounts this Meeting, and all Persons having demands against me are desired to call immediately for their Money. CATHERINE RATHILL.
TO BE SOLD,
At Mr. GABRIEL GALT's Door in RICHMOND, on the first MONDAY in MAY 1775,
THE Tenement in the back Street in
the old Town of Richmond, some Time ago in the Tenancy of Mr. Patrick Coutts, lately occupied by Mr. Archibald M'Kendrick. The Premises consist of two Dwelling-Houses, a Kitchen, a small Lumber House and Stable, a Garden and Pasture, including four Lots newly pailed in the best Manner. The Time of Payment will be made known on the Day of Sale, by JAMES CURRIE.
A BLACKSMITH
To be HIRED out till CHRISTMAS next, or the 25th of DECEMBER 1776.
HE is a hearty, stout, young Negro Fellow, honest, diligent, and of submissive Temper, who can execute all Sorts of plain Work in the best Manner.
JOHN RUFFIN, Junior, Guardian for Theo. B. Ruffin.
TO BE SOLD,
In the Town of RICHMOND, on TUESDAY the 2d of MAY, if fair, if not, the succeeding fair Day, pursuant to the Will of the late JAMES GUNN,
A VALUABLE Tract of LAND, supposed to contain about 400 Acres, within three Miles of the Town, and conveniently situated otherwise; ten exceeding likely NEGROES, Men and Women; a great variety of valuable HOUSEHOLD and KITCHEN FURNITURE; Stocks of HORSES, CATTLE, and HOGS. Credit will be allowed, for all Sums above five Pounds, till the first Day of Oct. 1776, the Purchasers giving Bond, with approved Security, to bear Interest from the Day of Sale if not discharged by the 25th of the Month in which they become payable.
TURNER SOUTHALL, JAMES LYNN, JAMES BOONNAN, PATRICK COUTTS, JOHN PENDLETON, Executors.
RICHMOND, April 8th, 1775.
The Creditors are requested to make known their Demands to John Pendleton, Jun. in Richmond.
FOR SALE,
A NEW Brig, burthen about 115 Tons now on the Stocks, and ready for launching. Her upper Timbers are altogether of Black Walnut, Cedar, Locust, and Mulberry. The Terms of Sale will be made known to any person inclining to purchase, by applying to the Steward at Stratford, the Seat of the late Hon. Philip Ludwell Lee, Esq; in Westmoreland County.
THE NOTED HORSE
PARTNER,
LATELY the Property of Col. Thomas Mann Randolph, in high Perfection, stands at my House on Rowanty Creek, in Dinwiddie County, about 16 Miles from Petersburg, to cover Mares at a Guinea the Leap, or five Pounds the Season, to be discharged by the Payment of three Guineas on or before the 1st Day of October next.
ROBERT SKIPWITH.
TO BE SOLD
To the highest Bidder, at BLANDFORD, on MONDAY the first of MAY next, for ready Money, Tobacco, or Merchants Notes payable the ensuing Meeting,
TWENTY FIVE
LIKELY NEGROES,
Consisting of Men, Women, Boys, and Girls. CHARLES DUNCAN.
RICHMOND, April 12, 1775.
WHEREAS I intend to leave this Colony in a short Time, and being willing to give all the Satisfaction in my Power to my Creditors, I have executed a Deed, and made over in Trust, to Robert Burton and Andrew Chalmer of this Place, and Anderson Peers of Goochland County, all my Effects, and the Remainder of the Debts due to me for Transactions at this Place, and also of those due for Transactions with Anselm George, at the Store lately kept by him on my Account at Giles Harding's, in Goochland County, after satisfying an Assignment on the Books made to John McKeand on the 18th of March last, for £. 343: 18: 7 Currency.
ARCHIBALD M'KENDRICK.
All Persons indebted to Mr. Archibald M'Kendrick are hereby requested to be as speedy as possible in making Payment, or otherwise to adjust their Accounts, and grant Specialties for their respective Balances, that we may be enabled to settle his Affairs as soon as possible.
ROBERT BURTON. ANDREW CHALMER.
FREDERICKSBURG, April 12, 1775.
ALL Persons indebted to the Subscriber,
either by Bond or open Accounts, are desired to settle, and pay their respective Balances to John Holladay, Junior, who is properly authorised to receive them.
JACOB WHITLER.
King Herod
WILL cover Mares the ensuing Season at 4l. each. The Gentlemen who send Mares will be expected to make Payment upon taking them away. Should any stray from the Pastures, and be lost, I will not be answerable for them.
ROSEGILL, RALPH WORMELEY, Jun. April 1, 1775. (4)
To be rented, and entered on immediately,
THE
TAVERN at Leeds Town,
Now in the Possession of the Subscriber. 5 M. ROBINSON.
TO BE RENTED,
A large Dwelling-House In RICHMOND TOWN,
40 Feet by 20, with two rooms below and two above, a Garden newly pailed in, a Kitchen, and all other Outhouses necessary for a Family. The Situation is as pleasant as any in Town.
The Terms may be known by applying to the Printers hereof, or to the Subscriber, in said Town. (tf) GABRIEL GALT.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 15, 1775.
THE Subscribers having this Day entered into Partnership, beg Leave to acquaint the Public in general, and their Friends and Neighbours in particular, that they intend practising Phylic and Surgery to their fullest Extent; and that they intend also, as soon as the Situation of the Times will admit, to keep full and complete Assortments of Drugs and Medicines, which they will endeavour to procure of the very best in Quality, and will take Care to have them fresh by making several Importations in the Year.
PASTEUR & GALT.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 15, 1775.
THE Subscriber has on Hand a neat Assortment of GOLD and SILVER WORK, which he will sell cheap for ready Money. He makes all Kinds of JEWELLERS WORK, particularly Mourning Rings, in the newest Fashions, and sets MINIATURE PICTURES in Gold and Silver. JAMES CRAIG.
N. B. All Kinds of CLOCKS and WATCHES cleaned and repaired.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a DARK BAY MARE, with a Star in her Forehead, a Switch Tail, both hind Feet white, but no Brand. BENJAMIN WATKINS.
TAKEN up, in Botetourt, a BLACK HORSE about 4 Years old, 14 Hands high, with a small Star in his Forehead, is a natural Pacer, but has no visible Brand. THOMAS TURK.
TAKEN up, in Culpeper, three BARROWS, two white, and one spotted, each marked with two Crops, two Underkeels, a Hole in the left Ear, and a Slit in the right; they are supposed to be three Years old. Potted and appraised according to Law. HENRY FRY.

TO
THE
Virginia
Gazette.
PRINTED by JOHN DIXON
AND WILLIAM HUNTER.
PLAN offered by the Earl of CHATHAM, to the HOUSE OF LORDS, entitled "A PROVINCIAL ACT, for settling the troubles in AMERICA, and for asserting the supreme legislative authority, and superintending power of GREAT BRITAIN over the COLONIES."
WHEREAS, by an Act 6 Geo. III. it is declared, that Parliament has full power and authority to make laws and statutes to bind the people of the colonies, in all cases whatsoever: And whereas reiterated complaints and most dangerous disorders have grown, touching the right of taxation claimed and exercised over America; to the disturbance of peace and good order there, and to the actual interruption of the due intercourse from Great Britain and Ireland to the colonies; deeply affecting the navigation, trade, and manufactures of this kingdom and of Ireland, and announcing further an interruption of all exports from the said colonies to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British islands in America. Now, for prevention of these ruinous mischiefs, and in order to an equitable, honourable, and lasting settlement of claims not sufficiently ascertained and circumscribed: May it please your most excellent Majesty, that it may be declared, and be it declared by the King's most excellent Majesty, &c. that the colonies of America have been, are, and of right ought to be, dependent upon the Imperial Crown of Great Britain, and subordinate unto the British Parliament; and that the King's most excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal and Commons in Parliament assembled, hath, and of right ought to have, full power and authority to make laws and statutes of sufficient force and validity to bind the people of the British colonies in America, in all matters touching the general weal of the whole dominion of the Imperial Crown of Great Britain, and beyond the competency of the local Representative of a distinct colony; and most especially an indubitable and indispensable right to make and ordain laws for regulating navigation and trade throughout the complicated system of British commerce; the deep policy of such prudent acts upholding the guardian navy of the whole British empire: And that all subjects in the colonies are bound in duty and allegiance duly to recognize and obey (and they are hereby required so to do) the supreme legislative authority and superintending power of the Parliament of Great Britain, as aforesaid. And whereas, in a petition from America to his Majesty, it has been represented, that the keeping a standing army within any of the colonies, in time of peace, without consent of the respective Provincial Assembly there, is against law: Be it declared by the King's most excellent Majesty, &c. that the declaration of right, at the ever-glorious revolution, namely, "that the raising and keeping a standing army within the kingdom, in time of peace, unless it be by consent of Parliament, is against law," having reference only to the consent of the Parliament of Great Britain, the legal, constitutional, and hitherto unquestioned prerogative of the Crown, to send any part of such army, so lawfully kept, to any of the British dominions and possessions, whether in America or elsewhere, as his Majesty, in the due care of his subjects, may judge necessary for the security and protection of the same, cannot be rendered dependent upon the consent of a Provincial Assembly in the colonies, without a most dangerous innovation and derogation from the dignity of the Imperial Crown of Great Britain. Nevertheless, in order to quiet and dispel groundless jealousies and fears, be it hereby declared, that no military force, however raised and kept according to law, can ever be lawfully employed to violate and destroy the just rights of the people. Moreover, in order to remove forever all causes of pernicious discord, and in due contemplation of the vast increase of population and population in the colonies; and having at heart to render the condition of so great a body of industrious subjects there more and more happy, by the sacredness of property, and of personal liberty; and of more extensive and lasting utility to the parent kingdom, by indissoluble ties of mutual affection, confidence, trade, and reciprocal benefits; be it declared and enacted by the King's most excellent Majesty, &c. and it is hereby declared and enacted, by the authority of the same, that no tollage, tax, or other charge for his Majesty's revenue, shall be commanded or levied from British freemen in America, without common consent, by an act of Provincial Assembly there, duly convened for that purpose. And it is hereby further declared and enacted, by the King's most excellent Majesty, &c. that it shall and may be lawful for Delegates from the respective Provinces, lately assembled at Philadelphia, to meet in General Congress at the said Philadelphia, on the tenth day of May next ensuing, in order then and there to take into consideration the making due recognition of the supreme legislative authority and superintending power of Parliament over the colonies, as aforesaid. And, moreover, may it please your most excellent Majesty, that the said Delegates to be in Congress assembled, in manner aforesaid, may be required, and the same are hereby required, by the King's Majesty sitting in his Parliament, to take into consideration (over and above the usual charge for support of civil government in the respective colonies) the making a free grant to the King, his heirs and successors, of a certain perpetual revenue, subject to the disposition of the British Parliament, to be by them appropriated, as they in their wisdom shall judge fit, to the alleviation of the national debt: No doubt being had, but the just, free aid will be in such honourable proportion as may seem meet and becoming from great and flourishing colonies towards a parent country, labouring under the heaviest burthens, which (in no inconsiderable part) have been willingly taken upon ourselves and posterity, for the defence, extension, and prosperity of the colonies. And to this great end be it further hereby declared and enacted, that the General Congress (to meet at Philadelphia) shall be, and is hereby authorized and empowered (the Delegates composing the same being first sufficiently furnished with powers from their respective provinces for this purpose) to adjust and fix the reparations and quotas of the several charges to be borne by each pro-
vince respectively, towards the general contributory supply; and this in such fair and equitable measure as may best suit the abilities and due convenience of all. Provided always, that the powers for fixing the said quotas, hereby given to the Delegates from the old provinces composing the Congress, shall not extend to the new provinces of East and West Florida, Georgia, Nova Scotia, St. John's, and Canada; the circumstances and abilities of the said provinces being reserved for the wisdom of Parliament in their due time for mature deliberation in America, be it hereby declared, that the provisions for ascertaining and fixing the exercise of the right of taxation in the colonies, as agreed and expressed by this present act, shall not be in force, or have any operation, until the Delegates to be in Congress assembled, sufficiently authorised and empowered by their respective provinces to this end, shall, as an indispensable condition, have duly recognized the supreme legislative authority and superintending power of the Parliament of Great Britain over the colonies, as aforesaid. Always understood, that the free grant of an aid, as here before required and expected from the colonies, is not to be considered as a condition of redress, but as a just testimony of their affection. And whereas divers acts of Parliament have been humbly presented, in a petition to his Majesty from America, to have been found grievous, in whole or in part, to the subjects of the colonies; be it hereby declared, by the King's most excellent Majesty, &c. that the powers of Admiralty and Vice Admiralty Courts in America shall be restrained within their ancient limits, and the trial by jury, in all civil cases, where the same may have been abolished, restored; and that no subject in America shall, in capital cases, be liable to be indicted and tried for the same, in any place out of the province wherein such offence shall be alleged to have been committed; nor be deprived of a trial by his peers of the vicinage: Nor shall it be lawful to send persons indicted for murder, in any Province of America, to another colony, or to Great Britain, for trial. And it is hereby declared and enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that all and every the said acts, or so much thereof as are represented to have been grievous, namely, the several acts of the 4 Geo. III. ch. 15 and ch. 34; 5 Geo. III. ch. 25; 6 Geo. III. ch. 52; 7 Geo. III. ch. 41 and ch. 46; 8 Geo. III. ch. 22, 12 Geo. III. ch. 24; with the three acts, for stopping the port and blocking up the harbour of Boston, for altering the charter and government of Massachusetts Bay, and entitled "An Act for the better administration of justice, &c." Also, the act for regulating the government of Quebec, and the act, passed in the same session, relating to the quarters of soldiers, shall be, and are hereby suspended, and not to have effect or execution, from the date of this act. And be it moreover hereby declared and enacted, by the authority aforesaid, that all and every the before-recited acts, or the parts thereof complained of, shall be, and are, in virtue of this present act, finally repealed and annulled, from the day that the due recognition of the supreme legislative authority and superintending power of Parliament over the colonies shall have been made on the part of the said colonies.
And, for the better securing due and impartial administration of justice in the colonies, be it declared and enacted, by the King's most excellent Majesty, &c. that his Majesty's judges in courts of law in the colonies of America, to be appointed with salaries by the Crown, shall hold their offices and salaries as his Majesty's judges of England, "quamdiu se bene gesserint." And it is hereby further declared, by the authority aforesaid, that the colonies in America are justly entitled to the privileges, franchises, and immunities, granted by their several charters or constitutions, and that the said charters or constitutions ought not to be invaded or resumed, unless for misuser, or some legal ground of forfeiture. So shall true reconciliation avert impending calamities, and this most solemn national accord between Great Britain and her colonies, stand an everlasting monument of clemency and magnanimity in the benignant father of his people; of wisdom and moderation in this great nation, famed for humanity as for valour; and of fidelity and grateful affection from brave and loyal colonies to their parent kingdom, which will ever protect and cherish them.
Extract of a letter from the Earl of Dunmore to the Earl of Dartmouth, date? Williamsburg, December 24, 1774; laid before the House of Commons, February 15, by Lord North.
MY necessary absence on the occasion of the Indian disturbances, will, I hope, account and excuse me for my not having acknowledged your Lordship's several letters in due time and order; and for not having regularly communicated accounts of the public affairs of this colony, to which some of them refer; and I wish I were now so fortunate as to have it in my power to make a representation of their appearing with a more favourable aspect, than when I last wrote upon those important concerns. The associations first, in part, entered into recommended by the people of this colony, and adopted by what is called the Continental Congress, are now enforcing throughout this country, with the greatest rigour. A committee has been chosen in every county, whose business it is to carry the association of the Congress into execution; which committee assumes an authority to inspect the books, invoices, and all other secrets of the trade and correspondence of merchants, to watch the conduct of every inhabitant, without distinction; and to send for all such as come under their suspicion, into their presence, to interrogate them respecting all matters which, at their pleasure, they think fit objects of their inquiry; and to stigmatize, as they term it, such as they find transgressing what they are now hardy enough to call the laws of the Congress; which stigmatizing, is no other than inviting the vengeance of an outrageous and lawless mob, to be exercised upon the unhappy victims. Every county besides, is now arming a company of men, whom they call an independent company, for the avowed purpose of protecting their committees, and to be employed against government, if occasion require. The com-
mittee of one county has proceeded so far as to swear the men of their independent company to execute all orders which shall be given them from the committee of their county.
As to the power of government which your Lordship, in your letter No. 11, directs should be exerted to counteract the dangerous measures pursuing here, I can assure your Lordship, that it is entirely disregarded, if not wholly overturned. There is not a justice of peace in Virginia that acts, except as a committee man; the abolishing the courts of justice was the first step taken, in which the men of fortune and pre-eminence joined equally with the lowest and meanest. The General Court of Judicature of the colony is much in the same predicament; for though there are at least a majority of his Majesty's Council, who, with myself, are the Judges of that Court, that would steadily perform their duty, yet the lawyers have absolutely refused to attend, nor indeed would the people allow them to attend, or evidences to appear. The reason commonly assigned for this proceeding is, the want of a fee-bill, which expired at the last session of the Assembly; and it is a popular argument here, that no power but the legislature can establish fees; and the fee-bill not having been renewed, is attributed to the dissolution; but the true cause of so many persons joining in so opprobrious a measure, was to enrage their English creditors, who are numerous, to join in the clamours of this country; and not a few to avoid paying the debts in which many of the principal people here are much involved.
With regard to the encouraging of those, as your Lordship likewise exhorts me, who appeared, in principle, averse to those proceedings, I hope your Lordship will do me the justice to believe, I have left no means in my power unassayed to draw all the assistance possible from them to his Majesty's government, but I presume your Lordship will not think it very extraordinary, that my persuasions should have been unavailing against the terrors which, on the other hand, are held out by the committee.
Independent companies, &c. so universally supported, who have set themselves up superior to all other authority, under the auspices of their Congress, the laws of which they talk of in a style of respect, and treat with marks of reverence, which they never bestowed on their legal government, or the laws proceeding from it. I can assure your Lordship, that I have discovered no instance where the interposition of government, in the feeble State to which it is reduced, could serve any other purpose than to suffer the disgrace of a disappointment, and thereby afford matter of great exultation to its enemies, and increase their influence over the minds of the people.
But, my Lord, every step which has been taken by these infatuated people must inevitably defeat its own purpose. Their non-importation, non-exportation, &c. cannot fail, in a short time, to produce a scarcity which will ruin thousands of families. The people indeed of fortune may supply themselves, and their Negroes, for two or three years; but the middling and poorer sort, who live from hand to mouth, have not the means of doing so, and the produce of their lands will not purchase those necessaries (without which themselves and Negroes must starve) of the merchants who may have goods to dispose of; because the merchants are prevented from turning such produce to any account. As to manufacturing for themselves, the people of Virginia are very far from being naturally industrious; and it is not by taking away the principal, if not the only encouragement to industry, that it can be excited; nor is it in times of anarchy and confusion that the foundation of such improvements can be laid. The lower class of people too will discover that they have been duped by the richer sort, who, for their part, elude the whole effects of the association by which their poor neighbours perish. What then is to deter those from taking the shortest mode of supplying themselves, and, unrefrained as they are by laws, from taking whatever they want wherever they can find it?
The arbitrary proceedings of these committees, likewise, cannot fail of producing quarrels and dissensions, which will raise partisans of government; and I am firmly persuaded that the colony, even by their own acts and deeds, must be brought to see the necessity of depending on its mother country, and of embracing its authority."
LONDON, March 4.
Extract of a private letter from PARIS, Feb. 20.
THE great plan of politics, which was in agitation between the capital Courts of Europe since the end of the last war (but was interrupted by the Premiership of the Duke D'Aiguillon) is now carrying on with the utmost assiduity, and draws very near to its crisis. The finishing of that very great plan is the object of the travel of the Arch Duke Maximilian. This Prince, after a short stay of about six weeks at our Court, will visit the Courts of Turin and Madrid, in order to give a finishing stroke to it; and we are informed, that the following Courts are in alliance, viz. France, Austria, Spain, Sardinia, Portugal (and as the report adds, the Prince Royal of Portugal will to this end be married to the youngest sister of our King) Sweden and Saxony. If these Courts should be in alliance, the rest of Europe, taken together, will hardly have a balance against them, and a most important revolution in the political system will be unavoidable; and it is greatly apprehended that the united provinces of Holland will be the first victim to those ambitious Courts, who, for centuries past beheld the uncommon success of the united States General with the utmost jealousy, and are absolutely determined to try the success of another attack, in which, if they should succeed, it will be high time for Great Britain to be on her guard as well as in Europe as in Asia and America."—But says R. Faber, it will be too late."
The French have already set their toils about us: They have gained the man behind the curtain who rules us all. The Thane of Cawder always longed to be a King; claimed kindred to the Royal Blood, and all the milky goodness of Duncan, the most courteous kin to him, could not allay his thirst of ambition.

The 19th regiment of foot is ordered to march from Edinburgh for Dumfries, to embark for Ireland, to supply the place of the troops ordered for Boston. The 33d and 46th regiments of infantry are ordered up to Dublin, to replace the 35th and 49th, who are under orders for America.
We are told that an express was sent, a few days since, with Lord North's plan to America; on the receipt of which the Governors of the American colonies will call together their several Assemblies, and lay before them the said plan; but the issue cannot be expected till against the meeting of the next session of Parliament.
It is worthy of observation that, since the revolution in 1688, there have been no less than 137 Peers added to the House of Lords; of which number his present Majesty has created 42.
Private letters by the New York mail say, that the General Assembly is broke up, after protesting against the proceedings of the General Congress; and that they have ordered a petition to be presented to the King and Parliament, praying their aid to relieve them from their oppressions they labour under from some of their countrymen.
Yesterday some despatches were brought to Lord Dartmouth's office from General Gage at Boston.
By letters from the Cape of Good Hope we are informed, that Sir Robert Harland's fleet is so sickly that between Madras and that port he buried 150 men; and that when he put in there he had 480 sick; that the mortality was so great in his fleet before he left India, that he was obliged to strip the Indiamen in Bengal. We further learn, that a frigate and four transports are bound outwards to navigate the said ships home.
At a Court of Common Council, held on Friday the 10th ult. that Court came to the following resolution:
That the thanks of this Court be given to the Right Hon. the Earl of Chatham, for having offered to the House of Lords a plan for conciliating the differences which unfortunately subsist between the Administration in this country and its American colonies; and to all those who supported that noble Lord in so humane and constitutional a measure.
At a Court of Common Council held the 15th, the Town Clerk acquainted the Court that he had waited on the Right Hon. the Earl of Chatham with the thanks of the Court agreed to on Friday the 10th, to which his Lordship returned the following answer:
"Lord Chatham desires the favour of Mr. Town Clerk to offer to my Lord Mayor, the Aldermen and Commons, in Common Council assembled, his most respectful and grateful acknowledgments for the signal honour they have been pleased to confer on the mere discharge of his duty, in a moment of impending calamity."
"Under deep impressions of former marks of favourable construction of his conduct during the evil hour of a dangerous foreign war, he now deems himself too fortunate to find his efforts for preventing the ruin and borrowings of a civil war, approved, honoured, and strengthened, by the great corporate body of the kingdom."
A LIST of the MINORITY in the HOUSE OF LORDS AGAINST the ADDRESS to the KING to commence a CIVIL WAR in AMERICA.
CUMBERLAND, EFFINGHAM, ABERGAVENNY, RICHMOND, FITZWILLIAM, ARCHER, DEVONSHIRE, SCARBROUGH, BEAULIEU, PORTLAND, SHELBURNE, CAMDEN, MANCHESTER, SPENCER, GRAVEN, ROCKINGHAM, STAMFORD, FORTESCUE, ABINGDON, STRAFFORD, KING, BESBOROUGH, TANKERVILLE, SONDES, CHOLMONDELEY, COURTENAY, EXETER, COVENTRY, TORRINGTON,
WESTMINSTER, Feb. 17. This day his Majesty came to the House of Peers and gave the royal assent to "An Act for granting an aid to his Majesty, by a land tax, to be raised in Great Britain, for the service of the year 1775."
"An Act for the regulation of his Majesty's marine forces while on shore."
"An Act to repeal so much of an Act made in the 14th year of the reign of his present Majesty, entitled "An Act to prevent the exportation to foreign parts of utensils made use of in cotton, linen, woollen, and silk manufactures of this kingdom, intended to be exported to any of his Majesty's colonies or plantations in America."
WAR OFFICE, Feb. 24. It is his Majesty's pleasure that all officers absent from regiments in America do join their respective corps without delay, those only excepted who are ordered on duty in this kingdom, or in Ireland.
Copy of the PETITION delivered to the House of Commons on Thursday the 23d of February, by Mr. Alderman HAYLEY.
To the Honourable the Commons of Great Britain, in Parliament assembled:
The petition of the merchants, traders, and others of the city of LONDON, interested in the AMERICAN commerce,
THAT your petitioners are deeply concerned to observe, by the Votes of this Honourable House, that a bill is brought in "to restrain the trade and commerce of the province of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire, and colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island, and Providence plantation, in North America, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies; and to prohibit such provinces and colonies from carrying on any fishery on the banks of Newfoundland, or other places therein to be mentioned, under certain restrictions, and for a time to be limited."
Your petitioners beg leave to represent, that the said bill, should it pass into a law, will, in its operation, deprive thousands of his Majesty's loyal subjects of their actual subsistence, and reduce them to extreme distress, even that of famine,—the said provinces not generally raising corn sufficient for their own support; and by this bill they will be prevented from receiving any supplies from their sister colonies, and precluded from their natural resource, the sea.
That your petitioners have reason to believe that very great numbers of men bred and employed in the fisheries, who in hardness and intrepidity are not exceeded by any in this extensive empire, will be impelled, by the pressing calls of hunger and want, to such a conduct as may be productive of devastation and bloodshed, which may endanger the peace and welfare of that part of his Majesty's American dominions; or be induced to emigrate to the islands of Miquelon and St. Pierre, there to fish for the French, and give our rivals the means of supplying the markets in Europe, and thereby render it difficult for us to regain that valuable branch of commerce.
Your petitioners beg leave further to represent, that there is now due from the said provinces and colonies, to the city of London, very large sums of money; that their remittances are principally made by means of the fisheries, and consequently the ruin brought on those colonies will ultimately fall on Great Britain.
That, among the other grievances of which our fellow subjects in America so generally complain, is their being deprived of trial by jury in particular cases, and the extension of the jurisdiction of Admiralty Courts; which grievances your petitioners, with much concern, find are not only continued, but extended, by the present bill. And they think it their duty to represent to this Honourable House, that it is their firm opinions that the disquietude which universally prevail in the minds of their fellow subjects in America, will not be removed, unless lenient measures are pursued, and their grievances redressed.
Your petitioners therefore most humbly pray that the said bill may not pass into a law.
Published by order of the committee, THOMAS LANE, Chairman.
To the Honourable the COMMONS of GREAT BRITAIN, in Parliament assembled.
The humble petition of the Lord Mayor, Aldermen, and Commons, of the city of London, in Common Council assembled:
THAT although your petitioners bear all due respect to the policy of those acts of Parliament which have anciently preserved to Great Britain a necessary and beneficial share of commerce with our colonies, yet they are exceedingly alarmed at the consequences that must ensue, if the bill now depending in this Honourable House should pass into a law, entitled, "A bill to restrain the trade and commerce of Massachusetts Bay and New Hampshire, and colonies of Connecticut and Rhode Island, and Providence plantation, in North America, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies, and to prohibit such provinces and colonies from carrying on any fishery on the banks of Newfoundland, or other places therein to be mentioned, under certain conditions, and for a time to be limited." The said bill, as your petitioners conceive, being unjustly founded, because it involves the whole in the punishment intended for the supposed offences of a few.
That it must, in its consequences, overwhelm thousands of his Majesty's loyal and useful subjects with the utmost poverty and distress, inasmuch as they will be thereby deprived of the fisheries, which are the natural means of supporting themselves and families.
That the extensive commerce between Great Britain and her colonies will, by this bill, be greatly injured, as a capital source of remittance will be stopped, which will not only disconnect the future commercial intercourse between those colonies and this country, but it will eventually render them incapable of paying the large debts already due to the merchants of this city.
That the utmost confusion will probably ensue from enforcing this bill, if passed into a law, as it cannot be supposed that a great number of men, naturally hardy and brave, will quietly submit to a law which will reduce them almost to famine, they not having within themselves provisions sufficient for their subsistence.
That it will induce the French to extend their fisheries, and by that means increase the wealth and strength of our rivals in trade, to the great prejudice of this country.
That your petitioners feel for the many hardships which their fellow subjects in America already labour under, from the execution of several late acts of Parliament, evidently partial and oppressive; and which seem to be extended and continued by this bill, inasmuch as it confirms those acts, which, in particular cases, deprive the American subject of trial by jury, prohibits the Americans from carrying provisions from one colony to another, invites a contraband trade, under military protection, prevents any subject of Great Britain or Ireland from being part owner of certain American ships or vessels, and vests an undue and dangerous authority in the Governor and Council of Massachusetts Bay.
Your petitioners, therefore, humbly pray this Honourable House that the said bill may not pass into a law.
A circumstantial account of the IMPORTANT DEBATES in the AMERICAN COMMITTEE on Lord NORTH's motion of MONDAY February 20.
ON Sunday evening a treasury letter, desiring an attendance in the House for the next day, was sent to the most active persons in opposition, as well as to all those who support Ministry; as Lord North had a motion of importance to make. It is unusual to send such letters to the members who oppose. This message therefore occasioned much speculation. Early on Monday it was universally given out, that Lord North intended to move a conciliatory proposition, which would have a tendency to quiet the troubles that unhappily distract the British empire.
About four o'clock Sir Charles Whitworth took the Chair in the American committee. Lord North immediately rose, and having laid open his design in a speech of rather less than an hour, concluded with the following motion:
"That it is the opinion of this committee, that when the Governor, Council, and Assembly, or General Court of any of his Majesty's provinces or colonies in America, shall propose to make provision, according to the conditions, circumstances, and situation of such province or colony for contributing their proportion to the common defence (such proportion to be raised under the authority of the General Court or General Assembly of such province or colony, and disposable by Parliament) and shall engage to make provision also, for the support of the civil government, and the administration of justice in such province or colony; it will be proper, if such proposal shall be approved by his Majesty, and the two Houses of Parliament, and for so long as such province shall be made accordingly, to forbear, in respect of such province or colony, to levy any duty, tax, or assessment, or to impose any further duty, tax, or assessment; except only such duties as it may be expedient to impose for the regulation of commerce. The nett produce of the duties last mentioned to be carried to the account of such province or colony respectively."
The motion was supported by Governor Pownall, Mr. Jenkinso, Sir G. Elliott, Mr. Cornwall, and Mr. Wedderburne.
The principal arguments used by these Gentlemen, and particularly by Lord North, in favour of the proposition, were the following: "That in the late address of the two Houses, a promise was given to redress the grievances of the Americans. It was indeed impossible to define what Parliament ought to deem a real grievance, among the many factious complaints of the Americans. But as there was one point, upon which they and others were most particularly clamorous, the matter of taxation, it would be proper to come to a fair and indulgent explanation on that subject; and, as many new restrictions on the trade of the Americans had been already proposed, and as many more were intended; in that situation, the colonists ought fairly to know what they are to expect, and what is expected from them."
Justice and policy, he said, required, that every person under any government should be compelled to become contributory to that government, according to his ability, and to the support he derives from it. This principle ought to extend to the colonies, and to all other dependencies of this empire, just as much as to any part of Great Britain; and the slightest relaxation of any penal or restrictive statutes, now made or hereafter to be made, in consequence of their disobedience and contumacy, ought not to be so much as listened to, until they come to Parliament, and offer such contributions, as that sovereign judge and legislature should decide to be their just and fair proportion towards the common defence of the whole empire; and that this offer must be understood as the condition upon which we are to accept their allegiance."
This proposition ought to be settled by a Congress. Such a mode could only tend to promote factious combinations in the colonies; who, as colonies, have no sort of relation among themselves. They are all the colonies of Great Britain; and it is through her alone that they have any relation to each other.
At present the quota which each colony ought to pay, cannot be settled; but the proportions (when the Americans come to make their offers) must be adjusted upon the following standard: The wealth and population of each colony; its advantages relatively to the other colonies; and its proportion to the wealth and other advantages, taken together with her burthens and necessities, of Great Britain.
There had been much talk of the restrictions on the trade of the colonies; but when the goods which they take from this country only because they are the best and the cheapest, shall be deducted from the account of restriction, the Americans will have but little ground for exemption on that account; and they will be found
so much on a par with the inhabitants of Great Britain in commercial advantages, that reason and justice require they should be put on a par with regard to their contributions; and to pay (after the above deduction) full as much in taxes as the people of Great Britain. Seventy millions of debt in the last war was incurred solely on their account; and in equity the Americans ought to bear at least their fair proportion of it. The army and navy of England are employed for their protection in common with the rest of the empire; they ought therefore to contribute both to the army and the navy; and when a fleet is sent to the East Indies, the colonies ought to pay their share of the charges, just as well as when it is stationed on the coast of North America. For this force being for the common benefit, the colonies are virtually included in the protection derived from it, wherever it is employed.
As to the mode of taxation, provided the substantial supply is obtained, it is our interest to indulge the colonies in this particular as much as we can; partly because we may not be as knowing in the detail as the American Assemblies, and we may oppress when we mean only to tax; and partly, because it has been found almost impossible for Parliament to lay taxes there, which would produce any thing in a degree adequate to their purposes.
Lord North confessed, that he rather imagined this proposition would not be to the taste of the Americans; and would not be complied with by several of the colonies. However, if but ONE of them submitted, that ONE link of the chain would be broken; and if so, the whole would inevitably fall to pieces. This separation would restore our empire; and dividit et impera was a maxim never held unfair or unwise in Government. If this hope should be frustrated, and the proposition should do no good in America, it will not however fail of doing good in England. First, it will stand as an eternal monument of the wisdom and clemency, of the humanity and justice of British Government. Secondly, it will shew to the traders and manufacturers of England, the temper and moderation of Parliament, and that obstinacy and disaffection of the Americans; and will of course support them under the decay and loss of trade, and all the miseries of war. They will bear with patience all these temporary losses, when they are assured that they are incurred for the sake of a large revenue, which is to ease them from the many and heavy taxes which at present oppress their industry.—Thirdly, it will animate the officers and soldiers we send to America to a vigorous and manly exertion of their native courage, without doubt or scruple, when they are assured they no longer fight for a phantom, and a vain, empty point of honour, but for a substantial benefit to their country, which is to relieve her in her greatest exigencies.
That this is putting the quarrel at last upon a proper ground—a dispute for revenue—a dispute to compel America to come to the relief of Great Britain. That it was no conceding proposition—but what true policy must suggest, if they had actually subdued America, and had her prostrate at their feet. That it is not to abandon the authority of Parliament, but to confirm it; it is to enforce it in the most effectual manner, and for the most essential objects; because the TAXING power is, by THIS resolution, in the hands of Parliament; and to be exercised merely according to its discretion. All the vigorous measures, either by penal laws, or by the military force, are to go on exactly as before; and no further relaxation whatsoever is intended. This is the ultimatum .
If it should seem to be abandoning the high ground taken in the address, or to be contrary to the assurances so frequently given, "that on terms should be held out to America previous to its submission," this is nothing (said Lord North) but what is common. The greatest powers have done it. In the war of the succession it was a fundamental point, that no Prince of the House of Bourbon should ever sit on the Throne of Spain. This was several times repeated, and in the most solemn manner. Such Policies are necessary to gain, or to animate allies; yet all the powers which composed this confederacy yielded, and a Prince of the House of Bourbon did sit, and one of the same House does now sit on the Throne of Spain. In the Spanish war of 1739 we declared, that we would never treat with Spain until she had given up the point of search. Yet peace was made without her giving up this point, and the search continues. Lord North added to these several other instances in which great powers had abandoned their pretensions, and disappointed the hopes they had held out to their allies.
Such is the substance of the plan, and arguments used in support of it. The House, at first seemed strangely agitated and divided. Almost all those who usually support Ministry, manifested so great a dislike of the measure, that many apprehended, Lord North, on the division, would be found in a minority. On the other hand, several in opposition seemed unwilling to vote against any thing which carried with it even the name of conciliation with the colonies. However, as the debate proceeded, the true nature and purpose of the proposition was more fully developed. The opposition to it went different ways, and on totally different grounds. On one side it was opposed by Mr. Welbore Ellis, Vice Treasurer of Ireland; by the Solicitor General of Scotland; by Mr. Adams, Mr. Ackland, and some others of the ministerial members.
Mr. Ellis declared, that possibly he might differ from every other Gentleman, and stand quite single. But it was his opinion, the House would be sunk, by the acceptance of the noble Lord's motion, in the lowest state of degradation. A very few days ago no less than three hundred of them had carried up to the Lords an address, declaring all the colonies in a state of disobedience, and one of them in actual rebellion; an address offering their lives and fortunes for the suppression of that rebellion; an address making the previous submission of the Americans, in their humble petition to Parliament, and their acknowledgment of its authority, conditions indispensable to all redress of grievances, real or imaginary. In a few days after, without any reason assigned, without any known variation of circumstances, without any petition, submission, or acknowledgment whatsoever, for the House to come to a resolution directly contradictory to the former, was the most humiliating stroke to the dignity of Parliament, which in his long experience he had never remembered. Nothing could so highly reflect upon its courage, honour, wisdom, and consistency. But as the subject was full of irritation, and as he was afraid, though a very old member, that he might be betrayed into some improper expressions, he chose to sit down without further discussion of a matter, which indeed spoke so fully for itself.
The same line of argument was taken by the other Gentlemen on the court side, who opposed the motion upon the principle of its inconsistency with all the former declarations of administration, and with the late address of both Houses of Parliament.
The Gentlemen of the minority, who had opposed all measures of severity towards America, declared with a marked solemnity, that they came to the House on the report of the change of measures, with a full resolution of supporting any thing, which might lead in any way towards conciliation; but that they found the proposition altogether insidious in its nature, and therefore purposely rendered to the last degree obscure and perplexed in its language. Instead of being at all fitted to produce peace, it was calculated to increase the disorders and confusions in America; and therefore that they never could consent to it.
On this side the debate was supported with remarkable force and spirit, by Mr. T. Townshend, Mr. Fox, Col. Barre, Mr. Burke, Mr. Dunning, and Lord John Cavendish.
They readily admitted with Mr. Ellis, and with the Solicitor General of Scotland, that the proposition was a contradiction to every thing that Parliament had declared; a shameful prevarication in ministers; and a mean departure from every declaration they had made. They were however willing to purchase peace by any humiliation of ministers, and by what was of far more moment, even by the humiliation of Parliament. But the mea-

sure was mean indeed, but not at all conciliatory. One benefit, however, was derived from it, for (said Mr. Fox) it has re-established the credit, and signified the power, of the true constitutional whig principles of resistance. This had already reduced the proud Tyranny; had made it renounce its high declarations, and stoop to meanness and fraud, the sure fore-runner of rout and dismay. That as Lord North had already been staggard into this unhandsome act of irresolution and inconsistency, there might be some hope of his proceeding to others which might be really lenient; if it were not the nature of inconsistency, not to proceed in any certain track; and that the same want of a fixed principle which led him to renounce his first plan, might induce him perhaps as suddenly to return to it.
That the mode of argument on the side of ministry was the most ridiculous that ever had been known in Parliament. They attempted to prove to one side of the House, that the measure was a concession; and to the other, that it was a strong assertion of authority; just on the silly principles of the Tea Act , which to Great Britain was to be a duty of supply, to the Americans a tax of regulation.
They were likewise (they said) astonished at another extraordinary phenomenon. To this day, during the whole course of the American debates, the ministry have daily and hourly denied their having any sort of contest about an American revenue. That the whole was a dispute for obedience to trade laws, and to the general legislative authority. Now they turn short, and to console our manufacturers, and animate our soldiers, they tell them for the first time, "the dispute is put on its true footing, and that the grand contest is, not for empty honour, but substantial revenue." But manufacturers and soldiers will not be so consoled, or so animated; because the revenue is as much an empty phantom, as the honour; and the whole scheme of the resolution is oppressive, absurd, and impracticable; and, what indeed the ministers confess the Americans will not accept. It is oppressive; because it was never the complaint of the Americans that the mode of taxation was not left to themselves; but that neither the amount and Quantum of the grant, nor the application, was in their free choice. This was their complaint, and their complaint was just. What else is it to be taxed by Parliament in which they are not represented, but for Parliament to settle the proportion of the payment, and the application of the money? This is the purport of the present resolution. If an act of Parliament compelled the city of Amsterdam to raise an hundred thousand pounds, is not Amsterdam as effectually taxed without its consent, as if duties to that amount were laid upon that city? To leave them the mode may be of some ease as to the collection ; but it is nothing to the freedom of granting ; in which the colonies are so far from being relieved by this resolution, that their condition is to be ten times worse than ever. For the minority contended, that it is a far more oppressive mode of taxing than that hitherto used. For here no determinate demand is made. The colonies are to be held in durance by troops, fleets, and armies, until singly and separately they shall do—what? until they shall offer to contribute to a service which they cannot know, in a proportion which they cannot guess, on a standard, which they are so far from being able to ascertain, that Parliament which is to hold it, has not ventured to hint what it is they expect. They are to be held prisoners of war, unless they consent to a ransome , by bidding at an auction against each other and against themselves, until the King and Parliament shall strike down the hammer, and say "enough."
This species of auction to be terminated not at the discretion of the bidder, but at the will of the sovereign power, was a kind of absurd tyranny, which they challenged the ministers to produce any example of, in the practice of this or of any other nation. What was said to be most like this method of setting the colony Assemblies, at guessing what contribution might be most agreeable to us in some future time, was the tyranny of Nebuchadnezzar, who having forgot a dream of his, ordered the Assemblies of his wise men, on pain of death, not only to interpret his dream, but to tell him what his dream was .
To test the impracticability and absurdity of this scheme in the stronger light, they asked, in case an Assembly made an offer, which should not be thought sufficient by Parliament, was not the business to walk back again to America; and so on backwards and forwards as often as the offer displeased Parliament? And thus instead of obtaining Peace by this proposition, all our distractions and confusions will be increased ten fold, and continued forever.
It was said indeed by the Minister, that this scheme will unite the colonies. Tricks in government had sometimes, it was admitted, been successful; but never, when they were known, avowed and hacknied. That the Boston port bill was a declared cheat, and accordingly, far from succeeding, it was the very first thing that united all the colonies against us, from Nova Scotia to Georgia.
As to the pretended justice of this extorted contribution, from the debt incurred on the sole account of America, Col. Barre said, it was false and futile. We must defend our dominions wherever they are attacked by our enemies; but to charge the part attacked as the cause of the burthen brought on by that defence, is ridiculous. It was not the ambition of the colonies, but the designs of France aiming at an Empire in America which caused that debt.
The idea of deducting the value of goods supposed to be taken by the colonists, because we sold cheap, at a time when we did not suffer the colonies to make the trial; and by such arithmetick to deduce the propriety of their paying in nearly an equal proportion with the people of England (they said) was of a piece with the rest of the policy and the argument of this profound project.
Mr. Burke strongly declared against any scheme, which began by any mode of extorting revenue. That every benefit, natural or political, must be had in the order of things, and in its proper season. Revenue from a free people must be the consequence of peace, not the condition on which it is to be obtained. That if we attempt to insert this order, we shall have neither peace nor revenue. If we are resolved to eat our grapes crude and sour, instead of obtaining nourishment, we shall only set an edge on our own teeth, and those our posterity forever.
They all urged, therefore, for the re-consideration until it could be brought to some agreement with common sense: They moved, "that the Chairman do now leave the Chair, and have leave to sit again."
The Minister, distracted by an opposition from such opposite quarters, seemed ready to sink under it. His allies seemed on the point of desertion, until the great BUTE STANDARD was displayed by Sir Gilbert Elliott, when most of them fell again into order, and though ashamed and mortified, voted with the Minister.
The instantaneous effect of the few words spoken by the STANDARD BEARER, after Lord North had been five times on his legs, and only made matters worse and worse, was painted by Mr. Dunning in a vein of the most delicate irony.
The numbers upon the division were: Ayes 274, Noes 88.
NEW YORK April 17.
LAST Wednesday afternoon arrived John Sullivan and John Langdon, Esquires, Delegates for the province of New Hampshire, on their way to the Grand Continental Congress, to be held at Philadelphia, the 10th of next month.
Extract of a letter from Boston, April 5. "We are informed that the troops from Great Britain, with the recruits to complete the forces here, and those from Ireland,
will make in the whole, near 15,000 effective men exclusive of officers; besides, a regiment is expected from Canada."
The following letter, dated January 30, 1775, came by the Earl of Dunmore, Captain Lawrence, just arrived from London.
"From unquestionable authority I learn, that about a fortnight ago, dispatches were sent from hence by a sloop of war to Gen. Gage, containing among other things, a royal proclamation to declaring the inhabitants of Massachusetts Bay, and some others in the different colonies, actual rebels; with a blank commission to try and execute such of them as he can get hold of; with this is sent a list of names to be inserted in the commission, as he may judge expedient. I do not know them all, but Messrs. Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, and John Hancock, of Massachusetts Bay; John Dickenon, of Philadelphia; Peyton Randolph, of Virginia; and Henry Middleton of South Carolina, are particularly named with many others.
"This black list the General will, no doubt, keep to himself and unfold it gradually, as he finds it convenient. Four regiments from Ireland, one of them light dragoons, are under sailing orders for Boston, with several capital ships of war, from hence, and six cutters to obstrukt the American trade, and prevent all European goods from going there, particularly arms and ammunition, which makes it expedient, without a moment's delay, to be provided with such things as you may want.
"Last Friday night, the 27th instant, in a Privy Council, the American measures were all settled by the Ministry; part of them is, to pass an act of Parliament, inflicting pains and penalties on particular persons, and provinces in America, to countenance the infamous Proclamation and commission already sent to General Gage; also it is determined to take away the charters of Rhode Island and Connecticut. I have not been able to learn the whole; though in general I am informed, it is denouncing utter destruction to American liberty. Depend upon all this to be fast."
CITY and LIBERTIES of PHILADELPHIA.
COMMITTEE CHAMBER, April 17, 1775.
WHEREAS it is now under the consideration of the committee, to suspend all trade and intercourse with such colonies as have not acceded to the association of the Continental Congress, the committee have therefore thought it proper to apprise their fellow citizens of this matter, that they govern themselves accordingly, and avoid entering into any engagement with respect to such colonies, from which they may be subjected to great inconveniencies hereafter.
By order of the committee, JONATHAN B. SMITH, Sec'y.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 29.
This morning arrived an express from the Northward, with the following advices.
NEW ENGLAND.
Watertown, Wednesday morning, near 10 of the clock.
TO all friends of American liberty, be it known, that this morning, before break of day, a brigade consisting of about 1000 or 1200 men landed at Phipp's Farm, at Cambridge, and marched to Lexington, where they found a company of our colony militia in arms, upon whom they fired without any provocation, and killed six men, and wounded four others. By an express from Boston we find another brigade are now upon their march from Boston, supposed to be about 1000. The bearer, Trail Brissel, is charged to alarm the country quite to Connecticut; and all persons are desired to furnish him with fresh horses, as they may be needed. I have spoken with several, who have seen the dead and wounded. Pray let the Delegates from this colony to Connecticut see this; they know Col. Foster, one of the Delegates.
J. PALMER, one of the committee.
A true copy from the original, per order of the committee of correspondence of Worcester, April 1775.
Attested and forwarded by the committees of Brookline, Norwich, New London, Lyme, Saybrook, Killingsworth, E. Guilford, Guilford, Brandford, and New Haven.
Fairfield, Saturday April 22, 8 o'clock.
Since the above-written we have received the following by a second express.
Thursday, 3 o'clock afternoon, A. M.
SIR,
I am this moment informed by an express from Woodstock, taken from the mouth of the express, then two o'clock, afternoon. That the contest between the first brigade that marched to Concord, was still continuing this morning at the town of Lexington, to which said brigade had retreated, that another brigade had, said to be the second mentioned in the letter of this morning, landed with a quantity of artillery, at the place where the first did. The provincials were determined to prevent the two brigades from joining their strength if possible, and remain in great need of succour.
N. B. The regulars when in Concord, burnt the courthouse, took two pieces of cannon, which they rendered useless, and began to take up Concord bridge; on which Capt. _____ (who, with many on both sides, were soon killed) made an attack upon the King's troops, on which they retreated to Lexington.
To Col. Ob. Johnson, I am, Canterbury. E.B. WILLIAMS.
P. S. Mr. M c Farlan of Plainfield, merchant, has just returned from Boston by way of Providence, who conversed with an express from Lexington, who further informs, that 4000 of our troops had surrounded the first brigade above mentioned, who were on a hill in Lexington, that the action continued, and there were about 50 of our men killed, and 150 of the regulars as near as they could determine, when the express came away. It will be expedient for every man to go who is fit and willing.
The above is a true copy as received per express from New Haven, and attested to by the committee of correspondence, from town to town. Attest.
Jonathan Sturgis, Andrew Rowland, } Committee. Thadious Burr, Job Bartram, }
The above was received yesterday at 4 o'clock, by the committee of New York, and forwarded to Philadelphia, by ISAAC LOW, Chairman of the committee at New York.
BY the last accounts from London, we learn, that Lord North had offered to resign, which his Majesty disapproved of, and signified to his Lordship that he thought it necessary the disputes which he had occasioned between Great Britain and the colonies should be first settled; that his Majesty's ship Nautilus had failed for Boston, in which Captain Delancey was sent with a proposal to be laid before the General Congress, the purport of which was, that the colonies should raise annually 300,000 l. for the use of Government; and that, on their compliance with such requisition, the acts would be repealed.
Last Thursday some Gentlemen arrived here from the counties of Spotsylvania and Hanover, who, on hearing of the removal of the powder from the public magazine, and considering it a very unjustifiable proceeding, came to acquaint the inhabitants of this city, that if any assistance was necessary on the occasion, there were 2000 men ready to march down upon a moment's notice; but those Gentlemen, unexpectedly, finding the people of Williamsburg quite peaceable, returned the same evening, with a letter from the Hon. the Speaker, desiring them to desist.
Sentence of death is passed upon two Negroes lately tried at Norfolk, for being concerned in a conspiracy to raise an insurrection in that town.
The ship Trident , from York river, we hear, is employed by Government for the detestable purpose of transporting troops to Boston. Captain James Mitchell (being a true friend to his country) has refused to be continued commander of the vessel on that account.
Extract of a letter from a merchant in LONDON, dated Feb. 28. "You will no doubt hear that Lord North has held out an olive branch to the Americans (as it is called here) for conciliatory measures to be adopted; but how they are to be brought about I know not. There is at this time a grand contest in Parliament between the landed and commercial interest; the latter is little thought of, and the general cry is now in favour of empire, which is truly ridiculous, without trade to support it. Our committee is still kept open, though we have been unsuccessful hitherto. The Speaker of the Commons is of opinion that some principal person of the nation should be sent over to America to meet the Delegates in Congress, in order, if possible, to settle the unhappy differences. I am well informed that the King is greatly alarmed, and probably that may have been the cause that the olive branch is sent out to pacify the minds of the people."
Extract of a letter from LONDON, dated March 3. "A few days ago Lord North was addressing his Majesty to protect with force against America, but things seem to have taken a different turn since, the Ministry being inclined to settle matters in an amicable manner. However, it is said there are 80 sail of transports lying at Deptford, to carry troops and ammunition to America, and orders were given out yesterday to engage as many more. It is talked that four Generals will be sent with them, to make a proposal that the colonies shall grant an annual sum of money to Government; and that if you do not come into these measures, their forces are to be ready to compel you. American affairs are to come before the House of Commons next Tuesday. Our manufacturers begin to suffer."
The General Assembly of this colony is prorogued to the first Thursday in September next.
Among many resolves passed at a Convention of Delegates, held at Newbern, in North Carolina, the 3d instant, is the following:
Resolved , that his Majesty's subjects have an undoubted right, at any time, to meet and petition the Throne for a redress of grievances, and that such right includes a further right of appointing Delegates for such purpose; and therefore, that the Governor's proclamation issued to forbid this meeting, and his proclamation afterwards, commanding this meeting to disperse, are illegal, and an infringement of our just rights, and therefore ought to be disregarded as wanton and arbitrary exertions of power.
On Saturday the 7th instant his Excellency Josiah Martin, Esq; Governor of North Carolina, was pleased to dissolve the General Assembly of that province.
The Liberty, Outram, Rising Sun, Peterfon, Arnold, Waterman, Vigilant, Williamson, and Jett, Gibson, are all sailed from London, and may be hourly expected.
The London, Robertson, was to leave London about the 20th of March.
The Virginia, Arthurs, and Mary, Miller, are arrived in York River. The Sparling, Priestman, Molly, Collins, and Jenny, Welch, in James River.
Deaths. ] Mrs. ELIZABETH BLAND, consort of Col. Richard Bland, of Jordan's, in Prince George.
JAMES BURWELL, Esq; of King's Creek, near this city. Col. HUMPHREY HILL, of King and Queen county. This Gentleman left a valuable donation to the parish of St. Stephen.
BOSTON, April 10. A number of families are moving themselves and their most valuable effects from this town into the country, in consequence of the late advices from England.
The packet which carried the memorial from Jamaica to his Majesty, for the repeal of the American acts, arrived at Falmouth in 35 days, and the same was sent immediately by an express to London.
Extract from a paper received by the Caesar, Wood, in six weeks from BRISTOL.
LONDON, March 11.
HOUSE OF COMMONS, March 9.
THIS day the expectations of all men, both within doors and without, were wound up to the highest pitch, it being whispered for some days past, by those who pretend to be in the secret, that the Minister intended to propose a bill that would at once charm his friends, confound his enemies, and please the people on both sides of the Atlantic. After the benches had been all crowded, a silence of some minutes ensued, and up rose the Minister, not to open his grand conciliatory plan, but to extend the powers of his New England restraining bill to all the other principal provinces on the American continent. He said, that as the colonies were come to an agreement to carry on no trade whatever with Great Britain, Ireland, or the West Indies, he was clearly of opinion that it became indispensably necessary to restrain their commerce, and prevent them from trading with any other country. He therefore made the following motion:—That the Chairman be directed to move the House, that leave be given to bring in a bill to restrain the trade and commerce of the colonies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and South Carolina, to Great Britain, Ireland, and the British islands in the West Indies, under certain conditions and limitations. After a short debate, the bill was ordered in.
[ * It appears that the province of New York, whose Assembly hath resolved not to abide by the resolutions of the Congress, is not included in this restraining bill. ]
At a meeting of the Committee of the county of GLOUCESTER, at the courthouse of the said county, on MONDAY the 3d of APRIL, 1775.
WARNER LEWIS, Esq; was unanimously elected Chairman. THE resolves of the Convention held at the town of Richmond the 20th of March, 1775, were read, and unanimously approved of.
Resolved , that the thanks of this committee be presented to Thomas Whiting and Lewis Burwell, Esquires, our worthy Delegates, for their faithful discharge of the important trust reposed in them.
It being late before a sufficient number of members assembled to proceed upon business, the committee adjourned to Tuesday the 25th instant.
TUESDAY, April 25, 1775, the committee met, according to adjournment, and entered into the following resolves:
Resolved , that, as an encouragement to the manufacturing of gunpowder in this colony, we will give a premium of twenty five pounds to any person who shall produce to the Chairman of this committee, on or before the 25th of October next, three hundred pounds of good gunpowder, made in Virginia, which we will purchase at the current price of that commodity; and if it shall be proved to be made wholly of the materials of this colony, we will give an additional premium of ten pounds.
Resolved , that we will give fifty pounds to any person who shall produce to the Chairman of this committee, on or before the 25th of October next, sixty pair of good wool, and sixty pair of good

cotton cards, with an authentic certificate of their having been made in this colony; and we will purchase the same at the usual price.
The committee having received authentic information, that last Thursday night an officer of one of his Majesty's armed vessels, with a party of armed men, by express command of Lord Dunmore, privately removed the gunpowder belonging to this colony out of the magazine, it was
Resolved unanimously , that the removal of the powder from the public magazine, by order of the Governor, is exceedingly alarming at this time.
Resolved , that his Lordship's verbal answer to the address of the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council, of the city of Williamsburg, on that occasion, is unsatisfactory, disrespectful, and evasive.
Resolved , that his Lordship, by this, and other parts of his conduct, has justly forfeited all title to the confidence of the good people of Virginia.
Resolved , that the powder ought immediately to be restored. Ordered , that the Clerk send, by express, copies of these resolutions to each of the printers; and they are desired to publish them in their next gazettes.
JASPER CLAYTON, Clerk.
A SERIOUS ADMONITION TO THE INHABITANTS OF WILLIAMSBURG.
Friends and Fellow Citizens, PERMIT one who sincerely wishes the prosperity of his country to address you on a subject of great importance, which has engaged the attention of us all, though the effects it has produced in our minds seem not to be of the same impression.
Some, I find, consider the Governor's ordering the removal of the powder from the magazine as an illegal act, that as such it might be resisted; and the rage of patriotism has been carried so far as even to occasion a tumult directed to that end. What the consequences might have been, I tremble to think of! and earnestly congratulate you, and my country in general, that a stop has been put to this scene of confusion by the virtuous and zealous interposition of some of our worthy inhabitants: I feel particular pleasure too in reflecting, that those who, in an unguarded moment, were for carrying things the farthest, have not yet advanced so far as to be impenetrable to the still voice of reason. Though we had committed an unruddered bark to the mercy of a stormy ocean, we have providentially recovered the firmer element, on which we may tread in security and peace; and here let us rest.
Anxious, my friends, for every thing which is necessary to our welfare, suffer me to observe, that even admitting the powder, which was removed, to have been purchased by this country (a fact I do not pretend to be acquainted with) yet the money given for that purpose could be constitutionally given only to the King: The powder must therefore be under his direction, to be employed indeed for the benefit of the country, but how, and in what manner, as long as our government exists, is in the discretion of the King, or of his representatives. It is true, Kings have sometimes violated the most sacred trust, and in the course of their government have chose rather to build on a discretionary power originating in themselves, than on that fiduciary and limited authority which is derived from the people. Instances of this sort we have had, and fatal instances we have had too of the resentment of the people on account of their abused rights; but no man acquainted with that Part of our history will, in his cooler moments, think it right to fly, in an outrageous manner, in the face of government, upon every occasion when there may be real cause of complaint: A decent representation of grievances ought certainly to precede, and much, very much, ought to be borne, before the people can be justified in restoring to their natural power, in the reclaiming of which so much disorder and confusion must necessarily arise.
How frantic then would it appear in us to think of acting on the idea of reverted power, and of appealing to Heaven upon no other inducement than the Governor's exertion of a right certainly vested in him by the constitution, which, for what we know, might have been necessary to our welfare, and which, after the information his Excellency has been pleased to give to the Corporation, cannot, without the most causeless breach of good manners to him as a man, and of that respect and decorum which are due to him as our Governor, be conceived not to have been so, at least in his Lordship's opinion.
Understanding, however, that though a stop has been happily put to the commotions first occasioned by this affair, there is still a leaven of discontent among a few of us, which, without some seasonable address, might possibly spread, and break out into fresh disorder, I hoped it would be taken in good part that I thus venture to commit my sentiments to the examination of every friend of order.
I beg leave to conclude by observing, that whatever opinions we may hold with respect to the British Parliament, I have never yet heard it doubted, whether we are not bound to the King by the most sacred tie of allegiance; and I trust we shall all join, hand and heart, in proving ourselves, as we have always hitherto been, among the most loyal of his subjects.
C I V I S.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
To be SOLD for ready Money,
A COLLECTION of valuable BOOKS, either separately or together; a Port Folio of NEGROVINGS, ETCHINGS, and MEZZOTINTOS (all fine Impressions, and many of them Proofs) by the most celebrated Masters; several Articles of MOHOGANY FURNITURE, &c. a three Year old CHESTNUT COLT, by VALIANT, from a high-blooded Mare; a Year old BAY FILLEY, from the same, by FEARNOUGHT; and a SINGLE CHAIR, both light and strong; the Property of S. Henley of William & Mary College, who designs to leave the Colony soon.
For SALE, on long Credit,
THE HOUSE in the City of Williamsburg where Mr. WILLIAM HORNSBY lately lived. For Terms, inquire of the Printers.
INTEND to leave the Colony soon. WILLIAM CRAIG.
PRINCE GEORGE, April 17, 1775.
THE Subscriber gives Notice to the Public, that whereas he purchased a Tract of Land, in October 1774, of Thomas Penn, on Cedar Creek, in the County of Brunswick, and the said Penn hath received Earnest Money in Part Payment for the said Land, but since refuses to make him a Right according to Agreement: He therefore forewarns all Persons from having any Dealings with him for the said Tract of Land.
THOMAS HARRIS.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 29, 1775.
THE Subscribers intending to leave the Colony as soon as they can settle their Affairs, once more most earnestly entreat the Favour of those that are indebted to them to discharge their Accounts at the ensuing Meeting of the Merchants. The GOODS they have on Hand will be sold cheap for Cash; and as their Continuance here is uncertain, it makes such a Notice necessary. The HOUSE they live in, which is situated in the most public Part of the City, and well calculated for any public Business, to be sold on long Credit, with Interest from the Date of the Deed, or on an Annuity, with approved Security: Either of those, as may best suit the Purchaser, will be agreeable to EDWARD & J. CHARLTON.
RUN away from Mr. Andrew Leitch, Merchant at Dumfries, two Convict Men, transported from London, in the Jussia , Captain Kidd, named WILLIAM PEIRCY, and RALPH EMANUEL: Peircy is a well-looking Middle-sized Man, about 25 Years of Age, an Englishman , wears his own short black Hair, and has been used to the Sea: Emanuel is a stout Englishman , wears his own red Hair tied behind, has been also used to the Sea, limps on his left Foot, and is about 25 Years of Age.—Whoever delivers them to the said Mr. Andrew Leitch, at Dumfries, shall have a Reward of 31. Currency for each of them. (4) THOMAS HODGE.
SURRY, April 17, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscribers, two Indented Servant Men, viz. GEORGE BLACKBURN, about 22 Years of Age, of a brown Complexion, about 5 Feet 9 Inches high, has a large Hand, his Fingers are remarkably long, he is pretty well learned, writes a tolerable good Hand, is nice in dressing himself, and particularly his Hair, which is of a brown Colour, long, and generally wears it clubbed. He had on a Suit of black Cloth Clothes, and carried with him a Suit of light coloured ditto, several Pair of Stockings, some white Shirts and Neckcloths. He is a sensible obliging Man, and knows how to behave himself well: GEORGE PEART, about 5 Feet 8 Inches high, of a light Complexion, pitted with the Smallpox, has light coloured long Hair, which he wore either hanging down his Back or clubbed; had on a white Shirt and Neckcloth, a dark coloured Frieze Coat, an old red Jacket double breasted, a Pair of light coloured Cloth Breeches, gray ribbed Stockings, and a Pair of Pumps. He took with him an old brown Thickset Coat; he is about 22 Years old, and pretends to be a Shoemaker.—Whoever will apprehend the said Servants, and convey them to us, or secure them so that we get them again, shall have 51. Reward for both, or 50s. for either. THOMAS & SAMUEL PRETLOW.
The said Runaways are Natives of England, and say they were born in the County of Durham.
BUTE County, North Carolina, March 20, 1775.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Slave of the Indian Breed, a tall slim made Fellow, with long straight black Hair, about 23 Years of Age, had on, when he went away, a blue Duffil Waistcoat, old Check Shirt, &c. but since he left me has sold sundry Goods; so that he may have changed his Dress. He is branded on both Cheeks, with the letter R on the right, and the letter T on the left. It is supposed he will make for Prince George County in Virginia, or to some seaport Town on James River. Whoever secures him in any of his Majesty's Gaols, so that I may get him again, shall have 40s. Reward, to be paid to the Gaoler. The Brands on his Cheeks were fresh given him by the Person of whom I bought him, and were not cured when he left me, WILLIAM TABB. All Persons are forewarned employing or harbouring the said Slave, at their Peril.
TAKEN up, in Chesterfield, a yellow bay HORSE about 10 or 12 Years old, 4 Feet 6 or 7 Inches high, with a Star in his Forehead, has several Saddle Spots, is branded on the left Buttock RC, and on the right R. Posted, and appraised to 101. RALPH FALKNER.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a dark gray stoned COLT, about a Year old, neither docked nor branded, has some White on the off hind Foot, a very small white Spot in his forehead, and is about 13 1/2 Hands high. Posted, and appraised to 71. JAMES BOYD.
WILLIAMSBURG, MARCH 28, 1775.
JOHN SHIPHARD, Coach, Chaise, and Harness Maker, from LONDON.
INFORMS the Public that he has now on Hand a neat Phaeton, double and single Riding Chairs, &c. which he will dispose of on reasonable Terms, for Cash, European or West India Goods. He returns his most grateful Thanks to all those who have hitherto favoured him with their Custom, and takes this Method to inform them, as well as the Public in general, that he is determined to spare neither Pains nor Expense in prosecuting the different Branches of his Business to the Satisfaction of all who may please to employ him. He will repair Carriages as above-mentioned, either in the Wheels or Bodies, and will attend to the greatest Punctuality.
NORFOLK, April 3, 1775.
JOURNEYMEN WEAVERS, who are acquainted with any of the following Branches, viz. weaving of Cotton Velvets, Thicksets, Jeans, Fustians, Dimities, Counterpanes, Damask, Diaper, Gauze, Woollens, or Linens, will meet with good Encouragement by applying to the Subscriber.—A good Linen Weaver may soon weave any of the above, and shall have the Pieces prepared and mounted for them, by GARDINER FLEMING.
N. B. I shall be obliged to any Smith or Cutler that would furnish me with a Plough, and three different Sets of Wires, for making Cotton Velvets.
I have Moschetto Curtains, and sundry other Kinds of Cloth, for Sale, and will give a good Price for well spun Cotton, Flax, or Wool, in Payment, preferable to Cash, such as will run from six to fifteen Yards to the Pound.
JAMES DAVIS, TAILOR, YORK TOWN.
HEREBY returns his most grateful Acknowledgments to all those who have hitherto been his Customers, and takes this Opportunity to inform them, as well as the Public in general, that he has just opened Shop nearly opposite the Swan Tavern; where, by a close Application to his Business, and the utmost Endeavours to give Satisfaction, he flatters himself he will meet with a Continuance of the Favours of his Friends, and merit general Encouragement.
LADIES RIDING HABITS made in the newest Fashion.
TO BE SOLD
By public Auction, for ready Money only, at GLOUCESTER Court-house, on the 4th of MAY next, at one o'Clock,
SEVERAL valuable HORSES and MARES, together with a MOHOGANY SCRUTOIRE and BOOK-CASE, the Property of
JONATHAN WATSON.
N. B. The Land, Negroes, Stock, House, &c. may yet be purchased upon the Terms specified in a former Advertisement.
Ten Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the Subscriber, near the upper Church, in Middlesex, last Saturday Night, a Convict Servant Lad named JOSEPH HIGGENSON, about 21 or 22 Years of Age, a Native of London, a Jobbing Blacksmith by Trade. He is small made, about 5 Feet high, or 5 Feet and an Inch, has straight dark Hair, not long enough to tie behind; he has no Beard, but a remarkable masculine Voice for one of his Size. He has been in the Country four Years last September, and was sold by Mr. Hodge to one Strother, from Strother to Roger Bell, from Bell to Reuben Daniel of Orange County, and from him to me. He served his Time to a Screwplate-Maker. I have, since I had him, taught him to do all Manner of Jobbing Smiths Work well. He pretends to understand Brass and Silver Work, but is no great Artist at it. He can neither read nor write; had on, and took with him, a Virginia Cotton Coat, Kersey wove, dyed of a pale Lead Colour, white Breeches the same of his Coat, a Pair of old English Leather Breeches, a Wilton Jacket mixed with Red, without Sleeves, a coarse blue Jump Jacket, a Pair of white Cotton Stockings, a Pair of pale blue Virginia Yarn Do. a Pair of coarse Sale Do. mixed with Red, a Pair of old Shoes, and a Pair of turned Pumps. Since he has been gone, I understand he bought a Pair of new black Grain Dogskin Shoes. I think he had a Pair of Silver Buckles, and a Stone Brooch, but am not certain, a fine Holland Shirt, a Muslin Neckcloth, one Osnaburg Shirt, and a fine small Hat almost new. I hear he was seen on his Way towards York. I will give 51. Reward if taken in the Colony, and secured in any Gaol so that I get him again; if taken out of the Colony, and brought Home, I will give the above Reward. I forewarn all Persons from harbouring him, or employing him; and as I expect he will aim to get on Board some Vessel, all Masters of Vessels are cautioned, at their Peril, from taking him on Board, or carrying him out of the Country. SAMUEL DANIEL.
N. B. He has a remarkable down Look, and bends back in his Knees when he stands. As I had my House robbed the Night before he went away, and two new Cotton Shirts carried off, I suspect him to be the Thief. (4) MIDDLESEX County, March 20, 1775.
RUN away, the 20th Instant (March)
A very black, large, young Negro Man named SELLOR. I bought him from the Rev. John Brander, in Bedford County, who purchased him from one Ransome, on North River, Kingston Parish, Gloucester County, where probably the Slave may be.—Whoever will deliver him to the Subscriber, at Drummon's Neck, in James City County, shall have 31. Reward, and be allowed all Expenses in bringing him. (6) JOHN AYLETT.
TO BE SOLD,
THREE Thousand Acres of well timbered LAND, near Newmarket, in Caroline County, whereon are two Plantations in good Repair, with proper and convenient Edifices for farming or making of Tobacco. For Terms apply to the Subscriber. (tf) JOHN BAYLOR.
TO BE SOLD,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline County, contiguous to Mattaponi, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land, the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burwell of King William, Mr. John Armistead of Caroline, and Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)
For SALE, and very CHEAP,
THE Tract of LAND whereon I now live, in the lower End of Caroline County, that contains 470 Acres, and is known to be very good. The Improvements are, a new Dwelling-House 32 by 28 Feet, with three Dormants on a Side, two Fireplaces below, and one above, a good Cellar, the Kitchen 24 by 16 Feet, with all other Outhouses quite new, and the Plantation in fine Order for Cropping. Its Situation is equal to any Forest Place whatever. I will give Credit till next Christmas, when Possession may be had. (tf) LE ROY HIPKINS.
TO BE SOLD, or RENTED,
(Preference will be given to the first)
A PLANTATION on Allen's Creek in Mecklenburg, within a Mile of Roanoke, consisting of about 120 Acres of Land, the Property of Messrs. Alexander Donald and Co. and whereon the Subscriber now lives. The Land of itself is valuable, exclusive of the Improvements, which are a good Dwelling-House, with other necessary Outhouses, and a large and convenient Storehouse, 32 by 44 Feet. There are about 20 Acres of the low Ground well set in Timothy and Clover, and notwithstanding this dry Summer, 15 Acres of it have yielded above 30,000 Weight of Hay, which, with about 300 Bushels of Oats in the Straw, some Indian Corn, 40 Head of Cattle, 50 Head of Sheep, and some Hogs, will be sold on reasonable Terms. The Purchaser may have Possession of the Premises as soon as he pleases, and long Credit (if required) will be allowed for the Land, on his giving Bond and Security. It is expected the Store will be continued, and of Course the Purchaser will have the Benefit of the Board of the Storekeepers, and besides the Situation of the Place (being on Taylor's Ferry Road) makes it well calculated for a Tavern. (tf) EBENEZER MACHARG.
PRINCE GEORGE, November 10, 1774.
RUN away from the Subscriber, a Mulatto Boy named SAM, about 16 or 17 Years old, of a very light Complexion, and will endeavour to pass for a free Boy, has gray Eyes, brown Hair, a smooth artful Tongue, is a great Villain, but a very good Barber. In the Month of June last he was put in York Jail, on Suspicion of having stolen some Money in Williamsburg. He made his Escape from thence and got to Norfolk, where he was put in Jail and sent to me by Water. The next Day (September 20th) he made his Escape from my Overseer, and has not since been heard of. He was born in Frederick Town, Maryland, has lived in Frederickburg, Norfolk, and York Town, and is well acquainted with most Parts of Virginia. He was very meanly clad, having been so long in Jail, but it is probable will procure Clothes. I will give 40s. Reward to have him committed to any of his Majesty's Jails, if taken in the Colony of Virginia, and if out of the Colony 51. All Captains of Ships, or Masters of Vessels, are hereby forewarned from carrying him out of the Country, or employing him. (tf) JOHN BLAND.