The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg, Va.), 1775-04-21 00:00:00

VIRGINIA
GAZETTE.
ALWAYS FOR LIBERTY,
AND THE PUBLICK GOOD.
ALEXANDER PURDIE, PRINTER.
Continuation of AN APPEAL &c.
WE have the answers of the Archbishop of Armagh, and of the county of Dublin, to this summons, distinctly recorded. "We are not bound. (said the prelate) agreeable to the liberties, privileges, rights, laws, and customs, of the church and land of Ireland, to elect any of our clergy, and to send them to any part of England, for the purpose of holding Parliaments or Councils in England: Yet, on account of our reverence to our Lord the King of England, and the now eminent necessity of the land aforesaid, saving to us, and to the Lords and Commons of the said land, all rights, privileges, liberties, laws, and customs before mentioned, we have elected representatives to repair to the King in England, to treat and consult with him and his Council; except, however, that we do by no means grant to our said representatives any power of assenting to any burthens or subsidies to be imposed on us or our clergy, to which we cannot yield, by reason of our poverty, and daily expense in defending the land against the Irish enemy."
"In like manner, we find the county of Dublin at first elected their representatives without power or authority to consent to the imposition of any burthens. The King complained of the election, as insufficient and irregular; and the sheriff was directed to make another return, in presence of the treasurer and chief justice of the King's Bench. Difficulties were started, and delays contrived; at length the Nobles and Commons, unanimously, and with one voice, declare, that, according to the rights, privileges, liberties, laws, and customs, of the land of Ireland, enjoyed from the time of the conquest of the said land, they are not bound to send any persons from the land of Ireland to the Parliament or Council of our Lord the King in England, to treat, consult, or agree with our Lord the King in England, as the writ requires. Notwithstanding, on account of their reverence, and the necessity and present distress of the said land, they have elected representatives to repair to the King, and to treat and consult with him and his council, reserving to themselves the power of yielding or agreeing to any subsidies; at the same time protesting, that their present compliance is not hereafter to be taken in prejudice to the rights, privileges, laws, and customs, which the Lords and Commons, from the time of the conquest of the land of Ireland, have enjoyed."
"What was the result of this notable controversy between Edward and his subjects of Ireland, or whether or how far the King's necessities were supplied, we are not distinctly informed. It only appears, that the Irish representatives sat at Westminster, and that their wages were levied on the dioceses, counties, and boroughs, which had chosen them."
The unquestionable conclusion from this record is, that to give and grant the property of English subjects, in an assembly wherein they were not present in person or by representation, was deemed so unconstitutional, that no necessity could prompt or justify it. The Parliament at Westminster did not consider this doctrine as repugnant to their rights, or trenching upon their authority; though they were by no means disposed to yield any of their privileges to the crown, or permit an illegal exertion of the prerogative. This record is also a proof that the sole right of giving was so inherent in the owner of property, that the people at large might delegate it in whole or in part, might restrain it entirely, or reserve to themselves the controul of consenting to the grant of their representatives, to give it final efficacy. It appears too, from the writs issued upon that occasion, that every person concerned, without any farther qualification in the conduct of the representatives, was to give his voice in electing them. The words of the writ are, Archiepiscopis, episcopis, vice-comitibus, senescallis, majoribus, superioribus & prepositis, ac omnibus aliis ejusdem terræ quorum interest, ad electionem hujusmodi duarum personarum, in Angliam in forma predicta transmittendarum, faciendam.
In tracing the history of the Irish Parliaments, we find they not only knew their right of granting money, but how instrumental it was in obtaining a redress of grievances. In the reign of Henry V. they accompanied the grant with a representation of grievances*. In the year 1585, the ordinary subsidy bill was rejected by the Commons of Ireland; the reason appears to have been a complaint of grievances, and an apprehension of more, especially of oppressive and extraordinary taxation. Queen Elizabeth, during whose reign this happened, had too much spirit to have acquiesced in this refusal, could she, or any one about her, have conceived that the intervention of her English Parliament might grant the subsidy out of the property of the people of Ireland, without the most flagrant violation of their constitutional rights. Neither is it probable that the Irish Commons would have hazarded such a measure of opposition, had they imagined themselves liable to be taxed in the English Parliament, and thereby deprived of this means of enforcing a redress of grievances. In the reign of James I. we find them restored to good humour by conciliatory measures, and then they granted a liberal subsidy, with so much alacrity and zeal, that the King returned them thanks in a flattering letter addressed to the Lord Lieutenant §. Charles I. and his favourite Wentworth, tried every art to persuade them to make liberal and permanent grants; the threat of interpolating the King's prerogative was added. Under the influence of promises and fears, the Commons made a grant of four entire subsidies¶. Neither the King nor
his deputy were sincere; the graces they promised were not granted; the Commons therefore contrived a method of frustrating the collection of the subsidy, and the civil wars which soon followed put an end to all farther requisitions.
I have been more particular in stating these facts with relation to Ireland, because it is impossible to find a case more exactly similar to that of America. They were both conquered countries, peopled by English subjects; yet in all the agitation of necessity and passion, and the various expedients it produced, that of imposing taxes upon Ireland in the English Parliament was never attempted. There are, however, some differences, in favour of America. In the former, the conquered people and the English were in some measure intermixed; in the latter, they were, and still continue, totally distinct. The English subjects who settled in Ireland carried with them their rights, not expressed, but latent; whereas those of the American settlers were confirmed by charters. I am far from thinking that charters create rights; they are inherent in, and unalienable from, the person of the subject. Allegiance and protection in these rights are a mutual compact between the Prince and the people. As emigration does not dissolve allegiance, neither can it divest rights; they involve each other, and are inseparable. But so solemn a recognition and confirmation of them, as charters under the great seal of a kingdom manifest, renders the violation of them still more conspicuous and criminal. From the history of Ireland we learn another difference, which is, that taxes were levied in England to defend and protect that country for some time after its settlement; whereas all the old colonies in America were settled, and the wars carried on with the natives, solely at the expense of the settlers themselves, this country bearing none of the burthen, but reaping infinite benefits from the settlement. Canada, Florida, and Nova Scotia, are exceptions to this; but they are acquisitions obtained from France and Spain, which belong therefore to this country, and will soon repay with interest the supplies which have been voted for them.
As it was therefore most clearly considered, that English subjects emigrating to and settling in Ireland, though a conquered country, were not liable to be taxed by the English Parliament, it seems strange to contend that the same subjects settling in America were liable to such taxation. The supreme power of this Parliament has been always asserted, and frequently exercised, over Ireland; the right of giving and granting their money, for the purposes of a revenue, never. Who is it that can point out a difference adequate to so great a diminution of English liberty, in the person of him who emigrates to America, as that he should not only be subject to the supreme power of the British Parliament, but to be taxed where he is not represented?
Now it is not only impossible, I conceive, to give any plausible reason for this distinction, but it is clear that no such idea was ever seriously entertained till the year 1764.
§ Appendix to Leland's hist. P. 365. * Leland, V. 2, P. 13. || Leland, V. 2, P. 296. § Ibid. P. 457. ¶ Irish journ. 1640.
* Leland, P. 327.

What can be a more decisive proof of this than that the people of America have always chosen representatives of their own, and that the crown has constantly applied to those representatives for the supplies which were wanting? If the settled, notorious, invariable practice of government, be not evidence of the constitution, from whence are we to learn it? If it had not been consistent with the constitution, and essential to the free state of an English subject, that he should choose representatives who only should impose taxes upon him, how did it happen that both in Ireland and America our colonists, without any special law to direct it, from their earliest infancy chose such representatives, who have always exercised that authority? Had this been illegal, surely the crown would not have encouraged it, by constantly making requisitions through its Governors, and giving assent to laws imposing taxes by the authority of provincial assemblies, nor would Parliament have permitted a practice which makes those assemblies coequal with themselves. It is, I apprehend, most undeniable, that either Parliament has no right to impose taxes upon the people of Ireland and America, or they have the sole right; for nothing can be so absurd as to suppose a people subject to two taxing powers, not communicating with each other, not knowing what each other are doing; in consequence of which the people might be burthened with a double tax upon the same thing, so as to be productive of perpetual confusion and distress. This would plainly be such an inconsistency in politics, as would render government at once ridiculous and oppressive. The assertion therefore at this day, of the right of Parliament to impose taxes upon Ireland and America, involves in it the highest criminal charge against all those who have for centuries been active or acquiescing in the imposition of taxes upon the people of those countries, which, according to the modern doctrine, the authority of Parliament only could impose. If they justify by pleading that they were the representatives of the people whose money they granted, the admission of that plea will defeat the pretensions of Parliament, who do not represent them*.
* There is a solemn resolution of the House of Commons, that no tallage, loan, benevolence, or other like charge, ought to be commanded or levied by the King, or any of his Ministers, without common consent of Parliament. If it had been imagined that this resolution concluded to all the subjects of the empire, if an idea had been entertained that the consent of Parliament involved in it the consent of Ireland or America, what Minister would have ventured to advise the King to ask money from the Commons of Ireland and of America, and to have levied it upon the people by the authority of their legislatures? Every Minister who gave such advice would have hazarded his head; no Parliament would have endured so open a violation of its rights, and of the constitution. But no such supposition ever entered into any man's head, and therefore it has been the established and unimpeached practice, ever since the foundation of our dominion in those countries, for the King to make requisitions for supplies to their representatives, and levy taxes by the authority of their legislatures. The instances of this are innumerable. It has been done by every Minister, at all times, and in every reign. It has been repeatedly announced with regard to America, to the House of Commons, in the King's messages, without question or complaint. It remained for the new-fangled doctrine of this day to maintain that America was represented in Parliament, a doctrine involving consequences which they who broached it were far from foreseeing. It would devote their dearest connections to impeachment, and brand the memory of every Minister who preceded as a traitor to the constitution of his country.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 21. LAST Wednesday the inhabitants of this city met at the courthouse, to choose a Delegate, agreeable to the re-
commendation of the late Convention, for one year, when the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; was unanimously elected. At the same time, a very liberal subscription was made for our suffering fellow subjects at Boston, in cash; which will be remitted to them, together with our first donation, by the hands of the Hon. the Speaker, who sets off, next Saturday se'nnight, for Philadelphia, to preside at the General Congress.
By the Schooner Congress, Capt. Woolcutt, arrived at York, in nine days from Boston, we learn that 45,000 men, well armed, are in constant training and readiness to repel any insult that may be offered them by the King's troops; as it is generally imagined, as soon as the reinforcements from England arrive, that some mischief is intended. That none of the Northern ships in the London trade had yet arrived, although expected for near two months past; so that it was thought an embargo had been laid on the American shipping. And that no private letters had come by the New York packet, except for General Gage, and the other Governors on the continent.
Mr. PURDIE, IT is so true, as to have become proverbial, that a drowning man will catch at a straw. On this principle it is that a despotick, but almost despairing Ministry, having been compelled, by the wisdom, virtue, and firmness of North America, to show a disposition to retract from their tyrannical system, are yet suspended in their determinations, and find their hopes kept alive by the corruption of some, by the folly and perverseness of others, on this side the Atlantick. The most contemptible tales are magnified into importance when the mind wishes them to be true, and thus the lies of a Rivington, or the vanity of some heavy-headed Virginian, will swell trifles into proofs of disunion, and serve to persuade perseverance in measures, hurtful indeed to America, but certainly ruinous to Great Britain. Among this tribe of mischief-working things may be classed a senseless paper lately published in the Norfolk Intelligencer , said to be "instructions drawn up for the delegates to the Convention at Richmond, the 20th of March, from a certain county in Virginia." Was this curious production, Mr. Purdie, rejected by the sensible printers in Williamsburg, which occasioned it to pass through that common sewer of political falsehood and filth the Norfolk Intelligencer ? Though the framer of these instructions certainly wants sense, he may be allowed to possess some cunning; because he has so contrived, that willingness of mind, or ignorance of fact, may both conclude a whole county in Virginia to have perfidiously opposed the general union; a union formed, both as to time and matter, on the unanimous concurrence of this country in August last, and finally confirmed by the same unanimous approbation on the 20th of March succeeding. But let us consider, Mr. Purdie, what are the motives and principles that probably govern this drawer up of instructions (for we do not learn they were ever signed) thus to induce a belief so injurious to the fame of any county. It could not be the little vanity of showing how smoothly nonsense may be written; because the writer's name being concealed, his share of this merit must be small indeed. It could not conduce to procure an adoption of his crude ideas at the Convention, because the publication appears posterior to the rising of the Convention. It would seem, therefore, that this fiction was designed for the bad purpose before mentioned, of keeping up the delusion in Great Britain, and comforting, with hopes, an almost expiring, venal, despotick Administration. It is not proper to insult the publick with a minute refutation of these instructions; suffice it to observe, that the writer confesses "the grand principal (we will suppose him here to mean principles) for which we
"contend, are the rights of legislation and taxation, of legislation respecting our internal police, and of taxation independent of every power on earth;" which, inestimable privileges, he farther declares, "we will maintain at the risk of our lives and fortunes." Bravo! our man grows bold here; but presently, alas! he sinks again! for, if his instructions mean anything, they mean to condemn the proceedings of the Congress, because the Quebeck bill is beyond his "ideas," because suspending commerce will be fatal to those who are endeavouring to rob us of what himself calls "inestimable privileges," and for a few other reasons equally cogent and sensible. Such is the inconsistency, and folly, of the enemies of America; for they are still enemies, whether influenced by vanity or wickedness, or misled by want of understanding.
PRINCE WILLIAM, AMERICANUS. April 8, 1775.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 15, 1775.
THE subscribers, having this day entered into partnership, beg leave to acquaint the publick in general, and their friends and neighbours in particular, that they intend practising PHYSICK 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. It is proposed that John M. Galt shall pay his particular attention to surgery, to whom our friends are desired to apply on all such occasions, but will be advised and assisted by W. Pasteur in all difficult cases. They both desire to make their most grateful acknowledgments to their friends and customers for the many favours and civilities they have received, and hope, by this union, they will be enabled to carry on their business to the entire satisfaction of their friends, as on their part the strictest assiduity and attention shall be observed.
PASTEUR & GALT.
For SALE,
THE high blooded horse DOTTEREL. He is full fifteen hands three 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. The Gentlemen of the turf are well acquainted with Dotterel's performances in Great Britain, and that he was esteemed the swiftest horse in England, Eclipse excepted. He is remarkable for getting colts, and they are uncommonly beautiful, and fit for the turf or the road. The above mentioned pedigree may be seen, and the terms of sale made known, to any person inclined to purchase, by applying to the steward at Stratford, the seat of the late Honourable Philip Ludwell Lee, Esq; in Westmoreland county. (4)
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 Honourable Philip Ludwell Lee, Esq; in Westmoreland county. (4)
BY decree of the court of Vice Admiralty, on Tuesday the 25th of April, will be sold, at Burwell's ferry, for ready money, the Schooner ENDEAVOUR, with her rigging, tackle, and apparel, 1300 bushels of corn, 2 hhds. of tobacco, 2 hhds. of rum, and a barrel of coffee.
(1) JAMES COCKE, Marshal.

WILLIAMSBURG, April 14, 1775.
I HAVE on hand a neat assortment of GOLD and SILVER WORK, which I will sell cheap, for ready money.
All kinds of JEWELLERY WORK, particularly MOURNING RINGS, is made at my shop, in the newest taste; and MINIATURE PICTURES are set in gold and silver.
CLOCKS and WATCHES cleaned and repaired there likewise.
JAMES CRAIG.
FIFTY VERY LIKELY
S L A V E S
Among them four valuable tradesmen, will be sold at Richmond fair, for ready money, by the SHERIFF of King William county. 2||
F O R S A L E,
A TRACT of LAND, containing 3000 acres, whereon is a plantation which has employed, for some years past, twelve or fourteen slaves; this tract lies in the upper end of King William county. Also a tract lying in the lower end of the said county, containing 1100 acres, and pleasantly situated on Pamunkey river; a brick dwelling-house, with necessary offices, a fishing shore, and a lively fertility of soil, recommend the latter tract to any Gentleman who may be about to settle in life. Possession will be delivered on the 25th of December next, to the purchaser, or purchasers, who will have liberty of sowing fall grain. Mr. Benjamin Grymes, jun. of Orange, will make known particulars to any person who may be inclined to purchase the whole, or any part of the said tracts. Credit till the first of January 1777 will be allowed, by
JUDITH ROBINSON.
(tf.) LUCY ROBINSON.
BENJAMIN GRYMES, jun.
To be SOLD, in the town of Richmond, on Tuesday the 2d of May, if fair, otherwise next 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 5l. till the first of October 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 LYLE,
JAMES BUCHANAN,
PATRICK COUTTS,
JOHN PENDLETON, jun. } Executors.
*** The creditors are requested to make known their demands to John Pendleton, jun. in Richmond.
STOLEN out of the subscriber's cornfield, in Orange county, near the courthouse, about the first of December last, a bright bay HORSE about four feet eight inches high, four years old this spring, dockt, and branded on the near buttock with the bottom of a woman's stirrup iron. He is very gentle, and has been rode a little. Whoever will inform me where I can get the said horse shall have 20s. or if brought to my house 40s.
|| JAMES TAYLOR, senior.
RUN away from the subscriber, at West Point, in King William county, the 21st of last December, a very likely Virginia born negro man, named MIKE, about 22 years old, six feet high, and stutters much; had on, when he went away, a suit of negro cotton, but may probably change his clothes. I forewarn all masters of vessels from carrying him out of the colony. Whoever brings the said negro to me shall have 3l. reward, besides what the law allows, and if taken out of the colony 10l. (tf.) JOHN WEST.
Ten pounds reward.
RUN away, two convicted servant men, just imported from London, in the Justitia , Capt. Kidd, lying at Leeds town, viz. WILLIAM PEARCE, a stout likely fellow, five feet eight or nine inches high, red hair, fair complexion, tolerably well dressed, and about 25 years of age.
RALPH EMANUEL, about six feet high, a likely strong made man, darkish coloured hair, well dressed, with a chocolate coloured furtout coat and red cape, a little tarred, a bound hat with a black band round it, and about 22 years of age. They left the company in which they were traveling a few miles above Leeds town, and both will endeavour to pass for sailors. To those used to the smell of servants just from a ship, they will be easily discovered, unless they have procured new clothes. I will give 6l. for securing, or 10l. for bringing both home, and half for each. All masters of ships are forbid harbouring them, at their peril.
ANDREW LEITCH.
DUMFRIES, April 6, 1775.
Fifty six dollars reward.
RUN away last night from the subscribers, living near Bush river, Harford county, Maryland, seven English servant men, viz. JOHN BROWN, about 35 years of age, about five feet eight inches high, has black hair, large temples, narrow chin, and thick lips, used to the sea, and a great swearer.
ABRAHAM PETERS, about 28 years of age, about five feet nine inches high, has black hair and beard, of a swarthy complexion, his left hand somewhat perished and lame, says he is a Jew, and talks very good Dutch.
JOHN COOLEY, about 22 years of age, by trade a plaisterer, about five feet eight inches high, round faced, and well set.
WILLIAM CHILDS, about 21 years of age, about five feet six inches high, a carver and gilder by trade, but meanly dressed,
THOMAS ABLE, about 25 years of age, about five feet five inches high, has a remarkable red face, very rotten teeth, is a great talker, and very much pitted with the smallpox.
WILLIAM BLANCHLET, about 27 years of age, about five feet four inches high, thin visaged, sharp nose, black hair and beard.
THOMAS SHARP, about 15 years of age, about five feet three inches high, fair complexion, and had on a green coat turned up with blue. They had, and took with them, a country square-barrelled smooth bore gun rifle-stocked, one pistol, and other fire-arms. Several of them have hobnails in their shoes. Whoever takes up the said servants, and secures them, so that their masters may get them again, shall have, if taken ten miles from home, 10l. if out of the county 14l. and if out of the province the above reward, or in proportion for each, including what the law allows, paid by us,
Buckler Bond. Thomas Saunders. Thomas Bond. Ben. Bradford Norris. William Smithson. ||
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a sorrel MARE eight or nine years old, four feet eight or nine inches high, paces naturally, and branded on the near shoulder 3, with a stroke on the top. Also a bay MARE colt two years old, neither dockt nor branded. A roan HORSE colt two years old, neither dockt nor branded. A black stone COLT two years old, neither dockt nor branded. Posted, and appraised, the sorrel mare to 16l. the bay mare colt to 8l. the roan colt to 5l. the black stone colt to 3l.
|| WILLIAM LYNCH.
TAKEN up, in Cumberland, a dark bay MARE about twelve years old, four feet six inches high, a switch tail, her mane has been roached, shod before, and branded on the near buttock B. Posted, and appraised to 7l. 10s.
|| ROBERT BECK.
ROBERDEAU & JACKSON
Have for sale at their new distillery, in the town of Alexandria, on the river Potowmack, in the colony of Virginia,
A L E X A N D R I A R U M,
WHICH they engage equal in quality, either in strength, agreeable smell, and good flavour, to any made on this continent. They will be much obliged to the venders of that article for their custom, which they hope to merit, as well by the goodness of their rum, and the moderate profit they design to sell at, as their constant endeavours to give general satisfaction.
*** They propose to sell for cash only, or country produce delivered at the distillery.
For SALE at Tappahannock,
AN exceeding likely young negro man, who is a very good house servant, understands taking care of horses, and is a tolerable good cook. If the purchaser is not perfectly satisfied with him after a month's trial, he may return him if in health.
(tf.) ARCHIBALD M'CALL.
ROSLIN, April 10, 1775.
TWENTY five likely NEGROES, consisting of men, women, boys, and girls, will be sold at Blandford, on Monday the 1st of May next, to the highest bidders, for ready money, tobacco, or merchants notes payable at the ensuing meeting.
CHARLES DUNCAN.
NORFOLK, April 3, 1775.
JOURNEYMEN WEAVERS, that are acquainted with any of the following branches, viz. weaving of cotton velvets, thicksets, jeans, fustians, dimities, counterpanes, damask, diaper, gauze, woollens, or linen, 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.
*** I should 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 muskito 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.
The noted swift HORSE
TRISTRAM SHANDY, NOW in great perfection, stands at my house in the lower end of Caroline county, and covers mares this season at 50s. Good pasturage gratis, and great care taken of the mares, but I will not be answerable for any that may get away.
Tristram Shandy was got by Moreton's Traveller, his dam by Janus, out of a very fine English mare.
JAMES UPSHAW.
To be SOLD by publick auction, for ready money only, at Gloucester courthouse, on the 4th of May next, at one o'clock,
SEVERAL valuable horses and mares, together with a mahogany escritoire and book-case, the property of
JONATHAN WATSON.
*** The land, negroes, stock, house, &c. may yet be purchased on the terms specified in a former advertisement.
To be SOLD in Amherst county,
FOUR THOUSAND acres of exceeding good tobacco LAND, being part of a large tract formerly advertised, together with a very valuable gristmill, upon Buffalo river. This land is equal to any that has yet been sold of the tract. The time of payment will be made agreeable to purchasers. Mr. Gabriel Penn, who lives near the land, is authorised to bargain for it, and will show it to any persons inclined to purchase.
(tf.) CARTER BRAXTON.

To be SOLD, on the fourth Thursday in May next, being Pittsylvania court day, by virtue of a deed of trust from James Roberts,
THE tract of land where the courthouse stands, containing about 1000 acres, 50 of which are laid off into a town, and several houses are built thereon. It would be profitable to any person that inclines to keep tavern, as that, without any land but a garden, now rents for 60 l. per annum. There are near 100 acres cleared, and in good order for cropping. Also the following tracts of land, viz. one on Dan river, in the said county, joining the great falls, containing about 700 acres. Another tract on the said river, in Guilford county, North Carolina, containing 650 acres, 100 of which are cleared, and in good repair. It is known by the name of Covington's, or Matrimony Quarter, and has rented for 25 l. per annum. A third tract on Moon's creek, in Orange county, North Carolina, containing 337 acres, on which is a good plantation that has rented for 8 l. per annum. These several tracts of land will be divided into lots, if required, and will be sold by private sale, between this and the day of sale, on application being made to the said Roberts, or the subscriber. At the same time will be sold, several valuable SLAVES; two of the women are exceeding good house servants. The stocks of horses and cattle will also be sold. Good titles to the lands, &c. will be made the purchasers, and as long credit as the affair will admit.
WILLIAM TUNSTALL.
FALMOUTH, April 5, 1775.
RUN away from the sloop Susannah, Capt. John Dow, about the 5th ult. a negro man named NED, 40 years of age, about five feet ten inches high, much pitted with the smallpox, has a remarkable sore on his right leg, is fond of liquor, and when intoxicated has an impediment in his speech, is very deceitful, and will, no doubt, endeavour to pass as a freeman. He had on, when he left the sloop, a gray kersey short coat, almost new, with metal buttons, breeches of the same cloth, a spotted cotton jacket, a pair of yarn hose, and an old fine hat. Any person delivering the said negro to Capt. Dow on board, or to the subscriber at Falmouth, shall have a reward of 5 l. if apprehended in this colony, and 10 l. if in any other. I forewarn all masters of vessels from harbouring, employing, or carrying off the said negro, at their peril.
GEORGE HAMILTON.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the subscriber, in Williamsburg, a dark bay HORSE about fourteen hands and a half high, has a white face, roach mane and bob tail, paces slow, and branded on the near buttock TL in a piece. Whoever brings the said horse to me in this city, or to Mr. Lowdwell Blackey Taylor in New Kent county, shall receive a reward adequate to his trouble. WILLIAM DAWSON.
COMMITTED to Northampton county jail, North Carolina, the 22d ult. an outlandish negro man, who cannot, or will not, tell his owner's name. He is a small black fellow, about five feet four inches high, and has some of his country marks between his eyes; had on a negro cotton jacket with a red collar, and some red round the sleeves, and an old pair of leather breeches. The owner may have him on proving his property, and paying charges. DRURY GEE, sheriff.
TAKEN up, in Pittsylvania, a dark bay HORSE four feet three inches and a half high, about eight years old, a large star in his forehead, had on a small bell with two patches on it, and branded on the near buttock DH. Posted, and appraised to 3 l. 15 s.
ROBERT HARSTONE.
RICHMOND, April 4, 1775.
I SHALL leave the colony in a few weeks. JAMES WATT.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from Rocky Ridge, in November, at the sale of negroes there, a bay mare with a blaze in her face, has a number of remarkable small white spots on her back and rump, some saddle spots, is about ten years old, and branded, but I have forgot what it is. Whoever contrives the said mare to me, near Buckingham courthouse, shall have 3 l. reward, if strayed; and if stolen, on conviction of the thief, 5 l. paid by
THEODORICK WEBB.
MANCHESTER, March 25, 1775.
ABOUT 7 or 8 years ago, a bond from Jones and Hooper to Harrison, for upwards of 30 l. was left with me to receive payment. In 1769 I received the money, with the interest then due, and some time after advertised in the Virginia Gazette, that the Gentlemen who put this bond into my hands might apply and receive the money, but no application hitherto hath been made. The bond was left with me at the time Col. Harrison sold negroes at this place, but by whom I know not.
JAMES LYLE.
YORICK
IN full health and vigour, covers this season at the usual price and place. Country produce will be received at market price, if delivered before the mares are taken away, of which good care shall be taken, but no ensurance for escapes, by the publick's obedient humble servant,
JOHN WHELDON.
MOUNT AIRY, March 28, 1775.
KING HEROD
WILL cover mares the ensuing season at 4 l. each. The Gentlemen who send mares will be expected to make payment upon taking them away; and should any stray from the pasture, and be lost, I will not be answerable for them.
RALPH WORMELEY, junior.
ROSEGILL, April 1, 1775.
WILLIAM COSBY, Wheelwright, in WILLIAMSBURG,
BEGS leave to inform his friends and customers, that having been in a bad state of health for these twelve months past, he has not been able to give that satisfaction he would willingly do; but being now quite recovered, he is determined that no one shall make better and more substantial work than him, or upon shorter notice, and therefore hopes for a continuance of their favours. He repairs all sorts of carriages, and furnishes iron work for the different branches of his business.
WILLIAMSBURG, April 5, 1775.
AS I intend to leave the colony as soon as I can settle my affairs, I must earnestly request all persons indebted to me on my own account, or in partnership with Mr. William Maitland, to discharge their balances by the ensuing meeting of the merchants. As there are probably some of those who may not have it in their power to comply with this request, it is expected they will give bond for what they owe, which will in some measure answer my purpose, and enable me to support my credit in future.-----The goods I have on hand, amounting to upwards of 600 l. sterling, I would gladly dispose of at a low advance, and allow twelve months credit, the purchaser giving bond with approved security. ROBERT MILLER.
TAKEN up, in Bedford, a black MARE about fourteen hands high, trots, had on a bell marked I K, and branded on the near shoulder O with a stroke through the middle. Posted, and appraised to 7 l.
PRIOR WRIGHT.
Ten Pounds Reward.
RUN away from the subscriber, near the upper church in Middlesex, on Saturday the 18th ult. a convict servant named JOSEPH HIGGINSON, one or two and twenty years of age, who is a native of London, but can neither read nor write he is a small man, being little better than five feet high, has a remarkable down look, bends back in the knees when he stands, has no beard, but a remarkable strong voice for one of his size, and straight dark hair, not long enough to tie. He has been in the country four years last September, and was sold by Mr. Hodge to one Strather, by Stother to Roger Bell, who sold him to Reuben Daniel of Orange county, from whom I had him. He served his time to a screwplate maker, but I have since taught him to do all sorts of jobbing work very well; and although he pretends to understand brass and silver work, he is but an indifferent hand in those branches. He had on, and took with him, a Virginia cotton coat, kersey-wove, of a pale lead colour, white breeches, the same stuff as his coat, old English leather breeches, a mixed red Wilton jacket without sleeves, a coarse blue jump jacket, a pair of white cotton stockings, one pair of pale blue Virginia yarn do. a pair of mixed red coarse sale do. a pair of old shoes, turned pumps, and since he has been gone I understand he has bought a pair of new black grain dogskin shoes. I think he had a pair of silver buckles and a stone set brooch, but I am not certain. He had likewise a fine holland shirt and a mullin neckcloth, one osnabrug shirt, and a fine small hat almost new. I hear he was seen on his way towards, York. Whoever apprehends the said servant, and secures him in any jail of this colony, so that I get him again, shall have 5 l. reward; if taken up in any other province, and brought home, I will give the above reward of 10 l. I hereby forewarn all persons from harbouring him, or giving him employment; and as I suppose he will endeavour to make his escape by water, I caution all masters of vessels from taking him on board, or carrying him out of the country.
SAMUEL DANIEL.
*** 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.
THREE months ago I purchased, from the executors of Littlebury Hardiman, a negro woman named RACHEL, formerly Mr. Hardiman's cook, since which I have not seen her. I am informed she has a husband at one of Col. Carter's quarters on James river, through whose benevolence I imagine she is now harbouring. Whoever brings her to me, at Drummond's Neck, near Cowles's ferry, shall receive 30 s. or 20 s. if conveyed to Charles City prison. I am determined not to dispose of her, and will sue any person who entertains her.
JOHN AYLETT.
For SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, near Newmarket, containing about 3000 acres of well timbered land, having thereon two plantations, in good repair, with proper and convenient edifices for farming, or making tobacco. For terms apply to the subscriber.
(tf) JOHN BAYLOR.
For SALE,
A TRACT of LAND in Caroline county, contiguous to Mattapony, 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 in King William, Mr. John Armistead in Caroline, or Mr. John Baylor, Executors. (tf)

THE Delegates of this colony, at their late Convention, having recommended to the people the diligent execution of the MILITIA LAW passed in the year 1738, which is become absolutely necessary since the expiration of all subsequent militia laws, to the evident danger of the community, in case of invasion or insurrection, it may be proper to lay before the publick the substance of that act, which is entitled An act for the better regulating the militia.
1. What persons shall be enlisted. ] All free male persons, above the age of one and twenty years.
2. Persons exempted from personal attendance. ] Such as are, or shall have been, members of his Majesty's Council, Speaker of the House of Burgesses, Secretary, Receiver General, Auditor, Judge of the court of Vice Admiralty, Attorney General, clerk of the Council, clerk of the House of Burgesses, clerk of the Secretary's office, a justice of the peace, clerk of any county court, or any person that shall have born any military commission as high as that of a Captain, or any of the people commonly called Quakers; yet all the persons aforesaid shall, and are hereby required, to send one able-bodied man, not being a convict, or man and horse, armed and accoutred, according to the directions of this act, constantly to appear, and exercise at musters.
3. Persons exempted from being enlisted. ] Ministers of the church of England, the president, masters, or professors, and students of the college of William and Mary, during the time of their being such, any overseers residing on the plantation where the slaves under their care are worked, all millers, having the charge and keeping of any mill, nor the founders, keepers, or other persons employed in or about any iron, copper, or lead work, or any other mine, during the time of their being so employed.
4. How the militia shall be armed. ] Every horseman shall be furnished with a serviceable horse, a good saddle, with breastplate, crupper, curb bridle, carbine, or fufee, and bucket, holsters, a case of pistols, cutting sword or cutlass, double cartouch box, and six charges of powder; and every footman shall be furnished with a firelock, musket, or fufee, well fixed, a bayonet fitted to the same, or a cutting sword or cutlass, a cartouch box, and three charges of powder. They are constantly to appear with the same at the time and place appointed for muster and exercise, and shall also keep at their houses one pound of powder and four pounds of ball, and bring the same into the field when they shall be required.
5. Mulattoes, &c. not to bear arms. ] Free mulattoes, Negroes, or Indians, as are or shall be listed, shall appear without arms; and may be employed as drummers, trumpeters, or pioneers, or in such other servile labour as they shall be directed to perform.
6. Duty of officers, and punishment of disobedient soldiers. ] Every Captain shall, once in three months, or oftener if required, muster, train, and exercise, his troop or company; and the County Lieutenant, Colonel, or chief commanding officer, in every county, shall cause a general muster and exercise of all the troops and companies within his county to be made in the month of September, every year. And if any soldier, during the time he is in arms at a general muster, shall refuse to perform the commands of his officer, or behave himself refractorily or mutinously, it shall and may be lawful to and for the chief commanding officer then present to cause
such offender to be tied neck and heels, for any time not exceeding five minutes; and for a second offence, the majority of the field officers and Captains then present are empowered, by a warrant under their hands, to commit the offender to the county jail, there to remain for any time not exceeding ten days, and not to be discharged till after paying fees for commitment, &c. And every Captain, or in his absence the Lieutenant, shall duly make a list of all the persons upon his muster roll who shall be summoned and do not appear at any of the said musters, armed and accoutred, as by this act is directed, and return the same, with the names of all officers who shall be absent, to the court martial to which he belongs; and every Captain shall have power to appoint a clerk to his troop or company, who shall keep the muster rolls, and attend all musters with the same, and such clerk shall be exempted from appearing in arms at all such musters.
7. Provision for going armed to church, and appointing patrollers. ] It shall and may be lawful for the chief officer of the militia, in every county, to order all persons listed therein to go armed to their respective parish churches, and some time before the 10th of June, yearly, to appoint an officer and four men of the militia, at such times and seasons as he shall think proper, to patrol and visit all negro quarters, and other places suspected of entertaining unlawful assemblies of slaves, servants, or other disorderly persons; and such patrollers shall have full power and authority to take up any such slaves, servants, or disorderly persons, so as aforesaid unlawfully assembled, or any other strolling about from one plantation to another without a pass from his or her master, mistress, or overseer, and to carry them before the next justice of the peace, who is to order every such slave, servant, stroller, or other disorderly person, as aforesaid, to receive any number of lashes not exceeding twenty, on his or her bare back, well laid on. And in case one company of patrollers shall not be sufficient, to order more companies, consisting of the same number. And such patrollers shall be exempted from attendance at private musters, and from the payment of all publick, county, and parish levies, for their own persons, for those years in which they shall be employed in that service.
8. A court-martial to be held for fining delinquents. ] The regulations under this head being nearly the same as are enacted in the law of 1757, entitled An act for the better regulating and disciplining the militia , which was lately in force and use, the reader is thereto referred; but the fines of the militia being different, they are here inserted, and are as follows: The Lieutenant or chief commanding officer of any county failing to appoint a general muster in the month of September, yearly, shall pay 10l. for every failure; every Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, or Major, failing to appear at such general muster, or court, shall pay 40s. Every Captain who shall fail to muster and exercise his troop or company, four times a year, shall pay 12s. for every failure; and every Captain failing to appear at the court-martial, or general muster, shall pay 20s. for every failure; and every Lieutenant who fails to appear at muster shall pay 10s. for every failure; and every Cornet, or Ensign, 7s. 6d. And every Captain, or in his absence the next commanding officer, failing to return a list of the persons who shall not appear at musters, or shall appear without his arms or accoutrements, shall
pay 15s. Every soldier refusing to serve as a Serjeant, Corporal, Drummer, or Trumpeter, being thereto appointed by his Captain, shall pay 50s. or 500lbs. of tobacco, at his election; but such person shall be fined but once for such refusal. Every person listed to serve in the Horse shall pay 7s. 6d. or 75lbs. of tobacco; and every person listed in the Foot shall pay 5s. or 50lbs. of tobacco, at their election, for not appearing at muster, completely armed and accoutred, so that no person be fined above five times a year for such failure. And every clerk of a court-martial failing to deliver the order of the court to the sheriff of the county, within the time herein before limited, shall forfeit all the salary or allowance for his service, as clerk, that year.
Eighteen months allowed for providing arms. ] Eighteen months time shall be allowed to each soldier to furnish and provide himself with arms and ammunition, and no soldier be fined for appearing without, or not having the same at his place of abode, until he hath been listed eighteen months, so as every soldier, during the eighteen months, do appear at all musters, with such arms as he is already furnished with.
Arms exempted from seizures and distresses. ] The furniture, arms, and ammunition, provided and kept in pursuance of this act, shall be free and exempted, at all times, from being impressed, upon any account whatsoever, and likewise from being seized or taken by any manner of distress, attachment, or writ of execution; and that every distress, seizure, or execution, made or served upon any of the premises, be unlawful and void, and that the officer or person that presumes to make or serve the same be liable to the suit of the party grieved, wherein double damages shall be given, upon a recovery.
Other defaults finable. ] Every person exempted from personal appearance only, failing to send an able bodied man, or man and horse, as the case shall be, in his room, to be trained and exercised, shall pay the same fine as is herein before inflicted for not appearing at musters; and every person ordered to go to church armed, failing to do his duty therein, shall pay 5s. and every person ordered to patrol, and failing so to do (to be certified to the court-martial, by the officer of such patrol) shall pay 10s. for every failure; and every person going to, attending at, or returning from muster, shall be privileged and exempted from arrests, and being served with any other process, in any civil action or suit.
Exempted overseers or millers not to appear at musters. ] If any exempted overseer, or miller, shall presume to appear at any muster, or in any muster field whatsoever, on the day on which such muster shall be appointed, the party so offending shall, for every such offence, forfeit and pay 10s. or 100lbs. of tobacco; to be assessed upon him by the next court-martial, upon certificate of the offence to them made, by the Captain or chief officer present at such muster, and levied, accounted for, and appropriated, in the same manner as the other fines ordered by the court-martial.
Sheriff refusing to receive the order of the court-martial, or failing to account. ] He shall be fined 50l. for such refusal; and any sheriff failing to account for and pay what he may have received, deducting ten per cent. only for his trouble in collecting and receiving, the county court, or General Court, upon motion made against him, shall give judgment and award execution against him for the same.

Oaths to be taken by commission officers. Every commission officer in the militia, before he acts under or executes any such commission, shall take the oaths appointed by law to be taken; and every County Lieutenant, Colonel, Lieutenant Colonel, Major, and Captain, before they hold any court-martial, shall swear, "that they will do equal right and justice to all men, according to the act of assembly for the better regulation of the militia."
Adjutant General, &c. to be ferry free. The Adjutant General for the time being, with one servant, and their horses, shall be exempted from the payment of ferriages at all publick and other ferries within this colony; and the respective ferry-keepers shall give him, and his servant, and horses, immediate passage at all such ferries, as in the case of publick express.
This act does not extend to Williamsburg, but refers to the act made in the 9th year of George I. entitled An act for enlarging the jurisdiction of the court of Hustings in the city of Williamsburg, within the limits thereof ; wherein it is enacted, that no inhabitant of the said city, capable of serving in the militia, shall hereafter be compellable to make his or their appearance at any muster of the militia, hereafter to be had or taken, out of the said city; but all and every such inhabitant and inhabitants (except the Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen of the said city) shall be listed and trained, according to the laws of this colony, under the command of one or more person or persons of the principal inhabitants of the said city, as shall be thereunto commissioned by the Governor or commander in chief of this colony for the time being, and such persons so listed and trained shall not be compelled to go out of the said city, on any military service, without the express order of the Governor or commander in chief of the said colony and dominion for the time being, or, in his absence, without the order of the said Mayor, Recorder, and Aldermen, or the major part of them, in their said court of Hustings, upon the complaint of any officer or officers appointed to command the militia within the said city, and, upon sufficient proof, shall and may give judgment against any person or persons listed under the command of such officer or officers, for the fines which such person or persons shall be liable to, by means of his or their not appearing, or not doing his or their duty at any muster, or upon any other service within the said city, and may also issue warrants for levying such fines, as the officers of the militia, in the respective counties of this colony, may, or do.
P A R I S, February 5.
A CCORDING to the last letters from Madrid, a courier is arrived there with advice that the Moors had made an assault on the fort de la Victoire, at Melilla; but that they were repulsed, with the loss of 4000 men.
L O N D O N, February 15.
I T is whispered, for the maintaining of pacifick measures, that C---a is given up to the Court of France. O rare times! and thrice hapless England!
Feb. 16. A letter from a Gentleman of veracity at Paris says: "We have the most authentick intelligence that the French and Spaniards together have 40 ships of the line, besides frigates, &c. now in the West Indies."
It is beyond doubt that six large ships failed lately, three from Holland, and the rest from France, with arms, ammunition, and other implements of war, for our colonies in America; and more are absolutely preparing for the same place.
The Lord Mayor is making great preparations at the Mansion-house for the grand
festival which is to be given to the patriottick Peers. The Royal Dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland are requested to honour the city with their presence on that day, as the great body of merchants who are injured by the persecution of the Americans wish to testify their gratitude and respect to those illustrious supporters of their liberties and their commerce.
The Ministry complain very loudly of the alteration in the temper of a certain American Governor, since his being made commander in chief of the forces in that quarter. An addition of power, it was expected, would have produced additional zeal; but they say, like all others, he is dwindled into the tame magistrate.
Orders are given from the War Office for the Lord Lieutenants of every county in England to give in accounts of the state and conditions of the militia, as well officers as private men.
The force which is expected to rendezvous at Boston, and its neighbourhood, by the 10th of April next, we hear, will consist of 13,000 effective men, consisting of 15 regiments of foot, 1 of light dragoons, 7 companies of artillery, and 27 of marines.
A Gentleman of fortune and probity, at the west end of the town, received a copy of the address to his Majesty, with his answer, about an hour after it was presented, which he immediately sent by an express, ready for that purpose, to the north of Scotland, where a vessel was ready to sail at a minute's warning. This is the fourth vessel that has sailed from the same quarter, within these three weeks, for the continent of America.
Numbers of Gentlemen here are about to embark for America, to act with the Americans as volunteers.
To-morrow the two Mr. Woodfalls will be discharged from their imprisonment in the King's Bench.
Feb. 17. As soon as Government has brought the Americans to their senses, a Viceroy, we hear, will be sent over, who will be invested with such power and authority as to prevent, for the future, such unhappy disputes ever happening again.
Lord North hath now taken the most decent measures to resign, and it is supposed, before the expiration of 14 days, that a new set of men will succeed to office.
Notwithstanding the sanguine puffs of Administration, we are informed that measures will relax, and peace be again re-established in America.
A change in the Ministry of France is hourly expected to take place. In that case, Choiseul will convince us immediately what French sincerity is.
Prince Ernest, brother to her Majesty, and the Ministers of Denmark, Prussia, Russia, and Hanover, &c. were yesterday at Court.
The accounts from Lord Dunmore of the spirit of the people of Virginia, and the equal vigour of the other American provinces, have thrown the Ministry into a state of despondency; the sanguine strings which they screwed so high begin to relax, and an universal change of men and measures must be adopted.
Advice is received that one of our frigates has had an engagement off Cadiz with two Spanish men of war, which lasted three glasses, when the former was obliged to bear away for Gibraltar, in a shattered condition, which port she reached with great difficulty.
Last week a bow and quiver, in which were 24 arrows made of reed, pointed with steel and bearded, were found in New Forest, Hampshire, supposed to have lain there since the reign of King William Rufus, who was shot in that forest 675 years ago; the reeds were not decayed, nor the points rusty.
Feb. 18. The people at the Victualing Office work night and day, and employ all hands that over themselves; 4000 casks have been sent from Portsmouth, those in town being insufficient for present use, nor can they be made half so fast as they are wanted. These extraordinary preparations are thought to portend a war with some European power, as the stock in hand is more than sufficient for any probable demand on an American expedition.
It was yesterday currently reported that Lord North has resigned, and the same rumour prevails again this day; but matters are in such a state that we cannot tell with any certainty, nor (if the above report be true) what changes have taken place.
It is well known that no man ever accepted a commission with more reluctance than General Gage did the command of the troops against the Americans. His Lady is the daughter of an inhabitant of Boston. It was a sufficient mortification to be torn from his family and friends, and a much greater to be employed against those with whom he was connected by friendship and the ties of consanguinity.
A scene of greater confusion, misrule, and injustice, cannot be conceived, than is described in a letter of Lord Dunmore's, dated Dec. 24th, as now prevailing in the province of Virginia. Committees are appointed in every county, to enforce what they call the laws of the Congress, and exercising higher powers in visiting private houses, and calling persons before them, than were ever practised by any legal government in Europe. Armed companies are raised in every county there, to enforce the orders of these committees; and, in some places, the men are sworn in directly in defiance of the legal prerogative of the crown. The courts of justice are shut, merely because a bill for settling the fees happened to be lost, with other bills, when their Assembly was dissolved last summer; but it is fairly to be supposed, that the true reason is to aggravate and inflame the clamour at home, by preventing the legal demands of creditors here from being determined in their courts. Lord Dunmore apprehends that such violences may spread themselves, by the general disorder which they must occasion. It is to be wished, adds our correspondent, that the Parliament would order this most remarkable letter to be printed, as it will convince every order of men in this country what party they are to take, when such iniquitous proceedings prevail in every part of the dominions of the crown of Great Britain. Let it be observed, that Virginia has no reason to complain; their charter has not been touched; they have paid no duty on tea, and yet they have been almost the foremost in throwing off their constitutional dependence on this country, without provocation, and at the risk of involving their own province in riots and confusion. The rich have laid in stores for two years; the poor will suffer, and will rise!
Feb. 21. Sir James Lowther, and his friends, have deserted the Ministry; this is a desertion of such a nature as greatly alarms.
Some days ago, in the Warren of Woolwich, there was a call of men, to try who would voluntarily offer their services in America; but only one man offered, and he upon the terms that he should be pardoned an offence which he had committed. Also, out of 250 of Burgoyne's light-horse, but 15 offered to serve in America; they also murmured, and said, "they would not go to America to fight."
On Friday evening, in the stable yard at a certain house, there was a private meeting of the Lords Bute, North, Mansfield, C---d, &c. to consult about such measures as might put things on a better footing, as

they were much divided in opinion the day before, in the Privy Council, on the bill of attainder, and the majority was against it. Every court engine is set to work to silence the city, and to prevent an address; but such is the honest spirit of the citizens that nothing can damp their zeal and truth, when embarked in a good cause. The intentions of the manufacturing people to come up gives the town much uneasiness, for many are actually on the march towards St. James's to remonstrate viva voce .
The measures talked of, a few days since, of bills of attainder and proscriptions of certain Americans, are laid aside, as it was thought to be a measure which would take in many considerable persons on this side the water, who might be construed to be aiders and abettors.
A certain celebrated Lady, amongst the body of Quakers, waited on the King to address him on the times; and after promising her an audience, he abruptly withdrew.
In a few days, a total change of men and measures will be adopted.
Within these few days, a number of naval officers, upon the half-pay list, have had notice sent them to be in readiness to enter upon actual duty when called in.
The Spanish man of war which engaged the English frigate off Cadiz received a chain shot which took away her foremast, and carried with it the boltsprit and main topsmast; and had it not been for that fortunate circumstance, the frigate certainly would have been taken.
BOSTON, March 27.
Extract of a letter from England, Jan. 15.
IT is not known yet what plan the Ministry will adopt; but as Lord North has given out that no more troops will be sent to Boston, it is not intended to enforce it vi & armis , but withdrawing the troops and blocking up your harbours, which would be aiding your measures. It is my private opinion that they will be obliged to repeal the obnoxious acts this present session, provided you remain firm, and they see no prospect of breaking the union of the colonies."
IN PROVINCIAL CONGRESS,
Concord, March 24, 1775.
"Whereas it is indispensably necessary for the safety of a free people, and the preservation of their liberties, that they at all times keep themselves in a state of actual defence against every invasion or depredation; and this country being still threatened by a powerful army posted in its capital, with a professed design of executing certain acts of the British Parliament, calculated to destroy our invaluable rights and liberties, and the government of this colony as by charter and law established therein:
Therefore resolved, that the measures that have heretofore been recommended by this and the former Provincial Congress, for the purpose of putting this colony into a complete state of defence, be still most vigorously pursued by the several towns, as well as individual inhabitants; and that any relaxation would be attended with the utmost danger to the liberties of this colony and of all America, especially as by the latest advices from Great Britain we have undoubted reasons for jealousy that our implacable enemies are unremitting in their endeavours, by fraud and artifice, as well as by open force, to subjugate this people; which is an additional motive to the inhabitants of this colony to persevere in the line of conduct recommended by the Congress, and be ready to oppose with firmness and resolution, at the utmost hazard, every attempt for that purpose.
Signed by order of the Provincial Congress.
JOHN HANCOCK, President.
A true extract from the minutes.
BENJAMIN LINCOLN, Secretary.
March 30. Capt. Samuel Andrews, who arrived here, on Tuesday evening, in 17 days from St. Christopher's, informs us that the day he left St. Christopher's a ship arrived there in five weeks from London, bound to Jamaica, the Captain of which ship informed him that an intimate friend of his was in company with Lord North's brother, and Mr. John Williams of this town, just before he left London; these Gentlemen informed him, that his Lordship had told them he did not doubt but American affairs would soon be settled to the satisfaction of the Americans. Capt. Andrews farther says, that this was credited at St. Christopher's.
We are also informed by Captain Andrews, that 33 days ago he was at Demarara, and that the Lynx man of war arrived there from Antigua, to look into the state of that country, and it was thought by many that that place would be claimed by the English. The Captain of the man of war failed a few days before him, on his return to Antigua, and gave out that there would soon be men of war sent to Demarara.
NEW YORK, April 6.
LAST Sunday arrived in town Messrs. Stearns and Knight, two Gentlemen of the law in the county of Cumberland, from whence they had luckily escaped the pursuit of the insurgents; and we hear the Gentlemen who had fallen into their hands are to be removed, by virtue of a writ of habeas corpus, from Northampton, in Massachusetts, to this city, where they will be regularly tried, in order to their enlargement.
The sloop Charming Peggy , Capt. Tilley, failed last Thursday for Bristol. In the above vessel was transmitted, by the Hon. the General Assembly of the province, an humble, firm, dutiful, and loyal petition to his Majesty; as also a memorial to the Lords, and a representation and remonstrance to the Commons of Great Britain, requesting their mutual endeavours for a settlement of the present disputes between the mother country and the colonies.
Extract of a letter dated Boston, March 22.
"Since the army have found that the season is past for nature's forming a bridge from hence, they become abusive and insulting. They are now finishing their fortifications on the Neck, by picketing on each side. We propose to give you an account of the manœuvres of our adversaries as they may occur. The 16th instant (being recommended by the Provincial Congress to be observed as a day of fasting and prayer) on the morning of this day the society at the west end of Boston were greatly disturbed by a party of officers and soldiers of the 4th, or King's own regiment. When the people were assembling they brought two marquee tents, and pitched them within about ten yards of the meeting-house, then sent for three drums and three fifes, and kept them beating and playing yankey doodle till service was over; Colonel Maddison present part of the time. On the 17th, in the evening, Col. Hancock's elegant seat, situated near the Common, was attacked by a number of officers, who with their swords cut and hacked the fence before his house in a most scandalous manner, and behaved very abusively, by breaking people's windows, and insulting almost every person they met. On the 18th, the Neck guard seized 13,425 musket cartridges with ball (we suppose through the information of some dirty scoundrel, of which we now have many among us) and about 300 lbs. of ball, which were carrying into the country; this was private property. The owner applied to the General first, but he absolutely refused to deliver it. They abused the teamster very much, and run a bayonet into his neck. The same evening a number of officers,
heated with liquor it is said, with drawn swords, ran through the streets, like (what they really were) madmen, cutting every one they met. The stage coach just arrived from Providence passing by, they attacked it, broke the glass, and abused the passengers; but the driver, being a smart fellow, jumped off his seat, caught one of them (Capt. Gore of the 5th) and some blows passed, when the officer retired, not much to his credit. On the 19th, Col. Hancock was again much insulted by a number of inferior officers and privates, who entered his enclosures, and refused to retire after his requesting them so to do, telling him that his house, stables, &c. would soon be theirs, and then they would do as they pleased. However, on his application to the General, he immediately sent one of his aid-de-camps to the officer of the guards, at the bottom of the Common, to seize any officer or private who should molest Col. Hancock, or any inhabitant, in their lawful calling."
WILLIAMSBURG, April 21.
BY Capt. Taylor, from Liverpool, there is advice that things had taken a sudden turn in the House of Commons, in favour of America; and that it was expected Lord North would resign, in a very short time. That Nobleman, on the 20th of February, made a motion in the House, which greatly surprised most people; the purport of which was, that all the colonies (Massachusetts Bay excepted) should be permitted to raise, by their own Assemblies, the several requisitions made to them by Government, upon their complying with which the duties complained of should cease: That the whole vengeance of the Ministry seemed to be levelled against the New England provinces, for that a bill had been framed to restrain their trade, particularly their fishing at Newfoundland, &c. and it is therein declared that it is unfit the inhabitants of the said provinces should enjoy the same privileges of trade to which his Majesty's faithful and obedient subjects are entitled, therefore enacts that no sort of merchandise whatsoever shall be shipped from those provinces to any place except Great Britain, Ireland, or the West Indies, during the continuance of that act; but that the Governor and Council of New Hampshire, and of the Massachusetts Bay, may again open their trade, by proclamation, whenever it shall appear, to their satisfaction, that obedience to the laws shall be so far restored as that goods have been imported and exported, for a certain term preceding, to the places aforesaid.
His Excellency the Governor, with the advice of the Council, has thought proper to prorogue the GENERAL ASSEMBLY to Thursday the 7th of September next.
This morning, between 3 and 4 o'clock, all the gunpowder in the magazine, to the amount, as we hear, of about 20 barrels, was carried off in his Excellency the Governor's waggon, escorted by a detachment of marines from the armed Schooner Magdalen , now lying at Burwell's ferry, and lodged on board that vessel. As soon as the news of this manœuvre took wind, the whole city was alarmed, and much exasperated; and numbers got themselves in readiness to repair to the palace, to demand from the Governor a restoration of what they so justly supposed was deposited in this magazine for the country's defence. However, as some Gentlemen represented the propriety of remonstrating to the Governor upon this occasion, in a decent and respectful manner, the Common Hall assembled, who, after deliberating some time, waited upon his Excellency with the following address, which was presented by the Hon. PEYTON RANDOLPH, Esq; Recorder of this city, and is as follows:

My Lord, W E his Majesty's dutiful and loyal subjects, the Mayor, Recorder, Aldermen, and Common Council of the city of Williamsburg, in common hall assembled, humbly beg leave to represent to your Excellency, that the inhabitants of this city were this morning exceedingly alarmed, by a report that a large quantity of gunpowder was, in the preceding night, while they were sleeping in their beds, removed from the publick magazine in this city, and conveyed under an escort of marines on board one of his Majesty's armed vessels lying at a ferry on James river.
We beg leave to represent to your Excellency, that as this magazine was erected at the publick expense of this colony, and appropriated to the safe keeping of such ammunition as should be there lodged from time to time for the protection and security of the country, by arming thereout such of the militia as might be necessary in cases of invasions and insurrections, they humbly conceive it to be the only proper repository to be resorted to in times of imminent danger.
We farther beg leave to inform your Excellency, that from various reports, at present prevailing in different parts of the country, we have too much reason to believe that some wicked and designing persons have instilled the most diabolical notions into the minds of our slaves, and that therefore the utmost attention to our internal security is become the more necessary.
The circumstances of this city, my Lord, we consider as peculiar and critical. The inhabitants, from the situation of the magazine, in the midst of their city, have for a long tract of time been exposed to all those dangers which have happened in many countries from explosions, and other accidents. They have, from time to time, thought it incumbent on them to guard the magazine. For their security, they have for some time past judged it necessary to keep strong patrols on foot: In their present circumstances, then, to have the chief and necessary means of their defence removed, cannot but be extremely alarming.
Considering ourselves as guardians of the city, we therefore humbly desire to be informed by your Excellency upon what motives, and for what particular purpose, the powder has been carried off in such a manner, and we earnestly entreat your Excellency to order it to be immediately returned to the magazine.
To which address his EXCELLENCY returned this verbal answer:
THAT , hearing of an insurrection in a neighbouring county, he had removed the powder from the magazine, where he did not think it secure, to a place where it would be in perfect security; and that, upon his word and honour, whenever it was wanted, on any insurrection, it should be delivered in half an hour.
That he had removed it in the night time to prevent any alarm, and that Captain Collins had his express commands for the part he had acted. He was surprised to hear the people were under arms on this occasion, and that he should not think it prudent to put powder into their hands in such a situation.
On Tuesday last the Hon. Ralph Wormeley, Esq; and Col. Benjamin Harrison of Berkeley, were elected Visitors and Governors of William and Mary college, in the room of his Excellency the Governor, and Col. Lewis Burwell of King's Mill, who have resigned.
Last Monday night, as Mr. Richard Allen, merchant in New Kent, was re-
turning home from Cumberland town, in a pettiauger, with Mr. Robert Dudley of King and Queen, and five negroes (the vessel being deep loaded) by a sudden squall of wind they were overset, and the whole of them perished, except Mr. Dudley, who saved himself by getting on the bottom of the pettiauger, from whence he was taken off by the boat from Col. Ruffin's ferry. Mr. Allen was a very worthy man, and much regretted by his friends and acquaintances.
On Saturday, Monday, and Tuesday last, the following criminals were tried at the General Court, viz.
John Watkins, from Henrico, for a rape: Guilty.
William Gray, from Westmoreland, for Store-breaking: Guilty.
William Pitman, from King George, for the murder of his negro boy: Guilty.
Michael Smith, from Norfolk, for street robbery: Acquitted.
Thomas Sweeney, from Buckingham, for grand larceny: Acquitted.
John Martin, and Henry Maskall, from Cumberland, for forging tobacco notes: Their trial put off till the court of Oyer in June.
John Wright (alias Fleming) and John Brown (alias Murphy) from Berkeley, for horse-stealing: Guilty.
Richard Sampson, and William Hoynds, from Prince William, for robbing on the highway: Acquitted.
James Bayley, from Norfolk, for house-breaking: Acquitted.
Joseph Cooper, from York, for felony: Guilty.
James Lee, from Fairfax, for felony: Acquitted.
John Wood, and John Smith, from Fairfax, for house-breaking: Wood found guilty, Smith turning King's evidence; but he is still in custody, and is to be sent back to his county for examination touching a felony he is supposed guilty of.
Robert Brofford, from Augusta, for grand larceny: Guilty.
Julius Kirk, from York, for murder: Found guilty of manslaughter.
Next day John Watkins, William Gray, William Pitman, John Wright, John Bryan, and John Wood, were brought to the bar, and received sentence of death. Robert Brofford, Julius Kirk, and Joseph Cooper, were burnt in the hand.
The evidences against William Pitman were his own son and daughter, by whom it appeared that their father, in the heat of passion, and when in liquor, had, for some trifling offence, tied his poor negro boy by the neck and heels, beat him most cruelly with a large grape vine, and then stamped him to death. This man has justly incurred the penalties of the law, and we hear will certainly suffer; which ought to be a warning to others to treat their slaves with moderation, and not give way to unruly passions, that may bring them to an ignominious death, and involve their families in their unhappy fate.
Marriages. ] Mr. JOHN GORDON, of Prince George, to Miss LUCY POYTHRESS, of the same county; a very agreeable young Lady, with a handsome fortune.
To the MERCHANTS and MASTERS of VESSELS.
THIS day the schooner Endeavour, Michael Dyer commander, was tried and condemned in the court of Admiralty, for taking on board Indian corn without having previously given a non-enumerated bond; when the Judge was pleased to declare, that he should not consider the toleration allowed by the officers of the customs, in not requiring the bond to be given until the Captain went to clear out, as an excuse for the skipper, but that he would, in future, enforce the severity of the laws upon every delinquent.
A CARD to the patriotick Association COMMITTEES of Virginia.
A FAITHFUL adherence to the association being essential to our success in the glorious cause that we are now contending for, does not a probability of evasion taking place, under pretence of goods being brought from the neighbouring colonies, when in fact they have been imported directly from Great Britain, make it quite necessary that the committees should all establish a rule, that no goods be admissible, unless the importer produces a certificate from the committee of the place of exportation that the goods sent here are either of American fabrick, or that they were there imported strictly according to the association.
A FRIEND TO LIBERTY.
A T a meeting of a committee for Caroline county, on the 8th day of April 1775, Mr. Robert Johnston, merchant, appeared before the committee, pursuant to a summons for that purpose, and being charged with having broken the 9th article of the American association, confessed that he had sold nails, gunpowder, and brown linen, at a price which appeared to be higher than any merchant in Port Royal (to which place he had lately come from the city of Philadelphia) had been accustomed to sell the like articles for, within a year preceding the association: Whereupon the committee unanimously declared their opinion to be, that, in order to comply with this article of the association, every new-settling or transient retailer of goods, who had not dealt here before the 20th of October last, was bound to sell his goods at the prices that the merchants in the neighbourhood had been accustomed and were now bound to sell them at; but as Mr. Johnston now voluntarily signed the association, and promised to conform to the opinion of the committee in his future dealings, the committee are disposed to pass over his former misconduct.
SAMUEL HAWS, Clerk.
ADVERTISEMENTS.
LOST in Williamsburg, last Oyer and Terminer court, a pocket book containing sundry papers, that can be of no use to any other person than the owner. There was in it a 20s. bill, which the finder is very welcome to, upon delivering the other contents to Mr. Connelly in Williamsburg, or the subscriber in Brunswick. 1|| HENRY WILSON.
F O R S A L E, A SET of very fine BLACK COLTS, and another of BAYS, all of the best breeds, and from 3 to 4 years old, with long tails, and just broke; also a set of young BAY HORSES, that are large and strong, and go very well. Inquire of the Printer.
WARWICK, April 18, 1775. I INTEND to leave the colony soon. || ALEXANDER GORDON.
G I F T S TANDS this season at the subscriber's, and will cover at 12s. 6d. the leap, and 40s. the season. Good pasturage gratis, but I will not be answerable for those that stray, or any accidents whatever. JOHN C. COCKE.
JAMES CITY, April 21, 1775.
JAMES CITY, April 21, 1775. S TRAYED, or stolen, from the subscriber, on Monday last, a likely bay MARE, five years old this spring, about fourteen hands and a half high, one or both hind feet white, a hanging mane and switch tail, and branded on the near buttock TB in a piece. Whoever delivers her to me, in this county, shall have 20s. and for the thief 5l. JOHN C. COCKE.