The Virginia gazette (Williamsburg [Va.]), 1775-08-19 00:00:00

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TO THE PEOPLE OF IRELAND,
From the DELEGATES appointed by the united colonies of NEW HAMPSHIRE, MASSACHUSETTS BAY, RHODE ISLAND and PROVIDENCE plantations, CONNECTICUT, NEW YORK, NEW JERSEY, PENNSYLVANIA, the lower counties on DELAWARE, MARYLAND, VIRGINIA, NORTH CAROLINA, and SOUTH CAROLINA, in General Congress at PHILADELPHIA, the 12th of May, 1775.
FRIENDS, AND FELLOW SUBJECTS,
The important contest into which we have been driven is now become interesting to every European state, and particularly affects the members of the British empire, we think it our duty to address you on the subject. We are desirous, as is natural to injured innocence, of possessing the good opinion of the virtuous and humane. We are peculiarly desirous of furnishing you with a true state of our motives and objects; the better to enable you to judge of our conduct with accuracy, and determine the merits of the controversy with impartiality and precision.
However incredible it may appear, that, at this enlightened period, the leaders of a nation, which in every age has sacrificed hecatombs of her bravest patriots on the altar of liberty, should presume gravely to assert, and by force of arms attempt to establish, an arbitrary sway over the lives, liberties, and property of their fellow subjects in America; it is, nevertheless, a most deplorable and indisputable truth.
These colonies have, from the time of their first settlement, for near two centuries, peaceably enjoyed those very rights of which the Ministry have for ten years past endeavoured, by fraud and by violence, to deprive them. At the conclusion of the last war the genius of England, and the spirit of wisdom, as if offended at the ungrateful treatment of their sons, withdrew from the British counsels, and left that nation a prey to a race of Ministers, with whom ancient English honesty and benevolence disdained to dwell. From that period, jealousy, discontent, oppression, and discord, have raged among his Majesty's subjects, and filled every part of his dominions with distress and complaint.
Not content with our purchasing of Britain, at her own price, clothing, and a thousand other articles used by near three millions of people on this vast continent; not satisfied with the amazing profits arising from the monopoly of our trade, without giving us either time to breathe, after a long though glorious war, or the least credit for the blood and treasure we have expended in it; notwithstanding the zeal we had manifested for the service of our Sovereign, and the warmest attachment to the constitution of Britain and the people of England, a black and horrid design was formed to convert us from freemen into slaves, from subjects into vassals, and from friends into enemies.
Taxes, for the first time since we landed on the American shores, were, without our consent, imposed upon us; an unconstitutional edict to compel us to furnish necessaries for a standing army, that we wished to see disbanded, was issued, and the legislature of New York suspended for refusing to comply with it. Our ancient and inestimable right of trial by jury was in many instances abolished, and the common law of the land made to give place to Admiralty jurisdictions. Judges were rendered, by the tenure of their commissions, entirely dependent on the will of a Minister. New crimes were arbitrarily created, and new courts, unknown to the constitution, instituted. Wicked and iniquitous Governors have been set over us; and dutiful petitions for the removal of even the notoriously infamous Governor Hutchinson were branded with the opprobrious appellation of scandalous and defamatory. Hardy attempts have been made, under colour of Parliamentary authority, to seize Americans, and carry them to Great Britain, to be tried for offences committed in the colonies. Ancient charters have no longer remained sacred; that of the Massachusetts Bay was violated, and their form of government essentially mutilated and transformed. On pretence of punishing a violation of some private property, committed by a few disguised individuals, the populous and flourishing town of Boston was surrounded by fleets and armies, its trade destroyed, its port blocked up, and thirty thousand citizens subjected to all the miseries attending so sudden a convulsion in their commercial metropolis; and, to remove every obstacle to the rigorous execution of this system of oppression, an act of Parliament was passed, evidently calculated to indemnify those who might, in the prosecution of it, even embrue their hands in the blood of the inhabitants.
Though pressed by such an accumulation of undeserved injuries, America still remembered her duty to her Sovereign. A Congress, consisting of deputies from twelve united colonies, assembled: They, in the most respectful terms, laid their grievances at the foot of the throne, and implored his Majesty's interposition in their behalf; they also agreed to suspend all trade with Great Britain, Ireland, and the West Indies; hoping, by this peaceable mode of opposition, to obtain that justice from the British Ministry which had been so long solicited in vain. And here, permit us to assure you, that it was with the utmost reluctance we could prevail upon ourselves to cease our commercial connection with your island. Your Parliament had done us no wrong. You had ever been friendly to the rights of mankind; and we acknowledge with pleasure, and with gratitude, that your nation has produced patriots, who have nobly distinguished themselves in the cause of humanity and America. On the other hand, we were not ignorant that the labour and manufactures of Ireland, like those of the silk-worm, were of little moment to herself, but served only to
give luxury to those who neither toil nor spin. We perceived, that if we continued our commerce with you, our agreement to import from Britain would be fruitless, and were therefore compelled to adopt a measure, to which nothing but absolute necessity could have reconciled us. It gave us, however, some consolation to reflect, that, should it occasion much distress, the fertile regions of America would afford you a safe asylum from poverty, and, in time, from oppression also; an asylum, in which many thousands of your countrymen have found hospitality, peace, and affluence; and become united to us by all the ties of consanguinity, mutual interest, and affection. Nor did the Congress stop here: Flattered by a pleasing expectation, that the justice and humanity, which had so long characterised the English nation, would, on proper application, afford us relief, they represented their grievances in an affectionate address to their brethren in Britain, and entreated their aid and interposition in behalf of these colonies.
The more fully to evince their respect for their Sovereign, the unhappy people of Boston were requested by the Congress to submit with patience to their fate; and all America united in a resolution to abstain from every species of violence. During this period, that devoted town suffered unspeakably. It's inhabitants were insulted, and their property violated. Still relying on the clemency and justice of his Majesty and the nation, they permitted a few regiments to take possession of their town, to surround it with fortifications, and to cut off all intercourse between them and their friends in the country.
With anxious expectation did all America wait the event of their petition. All America laments its fate. Their Prince was deaf to their complaints; and vain were all attempts to impress him with a sense of the sufferings of his American subjects; of the cruelty of their task-masters, and of the many plagues which impended over his dominions. Instead of directions for a candid inquiry into our grievances, insult was added to oppression, and our long forbearance rewarded with the imputation of cowardice. Our trade with foreign states was prohibited; and an act of Parliament passed to prevent our even fishing on our own coasts. Our peaceable assemblies, for the purpose of consulting the common safety, were declared seditious; and our asserting the very rights which placed the crown of Great Britain on the heads of the three successive Princes of the House of Hanover, stiled rebellion. Orders were given to reinforce the troops in America. The wild and barbarous savages of the wilderness have been solicited by gifts to take up the hatchet against us, and instigated to deluge our settlements with the blood of innocent and defenceless women and children. The whole country was moreover alarmed with the expected horrors of domestic insurrections: Refinements in parental cruelty, at which the genius of Britain must blush! Refinements which admit not of being even recited with horror, or practised without infamy! We should be happy, were these dark machinations the mere suggestions of suspicion. We are sorry to declare, that we are possessed of the most authentic and indubitable evidence of their reality.
The Ministry, bent on pulling down the pillars of the constitution, endeavoured to erect the standard of despotism in America; and, if successful, Britain and Ireland may shudder at the consequences!
Three of their most experienced Generals are sent to wage war with their fellow subjects; and America is amazed to find the name of House in the catalogue of her enemies: — She loved his brother.
Despairing of driving the colonies to resistance by any other means than actual hostility, a detachment of the army at Boston marched into the country in all the array of war; and, unprovoked, fired upon, and killed several of the inhabitants. The neighbouring farmers suddenly assembled, and repelled the attack. From this, all communication between the town and country was intercepted. The citizens petitioned the General for permission to leave the town, and he promised, on surrendering their arms, to permit them to depart with their other effects. They accordingly surrendered their arms, and the General violated his faith. Under various pretences, passports were delayed and denied; and many thousands of the inhabitants are at this day confined in the town, in the utmost wretchedness and want. The lame, the blind, and the sick, have indeed been turned out into the neighbouring fields; and some, eluding the vigilance of the sentries, have escaped from the town, by swimming to the adjacent shores.
The war having thus begun on the part of General Gage's troops, the country armed and embodied. The reinforcements from Ireland soon after arrived; a vigorous attack was then made upon the provincials. In their march the troops surrounded the town of Charlestown, consisting of about 400 houses, then recently abandoned to escape the fury of a relentless soldiery. Having plundered the houses, they set fire to the town, and reduced it to ashes. To this wanton waste of property, unknown to civilized nations, they were prompted, the better to conceal their approach under cover of the smoke: A shocking mixture of cowardice and cruelty, which then first tarnished the lustre of the British arms, when aimed at a brother's breath! But, blessed be God, they were restrained from committing farther ravages by the loss of a very considerable part of their army, including many of their most experienced officers. The loss of the inhabitants was inconsiderable.
Compelled, therefore, to behold thousands of our countrymen imprisoned, and men, women, and children, involved in promiscuous and unmerited misery; when we find all faith at an end, and sacred treaties turned into tricks of state; when we perceive our friends and kinsmen massacred, our habitations plundered, our houses in flames, and their once happy inhabitants fed only by the hand of charity; who can blame us for endeavouring to restrain the progress of desolation? Who can censure our repelling the attacks of such a barbarous band? Who, in such circum-
stances, would not obey the great, the universal, the divine law of self-preservation?
Though vilified as wanting spirit, we are determined to behave like men; though insulted and abused, we will for reconciliation; though defamed as seditious, we are ready to obey the laws; and, though charged with rebellion, will cheerfully bleed in defence of our Sovereign, in a righteous cause. What more can we say? What more can we offer?
But we forbear to trouble you with a tedious detail of the various and fruitless offers and applications we have repeatedly made; not for pensions, for wealth, or for honours, but for the humble boon of being permitted to possess the fruits of honest industry, and to enjoy that degree of liberty to which God and the constitution have given us an undoubted right.
Blessed with an indissoluble union, with a variety of internal resources, and with a firm reliance on the justice of the Supreme Dispenser of all human events, we have no doubt of rising superior to all the machinations of evil and abandoned Ministers. We already anticipate the golden period, when liberty, with all the gentle arts of peace and humanity, shall establish her mild dominion in this western world, and erect eternal monuments to the memory of those virtuous patriots and martyrs who shall have fought, and bled, and suffered in her cause.
Accept our most grateful acknowledgments for the friendly disposition you have always shown towards us. We know that you are not without your grievances. We sympathise with you in your distress, and are pleased to find that the design of subjugating us has persuaded Administration to dispense to Ireland some vagrant rays of ministerial sunshine. Even the tender mercies of government have long been cruel towards you. In the rich pastures of Ireland many hungry partisans have fed, and grown strong to labour in its destruction. We hope the patient abiding of the meek may not always be forgotten; and God grant that the iniquitous schemes of extirpating liberty from the British empire may be soon defeated. But we should be wanting to ourselves, we should be perfidious to posterity, we should be unworthy that ancestry from which we derive our descent, should we submit, with folded arms, to military butchery and depredation, to gratify the lordly ambition, or sate the avarice of a British Ministry. In defence of our persons and properties, under actual violation, we have taken up arms. When that violence shall be removed, and hostilities cease on the part of the aggressors, they shall cease on our part also. For the achievement of this happy event we confide in the good offices of our fellow subjects beyond the Atlantic. Of their friendly disposition we do not yet despond; aware as they must be, that they have nothing more to expect from the same common enemy than the humble favour of being last devoured.
By Order of the Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, PRESIDENT. PHILADELPHIA. July 28, 1775.
IN CONGRESS.
THE several Assemblies of New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia, having referred to the Congress a resolution of the House of Commons of Great Britain, which resolution is in these words:
Luna, 20 o die Feb. 1775.
The House in a committee on the American papers. Motion made, and questioned proposed.
THAT it is the opinion of this committee, that when the General 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, circumstance, or 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 provision shall be made accordingly, to forbear, in respect of such province or colony, to lay any duty, tax, or assessment, or to impose any further duty, tax, or assessment, except only such duties as it may be expedient to continue to levy or impose for the regulation of commerce; the net produce of the duties last mentioned to be carried to the account of such province or colony respectively.
The Congress took the said resolution into consideration, and are thereupon of opinion:
That the colonies of America are entitled to the sole and exclusive privilege of giving and granting their own money; that this involves a right of deliberating whether they will make any gift, for what purposes it shall be made, and what shall be its amount; and that it is a high breach of this privilege for any body of men, extraneous to their constitutions, to prescribe the purposes for which money shall be levied on them, to take to themselves the authority of judging of their conditions, circumstances, and situations, and of determining the amount of the contribution to be levied.
That as the colonies possess a right of appropriating their gifts, so are they entitled at all times to inquire into their application, to see that they be not wasted among the venal and corrupt for the purpose of undermining the civil rights of the givers, nor yet be diverted to the support of standing armies, inconsistent with their freedom, and subversive of their quiet. To propose, therefore, as this resolution does, that the monies given by the colonies shall be subject to the disposal of Parliament alone, is to propose that they shall relinquish the right of inquiry, and put it in the power of others to render their gifts ruinous, in proportion as they are liberal.
That this privilege of giving, or of withholding our monies, is an important barrier against the undue exertion of prerogative, which, if left altogether without controul, may be exercised to our great oppression; and all history shews how efficacious it is to

intercession for redress of grievances, and re-establishment of rights, and how improvident it would be to part with so powerful a mediator.
We are of opinion that the proposition contained in this resolution is unreasonable, and invidious: Unreasonable, because, if we declare we accede to it, we declare, without reservation, we will purchase the favour of Parliament, not knowing at the same time at what price they will please to estimate their favour: It is invidious, because individual colonies, having bid and bidden again, till they find the avidity of the seller too great for all their powers to satisfy, are then to return into opposition, divided from their sister colonies, whom the Minister will have previously detached by a grant of easier terms, or by an artful procrastination of a definitive answer.
That the suspension of the exercise of their pretended power of taxation being expressly made commensurate with the continuance of our gifts, these must be perpetual to make that so: Whereas, no experience has shown that a gift of perpetual revenue secures a perpetual return of duty, or of kind disposition. On the contrary, the Parliament itself, wittily attentive to this observation, are in the established practise of granting their supplies from year to year only.
Desirous and determined as we are to consider, in the most dispassionate view, every seeming advance towards a reconciliation made by the British Parliament, let our brethren of Great Britain reflect, what would have been the sacrifice to men of free spirits had even fair terms been proffered, as these invidious proposals were with circumstances of insult and defiance. A proposition to give our money, accompanied with large fleets and armies, seems addressed to our fears rather than to our freedom. With what patience would Britons have received articles of treaty from any power on earth when borne on the point of a bayonet by military plenipotentiaries?
We think the attempt unnecessary to raise upon us by force, or by threats, our proportional contributions to the common defence, when all know, and themselves acknowledge, we have fully contributed, whenever called upon to do so in the character of freemen.
We are of opinion it is not just that the colonies should be required to oblige themselves to other contributions, while Great Britain possesses a monopoly of their trade. This, of itself, lays them under heavy contribution. To demand, therefore, additional aid in the form of a tax, is to demand the double of their equal proportion. If we are to contribute equally with the other parts of the empire, let us equally with them enjoy free commerce with the whole world. But while the restrictions on our trade shut us to the resources of wealth, is it just we should bear all other burthens equally with those to whom every resource is open?
We conceive that the British Parliament has no right to intermeddle with our provisions for the support of civil government, or administration of justice. The provisions we have made are such as please ourselves, and are agreeable to our own circumstances: They answer the substantial purposes of government, and of justice; and other purposes than these should not be answered. We do not mean that our people shall be burthened with oppressive taxes, to provide sinecures for the idle or the wicked, under colour of providing for a civil list. While Parliament pursue their plan of civil government within their own jurisdiction, we also hope to pursue our's without molestation.
We are of opinion the proposition is altogether unsatisfactory, because it imports only a suspension of the mode, not a renunciation of the pretended right to tax us; because, too, it does not propose to repeal the several acts of Parliament passed for the purposes of restraining the trade, and altering the form of government of one of our colonies; extending the boundaries, and changing the government of Quebec; enlarging the jurisdiction of Courts of Admiralty and Vice Admiralty; taking from us the rights of trial by a jury of the vicinage, in cases affecting both life and property; transporting us into other countries to be tried for criminal offences; exempting by mock trial the murderers of colonists from punishment, and quartering soldiers upon us in times of profound peace. Nor do they renounce the power of suspending our own legislatures, and of legislating for us themselves in all cases whatsoever. On the contrary, to shew they mean no discontinuance of injury, they pass acts, at the very time of holding out this proposition, for restraining the commerce and fisheries of the provinces of New England, and for interdicting the trade of other colonies with all foreign nations, and with each other: This proves unequivocally they mean not to relinquish the exercise of indiscriminate legislation over us.
Upon the whole, this proposition seems to have been held up to the world to deceive it into a belief that there was nothing in dispute between us but the mode of levying taxes, and that the Parliament having now been so good as to give up this, the colonies are unreasonable if not perfectly satisfied; whereas, in truth, our adversaries still claim a right of demanding ad libitum , and of taxing us themselves to the full amount of their demand, if we do not comply with it. This leaves us without any thing we can call property. But, what is of more importance, and what in this proposal they keep out of sight, as if no such point was now in contest between us, they claim a right to alter our charters and established laws, and leave us without any security for our lives or liberties. The proposition seems also to have been calculated more particularly to lull into fatal security our well-affected fellow subjects on the other side the water, till time should be given for the operation of those arms, which a British Ministry pronounced would instantaneously reduce the "cowardly" sons of America to unreserved submission. But when the world reflects how inadequate to justice are these vaunted terms; when it attends to the rapid and bold succession of injuries, which, during a course of eleven years, have been aimed at these colonies; when it reviews the pacific and respectful expostulations which, during that whole time, were the sole arms we opposed to them; when it observes that our complaints were either not heard at all, or were answered with new and accumulated injury; when it recollects that the Minister himself, on an early occasion, declared, "that he would never treat with America till he had brought her to her feet," and that an avowed partisan of Ministry has more lately denounced against us the dreadful sentence " delendo est Carthago ;" that this was done in presence of a British Senate, and being unrepented by them, must be taken to be their own sentiment, especially as the purpose has already in part been carried into execution by their treatment of Boston, and burning of Charlestown; when it considers the great armaments with which they have invaded us, and the circumstances of cruelty with which these have commenced and prosecuted hostilities; when these things, we say, are laid together, and attentively considered, can the world be deceived into an opinion that we are unreasonable, or can it hesitate to believe, with us, that nothing but our own exertions may defeat the ministerial sentence of death, or abject submission.
By order of the Congress, JOHN HANCOCK, President. PHILADELPHIA, July 31, 1775.
[ General BURGOYNE's letter to General LEE, and his answer thereto, in the fourth page.]
CONSTANTINOPLE, May 3.
THE Captain Pacha put to sea the 22d ultimo, on the news laid to be received from Egypt, that the Cheik Daher had entirely defeated the army of that country, and that four thousand Egyptians were left dead on the field of battle. We are impatient for a further account of this affair.
PARIS, June 3. It is reported that the Duke d'Aiguillon, who should be at the coronation, received orders from the King, last night, to repair to his castle at Vercey. It is said there are still in the different prisons about 500 persons, accused of being concerned in the late tumults, who are to be tried by the Provost Marshal. Mes. S. and C. the rich merchants, remain in the Bastille.
VIENNA, May 3. We hear that the Persians are making great preparations of war against the Porte, and that the Sophi has put himself at the head of a powerful army, and is marching to attack Bagdad. It is also said that the Georgians will avail themselves of this circumstance to shake off the Ottoman yoke.
BRUSSELS, May 26. The exportation of all sorts of corn is prohibited, under very heavy penalties; but a special commission has been granted, at the requisition of the Court of France, for the exportation of 6000 mazzeres of wheat to Rheims, to prevent any scarcity there during the coronation.
LONDON, June 15.
IT was yesterday confidently reported, that advice had been received at Lord Dartmouth's office, from Lieutenant Governor Colden of New York, mentioning, that on the arrival of the news of the affair at Boston, a plan had been laid, and successfully carried into execution, of seizing the fort and battery by surprise; the garrison were all taken prisoners without blood-shed, and by this means about 200 pieces of cannon had fallen into the hands of the provincials. The Lieutenant Governor, it is said, adds, that his authority is totally at an end, and that the committee of the people regulate every thing. The news has thrown the Ministry into the utmost confusion, as New York had always been reckoned their head quarters.
It is said, Lord North, when he received the unhappy news that the provincials had defeated General Gage's troops, was struck with astonishment, turned pale, and did not utter a syllable for some minutes. All further discussion of American and British rights, founded in justice, is at an end. The appeal has been made, by our troops beginning the late affray, to God; but God and American virtue seem to have declared against our pretensions.
On Friday last, about eight o'clock in the morning, the Right Hon. the Earl of Sandwich, accompanied by Sir Hugh Palliser, and other Lords of the Admiralty, set out for Woolwich; from whence they embarked in one of his Majesty's yachts, to make the tour of the royal yards, for the purpose of inspecting principally into the state and condition of the timber, and other naval stores.
On Tuesday night the Earl of Holdernesse, Governor to the Prince of Wales and the Bishop of Osnabrug, arrived in town from Paris, having been absent upwards of 15 months in Italy and France, for the recovery of his health.
Col. Dalrymple kissed hands on Friday. He is going to America with despatches.
The regiments of foot on duty in Ireland will be augmented 15 men per company, in order to replace the troops that are sent to America, that the stipulated number of forces may remain in Ireland.
The Emperor of Morocco seems to dread the revenge of the Spaniards, having sent a Minister to the Dey of Algiers, to purchase 50 Spanish slaves, which he intends to return to the King of Spain, with more of those unhappy wretches in Morocco. The Dey told the Minister, that such slaves as belonged to the State he had no power to deliver up, but if he could agree for such as were in private hands, he had his liberty to treat for them. But on the Minister's application, such exorbitant prices were asked, that he was forced to desist, and write to his master how to proceed.
General Gage has at present no more than 2500 men, including marines; he is besieged by 22,000. When the reinforcements arrive, he will not have more than 6000 effective men.
The following noble Lords voted for delivering their fellow subjects in Canada from popery and slavery, by a repeal of the Quebec act: Their Royal Highnesses the Dukes of Gloucester and Cumberland; Dukes of Manchester and Richmond; Marquis of Rockingham; Earls of Abingdon, Scarborough, Stanhope, Cholmondeley, Fitzwilliam, Essex, Radnor, and Spencer; Bishop of Exeter; Lords Craven, Ponsonby, Archer, Ravensthorpe, Wycombe, Beauclerk, and Camden. The following Lords voted by proxy: The Dukes of Devonshire and Portland; Earls of Stamford and Tankerville; Viscount Torrington; Bishop of St. Asaph; Lord King.
It was yesterday confidently reported upon Change, that a vessel is arrived with an account that the provincials, to the number of 50,000 men, had surrounded Boston, and having contrived to get the women and children out of that place, had reduced the town to ashes, and compelled General Gage and his troops to lay down their arms, taking him, the military chest, and all his men prisoners.
Col. Munsell, Mr. Watts, and many other friends and servants of Government, it is said, are arrived from New York, where it is no longer safe for any person to stay who does not either join with, or acquiesce in, the violent measures of the partisans against Government.
The fishery bill, it is said, was what threw the whole American continent into a flame; for the provincials did not mean to commence hostilities: It is certain they were taking the most speedy and effectual precautions to prepare for the worst that might happen.
The number of soldiers said to be seized by the insurgents at New York, on their hearing of the action in New England, is variously reported: Some accounts make them 100, others 200; be that as it may, they seized a considerable quantity of stores, which adds greatly to the zeal of the opponents to Government.
All the provincials who bear arms are provided with rifle barrels.
There is an account in town, that the Virginians, following the example of the people of New York, which is highly applauded in America, have politely desired Lord Dunmore to quit his government, and the province; or (though they shall be sorry to offer any violence to his Lordship) they must compel him.
Orders are given for an account to be made out of his Majesty's land forces, both in Scotland and Ireland, and proper returns made with as convenient speed. There are now building, in the different dock-yards, several men of war from 40 to 90 guns, for the use of the Royal Navy, exclusive of other ships of inferior force.
We hear that four regiments of foot will be shortly sent to reinforce the army under General Gage, and that orders will be given to the Lords Lieutenants of sixteen counties to cause the militia to be embodied within their respective commanderies.
We hear the Earl of Drogheda's light-horse will be ordered to embark forthwith, at Dublin, for North America.
More regiments are to go from Ireland to America, and three battalions of the guards are to be sent thither, to do Dublin duty.
A large train of artillery is now preparing at Woolwich, to be shipped off with all speed for America.
Extra of a letter from DUBLIN, June 10.
"We hear the following six regiments of foot are ordered to get ready to embark for America: The 15th regiment, commanded by Major General Sir C. Thompson; 27th, by Col. Eyre Massey; 28th, by Major General Thomas Erle; 42d, by Lieutenant General Lord John Murray; 46th, by the Hon. Col. John Vaughan; and 55th, by Major General Richard Earl of Caven.
On Tuesday night a messenger was sent with despatches for the commissioner of Plymouth dock, with orders for some more ships to be got in readiness to be put in commission.
June 17. Thursday last the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland reviewed, in his Majesty's park the Phoenix, the following regiments, which compose the garrison of the city of Dublin, viz. 3d regiment of horse, Lieutenant General Harvey's; 24th regiment of foot, Hon. Lieutenant General Edward Cornwallis's; 33d, Col. Charles Earl Cornwallis's; 34th, Lieutenant General Lord Frederick Cavendish's; 46th, late Major General William Howe's; 53d, Major General Robert Dalrymple Horne Elphinstone's; and the 57th, Lieutenant General John Irwin's; when they made a most pleasing appearance, and went through their different evolutions and firings to the entire satisfaction of his Excellency, the General Officers, and a vast concourse of spectators."
It is said that six new complete regiments of foot will be forthwith raised.
It is said that the militia in every county will be ordered to be drawn up and exercised, that they may be ready to march on a short notice, as soon as Government shall want them to do duty at the several garrisons and other places in this kingdom, in the room of those soldiers who are to be sent to America and Ireland.
Orders were issued on Sunday for equipping several ships of the line with all possible expedition.
Letters from Jamaica mention, that the Spaniards, who for some time past had not molested the English ships in that part, have begun again to use the same insults as formerly. The Captains of several vessels, that lately arrived there, give an account of being boarded by the Spanish guarda costas; and, if not deprived of the most valuable part of their cargoes, they have been plundered of all their live stock, and most of their other provisions.
We hear that some skilful harpooners, who have long failed in the Greenland service, are engaged, on great encouragement, to go to Newfoundland, to carry on an extensive whale fishery in those seas.
A letter from Barcelona, dated May 8, received by this day's post, says, "that the smallest of the three fleets sitting out at that port, and consisting of itself of 160 vessels, was to sail that day, but it was not known on what destination." The same letters add, that the number of troops embarked on these three divisions amounted to 24,000 men.
It is reported, that a popular nobleman was a few days since requested to re-assume a distinguished post in Administration, and that he refused to accept it, unless a promise was given that the troops should be recalled from America.
The following is literally the conclusion of a letter from a tradesman at Bolton, dated April 23d: "Perhaps this is the last letter you will receive from me; for, before the return of Captain Brown, I may be buried in the ashes of Boston, should not a pitying Providence interfere, and save it from destruction. I have a sick mother, a lying-in wife, and five children, all completely wretched. It would soften the most brutal nature to behold children crying to their parents, and mothers weeping over their children."
Extra of a letter from STRATHSPEY. "The spirit of emigration has reached this country; for on Tuesday se'nnight about two hundred persons rendezvoused at Aviemore, and marched off for Greenock, where they are to embark for America. Among these unfortunate persons was a woman of 83 years of age, on foot, with her son before her playing Tullochgorum on his bagpipes; some of them had children of a month old, which the fathers carried on their backs in a skull or wooden basket."
GRENADA, June 28.
On Monday the 26th instant his Honour the Commander in Chief of the islands of GRENADA, the GRENADINES, ST. VINCENT, and TOBAGO, sent the following message to the Hon. House of Assembly.
Mr. Speaker, and Gentlemen of the Assembly, I THINK it my duty to require, that the address and minutes of your House, in favour of the rebellious subjects in America, be rescinded. This I hope will be done before any other business is entered upon by your House. I have the honour to be, &c. ST. GEORGE'S, June 26. WM. YOUNG.
Whereupon it was resolved by the House, THAT a message be sent to his Honour the Commander in Chief, acknowledging, that an address to his Majesty had passed this House, in consequence of an unanimous resolution for that purpose; that such address was ordered to be engrossed and delivered to the late Speaker, for the purpose of presenting the same to the Throne, and is no longer considered to be in the power of this House; that such address contained a renewal of the sentiments of this House, of their attachment to his Majesty's royal person, family, and government, and of their confidence under such auspices, in the conduct of the mother country towards this colony; that the address also deplored the mischiefs already consequent on the unhappy contest subsisting between Great Britain and its provinces on the continent of America, and pointed out some of the many evils of which the continuation of such disputes were likely to be productive of to these islands; and imploring his Majesty, the father of all his people, to exert that influence which he possessed from the attachment of his servants, and the affection of his subjects, towards healing differences between their countrymen and friends; but contained no principles or expressions tending to encourage or approve rebellion, or a rebellious disposition, in any part of his Majesty's extensive dominions; and therefore, hoping that his Honour will not consider such an address as any deviation from that loyalty which they feel, and are ready to manifest on all occasions, to his Majesty; and that his Honour will please to allow the continuance of the public business of this colony, which requires the immediate attention of the legislature.
After which a message was accordingly sent to his Honour, the following resolutions were proposed, and passed the House unanimously.
THAT this House are no less astonished than alarmed, to find that the exercise of one of the most acknowledged and indisputable rights of the subject, that of petitioning the Sovereign for the redress of evils, which they either feel or may foresee to be unavoidable, should have drawn upon them the displeasure of the Commander in Chief.
That they are at a loss to comprehend upon what principles an address to the King, couched (as they conceive) in the most respectful terms, and breathing nothing but those real sentiments of loyalty with which this House is impressed, should be construed as encouraging a spirit of dissatisfaction or rebellion in any part of his Majesty's dominions.
That the peremptory requisition to rescind the minutes, and a very loyal and dutiful address to their Sovereign, before the House proceeded on any other business, is a very extraordinary and unheard-of exertion of power, destructive of the right of making the most decent representations of the state of the colony to the Sovereign, and of every idea of freedom of conduct and debate, which are not only the incontrovertible right of the House of Representatives, but essential to the welfare and good government of the colony.
That this House cannot but, in a particular manner, lament that there should be any interruption to their proceedings, at a time when, with the greatest appearance of harmony among themselves, and a hearty concurrence on the part of the other branches of the legislature, they were actually preparing so many useful laws and regulations, which were become materially requisite for the re-establishment of public credit, and for the preservation of the colony from the numerous calamities with which it has been long afflicted, and which, without an immediate remedy, must speedily tend to its total ruin. But this House can never resolve to attain even these desirable ends (were the means of doing so still in their power) by the sacrifice of so essential and inherent a

right as that of petitioning their Sovereign for the redress of grievances, or prevention of evils, either felt or foreseen. The same day his Honour thought proper to dissolve the House of Assembly by proclamation.
CAMBRIDGE, July 26.
LAST Tuesday came to town from Philadelphia, and joined the army of the united colonies, a company of 106 riflemen. Many hundreds more are daily expected. WATER TOWN, July 24. It is said that General Burgoyne is delirious about half his time, and that General Gage is often out of his head. Whether or not it is the same distemper that infects both, is not certainly known. WORCESTER, July 26. Information is given to General Gage of matters in our army, &c. by persons in women's clothing. Who or what they were is not known to our informant; Gage's army was thought to be 9000 strong, but greatly intimidated; the regiments that arrived last at Boston, were as follows, viz. light dragoons, 17th, Col. George Preston, 120 men; foot, 35th, Col. Henry Campbell; 49th, Alexander Maitland; 63rd, Francis Grant; 420 men each. Regiments destined for New York, but ordered to Boston by Gage: 22nd, General Thomas Gage; 40th, Sir Robert Hamilton; 44th, James Abercrombie (killed at Bunker's Hill) 45th, William Haviland; 420 men each. The whole number of the King's troops lately arrived at Boston, 3060.
eagerly bought up at one shilling sterling per pound. Fish they have in general plenty, but all accounts agree in a great mortality in their army by fevers and fluxes. On our side, we are amply provided with fresh and salt provisions, and all manner of vegetables; the army in high spirits, and eager to retrieve the honour they lost on Bunker's Hill.
" P. S. Since I wrote the above, an account has come in, that our people have burnt the light-house, at the entrance of Boston harbour, taken away all the furniture, and fifty weight of powder, with some other small matters. Though done with great risk, not one was either killed or wounded."
Extract of a letter from BRAINTREE, Massachusetts Bay, July 16. "I am much surprised that you have not been more accurately informed of what passes in the camps: As to intelligence from Boston, it is but seldom we are able to collect any that may be relied on, and to repeat the vague flying rumours would be endless. I heard yesterday, by one Mr. Rolton, a gold-smith, who got out from Boston in a fishing Schooner, that their distress increases upon them fast; their beef is spent, their malt and cyder all gone; all the fresh provisions they can procure they are obliged to give to the sick and wounded; that thirteen of our men who were in gaol, and were wounded at Charlestown, are dead; that no man dared to be seen talking to his friend in the street; that they are obliged to be within every evening at ten o'clock, according to martial law; nor can any inhabitant walk the street after that time without a pass from Gage; that Gage has ordered all the molasses to be distilled into rum for the soldiers; that he has taken away all licenses for selling of liquors and given them to his creatures; that he has issued an order that no one else shall sell under a penalty of 10l. that the spirit which prevails among the soldiers is that of malice and revenge; that there is no true courage to be observed among them; that their duty is hard, always holding themselves in readiness for an attack, which they are in continual fear of; that Dr. Eliot was not on board of a man of war, as was reported; that Mefs. Lovel and Leach, with many others, are certainly in gaol; that last week a poor milch cow was killed in town, and sold for a shilling sterling a pound; that the transports from Ireland and New York arrived last week, but every additional man adds to their distress."
August 7. We are credibly informed that General Burgoyne has lately shown every appearance of a deep settled melancholy, is continually walking the streets of Boston with his arms folded across his breast, and talking to himself.
We are also credibly informed that General Gage and Admiral Greaves have publicly quarrelled; Admiral Greaves having told Gage it was a cowardly action to burn Charlestown. Gage sharply replied, he should not consult him in such matters.
General Gage, it is said, has resigned the command of the troops to General Howe.
Capt. Doodle's company of rifle-men, from York county, in this province, soon after their arrival at the provincial camp near Boston, observing a transport in Mystic river, informed General Washington that only thirty of them would engage to take her. The General received them politely, commended their resolution, and said he had no occasion for the vessel at present.
BALTIMORE, July 26.
Extract of a letter from a Gentleman in FREDERICK town, to his friend in BALTIMORE, dated July 19.
ON Monday last Capt. Morgan, from Virginia, with his company of rifle-men (all chosen) marched through this place, on their way to Boston. Their appearance was truly martial, their spirits amazingly elated, breathing nothing but a desire to join the American army, and to engage the enemies of American liberty. They were met about a mile out of town by three companies, viz. Capt. Price's company of riflemen, Capt. Groth's, and Capt. Beaty's companies of militia, and escorted a few miles out of town, amidst the acclamations of all the inhabitants who attended them. And yesterday Capt. Price, with his company, also marched; and surely never were two finer companies raised in any country, more determined to conquer or die, than those two companies are. Capt. Cresop also, with his brave company, have marched. I need not say any thing of Capt. Cresop's undaunted courage; not an American but knows him to be an intrepid warrior, and of course he knows his men, and has called them from the many. We are also in hourly expectation of Capt. Stinson, with his company, in this town, on his way to Boston. GOD grant them a speedy and happy arrival there. So many offered to join the above companies, that not one of them but might have had 100 men at least."
WILLIAMSBURG, August 19.
THE Hon. Peyton Randolph, Richard Henry Lee, Benjamin Harrison, George Wythe, Thomas Jefferson, Thomas Nelson, and Francis Lightfoot Lee, Esquires, are appointed Delegates, by the Convention, to represent this colony in Continental Congress, to be held at Philadelphia the 5th of next month.
The Hon. Continental Congress have appointed Dr. Benjamin Franklin Postmaster General of the united colonies of North America, with a salary of 1000 dollars a year; and Michael Hillegas and George Clymer, Esquires, of Philadelphia, joint Treasurers of the united colonies.
Capt. Hill, who left Boston on Wednesday the 12th Instant, informs, that, just before his departure, a brig arrived there from Virginia, loaded with pork in her hold, and live stock, such as hogs and poultry, upon deck; the master's name he forgot, but described him to be a slim man, about 5 feet 8 inches high, dark complexion, wore his own dark hair, and light coloured sagathy clothes. The brig was about 100 tons burthen, with yellow sides, and came from James river, the Captain (Hill) believes from Norfolk. She was cleared out from Jamaica, and her cargo was delivered to the King's contractor at Boston. Captain Hill asked the mate of the brig whether any of his hands had been pressed. He answered, no; that the business they came upon was of such a nature as prevented it.
Tuesday last (the 15th instant) being the anniversary of the Transfer Day, a sermon was preached in the college chapel, by the Rev. Mr. Bracken; afterwards, the President, Masters, and scholars, convened in the hall, when the two medals adjudged a few days before, one to John Cumm White, for his superior skill in mathematics and natural philosophy, the other to Mr. Thomas Evans, a prize due to the best classical scholar, were delivered to those young Gentlemen, with a congratulatory Latin speech by the President. Mr. Evans then ascended the rostrum, and pronounced a Latin oration in praise of the founders and benefactors. Mr. White afterwards pronounced one in English, setting forth the advantages of education, and the grateful memory of the Founders. Lastly, Mr. Granville Smith pronounced a Latin oration on the same subject as Mr. Evans.
MECKLENBURG, August 1, 1775.
I INTEND FOR GREAT BRITAIN immediately. (2||) ROBERT SPENCE.
WILLIAMSBURG, August 19, 1775.
THE Subscriber begs Leave to inform the Public, that she intends to open a DANCING SCHOOL on Friday next, for young Ladies; she therefore hopes the Gentlemen and Ladies will be kind enough in sending their Daughters. She flatters herself she shall be able to give entire Satisfaction, as no Care or Pains on her part will be wanting. Her Days for teaching are Fridays and Saturdays , every Week; the Price 20s. Entrance, and 4l. a Year. The School will be kept at Mr. Bloor Pastor's. SARAH HALLAM.
LOST , between the Subscriber's Plantation and Allen's Creek Church , on Wednesday the 5th Inst. Arnold Turkey Leather POCKET BOOK , containing a Bond of Mr. Patrick Coatts's , for upwards of 150l. and his Note of Hand for 6l. 18s.; also Mr. John Watkins's Note for 30l. and Mr. Richard Hanfou's for 85l. 3s. I desire the Gentlemen may not pay any of the above Monies to any Person except myself; and I will give a reasonable Reward to any Person who will deliver the said Pocket Book, with the above Contents, to me in Louisa County . (1||) DAVID HUDSON.
HANOVER Town, August 10, 1775 I INTEND to leave the Colony for a few Months, and have appointed Mr. Richard Anderson, Junior , my Attorney during my Absence. All Persons with whom I am concerned, either as Debtor or Creditor, will very much oblige me by settling their Accounts with me as soon as possible. THOMAS SIMPSON.
AUGUST 15, 1775. A LIST OF TOBACCO now remaining in Meriwether's Warehouse , which have been there upwards of 3 Years, viz.     Mark. No. Gross. Tare. Nett.     Stephen Saunders, SS 8 715 130 585 stemmed.   William Freewell, WF 4 600 106 494 } Leaf.   William Wilson, WW 1 825 130 695 }  
The above Hoghead of Tobacco of William Freewell's appears to have been re-prized to 956 lb. Nett, for some Person unknown to me, as it was done before I came to the Place as an Inspector. I hereby give Notice, that on Saturday the 26th of this Month, at the above-said Warehouse, will be sold to the highest Bidder, for ready Money, all the above-mentioned Tobacco; likewise all the Transfer Tobacco that may then be remaining in the Warehouse, and not demanded before. 1|| JOHN BLACKWELL, Inspector.
INDIAN Creek, Lancaster County, August 1, 1775. STOLEN from the Subscribers Landing, on Wednesday the 26th of last Month, a PETTIAUGER , built of Pine, between 30 and 32 Feet in Length, and 3 or 4 Feet in Breadth, with 8 Seats of the same Sort of Wood, two of which are new. The lower Part of her Gunwale is made of Oak, and the Top of Pine; a Moulding, or Bend, on both Sides, made of Pine. She has been lately coated with Turpentine, both Inside and out; her Gunwale and Bends are painted black, and between the two she is painted white, with a black Vine round her Quarters; two Hearts (either white or black) painted on her Stern-Piece, which are scarcely perceivable. Her Throw-Blocks are made of Oak, have been much worn, and are now faced with the same Sort of Wood, which is almost worn through. She is well timbered, and has three Iron Clamps in her Head, one in her Stern, and two in her Bottom, which were dovetailed in, over a Crack on the Inside of her. Her Stern is faced with Iron, and has an Iron Thimble nailed on it, to fix a Painter to. She rows with four Oars, two of which are carried away with her; also a new Rudder, with Iron Pinles on it. Her Stern-Piece is Oak. I have some Reason to believe she was carried away by a Negro Man belonging to Mr. William Nutt of Northumberland County , as he was seen on my Plantation the Day I lost her, and is now run away. It is more than probable he will attempt to get to Norfolk , where (from a Report that has lately prevailed) he may expect to be harboured and protected. Whoever secures the Pettiauger, so that I get her again, shall receive 40s. Reward, besides what the Law allows, and 5l. on Conviction of the Thief, —if a white Man THOMAS PINCKARD.
AUGUST 3, 1775. RUN away from Mr. Thomas B. Griffin's , in Lancaster County , on the 30th Ult. a Convict Servant Man named WALKER , an Englishman , by Trade a Carpenter and Joiner, about 35 or 36 Years old, and about 5 Feet 9 or 10 Inches high, has light brown Hair, talks pretty quick, and often uses the words in Regard to that ; he looks thin at this Time, occasioned by a venereal Disorder, which makes him limp when he walks quick, and stains his Breeches behind. He was clothed in a Brick-dust coloured Coat, a blue Sagathy Jacket, which is fine, but much worn, Russia Drill Breeches, a Pair of blue Yarn Stockings, and a white ribbed Pair, a Pair of Country Shoes not blacked, a Pair of German Serge Breeches of a gray Colour, and two Onabrug Trousers. If the said Walker shall be taken up fifty Miles from Home, and conveyed to me, I will give 10l. Reward; and if under fifty Miles, 5l. JOHN WORMELEY.
HAMPTON, August 8, 1775. STRAYED from this Place, on Thursday last, the following HORSES: A dark Bay about 14 1/2 Hands high, 8 or 9 Years old, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail; a Blood Bay about 14 Hands high, rising 6 Years old, a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, with a few white Hairs in the End of his Tail; a very bright Bay, rising 4 Years old, supposed to be near 15 Hands high, a Blaze Face, his near hind Foot white, full Mane and Tail; and a large light sorrel Horse, above 15 Hands high, rising 6 Years old, with white Feet, a Snip on his Nose, and full Mane and Tail. Whoever delivers the said Horses to the Subscriber, in Hampton , shall have 3l. Reward, or in Proportion for either of them, besides reasonable Charges, paid by CARY MICHELL.
THE ship Molly , John Cowan Master, in James River , will sail for London on or before the 1st of September next. (||)
HENRICO, July 31, 1775. RUN away from the Subscriber, the 29th Instant, a likely Negro Man named WILL , about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, 30 Years of Age, has a Scar on one Side of his Chin, and on each Thigh, and has lost Part of his great Toe. Whoever delivers him to me, if taken twenty Miles from Home, shall have 20s. Reward, besides what the Law allows. GEORGE COX.
STOLEN from Williamsburg, in June last, a small GRAY HORSE with a Switch Tail, branded on the near Buttock (as well as I recollect) thus ... He is very well made, about 9 Years old, has a small Dent in his right Hip, which is not plain when standing, but very apparent when pacing, which is very slow. I will give 20s. to any Person who will either deliver him to Mr. James Geddy in Williamsburg , or to me in Petersburg . WILLIAM HILL.
TAKEN up, in Charlotte, in the upper End of Long Creek , a GRAY MARE about 13 or 14 Years old, 4 Feet 4 Inches high, Middle sized, paces slow, had a Bell on tied with a Leather Strap, and branded on the near Buttock. Poked, and appraised to FOUR POUNDS . NATHANIEL MANSON.
TAKEN up, in Amelia, two GRAY HORSES, viz. one of them 9 Years old last Spring, about 4 Feet 10 Inches high, branded on the near Buttock W.C. has been worked in a Chais, and has a galled Breast; the other is a very light Gray, about 4 Feet 9 Inches high, about 11 Years old, and has been galled on his Breast with a Harness. They have been both all-fours, and both pace a little. Poked, and appraised, the former to 15l. and the latter to 12l. RICHARD JONES, Senior.
NEW YORK, July 31.
THE ADDRESS of the Committee of Safety, Correspondence, and Protection, of the city and county of ALBANY. To PHILIP SCHUYLER, Esq; Major General and Commander of the forces in the colony of NEW YORK.
PERMIT us, Sir, to express our fullest approbation on the appointment by which your country has raised you to the chief military command in this colony. While we deplore, as the greatest misfortune, the necessity of such an appointment, we have the utmost confidence, that you have accepted of power for the glorious purpose of exercising it for the re-establishment of the liberties of America, at present unnaturally invaded by a deluded and despotic Ministry.
Born and educated amongst us, in a country which freedom has raised to a state of opulence and envy; you, whose principles are known, whose sentiments have been invariably opposed to arbitrary power, afford us the pleasing prospect of the unmerited exertion of your knowledge, prudence and experience, for the restoration of harmony and peace upon constitutional principles. When the sword shall be rendered useless, except against our natural enemies; when we shall see you restored to the peaceful state of a private citizen; when this happy period shall arrive; then, and not till then, will Americans enjoy the glorious blessings of freedom. By order of the Committee,
SAMUEL STRINGER, Chairman, pro temp. The GENERAL'S ANSWER:
Gentlemen, I FEEL myself so sensibly affected by this polite and friendly address, that whilst my heart overflows with sentiments of gratitude, I want words properly to convey my thanks.
The honour you do me, in the approbation which you are pleased to express of my appointment to a military command, confirms me in the pleasing reflection, that I shall experience your assistance in a continuance of those generous exertions, by which you have already so conspicuously manifested your love for your country, and your zeal for its cause.
I most sincerely, and unfeignedly deplore, with you, the unhappy occasion which has forced America to have recourse to arms for her safety and defence. Ambitious only to aid in restoring her violated rights, I shall most cheerfully return my sword to its scabbard, and with alacrity resume the employment of civil life, whenever my constituents shall direct, or whenever a happy reconciliation with the parent state shall take place.
That indulgent Heaven may guide us through this tempestuous scene, and speedily restore peace, harmony, and mutual confidence to every part of the British empire, is the warmest wish of my heart. PHILIP SCHUYLER.
ALBANY, July 9 1775.
August 3. On Wednesday the 12th ult. at 55 minutes after three o'clock in the evening, there was a violent shock of an earthquake at Jessopborough, twelve miles southwest of Lake George; the earth was much agitated with small tossing agile waves, and the noise thereof as loud as thunder; and it was with difficulty that some people that were building a house could sit on the timber, &c. At 51 minutes after six, and 41 minutes after seven, were two small shocks and less noise, and we hear that the first shock was considerable at Ticonderoga, Fort Edward, and felt by some people in Albany, about the same time.
On Tuesday last arrived here, accompanied by several young Gentlemen, volunteers from Maryland and Pennsylvania, Col. Thompson of the Pennsylvania regiment of rifle-men; and yesterday they proceeded on their journey to his Excellency General Washington's camp at Cambridge.
PHILADELPHIA, August 2.
WE hear from Boston, that General Howe (who is on Bunker's Hill) has promised General Gage to attack and carry the provincial lines, provided he will send him from Boston a reinforcement of 30,000 men, for he thinks less will not do.
Extract of a letter from LONDON, May 31.
"I cannot let Capt. Hazlewood depart without sketching a few lines to you. You will find, by the papers, that we have received an account from Salem of the defeat of Col. Smith, and the precipitate retreat of Lord Percy, by the animated resistance of the brave Bostonians. This intelligence, so contrary to the expectations of Government, who have daily announced the Americans cowards, has panic struck Administration, and their tory dependents, and has exhilarated the spirits of the sons of America in this metropolis, and the friends to freedom, in the most exalted manner. It is impossible to describe the shame and vexation which are visibly depicted in the countenance of North and his tyrannical abettors. They are constrained to acknowledge, that the regulars began the attack, and equally forced to admit the intrepidity of our countrymen. But what alarms them most, is, the expectation of hourly receiving advice of the whole of General Gage's army being cut off, or meanly sheltering themselves on board the men of war, or in the castle. God grant their total extirpation. Government has not yet received any despatches from the General. She has craved a suspension of the animadversions on the news, until she can refute, or is compelled to authenticate it. In the mean time, flocks have had a shock; and the people every where denounce vengeance against Bute, Mansfield, North, Sandwich, and their ignominious adherents. I impatiently wait the next intelligence, as I have no doubt we shall hear of further significant manifestations of American prowess, founded in that principle which God and their right will inspire them with." Extract of a letter from CAMBRIDGE, July 21.
"We have been in a state of perfect quiet for these several days; both armies are so well entrenched, that they may look with confidence at each other. Dr. Winship, who attended the sick and wounded after the battle at Charlestown, and lived in the same house with the commanding officer of the marines, has given us a precise account of the number of the killed and wounded on the side of the enemy: He assures us we may depend on it's being neither more nor less than 1043, of whom 300 fell on the field, or died in a few hours; many of the wounded have since died through confinement to salt provisions. General Gage exercises a most uncommon severity over those inhabitants of Boston, whom he mistrusts and detains, Beef, of the most miserable kind, is

POETS CORNER.
THE PRESENT TIMES: Addressed to a young Lady.
Hoc quantum Scelus est!
OVID.
WHILE civil wars distract this happy land, And brothers fall beneath a brother's hand; When fire and sword uplift the threatening shield, And frequent parricides pollute the field; When horrid discord reigns,—ELIZA, say, Should freedom's votaries chaunt in merry lay? Apollo's self would gen'rously disdain, And all the Muses blast th' enervate strain: Sad tragic scenes bespeak the poet's lore, He chaunts panegyric, alas! no more; No more with rapture of ELIZA's charms, The wit that pleases, and the touch that warms, With all the beauties that adorn her mind, Bestow'd by nature, and by art refin'd, I fondly sing.—The trumpet from afar Invites the patriot to the doubtful war. Blest with thy smiles, thou dear auspicious MAID, What can I fear, or who can be afraid? The free-born soldier sure will never flee, When led by PUTNAM, WASHINGTON, or LEE! In thee, great WASHINGTON! our hopes confide; Lead on, brave man, we'll conquer by thy side, While Gage, immur'd in fair Bostonia's walls, For aid incessant to Britannia calls. She hears his plaints, and fears to pity join, Sends out her minions, Clinton, Howe, Burgoyne, To meet these traitors on th' embattled plain, To slay, or fall amidst the mighty slain, I gird my body with Bellona's zone, While Heaven's high Hosts proclaim our cause their own. Now Mars inspires, I cease to sing the FAIR, Though to protect them is the warrior's care; From hostile villains, and their sanguine arms, 'Tis ours to rescue undefil'd their charms. To succour freedom, and protect our right, To guard the fair, we brave th' unnatural fight. Should vict'ry crown us in the noble strife, Eternal glory marks the hero's life. Should death and slaughter be our hapless doom, Unfading laurels wreath the martyr's tomb; A just reward awaits his soul on high, On earth his memory shall never die; And when you read the fatal story o'er, One tear shall drop for him who is no more; Who nobly struggled to support the laws, And nobly fell in freedom's sacred cause; Breathless and naked on th' ensanguin'd plain, 'Midst friends and brothers, sons and fathers, slain. Prone in the dust with bleeding wounds he lies, Invokes his friend, alas! but friendless dies; No pitying hand his languid eyes to close He breathes his last amidst insulting foes; His body plunder'd, massacred, abused, By christians,—christian burial refused; Thrown as a carrion in the public way, To dogs and Britons, and to birds a prey. While WARREN's soul ascends the distant skies, On earth his blood for ample vengeance cries: Great spirit rest; by Heaven it is decreed, Thy murd'ring tyrants by the sword shall bleed. E'en racks and gibbets would but consecrate, And death repeated be a gentle fate. All human tortures are, alas! too few; E'en hell itself must find a torment new. The sword is drawn, in peace no more to rest, Till slaughter bathes it in some traitor's breast. Honour my weapon with the glorious task, Upon it point let tyrants breathe their last. Kind powers! beneath thy all-protecting shield I draw the angry sword, and take the field. But, should I fall, regard me gracious Heaven, Cancel my faults, and be my sins forgiven.
A LETTER from General BURGOYNE, in answer to one wrote him by General LEE.
DEAR SIR, BOSTON, July 9, 1775. WHEN we were last together in service I should not have thought it within the vicissitude of human affairs that we should meet at any time, or in any sense, as foes: The letter you have honoured me with, and my own feelings, combine to prove we are still far from being personally such. I claim no merit from the attentions you so kindly remember, but as they manifest how much it was my pride to be known for your friend. Nor have I departed from the duties of that character, when I will not scruple to say, it has been almost general offence to maintain it: I mean, since the violent part you have taken in the commotions of the colonies. It would exceed the limits and propriety of our present correspondence to argue at full the great cause in which we are engaged. But, anxious to preserve a consistent and ingenuous character, and jealous, I confess, of having the part I sustain imputed to such motives as you intimate, I will state to you, as concisely as I can, the principles upon which, not voluntarily, but most conscientiously, I undertook it. I have, like you, entertained from my infancy a veneration for public liberty. I have likewise regarded the British constitution as the best safeguard of that blessing to be found in the history of mankind. The vital principle of the constitution, in which it moves and has its being, is the supremacy of the King in Parliament; a compound, indefinite, indefeasible power, coeval with the origin of the empire, and co-extensive over all its parts. I am no stranger to the doctrines of Mr. Locke, and other of the best advocates for the rights of mankind, upon the compact always implied between the governing and governed, and the right of resistance in the latter, when the compact shall be so violated as to leave no other means of redress. I look with reverence, almost amounting to idolatry, upon those immortal Whigs who adopted and applied such doctrine during part of the reign of Charles I. and in that of James II. Should corruption pervade the three estates of the realm, so as to pervert the great ends of their institution, and make the power, vested in them for the good of the whole people, operate like an abuse of the prerogative of the Crown to general oppression, I am ready to acknowledge, that the same doctrine of resistance applies as forcibly against the abuses of the collective body of power, as against those of the Crown, or either of the component branches separately; still always understanding, that no other means of redress can be obtained: A case, I contend, much more difficult to suppose when it relates to the whole than when it relates to parts. But, in all cases that have existed, or can be conceived, I hold that resistance, to be justifiable, must be directed against the usurpation or undue exercise of power, and that it is most criminal when directed against any power itself inherent in the constitution. And here you will discern immediately why I drew a line in the allusion I made above to the reign of Charles I. Towards the close of it, the true principle of resistance was changed, and a new system of government projected accordingly. The patriots, previous to the long Parliament, and during great part of it, as
well as the glorious revolutionists of 1688, refused to vindicate and restore the constitution; the republicans refused to subvert it.
Now, Sir, lay your hand upon your heart, as you have enjoined me to do on mine, and tell me, to which of these purposes do the proceedings of America tend? Is it the weight of taxes imposed, and the impossibility of relief, after due representation of her burthens, that has induced her to take arms? Or is it a denial of the legislative right of Great Britain to impose them, and consequently a struggle for total independency? For the idea of a power that can tax externally, and not internally, and all the sophistry that attends it, though it may catch the weakness and prejudices of the multitude in a speech or a pamphlet, is too preposterous to weigh seriously with a man of your understanding, and I am persuaded you will admit the question fairly put.
Is it then for a relief from taxes, or from the control of Parliament "in all cases whatsoever," that we are in war? If for the former, the quarrel is at an end. There is not a man of sense and information in America who does not see it is in the power of the colonies to obtain a relinquishment of the exercise of taxation immediately, and forever. I boldly assert it, because sense and information must also suggest to every man, that it can never be the interest of Britain to make a second trial.
But if the other ground is taken, and it is intended to wrest from Great Britain a link of that substantial, and, I hope, perpetual chain, by which the empire holds; think it not a ministerial mandate; think it not mere professional ardour; think it not prejudice against any part of our fellow subjects, that induces men of integrity (and among such you have done me the honour to class me) to act with vigour: But, be assured, it is conviction, that the whole of our political system depends upon preserving entire its great and essential parts, and none is so great and essential as the supremacy of legislation: It is conviction, that as a King of England never appears in so glorious a capacity as when he employs the executive power of the state to maintain the laws, so, in the present exertions of that power, his Majesty is particularly entitled to our zeal and grateful obedience, not only as soldiers, but as citizens.
These principles, depend upon it, actuate the army and fleet throughout: And let me at the same time add, there are few (if any) Gentlemen among us who would have drawn his sword in the cause of slavery. But why do I confine myself to the fleet and army! I affirm the sentiments I have touched to be those of the great bulk of the nation. I appeal even to those trading towns which are sufferers by the dispute, and the city of London at the head of them, notwithstanding the petitions and remonstrances that the arts of parties and factions have extorted from some individuals; and last, because least in your favour, I appeal to the majorities of the last year upon American questions in Parliament. The most licentious news-writer wants assurance to call these majorities ministerial; much less will you, when you impartially examine the characters of which they were in a great degree composed; men of the most independent principles and fortunes, and many of them professedly in opposition to their general line of conduct.
Among other supporters of British rights against American claims, I will not speak positively, but I firmly believe, I may name the man of whose integrity and judgment you have the highest opinion, and whose friendship is nearest your heart: I mean Lord Thanet, from whom my Aid de Camp has a letter for you, with another from Sir C. Davers. I do not enclose them, because the writers, little imagining how difficult your conduct would render our intercourse, desired they might be delivered into your own hands.
For this purpose, as well as to renew "the rights of our fellowship," I wish to see you; and, above all, I should think an interview happy, if it induced such explanations as might tend in their consequences to peace. I feel in common with all around me for the unhappy deluded bulk of this country; they foresee not the distress that is impending. I know Great Britain is ready to open her arms upon the first reasonable overtures of accommodation; I know she is equally resolute to maintain her original rights; and I also know, that if the war proceeds, your hundred and fifty thousand men will be no match for her power. I put my honour to these assertions, as you have done to others, and I claim the credit I am willing to give.
The place I would propose for our meeting is the house on Boston neck, just within our advanced sentries, called Browne's house. I will obtain authority to give you my parole of honour for your secure return: I shall expect the same on your part, that no insult be offered to me. If the proposal is agreeable to you, name your day and hour; and, at all events, accept a sincere return of the assurances you honour me with, and believe me affectionately yours, J. BURGOYNE.
P.S. I have been prevented by business answering your letter sooner. I obeyed your commands in regard to Generals Howe and Clinton; and I likewise communicated to Lord Percy the contents of your letter, and my answer. They all join with me in compliments, and authorise me to assure you they do the same in principles.
General LEE's answer to the above letter.
CAMBRIDGE, head quarters, July 11. GENERAL Lee's compliments to General Burgoyne, would be extremely happy in the interview he so kindly proposed; but as he perceives that General Burgoyne has already made up his mind on this great subject, and that it is impossible that he [General Lee] should ever alter his opinion, he is apprehensive that the interview might create those jealousies and suspicions, so natural to a people struggling in the dearest of all causes, that of their liberty, property, wives, children, and their future generations. He must therefore defer the happiness of embracing a man whom he most sincerely loves until the subversion of the present tyrannical Ministry and system, which he is persuaded must be in a few months, as he knows Great Britain cannot stand the contest. He begs General Burgoyne will send the letters which his Aid de Camp has for him. If Gardiner is his Aid de Camp, he desires his love to him.
URBANNA, July 29, 1775. I intend to leave the Colony soon, for a few Months. BENNETT BROWNE.
KING WILLIAM, July 27, 1775. STOLEN, in the Night of the 20th Instant, from the Plantation of Ralph Wormeley, Esq; in this County, a LIGHT BAY HORSE, rising 4 Years old, 4 Feet 9 Inches high, with a Blaze Face, his left hind Foot white; neither docked nor branded. Also a BAY MARE about 14 Hands high, branded on the near Buttock RW, has a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, and has been lately worked in a Plough. Whoever will bring the said Horse and Mare to me, at the aforesaid Plantation, or will give such Intelligence that I may get them, shall have 20s. Reward if taken up in this County, and 40s. if out thereof. (tf) HARRY GAINES. There was a SADDLE carried off with the Horses.
STRAYED, or STOLEN, from the Subscriber, at Drummond's Neck, in James City County, on the 18th of June, a DARK BAY HORSE about 4 Feet 4 or 5 Inches high, branded on the near Shoulder LT, and on the near Buttock ==, has a Half hanging Mane and Switch Tail, both hind Feet white, and about 6 or 7 Years old. Whoever brings the said Horse to me, at the above-mentioned Place, shall have 20s. Reward, paid by EDWARD LACY.
THE Subscriber being very desirous of getting out of Debt, without any Dependence on his ungrateful Debtors, proposes to sell the pleasant and healthy Seat of HUNTINGTOUR, near Appomattox River, in the lower End of Buckingham, with 1500 or 2000 Acres of good Land, which produces fine Tobacco, Hemp, Wheat, &c. The Houses are new, and the best I have seen in the county; a larger and better Garden I believe is not in the Colony, and on this Land are several Hundred Fruit Trees of the best Kind, many of which were brought by water to Richmond Town above 80 Miles. On this Tract of Land is a large Proportion of exceeding fine Meadow Land, with a Fish Pond within three Hundred Yards of the Dwelling-House, stored with various Kinds of fine Fish, sufficient for the Use of a Family the Year round. In this Neighbourhood is Plenty of excellent Venison. The Air is so pure that I never knew an Instance of any Person having the Ague and Fever at Huntingtour. I have travelled through the most Parts of Virginia, and I have not seen any Part that I would so willingly reside in as this Neighbourhood. If I sell this Place, I shall live on the Part of this Tract of Land which has been advertised for some Time past. I make no Doubt but Appomattox River will be soon cleared, and then Wheat will be carried as far as Col. Banister's Mill, near Peterburg, for 4d. or 5d. per Bushel. I made at this Place 100 Gallons of rich Wine in 1772, and last Year (if it had not been for the Frost) I could have made 5 or 600 Gallons, which Quantity I expect to make this Year. HUNTINGTOUR would be a pleasant and safe Place for a Gentleman of Fortune to retreat to in the Horrors of a civil War, or in the sickly Months of many Parts of the Lowlands. "What is Honour, Grandeur, and Wealth? All fleeting, Nothing's without Health!" I hope any Gentlemen inclined to purchase will visit the Premises this Summer.—I will also sell, very cheap (that is, for about Half the Value) the Tract of rich LAND I have advertised in Albemarle for some Time past. (tf) ANTHONY WINSTON.
RUN away from the Subscriber, in Williamsburg, the 16th Instant (July) two Servant Men, viz. JOHN STAUNTON, an Englishman, very talkative, by Trade a Wheelwright, pitted with the Smallpox, about 5 Feet 7 or 8 Inches high, with short dark Hair; had on, when he went away, a brown Cloth Coat and Jacket, and striped and Check Trousers. —ANDREW MCGILL, a Scotchman, by Trade a Blacksmith, about 5 Feet 7 Inches high, wears short dark Hair, of a swarthy Complexion; had on a dark blue Cloth Coat and Jacket, Leather Breeches, and striped and Check Trousers.—I imagine they will endeavour to pass for Sailors, as from the ships of war. I have heard that they were seen going towards North Carolina, and will give 5l. for each if secured in any Gaol. (tf) JOHN SHIPHARD.
TAKEN up, in Goochland, a SORREL GELDING about 4 Feet 9 Inches high, with some white Specks upon him, a Star in his Forehead, a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, paces slow, and branded on the near Buttock D. Posted, and appraised to 20l. (tf) JOLLEY PARRISH.
ALEXANDRIA, June 5, 1775. EIGHT POUNDS REWARD. RUN away from the Subscriber, two indentured Servants named ROBERT SHAW and ANDREW INGLES, both Natives of Scotland, and Bakers by Trade. Each of them had on a Bearskin Jacket lined with Plaid, Osnaburg Trousers, old Shoes, and Half worn Calfskin Hats. Their Bundles consist, as it is supposed, of two Match Coat Blankets, two Pair of Leather Breeches, two Osnaburg Shirts, two Check Shirts, and two red Jackets. Shaw is about 5 Feet 10 Inches high, has a swarthy Complexion, dark short frized Hair, a long Scar on his right Arm, appears bold, and talks much. Ingles is about 5 Feet 5 Inches high, has short straight Hair, swarthy and long featured, has a Scar over his right Eye, his right Leg is sore, he is fond of Liquor, and talks more in his Country Dialect than Shaw. —THOMAS WALSON, a Convict, about 27 Years of Age, a Barber by Trade, about 5 Feet 6 Inches high, has a Laddish down Look, brown straight Hair, a little knock-kneed, and a leering Look; had on, and took with him, two white Linen Shirts, an old Drab coloured Cloth Coat, one red and one striped Holland Jacket, one Pair of new Drilling Breeches, one Pair of old Buff coloured Stocking Breeches, one Pair of white and one Pair of white and blue spotted Stockings, a new Felt Hat bound with black Ferreting, has a black Silk Handkerchief, and some other Things which cannot be described. —WILLIAM LEE, by Trade a Cooper, about 5 Feet 9 Inches high, marked with the Smallpox, has a remarkable large Nose, speaks thick, and is impudent; he took with him a yellow Bull-Dog, with cropped Ears, one Side of his Face white, has a Glass Eye, and white Breast and Neck, is very fond of going into the Water, and answers to the Name of Turk. The said Lee had a Variety of Clothes, which cannot well be described. Whoever takes up, and secures the said Servants, shall have the above Reward, or 40s. for each, paid by JAMES KIRK. ROBERT ADAM. GEORGE PURVIS. (tf—||38.)
STRAYED from the Subscriber, in Blandford, on the 4th of March last, a dark bay Mare, 7 or 8 Years old, about 14 Hands high, with a hanging Mane and Switch Tail, cut-hamm'd, paces naturally, has some Saddle Spots on the near Side, and branded WK, or WR, on the near Shoulder and Buttock. Also a small foal FILLY went away with her, two Years old this Spring, had a Snip on the right Nostril, but neither docked nor branded. They were seen on Rowanty, and are imagined to have gone towards Walker's Mill, on Nottoway, or Hick's Ford, on Meherrin.—Whoever will bring the said Mares to me shall be handsomely rewarded for their Trouble. (tf) DAVID BLACK.
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 Matapony, containing about 2000 Acres of well timbered Land, the Property of Mr. Robert Baylor. The Terms may be known by applying to Mr. Nathaniel Burrwell 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.